Day: June 5, 2025

Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to launch a ‘food boat’ to further support the livelihood of Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The food boat will provide both logistics support and direct market linkage, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to boost local productivity and help Filipino fishers in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, the vessel will resemble the function of the newly launched joint project with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) dubbed ‘Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (KBBM)’ program in Palawan. In a phone interview on

Manila: After its successful entry into the China market, fresh durian from the Philippines is now officially cleared for export to Egypt, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) announced on Thursday. In an interview, Flor De Hasmin Bayo, chief of the Plant Quarantine Service – Port of Davao (PQS-Davao), confirmed that fresh durian has gained official market access. “There is no schedule for shipment yet, as the durian season is typically in July and August. However, it is good to hear that we are approved to send our durian to Egypt,” she added. According to Philippines

Tokyo: The number of stalking cases in Japan in which police took action surged by 260, or 24.1 percent, in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of 1,341, the National Police Agency reported Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the number of restraining orders issued under the stalking control law increased by 23 percent to 2,415, surpassing 2,000 for the first time. Emergency orders made up about 60 percent of these restraining orders. The number of consultations with police regarding stalking remained relatively steady at 19,567. Police actions concerning noncompliance with restraining orders totaled 233 cases.

Manila: The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 on Thursday entered a ‘not guilty’ plea for former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. in his illegal possession of firearms and explosives case. Judge Renato Enciso entered the plea after Teves invoked his right to remain silent during his arraignment. According to Philippines News Agency, the case stemmed from the alleged firearms, explosives, and ammunition seized by authorities in a raid at Teves’ home in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental in March 2023. Following the arraignment, the court proceeded with the pre-trial and scheduled hearings for the formal trial on the

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced its plans to reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice to PHP43 per kilogram from July 1, in an effort to further reduce rice retail prices and benefit Filipino consumers, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. According to Philippines News Agency, the MSRP was last adjusted on March 31 following a series of reductions that began in January from PHP58 per kilogram. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel communicated through a Viber message that the reduction aims to bring down retail prices