Day: December 18, 2025

Biliran: The provincial government of Biliran is intensifying its Bamboo Rehabilitation Program to address flooding problems in the province while offering a new livelihood source for residents. At least 100 Bayog bamboo seedlings were planted along riverbanks in Barangay Agpangi and Barangay Sabang in the town of Naval. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Rogelio Espina led the activity with provincial government employees to strengthen the province’s natural defenses against flooding and erosion. The Bayog bamboo variety was chosen for the reforestation initiative because of its critical role in protecting communities. It is also versatile, suitable for construction, furniture-making, and

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains optimistic about the timely approval of the proposed 2026 national budget, as confirmed by Malaca±ang following the conclusion of the bicameral conference committee deliberations by Congress. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President is assured that the final version of the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will be sent to Malaca±ang promptly and signed before the year’s end. Castro expressed this in a text message, highlighting the President’s confidence in a well-prepared budget. The Senate and the House of Representatives concluded the bicameral conference committee

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday expressed her intention to continue talks with China to improve deteriorating bilateral relations over her remarks on a Taiwan contingency. “We want to continue frank dialogue and comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial relationship (with China) based on common strategic interests,” Takaichi told a press conference after the extraordinary Diet session closed the same day. According to Philippines News Agency, Takaichi emphasized that her remarks did not change the Japanese government’s conventional position on the Taiwan issue. At a parliamentary meeting on Nov. 7, Takaichi said that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a

Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) has promoted 16,025 public school teachers nationwide under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the welfare of educators. According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that many teachers have long been eligible for promotion but have faced delays in career advancement. Angara emphasized the importance of career growth for teachers, highlighting the President’s stance that no teacher should retire at the rank of Teacher I. In addition to the recently promoted educators, 41,183 more teachers are now queued for promotion,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has authorized the release of the 2025 Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) at a uniform rate of PHP5,000 for each qualified government employee. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through Circular Letter 2025-13 issued on Dec. 17, informed all heads of departments, bureaus, agencies, local water districts, local government units, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) of the grant of 2025 PEI. According to Philippines News Agency, the incentive will be released not earlier than Dec. 15, 2025, in accordance with Budget Circular No. 2017-45. This circular sets guidelines