Teka Teka

We sit down with wildlife biologist Jay Fidelino to discuss the surprising rise of squirrel sightings in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. While these animals may look cute and harmless, Fidelino explains that the Finlayson’s squirrel—an introduced species—is actually an invasive alien species with serious consequences for local biodiversity, agriculture, and even infrastructure.Fidelino highlights the importance of scientific research and government action to manage invasive populations, while also reminding the public not to keep these squirrels as pets. On a brighter note, he shares the Philippines’ native squirrel species which naturally coexist within local ecosystems without causing harm.We also talk about encounters with monkeys in tourist destinations, and how humans can minimize harm.🎧 Watch the video version on YouTube

When USAID pulled the plug on media funding overnight, independent newsrooms across Asia and the Pacific were left scrambling. In this episode, independent journalist Nica Hanopol speaks with Nini Cabaero, a media business advisor, who shares what the funding freeze actually felt like from the inside—and what independent newsrooms across Asia and the Pacific are doing to survive it.🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube

Tens of millions of foreign workers have helped build the Gulf Arab states’ modern, oil-fueled economies—with many not fully sharing in their prosperity. Now they face an even sharper dilemma: Keep working in the Middle East, where wages are far higher, hoping that a shaky ceasefire endures; or, return to already poor countries where prices have soared because of the conflict.To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP.

Palestinians voted on Saturday in the first elections held in part of Gaza in more than two decades, while tens of thousands of Palestinians cast ballots in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Though turnout was low, voters said they were driven to the polls amid a near-total absence of public services. To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP.

More girls aged ten to 14 became mothers in 2024, up by eight percent from 2023. 269 more girls were deprived of a childhood, says the Philippine Statistics Authority, raising the alarm once more on the issue of adolescent pregnancy, as well as questions. What is the government doing? And how can we curb the problem?

On April 26, 1986, an explosion at the nuclear power plant in Ukraine sent radiation across Europe. It forced the evacuation of entire towns and displaced tens of thousands. It was the worst nuclear disaster in history.Four decades on, Chernobyl remains too dangerous for humans. But the wildlife has moved back in.To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP.