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US looking into whether DeepSeek used restricted AI chips, source says

RAWPIXEL-FREEPIK

THE US Commerce Department is looking into whether DeepSeek  — the Chinese company whose artificial intelligence (AI) model’s performance rocked the tech world — has been using US chips that are not allowed to be shipped to China, a person familiar with the matter said.

China’s DeepSeek last week launched a free assistant it says uses less data at a fraction of the cost of US models. Within days, it became the most downloaded app in Apple’s App Store and stirred concerns about United States’ lead in AI, sparking a rout that wiped around $1 trillion off US technology stocks.

Current restrictions on Nvidia artificial intelligence processors are meant to stop its most sophisticated chips from reaching China.

Organized AI chip smuggling to China has been tracked out of countries including Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, the source said.

The Commerce Department and DeepSeek did not immediately return requests for comment.

A Nvidia spokesperson said many of its customers have business entities in Singapore and use those entities for products destined for the US and the west.

“We insist that our partners comply with all applicable laws, and if we receive any information to the contrary, act accordingly,” Nvidia said.

In a statement on Saturday, Singapore’s Trade ministry cited Nvidia’s comment saying there is no reason to believe that DeepSeek obtained any export-controlled products from Singapore.

The ministry did not confirm whether DeepSeek had gained access to Nvidia chips that were subject to US export controls via intermediaries in Singapore, but said it has always upheld the rule of law and acted decisively and firmly against individuals and companies that flout the rules.

“We expect US companies, like Nvidia, to comply with US export controls and our domestic legislation,” it said. “Our customs and law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely with their US counterparts.”

DeepSeek has said it used Nvidia’s H800 chips, which it could have legally purchased in 2023. Reuters could not determine whether DeepSeek has used other controlled chips that are not allowed to be shipped to China.

DeepSeek also apparently has Nvidia’s less powerful H20s, which can still lawfully be shipped to China. The US considered controlling them under the Biden administration and newly appointed Trump officials are discussing that as well.

The chief executive officer of AI company Anthropic, Dario Amodei, said earlier this week, “it appears that a substantial fraction of DeepSeek’s AI chip fleet consists of chips that haven’t been banned (but should be), chips that were shipped before they were banned; and some that seem very likely to have been smuggled.”

The US has put in place a raft of restrictions barring exports of AI chips to China and plans to cap their shipments to a host of other countries. — Reuters

US pilot messaging system experiences temporary outage

STOCK PHOTO | Image from Pixabay

WASHINGTON — A key US pilot messaging system was experiencing a temporary outage, which could lead to flight delays on Sunday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said late on Saturday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to restore the “Notice to Air Mission” or NOTAM system, Mr. Duffy said on X.

“There is currently no impact to the National Airspace System because a backup system is in place,” Mr. Duffy said. “FAA has set up a hotline to communicate with aviation stakeholders and will send notices every 30 minutes with updates on the system’s status.”

Mr. Duffy said the FAA “activated its contingency system to supplement and support preflight briefings and continue flight operations… We are investigating the root cause and we will provide updates.”

He said passengers should check with their carriers about the status of flights on Sunday adding “there may be some residual delays tomorrow morning.”

In January 2023, an outage of the NOTAM system led to the first nationwide US ground stop since 2001, disrupting more than 11,000 flights.

The NOTAM system provides pilots, flight crews and other users of US airspace with critical safety notices. It could include items like taxiway lights being out at an airport, nearby parachute activity or a specific runway being closed for construction.

A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said the carrier did not have any measurable delays late Saturday “and we have people and processes in place if the situation continues into tomorrow.”

The US aviation system has faced a difficult week.

On Wednesday, an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter collided near Reagan Washington National Airport killing 67 people, the first fatal US passenger airline crash since 2009 and the deadliest US air disaster in two decades.

On Friday, a medevac plane crashed soon after takeoff in Philadelphia with a child and five others on board. All died as did a person on the ground, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said. — Reuters

Princess Kate says we must improve social skills to thrive

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton following Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony, in London, Britain May 6, 2023. — ANTHONY UPTON/POOL VIA REUTERS

LONDON — Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, has said people needed to better at acting with compassion and empathy to create a healthier, happier society in her first major public message since returning to official duties after treatment for cancer.

In a foreword to a report released on Sunday by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she launched in 2021, Princess Kate said to find lasting solutions to issues of poor mental health, addiction and abuse, “we must reset, restore, and rebalance.”

“That means taking a profound look at ourselves and our own behaviors, emotions and feelings,” Kate, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, wrote.

“It means getting much better at acting with compassion and empathy towards one another, to help us bond and maintain lasting relationships that bring meaning to our lives … At the heart of all of this is the need for us to develop and nurture a set of social and emotional skills which we must prioritize if we are to thrive.” 

The center, set up as part of Kate and William’s Royal Foundation charity arm, said its ‘Shaping Us Framework’ sought to improve awareness of the importance of such skills and offer a “robust yet flexible” model towards a healthy and happy life.

The princess has gradually been returning to her public royal role after she completed a course of preventative chemotherapy to address the presence of an unspecified form of cancer, making two appearances at events in the last week. — Reuters

Musk’s team given access to US government payment system — NYT

ELON MUSK — REUTERS

WASHINGTON — Billionaire Elon Musk and his government efficiency team have been given access to the US Treasury Department’s payment system, resolving a days-long standoff, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Saturday.

Mr. Musk, who chairs the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been tasked by President Donald J. Trump to identify fraud and waste in the government and had sought access to the system Treasury uses to dole out federal funds.

His efforts were resisted by a career Treasury official, David Lebryk, who was placed on leave this week and then retired. On Friday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave Mr.  Musk’s team access, the Times reported.

The system sends out more than $6 trillion per year in payments on behalf of federal agencies and contains the personal information of millions of Americans who receive Social Security payments, tax refunds and other monies from the government.

US Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, appeared to confirm that Mr. Musk’s team has access in a post on the social network Bluesky.

“Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted DOGE *full* access to this system. Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk’s own companies. All of it,” Mr. Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, posted on Saturday.

In a letter to Bessent on Friday, Mr. Wyden raised concerns that any “politically-motivated meddling” in the payment system “risks severe damage to our country and the economy.”

The Department of Government Efficiency is not a federal department but a unit assembled at Mr. Trump’s order working out of the White House.

In a post on X on Saturday, Mr. Musk claimed without providing evidence that officials at the Treasury Department had been instructed to approve payments to “known fraudulent or terrorist groups.” — Reuters

DigiPlus bags triple honors at 60th Anvil Awards

DigiPlus celebrates a triple triumph at the 60th Anvil Awards, showcasing honors in rebranding, integrated reporting, and community empowerment.

DigiPlus Interactive, the company behind leading digital entertainment platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, secured three honors at the 60th Anvil Awards. Recognized as the gold standard of public relations excellence in the Philippines, the Anvil Awards celebrate outstanding programs and tools that elevate the field of communications and public relations.

DigiPlus was honored with a Gold Anvil for its transformative corporate rebranding campaign, ‘DigiPlus Reimagined: Pioneering Fun, Technology, and Community’, which highlighted the company’s evolution from a traditional leisure and resorts operator to a leader in digital entertainment. Additionally, DigiPlus garnered two Silver Anvils: one for its 2023 Integrated Report, ‘Ushering a New Era of Digital Entertainment’, and another for BingoPlus Foundation’s ‘FutureSmart’ program, an initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators through education.

The rebranding initiative, developed in collaboration with global brand specialist Landor, encapsulated DigiPlus’ commitment to harness technology and innovation to deliver new forms of entertainment for Filipinos. This strategic transformation not only revitalized the company’s visual identity but also reinforced its mission to deliver immersive and enjoyable experiences through its products.

The 2023 Integrated Report chronicles DigiPlus’ strategic direction, financial and operational performance, as well as its performance around environmental, social, and governance metrics. The report follows the Integrated Report framework, which adheres to the highest global standards of annual reporting.

“These accolades from Anvil highlight DigiPlus’ commitment to innovation, transparency, and building strong connections with our stakeholders,” said Celeste Jovenir, Vice President for Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability. “The award for our corporate rebranding celebrates our bold transformation into a digital entertainment leader, while the recognition for our Integrated Report underscores our dedication to global standards of accountability and transparency. These achievements inspire us to deliver even greater value to our customers, investors, and communities.”

BingoPlus Foundation’s FutureSmart Program was recognized for its transformative impact on marginalized communities. In 2024, the program reached 5,332 individuals, focusing on IT education, digital literacy, and inclusive livelihood powered by technology. Initiatives included providing 60 scholarships to IT students across 20 universities nationwide and introducing the P.L.U.S. Factor development program to equip scholars with critical workplace skills. The Coding for Kids initiative brought robotics and programming to 4,853 students in the Visayas, alongside training for 213 teachers. The program also launched PLUS Tech Centers, providing computers and digital skills training to underserved communities. These centers aim to bridge the digital divide and create more inclusive job opportunities for marginalized sectors, reinforcing BingoPlus Foundation’s commitment to education, technology, and livelihood empowerment.

“We are honored to receive an Anvil for BingoPlus Foundation’s FutureSmart Program. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to uplifting communities through education, technology, and livelihood opportunities. FutureSmart is a testament to how we aim to create lasting, positive change by preparing individuals for a brighter and more sustainable future, said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of the BingoPlus Foundation.

DigiPlus remains steadfast in its mission to bring cutting-edge entertainment platforms to Filipinos while making meaningful contributions to society through its social responsibility programs.

 

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Investing your way: A guide to choosing your investments

Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. President Michael Enriquez

Sun Life Investment Management’s Michael Enriquez on finding the right investment for you

Navigating the world of investing can be overwhelming, with a myriad of options to choose from, market fluctuations to navigate, and key factors to consider. However, according to Michael Enriquez, President of Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Sun Life Investment Management), finding the right investment strategy ultimately boils down to understanding yourself as an investor.

Enriquez explains that there are key factors to consider when choosing suitable investments for yourself, such as your capability or amount of investible funds, time horizon for your purpose of investment, objective for your investments, your risk tolerance, and experience in investing.

“We recognize the unique needs of each investor,” says Enriquez. “Part of our onboarding is to get to know the Client to better understand their specific needs before even recommending a specific product or strategy. This personalized approach ensures that investment recommendations align with individual risk tolerance and financial goals.”

Investing for Different Life Stages and Personalities

For young investors, Enriquez emphasizes the importance of defining their goals. “It would be very important for young investors to first understand what they want to achieve, as well as their tolerance for risk, before jumping into the most attractive product in the market,” says Enriquez. This proactive approach sets a strong foundation for long-term financial growth.

Conversely, individuals nearing retirement prioritize income and capital preservation. Enriquez explains, “For this particular Client profile, ensuring steady cashflows to cover for expenses should be the priority rather than looking at high-risk investments.”

Apart from one’s life stage, recognizing personality traits is also key. “For the ‘go-getter’ type who is always looking for the next big thing, they can consider looking at global multi-asset funds that provide access to various offshore assets and strategies,” suggests Enriquez, while acknowledging the importance of carefully assessing potential risks. On the other hand, Enriquez says, “For the risk-averse investor, a simple money market fund solution can already provide a very decent return that is potentially even higher than bank time deposits and can be redeemable anytime.”

Recognizing your personality traits in investing includes being mindful of how emotional decisions affect your investments. For example, impulsive decision-making can significantly impact investment outcomes. Enriquez advises, “Investment decisions should be made based on specific risk tolerance, investment capacity, and specific needs, rather than being swayed by emotions.”

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Sun Life Investment Management continuously evolves its investment offerings. “Leveraging on global and regional investment teams, we are always updated on the latest investment and product trends across the region,” Enriquez says. “This has allowed us to launch more relevant and innovative investment strategies to address the various product needs of our Clients.”

Enriquez encourages Filipinos to embrace investing early on. “Everyone should start investing today. Pooled funds, such as Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) and Mutual Funds, offer small initial investible amounts so everyone can participate,” says Enriquez. “It is also important to partner with a credible and stable investment company who can guide you through your investment journey, such as Sun Life Investment Management.”

Looking for the right investment for you? Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation offers a wide range of investment solutions that cater to diverse investor needs. Learn more about Sun Life Investment Management’s products and services by visiting www.sunlife.co/SLIMTC

 

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Indigenous Filipinos hope carbon credits can protect their forests

STOCK PHOTO | Image by JAY PARK from Pixabay

The lands of some 12,000 Indigenous Filipinos are under threat from forest loss and environmental degradation near the southern tip of Palawan, known as the Philippines‘ last ecological frontier for its cluster of islands rich in biodiversity.

But some Indigenous leaders in the western archipelagic province now want to change that by getting investors to pay to reduce deforestation and degradation by purchasing carbon credits.

Two ancestral domains within Palawan’s 97,000-acre Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape signed an agreement with Conservation International and the government’s National Commission on Indigenous Peoples last month to co-develop a carbon financing project within their area and help reduce deforestation.

Panglima Norlito Silnay, a leader of the Pala’wan Indigenous group, hopes the long-term conservation effort can be managed by members of the community, without interference from business or individuals seeking to take advantage of the resources.

“Some investors only wanted to use and destroy our forests, not to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples,” Mr. Silnay told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call.

The Pala’wan Indigenous peoples rely directly on nature for food and income, but Mr. Silnay said they were threatened by illegal mining and logging, palm oil plantations that destroy agriculture, land grabs and climate risks.

Despite its protected status, the Mount Mantalingahan landscape has lost more than 20% of its upland and mangrove forests due to illegal forest clearing in the last two decades, Conservation International said.

Indigenous Filipinos are the primary protectors of forests, but the global boom for energy transition minerals has intensified pressure on Indigenous lands, according to the 2024 State of Indigenous Peoples Address Report of local conservation group Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center.

 

INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP

The Philippines protects the rights of Indigenous people over natural resources within their territory, but many Indigenous Filipinos struggle to win ancestral domain titles that recognize their ownership of the land.

According to the new deal, the two ancestral domains in Palawan will create a project together to quantify and verify the amount of planet-heating carbon captured and stored by the conservation efforts.

Wilson Barbon, Philippines director of Conservation International, said the project – the country’s first ever carbon project owned by Indigenous peoples – would act as a catalyst for other programs elsewhere.

He said the agreement recognized Palawan’s Indigenous groups as rightful benefactors of the carbon their forests capture.

“We will only help them develop their carbon assets by building their capacity to run their own carbon project in the long term,” Mr. Barbon said.

 

CARBON CREDITS

Carbon trading in the Philippines, however, still has a long way to go and the government has yet to formalize a system to issue credits to businesses that emit carbon dioxide.

Voluntary carbon markets are a source of much debate globally due to issues with verifying what projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions and by how much. Some activists also argue that credits give polluters an excuse to keep polluting.

“We recognize that there are concerns,” said Mr. Barbon. “Our position is that instead of shutting down the entire system, we strive to improve it.”

He hopes the new Indigenous enterprise can set the standard for carbon credits projects with strong biodiversity and community engagement.

The project, he said “presents the government an example of a community-led initiative. It’s difficult, but it can be done, and can also force our government to set the framework to do more of this in the future”.

However, it took Mr. Silnay’s community eight years to reach an agreement for a carbon trading project.

For the next 25 years, the community will have to keep their forest intact, through awareness building on forest protection efforts, carbon inventory, proper land zoning and alternatives to destructive slash-and-burn farming.

Carbon credits generated by the project will not produce revenues for the communities until next year, but will be directly invested in conservation.

Until then, Conservation International will pay community members the minimum wage to participate in conservation efforts.

The government’s ancestral domain management office will determine an annual budget outlining how the carbon credits can be spent, and Indigenous representatives will manage the funds generated from the carbon project.

Romel Ligo, a pastor and Palawan Indigenous community leader, said the project could help resolve the division among Indigenous leaders on how to better protect their resources.

He said some had been enticed by private businesses offering short-term jobs in exchange for resources.

“We wanted to protect nature because this is where we get our sustenance, from food, to livelihood and medicine,” Mr. Ligo said. “It is important for us to pass it on to the next generations.” – Reuters

Closer look at childhood cancer care in the Philippines

Cancer affects over 5,000 children in the Philippines annually. Although highly treatable, late diagnoses and other factors contribute to the country’s low survival rate of just 30%.

In this B-Side episode, we speak with Dr. Ana Patricia A. Alcasabas, head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and chair of the National Sub-Technical Working Group for Childhood Cancer, as she discusses the country’s challenges in fighting childhood cancer.

She also talks about childhood cancer care at PGH and how the institution leads initiatives to improve care in the country.

Interview by Edg Adrian A. Eva
Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

DBP bags citations for corporate governance

DBP Chairman Philip G. Lo (fourth from left) receives the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) award bestowed on the Bank for scoring the second highest rating in the Corporate Governance Scorecard. Also shown in photo are (from left): GCG Commissioner Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka, GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus, DBP Director Roberto V. Antonio, DBP Corporate Secretary Atty. Maria Katrina L. Infante, and GCG Commissioner Atty. Geraldine Marie B. Berberabe-Martinez.

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) was honored by the chief regulator of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for its consistent adherence to good corporate governance principles, top officials said.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said that the Bank scored the second highest ranking in the Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) ratings of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) with an above ceiling score of 102.67%.

“DBP’s consistent outstanding performance in the CGS is a result of our firm commitment in upholding the highest standards of good governance to further optimize Bank operations and enable it to further advance inclusive economic growth in the country,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the 10th largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small, and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development.

GCG is the primary regulatory institution of GOCCs and was established by virtue of Republic Act No. 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, which standardized the implementation of CGS, a quantitatively-driven performance evaluation tool that serves as an instrument in assessing the corporate governance initiatives and practices of GOCCs.

DBP Chairman Philip G. Lo said the Bank was likewise recognized with special awards such as the GOCCs for Sustainability Award, Special Recognitions for consistent high scores in CGS ratings under the categories of Responsibilities of the Board and Stakeholder Relationships for 2021 to 2023, and Special Recognition for adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

He said these accolades serve as an inspiration for the Bank to continuously innovate and actively pursue excellence in our banking operations while ensuring that DBP contribute positively to the fulfilment of its mandate under the banner “Bagong Pilipinas” of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“DBP shall continue to be a paragon of good corporate governance among our peers in the public sector, which shall serve as the hallmark of our commitment to excellent service to our stakeholders,” Lo said.

 

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Philippine central bank says rate cut ‘on the table’ in February

Photo from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Annual Report 2023
BAGUIO, Philippines – The Philippine central bank said on Friday a rate cut next month is “on the table” when it reviews monetary policy for the first time this year.
The monetary board will review policy rates on Feb. 13. – Reuters

Lazada Philippines donates diapers, facilitates NGO partnerships for typhoon relief efforts through Lazada For Good initiative

Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis Hain (center) with representatives of Lazada Philippines, including Head of Government Affairs Kenneth Estiller (second from right)

Lazada Philippines donated nearly 1000 packs of baby diapers to the City of Cabuyao, Laguna last December as part of typhoon relief efforts through the Lazada For Good initiative.

The diaper donation, an assortment of Lazada sellers including Rascal + Friends, MamyPoko, EQ, Huggies, Pampers, MAKUKU Philippines, Genius, Uni-Love, and others, was turned over to Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis Hain in response to the LGU’s call for support amidst back-to-back typhoons in the area last October and November.

“Lazada Philippines, both as a company and an e-commerce platform, is committed to actively supporting our communities through meaningful action. With Lazada For Good, we hope to create new, convenient avenues for any Filipino to be able to directly contribute to those who need help and support the most,” said Carlos Barrera, CEO of Lazada Philippines.

The Lazada For Good initiative is Lazada Philippines’ CSR program aiming to uplift and support various Filipino communities through NGO partnerships, donations, and other on-ground and online efforts.

Lazada For Good works to expand the reach of these efforts, especially in the wake of natural disasters, through a dedicated channel on the Lazada app. By accessing the Lazada For Good channel on the app, users can choose to purchase donation vouchers that directly go to selected NGOs and aid organizations such as UNICEF, Caritas Manila, ABS-CBN Foundation, and GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Be a part of #LazadaForGood today and make a difference!

 

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Fisherfolk cooperatives, LGUs say pro-fisheries BFAR chief good for sector

Elizer Salilig, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

Various fisherfolk cooperatives and local government units, which are home to big fishing communities, welcomed the appointment Elizer Salilig as director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), saying that having a career official at the helm of the agency bodes well for the fisheries sector.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently named Salilig, who has been a public servant engaged in fisheries management for the last 34 years, to BFAR’s top post and was sworn into office by the Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel on Jan. 24, 2025.

Juliet Gutierrez, president of Samaka Sablayan, an association of more than 20 cooperatives, credited Salilig for helping them organize cooperatives for women fisherfolk in the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) to achieve the group’s goal of establishing “one women fisherfolk cooperative per municipality.”

According to Geraldo Abello, chairperson of Dahilican Roxas Fishermen Cooperative, Salilig was instrumental for upskilling fishers in Oriental Mindoro to become entrepreneurs and engage in small businesses beyond fishing.

“[S]iya po ang naging instrument upang imulat kaming mga mangingisda na hindi lang pala kami dapat aasa sa nahuling isda, kundi dapat kami ay maging entrepreneur at magnegosyo,” Abello said.

Bongabong Mayor Elegio Malaluan and president of the League of Mayors of Oriental Mindoro, said that Salilig’s stint as regional director of BFAR-MIMAROPA strengthened cooperation and collaboration between the agency and local government units particularly in the enforcement and implementation of fisheries laws, rules and regulations in a bid to keep a peaceful environment for both the commercial and municipal fishers.

For his part, Salilig said it was the responsibility of the agency to improve the lot of fisherfolk, the sector the plays a vital role in ensuring there is food on the table of every Filipino.

Speaking for the first time to his colleagues in BFAR since his appointment to the post last week, Salilig said: “The fisheries sector is an important pillar in the food supply chain and our economy.”

“Responsibilidad natin sa BFAR na suportahan ang ating mga mangingisda at itaas ang kalidad ng kanilang pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng nararapat na suporta at kalidad na serbisyo,” said Salilig, whose been a public servant for the last 34 years.

According to Salilig, who started as fishery technician for the Department of Agriculture in Region XII, one of his goals is to boost the aquaculture industry and production.

“Amid the growing challenges posed by climate change, I am determined to focus on strengthening the aquaculture industry and transitioning toward sustainable fisheries practices,” the new BFAR chief said upon his appointment by President Marcos. “To achieve this, we will actively collaborate with other government agencies and academic institutions to enhance research and development efforts.”

He added: “Ultimately, my goal is to lead the agency in fulfilling its mission to ensure fish sufficiency, improve the quality of life of our fisherfolk, and align with the President’s vision of boosting productivity and yields, thereby uplifting their standard of living.”

 

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