Day: May 21, 2025

Manila: Over PHP1.4 billion will be earmarked for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) implementation and monitoring of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote lasting peace and development, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covering the funding requirements for the PAMANA Program. Pangandaman emphasized the importance of the program in supporting the long-term development of localities, particularly vulnerable communities across the country. The PAMANA

Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday assured that the police force is fully prepared for disaster response in the upcoming rainy season. ‘Prepared kami 100 percent ang pulis natin (We are 100 percent) prepared to help. Yung gamit namin sabi ko nga although konti pero yung puso namin talagang nandun, talagang committed (Although we lack equipment, our heart is committed),’ he told the media during an inspection of the PNP’s disaster response equipment at Camp Crame. According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP Public Information Office (PNP PIO) stated that the police force has

Maguindanao: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has unveiled plans for two significant flood control projects in Maguindanao. These initiatives aim to address persistent flooding issues in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH has completed the feasibility study for the PHP39.219-billion project, and it is now pending loan application approval. The initiative includes the design and construction of the Ambal Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects, with construction scheduled to begin in March 2026 and completion expected by February 2030. The projects will be situated in the Mindanao mainland, part

Manila: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that the lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) would allow the agency to effectively address traffic congestion on Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares. According to Philippines News Agency, the MMDA emphasized that the NCAP would be particularly beneficial following the planned rehabilitation of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). The agency noted that the rehabilitation, set to begin on June 13, is expected to exacerbate traffic conditions. The reinstatement of the NCAP aims to promote road discipline among motorists during this period of increased congestion. The

Manila: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is anticipated to be signed in June, as stated by the UAE’s envoy in Manila. According to Philippines News Agency, UAE Ambassador to Manila Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi and Philippine Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investments Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu Pimentel confirmed that the signing of the CEPA is set to occur within the first half of this year. “It’s currently undergoing legal scrubbing,” Pimentel informed reporters during an interview at the UAE Embassy in Makati City. Alzaabi highlighted