Day: October 23, 2025

Manila: Salome has weakened into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Thursday. The cyclone is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour. According to Philippines News Agency, Salome was last tracked 115 kilometers northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, moving southwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The tropical depression is affecting areas under signal no. 1, which include Batanes, the northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Island, Dalupiri Island,

Iloilo: Ilonggos on Wednesday night witnessed the grand launch of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival, highlighted by performances of tribes joining the annual celebration next year. The event, filled with the rhythm of drums, color, and devotion in honor of Se±or Santo Ni±o at SM City Iloilo, followed the festival’s national launch in Metro Manila over the weekend. According to Philippines News Agency, Festival and Artistic Director Eric Divinagracia stated that next year’s celebration will feature designs inspired by endemic flora and fauna in Visayas. “It is a recognition that we are stewards of God’s creation. That is why we celebrate

Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing every Filipino family with a safe, decent, and affordable home, highlighting significant progress in expanding the national housing program. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos, speaking at the National Housing Expo 2025 held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, emphasized the collaboration between the government, the private sector, and housing agencies in delivering comprehensive housing services. These services include design planning, financial assistance, and housing loan processing. Marcos acknowledged the persistent challenge of homeownership for many Filipinos, with numerous families still renting or

Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) advised residents to take extra precautions against influenza and, if possible, get vaccinated for additional protection, especially amid the colder season. According to Philippines News Agency, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes on Thursday encouraged the public to take advantage of available flu vaccines. The CHSO offers free flu shots to senior citizens through local health centers and rural health units. She noted the effectiveness of the shot in reducing severe illness among vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions. Brillantes also reminded residents to practice preventive

Manila: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is requesting Congress to increase the daily medical allowance for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from PHP15 to PHP30 per individual. According to Philippines News Agency, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. made this appeal to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, during a recent hearing focused on the proposed 2026 budget for the Department of Justice and its associated agencies. Catapang emphasized the importance of boosting the medical allowance to improve healthcare provisions within correctional facilities. Additionally, Catapang discussed with Gatchalian a proposal for a medical parole bill.