General

Davao de Oro: About 132 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) in Davao de Oro have been granted debt relief amounting to PHP17.7 million by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). According to Philippines News Agency, the ARBs are members of the agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) Ricop Monkayo Farmworkers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (RIMFARCO) in Barangay Jaguimitan. RIMFARCO chair Danilo Gevero expressed his deep gratitude to the DAR and to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the financial relief, stating that it was something they had long awaited and did not expect. He noted that the cooperative no longer needs to pay

Manila: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revised upward on Thursday the fourth quarter 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 5.3 percent from 5.2 percent. In a report, the PSA said the full-year 2024 GDP growth rate was also revised to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, the PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy, which aligns with international standard practices on national accounts revisions. The first quarter of 2025 Philippine economic growth data is scheduled to be released on May 8. The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has set a 6

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