Day: June 5, 2025

Manila: The fourth edition of Likha opened on Thursday with over 100 artisans, designers, and creative entrepreneurs gathering to celebrate local talent and cultural heritage. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the three-day exhibit that is part of this year’s Independence Day celebration. In her speech, Araneta-Marcos honored the exhibitors for sharing their traditional crafts, sustainable designs, and contemporary innovations. According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibit showcased handwoven coconut midrib baskets from Negros, wood carvings from Banaue, and finely embroidered fabrics from regions such as Aklan, Bicol, and Laguna. Also on display were guitars

Albay: A total of 555 learner-athletes and coaches in Albay have received cash incentives from the provincial government following their participation in recent sports competitions at the regional and national levels. In a media release from the Albay Provincial Information Office, Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong Bongao expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the honor and pride the athletes have brought to the province. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Bongao congratulated all Albayano players for their hard work and dedication, highlighting the significant effort from everyone involved in their success. Gold medalists at the Palarong Bicol 2025 were awarded PHP5,000,

Sorsogon: More than 300 twiners, coconut farmers, and members of the Coco Coir Business Integration and Development (COCOBIND) in Sorsogon will benefit from a PHP5-million Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). According to Philippines News Agency, the project aims to modernize equipment and technology essential for enhancing productivity, ensuring quality, and creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities. Ma. Lourdes Pancho, DTI Sorsogon provincial director, emphasized that the project will convert coconut husks, typically considered waste, into additional income for the group. The PHP5-million investment in new equipment will improve livelihoods by introducing innovative,

Manila: The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) released on Thursday a special commemorative stamp honoring the late Pope Francis to celebrate his legacy of faith, compassion, and service to humanity. According to Philippines News Agency, PHLPost Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Luis Carlos said the initiative is the corporation’s “humble way of honoring a global religious figure who has touched countless lives, including millions of Filipinos.” The stamp is presented in a se-tenant format that consists of a connected pair, each bearing a unique design. The format symbolizes the dual aspects of Pope Francis’ mission and influence across both religious

Manila: The province of Aklan recorded the highest basic and functional literacy rates in Western Visayas for 2024, according to the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). During the regional data dissemination forum held here Thursday, PSA revealed that Aklan scored 92.1 percent in basic literacy, or the ability of a person aged five years and above to read and write with understanding. According to Philippines News Agency, Aklan also led in functional literacy at 73.9 percent among persons aged 10 to 64 who can read, write, compute, and comprehend. Second