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The Department of Agriculture (DA) launches a new village-based feed ecosystem.
According to the agency, this aims to boost corn and livestock production, which lowers feed costs.
On February 2, 2026, DA Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. approved Memorandum Circular No. 2, granting permission to implement the Village-Type Feed Complete Chain Project.
This project is an integrated feed system in which farmers' cooperatives and associations can generate income through production, harvest, etc.
“Village-Type Feed Complete Chain Project (VFCCP), a vertically integrated feed system that allows farmer cooperatives and associations to engage in corn production, postharvest processing, feed milling, and Total Mixed Ration (TMR) preparation under a single, value-adding enterprise,” the agency explains
For financial allocation, the agency plans to set aside 40 million pesos. The initial fund will be sourced from the National Livestock Program under GAA.
“The DA will set aside a maximum budget of P40 million for each viable project, depending on the approved components and readiness of the recipient. Initial funding will be charged against the National Livestock Program under the General Appropriations Act, with succeeding allocations proposed under the regular budget to ensure continuity,” according to the DA
Cooperatives or associations will manage up to 25 hectares of land dedicated to corn and forage production.
The agency enumerates its task to execute seamless operations.
“These cooperatives will operate mechanized, community-managed feed systems covering crop production, postharvest handling, feed milling, storage, and distribution—effectively creating localized, closed-loop feed supply chains,” the agency stated
The projected net income for this project would be 8.2 million pesos if it reaches the estimated average annual revenue of 38.9 million pesos. The 30.7 million will be charged for operating costs.
Therefore, the rate of return of this project would be 23%, based on the estimation of the agriculture department.
QUEZON CITY - Morning classes were suspended in the University of the Philippines - Diliman, following the discovery of an unexploded vintage bomb inside the Institute of Chemistry Teaching Building.
The roads between the teaching and research building were also closed to ensure public safety.
On February 3, 2026, the same bomb was found in the same area by the Quezon City Police District. It was believed that the bomb possibly came from World War II.
With reports from Zarah
Watch here:
More than 25,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are to benefit from the new minimum wage hike, effective on January 1, 2026, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
From 10, 030 Korean won in 2025, the mandatory minimum hourly rate in 2026 climbs to 10, 320 Korean won, which is equivalent to 419 pesos increase in their regular rate.
According to the agency, the wage hike applies to all industries.
“The minimum wage applies to all industries, including workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) from manufacturing and caregiving sectors, in line with the principle of equal treatment,” based on the issued statement of DMW
The agency also added that there are 25, 606 OFWs under EPS that earns a minimum wage. They will be included to experience the wage increase starting this year.
“There are 25,606 Filipino EPS workers in South Korea who earn the minimum wage and will benefit from these new wage adjustments,” they added
The status of Mayon Volcano remains in Alert Level 3, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
In this condition, the PHIVOLCS recommends disallowing entry to the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). It is also prohibited for the aircraft to fly over the volcano.
Also, the agency reminds of the possible occurrences during the volcanic unrest under Alert Level 3:
As of 1:00 PM, Monday (February 9, 2026), the Quiranagay, Camalig, Albay area almost dropped to zero visibility due to the biggest pyroclastic density current (PDC) occurrence in the area.
Recently, the PHIVOLCS issued an advisory regarding ashfall preparedness, indicating what to do before, during, and after the occurrence.
The Department of Health (DOH) has officially announced the plan to launch a new policy, providing new privilege for the PhilHealth direct contributors under working or middle class sector.
PhilHealth direct contributors are those members whose premiums are automatically deducted from their monthly salary.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has announced the plan to direct all DOH hospitals to apply zero-balance billing in pay wards or shared room accommodation.
“Pwede nang iutos sa lahat ng DOH hospitals through a Department Memorandum Circular na maglagay at mag-allocate ng special area for direct contributors or ‘yung ating mga working class or middle class na gustong magpa-accomodate sa zero balance billing sa ating mga ospital,” he said
[“It can now be directed to all DOH hospitals through a Department Memorandum Circular to put and allocate a special area for direct contributors or our working class or middle class who want to avail the zero balance billing in our hospitals.”]
Sec. Herbosa added that contributors will be separated from the common area.
“So ise-separate namin kayo para matingnan kung kayo ay mabigyan ng mas magandang accommodation, may aircondition, may separation para hindi kayo nasa common area,” he said
[“So we’ll separate you to check if you’ll be provided better accommodation, with aircondition, with separation so you’re not placed in the common area”]
This plan serves as a response to contributors’ wish to get better accommodation in hospitals.
Eventually, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. assigned Secretary Ted Herbosa to launch the program plan.
“Sabi nila, “Isasama mo rin ba kami sa basic accommodation? Sana naman, makakuha kami ng mas magandang accommodation.” Nadinig po ng ating Pangulo ang inyong [mga] hiling at inatasan ako to think of this program.” he explained
[“They said, “Are you going to include us in the basic accommodation? Hopefully, we’ll get better accommodation. The President heard your wishes and assigned me to think of this program.]
