Unang Balita sa Unang Hirit: (Part 1) August 4, 2026 [HD]

Main news points (with key details)

1) Typhoon Luis and flooding in Pangasinan

• Before Typhoon Luis was even declared a low-pressure area, it already brought heavy rains and flooding in multiple towns and cities in Pangasinan.
• Motorists faced slow travel due to accumulated water on the Dagupan–Calasiao Road.
• The LGU of Calasiao is monitoring low-lying areas, especially near the Marusay River.
• One resident described the ongoing rains as feeling like a “year of drought,” suggesting prolonged distress beyond brief flooding.
• In Dagupan City, Tapwak Road was blocked.
• Flooding also worsened in some residential areas due to high tide combined with the storm’s early impact.

2) Warnings in Alaminos; dam risk

• In Alaminos, the Barangay Kibwar Council warned that a dam is near overflow.
• Residents were advised to avoid approaching the dam and rivers while authorities continue monitoring.

3) Aurora (Depacula) road damage and hazards

• Aurora, including Depacula, experienced heavy rains from Typhoon Luis.
• A road toll area near a spillway saw water reach the area after rainfall and upstream releases.
• Travel became difficult as rocks and soil from mountain collapses blocked some roads.
• The LGU conducted clearing operations immediately.

4) Court case: Sen. Dante Marcoleta’s plea

• Senator Dante Marcoleta refused to enter a plea regarding charges tied to violating Presidential Decree 46 (a law restricting public officials from accepting gifts).
• His lawyer said a motion is still pending in the Supreme Court, which is why the Sandiganbayan entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
• Co-accused Aristotel Viray also entered a not guilty plea.
• Viray is alleged to have given PHP 20 million to Marcoleta on January 9, 2025, when Marcoleta was still a congressman.

5) Education crisis commentary: “left behind”

An organization (PBED—Philippine Business for Education) argued that Philippine education is being left behind. Key issues raised include:

• Shortage of classrooms and teachers
• More than 20 million functionally elite? / functionally illiterate Filipinos (subtitles suggest 24.8 million functionally illiterate)
• Continued learning struggles even for students in programs meant to help

A featured example was an 11-year-old Grade 5 student (“Tonton”) who still struggles to read and understand words—illustrating that the learning gap persists despite interventions.

Data and claims cited

• 1991: edcom 1 flagged ~14.5 million functionally illiterate Filipinos
• 35 years later: the figure nearly doubled to 24.8 million
• Math and science underperformance over decades (TIMSS data referenced):
  • 1999: ranked 36th out of 38
  • 2019: cited as a “historic baseline” 58 out of 58 in Grade 4 math/science
• Claim that nearly all senior high graduates leave basic education without mastering core competencies (subtitles include 99.53% / 53%, presented as extremely high)

The argument concludes this is not only about poverty, but a system problem affecting society and the economy.

Proposed approach

• Education policy must outlast politics, including:
  1. Insulating education policy from political transitions
  2. More investment in early childhood care and development
  3. Strengthening local governments and schools and using funds effectively
  4. Expanding private-sector partnerships
  5. Electing leaders who prioritize education

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara responded that most PBED data is outdated, according to the report.

Presenters / contributors

• Mar Umali (GMA News)
• DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara
• Senator Dante Marcoleta
• Aristotel Viray
• (PBED) Philippine Business for Education (organization referenced; no individual spokesperson named in subtitles)