General

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that the Philippines is unlikely to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projected rice import figures for 2025 and the following year. According to Philippines News Agency, the USDA had projected that the Philippines would remain the largest global rice importer, with an import forecast of 5.4 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025 and 5.5 MMT in 2026. However, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa countered these figures, citing an expected recovery in local palay (unhusked rice) production. De Mesa noted that the USDA’s projections seemed exaggerated given the

Manila: In commemoration of the second National Refugee Day, Philippine officials on Tuesday said the country will stand by its enduring tradition of welcoming qualified persons of concern, such as refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release, the Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), underscored its humanitarian tradition of open doors and steadfast commitment to strengthening inclusive and protective spaces for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness in the Philippines. Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged government offices and key

La Trinidad: The local government here announced the institutionalization of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” trade fair through an ordinance passed by the municipal council and approved by the mayor on May 19. According to Philippines News Agency, Nida Organo, the municipal agriculture officer of La Trinidad, explained that the Kadiwa is locally referred to as “Pandaho-an shi La Trinidad,” an Ibaloi term for selling in this capital town of Benguet. The trade fair, which started on May 20, will run daily until the end of the month at the municipal gymnasium beside the town hall. From June onwards, the event

Legazpi City: Educators from Bicol have expressed approval of Malaca±ang’s announcement regarding the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools for the School Year 2025-2026. This initiative aims to bolster the education sector by ensuring adequate manpower in schools. According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement has been met with optimism from local educators. Kenth Quintanilla, a 22-year-old newly licensed teacher from Pawa, Legazpi City, expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) for addressing educational gaps. Quintanilla hopes for continuous reforms and modernized teaching methods to align with global standards. He

General Santos City: The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to introduce innovations for the upcoming Batang Pinoy National Championships, scheduled to take place in General Santos City from October 25 to 30. This year’s edition promises to offer a more modern and improved experience for the participants. According to Philippines News Agency, more than 15,000 athletes aged 17 and below will compete across various sports. The events include aquatics, archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, karate, muay, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.