Nation

Embassy of the United States, Manila. (WIKIPEDIA PHOTO) MANILA (September 6, 2024)—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will open a new Visa Application Center (VAC), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines starting on September 28. The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.  Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking interview appointments starting September 28 will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview at the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.  Scheduling will be done through the new and redesigned online appointment system. ...

DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman MANILA (June 10, 2024)—Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11713 or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act and in adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to devise concrete measures to uphold the welfare of teachers across the country, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the organizational structure and staffing pattern (OSSP) of the Teacher Education Council (TEC) Secretariat under the Department of Education (DepEd), which includes the creation of 25 permanent positions. The approval of said OSSP for the TEC Secretariat is upon the request of the DepEd in order to augment its initial staffing complement for the purpose. The TEC ensures the provision of quality ...

Ifugao State University. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO LAMUT (May 9, 2024)—THE Ifugao State University (IFSU) Lagawe Campus received an AC Power Transmission System with a Power Factor Load worth P21,98 million from the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) to boost the university's Electrical Engineering program. IFSU information officer Faith Belingon Napudo said the equipment aims to provide practical application for the theories learned in the classroom by Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering students. Napudo said the equipment was funded by the HEDF, an autonomous buffer fund supporting the Commission on Higher Education fiscal independence and adequacy. She said the equipment was procured under the project titled "Upgrading of Electrical Engineering Laboratories of Ifuga...

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has initiated the blocking of websites and apps offering investment opportunities without the necessary license, upon the request of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On February 21, the NTC issued a memorandum to all internet service providers, directing them to immediately block the websites and apps of MiTrade for violations of the Securities Regulation Code, Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, and regulations enforced by the SEC. “We thank the NTC for supporting our campaign against investment scams and other predatory financial schemes toward the protection of the investing public.” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said. “The directive of the NTC will greatly help in preventing the proliferation of investm...

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a cease and desist order against Infinity8Networks Digital Services OPC and related entities  for illegally soliciting investments from the public. In an order dated January 16, 2024 the Commission En Banc directed Infinity8Netoworks to immediately cease and desist from further engaging in the unlawful solicitation, offer, and/or sale of securities in the form of investment contracts without the necessary license from the SEC. The Commission further prohibited Infinity8Networks from transacting any business involving funds in its depository banks, and from transferring, disposing, or conveying any related assets to ensure the preservation of the assets of its investors. The order covers Infinity8Networks’ single stockholder,...

Representatives from Republic Cement receive Presidential Awards for Environmental Performance and Best Mining Forest at the recently concluded 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC).  BAGUIO CITY (November 24)—Republic Cement and Building Materials (RCBM) once again won big at the recently held 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) on November 17, 2023 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay in this city. The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in cooperation and partnership with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recognized RCBM for its achievements and best practices in Quarry Operations, Safety and exce...

FCF Minerals Corporation receives the prestigious 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award or PMIEA in the Surface Mining Category during the four-day 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference on November 17, 2023 at Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO BAGUIO CITY (November 18, 2023)—The London-based FCF Minerals Corporation got three awards at the culmination of the four-day 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City's CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center on November 17, 2023. The event with the theme "Mining 4.0: safer, smarter, and sustainable” was organized and spearheaded by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA). L...

FCF Minerals Corporation receives a total of 1,336 visitors to their booth exhibit showcasing the company's best mining practices, particularly in its safety and health, environment and social programs. FCF IEC PHOTO BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO BAGUIO CITY (November 17, 2023)—A total of 1,336 participants visited the booth exhibit of the British FCF Minerals Corporation during the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) from November 14 to 16, 2023 at CAP - John Hay Trade and Cultural Center here Rodalyn Arcebal, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) supervisor, said the company’s booth during the four-day 69th ANMSEC showcased their best mining practices, particularly in its safety and health, environment and social programs. Arcebal said the v...

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is giving non-compliant and suspended or revoked corporations a last chance to avail of lower fines and penalties with the final extension of amnesty applications until the end of 2023.  The Commission on November 3 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 20, Series of 2023, which extends the deadline for corporations to file their amnesty application and settle the amnesty fees to December 31.  The amnesty program provides corporations, which have incurred penalties for the late and non-filing of their General Information Sheet (GIS), Annual Financial Statements (AFS), and official contact details, a reduction on penalties for non-compliance with their reportorial requirements, as provided under Republic Act No. 11232, or t...

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Training for Development Unit head Dr. Nova Ramos (second from left) meets Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Deputy Minister Martin Ben (center) at the Sarawak Agrotourism Conference and Expo held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Malaysia from Aug. 28 to 30, 2023. Together with them are Vicky Tan (left) and Nor Azmi Sulong (second from right), project director and project consultant, respectively, of Derrisen Sdn Bhd and Boniface Alin Anak Tanung (right), special administrative officer to the Deputy Minister. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO LAGUNA (September 14, 2023)—The capacity-building initiatives on agrotourism of the Southeast Asian Regional Center...