Day: July 29, 2025

San juan city: A higher budget will be allocated for lending to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the government seeks to empower more businesses and enhance their contribution to economic growth. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) interview in San Juan City, mentioned the government’s plan but refrained from specifying the exact figures. According to Philippines News Agency, Roque highlighted that among the beneficiaries of this initiative would be women entrepreneurs, supported through the recently-launched Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), and those engaged in the creative industries. Roque emphasized the potential of the

Manila: The three-day Inter-Barangay Rescue Olympics in this capital town of Antique aimed to enhance the response capability of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) responders. The event, which kicked off on Tuesday, gathered 28 barangays of San Jose de Buenavista at the Binirayan Sports Complex. According to Philippines News Agency, Maybato North Barangay Captain Anselmo Joyel expressed satisfaction with the activity, noting its importance in assessing and improving barangay capabilities. The barangay volunteer responders demonstrated techniques such as splinting, bandaging, carrying, and assisting on the first day. The subsequent days are scheduled for activities including throwbag throwing,

Manila: Investors’ decision to stay on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting this week resulted in the negative close of both the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) and the peso on Tuesday. The main stocks gauge shed 0.85 percent to end the day at 6,325.42 points, and the broader All Shares by 0.35 percent to 3,780.08 points. Only the Property index ended the day up with a mere 0.04 percent increase. According to Philippines News Agency, services registered the highest drop at 2.02 percent, and was trailed by the Mining and Oil, 1.72 percent; Holding Firms, 0.70

Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that nine Filipino seafarers from the ill-fated MV Eternity C are being held by Houthi rebels in Yemen, while assuring the public that the department is in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and international partners for their safe release. According to Philippines News Agency, the confirmation was made by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a virtual briefing. Cacdac stated, “Today, we confirm, in coordination with our DFA, that the nine are in the hands of the Houthi forces. And we are continually in close coordination with

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has appealed for collaboration with local government units (LGUs), health workers, and civil society groups to achieve its annual target of vaccinating 95 percent of nearly two million Filipino children against preventable diseases. According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the urgency of completing the vaccination schedule for children during a post-SONA discussion. The schedule includes vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, diphtheria, and more. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOH to expedite the immunization program to meet the country’s vaccination targets. The government procures various vaccines, including