Day: August 13, 2025

Manila: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to enhance innovations in the abaca industry in Catanduanes, improving farmers’ livelihoods and adding value to their products. According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. announced during a press conference that the agency is focused on expanding the abaca sector within the textile industry, as emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). He highlighted the need for innovation beyond traditional raw abaca production to add value to the local textile industry, supported by an agreement between the Philippine Textile

Quezon city: The Sandiganbayan has convicted a former Quezon City councilor in connection with ghost employees supposedly hired as field and area coordinators and street sweepers from 2009 to 2010. In a 67-page decision dated August 12, 2025, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division sentenced Dante de Guzman to up to 10 years for each of 16 counts of malversation and up to eight years for 16 counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. According to Philippines News Agency, although the prosecution was able to present only six individuals who testified to their non-involvement in the position under which

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has significantly increased the number of leptospirosis fast lanes in hospitals across the nation, expanding from 27 to 49 facilities. This initiative is in response to the ongoing threat of leptospirosis as the country grapples with rising cases of the waterborne bacterial infection, especially following recent flooding. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing the need to address the health concern promptly and effectively. The goal of the leptospirosis fast lanes is to provide quicker diagnosis, treatment, and medical attention to patients exhibiting symptoms.

Pasay city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is once again seeking volunteers to assist in the repacking of family food packs (FFPs) at its National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City. This initiative aims to bolster the agency’s efforts in preparing and stockpiling relief supplies for quick deployment during disasters or emergencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized the importance of community participation in the ongoing operations at the NROC. She stated that additional volunteers are crucial for ensuring that aid is swiftly delivered

Batangas: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has temporarily deferred its decision on the petition by Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) to increase the terminal fee at the Batangas Port. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns related to the current state of calamity in Oriental Mindoro. According to Philippines News Agency, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago stated that ATI is seeking to raise the terminal fee from PHP30 to PHP100, citing improvements made at the Batangas Port as the reason for the proposed increase. However, the PPA decided to suspend the decision in response to a call from Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz