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The Department of Agriculture is weighing a price ceiling on imported rice as global tensions push up shipping and farm input costs, raising concerns about profiteering in the domestic grains market. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is studying a cap of about P50 per kilo on imported rice, a level he […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and state-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) urged Filipinos not to abuse the government’s subsidized rice program, warning that unusually large crowds at distribution sites are creating the false impression of a supply shortage. Officials said the flagship “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative—popularly known as the P20-per-kilo rice program—continues to have […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched a major regional development initiative with Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. personally overseeing the distribution of over P65 million in agricultural interventions to local farmers and fisherfolk in Libon that is widely recognized as the “rice granary of Albay.” Held at Pantao Port, the event underscores the DA’s strategic […]
The Department of Agriculture cracked down on underperforming contractors and suppliers in 2025, imposing roughly P81 million in penalties for delayed deliveries of farm inputs and slow implementation of government funded projects that disrupted key agricultural programs. The sanctions were compiled by the agency’s regional field offices following a directive issued recently by Agriculture Secretary […]
The Department of Agriculture has launched a sweeping investigation into several fertilizer suppliers with government contracts and temporarily halted the release of their stocks following complaints over product quality. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. directed procurement and warehouse officials to suspend the distribution of fertilizer from the companies while the DA, together with the […]
Food prices re-emerged as a key inflation driver in February, prompting the Department of Agriculture to step up measures aimed at shielding low-income households, as well as farmers and fisherfolk, from potential price shocks amid rising global uncertainty. The DA said it has intensified monitoring of food prices and supply following fresh data indicating faster […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]