Day: June 2, 2025

Iloilo City: The City Health Office (CHO) on Monday reported three more laboratory-confirmed mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases in this city, increasing the number of confirmed infections to four. At a media conference, CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said they are still waiting for the results of the tests regarding two suspected mpox cases from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). ‘In total, we have six cases reported in the city: four confirmed and two suspected. All patients are in stable condition, currently receiving medical treatment, and are under isolation,’ Diaz said. According to Philippines News Agency, the patients

Makati City: The Philippines and the European Union are committed to advancing talks on a free trade agreement (FTA), Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated on Monday. In a joint press conference with visiting EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Manalo emphasized the eagerness of both parties to deepen economic ties and leverage the future FTA to enhance trade and investment. According to Philippines News Agency, Manalo expressed the Philippines’ anticipation for sustained EU support in swiftly concluding negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced, and modern FTA. The Philippines and the EU have completed two rounds

Makati City: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated on Monday that the PHP80,000 financial aid given to ‘Rose’, the woman who was seen crawling out of a sewer in Makati City, is not a reward but a form of livelihood assistance based on existing guidelines and assessment conducted by agency social workers. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian clarified in a televised interview that the aid is part of the community reintegration program aimed at providing individuals with the opportunity to start anew. The financial assistance was determined by an assigned social worker who assessed

Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday expressed support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to put on hold the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) rehabilitation project. Recto stated that this move is a clear sign of responsive and people-centered leadership. According to Philippines News Agency, Recto emphasized that the President and his administration are genuinely attentive to the needs of the citizens. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure that serves rather than inconveniences the public. Recto noted that this decision will help the government develop infrastructure projects that are not only faster but smarter for the Filipino

Bacolod: The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Negros Occidental has issued a health advisory on mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to ensure preparedness even as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has not recorded any confirmed case of the viral illness in the province. In a memorandum released on Monday, Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet stated that upcoming major school activities are expected to result in an influx of people in schools and offices. According to Philippines News Agency, the health advisory is part of the Division’s preventive measures against the potential occurrence and transmission of mpox within school communities.