Category: General

Manila: Enterprise-based training will be among the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority’s (TESDA) key programs this year, an official said Monday. In a Bagong Pilipinas episode, TESDA Deputy Director General Nelly Nita Dillera emphasized the importance of training leading to employment, expressing hope that more enterprises would register in their program. According to Philippines News Agency, enterprises could also take advantage of opportunities for upskilling their staff. Dillera noted that if companies aim for career progression among their employees and find alignment with TESDA’s training program, they could register and receive funding for the training. Registered companies are also

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it would deploy officers in civilian attire along with 14,000 others to secure the celebration of the Feast of Quiapo and Jesus Nazareno on Jan. 9. The officers would be at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park starting Tuesday, where the ‘pahalik’ (kissing) of the Nazareno image would be held, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City. According to Philippines News Agency, the deployment includes 12,168 police officers for area and route security and 2,306 who would serve as augmentation force. Control

Manila: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has voiced his support for the immediate suspension of the planned increase in Social Security System (SSS) contribution rates, citing concerns over its impact on members’ benefits. According to Philippines News Agency, private school teachers have recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase in SSS contributions from 14 percent to 15 percent, arguing that the hike would further reduce their already limited take-home pay in the face of rising prices and additional expenses. Senator Pimentel echoed these concerns, noting that the increase in contributions does not translate to enhanced benefits for members. The

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that ‘Sulit rice’ will soon be available in 24 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Centers and kiosks. Sulit rice, which is 100 percent broken but white, will be sold at PHP36 per kilogram. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned that the official rollout of the Sulit Rice program will be finalized following a positive public reception during its trial in two KNP sites in Metro Manila. He emphasized the need to ensure sufficient stock for the rollout, hinting at a possible launch next week. DA Assistant Secretary Arnel

Manila: Around 4.7 million passengers have passed through the country’s ports during the holiday season, surpassing the projected 4.5 million passengers of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). ‘It’s more than the expected passengers; the total is 4.7 million this 2024 compared to 4.3 million last 2023 and compared to the 4.5 million forecast [for this year],’ PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte said in a message to reporters on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, PPA port passenger data from Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, revealed that the Port Management Office (PMO) Batangas recorded the highest number of passengers, with