General

Makati City: The New Zealand government is preparing to launch a nine-day education roadshow in the Philippines aimed at encouraging Filipino students to pursue higher education in New Zealand. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is collaborating with 10 New Zealand education providers and local agents to present educational opportunities to Filipino high school and undergraduate students from May 30 to June 7. According to Philippines News Agency, ENZ Regional Director for Asia, Ben Burrowes, highlighted the New Zealand government’s focus on diversifying the international student cohort. He emphasized the importance of exposing young Kiwi students to various

Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday defended Mindanao as a safe destination. The statement comes after reelected Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called out a United States advisory on the country, criticizing it as ‘particularly biased’ against Mindanao. According to Philippines News Agency, the State Department, in its May 8 travel advisory, places the entire Philippines under level 2 where Americans are advised to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The same advisory placed Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) under level 3 where Americans

Manila: Newly appointed Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has announced plans to recalibrate the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Housing Program to incorporate horizontal developments. According to Philippines News Agency, Aliling stated that this initiative aims to attract more partners and expedite housing production. The 4PH program, initially focused on vertical housing projects, will now include horizontal developments, which encompass subdivision-type housing projects. Aliling emphasized the importance of preparing guidelines for these horizontal developments, anticipating significant improvements in 4PH’s performance. Aliling highlighted the need for alignment with DHSUD’s key shelter agencies to

Iloilo City: A collaborative effort is underway in Iloilo City to address the persistent flooding issues that arise with each rainfall, particularly as the rainy season approaches. This initiative was the focus of a meeting convened by Mayor Jerry Tre±as, which included key stakeholders such as the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Office of the Building Official, General Services Office (GSO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Iloilo City District Engineering Office. According to Philippines News Agency, Joel Gerasmia, chief of staff of the CEO, shared insights into the planned inspections aimed at pinpointing the root causes of

Sultan Kudarat: Police have launched an intensive manhunt against six heavily armed men responsible for killing four persons and wounding three others in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday afternoon. According to Philippines News Agency, among the fatalities was a 10-year-old girl. The brazen attack occurred at 1:20 p.m. in Sitio Katorse, Barangay Ladia, Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat police chief, told reporters in an interview on Tuesday. Madin said the gunmen descended upon the quiet farming community in Ladia village, opening fire on unsuspecting civilians, including two senior citizens. The fatalities, all relatives, were identified as