Mayon volcano. Photo courtesy of Camalig Information Office. Ashfall from recent activity at Mayon Volcano has affected thousands of residents in the Bicol region, according to government data. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that as of May 4, some 30,522 families, or 102,406 individuals, across 87 barangays were impacted by the volcanic event….
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a decline in the number of unemployed Filipinos in March 2026, reflecting a slight easing in labor market conditions. Data from the latest Labor Force Survey show that jobless individuals aged 15 and above dropped to 2.58 million from 2.66 million in February 2026. This placed the unemployment rate…
Chinese authorities have ordered all fireworks enterprises in Hunan province to immediately suspend production for a full safety overhaul following a deadly factory explosion, according to state-run media. The directive comes after a blast Monday in the city of Liuyang in Hunan province which left 26 people dead and 61 injured, Xinhua News Agency reported….
Photo courtesy of Anadolu. Iran’s armed forces denied carrying out any recent missile or drone strikes against the United Arab Emirates, according to Iranian state media IRIB. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said no such operations had been conducted and stressed that any military action would have been officially announced. He also…
Flag of Japan. Photo by Kulbir on Pexels.com Japan and the European Union have agreed to expand coordination on regulating social media and other digital platforms following talks held in Brussels. The understanding was reached during the fourth ministerial meeting under the Japan EU Digital Partnership framework, where both sides discussed aligning policies on online…
Photo courtesy of Anadolu. The UN has released nearly $98 million in emergency funding to support people affected by conflict and climate-related disasters in Mozambique. “This funding will help address urgent community needs, including food for families who have lost their crops and income, safe drinking water for communities where water sources have been flooded…
Parliament dismisses Bolojan government with 281 votes Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Photo courtesy of Anadolu. Romania’s prime minister was ousted Tuesday after parliament passed a no-confidence vote against his government, local media reported. The government of Ilie Bolojan was dismissed after lawmakers adopted the motion with 281 votes, broadcaster Antena 3 CNN reported. Speaking…
EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT. Beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program received their payouts during the Labor Day Job Fair in Legazpi City on May 1, 2026. DOLE Bicol will provide emergency employment to ashfall-affected residents in several towns in Albay province. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-5)…
TRANSITION. Manuel Galon, OIC provincial agrarian reform officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Negros Oriental, during a turnover of responsibilities in Dumaguete City on April 30, 2026. Galon said the DAR-Negros Oriental targets to distribute 18,000 hectares of government land to qualified beneficiaries this year. (Photo courtesy of DARPO Negros Oriental Facebook) Additionally,…
Photo courtesy of Philippine Statistics Authority. Inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in April, its fastest pace in more than three years, as rising fuel prices and higher food costs pushed consumer prices further above the government’s target range. Data released Tuesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed inflation quickened sharply from the 4.1 percent…