- No drones or kites over Lapu-Lapu, and some Mactan schools go online, until 30 October
- A Badian sitio living on rainwater tanks shows what a long dry spell can mean
- Metro Cebu air back to fair, but officials say dust is the long-term problem
- Five more heat illnesses covered by employees' compensation for platform workers
No drones or kites over Lapu-Lapu, and some Mactan schools go online, until 30 October
The ASEAN defence ministers' meetings run in Lapu-Lapu City from 26 to 30 October. The city has declared its whole territory a no-fly zone for the period, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority has banned drones, kites, helium balloons and sky lanterns near the airport, as well as pointing lasers at aircraft. Anti-drone systems are in place and any flying object found will be taken down. Classes are suspended or moved online in barangays Ibo, Buaya, Mactan and Punta Engaño, at several private schools and at three colleges. Expect stop-and-go traffic when official convoys pass.
If you are flying out of Mactan this week, leave early for convoy delays on the island. Students from Carcar at Lapu-Lapu City College, Lapu-Lapu Cebu International College or Sto. Niño Mactan College should check with their school for online class arrangements. Nothing has been announced for the south of Cebu.
Sources: The Freeman, SunStar, SunStar, GMA News
A Badian sitio living on rainwater tanks shows what a long dry spell can mean
In Sitio Butong, Barangay Basiao, Badian, 84 households depend on rainwater collectors that the DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS programme funded in 2023. The nearest spring is across the town line in Barangay Tabon, Dalaguete, and the barangay captain has asked residents to conserve what they have. PAGASA expects the current El Niño to strengthen before the end of 2026 and last into early 2027. Its outlook to April 2027 lists Cebu among the provinces likely to have a dry spell, and it has told the public to start storing and conserving water.
Households in Carcar's upland barangays that rely on rain or springs should start saving water now, in covered containers. Fix leaking taps and hoses before the dry months, not during them.
Sources: DSWD Field Office 7, GMA News
Metro Cebu air back to fair, but officials say dust is the long-term problem
Metro Cebu's air quality index was 92, rated fair, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, 25 October, after several very unhealthy readings earlier in October. The EMB station in Toledo City read 19, rated good. EMB 7 director John Edward Ang says dust from bare soil, roads and construction is a major source, and that greening and better waste management are the long-term fix, though results will take time. A Manila Times column notes that the station in Talisay City read 104, unhealthy for sensitive groups, early on 22 October, and argues the October smog came from local sources trapped by the weather.
Check EMB 7's air quality advisories before long outdoor work or exercise, especially if you commute through Talisay or have children, older relatives or anyone with asthma at home. On days rated unhealthy, cut back on time outdoors.
Sources: SunStar, The Manila Times
Five more heat illnesses covered by employees' compensation for platform workers
The Employees' Compensation Commission has added five heat-related conditions that platform workers such as delivery riders can claim for when they fall ill on the job: heat syncope (fainting and dizziness), heat rash, rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage), dehydration leading to kidney injury, and heat-related nervous system disorders. Heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion were already covered. Labour Secretary Francis Tolentino announced the change on 23 October at a meeting with Grab, Foodpanda, Lalamove, Shopee, Lazada and other platforms.
If you ride or drive for a delivery app in Carcar and get sick from the heat while working, keep your medical records and ask SSS about an employees' compensation claim. Drink water often and take breaks in the shade during the hottest hours.
Sources: SunStar (from PNA), The Chronicle
