Category: General

ILOILO CITY: The local government of Iloilo City is urging more residents to participate in a free influenza vaccination program that has already benefited 47,000 individuals. The initiative, which is being carried out by the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO), aims to enhance community-wide protection against the flu. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Jerry Treñas has called on all residents-whether they are working, studying, or conducting business in the city-to take advantage of the free flu vaccines. He emphasized the importance of mass vaccination drives and encouraged coordination between companies, schools, government offices, and the City Health Office to

BAGUIO CITY: The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Cordillera has urged the public to verify the licenses of professionals through an online system to ensure the legitimacy of services provided. Atty. Cresente Lumerez Jr., legal officer IV of PRC-Cordillera, highlighted that the online verification tool aims to combat the issue of individuals falsifying their professional credentials. According to Philippines News Agency, Lumerez disclosed that in 2023, 28 individuals faced criminal convictions for falsifying public documents and illegally practicing professions. The fraudulent activities involved impersonating teachers, civil engineers, nurses, midwives, dentists, and certified public accountants. Lumerez emphasized the ease of using

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to sign the PHP6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 before Christmas, according to an announcement from Malacañang on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that the Congress-approved national budget bill will be transmitted to the Office of the President for review, adhering to the standard practice. This procedure allows the President ample time to examine the budget bill thoroughly. The PCO confirmed that the signing of the national budget for 2025 will occur before Christmas Day. This announcement follows the approval of the final version of the

BATANGAS: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Calabarzon has announced plans to establish a Marine Science Research Station in Batangas province, potentially as early as next year. The initiative aims to protect the Verde Island Passage (VIP), recognized as part of the Coral Triangle and declared the “Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity.” According to Philippines News Agency, Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria highlighted the necessity for enhanced research and conservation efforts during the “Kapihan sa DENR Calabarzon” event held at the agency’s office in Barangay Mayapa. The research station is envisioned as a hub for scientific

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that 66 candidates will compete for 12 senatorial seats in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, moving forward without any temporary restraining orders from the Supreme Court. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed the finalized list of senatorial candidates after excluding 117 individuals who were deemed nuisance candidates. Garcia explained that the candidates’ names would appear in alphabetical order on the ballot. The commission plans to print approximately 73 million ballots over a 77-day period, starting January 6 and concluding by April 14, ensuring the ballots reach