Day: December 15, 2025

Cebu: Cebuano chefs and restaurant owners have reported increased earnings and higher customer turnout more than a month after the Department of Tourism (DOT) facilitated the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines, citing stronger demand for regional cuisine and growing interest from foreign diners. According to Philippines News Agency, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in a news release on Monday, disclosed that she heard accounts of improved business performance as she personally handed over MICHELIN plaques to 18 recognized restaurants and eateries in Cebu, eight of which she visited during the second run of the DOT’s Resto-Run Caravan

Guiuan: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has initiated the establishment of the Guiuan Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in Barangay Baras, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The facility is set to become a central hub for marine research, training, and scientific collaboration in the Eastern Visayas region. According to Philippines News Agency, the Guiuan MSRS is designed to facilitate the study of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. It aims to generate essential scientific data to aid in the protection, conservation, and sustainable utilization of marine and coastal resources. The station is also expected to host capacity-building activities, offering training

Iloilo city: The local government here is a recipient of a mobile shower unit (shower-up) aimed at boosting access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene services, especially in evacuation centers in times of calamities. The unit, mounted on a trailer truck, was turned over by the Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Plaza Libertad on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative marks a commitment by MPIW to support the city government’s efforts during evacuations. MPIW chief operating officer Angelo David Berba emphasized the symbolic start of enhanced sanitation services. Berba mentioned

Iloilo city: The City Health Office (CHO) here is urging the public to practice safer alternatives to fireworks, like joining organized or community fireworks displays, to avoid firecracker-related injuries this holiday season. Jean Dimasuay, Nurse I at the CHO, said that under the ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign, they continue to advocate for safer alternatives like ‘torotot’ (horn), drums, playing loud music, car honking, and other sound or light-emitting devices instead of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices. According to Philippines News Agency, Jean Dimasuay highlighted that they have fireworks-related injury surveillance, noting that last year, there were 16 cases of firework injuries. Of

Manila: The Archdiocese of Manila has issued a directive that individuals wishing to conduct Simbang Gabi or dawn Masses outside parish churches must obtain the necessary permits. This announcement was made in light of the upcoming Simbang Gabi, which is set to commence officially on Tuesday, December 16. The guidelines are detailed in Circular No. 2025 – 99 issued by the archdiocese. According to Philippines News Agency, the circular specifies that if the Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses are to be held in locations such as chapels, offices, or places other than the designated parish church, shrine, or chaplaincy, express permission from