General

Manila: The shear line, easterlies, and the northeast monsoon will continue to bring rains over parts of the Philippines, the weather bureau reported Saturday. In its 4 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that the Visayas region, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte province will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line. According to Philippines News Agency, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms will affect the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan province due to the influence of the

Negros Oriental: Four foreign hikers who became lost during a trek in the mountainous region of Silab, Amlan, Negros Oriental, were successfully rescued on Saturday morning. According to Philippines News Agency, the hikers were identified as Germans Wolfgang Schlenker, 67, and Aldwin Fink, 60; Russian Anton Chernov, 38; and a Canadian known only as Terry. All four are residents of Valencia town. They were separated from their two companions while en route to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park on Wednesday, with the two companions rescued the previous Friday. Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, commanding officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion of

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed elation over the high number of job seekers who were hired on the spot during the ‘Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ (Jobs and health services for a New Philippines) at Alonte Sports Arena in Bi±an City, Laguna. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted the success of the event, as many applicants were seen wearing ‘HOTS’ (hired on the spot) shirts. He appreciated the participation of numerous job seekers and the efforts made to ensure the fair’s success. The President expressed his commitment to organizing more job fairs across

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is nearly finished with its preparations for the May 12 national and local elections (NLE). Chairperson George Garcia stated in a radio interview that Comelec is “about 90 to 95 percent prepared” while Board of Election Inspectors’ members are undergoing training. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia mentioned that the ballots are ready, with only the verification process remaining. The Voter’s Information Sheet (VIS) is scheduled to complete printing by March 25. Additionally, training for teachers, who will serve as election inspectors, is ongoing. The public has the option to enroll in internet voting,

Eastern Samar: The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office-Eastern Visayas (DSWD-FO-8) has distributed 23,400 family food packs to families in Eastern Samar who have been affected by recent flooding. The flooding was a result of the shear line impacting the region. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced that the Field Office-8 dispatched the food packs promptly after receiving a request from the provincial government of Eastern Samar. Assistant Secretary Dumlao highlighted that Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the field office in Eastern Visayas to ensure the swift delivery of the