General

Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will soon establish a Regional Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Innovation Center in Negros Island Region (NIR). TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez announced this initiative, emphasizing its support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez highlighted the quest for a suitable location for the regional training and innovation center, noting that NIR, as a new region, is actively looking for prospective sites. This announcement was made during a press conference at the 20th TESDA General Directorate Conference held at the Seda Hotel. Benitez mentioned a

Manila: One of the lanes of the M. Roxas Jr. Flyover (northbound), commonly known as the Delpan Flyover, was partially closed for asphalt overlay works starting Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways-North Manila District Engineering Office (DPWH-NMDEO) announced that the rehabilitation works are expected to be completed on April 3. The advisory detailed that the rehabilitation requires partial closure of the affected lanes, with plans for the southbound lane to undergo similar works after the northbound lane is completed. Motorists have been informed about potential traffic slowdowns in the area and advised to

Negros Occidental: A prelate said Thursday the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte is a glimmer of hope for the victims of his bloody crackdown on illegal drugs and their families. In a statement, San Carlos, Negros Occidental Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said this development has given renewed vigor to advocates of peace and justice. According to Philippines News Agency, Bishop Alminaza expressed that the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his drug war policy represents a significant moment. He noted that this development brings

Apayao: A total of 175 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Apayao have benefitted from the PHP3.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment from the Department of Agrarian Reform. The machinery is expected to boost productivity and enhance the livelihood of farmers who are members of six agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) across Apayao. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced that the farm machinery and equipment (FME) provided are designed to empower farmers with modern technology. Gilbert Galut, chairman of the Cajoma Multipurpose Cooperative (CAJOMA MPC) in Pudtol, one of the

Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced that the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila and UP Los Ba±os (UPLB) have been exempted from its certificate of program compliance (COPC) requirement. This exemption is attributed to their outstanding performance in implementing quality assurance systems. According to Philippines News Agency, a COPC is essential for higher education institutions (HEIs) to ensure that graduates meet the standards necessary for licensure examinations. This involves hiring qualified teachers, maintaining adequate laboratories, and updating curricula to prepare students for both national and international standards in the workplace. The exemption was granted shortly after CHED