Agriculture
Biliran’s rice-based food industry faces aging workforce crisis
A recent study by the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) highlights a critical challenge facing Biliran’s rice-based food production (RBFP) industry. Despite generating over P100 million annually, the sector is at risk as most traditional delicacies are produced by aging processors, with few young people taking their place.
Tobacco farmers warn of nearly P1-B loss due to cigarette smuggling
The Philippine Tobacco Growers Association (PTGA) estimates local farmers could lose ₱978.44 million in 2025 due to the continued rise in cigarette smuggling. The group said around 11.8 billion sticks of illicit cigarettes are expected to flood the market next year, displacing roughly 9.4 million kilograms of locally grown tobacco.
TS Ramil causes P12.41-M initial agri damage — DA
Tropical Storm Ramil has caused an initial P12.41 million in damage to the agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Wednesday, citing its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center.
Food costs top public concerns in new survey
A recent nationwide survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that a majority of Filipinos (56 percent) want President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize lowering the price of rice and other food products, highlighting persistent economic concerns.
DA bats for $108.88-M in agri-food projects
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has bared a $108.88 million agrifood investment portfolio focused on mango, abaca, seaweeds, and bamboo at the 2025 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum during the World Food Forum hosted by the FAO on 14 October this year.
