Day: September 29, 2025

Manila: The government has announced an extension of the current two-month rice import ban for at least an additional 30 days, aiming to alleviate the impact of declining farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice), as disclosed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the decision to support Filipino farmers during their peak harvest season. According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel mentioned that the ban might even be prolonged until the end of the year, contingent on prevailing market conditions. In an ambush interview, he

Masbate: Players in the energy sector and the Philippine Navy have joined hands to immediately restore the power situation in Masbate province, after being devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi). In a statement on Monday, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it is now closely coordinating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the National Power Corporation (NPC), electric cooperatives (ECs), and oil industry players. According to Philippines News Agency, a 13-member team from the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) arrived in the province Sunday night to provide support to the Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO). Today,

Negros oriental: The provincial government of Negros Oriental and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province will bring together around 15 or more national government agencies for the Institutionalization of ConsumerNet. Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that the institutionalization of ConsumerNet will be done through an executive order to be issued by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria. According to Philippines News Agency, the activity is set on Wednesday at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas here, to coincide with the local kickoff of the nationwide Consumer Welfare Month 2025 in October. The

Tacloban: In line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office-8 (Eastern Visayas), has extended a total of PHP19.77 million in humanitarian assistance to individuals and families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, in Eastern Samar. According to Philippines News Agency, data from DSWD’s Field Office 8 indicated that the aid comprised 32,371 boxes of family food packs, 400 boxes of ready-to-eat foods, and 151 pieces of non-food items. Additionally, cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program was provided

Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended a Chinese national accused of participating in the sexual exploitation of women. The operation has also led to the rescue of two Vietnamese women. According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) released a statement detailing that Wang Gang, also known as Kelvin Lee, was allegedly involved in offering women to foreigners for sexual services, with rates ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP70,000 per night. The arrest occurred after Lee agreed to meet with undercover agents posing as customers at a hotel in Para±aque City. During this encounter, Lee intended to