Category: General

Manila: has begun the deployment of “surface action groups” or multiple naval vessels as part of intensified efforts to protect the country’s maritime territories. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency Wednesday, PN spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said this move is part of the Navy’s focus on improving its warfighting capabilities. According to Philippines News Agency, Alcos emphasized that the Navy is shifting from lone ship operations to deploying several warships simultaneously. This change aims to enhance the coverage and jurisdiction of Philippine maritime areas. Alcos explained that the deployment of these “surface action groups” is a component

Manila: The number of African swine fever (ASF)-affected barangays in the country dropped in January, according to the latest report of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). As of Jan. 10, barangays under red zones, or those with active cases of ASF, declined to 133 in 34 cities and municipalities from 225 barangays on Dec. 27, 2024. According to Philippines News Agency, the affected barangays are reported in eight regions including Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Central and Eastern Visayas, and Soccsksargen. Areas with the highest number of red zones include Midsayap and Pigkawayan in North

Negros Island: The government has so far provided some PHP197.5 million worth of assistance to families affected by the ongoing restiveness of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Wednesday. The amount includes PHP126.8 million for Central Visayas and PHP70.7 million for Western Visayas, according to the disaster response body’s latest situation report. According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance provided includes family food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, financial aid, modular tents, filtration kits, and generator sets. A total of 10,054 families have benefitted from the assistance – 7,552 families in

Surigao City: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has completed and handed over five quadruplex houses to 20 families from the Sama-Badjao community in Surigao City. The housing initiative aims to provide stable and sustainable living conditions for the indigenous group known for their nomadic lifestyle. According to Philippines News Agency, the housing project is part of the Huy-anan sa Badjao Project, which is a collaborative effort involving the DHSUD, the Surigao City government, and the United Nations (UN) – Habitat. DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap highlighted the project’s significance, stating that the new homes offer the Sama-Badjao

Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has revised the guidelines on the issuance of alien employment permit (AEP) to foreigners working in the country. Under the new guidelines, the conduct of labor market test is simplified and integrated in one publication in a newspaper of general circulation, which effectively reduces cost and waiting period for employers and foreign nationals. According to Philippines News Agency, PhilJobNet, the government’s official job-matching portal, has also been tapped to post the rules making the process more efficient and transparent for both employers and jobseekers. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the revised AEP