Dev Flores

Tropical cyclones may help to restore the water levels in Angat Dam, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Hydrologist Elmer Caringal.

“More than 1,000 plus pa yung kailangang ah millimeters of rainfall para ma ma-reach niya ulit yung normal high water level niya. So I think mga two to three na bagyo na tatama sa watershed ng Angat Dam bago siya makaabot doon sa normal line niya,” he said

According to PAG-ASA, current rainfall remains insufficient to bring the dam back to its normal level. Based on the data as of July 2, the water level stood at 160.32 meters, which is still below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

According to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), more than 90% pf the water supply in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces originates from Angat Dam. However, the government has implemented numerous initiatives to diversify water sources and prevent a repetition of the 2019 water crisis.

The initiatives include the following:

• Construction of new dams
• Treatment plant
• Deepwell 
• Repaired water pipelines to minimize water leaks 

“So during that time po nung 2019 hanggang ngayon ay nag-implement po tayo ng tinatawag po nating mga augmentation measures po. So ito yung mga new additional na water sources po natin no na ah pwede po nating gamitin para hindi po tayo magkaroon ng interuption,” according to MWSS Manager Patrick Dizon

With reports from Lesley Huidem

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BALER, AUORA — The National Museum of the Philippines has officially opened its regional component located in Baler, Aurora.

In a photo shared by the Department of Tourism, you can see a look-alike view of the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces in a portion of a building.

According to DOT, the new establishment aims to stand as a cultural landmark where people can see the rich history and culture of Aurora.

“The NMP-Baler stands as a new cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and showcasing the province's rich history and culture,” the DOT said

The National Museum of the Philippines in Baler is the first regional component established in Central Luzon. The establishment was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and officially opened to the public starting July 1, 2026.

The museum is free and open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to intensify safety and security measures in schools following the three violent incidents inside the school premises, where both students were involved and victimized. 

In light of this, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that it is now necessary to add plantilla positions for security guards.

“Well, siguro kailangan natin ng pondo or ng position para sa security guard. Yun ang pinakaimportante,” he said. “Yung ibang school kailangan ng more than one security guard. So kulang na kulang yung mga plantilla items natin for security,”

Angara also emphasized the importance of security, noting that students must feel safe while studying their lessons at school.

“Habang nag-au-audit tayo nung anong pangangailangan ng mga schools, inobserbahan din natin yung mga eskwelahan at number one priority dapat safety kasi diba kahit maganda yung tinuturo natin kung feeling naman ng mga magulang or mga estudyante hindi sila safe  sa eskwelahan mahirapan [din sila],” he said

According to Angara, before he was appointed to his position, the security guards in public schools underwent a nationalization system, where at least 200 security guards remained while there were 48,000 public schools in the country. 

Recently, the department has continued to go around schools to conduct a school safety audit to restore a safe environment for students.

With reports from Mia Alonzo

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The National Capital Region’s minimum wage will rise to ₱780 by January 2027, based on the newly approved salary adjustment of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The ₱85 daily wage increase is divided into two tranches.

The ₱ 60 increase will be implemented in the first tranche on July 19, 2026 — from ₱695 to ₱755.

The ₱ 25 increase in the second tranche will take effect on January 20, 2027 – from ₱755 to ₱780.

The ₱85 increase is the largest wage adjustment granted in NCR. Over 1.1 million workers are expected to benefit from the implementation of wage hike, according to DOLE.

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Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Chairperson Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling for an increased budget allocation for local ube production under the 2027 National Budget amid the rising demand for ube in the market.

The Senator also highlighted a study conducted by the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center, which identified the following challenges in ube production:

• Limited access to equipment and other resources
• Pests and plant diseases
• Lack of mechanization
• The dominance of small-scale farming systems

Aside from ube production, Pangilinan noted that funding for the Department of Agriculture and attached agencies is to be boosted to provide sufficient support for farmers and fisherfolk and address the challenges in food security in the Philippines. 

“Sa paghahanda para sa deliberasyon ng 2027 national budget, tututukan natin ang pagpapalakas ng pondo para sa Department of Agriculture at mga attached agencies nito upang mabigyan sila ng sapat na kakayahan at kagamitan para suportahan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, palakasin ang sektor ng agrikultura at pangingisda, at tugunan ang kasalukuyan at mga paparating na hamon sa food security ng bansa,” based on the online issued statement