Day: April 16, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued proclamations declaring five non-working days to mark various local celebrations in four towns and one city across the country. Proclamation Nos. 855 to 857 were all signed on April 10 and released by the Official Gazette on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, in the municipality of Rizal in Cagayan province, a special non-working day was declared on April 26 to mark the town’s founding anniversary, as stated in Proclamation 855. Proclamation 856 declared May 14 a special non-working day in Pulilan, Bulacan, in celebration of the Kneeling Carabao Festival. Meanwhile, May

Manila: The Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) reported Wednesday that there are 187 projects to be undertaken by the government and the private sector in the pipeline. These projects are worth PHP2.636 trillion as of April 11. According to Philippines News Agency, the numbers increased from 176 projects worth PHP2.603 trillion reported on March 14. The PPPC noted that 14 projects were added to the current list, three of which are national projects worth PHP13.58 billion and 11 are local projects amounting to PHP41.47 billion. The national PPP projects that are new to the list include the PHP3.97-billion Last Mile Schools

Laoag: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday conducted random drug testing of bus drivers and conductors in public transport terminals here ahead of the expected influx of passengers during the Holy Week break. According to Philippines News Agency, Maripe de Guzman, public information officer of PDEA Region 1 (Ilocos), stated that approximately 100 public utility drivers and conductors were targeted for random testing in various terminals throughout the day. “The surprise drug testing on bus drivers aims to ensure the safety of passengers,” De Guzman explained during an inspection and random drug testing at the Florida Bus station

Bangkok: Filipino FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca stunned top seed German Super Grandmaster Jan Gustafsson Tuesday night to keep his share of the lead in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Thailand. Arca, playing the white pieces, prevailed over two-time champion Gustafsson (ELO 2601) after 39 moves of a Reti Opening. According to Philippines News Agency, the 16-year-old from Panabo City, Davao del Norte, who is the youngest in the National Training Pool, expressed his aspirations following the victory. “I hope I can sustain my good performance so I can possibly

Valenzuela City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has pledged to intensify efforts against environmental crimes following the confiscation of PHP3.6 million worth of illegally imported counterfeit chainsaws. The operation took place in Valenzuela City, targeting a warehouse operated by Eseki Industrial Enterprises Corporation in Barangay Mapulang Lupa. According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR reported that 241 chainsaw units were seized during a buy-bust operation. Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the department’s commitment to collaborating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of a