Day: December 8, 2025

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a watchdog unit to enhance transparency and accountability in rural infrastructure projects, with a focus on farm-to-market roads (FMRs). According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the creation of the Interim Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit as part of the DA’s commitment to ensure that all infrastructure projects adhere to environmental and social standards. ‘The recent controversy surrounding flood control projects underscores why we need a strong safeguards system,’ Tiu Laurel stated. ‘We cannot afford gray areas or blind spots. This watchdog unit ensures that every

Naga city: Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda ordered the Naga City Police Office to carry out a manhunt against the primary suspect in the murder of sisters whose bodies were discovered in separate locations Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, Miranda assured the public that police would pursue every lead and mobilize available resources to apprehend the suspect to both killings. A resident reported finding a woman’s body beside the road in Barangay Concepcion Grande, Naga City. The victim was found with severe injuries, including the amputation of her right arm and multiple

Manila: The latest Pulse Asia survey results showing favorable ratings for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) as an effective tool in helping persons with disabilities (PWDs) serves as an inspiration for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to further improve its programs and services for the vulnerable sector, an official said Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Ulat ng Bayan Survey conducted by the Pulse Asia Research Inc. from Sept. 27 to 30 revealed that 88 percent of Filipino adults support the DSWD’s livelihood initiatives under the SLP for PWDs. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated

Manila: Over 47,000 families have been affected by Tropical Depression Wilma over the weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC detailed the extent of the impact across various regions. According to Philippines News Agency, the 47,177 affected families, equivalent to 132,716 persons, were from 269 barangays in Mimaropa, Region 5 (Bicol Region), Region 6 (Western Visayas), Region 7 (Central Visayas), Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and Caraga. As of Monday noon, 4,189 families remain in 102 evacuation centers while 2,138 are temporarily taking shelter in other places. The cyclone

Calatrava: The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) vowed justice for the violent death of a policeman in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, as pursuit operations continue for the arrest of the perpetrators. On Dec. 7, the body of Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar, a member of the 3rd Maneuver Platoon of the 1st Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company (NOCPMFC), was found after he was reported missing, following his team’s encounter with unidentified armed men in Barangay Menchaca. According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview on Monday, PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion