We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Davao Media-Citizen Council elects officers
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Davao Media-Citizen Council (DMCC) on Saturday elected its officers from representatives of various fields — media, business, law and academe. MindaNews’ Special Reports Editor Carolyn O. Arguillas was elected chair while Antonio Peralta representing the business sector was elected vice chair. Peralta chairs the Southern Mindanao Business […].....»»
Dusit Thani, Sheraton to build hotels in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Two international hotel chains — Sheraton and Dusit Thani – are set to build hotels in this city, the third in Mindanao for Dusit Thani and the first in Mindanao for Sheraton. Dusit Thani operates two in the Davao region – Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Davao […].....»»
Measles vaccine drive launched in BARMM
The Department of Health is conducting a non-selective immunization program against measles in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to contain an outbreak......»»
PBA All Stars hopping over to Davao next
The PBA is looking at Davao as potentially the next venue for the annual All-Star Weekend as it considers bringing the annual festivities to Mindanao after back-to-back stops in the Visayas......»»
‘Extreme danger heat index seen in May’
The cities of Puerto Princesa in Luzon and Cotabato in Mindanao sizzled with a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to state meteorologists......»»
Tigbakay sa Semana Santa hugtan og bantay sa kapulisan
Tigbakay sa Semana Santa hugtan og bantay sa kapulisan.....»»
Bantay Dagat tells fisherfolks, fish dealers to register their gears, vessels
CEBU CITY, Philippines – An official of Cebu City’s Bantay Dagat Commission (BDC) is urging fisherfolks and fish dealers to comply with the mandatory registration of their fishing vessels and gears. Lawyer Ernesto Jose Rama, the BDC chairman, said in an episode of Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (BDC) aired via the Sugboanon Channel that.....»»
RM ni Bea Alonzo patuloy ang cryptic post, sino kaya si ‘hustler’?
MUKHANG the plot thickens ukol sa tunay na dahilan sa likod ng paghihiwalay ng celebrity couple na sina Bea Alonzo at Dominic Roque. Buhat kasi nang magsimula ang chikang hiwalay na ang dalawa ay bantay sarado na ng mga netizens ang dalawa pati na rin ang mga taong malapit sa kanila. Kaya naman mabilis na.....»»
Bicol rice retail prices hit P75/kilo
Retail prices of rice in Bicol have reached P75 per kilo, according to watchdog group Bantay Bigas......»»
Group warns of worse hunger as rice prices spike
The watchdog group Bantay Bigas over the weekend warned of an increase in hunger incidence in the country amid the continued spike in retail prices of rice......»»
Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial spotted together sa isang bar
USAP-USAPAN ngayon ng mga netizens kung ano nga ba ang namamagitan sa Kapamilya stars na sina Richard Gutierrez at Barbie Imperial. Ito ay may kaugnayan sa mga kumakalat na pictures sa social media matapos silang makita together sa isang bar sa Alabang. Chika pa nga ng iba, “bantay sarado” raw si Barbie kay Richard. May.....»»
Vallena: Bantay sa gutter
Vallena: Bantay sa gutter.....»»
Ilocos Sur micro-entreps get help from Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go’s team, in coordination with Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Vigan City Mayor Jose Bonito Singson Jr., Caoayan Mayor Germelina Goulart and other local government officials, provided assistance to micro-business owners at the Vigan Conservation Complex and Caoayan municipal gymnasium in Ilocos Sur on Monday, 23 October. A total of 68 individuals received masks and snacks, while select recipients were given shoes, shirts and balls for basketball from Go’s team. Aside from the assistance from Go, the beneficiaries also qualified for the Department of Trade and Industry’s program that Go supported which provides livelihood kits to assist communities affected by crises in their recovery efforts. “Patuloy tayong sumusuporta sa mga programang pangkabuhayan lalo na yung mga makakatulong sa mga mahihirap na nahaharap sa krisis. Sa ating pakikipagtulungan, ang DTI ay nagbibigay ng mga negosyo kits sa mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo at tinuturuan sila kung paano palalaguin ang kanilang mga negosyo para mapakinabangan ng pamilya ang kanilang kikitain. Nagbigay naman tayo ng karagdagang suporta sa mga benepisyaryo ng programang ito,” he explained in a video message. Also in attendance were DTI 1 Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan and Provincial Director Charry Quodala. Go acknowledged how the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected businesses in the country. In response to this, Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product Philippines Act. This legislation serves to institutionalize the OTOP Philippines Program, a strategic initiative tailored to nurturing the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises throughout the country. The essence of the OTOP Program centers on the identification and promotion of distinctive products originating from various towns and municipalities. In doing so, it not only encourages entrepreneurship but also effectively harnesses local resources while preserving our rich cultural heritage. This approach facilitates increased visibility, market access, and enhanced competitiveness for micro-businesses, thereby making a substantial contribution to our country’s economic resilience. "Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pag-angat ng MSMEs. Ito'y pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino, kahit saan man sila naroroon, na magtagumpay sa negosyo," he elaborated. "When communities take the lead in product development, we see more sustainable and culturally relevant outcomes. This is what OTOP aims to achieve," Go said. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the role played by Malasakit Centers in ensuring convenient access to the government's medical assistance programs. As part of his commitment to alleviating the struggles faced by individuals and families while improving their access to essential healthcare services, Go initiated the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 2018. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Since its inception, the Malasakit Centers have helped more than seven million poor and indigent patients nationwide. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers, including those at Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital (formerly known as Gabriela Silang General Hospital) in Vigan City and Ilocos Sur Medical Center in Candon City. Moreover, Go also supported the construction of more than 600 Super Health Centers in strategic locations nationwide including four in Ilocos Sur as identified by the Department of Health which is the lead implementing agency. The initiative was a collaborative effort among lawmakers, LGUs and the DOH. According to Go, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in rural communities. It will also help decongest hospitals. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported various infrastructure projects, including the road improvements in Magsingal and Narvacan; acquisition of medical equipment for public health facilities in Cervantes, Magsingal, Narvacan, Salcedo, Sinait and Sta. Lucia; acquisition of ambulance units in Burgos, Nagbukel, San Emilio and Tagudin; and construction of multipurpose buildings, halls and gyms in Bantay, Cabugao, Santa, Sigay and Sugpon. The post Ilocos Sur micro-entreps get help from Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army installs new chief for reservist, retiree affairs
The Philippine Army installed Col. Arnel Bautista as the new assistant chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs (OG-9) on Monday. In a ceremonial change of office at the PA Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Bautista officially replaced outgoing chief Col. Jaime Datuin, who has been leading the office’s affairs and operations since September 2021. Prior to his new appointment, Bautista served as the Group Commander of the 1st Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command prior to his new assignment. He also held various leadership positions in the 9th Infantry Division such as the Commandant of the Division Training School, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, and Commanding Officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion. Bautista is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Bantay-Laya" Class 1994. Meanwhile, Datuin graduated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School as a member of Class 11-1993. During his stint as assistant chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs, Datuin initiated several programs and activities aiming to enhance the welfare of the Army's reservists and retirees. Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano Camba extended his congratulations to Bautista for his new assignment. Camba also encouraged the office personnel to continue their efforts, with the newly installed head, “to develop a more reliable Army Reserve force.” The post Army installs new chief for reservist, retiree affairs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Illegal fishermen netted
Limay, Bataan — Authorities reported that at least eight fishermen were arrested after they were caught blast-fishing off the waters of the town here recently. The Limay Municipal Police Station, Limay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council and Bantay Dagat conducted a joint operation at the waters of Limay after receiving information that there was dynamite fishing in the area. The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects on board various fishing vessels identified as Maceda, Bernaldo, Tapion, and two individuals surnamed Villanueva on board an unmarked fishing boat. Additionally, the FB Pam-Dave was found to have on board Punay and two more individuals with the surname Villanueva. The suspects were caught red-handed collecting Alubaybay fishes, which is indicative of dynamite fishing, a fact later confirmed by a fish examiner from the Provincial Agriculturist of Bataan. During the operation, authorities confiscated significant evidence, including approximately 200 grams of Alubaybay fishes valued at P9,800, three fish finders with a total value of P45,000, six sets of fine fish nets valued at P42,000, and three fishing boats equipped with motors valued at P150,000. The post Illegal fishermen netted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Famed environmental warrior graces RC Manila assembly
The Rotary Club of Manila had a brilliant, unique guest speaker at its last weekly members’ meeting at the Manila Polo Club — the famed, internationally acclaimed author, lawyer, environmental activist, and recipient, in 2009, of what is regarded as the Nobel Prize of Asia, the Ramon Magsaysay Award (non-category), Antonio Oposa Jr. For about an hour and a half last Thursday, 21 September 2023, RC Manila members, officers and guests at the MPC’s Turf Room alternately stood up to sing along and listen to Oposa’s telling of “good stories,” his way, he said, of promoting and creating awareness for his advocacies and his passion for the environment. Oposa earned a law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law. For a short time, he worked in a law firm, until he realized that his heart was not in the practice of law but rather with nature and the environment. He traveled to Norway and enrolled in a course on energy and the environment at the University of Oslo’s summer program and afterwards, to Boston, where he pursued and later obtained his LLM at the Harvard Law School in 1997. [caption id="attachment_188497" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Valiant environmental warrior Antonio Oposa: ‘My biggest achievement is that I have turned some of my adversaries into co-advocates. And what could be more inspiring now than to see their own children out there, protecting the sea?’[/caption] In 1993, Oposa made global headlines for the landmark case, Minors Oposa v Factoran where the Supreme Court ruled that the 43 children counseled by Oposa, who filed legal action against the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, seeking cancellation by the agency of existing timber license agreements and stopping the issuance of new ones, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. “The case was brought to court amid the government’s then granting over 90 logging companies permits to cut down nearly four million hectares of old-growth forest when only 850,000 hectares remained. And forests were being logged at a rate of some 200,000 hectares per year! I told the Court how my son, only three at that time, would no longer see these forests by the time he was 10. I couldn’t help thinking, that if this wasn’t stopped not a single old-growth forest would remain for him and future generations to enjoy,” Oposa said. The case had initially been dismissed in trial court on the ground that there was no legal personality to sue. Oposa elevated the case to the Supreme Court, and in a much-hailed case of intergenerational responsibility, the Supreme Court upheld the legal standing and right of the children to initiate action on their behalf and on behalf of generations yet unborn. What was so remarkable about the case is that Oposa sued on behalf of generations yet unborn and today that milestone case is known in Philippine and global jurisprudence as the “Oposa Doctrine.” For its part, the Philippine Supreme Court, too, carved a permanent niche for itself in environmental law with its promulgation of Oposa v Factoran. It secured its place in history, earning praises from the international environmental community and a reputation as a champion of the right to a healthy environment. Oposa also recounted at this talk at the RC Manila meeting last Thursday another epic landmark case involving the legal tussle he waged against 11 government agencies for the cleaning up of severely polluted Manila Bay. In December 2008, a decade after he filed that case, the Supreme Court issued a decision in his favor. In a continuing mandamus ruling, the Supreme Court ordered all defendant agencies to implement a time-bound action plan that would clean up Manila Bay and to give the Court a progress report on the matter every three months. Oposa talked about the Island Sea Camp he organized in 2001 in Bantayan Island where he gave children lessons on coral reefs, snorkeling and sustainable practices. In 2003, 2004, while holding weekend training camps for children in the Sea Camp “we noticed the rampant illegal fishing going on. Dynamite fishing and commercial fishing intrusions into prohibited coastal zones went unchecked. Something had to be done,” related Oposa. Thus, was born the Visayan Sea Squadron. “I organized a strike team with crack enforcers from the National Bureau of Investigation, Navy, fishermen, sea watch volunteers, lawyers, law students and even a few foreigners. The target was not small fishermen but crime syndicates and operators behind the sale of blasting caps and dynamite powder. Seizures and raids followed,” he said. Operations were so effective that word went out that his friend Jojo de la Victoria, the fearless Cebu City Bantay Dagat (Sea Watch) chief, and Oposa were targets of assassination. A local newspaper interviewed De la Victoria, revealing an intelligence report about illegal fishing operators putting up a P1-million bounty for him and Oposa. In 12 April 2006, 48 hours after he was interviewed, De la Victoria was felled by a hired gunman outside his house in Cebu City. “Jojo’s life was not in vain. After his funeral, a core team met for dinner to regroup. The tide of illegal fishing started to turn. Exploits of the Visayan Sea Squadron — and the courage and synergy of the men and women who made it happen — became known far and wide,” Oposa said. He continued, “Four years after Jojo died, Visayan Sea Squadron co-founder Alfredo Marañon was elected governor of Negros Occidental province. He gathered the other governors in the region to begin a restorative plan for the Visayan Sea which encompasses an area of over a million hectares. The governors passed a landmark joint resolution declaring the entire Visayan Sea a marine reserve.” For his valiant work as an environmental warrior, Oposa has been the recipient of many award in recognition of his valiant work as an environmental warrior. Aside from receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2009, he was given the equally prestigious Center for International Environmental Law Award in 2008. Earlier, in 1997, he was conferred the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honor, the highest UN honor in the field of the environment. Asked if there was anything about his attainments that gives him the most satisfaction, Oposa said, “My biggest achievement is not that I caught this violator and that violator when we were busy with our Visayan Sea Squadron operations; it is that I have turned my adversaries into co-advocates. Some of those who had opposed me are now supporting me in my advocacies. And what could be more inspiring than to see their own children helping us out there, protecting the sea?” The post Famed environmental warrior graces RC Manila assembly appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu
Five senior officers of the Philippine Coast Guard are vying to be the PCG’s 30th Commandant, replacing Admiral Artemio Abu who retired on Tuesday, 19 September. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo identified the shortlisted senior officials as CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan, CG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, CG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, CG Vice Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega, and CG Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria. Punzalan, a member of PMA Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992, is currently the PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, while Gavan, a member of PMA Maalab Class of 1993, holds the number-three position in the Coast Guard hierarchy as the PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration. Coyme, of PMA Bantay Laya Class of 1994, serves as the Commander of the Maritime Services Command, while Dela Vega, of PMA Class of 1993, is the Commander of Weapons, Electronics and Information Systems. On the other hand, Echeverria serves as Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command and Director of the National Coast Watch Center. He is a member of the PMA Class of 1993. “The five candidates will undergo a series of interviews and will face the senior leadership of the Department of Transportation before they will be endorsed to the Office of the President," CG Rear Admiral Balilo said. "But the President, aside from the five nominees, can still choose from the qualified flag rank officers of the PCG,” he added. Abu served a year and a half as PCG commandant when his men suffered numerous bullying and aggressive incidents at the hands of Chinese maritime authorities in the West Philippine Sea. Despite this, Abu maintained that “with utmost professionalism and due regard for the safety and welfare of all persons with lawful business in our waters, the PCG is in lock-step with our commandant’s clarion call that despite the dangers of patrolling our waters in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG’s men and women will always be prepared to fulfill our obligations not only to the present but also to the future generations of Filipinos to the fullest.” Prior to this post, he served as the commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command and the Coast Guard Education and Training Command. The post 5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paying tribute to Criselda, Rustan’s bestselling iconic fashion designer
In her lifetime, Criselda Lontok epitomized the kind of woman for whom the legendary Glecy Rustia Tantoco established her home-based establishment that would grow into the country’s foremost luxury department store. No wonder that the Rustan’s Department Store founder, known for her keen understanding of the ladies of Manila’s 400, offered to Criselda, one of Manila’s most beautiful women and smartest dressers, a beauty queen and a fashion model, an exclusive line intended for her kind. Criselda, who had served initially as a buyer and merchandiser, and spearheaded a number of homegrown Italian-inspired Rustan’s labels, accepted the challenge, keeping in mind her friends and acquaintances, the quintessential upper-class Filipina — fashionable, committed to philanthropic and civic causes, herself engaged in an enterprise or a profession that fits her colegiala or finishing school education and, of course, prominent and socially-adept. Having seen the world and constantly on the go in the jet-setting era, these women, like Criselda herself, knew the best of foreign brands and were accustomed to wearing them. [caption id="attachment_186354" align="aligncenter" width="1365"] JOHN Fernandez, Criselda Lontok’s son. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RUSTANS[/caption] Taking her cue from the composite personality traits of her intended clientele, beautiful people as they were then called, Criselda went on to create dresses that appealed to the ladies’ fine sensibilities anchored on a lifestyle of privilege, comfort, grace and sophisticated aesthetics. Her ingenuity could not have been more apt, as proven by her designs hogging the limelight, the topic of conversation among socialites who finally found the dress that fit them and their style — and becoming the best-seller of Rustan’s. From its beginnings in the early 1980s, the label Criselda went on to grow as among the top offerings and go-to brands of the country’s sole purveyor of high style. And even as Rustan’s aimed for inclusivity to address the needs of professionals and customers who aspired to the good life within their budget, Criselda remained the top choice for those who sought to be attractive and stylish, while being practical and wise in their choices. A Criselda was always a good investment. Through the decades, just like a select few things that get better as they get older, Criselda, the exclusive clothing brand, has transcended fashion trends and social seasons and has maintained its eminent position in the country’s pret-a-porter sector. Criselda’s recent demise might have led to a void, especially in the firmament of Philippine fashion, but her eponymous brand, Criselda, just like her name, has endured. She may be gone but she is remembered, first by her Rustan’s family led by Zenaida R. Tantoco, chief executive officer and chairman of the Rustan Group of Companies, her friends, devoted clientele, and the many others whose lives she touched through her professionalism, kindness, friendliness and warmth, which she generously gave especially to those who came to peruse her creations, mostly cut along classic lines but not sacrificing women’s desire to be chic and trendy. Her career with Rustan’s is a story worth telling as it is inspiring, one that would encourage our young women to pursue their dreams. As a young wife and mother who believed she could contribute to the world out there, Criselda applied for a job at Rustan’s. The grand lady of the number one purveyor of luxury in the country, Glecy R. Tantoco, took her in despite her initial doubts as to whether Criselda, who comes from a good family in Batangas and married into another good family from Laguna, would stick it out despite the rigorous requirements of the job. Glecy Tantoco was known for her insistence on the efficiency of her staff, along with a strong sense of service and an overall image in terms of personal looks and demeanor that defined the Rustan’s style of appropriateness, class and good breeding. [caption id="attachment_186355" align="aligncenter" width="1078"] ERNIE Lopez and Bertha Felicino of Bantay Bata.[/caption] Thankfully, Criselda proved herself worthy, even as she had to deal directly with her tough and no-nonsense boss. In fact, they clicked, as Glecy turned out to be a supportive mentor. Taking Criselda under her wing, she gave her additional responsibilities and assigned her to the forefront when dignitaries and international socialites shopped at Rustan’s. More than the label and the prestige, what Glecy Tantoco gave her were the right work ethic and belief in herself. Criselda remembered her mentor, “GRT (as Glecy was called) was so very hardworking, you just had to be as hardworking, too. I truly admired her foresight. She had the drive. She taught me that I must be sure of myself and only if I was sure should I pursue whatever I wanted to do.” It did not take long for Criselda’s outfits to become a must among Manila’s prominent women who love to wear them not only when attending big parties but also when visiting with friends, shopping at the mall, or relaxing with the family at home. Whether these were day dresses, afternoon outfits, cocktail dresses, or ravishing evening gowns, they lapped them up, happy at the thought of not having to bother with fittings and the encumbrances that went with wearing haute couture. If they wore her creations, it was because they believed her when she spoke to them of fashion sense and carriage and, of course, compatibility with what they wore. She once said, “It is important to consider your age. An 80-year-old woman should not even wear mini skirts...just a little above the knee is permissible but not one that shows her prominent varicose veins and other unsightly parts.” The post Paying tribute to Criselda, Rustan’s bestselling iconic fashion designer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zephanie mas nag-mature, nagsusuot na ng mga sexy outfits; Babaerong aktor bantay sarado sa palabang dyowa
ISA pang talent ng Cornerstone Entertainment na tila kumakawala na rin sa pagiging wholesome, ang singer na si Zephanie Dimaranan or Zephanie. Dumalo kasi ang 2019 Idol Philippines grand winner sa nakaraang Vogue Philippines Gala 2023 nitong Martes, Agosto 29 na ginanap sa Shangri-La BGC at ka-date niya ang kapwa niya Sparkle Artist na si The post Zephanie mas nag-mature, nagsusuot na ng mga sexy outfits; Babaerong aktor bantay sarado sa palabang dyowa appeared first on Bandera......»»
Consumers’ group urges gov’t to buy from farmers
Consumer group Bantay Bigas called on the Marcos Administration to purchase farmers' crops this season to lower the prices of basic commodities. In a radio interview over Radyo 630, Cathy Estavillo, Bantay Bigas spokesperson, said if the government can buy at least “20 to 25 percent” of the fresh harvests of Filipino farmers, it may bring down prices of rice which is now reaching P60 per kilo. The Department of Agriculture earlier said that harvest season would start mid-September to November, and must be taken advantage of by the government. “Walang ibang dapat gawin ang gobyerno kundi mag-subsidize sa presyo ng bigas… ‘Yung mga fresh na inaani ng ating mga magsasaka, bilhin na niya ‘yan, (There's no other way but the goverment to subsidize the price of rice. The goverment should buy the fresh harvest of our farmers)," Estavillo suggested. “I-imbak niya at i-pagiling niya ‘yun at ibenta sa ating mga consumers through subsidized rice… para maging affordable ang presyo ng bigas sa palengke, (Store and milled this rice, then sell as subsidize rice, to become more affordable for ordinary Filipinos at the local market),” she added. Estavillo said subsidies to farmers should be the “immediate” solution of the government for now, aside from tasking farmers to continue planting rice to augment the production losses in previous typhoons. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Estavillo added, as an agriculture secretary should also give “at least P50,000” to farmers whose crops were 100 percent destroyed by previous storms. “Ibasura na niya ang mga polisiya na nagpapahintulot ng pagbaha ng imported na bigas. Talagang pagdating sa pagkain, lalong-lalo na sa bigas, dapat hindi ipaubaya ng gobyerno sa mga private sector ‘yung kalakalan ng bigas at palay (Put aside the policy that flooded the market with imported rice. When we speak of food, rice is number one, the goverment should not allow the private sector to handle the trade of this commodity” she said. Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives, explained that the spike in local prices is influenced by global prices and high input costs plus the lowering buffer stock. She said the country is approaching lean months as it has just entered the harvesting period, which will enter its peak sometime in October and the middle of November. On the other hand, Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian said that the price of rice will not go down to as low as P20 even under the best-case scenario. “Not P20 (per kilo) but at least we can maintain a lower price that is affordable. I think our objective should be affordability for our population,” Sebastian said, stressing that lowering the price to P20 per kilo would be “difficult.” Sebastian however explained that the price of rice will only stabilize at P45 and P46 a kilo during the harvest period. The post Consumers’ group urges gov’t to buy from farmers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»