General

Malaybalay: A total of 4,992 individuals in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, received free medical services in May, according to officials. According to Philippines News Agency, Health Education and Promotion Officer Mhegan Dominguez of the Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) reported that laboratory tests were the most availed services, benefiting 2,415 individuals. The local government established an Enhanced Screening Area in one of its villages to expand the reach and coverage of public health services. “The services include free medical consultations and vaccinations, provided with the help of dedicated medical staff from the CHO,” Dominguez stated. The CHO also partnered with the

Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has condemned the reported violations on its apprenticeship program and is working with the Department of Labor and Employment to address it. In a statement on Monday night, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez said the agency condemns any misuse of the program and is deeply concerned about the allegations against enterprises, particularly JBC Food Corporation. According to Philippines News Agency, the statement was issued after Senator Raffy Tulfo, in a privilege speech on Monday, disclosed that many factories are using TESDA’s apprenticeship program to pay workers just 75 percent of the

Manila: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has directed two key shelter agencies to prioritize housing projects for the poorest Filipinos under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. Aliling ordered the National Housing Authority (NHA) to revitalize housing initiatives and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to enhance and reimplement its Community Mortgage Program (CMP). According to Philippines News Agency, Aliling emphasized the importance of prioritizing impoverished Filipinos who lack their own homes. The CMP is a community-based housing finance program designed to assist legally organized low-income associations in acquiring land

Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday urged local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances that support the enforcement of national laws regulating tobacco, vapor, and vaporized nicotine products. In a memorandum circular, the agency stated that local legislation must align with national laws and that LGUs must not set separate standards on the sale, manufacture, and distribution of these products. According to Philippines News Agency, the LGUs are directed to actively enforce Republic Act (RA) 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), RA 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), RA 10643 (Graphic Health

Iloilo City: Mayor Jerry Tre±as will leave the city government in good condition, including the financial aspect, once he steps down from office on June 30. According to Philippines News Agency, Tre±as announced in a press conference that the city government boasts PHP4.11 billion in general funds, PHP1.3 billion in special education funds, PHP135 million in local economic and enterprise office funds, and a PHP574 million trust fund, which includes a PHP297 million disaster fund. These funds are deposited with the Development Bank of the Philippines. Tre±as stated, “The finances of the city are in the pink of health.” The