DA plans 150,000 MT pork import increase for Christmas
The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to expand the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports by 150,000 metric tons ahead of the holiday season.
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Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is the Agriculture Secretary who aims to support local farmers by proposing policies such as increasing rice tariffs and restoring the National Food Authority's powers. He also initiated programs like the P20-per-kilo subsidized rice for vulnerable sectors, which plans to extend to middle-class families in 2026. Additionally, Laurel focuses on food security through measures such as transferring smuggled safe-for-consumption mackerel from customs to feed needy families.
This is an AI-generated summary based on recent coverage.
Last updated at August 2, 2025.
Recent stories about Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
DA proposes raising rice tariff from 15% to at least 25%
The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to propose gradually increasing the 15 percent tariff on imported rice to at least 25 percent during the third periodic review to boost local palay prices.
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DA launches PHP20 per kilo rice pilot in Regions 2 and 3
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will begin piloting its PHP20 per kilo rice program on August 13 in selected areas of Regions 2 and 3, targeting farmers and middle-income families.
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Philippines lifts ban on Australian poultry imports
The Philippines has lifted its temporary ban on importing poultry products from Australia, allowing the importation of domestic and wild birds, related products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.
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DOA to transfer smuggled safe-for-consumption mackerel from customs
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Monday that he will request the Bureau of Customs to transfer two container vans of smuggled frozen mackerel found safe for consumption from the Port of Manila to the Department of Agriculture.
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PCIC launches parametric insurance for rice farmers
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) announced plans to launch a parametric insurance program aimed at speeding up claims processing for rice farmers affected by extreme weather events.
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DA suspends mackerel, scad imports to probe misuse
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday that it has suspended the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance for certain mackerel and scad species to investigate alleged misuse of import permits.
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Customs seizes P100M worth of smuggled food, 21 cleared
The Bureau of Customs intercepted 31 containers of smuggled onions, carrots, and frozen fish worth an estimated P100 million at the Port of Subic on Tuesday.
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Laurel takes medical leave, DA partners with DSWD for P20 rice
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is taking a two-week medical leave starting Wednesday, July 9, to undergo an unspecified procedure in Hong Kong that he deferred since joining the government in November 2023.
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Marcos meets fisherfolk, pledges cold chain support
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with fisherfolk during his inspection of the General Santos Fish Port Complex in General Santos City on Friday.
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