Day: March 24, 2025

Manila: The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) called for urgent action to address the rising number of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14. According to Philippines News Agency, CPD spokesperson Myline Mirasol Quiray expressed dismay over the trend during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas, emphasizing the need for focused attention. Quiray highlighted a case involving an 8-year-old girl who gave birth at 9, underscoring the seriousness of the issue. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that pregnancies in the 10 to 14 age group surged to over 3,300 cases in 2023, a significant increase from over

Gingoog City: The provincial government of Misamis Oriental has inaugurated a PHP60-million dormitory aimed at providing accommodation for public school students in Gingoog City. The four-story facility, located in Barangay 26, is a collaborative project funded through the 1st District Congressional Office and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways. It has the capacity to house 300 students. According to Philippines News Agency, the facility was officially inaugurated on March 20, with a soft opening held on Monday. This event coincided with Governor Peter Unabia’s State of the Province Address and his visit to Gingoog City. Mayor Erick

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reminded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to refrain from using state resources in campaigning for their bets in the midterm elections. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia emphasized that while the poll body has approved elected village officials’ participation in partisan political and campaigning activities, this does not extend to the use of government resources for such purposes. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated, “You can support your candidates but don’t use public funds. That can be considered as abuse of state resources, which is a violation of the election laws.”

General Santos: The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) held a transplant caravan at the General Santos Doctors Hospital as part of its mission to strengthen the country’s capacity for organ transplantation and renal care, an official said Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, NKTI Executive Director Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete noted the importance of accessibility of high-quality renal care for patients in Mindanao. “We are equipping this hospital (GSDH), so that patients in General Santos (City) no longer need to travel long distances to seek treatment in Davao or Metro Manila,” she said in a news release. “By strengthening our

Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) has successfully seized nearly PHP2.49 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 42 individuals during a series of operations conducted over the course of a week, from March 17 to 23. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon reported that 35 anti-drug operations were carried out across six provinces and one component city, resulting in the confiscation of a significant quantity of illegal substances, including 367.2611 grams of shabu and 1.90 grams of marijuana. Among the provinces, Camarines Norte reported the highest drug seizure value at PHP1.60 million,