Author: Noemi Villanueva

  • Government Assistance for Kanlaon Volcano-Affected Families Reaches Over PHP197 Million

    The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on Wednesday that the government has disbursed more than PHP197.5 million in aid to families impacted by the ongoing activity of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island. The aid distribution breaks down to PHP126.8 million for Central Visayas and PHP70.7 million for Western Visayas, as detailed…

  • Iloilo Taxi Driver Celebrated for Returning P2.4 Million Cash

    In a heartwarming display of honesty, 52-year-old taxi driver Anthony Aguirre from Pavia town has been recognized by the Iloilo City government for returning a bag containing PHP2.4 million in cash. The bag was left behind by a passenger in Aguirre’s A&A Marie Taxi on January 17, 2025, during a trip from a hotel to…

  • Philippines and US Launch 2025 Maritime Drills in West Philippine Sea

    In a significant display of military collaboration, the Philippines and the United States kicked off the first maritime cooperative activity (MCA) of 2025 in the West Philippine Sea. The event, which took place over the weekend, marked the fifth such exercise since the series began in November 2023, according to the Armed Forces of the…

  • Overwhelming Majority of Filipinos Support Government’s Defense of West Philippine Sea

    A recent OCTA Research survey reveals that a significant 84% of Filipinos endorse the Philippine government’s actions to safeguard and assert its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. The survey, known as Tugon ng Masa, was carried out between November 10 and 16, 2024, and highlighted a robust backing for these efforts across various…

  • Agriculture Secretary Proposes ‘Hybrid’ Tariff on Rice to Stabilize Prices

    In a bid to manage the escalating cost of rice, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. announced his intention to introduce a ‘hybrid’ tariff system. Speaking at a press briefing in Manila, Tiu-Laurel explained that this new approach would involve varying tariffs based on the type and quality of rice. He suggested maintaining a 15 percent…

  • Commission on Population and Development Urges Immediate Action on Rising Adolescent Pregnancy Rates

    The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has raised concerns about the increasing number of adolescent pregnancies, especially among girls under 15. CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales emphasized the urgency of the situation in a recent statement, calling for immediate and comprehensive measures to tackle the issue. She stressed the importance of age-appropriate sexuality education…

  • Albay Province Grants P72.1 Million to Boost Social Services in 721 Villages

    In a move to enhance community services, Albay’s provincial government has announced a financial aid package totaling P72.1 million, aimed at supporting 721 barangays across the province. Acting Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao revealed in a recent interview that each barangay will receive P100,000 to improve the delivery of essential government services directly to residents. Governor Bongao…

  • Benguet State University to Boost Rural Healthcare with New Medical Program

    Benguet State University (BSU) is set to enhance healthcare in the Cordillera region by launching its College of Medicine, which will begin accepting students in the first semester of the 2025-26 academic year. BSU President Dr. Kenneth Laruan announced that the program will start with an initial intake of 50 students, with 13 slots reserved…

  • President Marcos Urges Swift Agricultural Support for Farmers During Planting Season

    In a directive issued from Malacañang, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called upon the Department of Agriculture (DA) to expedite the delivery of essential support to farmers across the nation, emphasizing the importance of timely assistance during the current planting season. During a meeting with economic managers on Monday, the President made it clear…

  • Armed Forces of the Philippines to Maintain Security Operations During Election Duties

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has announced that it will not halt its internal security operations despite its additional responsibilities in supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the upcoming midterm elections. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized in a recent interview on Radyo 630 that the military’s internal security efforts will…