The human spirit thrives on passion. It’s the fuel that ignites creativity, drives innovation, and propels us towards fulfilling lives. But for many, the path to pursuing their passions is riddled with various life constraints.  This was once the story of SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr. Familiar with the hurdles of life and how education can break down barriers, …

By Rose de la Cruz Election is certainly just around the corner because programs supposedly supporting the lowly— those in the poverty line (from wages inadequate to feed their families), senior citizens, the disabled and solo parents and, ultimately the indigenous people (IPs) or  the first ones to lose their properties in the name of progress– are being launched months …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) underscored digitalization as key to enhancing rural bank operations during the Rural Bank Strengthening Program (RBSP) Technology and Innovation Forum, held at the BSP Head Office in Manila on 31 May 2024. In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. explained that the forum aimed “to understand the opportunities and challenges as …

A proposal to construct a farm-to-market railway along the existing rail line of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) is now being evaluated by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center after both Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. expressed support to the project. Once the PPP Center is done in its evaluation, the project will be endorsed …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH), and their attached agencies, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have agreed to allow BAI to assist the FDA in conducting testing on animal vaccines and biologics. In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the agencies signed on June 4, 2024, the …

With the western seaboard of the Pacific being battered by extreme weather disturbances, Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul Tupas called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to put up marine hatcheries, similar to the ones utilized by Northern Iloilo State University and other successful models. Tupas, vice chair of the committee on aquaculture and fisheries resources and …

In keeping with one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations to “end hunger, to achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture” with aquaculture of farming aquatic plants and animals like fish and seaweeds, the UP Diliman College of Science is developing sustainable management approaches for emerging aquaculture species through continued monitoring and conservation efforts …

Biologist and Balik Scientist Dr. Nikki Heherson Dagamac is on a mission to assess and monitor the elusive tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) in Mindoro to protect it from extinction. Through Project MATAPAT (or Multidisciplinary Approaches for Tamaraw Protection against Threats), he seeks to assess the current status of tamaraw in Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary (MCWS) and identify priority areas of conservation …

SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, recently conducted two successful medical missions in the municipalities of Looc and Ibaan, Batangas.  The initiative, which aimed to provide accessible healthcare services to vulnerable communities, served approximately 700 patients. During the two-day event, residents of Looc and Ibaan received a wide range of free healthcare services. These included medical …

Meat imports grew by 11.3 percent or 397 million kilos during the first four months of 2024 as importers anticipate higher global prices, a weaker peso, and lower hog production due to El Niño. Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that meat importation from January to April this year surpassed by 41 million kilos the 356 million kilos …