Author: Homer Pangilinan
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Senator Gatchalian Clarifies: PMA and PNPA Budgets Count as Education Sector Funding
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently addressed concerns about the constitutionality of the 2025 Government Appropriations Act, emphasizing that the budgets allocated to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) are indeed part of the education sector’s funding. During a regular session at the Kapihan sa Senado, Gatchalian argued that these institutions,…
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Philippines Halts Bird and Poultry Imports from New Zealand Due to Avian Flu Outbreak
MANILA – In response to an avian influenza outbreak reported in New Zealand in November 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds, as well as various poultry products from the country. This decision was made public on Wednesday, aiming to…
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Bicol Region Sees 24% Surge in Fireworks Injuries During Holiday Season
The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) announced on January 6, 2025, a significant rise in fireworks-related injuries during the recent holiday festivities, with a total of 61 cases reported. This marks a 24% increase from the 49 cases recorded in the previous year. The data was collected across the six provinces of Bicol and…
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Lawmaker Proposes P500 Million to Kickstart Digital Transformation in Public Schools
In a move to enhance educational access and prepare students for future challenges, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan has proposed an initial investment of PHP500 million to digitalize the Philippine public school system. This initiative, detailed in House Bill 276, known as the Institutionalization of Digital Technology in Public Education Act, aims to…
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Antique’s Indigenous Group Boosts Herbal Medicine Production Through Community Gardening
In San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, the Latazon Indigenous Peoples Organization (LAIPO) is promoting community gardening to enhance the production of traditional herbal medicines. Abel Pedro, the head of LAIPO and the Iraynon Bukidnon Antique provincial tribal chairman, highlighted the initiative during an interview on January 2, 2025. The organization is particularly focused on cultivating…
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Bacolod City to Launch Sectoral IDs for Streamlined Assistance and Service Access
Bacolod City is set to introduce sectoral identification cards to members of its accredited associations starting in January. This initiative aims to simplify the process of distributing aid and accessing city services. The city’s Management Information Technology and Computer Services department is currently compiling a database to support this effort. City Administrator Lucille Gelvolea explained…
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Japan’s Revised Travel Advisory Boosts Mindanao’s Image as Safe Tourist Destination
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed Japan’s decision to lower its travel advisory levels for several regions in Mindanao, signaling that the area is increasingly safe for tourists. The Japanese Foreign Ministry recently adjusted its travel warnings, downgrading the advisory for parts of Mindanao, which the DOT sees as a positive endorsement of the…
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President Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Bersamin Plan for Upcoming Cabinet Meeting
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday to prepare for the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, set for January 7. The meeting’s agenda was a key focus, as shared by Cesar Chavez, the Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, via text to reporters. Chavez mentioned that President Marcos…
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Tragedy Strikes as Cargo Ship Sinks Off Northern Samar: One Dead, One Missing
In a tragic maritime incident, one crew member of the cargo vessel MV Jerlyn Khatness lost their life, and another remains unaccounted for after the ship sank near Lavezares, Northern Samar on December 30. The body of a 30-year-old crew member was found floating near Biri, Northern Samar, as confirmed by the Office of Civil…
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DOH-NIR Promotes Safe New Year Celebrations Amid Rising Fireworks Injuries
In Bacolod City, the Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) is advocating for safer New Year celebrations as the region reports a concerning number of fireworks-related injuries. As of December 30, 2024, there have been 30 incidents, with a significant majority, 25, involving minors. This alarming statistic prompted DOH-NIR Regional Director Razel…
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