ADB calls for reforms in PHL technical, vocational education
THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said the Philippines needs to upgrade its technical and vocational education training (TVET) system to better adapt to industry developments after the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Palay farmgate price up 0.3% in late January
THE AVERAGE farmgate price of palay, or unmilled rice, rose 0.3% week on week to P16.69 per kilogram in the fourth week of January, with the price increasing 3.4% year on year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.
Lowland vegetable shortage expected in 2021
A SUPPLY shortfall is being projected in 2021 for lowland vegetables such as ampalaya (bitter gourd), eggplant, and squash, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
Nominations open for farmer representatives to coconut regulator’s board
THE PHILIPPINE Coconut Authority (PCA) said it has opened the nomination process for the three farmer representatives to the PCA board.
PhilGuarantee-backed MSME loans surge in first two months
THE Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PhilGuarantee) guaranteed P952.5 million worth of loans for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the first two months of 2021, against the P207 million total at the end of 2020, after the company streamlined its application process.
Boracay rehab delayed by resettlement snags
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the timeline for rehabilitating Boracay Island, originally due to be completed in May, has been delayed by resettlement problems.
Hog deliveries to Metro Manila markets approaching 200,000
LIVE HOGS transported to Metro Manila are nearing 200,000 animals to ease the supply situation for pork in the capital and in support of price controls imposed on Feb. 8, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
BIR urged to adopt ‘virtual stamp’ for cigarettes
A SENIOR legislator on Monday proposed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) create “virtual stamps” for export cigarettes to deter their smuggling into the domestic market and to conform with international best practices.
DoE solicits comment on draft coal handling, distribution rules
THE Department of Energy (DoE) is soliciting comment on its draft department circular covering the rules for coal handling, transport, storage and distribution.
New quarantine raises old fears about flow of farm goods
THE PROSPECT of a stricter quarantine has raised fears of disruption to the flow of food from producers to markets, as occurred early on in the pandemic.
House ratifies bicam report on bill extending lifeline rates by 30 years
THE HOUSE of Representatives ratified on Monday the bicameral conference committee report on a proposed law that will extend the lifeline rates for marginalized households until 2051.
Warehouse Receipts Law amendments seen helping farmers obtain financing
THE PASSAGE of a measure that will amend the Warehouse Receipt Law will help farmers grow their businesses by allowing them to more easily obtain bank financing, a former Finance Secretary said.