General

Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) in Eastern Visayas is preparing for the arrival of 20,000 bags of rice from neighboring regions to support the PHP20 per kilo rice initiative in the area. According to Philippines News Agency, NFA regional manager May Sara Sabarre confirmed that NFA offices in the Caraga and Bicol regions have committed to reallocating rice stocks to Eastern Visayas. This initiative aligns with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s directive to distribute rice across various parts of the Visayas. During a recent interview, Sabarre mentioned that Caraga and Bicol regions have each allocated 10,000 bags for

Manila: The Philippines and Japan have entered what President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described as the ‘golden age’ of their bilateral relations, as they marked a decade since forging a strengthened strategic partnership. This was highlighted during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at Malaca±an Palace. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos expressed optimism that their discussions would yield positive outcomes in areas such as economic cooperation, development, people-to-people ties, and security relationships. Marcos emphasized the significance of Ishiba’s visit, noting it underscores the stability and mutual respect that characterizes the relationship between the two nations. The

Makati: A United Nations-supported strategic action plan to help drive development in middle-income states was formally adopted in the Philippines on Tuesday. The Makati Declaration emerged following the two-day High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (HLC-MICs) hosted by the Philippine government at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel from April 28 to 29. According to Philippines News Agency, the outcome document endorses recommendations to help MICs achieve sustainable growth and avoid falling into the so-called ‘middle-income trap,’ among others. It outlines key priorities, including financing for development, establishing metrics that effectively measure development beyond the traditional GDP, and debt sustainability. The declaration also

Laoag: A pioneering batch of students from the Rodolfo Fari±as Jr. National Science High School (RFNSHS) will benefit from the PHP4.49 million worth of robotics physics package given by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to boost their creativity. According to Philippines News Agency, Flenie Galicinao, education program supervisor of the Department of Education-Laoag City and officer-in-charge of RFNSHS, stated that a total of 110 students will directly benefit from the initiative. The comprehensive package includes robotics kits, experimental apparatus, instructional guidebooks, and reference materials. Galicinao expressed that the kits are valuable for enhancing classroom learning and providing students

Sorsogon City: On the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian arrived in Sorsogon to assess and monitor the needs of communities affected by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized during a briefing at the Sorsogon Province Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management Council (SPDRRMC) office that President Marcos has mandated a comprehensive government response to support disaster-affected Bicolanos, especially those near Mt. Bulusan. Gatchalian assured Governor Edwin Hamor and local government units (LGUs) that the DSWD has prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) and