Day: December 1, 2025

Manila: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) announced Monday that talks on digital cooperation with Qatar have advanced, exploring opportunities to boost innovation, tech talent and digital solutions for the region’s growth. In a statement, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said his recent meeting with H.E. Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, from Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), highlighted Mindanao’s priorities and strengths in new partnerships, underscoring the region’s readiness for digital transformation. According to Philippines News Agency, the dialogue was part of the three-day Mindanao Investment Mission to Qatar, highlighting investment prospects in information and Communication

Davao city: Police operatives confiscated over PHP9.4 million worth of illegal drugs during a series of buy-bust operations conducted from Nov. 23 to 29, an official here reported Monday. Col. Mannan Muarip, acting chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the weeklong campaign included 37 anti-drug operations, which resulted in the arrest of 41 suspects. ‘Seized items included 1,288.93 grams of shabu and 3.92 grams of marijuana,’ he said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, police estimate the shabu’s street value at PHP9.44 million, and marijuana worth more or less PHP500. Besides the DCPO’s anti-drug efforts,

Manila: Parents are cautioned against the dangers posed by button batteries found in many children’s toys and household items, emphasizing the need for vigilance as holiday gift-giving approaches. According to Philippines News Agency, environmental health group EcoWaste Coalition said button batteries can cause severe injuries if swallowed or inserted into the nose or ears as they may be mistaken for candy or play objects. These are found in toys, hair accessories, wristwatches, calculators, thermometers, and other portable devices. ‘Parents must keep button batteries out of children’s sight and reach at all times,’ the group said in an advisory Monday. The

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday highlighted the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating as a testament to the nation’s robust economic fundamentals. He noted that stable inflation and improving price conditions have bolstered confidence in the country’s economic trajectory, even as some foreign investors voice concerns over corruption. According to Philippines News Agency, during a virtual press briefing, Gatchalian emphasized the country’s success in maintaining low inflation rates in recent quarters-hovering below 2 percent-as a key factor in the positive assessments by credit rating agencies. These agencies closely examine price stability when evaluating macroeconomic strength. “In fairness naman sa administration, mababa

Bicol: Minimum wage earners in the Bicol Region will see a PHP20 increase in their daily take-home pay effective Monday. With the implementation of the second tranche, the new daily minimum wage in the Bicol Region will now be PHP435. Imelda Gatinao, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and chairperson of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB V), said the salary adjustment is part of Wage Order No. RBV-22, which was approved by the RTWPB V on March 10, 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatinao clarified that the first tranche, also amounting to