General

Washington: Philippine officials are set to travel to the United States next week to engage in discussions with their American counterparts regarding the newly imposed 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports by the Trump administration. This rate marks an increase from the previously announced 17 percent back in April. According to Philippines News Agency, the tariff is slated to take effect on August 1, 2025. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, during a briefing on Thursday, indicated that she has yet to meet with other trade and economic officials to strategize on negotiations concerning the tariff issue. She refrained from providing detailed

Manila: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to five more local government units (LGUs) and institutions. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s program to equip all local government units with essential patient transport vehicles. According to Philippines News Agency, the latest recipients of the PTVs include the municipality of Benito Soliven in Isabela, San Pedro City in Laguna, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ospital ng Para±aque, and the Joint Task Force Unit Ilocos headquarters. PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the donation aims to enhance

Dumaguete: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the indemnification for hog farmers in two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental whose pigs were culled following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in previous years. Jaymar Vilos, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) spokesperson, announced that the local government units that qualified for the national government’s financial compensation are Bais City and Manjuyod. According to Philippines News Agency, the ASF outbreaks were reported in Bais City and Manjuyod in 2023 and in Valencia in 2024. Valencia swine raisers received the indemnification for their hog farmers last February. Vilos stated that

London: The severe heat wave sweeping across Europe since last week is estimated to have caused around 2,300 deaths, according to a study released on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, approximately 1,500 (65 percent) of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths are linked to climate change, which brought about a more severe heat wave across the continent. The study, conducted by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, indicated that climate change tripled heat-related deaths in early summer across Europe. Researchers focused on a 10-day period of heat from June 23 to July

Dumaguete: Over 500 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases have been recorded and are monitored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental, an official said Thursday. Dr. Liland Estacion, PHO chief, stated that people living with HIV (PLWH) in the province visit the treatment hub regularly for medication and other services. According to Philippines News Agency, these cases have been documented since 2017. Dr. Estacion revealed that as of June 9, 2025, a total of 636 HIV cases have been diagnosed, with 530 individuals consistently returning to the treatment hub for follow-up. Of these cases, 90 percent are males,