General

Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to streamline the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) process by removing unnecessary requirements. According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced that an issuance will be made within the month, allowing government agencies to move directly to budgeting their ISSPs without prior DICT clearance, provided they adhere to other established guidelines and standards. This reform aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ characterized by transparency, efficiency, and innovation. The revamp is in collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Budget

Abu Dhabi: The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to increase cooperation in combating transnational and organized crime with the signing of a new security agreement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a statement late Wednesday, the department announced that the two governments signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation in Abu Dhabi during the official visit of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to the UAE capital on April 21. According to Philippines News Agency, the bilateral agreement will facilitate the exchange of information and implementation of joint initiatives to

Pagudpud: Nestled in the northern tip of Luzon, Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park (KPNP) is known for its lush forest and for being home to the endangered Rufous hornbill or Kalaw (Buceros hydrocorax). Covering 5,737 hectares, the area lies within Barangays Pancian, Pasaleng, and Balaoi in this town, and Sitios Maligligay and Sinidangan of neighboring Adams town. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is spearheading an ongoing weeklong event to promote the park’s vital role as a key biodiversity area and important bird area in this part of Luzon. The event aims to help the

Iloilo City: Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday convened heads of departments under the Civil Defense Cluster to discuss preparations for the implementation of the PHP20 per kilogram (kg.) rice program. According to Philippines News Agency, Defensor joined other Visayas governors in a closed-door luncheon meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Cebu City on Wednesday, where they tackled the program and its initial rollout in the Visayas. Defensor is now drafting an executive order to integrate the initiative into the province’s existing health, nutrition, and agriculture programs, the capitol said in a statement. ‘This will be part

Aparri: A new marine scientific research hub in northern Luzon is poised to become a transformative force for the Philippines’ blue economy. It holds the potential to unlock marine resource opportunities while enhancing the economic resilience of coastal communities. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of the Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in this town, marking a significant step in the government’s broader marine conservation strategy. According to Philippines News Agency, Loyzaga highlighted that the facility is envisioned as a center for research and innovation in sustainable ocean resource development.