Author: Janelle Sebastian

  • OCD Administrator Calls for NDRRMC Law Revisions and Improved Warning Systems

    The head of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, is advocating for changes to the legislation that established the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). He believes that amending the law to allow the formation of an executive committee would streamline decision-making processes, which currently require the full council’s involvement.…

  • Philippine Manufacturing Sector Sees Growth in December

    In a positive shift for the Philippine economy, the manufacturing sector reported growth in December of the previous year, reversing the decline observed in November. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the value of production index (VaPI) increased by 0.4 percent, a significant improvement from the -3.5 percent drop recorded in November 2024. However,…

  • House of Representatives to Honor Senate’s Timing on Vice President Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

    In a recent press conference, Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor announced that the House of Representatives will adhere to the Senate’s schedule for convening as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte. Defensor emphasized the House’s respect for the Senate’s interpretation of the term ‘forthwith,’ indicating their readiness to act on the…

  • OCD Administrator Urges Tighter Building Code Enforcement to Boost Earthquake Readiness

    MANILA – Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the head of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has once again emphasized the need for a more rigorous application of the National Building Code and a halt to building projects in restricted zones across the Philippines. This push is aimed at significantly improving the nation’s readiness for earthquakes. In…

  • 1,224 Pregnant Women and Toddlers in Antique Enroll in New Cash Grant Program

    In a significant move to bolster health and nutrition, 1,224 pregnant women and children up to two years old from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Antique have signed up for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) First 1,000 Days (F1KD) program. Jeffrey Gabucay, the Antique 4Ps Provincial Link official, announced the…

  • House Speaker Pays Tribute to Late Rep. Edcel Lagman as a True Statesman

    MANILA – On Wednesday, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez honored the late Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, describing him as a true statesman committed to democracy, human rights, and progressive legislation. During a necrological service at the House of Representatives Plenary Hall, Romualdez delivered a eulogy that celebrated Lagman’s life and contributions. Romualdez emphasized that the…

  • Legislator Proposes Exclusive Fishing Rights for Small-Scale Fishers in Municipal Waters

    In a move to support small-scale fishers, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez introduced House Bill 11383 on February 3, 2025. The bill aims to grant exclusive fishing rights to small fishers within municipal waters, extending 15 kilometers from the shoreline of coastal local government units. This legislative proposal seeks to amend…

  • DSWD Distributes Over PHP7 Million in Food Aid to Shear Line-Affected Families in Bicol

    The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has provided more than PHP7 million in food assistance to 9,810 families across 37 villages in Albay and Camarines Norte, impacted by the shear line. The distribution took place over the weekend, as announced by DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio on Monday. In Albay, PHP4,358,690…

  • Cloudy Conditions and Scattered Showers Expected Across the Philippines

    MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted that the northeast monsoon combined with the easterlies will lead to cloudy conditions and scattered showers across various regions of the Philippines, as stated in their Saturday bulletin. The Bicol Region and Quezon are set to see cloudy skies with scattered rains and…

  • First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to Attend World Governments Summit in Dubai

    First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will represent the Philippines at the upcoming World Governments Summit in Dubai, scheduled from February 11 to 13, as announced by the Presidential Communications Office on January 31, 2025. Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not be attending the event in the United Arab Emirates.…