Latest in Kiko LaurelThe National Food Authority (NFA) can now buy freshly harvested or wet palay for the first time, freeing farmers from having to sell cheaply to traders when they need to move their grain quickly after harvest, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said Saturday. Lacson made the disclosure in an interview…
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is building five to six mega food hubs across the Philippines—each spanning 30 to 40 hectares—where only farmers, not traders, can sell directly to consumers, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the disclosure in an…
Philippine heirloom rice—prized varieties grown in the highland communities of Banaue and Ilocos—is set to return to international markets next year, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel saying the premium grain can command as much as 20 euros per kilo abroad. Tiu Laurel made the…
When Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel took office under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in November 2023, he received three clear directives—clean up the department, implement ₱20-per-kilo rice, and help farmers earn. Years later, Tiu Laurel says there have been wins—but also…
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved ₱300 million in additional funding for the Philippine ube industry for 2027, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) sets its sights on making the Philippines the world’s top ube producer, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday.…
The Department of Agriculture has established a dedicated Export Office for the first time in its history, with Philippine mangoes now being sold in Italy, France, and Canada as a result, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the disclosure in an…
The Department of Agriculture’s budget has doubled from approximately ₱100 billion under the previous administration to ₱200 billion under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the statement in an interview on DZRH News…
The number of Kadiwa centers nationwide has grown from 140 to 170 sites to 800 fully operational locations, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 18, as part of the DZRH SONA…
The Philippine government has stopped importing rice entirely, leaving the private sector as the sole rice importer under the Rice Tariffication Law, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the statement in an interview on DZRH News program Special on…
The Marcos administration has recorded the highest value of seized agricultural smuggling in Philippine history, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday. Tiu Laurel made the statement in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 18, as part of the DZRH…
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