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Coco Mama expands Save Our Coconuts commitment to 1,000,000 seedlings

Coco Mama is expanding its Save Our Coconuts commitment tenfold, from 100,000 to 1,000,000 quality coconut seedlings over the next five years.

Implemented in partnership with HOPE and Vita Coco, the expanded program aims to help replace aging coconut trees, support Filipino coconut farmers and improve long-term farm productivity.

Since launching Save Our Coconuts in 2024, Coco Mama has donated 40,000 quality seedlings to farming communities. The program’s next phase will build on that progress by combining seedling distribution with farmer training, proper planting practices and support for establishing and maintaining new trees.

‘Tumatanda at hindi na namumunga ang mga puno ng niyog kaya nakakaapekto ito sa kita ng ating mga magsasaka. Importante at mahalaga na may gawin tayo dito.’ said Bryan Lingan, AVP and general manager for Coco Mama at Century Pacific Food Inc.

Scaling up support for coconut farmers

Approximately 20% of Philippine coconut trees are considered senile, meaning their productivity has significantly declined. For farmers who depend on these trees for their livelihood, lower yields can also mean lower income.

Replanting offers a path forward, but smallholder farmers with limited resources must invest today and wait several years before new trees become productive. Save Our Coconuts helps address this challenge by making quality seedlings more accessible and providing farmers with the knowledge and support needed to care for them.

‘Every coconut tree that we plant is also planting opportunity, resilience and dignity. and planting hope for a farmer, for a family and for the next generation of Filipinos.’ said Nadine Dorego, marketing manager at HOPE: Business for Good.

Marking World Coconut Day in GenSan

Coco Mama announced the expanded commitment on World Coconut Day in General Santos City, where brand ambassador Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo joined local farmers and representatives from HOPE, Vita Coco, Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures, Inc. (CPAVI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for a ceremonial planting activity.

Members of the farming community shared their experiences and the realities affecting the productivity of their farms and livelihoods.

On how she decides which products to support, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo explained, “Pinipili ko ang nagbibigay-balik sa kapwa Pilipino dahil binibigyan nito ang tao ng pag-asang mabuhay nang tama, payak, at tapat sa sarili.

The expanded commitment represents a long-term investment in the farms and communities behind the country’s coconut industry. Its success will be measured not only by the number of seedlings distributed, but also by what those seedlings can become: productive trees, stronger farms and a more sustainable future for Filipino coconut farmers.

Ondo herbal drink deaths hit 49

The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected by the health crisis.

The crisis, which initially affected Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has spread to Irele LGA, where eight deaths have been recorded.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the number of affected persons had risen to about 170, including those admitted and those who died.

‘As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,’ Ajaka said.

The commissioner attributed the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by victims and said medical teams had been deployed to affected communities.

He said the state government had intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent it from spreading to other local government areas.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Meko’, over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be linked to the deaths.

The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating a ban on the sale of herbal products imposed by the local government.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to the police, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting investigators.

The command said the situation had been contained following security, medical and investigative interventions.

It added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.

The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

Egg prices rise as poultry costs surge

Egg prices have risen in several parts of the country, with poultry farmers and traders attributing the increase to rising costs of chicken feed, medication, chicks, and other production inputs.

In Kamuli Municipality, Mr Peter Okocha Kasolo, the director of Madiba Poultry Farm in Kananage Village, says the rising cost of maize, a key ingredient in poultry feed, has increased the cost of egg production.

‘Currently, the price of maize is high, yet it’s paramount in making the feed for the birds. Therefore, the price of eggs automatically had to rise,’ he says.

He says a kilogramme of maize now costs about Shs1,300, up from Shs500, while the cost of medication and vaccination for chicks has also increased.

Mr Kasolo says a vaccination sachet for chicks that previously cost Shs5,000 now costs Shs7,000, adding to the cost of keeping poultry.

Njeru

In Njeru, Buikwe District, Ms Oliver Kateme, a poultry farmer, says the rising cost of feed is also responsible for the increase in egg prices.

She says a kilogramme of maize bran, which previously cost about Shs500, now costs around Shs1,100, although prices vary depending on the supplier.

She adds that a tray of eggs that previously cost about Shs8,500 wholesale now sells for between Shs10,000 and Shs12,000 or more.

‘Farmers are now forced to set prices depending on how much they spend on feeding, treating and caring for their chickens,’ Ms Kateme adds.

In Arua City, a tray of eggs now costs about Shs13,500 in most parts of the city, up from Shs12,500 last month.

Mr Jerry Dramadri, a poultry farmer in Arua City, says the increase is largely due to the rising cost and limited availability of chicken feed.

‘The prices of feeds have gone up and that is why we have raised the prices for eggs. We have few suppliers now because it is difficult to get maize, which is the main ingredient for chicken food,’ he says.

Mr Dramadri, however, expects prices to ease towards late October or November when farmers begin harvesting maize.

In parts of Arua District, an egg now costs Shs600, up from Shs500, while an egg from a local chicken costs about Shs1,300.

Ms Jennety Opinia, a consumer, said she hoped prices would fall soon, noting that eggs are an important and relatively affordable source of food.

In Kabale Town, prominent poultry farmer Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasibwe attributed the increase to higher poultry feed costs, a shortage of chicks and increased competition from large investors in the poultry sector.

He said reliable hatcheries had been out of operation for about eight months, affecting the supply of chicks and the availability of birds for egg production.

‘Although the increased prices of poultry feeds have been seen as the reason why the prices of eggs increased, lack of reliable hatcheries in the country to stabilise the parent stock is another challenge, especially after the government banned the importation of chicks from foreign countries,’ Mr Tumukwasibwe said.

He also said some large investors who had initially planned to add value to eggs had instead entered the market by selling eggs directly, further affecting competition and supply.

Kabale prices

Traders in Kabale, including Mr James Aguma, Ms Mary Hunama and Ms Agnes Kwatirira, said they had also increased their prices because farmers were charging more.

Ms Kwatirira said a tray that farmers previously supplied at Shs11,000 is now bought at about Shs13,000.

‘We used to sell it at Shs12,000, making a profit of Shs1,000. Because of challenges affecting poultry farming, farmers supply us with a tray of eggs at Shs13,000, and we sell it at Shs14,000,’ she said.

Ms Kwatirira said the higher prices had reduced the number of customers, although demand remained steady.

The rising egg prices have put pressure on both farmers and consumers, with traders warning that prices could remain high until the cost and availability of poultry feed and other inputs improve.

Farmers say increased production costs are leaving them with little choice but to pass the additional expenses on to consumers.

Arua prices

In parts of Arua District, an egg now costs Shs600, up from Shs500, while an egg from a local chicken costs about Shs1,300.

Ms Jennety Opinia, a consumer, said she hoped prices would fall soon, noting that eggs are an important and relatively affordable source of food.

LIVE: Alas Pilipinas vs Kazakhstan – Asian Games 2026 women’s volleyball

Alas Pilipinas seeks a bounce-back in the Asian Games 2026 women’s volleyball preliminary phase.

FINAL: Alas Pilipinas ousted by Kazakhstan, 29-27, 24-26, 23-25, 19-25, in the Asian Games 2026 women’s volleyball. After a winless Pool B campaign, the Philippines will play in the classification round.

Kazakhs nail back to back aces for a 21-13 spread.

Kazakhstan looking to wrap things up with a 17-11 lead.

Solomon ace to tie the game at 6. OF SET 3: Kazakshtan 25, Alas Pilipinas 23

Gagate blocks Nikitina to tie the game at 23.

Laure trims it to one anew, 22-23.

Solomon blocks Belova to cut it down to 22-21.

Nikitina gives Kazakhstan a 22-20 breather.

Canino ties it at 19!

Alas mounting another comeback. One point deficit, 18-19

Gagate makes it a three-point game, 13-16.

Two consecutive aces from Canino. Alas still down, 10-14.

The Kazakhs continue to dominate with a 12-7 lead.

Kazakhstan heats up early in the third, 5-1. OF SET 2: Kazakhstan 26, Alas Pilipinas 24

Canino ties it at 24 anew!

Alas saves a set point after Kazakhstan’s attack error.

Nikitina sends Kazakhstan to set point, 24-22.

Solomon keeps it a one point deficit, 23-22.

Laure down the line! one point game for Alas, 21-22.

Make that four in a row for Solomon! Alas within two, 20-22.

Solomon continues to step up. Alas, 19-22.

Solomon trying to spark a comeback with a big block. Alas still trailing, 18-22.

Nikitina restores the order. Kazakhstan with a 19-13 lead.

Mars Alba with a 1-2 play. Alas still behind, 13-17.

Three straight points by Alas. They are down, 14-10.

Kazakhstan hits its fourth block in Set 2 for a 12-7 lead.

Back to back points for Eya Laure to cut Kazakhstan’s second set lead, 9-7.

Laure seals it! END OF SET 1: Alas Pilipinas 29, Kazakhstan 27

Another one for Canino, 28-27.

Canino keeps Alas lead, 27-26.

Canino sends Alas to set point., 25-24.

Eya Laure forces a deuce!

Eya Laure saves a point.

Kazakhstan hits two crucial blocks to reach set point, 24-22.

Crucial service error by Jia De Guzman. We’re tied anew at 22.

Nina Yang with a quick attack. Alas leads, 22-21.

Back to back errors by the Kazakhs. We’re tied at 21.

Canino ties it at 18!

Belen breaks the wall to make it a one point game.

Canino nails an ace. Alas behind by two, 16-18.

Amie Provido stops the bleeding for Alas. They are down 14-17.

Kazakhstan seizes the momentum with a 16-13 lead.

Back to back errors by Alas, as Kazakhstan takes a 13-12 lead.

Bella Belen scores off a combination play. Alas, 12-10

Kazakhstan ties the first set to 9 after three consecutive points.

Alyssa Solomon and Canino keep Alas ahead, 6-4.

Angel Canino gives Alas a 2-0 start against the Kazakhs.

Refresh this page for updates.

It was far from the start Alas Pilipinas wanted for its women’s team in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games-but neither was it unexpected.

So the nation’s brightest volleyball stars are milking the result for whatever they can get from it.

‘[W]e came into this tournament very excited, very ready to learn, and very ready to be put out of our comfort zone,’ said team captain Jia De Guzman in an interview with local Games broadcaster One Sports after absorbing a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 defeat at the hands of nine-time Asiad champion China on Wednesday.

For the Alas women, the Asian Games stint provides a perfect competitive laboratory to begin building the future of the national volleyball program.

‘All of the things that happened the past year have really led to us coming into this moment,’ added De Guzman. ‘And it doesn’t stop here. We’re really trying to absorb all of the experience that we can because this is a stepping stone for all the plans in the future for the Philippine national volleyball team.’

There’s little consolation in a defeat, but the silver lining shone brightly. The Filipino women gave a good account of themselves against a team that is aiming for a third straight Asiad crown.

Alas’ Canino shines in Asian Games debut, ready for must-win vs Kazakhs

MANILA, Philippines – Angel Canino sticks to the positives after her impressive Asian Games debut ended with Alas Pilipinas Women getting swept by defending champion China.

Canino shone in her first Asiad with 14 points in the 18-25, 22-25, 8-25 loss the defending champions on Wednesday at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium in Japan.

‘Actually, we really believe that we’re capable of doing it. Maybe we just need more preparation and, of course, more time to build our chemistry. In volleyball, you can’t expect everything to come together quickly in just a year or a few months,’ Canino told official broadcaster One Sports in Filipino.

‘We trust that we can do it. Of course, that’s where the difference showed today – China has more experience than we do. Hopefully, one day, whatever we saw from ourselves today will become something we can consistently show moving forward,’ she added.

King Promise Talks Chelsea Passion, New Music In Stamford Bridge Interview

Ghanaian music star, King Promise, has spoken about his love for Chelsea FC and his new music in an interview at Stamford Bridge.

In the interview, the award-winning artiste expressed his excitement at being at the home of the Blues, describing it as a dream come true.

‘For me, I’m filled with gratitude. For a kid coming from Africa, Ghana, to be here at Stamford Bridge, it’s literally a dream. I’ve been here before a couple of times, but it always feels like the first time,’ he said.

King Promise credited former Chelsea star Michael Essien as one of the reasons for his deep affection for the club, praising him for flying the flag of Africa and Ghana on the global stage.

‘He’s one of the reasons why I love this club so much, because I was very young when he started playing for Chelsea.

‘Fast forward, I am who I am today, but I credit him for being one of the forefront people from Africa, from Ghana, just putting on for the continent, and for Chelsea also just tapping into Africa and supporting the African culture. For me, it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of this,’ he stated.

According to him, the bond between Chelsea and Africa is special and personal to him as a Ghanaian.

‘It’s just Chelsea connecting with Africa, which I am heavy on. I’m a Ghanaian, I’m African, and it’s just a beautiful thing that Chelsea and Africa are coming together, we have this connection,’ he added.

The singer also spoke about his collaboration with the Chelsea team in the studio, describing it as natural.

‘It was just beautiful. I went in the studio with the guys from the Chelsea team, and it just came naturally. I’m a Blue, you know. I’m a proper Chelsea fan, so for me it just came in natural form and we made a banger for Chelsea, for the fans all over the world. This one is for you,’ he said.

He left a good legacy – Shetimma hails late Bamanga Tukur in Yola

Vice- President Kashim Shettima has said the late National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur left a good legacy while calling on his family members to remain united.

Shettima said this on Thursday when he led a presidential delegation to condole with the family of the late elder statesman in Yola, Adamawa.

Bamanga died at the age of 91 on Saturday in Abuja and was buried in Yola on Sunday.

‘We are here essentially to condole with the family and good people of Adamawa State, the North-East and, by extension, the nation over the sad loss of our father, the elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

‘May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Paradise.

‘May Allah also grant the family, government and good people of Adamawa the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’ he said.

In his response, Auwal Tukur, the eldest son of the deceased and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Adamawa, appreciated Shettima for the condolence visit.

He said his father left behind two wives and 18 children.

The delegation, on arrival, paid a condolence visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Mustapha.

At the palace, Shettima urged Nigerians to emulate the legacies of the late Tukur.

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for identifying with the government and people of the state and the Adamawa Emirate Council in their moment of grief.

Responding, the Lamido of Adamawa thanked the President for sending the high-powered delegation on the condolence visit.

He prayed to Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Tukur and grant him Aljannatul Firdausi.

Obi challenges critics to prove 1% fund misappropriation under Anambra tenure

Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged his critics to prove that he misappropriated 1 per cent of the funds he managed during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Obi made the challenge while speaking to Nigerians at a meeting in Washington, D.C.

He said he would stop campaigning for the 2027 presidential election if anyone could establish that 1 per cent of the funds managed by his administration was misappropriated.

‘I was Governor of Anambra State for eight years and received about half a trillion naira.

‘If you can trace where 1% of it was misappropriated, I will stop campaigning. I won’t say anything again concerning the 2027 presidential election,’ he said.

His comments came shortly after the Anambra State Government said the current administration was still servicing loans and other liabilities inherited from previous administrations, including Obi’s tenure.

Obi served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2013, with a brief interruption in 2006.

President Ilham Aliyev attended inauguration of Meysari Grand Hotel and SPA complex in Shamakhi

On September 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration of the Meysari Grand Hotel and SPA complex in Shamakhi.

Mehmet Balçik, Chief Executive Officer of Pasha Hospitality, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the newly constructed Meysari Grand Hotel and SPA in Meysari village of Shamakhi district, noting that the complex is a multifunctional tourism and recreation destination.

Located at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level, the complex comprises a hotel and cottages, restaurants, a conference center, a spa and wellness center, sports and recreation areas, a children’s entertainment center, a parking lot and a helipad.

The complex features a total of 204 rooms, including 88 rooms of various categories in the main hotel building and 116 rooms in the cottage section. Additionally, three villas are located within the complex.

The wellness center offers extensive amenities for guests’ relaxation and well-being.

The complex features three swimming pools, gym and pilates halls, a tennis court, a football pitch, a padel court, and a children’s entertainment center.

The helipad is designed to enable guests to use air transport when necessary. Restaurants will also operate within the complex.

The Nasimi Conference Center is also located on the premises. The 420-seat center is designed to host conferences, meetings, presentations, business gatherings, and other events. In addition, the complex has a hall for organizing smaller-scale events and meetings.

Indoor and outdoor parking areas have been established at the complex.

A total of 320 new jobs have been created at the complex.

Shamakhi, distinguished by its ancient history, rich cultural heritage, beautiful nature, and unique mild climate, is one of Azerbaijan’s attractive tourism destinations. Mountain landscapes, vineyards, ancient monuments, and traditions of hospitality make the region a favorable destination for relaxation and travel in both summer and winter. The opening of the new hotel in Shamakhi will contribute to the development of tourism infrastructure, creating additional opportunities for the comfortable stay of local and foreign guests, more efficient utilization of the district’s tourism potential, and the development of the local economy.

Germany questions ‘associate member’ term for Canada

German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius urged a re-evaluation of the proposed “associate member” title on Wednesday, intended to signal closer EU-Canada relations.

“Canada is a particularly close partner for Europe, which is why we are open to discussing new partnership models that would reflect the special importance of this relationship,” Stefan Kornelius told reporters. “However, we should reconsider the terminology – the label – associated with it,” he added.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member” and called for relations to be brought “to the highest level possible.”

Zanzibar govt defends Sh1.8 billion allocation to eradicate Indian crows

Severe economic, tourism, health, agricultural, livestock, environmental and biodiversity impacts are among the reasons the government decided to allocate substantial funds to eradicate Indian crows.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) has set aside Sh1.8 billion for a special project to eliminate the environmentally destructive birds, which are also blamed for decimating other bird species and small animals vital to tourism.

Responding to a question in the House of Representatives on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Dr Salum Soud Hamed, said the programme aims not to neglect agricultural activities but to mitigate the threat posed by the birds, which destroy crops and livestock, cause the disappearance of native bird species and spread epidemic diseases.

Dr Soud was responding to a question by special seats representative, Ms Moza Mohammed Khamis, who asked why the government had directed significant funds towards purchasing traps to eradicate crows instead of channelling the resources into helping farmers acquire modern seeds and livestock such as dairy cattle, goats and chickens to reduce hunger.

“The goal of the programme is not to abandon agricultural activities, but to reduce the threat destroying crops, livestock, causing the disappearance of native birds and spreading epidemic diseases,” he said.

He noted that the government had allocated funds in the 2026/27 budget to implement the programme for the benefit of the agricultural sector and citizens in general.

In March this year, while presenting the ministry’s achievements, Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Suleiman Masoud Makame said the government had set aside Sh1.8 billion for the project.

According to the minister, Zanzibar has 1.7 million Indian crows, with nine traps currently targeting 13,000 crows.

“The goal is to reach 100 traps to eradicate these crows,” said the minister, adding that the government aims to eliminate 364,000 crows every year.