General

Leyte: Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is advocating for a legislative measure that mandates business establishments to apply the 20-percent discount and exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) enjoyed by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) on top of any existing promotional offers or discounts. According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez introduced House Bill No. 16, titled ‘An Act Enhancing the Discount on the Purchase of Goods and Services of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities’, with the aim of maintaining the preferential treatment provided to these groups. The bill seeks to ensure that the current

Manila: The Philippines has welcomed eight additional Rohingya refugees who will pursue undergraduate degrees at selected universities across the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Friday. The eight, who arrived in Manila on Thursday, are beneficiaries of the Philippine government’s Complementary Pathways (CPath) program, which offers tertiary education opportunities and comprehensive support services to displaced Rohingya refugees in Southeast Asia. According to Philippines News Agency, the program is a reflection of Manila’s ‘enduring tradition of offering refuge and solidarity,’ the DFA said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). ‘(They will stay in the Philippines) at least until

Ilocos norte: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 1 (Ilocos Region) has officially handed over nine farm-to-market roads aimed at enhancing economic growth in rural farming villages within Ilocos Norte. These roads, valued at PHP140 million, span a total of 11.028 kilometers and serve several barangays including Nagsurot in Burgos, Carusikis in Pasuquin, Francisco and Baresbes in Dingras, and Camanga, Nagrebcan, and Balbaldez in Badoc. According to Philippines News Agency, during the ceremonial turnover, Rommel Aquino, the chief agrarian reform program officer, emphasized the significance of these infrastructure projects. He highlighted that the construction and improvement of these roads are

Baguio city: The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will offer a free electric shuttle service for guests and visitors of Camp John Hay starting July 15. BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang announced that the initiative aims to improve accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote eco-friendly transport within the former US military rest and recreation facility. According to Philippines News Agency, Bingcang emphasized the project’s commitment to aiding Baguio City in addressing urban challenges while maintaining the environment and the city’s natural beauty. The six-month pilot run will involve three e-vehicles operating around designated stations with fixed schedules. Visitors

Manila: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is set to complete the electrification of 206 additional sitios across Baguio City and Benguet province by 2027, extending electricity access to more underserved communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Beneco General Manager Melchor Licoben stated that the project will benefit an estimated 26,438 households in 269 barangays located in the municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay, and Baguio City, as well as parts of Pangasinan. “Electricity is a necessity. There are many things we cannot do without power that is why it is