General

LEGAZPI CITY: When Desiree Valencia was two years old, her mother, Celerina, noticed that something was not quite right. Unlike kids her age, Desiree seemed to tire more easily. She was also prone to frequent respiratory infections. After a series of tests and doctor consultations, Celerina was told what every mother dreads to hear: Desiree has a hole in the heart, a congenital heart problem known as a ventricular septal defect (VSD). As the hole occurs in the wall that separates the heart’s two lower chambers, the best option is to perform surgery. “For three years, we went back and

MANILA: A total of 18,354 students got temporary employment in the first half of the year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday. In a news release, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) gives students practical exposure to the necessary knowledge and skills for the current job market. ‘Through the training and internship that the company offers, beneficiaries gain hands-on experience in real-world environments, industry-specific skills, professional development, and mentorship. When we invest in our youth, especially those in the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, we provide them with the tools

MANILA: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is pushing for amendments to the “already defective” Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. This is to address problems and challenges encountered by local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of projects and delivery of services, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) special over state-run People’s Television Network. “Ang lahat ng barangay road, dapat ang gumastos barangay, ‘yun ang nasa Local Government Code. Ang lahat ng eskwelahan ay pananagutan ng mga lungsod at munisipyo, sila ang magpapagawa.

MANILA: The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday cited for contempt former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang for his refusal to attend hearings on the September 2023 illegal drug seizure worth PHP3 billion in Mexico, Pampanga. During the hearing, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop moved to cite former president Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser for contempt over his non-appearance at the congressional hearing despite the issuance of a show cause order. Yang was invited to the hearing to shed light on the interlocking incorporators of all the corporations connected with Empire 999 Realty Inc. “I move then, Mr. Chair, that we

MANILA: Vito Sarines and Aerin Chan ruled their respective divisions in the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 4 at the Riviera Golf and Country – Club’s Couples Course in Silang, Cavite on Wednesday. Sarines carded a 74 for a 144 total to beat Jacob Casuga by 15 strokes in the boys’ 10-12 category. Casuga tallied 159 after a 79, while Nathaniel Yeung registered a 91 to finish with 178 for third place. ‘I will compete in the rest of the Luzon series and aim for another victory,’ said Sarines, who topped the Splendido Taal and Pinewoods legs and