The massive floods that tropical cyclones bring now demand urgent and science-based decision-making.

Considered one of the most devastating natural hazards globally, floods pose critical threats to both human life and economic stability. The Philippines is no stranger to flooding, as approximately 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) each year. According to the 2023 World Risk Index Report, the country also ranks first among those most affected by extreme weather events.

Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, a professor at the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and executive director of the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), together with scientists from the UPRI Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center and Dr. Gerry Bagtasa of the UPD-CS Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), with assistance from Dr. Bernard Alan Racoma of IESM and in partnership with the Academic Alliance for Anticipatory Action (4As), developed an impact-based flood forecasting system capable of predicting flooding in the entire Philippines. The system was funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).

“This system can determine whether a neighborhood is likely to be affected by a major flood event 24 hours in advance,” Dr. Lagmay explained, noting that the system was able to forecast the flooding in Davao, Palawan, and Borongan this year. “When accessed on the NOAH website, areas prone to flooding due to severe weather are shown in map view or tabular format, with the number of potentially affected people listed down to barangay level.”

The tool can forecast flooding in specific areas based on accumulated rainfall forecasts (predicted total rainfall) and 100-year rain return flood hazard maps, which are maps showing areas prone to severe flooding based on historical data. By adjusting global weather models to match the country’s specific geography and weather patterns, the system releases predictions that are more accurate.

The Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System was released in 2024 and has been available for public use since then. The system empowers Filipino citizens by enabling them to validate the data it provides. “The public can contribute information through the LyfSaver app, allowing FIlipinos to report floods in their area.” Dr. Lagmay added.

Dr. Lagmay and his team also collaborated with other organizations, such as the FYT PH Media’s crowdsourcing platform, YesPinoy’s disaster response training program, and the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, as well as the Public Affairs and Information Services Department, to integrate the automated system’s features into other components of disaster risk reduction and management.

In the paper where they talked about the system, published in the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD), the scientists acknowledged that the system has achieved some level of success, it is just the beginning of a larger process. They emphasized that further development of the tool’s functions, collaborations among citizens and stakeholders, and good governance are essential for improving disaster risk reduction and management in the country.

“After winning the best innovation pitch among 64 entries nationwide in the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) Innovation Challenge, we will add more hazards such as rain-triggered landslides and possibly storm surge hazards to the forecasting system,” Dr. Lagmay shared. The PREP challenge was organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the USAID, which seeks to identify and scale innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance disaster preparedness and food security for vulnerable populations in the Philippines.#

Dr. Marvin Flores, Assistant Professor of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) and the Team Leader of the ATLAS group based in the Philippines, is among the thousands of researchers worldwide honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, awarded to the A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS (ATLAS) Collaboration at the Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN)’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) alongside its sister experiments A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE), Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), and Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb).

ATLAS is one of the largest and most complex scientific instruments ever built. As a general-purpose particle detector measuring over 40 metres in length and around 25 metres in height, it was designed to investigate the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces governing our universe. Its cutting-edge systems track particles produced in particle collisions at unprecedented energies, enabling discoveries like the Higgs boson and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

The Breakthrough Prize specifically highlights the ATLAS Collaboration’s significant contributions to particle physics, including detailed measurements of Higgs boson properties, studies of rare processes and matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the exploration of nature under the most extreme conditions.

“The Breakthrough Prize is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the ATLAS Collaboration and our colleagues across the LHC experiments,” said ATLAS Spokesperson Stephane Willocq. “This prize recognises the collective vision and monumental effort of thousands of ATLAS collaborators worldwide.”

UPD-CS NIP has been at the forefront of ATLAS research since 2021, contributing to the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM).

“Our team’s work on BSM modelling and simulation exemplifies the innovation driving ATLAS forward,” said Dr. Flores. “This recognition affirms the impact of our contributions and inspires us to continue exploring the universe’s most fundamental questions.”

“The successes of Run 2 showcase the ingenuity of the ATLAS Collaboration — not only in collecting data with a detector of outstanding precision, but also in our relentless drive to improve our understanding of it,” said Andreas Hoecker, former ATLAS Spokesperson.

While the ATLAS Collaboration celebrates the recognition of the Breakthrough Prize, its focus remains firmly on the future. The third operation period of the LHC is currently underway and preparations for the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade are advancing rapidly. NIP’s High Energy Physics & Phenomenology (HEP-PH) team of 15 physicists and students is deeply involved in preparing ATLAS for its next chapter. Although their current contributions are currently in the theoretical and phenomenological side, the team is ramping up their experimental involvement through concrete steps like the formation of the ATLAS Philippine Cluster involving other Philippine universities.

“We are now preparing the ATLAS detectors of the future — designed to harness this unprecedented data and further push our understanding of the universe’s fundamental building blocks,” concludes Willocq.#

Itinatag ang Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa University of the Assumption (UA), ang unang SWK na itinatag sa Lalawigan ng Pampanga.

Dinaluhan nina Komisyoner Arthur P. Casanova, Tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Rev. Fr. Oliver G. Yalung, DL, PhD, Pangulo ng University of the Assumption (UA) ang Lagdaan ng Memorandum ng Unawaan (MOU) sa pagtatag ng SWK na ginanap sa naturang unibersidad, ang ika-44 na SWK sa Pilipinas na magsusulong, at magtataguyod ng wika at kulturang Kapampangan.

Dumalo rin sa lagdaan sina Dr. Reggie O. Cruz, Komisyoner ng Wikang Kapampangan; Dr. Arnel T. Sicat, Pangalawang Pangulo para sa mga Gawaing Akademiko ng University of the Assumption; at iba pang opisyal at kawani ng KWF at University of the Assumption.

Ang matagumpay na pagtatatag ng SWK ay naisakatuparan sa inísyatíba ni Komisyoner Cruz na nagnanais na magkaroon ng komprehensibong pag-aaral at pananaliksik hinggil sa wikang Filipino, kultura, at wikang Kapampangan kabilang ngunit hindi limitado sa paggawa ng diksiyonaryo, pagsasalin, at pagsulat ng mga aklat hinggil sa Araling Kapampangan.

Ang Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) ang bisig ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa mga rehiyon at lalawigan. Tulad ng ibang mga SWK, inaasahang magiging katuwang ng KWF ang SWK sa pagsasagawa ng mga programa at proyekto ng komisyon.#

Higher Ancillary Service (AS) charges led to an increase in transmission charges in consumers’ April 2025 electric bill, according to NGCP.

AS charges for the March 2025 Billing Period increased by 16.05% at PhP0.8094/kWh, compared to PhP0.6975/kWh for the February 2025 Billing Period. This cost includes the 3rd tranche of the settlement of the remaining 70% AS cost from the Reserve Market for the March 2024 Billing Period whose recovery was deferred by the ERC. 

Ancillary Services charges pertain to the cost for AS sourced from the Reserve Market and those for AS providers with bilateral contracts with NGCP. As a pass-through cost, only generating companies benefit from the increased AS rates. 

AS are support services provided by power generators to balance and stabilize the grid during power supply-demand imbalance. 

“For the April 2025 bills of end consumers, NGCP charges only 55 centavos per kWh for the delivery of its services. The bulk of transmission charges is for AS, which is remitted directly to AS providers,” the company explained. 

Transmission wheeling rates, or what NGCP charges for its primary service of delivering power, slightly increased by 4.81%, from PhP0.5252/kWh in February to PhP0.5505/kWh in the March 2025 Billing Period. 

Overall transmission charges for the March 2025 Billing Period is at PhP1.5240/kWh, up by 11.51% from February’s PhP1.3668/kWh.#

Dominion Holdings, Inc. (formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc.) announced at its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting a net income of ₱202 million for the year 2024, down from ₱277 million in the previous year. The decline was primarily attributed to reduced investable funds following the declaration of ₱3.2 billion in cash dividends in May 2024.

As a result of the dividend payout, the company’s total assets and stockholders’ equity stood at ₱3.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, a significant decrease from ₱6.4 billion in 2023.

Dominion Holdings, Inc. transitioned into an investment holding company in 2022, following SEC approval of changes to its corporate name, business purpose, and governing documents. The company now focuses on owning real estate, securities, and other assets, aiming for greater flexibility in exploring investment opportunities to enhance shareholder value.#

Ulat ni DEMIE DANDAY, BH Reportorial Team

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela- Nagbigay-paalala si Senador Lito Lapid sa mga kapwa deboto na magtika at manalangin bilang pakikiisa na rin sa pagkabuklod-buklod ng bansa ngayong panahon ng Semana Santa.
Sa panayam sa senador, na sumikat sa tawag na Leon Guerrero, sa siyudad na ito, akma ang panahon ng Semana Santa para magkaisa ang mga pinuno ng bansa at iwasan ang paagkawatak-watak para maisulong ang kapakanan ng mamamayan.
Sa panahon rin na ito na mainit ang panahon at naglalaro sa 42-degree Celsius hanggang 43-degree Celsius sa Isabela at Cagayan, ipinayo ni Senador Lapid na laging uminom ng tubig at iwasang magbabad sa init ng araw.
Partikular rin niyang binanggit ang mga may-edad na na mag-ingat lagi at umiwas sa mainit na panahon para ligtas at malusog.
Awtor ng humigit-kumulang isanlibong mga akda sa Kongreso at 100 rito ay ganap nang naging batas.
Kabilang sa mga batas na ito ang Free Legal Assistance Law o Lapid Law na nagbibigay ng abogado para sa mga mahihirap at naaagrabyado sa batas.#

TUGUEGARAO CITY-Western Visayas (Region VI) was adjudged overall champion in the juniors division of the National PRISAA Games 2025, with a total of 243 medals – 99 golds, 71 silvers, and 73 bronzes held in this city.

Region IV-A (CALABARZON) was second with 200 medals, including 94 golds. Completing the top three was Region V (Bicol Region), with 80 golds among their 262 total medals.

Central Visayas (Region VII) and Negros Island Region (NIR) snatched 4th and 5th places, respectively.

Seventeen regions participated in the event as they showcased sportsmanship, discipline, and regional pride to prime up PRISAA’s mission of inclusivity and development in sports.

In the seniors division, Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) was the overall champion  with 128 golds, 104 silvers, and 55 bronzes for a total of 287 medals.

Second was Region VII (Central Visayas), snatching 115 gold, 62 silver, and 99 bronze medals while CALABARZON (Region IV-A) secured the third spot with 185 medals, including 74 golds.

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Western Visayas (Region VI) rounded out the top five, showing strong performances with 129 and 207 medals, respectively.

The event was hosted by the University of Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao City Government and Cagayan Provincial Government.#

Ulat ng Balitang Hilaga

CAUAYAN CITY-Muling bumandera ang mga manunulat ng Schools Division Office ng Cagayan sa Regional Schools Press Conference o RSPC matapos makamit muli ang kampeonato ngayong Abril 6 hanggang 9 na ginanap sa siyudad na ito.

Pangatlong sunod na taon na ito na overall champion ang lalawigan.

Nagpasalamat si Dr. Reynante Caliguiran, Schools Division Superintendent ng Cagayan sa tulong at suporta ng mga pinuno sa mga qualifiers at sa naging tuloy-tuloy na pagsasanay para makopo ang tagumpay.

Pumangalawa ang Isabela habang pumangatlo ang Tuguegarao City sa pangkalahatan.

Sa mga indibidwal na kumpetisyon, nanguna ang Isabela sa sekundarya pero pangalawa lamang sa elementarya.

Sa mga pahayagan, pare-parehong naitala ng Cagayan, Tuguegarao City at Isabela ang unang puwesto.

Nanguna naman sa mga kumpetisyon sa grupo ang Isabela sa Collaborative Desktop Publishing (Ingles at Filipino) at Radio Scriptwriting and Broadcasting (Filipino). Pumangatlo lamang ang Isabela sa sekundarya.

Gayunman, 26 ang qualifiers sa Isabela na dadalo sa National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) na gaganapi sa Vigan City sa Mayo 2025 dahil sa lima rito ang nanguna sa indibidwal at tatlong koponan sa mga paligsahan sa grupo.

Sa elementarya, nanguna si Jayden Manipon ng La Salette of Roxas sa Column Writing-English habang nanalo si Maria Kristina Cassandra Lampitoc ng Pulay-Union Kalinga Elementary School-Luna District sa News Writing-English.

Nanalo naman si King Gelo Corpuz ng Benito Soliven Central School sa Sports Writing-Filipino.

Sa sekundarya, nanguna si Koleen Kate Cadiente ng San Mariano National High School sa Editorial Cartooning-Filipino at Aveline Buella ng Angadanan National High School sa Column Writing-Filipino.

Samantala, itinanghal na kampeon ang TV Broadcasting Team (Secondary-Filipino) ng Cauayan na binubuo nina Aldwyn Delmendo, Paula Arzadon, Angelo Gamboa, Reese Aguinaldo, Alliyah Uy, Tiffany Sayo, at Cedric Francisco.

Naging kampeon naman sa Online Publishing ang City of Ilagan sa pamamagitan ng Ang Kabataan ng Isabela National High School na binubuo nina Mischa Catindig, Carl Bunagan, Faith Gatan, Kimberly Manalo at Bea Mei Navarro.

Sa pagsusulat ng balita sa sekundarya sa Filipino, nanguna si Maria Hazel Anne Albano ng Cauayan City.

Nakamit naman ni Christian Diether Costales ng St. Paul University sa Tuguegarao City ang kampeonatao sa Pagsulat ng Editoryal-Filipino.#

Education officials celebrated the blessing and inauguration of the new Schools Division Office Building in Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela on April 9.

Located beside the Capital Arena, officials said the new building translates to “a monumental step forward for education in the School’s Division Office of the City of Ilagan.”#