The Department of Tourism (DOT) here has launched the bike trail tourism project that will aid in physical and mental health and attract more domestic tourists amid the pandemic. In an interview on Friday, DOT Ilocos regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega said this is part of the tourism recovery plan focusing on outdoor activities. “We wanted to cater to domestic tourists since we cannot yet cater to foreign tourists,” he said. Ortega said this is one of the new products of DOT for the new normal. “Tourism is not just about travel but also for healing. It is for our

Filipino scientists abroad can now do their work remotely and apply for the Balik Scientist program by applying through a portal that was launched on Friday. While some of them cannot return to the country because of the pandemic, they can still contribute and make a difference, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said. “What’s good about the remote (work) arrangement is that there are no geographic boundaries, enabling us to reach a wider audience,” she said. The official said the idea to open an online application for Balik Scientists came because of the challenges brought about

All along, they thought being sent home to the province for free and with livelihood and financial assistance under the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program couldn’t get any better. The Boque and Tolomia families, included in the latest batch of beneficiaries who left for Negros Oriental on Friday morning, received yet another surprise when their children of school age were given computer tablets. Crisele Tolomia said the mobile tablet will definitely help her nine-year-old with his studies. “Hindi namin alam na bibigyan pala kami ng tablet. Gamit na gamit ito kasi lalo na sira na itong cellphone ko. Pang-online