General

Ilocos Region: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Tuesday that its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) has resulted in PHP1.18 billion in gross sales, translating to a 33.77 percent return on investment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ilocos Region in 2024. According to Philippines News Agency, during a forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency, DOST 1 (Ilocos) Director Teresita Tabaog revealed that the program funded 42 projects in the region last year with an investment of PHP35 million. In prior years, 48 projects in 2023 and 44 in 2022 received funding

N. Cotabato: Four Chinese nationals employed at a mosquito coil manufacturing company were detained for working without valid permits. The apprehension took place during a joint operation by security forces, as confirmed by military officials. According to Philippines News Agency, the individuals-identified as Liu Dezhen, Tang Zhongyi, Tianpei Wu, and Wang Lian Xu-were working for Alpha Household Miscellaneous Chemical Products Manufacturing in Barangay Nueva Vida. The suspects did not resist arrest during a coordinated raid by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and local police. Lt. Col. Roden

Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is open to reviewing the data related to the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, particularly concerning the number of PUV operators who have applied for consolidation, Malaca±ang said Tuesday. This decision comes after transport group Manibela accused the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of falsifying its data on the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). According to Philippines News Agency, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has expressed his intent to verify the accuracy of the data on consolidation. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a press briefing, stated that Secretary Dizon is keen

Manila: The weather bureau said that most areas in the country will experience isolated rain showers on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Mindanao will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across the Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and BARMM, as stated by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Moderate to heavy rains in those areas could result in flash floods or landslides. The rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies. Severe thunderstorms could also result in flash floods or landslides, PAGASA warned.

Cagayan de Oro: Government agriculture officials urged Northern Mindanao farmers to embrace modern farming technologies during Tuesday’s Regional Irrigators Congress, underscoring innovative solutions to enhance productivity amid climate challenges. According to Philippines News Agency, Evy Elago of the Misamis Oriental Agriculture Office highlighted smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient techniques as key adaptations for local farms. “These technologies help farmers withstand erratic weather while maximizing yields,” she told attendees. Elago emphasized that public-private partnerships remain crucial for widespread technology adoption across the region’s agricultural sector. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-10) reinforced this push, with acting manager Larry Franada directing