Day: October 9, 2025

Dumaguete: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Negros Oriental will hold regular simulation exercises (SIMEX) to ensure a disaster-resilient Dumaguete-Sibulan airport, officials said Thursday. The announcement follows a successful full-scale mock drill staged at the airport on Wednesday afternoon to test the emergency response procedures and capabilities of airport authorities and their partners. According to Philippines News Agency, Frank Mua±a Jr., aviation services safety officer of CAAP-Dumaguete, reported a 90 percent rating for the SIMEX, based on the evaluation of observers. He stated that they are ready to enhance aspects requiring improvement, noting that minor oversights will

Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has successfully secured right-of-way (ROW) in six strategic areas extending from Calumpit, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga. This marks a significant advancement in the construction of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the acquisition of these ROWs is pivotal to accelerating the completion of the NSCR project, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite essential transport infrastructure. Lopez expressed gratitude towards the local government units in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Apalit, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Calumpit,

Batangas: Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested four men, including a Chinese national, and seized from them PHP15.1 million worth of alleged illegal petroleum products and illicit cigarettes in two separate law enforcement operations in Batangas and Quezon provinces. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico stated that the three Filipinos, identified as Ed, Sam, and Sid, were apprehended by CIDG-Batangas personnel at a gasoline station along Balete Road, Barangay Balagtas, Batangas City at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Monday. They were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal trading and distribution of petroleum

Ilocos norte: A total of 559 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from the 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte have been given the opportunity to enrich themselves with the necessary skills to help their fellow youth in dealing with mental health crises. Ilocos Norte youth development officer Willie Jake Sib-at has announced that psychological first aiders from the provincial government’s “Speak Up, I’m Here” Mental Health Movement have been facilitating a series of psychological first aid training sessions for SK officials across all barangays in the province. According to Philippines News Agency, to date, 250 out of the 559

Negros oriental: The number of dengue cases in Negros Oriental has continued to decline this year, a trend attributed to heightened public awareness and intensified efforts to combat the viral disease. According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) chief Dr. Liland Estacion noted that the downward slope began early this year, following a steep incline last year due to the ‘epidemic’ season. Dr. Estacion emphasized that the community’s increased awareness has played a crucial role in reducing dengue cases, with residents actively eradicating mosquito breeding places and ensuring that spaces are kept clean and less conducive for mosquitoes