THE damage on irrigation systems caused by illegal quarrying in the Upper Pampanga River Irrigation System (UPRIS) is expected to disrupt the planting of rice in 37,000 hectares in Nueva Ecija– the country’s rice bowl – prompting the Department of Agriculture to shift production in said farms to mungbean production. The disruption threatens to slash the country’s summer rice harvest …

WITH onion harvest coming by the start of February, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform told the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to intensify their operations against onion smuggling, warning that illegal imports could once again undermine local farmers and distort market prices. Pangilinan stressed that the influx …

By DA Press Office THE ban on sugar importation would stay until December 2026– not September as reported– to extend the protection for local sugar producers in view of improving supply conditions, the Department of Agriculture said. “Based on the current outlook for sugar production and demand, a longer import moratorium than initially suggested is necessary,” explained DA Secretary Francisco …

By Bloomberg News AFTER last year’s historic rally, cocoa prices are heading for a record annual slump. But there’s no sign the cost of candies, bars or chocolate will follow any time soon.  Cocoa futures almost tripled last year, inflicting pain on manufacturers, who in turn hiked chocolate prices. They’re still working through beans they bought at the top of …

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has released the names of 16 financial institutions that it recognizes as Primary Dealers (PDs) of government securities for the year 2026. In a memorandum dated December 23, 2025, signed by National Treasurer Sharon Almanza, the BTr announced the list of qualified Government Securities Eligible Dealers (GSEDs) under the PD System. The designation grants …

Bigger and more established banks cannot do this: offer eight percent interest on time deposit. But Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc. is offering this product under its “Bank on Eight” promo. Salmon’s “Bank on Eight” promo promises a promotional interest rate of 8 percent per annum available to clients with Time Deposit placements of at least P1 million for a …

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended 2025 on the red, reversing its rise for the last three sessions, but the Philippine peso finished sideways against the United States dollar. it was reported by the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA). The local bourse’s main index shed 0.21 percent to 6,052.92 points, but the broader All Shares rose 0.25 percent to …

PalawanPay renewed its commitment to the UP Fighting Maroons, highlighting partnership and shared purpose in their pursuit of excellence. PalawanPay, the e-wallet arm of the Palawan Group of Companies, proudly renewed its commitment to the UP Fighting Maroons, reinforcing its role as a steadfast partner in the team’s continued journey toward victory and growth. This renewed alliance reflects PalawanPay’s deep …

Tecon Suape S.A. (TSSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit in Pernambuco, Brazil, is once again recognized as one of the country’s leading environmentally responsible port facilities after receiving the 2025 Ocean Friend seal. The award underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and ocean protection. The award was presented at Suape Conecta, an event organized by the Suape Port Industrial …

Manila Water is encouraging customers across the East Zone to start 2026 with a clean and healthy home environment as the company releases its desludging schedule for January 2026. The company continues to remind customers that regular septic tank cleaning is essential in safeguarding both household hygiene and community sanitation, especially at the beginning of the year when many families …