General

Quezon City: If we are serious about achieving gender equality, we must recognize all women in their diverse and intersecting identities. You can’t talk about peace and security if queer women and gender minorities are excluded. Gandeza’s advocacy is rooted in his own experience living with what he describes as the benevolent tolerance of queer identities in the Philippines, where acceptance is often conditional. There’s this unspoken rule that you’re okay until someone finds you offensive. And that shapes how queer people move through society, he explains. According to UN Women, working within the National Action Plan on Women, Peace

Manila: Professional seafarers will enjoy free train rides at the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday in celebration of the ‘Day of the Filipino Seafarer.’ According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), announced the ‘Libreng Sakay (free ride)’ initiative for Filipino mariners. The free rides are available at the LRT-2 during the rush hour windows of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., while free rides are available at the MRT-3 from 5:30 a.m. onwards

Zamboanga Peninsula: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology have announced that 26 evacuation centers funded by the national government are now operational across the Zamboanga Peninsula. These centers are part of a broader initiative to enhance disaster preparedness in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the agencies revealed that three additional centers are currently under construction, with plans for more facilities in areas such as Dapitan and Dipolog set for 2025. These developments are aligned with the proposed Ligtas Pinoy Center Act, which seeks to establish permanent, hazard-informed evacuation sites within

Baguio: Officials from the Clark International Airport Authority (CIAC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have expressed their commitment to advancing programs that ensure dignified mobility for persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative was highlighted during a convention at the Baguio Health Services Office conference hall. Joseph Alcazar, CIAC president and CEO, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in public transport systems, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of equal opportunity for all citizens. The event, titled “Making public transport more safe and accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs),” is part of CIAC’s corporate social

Manila: Martha de la Paz, an outspoken trans woman, has shared her journey of embracing her identity and advocating for the rights of the trans community. She described her initial coming out as a gay boy during high school before fully recognizing her womanhood in college, emphasizing the importance of education, employment, and support from family and friends in her journey to self-expression and a career in public health. According to UN Women, de la Paz began her professional career at the Philippine Department of Health, where she was welcomed and supported by her colleagues. Her experiences there helped her