General

Legazpi city: The city government has started the declogging and desilting of waterways and drainage systems to prepare for the rainy season. Mayor Hisham Ismail said the cleanup activities are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and their properties during heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions that may lead to flooding. According to Philippines News Agency, the declogging and desilting operations are part of the city’s disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. “This measure is very important since the rainy season is approaching. We are also involving all 70 barangay captains in this operation to assist in the

Zamboanga: Authorities have arrested two suspects and seized a shipment of some PHP25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in an operation in this city on Monday morning. Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., chief of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the arrested individuals as Vicente Garcia, 33, the driver; and Mhadzfar Muharram, 37, the truck helper. According to Philippines News Agency, personnel of the police’s 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2ZCMFC) arrested the suspects around 7:40 a.m. along R.T. Lim Boulevard, Barangay Baliwasan. Fortaleza said the 2ZCMFC personnel were conducting a checkpoint operation when they flagged down an enclosed

Manila: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced that the Philippines is cultivating a robust economic environment centered around e-sports and game development. This statement was made by Warren Gomez, chief science research specialist of DOST-National Capital Region, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to fostering local talent and promoting tech-driven entrepreneurship. According to Philippines News Agency, Gomez highlighted that in developed nations, e-sports and game development have become billion-dollar industries. He noted that the Philippines is among the countries with a significant number of e-sports enthusiasts. Gomez expressed optimism that with the successful development of local talent, the country

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday committed to maintaining and strengthening its consumer support programs, especially for vulnerable sectors, amid a reported increase in involuntary hunger across the country. According to Philippines News Agency, the agency issued the statement following the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing a rise in involuntary hunger to 20 percent by the end of April, slightly higher than the 19.1 percent recorded from the April 11 to 15 survey. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the department remains focused on initiatives such as the PHP20 per kg rice distribution through

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday filed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, warning abusive online lending firms that they will be held fully accountable under the proposed measure once enacted. Gatchalian said the bill, one of his priority proposals for the 20th Congress, aims to protect borrowers from harassment, intimidation, and psychological abuse by unscrupulous online lending apps (OLAs). According to Philippines News Agency, the senator emphasized the inhumane nature of debt collection practices involving threats and abuse, particularly targeting impoverished citizens who resort to borrowing out of necessity. Gatchalian highlighted a tragic incident involving a resident of Valenzuela