General

Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has ensured that over 254,000 family food packs are on standby across various warehouses in the region. This preparation is in response to the anticipated impact of Tropical Depression Crising. According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, the chief of DSWD-5’s Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the total value of available relief resources has reached PHP273 million, including food items ready for immediate distribution. “Following the blue alert status issued by the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, we have activated our quick response team. Under

Manila: Talks about the possible change in the Federal Reserve’s leadership pushed the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) and the peso deeper Thursday. For the third straight day, the main stocks gauge slipped and ended the day’s trade at 6,295.55 points, down 0.66 percent; and the broader All Shares by 0.67 percent to 3,723.14 points. According to Philippines News Agency, Mining and Oil led the sectoral counters with a decline of 2.35 percent, followed by Holding Firms, 1.41 percent; Industrial, 0.77 percent; Financials, 0.73 percent; Property, 0.61 percent; and Services, 0.59 percent. Trading volume reached 2.41 billion shares amounting to

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) announced plans to launch a parametric insurance program designed to expedite insurance claims for rice farmers. The program aims to innovate the current system, providing quicker financial support during extreme weather events. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that the new system would help reduce losses and accelerate recovery for local farmers. He emphasized that timely insurance claims are crucial for keeping farmers engaged in production, offering essential support during challenging times. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of achieving

Manila: Rice farmers posted higher earnings in 2024 despite rising production costs, while the country achieved a stronger rice buffer stock, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average farmgate price per kg of palay (unhusked rice) rose to PHP23.48 in 2024, up from PHP19.88 in 2023. This increase resulted in a higher gross return of PHP95,906 per hectare and a net return of PHP36,211 per hectare, compared to PHP82,914 and PHP26,423, respectively, in 2023. This corresponds to a net profit-cost ratio of PHP0.61 for

Negros occidental: Several local government units (LGUs) in the southern region of Negros Occidental have suspended operations in government offices starting Thursday due to rising floodwaters caused by monsoon rains, which have been intensified by Tropical Depression Crising. According to Philippines News Agency, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda announced the suspension of work until further notice, emphasizing the safety and well-being of constituents and government personnel. Mayor Miranda encouraged private sector entities to consider similar precautions to protect their employees and assets. As of 1:34 p.m., reports indicate that four barangays have been affected by the floods, prompting the establishment