General

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative to provide PHP20 per kg rice to vulnerable sectors is a crucial measure aimed at ensuring food security for poor Filipinos amid the effects of global tensions. According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidized rice, which will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), targets senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Ang ganitong hakbang ay malaking tulong para sa

Manila: The Philippines’ production sector showed signs of recovery in June 2025, following a period of slowdown in the preceding month, as stronger expansion was observed in new business activities. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) rose to 50.7 percent from 50.1 percent in May, indicating a modest yet positive improvement in the health of the country’s manufacturing sector. An index reading above 50 is indicative of expansion, whereas a level below 50 suggests contraction. This uptick in the PMI highlights an improved demand landscape and renewed growth in production requirements, prompting firms to

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday warned that the resurgence of illegal offshore gaming sites showed that the country remains vulnerable to abuses linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian issued the statement after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) released a public advisory warning the public against unlicensed online gaming platforms. “PAGCOR’s public warning against illegal offshore gaming websites is an indication that our fight against POGOs is far from over and warrants an intensified campaign against POGO-like entities,” he said. The senator called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology,

Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Ilocos Region has disbursed a total of PHP525,000 in financial aid to eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Pangasinan. These workers were recently repatriated from the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Ilocos Region director Christian Rey Sison stated that the financial assistance is intended to help the repatriated OFWs start small businesses, cover medical expenses, or invest in livelihood training for long-term sustainability. DMW Ilocos Region officer-in-charge assistant director Romeo Jaramilla explained that the cash assistance is part of the

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