Good morning. The scale of weeks of severe weather is now clearer: 8.4 million Filipinos were affected as monsoon rains and three cyclones swept across the country. We also unpack AI-powered commerce, rescue-ready cyborg cockroaches, rare crocodile hatchlings, and the stories worth knowing before you begin the week fully informed.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: As of 6 p.m. on August 30, the monsoon and cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng affected 8.4 million people, or 2.4 million families, across nine regions.

By the numbers: Around 122,500 people were sheltering in 1,115 evacuation centers. Authorities reported 32 deaths, including 15 in Benguet, although one case was still being verified. Causes included landslides, drowning, electrocution, rockslides and fallen trees. Nineteen people were injured and three remained missing.

The damage: Infrastructure losses reached ₱6.16 billion, while agricultural damage hit ₱2.32 billion. Government assistance reached ₱1.7 billion.

What’s next: Pilandok was not expected to make landfall, but could strengthen the monsoon and bring further rain. A state of calamity covered 117 areas.

The Philippines ranked third in ASEAN for technology trust, reflecting growing public confidence in digital platforms and emerging technologies. The strong showing highlights improving digital adoption and creates opportunities for businesses and government to accelerate digital transformation while strengthening cybersecurity and responsible AI governance.

Great Deals Bets Big on AI Commerce

Great Deals is accelerating its AI commerce strategy by deploying AI-generated livestream hosts and automation tools to drive online sales. The e-commerce enabler, which serves over 500 brands, aims to reach ₱20 billion in 2026 revenue after generating ₱10.6 billion in the first seven months, positioning AI as a major growth driver.

Labor Groups Defend ₱85 Wage Hike

Labor groups urged the Pasig and Navotas Regional Trial Courts to dismiss petitions challenging the ₱85 Metro Manila minimum wage increase, arguing the courts lack jurisdiction over wage orders. They also pressed the Supreme Court to lift the injunction, saying delays continue to deprive workers of legally approved pay increases.

Coal Transition Plan Allows 5 GW Expansion

The Department of Energy's proposed coal transition policy allows up to 5 gigawatts of new coal-fired capacity already in the pipeline while setting a long-term roadmap toward cleaner energy. The policy seeks to balance energy security with decarbonization as the country gradually increases renewable energy generation.

Ivana Alawi defended her flood relief efforts, saying helping affected families matters more than online criticism, after netizens questioned how her team distributed aid in flooded communities. (Read more)

'Red Crown' Brings Pageant Drama to Life

GMA Pictures unveiled Red Crown, a satirical comedy featuring real beauty queens and actresses, blending pageantry and showbiz in a fictional competition inspired by life behind the crown. (Read More)

Madi Mojdeh Wins Fourth Gold

Filipino swimmer Behrouz Mohammad "Madi" Mojdeh captured his fourth gold medal, while Clara Maligat broke a tournament record at the Asian Open Schools Invitational Swimming Championships in Bangkok.(Read More)

Quezon City and LyfSaver partnered to improve disaster response using AI-assisted verification, community reports, and volunteer mobilization, while keeping human judgment central to information verification. (Read more)

Scientists Develop Cyborg Cockroaches for Medical Missions

Australian scientists developed cyborg cockroaches equipped with cameras and injection devices to deliver medicines to disaster victims trapped in rubble, with laboratory tests showing promising results. (Read more)

Chinese Startup Develops Laser Mosquito Killer

Chinese startup Photon Matrix has opened preorders for a blue-light laser device that targets mosquitoes, claiming it can detect and eliminate up to 30 insects per second. (Read more)

Scientists Develop Battery That Charges Almost Instantly

Scientists developed a new battery that can charge in a quadrillionth of a second. However, the battery stores little energy and is not yet ready for phones or other devices. (Read more)

Rare Philippine Crocodile Hatchlings Discovered in Isabela

A mysterious sound from underground led conservationists to a Philippine crocodile nest in San Mariano, Isabela. Twelve of 24 eggs hatched, with the hatchlings placed under a 24-month conservation program.

Dutch Students Test Solar-Powered Mobile Clinic in Kenya

Dutch students tested a solar-powered mobile clinic in Kenya that can run medical equipment without grid power or fuel. The prototype was developed with Amref Health Africa.

Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Higher Heart Failure Risk

Long-term melatonin use was linked to a 90% higher risk of heart failure among people with chronic insomnia over five years, according to a preliminary study from the American Heart Association.

NASA Image Of ‘Jellyfish’ On Mars Likely Caused By Cosmic Ray

A strange jellyfish-shaped shadow in a 2023 Mars image was likely caused by a cosmic ray hitting NASA’s Curiosity rover camera sensor, not an object on the planet.

🌉 Restored bridge ends dangerous river crossings for teachers and Mangyan students in Oriental Mindoro. (Read more)

🌧️  More than 8.1 million people were affected by Habagat-triggered flooding across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the OCD reported. (Read more)

🌱 Environmental group questions DENR’s mangrove relocation policy, citing legal and ecological concerns over earth-balling practices. (Read more)

🗳️ Jenny Barzaga wins congressional seat in Dasmariñas, succeeding her late son Kiko Barzaga. (Read more)

🏥 Separated Filipino conjoined twins reported in good health following successful surgery, Philippine embassy officials confirmed. (Read more)

A Nepali headteacher evacuated around 900 students minutes before deadly flash floods destroyed their school. His quick decision, prompted by warnings, helped save hundreds of lives.

Father Leaves 7-Year-Old Son Alone on Mount Fuji

A father was reprimanded after leaving his 7-year-old son alone on Mount Fuji for about eight hours after the boy became tired. The child was later found safe by mountain hut staff.

Polish Man Faces 8 Years in Prison Over Fake Pizza Orders

A 23-year-old Polish man faces up to eight years in prison after allegedly ordering hundreds of pizzas to random addresses, causing financial losses and distress to businesses and unsuspecting recipients.

📝 Harry Styles jokes Madison Square Garden is now famous for basketball and weddings. (Watch here)

📝 Dr. Mike teams up with Nurse John for candid nursing reality podcast episode. (Watch here)

📝 ‘Silent pa rin’: Lito Lapid sparks reactions after leading prayer at Senate.   (Watch here)

📝 Animal groups condemn live kitten burning, say ‘cruelty is not content’.(Read more)