Day: January 28, 2025

MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering the implementation of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork, alongside penalties for profiteering, as pork prices continue to surge in Metro Manila markets. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA announced its plans amidst the notable increase in pork prices across the region. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa revealed that the study includes determining an appropriate MSRP for pork, following similar measures applied to rice. De Mesa also mentioned that individuals found guilty of profiteering could face consequences under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which covers smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering.

Masbate: Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered in Masbate province over the weekend. The returnees surrendered at Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Barangay Poblacion. According to Philippines News Agency, the report was released by Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib. She stated that the former rebels handed over an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and one live round of ammunition during their surrender. The individuals were identified as belonging to Platoon 1, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla 2, Sub-Regional Committee 4, and the Bicol Regional Party Committee. This group operates under the command of

Manila: The provincial government of Albay has reported a significant increase in quarry revenues, which will be used to fund more programs for communities. In her “Ulat sa Albay” report marking her first 100 days in office, Acting Governor Glenda Ong Bongao said that revenue for December exceeded PHP9 million, a 100-percent increase from November. According to Philippines News Agency, Bongao highlighted four major programs funded by the quarry revenue to enhance social services for the province’s residents. The ‘Graba para sa Eskwela’ (Gravel for Schools) is a scholarship program offering educational assistance to deserving students in Albay; the ‘Basud

La Union: From an initial capital of PHP450,000, the Aringay Veggies Agriculture Cooperative (Aringay Veggies), composed of 37 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Aringay, La Union, has achieved significant growth in less than two years. According to Philippines News Agency, since its inception in April 2023, the cooperative now boasts PHP700,000 worth of assets. Notably, three of its members graduated from the conditional cash transfer program last year. The Aringay Veggies cooperative was selected for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DPWH) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for its innovative proposal to establish a vegetable