General

Davao City: Davao City continues to stand as a benchmark for public health achievement, maintaining its malaria-free status since its official declaration in 2021, the City Health Office (CHO) reported Monday over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio that the city’s previously endemic districts, including Paquibato and Marilog, have no cases of malaria since the declaration. According to Philippines News Agency, this success is a direct result of consistent and collaborative efforts among the local government, dedicated health professionals, and the engaged community, particularly in the implementation of preventive measures such as prompt diagnosis, effective vector control, and comprehensive information education

Manila: Domestic consumption remains the main driver of the Philippine economy amid the impact of external developments and uncertainties, according to the revised outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Philippines News Agency, the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO) released Tuesday indicates that the multilateral lender cut its 2025 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.5 percent from a previous forecast of 6.1 percent released last January. An IMF spokesperson stated in an e-mail that despite a more challenging environment, growth in the Philippines is expected to remain relatively robust in 2025. The domestic growth rate, as

Manila: Senior high school (SHS) graduates from public schools in Negros Occidental are being offered enhanced employment opportunities thanks to free National Certificate (NC) competency assessments in various technical-vocational livelihood (TVL) tracks provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). According to Philippines News Agency, the free assessments are part of the Provincial Assessment Week (PAW) scheduled from April 21 to 26. At least 552 SHS graduates will have the opportunity to undergo these assessments at designated centers throughout the province. TESDA-Negros Island Region Interim Regional Director Ni±a Connie Dodd stated that the week-long activity will include simultaneous

Manila: The Quezon City government is setting a benchmark on environmental sustainability as it pushes culture shift among its employees and the public, and imposes a ban on disposables and single-use plastic (SUPs) bags, packaging, and cutlery at the city hall and government-run facilities. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced in a press release that, under Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2025, the use of plastic bags and packaging, styrofoam, disposable dishware, and other related items will no longer be allowed inside Quezon City Hall buildings and other city-owned facilities starting April 21, 2025. Government employees

Dumaguete: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is inviting the public to witness the final testing and sealing (FTS) of automated counting machines (ACMs), which are set to be used in the May 12 elections. This event will take place at Robinsons Place mall on May 6. According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Ian Macaraya, the Comelec election officer of Dumaguete, emphasized that the FTS process is crucial to ensure that all ACMs are fully operational and free of defects before being deployed for the midterm polls. Macaraya noted, “This is for transparency purposes. The teachers will be testing the ACMs