General

Manila: The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across Mindanao and the Visayas, the weather bureau announced on Saturday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicated that Palawan will also experience similar weather patterns, as mentioned in their 4 a.m. bulletin. According to Philippines News Agency, the easterlies are expected to cause partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country. Despite these conditions, the entire archipelago will continue to experience light to moderate winds along with slight to moderate seas. Meanwhile,

Dagupan City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant agencies to engage with the private sector to expedite the construction of public school classrooms in the Ilocos Region. This initiative aims to accelerate the development process through public-private partnerships (PPPs), as emphasized during a meeting with the Regional Development Council in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted that collaborating with the private sector can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public infrastructure and development projects. He asserted that such partnerships should be leveraged to accelerate the construction of classrooms in the region. The Department

Laoag: The 65th Palarong Pambansa commenced with a grand opening ceremony at Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, featuring President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the guest of honor. The event marked a significant return of the annual sporting meet to the President’s home province after 57 years. According to Philippines News Agency, the ceremony began with a vibrant ‘Parada ng mga Atleta’ showcasing regional delegations. Education Secretary Sonny Angara introduced the President, while Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc delivered the welcome message. A highlight of the opening was the ceremonial lighting of the solar-powered cauldron by Ilocano athletes, symbolizing the

Quezon City: Organizers of the upcoming two-day “Concert at Sea for Peace and Solidarity” clarified on Saturday that the event near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is not meant to provoke further tension. According to Philippines News Agency, Ed dela Torre, president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), stated that the concerts scheduled for May 26 in El Nido and May 28 near Pag-asa Island aim to promote awareness among Filipinos and neighboring countries about the ongoing issues in the region. “We are hoping that there will be no distractions and it (event) will add to the

La Castellana: Authorities have called on residents of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, particularly those near waterways and low-lying areas, to remain alert following a mudflow that hit the highway in Barangay Biak-na-Bato near the foot of Mt. Kanlaon. According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of Civil Defense 6 (Western Visayas) issued an advisory urging “heightened caution” and vigilance for potential further flooding or lahar flows. The advisory emphasized that public safety remains a top priority. The advisory detailed that the highway in Sitio Tamburong in Barangay Biak-na-Bato has become impassable due to overflowing floodwaters and mudflow following several days