WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (PNA/Xinhua) — An international team of researchers said Thursday they have created a map of gene mutations that contribute to the neurodegenerative disorder known as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP),…
Caraga region braces for tropical storm ‘Basyang’
By Noel B. Najarro BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 31 (PNA) — Still reeling from the effects of tropical storm “Agaton” which whipped the region with so much rains and widespread flooding causing loss…
PHL tops micro insurance coverage in Asian developing countries
By Juzel L.Danganan MANILA, Jan. 30 (PNA) — The Philippines has topped the record for micro insurance coverage among other developing countries in Asia, the Department of Finance said Thursday. Micro insurance…
Preemptive evacuation up in coastal and flood, landslide-prone areas in Leyte in prep for TS ‘Basyang’
By Perla G. Lena TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 31 (PNA) — Less than three months after super typhoon “Yolanda,” local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas, through their disaster risk reduction and management…
President Aquino approves abolition of 3 PDAF-linked GOCCs
MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the abolition of three government-owned and controlled corporations linked to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) mess. In a statement,…
DA to pursue reforms in gov’t rice procurement
By Aerol B. Patena MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured it will pursue reforms in the rice procurement of government to curb the reported smuggling and…
Big challenge ahead with the signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters
By Ben Cal MANILA, Jan. 31 (PNA) –- The peace panels of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will have to work harder to…
Pangasinan receives hi-tech info system for agribusiness
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 30 (PNA)–The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) has turned over to the province a system called Social Enterprise Development System (SEEDS) that will make Pangasinan a “viable agribusiness model…
Gary V. inspires children traumatized by super typhoon
TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) — Musician Gary Valenciano brought cheers to teachers and children in this city’s Rizal Elementary School who are still traumatized by super typhoon Yolanda. Valenciano, the United…
Cebu church official urges faithful to help bear cost of hosting Pope Francis
CEBU CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) — A Cebu church official has urged the faithful to help bear the cost of hosting Pope Francis should he decide to visit super typhoon Yolanda-hit areas…
Scientists in Japan’s Kobe find new method for reprogramming body cells
OSAKA, Jan. 30 (PNA/Xinhua)–Researchers at an institute in Kobe City, western Japan discovered a new method for creating pluripotent cells in mice by simply exposing body cells to acidic liquids, and the…
DOST vows to support ICT councils in generating investments for BPO industry
By Aerol B. Patena MANILA, Jan 30 (PNA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plans to further boost the capability of information and communication technology (ICT) councils in its efforts…
Japan comes under fire at U.N. Security Council over history issues
By Seana Magee NEW YORK, Jan. 30 (PNA/Kyodo) — China, South Korea and North Korea on Wednesday criticized Japan at the U.N. Security Council for its handling of history, slamming Prime Minister…
New Czech Republic gov’t sworn in
PRAGUE, Jan. 30 (PNA/Xinhua) — Czech President Milos Zeman sworn in a new coalition government on Wednesday, more than three months after the elections. The new government was formed by the centre-left…
Syria talks in Geneva make ‘positive’ step forward
By Zeina Karam GENEVA, Jan. 30 (PNA/RIA Novosti) — Syrian negotiators discussed the establishment of a transitional government body for the first time Wednesday, an opposition delegate said, describing it as a…