Day: November 21, 2024

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday a temporary suspension in the issuance of Guarantee Letters (GLs) associated with the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao informed reporters during the department’s weekly media forum that the last day for issuing guarantee letters should not extend beyond December 13. This measure aims to facilitate the annual liquidation process and ensure that payments are completed to service providers who have already assisted beneficiaries. Despite the suspension of GLs, Dumlao emphasized that the provision of AICS assistance

Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced the House of Representatives’ unwavering commitment to ensuring the continuation of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) by securing its funding in the 2025 budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This declaration underscores the House’s dedication to supporting over 4 million ‘near poor’ Filipinos who have significantly benefited from this initiative. According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez emphasized the critical role of AKAP as a lifeline for millions of Filipino families who are on the brink of poverty. The program has been instrumental in providing immediate relief to

Iloilo City: The city government here is projected to have more than PHP4.2 billion budget in 2025, a 14.83 percent hike from this year’s allocation of PHP3.6 billion. The Sanggguniang Panlungsod approved the proposed budget consisting of PHP4.13 billion for the executive budget and PHP81.95 million for the special account of the Local Economic Enterprise Office during its regular session on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the budget hike is due to the ‘sharp increase in the National Tax Allotment (NTA),’ as reported by the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia. The report notes that the

Gamay: The town of Gamay in Northern Samar has been certified as a Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) municipality by the Department of Health (DOH). Maria Aurora Dubongco, officer-in-charge of the Northern Samar provincial health office, announced the achievement following a verification process conducted by the DOH regional office. This certification places Gamay alongside other towns in the province, such as Mapanas, Bobon, Mondragon, Catubig, and San Roque, which have also attained ZOD status. According to Philippines News Agency, Dubongco explained that achieving ZOD status signifies that households in the community have ceased open defecation practices and are utilizing functional sanitary

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that barangay officials will be permitted to engage in campaigning activities for the upcoming midterm elections next year. However, they must adhere to specific regulations as they remain accountable to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for any misconduct. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated on Thursday that while a 2010 Supreme Court ruling permits village officials to participate in political campaigning, they are still required to comply with campaign regulations. Garcia explained, “In the case of Quintos vs. Comelec, the SC said they