Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario

Updates on gross domestic product (GDP) growth, inflation and jobs released last week by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reflected the outcome of the efforts of the country’s economic managers to steer the ship of state on an even keel in the face of continuing challenges. First-quarter GDP grew 5.7 …

The Philippines’ involvement with both the US and France demonstrates the need for flexible and adaptable security arrangements in negotiating tricky geopolitical realities and protecting national interest. Former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the US commitment to stay as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) …

ISLAND-BUILDING. Chinese vessels were monitored in Sabina (Escoda) shoal undertaking activities which the Philippine Coast Guard warned could be a prelude to island-building activities. Screengrab from GMA  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of its largest patrol vessels to keep a close eye on the …

A Chinese diplomatic vehicle leaves the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on December 11, 2023. (AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa)  MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday it would investigate alleged illegal activities by foreign diplomats, following calls to probe China’s possible violation of …

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Apply visa curbs on all Chinese nationals, solon urges DFA The Department of Foreign Affairs should expand its policy of stricter controls on Chinese nationals applying for a visa to include students, businessmen and workers, and must be “on the lookout for Trojan horses,” …

This handout photo taken on March 23, 2024 and released by the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (PCG/BFAR) on March 25, 2024 shows an aerial view of BRP Datu Pagbuaya as it sails from the Philippine-held Thitu Island sheltered port, in the Spratly Islands, in the disputed South …

The DFA cited cases of fraudulently acquired visas and crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO)./Bureau of Immigration Facebook page  MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) supports the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s plan to implement stricter rules for the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals. …

The Philippine Coast Guard says it monitors the dumping of dead and crushed corals on the sandbars of Escoda Shoal, 75 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan, which resembles island-building activities attributed to China. (Photo courtesy of PCG)  The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) defense of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal from …

The Marcos administration is seeking to shift to the old school calendar by next year, according to National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Balisacan stated that the government is already working on the implementation mechanics of the shift to the old school calendar, wherein classes begin on …

A party-list lawmaker on Monday welcomed the arrest order issued by the Valenzuela Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 109 against officials of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center in Valenzuela City, who were allegedly involved in the “palit-ulo” scheme.  “Palit-ulo” is the illegal detention of relatives of confined or deceased patients and withholding …