Good morning. The Philippines may be sitting on something more powerful than gold. Scientists found uranium-bearing minerals in Camarines Norte, just as the country prepares for nuclear energy. Plus, the Philippines ranks fourth globally in gender equality, Batangas gets a robot factory, and Filipino rocket engineers gear up for 2027.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: Filipino researchers found uranium-bearing minerals at the Bessemer mine area in Larap, Camarines Norte, a site explored for uranium for decades.

Zoom in: Tests confirmed uraninite as the main uranium-bearing mineral. Researchers also developed a process that increased uranium concentration from 244 to 305 parts per million while recovering about 73% of the uranium.

Why it matters: The finding comes as the Philippines prepares to introduce nuclear power. The Philippine Energy Plan targets at least 1,200 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032.

What’s next: Scientists still do not know how much uranium lies underground. Detailed surveys and drilling are needed before Larap’s economic potential can be assessed.

The Philippines ranked 4th globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap Report, closing 79.1% of its overall gender gap. However, women remain underrepresented in leadership, with only 43.8% of the country’s political empowerment gap closed. The report highlights continued differences between broad gender equality and leadership representation.

LPG, Kerosene Tax Suspension Costs ₱700M Monthly

The Bureau of Customs expects the government to lose more than ₱700 million monthly in revenue after excise taxes on LPG and kerosene were suspended. The measure covers ₱3 per kilogram for LPG and ₱3 per liter for kerosene, following higher global oil prices. The suspension aims to reduce fuel costs for consumers.

Aleph Targets Philippines’ Digital Ad Market

Digital advertising company Aleph is identifying the Philippines as a key Southeast Asian growth market as businesses shift more advertising spending online. The company operates across more than 130 markets and works with major digital platforms. Its Philippine expansion reflects rising demand for digital advertising and tools that help businesses reach online consumers.

Workers Seek Higher ₱42 Wage Increase

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines says the proposed ₱42 daily wage increase in Central Visayas is insufficient to offset inflation and address workers’ needs. The proposal is being reviewed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. Labor groups are seeking higher pay as household expenses continue to pressure workers.

Bryan Bagunas lamented the lack of financial support for Alas Pilipinas Men ahead of the Asian Games, saying players have resorted to borrowing money to cover expenses. (Read more)

Regine Velasquez Opens Up About Menopause Voice

Regine Velasquez said menopause has affected her singing voice, forcing her to adjust her technique as she prepares for her finale concert, while continuing to embrace changes during live performances. (Read More)

Endgame Encore Reclaims Box Office Lead

Avengers Endgame Encore returned to No. 1 at North American box office, earning $11.2M Friday, while Primetime opened second with $8.49M from 2,874 locations, according to Variety’s latest box office report. (Read More)

MDT Technologies Philippines has secured an industrial lot at LIMA Estate to manufacture companion robots and high-tech components, expanding the region's burgeoning industrial automation sector. (Read More)

PNOĒ Introduces Advanced Face Mask for Self-Serve, Lab-Grade Breath Analysis 

A new portable breath-testing device designed by fitness analytics startup PNOĒ aims to make comprehensive metabolic and cardiovascular assessments accessible outside traditional laboratory settings. (Read More)

AI Helped Family Identify Daughter’s Rare Genetic Condition

A British family says ChatGPT helped identify their daughter’s rare genetic condition, but experts warn AI can give incorrect diagnoses and should not replace professional medical advice. (Read More)

UW Engineers Invent Tiny Robot With Precision Jumping

Researchers have unveiled DirectHop, an ultra-lightweight, grasshopper-inspired robot capable of precisely calibrating its jump height to navigate complex obstacles and rugged terrain. (Read More)

PhilSA Team Prepares for 2027 Cagayan Rocket Launch

Engineers from the Philippine Space Agency are undergoing specialized hands-on training to assemble and test liquid-fueled sounding rockets ahead of next year's domestic launch milestone.

Cat Cancer Genetics May Aid Human Cancer Research

Scientists mapped cat cancer genetics and found similarities with human tumors. Findings could improve precision treatments for cats while offering clues about human cancer development and drug responses across species.

Researchers Map Prefrontal Cortex Gene Activity Across Human Lifespan 

Scientists have charted the genetic blueprints of over six million individual brain cells, offering fresh insights into cognitive aging, neurological health, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Astronomers Discover Galactic Black Hole Jet Pointed Straight at Earth 

Researchers have identified a rare stellar-mass "microblazar" within our own galaxy, featuring a powerful particle jet aligned directly toward our solar system.

⚖️ A law extending barangay and SK officials’ terms until November 2026 faces criticism from groups questioning its constitutionality and timing. (Read more)

🏗️ DOLE fined Golden Years Construction ₱11.4 million after a probe found structural defects linked to the Angeles City building collapse. (Read more)

🥵 Several performers collapsed from extreme heat during Iligan City’s Diyandi Festival, prompting organizers to provide medical assistance amid high temperatures. (Read more)

🚢 China conducted joint naval and air training around Scarborough Shoal, citing efforts to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. (Read more)

🚌 Two Filipinos died and eight others were injured when a bus carrying them to Oktoberfest overturned in southern Germany Sunday. (Read more)

As Japan faces severe workforce shortages across manufacturing and healthcare, companies are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence-driven robots to fill vital workplace roles.

Cape Town Divided Over Plan to Remove Its Monkeys 

City officials plan to relocate troublesome baboon troops to a secure sanctuary, sparking fierce opposition from residents and animal rights activists.

Papua’s Remaining Snow Could Disappear Within Years

Papua’s Sudirman Range has lost nearly all its permanent snow and ice. Scientists say remaining snow around Puncak Jaya could disappear completely within one or two years.

📝 Barangay Captain rolls on ground in celebration after Marcos signs law moving BSKE to 2028. (Watch here)

📝 Minecraft unveils the sift, first new dimension in 14 years for players to explore. (Read more)

📝 Social media post claims elderly man seen using charging station for nebulizer has died. (Read more)

📝 Dennis Trillo draws attention with ‘AI’ remark while filming new action series. (Read more)