Veteran broadcast journalist Cesar Chavez named ‘Best AM radio program host’ at 20th UP Gandingan Awards

Veteran broadcast journalist Cesar Chavez has been named Best AM Radio Program Host at the 20th Gawad Gandingan Awards, organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society, an organization based at the University of the Philippines College of Development Communication. The Gawad Gandingan is an annual awards event that recognizes radio and television programs promoting genuine development and encouraging the production of development-oriented…

Farmers stuck with broken government tractors as DA relaxes supplier standards, says ex-Agriculture chief

Former Agriculture Secretary Leony Montemayor is raising alarm over the quality of farm machinery being distributed to Filipino farmers, saying a decision to relax supplier pre-qualification standards six to seven years ago has left farmer cooperatives with tractors that break down easily and no reliable after-sales support. Montemayor, now head of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), expressed his concern in an…

Ex-Agriculture chief sounds alarm over DA procurement system for fertilizers, seeds, and farm Inputs

Former Agriculture Secretary Leony Montemayor is calling on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to explain why participation in its procurement bidding process for fertilizers, seeds, and farm inputs appears to be limited — raising concerns that qualified suppliers may already be excluded before bidding even begins. Montemayor, who now heads the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), aired the concern in an interview…

The Iran war is showing why the Philippines can’t afford to neglect its farmers

A war thousands of kilometers away is beginning to ripple through something as basic as the Filipino dining table. The conflict involving Iran has pushed oil prices higher, disrupted key shipping routes, and strained global supply chains—especially for fertilizer, a critical input for food production. Farmers are already feeling the pressure. Fertilizer prices have surged by as much as 30% to 40%,…

Malacañang under fire as fallout grows over removal of career DOH officials

With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience. The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up. About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what…

SPECIAL REPORT: Laguna Lake on the verge of becoming the Philippines’ largest septic tank

The Laguna Lake is fast deteriorating into the country’s “biggest septic tank,” Biñan City Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. warned on Saturday, August 2. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday, Rep. Dimaguila urged the Marcos Jr. administration to take urgent and science-based action to rehabilitate the vital water body affecting millions across Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. “Magkakaroon na…

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