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The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have reaffirmed a moratorium on sugar imports until the end of harvest or further, citing stronger domestic raw sugar production and the need to prioritize locally produced sugar. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the policy, first announced on October 15, could be […]
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed Congress’ decision to more than double funding for farm-to-market roads (FMRs), calling it a “game-changing investment” for farmers, food supply chains, and rural economies as lawmakers finalize the 2026 national budget. Under the spending plan approved by the bicameral conference committee, funding for FMRs will jump to P33 […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to shift as much as 37,000 hectares of rice land in Nueva Ecija into mungbean production as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) races to repair parts of the Upper Pampanga River Irrigation System (UPRIS) severely damaged by illegal quarrying. The disruption threatens to slash the country’s summer rice […]
The Department of Agriculture is tightening its monitoring of wet markets, intensifying surveillance to keep food prices in check as surging Christmas demand puts pressure on consumers’ wallets. The DA led a joint price and supply inspection at the Muñoz Public Market, moving ahead of the holiday rush and signaling tougher enforcement, with Assistant Secretary […]
Agriculture remains a crucial engine of employment in the Philippines, but fresh data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bring a familiar weakness into sharp focus. Many of the jobs the sector generates still come and go with the seasons, a reality that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said highlights the urgent need to turn […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) led simultaneous “boodle fights” across eight major fish ports and landing areas as part of Paskong Baybayin, a nationwide Christmas gathering honoring the country’s farmers and fisherfolk. Around 800 farmers and fisherfolks joined the communal feasts held in Navotas City, Cavite, General Santos City, Palawan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Samar, […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has raised the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of red onions to P150 per kilo from P120, effective December 11, as rising import costs continue to push market prices higher. The adjustment follows increased export prices from major suppliers and added pressure from the weaker peso. The SRP for yellow […]
The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the import of live pigs, along with pork meat, pig skin and other related products from Taiwan, following the confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the move is essential to protect the country’s multi billion-peso hog industry from the […]
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has created a watchdog unit to ensure the responsible implementation of infrastructure programs, particularly farm-to-market roads (FMRs), whose development will return to the DA from the Department of Public Works and Highways starting next year. “The recent controversy surrounding flood control projects underscores […]
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, the flagship food initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marking another major push in the nationwide rollout aimed at giving 15 million Filipino households access to affordable rice. Fully funded by the Department of Agriculture, the program delivers good-quality rice at […]