Context Dispatch

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Commandant Seguchi Yoshio and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan recently held their first in-person meeting, marking a significant step in bolstering maritime cooperation between the two nations amid growing regional security challenges. In a statement following the meeting, JCG Commandant Seguchi emphasized the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in advancing a "free and open Indo-Pacific," a vision both Tokyo and Manila share in response to increasing tensions in regional waters. He described the face-to-face dialogue as a “valuable opportunity” for candid discussions, highlighting the depth of mutual commitment to maritime security and operational collaboration.

Mayor Abby Binay proudly announced that Makati City was ranked fourth in the latest Numbeo Health Care Index for Q1 2025, a global healthcare list. With an impressive score of 85.0 out of 100, Makati stands as the only Philippine city to make the prestigious list, outperforming numerous cities from Europe and North America.

In a major blow to international drug smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced Wednesday that it had intercepted an estimated ₱101 million worth of marijuana concealed in balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The seizure was the result of a targeted operation by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), which acted on reports indicating the shipment could contain illegal drugs and misdeclared items.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level on Bulusan Volcano to 1 (low-level unrest) after a phreatic eruption at dawn Monday that lasted 24 minutes. The event produced a bent plume that rose 4,500 meters above the crater, with ash fall reported in severs barangays in Irosin, Jubqn, and Magallanes—all towns in Sorsogon. Local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone must be strictly prohibited and that vigilance in the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector must be exercised due to the possible impacts of volcanic hazards such as PDCs, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, avalanches and ashfall on these danger areas.

In a continued show of support for the Philippines’ development goals, Japan has committed a grant worth JPY 389 million (approximately P150 million) to fund graduate studies for young Filipino government employees.