Author: Laarni Hilario

  • Decline in Budget Deficit Praised by DBM Chief

    Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed satisfaction over the reduction in the national budget deficit. In her statement on Friday, she highlighted that the decrease surpassed initial expectations. “We are thrilled to report that our 2024 budget deficit has fallen to 5.7 percent of GDP, equivalent to P1.506 trillion. This achievement is beyond our projections,” stated…

  • Philippine Military Welcomes Continued U.S. Aid, Signaling Robust Bilateral Relations

    MANILA – The Philippine military has expressed its appreciation for the U.S. decision to exempt the country from a global freeze on foreign aid, viewing it as a testament to the enduring strength of the Philippines-U.S. relationship. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, head of the AFP public affairs office, described the move as a positive step that…

  • Zamboanga City’s KCC Mall to Host Polling Station for Midterm Elections

    In a groundbreaking move for the Zamboanga Peninsula, KCC Mall de Zamboanga has signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to serve as a polling location for the upcoming midterm elections on May 12. The signing ceremony, held on February 21, 2025, was attended by key figures including lawyers Jan Christian Babiera and…

  • Bicol Region Sees Significant Drop in Crime Rates in January 2025

    In a promising development for public safety, the Bicol region has experienced a notable decline in crime rates during January 2025, as reported by the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5). According to PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, the region recorded 1,636 crimes this January, a decrease from the 1,883 cases reported in January…

  • DPWH Initiates Major Overhaul of Biliran Bridge After Viral Swaying Incident

    The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has embarked on a significant PHP28.9-million repair project for the Biliran Bridge, which connects the island province to the Leyte mainland. The repair work commenced more than a month after the bridge gained notoriety online for its alarming wavelike movements. The DPWH Biliran district engineering office confirmed…

  • DBM Hands Over P10.9-M Vehicles Procured Through eMarketplace

    MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the successful delivery of six motor vehicles, valued at PHP10.9 million, to government agencies through the newly launched eMarketplace platform. This initiative is part of the broader New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 20, 2024,…

  • Fuel Surcharge Escalates to Level 5 in March, Announces Civil Aeronautics Board

    The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has announced an increase in the fuel surcharge to Level 5 starting March, marking the first adjustment of the year. This surcharge, an additional fee airlines can impose to offset fluctuating fuel costs, will affect both domestic and international flights. For example, AirAsia Philippines, a budget airline, will see domestic…

  • New P118.8 Million Bridge in La Union Enhances Regional Connectivity

    The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently unveiled a new 50-meter bridge in Santol town, La Union, marking a significant improvement in regional infrastructure. The bridge, part of the Santol–San Gabriel (La Union)–Kapangan (Benguet) Road, was officially opened to the public on February 14, 2025, following its completion on October 31, 2024.…

  • Iloilo City Establishes Task Force to Enhance Tree Planting Strategy

    In a move to better organize and strategize tree planting efforts, Iloilo City has set up a dedicated task force. This initiative was announced by Mayor Jerry Treñas during a press conference on February 17, 2025, where he highlighted the current disorganized nature of the city’s tree planting activities. The task force, to be led…

  • Philippines and Georgia Forge Agreement on Seafarer Certification Recognition

    In a move to bolster maritime relations, the Philippines and Georgia have signed an agreement to recognize each other’s seafarer certificates, adhering to the standards set by the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The agreement was announced by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines, highlighting…