Day: October 30, 2025

Manila: The national government’s total outstanding debt continued its downward trajectory, declining to PHP17.46 trillion as of end-September this year, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said Thursday. The BTr reported that this figure represents a decrease from the PHP17.47 trillion recorded as of end-August 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, the decrease in national debt reflects the government’s fiscal discipline, strategic borrowing strategy, and proactive liability management. These efforts are supported by steady market conditions and robust domestic investor confidence. The report highlights that domestic borrowings continue to make up more than 60 percent of the total debt, aligning

Gyeongju: BTS frontman RM on Wednesday became the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, likening the genre’s global appeal to “bibimbap,” the Korean mixed rice dish that blends diverse ingredients into one harmonious whole. Speaking at the Gyeongju Arts Center in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on “the cultural and creative industries in the APEC region and the soft power of Korean culture,” the 31-year-old said K-pop’s power lies in its ability to cross borders and connect people through shared emotions. According to Philippines News Agency, RM explained K-pop music

Manila: The Haven Regional Center for Children (THRC), a residential care facility operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (Ilocos Region), in collaboration with SM City Urdaneta Central, has initiated a program to bring joy to children in challenging circumstances during this yuletide season. THRC administrative officer and psychometrician Angela Ruth Felicitas highlighted that the center primarily houses boys aged 7 to 14 who have faced difficult situations. According to Philippines News Agency, Felicitas elaborated that the children under their care require special protection due to various risks, including abuse and abandonment, with some found

Gyeongju: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to position the Philippines as a dependable partner for international investments during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, according to Philippine Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos will participate in the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, joining leaders, senior officials, and top business figures from the 21-member bloc. This region represents 46 percent of global trade and 61 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. Fernandez stated in an interview with state-run RTVM that the President will emphasize the Philippines’ readiness and reliability for investments at the

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its field offices across the country are on high alert to provide immediate aid to families and individuals during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed all regional directors to ensure that field offices are prepared to assist citizens traveling to their provinces. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated that the DSWD is equipped with sufficient relief items, such as ready-to-eat food, family food packs, and other essential supplies, to