Day: June 25, 2025

Camiguin: The Camiguin provincial government is determined to impose harsher penalties on business owners selling smuggled cigarettes. During Wednesday’s second Quarter Joint Council Meeting, Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo urged the five municipalities in the province to pass an ordinance banning the sale of smuggled cigarettes. He said businesses found selling such contrabands will have their permits revoked as part of the proposed ordinance’s penalty provisions. According to Philippines News Agency, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has intensified its efforts to crack down on smuggled cigarettes nationwide, with help from the Philippine National Police,

Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) to support the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) push to accelerate the development of cold storage infrastructure, a key component in the food security agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of cold storage infrastructure in transforming the agricultural landscape, minimizing post-harvest losses, increasing incomes for farmers and fisherfolk, and delivering safe, high-quality food to Filipino families. He addressed CCAP’s annual membership meeting in this world-famous island resort in the town of Malay,

Iloilo City: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6 (Western Visayas) convened stakeholders for a two-day conference on Healthcare Information Management System (HIMS), as the region continues to establish itself as a leading destination for healthcare technology services. According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-6 Director Rachel Nufable highlighted that the HIMS industry offers significant employment opportunities and can enhance local healthcare systems while fostering economic growth in the region. Nufable emphasized the potential for the industry to generate numerous high-value jobs and attract international companies to Western Visayas, transforming it into a hub for health and life sciences and

Baguio City: The Social Security System (SSS) has once again urged fresh graduates, whether from senior high school or college, to apply for SSS membership to become eligible for a range of benefits. “If they have time, they can already register, especially if they intend to work in a private company or establishment because it is a requirement,” said Christian Andrew Rillorta, information officer of the SSS North Luzon 1 office, in a media interview. According to Philippines News Agency, the application process is conducted online, eliminating the need to visit an SSS office unless assistance is required for registration

Bacolod City: The city government has partnered with seven companies to implement a near-hire training program in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, under the Asenso Life Skills Academy initiated by outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. Frances Mae Llamas, head of the city’s Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (D-LEDIP), stated that the collaboration is the first local government unit-led initiative in Western Visayas and Negros Island Region. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to address the skills gap in the BPO sector by providing targeted, job-ready training for near hires. The partnership represents a significant