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Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
The real pasaways
The local internet came down hard last week on an anonymous teacher who was caught on livestream giving her students a scorching tongue-lashing for what she claimed was their lack of respect and discipline. Almost hysterical, Teacher X called them good-for-nothings without a future. Predictably, netizens deplored her derogatory language, which they equated with child abuse, and called on the Department of Education to investigate the incident and impose some disciplinary measure on the teacher concerned......»»
Mission impossible: Embracing the nuclear ‘explosion’
A nuclear “explosion” of sorts could be on the horizon for the Philippines – one which could ensure a sustainable, sufficient and clean source of electricity for future generations, or one which could put the country in a deep hole......»»
What is the future of Philippine Financial Literacy?
What is the future of Philippine Financial Literacy?.....»»
Exploring the culinary heritage of Pampanga
'The future of Kapampangan food is bright,' says chef Jam Melchor, founder of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement.....»»
Canino back on top
Prodigious Ruelle Canino, regarded as the future of Philippine women’s chess, sustained her fine form in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan.....»»
NAIA sale to pay debts
Amid the excitement over the successful privatization of NAIA’s rehab and operation, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto mused about the future of NAIA beyond the 15-year San Miguel concession period......»»
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......»»