Good morning, sharing photos of the Total Lunar Eclipse this September 8, 2025 by the Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc.

Witnessing the Total Lunar Eclipse at its peak from Marikina Riverbanks! 🌑🔭

Before the eclipse, the skies were relatively clear, allowing the Full Moon to shine in all its glory. By the time of totality, when the Moon turned red, clouds began to gather, leaving little to no window for imaging. This particular shot was a lucky capture, taken just before a thick cloud completely covered the view.

The image was captured using a Sony A7S paired with a 90mm Maksutov telescope. A Star Tracker was used to compensate for the Moon’s movement across the sky.

Settings & Gear: 📸 Sept 8, 2025 | 2:00 AM Celestron C90 • Sony A7S • Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer • ISO 6400 | SS 10s

Image captured by Jed Coroña – Instrumentation Committee Head

Phlippine Astronomical Society, Inc.

thanks for sharing this with us!!! @Jed Coroña

Sharing here blood moon photos by Jacqueline Hernandez! Taken from Mandaue City in Cebu

Hello! The House appropriations committee will deliberate on the DENR’s 2026 proposed budget today at 1:30 pm. Tune in here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/department-environment-natural-resources-budget-2026/

DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said they espouse in the agency a flood control program "that is not only centered in infrastructure." David said flood control has to happen through protection of watersheds, impoundment of water, clearing of waterways instead of blocking and diverting, and proper land use planning.

Akbayan Representative Dadah Ismula asked DENR officials about the integration of integrated forest management agreements in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat allegedly without the consent of Taboli-Manobos. DENR said there is already a pending recommendation following an investigation. M&S Company operates a massive coffee plantation in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, under a IFMA.

Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña raised the problem of denied FOI requests from civil society concerning environmental impacts assessments of development projects. DENR Secretary Popo Lotilla asked for a list of denied requests so they can look into the issue.

Lotilla said they are "strengthening cooperation" with the Philippine Reclamation Authority re Manila Bay reclamation projects. Lotilla said they are looking at requiring more info from project proponents at the start so the ECC process (environmental compliance certificate) is not just playing catch up.

Lotilla: "We can already look at where the mangroves are, the no go zones, the protected areas and so no and not deal with it after the permit has already been issued."

Usec David said part of their strategy now is to integrae flood control and water security effors. "Instead of putting river dikes, which flushes all that water to the ocean, the more appropriate strategy is to actually impound it so that we will have water during the dry season..."

ML Rep Leila de Lima asks DENR on the alleged lack of consultations with affected communities in Nueva Vizcaya regarding the exploration permit given to mining firm Woggle Corporation.

Good morning! After the 7-hour budget hearing at the House of Representatives yesterday, DENR officials are at the Senate today for the first hearing of the Senate committee on environment, natural resources and climate change headed by Senator Camille Villar.

Hello! The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) conducted a Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for the 3rd quarter of the year.

Earlier today at the Lapu-lapu Grandstand, Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Chairperson of NDRRMC and Secretary of the Department of National Defense lead the Ceremonial Pressing of the Button.

To open the program, he reminded everyone about how earthquakes strike without warning or mercy but preparation is key: "Ang kalamidad ay hindi nagpapasabi... pero ang pagiging handa ay desisyon natin."

You can watch the livestream replay at the Civil Defense PH Facebook page here: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/171WgQUaMb/

With regards to improving disaster risk response, DOST - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Teresito C. Bacolcol mentioned the recently signed PHIVOLCS Modernization Act (Republic Act No. 12180). The act allocates 7 billion pesos over five years to enhance the equipment related to disaster response, particularly in early warning, monitoring, and research regarding volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes.

He explained how there are only currently 125 seismic stations in the country, but that 300 stations is the ideal amount for the Philippines' geography. Prior to the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act and only 4 seismic stations could be added per year. With the newly approved budget, it would take less than 5 years to set up the rest of the 175 stations needed.

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