General

Manila: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday warned of dangerous heat index levels in 19 areas. According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda, in a 5 a.m. forecast, stated that the following areas may experience heat indices ranging from 42°C to 45°C on Saturday: Sangley Point, Cavite (45°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (44°C); ISU, Echague, Isabela (43°C); Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (43°C); Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C); TAU Camiling, Tarlac (43°C); NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila (42°C); Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Subic Bay Olongapo City (42°C); San Ildefonso,

La Union: La Union’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Provincial Health Office (PHO) are on full alert to ensure the safety of travelers and tourists during the Holy Week break. Emergency teams will be stationed in key areas, including coastal zones and churches, to maintain safety and respond to emergencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David announced that personnel will be deployed to key areas to ensure the safety and security of visitors expected to flock to the province. These measures aim to accommodate the influx of tourists visiting not only popular destinations

Abu Dhabi: In a landmark initiative, the United Arab Emirates and the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) are partnering to enhance technical skills among young Africans. According to Philippines News Agency, the upcoming Youth Technical Training Programme (YTTP) will equip 50 professionals from both Angola and Guinea-Bissau with advanced skills and specialised expertise in the cocoa and cashew industries, respectively. The initiative reflects strong international cooperation, bringing together four countries from three continents – Asia, Africa, and South America. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (End Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the IBRAF programme

Tuguegarao City: A lone bettor from Cagayan hit the PHP57.5 million jackpot in the MegaLotto 6/45 draw held Friday night, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, the ticket with the winning numbers 22-24-28-05-07-25 was purchased in Barangay Tanza, Tuguegarao City. The sole winner has a year to claim the PHP57,540,190 prize at the PCSO’s main office in Mandaluyong City. The prize will be subject to a 20 percent tax, and the ticket holder must present the winning ticket along with two valid IDs for verification. Meanwhile, 102 bettors won PHP32,000 each for

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is optimistic about increased participation as the month-long overseas voting commences on April 13. The initiative aims to engage more than 1.321 million registered Filipino voters abroad. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia expressed hope during a Saturday interview, stating, “I hope we can at least get 50 percent of the 1.321 million voters because we are introducing Internet voting.” Garcia highlighted that 77 out of 93 posts abroad would facilitate Internet voting, allowing Filipinos to cast their votes via mobile devices, tablets, and laptops. Garcia encouraged unregistered voters to enroll