Agriculture
Economic council OKs P27.7B rural bridge program
The Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP) of the Department of Agriculture that will be financed through official development assistance from the government of France.
DA drafts bill seeking regulatory, marketing powers for NFA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is putting the final touches on a draft bill restoring the critical functions of the National Food Authority (NFA)—a move seen as central to stabilizing rice supply and prices in the country.
DA optimistic of higher agriculture output in 2Q
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence in a better second-quarter performance for agriculture, as improved weather conditions and stronger, more timely interventions ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are expected to drive a significant rise in rice and corn output.
Four DA officials safely repatriated amid Israel-Iran conflict
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed deep gratitude to the Philippine Embassy in Israel and other government agencies for ensuring the safe return of four Department of Agriculture (DA) officials who were stranded in Israel after renewed tensions with Iran.
DA, PNP strengthen crackdown on onion smuggling
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its anti-smuggling campaign—particularly targeting onions—with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following a string of smuggling cases in Cagayan de Oro, Subic, and Manila.
