Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Lifestyle

TB Warning in the Cordillera: The Symptoms Filipinos Keep Ignoring Could Be More Serious Than They Think

BAGUIO CITY — A persistent cough may look like an ordinary health problem, but the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) is reminding Filipinos that it can also be an early warning sign of tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable disease that continues to pose a major public-health threat. The warning came as the country observes National Lung Month this August, with health authorities urging residents to protect their lungs, recognize TB symptoms early and seek me

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

La Union’s Vaccine Push Sends a Warning: Thousands of Children Could Still Be at Risk

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION — A renewed vaccination drive is underway in La Union as health authorities race to close childhood immunization gaps that could leave communities vulnerable to measles, rubella and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The provincial government of La Union and the Department of Health (DOH) launched the 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) and Vitamin A supplementation program in Bacnotan on August 12, bringing vaccination services directly

August 17, 2026

Politics

Palace Urges Public to Expose Abuse in Presidential Scholarship Program

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is calling on Filipinos to speak up if they see abuse, favoritism or other irregularities in the distribution of scholarships under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Presidential Scholarship Program. The appeal came Monday, August 17, after a social media post questioned why the child of a barangay official reportedly received assistance under the program. Rather than automatically disqualifying the beneficiary, however, the Palace stressed that bein

August 17, 2026

Politics

PRC-CAR Crackdown on Fixers Gets Results: 2 Convicted Over Fake Documents and Illegal Practice

BAGUIO CITY — The Professional Regulation Commission-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRC-CAR) is tightening the screws on fixers and individuals who attempt to bypass professional licensing rules, with two people recently convicted in separate criminal cases involving illegal professional practice, falsified documents and misrepresentation. The convictions, announced by the PRC-CAR on August 17, 2026, underscore a growing warning to applicants and the public: using fake credentials, pretendin

August 17, 2026

Business

From River Weed to Real Income: Ilocos Norte Weavers Turn Water Hyacinth Into Products Buyers Are Now Ordering in Bulk — What Happens Next?

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A plant often dismissed as a nuisance is becoming an unexpected source of income for families in Ilocos Norte. Members of the Cataban Water Hyacinth Weavers Association are turning water hyacinth into bags, baskets, rugs, planters, coasters and tumbler holders—transforming an abundant local material into products that can be sold in the market. The livelihood initiative was highlighted on August 13 during an exhibition and live weaving activity at the Robinsons Iloco

August 17, 2026

Business

Hired Today, Helped Tomorrow: Why Thousands of Vulnerable Ilocanos Are Racing to Qualify for DSWD’s ₱7,000 Work Grant

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Landing a job is often celebrated as the finish line, but for many low-income Filipinos, it's only the beginning of another financial struggle. From medical examinations and government clearances to uniforms, transportation, and temporary lodging, the cost of reporting for work can easily reach thousands of pesos—forcing some newly hired workers to delay or even lose employment opportunities. To bridge that gap, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

Two Aeta Scholars Get a New Shot at College as Ilagan Opens Doors to a Brighter Future

ILAGAN CITY, ISABELA — For Jessica Cabaldo and Rosemarie Maximino, going to college is no longer a distant dream. The two young Aeta women from Ilagan City are among the pioneer scholars given an opportunity to pursue higher education at the newly established City of Ilagan College (CIC) through the scholarship program of the city government. Their story is about more than simply getting a college education. For Cabaldo and Maximino, the scholarship represents a chance to overcome one of the

August 17, 2026

Politics

Trump Orders Major Cut to U.S.-South Korea War Drills as Kim Jong Un Ties Take Center Stage

Donald Trump, South Korea military drills, US South Korea military exercises, Kim Jong Un, North Korea, Ulchi Freedom Shield 2026, US South Korea alliance, Korean Peninsula, Trump military drills A major shift is unfolding on the Korean Peninsula after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S. participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, just as the annual drills were about to begin. Trump said he was unhappy with the exercises, describing the

August 17, 2026

Asia

Singapore’s Yellow Tactile Tiles Are Being Replaced—But HDB Residents Say the Bigger Problem Is Still Under Their Feet

SINGAPORE — A nationwide move to replace Singapore’s familiar yellow tactile tiles is drawing fresh attention to a safety concern that residents say extends beyond pedestrian crossings and into HDB estates. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has begun a four-year programme to progressively replace tactile pavement tiles at signalised pedestrian crossings across Singapore. The new tiles are designed to be more durable and more resistant to skidding and slipping, with the programme expected to be

August 17, 2026

Asia

Lee Yi Shyan Takes Aim at WP’s Economic Plan—Then Kenneth Tiong and Jamus Lim Fire Back

SINGAPORE — A fresh political clash over Singapore’s economic future has erupted after former Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan questioned the Workers’ Party’s economic strategy, prompting a direct rebuttal from WP MPs Kenneth Tiong and Jamus Lim. At the heart of the dispute is a bigger question: Should Singapore continue relying heavily on its established MNC-led, foreign-investment-driven model, or should it place greater weight on home-grown companies, productivity and domestic demand?

August 17, 2026