Day: May 21, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to reconciling with everyone from the opposition and those with different political views to ensure the stability of the Philippines, according to Malaca±ang on Wednesday. In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that Marcos’ openness to reconciliation is not directed at any particular individual. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the reconciliation effort is aimed at benefiting the people, rather than serving personal interests. She reiterated the President’s stance that reconciliation is essential to achieve stability, accomplish necessary tasks, and prevent disruptions

Manila: Prison officials are eyeing to leverage the untapped potential of scenic locations of the country’s prison and penal farms as possible eco-tourism sites, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Wednesday. This initiative aims to transform these areas into more than just correctional institutions by utilizing their natural beauty. According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has instructed the superintendents of various operating prison and penal farms (OPPFs) to explore their immediate areas for this innovative approach. The plan focuses on harnessing the natural beauty found within these facilities, providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and

Siquijor: The National Food Authority (NFA) announced plans to transport 810,000 kg of rice to Siquijor, to be sold at PHP20 per kg under the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’ program. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide affordable rice to more Filipinos. According to Philippines News Agency, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson conveyed through a Viber message that the rice would be shipped separately from Bicol and Occidental Mindoro. Four trucks have already departed from the Valenzuela warehouse to collect stocks in Bicol and deliver at least 1,200 bags to Siquijor. Additionally, a vessel from

Manila: Key transport and traffic agencies are coordinating to craft protocols and a traffic management plan in anticipation of major road works along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday. In a press briefing in Malaca±ang, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan noted preparations are underway to minimize public inconvenience once the EDSA rehabilitation starts mid-June. According to Philippines News Agency, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are working closely to finalize a comprehensive traffic scheme, including alternative routes and

Manila: The Philippine government, through the Department of Tourism (DOT), on Wednesday assured that the safety of South Korean tourists is a priority. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco made the statement following calls by the South Korean side to strengthen protection for its nationals amid the reported rise of violent crime rates against South Koreans residing or visiting the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the government has called on various agencies to collaborate in ensuring the safety of South Korean tourists and all visitors to the Philippines. In an interview in