Day: September 17, 2025

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) quick response teams are on alert to support local government units (LGUs) as Tropical Depression Mirasol advances across the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao from the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) confirmed that frontline personnel in affected areas are monitoring developments to ensure timely aid. The DSWD has strategically positioned 2,578,821 boxes of family food packs across its warehouses to facilitate swift relief operations. These provisions are supplemented by 114,623 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, designated for individuals potentially stranded due to disrupted sea travel. The RTEFs

Manila: The Philippines on Wednesday welcomed the United Kingdom’s (UK) intention to forge a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Manila, calling it a clear show of support for the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. confirmed London’s offer in a letter from the British defense minister, which he described as ‘a very welcome development.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro stated that the UK would be the second European country to negotiate a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines, following France, which initiated talks on a similar pact earlier this

Ilocos norte: Ilocos Norte officials are seeking assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding the planned airport project in Pagudpud aimed at stirring economic growth in the province. Through Provincial Resolution 042-2025, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Board is requesting the DOTr to conduct a feasibility study for the project. According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Board member Marlon Ferdinand Sales, who hails from Pagudpud, sponsored the resolution at the Provincial Board Session Hall on Monday. He emphasized that Pagudpud, known for its pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, can attract more local and foreign tourists with the

Aurora: Bad weather brought by Tropical Depression Mirasol halted classes and caused flooding and a landslide which resulted in a temporary road closure, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the PDRRMC noted that light to moderate rains are affecting the central and southern parts of the province, while the northern municipalities of Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan are experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. In Casiguran town, where Mirasol made landfall, a rain-induced landslide occurred near Pasaruboi Bridge in Barangay Cozo, prompting authorities to close the area for clearing operations. No casualties

Bacolod city: Six animal raisers associations in Negros Occidental have issued a joint manifesto expressing support for lifting the province’s 18-year-old ban on the entry of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), particularly Bt corn, through a regulatory ordinance currently being deliberated by the Provincial Board. The associations, including the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, Negros Occidental Layers Association, Association of Broiler Integrators of Negros Occidental, Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental, United Cattle Raisers Association in Negros, and Negros Occidental Swine Inseminators, released the manifesto through the provincial government on Tuesday night. According to Philippines News Agency, the groups expressed