Day: January 2, 2025

DUMAGUETE: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Negros Oriental has successfully registered 125,447 individuals under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by the end of 2024, covering a broad spectrum of age groups. This significant achievement represents 89 percent of the province’s estimated population of 1.432 million. According to Philippines News Agency, Engr. Ariel Fortuito, the PSA-Negros Oriental provincial head, highlighted the inclusivity of the registration process, which now extends to newborns as long as their parents are present. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance national identification coverage across the province. In addition to the national ID

LAUA-AN: The Latazon Indigenous Peoples Organization (LAIPO) in the municipality of Laua-an is promoting community gardening to bolster its traditional herbal medicine production. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of essential herbs used in creating remedies for skin diseases, liniments, and diuretics, thereby supporting local health practices. According to Philippines News Agency, Abel Pedro, the Iraynon Bukidnon Antique provincial tribal chairman and head of LAIPO, stated that they are urging Indigenous Peoples to cultivate herbs like herba buena, which is purchased at PHP50 per kilogram. The organization has witnessed growth in production since acquiring a PHP1.1 million shared service

TARLAC: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of a significant road improvement project in Tarlac, set to benefit the local agricultural community by enhancing transport and accessibility. The project, connecting Barangay Sta. Rosa in Concepcion and Barangay Talaga in Capas, is expected to improve the mobility and accessibility for area residents. According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH highlighted that the newly completed two-lane road spans 2.106 kilometers and is five meters wide. District Engineer Edward Ricardo Ramos from the DPWH-Tarlac’s 2nd District Engineering Office noted the road is paved with 200-mm-thick Portland Concrete Cement

MAKATI CITY: Makati City experienced a significant decline in air quality during New Year’s Eve, reaching “very unhealthy” levels due to the extensive use of firecrackers and fireworks, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). According to Philippines News Agency, Jundy del Socorro, the chief of the Air Quality Management Section of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), stated in an interview that air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) escalated alarmingly during the celebrations. “Noong New Year o kasagsagan, mula 12 midnight hanggang alas 2 ng madaling araw, tumaas siya hanggang 160 percent na mas