We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
3 ex-NABCOR officials get 8 years for graft
The Sandiganbayan has sentenced three officials of the now defunct state firm National Agribusiness Corp. (NABCOR) to up to eight years in prison over the allegedly anomalous procurement of P95.5 million worth of post-harvest facilities and equipment in 2007 to 2008......»»
Sandigan upholds sentence for Nabcor execs in ‘pork’ scam
The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of three officials of abolished state firm National Agribusiness Corp. (NABCOR) in connection with the pork barrel scam......»»
Unhappy farmers
The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas business expectations survey shows that agribusiness firms continue to have a negative outlook for the next 12 months, even as all sectors of the economy are upbeat for 2024......»»
More Filipinos now agri, biosystems engineers: DA
The Department of Agriculture is more hopeful for wider farm mechanization and livelier agribusiness industry in the country as more Filipinos have become agricultural and biosystems engineers or ABEs. In an email to the Daily Tribune, DA reported that 12,551 ABEs obtained their licenses this year, more than the 10,909 in 2021. The DA added 615 ABEs took their professional oath last 20 October. “They are not only responsible for the design of machinery and systems, but are also the pioneers of change, custodians of sustainability, and champions of modern, appropriate, and sustainable mechanization technologies and practices,” DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Director Ariodear Rico said. Graduates from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pili achieved a 100 percent passing rate, followed by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños with 92.86 percent in the ABE Licensure Examination in September. Rico said only 33.41 percent of the total 1,841 examinees passed. ABEs play vital role “The country not only needs agricultural facilities, but an adequate and competent workforce, in which ABE professionals, together with operators and technicians, play a vital role,” he said. Rico said the Marcos administration has created agricultural and fisheries development programs and trade partnerships to provide jobs to highly skilled ABEs and help ensure they stay in the country. He said on top of the list is the National Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Program which aims to ease exchange of knowledge and drive more collaborations among engineers and the government by streamlining all mechanization policies and programs of local government units. Another is the Renewable Energy Program for Agriculture and Fishery Sector which Rico said aims to maximize the use of solar, wind, hydro, biomass and biogas energy. Through these programs, he said ABEs can further reap the economic and intellectual benefits from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or RCEP. Approved by the Senate in February, this trade deal among the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand allows stronger intellectual property rights, zero to lower tariffs for Philippine exports, and more financing for small and medium businesses. ROI on farm mechanization A study by the Department of Science and Technology showed the return on investment of farm mechanization can grow by at least 238 percent. Despite this, the country has increased its mechanization level to just 2.679 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha) this year from 2.31 hp/ha. Meanwhile, global revenue from fish and seafood is projected to grow by 7 percent annually, according to global market researcher Statista. It adds China has earned the highest at $88 billion revenue this year. The post More Filipinos now agri, biosystems engineers: DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House monitoring spikes in agri prices
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Agriculture has vowed to keep a close eye on the prices of basic staples such as rice and onions to stop them from skyrocketing due to supply shortages. The panel’s chair, Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, said Sunday the commitment was in response to the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez to prevent unjustifiable price increases on agricultural products. The Philippines has experienced shortages of agricultural products since last year, including onions, which saw prices reaching as high as P700 per kilo. “To make food products affordable, we will observe and address food inflation,” Enverga said, adding that the committee will conduct public hearings, inquiries, and consultations with stakeholders. The panel spearheaded a months-long probe on the sudden scarcity of agricultural commodities blamed on hoarding and price manipulation by supply cartels. The congressional inquiry led to a drastic drop in onion prices, from P700 to P160 per kilo. It also paved the way for the filing of charges by the National Bureau of Investigation against three officials of the Department of Agriculture, namely, Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service officer-in-charge Junibert de Sagun, and Bureau of Plant Industry Director Gerald Panganiban. The three were allegedly involved in the agency’s P140 million procurement of onions last year from the Bonena Multipurpose Cooperative at P537 per kilo, which triggered the price increase last year. Bonena officials Israel Reguyal, Mary Ann dela Rosa, and Victor dela Rosa Jimenez were also charged. According to Enverga, the panel will continue conducting inquiries if necessary and “will not be intimidated by pressure from any source.” Pursuant to Mr. Marcos’ and the Speaker’s directives, the panel reopened its motu proprio (probe) in August in the wake of the reported inadequacy of the country’s rice supply and the impending rice crisis. Executive Order 39, which capped the price of regularly milled rice at P41 and well-milled rice at P45 per kilo, was imposed to immediately reduce the cost of the staple grain and consequently discourage hoarding, further decreasing its price. However, Mr. Marcos lifted the price cap a day before the imposition marked its first month. The post House monitoring spikes in agri prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Napoles convicted anew on P20.91-M graft case
The Sandiganbayan has found convicted plunderer Janet Lim Napoles guilty of graft and malversation of the P20.91-million pork barrel of ex-South Cotabato lawmaker Arthur Pingoy intended for livelihood projects that turned out to be ghost or non-existent projects. In a 66-page ruling handed down on Friday, the Sandiganbayan Special Second Division sentenced Napoles to up to 60 years in prison on four counts each of graft and malversation. Pingoy, however, walked free from the same charges, including direct bribery — notwithstanding whistleblower Benhur Luy’s testimony — “for the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.” Aside from Napoles, the anti-graft court also convicted erstwhile officials of the now defunct National Agribusiness Corporation’s Rhodora Mendoza, Maria Ninez Guanizo and Victor Roman Cacal; and Evelyn de Leon of the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. Pingoy, who served three terms in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010, was accused of funneling his P20.91-million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel to bogus non-government organizations set up by Napoles in exchange for kickbacks. The Ombudsman’s probe showed the projects supposedly to finance farm implements, livelihood materials, and training turned out to be “ghost” projects as borne out by Commission on Audit reports and the testimonies of whistleblowers. The Sandiganbayan, however, ruled that “there was no sufficient evidence” that Pingoy had received kickbacks or commissions from Napoles. The PDAF was a lump sum discretionary fund allocated to lawmakers “to identify and fund key projects that local government units could not fund.” The Supreme Court abolished it in November 2013 after it became a source of corruption and was declared unconstitutional. Napoles, the principal suspect in the case, has been detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City since 2018 on plunder charges involving the unlawful disbursement of Senator Ramon Revilla Jr.’s pork barrel worth P224 million. She is still facing several graft charges, all related to the pork barrel scam. The post Napoles convicted anew on P20.91-M graft case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Janet Napoles found guilty of 8 graft, malversation raps; given 64 yrs in jail
MANILA, Philippines — Janet Napoles, the alleged mastermind behind the pork barrel scam, is found guilty of eight charges of graft and malversation, the Sandiganbayan said on Friday, Oct. 20. Napoles, together with former National Agribusiness Corporation (Nabcor) officials Rhodora Mendoza, Victor Cacal, and Maria Ninez Guañizo, were also found guilty of graft and malversation charges. Napoles was proven to have violated Republic Act (RA) 3019 or Anti-graft and Practices Act. “The court finds accused Rhodora B. Mendoza, Maria Ninez P. Guanizo, Victor Roman C. Cacal, and Janet L. Napoles guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, as amended, and are hereby sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as a minimum, to 10 years, as maximum, and to suffer perpetual disqualification from holding public office,” reads the decision from the Special Second Division of the anti-graft court. Napoles and the Nabcor officials were found guilty of four counts of corruption, and four counts of malversation of public funds. Collectively, the charges translate to 64 years of imprisonment at the minimum and 82 years at most. Sandiganbayan also ordered Napoles to pay government P41 million in damages. Each malversation charge requires Napoles to pay the equivalent amount of money involved in the criminal offense. Meanwhile, former South Cotabato Representative Arthur Pingoy Jr. was acquitted of graft and malversation charges in the same court decision. RELATED STORIES Napoles cleared in one pork barrel case but convicted in another Sandiganbayan acquits Napoles in 16 graft raps over pork barrel scam ‘Janet Lim Napoles’ listed among convicts freed on good conduct.....»»
Janet Napoles to serve 60 more years imprisonment sentence
The Sandiganbayan found convicted plunderer Janet Lim Napoles guilty of graft and malversation anew for her involvement in the P20.91 million pork barrel of ex-South Cotabato lawmaker Arthur Pingoy intended for livelihood projects that turned out to be ghost or non-existent. In a 66-page ruling handed down on Friday, the Sandiganbayan Special Second Division sentenced Napoles to up to 60 years in prison for four counts each of graft and malversation. Pingoy, however, walked free from the same charges, including direct bribery -- notwithstanding whistleblower Benhur Luy's testimony -- " for the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt." Aside from "pork barrel queen" Napoles, the anti-graft court likewise convicted erstwhile officials of the now-defunct National Agribusiness Corporation Rhodora Mendoza, Maria Ninez Guanizo, Victor Roman Cacal, and Evelyn de Leon of the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. Pingoy, who served three full terms as a member of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 -- was accused of funneling his P20.91 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel through bogus non-government organizations allegedly governed by Napoles in exchange for kickbacks. The Ombudsman’s probe disclosed that the projects nominated as financial assistance for farm implements, livelihood materials, and training turned out to be "ghost” projects as borne out by the Commission on Audit report and testimonies of the whistleblowers. The Sandiganbayan, however, ruled that "there is no sufficient evidence" that the erstwhile lawmaker indeed received kickbacks or commissions from Napoles. PDAF allocated to lawmakers is lump-sum and discriminatory funds intended to empower them "to identify key projects that local government units could not fund." It was later abolished by the Supreme Court in November 2013 after it became a source of corruption and was declared unconstitutional. Napoles, the principal suspect in the case, has been detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City since 2018 for plunder charges involving the unlawful disbursement of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.'s pork barrel worth P224 million. She is still facing several graft charges, all related to the pork barrel scam. The post Janet Napoles to serve 60 more years imprisonment sentence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI
The country’s biggest congregation of business owners in the country, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Marcos Jr. administration must focus on the industries of tourism and agribusiness as they provide opportunities to Filipinos. Apart from the two, PCCI president George Barcelon said other industries that need further push and support are IT-BPO and creative industries, manufacturing, mining, and mineral resources, considered to be ideal and attractive for local and foreign investments and could amplify the economic growth and competitiveness of the country. “Some of our neighboring countries in ASEAN have really moved fast over the past 10 years. We had been lagging them in terms of exports, investments, and trade and we could not afford to be in this situation, so we really need to review our policies for us to be attractive to local and foreign investors,” Barcelon said. He said this will be the center of discussions at the upcoming 49th Philippine Business Conference & Expo set this month, which will gather industry leaders and practitioners to provide insights and share some prospects in what an interesting discussion on policies and regulations could be to attract investors and stimulate investments in these sectors. He said tourism and agribusiness are low-hanging fruits that the government should seriously prioritize and develop as it provides many opportunities for Filipinos. In 2022, the tourism and travel industry only contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s GDP lower than 12.7 percent in 2019 prior to the pandemic. The latest data from the Department of Tourism said that from 1 January to 29 September 2023, a total of 4,005,465 visitors arrived in the country, bringing in a total of P316 billion in revenue into the government coffers and hiring 5.35 million Filipinos in tourism-related jobs. The Philippine agribusiness, on the other hand, contributed only around 8.9 percent to GDP in 2022 where in fact its contribution could actually reach 35 percent. The mining and mineral sector, meanwhile, was able to boost the country’s growth by P102B in 2020 during the pandemic while the manufacturing sector contributed 17.2 percent in 2022. “As the private sector takes the lead in mapping out plans for Vision 2050, we hope our government will focus its attention on harnessing these sectors and address the challenges that hinder the country’s economic growth. We have the competitive advantage to become a first world economy by 2050, we just have to do extra work to achieve it,” said Architect Felino Palafox Jr., who chairs the 49th PBC&E happening on 25-26 October at The Manila Hotel. This year’s conference carries the theme Vision 2050: The Philippines A First-World Economy. It will initiate discussions and gather insights from visionary leaders and policymakers on how the country, given its strategic location, natural and human capital resources, and the many advantages it has, can become one of the industrialized and developed economies by 2050. The two-day event will interestingly gather prominent business personalities, national and local executives, and international leaders. The post Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines biggest, most prestigious int l trade show on agribusiness, food, fishery slated on October 5-7
Mark your calendar for October 5-7, and make your way to the World Trade Center in Pasay City from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be inspired by the latest trends, innovations and solutions that will shape the future of these vital industries......»»
Livehood kits for families in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao
It has been over a year since typhoon “Odette” devastated provinces in the Visayas region, but its impact still remains especially among residents whose livelihoods were severely affected. For Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Microfinance, Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Pilmico Foods Corporation, recovery is the most important step for communities and families to be able to bounce back and become more resilient. On their second year of “Padayon sa Pagbusay (Paddle Unceasingly)” program, the Aboitiz business units gave egg machine livelihood kits to several families in Samar, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Misamis Oriental. In addition to the egg machines, the families will be provided technical and knowledge assistance to help them manage their businesses better. Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan highlighted the importance of empowering recovering communities. “We in the Aboitiz Foundation try our best to help the communities where we operate. We want to see the communities rise and succeed. Our goal is to help them recover and become more resilient communities. We thank our local partners, the Aboitiz business units, who came together to extend valuable assistance,” she said. The group’s integrated agribusiness and food subsidiary said it is always ready to extend assistance across the nation. “At Pilmico, we’re not just supporting farmers, we’re aiming to elevate the agriculture industry as a whole. With the help of the Aboitiz Foundation, our commitment to empowering farmers nationwide extends beyond this project. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to advancing business and communities,” said Greg Canoy, CSR supervisor of Pilmico. Last year’s beneficiaries of the group’s livelihood kits were in Cebu and Samar. Each kit included an egg machine, 144 ready-to-lay hens, Pilmico feeds, a weighing scale and animal health products. “I thank Pilmico, Aboitiz Foundation and RAFI-MFI for choosing me as one of the beneficiaries for this project. This huge opportunity will be of great help to us. Thank God for this blessing,” said Marietta Cadayday, one of the beneficiaries. “Padayon sa Pagbusay” is part of RAFI-MFI’s livelihood program that aims to empower families by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. “This is the start of our rebuilding, which includes rebuilding our businesses and lives, not just ours but our families and communities where we belong. These livelihood kits, which I am thankful for, would be impossible without our partners. We have our grantors who unselfishly helped us in Leyte, Negros Oriental and Misamis Oriental,” said Iris Dorado, vice president for Business Development of RAFI-MFI. The post Livehood kits for families in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Foundation empowers communities
Aboitiz Foundation highlighted the importance of empowering recovering communities. “We in the Aboitiz Foundation try our best to help the communities where we operate. We want to see the communities rise and succeed. Our goal is to help them recover and become more resilient communities. We thank our local partners, the Aboitiz business units, who came together to extend valuable assistance,” president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan said. The group’s integrated agribusiness and food subsidiary is always ready to extend assistance across the nation. “At Pilmico, we’re not just supporting farmers, we’re aiming to elevate the agriculture industry as a whole. With the help of the Aboitiz Foundation, our commitment to empowering farmers nationwide extends beyond this project. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to advancing business and communities,” Greg Canoy, CSR supervisor, Pilmico Foods Corporation, said. This year the foundation extended more livelihood kits to several families in Samar, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Misamis Oriental in addition to last year’s beneficiaries in Cebu and Bohol. Each kit includes an egg machine, 144 ready-to-lay hens, Pilmico feeds, a weighing scale, and animal health products. “I thank Pilmico, Aboitiz Foundation and RAFI-MFI for choosing me as one of the beneficiaries for this project (Padayon sa Pagbusay). This huge opportunity will be of great help to us. Thank God for this blessing,” Marietta Cadayday, one of the beneficiaries, said. Livelihood opportunities offered “Padayon sa Pagbusay” is part of RAFI-MFI’s livelihood program which aims to empower families by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. “This is the start of our rebuilding, which includes rebuilding our businesses and lives, not just ours but our families and communities where we belong. These livelihood kits, which I am thankful for, would be impossible without our partners. We have our grantors who unselfishly helped us in Leyte, Negros Oriental, and Misamis Oriental,” Iris Dorado, vice president for Business Development, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. — Microfinance, said. Pilmico Foods Corporation and Gold Coin Management Holdings are the integrated agribusiness and food companies of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. Gold Coin is now fully-managed and owned by Pilmico International and to date, it is the largest investment in the Asia-Pacific region in their shared history. Pilmico comprises four divisions: Flour, Feeds, Farms, and Trading; enabling growth to its partners through its consistent quality products and unparalleled supporting services. Meanwhile, Gold Coin is a pioneer in animal nutrition and the manufacturing of scientifically-balanced animal feed in Asia. The post Aboitiz Foundation empowers communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022
Environmental activist murders doubled in Colombia last year, making it the most dangerous country in the world for those trying to protect the planet, a watchdog said Tuesday. In its annual review, Global Witness named 177 land and environmental defenders who had been killed in 2022 -- from the Amazon to the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Latin America again bore the brunt of the murders, including 39 killings across the vast Amazon rainforest, a vital carbon sink facing widespread destruction at a time when the world is grappling to curb climate change. The number of those killed has progressively decreased since a record 227 in 2020, however, "this does not mean that the situation has significantly improved," said Global Witness. "The worsening climate crisis and the ever-increasing demand for agricultural commodities, fuel, and minerals will only intensify the pressure on the environment -– and those who risk their lives to defend it," warned the London-based watchdog. While in 2021 most killings took place in Mexico, Colombia last year surged ahead with 60 deaths -- more than a third of all the murders globally. "This is almost double the number of killings compared to 2021 when 33 defenders lost their lives," said the report. Many of those targeted were Indigenous people, members of Afro-descendant communities, small-scale farmers, and environmental activists. At least five children, three of them Indigenous, were among the global tally. "Yet there is hope," said the NGO, praising efforts under new leftist President Gustavo Petro to boost protection for defenders -- a first in the country. Colombian sociologist and activist Nadia Umana, 35, fled her northern home after the murders of four colleagues, all of whom had been fighting for the return of rural lands taken over by paramilitaries. "Knowing that a colleague of yours was murdered is an indescribable pain," Umana told AFP in Bogota. Even the country's vice-president, Francia Marquez -- the 2018 winner of the prestigious Goldman environmental prize -- has faced multiple threats. In 2019, she survived an attack by gunmen who tried to kill her over her work defending her home region's water resources against mining companies. Mining, logging, farming According to Global Witness, almost 2,000 land and environmental defenders have been murdered over the past decade -- some 70 percent of them in Latin America. In Brazil, where British journalist Dom Philips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira were killed last year in the Amazon, a total of 34 land defenders were killed. Mexico, Honduras, and the Philippines also had high numbers. Global Witness said that while it was "difficult to identify" the exact drivers for the killings, 10 were found to be linked to agribusiness, eight to mining, and four to the logging industry. Aside from activists, state officials, demonstrators, park rangers, lawyers, and journalists are also among those who lost their lives. "All of them shared a commitment to defend their rights and keep the planet healthy. All of them paid for their courage and commitment with their lives," said the report. The post Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kadiwa stores now inside Bilibid
The Department of Agriculture on Monday reported that it launched its first Kadiwa pop-up store at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City in collaboration with the Bureau of Corrections providing persons deprived of liberty, as well as residents and BuCor employees, direct access to fresh and affordable food and basic commodities. Ruel Gesmundo, Assistant Director for Regulatory Services of the Bureau of Plant Industry said during the inauguration ceremony held Friday that BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang warmly welcomes them at the opening of the Kadiwa store, recognizing its benefits for the entire community. The goods being sold at the Kadiwa pop-up store in Bilibid include assorted highland and lowland vegetables, fruits, eggs, assorted smoked and dried fish, mushroom products, coffee, noodles, cooking oil and herbal oils. Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, the DA has been actively expanding Kadiwa outlets across Metro Manila in a bid to empower the farming community through the establishment of a direct and efficient food supply chain. The post Kadiwa stores now inside Bilibid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kadiwa stores now inside Bilibid
The Department of Agriculture on Monday reported that it launched its first Kadiwa pop-up store at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City in collaboration with the Bureau of Corrections providing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), as well as residents and BuCor employees, direct access to fresh and affordable food and basic commodities. “Ang DA ay laging handang tumugon sa mga komunidad na nagnanais na magkaroon ng Kadiwa project. Ang DA ay patuloy din sa pagpapatupad at pagpapalaganap ng adhikain upang matugunan ang food security ng bansa,” said Ruel Gesmundo, assistant director for regulatory services of the Bureau of Plant Industry during the inauguration ceremony held on 8 September. Gesmundo said BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang warmly welcomed them at the opening of the Kadiwa store, recognizing its benefits for the entire community. “Ang Kadiwa ay para sa mga empleyado, PDL at residente ng Bilibid para mailapit sa kanila ang mura at de-kalidad na pagkain na alam naman natin ngayon ay nagtataasan ang presyo. Ito’y alinsunod din sa utos ng ating Pangulo Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na tumulong sa food security ng bansa,” Catapang said as quoted by Gesmundo. The goods being sold at the Kadiwa pop-up store in Bilibid include assorted highland and lowland vegetables, fruits, eggs, assorted smoked and dried fish, mushroom products, coffee, noodles, cooking oil, and herbal oils. Through its agribusiness and marketing assistance service, the DA has been actively expanding Kadiwa outlets across Metro Manila in a bid to empower the farming community through the establishment of a direct and efficient food supply chain. See more photos here: The post Kadiwa stores now inside Bilibid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deforestation in Brazil Amazon falls, more Indigenous reserves approved
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 66 percent in August versus the same month last year, the government said Tuesday, while also announcing the demarcation of two new Indigenous reserves. "In August, we had a reduction of 66.11 percent in deforestation" in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest, Environment Minister Marina Silva told a ceremony marking Amazon Day. That followed a similar year-on-year drop of 66 percent in July -- both crucial months in the Amazon, where deforestation typically surges this time of year with the onset of drier weather. According to satellite monitoring by Brazil's space research institute, INPE, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon wiped out 1,661 square kilometers (641 square miles) in August 2022, the last year of far-right Jair Bolsonaro's term. Bolsonaro (2019-2022), an ally of the powerful agribusiness industry blamed for driving the destruction, presided over a sharp increase in deforestation in the Amazon. "These results show the determination of the Lula administration to break the cycle of abandonment and regression seen under the previous government," Silva said. "If we don't protect the forest and its people, we'll condemn the world to a brutal increase of CO2 emissions and, as a result, accelerating climate change." New indigenous reserves Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who previously led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, returned to office in January vowing to protect the threatened Amazon, whose carbon-absorbing trees are a vital buffer against global warming. Key to that pledge, researchers say, are Indigenous reserves, considered bulwarks against deforestation. "If there is no future for the Amazon and its people, there will be no future for the planet either," Lula said in his announcement of the two new reserves. His government in April already issued decrees recognizing six new Indigenous territories, authorizing Indigenous peoples to occupy the land and have exclusive use of its resources. Another six could be demarcated by the end of the year, the government said Tuesday. The country has some 800 reserves, but around a third of them have not been officially demarcated, according to Brazil's Indigenous Affairs agency. No new reserves had been demarcated under Bolsonaro. The demarcations -- of the 187,000-hectare (462,000-acre) Rio Gregorio reserve and the 18,000-hectare (44,000-acre) Acapuri de Cima reserve -- come as the country awaits a key Supreme Court decision that could derail or enshrine Indigenous gains. The law currently only recognizes ancestral territories that were occupied by Indigenous communities at the time Brazil's constitution was promulgated in 1988. But Indigenous leaders say certain territories were no longer occupied at that point because communities had been expelled from them, particularly during the military dictatorship from the 1960s to the 1980s. The case will either validate or invalidate the 1988 cut-off. So far, six of 11 judges have voted -- four against the cut-off, and two in favor. Voting is set to resume on 20 September. Indigenous reserves occupy 13.75 percent of Brazil's territory, with most -- like the two approved Tuesday -- in the Amazon. The post Deforestation in Brazil Amazon falls, more Indigenous reserves approved 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......»»
DavOr, UNDP partner on disaster resilience
DAVAO CITY — The provincial government here and the United Nations Development Programme under the Australia-supported Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change program recently signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the disaster and climate resilience of its emerging tourism and agribusiness sectors. In a statement Thursday, Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié recently signed the agreement for SHIELD in Mati City. Uy said that climate change continues to advance at an unprecedented rate and the signing of the MoU is timely as it serves as their commitment to actively build institutional and community resilience to disasters and climate change.” “It will support the updating of our Provincial Physical Development Framework Plan and help us prepare for the rollout of the Community Based Monitoring System in the province, making our communities safer and more empowered in the face of extreme events,” Uy said. Representing the Australian Embassy, First Secretary Paul Harrington said that: Through the flagship resilience initiative SHIELD, they aim to further strengthen local government capacities by working closely with provincial and municipal governments towards a safer and more resilient Davao Oriental. Tourism is booming in Davao Oriental and is a major economic driver in the province due to its pristine forests, beaches, waterfalls and historical sites. However, the constant threat of disasters and climate change looms over the province due to its geospatial features. Davao Oriental is situated along the eastern seaboard of the country and portions of the province are located along the Philippine Fault system. The province has experienced destructive earthquakes and typhoons in the past, such as typhoon “Pablo” in 2012, which claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of families. The post DavOr, UNDP partner on disaster resilience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Innovation, health top Asian concerns
The government aims to spur innovation among industries and the health sector in the country to catch up with the projected economic boom of its Southeast Asian neighbors and achieve an upper middle-income society by 2040. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan last Friday urged the faculty of the University of the Philippines Diliman to help the government raise technologically-skilled Filipinos toward more agile industries amid the information and digital age. “Our infrastructure sector and the emerging industries — agribusiness, mining, tourism, manufacturing, education, creatives, health and IT-BPM — will require a deep pool of skilled workers and professionals, which the university is in a position to contribute to,” he told the UPD alumni in their council meeting last Friday. As a planning and advisory agency, the National Economic and Development Authority, or NEDA, last month presented the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023 to 2032 to other government agencies its strategies for better public-private partnerships, innovation research and development, commercialization of products and support for small businesses. “We must find ways to harness fast-evolving technologies as opportunities are waiting to be tapped by our young labor force. We must take two, even three steps forward, even as other forces — populism and political expediency — take us one step backward,” Balisacan told the university’s alumni during his speech entitled “If We’re So Smart, Why Aren’t We Rich?” Balisacan said government agencies will organize more in-person and online forums and surveys with academic institutions, businesses and marginalized groups and technical studies to achieve those goals. According to the United Nations, science researchers in the Philippines are much fewer with 174 per 1 million residents compared with Singapore’s 7,287 and Thailand’s 2,070. As the government capitalizes on human resources, Balisacan added the Marcos administration will be expanding nutrition programs and health facilities across the country. Lessons from Covid “The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need to sustainably secure and equitably distribute health infrastructure and human resources and promote health-seeking behavior and health literacy,” he said. According to World Development Indicators, vaccination rates in the Philippines range 57 percent to 92 percent, lower than the 95 percent and 99 percent of Singapore and Thailand, respectively. Malnutrition, however, has improved among Filipino children below five years old as stunting was found in 26.7 percent of households in 2021 from 33.4 percent in 2015, according to the Department of Science and Technology. Underweight children in this age group were also fewer at 5.5 percent from 7.1 percent during that period. Without improvements in the education and health sectors, Balisacan said Filipinos cannot secure quality jobs and help the country obtain higher GDP per capita or economic output per person. By 2050, the Philippines will see $22,700 GDP per capita, lower than Indonesia’s $37,400 and Vietnam’s $33,800, research from the Asian Development Bank showed. The post Innovation, health top Asian concerns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipinos in Taiwan farms
Thirty-one Taiwanese farms are hosting 49 young Filipino farmer-interns, who are now about to learn Taiwan’s agricultural technologies and skills to be able contribute to the Philippines’ national food security and agricultural progress. The farms are specializing in rice, vegetables, fruits, mushroom, poultry, swine, dairy and aquaculture production. Taiwan has been widely recognized as one of the leading countries in the field of tropical agriculture; think tropical crops and seedling, soil and pest management, agribusiness, food processing. Starting 2024, the Taiwan government will increase the number of Filipino interns from 50 per year to 100 in this capacity-development program. Chairman and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Silvestre Bello III witnessed how big strawberries and lapu-lapus can grow through agricultural technologies in Taiwan, where the capacity of rice production is three times that of the Philippines’. “There is a very big difference. That is why it’s very important to send our young farmers to Taiwan where they can learn new agricultural technologies,” Mr. Bello said. Mr. Bello told the farmers that he found out that an overwhelming percentage of Taiwan scholarship recipients from the Philippines stay in Taiwan after they graduate rather than coming back to contribute to the Philippines: “Those who graduate from this intensive program should be given the means to be able to introduce and practice that technology.” Thus, he is going to write President Marcos, advising the government to give the interns five hectares each after they come back so that the young farmers will be able to develop and apply whatever knowledge they learned “because the Philippines needs you.” While recent projections have shown a significant decline in the working-age population in Taiwan (with labor shortages predicted to reach 400,000 by 2030), many scholarship recipients from other countries chose to stay in Taiwan after they graduate. The main reason is that Taiwan provides scholarship programs, not to attract talent but to develop their knowledge and skills so that the graduates can go back to contribute to their respective countries. To be a friendly and welcoming host city, Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, is holding Taipei MassKara Festival on 10 September in Little Manila to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism. Little Manila is a community in Taipei along the east side of Zhongshan North Road Section 3 between Minzu East Road and Nong’an Street, and along Nong’an Street and Dehui Street where you can find St. Christopher’s Church, King Wan Wan Shopping Mall in which numerous Filipino shops are located, and EEC Grocery and RJ Supermart where Filipino and Asian goods are sold. As a result, Filipinos in Taiwan love to visit Little Manila on Sunday to go to the church, eat Filipino food and buy groceries, and they can meet hundreds and thousands of kababayans there. According to the Department of Civil Affairs of the Taipei City government, the Taipei MassKara Festival was initiated in 2020, given the increasing number of new immigrants, foreign students and migrant workers. This year, the Taipei City government will subsidize NT$10,000, equals to P17,700, to each group comprising 20 people participating in the event. The groups will create their own costume and mask theme, showcasing the rich elements and exotic features of the Philippines’ MassKara Festival during the parade. The post Filipinos in Taiwan farms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»