General

Bicol: The Philippine Statistics Authority in Bicol (PSA-5) has successfully registered over 5.1 million individuals under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), surpassing the initial target of 5.09 million Bicolanos. According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-5 Director Cynthia Perdiz emphasized the robust support from the region for the government’s initiative aimed at fostering inclusive and efficient public services. The success was achieved through ongoing collaboration with partner agencies, notably the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). By integrating national ID registration with Family Development Sessions (FDS), the PSA managed to reach vulnerable communities, ensuring broader inclusion in the registration process.

Panay: The Social Security System (SSS) issued violation notices to 87 delinquent employers in Panay Island during the first quarter of the year, hoping to recover PHP4.63 million in unpaid contributions. According to Philippines News Agency, as part of its intensified campaign against delinquent employers, SSS Visayas West 2 Division held a series of Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations through branch offices in Iloilo Central, Molo, Roxas, Antique, and Kalibo during the first three months of the year. Upon receipt of their notices, employers have 15 days to settle their contribution delinquencies to avoid any legal action, SSS Vice

Manila: An executive of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) emphasized the crucial role of communities in enriching the nation’s culture. “Communities play an important role in ensuring the enrichment and appreciation of our cultural heritage. We need to look back, see the history,” stated Jose Eleazar Bersales, head of NCCA’s Committee on Museums, during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview. According to Philippines News Agency, this year’s National Heritage Month theme is “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities Through Heritage.” Bersales noted that the Philippines, being an archipelagic country, experiences varying levels of development and appreciation for

Vatican City: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is set to be the third out of 133 cardinal electors who will vote for the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church following Pope Francis’ death. A report on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site on Wednesday said the casting of the votes will be done ‘by order of precedence.’ According to Philippines News Agency, the first elector will be Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as secretary of state under Pope Francis, while the second one will be Cardinal Fernando Filoni, a former apostolic nuncio to the Philippines

Cebu: Cebuana Tashanah Balangauan debuted in the ICTSI Junior JPGT Championship with a title victory in the girls’ 15-18 division at the Mactan Island Golf Course in Cebu on Wednesday. The 15-year-old Balangauan had back-to-back rounds of 73 to post a seven-shot lead and delivered a final-round 78 under overcast skies to win the title with a total score of 224. She also gained 15 valuable ranking points to boost her chances of securing a slot in the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals. According to Philippines News Agency, Balangauan expressed her happiness and gratitude after her win, stating, “This