Categories
Politics

BOXERS FAJARDO, VILLAROSA VISIT GAB CENTRAL OFFICE

International Boxing Federation (IBF) World-rated No. 4 in the Flyweight Division Miel Fajardo, together with Philippine Youth Super Flyweight Champion Claire Villarosa, made a courtesy visit to Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Francisco Rivera, along with key officials from the Boxing and Contact Sports Division, at the GAB Central Office in Makati City. Also […]

Categories
Government

DA CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL FERTILIZER PRODUCTION

The Department of Agriculture escalated its crackdown on alleged illegal fertilizer manufacturing in Mindanao, issuing a formal Show Cause Order that could pave the way for stiff administrative and criminal penalties. Through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the DA’s regulatory arm, authorities ordered DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading in Makilala, North Cotabato to explain […]

Categories
Government

TIU LAUREL ORDERS SURVEY OF FARMER BENEFICIARIES

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered a nationwide ground survey of farmer-beneficiaries as the Department of Agriculture escalates its probe into alleged substandard seeds, questionable fertilizer grades, and unreliable farm machinery distributed under government programs. Even before the survey got off the ground, Tiu Laurel said that the DA’s Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority […]

Categories
Government

DA OPENS 2026 YOUTH INTERNSHIP

The Department of Agriculture is opening its doors to young Filipinos looking for temporary jobs staring April, activativating its 2026 Summer Youth Internship Program in what is envisaged as both a workforce immersion drive and a talent scouting exercise. The 45 working day program will run from April 24 to June 30, 2026 under Executive […]

Categories
Government

DA MONITORS FOOD, TRADE IMPACT OF MIDEAST CRISIS

The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following a US airstrike on Iran, warning that a prolonged escalation could quickly ripple through Philippine agriculture through higher fuel, fertilizer, and freight costs. At the center of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway through which a significant […]

Categories
Government

DA EXPANDS MINDANAO PALM OIL PRODUCTION

The Department of Agriculture DA is sharpening its focus on oil palm, confident that expanded plantations in Mindanao can curb imports, raise farm incomes, and strengthen the country’s edible oil supply. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaled plans to significantly increase funding for the fledgling sector in 2027 after this year’s proposed P1 billion […]

Categories
Government

NFA RELAXES PALAY PROCUREMENT RULES

With the dry harvest season about to hit full throttle, the National Food Authority eased its palay procurement rules, a move the grains agency believes will open a wider market window for rice farmers and put more money in their pockets when prices are most vulnerable. The NFA convened farmers, millers, retailers, and field officials […]

Categories
Government

TIU LAUREL TO FTI: START BUYING NUEVA ECIJA ONIONS

The government is stepping into the onion fields again, this time before prices unravel. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered state-run Food Terminals Inc. (FTI) to begin buying onions, aiming to prevent a farmgate price collapse as harvest season barrels toward its peak. A team has already been dispatched to Nueva Ecija, the […]

Categories
Government

DA ROLLS OUT ‘BENTENG BIGAS’ IN DAVAO CITY BRGY

The Marcos administration’s flagship food program Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! has moved deeper into communities, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) launching its first barangay-level rollout in Barangay Matina Crossing in Davao City, marking a significant push to widen access to affordable rice. Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra led the […]

Categories
Government

TIU LAUREL PUSHES FOR DEV’T OF PH COFFEE INDUSTRY

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the creation of a dedicated Coffee Industry Development Office (CIDO), signaling a major shift in how the government manages the struggling sector. Under the Department Order No. 06, the new office will sit under the Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official […]