General

Hanoi: Vi?t Nam has made significant strides in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the latest national immunization coverage estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on July 15. In 2024, the country achieved 99 percent coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, up from 80 percent in 2023. This marks not only a recovery to pre-pandemic levels but also a new high surpassing the rates recorded in 2019. According to Philippines News Agency, this improvement led to a reduction in the number of zero-dose children – children who had

Manila: The Philippines’ international peace and development partners have expressed support for the implementation of the Normalization Program under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). According to Philippines News Agency, OPAPRU stated that the partners expressed their support during the 30th Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) meeting held on Tuesday. JNC-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) co-chair Akmad Brahim emphasized that the gathering was not just a routine meeting but a significant moment to reflect on the journey toward lasting peace and inclusive change in the Bangsamoro.

Manila: With just days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the government’s continuing rollout of Super Health Centers (SHCs) has become a key highlight in the administration’s health agenda. According to Philippines News Agency, over 600 SHCs have already been funded and constructed nationwide since the program began in 2022. These centers are designed to bring essential medical services closer to communities, especially in far-flung and underserved areas. Citing that SHCs are part of the government’s long-term strategy under Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa

Sebaste: Only light vehicles are allowed to pass the Carit-an Bridge in Barangay Abiera in Sebaste, Antique, after heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by the Tropical Depression Crising damaged its approach on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, Antique Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino stated in an interview that only public utility jeepneys are permitted to cross the bridge. Ceres buses traveling towards the northern parts of Antique and Aklan provinces are currently prohibited from using the bridge. Tolentino mentioned that other sections of the highway leading to Aklan province in the

Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson has cleared up misconceptions regarding his proposed Senate Bill No. 396, known as the ‘Parents Welfare Act of 2025’. The bill aims to ensure that parents receive support from their children during times of need. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson emphasized that the proposed measure does not obligate children to support parents who have abused, hurt, or neglected them. He stated, “Abuse, abandonment, or neglect by parents of their children are exempting circumstances. Under the proposed measure, walang obligasyon ang anak na magsuporta sa magulang na nang-abuso, nag-abandon at nagpabaya sa kanya (the child has