Dev Flores

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), on their Facebook post, released an update regarding the wage increase in Region 8, Eastern Visayas. The increase is effective today, December 8, 2025.

The updated minimum wage starts from ₱452.00 for non agricultural sectors and service/retail establishments with more than 10 employed workers. 

On the other hand, ₱422.00 for the sectors from agricultural, and cottage and handicraft. Service/retail establishments with 1 to 10 workers are also covered in this implementation.

Moreover, domestic workers from chartered cities and first class municipalities will receive ₱6,400.00 while ₱5,800.00 from other municipalities.

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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) plans to implement stricter enforcement and mandatory registration of E-trikes starting January 2, 2026. 

This measure, which is supposed to be on December 1, 2025, has been rescheduled to January 2, 2026. The adjustment was made due to public concerns and a necessity for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to formulate and produce an information drive about this matter. 

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao stated in a DOTr-released video, explaining the reason for the rescheduled implementation of stricter enforcement:

“Pansamantalang walang impounding operation habang nagpapatupad muna kami ng malawakang information drive upang bigyan ng sapat na panahon ang lahat na maunawaan at makasunod na umiiral na regulasyon.” 

[Temporarily, there will be no impounding operation while we are implementing a massive information drive to give sufficient grace period to everyone to understand and comply with the current regulations.]

Lacanilao reiterated that e-bikes, e-trikes, and other Light Electric Vehicles have long been prohibited on national roads and highways under RA 4136 and the Road Classification System. 

He clarified that national roads are designated exclusively for high-speed motor vehicles to prevent accidents and traffic hazards. While e-bikes remain permitted in many areas, their use on national roads is strictly forbidden.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, suggested in a senate session with DOTr and other related agencies, to implement accountability and compliance with traffic laws, including the application for driver’s license.

“Pag nag-violate sila ng traffic laws, pa’no mo sila ticketan? Samantalang ang mga tricycle, motorsiklo, kotse, pag nag-violate, nati-ticketan ka. Ito sila, itong mga e-trikes, wala silang ruta eh, because wala silang driver’s license so hindi nila alam yung traffic rules and regulations”, the Senator said

[“If they violate the traffic laws, how can you issue them a ticket? Drivers of tricycles, motorcycles, and cars get issued tickets once they violate rules. But these e-trikes, they have no routes because they have no driver's license, so they do not know the traffic rules and regulations.”]

He also clarified that e-bikes and e-trikes are permitted but strictly prohibited on highways.

According to PAGASA, the Philippine climate is tropical and maritime, experiencing high temperatures and humidity, and abundant rainfall.

Along with that, many netizens on different social media platforms believe that Sierra Madre saves us from devastating typhoons. It was believed that the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges (SMMR) had the power to lessen the strength of the typhoon that passes over there. 

In an exclusive interview with UNTV, a Division Head of History, Culture, and Arts for the Laguna Tourism Culture and Arts and Trade Office, Dr. Peter Jaynul Uckung, reiterated the protective role of Sierra Madre through ancient Filipino folklore. 

According to the legend, a mother once sacrificed herself to shield her two children, Iloco and Tagalo, from the destructive force of Bugsong Hangin by lying herself down as a natural barrier against the fierce winds.

He also mentioned that this is a metaphor of a real phenomenon. 

But what about the scientific side? What does science say about this clamor on the internet pertaining to Sierra Madre? 

Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, an Atmospheric Physicist at the UP College of Science Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, elucidated that once the typhoon lands, whether the terrain is flat or not, its strength will eventually weaken. 

“In fact, ang lupa kahit walang bundok, basta lupa lang, pwedeng magpahina na ng bagyo once na ‘yung bagyo tumuntong sa lupa.” he said in an exclusive interview with UNTV.

[“In fact, even if the land has no mountains, as long as it has a land, it can already weaken the typhoon, once it makes landfall.”]

Dr. Bagtasa explained that the energy of the typhoon draws its strength from ocean water through evaporation. Once a storm makes landfall, even on flat terrain, it loses its energy source since land cannot provide the same evaporative power as the sea. Without this crucial fuel, the typhoon gradually weakens over time.

In 2023, Bagtasa, together with Racoma, conducted a research entitled “Does the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in Luzon Act as a Barrier to Typhoons?”. 

This initiative is supported by DOST-Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, which was recently published in the Philippine Journal of Science. 

This research includes their investigation into the effect of the Sierra Madre and Cordillera Mountain Ranges on both wind and rain hazards. 

Moreover, it also figures out if those mountain ranges have a mitigating effect on the hazards of tropical cyclones.   

Dr. Bagtasa proclaims that Sierra Madre barely weakens the typhoon, stating:

“Kung ang tanong natin kung nakakapagpahina ba? Nakakapagpahina naman nang bahagya.”

[“If our question is, " Is [the Sierra Madre] weakening the typhoonDuring the rainy season, a series of typhoons devastates a lot of areas in Luzon. Low lying areas are prone to floods, landslides, and other related casualties. ."]

Dr. Bagtasa further noted that Sierra Madre's elevation is insufficient to produce a major mitigating effect compared to the several mountain ranges in Taiwan, where the storm loses its strength on the highest parts of the mountains that pass there.

“Sierra Madre is not high enough para magkaroon ng significant effect sa most ng bagyo na dumadaan. Of course, not to say na wala siyang effect at all ah, may effect siya.” he said

[“Sierra Madre is not high enough to have a significant effect on most of the typhoons that have been passing there. Of course, not to say that it has no effect at all, it has an effect.”]

Moreover, Dr. Bagtasa shared his perspective on Sierra Madre's protective capacity, expressing skepticism about its role as a shield. He explained that the mountain range has a contextual impact - weakening typhoons in some areas while intensifying rainfall in others.

Despite ongoing debate, Dr. Bagtasa emphasized the critical importance of protecting Sierra Madre as one of the Philippines' remaining dense forest covers. 

The mountain range provides invaluable ecological services, from rich biodiversity to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Without adequate protection and preservation, these resources face high risk of depletion.

He cautioned against complacency, pointing out that numerous devastating typhoons have struck Cagayan Valley and Tuguegarao despite the mountain range's weakening effect. The storms passing through these areas remain dangerous regardless of any mitigation.

Dr. Bagtasa highlighted the essential role of local government DRRM officers in disaster preparedness. He stressed that educating communities about potential typhoon impacts should be the primary focus for preventing casualties and reducing disaster risks.

Beyond the public's discussion, take time to realize that it would be a winning joint effort if the environment saves people, vice versa. 

So, what do you think? Does Sierra Madre truly serve as a natural barrier against devastating typhoons, and how can we better protect this vital mountain range?

For more comprehensive discussion about Sierra Madre, watch this video: https://youtu.be/U2lQtGsvblg?si=uiy49iN5Z8leIg_Q

The Philippine government extends full assistance to our compatriots in Hong Kong, following a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Tai Po District.

Delegates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) deployed in the shelters organized by the Hong Kong government to assess the current situation and condition of affected Filipinos and provide the necessary support.

Financial aid to the family of Maryan and to Rhodora

The fire incident in Wang Fuk is undeniably massive and detrimental. The death toll rises from time to time. Along with that, one Filipino migrant worker, Maryan Pascual Esteban, died from the incident.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. confirmed that fact in his exclusive interview with UNTV. He also stated that the institution expedites the repatriation process of the demised OFW.

"We’ll do everything para mapabilis ito. Usually, ang timeframe ho natin n’yan, 2 weeks. So, susubukan natin pong pabilisin pa para maayos ‘yung mga documents niya," he said

OWWA Administrator, Atty. Patricia Yvonne Cuanan reiterates that commitment in speeding up the repatriation. She also stated that Esteban’s child will receive educational assistance from the OWWA, on top of death and burial benefits. Moreover, the DMW will give a separate P100-K financial assistance for Esteban's family.

Meanwhile, another OFW, Rhodora Alcaraz, was confined to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after saving her employer’s baby from the incident. On December 1, CG Israel confirmed her recovery. 

“Na-extubate na ho siya… Nakakapagsalita na nang malinaw. Syempre mahina pa dahil may nararamdamang sakit sa lalamunan sa mga nalanghap niyang carbon monoxide. So, nasa ICU pa rin pero mas stable na po. Mas maganda na ‘yung kanyang medical condition,” he said 

The DMW plans to provide hospital assistance of P75,000 and facilitate her sibling's compassionate visit.

The employment concerns of affected OFWs

The fire incident and its devastating effect on the community raised concerns regarding the employment status of the affected migrant workers, especially domestic workers. CG Israel reiterated the “two-week rule” in Hong Kong. 

Domestic helpers terminated due to the employer’s displacement or death due to the fire have 2 weeks to look for a new employer and continue working there. The Consulate is collecting further details from those 60 individuals who survived the incident regarding their current employment status and will provide necessary support once confirmed.

For concerns and assistance, Atty. Cuanan advised reaching out to the OWWA through the following hotlines available below:

Manila: 1348

Regional: (02) 1348

International (from abroad): (+632) 1348

Individuals may also proceed to the nearest OWWA office available in their area.

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The Philippine government extends full assistance to our compatriots in Hong Kong, following a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Tai Po District.

Delegates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) deployed in the shelters organized by the Hong Kong government to assess the current situation and condition of affected Filipinos and provide the necessary support.

‍

Financial aid to the family of Maryan and to Rhodora

The fire incident in Wang Fuk is undeniably massive and detrimental. The death toll rises from time to time. Along with that, one Filipino migrant worker, Maryan Pascual Esteban, died from the incident.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. confirmed that fact in his exclusive interview with UNTV. He also stated that the institution expedites the repatriation process of the demised OFW.

"We’ll do everything para mapabilis ito. Usually, ang timeframe ho natin n’yan, 2 weeks. So, susubukan natin pong pabilisin pa para maayos ‘yung mga documents niya," he said

OWWA Administrator, Atty. Patricia Yvonne Cuanan reiterates that commitment in speeding up the repatriation. She also stated that Esteban’s child will receive educational assistance from the OWWA, on top of death and burial benefits. Moreover, the DMW will give a separate P100-K financial assistance for Esteban's family.

Meanwhile, another OFW, Rhodora Alcaraz, was confined to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after saving her employer’s baby from the incident. On December 1, CG Israel confirmed her recovery. 

“Na-extubate na ho siya… Nakakapagsalita na nang malinaw. Syempre mahina pa dahil may nararamdamang sakit sa lalamunan sa mga nalanghap niyang carbon monoxide. So, nasa ICU pa rin pero mas stable na po. Mas maganda na ‘yung kanyang medical condition,”

he said 

The DMW plans to provide hospital assistance of P75,000 and facilitate her sibling's compassionate visit.

‍

The employment concerns of affected OFWs

The fire incident and its devastating effect on the community raised concerns regarding the employment status of the affected migrant workers, especially domestic workers. CG Israel reiterated the “two-week rule” in Hong Kong. 

Domestic helpers terminated due to the employer’s displacement or death due to the fire have 2 weeks to look for a new employer and continue working there. The Consulate is collecting further details from those 60 individuals who survived the incident regarding their current employment status and will provide necessary support once confirmed.

For concerns and assistance, Atty. Cuanan advised reaching out to the OWWA through the following hotlines available below:

Manila: 1348

Regional: (02) 1348

International (from abroad): (+632) 1348

‍

Individuals may also proceed to the nearest OWWA office available in their area.

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