General

Davao Occidental: A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Davao Occidental Monday night, causing concern among residents and authorities. According to Philippines News Agency, the tectonic earthquake struck 91 kilometers southeast of Sarangani Island at 6:48 p.m., with a depth of 82 km. As of now, there have been no reported intensities, which are traditionally gauged based on reports from people who felt the earthquake. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded an instrumental intensity I in the areas of Malungon and Alabel in Sarangani. Unlike traditional intensity reports, instrumental intensity is quantified using an intensity meter that measures ground

Manila: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has launched Iloilo City’s gastronomy book, ‘Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography,’ marking the celebration of National Heritage Month. ‘That was a launch made by NCCA (in Manila) in honor of our gastronomy recognition by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), in time for the National Heritage Month celebration,’ outgoing Mayor Jerry Tre±as said on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, NCCA partnered with Vibal Group Inc. for the book that will be available in bookstores nationwide and online. It will be done in

Manila: Alas Pilipinas is set to participate in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Nations Cup scheduled for June 17-24 in Bahrain. The competition will see the Philippines placed in Pool B alongside Qatar, Vietnam, Australia, and Kazakhstan, as revealed during the AVC Board of Administration Meeting. The event was hosted by AVC and Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. According to Philippines News Agency, the AVC Men’s Nations Cup is one of several international competitions in which the Philippines will participate. Before heading to Bahrain, the team will compete in the Alas

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to expedite the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This call comes amid escalating tensions in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the importance of the COC to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea. He reiterated the Philippines’ call for a rules-based order in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. The backdrop of this call is the intensification

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the necessity of reinstating the National Food Authority’s (NFA) regulatory powers to enforce a floor price for palay (unhusked rice) and safeguard local farmers from exploitative traders. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is currently conducting a study to explore possible legal avenues for setting a floor price under the Price Act, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, and other relevant laws. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that the proposed floor price should at least cover the production costs incurred by palay farmers. In a recent ambush interview, Tiu Laurel stated, “Seriously