Heavy rains from tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon have impacted over 5.08 million people across 10 regions in the Philippines, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The severe weather has claimed at least 23 lives, injured 17, and damaged nearly 1,900 homes, prompting at least 50 cities and municipalities—including the entire provinces of Pampanga and Cavite—to declare a state of calamity. In response, the presidential office issued Memorandum Circular No. 127 suspending in-person classes and transitioning government agencies to alternative work arrangements across Metro Manila and 12 provinces. Disaster response efforts remain under intense scrutiny as widespread flooding and landslides exacerbate ongoing public frustration over unfinished infrastructure projects.
Credit : CGTN