Day: December 2, 2024

DAVAO CITY: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 (Davao) destroyed over PHP16.1 million worth of illegal drugs on Monday, including seized contraband from operations conducted across the region this year. PDEA-11 Director Edgar Jubay stated that the destroyed substances included 1,661.3 grams of shabu valued at PHP11.3 million and 40 kilograms of marijuana worth PHP4.8 million. Additionally, PHP999,965 worth of expired medicines were also burned. According to Philippines News Agency, Jubay led the destruction at a thermal facility operated by a funeral parlor in the city. He explained that once the drugs undergo thermal treatment, they lose their value

Manila: The scale-up of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is set to significantly bolster investments and the establishment of agricultural infrastructure across the Philippines, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa explained in an interview that the scale-up is designed to address the increasing need for investment in agri-infrastructure and enterprises beyond the original scope of PRDP. The expanded PRDP aims to facilitate the development of cold storages, slaughterhouses, and other vital agricultural infrastructure. DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and PRDP National Project Director U-Nichols

TACLOBAN CITY: At least 144 automated counting machines (ACM) have been deployed across all cities and towns in Eastern Visayas to help voters familiarize themselves with the voting process ahead of next year’s midterm elections. During the demonstration’s kick-off on Monday, Comelec Assistant Regional Director Corazon Montallana stated that the roadshow aims to reach as many voters as possible nationwide and will run until Jan. 30, 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative includes one machine for each city and town in the region, ensuring demonstrations are accessible in all villages. This approach allows voters to experience firsthand how

DUMAGUETE CITY: Government workers of this capital city and the provincial government of Negros Oriental were the first to try out the automated counting machines (ACM) during the start of the Commission on Elections or Comelec’s roadshow and demonstration on Monday. Lawyer Ian Macaraya, Dumaguete City election officer, highlighted the significance of this event as it marks the initial phase of familiarizing local officials with the technology to be used in the upcoming 2025 elections. According to Philippines News Agency, the demonstration and lecture on the ACM were conducted following the morning flag-raising rites at the city hall. A group

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday paid tribute to persons with disabilities during the flag raising ceremony in observance of the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Gracing the event as guest of honor was National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Glenda Relova, who delivered the keynote message. According to Philippines News Agency, Relova emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,’ as a reminder of the critical role of PWDs in nation building. She urged everyone to continue amplifying