General

Manila: The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment and expansion of four ecozones during the first half of 2025. These include two expansions of a manufacturing zone in Batangas and two new Information Technology (IT) Parks in Tagbilaran City and Bacolod City. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos issued Proclamation 910 on May 21, designating 23.49 hectares of land in Barangays Bagong Pook and Luta Sur, Malvar, Batangas to be included in the existing Lima Technology Center (LTC). This development involves an investment of more than PHP980 million and

Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) has announced a new initiative to provide free Wi-Fi access in collaboration with internet service provider Starlink and the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Negros Island Region (DICT-NIR). NOCCI President Edward Du shared the plan during the DICT-NIR Bayanihan Roadshow, highlighting a renewed vision for connectivity similar to a previous project that failed to launch. According to Philippines News Agency, the NOCCI’s earlier project envisioned connecting 80 public schools with free Wi-Fi within eight years with the help of eight donors. However, challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and infrastructure damage

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to implement labeling for retail pork by August. This initiative aims to inform consumers about the origin of the pork they purchase, distinguishing between locally produced and imported products. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made this announcement during a market inspection at the Paco public market in Manila, highlighting the need for transparency in product labeling. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is also instructing retailers to ensure proper ice provision for displayed frozen imported pork to maintain its quality and safety. The department is setting a maximum suggested retail

Manila: There is a stable supply of fertilizer for the agriculture sector in the country despite the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday. The DA made the statement amid concerns on the potential impact of the tensions on shipping in the Gulf region, where Qatar, one of the major suppliers of fertilizers, is located. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the country has a sufficient supply of fertilizer, which may prevent spikes in local prices. He explained that the current stock of fertilizer is expected to

Manila: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has partnered with other government agencies and maritime industry leaders for a landmark study on seafarers’ role in the Philippine economy. According to Philippines News Agency, MARINA announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between MARINA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and the Center for Research and Communication Foundation, Inc. (CRC). The study, entitled ‘Overseas Seafarers’ Industry Profile, Structure, and Impact on the Philippine Economy,’ seeks to generate data-driven insights to guide the