General

Basey: An official of the local agriculture office here on Thursday emphasized the feasibility of selling rice at PHP20 per kilogram in areas with rice farms, particularly during the harvest season. The initiative is part of the government’s Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, which has been implemented in Basey, Samar. According to Philippines News Agency, Jesus Jabines, the municipal agriculture officer, expressed willingness to share the successful practices of Basey with other towns in the province and beyond. He highlighted the support provided to farmers, such as free seeds and fertilizers, in exchange for selling rice at an affordable

Dinagat Islands: Dinagat Islands’ Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office (PTCO) reported a significant increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals during the first three months of 2025, boosting local economic activity in the island province. Domestic arrivals jumped from 60,700 in the first quarter of 2024 to 105,092 in the same period this year. In January alone, 37,279 travelers visited Dinagat Islands, followed by 33,569 in February and 33,831 in March. According to Philippines News Agency, PTCO chief Benglen Navas stated in an interview that the increase of domestic arrivals was driven by the New Year celebrations and extended weekends,

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday flagged around PHP9 million worth of smuggled sugar at the Port of Manila. The operation was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against agricultural smuggling as it poses a threat to local farmers’ income and public health safety. In particular, the agencies seized 2,000 50-kilogram bags of sugar, equivalent to 100,000 kilograms or 100 metric tons (MT) in volume, found inside four container vans. These include 50 tons of unauthorized imported sugar from Thailand, and another

Tokyo: The Japanese government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines as it praised the two states’ rapidly growing partnership, which it said has evolved into ‘near-alliance status.’ Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo held a bilateral meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday and affirmed the two states’ commitment to further strengthen ties, including the foundation for increased security and defense cooperation. According to Philippines News Agency, Minister Iwaya stated that through the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting in April this year, Japan has been able to further strengthen its relations with the Philippines, a ‘neighbor’

Manila: Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido has urged the Army Signal Regiment (ASR) to continue enhancing its abilities to protect the country’s cyberspace from various threats. Galido’s call to action coincided with the ASR’s 14th-anniversary celebration, as noted by PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala in a news release. According to Philippines News Agency, Galido emphasized the importance of “Communication. Connectivity. Cybersecurity” as the cornerstones of ASR’s commitment to the PA. He highlighted the regiment’s progress and significant contributions to the operational effectiveness of the entire force over the past 14 years. In the context of rapid technological