Day: July 28, 2025

Manila: The reported deaths from the effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong have climbed to 31, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. The disaster response body said that out of this number, only two have so far been confirmed — one each in Northern Mindanao and Caraga. According to Philippines News Agency, reports of 29 fatalities are still undergoing verification. These include nine in the National Capital Region, six in Western Visayas, five in Calabarzon, three in Negros Island Region, two in Central Luzon, two in Northern Mindanao, and

Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Leah Gutierrez as Director General for its Central and West Asia Department. As Director General, Ms. Gutierrez will deliver ADB’s strategic agenda in the Central and West Asia region. She will lead ADB’s engagement with 11 countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Her appointment takes effect today. According to Asian Development Bank, Ms. Gutierrez expressed her commitment to her new role, stating, “I am honored to serve in this position and will continue to engage with developing member countries and stakeholders to promote

Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan announced his decision to join the Senate majority bloc on Monday, citing the urgent need to address the national food crisis and secure the position of chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan explained his vote for Senate President Francis Escudero by highlighting the severe issues of skyrocketing food prices, rising hunger, and worsening malnutrition affecting Filipino children. He emphasized the necessity for coordinated action between the executive and legislative branches to combat these challenges effectively. “Our nation is facing a food crisis, and high food prices have led to unprecedented