General

Bicol: The National Nutrition Council in Bicol (NNC-5) has called on local chief executives in the region to prioritize health and nutrition programs as they begin their terms in office. Director Emerenciana Francia, NNC-5 Officer-in-Charge, emphasized the crucial role local leaders play in strengthening initiatives to tackle malnutrition. According to Philippines News Agency, Francia highlighted the responsibilities of local leaders in chairing local nutrition committees, whether as governors, mayors, or barangay leaders. She stressed the need for a functional committee, which involves creating a timely plan that includes both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, as well as enabling programs developed by

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a Writ of Kalikasan against the China-funded Samal Island – Davao City Connector Bridge Project, and has referred the case for a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) to the Court of Appeals (CA): The respondents include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and the China Road and Bridge Corp. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing during the first day of the resumption of the SC session on Tuesday, spokesperson

Manila: Strengthen border protection and intensify the government’s campaign against smuggling. These were President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching orders to newly appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno as he takes the helm of one of the country’s most critical revenue-generating and border protection agencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the President’s directive during a press briefing. Castro stated, “Unang-una po, strengthen ‘yung border protection at labanan nga po ang smuggling. Nag-uumpisa na po ang pamahalaan sa mas matinding laban sa smuggling (First of all, strengthen border protection and fight smuggling. The

Manila: The robust growth of foreign investments in the Philippines compared to the country’s investments overseas resulted in an increase in the country’s net external liabilities by end of March. According to Philippines News Agency, the country’s net external liabilities rose by 5.8 percent to USD69.3 billion by the end of the first quarter this year against USD65.5 billion by the end of December 2024, based on data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monday night. The BSP attributed this to the 2.7 percent jump in external financial liabilities to USD326.8 billion compared to the 1.9 percent rise

San carlos city: National government agencies, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), are rolling out diverse programs and initiatives to ensure Filipinos have access to affordable and nutritious food choices. ‘Nutrition is not just about food. It’s about dignity, equity. Giving every Filipino regardless of age, gender, income, or location a fighting chance of life,’ stated Department of Health – Ilocos Region Director Paula Paz Sydiongco, as relayed by local health support chief Dr. Rosario Pamintuan during the Nutrition Month launch in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. According to Philippines News Agency, National Nutrition Council – Ilocos officer-in-charge Kendall Gatan