Agriculture
PhilRice verifying AWD benefits vs traditional irrigation
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), together with Japan's Sagri Co. Ltd. and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), are piloting a smart agriculture program aimed at cutting methane emissions in rice farming.
DA cuts MSRP on imported rice to P55/kilo from Feb. 5
The Department of Agriculture will reduce on Wednesday, February 5, the maximum suggested retail price of imported rice to P55 per kilo, providing much-needed relief to consumers struggling with the high cost of the food staple. The MSRP was previously set at P58 per kilo.
DA declares food security emergency over high rice prices
The Department of Agriculture (DA) declared a food security emergency on Monday that allowed the National Food Authority (NFA) to release buffer stocks for public sale. The declaration, signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., comes in the wake of persistent price increases that have not aligned with global market trends or previous tariff reductions.
South Korea donates 100,000 bags of rice
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has received a donation of 100,000 bags of rice from South Korea to aid communities affected by Tropical Storm (TS) Kristine. The ceremonial distribution, led by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., took place in Laurel, Batangas, with rice being allocated to regions including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol.
Tobacco summit tackles growing threat of illicit trade
Over 200 key stakeholders, including top government officials, industry leaders, and experts, gathered from 27 to 28 January for the Second International Tobacco Summit in Quezon City, focused on combating the rising illicit tobacco trade in the Philippines.
