The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formally welcomed the support of budget monitoring group People’s Budget Coalition (PBC) in overseeing the implementation of the government’s farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, citing enhanced accountability, proper use of public funds, and stronger rural development as key benefits.

Rising temperatures and widespread dry spells caused by the ongoing El Niño have pushed initial agricultural losses in the Philippines to P8.57 billion, marking a nearly 25 percent increase from the P6.87 billion reported late last month.

The European Union and the Philippines are setting up a joint artificial intelligence (AI) industry laboratory to help businesses adopt emerging technologies, improve productivity and attract investment, with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) among the intended beneficiaries.