The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources  has allotted P2.89 million to study and develop Western Visayas’ muscovado industry through the program “Science and technology development of the organic muscovado industry in Western Visayas”, a PCAARRD press release said.

The grant is expected to help sugarcane farmers improve their cultural management practices, increase their volume of production, and raise their income.

Partner-member agencies’ counterpart shares to the initiative totaled to P1.2 million as a way of expressing their commitment to address the needs of the industry.

Deadline for local
taxes extended

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a resolution Wednesday extending the deadline for payment of local tax fees and charges without penalties in relation to the issuance of business permits from February 15 to February 29.

The resolution was authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran and co-authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito.

The SP also approved on first reading Wednesday an ordinance condoning the surcharges, interests, penalties, and arrearages on the rental obligations of stall, table and block occupants in the local markets of Bacolod City.

PHL souvenir shop
up for World Expo

ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle will operate the souvenir shop of the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea for three months starting May 12 until August 12 this year, Jeannie Javelosa, executive director of Echosi Foundation, said yesterday.

ECHO is the acronym for Environment and Community Hope Organization.

Javelosa said they will bring Filipino-made products  designed by small exporters and those of ECHOstore made and crafted by their assisted cultural communities.