General

Manila: Minimum wage earners in the country may soon benefit from the PHP20 per kilogram rice initiative known as the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday. This development follows a discussion between the DA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aimed at providing cheaper rice to more Filipinos, aligning with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA, through its Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Centers and stalls, is set to offer PHP20/kg worth of well-milled rice from the National Food Authority

Manila: There are no new active cases of avian influenza (AI) in the Philippines based on the latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). ‘There were no positive HPAl (highly pathogenic avian influenza) cases reported from the period of May 17 to May 23, 2025,’ the BAI reported in its latest bulletin Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the country also has no ongoing cases after the BAI conducted depopulation, disposal, and disinfection in the last area with active cases among ducks in Mexico, Pampanga. This was followed by stringent surveillance within a one-kilometer radius last May 9.

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have acknowledged the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Cambodia, expressing a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest. According to Philippines News Agency, during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos highlighted improvements in trade relations since 2023, attributing the positive development partly to the increase in Philippine automobile exports to Cambodia. He emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration into other key areas, including defense, to strengthen the strategic partnership and ensure

Ilocos Norte: The Provincial Veterinary Office of Ilocos Norte has issued a reminder for Palarong Pambansa delegates intending to transport processed pork products to adhere to both national and local policies governing the movement of animal products. This measure is aimed at preventing the spread of African swine fever (ASF). According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the provincial veterinarian, has reached out to the Department of Education seeking their assistance in disseminating information to ensure compliance with advisories issued by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry. This initiative is to prevent potential confiscation of products

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance their cooperation on digital and halal trade. During the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the strategic importance of ASEAN-GCC economic relations, highlighting the regions’ rich natural and human capital and their shared aspirations for prosperity and sustainable development. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted that while there is significant potential, current trade patterns remain limited and concentrated. He advocated for moving beyond traditional trade