Category: General

MAKATI CITY: Makati City experienced a significant decline in air quality during New Year’s Eve, reaching “very unhealthy” levels due to the extensive use of firecrackers and fireworks, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). According to Philippines News Agency, Jundy del Socorro, the chief of the Air Quality Management Section of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), stated in an interview that air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) escalated alarmingly during the celebrations. “Noong New Year o kasagsagan, mula 12 midnight hanggang alas 2 ng madaling araw, tumaas siya hanggang 160 percent na mas

BACOLOD CITY: In response to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has implemented a network of 20 community kitchens that are delivering essential meals to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and support personnel. The initiative has been pivotal since the volcano’s eruption last month, which has significantly affected local communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson highlighted the efforts during his New Year address to Capitol employees, emphasizing the substantial impact of the community kitchens. “Through our 20 community kitchens, we provided for more than 10,000 IDPs, camp managers, volunteers, peacekeepers, and social

TARLAC: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of a significant road improvement project in Tarlac, set to benefit the local agricultural community by enhancing transport and accessibility. The project, connecting Barangay Sta. Rosa in Concepcion and Barangay Talaga in Capas, is expected to improve the mobility and accessibility for area residents. According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH highlighted that the newly completed two-lane road spans 2.106 kilometers and is five meters wide. District Engineer Edward Ricardo Ramos from the DPWH-Tarlac’s 2nd District Engineering Office noted the road is paved with 200-mm-thick Portland Concrete Cement

MANILA: Local shares kicked off the new year with gains, while the Philippine peso showed minimal movement against the US dollar on the first trading day of 2025. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) increased by 0.33 percent, closing at 6,550.39, and the All Shares index rose by 0.18 percent to settle at 3,755.10. According to Philippines News Agency, the positive start in the stock market comes as investors prepare for a full year ahead. Luis Limlingan, head of sales managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp., noted the optimistic opening, highlighting the market’s focus on upcoming economic data releases.

LAUA-AN: The Latazon Indigenous Peoples Organization (LAIPO) in the municipality of Laua-an is promoting community gardening to bolster its traditional herbal medicine production. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of essential herbs used in creating remedies for skin diseases, liniments, and diuretics, thereby supporting local health practices. According to Philippines News Agency, Abel Pedro, the Iraynon Bukidnon Antique provincial tribal chairman and head of LAIPO, stated that they are urging Indigenous Peoples to cultivate herbs like herba buena, which is purchased at PHP50 per kilogram. The organization has witnessed growth in production since acquiring a PHP1.1 million shared service