Day: December 12, 2024

BATANGAS: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Calabarzon has announced plans to establish a Marine Science Research Station in Batangas province, potentially as early as next year. The initiative aims to protect the Verde Island Passage (VIP), recognized as part of the Coral Triangle and declared the “Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity.” According to Philippines News Agency, Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria highlighted the necessity for enhanced research and conservation efforts during the “Kapihan sa DENR Calabarzon” event held at the agency’s office in Barangay Mayapa. The research station is envisioned as a hub for scientific

BAGUIO CITY: The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Cordillera has urged the public to verify the licenses of professionals through an online system to ensure the legitimacy of services provided. Atty. Cresente Lumerez Jr., legal officer IV of PRC-Cordillera, highlighted that the online verification tool aims to combat the issue of individuals falsifying their professional credentials. According to Philippines News Agency, Lumerez disclosed that in 2023, 28 individuals faced criminal convictions for falsifying public documents and illegally practicing professions. The fraudulent activities involved impersonating teachers, civil engineers, nurses, midwives, dentists, and certified public accountants. Lumerez emphasized the ease of using

ILOILO CITY: Western Visayas anti-drug operatives seized over P10.2 million worth of suspected shabu during a large-scale operation, as reported by the Police Regional Office. The operation, which spanned 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. on December 10, resulted in the confiscation of approximately 1,206 grams of illegal drugs and the arrest of 19 suspects. According to Philippines News Agency, the seized drugs have an estimated market value of PHP8.2 million. Among those arrested, four individuals were identified as high-value targets, while the remaining 15 were considered street-level operatives. The largest confiscation was made by the Negros Occidental Police Office,

MANILA: Both the Philippine Stock Exchange index and the peso remained largely unchanged on Thursday, reflecting investor caution in the market. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) edged down slightly by 0.02 percent to close at 6,641.35 points. Similarly, the All Shares index saw a minor decline of 0.07 percent, settling at 3,756.07 points. Japhet Tantiangco, Philstock Financials research manager, noted that the market’s sideways movement ended in negative territory as investors quickly capitalized on intra-day gains while maintaining a cautious approach. Within the sectoral indices, Services and Holding Firms emerged as the only gainers,

DUMAGUETE CITY: The Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC) has advanced its commitment to sustainability by entering a 15-year solar power agreement with First Gen Corp., a move aimed at enhancing its renewable energy consumption. This agreement, signed on Thursday, also marks the renewal of SUMC’s partnership with First Gen for a direct supply of renewable energy through the government’s Green Energy Option Program. According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement allows SUMC to procure 800 kilowatts (kW) of electricity from the Palinpinon geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental, which is operated by Energy Development Corp., a subsidiary of First