Luzon’s major dams have gained substantial amounts of water after weeks of torrential rain, giving the country a stronger buffer against the drier conditions that could accompany a potentially strong El Niño.
The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Assistance Service is enhancing its market early-warning system to anticipate supply disruptions, connect farmers with buyers earlier, and stop produce from spoiling or being sold at steep, below-cost prices. The initiative draws on lessons from the Middle East conflict, when the department used emergency procurement to keep agricultural goods moving despite sharp rises in logistics costs.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is moving ahead with road and utility plans for the 160-hectare Bonifacio Capital District (BCD) in Taguig, seeking a consultant to prepare detailed engineering designs for the planned infrastructure.
The Philippines is pushing for stronger ASEAN cooperation on climate finance, technology, and resilience, as it seeks to make climate change a bigger part of the region’s economic and security agenda during its chairmanship this year.