CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Iligan Mayor Frederick Siao has announced the city's openness to new partnerships for enhancing its water supply infrastructure. In a recent livestream interview, Siao discussed potential collaborations with both government and private entities aimed at improving the Iligan City Waterworks System's efficiency and financial viability. According to Philippines News Agency, Representatives from the Local Water Utilities Administration and other stakeholders have engaged with the city to explore avenues for better service delivery and increased revenue through possible rate adjustments and public-private partnerships, including a prospective engagement with Manila Water.
Negros Oriental Ensures Safe Disposal of Hospital Waste Amid Medical City Development
DUMAGUETE CITY — Negros Oriental officials are taking steps to ensure the proper disposal of hospital waste as they advance a major "Medical City" project, set to expand local medical facilities significantly.
According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Provincial Health Office, the province has initiated measures including the procurement of a shredder machine intended to safely dispose of both infectious and non-infectious waste from the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. Although the initial machine was returned to the supplier due to non-compliance with specifications, the province is actively managing waste storage and disinfection as it prepares for the project's inauguration on May 17, coinciding with the 100th jubilee anniversary of the provincial capitol.
South Korea Plans New Ministry to Tackle Declining Birth Rates
ANKARA — President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has announced plans to create a new ministry dedicated to addressing the nation's critically low birth rates. Speaking on the second anniversary of his presidency, President Yoon called on opposition support in parliament to establish the ministry as part of a broader effort to tackle what he termed a "national emergency.
According to Philippines News Agency, South Korea's birth rate fell to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, prompting serious concerns about the country's future demographic and economic stability. The new ministry aims to reverse the declining trend by enhancing support and incentives for families, amid projections of significant population declines over the next decades.
Baguio City Trains Youth Volunteers for Psychosocial Support Amid Rising Mental Health Demands
BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Health Service Office's Mental Health and Wellness unit has successfully trained 136 young volunteers to join the city's psychosocial support group, announced Dr. Ricky Ducas, the unit's head.
According to Philippines News Agency, the volunteers, aged 18 to 30, completed a comprehensive training module developed by the Department of Health and are ready to provide support and conduct mental health education across local communities. The initiative comes in response to the increasing demand for mental health services, with the city recording a rise in consultations for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The support group aims to enhance community-based mental health resources and address the growing incidence of suicides in the area.
Negros Oriental Probes Deaths of Sea Turtles Linked to Fishing Method
DUMAGUETE CITY — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Negros Oriental is investigating multiple deaths of endangered green sea turtles in Barangay Inalad, Siaton town.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jeannette Orcullo PENRO information officer, reported that several sea turtles have been found dead and washed ashore in recent weeks. Local residents suspect that the 'lambaklad,' a type of fishing corral, might be responsible for these fatalities. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of death, amid concerns from the community about the impact of this fishing method on the local turtle population.
Pangasinan’s PENRO Seeks Volunteers for Tree Planting to Combat Heat and Protect Forests
MALASIQUI — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Pangasinan is calling for volunteers to participate in upcoming tree planting activities aimed at combating rising temperatures and preserving local forests.
According to Philippines News Agency, Forester Raymond Rivera emphasized the importance of community involvement in sustaining these efforts beyond temporary weather changes. Covering approximately 129,000 hectares, including protected areas like the Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan's forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation. With the rainy season approaching, PENRO is gearing up to replant areas recently affected by fires and to continue its contributions to the National Greening Program, which targets the planting of 400 hectares in 2024.
Climate Change Commission Stresses Cooperatives’ Role in Sustainable Development at NATCCO Assembly
DAVAO CITY — At the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) 47th General Assembly, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the crucial role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable development and climate resilience.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC vice chairperson and executive director, highlighted how cooperatives can drive green growth by engaging in renewable energy projects and sustainable agricultural practices. Borje detailed national strategies, including the National Framework on Climate Change and the draft National Adaptation Plan, aiming to integrate cooperatives into broader efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and promote eco-friendly technologies.
Cordillera’s Coffee Culture Boosts Local Economy
BAGUIO CITY — The traditional coffee-drinking habits of the Cordillera region are not only a means of social interaction but also a significant economic driver, according to Juliet Lucas, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lucas discussed the integral role of coffee in community interactions and local traditions at a community event on Wednesday. The longstanding practice of brewing coffee in traditional ways has sustained its popularity and continues to support the local economy by encouraging the proliferation of coffee shops and stimulating coffee production within the community.
Iloilo’s ‘Tanum’ Program Plants Over 6 Million Seedlings to Restore Forests
ILOILO CITY — Over 6.6 million seedlings have been planted in Iloilo under the 'Tanum Iloilo' tree growing initiative since its inception in 2020, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. reported during a press conference on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the program, which aims to transform the province into a 'Forest Province' by planting 1.5 million trees annually, focuses on reforesting areas from ridge to reef. The governor emphasized that the initiative is part of the broader strategy to address environmental challenges associated with La Niña and other climatic conditions. With a current survival rate of 48% for seedlings planted from 2020 to 2022, the program also includes efforts to rehabilitate mangrove populations with a survival rate of 39% across 330.5 hectares in coastal areas.
DOLE Chief Advocates Whole-of-Society Approach to Labor Issues
MANILA — Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of the Department of Labor and Employment emphasized the need for a comprehensive societal effort to tackle labor issues in the Philippines. Speaking at the Trabaho Para Sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.) Project event at SM Music Hall, Laguesma highlighted the collaborative roles of government and private sector in creating quality jobs and addressing employment challenges.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event also marked the signing of a memorandum of commitment with various business groups, including the Private Sectors Advisory Council and SM Foundation, signaling a united front in enhancing job creation and skills development across the nation.
Letran Secures No. 2 Seed in NCAA Women’s Volleyball Semifinals
San Juan, Philippines - In a thrilling match at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Wednesday, Letran clinched the No. 2 seed for the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals by defeating San Sebastian College. The final scores were 25-20, 25-27, 20-25, 25-12, 15-9.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gia Marcel Maquilang led the Lady Knights with 25 points, including 24 from attacks, helping her team end the elimination round with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. Marie Judiel Nitura added 13 points, while Angelique Ledesma and Nizelle Aeriyen Martin contributed significantly with blocks and attacks, respectively. Natalie Marie Estreller and team skipper Lara Mae Silva provided strong defense and playmaking, with Silva recording 23 digs and 19 receptions.
Katherine Santos was the top scorer for the Lady Stags, who concluded their season with a 2-7 record. The upcoming matches will see No. 3 seed Lyceum of the Philippines University facing No. 4 Arellano University on May 12. The winner of this match will challenge Letran for a spot in the best-of-three finals against two-time champion College of St. Benilde, which earned an automatic finals berth by sweeping the elimination round.
DOJ to Provide Legal Guidance to President Marcos on Potential ICC Warrants
Manila, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday that it is preparing a legal brief for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., outlining his potential options should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue arrest warrants against Filipino nationals.
According to Philippines News Agency, the legal brief will present an objective analysis of the pros and cons of each available option for the President in relation to ICC arrest warrants. The document aims to inform President Marcos about the legalities, options, and remedies at his disposal if warrants are indeed issued. Among the considerations presented to Marcos will be the potential advantages and disadvantages of rejoining the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Clavano emphasized that these discussions and legal analyses are intended solely for the President's review until he makes a decision on how to proceed.
Clavano also noted that the Philippine government has not yet received any formal communication or arrest warrants from the ICC regarding the arrest of any individuals within the country.