P20 KADA KILONG BIGAS, PANGAKO NI BBM
Sure ball na dahil mismo si President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang nangako na kanyang tutuparin ang pangako na ibababa sa P20 per kilo ang presyo ng bigas habang binibigyan ng proteksyon ang mga magsasaka. Sinabi ni Marcos mismo nitong nakaraang Huwebes na nakikipag-usap na siya sa ilang trader upang panatilihin muna ang presyo ng […] The post P20 KADA KILONG BIGAS, PANGAKO NI BBM appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
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......»»
Legarda commends Belmonte’s Murang Bigas
Sen. Loren Legarda thanked Quezon City District 2 Councilor Mikey Belmonte for the Murang Bigas Handog Pangkabuhayan program, which provided residents with P20,000 worth of affordable rice for their startup business......»»
Rice supply sufficient until next year, says DA
The Philippines will still have a sufficient supply of rice until next year, according to the Department of Agriculture. In a news forum on Saturday, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the country was able to draw up a “stable supply” of rice since August and it is expected to last until November. “We expect the national inventory stocks to reach 77 days this month, which is expected to increase up to 94 days in November this year due to the continued harvest this wet season,” De Mesa said in an. Interview. He noted that the rice importation is not yet included in the count. “Maasahan po natin na talagang sapat at maganda at matatag po ang supply ng bigas natin na maaasahan po natin hanggang sa pagpasok po ng susunod na taon na 2024,” he said. De Mesa said there will be a “bumper in the rice harvests” during the wet season and that the government is expecting a more stabilized rice supply until next year. “We do not see any movement of rice prices in the market,” he added. De Mesa said more supply will add up once the rice imports are delivered to the country by the end of September. “Pumalo po ito sa mahigit 271,000 metric tons at historically ay marami pa rin naman iyong pumapasok na imports sa last quarter na bahagi ng taon,” he added. The government, he said, is also working on reducing the cost of production in the Philippines” in order to ensure the affordable prices of basic commodities in the market.” The post Rice supply sufficient until next year, says DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos waves off sharp drop in ratings: ‘People are having a hard time’
Asked for his reaction to the findings of the recent Pulse Asia survey, Marcos said: “It’s not surprising. People are having a hard time. Bigas na to eh (This is rice).”.....»»
PBBM, DSWD chief distribute BOC-confiscated rice to 4Ps households in Siargao
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, distributed premium quality rice to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Friday, 29 September. Around 2,265 sacks of premium rice confiscated by the Bureau of Customs were handed over by President Marcos and Gatchalian to 4Ps beneficiaries from the island. DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Monina Josefina Romualdez also assisted the President and the DSWD chief in the distribution of rice to the recipients. According to President Marcos, the distribution of rice to poor households is in line with the government’s effort to end hunger in the country. “Isa ito sa mga hakbang na ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan upang maibsan ang gutom ng mga mamamayan sa buong bansa (This is one of the steps being taken by our government to alleviate hunger among the people throughout the country.),” President Marcos emphasized. As the concurrent head of the Department of Agriculture, the President also said part of his duty is to ensure food security and a good supply chain in the country by addressing the issues of hoarding and smuggling. “Ang mga gawain na iyan [hoarding and smuggling] ay nagpapataas ng presyo ng bigas. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit ang bigas biglang tumaas ang presyo (Those activities [hoarding and smuggling] contribute to the increase in rice prices. That is the reason why the price of rice suddenly went up.),” President Marcos pointed out. “Katungkulan ko na pagandahin ang supply ng pagkain at tiyakin na kahit sapat ang supply, na ang presyo naman ay nasa tama para hindi nahihirapan ang taumbayan (It is my duty to improve the food supply and ensure that even with sufficient supply, the price is reasonable so that the people do not suffer.),” the President said. President Marcos assured the beneficiaries that the government would continue to find ways to achieve the “Walang Gutom 2027” campaign of the DSWD by the end of his term. “Patuloy po kami na naghahanap ng bago, ng kahit anong magagawa upang tumulong sa inyo, na maabot natin, ang aking pangarap na wala nang gutom sa Pilipinas (We continue to look for new ways, anything we can do to help you, to reach my dream of no more hunger in the Philippines.),” the President said. The distributed rice in Siargao Island is part of the more than 42,000 bags of Jasmine rice seized by the BOC during its warehouse raid in Zamboanga City last May, which was later donated to the DSWD for distribution to the “poorest of the poor”. The post PBBM, DSWD chief distribute BOC-confiscated rice to 4Ps households in Siargao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NFA buys farmers’ harvests at higher prices
Farmers from different regions are enjoying better profits for their yields this harvest season. It is because the National Food Authority is now buying their rice harvest at much better and higher prices. Buying at farm gate prices of P16 to P19 per kilogram for fresh palay and P19 to P23 for dry palay, the Department of Agriculture's Rice Industry Development on Sunday said that farmers around the country are happy with the increase in the buying price of NFA which was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos, concurrent Agriculture Secretary, on Monday last week, to ensure that farmers, who are currently harvesting their wet season crop, would not suffer from abruptly declining prices for their fresh harvest beginning this month. The DA-RID head, Undersecretary Leo Sebastian, said the new higher prices of NFA are the traders' benchmark in setting their buying prices from farmers for the fresh palay. With the mandated price hike for NFA such drastic price declines would not materialize. Sebastian said most areas of Central Luzon and portions of Mindanao and the Visayas are now harvesting their palay, although many farms have suffered significant losses from the continuous downpour and torrential winds of July and August. For those who have harvested early, they were able to sell their fresh palay for as high as P24 per kilo. One such farmer is Feliciano Jaojao of Punta, Dipolog City, an officer of the Dipolog Polanco Irrigators Association, who planted early and sold his fresh palay harvest to IA in early September for P24/kg. He said only 25 percent of their irrigation association members, who till over 1,000 hectares of irrigated areas and 1,000 hectares of rainfed areas, have harvested their palay with the peak expected by the end of September. In his three-hectare farm, he was able to reap 200 bags (of 60 kilos) per hectare from hybrid or about 12 tons while his inbred farm produced 70 to 100 bags per hectare. Another farmer, Gabriel Cale of Surigao Sur, 64, also harvested early and sold his fresh palay at P23 per kg farmgate. “Wala pang price cap sa bigas noon,” he stressed. “Now the price of 160 (brand of palay seed) is selling for P20 a kilo and this premium rice is being sold in the market for P50 per kilo. The current farmgate price is P18 to P19 for inbred and P18/kg for hybrid,” he reported. Both farmers, however, appealed to the NFA to reduce its required moisture content for selling dry palay to it and to buy more aggressively fresh palay to ensure that farmers would enjoy fair prices for their produce. They also suggested that NFA simplify the processing of payments and to pay in cash (not checks) so that they would not keep going back and forth to the NFA warehouses. NFA Acting Assistant Region 11 Manager Floreena Lorainaon the other hand told the farmers attending the 16th National Rice Technology Forum in Digos, Davao del Sur, that the guidelines to implement the new NFA buying prices would be issued next week. She explained that with the Rice Tariffication Law, the NFA is only allowed to buy palay and rice to build the country's buffer stocks for up to 15 days only for emergency purposes like relief for calamity victims. “We also have only three trucks so we can’t service all the farmers. We already pay in cash for up to 200 bags of 50 kilograms,” she said. They agreed that the imposition last September 5 of the price cap for regular milled rice at P41 per kg for regular milled and P45 for well-milled coincidentally led to less imported rice being sold in their markets, which is good for local farmers. Along with thousands of farmers all over the country, they participated in the National Rice Technology Forum held in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, which showcased different hybrid and inbred rice technologies along with various soil nutrients, including biofertilizers and organic fertilizers. They visited 18 different demo farms of at least one hectare which showcased the different yield potentials and other benefits of such technologies. The post NFA buys farmers’ harvests at higher prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the early harvest of palay (unhusked rice) would help bring down the prices of rice in the markets. In a chance media interview, Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will once again reap the effects of “more improved production” in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated his decision to order the temporary imposition of the mandated price ceilings on rice because of the sudden spike in the prices of the staple grain. “We're already harvesting. When that comes in, I think we will see the prices go down. It would be determined by market forces. Maybe if the market itself lowers the price, we could reduce it),” Marcos said on the sidelines of rice distribution to about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Saturday. In August, the Department of Agriculture reported an estimated 900,000 metric tons of the palay harvest output. Marcos said the palay harvest, which is expected to peak in late September to October, will contribute largely to the country's production from July to December. By this time, the DA estimated that the palay harvest to peak at 11.5 million metric tons. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the national palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9.02 million MT, 3.4 percent more than the 8.7 million MT production for the same period in 2022 and 2021. Moreover, Marcos said the government is currently dealing with hoarding of rice supply to manipulate the price of the staple grain. Amid the hoarders delaying the release of rice, Marcos stressed “There’s no need not worry about the supply.” He said the country has sufficient stock of the staple. “Nandito po kami upang magbigay naman ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan dahil alam po nating nagtaas ang presyo ng bigas (We are here to help those in need because we know that the price of rice has increased),” he added. Marcos said the rice price was so high prompting the government to impose a price cap. Under Executive Order 39, which took effect on 5 September, Marcos ordered the implementation of a price ceiling of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kg for well-milled rice. Marcos stressed that one of the government's thrusts is to address the gaps and challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly “rice distribution that affects supply and prices.” “Marami naman tayong bigas hindi lang nailalabas nang tama. Kaya’t hindi problema ang supply sa atin dito sa Pilipinas (We have lost of rice but it is not being correctly distributed. That’s why we have no problem with the rice supply here in the Philippines),” he said. Marcos said the DA is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply and reduce the cost of rice in the country. In the meantime, he said the government has to implement measures such as the imposition of a price cap, provision of cash aid to rice retailers, as well as setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority to help farmers and secure inventory. The post Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
16th National Rice Technology Forum focuses on ramping up local rice production
Hundreds of participants from different parts of the country took part in the 16th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) which was launched on 19 September in Hagonoy and Digos City, Davao del Sur. With the theme, “Masaganang Palay at Bigas, Maunlad na Pilipinas,” the three-day event, was aimed at promoting the adoption of yield-boosting rice technologies by showcasing high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties, machinery, and best practices in a 131.83-hectare demonstration area. It has become a collaborative project by the national government, local government units (LGUs), local farmers, and other partners and stakeholders from the private sector, the NRTF responds with the President’s directives to boost the country’s local rice production and ensure food security through convergence and cooperation. Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Davao Regional Field Office (RFO 11), DA-Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC 11), and the private sector-led Rice Board, the event kicked off with a field tour at the technology demonstration farms in Poblacion, Hagonoy. The techno demo farms showcased 24 hybrid rice varieties and smart technologies that have been tried and tested to be high-yielding, pest and disease-resistant, and climate-resilient contributing to higher income for farmers and high-quality and affordable rice for consumers. During the NRTF, 13 seed companies and six nutrient management firms presented their products, best practices, and technologies for proper land preparation, soil and water management, nutrient management, and pest and disease management, among others. In addition, the NRTF featured a Tekno-Tiangge, or a Technology Marketplace, and a “Tektok” or the Digital Agriculture and Farm Machinery and Equipment Demo. Officials and representatives from the Rice Board, DOST-PAGASA, and DA offices including the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) also played key roles during the event. They discussed the plans and programs to ramp up local production, El Niño action plans, hybrid and inbred rice production, balanced fertilization strategies, pest and disease management, mechanization, and digital agriculture, among others. DA-MRIDP Productivity Enhancement Focal Person, Dr. Frisco Malabanan, discussed the program goals of attaining stable rice supply, affordable rice, prosperous rice-based farming communities, and nutritious rice-secured population under the overall goal of 97.5% rice self-sufficiency by 2028. He also discussed the immediate plans of the program such as the distribution of inputs such as hybrid seeds, biofertilizers, and inorganic fertilizers, the provision of drone services, and the intensified promotion of farm clustering and consolidation. “To transform Philippine agriculture, we need to focus on markets, innovations, scale, mainstreaming, and outcomes,” Dr. Malabanan said. He also stressed the need to mainstream the transformation efforts into the country’s policies, programs, and investment plans. The NRTF will culminate on 21 September 2023 in time with the start of the harvest operations at the techno demo site that is expected to produce a minimum of seven tons per hectare. The post 16th National Rice Technology Forum focuses on ramping up local rice production appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM gives away confiscated smuggled rice to poor families
Fulfilling his vow to go after rice smugglers and hoarders President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Tuesday the distribution of confiscated smuggled rice to less fortunate families in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay as he led the turnover of other assistance to the residents and the local government units in the province. In his speech, President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government and his administration are working tirelessly to put an end to the smuggling activities of some erring individuals, which is hurting the agricultural sector in the Philippines. “Kailangan sapat ang pagkain para sa ating mga kababayan. Kasama diyan ay pinapatibay natin ang sistema ng agrikultura. Ngunit hindi lamang, yun ang nagiging problema sa agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas, ang isang napakalaking problema ay ang pag-smuggle ng bigas papasok ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said. “Hindi lamang pag-ayos ng agricultural sector ang ating kailagang gawin. Kailangan din nating pagtibayin ang ating pag-impose ng mga batas tungkol nga sa pagbigay ng suplay ng bigas sa atin, sa buong Pilipinas. Hindi tama na nagpapasok sila, iniipit nila ang suplay, pinapataas nila ang presyo, naghihirap ang tao para lang kumita sila ng malaki,” he added. The President said that he has already instructed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to run after smugglers and ensure that their illegal operations will be busted as he commended the bureau for their successful seizure of 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million at a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City on 15 September 2023. The President stood firm that the government is following laws when confiscating smuggled items, giving them a 15-day notice to hear their side of the story. “Nabigyan na sila ng 15 days, wala silang naisagot kaya’t kinuha na ng gobyerno at ginawa naming donation sa DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] … ang sabi ko, ang pinakanangangailangan diyan ang mga beneficiaries ng 4Ps,” Marcos said. “Iyon po ay patuloy nating pag-aasikaso para tignan natin na maging maganda ang patakbo ng mercado sa bigas dahil alam naman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang suplay ng bigas sa magandang presyo para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” the chief executive added. President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government is ready to assist the affected less fortunate individuals. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was present during the distribution of rice along with NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, BOC Deputy Commissioner Vener Baquiran, Philippine Airforce Brigadier Gen. Dennis Estrella, Philippine Army Major General Antonio Nafarrete, and other officials. President Marcos also led the turnover of P6.72 million worth of DA - Philippine Rural Development Project Investment for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (DA-PRDP); P11.84 million worth of DA-PRDP I-REAP; and P1.5 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (hauling vehicle). The President also distributed P1 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (trading capital); P1.5 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (vehicle and working capital); P59,043 worth of Assistance Certificate from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR): P76,620 worth of Mackerel Drift Gillnet; and P4,000 worth of eight rolls-PE Rope No. 10mm. The chief executive also led the distribution of P120 million worth of assistance under the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantages / Displaced Workers” of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and P530,000 worth of DOLE livelihood assistance. The post PBBM gives away confiscated smuggled rice to poor families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM, DSWD chief lead distribution of confiscated Jasmine rice in Zamboanga
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of confiscated rice to some 5,000 poor beneficiaries in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region on Tuesday, 19 September. Gatchalian said the rice distribution in Zamboanga served as a kick-off since the more than 42,000 bags of Jasmine rice seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have been donated to the DSWD. “We expect more than 42,000 poorest Filipinos to benefit from the seized rice by the BOC, which is in line with the President’s directive to crack down on rice smugglers and hoarders,” the DSWD chief said. The DSWD Field Office 9 (ZamboPen Region) prepared the list of the 5,000 “poorest of the poor” who were the first batch of recipients of 25 kilos of the high-grade Jasmine fragrant white rice, according to DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Josefina Romualdez. “There will be simultaneous distribution of 25 kilos of Jasmine rice to 5,000 poorest of the poor beneficiaries in the municipalities of Tungawan and Sibuco and the City of Zamboanga,” Romualdez said. She added that the 5,000 bags of Jasmine rice for distribution on Tuesday was part of the 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million confiscated by the BOC Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) following a raid on a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu in Zamboanga City last 19 May 2023. During the investigation, BOC authorities discovered disparities between the actual seized goods and the descriptions provided in the submitted documents. The payment records submitted referred to a shipment of “White Rice 15% Broken,” while the physical examination confirmed that the confiscated rice was Jasmine Fragrant Rice. The warehouse also lacked the necessary Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), according to the BOC. On 1 September, the BOC-POZ issued an Order of Forfeiture for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Rice Tariffication Law, and Republic Act No. 10845, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. According to BOC-POZ chief Benny Lontok, they are following the express directive of the President under Executive Order 39, which put a price cap on rice and which authorized intensified efforts to combat smugglers and price manipulators. “Iyon po ay bilang pagtugon sa directiba ng ating Pangulo at para matugunan po iyong presyo ng bigas kung saan pag-issue ng executive order para magkaroon ng price cap sa pamilihan sa halaga ng presyo ng bigas,” Lontok said, referring to the seizure of the smuggled rice in Zamboanga City. The BOC said they will conduct more inspections of warehouses following the directive of President Marcos to immediately address the issues of hoarding and rice smuggling. In late August, the BOC raided three warehouses in Bulacan allegedly storing smuggled rice reportedly worth over P500 million. The post PBBM, DSWD chief lead distribution of confiscated Jasmine rice in Zamboanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders
Senator Francis Escudero challenged the Bureau of Customs to immediately file charges against traders susceptibly involved in smuggling and hoarding rice. Escudero said such illegal activities have caused an artificial shortage of food staples and rice price spikes in recent months. The senator then slammed the BOC for its failure to disclose to the public the “names of traders and operators whose warehouses were raided by government authorities for tons of suspected smuggled rice.” “Ang dami nang raids na ginawa nitong mga nakaraang linggo, bakit hanggang ngayon, wala pang kasong isinasampa sa mga taong sangkot? (You have done so many raid activities this past weeks, why is it until now you haven’t filed cases to anyone involved?),” he said. Escudero stressed the need to file charges and ‘bring these economic saboteurs to court” so it could “serve as a warning” that the Marcos administration is indeed serious in its campaign against smugglers and hoarders. He said the authorities should not stop by just conducting a series of raids, instead, the efforts should showcase strong results. The Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 considers large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as economic sabotage, with "at least P1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in their raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation and preservation for the market, or a minimum of P10 million worth of rice, as valued by Bureau of Customs." “Why haven't I heard anyone sued for economic sabotage or something? Who owns these warehouses? Who are the people involved?" Escudero asked, citing that the BoC-Port of Zamboanga seized some 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million in Barangay San Jose Gusu on 15 September. The local bureau inspected the warehouse on 19 May after receiving information that smuggled rice was being stored in the area. Two weeks prior, the BOC inspected three warehouses in Bulacan and found these stocked with suspected smuggled imported rice worth P505 million. It temporarily sealed and guarded these warehouses located inside the Intercity Industrial Complex in Balagtas, Bulacan. Aside from filing charges, Escudero said the government should also update the public on the development of these cases “in the spirit of transparency.” "Ito ang mga dapat nilang masagot ngayon (this what they should answer now): who oversees the disposition and how will it be disposed? Ano ang gagawin nila sa mga bigas na nakumpiska? (What will happen to confiscated rice?),“ Escudero said. In a news forum last Saturday, BOC Port of Zamboanga chief, Benito Lontok, said the agency is planning to donate the smuggled rice for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance programs. However, Lontok said the plan is still “subject to approval” of BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. 'DA should step up' Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged DA to take more proactive measures to address the price hike in rice. Cayetano lamented the prices of rice remain high despite the government’s implementation of a price cap on the product. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier blamed smugglers and hoarders for causing the increasing prices of rice in the country. Hence, issuing the executive Order No. 39 on 31 August, mandated price ceilings for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. The EO 39 will be implemented nationwide beginning 5 September. Marcos vowed the government would continue going after the rice smugglers and hoarders, including the imposition of penalties for those found guilty of violating the mandated price cap for rice. Cayetano lauded Marcos for this effort and for being a “sincere Agriculture Secretary” with a primary intent on the country’s food situation. However, he stressed that other DA officials should not rely on the Chief Executive for solutions. “The DA to seek long-term solutions to stabilize food prices, emphasizing that temporary measures may not address the root causes of the problem,” he said. The post Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go shares Gibo’s stance against proposed MUP reform
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his alignment with Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.‘s stance against the proposed military pension reform particularly on the issue of imposing mandatory contributions and removing the automatic indexation for military pensioners. "It was also reported that Secretary Teodoro does not agree with the proposed mandatory contributions and the removal of the automatic indexation of our military personnel," Go stated during the Commission on Appointments committee hearing on Wednesday, 13 September. "Hindi rin po ako sang-ayon dito sa mandatory contributions at pagbago sa automatic indexation," he stressed. Go then elaborated on his stance, emphasizing that there are alternative ways to address financial needs without affecting the pensions of current retirees and those still in active service. “Bagama’t naintindihan po natin ang sitwasyon ng ating mga finance managers at tumataas na budgetary needs ng gobyerno at sa posibleng paglobo ng kakailanganin na pondo po para sa pension, naniniwala ako na may ibang paraan upang matugunan ito nang hindi maapektuhan ang pension ng ating kasalukuyang mga retirees at mga nasa active service," he added. He further suggested some of these alternative methods, "Katulad ng pag-improve sa pagkolekta ng buwis o pag-eliminate po ng corruption sa gobyerno.” Go also took the opportunity to remind his colleagues of the efforts made during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte to increase the salaries of military and uniformed personnel. "Huwag nating kalimutan na noong panahon ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, nagsikap tayo na mapataas ang sweldo ng ating uniformed personnel," Go began. He then elaborated on the collective efforts made to achieve this salary increase. "Nagpursige din tayo upang maisakatuparan ito noong hindi pa po ako senador at naniniwala po ako na marami pong sumuporta dito sa last Congress," he continued. Go also expressed his concerns about the potential impact of mandatory contributions on the increased salaries. "Naniniwala rin po ako na hindi natin dapat bawiin sa pamamagitan ng contributions ang matagal na nilang inasam na pagtaas ng sahod,” he said. The senator further emphasized the need to consider the long-term impact of the proposed pension reform on the lives of current military personnel. “Huwag naman po sanang bigay-bawi. Tandaan natin na marami sa ating kasundaluhan ay mayroon ng plano sa kanilang mga matatanggap kapag magreretire. Nakaplano na yan, naka-loan, may babayaran na yan at pamilya...nakalaan na yan para sa kanilang mga anak,” he said. “Kung iisipin natin, yung ikakaltas po sa kanila ay halos katumbas ng isang sakong bigas at napakahalaga po nito, lalung-lalo na po sa mga ordinaryong sundalo. Maliit na bagay lamang ito na para sa ating mga sundalo dahil sa sakripisyo po na inalay nila para mapanatili ang ating seguridad,” he added. Go has consistently emphasized the need for fiscal stability while ensuring the welfare of military and uniformed personnel. He has previously suggested that any pension reform should not adversely affect pensioners and those still in active service. “Buhay ang isinasakripisyo nila para mapanatili ang seguridad ng bansa. Iba po ang sakripisyo nila dahil buhay po ang nakataya dito. Kahit isang boto lang ako dito, palagi kong ipaglalaban kung ano pong makakabuti sa mga nagseserbisyo sa bayan,” assured the senator before. On the same day, Go expressed his full support for Teodoro's ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND). "As we discuss the welfare of our uniformed personnel, it's crucial that we have a competent and reliable individual leading the DND. I fully support the ad interim appointment of Secretary Gibo Teodoro for this role," Go declared. He praised Teodoro's previous performance as DND secretary under the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stating, “Sec. Gibo Teodoro Jr. is a man of competence and integrity. Ito po ay napatunayan na nung una siyang manungkulan bilang Kalihim po ng Department of National Defense noong panahon ni pangulong Arroyo." He also mentioned that Teodoro's primary objectives during his previous term were focused on modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and DND personnel, upholding human rights, and taking a proactive approach to disaster risk management. The senator also took the opportunity to discuss his own advocacy for disaster preparedness. "Like Secretary Gibo, I share the same advocacy in strengthening our country’s disaster preparedness and response, which is why I filed for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DND).” Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the DDR to centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure a more swift and effective response to emergencies. “This proposed department will be headed by a cabinet secretary. Napapanahon na po. Sana magkaroon tayo ng isang timon na nakatutok po,” he added. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. Towards the end of his speech, Go extended his trust and confidence in Teodoro. "Mr. Secretary, you have my full trust and confidence. Ako po ay naniniwala that under your watch, mas lalo pa ninyong mapapalakas ang ating defense department at mga programang nakapaloob dito," he concluded. The post Bong Go shares Gibo’s stance against proposed MUP reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Inspections conducted at QC market rice stalls for ceiling compliance
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos on Tuesday, made a rounds at Mega-Q-Mart along with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to inspect rice stalls and retailers if they are adhering to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 39. Abalos said arrests will not take effect yet, for retailers selling rice beyond what is prescribed under EO 39, which sets the rice price cap to P41 per kilo for regular-milled rice and P45 per for well-milled rice. “Ang target natin dito yung mga (rice) cartel. Sila talaga ang nagpapataas ng presyo ng bigas (Our target really here are the rice cartels. They are the ones causing the high cost of rice),’’ Abalos said. He added that the government will run after cartels that are manipulating the prices of prime commodities like rice. The DILG chief also appealed to rice retailers and dealers to adhere to the government’s rice price ceiling to ease the financial burden of the public. Rice stall owners on the other hand complained that they will surely have financial losses if they follow the rice price cap imposed by the government. “Nabili namin ito (rice) sa mataas na presyo, pag kinuwenta namin base sa presyong gusto ng pamahalaan siguradong lugi kami (We bought rice at high costs, if we make the computation based on the government’s price cap, we will surely incur heavy losses),’’ one of the rice stall owners said. Others said they are contemplating on closing their stalls until the price of regular and well-milled rice stabilizes. “Inutang namin puhunan na may interest at hindi kami tutubo kung bebental namin ito ng P41 to P45 kada kilo (We loaned our capital with interest and it is not economically feasible if we sell them (rice) at P41 to P45 per kilo),’’ one of them said. When relayed these to Abalos, the DILG chief told the retailers that the government would provide compensation to help them reduce the prices of their rice. Abalos told rice retailers to bear with the inconvenience, stating that the rice price cap is only ‘temporary’ and not permanent. With the rice price cap in effect, Abalos noted that the government is in the midst of making the necessary computation on how much aid should be provided to the rice dealers and retailers, adding that there is no timetable yet on how long the lower cost of rice will last. In the meantime, Abalos noted that the DILG will continue to conduct a massive information drive to make the rice dealers and retailers aware of the rice price cap that they should follow starting 5 Sept. However, Abalos warned that the government will have no choice but to impose penalties and fines should rogue traders remain stubborn and fail to follow the rice price ceiling stated in EO 39. Earlier, the DILG warned that violators of the rice price ceiling stand to face one-year imprisonment and not more than 10 years jail term and pay penalties ranging from P5,000 to as much as P1 million upon the court’s discretion. Individuals or groups involved in the illegal price manipulation of prime commodities face jail terms not lower than five years and not more than 15 years and pay penalties of at least P5,000 up to P2 million. The post Inspections conducted at QC market rice stalls for ceiling compliance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: ‘Smugglers, hoarders’ behind rice price hike
President Ferdinand “Bonbong Marcos Jr. blamed smugglers and hoarders for the increasing prices of rice in the Philippine market in his departure speech on Monday, before he flew out to attend the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia this week. Marcos said the Department of Agriculture and other concerned government agencies have not seen any reason why rice prices should increase to up to P50 per kilogram. “Ngayon sa pag-aaral namin, ang dahilan lamang dito ay talagang nandyan ang mga i-smuggler at saka mga hoarder (Now in our study, the only reason for this is that there are smugglers and hoarders),” he said. Marcos issued Executive Order No. 39 on 31 August mandating price ceilings for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. The EO 39 will be implemented nationwide beginning 5 September. Marcos vowed the government would continue going after the rice smugglers and hoarders, including the imposition of penalties for those who are found guilty of violating the mandated price cap for rice. He also directed the DA and DTI to ensure the enforcement of the order in close collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government together with local chief executives and administrators of public and private markets nationwide. Marcos said the move would just be temporary while waiting for local rice farmers to harvest their produce. “Kailangan ko maipaliwanag ito po ay pansamantala lamang, hindi ito tatagal. Tayo ay umaani na ng palay, tapos na ang season (I need to explain that this is only temporary, it won't last long. We are already harvesting rice, the season is over),” he said. “At kayat pagdating ng panahon meron tayong inimport na bigas, sabay sabay na papasok 'yan at makikita basta't dadalhin natin sa palengke, pabayaan uli natin ang presyo ng bigas na maghanap ng sarili niyang presyo (And so when the time comes we have imported rice, it will come in at the same time and once we take it to the market, we will let rice retailers set their own price),” he added. “This is a temporary measure, the rice supply will be coming in, the second week of September,” Marcos reiterated. The post Marcos: ‘Smugglers, hoarders’ behind rice price hike appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI warns criminal charges vs. rice hoarders, profiteers
The Department of Trade and Industry on Saturday warned that individuals engaged in rice hoarding and profiteering will face hefty fines and criminal charges. In a news forum, DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero said penalties will be charged against those who will be caught illegally stockpiling and jacking up the prices of the staple amid the current increasing prices of rice in the country. In line with the issuance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of Executive Order 39, putting a cap on rice prices, Uvero said the DTI along with the Department of Agriculture and tapped local government units will start visiting major markets beginning next week to monitor if the order is implemented according. “So, iikot po iyong gobyerno, iyong mga composite teams sa mga bodega at hahanapin itong mga profiteers at hoarders at mayroon pong… pwede po silang ma-penalize sa Price Act for profiteering and the hoarding,” Uvero said. Uvero said the administrative fine will be as high as P2 million and/or seizure of hoarded items. “Mayroon pong administrative fine na can go as high as P2 million o pwede pong ma-seizure itong mga bigas na ito. At mayroon din pong criminal—ano iyan, penalty,” he warned. Marcos on Thursday approved the recommendation of the DA and the DTI, mandating price ceilings on regular milled rice at P41.00 per kilogram while the price cap for well-milled rice is P45.00 per kilogram. Uvero clarified that the price cap for rice remains a temporary solution to the increasing selling price of rice in the markets. “Temporary lang po ito at as soon as mag-stabilize iyong presyo at papasok na rin po iyong harvest season natin eh tatanggalin na rin uli ito,” he said. The post DTI warns criminal charges vs. rice hoarders, profiteers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Price cap sa bigas na P41 hanggang P45 ipatutupad na simula Sept. 5
PAGDATING ng Martes, September 5, sisimulan nang ipatupad ang iniutos ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na paglalagay ng price cap o limitasyon sa presyo ng mga bigas. Ayon sa Executive Order (EO) No. 39, hindi dapat lumampas sa P41 ang presyo ng kada kilo ng regular-milled rice, habang P45 naman sa kada kilo ng well-milled rice. The post Price cap sa bigas na P41 hanggang P45 ipatutupad na simula Sept. 5 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......»»
NFA rice negotiation ‘obviously ultra vires’ — PRISM
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement over the weekend said that it has reached to their attention that officials of the National Food Authority were in India to negotiate, on behalf of the government, rice importation. "If this is true, we would like to ask for a clarification regarding this matter, which we believe runs counter to the provisions of the Rice Tariffication law which authorizes only the President to negotiate upon the recommendation of National Economic Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture," the PRISM said in a statement sent to Daily Tribune. "Any discussion about importation initiated by the NFA is obviously ultra vires," they added. PRISM said a closer look at the international rice market situation would reveal "problems beyond the control of our local businesses and the government." Filipino private importers who have booked supplies from Vietnam, as early as the first quarter, are now faced with the dilemma of Vietnamese importers canceling their contracts in favor of other countries affected by India’s rice export ban. Its response to current rice issues is to "reiterate our commitment to the President to ensure the availability of affordable rice. Second is to address the issues and concerns about the rice supply." PRISM boasted that on 7 July 2023, and last Saturday, along Tomas Morato near Scout Borromeo Streets, "we have successfully launched the P38 per kilo Tulong sa Bayan Bigas para sa Mamayan." It added that they have done the same in various areas in NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao "through our Rice Retail networks, Barangay and LGU Caravans, and Kadiwa outlets. Since then until this time, we still continue selling the P38 per kilo rice in the respective channels chosen by our stakeholders." Despite different challenges and turn of events due to typhoons "Egay" and "Falcon" and the unexpected declaration of India’s export ban, PRISM reiterated their commitment to ensuring the availability of the P38 rice per kilo, "to continue our commitment to this advocacy." "Today, we are strengthening our advocacy, we encourage more rice traders to join in this effort to help more of our Kababayan," the movement said. According to PRISM, recent concerns have surfaced regarding the high price and availability of rice, leading to speculations that intend to disturb the confidence of the public and the normal course of the local market. "We acknowledge and stand by the President's assurance of sufficient rice supply and recognize the importance of addressing the affordability of rice amidst the current inflationary pressures," it said. "It is of utmost importance that PRISM stands together with our efforts aligned with the President's vision for prioritizing local rice production and stabilizing the local market supply without having to resort to revenue-draining government-led importation," it added. "We, therefore, urge the National Food Authority (NFA) to rally behind this directive and channel its energy into supporting methods that increase domestic production, as specified by the President," PRISM said. "We acknowledge the problem besetting the local rice industry, but certainly it is not the availability of rice, but its affordability primarily due to inflation." "As farm gate costs (currently at P21 to 25 per kilo of palay-fresh palay) are affected by price fluctuations in the market, we urge the NFA, whose current support price of P19 per kilo (clean and dry) is far below the current farm gate price, to seize the ongoing budget season and approach the Congress for higher budget allocation that will benefit local farmers and strengthen the local industry instead of pushing for importation that will drain government funds in favor of foreign suppliers," they explained. "The NFA should focus on its role as mandated by the Rice Tarrification Law / RA 11203 to build its buffer stock exclusively from local farmers and rice millers instead of imported sources. This move is also more consistent with the President’s objective to support local farmers and strengthen OUR rice industry," it further explained. "We are thus urging that relevant authorities engage in diplomatic discussions with Vietnamese counterparts to find a mutually beneficial resolution and honor the contracts of our importers," PRISM urged. "Complicating our rice situation, careless statement of a certain DA official has maliciously criticized our members’ effort to subsidize a limited supply of P38.00 per kilo rice during lean months that was intended for our indigent kababayan. In one interview this official insinuated that this effort, which was motivated by the President’s directive to provide affordable rice, was meant to be “playing” with the market prices even if it's only offered to the poorest of the poor with a maximum purchase of 5 kilos a day," the group said, preferring not to name the DA official. Prior to the roll-out of this initiative, they added, "our organization sought clearance from the President during several meetings in Malacanang and from the DA’s Undersecretary in charge of the National Rice Program," they said. There were also pronouncements that the DA inspectorate, together with the NBI, intends to inspect warehouses to prevent traders from hoarding. "While we understand and appreciate this initiative, we urge the government to exercise caution due to the ambiguous legal definition of hoarding. Even if the intention is sound, in this current situation, warehouses with limited stocks might come out as a reflection of our dwindling rice supply and be used by those pushing for government importation," PRISM explained further. However, for warehouses that hold stocks as commercial buffers for their regular customers, such may be misinterpreted by the media as hoarding, even without going through the legal process. This can negatively impact the reputation of legitimate traders. "Careless exercise of lawful inspections will only worsen the situation and create a chilling effect that can disturb the normal course of the market," the group said. The group is requesting that the President, who also holds the position of DA secretary, devise a better strategy for communicating the government's "rice policy framework and situational response." This should be done in a way that ensures accountability and prevents any confusion or negative public and industry feedback "We strongly encourage the President to assign just one Usec for all agencies involved in the rice program (NIA, NRP, and NFA)," PRISM said. "Furthermore, we strongly encourage the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to release pertinent data and statistics on rice production and stocking in an up-to-date manner instead of a 3-month delay, to properly guide private and government stakeholders in timely decision making," the group suggested. The post NFA rice negotiation ‘obviously ultra vires’ — PRISM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sen. Grace Poe namahagi ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng pagbaha sa Calumpit, Bulacan
NAGPADALA ng food packs at hot meal si Sen. Grace Poe sa may 500 na katao na naapektuhan ng malawakang pagbaha sa Calumpit, Bulacan nitong nagdaang Sabado. Sa pamamagitan ng non-government organization na Panday Bayanihan Foundation, tumanggap ang mga benepisyaryo mula sa Barangay Palimbang sa Calumpit ng bigas, instant noodles, canned goods at instant coffee. […] The post Sen. Grace Poe namahagi ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng pagbaha sa Calumpit, Bulacan appeared first on Bandera......»»