Day: December 16, 2025

Baguio city: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is actively encouraging its members to take advantage of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) for free consultations and annual medicine benefits up to PHP20,000, even if they are currently in good health. According to Philippines News Agency, Magnolia del Rosario, the information officer for PhilHealth-Cordillera, highlighted the significance of the program in a media interview on Tuesday. Del Rosario urged members to use the services provided by YAKAP not only when they are unwell but also as a preventive measure to maintain their health. The YAKAP program, an enhancement of the

Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday assured the public, especially residents of the city of Manila, that three of the four pumping stations in Barangay Sunog Apog in Tondo, are expected to be operational before the next rainy season to ensure the continuous flow of rainwater and alleviate flooding in the area. According to Philippines News Agency, the assurance was given by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon in line with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make the pumping stations in the village operational before the 2026 rainy season. The President’s deadline was

Baguio city: Workers in Baguio City and La Trinidad have expressed approval of the new minimum wage increase, which will raise their daily earnings to PHP505 starting December 30. According to Philippines News Agency, the Cordillera Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved a PHP35 increase in the daily wage rate through a resolution on December 2. This adjustment also includes a PHP600 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers, bringing it to PHP6,600. Jonel Tolentino, a gadget sales attendant, expressed gratitude for the additional income, noting the balance needed for business sustainability. Meanwhile, Hazel Carlos, a waitress,

Manila: The Victorias City Council in Negros Occidental has passed an ordinance seeking to curb corruption and abuse in the distribution of government social assistance to Victoriasanons. Authored by Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, the Social Assistance Monitoring and Transparency Ordinance establishes the Local Social Assistance Monitoring Team tasked to monitor, document, and ensure transparency in all assistance payouts conducted within Victorias City. According to Philippines News Agency, the city council enacted the ordinance on its third and final reading during a special session held on Monday, days after Mayor Abelardo Bantug III ordered the City Social Welfare and Development

Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced a significant rise in the number of globally-ranked higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, now totaling 173. This development was highlighted during the ICONS Awards 2025, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on December 10, where leading universities were celebrated for their global rankings. According to Philippines News Agency, the CHED’s data indicates an impressive 82 percent increase from the 95 HEIs recognized in major global ranking systems in 2024. CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis emphasized that the ICONS Awards serve not only as a recognition platform but also as