Day: April 29, 2025

Quezon City: Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday called for support for the upcoming launch of the PHP20 per kilogram rice program in Visayas and Metro Manila. In a press conference at the DA central office, he emphasized that the program is not affiliated with any political efforts amid the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel urged the public to support the smooth implementation of the program, highlighting its potential benefits for all citizens regardless of political affiliation. “I’m not a politician so I don’t really care,” he stated,

Manila: Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Tuesday highlighted the arrest of a Chinese national allegedly in possession of surveillance equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila as a confirmation of earlier warnings regarding foreign interference in the upcoming elections. The arrest, carried out by the National Bureau of Investigation, took place on Tuesday, with spy equipment discovered in the suspect’s vehicle parked outside Comelec’s main office in Intramuros. According to Philippines News Agency, Tolentino emphasized the significance of finding an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher inside the suspect’s vehicle, citing it as direct evidence of

Antique: The province of Antique is home to around 50 caves, some of which hold the potential to become significant tourist destinations due to their rich biodiversity and historical importance. Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Ruth Martinez highlighted that a community discussion on the significance of these caves is set to be a focal point of the provincial culminating activity for Cave Month, hosted by the municipality of San Remigio. According to Philippines News Agency, the town of San Remigio is notable for hosting the Igbaclag and Panalsalan caves, each possessing unique characteristics. Ruth Martinez noted in an

Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to distribute PHP137 million in financial assistance to disadvantaged individuals and workers’ groups in the Ilocos Region on Labor Day. According to Philippines News Agency, approximately PHP131.5 million will be allocated to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting over 29,000 individuals. DOLE Ilocos Region chief labor and employment officer Teresa Bonavente shared this information during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum. Additionally, around PHP5.97 million is earmarked for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which aims to support 280 groups. In terms of distribution, Ilocos Norte

Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) in Eastern Visayas is preparing for the arrival of 20,000 bags of rice from neighboring regions to support the PHP20 per kilo rice initiative in the area. According to Philippines News Agency, NFA regional manager May Sara Sabarre confirmed that NFA offices in the Caraga and Bicol regions have committed to reallocating rice stocks to Eastern Visayas. This initiative aligns with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s directive to distribute rice across various parts of the Visayas. During a recent interview, Sabarre mentioned that Caraga and Bicol regions have each allocated 10,000 bags for