Under Signal No. 1, minimal to minor impacts from strong winds with speeds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) are expected within 36 hours. 

Aside from Iloilo, Signal No.1 is also up in Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

As of 1 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, Uwan was located 370 kilometers (km) east of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 205 km/h, and central pressure of 945 hPa.

The typhoon is forecast to move west northwestward over the next 24 hours. Its center may pass close to Catanduanes this morning, Nov. 9, and make landfall over Aurora in the evening or tomorrow early morning, Nov. 10.

“Due to its proximity, a direct hit (i.e., eyewall affecting the area without making landfall) or a landfall scenario over Catanduanes is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.

“After landfall, Uwan will traverse the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and emerge over Lingayen Gulf or the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union on Monday morning,” it further said.IMT

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In Resolution No. 193-2025, provincial officials expressed their “strong objection” to the joint project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and San Miguel Holdings Corporation, citing the absence of public consultation and approval from residents of Malay and Aklan.

The resolution warned that the bridge could displace hundreds of boatmen, port workers, and transport cooperative members who depend on the existing Caticlan–Boracay route.

It also raised fears of irreversible damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and worsening marine and air pollution once construction begins.

Officials further noted the province could lose significant revenue from terminal fees and local taxes, which fund public hospitals and social services.

A copy of the resolution has been sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DPWH, and other national agencies to convey Aklan’s unified opposition to the project.IMT

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According to data published on the company’s official Facebook page, around 26.9 percent of households are still without power. The utility said it is working “around the clock” to accelerate the restoration process.

In a statement, the electric distributor explained that the typhoon caused significant damage to power lines, including loose connections, exposed wires, and other hidden defects, which could trigger intermittent outages or brownouts while full inspections and repairs are conducted.

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) Chief Operating Officer Bailey del Castillo urged residents to report any hazardous conditions such as sparks, overheating, tilted or fallen poles, or unusual transformer behavior to expedite repairs.

Del Castillo said that full feeder restoration is expected soon, but complete household service may take longer, potentially extending into next week due to the scale of the damage.

He noted that additional workforce has been deployed, including support teams in barangays, to speed up clearing operations.

“By the weekend, we aim to energize at least 90 percent of feeders,” del Castillo said.

However, some areas remain critically low, with as little as 36 percent of feeders energized. In Murcia, three feeders are operating at only 5 to 9 percent capacity.

Despite the challenges, the NEPC chief expressed confidence that 100 percent household restoration is achievable next week, emphasizing that no major pole repairs remain, and the teams are focused on final inspections and energizing all affected lines.

Residents are advised to remain cautious and report any unsafe conditions while the utility works to bring power back to every corner of the service area.

The post Negros Power hits 73% restoration after Typhoon Tino first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. secured more than ₱5.9 billion in fresh national funding to complete the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Stage II, one of the province’s most ambitious and transformative developments.

The amount, now included in the General Appropriations Bill, will finance the long-awaited irrigation canals that will channel water from the Jalaur Dam to thousands of farms and households across the province — a lifeline for agriculture and rural livelihood.

In a radio interview, Defensor said he personally appealed to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for the release of ₱5,961,320,196.33, ensuring that the dam’s supporting network would no longer be left hanging.

“We only had ₱780 million before, but now the canals will be fully funded,” Defensor said, adding that he has also asked senators to safeguard the allocation to prevent any cuts.

The governor said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is also finalizing another ₱115 million from the Local Government Support Fund for the construction of the Iloilo Provincial Government Center in Sta. Barbara — another milestone under his administration.

Defensor described the move as proof that Iloilo remains a top priority of the national government, saying the Jalaur project will soon unleash its full potential — fueling food security, boosting irrigation, and powering countryside growth.

“When Jalaur flows, Iloilo grows,” Defensor declared, underscoring his administration’s commitment to bring long-term progress to every corner of the province.IMT

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The fishery sector suffered the most, with an estimated P14.18 million in production loss and cost of damage, while losses in rice crops amounted to P10.28 million.

Based on the data, of the 584.84 hectares planted with palay, 124.01 hectares were destroyed and 460.83 hectares were damaged.

High-value crops reported P3.33 million in losses, with corn at P2.42 million.

In an interview on Friday afternoon, Felina Grace Basco, officer in charge of the Provincial Agriculturist Office, said farmers in the province are insured by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

Basco said the provincial government in September downloaded P10 million to the PCIC for the premium payment of farmers who are not registered with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Last year, the provincial government also downloaded P15 million.

“Once we complete our report, we will look into other interventions we can give,” she said.

They will also look into the P50 million committed assistance from the national government, she said.

“We have a directive that upon closing our damages (report), we will evaluate and craft a proposal to utilize such,” she added.

Meanwhile, the PDRRMO report also showed that 51 houses were destroyed while 1,148 others were damaged.PNA

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This applies to borrowers whose loans are due between November 5 and 7, 2025 and residing in areas hardest hit by the typhoon: Guian (Samar), Cebu City, North Cebu, South Cebu, Dinagat Islands, Silago, Southern Leyte, and Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Eligible accounts will automatically receive a one-month due date extension. For example, a loan originally due on November 5 will now be due on December 5. During this period, Automatic Debit Arrangement feature will be temporarily disabled, allowing customers to prioritize emergency needs and recovery. No additional interest, late fees, or penalties will be charged during the extension period.

Eligible borrowers will also receive SMS notifications detailing their new due dates and guidance on managing repayments.  Other locations may be included as the government declares additional areas under a state of calamity. Customers with clarifications can file a ticket through GCash Help Center or talk to Gigi inside the GCash App.

The post GCash provides 30-day grace period for borrowers affected by Tino first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Under Senate Bill No. 1076 or the False Bomb Threat Prohibition Act, Estrada proposes heavier penalties—six to 12 years in jail or fines from P1 million to P5 million—for those who spread false information about bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices in public areas.

The measure updates Presidential Decree No. 1727, which currently imposes only up to five years’ imprisonment or a P40,000 fine. The senator said the law must now cover threats made via social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms.

“These false threats are deliberate acts of disruption that endanger lives, paralyze institutions, and waste valuable government resources. They erode public trust in emergency systems that are supposed to respond to real crises. We need a stronger legal deterrent to protect our citizens from these unscrupulous individuals,” he said.

The bill comes after a string of hoax bomb threats that hit schools and offices in Bulacan, Bicol, Cebu, Caloocan, Manila, and Davao City, forcing evacuations and class suspensions. A 21-year-old woman in Pampanga was even charged for sending online bomb threats to several schools.

Estrada said the proposed law also aims to strengthen enforcement and raise public awareness.

“The rise of social media and digital communication platforms has made it easier for malicious individuals to spread panic with just a few clicks. It’s time we update our laws to keep up with these realities,” according to him.

“This is about restoring public trust and ensuring that our communities feel safe. We must send a clear message: those who weaponize fear through false threats will be held accountable.”IMT

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Speaking at a forum at the World Travel Market (WTM) London on Nov. 4, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco cited government reforms and fiscal incentives that make the country an attractive investment destination.

Tax holidays, enhanced deductions, and import exemptions for priority tourism projects, she said, are all covered under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE MORE) Law.

“The Philippines has engaged in a transformative development agenda led by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., whose Philippine Development Plan has shifted our country’s growth towards becoming more sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven,” she said.

She added that under this framework, the CREATE MORE Act provides fiscal incentives that promote sustainability, green innovation, job creation, and equitable regional development.

Frasco added that public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a “very potent role” in accelerating tourism development, be it through airport modernization or tourism infrastructure and destination improvements.

The national government, she noted, continues to invest in tourism programs, including community training, the establishment of decent rest areas, and the installation of hyperbaric chambers in major diving and coastal destinations.

Sustainability and climate resilience

At the launch of the Philippine Pavilion at the same event, Frasco also emphasized sustainability in tourism amid global economic challenges, climate-induced disasters, and fiscal constraints.

“Sustainability for us is not mere theory, it is our lifeline. We pursue tourism that is people-centered and future-centric, knowing that millions depend on our collective ability to protect and strengthen our destinations for generations to come,” she said.

She added that the issue has become more relevant as the Philippines continues to face recurring natural calamities.

“Our country is currently facing a typhoon, and it has done so for many months now, not to mention other disasters such as earthquakes,” Frasco said.

UK market growth and renewed confidence

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. also attended the event, expressing optimism over the tourism sector’s recovery and renewed global confidence in the Philippines.

Locsin said that UK arrivals grew by 5.36 percent in 2024, outpacing the overall 2.1 percent increase in UK outbound travel to Asia.

“And as last October, we reached a 90.71 percent recovery rate, placing us firmly on course for full recovery — a testament to the resilience of the tourist industry and the unfailing allure of our islands,” he said.

“Beyond the just numbers, these stories of renewed confidence and partnership were reborn. They reflect the combined strength of government leadership, the vision of the Department of Tourism, the creativity of the Tourism Promotions Board, and the steadfast collaboration of our private sector— all working to drive our economic recovery and program,” he added.

The Philippine Pavilion at the WTM 2025 featured the country’s vast tourism offerings from the famed beaches of Boracay and Palawan; the heritage of Cebu, Iloilo and Vigan; highland escapes in Bukidnon and Benguet; world-class dive sites such as Anilao and Tubbataha; to wellness sanctuaries in Bohol and Camiguin.

The prestigious annual travel and trade event is attended by stakeholders and other foreign Tourism ministers from across the globe.PNA

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Despite massive damage caused by toppled poles, fallen trees, and flooding, the company’s linemen and engineers have been working round the clock to bring power back safely to thousands of households.

As of 3:00 p.m. on November 7, or after 3 days, Negros Power reported significant progress: all sub-transmission lines and substations have been fully restored, 45 of 47 feeders are energized, and 65.7% of households across the service area have already been reconnected.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his gratitude to Negros Power’s field teams and the community for their cooperation. “From day one after Typhoon Tino hit, I’ve seen how hard our Negros Power linemen and engineers are working on the ground. They are doing everything they can to restore power despite the many challenges. I also thank our barangays for helping in clearing operations, and I continue to ask for everyone’s patience and understanding as power is gradually restored citywide.”

Talisay City Mayor Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares also lauded the company’s transparency and persistence. “Since the power outage began, we have been constantly monitoring the situation with Negros Power and providing them with all the assistance they need for restoration. Our cooperation is showing results as power slowly returns in several areas of the city. This is a province-wide concern, but rest assured that Negros Power is doing everything possible to bring back electricity safely and quickly. We appreciate everyone’s patience as our linemen continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy.”

Across social media, residents have been expressing their support, understanding, and newfound respect for the hardworking Negros Power team.

Former governor Rafael L. Coscolluela shared a photo of linemen repairing lines in Sta. Clara 9 p.m., saying, “One job at a time, trying to meet everyone’s request for attention. Not easy. To those who still don’t have power, rest assured they’re on the job. Wish them good weather, warm meals, and safety 24/7.”

Joel Pineda Jaquinta shared a photo of the linemen with the caption, “They leave their families to serve others. Our linemen are out there, braving the storm to bring back the light lost to Typhoon Tino — restoring homes, hospitals, establishments, and entire communities. Let’s keep them in our prayers — true heroes in boots and helmets. 🙏”.

Change for Better Bacolod group quoted in saying, “SALAMAT SA INYONG SERBISYO, WARRIORS!
To all the men and women of NEPC who have been working tirelessly, overtime, and under the storm, to bring light back to Bacolod City and the rest of Negros, we thank you.
We deeply appreciate the danger to life and limb that comes with what you do. That is why we will continue praying for you. Always remember, guys, what you are doing is something we truly value and will never forget.
As you continue to do your job, remember-we are here for all of you. Rest assured of our prayers that you will always find strength, courage, and protection in your noble WorK.
YOU ARE THE LIGHT AFTER THE STORM.”

Consumer Jacob Elias Alunan also shared, “Ang Kuryente maintyendehan mo kay makita mo ang mga tinawo sang Negros Power nga nagaubra kag gapaninguha nga matapos ang ila ubra.”

Meanwhile, Mon De la Rama expressed heartfelt thanks to the company for its responsiveness and professionalism even amid a crisis: “Shout out to Negros Power! Thank you for entertaining my late-night, early-morning, and panic calls just to bring back our kuryente! Kabalo gid ko grabe gid ang inyo pangabudlay after Typhoon Tino’s devastation para mabalik lang ang supply sang kuryente sa inyo mga consumedor! But you managed to keep your cool and service! I admit, I used to bash you before every time may power interruption (guilty 🙋🏻‍♂️), pero subong respeto na gid!”

Adding a thoughtful perspective, Millie Milayko shared a reflection reminding everyone to extend compassion to those working on the frontlines and to those who have lost everything: “When I received photos from the NVC Foundation disaster relief team showing an evacuation center in a badly hit town of Cebu they visited last night, I saw how they had to mix Mingo in near darkness because there was no power. My mind immediately came to comments on the Negros Power FB page — comments that mercilessly shoot down this service company whose workers tirelessly aim to restore service as best they can.

The post Consumers commend Negros Power for tireless restoration efforts after Tino first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of financial aid to affected local governments, particularly in MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western and Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the Negros Island Region.

PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said agencies have quick response funds that can be replenished when needed. “At kung ito ay kukulangin lalong-lalo na sa mga LGUs, makakaasa sila na sila ay bibigyan po ng tulong mula sa Office of the President,” she added.

Several foreign partners have also expressed sympathy and readiness to assist in recovery operations.

President Marcos has approved the NDRRMC’s proposal to declare a state of national calamity due to Typhoon Tino and to prepare for the expected impact of Typhoon Uwan.

Rescue and relief operations, Castro said, are ongoing in all affected areas.IMT

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