Manila: The Sandiganbayan has found former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan guilty beyond reasonable doubt of graft and malversation of public funds involving PHP400 million intended for the construction and rehabilitation of 22 farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in 2009. In its 66-page decision promulgated on Oct. 18 and shared Monday, the Sandiganbayan sentenced Ampatuan to up to 40 years in the malversation charge and ordered a fine and restitution totaling PHP786 million. He was sentenced to up to 12 years for the separate charge of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Two of Ampatuan’s co-accused, provincial treasurer Oscar Bandila

DAVAO CITY – The National Durian Industry Summit, scheduled on Wednesday aims to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global durian market. The two-day event, hosted by the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC), Davao City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO) and Department of Agriculture, will bring together farmers, traders, and industry experts to enhance the durian sector. ‘Our plenary speakers will share valuable insights and experience, offering a roadmap to unlock the full potential of the Philippines’ durian industry,’ organizers said in a Facebook post. Speakers from Malaysia and Thailand, two of the world’s leading durian exporters, will address quality

Manila: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and 11 higher education institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines on Monday started the Higher Education Mission to secure more partnerships in Australia. The five-day mission is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to boost internationalization of Philippine HEIs. ‘In the current administration, we are guided by the strategic instructions of the President continuing to produce world-class professionals in the fields in which the Philippines is well-known. So, that includes medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, engineering, and others,’ CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III said during the Philippine

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique farmers’ associations are being encouraged to secure accreditation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) so they would become beneficiaries of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). As RCEF members, they would be able to avail of technical assistance, farm inputs and other forms of assistance. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said DA officials visited him last week and requested his help in encouraging farmers’ associations to register. ‘DA has several technical assistances, farm inputs, and farm machinery that could be availed of by our farmers through their accredited associations,’ he said. Denosta filed