The National Economic and Development Authority yesterday proposed measures to mitigate the impact of rising prices of commodities.

In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. cited measures such as increasing agricultural productivity, and strengthening the campaign against unfair selling practices to soften the impact of the surging prices.

A heightened science and technology application in Philippine farms, and the improvement of logistical support to raise distribution efficiency, especially in agri-fishery transport that could potentially temper the impact of rising prices could also help, Paderanga said.

5,000 rice farmers
insured by capitol

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said the provincial government has insured more than 5,000 small rice farmers of Negros Occidental.

He said the P4.5 million crop insurance was paid by the provincial government and local government units.

If a calamity hits the insurance will pay  70 percent of the farmers’ damaged crops, he said.*

Culinary seminar,
food expo slated

Gruppo Uma Food Corporation, in cooperation with “The National Food Showdown” by TV Food Chefs Inc. of ABS-CBN Corp. chaired by Myrna Segismundo, will hold “Sabor Bisaya – A Culinary Competition and Food Expo” tomorrow and Saturday, at the Convention Hall of the Bacolod Pavilion Hotel, a press release from organizers said.

The event is dedicated to upgrading the level of standards of the Foodservice Industry in the Visayas Region.

The event offers free seminars for the public, the press release said.