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Palay farmgate price falls 24.6% in 2025

PHILIPPINE STAR/ KJ ROSALES

THE farmgate price of dry palay (unmilled rice) dropped 24.6% in 2025 to a national average of P17.70 per kilo, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The highest palay prices in 2025 were posted in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at P20.67 per kilo, the only region to register a price above P20.

The lowest palay price last year was logged in Calabarzon at P14.14 per kilo, well below the P21.30 average in 2024. The 33.6% decline was the biggest of any region in 2025.

In Central Luzon, the top rice producing region, the average farmgate price of palay in 2025 was P17.13 per kilo, down 28.8%.

Cagayan Valley, another major producer of the staple grain, posted an average farmgate price of P16.48 per kilo, down 30.3%.

The Department of Agriculture said the steep drop in palay farmgate prices was due to excess rice supply following record import volumes in 2024 and large shipments in early 2025. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Proposed upgrades to Mindoro port expected to improve farm logistics

PORT OF ABRA DE ILOG, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO FB PAGE

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said the deepwater port being planned for Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro will address logistics bottlenecks to the benefit of farmers and fisherfolk in the province.

The DA said the port, to be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, is designed to accommodate large vessels and improve the movement of agricultural products between Mindoro, Luzon, and export markets.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. was quoted in a statement as saying that the port will address high logistics costs, which he described as a key contributor to food inflation.

“Shipping in bulk reduces costs from inputs to final products, making modern port infrastructure critical in addressing high food prices,” the DA said.

According to the DA, the port will expand the current roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facility in Abra de Ilog, which links Mindoro to Batangas.

Planned upgrades include a finger pier, modern fish market, cold storage and ice plants, warehouses, wastewater treatment facilities, solar power systems, and reefer vans to help reduce post-harvest losses and meet export-grade food safety standards.

The DA said the project could relieve congestion at the Batangas port and shorten shipping times, potentially positioning Abra de Ilog as a cost-efficient transshipment hub for agricultural commodities.

Construction is also expected to create jobs, while long-term operations could attract logistics providers, processors, and other support businesses, the DA said.

According to the DA, construction is expected to take about 24 months once approved. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

PPA awards P550-M Bohol port expansion project

JFAPCONSTRUCTION.COM

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it awarded a P550.67‑million contract to expand and upgrade Bohol’s Tubigon Port in Bohol to Ormoc-based JFAP Construction.

In a notice of award posted on Tuesday but dated Dec. 18, the regulator said 13 construction companies submitted proposals for the project.

Tubigon Port serves as an alternative to Tagbiliran port. It links to other major economic regions and handles passenger ferry services.

The contractor for the project was given 720 calendar days to complete the expansion and reconstruction of the port, the PPA said.

The PPA is expecting stronger growth in cargo and passenger traffic this year, enabled by investments in port efficiency.

For 2026, the PPA said it is expecting cargo volume to come in 4.03% stronger at 320.94 million metric tons, driven mainly by higher foreign cargo shipments.

The PPA said foreign cargo volume is expected to rise 4.28% to 202.73 million metric tons in 2025. Domestic cargo volume is expected to rise 3.61% to 118.22 million metric tons.

Passenger traffic is expected to grow 5.78% to 87.26 million, the PPA said, after logging 82.49 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2025.

The PPA logged a record of 6.28 million passengers during the Christmas and New Year travel season, the strongest numbers since its establishment in 1974. The surge was logged between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Electronic connector firm’s Batangas expansion expected to add 600 jobs

FPIP.COM

TE Connectivity Manufacturing Philippines, Inc. will add 600 jobs with the opening of its second facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.

“With investments worth approximately P4 billion, TE Connectivity’s expansion underscores its confidence in the Philippines as a competitive and strategic production and innovation hub,” PEZA said in a social media post on Tuesday.

The company inaugurated Plant 2 at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) Special Economic Zone last week.

“The plant will focus on the development, research, and manufacturing of electronic connectors and interconnection devices —critical technologies powering today’s digital infrastructure,” it said.

“The company projects about 600 employment opportunities in addition to its existing workforce of approximately 500, supporting inclusive and high-value job generation in the region,” it added.

PEZA sees TE Connectivity’s expansion helping strengthen FPIP’s reputation as an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing in South Luzon.

“Expansions like TE Connectivity Plant 2 signify stronger confidence in the Philippines by powering technology and shaping the country’s role in the rapidly evolving global innovation and artificial intelligence ecosystem,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL economy to ‘rebound’ in 2026 — BMI 

THE Philippine economy is expected to grow faster this year, lifted by reduced export dependence and a rebound in public expenditures amid a flood control controversy, Fitch Solutions unit BMI said.

“We expect the Philippine economy to rebound in 2026 from a low base in 2025, aided by its lower dependence on exports, and a recovery in government spending following recent corruption allegations,” BMI Asia Country Risk Analyst Brandon Ong said in a webinar on Tuesday.

The Philippines, a domestically driven economy, has been paying a 19% reciprocal US tariff since August on many goods alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The corruption scandal weighing down infrastructure spending has curbed government spending and dented business and consumer confidence.

BMI projected Philippine GDP growth to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from an estimated 4.9% in 2025.

BMI’s forecasts are within the government’s revised 5-6% target band for 2026 but short of the 5.5-6.5% range for 2025.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan has said that economic growth may have slowed to between 4.8% and 5% in 2025.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release fourth-quarter and 2025 GDP data on Jan. 29.

Mr. Ong noted that China’s slowdown is likely to ripple across Asia due to the interconnectivity of regional economies.

“Exceptions do emerge in economies where we project firmer domestic demand in 2026, including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Australia,” he said.

As for Japan and Indonesia, fiscal stimulus will be supportive to growth, he added.

BMI said Asia’s growth is set to slow in 2026 as the boost from export front-loading wanes and US tariffs start to bite. 

“The stronger 2025 base will further amplify the slowdown. We forecast regional growth to slow to 4.0% in 2026, from 4.3% in 2025,” it said in a report. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

BCDA 2025 cash revenue at P14.1 billion, beating target

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said cash revenue amounted to P14.1 billion last year, up 20.9% and beating the P10-billion target.

“The strong performance underscores BCDA’s solid liquidity position and improved cash generation, supported by increased private-sector activity in its economic zones and the strategic use of land assets for priority national infrastructure projects,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Cash revenue refers to actual collections received within the year.

“BCDA’s 2025 cash revenue was generated from a combination of land dispositions, lease arrangements, concession fees, and investment-related receipts across BCDA-administered economic zones,” it added.

“These were supported by higher private-sector investment, improved performance of transport-related concessions, and continued investor uptake in strategic growth areas such as New Clark City and Camp John Hay,” it added.

Of the revenue total, P3.29 billion is expected to be remitted to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Honda 2025 motorcycle sales top 1 million units

Honda Philippines reiterates focus on ‘top-notch’ customer service. — PHOTO FROM HONDA PHILIPPINES, INC.

HONDA PHILIPPINES, Inc. (HPI) said motorcycle sales totaled 114,772 units in December, bringing the 2025 retail sales total to 1.04 million.

“The strong full-year performance reflects sustained trust in HPI’s high-quality, innovative, and reliable motorcycle products,” HPI said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Through its wide-ranging lineup, HPI continues to support everyday journeys — bringing efficiency, performance, and peace of mind to customers,” it added.

According to HPI, the top five models were the CLICK125, ADV160, BeAT, TMX125 Alpha, and XRM125 DS.

“Our strong performance in 2025 reflects the continued trust of Filipino riders and the strength of our diverse product lineup,” according to Takeshi Kobayashi, president of HPI.

“We remain committed to delivering innovative and dependable motorcycles that support the daily lives, work, and aspirations of our customers,” he added.

For 2026, the company said that it will focus on offering products that balance performance, efficiency, and comfort. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL milled rice output expected to fall 0.57% to 12.3 MMT by USDA

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

PHILIPPINE MILLED RICE output is expected to decline 0.57% to 12.3 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2025-2026, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

In a report, the USDA said milled rice production during the MY, which runs between July 2025 and June 2026, is expected to decline from 12.37 MMT in the previous MY.

The USDA has said that the Philippines is expected to report weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter output due to typhoon-related losses and challenging post-harvest conditions.

The USDA said the Philippines will remain the top rice importer, with imports in the MY projected at 5.5 MMT, up 51.72%.

Rice consumption is projected to increase to 17.6 MMT from 17.4 MMT in the previous MY, while ending stocks are also estimated at 3.09 MMT from 3.79 MMT previously.

Meanwhile, the USDA said corn production in the current MY is projected to decrease 0.72% to 8.27 MMT.

Corn imports to the Philippines are projected to increase 41.79% to 1.9 MMT.

Wheat imports in the current MY are projected to rise 19.67% to 7.6 MMT. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

E-commerce seen driving PHL packaging industry growth

PROPAK.COM

THE Philippine processing and packaging industry is expected to grow in the single digits this year, with demand growing for innovative packaging solutions in e-commerce.

 “We see a single-digit increase, especially in the flexible packaging wherein there is development in materials,” Asian Packaging Federation President Joseph Ross S. Jocson said at the pre-event conference on Tuesday for the 2026 ProPak Philippines trade show.

“Our gross domestic product growth is around 5%, so we are expecting probably just the same increase in our industry,” he added.

Mr. Jocson said e-commerce has been helping drive the growth of the packaging industry since the pandemic.

“The food industry has always been, somehow, a constant, but really the big driver right now is e-commerce,” he said.

“The food deliveries are very, very big, and developments in the packaging industry, in regard to the food deliveries, are also innovating, because we want to ship food without it being damaged,” he added.

According to Informa Markets, the Philippines’ expanding food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries have been helping drive growth in recent years.

However, Informa Markets in the Philippines Country General Manager Rungphech Chitanuwat said consumer expectations have been evolving.

Citing NielsenIQ, Informa Markets said 78% of Philippine consumers prefer brands that prioritize sustainable packaging, while 65% expressed willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.

“This shift in consumer behavior highlights the urgent need for businesses to adopt innovative and sustainable practices to remain competitive,” it added.

Ms. Chitanuwat said Propak Philippines will serve as a venue to help address the challenges faced by the industry.

“Consumer-conscious innovation is not just a theme, but it is a call to action for businesses to align with the evolving demands of sustainability and global competitiveness,” she said.

“ProPak Philippines is in the forefront of this transformation to equip industries with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to create solutions that are both environmentally responsible and market-driven,” she added.

Scheduled for Feb. 4 to 6 at the World Trade Center, the Informa Markets-organized trade show will feature training courses, forums, discussions on the latest advancements, and seminars, among others. It is expected to welcome over 250 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Potential tropical depression Ada enters PAR, to bring rain over Visayas and Mindanao

DOST-PAGASA FB PAGE

The low-pressure area (LPA) with a medium potential to develop into Tropical Depression Ada has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is likely to bring rains to parts of the Visayas in the next few days, according to the state weather bureau on Tuesday.

The LPA entered the PAR at 2:00 p.m. and was located 1,000 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao, moving generally northwest, PAGASA said in a 5:00 p.m. advisory.

It is likely to develop into Tropical Depression Ada as early as Wednesday afternoon, but most likely by Thursday.

The trough of the LPA will cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over several areas, including the Davao Region and CARAGA, according to PAGASA’s separate 24-hour forecast issued at 4:00 p.m.

It is also expected to affect areas of Northern Mindanao, Sarangani, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

PAGASA cautioned residents in affected areas about possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to occasionally heavy rains.

By Friday and Saturday, the potential Tropical Depression Ada is expected to make its closest approach to land near Eastern Visayas, likely affecting the area as well as CARAGA.

“Our skies will become cloudy, and the chance of rainfall is high,” John A. Manalo, PAGASA weather specialist, said during the 5:00 p.m. advisory in Filipino.

“Friday and Saturday will again be the crucial period when this low-pressure area will be closest to land, potentially becoming a tropical storm over our area.”

He added that clouds associated with the prevailing shearline and northeast monsoon will exacerbate the effects of the potential tropical depression.

Meanwhile, in the Bicol Region, where Mayon Volcano is located and is currently under Alert Level 3 due to heightened unrest, PAGASA said the region will also experience rains on Friday due to Ada.

State volcanologists earlier warned of possible lahar events during heavy rains amid the ongoing unrest at Mayon. Residents were also cautioned to avoid river systems, as lahar can be scalding hot.

Areas of Metro Manila and Baguio City are expected to have a low chance of rain from Thursday to Saturday.

Ada will be the country’s first tropical cyclone of 2026.

The Philippines averages 20 tropical cyclones per year, with 23 recorded last year. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Tropang 5G eye early finals slot against embattled Bolts

TROPANG 5G — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

Games on Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. – Meralco vs TNT*
7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs San Miguel**
*TNT leads series, 3-1
**Series tied, 2-2

QUALIFYING for the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals as early as possible would offer extra time for the players to recover and recharge while waiting for their opponent.

So with some stalwarts hurting, expect TNT to go all out for the knockout blow against embattled Meralco in Wednesday’s Game 5 of the race-to-four semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A follow-up to their 102-83 romp in Sunday’s third match would send the Tropang 5G to their fourth straight stint in the Last Dance, carrying a lead time in terms of prep and rest against either San Miguel Beermen or Barangay Ginebra.

The Beermen and the Gin Kings are locked in a 2-2 standoff and would need until Friday, at the earliest, or Sunday, at the latest, to settle the score.

A couple more days of breather and pre-finals should be a welcome relief for TNT’s key players like Rey Nambatac and Kelly Williams, who are dealing with ankle issues and flu, respectively. RR Pogoy is unlikely to see action yet after straining his hamstring last Sunday and would need two weeks of recovery.

“Of course, we’re going to go all out, not because it’s a closeout game but we know Meralco is going to come back really hard,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said.

“And I’ve said this since Game 1, we have no illusion this is going to be an easy series. So we have to be ready for a huge battle in Game 5.”

The Bolts are adjusting to the absence of their heart and soul, Chris Newsome, who sustained an MCL sprain on his left knee in their 97-89 Game 3 win and sat out their 83-102 Game 4 loss. He is highly-doubtful for the make-or-break match at 5:15 p.m.

“Well, we always thrive in these back-to-the-wall games. In the past conferences, sometimes we don’t start it well due to injuries and multiple tournaments but we somehow are able to swing three, four games, and that’s resilience on our part. I think we’re used to that and we perform better back to the wall,” said Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo.

“If they bring their A-game and we bring our A-game, I feel we have a 50-50 chance. And yeah, we’re just going to lock in on that. I think we’ll be better on Wednesday, for sure.”

Meanwhile, the Beermen and the Gin Kings dispute control at 7:30 p.m.

The Gin Kings are on a high after bringing the series to square one and avoiding a 1-3 deficit with a dominant 105-91 victory sparked by Scottie Thompson’s 35-11-11 triple-double last Sunday. — Olmin Leyba

Defensive touchdowns seal Houston Texans’ victory over Steelers in wild-card playoff game

SHELDON RANKINS returned a fumble for a touchdown and Calen Bullock took an interception back for a score to help the Houston Texans notch a 30-6 victory over the host Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

Christian Kirk produced a career-best 144 receiving yards and a score on eight catches and Woody Marks rushed for 112 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries for the fifth-seeded Texans. CJ Stroud passed for 250 yards and a touchdown and Will Anderson, Jr. had the strip-sack on the play in which Rankins scored the pivotal fourth-quarter touchdown.

Houston, the fifth seed, will visit the second-seeded New England Patriots in an AFC divisional-round game on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for the fourth-seeded Steelers, who lost their seventh consecutive postseason game. Pittsburgh’s last playoff win came against the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round on Jan. 15, 2017.

The Monday contest might have been the final game for the 42-year-old Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP. His last throw was Bullock’s interception.

The Texans allowed just 175 total yards and 13 first downs while controlling the Pittsburgh offense. Houston led the NFL in total defense and finished second in scoring defense and takeaway margin during the regular season.

Stroud connected on 21 of 32 passes and committed three turnovers (one interception, two lost fumbles), but the Steelers turned the takeaways into just three points.

Ka’imi Fairbairn booted a 51-yard field goal to give Houston a 10-6 lead with 13:07 left in the game.

On Pittsburgh’s ensuing possession, Anderson and Rankins converged on Rodgers with Anderson’s hit knocking the ball loose. Rankins reached into a pack of players near the ball and grabbed it and raced 33 yards to give the Texans a 17-6 advantage with 11:23 remaining.

Marks scored on a 13-yard run to push the margin to 18 with 3:38 left in the game. A short time later, Rodgers was picked off by Bullock, who returned it 50 yards to make it a blowout with 2:39 remaining.

Texans receiver Nico Collins (concussion) exited in the third quarter. He had three catches for 21 yards before departing.

Stroud tossed a 6-yard scoring pass to Kirk to help the Texans host a 7-6 halftime lead.

The Steelers struck on Chris Boswell’s 32-yard field goal with 6:02 left in the first quarter.

Houston drove 14 plays and 92 yards on the drive in which Kirk made the touchdown catch with 8:28 remaining in the half.

Keeanu Benton later sacked Stroud and forced a fumble that teammate TJ Watt recovered at the Houston 21-yard line with 6:14 remaining in the second period. However, Pittsburgh settled for Boswell’s 35-yard field goal with 1:57 left until the break. — Reuters

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