Day: November 17, 2025

Negros occidental: The Negros Occidental provincial government is gearing up to highlight more than 80 gender and development (GAD) projects that have been implemented locally in recent years. These initiatives will be showcased in an exposition scheduled for November 20 and 21 at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol. According to Philippines News Agency, the GAD Expo 2025 is part of the Office of the Governor’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women. The event will feature nearly 20 proponents who will share valuable insights and information about the projects, which address issues related to education, health,

Bacolod city: This highly urbanized city started to accept the processing of business and mayor’s permits for 2026 on Monday, ahead of the regular renewal period in January. In a memorandum, Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the early start in preparation for the forthcoming business one-stop-shop (BOSS) operations and to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of these permits for the next calendar year. ‘This is as well to avoid congestion and delays during the regular renewal period in January,’ he said. According to Philippines News Agency, Gasataya directed all the offices involved in the permitting process to designate personnel and

Manila: Bargain hunting lifted the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) on Monday, and the peso appreciated against the US dollar. The main stocks gauge rose 3.49 percent to 5,779.12 points, and the broader All Shares by 0.63 percent to 3,280.80 points. Most of the sectoral indices gained during the day, led by Financials after it rose 4.73 percent. It was followed by Property after it increased 4.15 percent; Services, 2.97 percent; Holding Firms, 2.07 percent; and Industrial, 1.80 percent. Only the Mining and Oil index finished in the negative territory after it fell 0.30 percent. Volume reached 1.12 billion shares,

Pasay city: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, serving as the Philippines’ Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, announced that the Philippines has refined its priority agenda for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship. During a press briefing, Lazaro outlined the country’s commitment to lead ASEAN in enhancing regional security, advancing digital transformation, addressing climate concerns, and promoting people-centered development. According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro emphasized the importance of maintaining a rules-based and outward-looking ASEAN Political-Security Community. She highlighted the goal of achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in the region amidst current tensions and conflicts. The Philippines aims

Manila: inDrive Philippines is optimistic about sustained growth in its local operations given the low commission rate collected from drivers and government policies supportive of ride-hailing services. According to Philippines News Agency, without disclosing the exact number of total rides, Sofia Guinto, inDrive Business Development Head-Philippines, noted that growth in rides rose eight percent on an annual basis as of the end of October this year, and the number of passengers increased sevenfold during the same period. Guinto attributed this growth to the 10-percent commission the company collects from drivers, which is the lowest in the market. Another factor contributing