News
‘Tikog’ weaving industry thrives in now conflict-free Negros’ community
BACOLOD CITY – Fabric weaving from threads derived from a reed grass, locally known as ‘tikog’ has become a thriving livelihood industry in a remote farming community in Negros Occidental, which was previously a rebel infested conflict area. In the last two years, ‘tikog’ weaving has led to the development and production of various household and lifestyle items, which have become a…
Mayor orders cave shutdown following deaths of ‘treasure hunters’
DUMAGUETE CITY – Siaton, Negros Oriental Mayor Cezanne Fritz Diaz has ordered a shutdown of visits in a cave in the remote barangay of Apoloy in his municipality and imposed a round-the-clock security following the deaths of two “treasure hunters” last week. Maj. Danilo Santillan, Siaton police chief, told the Philippine News Agency Mayor Diaz was furious after learning about the incident at a cave…
DOTr seeks to fast-track rail projects through Japanese aid
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) looks forward to fast-track major railway projects in the country through technical and financial assistance from the Japanese government. In a recent meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed optimism their discussions will help expedite the ongoing construction of several big-ticket rail…
Canada opens first Indo-Pacific agri office in Manila
REGIONAL AGRI OFFICE. Canadian Minister for Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay gives his remarks during the symbolic opening ceremony of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office on Wednesday (Feb. 21, 2024). With the IPAAO opening, MacAulay is confident Canada’s annual agriculture and agri-food export worth over CAD22.8 billion (PHP943.19 billion) to the region would further grow. (PNA photo by…
Liberalization of foreign investments in rice, corn sector sought
MANILA – Officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Board of Investments (BOI) and economists on Wednesday expressed support for the liberalization of foreign investments in the rice and corn industry to boost food production, increase farmers’ income, and foster greater competition to benefit consumers. At a roundtable discussion at the House of Representatives on…
US optimistic Quiboloy will shortly ‘face justice’ for crimes
The United States Embassy in Manila has expressed confidence the embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will shortly “face justice” amid the various charges hurled against him before a US court. The embassy issued the statement following Quiboloy’s claim that the US and the Marcos administration are out to get him through “rendition”. Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay…
DA seeks liberalization of foreign investments in rice, corn sector
Econokmists and officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Board of Investments (BOI) have expressed support for the liberalization of foreign investments in the rice and corn industry to boost food production, increase farmers’ income, and foster greater competition to benefit consumers. At a recent House roundtable discussion on bills seeking to increase investments in the rice and corn…
US Coast Guard to help build PH, others’ capacity vs. illegal sea activities
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has announced its commitment to helpthe Philippines and other Indo-Pacific partners build up their capacity to counter “illegal activities” within their waters. In a telephone briefing on Wednesday, USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan said the USCG’s sees its partnerships with states contributing to the promotion of a rules-based order in the wider Indo-Pacific region. Fagan…
DMW welcomes Kuwait appellate court’s conviction of Ranara killer
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has welcomed the decision of the Kuwait Appeals Court that upheld the conviction of the suspect in the murder of overseas Filipino worker Jullebee Ranara. In a statement Wednesday night, DMW officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Kuwaiti appellate court fully adopted the 16-year imprisonment sentence against the accused — one year for…
More vital drugs exempted from VAT with TRAIN law
Senator Sonny Angara said there are now over 2,000 Value Added Tax (VAT)-exempt drugs for the prevention and management of specific illnesses, including some of the most prevalent among the public. Standing to benefit from this development are Filipinos suffering from cancer, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, mental illness, high cholesteroland tuberculosis who will now have more medicines available to…