Day: August 11, 2025

Bicol: The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) reported on Monday that it arrested 32 suspects and confiscated nearly PHP3 million worth of shabu during operations from Aug. 4 to 10. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. announced that among those apprehended were six high-value targets, 22 street-level pushers, and four newly-identified suspects who are currently under investigation. According to Philippines News Agency, the operations led to the seizure of 440.217 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price value of PHP2,993,475. Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. emphasized the commitment of PRO-5 to continue these operations, issuing

Manila: The Philippines has further strengthened its agriculture and fishery partnership with Canada following a high-level meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath Macdonald in Manila. ‘Canada remains a vital partner in supporting our vision for a more globally competitive agriculture sector,’ Tiu Laurel said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, the August 3 meeting led to the signing of a joint statement on technical collaboration between the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The agreement covers cooperation in plant health, capacity building, scientific and regulatory advancement,

Pasay city: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday announced plans to inaugurate its new ‘smart’ headquarters in Pasay City this September, aligning the event with the agency’s anniversary celebrations. The BI, which will be celebrating its 85th anniversary, has highlighted this development as a significant milestone in its ongoing modernization efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval shared details about the inauguration during the agency’s radio program. Sandoval emphasized the significance of the new headquarters, noting its modern design and advanced technological features. She referred to the facility as a ‘smart building,’ reflecting the bureau’s commitment

Davao: The Kadayawan Floriculture Agri Trade Fair not only showcases beauty but also supports livelihood and tourism as part of the monthlong Kadayawan Festival, the Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) said Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the fair is organized by the Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (FIDI) in partnership with the Davao City Agriculture Office and DA-11. It highlights the bounty of nature, the richness of culture, and the resilience of Dabawenyos. DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga emphasized that flowers can also serve as a source of income. He stated, “Flowers are more than decorations; they

Aurora: The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) plans to enter into a joint management agreement (JMA) with indigenous peoples (IPs) within its jurisdiction, President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV revealed in a radio interview on Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, patterned after the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) partnership with the Aeta community, will focus on the 12,242-hectare Parcel 2 of the ecozone. Parcel 2, home to six indigenous settlements, is envisioned by APECO as a hub for employment, ecotourism, and environmental conservation. The proposed JMA will promote shared decision-making between