Day: April 24, 2025

Manila: The Philippines and the United Kingdom are on the verge of finalizing a government-to-government (G2G) partnership, which would grant the Philippines access to a 5-billion-pound funding facility from the UK Export Finance (UKEF). This development was confirmed by British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils. According to Philippines News Agency, Beaufils, during a media reception at her residence, disclosed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is currently being finalized to activate the UKEF funding. This funding is poised to support key infrastructure projects across the Philippines, addressing existing procurement challenges. The MOU is expected to be completed within the

Manila: Filipino lawyer Jessica Agra has achieved a significant milestone by breaking into the International Padel Federation (FIP) Top 200 rankings this week, securing 63 points. She joins a select group of players from Asia in this elite bracket, alongside No. 181 Kotomi Ozawa from Japan, who has 72 points, and No. 199 Fatma Al Nabhani from Oman, with 58 points. According to Philippines News Agency, Agra expressed her delight at surpassing her initial goal of reaching the top 200 by the end of 2025. “At the end of 2024, I told myself my goal for 2025 is to hopefully

Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced it is investigating Solid North Transit after receiving complaints involving animal cruelty and disrespect towards a person with disability (PWD). According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III revealed that the company might face a show cause order due to separate incidents reported on April 18 and 20. On April 19, a passenger on the Tarlac-Baguio route claimed the bus conductor mishandled her pet carrier, which contained a cat, by throwing it into the baggage compartment. The conductor and driver allegedly made remarks suggesting the cat might suffocate,

Aparri: A new marine scientific research hub in northern Luzon is poised to become a transformative force for the Philippines’ blue economy. It holds the potential to unlock marine resource opportunities while enhancing the economic resilience of coastal communities. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of the Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in this town, marking a significant step in the government’s broader marine conservation strategy. According to Philippines News Agency, Loyzaga highlighted that the facility is envisioned as a center for research and innovation in sustainable ocean resource development.

Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to streamline the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) process by removing unnecessary requirements. According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced that an issuance will be made within the month, allowing government agencies to move directly to budgeting their ISSPs without prior DICT clearance, provided they adhere to other established guidelines and standards. This reform aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ characterized by transparency, efficiency, and innovation. The revamp is in collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Budget