MANILA (October 11) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Friday that the PHP20 per kilogram rice program under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” initiative will proceed as planned and may soon be available across all provinces in the Davao Region, even after the recent strong earthquake. This follows the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Manay, Davao … [Read more...] about DA pushes through with PHP20 rice rollout in Davao Region despite quake
Senators push for stronger building standards, swift response after Davao quake
MANILA (October 11) – Senators Francis Escudero and Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday urged stricter enforcement of building safety standards and a quick government response following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces. Escudero expressed concern and sympathy for affected families, stressing the need to secure evacuees, treat the injured, … [Read more...] about Senators push for stronger building standards, swift response after Davao quake
ICC denies Duterte’s Interim Release, cites flight risk
MANILA (October 11) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, citing the risk of flight and the need to ensure his presence during pre-trial and possible trial proceedings. In its October 10 ruling, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said Duterte “continues to pose a flight risk,” noting his and his family’s … [Read more...] about ICC denies Duterte’s Interim Release, cites flight risk
Magnitude 7.6 quake jolts Mindanao; Davao Oriental hit hard, thousands evacuated
DAVAO CITY (October 10) — A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. Friday, October 10, shaking large parts of Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings, and forcing thousands of residents to flee coastal communities. At least two people were confirmed dead and several others injured as authorities scrambled to assess the full … [Read more...] about Magnitude 7.6 quake jolts Mindanao; Davao Oriental hit hard, thousands evacuated
Gatchalian warns DA: Fix FMR system or lose ₱16B budget
MANILA (October 10) — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday warned the Department of Agriculture (DA) to fix its farm-to-market road (FMR) system or risk losing its ₱16-billion allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget. Speaking at Kapihan sa Senado, Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said he is hesitant to approve the FMR funding due to persistent … [Read more...] about Gatchalian warns DA: Fix FMR system or lose ₱16B budget
