MANILA, PHILIPPINES 01 SEPTEMBER 2025—The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assures its customers that its crews are ready to respond to any electricity service concern that may arise due to southwest monsoon (Habagat) rains.
Meralco is actively monitoring weather advisories and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure timely action given the heightened risk of flooding. The company also reminds customers to prioritize safety and take preventive measures against electrical hazards, especially in flood-prone areas.
“We remind our customers to take extra precautions to ensure their safety especially with the increased threat of flooding which poses a greater risk of electrical accidents,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Meralco strongly advises customers to immediately turn off the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker if floodwaters begin to enter their homes.
Additional safety tips are:
Never handle circuit breakers or fuses with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
Avoid contact with exposed or dangling wires.
After floodwaters recede, have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before turning it back on.
To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and X (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.| – Balikas.net
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Erwin Dela Cruz
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Fri, 29 Aug at 2:57 pm
🌍💙🤝 BDO and CFO Unite to Empower Migrant Filipinos with Financial Lifelines 🇵🇭✨
Hope all is well with you.
BDO Unibank (BDO) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) have joined forces to give permanent migrant Filipinos more than just banking—they’re getting guidance, tools, and financial literacy to secure their families’ future.
“Remittance is more than money—it’s communication, it’s connection, it’s family,” said former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque. With CFO’s mandate to protect and empower overseas Filipinos, and BDO’s commitment to turn remittance into a lifeline, this partnership is set to bring families closer and futures brighter, no matter the distance.
📎 Full PR and images attached for your consideration.
Warmly,
Erwin Dela Cruz
Senior Media Affairs Officer at CID Communication
M +63908 817 6049
E erwindc@cidcommunication.com
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PRESS RELEASE
BDO partners with CFO to support permanent migrants and their families
BDO and CFO forge partnership to empower Overseas Filipinos.jpg
Empowering overseas Filipinos. Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Undersecretary Atty. Arlene S. Borja (4th from left) handshakes with BDO Unibank Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance Genie T. Gloria (6th) to formalize the partnership. They are joined by former Labor Secretary Marianito “Nitoy” Roque (5th) and CFO and BDO officers.
BDO Unibank (BDO) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) recently formalized their partnership to provide permanent migrant Filipinos with easier access to information, services, and guidance through financial literacy programs.
The CFO, an attached agency of the Office of the President, is mandated to promote and protect the interests, rights, and welfare of overseas Filipinos while strengthening their economic, social, and cultural ties with the Philippines.
“This partnership between BDO and CFO is closing the gap of what BDO has been doing for overseas Filipinos and their families in the Philippines,” said Former Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque.
He added that remittance is a form of communication between Filipinos abroad and their loved ones. “Families maintain communication because of remittance. And BDO is bringing families together by connecting them with each other through remittance.”
Genie T. Gloria, senior vice president and head of BDO Remit, emphasized the Bank’s commitment: “At BDO, we see remittance not just as a financial transaction, but as a lifeline that strengthens family ties. Through this partnership with CFO, we aim to empower overseas Filipinos with financial knowledge and tools that will help them build a more secure future for their families.”| – Balikas.net
The Philippines, like other tropical countries, is known more for its balmy climate than for hailstorms. But a new Philippine study—the first of its kind—has found that the country’s hottest days are, in fact, more likely to produce hail.
Hailstorms are so few and far between in the Philippines that, even in an age of pervasive social media updates, they are still met with amazement and astonishment.
“Most people are surprised when hail happens because it is relatively rare in the Philippines,” said Dr. Lyndon Mark P. Olaguera, senior author of the study. “Many take photos or videos and share them online. Some are scared since it’s unusual, while others just treat it as a strange kind of rain. People usually explain it as part of strong thunderstorms, and some interpret hail as a warning or sign of climate change.”
The largest hailstones ever recorded in the country fell in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, on May 8, 2020. These ice balls reportedly reached up to 5 centimeters in diameter, larger than golf balls. High surface temperatures on that day provided the ideal conditions for temperature-driven air movements or convection. Using satellite and radar data along with high-resolution weather modeling, the researchers confirmed the presence of strong updrafts and favorable conditions for hailstorms at the time.
Ice born from hot air
The counterintuitive connection between heat near the ground and ice falling from the sky is partly explained by a meteorological factor known as Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), a measure of how much energy is available to fuel rising air. High CAPE values indicate conditions favorable for convective activity, wherein hot air near the Earth’s surface rapidly rises and carries moisture into towering thunderclouds. Within these clouds, powerful updrafts can carry water droplets high enough into much colder layers of the atmosphere, where they freeze and eventually grow into hailstones.
Also, the presence of dry air in the mid-troposphere can actually increase the likelihood of hailstones surviving to reach the ground. Dry air enhances evaporative cooling, which strengthens downdrafts and accelerates the descent of hail. Because the hailstones spend less time passing through warmer air on their way down, they are less likely to melt completely before hitting the ground.
Groundbreaking study of tropical ice
Spanning nearly two decades worth of data, from 2006 to 2024, the Philippine study is the first ever comprehensive analysis of hail occurrences in the country. The researchers found that hail events were most frequent during the dry-season months of March, April, and May—precisely the period when surface temperatures peak and the atmosphere is primed for thunderstorms. Most hailstorms were found to have occurred during the mid to late afternoon, the hottest part of the day.
Interestingly, while Luzon recorded the most hail events overall, relatively larger hailstones were more observed in the Visayas and Mindanao. The study attributes this to the weaker influence of the Southwest Monsoon in those regions, which allows localized convective storms to persist later into the year.
Invaluable importance of citizen science
For their study, the researchers relied on a wide range of sources—not just instrument data, but also local government records, news media, and geotagged social media posts. This multi-source, crowd-informed approach proved especially valuable given the country’s sparse ground-based hail detection capabilities. This shows the invaluability of citizen science and public reporting in monitoring hailstorms and other severe weather hazards.
As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather, empowering the public to participate in data gathering may prove essential for the development of early warning systems in the Philippines. Looking ahead, the researchers stress the need to expand the country’s weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities. They recommend that local disaster preparedness focus not only on typhoons and floods, but also on less familiar hazards which can catch communities off guard—such as tornadoes and waterspouts, as well as hailstorms.
The study Spatiotemporal Analysis of Hail Events in the Philippines was authored by Marco Polo A. Ibañez, John A. Manalo, and Generich H. Capuli of DOST-PAGASA; and Dr. Lyndon Mark P. Olaguera of the Ateneo de Manila University and the Manila Observatory.| – Balikas.net
POWERING OPERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) underscored the increasingly
important role of internal audit in driving operational transformation in the power sector during the 2025 HAPUA
Internal Audit Summit. Seen in photo are (L-R) National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) Internal Audit Department
Manager Dexter Comiso, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Vice President and Chief Audit Executive
Edwin Natividad, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, NGCP President
and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Almeda, TransCo President and Chief Executive Officer Fortunato Leynes,
National Power Corporation (NPC) President and Chief Executive Officer Fernando Martin Roxas, Meralco Senior Vice
President and Group Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza, and NPC Internal Audit Senior Department Manager
Vedalisa Arevalo.|
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has underscored the strategic role of internal audit in enabling the company’s operational transformation and driving the future of the country’s power sector during the 2025 Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) Internal Audit Summit.
In his keynote speech, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho emphasized the expanded role of the company’s internal audit from a compliance function to a proactive enabler of risk-intelligent decision-making and operational discipline.
“By embedding audit foresight into strategic execution, we ensure that transformation happens with control, not chaos. This is especially vital as we pursue innovation without compromising risk standards or regulatory alignment,” Aperocho said.
Providing a strategic audit lens on the digital transformation of the power distributor, Meralco Senior Vice President and Group Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza centered her presentation on auditing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) which she referred to as the “digital nervous system of modern utilities.” Meralco’s AMI program is a major enabler of the government’s customer choice programs, including the Retail Aggregation Program which successfully switched a total of 19 aggregated groups comprising 292 services as of June.
Oteyza emphasized that auditing AMI requires a shift from traditional assurance frameworks to a holistic understanding of interdependent risks such as cybersecurity, data integrity, vendor reliability, and regulatory compliance.
She also enjoined ASEAN auditors to embrace insights-driven auditing, which can be achieved by leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics to detect anomalies, anticipate system weaknesses, and support predictive decision-making.
“Internal Audit must evolve from guardians of compliance to catalysts of resilience and innovation. Our role is not only to protect value—but to enable it,” Oteyza underscored.
She outlined global lessons in AMI governance, resilience through cyber and operational safeguards, and data assurance, urging ASEAN utilities to adopt these principles early to prevent common implementation challenges and pursue cross-border collaboration and continuous learning in strengthening audit maturity across the region.
Held from August 13 to 14, 2025 the HAPUA Summit, gathered 150 delegates comprised of chief audit executives, leaders, and practitioners from seven Southeast Asian countries.
Meralco, together with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Power Corporation, and National Transmission Corporation, form the Philippine coalition at the HAPUA Summit. The annual summit is a platform for expert-led discussions and collaborative sessions focused on strengthening audit practices across the region.| – Balikas.net
From left to right: Louis T. Alvarez, Director, P.A. Properties; Riki Adachi, Representative, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp.; Rei Yamasaki, Representative, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp.; Peter Jude T. Alvarez, Director, P.A. Properties; Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President and CEO, P.A. Properties; Yoshiaki Sakaguchi, General Manager, SMCC Philippines, Inc.; Devendra Sati, Assistant General Manager, SMCC Philippines, Inc.; and Junichiro Sato, Assistant Project Manager, SMCC Philippines, Inc.
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin Corp, the joint venture between P.A. Alvarez Properties and Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp, in partnership with SMCC Philippines, Inc., formally held the Precast Installation for its newest residential community, Idesia San Jose del Monte.
The event marked a significant milestone in the project’s development, highlighting the use of the Precast Japanese System, an advanced construction technology introduced by SMCC Philippines. This system enables the prefabrication of structural components such as walls, floors, beams, stairs, and toilets at an on-site precast plant, allowing for rapid, precise, and sustainable assembly at the project site.
In her keynote address, Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President and CEO of P.A. Properties, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in community development. She noted that the installation ceremony symbolizes not only engineering progress but also the shared vision of building quality homes that uplift Filipino families.
Mr. Yoshiaki Sakaguchi, General Manager of SMCC Philippines, Inc., underscored the efficiency and durability of the precast system, citing its advantages such as timely project delivery, consistent quality, enhanced safety, and long-term structural integrity.
The installation, witnessed by partners, stakeholders, engineers, and guests, showcased the four phases of the precast process: panel preparation and safety checks, crane lifting and positioning, alignment and securing, and final inspection with quality assurance.
In his closing message, Mr. Rei Yamasaki, representative of Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., reaffirmed the company’s commitment to excellence and to supporting developments that strengthen communities.
The program concluded with fellowship and networking sessions, underscoring the collective dedication of all partners to deliver homes that meet the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and efficiency.| – Balikas.net
WHEN James Wan and Peter Safran set out to make the first “Conjuring” film, their goal was simply to make one great supernatural thriller, the likes of which people had not seen in a very long time, and in doing so, bring a great genre back to prominence.
More than 10 years and with an upcoming highly anticipated ninth movie later, the “Conjuring” Universe has become the highest-grossing horror movie franchise to date.
“We just wanted to make one great movie,” shares Peter Safran, producer of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and all the other previous eight movies in the franchise. “And so, we’re really proud to be here 14 years later, with all of the tremendous commercial and critical successes that these films have had… I believe you’re always conflicted by the end of something beautiful – I feel happy and sad. But with the series, I’m happy to have been involved with such an amazing group of artists, and that we’ve all gotten to end this journey on a high note.”
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
James Wan, who directed “The Conjuring” 1 and 2, and has been a producer since the second film in the Universe, shares the same sentiment as Safran. “For me, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ is pretty much the end of an era and, because of that, it’s somewhat bittersweet,’ says Wan. “We’ve had such a good time making these films, because it feels like such a family unit. But like all good things… I think we’re finishing up at the right time. It feels like this movie is a good way to wrap up the world, at least for now. It’s been over a decade with the ‘Conjuring’ Universe. I’ve made many acquaintances who’ve become long-term friends.”
Wan is especially grateful to actors Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, who play Lorraine and Ed Warren, respectively. “Vera and Patrick have always been the center of these movies,” says Wan. “They have such a great relationship, onscreen and off – they’re such good friends. I think that really comes across and the audience sees how authentic it is. I think it brings much more reality to the characters that they play. It’s a big part of why fans out there love these films. I have always said, ‘They come for the fright and the scares, but they really stick around for Vera and Patrick.’
Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
In “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” Wan, Safran, director Michael Chaves and their fellow filmmakers deliver another thrilling chapter of the iconic “Conjuring” cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.
Says “Last Rites” director Michael Chaves, who also helmed 2021’s “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” and 2023’s “The Nun II”: “I’ve been so lucky to be part of the ‘Conjuring Universe.’ Saying goodbye to this experience – and to the friends I’ve made along the way – has been really emotional. Vera and Patrick have always been our secret weapon. They’re the heart and soul of these films, and it’s their talent and who they are as people that have shaped these movies from the start. These films ended up being family stories in a way not a lot of people expected – big family stories with plenty of scares.”
Don’t miss “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” when it opens in Philippine cinemas September 3. #TheConjuring
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has once again displayed excellence in business communications after amassing 36 awards and earning the highly coveted recognition as “Company of the Year” at the prestigious 21st Philippine Quill Awards.
Meralco took home 10 Awards of Excellence and 26 Awards of Merit for its exemplary communications programs centered on customer service, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, public safety, and digital transformation.
“This honor affirms the vital role of strategic communication in advancing Meralco’s mission to keep the lights on. Being named Company of the Year inspires us to continue raising the bar in using clear, timely, and relevant communication as a driver of positive change that empowers the communities we serve, and builds trust with our stakeholders,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Meralco’s latest recognition as Company of the Year cements its position as an industry leader—not just in energy, but also in communications—as the sole company to have earned the prestigious distinction five times.
The distribution utility’s award-winning communications programs spanned a wide range of advocacies and initiatives. These included effective use of data for communication campaigns; creative and impactful executions to communicate the company’s monthly rate adjustments, sustainability initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, renewable energy, and urban farming; customer service efforts like the Lifeline Rate Program and the Interruptible Load Program; cybersecurity awareness; digitalization projects including the Meralco Newsroom and Manong Joe digital channels; public safety campaigns such as the Anti-Urban Blight program and year-round electrical safety communications; corporate social responsibility programs such as electrification for marginalized households and livelihood platforms; and stakeholder management and events.
These recognitions highlight Meralco’s ability to deliver messages that resonate with stakeholders, drive organizational performance, and contribute to nation-building.
Now in its 21st year, the Philippine Quill Awards—organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines—stands as the country’s premier recognition program in the field of business communication, honoring organizations that exemplify excellence in using communication to achieve goals and make a difference in society.| – Balikas.net
Jobin-SQM, Inc. (JSI), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation’s (NAC) clean energy arm, Emerging Power, Inc. (EPI) is taking its sustainability efforts a step further by producing “Bokashi Balls” – an organic water rehabilitation technology designed to improve water quality and promote healthy aquatic ecosystems in local communities.
Bokashi Balls, also known as Mabuhay Balls, are organic spheres infused with beneficial microorganisms that when tossed into bodies of water, slowly dissolve and break down harmful toxins and improve water quality.
As part of its commitment to sustainability beyond clean energy generation, JSI partnered with the Sambali Agri Farm in Zambales to learn the craft of making Bokashi Balls and share the learnings with its partner communities.
“Simply, the Bokashi Balls, when they dissolve, reduce bad bacteria and help improve water quality in rivers, stagnant bodies of water, and other various waterways. It is organic so it is sustainable and a safe way of addressing water and other aquatic pollution,” said JSI Environmental and Community Relations Senior Associate and Pollution Control Officer Orlando Dabu, Jr.
JSI Envi and Community Relations Senior Officer and Pollution Control Officer Orlando Abu, Jr., says Bokashi Balls help improve water quality, promoting a healthy aquatic environment.
JSI is collaborating with the Ecology Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Tribal Chieftain and Councils of Tribong Ayta Ambala ng Pastolan, Inc. (TAAPI), and the Barangay Local Government Unit to advocate for the importance of clean water for a sustainable future.
The project ties in with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 14: Life Below Water.
The development of Bokashi Balls traces back to the work of Japanese scientist Dr. Teruo Higa, who introduced Effective Microorganisms (EM-1) technology.
For JSI, which operates the 172 MW solar power plant in Mt. Sta Rita, Zambales, Bokashi Balls represent more than just a clever solution to improving water quality – it represents a dedication to sustainability driven by innovation and community participation towards a green future.
DRIVING THE SHIFT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY. MPower and The Peninsula Manila renewed their partnership to power the latter’s five-star hotel with renewable energy. Seen in the photo (L-R) are MPower Strategic Account Management Head Pamela L. Santos, MPower Retail Sales Head Eddie John V. Adug, MPower Head Redel M. Domingo, The Peninsula Manila Hotel Director Kevin Tsang, The Peninsula Manila Hotel Manager Mike Yutuc, and The Peninsula Manila Finance Director Jestoni Panganiban during the signing ceremony held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.|
MPower, the local retail electricity supplier of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has signed a new energy contract with its legacy partner, The Peninsula Manila, to power the iconic five-star hotel in Makati City with renewable energy.
This development makes The Peninsula Manila the second property in Southeast Asia, and the fourth globally, within the hospitality giant’s portfolio to transition to renewable energy.
In addition, this contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and demonstrates The Peninsula Manila’s proactive efforts in future-proofing its operations while supporting its long-term sustainability strategy, Sustainability Luxury Vision 2030.
The Peninsula Manila’s Sustainable Luxury Vision 2030, launched in 2021, aims to address operational areas that require immediate attention while bringing positive impact to environment and communities. This strategy focuses on diminishing natural resources such as energy, water and food; the climate change crisis; and growing social instabilities and inequalities.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. By uniting, we are enabling cleaner, more efficient energy solutions that reduce carbon footprint and contribute to the global fight against climate change. Our partnership serves as a benchmark for responsible business practices and inspires others to pursue a greener world for our future generations,” The Peninsula Manila Hotel Director Kevin Tsang said.
For MPower, its role in The Peninsula Manila’s transition to renewable energy serves as a significant milestone in their 12-year collaboration.
“Our more than a decade of partnership stands as a testament to shared vision and service excellence. It even grows stronger with a renewable energy supply commitment. We are shaping the present with purpose, and now we move forward with confidence and unity towards sustainable progress,” said MPower Head Redel M. Domingo.
MPower has been proactively advancing customer choice by providing cost-competitive supply that empowers businesses in their transition toward sustainable and more cost-efficient operations.| – Balikas.net
BATANGAS City — Congressman Leandro L. Leviste of Batangas’ 1st District said that District Engineer Abelardo Calalo is a fall guy and he is convincing the latter to volunteer as state witness in the ongoing probe to the supposed anomalies of government projects in the Province of Batangas.
Leviste divulged that the money that the District Engineer attempted to bribe him is a contractor’s money and the beleaguered DPWH official only served as a cohort in the process.
“It is not the money of the district engineer, but of the contractor,” Leviste said without mentioning the name of the latter.
The neophyte solon who started the investigation into the supposed anomalies over the various infrastructure projects in his district divulged the details after filing bribery and graft cases against Calalo.
A total of P3.126 million in cash was delivered to the lawmaker, a known billionaire, in a bid to stop hin of probing government infrastructure projects in Batangas’ 1st district.
He said that the bag of cash that came with a receipt noting that it represents 3% of the P104 million worth for three contracts from a single contractor was just an initial payment.
Leviste added that another contractor was “ready to withdraw” P15 million in cash the following day if the lawmaker will so decide.
Without naming names, Leviste said he learned from Calalo about the biggest contractors in Batangas’ 1st District, as well as those projects being implemented by the DPWH regional office.
While Leviste did not mention the names of the alleged ‘big fish’ the congressman alluded to some other government officials who may have the hand in picking bigger projects which were identified by the ‘big fish’ with the full knowledge of the DPWH regional director.| – Balikas.net
