Category: Business Mirror

LIKE many Filipinos here and abroad, I too am stuck watching the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

While not every day is engaging or gripping-in fact, most days can be downright boring (especially when one listens to the defense lawyers repeatedly trying to wear down the prosecution’s witnesses in the hope the latter slip up, or, worse, lose their cool)-as taxpayers and patriotic citizens of this great land, watching the impeachment trial is a duty.

Should we all be affected that the country’s second-highest elected official has allegedly issued threats against the President, his wife, and the former’s cousin who used to be Speaker of the House? Why should we care about these people who aren’t even distantly related to us and the possible threats to their lives?

Regardless of who we voted for in the last presidential election, ordinary citizens should be disturbed that there is trouble among the highest officials of the land. Any disagreements reverberate to the overall conduct of government.

What’s more, if such threats can be issued and, heaven forbid, carried out, that leads to chaos that will likely disrupt our lives and jobs. We are a poor country as it is, no matter what the World Bank claims, and any disruptions herein lead to less foreign direct investment and the creation of fewer jobs.

What’s more, if a killing of that nature is actually carried out, how easily can it happen to regular folk like you and me? The power that a handful of people wield is truly terrifying, and when even the highest elected official of the land can be felled by an assassin allegedly hired by another government official, it unleashes the mentality that anyone is fair game. And the rule of law against such threats and killings can be disregarded.

Now, why should we care about the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and graft, corruption, and the unexplained wealth of the Vice President? There is nothing new about these issues. As a nation, we’ve dealt with these concerns since the Marcos Sr. administration. What makes these allegations against Duterte any different?

It is exactly because these issues have repeatedly come up over the years and have involved a long string of government officials, is one huge reason to put a stop to them. Misused or stolen government funds are our monies; these are what we pay to the state in the promise that it will implement vital projects that will make our lives easier.

From roads, ports, and bridges, the lighting and paving of our streets, the digitalization of government services such as passport issuance and easy access through airports, to picking up our trash, keeping order in our streets, and giving us affordable healthcare-these are projects the government has been sworn to do in exchange for our taxes.

At the end of the day, this impeachment trial is bigger than the Vice President. It is about whether our institutions still work the way they were intended to. It is about whether those entrusted with our taxes and confidence are held to the same standards they expect of us, ordinary citizens.

Of course, Duterte deserves a fair hearing and every opportunity to answer the allegations against her. That is how the law should work. But we, the Filipino people, also deserve clear answers. We deserve to know whether our taxes were spent as intended, whether she has exercised her public office with integrity, and whether the accusations that have divided many of us have any basis in fact.

Whatever the Senator-Judges ultimately decide, we hope their verdict is guided not by politics, popularity, or perhaps pressure from their respective camps, but by the evidence presented before them.

Frankly, we’ve had enough of our leaders treating their public office as a prize to be won rather than a responsibility to be honored.

So, yes, we will continue to watch this impeachment trial-not because we relish political drama or just because we are Marites by nature, but because I know many of us still believe that accountability matters.

In a country where too many scandals have simply faded into memory without consequences, perhaps this is our chance to show that no one, regardless of name or position, is above the law. If this trial accomplishes nothing else, we all hope it reminds every public official that the highest office they hold is that of public servant.

Witnessing history, one forkful at a time

WHILE watching the impeachment trial, there is an often urge to munch away at snacks and imbibe certain libations (alcoholic or otherwise).

Here are some of my personal favorites and suggestions for the home- or office-bound TV/YouTube audience, who can order most of these treats online for delivery:

A great cup of coffee and cheesecake. After lunch, I often Nespresso my own Arabica-Robusta blend, these days over ice, then mix in coconut milk for a creamy lift. I recently tasted Chef Tatung’s Bibingka Cheesecake, which was nutty from the freshly grated coconut, and salty with the use of salted eggs. This helps pull back on the sweet note, even if it is dusted with muscovado sugar. So creamy and sinful, and a perfect match with a strong cup of coffee taken hot or iced. (You can order from Tatung’s at Gateway Mall 2 via Grab Pabili.)

A slice of pie. Another perfect complement to a strong cup of coffee is the Calamansi Cream Pie from Wildflour or its sister restaurant, George and Onnie’s. The citrusy dessert is bright and refreshing and will help power the impeachment trial audience through those long, boring recitations of the law or the repetitive playback of Duterte’s alleged threats versus President Marcos Jr.

Popcorn or fries. For an attack of the munchies, I would go for a Family Pack of Superpop from Tater’s. I’m personally addicted to the popcorn flavor of Texan Barbeque with two scoops of melted butter-smoky, spicy, and sweet. More yum when sipping the sugar-free Lemonade on the side. For French fries, my family’s go-to is what else but Potato Corner! Whether it’s a Mega, Giga, or Tera size, my favorite flavors are Sour Cream, Truffle, and Wasabi. Pair these fries with a Lemonade pop cooler or your favorite soft drink, and you’re on your way to digesting the testimonies of our now-favorite NBI agents.

Iced tea and pancakes. By 4 pm, I’m pretty sure many of us are already hankering for a light merienda to get us through the rest of the afternoon’s cross-examinations. Ordering an Iced Matcha Latte and a single regular Soufflé Pancake from Hoshino Coffee is what I’d suggest. Although it feels a little bitin-only one size is available-the latte drink still provides the perfect foil for the hot weather we’re having. And because it has some bitter undertones, the matcha drink does help counter the sweetness of the soufflé pancake, which I would slather with the whipped butter and syrup provided. (For a more sinful take, order the Strawberry Soufflé Pancake, but get the Hoshino Blend hot coffee.)

Whatever our snack of choice, one thing’s for sure: we’re likely in for many more months of legal arguments, objections, and perhaps a hoped-for occasional bombshell revelation. We might as well make the experience a little more palatable and comfortable.

INTEREST-rate increases alone cannot fully contain inflation when price pressures originate from global supply-chain disruptions as structural trade vulnerabilities limit the effectiveness of monetary policy, a new study by the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) posited.

In its paper examining inflation dynamics in the five largest Southeast Asian economies, the Amro found that while tighter monetary policy can reduce inflationary pressures, it cannot directly resolve supply-side constraints such as imported-input shortages and logistics disruptions.

The study analyzed the transmission of global supply-chain pressures across the Asean-5 economies-Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand-using empirical data and a structural economic model calibrated to Indonesia.

The economists of the organization founded by the five founding and most economically developed member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) explained that inflation triggered by supply-chain disruptions tends to emerge gradually and persist over the medium term.

Their research also distinguished between trade openness and trade vulnerability. Hence, they concluded that economies more exposed to disruptions in global value chains face stronger and longer-lasting inflationary pressures than those that are simply more open to trade.

According to the study, trade openness alone does not significantly amplify inflation once domestic and global economic conditions are taken into account.

Instead, inflation becomes more persistent in economies that rely heavily on imported intermediate goods, particularly during periods of heightened global trade volatility.

The study said monetary policy can influence how these external shocks are transmitted to domestic prices, but its ability to stabilize inflation is constrained when disruptions stem from supply shortages rather than demand.

‘A weaker policy response is associated with more persistent pass-through from imported costs to inflation, while a stronger policy response dampens inflation and marginal-cost persistence,’ author Sekar Utami Setiastuti wrote.

‘However, tighter policy cannot directly remove imported-input bottlenecks or the supply-side origin of the shock, and it does not fully offset the contractionary consequences when trade vulnerability is high or when global supply-chain volatility is elevated,’ she added.

The findings come as central banks across the region, including the Philippines, continue to grapple with inflation driven by external risks, including geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and higher commodity prices. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/07/09/all-inflation-scenarios-pointto-need-to-hike-rates-bsp/)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said easing demand and lower oil prices have tempered inflationary pressures, but some monetary tightening remains necessary, following cumulative 50-basis-point policy rate hikes in April and June that brought the target reverse repurchase rate to 4.75 percent.

According to the study, periods of elevated global trade volatility amplify the impact of supply-chain disruptions, resulting in larger and more persistent increases in firms’ production costs and consumer prices.

The paper also noted that external adjustments, including weaker imports and exchange-rate movements, help cushion part of the shock but do not eliminate inflationary pressures.

Amro said the results underscore that inflation resulting from global supply-chain disruptions depends not only on monetary policy but also on structural characteristics such as production networks, reliance on imported inputs and exposure to global logistics conditions.

The study acknowledged several limitations, including that its structural model was calibrated to Indonesia rather than estimated across all ASEAN-5 economies.

It recommended future research incorporate country-specific production structures, policy frameworks and trade networks to better assess how supply-chain disruptions affect inflation across the region.

Tee off for a day of business, competition, and camaraderie as the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) brings back The Great British Golf Tournament 2026 on 14 August at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. One of the Chamber’s flagship sporting events, the annual tournament gathers executives, golf enthusiasts, and members of the British and Philippine business communities for a day of networking and friendly competition on one of the country’s premier golf courses.

Supported by leading companies across industries, the event’s key sponsors include Get Go Golf Carts, Turkish Airlines, Fisherman’s Friend, Shell, Jollibee Group, Ortigas Land, Britpart Phils Inc, Locally by NutriAsia, Eastern Communications, Pru Life UK, Oakley, Philippine National Bank, Motolite, Victor Consunji Development Corporation (VCDC), Unilever.

Additional sponsors include The Peninsula Manila, Foreplay Golf, Four Points by Sheraton, Sequoia Hotel, Seda Nuvali, Grand Hyatt Manila, Nurture Wellness Village, Home Mavericks Inc., Camp John Hay Hotels, Landco Lifestyle Ventures, El Nido Resorts, Pearl Bay Villas Palawan, Lanson Place, Golf Avenue, Nova Aesthetics, Vivere Hotel and Resorts, Amari, PLDT Enterprise, Malbon Golf, Canon Philippines, Slumberland, Onésimus, Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions, Vitaminboost by Suncoast Brands International Corporation, FIC (Fruits in Ice Cream), Dilmah Tea, iWhite Korea, Immuni, Asia Brewery Incorporated, Crazy Carabao Craft Beer, and Melcon Worldwide Logistics, with BusinessMirror as media partner.

BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said that, ‘For over a decade, this tournament has been a signature Chamber event that our members and partners look forward to each year. We invite both members and non-members to join us for a great day of golf. Beyond the sport, the tournament is an opportunity to strengthen business relationships, foster new connections, and reaffirm the Chamber’s commitment to supporting businesses from all sectors and backgrounds.’

Expect a full day of strategic play, exciting prizes, and meaningful connections as participants take on the fairways in one of the most anticipated corporate golf events of the year.

Electricity consumers in the Davao Region urged three government energy agencies to stabilize electricity rates as power distribution companies warned residential consumers to brace for higher rates in the next billing.

The warning came at the heels of the appeal for relief early this month to the Davao Light and Power Co. from rising electricity costs when the latter announced it was collecting nearly P2 more this month from its previous rate of P10.35. The Davao Light said the increase was due to the increased rates imposed by the Wholesale Electrictiy Spot Market, the marketplace of all sources and types of generated energy, from coal and diesel to geothermal and hydroelectric.

The DCM previously warned that further rate increase would put Davao consumers at a disadvantage because ‘consumers can no longer be expected to shoulder repeated increases in their monthly power bills.’

The DCM called on the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the National Electrification Administration to implement both immediate and long-term measures that will help stabilize electricity prices. This includes accelerating investments in reliable power generation, reducing dependence on volatile spot market purchases, strengthening reserve capacity, and ensuring a more stable and affordable power supply for consumers.

‘We, likewise, renew our call for a comprehensive review of the structure of electricity bills, including the 12-percent value-added tax imposed on various components of consumers’ monthly electric bills,’ the group said in a statement.

Then came the new announcement that higher generation charges expected for July as WESM increased its prices anew, the DCM said.

‘Consumers in Davao Region should prepare for the possibility of higher electricity bills in July as rising prices in the WESM and elevated fuel costs are expected to drive generation charges up,’ it said.

Citing data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (Iemop), it said average WESM price increased during the May 26 to June 25 billing period after several power plants experienced forced outages and derated operations, reducing available supply and tightening operating reserves. These conditions drove spot market prices higher.

‘The impact is expected to be felt in Davao Region, where power distributors source a portion of their power supply from the spot market. Based on June supply data, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) sourced around 78 percent of its electricity from WESM, the highest in the region. It was followed by Davao Light at 40 percent, Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (Doreco) at 12.87 percent, while Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco) sourced only 0.53 percent.

It said distribution utilities with greater dependence on WESM purchases are generally more exposed to fluctuations in spot market prices, which are reflected in consumers’ bills through the generation charge.

‘Adding to the pressure are high fuel prices. Coal-fired power plants continue to supply a significant share of the electricity consumed in Davao Region, and most of the coal they use is imported. As fuel and transportation costs increase, generation costs likewise rise, ultimately affecting the price of electricity paid by consumers,’ the DCM said.

The government should seriously consider measures that will ease the burden on consumers, especially at a time when many Filipino families continue to grapple with rising prices of food, transportation, and other basic necessities.

‘Electricity is an essential service. Consumers deserve reliable and affordable power; and the government must act decisively to protect households from the continued impact of rising electricity costs,’ it said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has temporarily suspended the power delivery service (PDS) charges for qualified energy storage systems (ESS) to support grid reliability.

The commission noted that this time-bound measure exempts electricity drawn solely for storage, specifically targeting ‘storage intake energy’ used for grid support or reinjection.

ERC Chairman Francis Saturnino Juan stated this move removes disincentives to use energy storage systems when needed most to support grid reliability.

‘Our goal is to support grid reliance,’ Juan said.

He defined PDS as the charges for the transmission wheeling services of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Battery storage systems pay PDS charges while charging because they function as a transmission load.

The agency added that regular transmission charges and other applicable fees still apply to electricity used for final consumption. ESS facilities, it added, must register with the NGCP and use separate metering or verifiable tools to measure the qualified storage.

The commission said it will maintain full oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection while implementing the temporary measure.

‘This reform allows energy storage to be used more effectively in times of need, helping stabilize supply and ultimately protect consumers from volatility,’ Juan said.

An official of the Aboitiz Power Corp. explained during an energy summit last November that energy storage systems-which capture and store surplus electricity for later strategic use-are crucial in addressing intermittency and improving grid reliability, especially as more variable renewable energy capacities like solar and wind are integrated into the power ecosystem.

‘Energy storage systems make renewable energy dispatchable and dependable,’ said AboitizPower Vice President for Energy Storage Systems Juris Sadornas. ‘It’s really about how fast and agile our technical teams can mobilize and design so that we can put out these batteries on the ground.’

‘For each of the countries, not only those with less advanced infrastructure, but also in China, the grid cannot consume all of the renewable energy,’ added Jinko ESS Solution Head Charles Teng in the same panel. ‘So, energy storage installations in the next couple of years absolutely are going to be a big trend for renewable energy to continue to grow.’

For the Philippines, an archipelagic nation with fragmented grid systems and ambitious RE goals, he said it is projected to require over 466 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy storage by 2040 and 1,021 GWh by 2050, as per the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday announced that opposition Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has already complied with its order to answer the complaint for violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (obstruction of justice) filed against him, Senator Robin Padilla and former Senate-Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca.

Cayetano, according to the Ombudsman, submitted his counter-affidavit on Wednesday through his counsel.

The counter-affidavit is in response to the ongoing investigation into the complaint for obstruction of justice filed by civil society and human rights groups led by Tinding Pilipinas.

The complaint assails Cayetano’s decision to grant protective custody to Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela despite the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

It may be recalled that Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug war, was placed under the Senate protective custody when he appeared at the Senate on May 11 after six months in hiding.

This prevented the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from implementing the ICC-issued arrest warrant against him.

However, Dela Rosa managed to leave the Senate premises before dawn of May 14 following a shooting incident between Senate security forces under Aplasca and NBI agents.

The protective custody, according to the complainants, had no lawful basis and operated as a sanctuary to shield Dela Rosa from apprehension.

The complaint also noted that Dela Rosa escaped from the Senate despite being under its protective custody.

Padilla, on the other hand, was included as respondents in the complainant after he admitted that Dela Rosa ‘hitched’ a ride aboard his car to be able to leave the Senate premises.

The Ombudsman said it is still awaiting the counter-affidavits of Padilla and Aplasca.

GOVERNMENT agencies now have greater flexibility in adopting a four-day compressed workweek after the Civil Service Commission (CSC) amended its Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) policy to clarify rules on work schedules, leave credits, holidays, and service continuity.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said the revisions are meant to support the government’s push to modernize work arrangements in the public sector while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services.

‘The amendments provide government agencies with greater flexibility in organizing work schedules that benefit civil servants while ensuring that public services remain accessible to citizens,’ Yap said.

Under the revised policy, agencies may allow employees to

complete the mandatory 40-hour workweek in four days instead of the usual five, with agency heads given the discretion to determine daily work hours and designate the additional day off.

Government offices, however, must continue delivering services from Monday to Friday despite the compressed work schedule.

Frontline and on-site personnel may also be placed under the arrangement, provided agencies can ensure that face-to-face services remain available.

CSC also clarified that employees under the compressed workweek will continue to earn the standard monthly accrual of 1.25 vacation leave credits and 1.25 sick leave credits without any reduction in benefits.

Employees who take a leave day while on the four-day schedule, however, will have 1.25 leave credits deducted for every day of absence, while the deduction will revert to one leave credit once an agency returns to the regular eight-hour workday, although Wellness Leave and Special Privilege Leave may still be used on a per-day basis.

The revised guidelines likewise provide that employees scheduled to work 10 hours on a holiday or during a work suspension will be considered to have completed their required hours without the need to make them up, except those assigned to 24/7 essential frontline skeleton forces.

If a holiday or work suspension falls on an employee’s designated day off, the remaining workdays for that week will temporarily revert to the standard eight-hour schedule.

CSC Resolution 2600414 took effect retroactively on March 6, in line with Office of the President Memorandum Circular 114, while agencies and employees that implemented the arrangement in good faith under previous interpretations of the policy will not face administrative penalties.

July 10, 2026. Football is more than just a sport-it is a universal language that inspires teamwork, passion, and unity. These same values drive OMODA and JAECOO Philippines as the brand brings together football enthusiasts, customers, media, business partners, and the automotive community for a one-of-a-kind football celebration that combines sport, innovation, and the future of mobility.

The football-themed event reflects OMODA and JAECOO’s commitment to creating meaningful lifestyle experiences beyond the road. Guests will enjoy exciting football activities, interactive games, exclusive vehicle displays, and immersive brand experiences that showcase the company’s latest automotive innovations.

Leading the showcase is the JAECOO Super Hybrid System (SHS), OMODA and JAECOO’s next-generation hybrid technology that delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, impressive performance, and extended driving range. Designed to seamlessly integrate electric and gasoline power, SHS offers a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally conscious driving experience without compromising performance.

Adding to the excitement is AiMOGA, OMODA and JAECOO’s intelligent AI humanoid robot, which represents the brand’s vision of the future of smart mobility. Through interactive engagement and intelligent communication, AiMOGA demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance customer experiences and redefine the relationship between people and technology.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore OMODA and JAECOO’s latest generation of intelligent and new energy vehicles, including the JAECOO J5 SHS-H, JAECOO J7 SHS-P, JAECOO J5 EV, and the JAECOO EJ6. Each model showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation by combining advanced electrified powertrains, intelligent technologies, premium comfort, refined craftsmanship, and world-class safety. Together, these vehicles demonstrate OMODA and JAECOO’s vision of delivering smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions for today’s drivers while meeting a wide range of lifestyle and driving needs.

‘Football brings people together through shared passion, determination, and teamwork-the same values that inspire OMODA and JAECOO,’ said a representative of OMODA and JAECOO Philippines. ‘As we continue introducing breakthrough technologies such as the Super Hybrid System and AiMOGA, we are committed to delivering innovative mobility solutions while creating meaningful experiences that connect people through technology, adventure, and community.’

The event reinforces OMODA and JAECOO’s vision of becoming more than an automotive brand. By bringing together sports, intelligent mobility, sustainable technology, and community engagement, the company continues to strengthen its connection with Filipino consumers while showcasing innovations that are shaping the future of transportation.

Whether on the football field or behind the wheel, OMODA and JAECOO believes every journey is fueled by passion, innovation, and the pursuit of extraordinary experiences. As the brand continues to expand its presence in the Philippines, it remains committed to delivering world-class products, intelligent technologies, and lifestyle experiences that inspire customers to embrace the future with confidence.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. on Thursday said it is expanding its China portfolio with the opening of the company’s first hotel in Xiamen City as the world’s second-largest economy trains its sights on enticing more foreign visitors.

The company opened last month its hotel dubbed voco Xiamen SM City, a 325-room facility with direct access to SM Xiamen.

Speaking to reporters during a Xiamen City media visit, SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said the hotel marks an important milestone in the company’s China portfolio.

‘Voco Xiamen SM City is our first hotel in China and it connects directly to SM City Xiamen, the first property we opened in the country 25 years ago,’ Lim said. ‘With this investment, we are turning the complex into a complete lifestyle destination for tourists.’

Located steps from Wushipu Station on Metro Line 1 and about 15 minutes from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen Railway Station, the 450-million-yuan hotel (around P4 billion) offers accessibility to overseas business travelers and local tourists.

SM Prime partnered with IHG Hotels and Resorts to develop voco Xiamen SM City.

A major coastal city in Fujian Province, Xiamen is home to the world’s 15th-largest container port and is one of China’s four major international shipping centers. It also hosts several Unesco heritage sites and Michelin-recognized restaurants, positioning the city to capture rising demand for micro-vacations and culinary experiences among Gen Z and millennial tourists.

It is also where many Chinese-Filipino businessmen came from, including the late Henry Sy Sr., founder of the SM Group.

China is emerging as the world’s largest overall tourism market, with its travel sector projected to grow to $3.5 trillion by 2036, almost double from $1.8 trillion last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2026 Economic Impact Research report released last June 3.

The growth outlook is supported by Beijing’s policy direction.

Earlier this month, China’s State Council approved a 5-year plan to strengthen the tourism industry through 2030, with a focus on improving tourism services, expanding product supply, unlocking consumption potential, and deepening international cooperation.

The National Food Authority (NFA) will raise its minimum buying price for wet palay to P21 per kilo starting in September as part of government efforts to boost farmgate prices for farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, announced that the NFA will increase its minimum buying price for unmilled rice to P21 per kilo from P17 per kilo for the wet season harvest.

‘I’ve ordered the NFA to set the minimum buying price for wet palay at P21 per kilo to help address the higher cost of fertilizer and other inputs,’ Tiu Laurel said during the inauguration of a modern grain hub in Dumangas, Iloilo.

Furthermore, he said imported rice would not be allowed to be unloaded at any Iloilo port from mid-September until end-November to prevent imported shipments from coinciding with the peak harvest.

‘That is what I can do to ensure that you would earn a decent return from your hard work,’ Tiu Laurel added.

He said the twin measures would strengthen farmers’ bargaining position by giving the NFA bigger influence over local palay prices while easing competitive pressure from imported rice during the harvest season.

Iloilo, the rice bowl of the Visayas, accounts for about half of Western Visayas’ rice output and over 5 percent of national production.

The NFA opened a P355.4-million postharvest facility in Dumangas, which can process up to 4,800 50-kilo bags of palay daily.

Its expanded storage capacity will allow the grains agency to absorb up to 12 percent of Iloilo’s projected harvest, enough to help stabilize market prices.

Tiu Laurel said two more large processing facilities in Iloilo would be operational by the October harvest, while a smaller processing center in Dumangas would be turned over to a farmers’ cooperative.

The NFA is building 36 modern rice processing facilities nationwide to reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ incomes, and enhance the country’s food security.

Half are expected to be operational during the upcoming wet season harvest, with the remainder coming online before next year’s dry season.