Agriculture
DA intensifies anti-smuggling drive, urges law reforms for stronger enforcement
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ramped up efforts to combat agricultural smuggling, with P3.78 billion worth of illegal goods seized since January 2024. However, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told the Senate that enforcement gaps in the current law are hindering progress.
Agricultural trade deficit widens in July
The Philippines remained a net importer of agricultural products in July, as total import receipts continued to dwarf exports despite a double-digit surge in outbound shipments, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
DA dismisses fertilizer fraud claims as “fake news”
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has firmly rejected claims by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) of alleged “ghost deliveries” in the Department of Agriculture’s fertilizer distribution program, labeling the accusations as “fake news” and lacking evidence.
Cacao farming at the core of new livelihood drive in Aklan
Security Bank Corp. (SBC), in partnership with Angat Pinas, Inc. and local NGO BUSOE Inc., has launched the Integrated Community Development Project in Malinao, Aklan — with cacao farming as a central component of its sustainable livelihood initiative.
DA expands P20 rice program to ports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its flagship food subsidy program, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!,” to benefit registered fisherfolk and fishery workers, offering rice at P20 per kilo—half the market price—at select fish ports in Luzon.
