Day: September 17, 2025

Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced plans to strengthen defense and maritime cooperation with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, recognized as a leading global naval force. According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative was discussed during a courtesy call by Lord Vernon Coaker, UK’s Minister of State for Defense, to PN chief Vice Adm. Jose Ambrosio Ezpeleta at the PN headquarters in Manila. Captain Benjo Negranza, chief of the PN public affairs office, stated that the talks covered potential future collaborations aimed at enhancing partnerships, conducting joint activities, boosting operational readiness, and exploring opportunities for defense capability development.

Camarines norte: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) provided financial, food, and non-food items to families affected by a tornado incident in Camarines Norte. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio reported that a total of 103 families in Barangays Bibirao and Magang were affected after their homes and properties sustained damage. The incident tragically resulted in two deaths: a 37-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy, both struck by a fallen tree. Additionally, two others sustained minor injuries. Social workers carried out home visits and provided psychosocial intervention to the grieving families to help

Manila: At least 53 out-of-school youths and underprivileged students have completed the Education on Wheels (EOW) program at Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) announced on Wednesday. The milestone coincides with PUP’s 2025 year-end commencement exercises for Academic Year 2024-2025, which began on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, PUP President Manuel Muhi emphasized that the achievement demonstrates the institution’s continued commitment to providing quality education for all Filipino learners. Muhi expressed that the success of the graduates is a testament to PUP’s mission to transform the lives of every student through inclusive and

Manila: Amid a series of heavier rains causing deep flooding and landslides in many areas of the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday urged households and local government units to remain alert and take proactive measures. In a news release, the DENR emphasized that preparedness can significantly lessen the impact of extreme weather events on lives, livelihoods, and properties. According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR highlighted the importance of proactive planning, proper coordination, and community participation in mitigating the impacts of the rainy season. The agency calls on everyone to participate in strengthening resilience,

Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Wednesday the launch of direct services between Cebu and Calbayog, Samar, starting Oct. 26. These flights would operate four times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, the launch of the Cebu-Calbayog route is a milestone in PAL’s mission to empower regional gateways like Cebu. PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang stated that the Tan-led carrier is investing in Cebu as a strategic hub to help drive tourism and economic growth across the region. Meanwhile, PAL is also ramping up frequencies of flights to and from Siargao