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page 2 Panlalawigan ng Bulacan to fast- track emergency funding and disaster response operations. "Hindi man natin kayang pigilan ang pagdating ng bagyo at malalakas na ulan, kaya nating maging handa, magtulungan at bumangon nang sama-sama. Ang bawat Bulakenyo ay mahalaga," Governor Fernando said. CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Due to continuous rains from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, officially approved the province-wide state of calamity. 11 out of 24 cities and munici- palities reported flooding reaching up to three feet, affecting a total of 6,980 families, with 2,146 families still inside evacuation centers. Initial damage assessments across agriculture and infrastructure reached ₱320.28 million. The declaration was formalized under Resolution No. 708-T'2026 of the Sangguniang Bulacan under State of Calamity due to effects of severe floodingJasmin Ello'Bakit Ko Babayaran?': Tulfo Demands End to Taxes on Unconsumed Power₱150K discrepancy found in OVP confidential fund liquidation2027 LGUs Fund Rises to ₱58.5 BillionPage 3Page 3Page 4Page 4Page 5Page 5VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026 SIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILAN
DOH intensifies monitoring on the possible increase of leptospirosis case amidst floodingVOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026 NEWS02 DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon explained that this measure aims to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases while ensuring the availability and affordability of essential goods during and after the calamity. Relief distribution led by the Provincial Social Welfare and parts of the province continues. Mobile health units have also been sent to evacuation centers to monitor sanitation and provide medical assistance. This emergency measure is backed by a thorough assessment from provincial authorities, detailing approximately ₱135.64 million in damage to agriculture and fisheries, ₱4.64 million in livestock and poultry losses, and ₱180 million in infrastructure damage across Bulacan. DOH proceeds to remind the public to avoid contact with flood water as much as possible, and in extension of that, if such symptoms are felt, it is advised to approach a clinic or specialists as soon as possible. On August 19, 2026, the Department of Health (DOH) raised the Code White Alert and stated a strict monitoring to the possible increase of leptospirosis cases after the widespread flooding due to continuous rainfall in Metro Manila and in different parts of the Philippines Despite the overall decline in cases compared with the previous year, the DOH recorded 3,440 leptospirosis cases nationwide as of August 8, 2026, 35% lower than the 5,318 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. However, cases showed a recent increase, with 348 cases recorded from July 12 to 25, compared with 275 cases Under Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, DOH facilities remain operational and stowed with supply of medicines in affected Centers for Health Development (CHDs). in the preceding two-week period—a 27% rise. Castro said that there are at least 3.1 million doxycycline capsules ready at DOH Central Office. 17 CHDs of DOH are ready for any hospital and local government needs.Paolo Liam SantosLEPTOSPIROSIS PATIENT RECUPERATES. A leptospirosis patient recuperates at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City on Aug. 25, 2026. The patient receives medical care as part of the recovery process. (Photo by Jireh Bondoc/Philippine News Agency)BULACAN DECLARED UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY. Floodwaters submerge most parts of Bulacan amid continuous rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon and tropical cyclones. (Photo by Anna Marie Dela Cruz) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) implemented an automatic price freeze on basic necessities in Calumpit, Bulacan, following the state declaration.
03 Commission chief Francis Saturnino Juan said the agency targets August 26 for the final resolution. He noted that the tax removal on power bills could take effect as early as September. Beyond the proposal to remove the 12% Value- Added Tax from the loss charge system, senator also pursuing a separate measure that seeks to eliminate the loss charge system itself. "If the policy is to remove the charge, yes, Mr. Chair. The Commission can issue a regulation to that effect," Juan confirmed when asked if the agency can stop companies from billing system loss. Besides the administrative rules, senators are consolidating 11 bills to permanently ban power companies from shifting lost electricity costs to consumers. "Why do we have to pay for something na hindi naman ginamit? Hindi naman po nakarating sa atin. Bakit ko babayaran?" Senator Erwin Tulfo said these words to emphasize that Filipinos should not pay for unconsumed electricity, as the Senate pushes to remove the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on system loss charges. Tulfo challenged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and other regulators to stop being complacent and to ensure that charges passed to consumers are reasonable, justified, and computed with transparency. System loss refers to electricity lost through line leaks or stolen through illegal jump wires. Power distributors currently pass these lost power costs straight to paying households, while also imposing applicable taxes. Senate President Francis Escudero explain-ed that removing this does not require a new law. He said the energy regulatory body can issue a regulation removing VAT on system loss, followed immediately by a BIR revenue circular. 'Bakit Ko Babayaran?': Tulfo Demands End to Taxes on Unconsumed Power NEWSAnna Marie Dela CruzTULFO SEEKS END TO VAT ON SYSTEM LOSS. Senator Erwin Tulfo pushes for the removal of the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on system loss charges, arguing that consumers should not pay for electricity they did not use. (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News) DepEd backs School Safety Bill to protect students nationwide Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara backed the passage of Senate Bill No. 2426, or the Comprehensive School Safety Act, seeking to institutionalize learner protection measures across basic education campuses nationwide. Co-authored by Senate Committee on Basic Education Chair Senator Bam Aquino, the proposed bill seeks to convert existing campus safety policies into a binding national law. “By converting our campus security, anti- bullying, and mental health support protocols into a permanent national framework, the bill guarantees these safeguards remain funded and sustained for future generations,” Angara said. This legislation comes amid heightened public concern following recent campus shootings in Tacloban City and. Zamboanga City, which prompted DepEd officials to review physical security vulnerabilities in public schools. Under the bill, schools are mandated to execute regular active-attacker drills, standardize emergency response plans, and maintain direct coordination channels with local police during campus crises. To strengthen physical security, the department will also implement handheld metal detectors to public schools, regular bag checks, enforce strict visitor logging, and request heightened police patrols along school perimeters. Alongside this initiative, DepEd is strengthening Order No. 006, s. 2026 for learners’ protection and mental health services. It reinforces local Child Protection Committees, expands telesafe helplines, and expedites the hiring of 10,000 School Counselor Associates in public schools.Jasmin Ello
04 NEWS ₱150K discrepancy found in OVP confidential fund liquidation A ₱150,000 discrepancy was found in the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) liquidation of ₱125 million in confidential funds, with OVP Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio testifying that he used his personal money to cover the amount.Prince Serrano DILG starts probe on Zamboanga school shooting Ortonio said he provided the ₱150,000 after former OVP Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta sought his help for an urgent request. The OVP later submitted an additional response to the Commission on Audit (COA), stating that ₱50,000 for rewards and ₱100,000 for supplies were provided by Ortonio from his personal funds. The OVP’s supporting docu- ments were also discussed during the following day’s proceedings. On August 26, Ortonio testified that Acosta handed him a sealed box containing documents showing proof of payment. These documents were intended to be submitted with the OVP’s response to a COA Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM), a document containing COA’s observations about the office’s liquidation. During the August 25 impeachment trial, Ortonio testified that documents showing the OVP’s payments totaled ₱125.15 million, ₱150,000 more than the ₱125 million in confidential funds reported by the office. When Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian asked if he had seen the acknowledgement receipts, Ortonio said, “I was not able to see the acknowledgement receipts, Sir.” Ortonio also said he did not ask how the documents were obtained because he requested them so they could be attached to the OVP’s response to COA. Asked whether he was reimbursed, Ortonio said, “Unfortunately, I was not reimbursed anymore.” “It is not as simple as a car na nakabangga. Ito’y buhay ay nakasalalay.” The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said after the shooting incident in Ateneo de Zamboanga school, two students were killed, a grade 10 student and the grade 9 shooter himself. The University President Fr. Ernald Andal, confirmed the investigation has found no evidence of conspiracy or coordination in the school shooting, nor any indication of bullying, disciplinary concerns, interpersonal conflict or any school- related grievance which may have motivated the attack. Aside from Facebook, the shooting was also streamed on a website called “Watch People Die”. The police recorded the incident lasted between two to three minutes. They also collected a 9mm gun and a .40-caliber, at least a minimum of seven shots were recorded. Remulla urges congress to penalize gun owners and should have punitive damages whether the owner is uniformed or private if their gun was proven to be used as a weapon in crimes. Initial reports showed that the owner of the guns that were used in the shooting was the father of the perpetrator, it was confirmed that the shooter’s father is the district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services. “Doon nagkakaroon ng biruan, doon nagkakaroon ng radicalization” he said.Furthermore, the secretary believed the student was influenced by the application “Roblox”, particularly the chat system of the game.This highlights his intention to show to the whole world what he was committing.January Dela CruzVOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026₱150K DISCREPANCY IN OVP FUND LIQUIDATION. OVP Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio testifies during the Senate impeachment trial on Aug. 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of GMA News)DILG PROBES ZAMBOANGA SHOOTING. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla speaks during a press conference on Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo courtesy of GMA News)
05 Alfredo Surio 2 Filipino seafarers dead in Strait of Hormuz oil tanker Paolo Santos The proposed 2027 allocation is 1.14% higher than the ₱57.87 billion LGSF approved for 2026, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. Castro said the additional funding will help LGUs address infrastructure and social development needs in their communities. “Ito po ay para mas lumaki at lumago ang pagbibigay ng pondo sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang matugunan ang kanilang mga issues patungkol sa imprastruktura at ang social development,” Castro said. The LGSF may be used for projects such as farm-to-market roads, water systems, health facilities, bridges, disaster-response facilities, and assistance for marginalized groups. The fund also supports the government’s “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched on February 23, 2026, to provide more direct financial assistance to LGUs. Despite the increase, Castro emphasized that the national government will continue monitoring how LGUs use the funds after their release. “So, kahit ito ay ibinigay na pondo, hindi natatapos ang obligasyon ng national government pagkabigay ng pondo; ito po ay kailangang ma-monitor din po,” Castro said. She said national agencies will monitor programs under their respective areas, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for infrastructure projects and Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for scholarship programs. 2027 LGUs Fund Rises to ₱58.5 Billion NEWS Local government units (LGUs) are set to receive a larger share of funding next year as the proposed Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) rises to ₱58.53 billion, the Palace said Wednesday. MANILA — Two of the 16 Filipino seafarers are confirmed killed by The Department of Migrant Workers after the Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker SIDR was attacked while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the vessel was impacted by unidentified projectiles inflicting a fire that the mariners managed to stabilize. yung 14 na unharmed, buhay, at isinasaayos ang pagpapauwi ng 16, kasama na dun 'yung dalawa nating kababayan na nasawi” Cacdac added. Bahri shared his sympathy for the loss of two Filipino seafarers and extended his condolences to their families, loved ones and colleagues, action gathering information regarding the circumstances adjacent to the deaths, while the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Oman are coordinating with Omani authorities for the immediate repatriation of the surviving crew. “The ship is now off the coast of Oman. Ibinaba na sa Oman yung dalawang labi ng ating kababayan at sunod na rin bumaba ng barko Cacdac said that the authorities and DMW are still inLGU FUND TO RISE IN 2027. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro discusses the proposed ₱58.53-billion Local Government Support Fund for 2027. (Photo courtesy of RTVM) with that, the company ensured full support to the affected families and the crew remained in contact while coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders.2 FILIPINO SEAFARERS KILLED IN HORMUZ ATTACK. The Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 31, 2026. (Photo screengrab from Bahri website, as cited by PNA)
VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026The questions Students bring beyond Pax Silica utside the university gates, Selwyn Almeida, secretary general of KASAMA BulSU, looked beyond official promises of Pax Silica with a simple worry: What does development mean for ordinary people who must live with its effects? O Prince Serrano FEATURE06 Pax Silica is a US-led framework creating a 4,000-acre zone. It will expand AI and semiconductor manufacturing in Clark.The project could generate 130,000 jobs, the government says. But communities fear losing access to vital resources. To address these fears, student groups have taken the issue outside campus through research, forums, and community outreach, demanding consultations with locals whose livelihoods are directly at risk. Attention in agricultural areas across Tarlac has turned toward the immediate survival of farming. As industrial expansion grows across farmlands, local water supplies face increasing pressure to support foreign high- tech facilities, raising concerns about the impact on farmers’ livelihoods. For rural residents, development itself is not the issue. The main concern is whether local communities will actually share in the benefits or simply bear the environ- mental costs. Following his parti- cipation in a joint press conference in Quezon City, Almeida raised concerns about who would ultimately benefit from the project, particularly from the jobs it promises. “Sino ba talaga ang magkakaroon ng permanenteng trabaho, diba ang mga nagmamanage non, ang US?” Almeida said. For these rural families, genuine land reform, agricultural subsidies, and farming machinery remain more urgent needs than foreign technology initiatives. Beyond job security, public participation remains a major issue, with community members asking whether affected populations were given a genuine voice before major decisions were finalized. “Dapat nagkaroon muna ng konsultasyon. Kasi sino ba yung mga maapektuhan nito, kundi yung mga taong naroon,” Almeida said. The lack of consultation also raises concerns among Indigenous communities such as the Aetas in Capas. Questions remain over how ancestral domains can be protected when industrial development moves forward without prior and informed consent. “Imbes kasi na muna yung konsultasyon sa mga katutubo natin, bigla na lang silang nire-red-tag, bigla na lang silang binabakuran.” In surrounding rural districts, technical project documents remain untranslated into local dialects, leaving residents without formal education unable to fully understand the potential risks to their land and water. These shared concerns brought students and community groups together in Quezon City to present more than 500,000 signatures gathered through an online Change.org petition, demanding mandatory consultations before Pax Silica proceeds. While online signatures have helped spread the message nationwide, organizers stress that gathering petitions is only the beginning. The larger challenge is maintaining meaningful dialogue beyond the digital space. For Almeida, the debate over Pax Silica ultimately comes down to who gets heard and who gets to decide a community’s future— questions that continue to drive student activists and local sectors forward. Photo from ANC News
Anna Marie Dela Cruz 07 evere flooding has become a yearly cycle for the residents of Barangay San Jose, Calumpit, Bulacan, forcing families to repeatedly abandon their low-lying homes during heavy rains. At a flooded daycare center in San Jose, four families are crammed into a single room after being displaced by high floodwaters. Among them is 71-year-old Rosalinda Sebastian, who sits on a wooden bed. As they were evacuating toward the center while floodwater rose around them, Sebastian expressed her dis- s Families endure flooded Calumpit daycare after being denied evacuation center access tress, admitting that she was unable to swim, "Dito na lang ako mamamatay." Sebastian Family is rushing to evacuate as the water has reached neck-deep levels, the families saved only a few clothes, leaving the rest of their belongings behind in submerged houses. The families were initially unable to use the designated barangay evacuation center because local administrators did not provide the key, leaving them stranded as floodwaters rose. They received no explanation from local officials as to why they were denied access to the facility. Trapped in deep water, the residents asked local councilors to move them to the daycare center instead. Barangay Councilors Ato, Junjun, and Alex assisted in bringing the families to safety. "Okay naman kahit na hindi kami pinagbigyan sa paglipat, isipin mo, nung umalis sila, ang tubig sa amin hanggang leeg. Oh, gaano kaano sa amin yung ginawa na 'yon. Kung hindi pa dahil kina Konsehal…hindi FEATURE kami mapupunta dito," Sebastian said. Even inside the center, floodwaters still enter the room. “Tignan niyo nga kawawa kami nasa itaas na kami pero lubog pa rin," Rosalinda said. Conditions inside the temporary shelter remain constrained. Whenever bathrooms become inaccessible due to high tides, evacuees are forced to ask neighbors if they can use their comfort rooms. High-ranking officials visited the daycare center to count the evacuees for official lists, but no relief goods have arrived from their offices. Instead, the families rely on food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and donations from local residents, stretching every portion to make it last. The flooding has also disrupted regular employment. Because work was halted by the floodwaters, Sebastian’s children have taken on temporary side jobs to earn daily cash for basic meals while evacuated. For Sebastian, evacuating during a typhoon has become their reality, “Kada taon, ganoon pa rin ang aming pamumuhay kapag bumabagyo at nagkakaroon ng mataas na baha.” Once the floodwaters recede, the families will return to clean their intact house together. However, residents face recurring flooding every year without a long-term solution to their situation.SIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILAN EDITORIAL BOARDEDITORIAL BOARDEditor-In-ChiefAssociate EditorSection EditorLayout EditorCopy Editor Jasmin Chloe R. Ello January Aijha S. Dela Cruz Tiffany Danzel R. Paguirigan Prince Franz Mathew M. Serrano Anna Marie V. Dela Cruz Paolo Liam R. Santos Alfredo "Thirdy" M. Surio IIIPhoto by Anna Dela Cruz
VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026A ‘Karinderya’ Vendor continues to work despite of the surging flood of Hagonoy: “Lalong mas kailangang mag trabaho” FEATURE08 agonoy, known as the “Bayang pinagpala ng langit” lowly sinks in an even deeper crisis of flooding, as the tide rises, does the saying still stick up to its belief? H One of those who still persist even when the flood reaches the insides of their homes is Zenaida Burayag, a 71-year woman who still cooks in her karinderya for the living. Zenaida worked in her local eatery for 50 years on the congested street of Mabini, in an old place inside her cousin’s property, she has become a witness of how the tide rises annually. “Ito na lamang ang aking nakagisnan, kumbaga panaderya talaga ang, para bang nakatatak na sa akin. Dito ako magaling e, ito ang kabisado ko, pagluluto talaga, sa gantong mga pagbaha talaga kamo lalong mas kailangang mag trabaho, kung hindi ay lalong wala nang pagkakakitaan.” Zenaida said that she does have faith for her hometown to arise from these challenges however she mentions, “Sa edad ko na ‘to, halos nasaksihan ko na lahat, ganito pa rin, lumala pa.” She stances with her boot, hardly bearing the green water; with her cooking displayed safely on platforms she piled up from logs, just to keep it all from getting wet. “Tumataas nga yang kalsada para sa baha, naiiwan naman palubog ang tindahan, kaya sadyang nagtataas nalamang kami ng mga gamit.” Recently, help was given through relief goods from DSWD, though anyone who’s tied to this living by default, not even Zenaida at her old age can’t overlook the main issue. Zenaida stated, “Yung sa flood control, napaka malaking kasakiman non, pera ng bayan yun, kung naayos iyon, edi hindi ganito ka lalim ang problema ng Hagonoy.” Everybody’s got their own solution, and for Zenaida, she remains working, adapting to the immense flooding to still be able to work for herself and her family. “Gusto ko sana ang mapunta mismo yang mga awtoridad sa sulok ng bayan natin, nang makita nila mismo na di lang hita natin yung nasasakal ngmaruming tubig, kasakiman at yung pagiging mapagwalang- bahala ng mga nakaupo, yan ang pinaka umpisa ng hirap ng buhay.” For someone like Zenaida Burayag, no matter how tough the stream of tide surges, her willpower withstands the calamity just to earn something for living. Paolo Liam SantosPhotos by Paolo SantosPhotos by Paolo Santos
09 Malolos TODA Fight Surging Fuel amid Rising Flood January Dela Cruz At 45, the father of four isn't just fighting the current to keep his engine running; he is struggling to keep his family afloat amid soaring fuel prices and yearly flooding. In Malolos, where floods regularly paralyze routine transportation, the double burden of rising fuel costs and waterlogged roads has created a daily financial crisis for tricycle drivers. For drivers like Kuya Joel, who is still paying off his tricycle in installments and supports a household, every trip is a calculated gamble. Gas prices remain his heaviest burden. "Sobrang taas, nahihirapan ang bumabyahe," FEATURE or two decades, Joel Benedictos revived his tricycle engine through the murky floodwaters as it rose along with him. F Kuya Joel said. "Lalo na ngayong bumabaha, nagkakaroon pa ng problema." When floodwaters deepen, driving becomes nearly impossible. Continuing a route through deep water risks stalling the engine, but back means earning nothing for the day. Engine repairs from water damage represent a constant threat, turning a day's hard-earned income into unexpected bills. "Nauubusan ng gasolina dahil sa baha," he explained, describing how the weight of the water resists the vehicle. "Habang umaandar, napipigil ng baha yung tricycle kahit hinihirit." Despite the mounting costs of maintaining and fueling his vehicle during the rainy season, charging fair rates remains a sensitive issue. Fare adjustments often cause friction with commuters who are equally strained by the local economy. When passengers ask about pricing or offer lower amounts, Kuya Joel finds it hard to refuse,balancing his own survival against empathy for his neighbors. "Kahit lugi sa pamasahe, syempre hindi mo naman kaya tanggihan," Kuya Joel said. "Kahit papaano, mahihiya ka." As rain continues to fall over Bulacan, drivers like Kuya Joel face a choice between pushing through dangerous waters or going home empty-handed— trapped between the rising cost of living and the rising tide. Photos by January Dela CruzPhotos by January Dela Cruz
Tiffany Paguirigan Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for suspending classes only through the high school level despite the heavy rain and flooding, leaving some college students stranded around UST. She questioned how some students celebrated the suspension of high school classes through posts such as “wagi ang team atabs,” while college students continued attending classes and dealing with the effects of the flooding. Beyond students trying to find a way home, UST and student organizations provided assistance to those who remained stranded. Food and medicine were distributed, while rescue boats and trucks were deployed to evacuate students trapped in flooded areas. The incident later prompted UST to review its crisis-response protocols. Some students took shelter at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, while those who remained on campus late into the evening were directed to the Tan Yan Kee Student Center for overnight shelter. For the students who experien- ced the flooding, getting home meant more than finding transportation; they had to wait, navigate unfamiliar risks, protect their belongings, and rely on others when ordinary routes were no longer accessible. For some students, waiting was no longer an option. After attending a 7 a.m. class and returning to her dorm at around 12:20 p.m., Leanne Chloe Cubarde, a third-year Information Technology student, found herself with fewer options for getting home. By around noon, she decided to cross the flood, partly because she was hungry, had an activity to finish, and was staying near the university. The floodwater also obscured possible holes and other hazards along the route, making it difficult for her to cross safely. Cubarde, in particular, said the incident made her think about what she considered a lack of accountability among politicians, particularly,VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026 When the Waters Rose: UST Students Struggle to Find Their Way Home FEATURE10 University of SantoGetting home from the Tomas became a challenge of waiting, navigating flooded roads, and finding other possible ways to escape the rising waters. As heavy rain continued to fall, nearly 5,000 students were left stranded inside the university while others searched for alternative ways home, with some relying on rescue efforts to get through flooded areas. off several routes surrounding the university. Among those caught in the situation was Reilley Rudica, a second-year Information Technology student who had arrived at UST at around 6:30 a.m. He remained at the Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Building for several hours before finally leaving at around 6 p.m. Messages circulating among UST students showed volunteers, student leaders, and personnel coordinating assistance for those who could not leave. For some, however, waiting was not enough—the flood eventually became an obstacle they had to cross themselves. By midday, the familiar roads surrounding UST had become difficult to recognize. Water continued to rise along España as the rain persisted, cutting “Wala akong ibang option kundi lumusong dahil ito na lamang ang paraan para abutan ko ang van na aking sasakyan pauwi.” For him, getting home meant taking a route that was familiar under normal circumstances but had become uncertain and potentially dangerous because of the flood. Illustrated by Paolo Santos
11SPORTS Carlos Yulo backs Filipino Esports Athletes at MPL PH Season 18 launch Alfredo Surio III The new season features an eight- week regular season running until October 11, with the country’s top MLBB teams competing for a chance to represent the Philippines at the M8 World Championship. Two time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo showed his support for Filipino esports athletes as he attended the launch of theMobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) Season 18 on Friday, August 21. The Olympic gymnast said Filipino esports athletes carry a responsibility similar to athletes competing in traditional sports, emphasizing the importance of representing the country on the international stage. “Gusto nating ibigay yung best natin, especially sa esports. Sobrang competitive natin. Mabigat na responsibility ito for all athletes,” Yulo said. Yulo, an avid MLBB player, was honored with an MPL PH Wall of Fame certificate during the event at Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City. Yulo also reflected on his own experience as an athlete, saying he eventually realized that competing is not only about personal achievement but also about representing the Philippines and the people supporting him. The season also coincides with MLBB’s 10th anniversary, highlighting the continued growth of the Philippine esports community and its opportunities for international competition. The MLBB SEA Championship Tour (MCT SEA) also gives emerging Filipino players a pathway to regional competition, with the MDL Philippines champion set to compete against champions from Indonesia and Malaysia for a place in the MCT SEA Knockout Playoffs Stage. The MPL PH Season 18 regular season will determine the Philippine representatives for the M8 World Championship as participating teams compete throughout the eight-week competition. Creamline, Farm Fresh end PVL On Tour with wins, gear up for 2026 Invitationalreamline and Farm Fresh clo- sed out the Premier Volleyball League Invitational (PVL) On Tour with victories at the Victorias City Coliseum, setting the stage for the 2026 PVL Conference. T In the tour’s final double-header, Creamline swept Galeries Tower, 25- 21, 25-16, 25-21, while Farm Fresh rallied past Capital1 in five sets, 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10. Alyssa Valdez led Creamli- ne with 1 points on eight attacks and two blocks, with the returning star Jaja Santiago-Minowa adding six points for the team. The Cool Smashers dominated on defense overall, finishing with eight blocks compared to only three from Galeries Tower. Trisha Tubu carried Farm Fresh with 24 points to survive the long game of five-set. Player of the Game Ara Galang contributed 14 points, including eight attacks, three blocks, and three aces, powering the Foxies to a comeback victory. Both squads now advance to the PVL Invitational Conference, starting August 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Eleven-time league champion Creamline and defending titlist PLDT who captured last year's Invitational crown will be headlining the local side alongside Farm Fresh and Nxled, joining guest clubs EST Cola of Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. With preseason action officially wrapped up, the four local squads shift their focus to defen- ding home court against international competition in Quezon City. Jasmin Ello
Eala, Jovic Blend Friendship and Competition in US Open “Stars of the Open” Showcase Gilas Youth falls to Chinese Taipei, finishes 8th SIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILANSIDHILAN January Dela Cruz Tiffany Paguirigan “It’s a great way to practice against a great opponent.” Alex Eala said in a mid-match interview during an exhibition match against rising star Iva Jovic at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the 2026 Open main draw. Jovic won the one-set exhibition match, 6-3, after taking an early 2-0 lead against her close friend. Despite trailing early, Eala fought back to level the score at 3-3 before Jovic secured the final three games to seal the victory. Furthermore, both fathers of the two players made an appearance on the court: Mike Eala and Bojan Jovic were both handed racquets by their daughters for an impromptu doubles rally. Aside from the match, the two opponents shared a sweet moment at the net, exchanging pleasantries in each other's native languages. Jovic addressed the crowd in Filipino, saying, “Alex, ang galing mo!’’ while Eala responded in Serbian, “Iva, ti si najbolja!” Both players entered the 2026 US Open main draw, with Eala entering as the 17th seed—the highest Grand Slam seeding in Philippine tennis history—and Jovic holding the 14th seed. Gilas Pilipinas Youth placed eighth in the 2026 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U18 Asia Cup after losing to Chinese Taipei, 89–78, in the seventh-place classification game on Sunday, August 23, at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. The Philippines started the game strongly with a 22–20 lead after the opening quarter and building a 38–26 advantage in the second period. Chinese Taipei responded with a deci- ive scoring run and overturned the deficit befo- re taking a 49–41 lead into halftime. Chinese Taipei continued to control the game after the break, extending its lead to as many as 14 points in the fourth quar- er. Gilas Youth attempted to cut the deficit but failed to complete the comeback as Chinese Taipei secured seventh place in the tournament. Chog Moral led the Philippines with 22 points For Chinese Taipei, Carter Coleman led all scorers with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Yu-Sheng Xing added 17 points. Ting-Kuan Liu finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. The two teams had previously met on August 13, when the Philippines escaped with an 89–88 victory after Aguas hit the go-ahead basket with 2.2 seconds remaining. The eighth-place finish capped the Philippines’ campaign with a 3–4 record in the tournament. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, finished seventh after avenging its earlier one-point loss to the Philippines in the group stage. and nine rebounds, while Ethan Aguas added 15 points and seven rebounds. Bruce Tubongbanua also contributed 10 points for Gilas Youth.VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 01 AUGUST 2026