Day: April 8, 2025

Manila: Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz on Tuesday highlighted that the Philippines recorded zero media killings in 2024, the first time in 20 years. ‘Isa pong malaking accomplishment ‘yan (It’s a big accomplishment),’ he said in a press briefing as he led the relaunch of the Media Vanguards together with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is to ensure the safety and security of media practitioners, especially amid the ongoing midterm elections. Ruiz said the relaunching of the Media Vanguards would maintain this ‘good record.’

Malaca±ang: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos returning to their hometowns to observe Holy Week, Malaca±ang said on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro mentioned that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is instructed to conduct strict inspections at terminals, ports, and airports to ensure that there will be no delays in operations leading up to the Holy Week. Castro emphasized that the directive extends to all attached agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of all passengers traveling for the occasion.

Manila: The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is set to improve its medical services and serve more Filipinos with the addition of more personnel, Malaca±ang said Tuesday. PGH, the country’s premiere government hospital, is set to receive a major staffing boost with 1,200 additional positions approved by the Department of Budget and Management. According to Philippines News Agency, the move is the government’s response to the PGH’s request to enhance its organizational and manpower capacity in order to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services. ‘Alam naman po natin na napakarami pong mga Pilipino ang talagang pumupunta sa PGH dahil po ito’y

Pasig City: Unseeded Kathlyn Bugna of Negros Occidental emerged victorious with two titles at the MAC’s Crankit Foundation National Juniors Tennis Championships, held at Valle Verde Country Club. According to Philippines News Agency, Bugna, who hails from La Carlota City, secured the U14 crown with a 6-1, 6-3 win over No. 8 Vania Parawan of Cainta, Rizal. On her journey to the final, Bugna overcame top-seed Maristella Torrecampo 6-2, 6-1, and No. 4 Isabel Otaiza 6-0, 6-1. Parawan reached the finals by defeating No. 3 Shaner Gabaldon in the semifinals, 7-6(5), 6-3. In the U16 category, Bugna continued her impressive

Manila: The recent launch of a direct flight route from Vancouver, Canada to Manila is expected to significantly boost both tourism and the economy, Malaca±ang said Tuesday. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted the positive impact the new flight connection would have on tourism. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the availability of direct flights makes travel to distant countries more appealing. She stated, “It would be much better if we were traveling to a very distant country, people would really prefer a direct flight.” With this new route, a surge in Canadian tourists