Schools in Pangasinan, Philippines, are considering class suspensions or shifting to alternative learning modes due to extreme heat from the El Niño phenomenon. The Department of Education is empowering school heads to make localized decisions based on actual conditions.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Bicol Region has released over PHP40 million in financial assistance to 4,205 dengue patients and bereaved families across the region, as the agency provides aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Philippine officials in the Cordillera region are intensifying efforts to protect indigenous weaving patterns and designs. This initiative aims to enable local enterprises to benefit from trade and tourism opportunities within the ASEAN community, with measures including geographical indications and local ordinances.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has constructed a 50-cubic-meter Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) in Zamboanga del Norte, providing access to clean water for 70 to 80 Indigenous Peoples (IP) households. The project aims to mitigate potential water shortages due to El Niño.
Zamboanga City in the Philippines has suspended classes for all public and private schools from pre-school to Grade 12 as the heat index reached a dangerous level of 43 degrees Celsius. Authorities are advising the public to take precautions against heatstroke.
An executive from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) highlighted the local equities market's resilience following the record-breaking initial public offering (IPO) of Mynt, the parent company of financial services app GCash. This success is seen as a testament to confidence in Filipino enterprises despite global economic risks.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced plans to allocate nearly 52 percent of its proposed PHP6.56 billion budget for 2027 to flood control and sewerage management, totaling PHP3.4 billion. This marks flood mitigation as the agency's top spending priority despite a slight decrease in overall funding.
Philippine disaster resilience and insurance firms have jointly donated PHP350,000 to support victims of the Mindanao earthquake, focusing on maternal and child welfare.
The city treasurer of Dagupan, Pangasinan, has been dismissed from her post for releasing P999,750 in public funds for undelivered motorized boats. She also faces disqualification from public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
The Philippine government estimates that over P5 trillion in investments are needed to fully harness the country's 25-gigawatt hydropower potential. Pumped-storage hydropower is particularly highlighted for its role in stabilizing the power grid.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to restructure and reduce its budget for the livestock and poultry sector to P15 billion from P24 billion, citing delays in the implementation of the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF). The freed-up funds will be reallocated to other programs.
Sta. Lucia Land Inc., a major Philippine property developer, plans to borrow over P7 billion from local financial institutions to refinance existing loans and fund its ongoing expansion, aiming to become the country's top real estate firm.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon defended his hands-on approach at an infrastructure forum, citing deep-seated corruption and a culture of apathy as major obstacles to reform, necessitating his frequent site inspections.
Noriaki Hirakata, the new chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), is driving efforts to improve quality and establish the Philippines as a strategic hub in Southeast Asia. Through manufacturing efficiency and employee development, MMPC aims to enhance its international competitiveness.
A Grade 5 student was apprehended carrying a handgun at a school in Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, raising concerns about school safety and access to firearms.
The Philippines is aiming to expand coconut product exports to West Africa, following a successful initial shipment of young coconuts to Liberia. This marks a new step towards enhancing agricultural competitiveness and improving farmer incomes.
Philippine food and beverage giant RFM Corp. is maintaining substantial cash reserves for potential acquisitions while continuing to reward shareholders with dividends. The company is also investing in capacity expansion for its various business lines.
The Philippine Department of Finance is fine-tuning a proposed General Tax Amnesty (GTA) bill, aiming to file it with the House of Representatives within the year. The measure seeks to boost revenue collection and enhance tax compliance, having been identified as a legislative priority.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will place the entire police force on full alert status from October 30 to November 2 to ensure security and order at 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria nationwide during the observance of All Saints' and All Souls' Days on November 1 and 2. While no specific threats have been monitored, the PNP is maintaining its vigilance.
The Philippines' Department of Transportation plans to introduce electric and hybrid ferries for short and medium-distance sea routes. The initiative aims to reduce environmental impact and improve fuel efficiency, with pilot tests planned for routes like Iloilo-Bacolod.
Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were killed in an ambush by unidentified assailants in Cotabato City. Their superior officer survived the attack, which occurred near a PCG station. Police are investigating the incident.
Philippine mining industry groups have expressed concerns over a new government system for evaluating and granting resource contracts, warning of increased investment risks and regulatory uncertainty, and calling for policy stability.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively pursuing dismissed police officers allegedly working as enforcers for illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) scam hubs. The PNP chief vows to eradicate organized crime and purge the police force.
Candidates in a special election in Batanes have been required by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to register their official online campaign platforms, including social media accounts, by November 16.
The Philippine peso hit a record low of 63.52 against the US dollar, surpassing previous lows despite a significant interest rate hike by the central bank. External pressures including a strong dollar, high oil prices, and robust domestic dollar demand continue to weigh on the currency.
Eight suspects have been charged with murder for the killing of a barangay chairman in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Philippines. One suspect has been arrested, while seven others, including businessmen and a former politician, remain at large.
The Philippine stock market ended its five-day rally, weighed down by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas's latest interest rate hike and a continued weakening of the peso. Investor sentiment soured, leading to selling pressure across the market.
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup announced plans to invest $500 million in an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in the Philippines. This marks an expansion of the company's regional footprint, aiming to produce 200,000 vehicles annually for both domestic consumption and export.
Dito CME Holdings Inc. has appointed Oozi Cats, an Israeli businessman with past US property fraud allegations, to its board of directors. The company, facing financial difficulties, hopes his experience will aid in its turnaround.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a nationwide probe into fraudulently obtained birth certificates, passports, and other documents used as proof of Filipino citizenship by foreigners. This action stems from concerns over illegal activities involving foreign nationals, particularly those linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
The Philippines faces a significant risk of losing P603 billion annually to money mule fraud, a threat that could destabilize its financial system and endanger citizens' assets.
Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were fatally shot by unidentified assailants in Cotabato City. Investigations are underway, raising concerns about the security situation in the region.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement a nationwide full alert status from October 30 to November 2 in anticipation of Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day). Over 140,000 personnel, including 72,501 police officers, will be deployed to ensure public safety.
Following the withdrawal of some impeachment articles against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, the Ombudsman has announced a review of the evidence submitted by the House prosecution team, signaling a potential path toward criminal prosecution.
Hog raisers in Oriental Mindoro have joined a nationwide three-day 'pork holiday' to protest the continued drop in farmgate prices and other challenges. The action, supported by other producer groups, aims to pressure the government to address the industry's plight.