Author: Brian Corpuz

  • ARAL Program Launched to Combat Learning Loss in the Philippines

    The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, recently signed into law, is now ready for implementation to tackle the issue of learning loss among students. The finalization of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was completed just 34 days after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12028. Education Secretary Edgardo Angara…

  • Ilocos Norte’s 2,778 Tobacco Farmers Receive PHP16.67 Million in Production Support

    In a significant boost to the local tobacco industry, 2,778 farmers in Ilocos Norte have been granted production assistance totaling nearly PHP16.67 million for the 2024-2025 cropping season. Each farmer received PHP6,000 to aid their planting efforts, as confirmed by Randy Abella, the branch manager of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) in Ilocos Norte. The…

  • Philippine Military Declares Communist Rebels Unable to Mount Large-Scale Attacks

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that the communist insurgents are no longer in a position to execute large-scale military operations. This statement comes as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) approaches its 56th founding anniversary on December 26. According to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the rebels’ capabilities…

  • DOST Scholars Excel in National Teacher Licensure Exam

    In a remarkable display of academic excellence, two scholars from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have secured top positions in the September 2024 licensure examination for professional teachers. Shandie Carbonell and Patricia Balico, both alumni of Mariano Marcos State University in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, achieved 8th and 9th places respectively, showcasing their…

  • Kidapawan City Mayor Announces P100,000 Bounty Following Failed Mall Robbery

    In a bold move to apprehend the culprits behind a botched robbery at the Gaisano Grand Mall, Kidapawan City Mayor Paolo Evangelista has announced a substantial P100,000 reward. The incident, which occurred on the night of December 9, 2024, saw four suspects attempting to infiltrate the mall via its drainage system but ultimately leaving without…

  • DSWD-6 Pauses Guarantee Letter Issuance for Year-End Financial Closure

    The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has announced a temporary halt on issuing guarantee letters (GL) starting December 13, 2024. This decision affects recipients of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos at Kita Program (AKAP). The pause is to facilitate the year-end liquidation…

  • DOLE Issues Pay Guidelines for December 8 Holiday

    The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a reminder to private sector employers about the correct compensation rules for the upcoming special non-working holiday on Sunday, December 8, which marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. According to the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy, employees who do not work on this holiday will…

  • MinDA to Boost Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Mindanao’s Local Governments

    DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is set to ramp up its efforts in promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) starting January 2025, with the goal of enhancing the capabilities of local government units (LGUs) throughout Mindanao. MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno announced on Thursday that this move is in line with the Marcos administration’s…

  • Baguio City Urges Tourists to Use Official Accommodation List to Prevent Scams

    Baguio City’s tourism officials are strongly advising visitors to consult the city’s official list of accredited accommodations to safeguard against fraudulent activities. Gladys Vergara, the head of the Baguio Tourism Council, emphasized the importance of using the Baguio Visita website (https://visita.baguio.gov.ph) to find verified places to stay. This initiative comes as part of a broader…

  • Red Tide Alert Issued for Balite Bay in Mati City

    Mati City’s Mayor Michelle Rabat has issued a stern warning to both residents and tourists about the dangers of red tide in Balite Bay, following an advisory from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 11. On November 27, 2024, BFAR-11 confirmed the presence of the toxic dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense, which is known…