Day: May 7, 2025

Legazpi City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 in Bicol has joined forces with state universities, a government agency, and private organizations to implement its main capacity-building program designed to aid the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized groups. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio highlighted that the collaboration is aimed at fostering a broader and more meaningful partnership for projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Laurio emphasized the role of academic institutions in providing technical education, capacity building, skills training, and other essential technical assistance for livelihood interventions aimed at SLP participants. As part

Manila: The proposed construction of the Himamaylan-Tayasan tunnel connector in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is poised to spur growth in the newly formed administrative region and the rest of the Visayas, a key official of the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) said on Wednesday. In a statement, DEPDev-NIR concurrent regional director Arecio Casing Jr. said the connector project would use the most relevant construction technology to achieve the safest, fastest, and economical mode of travel between the key cities east and west of Negros Island. According to Philippines News Agency, the tunnel connector, which will traverse the

Davao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-11) has partnered with Cocogen Insurance to provide microinsurance coverage for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, officials said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the May 6 agreement will offer tailored insurance products, literacy programs, and enhanced social protection for vulnerable families, said DSWD-11 officer-in-charge Merlinda Paragamac. “This is a serious endeavor and a great help to the poor families in the region. With Cocogen as our partner, we hope to strengthen the insurance mindset,” Paragamac stated, noting that the partnership aims to complement existing social protection initiatives. Cocogen First Vice

Manila: Blood testing for avian influenza (AI) is no longer required for the local transport of live poultry, eggs, and related products within Western Visayas until July 15, 2025, according to a new directive from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Dr. Jonic Natividad, head of the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas, announced that the waiving of testing was outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 12, series of 2025, by the Bureau of Animal Industry issued on May 5, 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, the decision follows comprehensive surveillance in high-risk areas across the region, all of

Pamplona: Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona, Negros Oriental, is currently facing a disqualification complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) concerning her residency status in Siaton town as she campaigns for the 3rd congressional district seat in the upcoming May 12 polls. According to Philippines News Agency, Degamo’s legal counsel, Andrei Bon Tagum, revealed in an online media interview that the disqualification case was filed with Comelec at the end of April. Tagum described the complaint as an attempt to undermine the mayor, stating, “It is just political propaganda to frustrate the people in the 3rd district,” particularly given the