News
DOH: Seniors no longer need purchase booklet for medicine discounts
MANILA, — Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that senior citizens will no longer need to present a purchase booklet to receive discounts on their medication. This change is part of Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, signed by Herbosa, which implements the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The act aims to provide ample benefits…
Albay NGO pushes anew ‘blue economy’ mission, biosphere protection goals
LEGAZPI CITY – Organizers of the Albay Blue Lane (ABL) Inc., a non-government organization (NGO) that pioneered the ‘blue economy’ concept of development, met recently at the Pacific Blue Dive Center here to refocus and restrengthen its mission of coastal and marine protection objectives, and to strictly safeguard Albay’s world class biosphere reserve. Given the…
IMF sees PH economic growth picking up in 2024-2025
By Anna Leah Gonzales The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees Philippine economic growth to moderately pick up in 2024 to 2025, backed by lower inflation and the gradual easing of the country’s monetary policy. “Growth is expected to accelerate in 2024-25, supported by disinflation, and gradually declining borrowing costs as monetary policy normalizes,” stated a…
Baguio monitors water safety to avoid another diarrhea outbreak
By Liza Agoot BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered the deployment of teams to monitor safe water and food handling to avoid a repeat of the diarrhea scare during the 2023 holiday season here. Magalong said the city has doubled its disease prevention efforts as tourism activities peak during the Christmas and new year…
DPWH reinforces resources to expedite Andaya hi-way repairs in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur
By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol (DPWH-5) has reinforced manpower and equipment for the urgent and continuing repairs of portions of the Andaya Highway connecting Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, which was destroyed by land collapse, causing heavy traffic along the stretch. DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said Friday…
NZ provides PNRC P17-M for assistance to typhoon victims
The New Zealand government has provided the Philippine National Red Cross NZD500,000 (approximately PHP17 million) to help support its response to victims of the series of calamities that ravaged the country recently. The New Zealand Embassy in Manila said Friday “New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Philippines, reaffirming its commitment and offering support during…
Senator pushes LGUs to have business permit, licensing offices
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wants local government units (LGUs) to have their own Business Permit and Licensing Offices (BPLO) to help encourage investments and support economic growth. Gatchalian, who co-authored Senate Bill 1278 or the BPLO Act, said the bill seeks to ensure that every city and municipality will have a dedicated BPLO, that will enable…
BBM okays Nat’l Security Strategy to address challenges
President Bongbong R. Marcos has approved the 2024 National Security Strategy (NSS) designed to enhance the country’s ability to address both local and global security challenges. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the President approved the NSS during a meeting at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Deceber 19. The NSS, supports the administration’s National Security…
Zumba Enthusiasts in Imus City Receive Warm Welcome from Senator Imee Marcos
Imus City, Cavite – A vibrant and energetic “Zumbarangay” event brought together Zumba enthusiasts from various barangays in Imus City, with 30 groups participating in the lively gathering. Held on December 22, 2024, at the Imus City Sports Complex, the event was a collaborative effort led by City Mayor Alex Advincula, Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan,…
OCD mulls expanding Kanlaon Permanent Danger Zone
QUEZON CITY — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is planning to further expand the extended permanent danger zone around Mt. Kanlaon from six kilometers to 10 kilometers. This development comes as a low-pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao poses a risk of lahar flow in Negros Island. “We’re also planning to move the evacuation centers…