General

Northern Samar: A total of 55 former rebels in Northern Samar have completed the six-month reintegration program in preparation for their return to their families. According to Philippines News Agency, the 55 completers consist of the recent batches of former combatants of the New People’s Army, referred to by local authorities as “peacebuilders,” enrolled at the Darangpan Center, a halfway house for those who chose to return to the fold of law, the Northern Samar provincial government reported on Thursday. “The reintegration program allows peacebuilders to obtain basic literacy training, livelihood skills development training, psychosocial sessions, and capacity building, all

Batangas City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) Grains Terminal and Trading Project in Batangas City. In a keynote speech, Marcos highlighted the facility’s significant capacity, with two silos capable of holding 12,000 metric tons of corn, which can produce approximately 480,000 sacks of feed for over 100,000 pigs or nearly 600,000 chickens. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the positive impact on corn storage and the enhanced support for the poultry and livestock industries. He also noted the economic benefits for farmers and businessmen in Batangas and

Davao City: The Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region (DPWH-11) has assured the completion of two multi-million infrastructure projects in Davao del Norte by 2026 and 2027. According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH-11 spokesperson Dean Ortiz announced during a press briefing that the PHP110-million northbound lane of the Tuganay Bridge project is expected to be completed by 2026. Additionally, the PHP500-million Tadeco Road rehabilitation project is slated for completion by 2027. The Tadeco Road project involves the rehabilitation of the 8-kilometer Tagum-Panabo Circumferential Road, which has been notorious for its poor condition and frequent accidents. Ortiz reported

Manila: The Philippines is set to export 66,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the United States during the crop year 2024-2025, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). This decision follows the SRA’s approval of the exportation under Sugar Order (SO) 5, signed on Wednesday, to meet its obligations under the US Raw Sugar Tariff-Rate Quota World Trade Allocation. According to Philippines News Agency, this export marks the first instance of meeting the US sugar quota allocation for 2025 from the farmers’ share of raw sugar, aiming to ensure participation in future import programs. It is the second

Batangas City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that the government is dedicating funds toward essential farm machinery and facilities to bolster the agriculture sector. According to Philippines News Agency, during the inauguration of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) Grains Terminal and Trading Project in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City, Marcos outlined his administration’s strategy to enhance the efficiency of local agriculture by providing necessary equipment. ‘Plano ng pamahalaan na maglaan ng pondo para sa mga dryer, silo warehouses, rice at cornmill at iba pang mga kagamitang pang agrikultura (The government plans to allocate funds to purchase and