BLOOMS ALL AROUND. Tourists have their photographs taken at the Northern Blossoms in Atok, Benguet. The municipal tourism office said tourists visiting Atok reached 165,000 in 2024 from about 60,000 in 2023. (PNA file photo by Liza T. Agoot) By Liza Agoot BONTOC, Mountain Province – The municipality of Atok, known for its vast agricultural lands…
The three-week annual “Balikatan” military exercise between Filipino and American troops officially opened on Monday, with 16,000 soldiers representing the “essence of unity, collective responsibility and enduring partnership between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America and other partners.” Speaking at the opening rites in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Armed Forces of the…
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…
BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, expects consumer spending to continue to grow this year, driven by strong economic growth. “We hold a positive outlook for consumer spending in the Philippines, with an acceleration in real household spending growth — from 5.0% in 2024 to 5.3% in 2025,” BMI said in a recent report. “In real…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated the newly elected and re-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the recently concluded elections on Monday as he reminded them to be honest at all times and to serve their constituents. In a video message early Tuesday, President Marcos emphasized that barangay and SK officials play an…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expects there will be no “useless” congressional insertions in the proposed 2026 national budget. Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Chief Executive would not hesitate to veto the proposed budget if there are es that do not conform to the administration’s priorities. Castro said the National…
SACRIFICE. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade awards a medal to a soldier who died while saving two children from drowning in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. He was honored for his unselfish act of sacrificing his life to save the children. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army) TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army has honored…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. clarified on Thursday that the administration will push through with the implementation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) law, which will start before the year ends. In his pre-departure statement, prior to leaving for Saudi Arabia, the President highlighted the need to clarify earlier reports stating the MIF has been…
Photo courtesy of Henri de Leon/DOST STII LOCALS of Cagayan de Oro City and its nearby municipalities and provinces are in for an exciting week as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings its latest innovations at the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW). The 2024 NSTW has officially opened at the…
Senatorial candidate and Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta shared his views on critical national issues during the third episode of Ikaw Na Ba? The Senatorial Interviews. On the issue of Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF), Marcoleta highlighted the need for transparency and accountability while expressing reservations about the current approach to investigations. He acknowledged the importance…
