DA to build P300-M biotech center

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will build the country’s biggest biotechnology center at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here.

Dr. Roel R. Suralta, head of DA’s Crop Biotechnology Center, said the project aims to generate improved technologies, increase productivity, and enhance the commercial value of DA’s priority crops, such as rice, abaca, coconut, white and yellow corn, cotton, cassava, sweet potato, yam, tomato, and eggplant.

Suralta added the center will not only provide equipment and facilities, but also training and support to Filipino researchers who are into biotechnology.

“It also aims to build a network among local and international researchers to sustain and continually advance biotechnology in the Philippines,” he said.

Funding for the facility was granted by the U.S. government through its Public Law 480 program, also known as the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act.

“Our submitted proposal was recommended by the DA and we were able to get PHP277 million for this project from the US food aid program. The remaining PHP25 million came from PhilRice,” Suralta added. – Marilyn Galang (PNA)

Olongapo PESO gets nat’l award

OLONGAPO CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment has recognized Olongapo City for having the best Public Employment Services Office (PESO) in the whole country in the highly urbanized category.

The award was given during the 17th National PESO Conference at FL Dy Coliseum in Cauayan City, Isabela on Oct. 4.

PESO Olongapo was previously named as the top regional performer in the same category, earning its nomination to the national level since 2013.

PESO-Olongapo manager Mario Esquillo said the office has placed a total of 15,149 job applicants in different companies around Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, surpassing its target by posting a 123.27% average.

Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino said his administration prioritizes quality service for residents.

The Public Overseas Employment Agency also recognized PESO-Olongapo’s efforts in anti-illegal recruitment, as it qualified the office to be nominated for the first time.

DENR warns alcohol firm in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a notice of violation to Far East Alcohol Corporation (FEACO) in Apalit town due to accidental disposal of molasses in the Pampanga River.

Provincial Environment Officer Arthur Punsalan said the notice was served after an inspection to determine the compliance of FEACO with basic requirements to mitigate the issues and concerns that caused the fish kill in  Masantol and Macabebe towns.

Punsalan said they also inspected the tunnel where the rain water and other source of water is being run through going to Pampanga River, as ell as the tanks carrying thousand-liter capacity  of molasses that reportedly caused the fish kill.

Punsalan said the FEACO is conducting some engineering and environmental interventions as of the moment. – Joel Mapiles (PNA)