Day: April 15, 2025

Dumalneg: The Isneg tribe of Dumalneg town, located 73 km northeast of this city, is set to celebrate on Wednesday the Panagwawagi Festival, an annual event showcasing the town’s brotherhood and cultural pride. According to Philippine News Agency, the festival, which commemorates the peace pact between tribes, is usually celebrated through ethnic dances using indigenous musical instruments and a community boodle fight featuring native dishes. Its name is derived from the Isneg term for brotherhood. Every year, Dumalneg resident Vanessa Aguinaldo looks forward to the Panagwawagi Festival, as she gets to participate in the whole-day festivity along with students of

Manila: The signing into law of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Act is a ‘historic reform’ and a ‘national victory,’ according to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Republic Act (RA) 12145, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10, reorganized the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a full-fledged Cabinet-level department. According to Philippine News Agency, the new law grants DEPDev broader authority to harmonize national and local economic strategies, oversee the Public Investment Program, and manage the Philippine Development Plan. It will also serve as the lead agency in coordinating development efforts across sectors,

Maguindanao del Sur: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday placed Buluan town in Maguindanao del Sur under its control amid an increase in election-related violence in the area. In Resolution No. 11131, the Comelec en banc designated Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as Commissioner-in-Charge in the town. According to Philippine News Agency, the decision to put Buluan under Comelec control was based on the recommendation of its Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee. Buluan is the second area to be placed under Comelec control for the May 12 polls after Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte. Comelec Chairperson George

Manila: The Regional Task Force Kanlaon has reiterated the ban on pilgrimage or trekking to Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island and directed concerned local government units (LGUs) to place all responders on high alert during the observance of the Holy Week. ‘Prohibition on any form of pilgrimage or trekking, especially entry into the six-kilometer extended danger zone is hereby reiterated,’ Office of Civil Defense-Western Visayas Regional Director Raul Fernandez said in a statement. According to Philippine News Agency, Fernandez, who also chairs Task Force (TF) Kanlaon, ordered the strict monitoring and restriction of Holy Week activities at the volcano in

Manila: Demonstrating its commitment to senior citizens, the Surigao City government has launched the Milestone Program of Distinction (MPD), providing a one-time PHP50,000 cash benefit to residents aged 90 to 99. The initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11982, also known as the Expanded Centenarians Act. According to Philippine News Agency, Ordinance No. 529-2024, the local legislation behind the MPD, earmarks the PHP50,000 financial assistance for each eligible nonagenarian residing in Surigao City. Seventeen nonagenarians initially received their cash benefits Monday. The City Information Office said in a statement that a total of 152 nonagenarians have been identified as potential