News & Opinion Archives - Pagsasaka - Agriculture and Food Production

Oct162023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Hagonoy, Davao del Sur: The Rising Star in the Philippines’ Poultry Industry

HAGONOY, Davao del Sur – Hagonoy Mayor Jesus Dureza Jr. radiates optimism as he envisions his town becoming a prominent player in the poultry industry, projecting that it will emerge as the top chicken producer in the Philippines by the following year. This ambitious vision was fueled by a momentous event - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presiding over the inauguration of the World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm, marking the completion of the first of 12 colossal poultry megafarm projects set to redefine the poultry landscape across the nation. Mayor Dureza enthusiastically stated, "Once it is fully operational by next year, Hagonoy will be the biggest producer of chicken in the entire Philippines." His enthusiasm stems from the realization of a substantial proje...

Oct162023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Calabarzon Farmers Receive DA Support to Satisfy Christmas Pork Demand

Livestock, News & Opinion

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a compelling call to hog raisers in the Calabarzon region to persevere and continue raising pigs despite the persistent threat of African swine fever (ASF). This initiative aims to ensure an ample supply of pork during the extended Christmas season in the Philippines. Dr. Jerome Cuasay, the focal person for the livestock program, underlines the importance of supporting hog raisers and livestock production, emphasizing that the DA is ready to offer assistance through the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) of the Livestock Program. The assistance provided by the DA encompasses a variety of measures designed to bolster the hog-raising sector. These measures include the establishment of ...

Oct122023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Plant-Based Meat Substitutes: A Promising Pathway to Enhance Food Security

News & Opinion

The Marcos administration faces a significant decision concerning the future of food security in the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has unveiled a plan to increase domestic meat production by a staggering 500 percent before the current administration's term comes to a close. However, Roberto Galang, the dean of Ateneo de Manila's John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM), believes that there is an alternative path to ensuring food security while addressing some pressing environmental concerns. In an interview, he passionately argued for the cultivation of the plant-based meat substitute industry as a part of a broader strategy for enhancing food security. Galang's perspective is not merely based on conjecture but on a well-founded understanding of both eco...

Oct122023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

From Local Gem to Global Fame: Bago City’s Agroecological Recognition

News & Opinion

The City of Bago, nestled in the heart of Negros Occidental, Philippines, has once again captured international attention for its remarkable commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. On a Monday night in Tallinn, Estonia (which was Tuesday morning back in the Philippines), the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for 2023 were unveiled, and to the delight of many, Bago City secured a place on this prestigious list. This marks the second time that Bago City has been included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories. The initial recognition came in 2022 when the Green Destinations Foundation, based in The Netherlands, acknowledged the city's remarkable efforts in promoting responsible and eco-conscious tourism. However, this year, Bago City's dedication to sustainable pra...

Oct122023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Davao Region Pork Supply Enough for 2023 Holiday Season – DA

News & Opinion

The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) has recently assured the public of a stable supply of pork meat and its by-products during the upcoming holiday season. This reassurance comes in light of consistent supply levels over the past year, as explained by Monday Aretaño, the regional livestock program coordinator for DA-11. Aretaño's statement provides a sense of relief and certainty for consumers in the Davao Region who are accustomed to enjoying pork as a central component of their festive meals, especially during the holiday season. She has emphasized that the stable supply experienced throughout 2022 and the first two quarters of this year is a promising sign that there won't be any shortages of pork in December. Nonetheless, it's essential to remain min...

Oct122023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

DA’s Call to Action: Cultivate Drought-Tolerant Crops During El Niño

News & Opinion

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is keeping a vigilant eye on the impending El Niño phenomenon and is advising farmers to prepare for its anticipated start in November, which is expected to last until the first quarter of 2024. This proactivity is essential because El Niño, characterized by low to zero rainfall and higher temperatures than usual, can wreak havoc on the agricultural sector, resulting in crop withering and water shortages due to increased evaporation. To mitigate these potential consequences, the DA is encouraging farmers to adopt various strategies that will help them withstand the challenges posed by El Niño. Aida Pagtan, the Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (RAFIS), is playing a pivotal role in disseminating this crucial informa...

Oct122023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Legal Action Taken Against Onion Price Manipulation in the Philippines

News & Opinion

In a significant development, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Wednesday that charges have been filed against six individuals, including three officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), for their alleged involvement in manipulating onion prices in the Philippines. This move is a crucial step towards addressing the issues of hoarding, falsification, and profiteering that have impacted the country's onion market. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) spearheaded the efforts to bring these individuals to justice. Charges have been filed against the officials of the Bonena Multipurpose Cooperative (Bonena), namely Israel Reguyal, Mary Ann Dela Rosa, and Victor de la Rosa Jimenez. These charges revolve around allegations of hoarding, falsification of document...