Day: April 3, 2025

Ilocos Norte: For a budget-friendly fee of PHP100, a farm in Ilocos Norte is offering visitors the unique experience of harvesting mulberries. Located in the rice farming village of Pasiocan, the farm is owned by Richard Eugenio “Richie” Lamug, a former overseas Filipino worker who worked as an architect for five years in Dubai before returning home to settle with his family. According to Philippines News Agency, Lamug utilized a piece of land inherited from his parents to establish a mulberry plantation in September 2023, with his wife Mary Grace. Named Enrique’s Great Mulberry Farm after the late Lamug family

Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto asserted on Thursday that the redirection of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) excess funds to the national treasury is “legal, moral, and economically sound.” During the fifth oral argument at the Supreme Court concerning the consolidated petitions challenging the constitutionality of transferring PHP89.9 billion in unused funds, Recto emphasized the necessity and legality of this move. According to Philippines News Agency, Recto highlighted the endorsement of the policy by several government bodies, including the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, the Governance Commission for GOCCs, and the Commission on

Manila: Highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two nations, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday said it is eyeing “enhanced maritime cooperation” and relevant exercises with its Royal Australian Navy (RAN) counterparts. According to Philippines News Agency, this announcement came after the PN hosted RAN representatives during the 8th Navy To Navy Talks (NTNT) held at its headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on April 2. “The PN-RAN NTNT provides an opportunity to engage in discussions on topics of mutual interest and explore opportunities for enhanced maritime cooperation. Key areas of focus include exercises, operations, intelligence,

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday defended the government’s plan to acquire US-made F-16 fighter jets, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening national defense in light of rising security concerns, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero, speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, explained that the proposed USD5.5 billion deal is a strategic long-term investment in the country’s defense capabilities, despite its substantial cost. He clarified that the financial outlay would be staggered over time, with the specifics of the payment terms and delivery schedule still pending finalization. The current status is merely

Manila: It is time to go after the individuals who are sources of disinformation and misinformation, Malaca±ang said on Thursday. In a chance interview with Palace reporters, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin lamented that the impact of fake news is becoming ‘very devastating,’ given its alarming surge on the internet. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin expressed concern over the global issue of fake news, emphasizing that it is not only the Philippines but the entire world suffering the consequences of deceitful information. He stressed the importance of prosecuting those responsible for spreading false information during an event at Malaca±an Palace