Day: February 13, 2025

Manila: The newest digital platform of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), dubbed ‘Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System’ or HELPS, will serve as a virtual one-stop-shop for the agency’s regulatory services for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), an agency official said. According to Philippines News Agency, in a media forum, Standards Bureau Division Chief Anna Maria Alexa Ledesma stated that HELPS will harness the power of technology to modernize access to DSWD’s regulatory services. “This initiative is a product of the year-long commitment of the department. Dito po sa (Here in) HELPS, there is no need

Iloilo City: Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Thursday proposed the creation of a Presidential Drug Enforcement Authority to unify and strengthen the country’s fight against illegal drugs. Speaking at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas proclamation rally in Iloilo City, Sotto stressed the need to consolidate the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under a single authority that would be in charge of enforcement, prosecution, and rehabilitation. According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto, who was instrumental in the passage of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said

Aurora: A festival highlighting the important role carabaos play in agriculture and culture was held here on Thursday featuring various activities and competitions. According to Philippines News Agency, the festival took place at the Capitol Grounds in Barangay Suklayin and featured a variety of engaging events. These included “Karosang Kalabaw: Likha ng Sining at Bayanihan” (Carabao Parade and Float Competition), the search for “Panlalawigang Kalabaw ni Juan” (Best Carabao in Costume, Talent, and Body Conformation), “Best Upgraded Carabao” (Best Enhanced Carabao), “Kalabaw Pintados: Obra ng Kabukiran” (Carabao Body Painting Contest), “Bakas ng Kalabaw sa Likod ng Lente” (Carabao Photography Contest),

Iligan City: Iligan City has approved PHP27 million to purchase a mobile satellite communication system to assist disaster rescuers. Armien Alloro, head of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said Thursday that the system will centralize disaster response. According to Philippines News Agency, the new system will serve as a backup communication network, ensuring that emergency responders maintain an uninterrupted communication line during disasters. The system will also be equipped to trigger alarm systems and gather crucial mapping data, enhancing the strategic operations of rescue teams. The decision to invest in this technology aligns with Republic Act 10121,

Sorsogon: The Sorsogon government, through its Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office, on Thursday said tourism arrivals in the province more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2023. According to Philippines News Agency, Bobby Gigantone, Sorsogon tourism officer, stated that arrivals increased by 137.91 percent to 2.86 million tourists last year from 1.2 million in 2023. Of the total, 2.73 million were domestic tourists, while 135,712 were foreign tourists. This growth indicates the province’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists. “This growth is a testament to the province’s substantial investments and dedicated efforts in enhancing its tourism industry. Under