Day: September 29, 2025

Dinagat islands: The economic growth in Dinagat Islands in 2024 is considered the fastest among the five provinces in the Caraga Region, a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-13) showed on Monday. Last year, the island province logged a 9.6 percent economic growth compared to the 5.2 percent recorded in 2023. According to Philippines News Agency, in the same period, the province’s gross domestic product reached PHP13.84 billion, the data added. Trailing Dinagat is Butuan City with an 8.7 percent growth, followed by Surigao del Norte (7.3 percent), Agusan del Norte (6.48 percent), Surigao del Sur (6.46 percent), and

Masbate: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Monday that Masbate Airport resumed operations following repairs from the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi). According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP stated that the decision to resume flights remains at the discretion of the airlines. The airport facility had suffered an estimated PHP10 million to PHP15 million worth of structural damage, which necessitated immediate clearing and safety measures to restore operations. CAAP confirmed that the passenger terminal is now safe for occupancy, with all hazardous debris removed and temporary roofing installed for protection. Additionally,

Masbate: Communities in Masbate, the province hit hard by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) last week, are in need of repair kits for their damaged houses, an Office of Civil Defense (OCD) official said Monday. “Wala po tayong problema sa pagkain. Sapat po, naka-preposition tayo. So housing, repair kits po ang kailangan. We are assessing kung ilan talaga ang kailangan ng probinsya but it will run to thousands po kasi ngayon nasa evacuation centers pa rin ay 5,213 families (We have no problem with food, we have enough stock that have been pre-positioned. For housing, we need repair

Iloilo city: Iloilo City’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Center has unveiled its SPROUT Lab program, which advocates for green tourism in support of the local government’s sustainability campaign. SPROUT, or Sustainable Practices and Responsible Operations of Unique Tourism, aims to support the “Green Meets Great” campaign, which was launched in 2024, to position Iloilo City as the country’s first green MICE destination. According to Philippines News Agency, MICE Center Director Maria Lea Victoria Lara emphasized the importance of balancing tourism benefits with environmental impacts. “We have positioned the MICE Center to advocate for green gatherings. As we know,

Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has intensified its mental health awareness campaign amid reports of 35 deaths by suicide from January to September this year, higher than the 29 cases recorded in the same period last year. According to Philippines News Agency, Ricky Ducas, CHSO mental health coordinator, said Monday that their team has been conducting talks, symposia, and sectoral meetings to highlight available government programs and interventions to address the increasing cases of suicide. As part of the campaign, posters and hotline numbers are being distributed in schools, barangays, and public spaces to make counseling services more