General

Manila: The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has praised the Philippines for its significant contributions to global peace and security, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, in a recent meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malaca±an Palace, CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd recognized the high-quality data gathering and scientific monitoring conducted by Filipino scientists. Floyd noted the vital role played by these efforts in maintaining global security through the provision of consistent and reliable data, which is utilized by the CTBTO in Vienna and shared with the 187 member states of

Legazpi City: The city government of Legazpi has allocated PHP35 million to fund social development programs across 70 barangays. Mayor Alfredo Garbin announced that each barangay would receive PHP500,000 to support community initiatives. According to Philippines News Agency, this funding is sourced from the city’s 20 percent development fund and was approved by the city council last week. The approach focuses on honoring the barangays’ priority projects, with implementation and construction of the projects expected to begin this year. The bidding process has already started, and projects will be clustered based on type, such as multipurpose buildings and drainage systems.

Manila: The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved PHP70.6 billion worth of projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic progress across the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, the NEDA Board approved the projects during its 25th meeting. Among the projects is the PHP56.7-billion Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will benefit 4.13 million households across 500 municipalities. Supported by the World Bank, the project aims to strengthen community capacities for participatory resilience planning and increase access to

Pasig City: Choco Mucho and Akari are set to continue their best-of-three quarterfinal series at the Philsports Arena. The Flying Titans will face off against the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m., followed by the Chargers taking on the Galeries Tower Highrisers at 6:30 p.m. A victory in these matches would secure a spot in the Final Four for both teams, while a defeat would put them at risk of elimination. According to Philippines News Agency, Choco Mucho secured a hard-fought victory in Game 1 on March 15, with a 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 win. Skipper Sisi Rondina

Manila: A former village chairperson listed as the third most wanted person in Quezon province was arrested in Bulacan, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, NCRPO Director, Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, announced that the 44-year-old suspect, whose name was withheld, was apprehended by the District Police Intelligence and Operations Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD). The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Unisan Municipal Police Station and the San Miguel, Bulacan police at the Tabang Exit of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) at approximately 2:05 p.m. on Tuesday. The