We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Davao LGU to meet with vendors after video of goods’ confiscation went viral
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 25) – The Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) will meet again with vendors after a viral video of cellphone casing merchandise they confiscated near the new Agdao Public Market went viral on social media. “We’ll have a meeting together with the Davao City officials regarding the viral video. We will also […].....»»
Remove the chaff from the grains
Other than the questioned selling of the buffer stock of rice to traders, what’s happening at the National Food Authority (NFA)? With 132 of around 2,000 NFA officials and employees all around the country suspended for six months without pay, this agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA) is struggling to stay relevant in the over-all schemes of the government on food security......»»
Asialink eyes P2.4 billion in truck loans as e-commerce grows
Asialink Finance Corp. is looking at lending as much as P2.4 billion this year to the fast growing market for brand new and used trucks that are essential to the growth of e-commerce and logistics......»»
Top 10 e-commerce sites in the Philippines 2019 - ASEAN UP
With a dynamic economy and a large population proficient with digital technologies, the Philippines is a fast-growing market for e-commerce in Southeast Asia. Several websites and digital applications are already fighting for market share, with global, regional and national players. The growing connectivity of the Philippines, rapidly overcoming the countrys infrastructure difficulties, enable more and Continue reading &q.....»»
Research for next-gen rice varieties to push through
AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) said that research for next-generation rice varieties or new rice varieties that are being bred by the Institution of Breeders will push through......»»
Ninong Ry on giving A twist to popular dishes: Preference over authenticity
At the recent launch of Ninong Ry (real name: Ryan Reyes) as the first-ever celebrity endorser of the food seasoning brand Knorr Professional, the chef and YouTuber showcased his culinary skills and sense of humor that have endeared him to his over two million online followers. He gave an interactive cooking demo on how he puts his own twist to the universal favorite food, fried chicken, and the Pinoy specialty dish, sisig, using the brand’s liquid seasoning and chicken powder. While doing his tasks, he also dispensed some tips and answered a few questions from media representatives and other guests from the foodservice sector. For the fried chicken, Ninong Ry used the brining process of soaking proteins in a solution of salty water and spices overnight to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. He then deep fried the already prepared chicken parts to golden brown perfection. To the question about using an air fryer instead, he replied, “Puwede naman, although kailangan mo s’yang i-turn. Kailangan mo s’yang i-thermometer talaga (It’s possible, but you need to turn the meat over. You need to use a thermometer.) Meaning, you have to be mindful of uneven cooking. “Ultimately in the end, mas matrabaho pa s’ya at mas magastos pa s’ya sa deep fryer (It takes more effort and money).” In making his own version of sisig, Ninong Ry incorporated his current fascination on curing and smoking meat to come up with a type of bacon. He confessed being inspired by the Three-Way Sisig of JP Anglo, the chef and owner of Sarsa restaurant. “Technically Knorr seasoning is a flavorful liquid na meron kang asin (there’s already salt),” he pointed out. “Dadagdagan ko na lang ng curing salt. Dadagdagan ko lang ng asukal para sweet cured. Kasi ’yun naman ang gusto natin sa bacon (I’ll just add curing salt. I’ll just add sugar to make it sweet. That’s what we like in bacon.).” He then showed the cured meat, which he had already smoked for four hours, and cut into sisig-sized pieces. “Ang tingin ko sa sisig (I look at sisig as), salad,” he quipped. construction n’ya ay parang salad. Ang ingredients and’yan na, just mix them all together. (Because the construction is like in salad. The ingredients are all there.) It’s the salad that I want. “Kung salad s’ya, dapat ang tingin natin, madali lang gawin. Hindi s’ya magtrabaho, pang-restaurant lang. Kung kaya n’yong gumawa ng salad sa bahay, kaya n’yo gumawa ng sisig (If it’s salad, we have to see it something easy to do. It’s not labor-intensive, just for restaurants to do. If you can make a salad at home, you can make sisig).” [caption id="attachment_192641" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pork sisig.[/caption] He then added the other ingredients, such as red and white onion, green chilies, liver spread (or mashed chicken liver, if it’s your preference), crispy garlic and a dash of black pepper. “Kung gusto n’yong maglagay ng mayonnaise, labas ako d’yan, (If you want to put mayonnaise, I’m out of it,” he said, laughing. “Maglalagay ako ng konting sugar.” (I’ll put a bit of sugar.) “This is very far from the original. But I like it,” he explained. “Pero hindi na pinagpipilitan natin. (What we’ll not force it) For me, preference over authenticity.” Here’s another piece of advice for aspiring chefs: “Huwag tayong balat-sibuyas. (Don’t be onion-skinned) Minsan, pag di nagustuhan ang luto natin (Sometimes when our dish is not liked), we take offense. Kasi parang ang sakit-sakit no’n. (Because sit seems hurtful.) But it’s nothing personal. Talagang kailangan mo lang tigasan ang mukha mo minsan (Sometimes you just have to be thick-skinned).” He then shared a realization that has helped him deal with online bashing: “Nagtrabaho kasi ako sa isang (I worked in a) restaurant before moving to social media. So nakita ko ang parallel do’n, e. (I saw the parallelism). Pag may kumain sa restaurant n’yo at hindi nagustuhan ang pagkain, susuntukin mo ba? (If a diner didn’t like the food, will you punch him?) Hindi naman, e. (Not really.) Tatanggapin mo ang sinabi n’ya (You’ll accept what they said), but at the same time, tatanggapin mo pa rin ang pera n’ya (You’ll still accept their payment.) Nagbigay lang s’ya ng hindi magandang (They only gave a not-so nice) comment. Negosyo ’to, e. (It’s a business.) “Ngayon, nasa (Now, I’m in) social media ako. Technically speaking, hindi ako nagse-serve ng pagkain, pero ang produkto ko, videos. (I don’t serve food, but my product is in video form.) ’Yung mga viewers ko, hindi sila nagbayad (My viewers don’t pay), but gamit ang pinakamahal na (but they use the most precious) commodity, which is your time. So kapag nagbayad s’ya, puwede s’yang magsabi ng bagay towards sa ’yo, at kailangan mong tanggapin ’yun.” (If they pay you, they can say things to you and you need to accept it.) The post Ninong Ry on giving A twist to popular dishes: Preference over authenticity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Toast to the return of Grand Wine Experience
In wine pairing, the generally accepted rule is that reds are to be paired with “dark” food like red meat, while whites are ideal with light fares like fish and salads. “It’s still a good rule – white with white, red with red,” said Ronald Lim Joseph, director of Finance and Operations of Ralph’s Wines and Spirits and a veritable encyclopedia of wine varieties. “But the rule now is to pair bodies with bodies – so, white wine with delicate flavors, medium-bodied with medium flavors and so on.” The Joseph brothers and some of their children, with supportive spouses, of course, once again hosted a lively lunch to launch the 20th Grand Wine Experience at the newest and biggest brand of Ralph’s, located at Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC. This outlet serves Italian and Japanese fare that one may pair with any of the wines from Ralph’s. “Has it been 20 years?,” I asked a similarly awestruck Melissa de Leon-Joseph, Ron’s wife. “We started out with just maybe a few hundred varieties of wines,” she mused. Today, one of the grandest of Food and Beverage events in the country has evolved into “more than just a wine and spirits event. It is a celebration of life, a toast to the future and a tribute to the past. It is a symbol of resilience, of how we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger and better,” the event originators declare in a statement. On its 20th year, the event will, indeed, be “more special,” Ron says. “Every year, we try to introduce new wines from new regions, from the regions that we bring in. This year, expect new wines from Portugal, Israel and new regions from Italy. We want our friends to discover new places and new flavors.” The last Grand Wine Experience was held in 2019, but the pandemic prevented them from holding it in the succeeding three years. The theme then was “Generations,” a nod to winemaking as among the oldest trades in the world. “It’s passed on from generation to generation. This year, we want the new generations to join.” This year’s theme is “Bud Break, which captures the essence of renewal and optimism,” adds information from Philippine Wine Merchants. Bud break, PWM adds, “is the first stage of the grapevine’s annual cycle, when the dormant buds burst into life and produce new shoots. It is a critical time for the vineyard, as it determines the potential yield and quality of the grapes. It is also a beautiful sight, as the green leaves contrast with the brown branches and create a stunning landscape.” Just like this blossoming season, Grand Wine Experience returns to bring back a sense of appreciation for all the good things in life that people missed over the course of the pandemic. [caption id="attachment_186637" align="aligncenter" width="2008"] PHOTOGRAPH BY DINAH VENTURA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNEthe Philippine Wine Merchants leaders (from left): Robert Ian Joseph, director for Sales and Marketing; Raymond Joseph, president and CEO;Ralph Joseph, Rea Joseph- Gonzales, Rafael Joseph, director of Finance and Operations Ronnie Joseph and Sales executive Redmond Joseph.[/caption] Drink to be merry The Grand Wine Experience promises more of what regulars have come to expect of the event. On its much-awaited return, “the largest and most prestigious event of its kind in Southeast Asia, featuring over 1,000 wines, spirits, sakes and beers from around the world, curated by experts and presented by renowned winemakers and distillers” will no doubt welcome more of the new generation of Filipino wine and spirits market. More to watch out for are the “exquisite dishes prepared by top chefs to complement the libations,” surely a sensory delight from the chefs of Marriott Manila. The 20th Grand Wine Experience will take place on 17 November at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the event will last until midnight. Tickets are limited and have always sold out fast, so don’t miss this chance to experience some of the finer things in life. “We drink to be merry, not to get drunk,” quips the Josephs, once again reiterating that the best part of celebration is enjoying the food and drink, but more so the company and conversation. The post Toast to the return of Grand Wine Experience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
All eyes on Gucci as Milan Fashion Week opens
Milan Fashion Week opened Wednesday, kicking off six days of shows by the top names in Italian fashion with expectations high for the debut by Gucci's new creative director. Almost 70 catwalk shows are scheduled in the northern Italian city, with Fendi, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and Giorgio Armani among those showing their women's spring-summer 2024 collections. The hottest ticket in town is Friday's Gucci show, the first under new artistic director Sabato De Sarno. The Italian, who previously supervised the men's and women's collections at Valentino, was named in January to replace star designer Alessandro Michele. The legendary brand, owned by French luxury group Kering, has also seen the departure of long-time chief executive Marco Bizzarri this year as it grapples with stagnating sales. There are other new faces this week, with Tom Ford making its Milan debut under the leadership of Peter Hawkings and Simone Bellotti's first collection as design director at Bally. First up was Fendi, with a collection that mixed utility and comfort, pragmatism and playfulness, with masculine tailoring combined with more fluid silks and knits in a palette dominated by orange, brown, yellow and grey. Artistic director Kim Jones said he was inspired by "women who dress for themselves and their own lives... it's not about being something, but being someone". Off the catwalk, 76 presentations and 33 events are planned, including Moschino's 40th birthday celebrations. Moncler, known for its puffer jackets, was presenting Wednesday its new collection in collaboration with musician turned designer Pharrell Williams, who made his debut for Louis Vuitton in Paris in June. And Diesel was repeating an initiative trialled with success last year, with a show Wednesday to which ordinary members of the public were able to obtain tickets. According to data from Italy's national fashion chamber, industry sales were up seven percent over the first six months of 2023. "We estimate annual sales to increase by 4.5 percent compared to 2022, at more than 103 billion euros ($110 billion)," said chamber president Carlo Capasa. Exports are forecast to be up six percent over the year. Between January and May, exports to China and Japan were up more than 18 percent. Matteo Zoppas, head of Italy's trade and investment agency, said the "Made in Italy" brand remained strong. "Compared to general growth in Italian exports of 4.8 percent in the first five months of 2023, fashion exports rose 7.4 percent in the same period -- and female fashion was up 11.4 percent," he said in a statement. The post All eyes on Gucci as Milan Fashion Week opens appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wake up and smell the coffee
Do you crave for a freshly brewed coffee but don’t always have the time to go out and grab a cup? Are your tired of drinking the same old coffee from your local coffeeshop? Breville Philippines hopes to answer your caffeine concerns as it launches its new generation of espresso machines that can create your favorite cup of Americano, espresso, latte or cappuccino right in the comfort of your own home. “Coffee lovers will probably agree that accessibility is one of the best things about picking up your cup of joe from your favorite coffee shop. It’s ideal for those leading busy lifestyles, specifically people who can only afford a couple of minutes a day to have that quick shot of caffeine,” said Haj Cortez Flores, Breville Philippines brand manager. “However, one of the downsides of enjoying commercial coffee is the quality you get to enjoy. It cannot be argued that nothing still beats homemade, handcrafted cups of joe. There is just something incredibly romantic about creating it on your own, crafting it to suit your taste and enjoying your cup in the comfort of your home.” This is exactly what the Breville’s Barista Express Impress offers — a chance for everyone to enjoy the process of making and creating high-quality coffee straight from their kitchens. [caption id="attachment_183413" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BREVILLE Barista Pro with Thermojet heating system.[/caption] “Honestly, having the espresso machine means being able to experience the whole process of brewing unlike automatic coffee machines wherein you are not in full control in terms of setting, grinding, dosing, intensity and quantity. This machine can produce really good espresso. Espresso is the heart of all espresso-based coffee like Americano, latte and cappuccino,” Flores added. One important feature of Barista Express Impress, Breville’s first assisted manual espresso machine, is the Impress Puck System that involves intelligent dosing which automatically calculates the dosage one needs. From there, the machine will precisely tamp with a 10kg impression and seven-degree barista twist for a polished puck. The system also gauges when the correct level is achieved. It also provides the ideal dosage, sets the right temperature, optimal pressure and sufficient steam for the coffee. “It may sound intimidating at first but as you get to know your machine, it gets more exciting and so easy to use,” she said. Flores said the Barista Express Impress is the ideal entry model for budding coffee enthusiasts or those who simply want to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to convenience and quality. Specialty coffee Breville also launched its Barista Pro for those who want to level up their coffee experience. The espresso machine delivers specialty coffee using its four keys formula that combines the ideal dosage, the right temperature, optimal pressure and sufficient steam for every cup that one makes. “The product DNA of this new model was specially made for those who want their coffee good and fast,” said Flores. “It is equipped with the Thermojet Heating System that provides optimum extraction temperature in three seconds so you don’t have to wait. With a single touch of a button, this espresso machine also delivers the perfect amount of coffee that is packed with flavor.” [caption id="attachment_183414" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Haj Cortez Flores, Breville Philippines brand manager, and Joseph Datu, Breville Philippines corporate chef.[/caption] According to chef Joseph Datu, Breville Philippines corporate chef, the Barista Pro delivers cups that can rival any cafe. “Quality-wise, you can expect to enjoy full-bodied sips laced with rich and complex flavors that can only be achieved by having a perfect dose of 18g freshly ground beans from a professional 54mm stainless steel portafilter,” Datu explained. He added: “Be ready to experience opulent, creamy and caramel-colored shots of espresso. Not to mention the silky, velvety microfoam milk created by its powerful steam wand.” Datu shared that there are three important visual elements to a good espresso: the crema, body and heart. “The top layer is the crema, which is the thin layer that looks golden-brown or brownish-red and is slightly foamy. The middle layer is the body which is usually caramel in color. The bottom layer, the heart, should be a deep, rich brown. It tastes bitter but it balances out the sweetness of the crema and the espresso’s aroma. If everything is present in your coffee, then it’s a good espresso shot,” said Datu. Breville’s new espresso machines are available in all major home appliance outlets in Metro Manila, with showrooms in Edsa Balintawak, Cebu and Davao. To know more about the product, visit the official website of Breville. The post Wake up and smell the coffee appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How milk can make dishes taste creamier and more delicious
At the recent launch of Judy Ann Santos as the new celebrity endorser of the Alaska milk brand, the actress helped demonstrate how to make dishes taste creamier and more delicious. She was with culinary experts, such as online food content creator Hazel Cheffy. The dishes they whipped up — pumpkin soup, fried chicken with special gravy, halo-halo — were served to the media representatives and other guests at the event. Santos later on shared this tip to DAILY TRIBUNE when asked what makes her halo-halo extra special: use frozen evaporated milk. “Kasi na-realize ko, ‘Oo nga, no, bakit hindi ’yung mismong Alaska evap ang i-freeze ko instead of using ice? Para mas malasahan ko ang gatas. Di ba pag natunaw na ang yelo, nagiging matabang? E, ayoko kasi na tumatabang ang halo-halo ko.” The chef and owner of Angrydobo restaurant also pointed out, “Gusto ko, dire-diretso ang kain ko. Ayoko nang nabibitin.” She then added, laughing, “Masyadong matakaw.” Here are two recipes from Alaska to try. [caption id="attachment_180493" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Photographs Courtesy of AlaskaCreamy Garlic Chicken Stew.[/caption] Creamy Garlic Chicken Stew 500 g chicken thigh fillet, cut into large chunks Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp olive oil 2 pcs garlic, pounded to a paste 2 tbsp ginger, minced 2 c evaporated milk 1/2 c water 1 c carrots, cut into chunks 3/4 c button mushrooms, halved 1/2 c red bell pepper, diced 1/2 c all-purpose cream 3 tbsp parsley, chopped Season chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper, and sear in a sautè pan with olive oil until brown on both sides. Set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic paste until fragrant. Add in ginger and sauté until softened. Add back chicken thighs then pour in evaporated milk and water. Simmer chicken until cooked through for about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add in carrot chunks and mushrooms, and cook until carrots are fork-tender. Add in bell peppers, all-purpose cream and parsley. Simmer for five minutes, then serve. Top with fried garlic bits, if desired. [caption id="attachment_180494" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] No-Bake CreamyTres Leches cake.[/caption] No-Bake Creamy Tres Leches Cake Difficulty: Easy 1/2 c condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 8 pcs mamon cake Toppings: 1 1/2 packs all-purpose cream, chilled 1/3 to 1/2 cup condensed milk Your choice of sliced fruit In a large bowl, whip the chilled all-purpose cream until peaks form. Fold in 1/2 cup condensed milk into the whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to use. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cut one piece of mamon in quarters and the other pieces of mamon in halves. Arrange the mamon to fill up and eight-inch pan. Pour the milk mixture over the mamon layer and let it absorb the milk. Spread the cream mixture from earlier and pour to cover the cake. Chill overnight to let the cake set. Once ready to serve, top the cake with your choice of fruit. Enjoy fresh from the chiller. The post How milk can make dishes taste creamier and more delicious appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salute to animal shelter heroes
Woofy, one of the pet food brands of Aboitiz’s agribusiness and food group Pilmico and Gold Coin, has partnered with animal shelters to salute animal welfare heroes through “Project Hero.” This initiative aims to recognize different animal shelters across the country and encourage more pet owners to adopt from them. Animal shelter owners and their volunteers and employees often dedicate tireless efforts to providing a safe haven for animals in need, providing their daily food, medical needs and a loving refuge. [caption id="attachment_179241" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Woofy, a dog food brand of Aboitiz’s food and agribusiness unit, partners with animal shelters on ‘Project Hero.’ | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ABOITIZ[/caption] Woofy’s “Project Hero” will support animal shelters and those who will adopt animals, and showcase partner shelters’ inspiring stories and experiences, such as these two examples: Isay Halaba’s love for animals led her to volunteer for multiple organizations, eventually becoming a campaign officer for the Animal Kingdom Foundation. Halaba spent most of her childhood surrounded by animals like cats, dogs, pigs and hens. She developed a deep sense of love and appreciation for animals from a young age and eventually carried this passion as she got older. In 2017, she became an active supporter of AKF and even hosted its events where she learned more about AKF’s campaigns and advocacies. Hearing the importance of animal welfare encouraged her to become a full-time volunteer while working at a private company. Juggling both her passion and day job was difficult for Isay, but she chose the work she’s most passionate about — championing animal welfare. The post Salute to animal shelter heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Relishing sweetness of success
A 35-year-old fourth-generation farmer is continuing the legacy of his father in producing delis from bananas, which are now making waves in Europe. Raymund Vincent Aaron, the self-styled ‘Banana Chief’ and the heir of Villa Socorro Farm and its factory that produces sumptuous banana chips headquartered in Pagsanjan, Laguna province, said he inherited his passion for agriculture and farming from his father, incorporating a streak of his own. Right after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Management from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009, Raymund joined the budding family business. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. We used to grow bananas on our land in Pagsanjan, and so, after graduating, doing business using bananas seemed the perfect fit,” Raymund shared. An indirect start The idea of exporting came through his father’s work in marketing for a multinational company, which inspired him to engage in international business. Starting off in 2008 with an initial capitalization of P5 million, the company produced banana chips, with the first export in 2014 to the United States. The Health Safety Certification from the Food and Drug Administration, a requirement of the Philippine authorities, was obtained in 2012, which further added credibility to the business as an exporter. “We began exporting indirectly through a local company that expressed interest in distributing our products to buyers there.” Targeting Europe According to the Department of Trade and Industry, Aaron, who has been a regular at DTI’s business matching events, recently returned from one such event held in Dubai coinciding with Gulfood 2023. Regular participation in business networking events and seminars since 2015 has provided valuable knowledge and insights on export market access, including the European Union. Be it the DTI or the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions handling the International Food Exhibition Philippines which is the biggest international food trade show in the country, Aaron has always found participation in the trade fairs to be beneficial. “You never knew who you would meet. I always carried samples of my products along,” he said. At one such event arranged by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, Aaron established a connection with the Philippine diplomatic mission in Switzerland. Soon, samples from Villa Socorro reached a few Swiss companies with the help of this link. The products were a hit with one distribution company. By the end of 2019, a 20-foot container with 1,000 boxes that cost $14,000 has been shipped to Switzerland. “It was support from the EMB that helped us pursue direct exports to Europe. We made our first link through them.” Recognizing the support he received, Aaron is always willing to share his skills and knowledge with other entrepreneurs and to contribute to local DTI capacity-building initiatives. Why the EU? The EU appears to be a lucrative market for the company as Aaron gradually expands the product range by including sweet potato chips and corn snacks. About 80 percent of total current revenue comes from exports, while 20 percent comes from sales at hotels, restaurants, canteens, airports, kiosks, and selected supermarkets in the Philippines. Villa Socorro’s exports to Europe are at five percent, with buyers in Switzerland, Norway and EU member state the Netherlands. Aaron wants to increase business with Europe, specifically with EU member states, which he regards as the best destinations for healthy organic food products made from tropical fruits. “It is a market that is willing to pay a premium for natural products.” EU buyers’ requirements Aaron’s drive to grow specifically in the EU market is evident in his readiness to comply with the necessary requirements.The Registered Exporter System number to avail of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus scheme to export tariff-free to the EU was obtained on the recommendation of the buyers to strengthen the business. The REX is a self-certification system wherein the origin of goods is declared by economic operators themselves by means of so-called statements about the origin. To be entitled to make out a statement of origin, an economic operator must be registered in a database by the competent authorities. The economic operator then becomes a “registered exporter.” Product and packaging development were also adjusted. There is a shift to use a more natural Brown Muscovado Sugar to suit customer preferences in the EU. Aaron’s company also created a sub-brand, Farmony, to market its products in the EU. “Farmony creates harmony between farmers, manufacturers, and consumers. Our existing brand, Villa Socorro Farm Sabanana Banana Chips, really targets Filipinos or people looking for Filipino products. We created Farmony to have a product that can easily blend on the shelves of the EU market,” Aaron said. Social entrepreneur Being on a farm allowed Aaron to become a social entrepreneur. He understands well the needs of the farmer. To support banana farmers around his family plantation, he buys 98 percent of the fruit from the community that he fondly refers to as “partner farmers.” “We buy bananas from more than 200 farmers in a radius of 5km around our farm. We only plant two percent of the bananas that we use for banana chips,” he said. By processing 600,000 tons of bananas every year, Aaron provides the local farmers with a market for their produce. He considers himself lucky that things fell into place, enabling him to give back to the community that helped him get to where he is today. Gearing up for the future” I am still here. I look forward to expanding our business. Sticking with the snacks theme, we’re looking at making use of the abundant farm produce in our region and the rest of the Philippines to create fun and healthy snacks.” Aaron is determined to transform his business into a reliable food company by creating an entire line of banana products and drawing in loyal customers at home and abroad. The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of EU market access and the trade privileges granted under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP+). It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies. ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the DTI as the lead partner, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU with the International Trade Centre as the technical agency for the project. The post Relishing sweetness of success appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asterra sets sights on Iloilo City development
The Asterra brand of suburban condominiums, a personal project of Vista Land chairman and business tycoon Manny Villar, will soon make its presence felt in Iloilo City, a fast emerging metropolis with a thriving economy driven by agribusiness, tourism, BPOs, trade and commerce......»»
Push with audit
An audit of the country’s electricity grid should not even be the subject of debate as it is a necessity considering that the operating system is practically compromised in favor of the State Grid Corporation of China or SGCC, the 40-percent partner in the consortium. Equipment bearing Western brand names such as Asea Brown Boveri, General Electric, and Siemens were all discarded a year after NGCP took over the National Transmission Corp. assets in 2009. The NARI system from a group that is a unit of the SGCC took its place. The main difference is that the earlier equipment allowed for independent operations, in contrast to NARI which is centralized. The use of a single system exposes the electricity network to outside threats, an industry expert said. The NARI system provides electronic control that makes it possible to switch on and off the circuit breakers of power plants. Based on the source in the energy sector, NGCP officials’ claims about the safety of the power backbone from intrusion are dubious since the installed system allows remote access to the network. The apprehension of industry insiders is based on the fiber optic communication system that has a coverage that rivals those of the two major telecommunications giants Smart and Globe which is accessible to SGCP. Since the entire network is interconnected, tapping into the entire power operations is possible. It can be shut down or started by those in control and this can be done remotely through the Internet. The source said that if a hacker penetrates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition domain, which is what happened in Ukraine in 2015, outside forces can gain control and run the TransCo network. In the Ukraine experience, a Russian operation was suspected. Forces of President Vladimir Putin knocked out Ukraine’s power system, among the key targets of the 2022 invasion. China has dismissed as baseless the allegations that it can manipulate the country’s transmission grid. Resolution of the issue can only happen through a comprehensive audit of the system that NGCP has consistently blocked by indicating that it will allow only a review by the Energy Regulatory Commission. After the yellow and red alerts in the first week of May, the Department of Energy again indicated its plan to conduct an audit which NGCP met with its consistent argument that only ERC has such power. “We will be issuing the necessary orders to commence within the year. We’re just waiting for all the audit reports to be in and accepted by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said. Lotilla reiterated that a comprehensive review is needed to get to the bottom of all the country’s transmission problems, which sometimes cause power interruptions. “Our job is to make sure that we have the proper, called for comprehensive study and audit,” the Energy chief said. An earlier proposal was for the government and NGCP to each assemble a technical working group that would jointly conduct the audit. The Department of Energy has been restricted under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act from initiating a probe of the concessionaire as the law specifies the agency is limited to policy making. ERC, however, according to the source, lacks the teeth to enforce an audit. Energy officials should muster the will to go through with the review of NGCP. It is absurd that the government has to go through an ordeal just to inspect a property it owns since NGCP is merely a tenant based on its 25-year concession. The audit involves a matter of national security that the government must uphold. The post Push with audit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU explores agri development, investments with DA
Delegates from the European Union-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines discussed last week mutual interests in agricultural development, trade and investments, and other matters including potential areas of cooperation, the Department of Agriculture reported over the weekend. DA officials led by Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban conferred with the delegates, bringing up several issues including the need to address the high prices of sugar in the local market. As of the 24 May report of the DA-Surveillance, Monitoring, and Enforcement Group, the price of refined sugar ranges between P86 to P110 per kilo in Metro Manila. Washed sugar, meanwhile, is priced at P82 to P90 per kilo, while a kilo of brown sugar can be bought at P78 to P90. Phl sugar production Sugar Regulatory Administration administrator Pablo Luis Azcona revealed that the country’s sugarcane production is expected to increase to 1.78 million metric tons and the need to import some 440,000 MT of sugar to cover supply gaps. Currently, the Philippines has about 390,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations — 90 percent of which are owned by small-scale farmers. With over five million Filipinos dependent on the sugarcane industry, Azcona said the SRA intends to increase the industry’s productivity and profitability by adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, promoting drought- and wet season-resistant sugarcane varieties, upgrading select mills in Luzon, consolidation of sugar farmers into 30-hectare farms, and mechanizing and modernizing plantations in the country. Leveraging European expertise “European businesses are at the forefront of innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture, and today we stand ready to share these best practices and expertise to support the continued growth and advancement of the agriculture sector in the Philippines,” said EU-ABC vice chairman Tassilo Brinzer. “By leveraging our expertise in agribusiness management, sustainable farming techniques, and market access, we hope to uplift the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas,” he said. The DA also highlighted various efforts towards food security in the Philippines, which includes promoting opportunities in agriculture among the Filipino youth through the Young Farmers Challenge, reviewing the Department’s key commodity investment plans through the Philippine Rural Development Project, promoting accessible and affordable healthcare for local agricultural laborers and their families, and improving local food production and competitiveness while also opening the country’s doors to collaborative activities with the EU and other foreign partners. With the World Risk Index 2022 ranking the Philippines as the number one country with the highest disaster risk worldwide, the DA also stressed the importance of immediately mitigating and addressing the impacts of climate change in the Philippine agri-fishery sector. Measures to address climate change ome measures being implemented by the DA to address this concern include allotting P1 billion for a Quick Response Fund, attending fora and other engagements related to climate change, working with stakeholders in building up climate and disaster resiliency, developing climate-resilient crop varieties, advocating for eco-friendly agricultural practices, and just recently, preparing for the El Niño phenomenon by the third or fourth quarter of 2023. The DA also underscored its mission to build climate-resilient livelihoods and communities through the implementation of the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program, the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, and the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), among many others. ECCP Executive Director Florian Gotten expressed delight in the Philippines’ growth and potential, saying, “the efforts of this administration, in particular what President Marcos Jr. is doing by traveling around the globe inviting investors to come to the Philippines, are slowly picking up.” New era, golden age of investments Gotten said, “The Philippines is now on the map and I think that this is a new era, a golden age for investments into the Philippines. We are very much optimistic that we will see more European companies coming here, supporting your efforts, and maybe reckon trying to work with you to bring the agriculture in this country to the next level.” Panganiban thanked the European delegation in it’s interest to collaborate with the Philippine government for the advancement of the agri-fishery sector in the country which he said will benefit not only the Philippines but also other countries. “Increased cooperation and foreign investments spell more jobs, higher incomes, better access to basic commodities, less inflation, and collaboration and partnership over confrontation. The more unbounded the flow of both, the stronger the momentum for economic prosperity and peace among nations,” he said. The post EU explores agri development, investments with DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jack Daniel’s, Coca-Cola uncork RTD cocktail in Philippines
Brown Forman, the company behind the Jack Daniel’s brand, and beverage firm Coca-Cola Philippines have uncorked a ready-to-drink cocktail to cater to the growing ready-to-drink alcohol segment in the country......»»
Xiaomi takes aim at Tesla in Chinese auto market with $29,870 electric car
BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched a sporty electric car on Thursday with styling cues drawn from Porsche and priced below Tesla’s Model 3, highlighting the stiff competition from new entrants in an already crowded EV market in China. During the two hour-long event, Xiaomi CEO and founder Lei Jun told a packed.....»»
NDFP consultants welcome return of peace talks to national level
Detained National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultants welcome reported dialogues to revive stalled formal peace negotiations with the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Government of the Republic of the Philippines, expressing hope to join the talks if efforts succeed. The post NDFP consultants welcome return of peace talks to national level appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PNVF forms coaching staff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
PH media slam Chinese foreign ministry’s claims of manipulating WPS reports
Philippine media groups criticized the Chinese foreign ministry for suggesting that recent reports on Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea involved video manipulation and sensationalism to portray the Philippines as a victim. The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed offense.....»»