Day: November 19, 2025

Bais city: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 (Central Visayas) has partially lifted the fishing ban in Bais City and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental after recent test results showed safe parameters for human activities. The decision comes after a thorough assessment indicated that fish samples from the wastewater spill-affected areas passed sensory evaluations, ensuring they are free from any molasses taint. According to Philippines News Agency, the assessment conducted on November 14 was a collaborative effort between BFAR-7 and the BFAR – National Fisheries Laboratory Division. The evaluation included water analysis performed on November 11 and 12,

New york: Toyota Motor Corp. announced plans to invest USD912 million in five US plants to enhance the production of hybrid vehicles, which continue to experience strong sales in the country. This strategic investment is part of Toyota’s broader initiative to invest up to 10 billion dollars in the United States over the next five years. According to Philippines News Agency, the decision comes as hybrid models have captured 13 percent of the US new automobile market, compared to electric vehicles, which only account for about 7 percent. Toyota’s hybrid vehicles represent roughly half of the US hybrid sales, demonstrating

Bicol: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will distribute more than 41,000 SIM cards to schools and students in remote areas of the Bicol Region. DICT Assistant Secretary for Regional Development and officer-in-charge, Regional Director June Vincent Manuel Gaudan, announced that the SIM cards, part of the Bayanihan SIM initiative, would be distributed in areas with limited internet connectivity. According to Philippines News Agency, Gaudan stated during a media “Kapihan” event that the SIM cards would provide 25 gigabytes (GB) of data every month for an entire year. A total of 41,700 SIM cards will be provided free

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be asking Senator Rodante Marcoleta to explain the supposed inconsistency in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the May 2025 polls. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced that they will issue a show-cause order to the lawmaker to provide him the opportunity to clarify his side. Garcia emphasized the importance of this process, noting, “So that the senator can have a venue to explain. It is difficult on social media to know what is being said; they might say we are not taking action. So that there

Western visayas: The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) has appealed to employers to “implement religiously” the adjustment in the minimum wage which takes effect in the region on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the labor and employment office stated that Wage Order No. RBVI-29 is “just, fair and responsive.” DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriquez Jr. emphasized that as the economy grows, every worker in Western Visayas shares in that progress. The order mandates an adjustment of PHP37 for establishments employing more than 10 workers, bringing their minimum wage to PHP550 from PHP513. A PHP40 increase