Batanes: Strong winds and heavy rains continue across Northern Luzon as Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-rey) passes close to Batanes, the weather bureau said Thursday. Heavy rainfall over Batanes and the Babuyan Group of Islands could result in flooding and landslides in flood-prone areas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said as of 5 a.m. Batanes’ local disaster response bodies reported that the towns of Uyugan, Sabtang, and Mahatao are experiencing strong winds and heavy rains Thursday morning. According to Philippines News Agency, most areas in Northern Luzon are forecast to experience light to moderate, with

Cagayan de oro city: A family of five in Northern Mindanao require a monthly income of PHP9,676 to cover essential food needs, according to a 2023 report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released Wednesday. In a statement Thursday, PSA-10 (Northern Mindanao) Chief Statistical Analyst Sarah Balagbis said the latest threshold reflects a 15.4% increase from 2021, when the region’s average was estimated at PHP8,385. According to Philippines News Agency, Northern Mindanao’s food threshold was higher than the estimated national food threshold of PHP9,581. Among regional areas, Cagayan de Oro City posted the highest monthly food threshold at PHP10,068, while

Manila: The Japanese government is prepared to offer “all possible assistance” to the Philippines in the wake of the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. This announcement was made by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who expressed his solidarity with the Philippines after the storm wreaked havoc across several regions of the country last week. According to Philippines News Agency, Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed his condolences to the Philippines and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 29. In his message, Ishiba said, “I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many

Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez expressed his confidence in the National Press Club (NPC) to effectively combat fake news and its disseminators. This statement was made during the 72nd Anniversary celebration of the NPC, named Powering @72, held on Tuesday night at the historic Intramuros, Manila, the headquarters of the country’s oldest press club. According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Chavez acknowledged the NPC’s long-standing commitment to truth and integrity. He emphasized that these core principles have enabled the NPC to withstand numerous challenges over the years, akin to the resilience demonstrated during Typhoon Kristine (Trami). Chavez

Pasay city: The Philippines successfully concluded the first International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) at the Philippine International Convention Center, reaffirming its commitment to leading the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the conference’s achievements, including the adoption of the Pasay Declaration and the participation of diverse attendees from 80 countries. According to Philippines News Agency, the conference underscored the Philippines’ role as a pathfinder and peacemaker in advancing the WPS agenda. Secretary Manalo assured United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed of the country’s dedication to these goals, rooted

Manila: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Wednesday welcomed Geraldine Foregeard as the country’s new French Maritime Expert (FME) following the renewal of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between MARINA and the French Embassy in the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that the continued partnership between the two countries has been proven effective. The renewed MOA aims to provide a framework for partnership between the involved parties in providing technical assistance, training, and consultancy services through the placement of an FME. Malaluan highlighted that the collaboration symbolizes a shared commitment to ensuring safer seas