General

Tacloban: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released PHP12.92 million to support college students who participated in its reading tutorial initiative across Leyte and Samar provinces. This financial aid was provided to students who took part in the “Tara, Basa!” program, which ran from May 19 to June 13. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua stated in a phone interview that approximately 1,512 college students from five regional campuses received their cash-for-work payments. These payments, amounting to PHP8,550 per student, were based on the prevailing regional minimum wage. The DSWD

Surigao city: Fourteen tricycle drivers in Surigao City now have a significant new income stream, thanks to their recent certification as official tour guides by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (CTCAO). According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative brings the total number of licensed tricycle guides in the city to 27, offering a direct economic advantage to these local transporters, as stated by Roselyn Merlin, Surigao City tourism officer. Starting Tuesday, Merlin mentioned that the newly certified guides can earn additional income by sharing the city’s stories and sights with local and foreign tourists. Thirteen tricycle drivers, trained

Manila: As many as 100 individuals associated with 20 companies are potentially facing charges for their alleged role in agricultural smuggling within the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) warned on Tuesday. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized his intention to see at least one individual jailed by the end of the year during an ambush interview. According to Philippines News Agency, Laurel highlighted that the suspects might number up to 100, as he spoke during an inspection of PHP100 million worth of agricultural products at the Subic port. The number of blacklisted companies increased to 20 from 18,

Taguig city: The decision regarding the acquisition of Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts will depend on several factors, including whether the ships can integrate into the country’s current fleet, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro recently discussed the potential transfer of these Japanese naval ships to the Philippine Navy (PN) with Navy Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta. The Defense Secretary mentioned that an invitation to inspect the ships has been extended, but the decision will rest on their compatibility with the existing fleet and integration feasibility. Teodoro is awaiting a

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is seeking a ‘better’ policy to address issues concerning online gambling, Malaca±ang said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted the President’s understanding of the challenges faced by families dealing with addiction to online gambling games within their households. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos has expressed sympathy for families who have members struggling with gambling addiction. Castro noted, “The President sympathizes with families who fall victim to this type of gambling because other members of their household have become addicted to gambling.” She further added, “The President is looking