Day: March 27, 2025

Manila: The Philippines is an independent country and does not act as a “chess piece” to any global power, Malaca±ang said Thursday as it took a swipe at China’s remarks about the country’s defense cooperation with other nations. China’s foreign ministry earlier suggested that those who ‘willingly serve as chess pieces’ for other nations would ultimately be abandoned. The statement further called on some individuals in the Philippines to stop serving as ‘other countries’ mouthpiece’ for personal political agendas. The remarks came ahead of the scheduled visit of United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the country on March

Ilocos Norte: The number of rabies cases in Ilocos Norte has been decreasing, with the provincial government attributing it to the continuous anti-rabies vaccination at the barangay level as well as massive information and education drives. According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) chief Dr. Loida Valenzuela noted that the positivity rate dropped from 85.78 percent in 2023 to 74.44 percent in 2024, marking a difference of 11.34 percent. This data is based on 181 confirmed cases in 2023 compared to 68 confirmed cases in 2024. In a positive trend, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported no rabies

Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday challenged Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to substantiate his claim that the 2025 national budget was being used as an “election fund.” According to Philippines News Agency, in a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that it would be beneficial for Magalong to provide evidence so that the issues surrounding the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) could be thoroughly examined. Castro emphasized the importance of presenting evidence to clarify the validity of Magalong’s claims. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 GAA on December 30, 2024.

Eastern Visayas: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has successfully secured PHP12 million in funding to implement Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAi) in Eastern Visayas over the next two years. This initiative aims to introduce advanced technologies in local agriculture, focusing on systems that analyze sensor data related to temperature, rainfall, fertilizer application, and other critical agricultural parameters. According to Philippines News Agency, DOST assistant regional director Marilyn Radam stated that this funding from the DOST central office is an initial allocation to support the project for this year and the next. A data

Manila: In line with its ongoing efforts to make the service more effective, the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that it has formally launched the “Philippine Army Logistics Management Information System” (PALMIS), which is expected to optimize operations within the organization. This took place during the Supply Management Information System (SUMIS) Operator’s Training on March 26, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement sent to reporters. According to Philippines News Agency, the logistics management information system PALMIS is a system designed to provide real-time access to critical inventory data, enabling PA major units to directly input and