General

Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has launched a program that enhances personal grooming, self-awareness, and overall development for youth beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). According to Philippines News Agency, Dickson Tendido, the 4Ps Bicol Youth Development Session (YDS) Focal Person, stated in a phone interview that the initiative complements the Family Development Session (FDS) for parents. With the theme ‘Embrace and Thrive: Unveiling Your True Potentials,’ the program aims to equip 4Ps youth with essential life skills. “This program supports adolescents who have specific developmental needs. We know that this stage

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday announced the deployment of 40,151 police officers nationwide as part of its ‘Oplan Ligtas SumVac 2025’ initiative. This campaign aims to ensure public safety during the Holy Week observances and secure the influx of travelers during the summer vacation period. According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has assured the public that the police force is fully prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the summer season. Marbil emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to help make the summer safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Bani: The municipal government of Bani has received PHP1 million for the rehabilitation of the Bangrin pavilion at the mangrove marine protected area as an initial cash prize after winning the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan: Search for Most Outstanding Coastal Community in the Ilocos Region, organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). According to Philippines News Agency, municipal agriculturist Jeffrey Pamo stated that the pavilion will serve as a viewing area of the around 40-hectare mangrove plantation, where they could also conduct ‘nature and lecture’ sessions as well as bird watching. Pamo highlighted that marine protected areas

Zamboanga City: A high-value drug suspect was arrested and suspected shabu valued at more than PHP2 million was seized in an anti-drug operation, police reported Thursday. The Zamboanga City Police identified the suspect as Hares Ibrahim, 50, who was apprehended in a buy-bust operation along Sampaloc Drive, Barangay Baliwasan at about 8:12 p.m. on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect was arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover police officer. A follow-up search led to the confiscation of six more plastic sachets containing 305 grams of the illegal drug, with an estimated street value

Caraga: Caraga’s employment rate rose to 96.1 percent in 2024, an increase from 95.9 percent in 2023, according to the Caraga Regional Development Report 2024 released Thursday. The Regional Development Council (RDC-13) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-13) report also highlighted a decline in the region’s unemployment rate, which fell from 4 percent in 2023 to 3.9 percent in 2024. Underemployment also decreased significantly, dropping from 19.6 percent to 15.9 percent over the same period. According to Philippines News Agency, Caraga’s improving employment landscape was driven by economic expansion, with the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growing