Author: Dorothy Marasigan
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Philippines Boosts Kalayaan Island Group Infrastructure with Additional P3.03 Billion
The Philippine government has announced an additional investment of PHP3.03 billion for the development of infrastructure in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), part of the contested Spratly Islands. This funding will enhance the Pag-asa Island airport with PHP1.65 billion and allocate PHP300 million for the Pag-asa shelter port. Additionally, PHP1.08 billion is set aside for…
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Agriculture Department Challenges Supreme Court’s Decision on Commercial Fishing in Local Waters
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA), represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, has filed a motion with the Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that permits commercial fishing boats to operate in municipal waters designated for local fishers. The DA’s motion emphasizes the need to safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and…
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President Marcos Jr. Advocates for Increased Education Budget Amid Cuts
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is advocating for a larger budget for the education sector after the Department of Education (DepEd) faced budget reductions and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) encountered funding issues for its 2025 programs. During a budget review meeting at Malacañan Palace, Marcos stressed the importance of prioritizing education.…
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Samar Leaders Optimistic for Peaceful 2025 Elections with ‘Balik-Armas’ Initiative
In Samar province, local leaders are expressing optimism about the upcoming 2025 elections, attributing their hope to the success of the ‘Balik-Armas’ campaign. This initiative encourages residents to surrender their illegally owned firearms, aiming to reduce potential violence during the electoral period. Governor Sharee Ann Tan has actively promoted the campaign, urging police chiefs and…
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Ilocos Region Allocates P44.3 Million for ASF-Affected Hog Farmers
In a significant move to support local agriculture, the Department of Agriculture in the Ilocos Region (DA-1) has approved a budget of PHP44.3 million to compensate hog farmers impacted by African swine fever (ASF). This financial aid is designated for the first and second groups of affected farmers across the region. Compensation rates have been…
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Philippine Agriculture Secretary to Declare Food Security Emergency Amid High Rice Prices
In a move to combat soaring rice prices, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is poised to declare a ‘food security emergency’ by the end of January. This decision follows a resolution from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), which has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take action despite falling global rice prices…
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Commission on Population and Development Urges Action on Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has raised concerns about the increasing number of adolescent pregnancies, especially among girls under 15. CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales highlighted the urgency of the situation in a recent statement, pointing out a 6.6 percent rise in live births among girls aged 10 to 14 from 2019 to…
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Court Issues Arrest Warrants for 29 Police Officers in Mishandled P6.7 Billion Drug Seizure
MANILA – A Manila court has issued arrest warrants for 29 current and former police officers implicated in the mishandling of a PHP6.7 billion drug seizure that occurred in October 2022. Judge Gwyn Calina of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 44 set the bail at PHP200,000 per accused in the order dated January 14. The…
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Philippines to Address West Philippine Sea Issues with China in Upcoming Bilateral Talks
The Philippine government is gearing up to discuss recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, including the controversial presence of a Chinese ‘monster ship’ near Zambales, during a scheduled bilateral meeting with China on January 16. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, speaking after a separate meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, confirmed the upcoming…
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Easterly Winds Cause Suspension of Classes and Work Across Davao Region
In response to the threat of heavy rainfall from easterly winds, the Davao Region saw widespread suspension of classes and work on January 15, 2025. The provincial government of Davao Occidental took the lead by ordering a halt to all educational and work activities in both private and public sectors, encouraging government employees to work…
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