General

Manila: The European Union (EU) has unveiled two new grant initiatives aimed at fostering a green transition in the Philippines, as announced by its mission in Manila. The ‘Community Grants’ and ‘Circular Economy Education and Behavioral Change Grants’ are designed to support projects in 10 local government units (LGUs) across the country, with a focus on reducing waste, promoting inclusion, and enhancing environmental education. According to Philippines News Agency, the EU has set a deadline of May 5 for eligible groups to submit their proposals. The grants will be implemented in various locations including Baguio City, Caloocan City, Davao City,

Balingasag: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday turned over various agricultural support projects to farmers in Misamis Oriental province, reinforcing the administration’s agenda to modernize agriculture through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and industry development. During the turnover and launch ceremony held in Balingasag town, Marcos led the distribution of major interventions from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-Regional Field Office 10), DA-PHilMech, and private sector partners under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the SUnRISE Integrated Coconut Processing Facility (SUnRISE-ICPF) program. According to Philippines News Agency, among the largest projects unveiled was the Mapulog-Tuboran Farm-to-Market

Manila: The newly created Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) will prioritize linking regional development plans to the national development blueprint in its first year, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. According to Philippines News Agency, Balisacan emphasized during a press chat on April 14 that one of the key mandates of the DEPDev, under the Economy, Planning and Development Act, is to strengthen coordination between local government units (LGUs) and national government priorities. The new law, which reorganizes NEDA into DEPDev, will take effect on April 27. The incoming DEPDev chief highlighted that the

Manila: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a region with a Muslim-majority population, has joined the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. ‘In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters, and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our existence,’ BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said in a message released on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Macacua conveyed the region’s ‘deepest condolences to the Catholic Church, our Catholic residents within the Bangsamoro region, and to all

Antique: Forty local exhibitors, including farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs), will participate in the two-day Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) event in Antique as part of Labor Day activities. The KNP, scheduled for April 30 and May 1 at Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park, aims to offer cheaper and quality agri-fishery products and other non-food items. According to Philippines News Agency, Betty Baldevia, the agri-business and marketing coordinator from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturists, mentioned in an interview that fresh vegetables, fruits, and other products will be available at prices lower than those typically found in