Day: September 18, 2025

Teodoro: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the necessity of a “strong defense backbone” for a nation to earn international respect during the September General Membership Meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) in Makati City. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro stressed the importance of national defense resilience, stating that no country is taken seriously without it, regardless of diplomatic efforts. He highlighted the significance of a “strong deterrent backbone,” particularly for smaller nations, in ensuring their security and international standing. Teodoro pointed out that the increasing number of visiting forces

Budapest: National Master Nika Juris Nicolas of Pasig City bagged the bronze medal in the Six Days Budapest Under 2250 category chess tournament held from Sept. 12 to 17 in Hungary. Nicolas tallied 4.5 points on four wins, two losses, and one draw in the seven-player round robin standard tournament. According to Philippines News Agency, Nicolas achieved victories against Bora Yagiz of Turkey in Round 2, Andras Bacsi of Hungary in Round 4, Tamas Titusz Torok of Hungary in Round 6, and Viktoria Kuehn of Germany in Round 7. Her losses came against FM Donat Daroczi of Hungary in Round

Janiuay: Residents of remote barangays in the Municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo, are expressing their gratitude for the infrastructure projects implemented through the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). These projects have provided safe access and have been instrumental in preventing potential loss of lives during adverse weather conditions. According to Philippines News Agency, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently visited two bridge projects constructed under the KALAHI-CIDSS initiative. The 15.05-meter Carigangan Bridge in Barangay Carigangan and the Kuyot-Calmay Hanging Footbridge in Barangay Kuyot have significantly improved connectivity and safety for the local population.

Bicol: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) is set to deploy more than 3,500 personnel during the planned protest actions on September 21 to ensure public safety and order throughout the Bicol Region. This large-scale deployment aims to protect the rights of rally participants, commuters, and the general public, while maintaining peace, order, and the normal flow of community life in areas that may be affected by these activities, as stated by PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 207 personnel will manage civil disturbance control, and 14 drone operators will

Manila: Government agencies nationwide are now mandated to use energy-efficient products and prioritize the installation of solar rooftop systems to help reduce public sector electricity consumption and accelerate the transition to clean energy. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Energy (DOE), which leads the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), announced the Committee’s decision to approve a resolution for this directive during its meeting on September 16. This move aligns with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). In a press release issued Thursday, the DOE stated that the resolution requires all government offices to comply with Minimum