General

Manila: Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman joined Filipinos in paying tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Filipino veterans, emphasizing their role as the cornerstone of the Philippines’ growth and development. According to Philippines News Agency, in her statement for the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration, Pangandaman said the heroism of the nation’s veterans is ‘not just a chapter in our history but the foundation of our nation’s growth and development.’ She noted that the valor, dedication, and patriotism of the forebears remain central to the Philippines, highlighting that true strength is found

Pasay City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is appealing for volunteers to assist in the production of family food packs (FFPs) to support families impacted by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island. The need for additional manpower at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC), located in Barangay 195, Pasay City, has become critical in order to expedite relief efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized the importance of community involvement in relief operations. “We are calling on our kababayans in the National Capital

Manila: The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) has directed all Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMOs) and response cluster member agencies to raise red alert status in observance of Holy Week or Semana Santa 2025. The Red Alert status will be in effect from April 11 to 21, and aims to ensure all response cluster member agencies are prepared for immediate deployment in case any incidents occur during the observance. According to Philippines News Agency, the OCD-5 has also advised Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) response agencies to maintain close coordination with the

Baguio: The city government is eyeing the mandatory installation of bidets in toilets of public and private establishments for improved sanitation and public convenience. According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Leandro Yangot emphasized the importance of proper sanitation as a key component of public health and safety, benefiting both residents and tourists in Baguio. In an interview on Wednesday, Yangot highlighted the necessity for toilets to be equipped with running water for flushing and handwashing, as well as bidets. Yangot has filed a proposal to the city council to implement mandatory toilet cleanliness standards not only for public restrooms but

Fort Magsaysay: Participants of the “Salaknib” exercises from the Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) have conducted a series of drills that would increase interoperability between Filipino and American military units. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, in a media statement Wednesday, said these drills, under the first phase of the exercises, include radio communication, field artillery live fire, sling load operations using helicopters, and medical evacuation. According to Philippines News Agency, these “subject matter expert exchanges” (SMEEs), crucial in warfighting functions, took place in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. Dema-ala also said PA and USARPAC signalers have