Day: July 8, 2025

Taguig city: The decision regarding the acquisition of Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts will depend on several factors, including whether the ships can integrate into the country’s current fleet, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro recently discussed the potential transfer of these Japanese naval ships to the Philippine Navy (PN) with Navy Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta. The Defense Secretary mentioned that an invitation to inspect the ships has been extended, but the decision will rest on their compatibility with the existing fleet and integration feasibility. Teodoro is awaiting a

Romblon: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has completed the restoration of six critical light stations in Romblon, helping ensure navigational safety along the coastline of the Southern Tagalog region. According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG Maritime Safety Services Unit Southern Tagalog (MSSU-STL) announced that light stations in Calatong Hills, Corcuera, Malbog, Gorda, Calabogo Point, and Romblon Jetty were restored from June 30 to July 4. The PCG team carried out essential installations, system repairs, and component replacements during this period. With the restorations completed, the PCG reported an increase in the operational efficiency of light stations in the region

Manila: Team Manila-Philippines is gearing up to defend its title at the PONY International Girls Softball World Series scheduled from July 17-20 in McAllen, Texas. The Filipina softbelles aim to continue their winning streak after clinching the U18 championship last year with an impressive eighth-game sweep of the tournament. According to Philippines News Agency, coach Sheirylou Valenzuela, speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, expressed confidence in the team’s competitiveness despite having only three players returning from last year’s lineup. Valenzuela identified Puerto Rico as a significant threat in the Philippines’ quest for

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assisted more than 12,000 child laborers from 2021 to 2024 through the Strategic Help desks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor Program. Of the total, 3,887 minors have already been reintegrated into their families and communities, the DSWD said. According to Philippines News Agency, child labor is a serious concern that hinders the development of children. To address this problem, the DSWD implements the SHIELD Against Child Labor Program, which is a community-based program that taps the whole-of-society approach to provide holistic and immediate interventions

Palo: Around 1.4 million Filipinos and over 1,000 additional government offices are set to benefit from faster and more reliable internet access through the completion of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) program. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that these phases will enhance internet connectivity across the Cagayan Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and key areas in Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro and Davao. According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the NFB Phases 2 and 3 in Palo, Leyte. This follows the completion of the NFB Phase