Day: April 22, 2025

Manila: The newly created Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) will prioritize linking regional development plans to the national development blueprint in its first year, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. According to Philippines News Agency, Balisacan emphasized during a press chat on April 14 that one of the key mandates of the DEPDev, under the Economy, Planning and Development Act, is to strengthen coordination between local government units (LGUs) and national government priorities. The new law, which reorganizes NEDA into DEPDev, will take effect on April 27. The incoming DEPDev chief highlighted that the

Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced the successful confiscation of PHP147.25 million worth of illegal drugs during a series of operations conducted from April 11 to 18 across the country. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 79 individuals and the seizure of a substantial amount of illegal substances. According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA reported that the operations led to the confiscation of 19.28 kilograms of suspected shabu, 11 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, 49,460 pieces of marijuana plants, 1.37 grams of kush, 984 grams of ketamine, and 8,760 milliliters of ephedrine. PDEA Director General, Undersecretary Isagani

Sorsogon: An increase in seismic activity was observed in Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Ninety-four volcanic earthquakes were recorded since 3 a.m., the seismology agency said in an advisory late Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, of the 94 earthquakes, a majority were weak and shallow volcano-tectonic earthquakes produced by rock fracturing, while four were low-frequency volcanic earthquakes produced by the movement of fluids. Phivolcs reported that these volcanic earthquakes were generated within 20 km deep beneath the Bulusan edifice, with nearly half being shallow events. Meanwhile, the degassing activity at

Manila: A higher passenger service charge (PSC) has been imposed in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) starting April 21. “The increase, primarily adjusted based solely on inflation from 2015 to present, underwent the required public hearing with various stakeholders, as well as the necessary publication,” the aviation authority said in a news release late Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the adjustment supports CAAP’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve airport facilities and operations. In Memorandum Circular 019-2025 signed on April 4, the PSC for international flights rose to PHP900 from PHP550.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Rafael Calinisan as the new Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer (VCEO) of the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Calinisan’s appointment to reporters at the Palace on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Calinisan was initially appointed as a Napolcom commissioner in November 2024. Prior to his involvement with the commission, Calinisan held the position of chief at the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board for four years. He is an alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed his law degree, and he furthered his education