Day: November 25, 2025

Manila: Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to bolster early-childhood nutrition and expand locally sourced feeding programs to address stunting among infants and young children. According to Philippines News Agency, during a joint Senate hearing of the Committees on Basic Education, Agriculture, Public Works, Ways and Means, and Finance, the lawmakers highlighted that nutrition interventions must commence from pregnancy to age five, much earlier than current school-based feeding initiatives. Aquino called for amendments to Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, to directly tackle the country’s concerning stunting rate.

Manila: The Southern Police District (SPD) seized PHP1.8 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 74 suspects in 59 operations launched from Nov. 17-23. In a report on Tuesday, SPD chief Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo highlighted the significant haul of 276.42 grams of shabu, 5 grams of marijuana, and 0.9 gram of kush, along with other drug-related paraphernalia, with an estimated value of PHP1,881,516. According to Philippines News Agency, among those arrested, two were identified as high-value individuals (HVIs), while the remaining 72 were street-level individuals (SLIs). Brig. Gen. Arceo emphasized that these accomplishments underscore the commitment of SPD personnel

Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that disaster response units have been fully activated in response to the threats posed by Tropical Depression Verbena. The units are prepared to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas. According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized that the safety of residents is the top priority. The PNP is coordinating with local government units and other relevant agencies to ensure a swift response if the need arises. Officers assigned to the affected regions have been instructed to adhere to strict safety

Manila: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. expressed optimism over the country’s inflation outlook, noting that consumer price expectations remain ‘more or less anchored’ amid sustained low inflation this year. In a press conference on Monday, Remolona highlighted that inflation has averaged 1.7 percent from January to October, which is below the government’s target range of 2 to 4 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, Remolona stated, “Our inflation expectations are, I would say, more or less anchored. In fact, in our statements, we say well anchored.” He further explained that expectations are not far from the

Bicol: Over 858 passengers and 402 cargo trucks have been reported stranded in the Bicol Region’s ports as a consequence of Tropical Depression Verbena. The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol highlighted the challenging situation faced by travelers and transporters affected by the weather disturbance. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended sea travel to and from Masbate province since Monday, due to the area being under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. In response to the situation, PCG-Bicol Commander Commodore Ivan Roldan stated that Deployable Response Groups, along with various stations and substations across