Day: December 16, 2025

Manila: The Department of Tourism in Bicol has launched a trade fair titled the “Festival of Culture and Tourism” as part of the annual Pastores celebration. This event featured 12 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the region, showcasing their unique crafts and products. According to Philippines News Agency, the trade fair commenced at the Albay Astrodome on Tuesday, where Maria Salee Mora, the DOT-5 assistant regional director, emphasized the festival’s aim to recognize, promote, and celebrate the rich culture of the region. In her speech, she highlighted the significance of showcasing Bicol’s destinations, crafts, and flavors, which embody

Manila: The 2026 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival officially opened with ‘Pamukaw,’ which coincided with the start of Simbang Gabi on Tuesday. Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc (IFFI) executive director Joyce Clavecillas noted that the Pamukaw is held in the morning before the Misa de Gallo, as it literally awakens the Ilonggos to prepare for the festival, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the feast of Se±or Santo Ni±o in January. “For us, it is significant to celebrate the Pamukaw as a reminder for all of us that the center of this festivity is the Child Jesus,” she said in

Manila: Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) built a giant Christmas tree made of recyclables as part of the local government’s correctional reform initiatives. Jay Keenson Acebuche, Northern Samar provincial planning and development officer, said 230 PDLs were involved in conceptualizing, crafting, and decorating the first-ever giant Christmas tree built by inmates in the province. According to Philippines News Agency, the Christmas tree, made from recyclable materials, prominently features the Christmas wishes of the PDLs, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the positive transformation taking place within the facility. Acebuche, who is also the officer-in-charge provincial

Eastern visayas: Eastern Visayas has achieved a record-low inflation rate of 0.6 percent from January to November 2025, significantly below the regional development plan target, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, PSA Region 8 chief statistical specialist Mae Almonte stated that while the low inflation rate benefits low-income families, it poses a challenge for businessmen. Almonte explained that reduced income leads to decreased consumer spending, which results in low demand for goods and services, thereby maintaining a low regional inflation rate and signaling a weak economy. The region began the year

Manila: Caraga Region’s (13) inflation rate in November rose to 1.7 percent from 1.5 percent in October, the regional office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-13) said in a press briefing here on Tuesday. From January to November this year, the region has recorded an average inflation rate of 1.0 percent, it added. According to Philippines News Agency, the food and non-alcoholic beverages were the main drivers of the inflation increase in Caraga last month, with a -1.3 percent compared to the -1.6 percent inflation in October. Villuz Orozco, the PSA-13’s supervising statistical specialist, said in his presentation at the