Day: November 20, 2024

BUTUAN CITY: The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program is set to extend its coverage to 10 additional areas in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte by fiscal year 2026-2028. The initiative aims to bolster the agricultural sector by reaching more farmers in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the SAAD program currently serves 14 priority municipalities in these provinces, supporting 28 farmers’ associations and having assisted over 700 farmers since 2023. This strategic expansion will include new areas such as Libjo, Basilisa, Loreto, and San Jose in Dinagat Islands; Bacuag and

Manila: Churches under the Archdiocese of Manila have been directed to hold a second collection in all Masses this weekend for the victims of Super Typhoon Pepito (international Man-yi). In Circular No. 2024-83 issued on Wednesday, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said the second collection would be held in Masses on Saturday evening and the whole day of Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, Cardinal Advincula instructed that all collections be remitted to the Accounting Office of the Arzobispado de Manila on or before November 29, 2024. He also expressed his solidarity with those affected by the devastating typhoon by

Cebu: The Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) elected Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as its new chair during its 11th meeting held in this historical island city. Malaysia’s chief justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Binti Tuan Mat, the council’s past chair, nominated Gesmundo to the post after hearing no nominations from other members. Gesmundo’s term, as the seventh chair since the council’s inception in 2013, will last until another Chief Justice is elected during the next Ordinary Meeting. According to Philippines News Agency, Tuan Mat expressed confidence in Gesmundo’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, the CACJ

Manila: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday a 74-percent probability that a weak La Niña will develop between December and January. Ana Solis, chief of PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section, stated that La Niña-like conditions are currently prevailing in the Tropical Pacific, and the alert for La Niña remains in effect. According to Philippines News Agency, the weak La Niña is expected to persist until the first quarter of 2025, though a full-blown La Niña is not anticipated at this time. Solis explained that December’s rainfall forecast indicates near to above normal levels,

Manila: House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday urged lawmakers to unite in expediting the passage of House Bill (HB) 10159, or the Magna Carta for Children. This call comes as the Philippines celebrates National Children’s Day with the theme ‘Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines’. As the bill’s principal author, Romualdez emphasized its potential impact on addressing systemic violence and neglect, aiming to foster a nurturing environment for the nation’s youth. According to Philippines News Agency, the bill was approved by the House Committee on the Welfare of Children on May 13 and