Day: November 3, 2025

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday expressed optimism that farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice) will continue to strengthen as the government approved the rice import ban until the end of 2025. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told the Philippine News Agency that the extension took effect on Nov. 1, although the DA is still awaiting the issuance of the final order. According to Philippines News Agency, in an earlier interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency is expecting to receive a copy of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order within the day.

Caraga: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region (DSWD-13) has strategically prepositioned 81,989 family food packs in anticipation of Typhoon Tino’s impending landfall. According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-13 has ensured that these supplies are ready for effective response. The agency highlighted that priority areas include island municipalities within the region to guarantee timely relief assistance once required. A transfer of 846 food packs from the Dinagat Islands’ provincial warehouse to Tubajon municipality has been completed for prepositioning, ensuring immediate availability of food assistance on the ground. Additionally, DSWD-13 distributed 1,000 food packs to residents in

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has vowed to support the banana sector in the country to help address the spread of Panama disease. The commitment came after the 32nd Joint General Assembly of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and the Banana Export Industry Foundation (BEIF). The Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, or Panama disease, is a fungal infection that severely affects banana production. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the DA is “firmly committed to supporting our banana farmers and exporters in addressing this challenge.” He emphasized the importance

Manila: The Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (BOC-POM) announced plans to auction seven luxury vehicles, previously seized from the Discaya couple, on November 17. The auction will be conducted through sealed bidding. According to Philippines News Agency, the vehicles include high-end models such as a 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2023 Toyota Sequoia, 2023 Rolls Royce Cullinan, 2022 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500 (Brabus), 2021 Lincoln Navigator L, and a 2022 Bentley Bentayga. The auction will be held at 10 a.m. at the Situation Room of the Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) Building, Bureau of Customs in Port Area, Manila. Interested

London: The Philippines will once again take the global stage as it presents its destinations, culture, and hospitality at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, one of the world’s premier tourism trade events, from Nov. 4 to 6 at Excel London in the United Kingdom. In a statement on Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the country’s participation underscores its goal to strengthen its standing as a top Asian destination amid the steady rebound of global travel. According to Philippines News Agency, leading the Philippine delegation are Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief

Manila: A Philippine trade official on Monday partly traced to tax incentives law and the new free trade agreement (FTA) the new investment inflows from South Korea. According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso Panga, who was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s delegation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and Related Summits in South Korea from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2025, delivered a key presentation before Korean investors on the sidelines of the President’s APEC attendance. During the trip, Panga signed a Registration Agreement between PEZA and the Samsung