The appointment of Ma. Theresa Lazaro as Secretary of Foreign Affairs has been welcomed as a strategic affirmation of the Philippines’ assertive foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the think tank Stratbase Institute.
The Land Bank of the Philippines has remitted a record-high ₱33.53 billion in cash dividends to the national government this year, the highest among all government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for the second consecutive year.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), will provide pesticide assistance to sugarcane farmers in the Negros region to combat the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation, which threatens to cut sugar content by up to 50 percent.
The Stratbase Institute has issued a strong condemnation of the latest aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against Philippine research vessels, describing the acts as “unacceptable” and a “direct threat” to Filipino personnel operating within the country’s own territorial waters.
SM Investments Corp. has been named the No. 1 Philippine company for Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance in the 15th Annual Institutional Investor Poll by Alpha Southeast Asia magazine, marking its 10th win in the category.
Government fisheries authorities are pushing for more support and safeguards for Filipino salt makers, as most of the salt used in the country comes from abroad.
The Filinvest Group has launched its first large-scale solar power facility — a 20.774-megawatt installation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental — with over P1 billion in investment. Developed by subsidiary FDC Green Energy Corp., the ground-mounted plant sits inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate, a key economic zone with ideal terrain and access to power infrastructure.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its P20 per kilogram rice program in Kalinga province, while releasing about ₱285 million in additional agricultural aid for local farmers this year. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the launch activities in Tabuk City, which included facility inspections, farmer dialogues, and distribution of support covering rice, corn, livestock, high-value crops, and local development projects.
The Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) inspected LPG storage and port facilities in Calaca, Batangas over the weekend to confirm they are ready to receive, store, and safely handle 21,000 metric tons of government-procured LPG. This supply, sourced from the United States and transiting through Singapore, is due to arrive by the end of May.