General

Manila: As the Lenten week unfolds, leaders across Northern Mindanao have joined the Christian community in calls for peace, reflection, and spiritual clarity. In a statement issued on Thursday, Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao said Holy Week provides a significant opportunity for each individual to reflect on their spiritual journey. According to Philippines News Agency, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran echoed this sentiment, stating that the Christian community, particularly the Catholic majority in the city and the nation, should consistently strive to emulate the life of service and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus Christ. Valencia City, Bukidnon Mayor Azucena

Baguio: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has encouraged both tourists and locals to make use of the online application BCPO@viewBaguio. This app provides real-time updates on traffic conditions, crowd estimates, and the availability of parking spaces in specific areas. According to Philippines News Agency, BCPO director Col. Ruel Tagel emphasized the importance of staying informed. “Ligtas ang may alam (Those who know are safe),” he stated, highlighting that the app also provides information on city ordinances enforced by the police to prevent violations. These ordinances include a no smoking rule in public places, a number coding scheme, and prohibitions

Manila: Expect Creamline Cool Smashers to display its form in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, which will kick off on April 20 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Cool Smashers are set to face Al Naser, one of Jordan’s most storied clubs, at 4 p.m. on Sunday. They will then conclude their Pool A matches against Zhetysu VC, a nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s Volleyball League champion, on Monday at 7 p.m. According to Philippines News Agency, the team is eager to move past their recent setback in the Premier Volleyball League, where they fell short of a

Negros Occidental: Pilgrimage destinations across Negros Occidental are preparing to welcome thousands of devotees and visitors seeking rest and reflection during the annual Lenten observance. According to Philippines News Agency, Isabela town executive assistant for tourism, culture, and arts, Francis Ryan Pabiania, stated that the local government expects between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors from Thursday to Friday, with arrivals peaking on Friday night. The prominent 45-foot steel cross atop Glory Hill in Sitio Mantuhod, Barangay Mansablay, is reached via a two-hour ascent along cemented stairways and steep pathways marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross. Pabiania added that they

Manila: Twenty-five agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Bago City, Negros Occidental, have received significant financial relief after the government condoned their debts totaling PHP3.48 million, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here bared on Thursday. The beneficiaries, whose agricultural lands are situated in Barangay Bacong, were presented with certificates of condonation with the release of mortgage (CoCRoMs) during a ceremony held on April 15. According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative is intended to provide substantial financial relief and empowerment to the recipients, ultimately aiming to improve their livelihoods as farmers. Mark Anthony Caraig, municipal agrarian reform program officer and