General

Bohol: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is intensifying efforts to preserve the Carood watershed, a critical natural resource that supplies water to households, farms, and irrigation systems across seven municipalities in eastern Bohol. According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release on Thursday, DAR highlighted that the Carood watershed, spanning more than 20,400 hectares, supports the towns of Alicia, Anda, Candijay, Guindulman, Mabini, Pilar, and Ubay. Despite its importance, the watershed is under threat from soil erosion, flooding, and unsustainable farming practices. Since November 2022, DAR has been an active partner in the province-wide ‘Trees for Unity’ reforestation

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to reinstate the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to stabilize basic commodity prices. This move comes amid rising pork costs impacting consumers. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA had previously lifted the pork MSRP on May 15, setting prices at PHP380 per kg for “liempo” (belly), PHP350/kg for “kasim” (ham) and pigue, and PHP300/kg for “sabit-ulo.” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed in an interview that a revised plan is set to be implemented by the end of July or

Manila: Seasoned lawyer and academic Darlene Marie Berberabe will take over as the new Solicitor General. Berberabe took her oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday in Malaca±ang, based on photos shared on social media by the Presidential Communications Office. Currently serving as dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Berberabe will replace Menardo Guevarra, who previously served as Justice Secretary under the Duterte administration. Berberabe also served as chief executive officer of the Pag-IBIG fund. According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of the Solicitor General acts as the ‘law firm’ for the government,

Central Luzon: Over 2,000 policemen have been deployed across Central Luzon to enhance public safety, prevent criminality, and ensure strong police presence at night. In a statement on Thursday, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo emphasized that the “night patrollers” are strategically positioned as part of the Philippine National Police’s broader campaign to uphold peace and order in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, these operations are a direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a safer and more disciplined society. Fajardo stated that the focus is on high-risk areas, with an

Masbate: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 5 is set to tackle the water supply challenges faced by an island community in the province of Masbate. Utilizing the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, the department plans to implement a PHP20 million project in Barangay Gilotongan, Cawayan town, using innovative Air-to-Water Technology (AWT). According to Philippines News Agency, Ranelle Anne Sertan, the social marketing officer for DSWD-5, stated that this island community will be the pilot site for the project, which is anticipated to be operational within the year.