Day: December 4, 2025

Manila: The Philippines’ NSIC Rc 218 SR, also known as Mabango 3 or Dinorado, has achieved quality comparable to premium imported rice, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday. The recognition came after Dinorado was named second-best among 30 varieties in the World’s Best Rice 2025 Awards held in Cambodia in November. According to Philippines News Agency, Dinorado followed Cambodia and Vietnam, which finished in a rare tie for gold, while surpassing the qualities of other major exporters such as Thailand, India, and Australia, among others. In a press conference, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the award

Manila: Several areas in the Philippines are set to continue experiencing rains, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, two prevailing weather systems are responsible for the ongoing weather conditions affecting different regions. The shear line is expected to cause scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms across Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan,” is anticipated to bring rain to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, and Quezon. These weather conditions could lead to moderate to heavy rains,

Manila: University of the Philippines booked a championship berth Wednesday night following an 82-81 win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Terrence Fortea played the hero’s role, sinking a three-pointer in the final 48.5 seconds that sent the second-seeded Fighting Maroons to the finals for the fifth straight season. According to Philippines News Agency, UP will face the winner between National University and De La Salle University, who are set to meet in a rubber match on Saturday. Fourth-seeded La Salle pulled off an 87-77 victory over top-seeded

Daet: More than PHP20 million worth of illegal drugs were seized and three suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Daet, Camarines Norte on Wednesday night, the Police Regional Office in Bicol said. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. stated that the suspects were identified by their aliases Dan and Mando, both residents of Bacoor, Cavite, and Iris, from Las Pi±as City. All three individuals are classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) in the illegal drug trade. Babagay reported that three kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP20.4 million,

Manila: Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. has resigned as a member of the Commission on Appointments (CA). In a statement posted on his social media Thursday, Garbin expressed his intention to assume a more independent role in Congress. According to Philippines News Agency, Garbin emphasized that his decision was driven by personal conviction and a commitment to public service, rather than any disagreement or political discord. He stated that public service should be about responsibility, accountability, and honest engagement in nation-building, asserting that these values remain integral to his work. Garbin clarified that he has not engaged in