General

Cagayan: The low-pressure area west of Calayan, Cagayan has developed into a tropical depression (TD) and was named Bising, the weather bureau said in its 5 a.m. bulletin on Friday. Bising was located 200 km west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan as of 4 a.m., moving southwestward at 20 kph. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is hoisted over the western portion of the Babuyan Islands (Calayan and Dalupiri), and the northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos,

Manila: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced its openness to implementing stricter regulations on online gambling, following recent legislative proposals. PAGCOR expressed its willingness to support measures that lawmakers deem beneficial to the public, particularly in response to a Senate bill introduced by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. This bill advocates for tighter control over online gambling activities and includes a provision to ban the use of e-wallets for such purposes. According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR has reassured the public of its commitment to collaborate with various agencies and organizations to intensify efforts against illegal online gaming activities.

General santos city: A total of PHP22.9 million in assistance has been provided to local fishers in General Santos City, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Friday. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolks as the city undergoes significant port rehabilitation. According to Philippines News Agency, this development follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the General Santos City Fish Port Complex and his engagement with local fishers in the region, renowned as the country’s tuna capital. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the administration’s dedication to fostering more resilient

Laoag city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Friday distributed PHP8.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to 12 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Ilocos Norte province. The distribution was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ongoing support to farmers through the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPS). According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to help agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations enhance farm productivity and food security despite the challenges posed by climate change by providing support, training, and technologies to farmers. During the blessing and ceremonial turnover at the multi-purpose hall

Quezon city: The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) presided over the first Inter-Agency Coordinating Conference to outline security preparations for the upcoming fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., scheduled for July 28. The meeting took place at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters’ Hinirang Social Hall at Camp Karingal. According to Philippines News Agency, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin spearheaded the conference, which occurred Thursday afternoon. Discussions centered around a comprehensive threat assessment, security and safety measures, deployment strategies, and traffic management to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful SONA.