Day: December 16, 2025

Manila: While no major security threat has been detected yet, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that the PNP will remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the holiday season. According to Philippines News Agency, police units across the country have been instructed to strengthen their presence in public areas, major thoroughfares, and key venues where holiday events and gatherings are expected. This precaution comes in light of the fatal shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in the deaths of at least 16 individuals.

Manila: Measures are in place as airports across the country gear up for the expected influx this holiday season, authorities said on Tuesday. At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major gateways, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deployed additional manpower to help ease congestion. According to Philippines News Agency, “The BI is ready for the peak travel season. Additional personnel are on duty at major ports of entry,” spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated. NAIA now has 673 BI personnel, with 81 secondary officers as backup. Sandoval further mentioned that the total manpower in all ports has reached 957,

Pasay city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has revealed the winners of the 2025 Likha Global, a business plan competition designed to help active overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) prepare for reintegration by building sustainable enterprises while still working abroad. The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), said the winners were announced during the awarding ceremony held in Pasay City Monday night. According to Philippines News Agency, NRCO Director Andrea Luisa Anolin, in a radio interview Tuesday, said the program encourages OFWs to begin planning and developing businesses early, allowing them to save capital, gain entrepreneurial skills,

Bacolod: Consumer welfare groups in Bacolod are continuing to demand improved water services following confirmation by city officials that PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. has been acquired by another company. Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Councilor Roberto Rojas confirmed in separate media interviews that the Villar-owned water company, which has a joint venture agreement with Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), has been sold. However, they did not disclose the identity of the new owner. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his primary concern over the delivery and supply of water to Bacolod residents. He emphasized the importance

Manila: The Philippines is projected to have lower rice imports in 2026, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday. In an interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. disclosed that the import volume for next year will likely range from 3.6 million metric tons (MT) to 3.8 MT. This is much lower than the 4.8 million MT logged in 2024, and closer to the current year’s 3.5 million MT total estimated rice imports due to the four-month rice import ban since September, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). According to Philippines News Agency, the DA chief