General

Dubai: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates will continue to enjoy free remittance fees when sending money to the Philippines, even as the Emirates National Bank of Dubai (NBD) announced that it will soon charge fees for most international money transfers. According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed in a news release that Emirates NBD informed clients it will impose a fixed rate fee of 26.25 UAE dirhams, inclusive of VAT, on most cross-border transactions through its DirectRemit service, effective September 1, 2025. However, the Philippines is among six countries exempted from

Manila: The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) launched a consultative meeting with 68 private hospitals to reinforce the implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program. According to Philippines News Agency, the event was initiated by the agency’s Malasakit Program and Compensation Unit (MPCU) and runs from July 2 to 4. DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Lester Tan described the three-day meeting as a crucial platform to enhance collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers in ensuring efficient, equitable, and compassionate access to medical assistance for vulnerable patients. The program has a

Sibalom: A house-to-house psycho-social counseling is ongoing among residents affected by the ‘mass casualty’ incident in Sibalom town in Antique. The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) has deployed a team of 30 doctors and nurses for the counseling, which is set to continue until July 10. According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Antique Provincial Officer Dr. Rommel Garganera, in a press conference, stated that the intervention aims to help residents in Barangay Pis-anan overcome stress and anxiety caused by the incident. The event involved a significant number of students from Pis-anan National High

Legazpi city: Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Albay, a province frequently impacted by natural disasters, have been equipped with essential knowledge and skills to ensure their safety during such events. According to Philippines News Agency, Eden Flores, regional head of the National Commission for Senior Citizens, emphasized the importance of the forum in preparing vulnerable groups for emergencies. Flores highlighted that the event is particularly crucial for areas like Albay and the Bicol region, which are prone to typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The partnership with SM Cares has provided an invaluable opportunity for senior citizens

Manila: A Saudia Airlines flight destined for Saudi Arabia was forced to return to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) roughly an hour after takeoff due to a technical issue, authorities confirmed. According to Philippines News Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that flight SVA 871 departed NAIA at 11:52 p.m. on Wednesday. The Manila Area Control Center received a notification at 12:51 a.m. on Thursday that the flight was returning due to a malfunction in the weather radar system. The aircraft, carrying 263 passengers, landed safely at NAIA at 1:25 a.m. It is currently stationed