Efforts to modernize the country’s maritime sector are currently in progress as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will construct at least 200 social and farm-to-market port projects to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in far-flung areas. “Under the Build, Better, More Program of the Marcos Jr. Administration, the DOTr-Maritime Sector is working on the completion of approximately 200 social port …

The men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for approving the three-year fixed term of the PCG Commandant through the signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12122 (Act Fixing the Term of Office of the PCG Commandant and for Other Purposes) amending Section 5 of RA No. 9993 or the PCG Law last …

Key maritime industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders gathered for the Bangsamoro Maritime Transportation Summit 2025, a pivotal event aimed at strengthening maritime safety and sustainability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Held from 11-12 February, the summit served as a crucial platform for addressing pressing issues in the maritime sector. With the theme “Ensuring Safe and …

Figaro Coffee Group (FCG), a leading player in the Philippine food and beverage industry, reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, showcasing robust growth and a solid financial standing. The company achieved strong profitability, strengthened its operational capabilities,and expanded its market presence. For the period October 1 to December 31, 2024, FCG recorded a net income before …

The digital age has changed how people get into romantic relationships, opening the door to a new breed of deception—AI-powered love scams. Fraudsters now leverage artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities, using deepfake images, voice cloning, and AI-driven conversations to manipulate victims into emotional and financial entanglements. Unlike traditional scams, AI-enhanced fraud is more sophisticated and harder to detect. …

BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz Vast tracts of farmlands in the country have become parched from the blunders of the National Irrigation Authority to service water through its national systems, which had cost the government P2 billion of wasted investments. The Commission on Authority last February 1 released its report recommending that contracts be rescinded, bonds forfeited, court …

By Rose de la Cruz The AgriSpecialists Inc. (ASI) can now sell and distribute its BioN biofertilizers for use in rice and all other crops. The announcement came after the Laguna-based company finally secured its certificate of product registration (CPR) from the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) allowing it “to sell and distribute its Bio N biofertilizer.” FPA Executive Director …

Two key measures regulating tax increases on cigarettes and strengthening excise tax administration to combat illicit trade and minimize revenue losses have been sent by the House of Representatives to the Senate. House Bills 11360 and 11286 have been approved by the lower chamber on third and final reading, signaling a major step in refining tax policies on tobacco products. …

The maximum suggested retail price for imported rice is now at P55 per kilogram starting Feb. 15. The Department of Agriculture said the MSRP would apply to imported rice with five percent brokens. It is confident that come March the price cap would be lowered to P50 or below per kg. after two weeks.  “This should reflect the lower global prices …

The deferment of the implementation of Special Order 6 of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, which protects local producers by strictly monitoring the entry of imported sugar-based products and alternatives that would have been detrimental to other legitimate industrial players was hailed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio welcomed the deferment saying that SRA …