Soil Rejuvenation: ENVIRO helps Filipino farmers bring soil back to life

 

Every crop season, farmers use more and more chemical inputs to keep up with the yield and high quality needed for harvest. This results in a vicious cycle for the need of chemical fertilizers that strip our soil of its essential nutrients. As a way to combat this anti-productive practice, the bright agripreneurs at ENVIRO have made it their mission to introduce BioFertilizers to Filipino farmers. This sustainable method has been proven to bring soil back to its healthiest state of biodiversity and nutrition. Therefore, increasing yields by 30-40%.

 

Planting the Seeds for Success 

 

To ensure the effectivity of their BioFertilizers, ENVIRO has partnered with globally accredited specialists, government research centers, top universities, and the best scientists to bring forward an innovative product that doesn’t only benefit our environment, but also the nation’s food security. One of the company’s main missions is to achieve Balance Fertilization, or the practice of bringing our soil back to its healthiest state. “Balance Fertilization enables farmers to produce a healthy increase in yield, as well as nutrient-rich crops, contributing to food for the Filipino nation that is free from destructive chemicals,” explains ENVIRO co-founder Prashant Dargani.

 

Research has shown that the use of BioFertilizers have increased farmer’s crop yields by 30-40%, while cutting costs by at least 30-50% —making it a highly sustainable, cost-efficient method of farming. ENVIRO has also taken into consideration our local farmers’ well-being. “[We] started because we first heard about how farmers’ health were negatively affected by spraying hazardous chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the plants without wearing face masks, gloves, and [other] protective gear,” says Dargani. With ENVIRO’s BioFertilizers, farmers are risk free, because the product significantly lowers environmental pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emission by severely restricting the use of manufactured chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Finally, price points for their products have been specifically designed for farmers. “Sobrang laki po talaga ng tulong ng Enviro samin,” says Mr. Jun Alcantara, a Local Farmer Technician (LFT) from Nueva Ecija. “Kitang kita po talaga and tagumpay.”

 

Changing the Future Today  

 

ENVIRO highly encourages soil rejuvenation, knowing that there would be no future without it. “We need to do it today,” Dargani explains. “We need to be able to rejuvenate the earth back to a constant state of rich nutrients and bio-availability. Without this, we will never achieve food security. As we take care of the earth, so does it take care of us.” To help achieve this brighter tomorrow, the company has closely worked with farmers by providing them on-the-ground training on how to maximize the use of Bio-fertilizers. These training centers focus on teaching them how to get higher yields, how to protect their crops against destructive pests, and how to use the latest farming technologies and systems.

 

The agripreneurs behind ENVIRO has built the organization on the mission of changing how farming is done, rather than trying to introduce “trendy” organic farming trends. They have also partnered with government agencies who have lent them their trust and full confidence for the last seven years. Particularly, the Department of Agriculture and its agencies continue to work with ENVIRO to help spread the word about Balance Fertilization across different regions in the country.

 

Saving Our Soil 

 

By introducing this sustainable method of farming, ENVIRO hopes that they will leave a big impact on our Agricultural Sector. Dargani notes that “saving our soil” is the first step in providing our people better lives. Good, nutrient-rich soil affects everybody. It begins with our farmers, and ends with the rest us at home, who consume their produce. ENVIRO is aware of the current situation of poor farming practices that could easily be remedied through help and education. Truly, a revolutionary company, helping bring the Philippines towards a brighter future. Save the soil, and surely, you can save the people too.

 

For more information, visit www.essi.com.ph

Health experts wary of eased mask restriction in Philippines

Manila, Philippines – Some medical experts are worried about the government’s decision to relax its face mask policy on Monday.

In the interview with DZRH radio program “Balanse,” Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said she is afraid of the possible increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 due to the removal of the government’s mask mandate that was done before the start of face to face classes.

“We are sad and a little scared because the face-to-face classes have started. We expect many people to come out. Faster transmission of infection is possible. We are already seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19. We are worried about the optional (wearing of facemasks), (as) many will have COVID-19,” he said.

This is also the opinion of Dr. Jose De Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines and medical director of San Juan Doctors Hospital, Inc., who also feared the possible spread of the disease now that wearing a facemask has been made optional.

“We are still encouraging everyone to still wear more. We still have to protect ourselves because we don’t know who we will meet and meet even if it is an open space. It is difficult that we may have strong bodies, and we will be carriers and bring home the disease.”

Former special adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Dr. Tony Leachon said that it’s not yet the right time to make optional the wearing facemasks outdoors based on the current data of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

Since September 12, there have been 2,038 new cases of COVID-19 recorded by the Department of Health in the country with an 11.2 percent positivity rate or those who tested positive for COVID, as well as low booster rates.

The World Health Organization earlier has recommended a benchmark of five percent for positivity rate.

“We are supportive of the executive order. Only the timing is off,” said Leachon in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Meanwhile, only 18.5 million Filipinos currently received their booster dose, which is lower than the 72.7 million who completed two doses of the vaccine.

These experts are specifically referring to Executive Order No. 3 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. which states that the wearing of face masks outside and in non-populated places throughout the country is now voluntary.

However, the use of facemasks is still prescribed inside or called indoor, private or public establishments as well as public transportation on land, air or sea or outside where physical distancing is not followed.

Though the wearing of a facemask is now voluntary, the Department of Health still encourages those who are immunocompromised, seniors and those who are not fully vaccinated to wear it.

Meanwhile, The Filipino Connection News Team strolled across B. Morada Street and C. M. Recto Avenue, Lipa City one day after the implementation of the order and noticed that many citizens still continue to wear facemasks outdoors despite the government’s announcement saying it’s already voluntary.

P3.4 M-worth shabu seized in Batangas buy-bust

Batangas City -The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police has seized P3.4 million worth of shabu in a buybust operation in front of a fast food in Diversion Road in Barangay Alangilan here on Wednesday afternoon.

They arrested suspects Noel Mangubat, 45 years old, from Barangay Wawa, Batangas City; and Ainsley Asi, 41 years old, from Barangay Lalayat, San Jose, Batangas, who were both caught in the act of selling illegal drugs.

The joint operation was conducted at about 2:20 pm. Seized from the suspects were 500 grams of shabu estimated to be worth P3.4 million.

The suspects are already in police custody facing charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The suspects have not yet released a statement in relation to their arrest.

Philippine CEOs remain optimistic on business outlook in next 12 months

Manila, Philippines – Chief executive officers (CEOs) in companies operating in the Philippines remain optimistic in the next 12 months, the PwC and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) 2022 Philippine CEO survey showed.

The survey said that 87 percent of the CEOs are confident that their firms will record growth in revenues over a year amid the new leadership in the government and while the country is still recovering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

PwC and MAP said the numbers demonstrated that businesses remain confident with the country’s economic recovery and resiliency.

Surveyed CEOs cited key growth drivers for the Philippines in the next 12 months are infrastructure development (62 percent), domestic consumption (59 percent), and government spending (49 percent).

Likewise, firms’ top executives also consider the United States, China and Japan as important countries that could impact their companies’ overall growth.

The survey also reported that 35 percent of the surveyed CEOs said their firms still have not recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic as the global health and economic crisis still has continuing impact on their businesses, such as higher material costs (48 percent), supply chain constraints (45 percent), labor constraints (37 percent), and accelerated inflation in other territories (26 percent).

On the other hand, most of the surveyed CEOs listed the factors that will hamper their companies’ growth and recovery from the pandemic are the threats of new Covid-19 strains and potential lockdowns (50 percent), talent constraints (44 percent), and the ability to keep up with the changing innovations (26 percent).

It added that majority of companies’ business plans post-pandemic include technology and digital upskilling, introducing new strategies for talent retention and development, improving customer experience, and increasing investments in innovation.

“The CEO survey results tell us the journey that we should take, as well as a mirror on where we are. The collective insights of leaders give everyone a level of confidence on how to plan their journey, where they are lagging, as well as what could set them apart,” PwC Philippines chairman emeritus and ESG leader Alex Cabrera said.

Meanwhile, CEOs said the Marcos administration should prioritize accountability and transparency, fight against corruption, and attracting more foreign investments for the government to help in the recovery and growth of businesses.

The survey also showed the top concerns of CEOs that could delay the country’s economic recovery. These include corruption, lower domestic and investments, political uncertainty, uncontrolled inflation, and rising oil prices.

“I also hope the government will take heed of these sentiments as the private sector is simply an invaluable and indispensable partner to achieving success in nation building and global competitiveness,” Cabrera added.

A Successful Inaugural Race Weekend for the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge

METRO MANILA, Philippines — Radical Cars Philippines, in partnership with SEAOIL Philippines Inc., kick-started the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge last August 27, 2022.

It takes its spot in Philippine motorsport history as the first and only local race series featuring an all-Radical grid, making it the fastest race series in the country. The championship is powered by SEAOIL Extreme 97 Octane as its official fuel. Motul Philippines, a co-presenter of the race series, provides the whole grid with its 300V Performance Oil.

The driver line-up features many familiar faces such as young talent Iñigo Anton, seasoned racers Stefan Ramirez, Jason Choachuy, Gibson Yu, JV Colayco, rookie racer Brian Poe, and Mark Bumgarner; a seasoned racer in his youth, now making his much-awaited return to motorsport. These drivers represent the well-known and respected teams participating in the series: Motul PartsPro (Iñigo), Illa Racing PartsPro (Brian), EnSport (Stefan), OTR Motorsport (Mark), and TrackHos (Jason, Gibson, and JV).

The race weekend started early last August 27 with a driver briefing. Race Director Marlon Stokinger welcomed the drivers and team heads at the Motul paddock and briefed everyone on the rules and regulations of the championship, followed by a full day of 5 practice sessions for drivers and teams to prepare for Sunday’s races. At the lunch break, the organizers initiated a practice start session for drivers to get used to the rolling start procedure at the beginning of the race. Qualifying took place as the last session for the day. It was a race against the weather as a light rain began to dampen the track at the start. Despite the sudden change in conditions, Iñigo Anton put out a dominant performance to secure pole position, followed closely by Mark Bumgarner in P2 and Stefan Ramirez in P3.

Sunday’s races saw another dominant performance by Iñigo, the young driver winning all three races in his Motul SR1, securing the top spot in the driver standings. Not far behind were Stefan and Mark in a heated battle for P2 in the standings with Stefan getting the upper hand in Race 1 and 2. Mark remained consistent throughout all three races by securing three consecutive podium finishes in P3 with his SEAOIL livery SR1. Jason Choachuy surprised everyone during Race 3 by starting in P4 and finishing in P2 in the only SR3 on the grid, securing big points for his team. Brian Poe started at the back of the grid after not being able to participate in qualifying but was very much still in the fight after close battles with JV Colayco in Race 1 and Gibson Yu in Race 2.

There was a decent number of spectators in attendance during race day; a good sign for any motorsport event, especially for a championship’s maiden race weekend. Among the crowd supporting the race was SEAOIL Vice President for Corporate and Consumer Marketing Jayvee Dela Fuente and official dealer for Motul Philippines, Charlie Ong.

It was a fantastic first race weekend for the SEAOIL Radical Challenge and one for the history books. Two more weekends remain in the schedule from the 23rd to the 25th of September at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

2 dead as truck hits motorycle in Batangas City

Both riders died after a truck hit their motorcycle in Barangay San Isidro, Batangas City yesterday morning.

Police identified the deceased driver was identified as Paolo Miguel Aquino.

His backrider as John Paul Noche was also killed in the freak accident.

Initial police investigation said at around 4:30 in the morning, the Isuzu Wing van Truck (Plate No. AAT-1718) was traversing the curved road in Sitio Curva, Barangay San Isidro when it swerved to the right to avoid the Honda Wave Motorcycle that was traveling on the opposite lane.

Unfortunately, the motorcycle occupied the line of the truck and the truck hit the motorcycle and ran over the two riders, killing them.

The said truck also crashed into an electric pole.

The truck driver and suspect Bon Jovy Ocay, is now in the custody of the Batangas City Police Station, who may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.

He has not yet made a statement on the incident.

Calaca is 5th city of Batangas

Calaca, Batangas – Calaca is officially the newest component city in Batangas after a plebiscite that ratified the conversion of the previously first-class municipality.

This makes Calaca the first component city in Batangas province’s first district and fifth next to the cities of Lipa, Batangas, Tanauan and Sto. Tomas.

Official Comelec results showed that 29,424 voted for yes while 3,781 voted for no.

More than 50 percent of Calaca’s voters population went out to cast their votes in the 37 designated polling centers on Saturday despite the threat of heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon enhanced by the presence of Typhoon Henry.

Witnessing the proclamation were Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, Mayor Nas Ona, First District Rep. Eric Buhain, former Rep. Eileen Ermita-Buhain and other local officials.

People took to the streets to celebrate Calaca’s conversion into a city.

They clapped their hands and cheered as they watched as tey were captivated with the dazzling fireworks display in front of the municipal hall.

Calaca police officer-in-charge PLt. Col. Willy Salazar said in a press statement that the plebiscite was a success as the activity was done in a peaceful and orderly manner.

In May 26, 2021, then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11544 for the conversion of Calaca into a component city.

Calaca, which is located 116 kilometers from Manila, used to be a barrio and part of Balayan before it was officially converted into a town on May 10, 1835.

According to the 2020 census, Calaca has a population of 87,361 people with a land area of 114.58 square kilometers.

 

 

Comelec ‘all set’ for Sept. 3 Calaca plebiscite

Calaca, Batangas – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is already set to hold the plebiscite that will determine the fate of the conversion of the Calaca town in Batangas into a component city on Saturday.

“We are 100 percent ready. The briefing of the Plebiscite Board and the Plebiscite Committee concluded on Thursday. All ballots, forms and supplies have been tendered to the Municipal Treasurer, and such will be distributed to all Plebiscite Boards and Plebiscite Committee early tomorrow (Saturday) morning in accordance with the General Instructions,” said acting Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco in an interview Friday.

The Comelec official said that all poll workers for all clustered precincts have been duly accounted for while alternate workers are on standby to fill in for those who will not report.

The Calaca municipal government has allocated a budget of PHP13.7 million for the plebiscite.

There are a total of 58,881 official ballots to be used in the activity — Plebiscite Returns – 123 sets (one set of three copies); Certificate of Canvass and Proclamation – one set of four copies; Statement of Votes by Precinct – eight sets (one set of four copies) and Summary of Votes – one set of four copies.

Each of the said ballot measures 4.5 inches by 8 inches and bears the question, “Pumapayag ka ba na ang munisipalidad ng Calaca ay gawing isang lungsod ng probinsiya ng Batangas na kikilalanin bilang lungsod ng Calaca alinsunod sa Batas Republika bilang 11544 na kilala din bilang Charter of the City of Calaca? (Do you favor the conversion of the municipality of Calaca into a component city of Batangas pursuant to Republic Act 11544 also known as the Charter of the City of Calaca?)

Voters will write either “Yes” or “Oo” to vote for the approval of the proposal, or “No” or “Hindi” to vote for its rejection, in the blank after the question.

Likewise, Comelec said the Province of Maguindanao will also hold a plebiscite on Sept. 17.

The plebiscite is set to ratify the division of the Province of Maguindanao into 2 districts and independent provinces — Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

The province which is under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has allotted PHP89.17 million for the holding of the plebiscite. (PNA)

7 charged over kidnap, killing of man in Taal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Vicente Lim – The police said on Tuesday they have filed a case of kidnapping with homicide against seven suspects reportedly involved in the abduction and killing of Eugene Del Rosario in Taal, Batangas on August 16.

Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr, Calabarzon police director said the case was filed by the Taal Police led by its Chief, Police Major Dante Lalap Majadas, family and witnesses.
Del Rosario was the man who was captured by a CCTV footage from a gasoline station in Taal who was kidnapped by a group of armed men aboard two vehicles.

The following day on August 17, his cadaver was later found dumped at the ecotourism road in Sariaya, Quezon.

The victim, whose face was covered with packaging tape, suffered multiple gunshot and stab wounds, police said.

The incident went viral on both social and main media and have gained the interest of the general public over the past weeks.

Nartatez said the back-tracking of CCTV footages, interview of possible witnesses and background investigation of all possible persons of interest were done diligently by the police investigators.

With the display of professionalism, he adds that the police have “gained the trust of the family of the victim”, prompting the latter’s live-in-partner Jane Maureen Cabello and his mother Judith Del Rosario to reveal the victim’s involvement in the series of Basag-Kotse incidents in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, and some parts of Metro Manila.

They also revealed that Eugene had previously given a statement to the police that revealed the identities of his group members causing the arrest of some.

In their investigation, police sees revence as the possible motive, corroborated with the statement of the two witnesses who came up and identified the driver of the SUV that was used in the abduction of Eugene.

This indicted more in the case Jefferson Sanchez and his six other cohorts, whom the victim have worked with in his Basag Kotse activities.

“We will always uphold the rule of law, whoever the victim is,” RD Nartatez said.

“We have a justice system that is well functioning hence there is no need to stain our hands with blood of others. Let justice prevail in this land. Only in respecting every human rights that we can be called civilized. Let us work together in bringing justice to everyone utilizing proper venue and means.”

 

73 rescued as MV Asia Philippines catches fire in the anchorage area in Batangas

Coast Guard’s search and rescue team assists passengers and crew of the ill-fated MV Asia Philippines in Batangas City Friday afternoon. (courtesy Philippine Coast Guard)

Batangas City – Seventy-three individuals were rescued after a roll-on roll-off vessel MV Asia Philippines caught fire at the anchorage area in Batangas Port here on Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

Initial investigation said the ship left Calapan Port at 3:00 p.m. and was expected to arrive at Batangas Port around 5:30 p.m.

It caught fire at about 5:59 pm.

The said ship has 48 passengers and 34 individuals on board while it also has 16 rolling cargoes on board.

The Coast Guard has already dispatched a rescue team and sent a boat for Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations.

As of 7:30 p.m., the SAR team has already rescued 73 individuals.

One injured survivor, a 44-year-old female, was taken to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention.

As of press time, fire fighting and search and rescue operations are ongoing.