Author: Christine Macapagal

  • Major Drug Bust in Iloilo City Captures Three, Seizes P4 Million in Shabu

    In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Iloilo City authorities successfully executed a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balabago, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of PHP4.08 million worth of shabu. The operation, which took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, was the largest drug haul in the city this year. The…

  • Philippine House Advances Bill to Professionalize Agriculture

    In a significant move to elevate the status of agriculture in the Philippines, the House of Representatives has passed a bill on its second reading. The legislation, known as House Bill 11186, aims to establish a regulatory framework for the agricultural profession, which has been highlighted by the recent armyworm damage to corn crops in…

  • Ilocos Norte Aims to Increase Flight Connections to Laoag in Preparation for 2025 Palarong Pambansa

    In anticipation of hosting the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, the Ilocos Norte government is actively working to enhance air travel options to Laoag International Airport. Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc announced plans to collaborate with airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia to reinstate direct flights from Cebu and Davao to Laoag. This initiative…

  • President Marcos Jr. Aims to Strengthen Philippines-India Relations

    President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his desire to bolster the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and India during a meeting with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday. Marcos highlighted the significance of enhancing ties amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. Margherita’s…

  • Senator Gatchalian Demands Thorough Investigation into Banks’ Role in POGO Money Laundering

    Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has pledged to ramp up the investigation into the potential involvement of banks and other financial entities in money laundering activities connected to the illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). This commitment was made public on January 13, 2024, following the shutdown of the largest POGO facility in Kawit, Cavite,…

  • Senator Legarda Urges Enhanced Initiatives to Boost Philippine Local Fabrics

    In celebration of Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month, Senator Loren Legarda has once again emphasized the importance of developing more initiatives to safeguard and promote the country’s local and indigenous fabrics. Speaking on Monday, she highlighted the necessity of ongoing research and development to fully utilize the Philippines’ rich resources, including fibers from pineapple, banana, and…

  • NGCP Aims to Replace Aging Wooden Poles in Tacloban by 2025 to Boost Power Reliability

    The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has set a target to replace the remaining 55 wooden poles in Tacloban City and its surrounding areas by the end of 2025, aiming to improve the reliability of power transmission. Ricardo Lozano, the district manager for Leyte and Samar, explained during a recent press conference that…

  • Japanese Foreign Minister to Visit Philippines, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

    Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi will travel to the Philippines next week to reinforce Japan’s dedication to its ‘strengthened strategic partnership’ with the nation, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The visit, scheduled for January 14 to 15, will include a bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. The agenda will cover…

  • Department of Agriculture Foresees Palay Production Bounce Back in 2025

    In a hopeful outlook for the year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed confidence in the recovery of local palay production in 2025. This optimism comes after a challenging year marked by the El Niño weather pattern, a series of typhoons, and the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, which collectively impacted rice production in 2024.…

  • Philippine Health Department Tracks 284 HMPV Cases in 2024 Amidst Respiratory Virus Surveillance

    The Department of Health (DOH) in Manila disclosed on Wednesday that there have been 284 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) recorded in 2024, making up 5.8% of the 4,921 samples that tested positive for respiratory viruses. The DOH is keeping a close watch on HMPV infections as part of the nation’s efforts to monitor respiratory…