Category: General

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is exploring the possibility of allowing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to participate in elections through an Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS). This initiative is contingent upon the success of overseas internet voting trials, as stated by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia. According to Philippines News Agency, Chairperson Garcia emphasized that the future implementation of internet voting for PDLs, people with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens would rely heavily on the results of internet voting conducted abroad. In a press conference following a memorandum of agreement signing at the Palacio del Gobernador, Garcia

MANILA: The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has announced a significant investment of PHP1.5 billion aimed at fertilizing approximately 55,000 coconut palms in 2025 as part of the Coconut Fertilization Project. The initiative seeks to enhance yield and income for coconut farmers through the application of agricultural-grade salt fertilizer and organic compost. According to Philippines News Agency, PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted outlined the project’s components during the second Salt Congress, emphasizing the rehabilitation of low-bearing mature palms. The project will use agricultural grade salt fertilizer (AGSF) and compost produced from biodegradable waste to improve soil conditions. Incentives will also be

MALAYBALAY CITY: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed land ownership documents and mortgage condonation certificates to 5,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Northern Mindanao. This initiative, aimed at supporting and empowering local farmers, was formalized during a ceremony in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and marks a significant step in agrarian reform efforts in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution ceremony was led by DAR 10 (Northern Mindanao) Director Zoraida Macadindang. The beneficiaries were presented with Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage and Certificates of Land Ownership Awards, which serve as proof of their ownership and

LEGAZPI CITY: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has called on local government leaders in the Bicol region to establish local peace panels within their jurisdictions as a means to encourage the surrender of insurgents. According to Philippines News Agency, Christopher Azucena, the OPAPRU-South Luzon Bicol coordinator, emphasized the importance of these panels during the 2024 Media Orientation at Hotel Sentro. Azucena explained that the peace panels would facilitate dialogue between the government and rebel groups, serving as a crucial link to encourage reconciliation. The panels are to be composed of local chief executives,

MANILA: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced it will host the inaugural ‘Philippine Open Government Partnership (OGP) Fun Run’ on January 26, 2025, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the event aims to promote transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. According to Philippines News Agency, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes, and PRC Secretary-General Gwen Pang formalized the collaboration by signing a memorandum of agreement at the MMDA’s new headquarters in Pasig City. The OGP Fun Run serves as a precursor