Category: General

Manila: The Philippines is set to host the 41st ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) Meetings from Nov. 25 to 27, aimed at strengthening social protection systems, expanding coverage to workers, and building more sustainable institutions, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Tuesday. Industry leaders and representatives from social security institutions across ASEAN member states are expected to gather to advance the region’s commitment to a more comprehensive and inclusive social protection framework. The meeting agenda focuses on the mega trends faced by the industry, the empowering role of technology, and the implementation of comprehensive approaches to social security within

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study the possible imposition of a three-month relief on electricity bill payments in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami). According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos instructed ERC to study the imposition of a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections from October to December 2024 in areas under state of calamity. ‘To aid in recovery efforts, the President directed the ERC to study the immediate implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnection and payment collection for the

Archaeologists excavating an area being prepared for an industrial zone uncovered a 5,000-year-old human settlement, including what may be the oldest public building found in Israel, the Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday. Among the finds at Hurvat Husham, near Beit Shemesh, is a large, well-preserved structure — possibly a temple — that served a central community function of some kind. ‘The size of this structure that we uncovered, its broad walls, the benches inside it and other variables indicate that it is an important and exceptional structure with a public function — perhaps a temple,’ said excavation managers Ariel Shatil,

Manila: Defending champion Ateneo de Manila University and National University (NU) won their respective semifinal ties in the UAAP Season 87 men’s badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila on Tuesday. Ateneo defeated the University of the Philippines (UP), 3-1, while NU routed the University of Santo Tomas, 3-0, to arrange a title showdown at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The Bulldogs, runner-up last season, won in Season 82 (2019) and 85 (2022). UP took a 1-0 lead when Smash Pilipinas standout Jelo Albo outplayed Lance Vargas in the first singles, 21-19, 21-16. Ateneo captain Lyrden Laborte prevailed

DARAGA, Albay – A year after the death of her beloved Shih Tzu, fur mom Grace Joy Toledo, still has not gotten over her grief. “I knew the day would come when she would say goodbye. The telltale signs were there, but even when you brace yourself for the worst, it doesn’t make the loss any easier to bear,” she said in the vernacular. For 17 years, Winter, her very first fur baby, had been her trusted ally. She recalled that in her younger years, whenever her parents scolded her, her best friend would defiantly bark at them to protect