Day: March 25, 2025

Bacolod City: The city government is taking steps to extend healthcare benefits to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) through the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP). According to Philippines News Agency, BacCHP focal person Mae Cuaycong stated in an interview that city officials are visiting district jails this week to provide an orientation on the city’s healthcare program for PDL who are residents of Bacolod. Cuaycong indicated that the initiative aims to assist PDLs in need of hospitalization, with the city government offering support. The BacCHP team is also helping some PDLs enroll in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Quezon City: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner and driver of a dump truck that rammed at least 16 concrete barriers on the EDSA Busway in Quezon City. The truck was reportedly en route to Taguig to deliver sand from Porac, Pampanga when the incident occurred. The driver admitted to falling asleep while driving. According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, stated that an investigation into the circumstances of the accident near EDSA-Santolan is ongoing. Mendoza expressed the need to understand why such an accident occurred, emphasizing that it is unusual for

Manila: Both the local shares and the currency fell on Tuesday’s trading amid fresh tariff threats made by United States President Donald Trump. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined for the third straight session by 0.52 percent to 6,159.8. All Shares followed after it fell by 0.92 percent to 3,657.18 points. According to Philippines News Agency, among the sectoral gauges, the Property and Services indices posted gains after these rose by 0.45 and 0.02 percent, respectively. Mining and Oil registered the largest loss at 3.02 percent, followed by Holding Firms, 1.42 percent; Industrial, 0.74 percent; and Financials, 0.56 percent.

Gyeongju: Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival received two awards from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Asia during the 2025 Global Festival Summit in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea on March 21. According to Philippines News Agency, the Dinagyang Festival was named Best Overall Entertainment Program for the Pinnacle Awards Asia 2025 and Asia Dynamic Festival (Dancing Festival) of 2025 for the Asia Festival Awards. Joyce Clavecillas, executive director of the Iloilo Festival Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), mentioned in an interview that they were the sole contingent from the Philippines to receive these honors. Clavecillas was uncertain if other groups from the Philippines

Manila: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and international shipping company Maersk have reached an agreement to promote sustainable shipping practices and environmental stewardship, with a particular focus on transitioning to alternative fuels. According to Philippines News Agency, during the ceremonial signing at the MARINA headquarters in Port Area, Manila, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized the significance of this partnership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing MARINA personnel’s knowledge and experience with alternative fuels, especially methanol. Malaluan stated, “This initiative will boost MARINA’s capacity to develop regulatory framework and implement measures to support energy transition. By working together, we are