By Elsha Marie S. Arguel   LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — More than 25,000 families in Pangasinan were affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) intensified by Tropical Storm Maymay (international name: Kujira), prompting local authorities to activate disaster response measures that helped protect communities despite widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that, as of 11 a.m. on August 7, a total of 25,672 families, or 93,316 individuals, from 96 barangays in Agno, Anda, Bani, Basista, Bolinao, Calasiao, Lingayen, Pozorrubio, Sison, Balungao, and Alaminos City had been affected by the weather system. Authorities reported no casualties, attributing this to continuous monitoring, early warning dissemination, and preemptive evacuation efforts in vulnerable communities. Initial damage assessment placed total losses at P117.65 million, including P12.15 million in agriculture, primarily affecting rice, corn, and high-value crops, and P105.5 million in partially damaged infrastructure. Three houses were also damaged, including one that was totally destroyed. The heavy rains triggered flooding in 52 barangays, two rain-induced landslides, river embankment erosion, and a fallen utility post. Floodwaters also rendered several barangay, provincial, and national roads impassable, while rough sea conditions temporarily halted boat trips to the Hundred Islands National Park. Ahead of the weather disturbance, the PDRRM Council placed response teams on heightened alert, prepositioned rescue equipment and relief supplies, and maintained round-the-clock monitoring through its emergency operations center. The council also carried out preemptive evacuations, moving 41 families, or 123 individuals, to designated evacuation centers before conditions worsened. To support affected communities, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office readied 4,518 family food packs and other relief items for immediate distribution as needed. The coordinated response highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and local government readiness in reducing risks as the country continues to face stronger and more frequent weather disturbances linked to a changing climate. Protecting lives, safeguarding food production, and restoring damaged infrastructure remain key priorities as assessment and recovery efforts continue. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)    

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – Weeks ago, opinions from legal offices in the province and city on the issue of highly urbanized city status became trending on social media, whether to remain the status or to return as a component city. Edisson Sy Bang, a businessman who studied law and an active member of a civic organization, expressed his opinion on the controversial issue on Friday, Aug. 7. According to him, as posted on social media, the legal status of Lucena City as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is not founded upon assumption, administrative convenience, or historical practice alone. It is supported by the Constitution, statutory law, settled principles of administrative law, the longstanding and uniform recognition of the National Government, and equitable doctrines safeguarding stability in public administration. He added that unless and until Congress validly reclassifies Lucena City or a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final and executory judgment, declares otherwise, Lucena City remains a Highly Urbanized City under Philippine law. Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, establishes the qualifications and procedures governing the classification of cities as Highly Urbanized Cities, he stated. He cited Article X of the 1987 Constitution, which establishes the framework for local autonomy and recognizes the distinct legal personality of local government units. The constitutional policy is not merely to create local governments but to preserve their institutional integrity, ensure stability in governance, and promote decentralization. For decades, every branch and instrumentality of the Philippine Government has consistently treated Lucena City as a Highly Urbanized City. Such recognition has never been casual nor sporadic; rather, it has been continuous, official, and relied upon in the discharge of governmental functions. In law, these official acts are presumed valid and effective until set aside by competent authority. Consequently, Lucena City enjoys not only the presumption of legality but also the protection afforded by constitutional principles of due process, stability of governmental institutions, and fairness in public administration, Sybang added. “Accordingly, any interpretation of the Code that would retrospectively disturb Lucena City’s long-recognized classification would be contrary to the plain language of the statute and the legislative intent underlying its enactment”, he said. “Any assertion that Lucena is not a Highly Urbanized City necessarily carries the burden of overcoming the strong legal presumption that every official act recognizing such status was validly undertaken”. The executive branch has consistently implemented the law on the premise that Lucena City is a Highly Urbanized City, for more than three decades. This long-standing administrative interpretation constitutes persuasive evidence of the proper construction of the governing statutes. Congress has repeatedly amended the Local Government Code and enacted numerous statutes affecting local governments. At no time has Congress enacted legislation withdrawing, revoking, or modifying Lucena City’s recognition as a Highly Urbanized City.    

Although the entire Province of La Union has been downgraded to Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) of all 20 LGUs remain on alert. Local Chief Executives and MDRRMOs continue heightened monitoring of coastal, flood-prone, and landslide-prone areas to ensure a swift response to any incidents. Meanwhile, MDRRMO personnel and other government agencies continue clearing operations to remove fallen trees, debris, and other road obstructions and restore road access. LGUs are also distributing food, non-food items, and medicines to families who were preemptively evacuated ahead of the storm.            

Mayor Leni Robredo joined local leaders and focal persons at the Barangay Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (BPMEC) Onboarding Session yesterday at the PAGCOR Multipurpose Event Center. In her address, Mayor Leni costly emphasized that true transparency doesn’t just happen at City Hall—it thrives when local communities have the tools, data, and confidence to monitor public funds directly. By training local focal persons in strict evaluation and reporting, her administration is ensuring that every community project is built with integrity, finished on time, and truly felt by the people. This is exactly why so many look up to her leadership—always empowering the community and showing us what real accountability looks like!

Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Venus Ruam Cadabona, of the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, received the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award during the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards held Monday,August 3, at the Romualdez Hall of the House of Representatives. The award, conferred by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD), recognizes Cadabona’s exemplary leadership and sustained advocacy for the rights, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs). PFRD, led by its president Edgardio F. Garcia, cited Cadabona as a resilient woman with a disability, an effective leader and a dedicated public servant whose work has advanced disability-inclusive governance in Nueva Vizcaya. She was recognized for spearheading the establishment of the provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office and for strengthening the participation and empowerment of PWDs in the province. Cadabona received the award together with her daughter,Khristine Diane and Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo, who attended the ceremony as the representative of Gov. Jose V. Gambito. “I am deeply grateful to the PFRD for this meaningful recognition. I share this award with all persons with disabilities in Nueva Vizcaya and with everyone who continues to support our advocacy,” Cadabona said. She also expressed her appreciation to Gov. Gambito for his support of the programs and initiatives implemented by the PDAO. “I also sincerely thank Gov. Gambito for his continued support for the programs and initiatives of our office. With his support, we were able to implement these programs effectively. This recognition inspires us to continue working toward a more inclusive and empowered community for persons with disabilities,” she added. Governor Gambito congratulated Cadabona, describing her recognition as a testament to her dedication and perseverance. “Congratulations to Ms. Cadabona on this well-deserved honor. Her courage, leadership and unwavering service prove that disability is not a hindrance to excellence and meaningful public service. She is a true inspiration to all of us,” Gambito said. The Apolinario Mabini Awards honor individuals, organizations and institutions that have made significant contributions to advancing the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities while promoting them as self-reliant and productive members of society. Cadabona was one of 17 finalists selected from approximately 300 nominations submitted nationwide and the sole qualifier for the Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award representing Nueva Vizcaya. The entries were evaluated by the Apolinario Mabini Awards Committee, chaired by MaryAnn Arcega Dy, the wife of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy, who served as guest speaker during the ceremony. Named after Apolinario Mabini—the revolutionary leader known as the “Sublime Paralytic”—the awards recognize individuals and institutions that embody his legacy of courage, patriotism and service despite disability. This year’s awards covered seven categories: Organizations of Persons with Disability, Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Manuel V. Agcaoili Award for Employers, Disability-Friendly Establishment, Local Government Unit, Filipino with Disability, and the Apolinario Mabini Lifetime Achievement Award. By Rachel Magday