We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
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......»»
Catriona Gray naka-focus sa kalusugan, may struggle sa scoliosis
NAGING bukas si Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sa kanyang pinagdaraanang challenges dahil sa sakit niyang scoliosis. Sa kanyang panayam sa ABS-CBN News, ibinahagi nito na mas nararamdaman na raw niya ngayon ang epekto ng sakit. “‘I’m getting older, magthi-thirty na ako, sorry older in my context. I’m starting to really feel the effects of.....»»
Catriona Gray reacts to Miss Universe s fake inclusivity issue
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray hoped that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) would prove that the pageant's inclusivity shouldn't be seen as "token thing" after owner Anne Jakrajutatip had a leaked viral video about the pageant's alleged "fake inclusivity." .....»»
Losses to Philippine agriculture due to El Nino reach 31 mln USD
MANILA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The El Nino dry spell and ensuring drought have caused over 1.75 billion pesos (roughly 31 million U.S. dollars) in damage to Philippine agriculture, a senior government official said Wednesday. This year's losses due to El Nino are still low compared to 2009 when the damage to agriculture reached 17 billion pesos (302 million dollars), Presidential Communications Office Assistant Se.....»»
Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities
Every year on 16 October, the world celebrates “World Bread Day” to honor all kinds of bread around the world. A dietary staple in people’s lives for centuries, bread plays a much more significant role in the lives of those who bake bread as their primary source of livelihood. Pilmico has been a steadfast partner of bakers since 1962. It has given out 108 bakery kits nationwide since it started distributing livelihood kits in 2016. In honor of the “World Bread Day,” Pilmico reflects on how it has helped change the lives of several people through bread. Feeding the future Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program” was launched as a sustainable initiative to address malnutrition in public schools while at the same time supporting local bakeries. The program was made possible through the help of its partner bakeries, who went through technical training and received equipment from Pilmico. They provided bread to public schools within their communities. The Kutitap Feeding Program started in Iligan City in 2015 and in Tarlac in 2018. Since then, the program has progressively evolved through the years. Due to pandemic restrictions, it was turned into the “Kutitap Care Package,” where students received baked goods and eggs through its partner bakery, Aguila Bakeshop. Now, the program has also started incorporating meats in the meals served to the daycare students in Bamban, Tarlac. Aside from feeding students with nutritional bread, this initiative also contributed to the success of some partner bakeries such as C&G Bakery from Iligan City. Marlon C. Gecale, owner of C&G Bakery, has devoted his life to baking — from when he was a teen working as a baker to an adult owning his bakery. In between, he worked as an OFW and his passion for baking grew stronger, prompting him to have his own bakery. After buying an oven with his first salary, Gecale and his wife spent the next five years building their small bakery while he worked abroad. In 2017, they applied to become a bakery partner for Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program.” They were determined to prove that their small bakery could fulfill the demands of the program despite their new and small bakery. By partnering with Pilmico for the Kutitap Feeding Program, C&G Bakery, owned by Marlon Gecale, was able to expand to three more branches in Mindanao. Gecale underwent a month-long training with Pilmico where he earned new technical skills in baking and new recipes, which he still uses in his bakery. Since then, their bakery has grown and has been a reliable partner of Pilmico in various programs including the Iligan Community Pantry. Today, C&G Bakery has expanded to three branches in Iligan City, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur. 'Tinapay Ti Uno' program Aside from Pilmico’s own initiatives, it has partnered with local government units such as the Department of Agrarian Reform Tarlac for the “Tinapay Ti Uno” program in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Congressman Jaime Cojuangco from the 1st District of Tarlac province. This program aims to create healthy buns using locally sourced ingredients from Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations and provide them to public school students in the 1st district of Tarlac. A total of 11 ARBOs participated in a bun and special bread competition where the winners will be responsible for the distribution of buns to the students. In the competition held last 24 2023, three ARBOs were hailed as the grand winners: Cabayaoasan Farmer Agriculture Cooperative from Paniqui, Tarlac; Bacabac Farmers Producers Cooperative from Brgy. Bacabac, Camiling, Tarlac; and Sinulatan 1st Agriculture Cooperative from Brgy. Sinulatan 1st, Camiling, Tarlac. Each winner received a bakery livelihood package from Pilmico that included an oven, stainless steel table, bread rack, bread showcase, proofer with cover, spiral mixer and 10 Pilmico flour sacks. In addition to the equipment, the winners were to receive technical assistance and bakery management training from Pilmico as they set up their bakery business. During the winners’ onsite bakery training in Camiling, Tarlac last 3 October, it was revealed that two out of the three ARBOs have already opened their bakeries within their communities. In celebration of “World Bread Day,” Pilmico emphasizes its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality flour that helps create nutritional bread products. “We believe in the transformative power that a simple loaf of bread can bring to people’s lives, especially those who rely on it as their main source of livelihood. Pilmico is dedicated to delivering the finest flour for the community’s bread making needs,” said Ma. Katrina Bayog, Pilmico Corporate Social Responsibility manager. The post Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt. to boost agri, fishery sectors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to address the systemic issues plaguing Philippine agriculture for years due to the longstanding neglect of this sector. During his speech at the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) in Quezon City, Marcos Jr said the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk has been forgotten for decades, dating back to the inception of agricultural reform during his father and namesake's tenure. "We have a significant amount of work ahead of us because we need to fix the entire agricultural system that has been neglected for a long time, perhaps since the start of agricultural reform, during (the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s) time," Marcos Jr. said. "Now, many changes have occurred, the world has changed, and it has revolved several times. Therefore, we need to examine the needs of our farmers and fishermen to improve their lives because we often hear that we need to increase our yield, improve our harvest, and our productivity," he added. The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that agricultural production in the country decreased by 1.3 percent during the year's second quarter. The figures unveiled by the PSA showed that the production value in agriculture and fisheries, calculated at constant 2018 prices, totaled P427.69 billion, a decline from the P433.10 billion recorded during the same period the previous year. Minimum wages for agricultural laborers in the Philippines vary by region, ranging from P306 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to P573 in the National Capital Region. These wage rates, determined by tripartite boards, differ based on the specific region. “But let's not forget that the livelihood of our farmers and fishermen should also be taken care of and improved because that is our goal for all our farmers and fishermen,” Marcos said. Marcos emphasized the pressing need for his administration to boost the agricultural sector, with more than P92 billion set aside for upcoming agri-fisheries projects next year. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has allotted P4.73 billion to improve large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization, aiming to decrease post-harvest losses and cost-effectively enhance farmers' yields. However, the President underlined the enormity of the task ahead and called upon the public for their support and collaboration. "So, this is a massive task. That's why we need your help because the government alone cannot do all of this. We need your diligence, we need your advice because you are the ones facing the problems in agriculture that we are going through now,” Marcos said. “Rest assured, your government is here to do everything in its power to assist our farmers in producing a bountiful harvest, catching enough fish for our fellow citizens, and selling these products at prices affordable to our people,” Marcos added. The post Govt. to boost agri, fishery sectors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P5M street-lighting project in Pangasinan inaugurated
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos led on Sunday morning the inauguration of a P5 million street-lighting project in Mangaldan, Pangasinan. The project involves the installation of 115 solar panels to provide lighting along the Alangacan Road traversing barangays Tebag, Salaan, Palua, and a portion of Pogo, and directly benefiting the Angalacan Eco-Tourism Park which is one of the main tourist destinations in the town. It was funded through the Seal of Good Local Governance incentive the municipality won last year. Abalos commended the Municipal Government of Mangaldan for winning the prestigious SGLG Award multiple times and for putting the incentive into good use. “Sa SGLG, pinipili namin ang pinakamagagaling na LGUs. Napakahirap manalo dito, para kang pumapasok sa butas ng karayom. At ako ay natutuwa dahil laging lumulusot ang Mangaldan,” Abalos said in his message during the inauguration ceremony. “Natutuwa ako na ginamit ang SGLG Incentive fund sa tamang paraan. Napakaimportante ng pailaw na ito, ng installation ng 115 solar lights. Lagi kong sinasabi, what if ang naglalakad sa gabi ay anak nating babae, o asawa nating babae, yan ang laging barometer ko kung safe ang lugar,” he added. The project is already the 5th SGLG-funded initiative in Mangaldan town having won the award in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. He also urged local officials to be proactive in their leadership by engaging in regular dialogue with their constituents and collectively finding and implementing solutions to their locality’s problems. “Leadership is knowing about your community. Ang pagiging magaling na lider ay ang pag-alam sa iyong lugar, sa kalakasan nito at kahinaan nito. Makukuha mo ang solusyon sa pakikipagdayalogo sa mga tao. Kailangang makasalamuha mo ang tao,” he said. “Matapos mo makonsulta ang tao makasama ang tao sa pag-implementa and once you implement it, i tell you, you cannot go wrong because that is leadership coming from the heart, coming from the community. It’s a proactive kind of leadership,” he added. He also urged them to harness agriculture which is the biggest resource of their town and province and continue to work for the welfare of their constituents. “Ang yaman at lakas n’yo ay agrikultura, harness this at kasama n’yo ako dito,” he said. Mangaldan Mayor Bona Fe De Vera-Parayno expressed her gratitude to the DILG for the SGLG incentive and for serving as an inspiration. “Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat kay Secretary Abalos at sa DILG sa pagbibigay ng proyektong ito at sa inspirasyon ng pagiging matino, mahusay at maaasahan,” she said. The SGLG is an institutionalized award, incentive, honor, and recognition-based program, that aims to bring about inclusive and people-oriented reforms that will enable LGUs to foster a culture of good governance. The post P5M street-lighting project in Pangasinan inaugurated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandigan absolves Alcala in graft raps
The Sandiganbayan has absolved ex-Department of Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala of a graft charge involving P13.5 million of government funds illegally given to an ineligible farmers’ foundation. In a 40-page decision, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division cleared Alcala of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) purely on reasonable doubt. His co-accused, Laureano Mañalac, however, then-DA head executive assistant, was found guilty of violating the same provision of the law. He was meted up to 10 years behind bars and was permanently barred from holding public office. On top of the conviction, the court ordered him to pay P13.5 million, representing the sum paid to Isa Akong Magsasaka Foundation Inc. or IAMFI. Filed by the Ombudsman in 2018, the case stemmed from the irregular accreditation of IAMFI as a DA development partner for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center at P13.5 million in 2012. Investigation revealed that IAMFI, which was an ineligible foundation but applied to become a development partner of the DA in May 2011, was controlled by Mañalac. Alcala was accused of conniving with Mañalac to release P13.5 million to IAMFI’s former president, Bautista Ella. State prosecutors said the DA’s erstwhile officials gave the IAMFI unwarranted benefit, advantage, or preference. On 17 July 2019, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case against Ella owing to his passing. Authenticated document The prosecution’s investigation further revealed that IAMFI submitted together with its application for accreditation an authenticated articles of incorporation, concealing that Mañalac is an incorporator, which was in violation of the Commission on Audit Circular 2007-001, and was “highly irregular.” According to the prosecutors, the DA fell short when it failed to investigate its unlawful grant of P13.5 million in funding to the IAMFI, to which it is not entitled to. “The government suffered undue injury in the amount of P13,500,000, which was illegally given to the IAMFI due to the acts of Manalac. Instead of giving the funds to a qualified foundation, it was given to one ineligible being controlled by Mañalac,” the Sandiganbayan said, brushing off the accused claim that the sum was legally awarded to the foundation. In acquitting Alcala, the anti-graft court ruled that despite the prosecution’s serious efforts, it failed to prove that the ex-DA secretary violated RA 3019. “The court, however, is compelled on reasonable doubts grounds to acquit Alcala of the crime as he claims to have relied on multiple layers of review by his subordinates.” Further, it ruled that “no evident bad faith” could be attributed to Alcala in accrediting and signing the memorandum of agreement with IAMFI; instead, it found that all the offense elements have been proven beyond reasonable doubt in the case of Mañalac. According to the Sandiganbayan, it was “very clear that Mañalac was involved in the processing of the proposal of IAMFI.” Mañalac, who resigned from the DA on 30 September 2012, was “immaterial” and “will not serve to exculpate him,” the court said. “Even with Mañalac’s departure from the DA, the proposal would continue to go through the application process in view of the PMO’s positive preliminary recommendation,” it added. The post Sandigan absolves Alcala in graft raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEDA looks to satellite technology to verify inflation policy
The National Economic and Development Authority is looking into how satellite technology could be used to verify data from rice fields, help keep prices under control, and make sure there is enough food for everyone. In a statement, NEDA Officer in Charge Assistant Director Rory Jay S.C. Dacumos said they are currently evaluating how useful the Philippine Rice Information System is for studying inflation. "Currently, we (use Philippine Statistics Authority) data to inform our inflation policy, but to enhance our inflation analysis, we need to augment our data sources," Dacumos said. "This is particularly important in the case of rice, our staple, and amid volatile weather situations," Dacumos added. Hence, Dacumos said NEDA sent a research team to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, to evaluate the potential of the PRISM in providing valuable insights for the government's proactive measures to manage inflation. In the discussions during the study visit, it was pointed out that PRiSM can provide validated rice field data to their registered stakeholders every 7th day of the succeeding month compared to the quarterly PSA data. In the discussions during the study visit, it was pointed out that PRiSM can provide validated rice field data to their registered stakeholders every 7th day of the succeeding month compared to the quarterly PSA data. “We have also learned during the lectures and the field demonstration that the PRiSM data is reasonably accurate. So, we can see how this could enhance our policy recommendations on inflation,” Dacumos said. PRiSM collects rice field data through satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensing, which is unaffected by cloud cover. The data collected through the SAR has up to 95 percent overall accuracy, vis-a-vis the ground-validated data with the help of PRiSM data collectors in the field across the country using a mobile application to record and upload data more efficiently. When the SAR images are insufficient, PRiSM can process secondary data, such as data collected using drones. A satellite, Sentinel-1A, provides the SAR images used by PRiSM. The next satellite, Sentinel-1C, is set to be launched within the year and has the potential to further augment PRiSM’s operations. The compiled data is presented in the form of rice area maps that indicate the locations where rice has been planted, the timing of rice planting, estimated rice yield, areas of rice affected by flooding due to heavy rains and tropical cyclones, and areas where rice cultivation has been impacted by drought. “PRiSM is currently only applicable to rice, but according to PhilRice, the technology and methodology of PRiSM could also be adapted for monitoring other crops,” Dacumos said. PRiSM began full operation in 2018 under PhilRice to assist the Department of Agriculture in making well-informed decisions for policy formulation and planning. Since then, PhilRice has been continuously improving the methodology and technology of PRiSM. Meanwhile, NEDA chairs the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook. The committee was formed to provide high-level policy advice on how to address the recent high inflation. Fulfilling this mandate involves providing anticipatory policy advice, which requires the analysis of timely data. The post NEDA looks to satellite technology to verify inflation policy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tariffs tweak must favor majority — MAP
The Management Association of the Philippines on Tuesday called on the government if it is indeed serious about adjusting the current tariff structure, saying that it should be for the common good of all Filipinos. The call, given to the members of the media through a position paper, was amid the ongoing move by the Tariff Commission and the National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA to review and reform the tariff structure of the Philippines. With this, MAP said NEDA and TC should be mindful that the adjustment should support food security for Filipinos, especially accessibility and affordability of competitively priced food, via low tariffs on food products. Also, the position paper, signed by MAP president, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, said the tariff development should strengthen sustainable agri-food value chains, especially domestic agricultural value-adding enterprises including processing, storage, and logistics, through a rational tariff structure where rates on inputs do not exceed those on finished products. Distortions and unwarranted protection arising from tariff peaks, currently seen primarily in agricultural products, should be avoided. The changes also seek to cut incentives and reduce opportunities for corruption and smuggling by unifying Minimum Access Volume or MAV and non-MAV tariff rates, and keeping tariffs relatively low and uniform across all goods (with a maximum 10 percent to 15 percent) to keep food prices affordable, especially to the poor. High prices fuel poverty “Filipino families have historically been burdened with high food prices than consumers in other countries across ASEAN and beyond. The burden is worsened by relatively lower incomes, the bulk of which must be spent on food because prices are higher than elsewhere. Worse, lower-income families are forced to purchase food products of low nutritional value, leading to a worsening vicious cycle of poverty, hunger, and poor nutrition, lowered human capacity, hence persistent and further deepening poverty,” the paper reads. Despite this, the MAP said tariffs on agricultural and food commodities are higher than those applied to goods in general, as the TC reports that the simple average of tariffs applied on agricultural products is 12 percent, while the average for all products is 8 percent. “Trade-weighted averages show the same pattern, with 9 percent for agriculture, nearly double that for all goods at 5 percent. Agricultural tariffs have remained high because these have been generally excluded from tariff adjustments over the past decades, with agricultural products deemed ‘sensitive’ levied the highest statutory rates of up to 65 percent,” the group explained. In 2015, two-thirds or 66 percent of Philippine agricultural output by value was shielded from foreign competition by Most Favored Nation tariffs of 40 percent or more. “The 2018 Philippines Trade Policy Review, jointly undertaken by the government and the World Trade Organization, showed majority of commodities have MFN tariffs ranging from zero to 20 percent. However, about 6 percent of lines have tariffs significantly above 20 percent, reaching up to 65 percent,” the group explained. The post Tariffs tweak must favor majority — MAP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla zeroes in on gov’t ‘smugglers’
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday revealed that the agency is looking into the possible involvement of some government officials over the smuggling of onion and other agricultural products in the country. The DoJ chief stressed that they are suspecting that some involved in response to query if there are individuals in “high positions” or “officials” involved. “We want to look into names from different agencies that are involved in the entry and giving of permits to import the said commodities,” said Remulla. However, the DoJ chief said the agency still needs to validate the information. “We are still, we will still validate a few more facts and we will be calling on the government agencies involved in the regulatory process to give us the necessary documents so that our database would be complete when we go all out,” Remulla said. He added they are looking into the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Department of Agriculture. “The BOC which passes everything that enter our ports; the BPI where our import permits originate and the DA that gives out different permits for these products,” said Remulla, adding that billions of cash could be involved in the smuggling of onions. “We must remember it’s in the billions, we’re talking about the supply of commodities to a population of 100 million people. So these runs in the billions,” he added. The DoJ will also hold former officials accountable if there is evidence pointing to them as they were first notified about the smuggling in 2018 and Remulla stressed that if there is evidence pointing at them, and it will not spare anyone. To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. early in July ordered the DoJ and the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the smuggling activities involving onions and other agricultural products. The DoJ and the NBI has been given instructions by Marcos to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling, and price fixing of agricultural commodities. In his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos gave a stern warning against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, saying that their days are already numbered. “One of the reasons of rising prices is the presence of smugglers, hoarders and manipulators of agricultural products. We will look for them and file complaints against them,” said the President. “What they are doing is not right, they are committing fraud. Not only farmers are affected, but consumers as well, that’s why we won’t allow such practice. The days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered,” he added. The post Remulla zeroes in on gov’t ‘smugglers’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malnutrition, hunger shade Phl growth
The Asian Development Bank’s outlook for the Philippines remains unchanged since April, maintaining that the country’s economy would expand by 6.0 percent for the remainder of the year and grow by 6.2 percent in 2024. In April, Kelly Bird, ADB country director for the Philippines, noted that the economy was in expansion mode after the gross domestic product grew 7.6 percent throughout 2022. “It (Philippine economic growth) is expected to moderate this year (2023) from the previous year’s forecast-beating outturn, but will remain on a healthy expansion mode underpinned by rising domestic demand and a recovery in services, particularly tourism,” he said. In the latest update of its quarterly Asian Development Outlook 2023 report, the ADB said domestic demand and services continue to drive growth in Southeast Asia, with many economies in the region, including the Philippines’, benefiting from strong tourism recovery. It said robust investment and private consumption, along with rising employment, growth in production and retail sales, and upbeat activity in private and public construction, is propelling the Philippine economy forward, making the country a strong candidate for the fastest-growing economy in the region in 2023, even surpassing Singapore’s and Vietnam’s. Filipinos look forward to ADB’s forecast that growth will remain strong, albeit slowed by global headwinds, high inflation, and tighter monetary policy. GDP growth should pick up even more as the external environment improves. Hopes are pinned on private consumption and investment to continue to expand, though easing from 2022’s brisk pace while household spending will be buoyed by rising employment and steady remittances from Philippine workers overseas. The bank’s outlook on the Philippine economy should get President Marcos into a pumped-up mood as he gets ready to address the country in his 2nd State of the Nation address on Monday. But ADB’s sobering notes on hunger and malnutrition threaten to dim whatever bright disposition he may have at the moment. In its report, the ADB notes that despite rapid economic growth in recent years, these “impressive gains” along with whatever efforts to reduce poverty have not lowered hunger, particularly among people in lower income levels. The ADB cites data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization indicating the prevalence of food insecurity in the Philippines, averaging 43.8 percent of the total population from 2019 to 2021 with 5.2 percent of the people undernourished. An Expanded National Nutrition Survey in 2021 revealed that under-nutrition rates were “very high,” with 26.7 percent of children under five years old stunted. Among school-age children (5-10 years old), the stunting rate was 19.7 percent and much higher among the poorest quintile at 32.7 percent. Alarming figures indicate that chronic malnutrition and stunting are strongly linked to disease and premature death; they adversely affect crucial stages of development (of children), causing cognitive and behavioral deficits, learning disabilities and ultimately a sub-optimal and uncompetitive labor force. The government’s response, the ADB observed, was short-term measures providing social support to vulnerable groups and temporarily easing import restrictions on some agricultural products. And this note should be of particular concern to the President, who remains unmoved by calls to designate a full-time, hands-on expert thoroughly steeped in agriculture at the agency. These data are also alarming: Agriculture growth in the Philippines has underperformed for the past two decades; it grew 3.5 percent on average annually from 2000 to 2010, then by 1.5 percent from 2011 to 2022; Agriculture’s share of GDP has declined from over 15 percent in early 2000 to an average of 9 percent in the past five years, with one-fifth of employment remaining in agriculture; and today’s Philippine agriculture labor productivity continues to lag behind its peers in the Southeast region. The ADB recommended that government strengthens food security and nutrition through social protection responses. Data on poverty incidence showed it declined from 23.5 percent of the population in 2015 to 16.7 percent in 2018 but rose again to 18.1 percent in 2021 because of the pandemic. As the President prepares to take on another year in office, we hope that the President is aware of the urgencies that need to be effectively tackled in the sector he insists on overseeing and of the sociopolitical costs and the not-so-flattering image the country — and the world — would have of his leadership if he leaves these issues substantially unresolved. The post Malnutrition, hunger shade Phl growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM opens Samar Pacific Coastal Road
CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Five years since the start of its construction, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, which completes the circumferential road connecting the three provinces of Samar Island, is finally completed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the 11.6-kilometer SPCR project worth P1.17 billion on Friday in Barangay Simora, Palapag, Northern Samar. The project also included the construction of three bridges that connected Northern Samar’s Pacific towns to the rest of the province. The project, which cost around 1.17 billion pesos, was initiated in 2018 through a collaboration between the local and national governments, as well as the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation loan. “With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite the delivery and movement of our basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life,” Marcos said. Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and the Department of Public Works and Highway for their support, highlighting the economic benefits of the project in terms of increased agricultural productivity, improved tourism, and enhanced peace and resiliency efforts in Northern Samar. “The SPCR will greatly impact the economic development of our province, as it will remarkably encourage increased agricultural productivity of the thousands of our farmers and fisherfolks, thereby improving our program for food self-sufficiency. It will also boost our tourism industry and help sustain our peace and resiliency efforts in Northern Samar,” Ongchuan said. Governor Ongchuan also acknowledged the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for including SPCR 1 in the priority funding of the national government under its “Build Build Build” Program and the Government of Korea for its support to the project. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said the SPCR project is part of their country’s commitment to helping in the Philippines’ development. “Local communities stand to gain from this grand infrastructure undertaking. SPCR will highlight the beauty of the island, ease the movement of people and goods, improve the delivery of services, and spur economic and business activities,” Lee added. Aside from opening the road project, President Marcos also led in the distribution of P91-worth of assistance to 2,500 vulnerable residents of Northern Samar. The Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, among others, distributed material and financial assistance to the beneficiaries. The Provincial Agriculture Office distributed farming equipment, the DA provided tractors, irrigation systems, and seeds, and BFAR distributed fishing boats and aquaculture implements, among other assistance. The event also included a job fair to help jobseekers in the province. Governor Ongchuan emphasized the significance of the program in providing direct access to consumers for farmers and entrepreneurs, contributing to increased income and affordability of basic necessities, and expressed his commitment to working with the national government for the country’s progress. The post PBBM opens Samar Pacific Coastal Road appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan acquits co-accused in P46-M fertilizer anomaly
The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the charges against a private co-accused in the illegal P46.45-million fertilizer purchase of the Department of Agriculture and National Food Authority in 2003. In its 4-page resolution dated 7 July 2023 and released on Sunday, the graft court’s Sixth Division found insufficient evidence that Tomas Guibani, a representative of Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp., conspired with the principal defendants, former DA Secretary Luis Ramon Lorenzo and former NFA Administrator Arthur Yap, in negotiating the purchase of the fertilizer instead of bidding it out to suppliers, in violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Act. “Private individuals may be held liable for violation of Section 3 of RA (Republic Act) 3019 only if they act in conspiracy with the accused public officers. There being insufficient evidence to show the conspiracy, the Court finds that the withdrawal of the Informations is proper,” the resolution read. The Ombudsman charged the three with five counts of graft in 2018. The Supreme Court ruled in October 2022 that the constitutional right of Lorenzo and Yap for a speedy disposition of cases against them was violated. The two principal accused were subsequently acquitted of the charges. Earlier, Guibani asked for the dismissal of the cases against him as Lorenzo and Yap were both cleared of the same charges. With his acquittal, Guibani’s hold departure is now lifted and set aside. The court also ordered his bond be released, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedure. The post Sandiganbayan acquits co-accused in P46-M fertilizer anomaly appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Business mission to lead RP-Russia agri partnership
The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday reported that it took part in the Business Mission of Russian companies, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation and Agroexport Center, which recently concluded in Manila on 21 June 2023. The event aimed to foster collaboration and explore potential business opportunities between the two countries. The DA’s said its participation in the mission is expected to pave the way for more partnerships and initiatives that will benefit the Philippine agriculture industry. DA Undersecretary Agnes Catherine T. Miranda represented the Department and conveyed her appreciation to the Russian Federation for their ongoing bilateral trade with the Philippines. She highlighted that Philippine agriculture exports to Russia have grown by 26 percent from 2018 to 2021. The opening ceremony was followed by a tour of the booths belonging to 15 agribusiness companies mainly involved in industries such as poultry products, dairy, pork, wheat, grain, and tea, among others. The main event was the plenary session “Russia-Philippines: prospects for the development of cooperation in the field of agriculture,” wherein Undersecretary Miranda and Bureau of Animal Industry Director and Philippine Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Paul C. Limson delivered the prospects for mutual trade between the two countries. The spotlight was on the emerging agricultural products of the Philippines, including pili, calamari, carrageenan, and coconut abaca. Undersecretary Miranda mentioned that there are excellent capital investment opportunities in cold storage and processing facilities for fresh and value-added farm products throughout the islands. Director Paul Limson presented the Philippine guidelines for ensuring food and animal health safety during accreditation procedures for exporting meat and meat products to the country. Top agriculture exports to Russia are desiccated coconuts, carrageenan, banana chips, coconut milk, and Cavendish banana. The post Business mission to lead RP-Russia agri partnership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Farming decline in GDP ‘normal’
An agricultural economist on Tuesday said the farm sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product naturally declines as a country moves closer to developed economy status. This came as a reaction to a Philippine Statistics Authority study showing that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector accounted for only 8.9 percent of GDP in 2022, the lowest in five years. In an interview, Roberto Galang, dean at the Ateneo de Manila’s John Gokongwei School of Management, explained that the diminishing share of agriculture in the economy is expected as most countries go through this shift as they develop. “Higher productivity sectors, like manufacturing, Business Process Outsourcing-services and tourism are expected to be the main drivers of the economy going forward,” he added. The dean cited neighboring Thailand, whose agriculture sector only contributed some 8.5 percent to its GDP during the same period. However, Galang said the Philippines’ AFF sector still leaves much room for improvement. There is an urgent need to raise agricultural productivity to alleviate poverty and ensure food security in view of recent shortages in certain staple commodities, he emphasized. Interventions help “A lot of interventions can help, including the clarification of rules around ownership and consolidation of agricultural lands, greater investments in agricultural technologies like high-value seeds, greenhouses, better access to finance for smallholder farms, and improved logistics,” Galang said. Meanwhile, hybrid rice proponent Henry Lim Bon Liong said a sure way to increase agricultural productivity is to abandon traditional rice varieties in favor of much more prolific ones. He noted that traditional rice can only produce 3 to 4 tons per hectare while hybrid rice can produce 8 to 10 tons per hectare, and in some cases, even an excess of this. “If three million hectares of the country’s 4.6 million hectares of rice land can be planted with hybrid (rice), we will never have to import again,” he added. Bon Liong, chair of SL Agritech, a private company engaged in the research, development, production and distribution of hybrid rice seed, lauded the incumbent administration for reviving the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program, which seeks to modernize the rice sector with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency. In the PSA’s report, it was noted that the AFF’s contribution to GDP was 9.7 percent in 2018; 9.2 percent in 2019; 10.2 percent in 2020; and 9.6 percent in 2021. The post Farming decline in GDP ‘normal’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The great onion irony (1)
Recent developments in the onion industry seem irreconcilable even to an ordinary Juan. The Philippine Statistics Authority recently reported that onion production during the first quarter of 2023 was at 156.53-thousand metric tons. For the appreciation of consumers who only buy the cooking staple by the kilo, that is more than 156,000,000 kilograms of onions harvested by our lowly farmers in three months. The PSA said this was 6.4 percent higher than the 147.15-thousand metric ton output in the same quarter of last year. Herein lies the irony. Despite a high yield, the Department of Agriculture, in mid-May, announced that the country may re-import up to 22,000 metric tons of red and white onions if prices continued to rise in the market. The importation volume, according to Deputy Spox Asec. Rex Estoperez was based on the country’s monthly consumption. What happened to the 156,000,000 kilos of onions when the country consumes approximately 17,000 metric tons or 17,000,000 kilos of onions, a staple of local cooking, every month? Consider this, too — despite Filipinos grappling with skyrocketing prices of the staple bulb last year, the Agriculture department said 100,000 metric tons of onions went to waste in 2022. If there is a noble move to keep the prices of onions from kicking up, it is not through importation but by convening onion stakeholders, including onion farmers, and addressing the major factors behind the sudden price increases and the waste. Consumers will abhor a sequel of an episode that happened in mid and late 2022 when the price of the humble onion surged to around P700 per kilogram, which made it a luxury — even more expensive than beef. First-hand accounts of onion farmers from Central Luzon, the Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley highlight their challenges and plight. They incurred losses by having to sell their onions at a lower price, or they had to dispose of the excess crop as there were no appropriate storage facilities available. This resulted in tons of spoiled onions left on roadsides and riverbanks, which not only harms the environment but also causes further financial losses for small-scale farmers. It is crucial to provide support to farmers even after the harvest season, and failure to consider the entire value chain led to the wastage of the surplus onions. A 2018 report also tells of onion farmers in Nueva Ecija struggling with low prices and high costs of inputs like seeds and fertilizer, and competition from imported onions. Another 2020 report described the struggles of onion farmers in Ilocos Norte, who were unable to sell their crops due to a lack of buyers. They had invested significant time and resources into planting and growing their onions but were unable to profit from their efforts due to the difficulties in finding buyers in the market. Importing onions is just a Band-Aid solution to reduce onion prices. A myriad of factors, such as shortages, plant pests, climate conditions, inflation, and imports, have contributed to a significant increase in prices. Whether we like it or not, the case of the onion represents the sad story of smallholder farmers who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of these problems. Sustainable solutions are what we need. (To be continued) The post The great onion irony (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LandBank’s Q1 transactions rise
Land Bank of the Philippines’ digital transactions amounted to P735.95 billion in the first quarter this year, 30 percent higher than the same period last year as transactions surged across digital channels for individual, business and overseas workers customers. Its Bulk Crediting System had a total value of P19.7 billion, up by 1,402 percent from 1.8 million transactions. Meanwhile, Link.BizPortal transactions amounted to P3 billion, which was 58 percent higher with 2.18 million transactions. The bank’s success accumulated P199.38 billion, up by 39 percent, while Mobile Banking App brought in P61.79 billion or 31 percent growth from 32.2 million transactions. Electronic disbursement higher LandBank’s Electronic Modified Disbursement System also recorded 597,496 more transactions amounting to P447.5 billion or 22 percent growth and represented 85 percent of all disbursements of the national government from January to March. Meanwhile, savings accounts opened through its Digital Onboarding System already totaled 4 million since the system was activated in 2018. They include accounts at the Overseas Filipino Bank, the country’s first digital bank and a subsidiary of LandBank. The government-owned LandBank uses both web-based and mobile app technologies to serve customers mostly from the agriculture and government sectors. The post LandBank’s Q1 transactions rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos vows no rice shortage: ‘We have enough supply’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public on Wednesday that there would be no rice shortage despite a farmer group's warning that the country would experience another rice crisis similar to 2018. In a media interview on the sidelines of an event in Bulacan, the President said that he does not anticipate a national rice crisis despite predictions that the country's rice supply will decline in the upcoming months. "We are watching and waiting to see what the production levels are going to be after the last planting season before the harvest, for the upcoming harvest," Marcos said. "Basta't things — all things remain equal— we have enough supply and that we'll be able to keep the prices stable," he added. However, the President did admit that the typhoons and Covid-19 lockdowns had depleted the National Food Authority's buffer stock. To comply with the law requiring the agency to purchase from local rice producers, Marcos said the government is currently figuring out how to refill the NFA buffer supply. Marcos, who is also the Agriculture secretary, warned that prices might spike if this happens during the harvest season since the NFA is only allowed to buy stocks from local producers. "Now, if we buy during the harvest season along with the NFA, the price of rice will increase. That's our current problem. How are we going to do that? Where are we going to get the funds to replenish the NFA's buffer stock?" Marcos said. "We have to have that buffer stock and that's the problem we are currently wrestling with because we really monitor the prices of agricultural commodities. Of course, especially rice," Marcos added. Considering the danger of the supply "thinning out" if typhoons strike the nation and the El Nino weather phenomenon affects the harvests, Marcos said the government is closely monitoring the rice situation. "As long as we have harvested already, there won't be any problem with the supply. It's just like what you mentioned. We're waiting for the last planting to be harvested in the dry season," he explained. Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture said the NFA has abandoned plans to import 330,000 metric tons of rice. Farmers' organizations opposed the importation proposal, claiming that the government is prioritizing foreign rice growers. According to a study by the DA-National Rice Program, the 5.66 million metric tons of palay in stock at the end of the first quarter of 2023 will last for 51 days. According to the DA, dried palay farmgate prices rose to P21.07 per kilo on 3 April from P19.23 the previous month. Fresh palay saw a slight price increase, up from P17.29 to P17.98 per kilo. The dry season offers "better conditions for drying newly harvested palay," according to the DA, although prices could increase based on "any situational changes — for instance, the added value due to the high quality of dry palay." The post Marcos vows no rice shortage: ‘We have enough supply’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baguio economy back on track
BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority in Cordillera region announced on Wednesday that this city’s economy is already back on its feet as it rebounded from a negative 17.1 percent contraction in 2020 to a 9.9 percent growth in 2021. PSA Cordillera chief statistical analyst Aldrien Federico Bahit said that the local economy was estimated to be at P146.9 billion in 2018 that increased to 152.9 billion in 2019 before declining to P126.7 billion in 2020 and rebounded to P139.2 billion in 2021. However, the city’s economy valued at P139.2 billion in 2021 was still much lower compared to the 2018 and 2019 levels and thus, the local economy has to gain at least 9.8 percent in 2022 to be able to match the 2018 and 2019 levels. Bahit said that all the major industries contributed to the growth of the city’s economy in 2021 with industry contributing the highest with 5.1 percentage points followed by services with 4.7 percentage points and agriculture, forestry and fishery with 0.3 percentage points. In 2020, all the major industries also contributed to the decline in the city’s economy with services being the hardest hit by the pandemic registering negative 11.5 percentage points, followed by industry with negative 5.6 percentage points and agriculture, forestry and fishery with 0.003 percentage points. Except for industry that reportedly pulled down the economy by negative 0.9 percentage points, services and agriculture, forestry and fishery contributed positively to the 4 percent growth in 2019. Services had 4.9 percent contribution while agriculture, forestry and fishery contributed 0.003 percent. Based on the annual growth contribution of the highlighted industries in 2021, the growth of the city’s economy was triggered by manufacturing with 4.4 percent; financial and insurance activities — 1.5 percent; and accommodation and food services — 1.1 percent. The rest of the industries similarly grew during the said year, except for transportation and storage which pulled the growth by 0.3 percent. Bahit added that the city’s per capita domestic product in 2021 was estimated at P379,712.00 which is still lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and 2018. The government’s statistics agency is now preparing for the 2022 gross city domestic product that is why it is soliciting the support of the local government unit for the data gathering to be able to complete the same right on time. The post Baguio economy back on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»