Masinloc mango farms eyed for Zambales Mango Green Valley Project

By HENRY EMPEÑO MASINLOC, Zambales — Agriculture personnel and farm experts visited selected mango orchards in this town on October 8 to assess their possible inclusion in the provincial government’s revitalized mango production program. Mayor Hazel Lim and some local mango producers toured the visiting experts led by Samahan ng Magmamangga ng Zambales (SMZ) president… Read More Masinloc mango farms eyed for Zambales Mango Green Valley Project

DA rolls out agriculture support, cold storage in Zambales

CASTILLEJOS, Zambales (October 7, 2025)—The Department of Agriculture (DA) unveiled a package of agricultural support for farmers and fisherfolk in Zambales, including the promise of a P35-million modular cold storage facility for high-value crops by early 2026. Spearheading the turnover on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led… Read More DA rolls out agriculture support, cold storage in Zambales

‘Handog ng Pangulo’ brings livelihood, land security to over 3,000 Pampanga farmers

By Mark Anthony G. Pangan | September 19, 2025 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA)—More than 3,000 farmers in Pampanga have benefitted from the ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Financial Assistance to Farm Laborers and Distribution of Titles,’ a national government initiative that speeds up land distribution and boosts agricultural livelihoods.  President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.… Read More ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ brings livelihood, land security to over 3,000 Pampanga farmers

New Philmech rice mill launched in Castillejos

By ALEX GALANG CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — Farmers in this town won’t have to worry anymore about milling and drying their rice harvest with the inauguration here on September 5 of a new rice processing system (RPS-I) facility from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech). The facility was secured by the Castillejos local… Read More New Philmech rice mill launched in Castillejos

194 farmers coops, LGUs in Central Luzon receive farm machinery

By Camille N. Gavino | September 4, 2025 SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — A total of 194 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon received agricultural machinery under the second phase of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program. Led by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development… Read More 194 farmers coops, LGUs in Central Luzon receive farm machinery

Back to Basics: Natural farming provides farmers cheap, effective, accessible agri inputs

By HENRY EMPEÑO | August 31, 2025 [Second of Two Parts] IBA, Zambales — With mechanization and use of certified seeds becoming the norm in Philippine agriculture, poor soil fertility, pest and disease problems, and water shortages remain the leading causes of low agricultural productivity—all of which require substantial costs to manage and control. Philippine… Read More Back to Basics: Natural farming provides farmers cheap, effective, accessible agri inputs

Back to Basics: Homegrown palay program draws growers back to chemical-free farming

By HENRY EMPEÑO | August 30, 2025 [First of Two Parts]                IBA, Zambales — A growing number of rice farmers in this capital town of Zambales are switching back to farming methods without chemical use following the introduction here last year of the Palay Partnership Program (PPP) by BCV Farms. The program, which focuses on… Read More Back to Basics: Homegrown palay program draws growers back to chemical-free farming

Gov’t to auction 100,000 metric tons of rice this week

By PCO | August 27, 2025 IN order to stabilize supply and strengthen food security in the country, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. ordered the release of at least 100,000 metric tons of rice, Malacañang announced Wednesday, August 27. Via an auction, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to release this week some 1.2… Read More Gov’t to auction 100,000 metric tons of rice this week

PhilRice warns CL, Bicol rice growers of increased rainy season pest threats

By Camille N. Gavino | August 8, 2025 SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has advised rice farmers in Central Luzon and the Bicol Region to intensify field monitoring as the rainy season is expected to trigger a rise in pest and disease outbreaks until September. Based on reports… Read More PhilRice warns CL, Bicol rice growers of increased rainy season pest threats

Typhoons leave P1.75-B agri, infra losses in Zambales

By HENRY EMPEÑO | August 2, 2025 IBA, Zambales — The combined effects of typhoons “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong,” as well as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” in late July left some P1.75-billion in total damages to agricultural crops, aquaculture, and infrastructure facilities in Zambales. The Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and… Read More Typhoons leave P1.75-B agri, infra losses in Zambales