Day: November 24, 2025

Iloilo city: The city government has announced a four-month closed fishing season at the Iloilo River, effective from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The initiative aims to restore fish stock, improve livelihoods, and conserve river biodiversity. According to Philippines News Agency, City Agriculturist I±igo Garingalao highlighted that the decision follows a comprehensive study by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The study identified December to March as a crucial period for the reproduction and growth of sea bass and other aquatic species in the river. The fishing ban will cover a 2.7-kilometer stretch of the river, from

Brussels: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called on the international community to bolster defenses against hybrid threats as she reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order. At the 4th European Union (EU) Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (IPMF) in Brussels, Belgium from Nov. 20 to 21, Lazaro emphasized that adherence to international law, particularly in the maritime domain, remains essential in reducing tensions. According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro co-moderated the roundtable discussion on Security Priorities in the Face of Current Geopolitical Developments with EU High Representative and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas. She highlighted the

Manila: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) confiscated over PHP10 million worth of illegal drugs in Camarines Norte over the weekend. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. reported that more than 1,500 grams of suspected shabu were seized during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lag-on, Daet. According to Philippines News Agency, the operation led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer known as ‘Al’, a 31-year-old resident of Naga City. The police operation was a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities in the region. Babagay emphasized the importance of continuing investigations and

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday reported major gains in social protection programs as the Senate reviewed its proposed 2026 budget, noting higher graduation rates of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, expanded pension support for seniors, and increased funding for youth rehabilitation centers. According to Philippines News Agency, Sen. Pia Cayetano, the sponsor of the agency’s budget, confirmed that around 1.4 million families have graduated from 4Ps between 2021 and 2025, with 1.8 million more households expected to undergo mandatory exit next year upon completing the seven-year maximum duration. The transition to livelihood has

Caraga: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) on Monday morning as the area continues to experience moderate to heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena. According to Philippines News Agency, the activation of the QRT through its Disaster Response Management Division is aimed at ensuring immediate action during emergencies and enhancing coordination with local government units (LGUs) for timely and effective response operations. As of 11 a.m. on Monday, the center of Verbena was located 205 kilometers east-southeast of Surigao City. The weather disturbance is marked