The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Inadeh and the Panama Tourism Authority have signed an agreement to simplify tourist guide certification and recognize training more directly. The move is meant to improve service quality and support formal jobs in Panama’s tourism sector.
Panama’s National Lottery adjusted its Sunday draw schedule for April 5 in observance of Holy Week 2026. The move aligns the lottery with holiday-period routines across the country.
A French tourist is missing off Veraguas as Panama faces rough seas, beach closures, and red-flag warnings during Semana Santa. Rescue teams also saved three minors in San Carlos after they entered dangerous waters.
Credit card use in Panama is rising as households turn to borrowing for food and essential expenses, even as delinquency and interest rates move higher. Consumer credit also continues to grow across vehicle financing and personal loans.
Mayer Mizrachi said Panama City’s municipalities had no role in designing the new 2026-2030 vehicle plates, after criticism over the slogan “Con paso firme.” The first batch has already begun reaching first-time vehicle registrations.
Sinaproc is searching for a 70-year-old tourist who disappeared at El Estero beach in Veraguas. The agency is urging the public to follow safety warnings and avoid risky coastal conditions.
More than 120,000 faithful visited the Santo Cristo de Alanje in Alanje, Chiriquí, during Holy Week ceremonies and pilgrimages. The sanctuary remains one of Panama’s most important centers of Catholic devotion.
Panama has introduced vehicle license plates carrying political and patriotic slogans, adding a symbolic message to one of the country’s most visible public items. The design turns everyday registration into a broader statement of national identity.
Panama has received international support amid concerns over China’s inspections of Panamanian vessels. The dispute raises fears of wider disruptions to global trade.
Firefighters in Chepo contained a vegetation fire and urged residents to avoid burnings that can spark dangerous outbreaks. Officials also stressed the importance of reporting emergencies immediately.
Panama’s Ministry of Culture is sponsoring Sandra Fest Insuperable for a second year, with a lineup that includes Eddy Herrera and top Panamanian traditional music acts. The event blends private backing with public cultural promotion ahead of its April 11 debut.
Police in Colón arrested a Venezuelan man after a Minsa worker was allegedly tied up and robbed inside the regional office. Officers recovered laptops, phones and jewelry during the arrest.
Panama’s new vehicle license plates have sparked criticism after featuring a political slogan. The backlash centers on whether state-issued plates should carry any message that can be read as political.
The Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City will close on Monday, April 6, together with Mercado San Felipe Neri, for scheduled sanitation work. The markets are set to reopen to the public after the cleanup.
Boquete will celebrate its 115th anniversary on April 11, 2026, marking another milestone for one of Panama’s most popular highland districts. The Chiriquí destination is known for its mountain scenery, tourism appeal, and annual jazz festival.
Police in Colón arrested a Venezuelan man accused of stealing computers and holding a Ministry of Health employee against her will. Officers recovered the stolen items after locating him in the city center.
IFARHU and MEDUCA are validating student enrollment data to speed up PASE-U 2026 payments and reduce beneficiary errors. The coordination aims to make the process more accurate for Panamanian families.
IMA agro-fairs return across Panama on March 23 and 24, with low-cost products available from 8:00 a.m. The events are designed to help families access affordable food in multiple communities.
IMA rejected a rumor that it had withdrawn an onion quota from a producer in Azuero and confirmed an agreement to buy 10,000 quintals. The move is aimed at reassuring growers in one of Panama’s key agricultural regions.
More than 80,000 vehicles traveled toward Panama’s interior during Holy Week as authorities maintained transit and safety operations. Sinaproc also reported 12 rescue responses amid ongoing monitoring at beaches and rivers.
