Day: September 6, 2025

Manila: The University of Santo Tomas secured the second semifinal berth in the 2025 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge after rallying past Far Eastern University, 19-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-17 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila on Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, opposite hitter Al-Bukharie Sali registered a game-high 29 points off 26 attacks, two blocks, and one ace as the Golden Spikers improved their win-loss record to 5-1. JJ Macam and GBoy De Vega backed him up with 13 and 12 points, respectively. “The difference there, in the second set, was that they played as a

Manila: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the end of the public health emergency status for mpox in Africa, marking a significant milestone more than a year after the outbreak began. The decision was made public on Friday following careful deliberation by the organization. According to Philippines News Agency, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the decision to lift the emergency status was guided by the recommendation of the organization’s mpox emergency committee, which convened on Thursday. The outbreak introduced new patterns of transmission and virus strains, though it resulted in limited international spread. In response to

Manila: The Philippines is ready to meet the demand should there be an increase in tourist visa applications in China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday. In a statement, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Angelica Escalona explained that the visa requirements currently in place are not intended to prevent the entry of tourists into the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Escalona stated, “They are intended precisely to assist the country in ensuring that legitimate travelers are given visas to enter the Philippines.” She further emphasized that all Philippine Posts are equipped to handle the current visa demand and

Tawi-tawi: Authorities have foiled a human trafficking attempt as they rescued 13 victims and arrested two ‘facilitators’ in law enforcement operations in Tawi-Tawi, the police said Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Jeseryl Dela Cruz, chief of the police’s 1st Special Operations Unit – Maritime Group, said the rescued victims consisted of six men and seven women, who were recruited from various parts of the country. The victims were rescued while being transported to different areas in Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, on Friday afternoon, using tricycles and motorboats. ‘The rescue was prompted by a report from the

Manila: The Zero-Balance Billing (ZBB) program for the poor has already benefited some 298,221 patients, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday. The DOH reported that this equates to PHP26.4 billion in combined billing for patients admitted for basic accommodation in DOH hospitals. According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative marks a significant milestone, as noted by DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. He shared that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and he have been visiting hospitals and witnessing the joy of patients who are discharged without having to pay. President Marcos emphasized that the nation is progressing towards achieving universal health