News & Opinion Archives - Sustainable Agriculture

Jul132023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Opinion: Why Marcos Jr. Should Stay as DA Secretary

News & Opinion

In a nation grappling with pressing agricultural challenges and a dire need to address food security, it is crucial to retain an experienced and capable leader at the helm of the Department of Agriculture (DA). This author argues that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. should continue serving as the Secretary of Agriculture due to his authoritative position, commitment to implement effective agricultural programs, urgency to tackle food security issues, and unparalleled experience in the field. Implementation of Agricultural Programs As the president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wields considerable power to execute agricultural programs. Having direct access to influential policymakers and extensive resources, he can effectively streamline efforts, expedite decision-making, and allocate ...

Jul92023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

DBM: New Slaughterhouse in Ormoc City to Strengthen Meat Industry

News & Opinion

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Friday that the groundbreaking of the new slaughterhouse facility at the Valencia Satellite Public Market will help bolster the meat industry in Ormoc City, Leyte. According to Pangandaman, the construction of the slaughterhouse will ensure that Ormocanons receive high-quality meat products. "With the construction of the new slaughterhouse, we hope to revitalize the meat industry in Ormoc and ensure the quality of meat coming from Ormoc," Pangandaman said. According to Pangandaman, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. places a high priority on the agriculture sector due to its enormous impact on food security. It was only during the Marcos administration that agriculture was included in the country's priority expenditures. I didn't see agricultu...

Jul92023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Angat Dam Level Dips Below Minimum

News & Opinion

Due to El Nio, water levels at the Angat Dam have receded below the minimum operating level, prompting authorities to cut irrigation and Metro Manila water allocations. As of 8 a.m. on July 8, the water level of the dam was at 179.94 meters, down from 180.41 meters the day before. The minimum operating level is 180 meters. David Jr., executive director of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), said water allocations would need to be modified as a result of the dam's water level dropping below 180 meters. The Board determined that if the Angat Dam level falls beneath the minimum operating level of 180 meters, modifications would need to be made in the allocation for MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System), NIA (National Irrigation Administration) and Metro Manila concess...

Jul82023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Hybrid Rice Demo Farm Targets 275 Tons in Davao Del Sur Town

News & Opinion

The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) said Thursday that about 275 tons of rice will be harvested from a hybrid rice demo farm in Hagonoy town, Davao del Sur, during the wet season. DA-11 rice program coordinator Evelyn Basa said the project can contribute to the country's 2027 rice production target with a minimum yield of seven tons per hectare. In Barangay Sinayawan, Basa credited the project to DA-11, the Philippine Rice Board, the Davao del Sur provincial government, and the Hagonoy municipality. A 35-hectare farm showcases 24 rice varieties and technologies from different seed companies. The demo farm will serve as an avenue for farmers to observe and learn various technologies on cultural management practices, mechanical and seeding, and nutrient management, su...

Jul82023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Iloilo Island to Get P12.8-M Solar-Powered Water System

News & Opinion

213 households will benefit from a PHP12.845 million solar-powered desalination water system to be constructed on an island barangay in Concepcion, Iloilo. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project with a counterpart fund from the Department of Agriculture and the provincial government was held in Sitio Danao-Danao of the island barangay of Polopiña on Thursday, led by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. It has a population of about 1,000, but there is no potable water on the islet. “Our governor has laid the groundwork for a pioneering project, the first time the provincial government has embarked on a solar-powered water desalination system project,” said Provincial Administrator Raul Banias in an interview on Friday. Seawater will...

Jul82023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

What is Sabong

News & Opinion

Welcome to the electrifying world of Sabong, where adrenaline and feathers fly high! If you've ever wondered about the ancient sport that has captivated generations in the Philippines, then this blog post is for you. Brace yourself as we dive into the thrilling realm of cockfighting and unravel its secrets. From its legality to how it's conducted, we'll leave no stone unturned. So sit back, grab a cold drink, and prepare to be amazed by the fascinating world of Sabong - an age-old tradition that continues to ignite passions today! What is Sabong Sabong, also known as cockfighting, is a bloodsport that dates back centuries and holds deep cultural significance in the Philippines. It involves two roosters pitted against each other in a battle of strength, skill, and stamina. These magnificent...

Jun282023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Pinanga Subterranea: New Rare Palm Species Found to Flower Underground

News & Opinion

A new species of palm has been discovered by researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB), Kew, and their partners, which flowers and fruits almost entirely underground. According to the report published in PALMS on Monday, given the new-to-science species' unique characteristics, it is called Pinanga subterranea, which means 'underground' in Latin. What was the location of the plant? It is native to Borneo in Southeast Asia, where it is well known to locals, some of whom consume the bright-red fruit, which is said to be sweet and juicy. Scientists have found approximately 300 different palm species on the island, but Pinanga subterranea has been overlooked for years now. Locals refer to the plant in three Bornean languages as Pinang Tanah, Pinang Pipit, Muring Pelandok, and Tudong Pe...

Jun282023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

Chinese Tourists Land in Jail for Damaging Choral Reefs in Thailand

News & Opinion

During a diving trip in Phuket, Thailand, three Chinese tourists allegedly touched a starfish and stepped on coral reefs, violating a marine protection law and facing up to two years in prison. Two were jailed after their selfie with a starfish went viral on social media, according to the Bangkok Post. While on a diving excursion off Koh Racha Yai, they stepped on coral reefs and held up starfish for selfies. Sanyang Qin and Wen Zhang were taken by a representative of the travel agency to meet investigators at the Chalong station, according to police. On Thursday, while they were diving at Ao La off Koh Racha Yai, three Chinese tourists were accused of holding up starfish and climbing on coral reefs to snap photographs. An investigation conducted by the Phuket Marine and Coastal Resou...

Jun282023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

PH Has Sufficient Rice Supply for Q3 of 2023, DA Says

News & Opinion

Manila - Despite the surge in prices of the country's staple food, the Department of Agriculture (DA) assured the public that the rice supply is sufficient. DA Senior Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian said rice supply will meet Filipino food needs in the third quarter of 2023. The carry-over stock of 1.8 million metric tons (MMT) and import arrivals of 1.8MMT are enough to cover the demand and consumption for seven MMT from January through June, Sebastian said. Sebastian, who is in charge of the DA's Masagana Rice Industry Program (MRIP), said by June, the stock available would last for more than two months. He attributed the current movement in rice prices to the "high cost of production locally and globally." He said, "We expect this to stabilize.". In the January to June rice pl...

Jun282023 by Lauro BraganzaNo Comments

African Swine Fever in Zambales: Candelaria Steps Up Biosecurity Measures vs. ASF

News & Opinion

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – To contain and prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), the municipal government of Candelaria in Zambales has ordered stricter biosecurity measures. ASF was confirmed in three villages in the town following a confirmed report of infected hogs. Byron Jones Edquiling directed all barangays in Candelaria to establish ASF prevention and biosecurity measures in consultation with the Municipal Agriculture Office on Tuesday. Following reports of ASF-infected pigs in Libertador, Panayonan, and Taposo villages, Edquiling called for stricter measures to prevent the spread of the disease. A validated laboratory test revealed traces of the ASF virus in blood samples taken from the hogs, the mayor said in a radio interview on Wednesday. The exact number ...