Author: Jessica Manalili

  • Legislation Needed to Ensure Permanent Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, Says Lawmaker

    MANILA, Philippines — A call has been made for the House of Representatives to pass legislation that would permanently prohibit Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) to ensure that these entities do not resume operations in the future. Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. emphasized that without a formal law to institutionalize the President’s existing…

  • Comelec and Ayala Malls Partner to Enhance Voting Experience in Legazpi City

    In a move to enhance voter convenience, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bicol has entered into a partnership with Ayala Malls. The agreement, signed on February 21, 2025, at Ayala Mall in Legazpi City, Albay, will allow 1,016 registered voters from Barangay Lapu-Lapu to cast their votes in the upcoming May elections within the…

  • New Lifelines for Disaster Zones: Church Donates Vital Boats to Philippine Marines

    In a significant boost to disaster response capabilities, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT-9) of the 3rd Marine Brigade has been equipped with two new rubber boats, complete with outboard motors. These essential assets, donated by the Humanitarian Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were handed over during a ceremony…

  • Philippines Tightens Grip on US Poultry Imports Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

    In a decisive move to curb the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Manila has expanded its temporary import ban to include poultry products from four additional US states. The decision, announced on Thursday, targets Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, following confirmed H5N1 bird flu outbreaks reported…

  • Philippines and Israel Join Forces to Combat Chemical and Nuclear Threats

    In a groundbreaking move to bolster its disaster response capabilities, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Philippines is setting its sights on a strategic partnership with Israel. This collaboration aims to tackle the daunting challenges posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, which pose significant risks to public health and safety.…

  • Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Establishes Council to Enhance Financial Sector’s Cyber Defenses

    The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has taken a significant step towards fortifying the cyber resilience of the financial sector by establishing the Financial Cyber Resilience Governance Council (FCRGC) on February 11, 2025. The launch event, held at the BSP’s head office in Manila, was attended by key figures including BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr.,…

  • DA’s SAAD Program Distributes P36.3 Million to Boost Agriculture in Caraga

    In a significant boost to local agriculture, the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program has allocated PHP36.3 million to support 28 farmers’ associations across Caraga in 2024. This financial aid, aimed at enhancing food production and livelihood projects, has reached 726 individuals in the regions of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del…

  • Cebu Police Arrest Four, Seize Over P2 Million in Shabu During Two Sting Operations

    In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in Cebu City, law enforcement officials arrested four individuals and confiscated shabu valued at over PHP2 million in two separate sting operations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The first operation led to the arrest of a 51-year-old man, his 48-year-old girlfriend, and their 31-year-old son in Barangay Duljo-Fatima.…

  • Philippine Army Claims NPA Leader’s Death Will Spur Economic Growth in Northeastern Mindanao

    In a significant development for Northeastern Mindanao, the Philippine Army announced that the recent death of a prominent New People’s Army (NPA) leader is expected to catalyze economic advancement in the region. Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, who leads the Eastern Mindanao Command, highlighted the potential for growth following the demise of Myrna Sularte, a…

  • TESDA Simplifies Bookkeeping Training for SK Treasurers

    The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has made significant changes to the bookkeeping training requirements for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers, aiming to streamline the process and enhance financial management skills. Previously, SK treasurers were required to complete the extensive Bookkeeping NC III course, which spans approximately 292 hours over a year. However, TESDA…