Author: Fabian Apostol

  • New Computer-Based Licensure Testing Facility Opens in Cebu

    The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has inaugurated a new computer-based testing center in Cebu City, marking a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility of professional licensure exams across the Philippines. The facility, located at the GMC Plaza Building near Plaza Independencia, was officially opened on Monday, February 10, 2025, and can handle up to 282…

  • Philippine Government Aids Farmers After Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Causes Nearly P1 Billion in Agricultural Losses

    In the wake of the devastating eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on December 9, 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has pledged ongoing support to the farmers of Negros Island, where agricultural losses have soared to PHP913.026 million. The eruption’s impact was felt across Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, affecting a total of 4,066 farmers in…

  • Philippines and UAE Aim to Deepen Economic Ties

    In a significant move to bolster economic relations, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have committed to expanding their trade and investment collaborations. This decision was solidified during a meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila, where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hosted UAE’s Minister of Investment, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, on February 7, 2025.…

  • New BFAR Director Elizer Salilig Poised to Boost Support for Small-Scale Fishers

    In a recent development from Manila, optimism surrounds the appointment of Elizer Salilig as the new director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan, who chairs the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, expressed his belief that Salilig’s passion and dedication will significantly aid over…

  • BMI Forecasts Robust Growth in Philippine Consumer Spending

    MANILA – BMI, a subsidiary of Fitch Solutions, anticipates a robust increase in consumer spending throughout the current year, fueled by the country’s strong economic performance. The firm projects a rise in real household spending from 5.0 percent in 2024 to 5.3 percent in 2025, according to a report released on Thursday. BMI estimates that…

  • Philippine Inflation Holds Steady at 2.9% in January Amid Rice Price Drop

    In January, the Philippines experienced a consistent inflation rate of 2.9%, mirroring the figure from December 2024. This stability comes as rice prices fell, counteracting rises in other food categories. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported a significant deflation in rice prices at -2.3%, the lowest since June 2020, which contributed to maintaining the overall inflation…

  • Japanese Embassy in Manila Aims to Reduce Visa Processing Time to Five Days

    The Japanese Embassy in Manila is striving to expedite the visa processing time to just five days, despite a significant increase in Filipino tourists wanting to travel to Japan. The embassy has encouraged travelers to apply for their visas two months ahead of their planned departure. Amidst a record-breaking number of tourism visa applications, the…

  • DSWD Targets Over Half a Million 4Ps Members for PhilSys Registration in Northern Mindanao

    In Cagayan de Oro City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) has set a goal to register 529,306 beneficiaries into the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). This effort is specifically aimed at members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Oliver Inodeo, the focal person for DSWD-10, shared in a recent…

  • Luxury German Cruise Ship Docks at Leyte’s Kalanggaman Island, Boosting Local Tourism

    On a sunny Sunday, the luxury cruise ship MS Europa 2, carrying 490 German tourists, made a memorable stop at Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte. This visit marks the first of three anticipated cruise ship arrivals in Eastern Visayas this year. The picturesque 6.8-hectare island, located 15 kilometers from Palompon’s town center and accessible by…

  • Rainy Weather Forecast for Philippines Due to Easterlies and Northeast Monsoon

    MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted that the easterlies and the northeast monsoon, known locally as ‘amihan’, will continue to bring rain to various parts of the Philippines. According to PAGASA’s Rhea Torres, the northeast monsoon is expected to cause light rain in certain areas of Luzon, while…