Day: July 3, 2025

Dumaguete: Large commercial fishing vessels remain prohibited from operating within municipal waters in Negros Oriental, as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to enforce restrictions, an official confirmed. Despite a Supreme Court ruling favoring commercial interests, BFAR emphasizes that the ruling only applies to one specific company. According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-Negros Oriental chief Florencia Mepa±a clarified that the Supreme Court decision, which arose from a case filed by Mercidar Fishing Corp, does not broadly permit commercial fishing in municipal waters. The case revolved around the “constitutionality of the exclusivity or preferential right of the small

Muntinlupa: The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and Muntinlupa’s city government have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen the local implementation of adoption and alternative child care programs. According to Philippines News Agency, Muntinlupa became the second local government unit to formalize an agreement with NACC to institutionalize comprehensive child care services for children in need of permanent homes, following Quezon City. NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada emphasized the significance of the MOA, stating, “This MOA represents a shared commitment to protect, nurture, and secure the future of children in need of permanent and loving families.” Estrada

Manila: The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) launched a consultative meeting with 68 private hospitals to reinforce the implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program. According to Philippines News Agency, the event was initiated by the agency’s Malasakit Program and Compensation Unit (MPCU) and runs from July 2 to 4. DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Lester Tan described the three-day meeting as a crucial platform to enhance collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers in ensuring efficient, equitable, and compassionate access to medical assistance for vulnerable patients. The program has a

Tacloban city: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 in Eastern Visayas distributed 200 units of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) radios to police stations across the region. PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad highlighted that this initiative aims to improve communication among police units, facilitating more efficient information relay. According to Philippines News Agency, the lack of communication equipment has been a significant barrier to timely police response. The turnover is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that all patrollers are fully equipped with necessary communication tools. Brig. Gen. Cumigad emphasized that this is a continuing procurement based on needs. Earlier

Manila: The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has praised the foreign ministers of the Quad nations-United States, Japan, India, and Australia-for their stance against ‘dangerous and provocative actions’ in the South China Sea, including the deployment of water cannons on vessels. According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA emphasized that by spotlighting these ongoing threats and coercive behaviors, the Quad Foreign Ministers have maintained attention on the issues that the Philippines consistently faces in the West Philippine Sea. This acknowledgment reflects the global community’s strong disapproval of unlawful, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the region.