Category: General

MANILA: The National Food Authority (NFA) eyes more cost-effective and flexible reforms for national rice buffer stocking.

In an exclusive interview with People’s Television Network (PTV)’s Spotlight on Sunday, NFA officer-in-charge administrator Larry Lacson said he would lobby for strategies that would minimize the NFA’s handling cost and secure ríce buffer stock with flexibility.

In particular, the agency can save over PHP136.1 million if it opts to eliminate the use of NFA sacks.

“Cost kasi yun sa government eh, so yung isang sako one single use, PHP13 mahigit. Ilang bags ba ang target natin kung ma-meet natin? (That’s a cost to the government, so one single-used sack [is worth] more than PHP13. How many bags do we need to meet?) 9.9 million bags x PHP13.75,” Lacson said.

Besides the procurement of sacks alone, the NFA is also spending on other packing procedures.

“Kasi nililipat nila sa sako ng NFA ngayon, gumastos ka na sa sako, magbabayad ka pa ng maglilipat ng sako, magtatahi ng sako, etc. nasa m
ore or less 30 pesos per sako yan (Now, they are transferring that to NFA sacks, you already spent on sacks, you will even pay those who will transfer and sealed the sacks, etc. It’s more or less PHP30 per sack),” he added.

Lacson then mentioned the option to do what other traders were doing upon procurement but with some parameters.

“Iyong suggestion nga ni (The suggestion of) Secretary (Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.), which okay, agree ako ano, stamp mo yung NFA ng food grade na ink (I agree, you can stamp the NFA with food grade ink),” he said.

Flexible buying

Lacson, meanwhile, said he would clarify if the NFA could purchase milled rice from local markets for its buffer stock instead of direct palay procurement to local farmers.

“Hindi cleared, nakalagay doon (It’s not clear, it’s indicated there that we) should be able to buy rice, for buffer stocking, from source solely from the farmers) rice ang sinabi hindi palay (it said rice not palay),” he said.

He said this might be pushed t
hrough flexible buying, but only if the NFA was unable to meet its target volume.

Under the existing Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the NFA is mandated to secure 300,000 metric tons (MT) of rice for buffer stocking alone.

“We should be able to buy rice rin kapag kinakailangan lamang, kasi indirect ang benefit nun sa farmer (only if needed, because that’s an indirect benefit to farmers),” Lacson said.

Lacson, however, said the NFA should still prioritize direct palay procurement to local farmers.

Earlier, the NFA implemented a higher pricing scheme for palay procurement to ensure fair play with traders during the tail-end of the dry harvest season.

The price range is now set at PHP17 to PHP23 per kilogram for fresh or wet palay; and PHP23 to PHP30/kg for clean and dry palay.

No corruption, better rice quality

Lacson, also, vowed to implement a “participatory leadership” where farmers are consulted to avoid corruption within the NFA.

“We don’t want any corruption, or any kalokohan sa NFA, kasi anything n
a ganyan it boils down to sayang na resources ng pamahalaan ng taong bayan (or any wrongdoings within the NFA, because if anything it boils down to wasted resources of government from the people’s pocket),” he said.

“Wala nang mangyayaring, ganitong malawakang sibakan, dahil sa mga perceived na hindi nasunod na proseso (There will be no more massive suspensions due to perceived neglect of procedures),” he said.

To date, the NFA is under the parallel investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Agriculture due to the alleged improper rice sale of NFA rice buffer stock.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier issued a preventive suspension order against 141 officials and employees of NFA.

Meanwhile, Lacson assured that measures are in place to improve the quality of NFA rice.

“Deserve niyo po na makakain na masarap na bigas sa mga panahon ng kalamidad (You deserve to eat good quality rice in times of calamities),” he said.

Earlier, Lacson expressed optimism that NFA rice might be able to
match the commercial quality of rice in the market.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Some 166 residents of Patnanungan, Quezon have started building water harvesting systems and gardening projects in the province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Monday.

Irene Dumlao, assistant secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), said the programs are part of the DSWD’s Projects LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).

‘With Project LAWA at BINHI, we want to strengthen the adaptive capabilities of poor and vulnerable families to mitigate the impact of food insecurity and water scarcity brought about by the drought, especially this time that we are experiencing scorching heat throughout the country,’ Dumlao said in a news release.

From April 17 to 19, the project beneficiaries underwent comprehensive training encompassing disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and practical skills for water harvesting, gardening, vermicomposting, and hydroponics.

After
the training, the participants started the repair and construction of water harvesting systems and community and school-based gardening projects, with a target completion date of May 15.

Dumlao said the project will provide learning and development sessions (LDS) on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR), and cash-for-work (CFW) and cash-for-training (CFT) to beneficiaries in priority areas affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

She said the interventions under the CCAM-DRR in the priority areas are based on the Climate Outlook of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) with the most number of poor families based on Listahanan 3 and not just in areas near major river basins as identified by the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change.

As part of the design of Project LAWA at BINHI, the DSWD will provide each partner-beneficiary with the daily minimum regional wage rate of PHP470 in ex
change for their attendance to the training and participation in the implementation of the projects in their barangays.

Source: Philippines News Agency

BACOLOD CITY: The municipality of E. B. Magalona in Negros Occidental has put the spotlight on its famous products – blue crabs and coffee – in celebrating 35 years of its main fiesta, the Ugyonan Festival, which is being held until May 1.

The northern Negros town is known as the province’s blue crab capital for its abundant blue-swimming crab production and organic coffee grown in the forest of Barangay Canlusong.

‘We’re very proud to show the many interesting cuisines that can be made using blue crabs, and drinks and desserts using Canlusong coffee,’ Mayor Marvin Malacon said in a statement on Monday.

These were showcased during the 1st Saravia Culinary Contest participated in by teams from both the town’s coastal and uplands barangays at the public plaza on April 27.

The competition honors the former name of E. B. Magalona, which is Saravia.

In the Crab Category where two dishes were required per entry, the champion’s prize went to the Ugyonan Crab Curry and Ugyonan Tempura of Poblacion 2 created by J
ohn Russil Bausing, Andrei Lois Soberano, and Mark Lester Villarin.

The Crab Shala and Crab Samosa of Barangay Alicante’s Joan Borlan, Rosie Joy Reyes, and Christella Polines placed first runner-up, while the Crab Cake and Crab Rangoon of Barangay Latasan’s Franche Louis Ortequesa, Jules Romero, and Michaela Divinagracia was second runner-up.

Under the Coffee Category, Barangay Cudangdang’s Orange Canlusong Cold Brew Coffee Spritz and Biscuit Crumb Canlusong Pudding made by Benjansun Beronilla and Jethro Trocio topped the drink and dessert entries.

Barangay Alacaygan’s Gateau de Kape and Ala Coffee Mousse Drink of Melanie Pelayo and Joey Esclabanan was first runner-up while Barangay Consing’s Sea Salt Cream Cold Brew and Coffee Cheesecake created by Sophia Jemella and Annabelle Jontongco, was second runner-up.

‘Indeed, what better venue to highlight these than through a culinary contest during the Ugyonan Festival,’ Malacon said.

The Canlusong organic coffee, which has four varieties – robusta, excelsa,
arabica and liberica, comes from the beans of coffee trees growing wild in the forest of Barangay Canlusong at an elevation of more than 1,600 feet above sea level.

These coffee trees are nurtured by local farmers, who harvest and pack the coffee beans using sustainable and environment-friendly practices.

‘Our blue crabs and Canlusong coffee have international buyers,’ the mayor said.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: High temperatures will continue over parts of the country in May, with Northern Luzon forecast to reach up to 40.8°C.

During the inter-agency updates on the government’s El Niño response aired on PTV Monday, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said 31.5 to 40.8 degrees temperatures are forecast in Northern Luzon.

Lowlands of Luzon, he said, could experience 31.7 to 39.8 degrees temperatures, while mountainous Luzon’s temperatures could reach 26.3 to 29 degrees.

The temperatures in Metro Manila could reach 36.5 to 38.3 degrees.

Solidum said in lowland Visayas, temperatures could range from 32.5 to 37.5 degrees.

In lowland Mindanao, temperatures could range from 33.4 to 38.8 degrees, and from 34 to 36.3 degrees in mountainous Mindanao, he said.

“In terms of the meteorological impact of El Niño, we could see the extreme effects due to high temperatures, lesser rainfall,” Solidum said.

He, however, noted that the impacts of El Niño have been mitigated because of govern
ment preparations.

“The effects (of El Niño) on water supply, agriculture, electricity, and health, were reduced because of science forecasts and the early implementation of solutions by the government,” he said.

Solidum also urged the public to help the government by conserving water.

Meanwhile, Analiza Solis, weather bureau’s climate monitoring chief, said El Niño in 2023 to 2024 is “one of the worst”.

Solis said high temperatures were also recorded during El Niño in 2015 to 2016 and 1997 to 1998.

“The impact of El Niño was bigger in 1997 to 1998. It’s because (the country) is more prepared now and interventions are in place,” Solis said.

Solidum said temperatures will lower in June.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast 10 to 13 tropical cyclones in the country from May to October.

“If La Niña occurs during the last quarter, then most of these (cyclones) will (hit the country) in the second half of the year,” Solidum said.

Source: Phili
ppines News Agency

SHAH ALAM, The by-election campaign for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat which entered its third day today went smoothly and no untoward incidents were reported so far.

Selangor police deputy chief Datuk S. Sasikala Devi said police will however continue to monitor campaign activities of the competing candidates to ensure that the situation remains until the end of the by-election.

“So far the campaign is going smoothly and well… there were no commotions. The contestants also apply for permits properly before holding campaign talks.

“We hope this situation remains and those who are contesting continue to campaign prudently, professionally and not cause hardship to the public,” he said when met by reporters at the Officers’ Mess at the Selangor police contingent headquarters, here today.

Last Wednesday, Sasikala Devi said for the by-election, a total of 642 officers and policemen were deployed to ensure smooth running.

In the meantime, he also reminded the candidates and the machinery of the competing
political parties to campaign prudently and not to touch on matters that could disturb public order, including 3R issues which is race, religion and royalty.

The KKB by-election is seeing a four-cornered contest involving former press secretary to Housing and Local Government Minister Pang Sock Tao (Pakatan Harapan), acting head of Hulu Selangor Bersatu Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainuddin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) and Nyau Ke Xin (Independent).

It was held following the death of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21 due to cancer.

The Election Commission set May 11 as polling day with early voting day on May 7.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

LAOAG CITY: The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) on Monday announced a five-year plan to upgrade its distribution system to solve perennial power outages in the province, which is expected to cost around PHP3 billion.

The average daily electricity demand of the cooperative’s 183,000 members rose to 67 megawatts from 40 megawatts due to El Niño phenomenon, acting general manager Cipriano Martinez said in a press conference at the INEC main office in Dingras said.

‘Whatever it takes, we will do that (upgrading of the system) to become efficient in distribution,’ Martinez said, citing the plan to take out a loan from the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Engineer Jenner Pablo, INEC Construction, Operation and Maintenance Division manager, said at least three of their substations are nearly reaching 100 percent capacity and the other transformers are overloaded, hence, the need to make some adjustments to address the situation temporarily.

However, this takes time, thus the power outages
in affected substations such as in Dingras, Marcos and Tanggaoan in Vintar.

To ensure the reliability of the distribution system and cater to the increasing power demand of consumers, Pablo said, there is a need to add more substations and increase the capacity of existing substations and transformers to avoid overloading or underloading.

To date, INEC has 11 existing substations but the one in Badoc is currently under the rebuilding stage after it was damaged last year, while the one in Bacarra is expected to be completed in six months.

“Aside from the two (substations in Badoc and Bacarra), we need to put up three more substations in Pagudpud, Laoag and Nueva Era,’ Martinez added.

A new substation in San Nicolas town is also being prepared for commissioning in time for the opening of the SM Laoag at the end of this year.

Source: Philippines News Agency

BATANG KALI, The slope and road repair works on the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road due to a landslide in December 2022 is expected to be completed by June 30, said Deputy Works Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said the slope and road repair project, which involved a cost of about RM19 million, was 86 per cent complete while the works to be completed included guard rails and wall construction.

“The task of the state and federal Public Works Department is to ensure that this slope is repaired using wall system building materials, and the method used is the Tera Link Wall System in terms of construction and design,” he told reporters after inspecting the work of the project here today.

Ahmad Maslan said that currently only one lane is open for users who have been given special permission, including workers in the Genting Highlands area or those who have residences in the Batang Kali and Hulu Selangor areas.

He said the route is expected to be fully opened to road users on July 1.

The landslide inc
ident on the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands route that occurred on December 16, 2022 buried the Father’s Organic Farm camping area resulting in 18 adults and 13 children being killed.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election campaign, Ahmad Maslan reminded voters to choose the right candidate who can give them the best service.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is a four-cornered contest between Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Pang Sock Tao (PH), Nyau Ke Xin (Independent) and Hafizah Zainudin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia).

The by-election was held following the death of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21 last year due to cancer.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency