Day: September 23, 2025

Manila: Europe is emerging as a new labor frontier for Filipino workers, with Croatia leading the way, through a government-to-government (G2G) hiring program, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). This initiative marks a significant step in expanding safe overseas employment opportunities for Filipinos in Europe. According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that this development is a direct result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to create dignified and secure opportunities for Filipinos abroad. Cacdac highlighted the importance of a clear agreement between the governments of the Philippines and Croatia, ensuring

Naujan: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday unveiled a PHP70.2-million rice processing facility aimed at supporting palay (unhusked rice) farmers in Oriental Mindoro. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to modernize agriculture and protect farmers from low palay buying prices. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the facility empowers farmers by allowing them to manage their produce and market their rice directly. This capability helps them avoid the pitfalls of low farmgate prices. The facility is expected to benefit local farmers in Naujan, a key rice-producing area, by enabling them

Manila: Dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan engineer Brice Hernandez testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, revealing how suitcases filled with cash, totaling approximately PHP1 billion, were delivered to Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co through an aide. According to Philippines News Agency, Hernandez, alongside former project engineer Jaypee Mendoza, disclosed that all infrastructure projects in Bulacan since 2019 were substandard, attributing this to systemic corruption. Hernandez explained that more than 20 suitcases, each containing around PHP50 million, were transported using six to seven vans. Initially, these deliveries were made to a five-star hotel in Bonifacio Global

Ilocos norte: A total of 677 families composed of 1,257 individuals in Ilocos Norte were affected by Super Typhoon Nando, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Tuesday. Of the total number, 419 families or 589 individuals are temporarily housed in evacuation centers, mostly in Pagudpud, Nueva Era, Bangui, and Bacarra, the PDRRMO said in its latest report. The strong winds and heavy rains brought by Nando have resulted in three totally damaged and 14 partially damaged houses in Marcos, Adams, and Currimao towns, it added. Estimated agricultural damage across the province so far is pegged at

Turin: Italy-based Filipina gymnast Maria Sofia Castillo Rivera delivered yet another promising performance after winning two golds and a silver medal in the 3rd Rhythmic Gymnastics Trial Regional Competition in Turin, Italy on Sept. 21. Rivera, who won five medals in various competitions in 2024, ruled both the all-around and free hand events and finished second in the hoop routine. According to Philippines News Agency, Sofia’s mother, Venus, attributed her 11-year-old daughter’s winning ways to discipline, dedication, and a strong support system. Venus said Sofia trains four days a week for four hours after school, managing to balance both her