Day: June 3, 2025

Legazpi: The Department of Tourism in Bicol (DOT-5) is optimistic about the upcoming Bicol Loco Hot Air Balloon Festival, predicting it will attract a substantial influx of both domestic and international tourists. Herbie Aguas, the regional director of DOT-5, expressed confidence in the event’s potential to draw more than 500,000 visitors from various provinces, Metro Manila, and other regions. According to Philippines News Agency, the Bicol Loco Festival, now in its second year, is already witnessing a confirmed attendance for the three-day event scheduled from June 14 to 16 at the Old Legazpi Airport. The festival will feature activities such

Dumaguete: Hundreds of virtual assistants from WrkPod, an Australian company headquartered in Negros Oriental, gathered on Tuesday for the iGrow Conference to enhance their skills and knowledge for greater competitiveness in the global market. According to Philippines News Agency, Dale Beaumont, co-founder of WrkPod and founder of Business Blueprint, stated that the conference aimed to elevate the skills and knowledge of Filipino professionals. “We believe that more skills equal more success,” Beaumont emphasized during an interview. WrkPod specializes in connecting Filipino virtual assistants with international employers, operating three sites in Negros Oriental-in Dumaguete and Tanjay City-as well as locations in

Malaybalay: A total of 4,992 individuals in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, received free medical services in May, according to officials. According to Philippines News Agency, Health Education and Promotion Officer Mhegan Dominguez of the Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) reported that laboratory tests were the most availed services, benefiting 2,415 individuals. The local government established an Enhanced Screening Area in one of its villages to expand the reach and coverage of public health services. “The services include free medical consultations and vaccinations, provided with the help of dedicated medical staff from the CHO,” Dominguez stated. The CHO also partnered with the

Negros Oriental: Multi-sectoral groups in Negros Oriental are pushing for the return of the 15-kilometer municipal waters to the fisherfolk amid growing concern over commercial fishing being allowed within the coastal waters. Gary Rosales, president and co-founder of the environmental advocacy group Kahugpungan para sa Kinabuhi ug Kinaiyahan, Inc. (Kinaiyahan), said their concern now is the potential negative impacts on fishing communities and their livelihood if a Supreme Court ruling prevails. According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed the Malabon RTC’s decision, has allowed commercial fishers inside the municipal waters. This decision was in response to

La Trinidad: More young residents of La Trinidad, a municipality in Benguet province, are increasingly engaging in farming due to various programs and assistance provided by the local government and the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to Philippines News Agency, Nida Organo, the head of the municipal agriculture office, highlighted that the average age of farmers in the region has shifted from the national average of 57 to a younger demographic of 30 to 40 years old. This shift is attributed to numerous initiatives aimed at young farmers. One of the key programs for La Trinidad’s youth is the promotion