General

Gaborone: The Philippines has formally reopened its consular mission in Gaborone, Botswana following its temporary closure in March 2022. In a news release Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the inauguration was led by Philippine Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja. According to Philippines News Agency, Baja stated that the Philippine government is committed to bringing consular services closer to the Filipino community in Botswana. She highlighted that the reopening of the consulate signifies a deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Botswana, which has a long and rich history. There are approximately 200 Filipinos in Botswana, as noted by

Malolos City: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that the opening of the school year 2025-2026 on June 16 would be beneficial for learners. In an ambush interview on the sidelines of the ‘Brigada Eskwela’ kick-off at the Barihan Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed that reverting to the old school calendar is appropriately timed. According to Philippines News Agency, Angara stated that the June 16 start date coincides with a period that is rainy but not as severe as the previous year. Under Angara’s leadership, the DepEd has returned to the original

Bulacan: The National Housing Authority (NHA) distributed free rice to families in resettlement communities in Bulacan province and Valenzuela City as part of the agency’s 50th anniversary celebration. According to Philippines News Agency, the free rice distribution was among the many programs lined up by the NHA in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) goal of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Bulacan District Office Officer-In-Charge Ar. Ma. Jeriel Michael led the recent distribution of five kilos of rice to the beneficiaries of San Jose del Monte Heights in Bulacan through the directive

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently announced that the rehabilitation of the 23.8-kilometer Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) will not proceed until comprehensive rerouting plans are established and local government units (LGUs) are fully prepared for the anticipated disruptions. Marcos emphasized the importance of having solid plans in place before moving forward with the project, which is a key element of the administration’s infrastructure program. According to Philippines News Agency, concerns have been raised about potential traffic issues and the capacity of local authorities to manage rerouting during the EDSA rehabilitation. Initially scheduled to begin on June 13, the

Laoag City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took in stride the Palarong Pambansa opening video that went viral, addressing in his latest vlog the playful antics of student-athletes who were caught on camera making faces behind him during his speech in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 24. According to Philippines News Agency, the students’ antics quickly gained traction online, with clips of their expressions circulating across social media platforms. Marcos appeared amused and even asked his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, to help track them down so they can meet in person. Marcos, while laughing in