Agriculture

The unstoppable rise in commodity prices and the failure of wages to keep up with household’s needs have resulted in a “cost of living crisis” in the region, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) in a recent blog. But then again, such cost of living crisis is not unique to the …

Joint elements of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs seized 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges worth P8.422 million, which the Bureau of Plant Industry said did lacked sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import permits to ensure the safety of consumers and the country’s agriculture sector from pest and diseases. The BoC seized at the Manila International Container Port …

A few decades ago, the Philippines was a top exporter of sugar, pineapple, rice (yes, rice), bananas, mangoes, logs, coffee. cacao, fiber and textiles and garments and even steel bars. But now, yes, we still are the leader in importing these same items from the world, esp. from our neighbors in Asia. Sad how our complete embrace of the global …

By Rose de la Cruz Several areas of the Philippines, notably Metro Manila, are sinking–  based on satellite imagery, physical evidence and other studies–  as sea levels rise because of climate change. This, according to a study done by the UP Resilience Institute, which discussed the cause of Manila’s sinking and its effects in terms of flooding and land subsidence. …

By Rose de la Cruz There’s nothing shocking/surprising about the wider agricultural trade gap in the second quarter of 2024. Because of El Nino, low water supply and confusing policies on rice and other food crops from the Department of Agriculture– with the new leadership focused more on announcing his new plans rather than implementing existing ones– production took a …

By Rose de la Cruz  GROW bamboo and reduce the cost of constructing a house or any infrastructure project,  The Asian Development Bank is now encouraging developing countries, including the Philippines to help farmers by pushing them to grow more bamboos for ecological and economic considerations.  Growing bamboo in developing countries could help farmers access the financial market and bring …

DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. asked investors to direct their efforts and support to the wide array of sciences available that match their business needs in their fields.  DoST, through its Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, and the Pampanga State Agricultural University and the Association of PAQE Professionals are now …

A type of bacterium called Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the feces of humans and animals, is often released into bodies of water such as streams.  Although most E. coli strains are harmless, some can cause foodborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, and dysentery. Feces are a major source of microbial contamination in fresh produce.  With the rise …

Jamaika Aguhob graduated at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree years back as a Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) scholar  Jamaika’s father, a beneficiary of the DAR, prodded her to finish college eve after losing her mother.  And despite their financial challenges and doubts about affording a college education, her father …

By Rose de la Cruz It doesn’t take an economist to explain that lower import duties don’t necessarily translate to lower local retail prices, particularly of rice, which the Marcos administration is desperate to control to manage inflation and spur GDP (gross domestic product) growth. Reducing the tariff on agricultural commodities from 35 percent to 15 until December 2028 would …