Day: October 30, 2025

Manila: Integrity of the Philippines’ investment promotion framework got a boost after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, on Oct. 29. According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Gil Taway, president and chief executive officer of Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), expressed gratitude to the President for signing the measure. He noted that it restores the integrity of the investment promotion framework and protects the Philippines from activities linked to offshore gaming. President Marcos’ decision to institutionalize the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) was seen as a

Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring the feasibility of leasing closed private schools and other underutilized private properties as part of its innovative approach to ease the country’s classroom shortage, which reached over 165,000 in 2022. In collaboration with the Student First Coalition (SFC) and various government agencies, DepEd recently conducted a Classroom Market Scoping Activity to assess available properties and potential partnership models with the private sector. The initiative aims to make classroom leasing a scalable and cost-effective strategy nationwide. According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for creative solutions to address

Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured that the death of a Filipino crew member of MV Arvia, a cruise ship operated by P and O Cruises, is now under investigation. According to Philippines News Agency, the DMW confirmed the death of the Filipino seafarer whose identity is still on hold, as it expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. ‘The licensed manning agency that deployed the seafarer reported that the circumstances surrounding the crew member’s death are still under investigation and that they are in ongoing coordination with the vessel owner to ensure a thorough and transparent process,’

Mandaluyong city: The Government of Japan is extending a ¥370 million (approximately PHP137 million) grant to strengthen the Philippines’ tuberculosis (TB) response, particularly in remote and underserved areas. According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release on Thursday, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced that Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Geneva Office Director Andrew Kirkwood signed a deal for ‘The Project for Enhancing Tuberculosis Screening in Remote Areas’ in the Philippines. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Department of Health Secretary (DOH) Teodoro Herbosa at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong

Pasay city: The Philippines has achieved a significant milestone in its culinary journey by securing its first nine Michelin Stars, the prestigious accolade awarded by the globally-renowned Michelin Guide. According to Philippines News Agency, an awarding ceremony held in Pasay City marked this historic moment, with The Helm receiving the distinction of being the country’s first and sole Two Michelin Star restaurant. In addition, eight other establishments-Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inat´, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, and Toyo Eatery-each earned a One Michelin Star. While One Michelin Star acknowledges ‘high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,’ Two Michelin Stars