General

Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte government has made significant changes to its workforce structure by eliminating 14 long-vacant government positions and establishing 66 new roles under the leadership of Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the provincial administration. According to Philippines News Agency, provincial board member Saul Paulo Lazo highlighted that the decision to abolish the 12 plantilla and two casual Administrative Aide I positions was based on their prolonged vacancy and lack of relevance. Draft Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-07-001, certified as urgent by Governor Araneta-Marcos, was passed by the provincial board

Ilocos norte: The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Ilocos Norte has intensified its information and education drive to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) amid new cases in the province. Based on data released on Monday, the Provincial Health Office reported 22 new cases-21 male and one female-occurring from January to March this year. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Rickson Balalio, the provincial health officer of Ilocos Norte, highlighted the importance of safe sex in a media interview on Monday, urging the public to take care of themselves and others. The PHO noted that the majority of

Manila: Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto Perez on Monday expressed optimism for a fair competition through regulatory practices and improved trade policy openness for the upcoming Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA). According to Philippines News Agency, ARTA serves as the lead negotiator for the Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) chapters of the FTA. “We believe that these negotiations on Transparency and GRP will create a strong foundation for the overall PH-EU FTA and contribute positively to its successful ratification and implementation,” Perez said in a statement. Representatives from the Philippine government and the EU held the

Makati city: Filipino pole vault sensation Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, in partnership with Atletang Ayala, will stage the World Pole Vault Challenge on Sept. 20 to 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Participants will earn ranking points while the winner will receive a cash prize in the historic event that will gather some of the world’s Top 10 athletes. According to Philippines News Agency, the tournament is made possible by a collaboration between the Ayala Group’s Atletang Ayala, which helps Filipino athletes compete on the global stage, the MVP Sports Foundation, and Obiena, a two-time World Championship

Central luzon: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 in Central Luzon has confiscated over PHP8.5 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 222 individuals involved in drug-related activities from June 29 to July 5. In a statement, PRO3 chief Brig. Gen Rogelio Pe±ones Jr. emphasized the extensive operations carried out by police units across the region during this period. According to Philippines News Agency, these efforts resulted in 141 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the seizure of 1,086.28 grams of shabu, 3,283.85 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 520 grams of kush, a high-grade variant of marijuana. Additionally, the operations