Day: July 29, 2025

Ilocos norte: Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 (Ilocos Region) officer in charge, Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes, has commended the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., praising the President’s commitment to maintaining peace and order as a crucial element of national development. According to Philippines News Agency, Reyes emphasized the dedication of PRO-1 to enhance police operations through intensified anti-criminality efforts, quicker response times, and increased community engagement. Despite the recent weather disturbances in the region, particularly in La Union and Pangasinan, the police force has remained committed to ensuring peace and order.

Manila: A new witness in the missing ‘sabungeros’ (cockfight aficionados) case has been secured by investigators, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the high-profile case. According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla highlighted the importance of the new witness, stating that it supports the credibility of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, known as Totoy. Investigators previously faced challenges in identifying a key individual, but the new witness has now provided clarity on this issue. The witness promises to offer not only testimonial evidence but also tangible evidence that has yet to be shared with the

Dumaguete: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental is assisting local government units (LGUs) in bringing industry players to the countryside. Suzanne Lu-Bascara, who leads the ICT-Dumaguete/Negros Oriental, stated in an interview that at least two LGUs have expressed interest in setting up a working space and the necessary infrastructure to attract investors. According to Philippines News Agency, the LGUs of Bayawan City and La Libertad have initiated efforts to collaborate with the ICT association to establish a conducive environment for attracting locators in the ICT-BPM (business process management) sector to rural areas. Bascara emphasized

Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte government is set to double its financial assistance to small business owners and start-ups, increasing the aid to PHP10,000 this year to support their operational growth. According to Philippines News Agency, Elma Gabriel, head of the provincial government’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Office, confirmed the initiative, which aims to benefit a total of 569 recipients in 2023. The aid will be disbursed in two phases. The initial tranche of PHP5,000 will assist with business registration and physical improvements, while the remaining PHP5,000 will support necessary working capital. Gabriel emphasized that the program will continue

Manila: The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has declared its robust support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s dedication to reforming the energy sector in the Philippines, a commitment highlighted during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). According to Philippines News Agency, APECO’s President and Chief Executive Officer, lawyer Gil Taway IV, praised the President for acknowledging the ongoing challenges related to energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability, particularly in areas that are underserved. Taway emphasized APECO’s alignment with the government’s efforts to enhance energy access and reduce power costs through sustainable, renewable energy solutions. Taway