Day: May 7, 2025

Manila: The Courses for Literacy in Internet and Computer Knowledge (CLICK) Program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is crucial in producing a generation of ‘tech-savvy and future-ready’ Filipinos, Malaca±ang announced. This statement came as Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted the turnover of 75 laptops to two community colleges in Camarines Sur as ‘good news’. According to Philippines News Agency, the DICT’s Project CLICK aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure no Filipino is left behind as the country undergoes digital transformation. Under the program, the Governor Mariano

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the dredging and reclamation activities in the Philippine waters, Malaca±ang announced on Wednesday. This decision follows revelations that sand from the Philippines’ coastal areas is allegedly being used in China’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. According to Philippines News Agency, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) is currently investigating the involvement of various Chinese companies in reclamation and dredging activities within Philippine waters, including Manila Bay. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the ongoing investigation during a briefing with reporters. She

Manila: Senator Joel Villanueva on Wednesday expressed strong support for the proposed amendments to the Maternity Leave Law as part of a broader effort to promote inclusive employment through the administration’s ‘Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Plan 2025-2034.’ The reforms, outlined in the government’s 10-year master labor strategy, aim to ease the transition back to work for new mothers and advance gender equity in caregiving. According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed amendment aims to incorporate provisions for reduced working hours post-maternity leave, with flexible options to return to full-time work as circumstances allow. Villanueva, a principal advocate of the labor

Manila: The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) operatives seized PHP41.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes under ‘Oplan Mega Shopper’ from May 1 to 4. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that the intensified operation against economic sabotage and illicit trade of commercial products across the country also resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals. The largest seizure occurred on May 2, when operatives confiscated counterfeit cigarettes and substandard brands, totaling PHP34.3 million, in two separate operations in Tondo and Davao del Sur. Additional ‘Oplan Mega Shopper’ raids took

Manila: Sending money home is about to become easier and more affordable for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), following the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated in a news release that this development, driven by reforms under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership, will result in lower remittance fees and fewer documentary requirements for OFWs transferring money to their families in the Philippines. This move is seen as part of a larger effort to secure financial