Day: May 5, 2025

Cebu City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded Cebu’s impressive economic growth during a campaign rally here, emphasizing the province’s crucial role in the Central Visayas region. Addressing the One Cebu People’s Rally, President Marcos attributed Cebu’s success to the unified leadership under Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom he praised for her effective governance and invaluable advice to the national government. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the province’s high employment rate of 97.1 percent and a 5.7 percent economic growth that outpaced the national average. He credited this progress to the collaborative environment fostered by Garcia. Marcos also

Baguio: The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) is placing the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) under red alert status from May 11 to 14 for the May 12 midterm elections. In Memorandum 60-2025 issued Monday, Albert Mogol, CDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense-CAR director, emphasized the need for “maximum, timely and responsive monitoring, warning, coordination, interoperability and facilitation of preparedness and response readiness measures” by the concerned agencies from the provincial to the barangay level. According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum identified nine areas in Cordillera as election areas of concern. These include Bangued, Bucay, and Pilar,

Davao City: The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) honored farmers and fisherfolk Monday for their critical contributions to food security during the kickoff of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month. DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga called them ‘steadfast pillars of food security’ and praised their resilience. ‘We celebrate your unending dedication and for striving hard to put food on our tables. I can see the spirit of resilience in your faces,’ he said. According to Philippines News Agency, the month-long event will highlight their efforts, with Gonzaga pledging continued support through innovation and partnerships. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso

Iloilo City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo City successfully conducted the final testing and sealing (FTS) of three automated counting machines (ACMs) intended for mall voting, ensuring they are ready for the upcoming May 12 midterm polls. These machines are set to serve clustered precincts 299, 300, and 301 of Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, where voters will cast their ballots at the Festive Walk Mall, one of the city’s designated mall voting venues. According to Philippines News Agency, the purpose of the testing was to demonstrate the machines’ accuracy and functionality to the public. Lawyer Pinky Jevini Tentativa, the

Negros Island: Elections in Negros Island’s insurgency-affected areas will proceed as scheduled on May 12 despite recent clashes between government forces and rebels, an official said Monday. Comelec-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano assured that measures are in place to prevent disruptions by the New People’s Army (NPA). According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army and police have intensified their operations to safeguard the electoral process. Castillano emphasized that the recent encounters in Kabankalan and Guihulngan cities were conducted proactively to ensure that peace and order remain intact during the elections. In Guihulngan City, displaced residents have been