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A total lunar eclipse will be visible in Metro Manila and other provinces on March 3, 2026.
According to the Department of Science and Technology -PAGASA, the total eclipse will last about 59 minutes and 24 seconds. The maximum eclipse where the moon is at the center of the Earth’s shadow will occur at 7:34 PM.
The agency also stated that during the maximum eclipse, the moon is obscured by the umbral shadow of the Earth and appears red, a phenomenon also known as a Blood Moon.
The total lunar eclipse will also be visible in Eastern Asia, Australia, the Central Pacific, and other areas in America.
DOST-PAGASA mentioned that observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe compared to a solar eclipse.
“Contrary to solar eclipses, observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe and does not require any protective eyewear,” they said
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The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed pride as Boracay’s White Beach secured the 6th spot among Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches in Asia.
This award is under the umbrella of Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 of Tripadvisor, which is based on the outstanding feedback from travelers over 12 months.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledges the world-class recognition that paves the way to sustain the local livelihood of the Filipinos in the island.
“Behind every award are thousands of Filipino workers—our boatmen, hotel staff, tour guides, transport operators, and micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, whose livelihoods depend on a thriving and sustainable tourism industry,” she said via online issued statement of DOT
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has partnered with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to strengthen the implementation of climate resilience and low-carbon development programs in Metro Manila through an exploratory meeting.
“Held at the MMDA Central Office, the meeting brought together the agencies’ leaders to strengthen institutional coordination on climate resilience and low-carbon urban development,” based on the issued statement of CCC
The agency identifies Metro Manila as highly exposed to “flooding, sea level rise, and urban heat.”
In line with this, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje acknowledges the role of MMDA in disaster management and response in Metro Manila.
“We recognize MMDA’s central role in managing drainage systems, flood control facilities, transport networks, solid waste operations, and disaster response mechanisms that are increasingly affected by climate change,” he said through the issued-statement of CCC
Hence, the CCC advocates adopting a “systemic and climate risk-informed approach to planning and governance”.
To reinforce the protection of vulnerable communities and infrastructures, the CCC noted the importance of establishing the climate-smart metro framework, which includes:
It is also important to be aligned with two foundational climate policies - the Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023 - 2050, which is known as the “country’s long-term blueprint for climate resilience.”
The joint efforts of CCC and MMDA aim to bolster regional protection against natural disasters and make it more climate resilient.
“Through strengthened coordination, the CCC and MMDA aim to advance a whole-of-metro approach that safeguards communities, protects critical infrastructure, and positions Metro Manila toward a more resilient and climate-smart future,” the CCC said
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) advises motorists to expect heavy traffic nightly from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM, February 23 to 27, along routes affected by the transport of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway.
The TBM will be transported from Manila Harbor Center to Tandang Sora Station.
Affected routes and schedule:
February 23, 26, and 27
February 24 to 25
The DOTr advises motorists to plan ahead and take alternate routes during the TBM transport schedule to avoid delays.
The Department of Agriculture is plannning to revive the coffee sector as consumption continues to rise while the production lags behind.
“Coffee consumption is booming both globally and in Philippine cities, yet local production has lagged,” the DA said in a statement.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said coffee has long been treated a minor crop but now demands full government attention due to sustained market demand.
“Coffee, long treated as a minor crop, now demands full attention,” the agency added.
The DA acknowledged the challenges faced by the local coffee industry and is proposing system to address these gaps.
As part of this effort, the department will establish the Coffee Industry Development Office (CIDO), which will consolidate coffee-related programs, funding, and policies under one unit.
“CIDO will centralize coffee programs, funding, and policies that were previously scattered across multiple units, giving the crop its first true headquarters,” the agency said.
The DA said CIDO will lead program planning and prioritization, track accomplishments across DA bureaus and regional offices, and ensure initiatives align with national agricultural priorities and Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded projects.
The office will also coordinate with local governments, universities, private firms, and farmer groups, and recommend reforms to address policy or implementation gaps.
Under Department Order No. 06, CIDO will be placed under the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance.
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