Day: October 23, 2025

Manila: College of Saint Benilde and University of the Philippines are aiming to secure their spots in the semifinals of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup, with crucial matches scheduled at the Paco Arena on Friday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Lady Blazers, led by Rhea Densing, overcame the second-seeded Lady Falcons in a nail-biting match last Tuesday, with scores of 28-26, 20-25, 25-15, 19-25, 15-12. This victory has set up a decisive rubber match at 3 p.m. Densing, along with Zam Nolasco, Camila Bartolome, and the Lleses sisters, Shekaina and Shahanna, are anticipated to be pivotal for

Davao: State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has announced its provision of PHP3.2 million in financial assistance and PHP3.1 million worth of relief packs to support families affected by recent earthquakes in Davao Oriental and Cebu. According to Philippines News Agency, Finance Secretary and LandBank Chairman Ralph Recto, along with President and CEO Lynette Ortiz, spearheaded the relief operations in these regions, ensuring timely support reached the affected communities. In Davao Oriental, the bank handed over PHP500,000 to the provincial government, and PHP200,000 each to the City of Mati and Municipality of Manay. Additionally, LandBank distributed 1,000 grocery packs

Antique: Antique Governor Paolo Everardo Javier is planning a consultative meeting with farmers’ associations in the province to explore ways the provincial government can assist amid the declining buying price of palay. According to Philippines News Agency, the price of palay (unhusked rice) in the province has decreased to PHP10 per kilo since mid-September. Governor Javier expressed concern for farmers struggling to make a profit from their harvests. He emphasized the importance of listening to their recommendations to prevent exploitation, particularly during the peak harvest season. Governor Javier is also considering the establishment of two rice processing complexes to provide

Seoul: Top leaders of the Philippine and South Korean armies met in Seoul earlier this week for “high-level talks,” further solidifying the defense ties between the two nations, the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that the meeting between PA chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, and Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) chief of staff, Gen. Kim Gyu-Ha, took place on Oct. 21 at the sidelines of a six-day event. “Their engagement further solidified the PA’s defense ties with ROKA that can contribute to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific Region,”

Manila: The daily copra price watch system is now benchmarked to help ensure fair abaca pricing in the country, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) reported on Thursday. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) initiated the move to address long-standing concerns about the growing disparity between the farmgate and the selling prices of abaca. According to Philippines News Agency, PCA Administrator Dexter Buted expressed support for data-driven monitoring of abaca prices. “This is a step toward a more equitable pricing environment, farmer empowerment, and integrated fiber and coconut industry growth,” he said. The PCA’s copra price monitoring system, managed by

Pasay city: The target of having at least 2.5 million electronic vehicles (EVs) on Philippine roads by 2040 seems achievable as more innovative units are being introduced, and the government remains committed to boosting the sector, an industry official said on Thursday. Citing end-July 2025 data of the Land Transportation Office, Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, in his speech during the opening ceremony of the Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, said EV registration rose to 29,715 units, higher than the 24,000 registered for the entire 2024. According to