Volcano Aid Reaches PHP29 Million as Mt. Kanlaon Eruption Displaces Thousands
The Philippine government has dispatched emergency assistance totaling over PHP29 million to families impacted by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, national disaster management officials reported Monday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) revealed that Central Visayas and Western Visayas regions have received crucial aid, including family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, and modular tents. Approximately 9,696...
Mandatory Evacuation Ordered as Mt. Kanlaon Threatens Violent Eruption
MANILA, Philippines - Authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for families living within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island, as the active volcano shows signs of increased activity that could lead to a violent eruption. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas, which chairs the Task Force Kanlaon, ordered local government units...
South Asian Domestic Workers in Hong Kong Face Severe Underpayment and Abuse
Hong Kong, December 15, 2024 — In a troubling trend, the Federation of Asian Domestic Workers' Unions (FADWU) has reported a disturbing rise in cases of underpayment among South Asian migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong. Over the past two years, the union has received eight cases involving severe wage violations primarily perpetrated by Indian and Nepalese employers,...
Lawmakers Demand Apple, Google Remove TikTok by January 19 Deadline
In a sharp escalation of the U.S. government’s efforts to curtail TikTok’s presence in the United States, two senior lawmakers on Friday called on Apple and Google to remove the popular video-sharing app from their app stores by January 19, citing national security concerns. Reps. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., the top Republican and Democrat on the House...
Filipino-born Singer Crowned Champion of ‘The Voice’ Season 26
Sofronio Vasquez, a 31-year-old Filipino pop-R&B singer now based in Utica, N.Y., was crowned winner of NBC's "The Voice" on Thursday night, marking a triumphant conclusion to the singing competition's 26th season. Under the guidance of first-time coach Michael Bublé, Vasquez emerged victorious against finalists Shye, Danny Joseph, Jeremy Beloate, and Sydney Sterlace in a highly competitive finale. Vasquez's journey began...
Negros Occidental Declares State of Calamity After Mt. Kanlaon Eruption
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- Negros Occidental province was placed under a state of calamity Friday following the December 9 eruption of Mount Kanlaon, as thousands of residents remain displaced in evacuation centers. The Provincial Board's declaration came after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the volcano's status to Alert Level 3, indicating ongoing magmatic eruption with potential...
Disney Brings Holiday Cheer to Hong Kong’s Children Through Toy Donation Campaign
In a heartwarming display of seasonal generosity, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has transformed the spirit of giving into tangible magic for local children, partnering with over 20 non-governmental organizations to deliver joy this holiday season. The resort's "Give A Toy, Share the Love" campaign witnessed Disney VoluntEARS meticulously selecting and packaging gifts, ensuring each present matches a child's deepest wishes....
Hong Kong Promises Electric Bus Transition Without Raising Passenger Fares
Environment chief promises a seamless transition to electric buses and taxis without burdening commuters financially, the city's latest strategy in combating climate change. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan revealed Wednesday that government subsidies will fully cover the substantial price differential between traditional and electric public transit vehicles, ensuring passengers won't see fare increases during the city's ambitious green...
Hong Kong To Subsidizes Thousands of Green Taxis and Buses
In a bold move to combat urban pollution, Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Secretary Tse Chin-wan unveiled an ambitious plan Tuesday to electrify the city's public transportation fleet, targeting bus and taxi operators with substantial purchase subsidies. The government will provide financial incentives for 600 electric buses and 3,000 electric taxis, a strategic initiative designed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions...
Marcos Launches Cancer Care Center for Overseas Filipino Workers
SAN FERNANDO, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed Tuesday to combat cancer more aggressively, highlighting the disease's status as the second leading cause of death in the Philippines while breaking ground on a new specialized cancer care facility for overseas Filipino workers. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center, Marcos emphasized the urgent...
