Day: June 3, 2025

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) is considering making medical services free in government-run hospitals across the nation, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced. In an ambush interview with reporters, Herbosa revealed that individuals from low-income households, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), would be entitled to a no-balance billing policy in all DOH-run hospitals. According to Philippines News Agency, Herbosa stated that they are currently studying the possibility of making 90 percent of medical services in ward and semi-private rooms free, with funding sourced from the sin tax. Herbosa mentioned ongoing discussions with public hospital directors and

Bangkok: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series (FPPBS) has been awarded the ‘Best New Banknote or Banknote Series’ by the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA). The award ceremony took place in Bangkok, Thailand on May 28. According to Philippines News Agency, the IACA praised the FPPBS for its security features, design, and incorporation of local elements, including flora and fauna unique to the Philippines. The innovative features of the FPPBS are said to redefine currency security within the country, combining functionality with aesthetic elements to create a robust and secure currency system. The IACA

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated the adoption of an updated list of designated statistical activities, including censuses and surveys, to be conducted by government agencies. This directive aims to ensure the availability of reliable data reflecting the current state of the Philippine economy and socioeconomic growth. According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Order (EO) 87, signed on May 21, emphasizes the importance of these statistical activities for economic planning, program development, and policy-making by both government and private sectors. The order underlines the necessity of a data-driven approach to effectively address the nation’s evolving needs and challenges.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an inter-agency task force designated to support the preparation, organization, and hosting of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree (APRSJ). The task force will be chaired by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, based on Administrative Order (AO) 33 signed by Marcos on May 21. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines is set to host the 33rd APRSJ on Dec. 14 to 21 at Kainomayan Scout Camp in Botolan, Zambales, with the theme “Be Prepared: Scouts for Peace and Sustainable Development.” Members of the task force include the departments of Education,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) 2024-2028, aiming to boost productivity, income, and modernization within the coconut industry. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos signed Memorandum Circular 84 on May 21, officially approving and adopting the CFIDP 2024-2028. This revised plan, a successor to the CFIDP 2022-2026, was made public on Tuesday. The plan provides a strategic framework for implementing national development programs focused on social protection, capacity building, farmer organization empowerment, infrastructure, and other support programs, all designed to improve the socio-economic conditions of Filipino coconut farmers. The