Author: Janelle Sebastian

  • Philippine Stock Market Rises Post CREATE MORE Act IRR Signing, Peso Declines

    In Manila, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) saw a significant increase on Tuesday, buoyed by the recent signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the CREATE MORE Act, aimed at corporate recovery and tax incentives. The PSEi closed at 6,094.96, marking a 1.69 percent rise, while the All Shares index also advanced…

  • El Niño Triggers 12% Decline in Negros Occidental’s 2024 Rice Output

    In 2024, the agricultural sector of Negros Occidental faced a significant setback as palay production fell by 11.97%, a direct consequence of the El Niño-induced drought. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released these figures on February 17, 2025, highlighting the impact of the prolonged dry spell on the province’s rice fields. Last year’s total palay…

  • TESDA Eases Bookkeeping Course Requirements for SK Treasurers

    The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced a significant reduction in the bookkeeping course requirements for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers. Previously, SK treasurers were required to complete the extensive Bookkeeping NC III course, which spans approximately 292 hours over a year. However, TESDA has now replaced this requirement with a more manageable…

  • Three Weather Patterns to Persist Across the Philippines on Sunday

    MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday that the shearline, easterlies, and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will continue to influence weather conditions across various regions of the country. According to the 4 a.m. bulletin, the shearline is expected to cause cloudy conditions with scattered rains and isolated…

  • Negros Occidental Boosts Local Balut Production with PHP2 Million Investment

    Negros Occidental has launched a significant initiative to enhance its balut production, investing PHP2 million in a project aimed at former rebels and farmers. The project was officially handed over by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the provincial capitol in Bacolod City on February 14, 2025. The initiative, known as the Itik-Pinas Raising for Balut…

  • DSWD Encourages 4Ps Beneficiaries to Engage in Elections and Beware of Misinformation

    The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively promoting the participation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the upcoming midterm elections in May. In a recent online session of the ‘4Ps Fastbreak’ program, Director Gemma Gabuya, the National Program Manager for 4Ps, emphasized the importance of exercising the right to vote.…

  • Comelec Flags Senatorial Candidates for Violating Campaign Poster Regulations

    Just a day into the campaign period for the May 2025 national elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified several senatorial candidates whose campaign materials do not adhere to the established poster guidelines. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia revealed in a Wednesday interview that these violations are widespread across all regions, with approximately five candidates…

  • DHSUD Encourages Low-Income Families to Enroll in 4PH Housing Program

    The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has issued a call to action for low-income Filipinos to join the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program. In a recent interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar announced that construction of 4PH units is underway across the Philippines following extensive…

  • Philippines Achieves Unprecedented Renewable Energy Milestone in 2024 with 794 MW Installed

    In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, the Philippines recorded its highest ever installation of renewable energy capacity in 2024, reaching 794.34 megawatts (MW). The Department of Energy (DOE) announced this achievement, highlighting a substantial increase from the previous years’ total of 759.82 MW installed between 2021 and 2023. The year 2021 saw an installation…

  • Senator Legarda Advocates for Sustainable Development Over Mining in Antique

    Senator Loren Legarda has once again voiced her strong opposition to the proposed mining operations in Antique, emphasizing the need for sustainable development instead. Speaking at the Philippine Resilience Awards at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on November 25, 2024, and further elaborating on February 10, 2025, Legarda highlighted the dangers that mining…