Day: November 18, 2025

Pasay city: The Philippines and Palestine have taken a significant step in strengthening their diplomatic ties by establishing a political consultation mechanism. This initiative aims to foster a robust and practical cooperation in various sectors, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizing this mechanism was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Palestine Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday and highlighted the commitment of both countries to identify areas of cooperation and promote mutual interests. In a

Manila: Manila Central University (MCU) and Centro Escolar University (CEU) were the top-performing schools in the recent Optometrists Computer-Based Licensure Examination, according to the results recently released. CEU produced the highest number of passers with 180 out of 190 takers, while MCU boasted the top passing rate, achieving a perfect score with all 55 of its students passing. According to Philippines News Agency, CEU had a strong presence in the top 10, with seven graduates achieving topnotcher status. Leading the group was Dr. Sienna Rose Mabuti, who secured the top spot with a score of 91.16 percent. Other notable CEU

Negros occidental: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) have ensured internet connectivity in evacuation centers and vital disaster response hubs in Negros Occidental after Typhoon Tino downed telecommunication lines on November 4. As of Tuesday, at least 12 Starlink satellite internet units have been turned over and activated in affected areas. According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview, DICT-Negros Occidental’s Mary Jane Agonace stated that they fulfilled their mandate of providing connectivity to Tino-hit areas. She emphasized the importance of internet access during disasters, noting that connectivity enables people to communicate

Hamtic: About 1,000 residents of four remote barangays in the municipality of Hamtic in Antique benefited from the End to Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) medical and civic action initiative. The event, held on Tuesday, targeted the residents of Barangays Pili, Bongbongan III, Pasu-jungao, and Linaban. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Paolo Everardo Javier emphasized the collaborative efforts of various government agencies to extend their services to hard-to-reach areas. During the program at the Barangay Linaban multi-purpose gymnasium, the provincial government, along with 23 other national government agencies, delivered essential services to the local residents. The initiative, spearheaded by

Bacolod: The national government continues to push for the development of organic agriculture, highlighting the sector’s immense potential in creating income-generating opportunities while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. This is the focus of the 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC), organized under the Department of Agriculture (DA) National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), coinciding with the observance of the 11th Organic Agriculture Month, which opened at the SMX Convention Center here on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the three-day event, themed ‘Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,’ serves as a venue to discuss ideas, innovations, and advocacies