General

Bicol: The Department of Health (DOH) 5 (Bicol) is aiming to expand the coverage of its Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program to 89 percent of households in the region by 2025. In an interview on Tuesday, Lea Angela Romero-Castillo, DOH-5 Environmental Health Regional Program Manager, stated that the ZOD program is a key strategy for improving rural sanitation development. The goal is to reach 1.25 million out of an estimated 1.4 million households in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the ZOD program was initiated in 2015 and received further support through the issuance of Department Memorandum 2015-0021. This

Puerto Princesa: The Puerto Princesa City Library has chosen the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Puerto Princesa City Jail Female Dormitory (PPCJFD) as the recipient of its book donations. In a news release on Sunday, BJMP Mimaropa information officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said ‘the project’s goal is to provide learning opportunities for personal development, well-being, and, ultimately, rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).’ According to Philippines News Agency, the donation consisting of 50 volumes of books and 14 volumes of magazines for PDL-learners is part of the city library’s observance of the 66th Public Library Day

Manila: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to secure his appearance before the tribunal in connection with its investigation into his controversial war on drugs. Duterte, who completed his six-year presidency in 2022, is alleged to maintain significant influence even after leaving office. According to Philippines News Agency, the ICC pre-trial chamber issued the warrant on March 7, highlighting that Duterte is unlikely to cooperate with a summons to appear voluntarily. The chamber expressed concerns over potential interference with the investigation and the safety of witnesses and victims, emphasizing the

Manila: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has indicated that the Monetary Board might implement several more rate cuts within the year, with at least one reduction being considered for the upcoming rate-setting meeting next month. He shared these insights with reporters during the Tuesday Club meeting held at a hotel in Mandaluyong City. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Remolona emphasized that while the policy-making Monetary Board continues on its easing path, the precise timing and extent of any rate cuts will be contingent upon the latest inflation figures and other critical economic markers. He noted

Davao City: The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) will launch three more high-impact projects worth PHP24.7 million that were approved last year, an official from the agency said Tuesday. DTI-11 regional director Romeo Casta±aga stated during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that most of the projects are focused on supporting the innovation ecosystem of the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the fabrication laboratory at Davao Oriental State University in Mati, Davao Oriental, among the four high-impact projects costing PHP34.7 million, was already launched on March 5. The PHP10-million laboratory project is envisioned to address the