Habagat Disruptions: Southwest monsoon rains keep hitting Luzon; several localities suspended classes for Aug. 17, with Lucena City and Nasugbu, Batangas among areas moving to alternative learning as heavy rainfall is expected across parts of Metro Manila, Cavite and Batangas. Education Funding: DBM released ₱9.752B to cover arrears for the Free Higher Education Program for 108 state universities and colleges, with CHEd/UniFAST set to facilitate releases. Social Protection: Marcos administration will continue Bagong Pilipinas Rice, distributing 10 kilos of free rice every two months to nearly 8 million poor households, with Cebu receiving the latest batch. Budget & Accountability: Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. urged senators to explain the alleged ₱24B “leadership fund” allocation in the 2025 DPWH budget, while lawmakers also push for transparency in the 2027 bicam budget process. BARMM Security: President Marcos ordered tighter security after an ambush on BARMM interim chief Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua; AFP and PNP vowed to identify perpetrators ahead of Sept. 14 parliamentary elections. Power/Water Notes: Maynilad and Manila Water scheduled maintenance-related water interruptions through Aug. 21 in parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas. Local Economy Stress: In Benguet, farmers dumped cabbage and carrots along a road as low prices and lack of buyers left them unable to cover transport costs. Sports: Alex Eala set for a Cincinnati Open third-round clash with world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova after Ruse retired; in PVL On Tour, PLDT capped its campaign with a sweep in Lanao del Norte.