General

After the magnitude-6.9 earthquake on the night of September 30, 2025, which struck northern Cebu, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 7 declared it lacks sufficient funds to rebuild or repair the many schools damaged. Director Salustiano Jimenez explained that while some emergency funding has been released, it still falls far short of what is needed. Damage and Disruption The quake badly affected at least nine northern local government units: […]

Repair operations are now underway at the Provincial Hospital in Bogo City, which sustained damage from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, 2025. The disaster claimed more than 70 lives and left over 500 people injured, overwhelming health facilities across the province. To ensure that medical services continue without interruption, ZLREJ Construction Corporation has deployed an initial workforce of around 60 engineers and skilled workers. Their […]

In the wake of the powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has called on employers in the province to demonstrate compassion and understanding toward affected workers. The quake, whose epicenter was traced to 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, has disrupted roadways and damaged structures, leaving many in distress. Speaking in a radio interview on October 3, Labor Secretary […]

Following a recent earthquake, employees in Cebu’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry are calling out serious lapses in safety and labor rights, including unsafe return-to-office orders and threats for speaking up. The BPO Industry Employees Network (Bien-Cebu) is pushing for urgent reforms, better support, and enforcement of occupational safety standards. On October 2, 2025, Bien-Cebu filed a formal complaint with the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE […]

At least 72 people have been confirmed dead in Cebu following the devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province earlier this week, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The death toll, released on Thursday, October 2, highlights the scale of destruction that has left communities reeling from both the initial quake and thousands of aftershocks that continue to shake the province. The earthquake struck on […]

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead following the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that shook Cebu on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, according to the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The tremor, one of the strongest to strike the province in recent years, caused widespread damage and casualties across several towns. The PDRRMO reported on Wednesday, October 1, that of the 61 deaths, 32 have already […]

Beginning October 1, 2025, consumers in Metro Cebu will see a 12 percent increase in their water bills as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) implements a new rate structure and tighter disconnection rules. What’s changing The MCWD announced on September 29 that the rate hike has been approved by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and will take effect Wednesday. This is the second rate adjustment for the year; […]

Embattled Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizalde “Zaldy” Co has formally resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives amid mounting allegations of irregularities tied to flood control projects. In a resignation letter dated September 29, 2025 and addressed to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Co stated that his departure is immediate and irrevocable. He cited what he described as “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to the safety […]

In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, more than 2,000 residents of Iloilo City remain displaced and are currently sheltered in evacuation centers. According to local authorities, 727 families—amounting to 2,431 individuals—are still being accommodated in these safe zones as floodwaters continue to affect large sections of the city. The storm battered 99 barangays across Iloilo City, inundating homes, blocking roads, and forcing many families to leave their residences. […]