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Friday, April 18, 2025
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CARRYING CHRIST Catholic devotees carry the image of the dead Jesus Christ outside Quiapo Church in Manila and onto a glass carriage that will carry him around Manila for the Santo Entierro procession on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. PHOTO BY RENE H DILAN

In Christ's death, 'we will find our hope'

HEADLINES: China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs | April 18, 2025

HEADLINES: China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs | April 18, 2025

China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Bernadette E. Tamayo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks at the 74th anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)at the SMX Convention Center, in Pasay on Feb. 18, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H DILAN

Marcos ratings plunge while VP posts gains

By Catherine S. Valente

010622_BRPMELCHORA-ALQUINTO Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stand in formation as they wait to welcome the arrival of BRP Melchora Aquino ship from Japan, at Pier 15 in Manila, on 1 June 2022. The MRRV-9702, which will be commissioned as BRP Melchora Aquino, is the second 97-meter MRRV ship for the coast guard. The MRRV-9702 has a maximum speed of 24 knots with an endurance level of 4,000 nautical miles. PHOTO by MIKE ALQUINTO

1 dead, 10 missing as vessel capsizes in Occidental Mindoro

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Nikki Delos Reyes

China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs

Marcos ratings plunge while VP posts gains

1 dead, 10 missing as vessel capsizes in Occidental Mindoro

Catholic Church group walks through Stations of the Cross

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Catholic Church group walks through Stations of the Cross

In this handout photograph taken by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on April 17, 2025 and released on April 18, 2025, rescuers work at the site of an attack in Mykolaiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One dozen people were wounded in overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv and the southern Black Sea region of Mykolaiv. Russian strikes killed at least two people in Ukraine on April 17, 2025 and wounded over two dozen, Kyiv said, as Moscow claimed to have captured another village in the northwestern Sumy region. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Russia rains missiles on Ukraine as US mulls ending truce efforts

PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Bloody Philippine passion play sees final performance of veteran 'Jesus'

This handout photo taken and released by Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia on April 18, 2025 shows Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking during a press confrence in Bangkok. Myanmar's junta chief held talks with the Malaysian prime minister in Bangkok on April 17, in a meeting condemned by critics of the military government. (Photo by Izzuddin Radzak / Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia / AFP) / NO USE AFTER MAY 1, 2025 17:00:00 GMT - NO USE AFTER MAY 1, 2025 17:00:00 GMT - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE OF MALAYSIA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVE /

Asean chairman urges Myanmar junta to honor quake truce

epa11726973 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian participates in a press conference with foreign media in Beijing, China, 18 november 2024. Jian spoke about President Xi Jinping's participation in the 31st APEC Summit. EPA-EFE/JESSICA LEE

China says 'never provided lethal weapons' to parties in Ukraine war

A person clears snow from the street after heavy snowfall at the Aravis Pass (Col des Aravis), near La Clusaz in east-central France, on April 17, 2025. The Swiss, French, and Italian Alps are experiencing very heavy snowfall on April 17, causing major disruptions that have led local authorities to take exceptional measures in response to traffic difficulties and the risks of avalanches and falling trees. AFP PHOTO

Spring snow storm wreaks deadly havoc in the Alps

A member of staff takes Astro, an American Pocket Bully for a walk outside its enclosure at the Mayhew animal shelter in west London, on April 3, 2025. Britain is a nation of dog and cat lovers -- half the adult population has a pet, according to the RSPCA, the world's oldest animal welfare organization. But it says pet abandonment in the UK is up due to sustained cost of living pressures and changing habits following the Covid pandemic. AFP PHOTO

Heartbroken Brits abandon pets as living costs bite

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 13: George Glass, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be U.S ambassador to Japan, speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations committee nomination hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Senators questioned the nominees on a range of topics pertaining to United States interests including trade, security and resources. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

US ambassador to Japan 'extremely optimistic' about trade deal

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto speaks during an economic event titled "Strengthening Indonesia's Economic Resilience Amid the Wave of Trade Tariff Wars" in Jakarta on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP)

Indonesia pledges more US imports as part of tariffs talks

This illustration picture shows a video circulating on social media about humorous campaign online taken in Beijing on April 18, 2025. While China's leaders use their economic and political might to fight US President Donald Trump's trade war "to the end", its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online. (Photo by Adek BERRY / AFP)

Chinese vent anger at Trump's trade war with memes, mockery

Vantage Point

The plague that is elitist journalism

By Van Ybiernas

Francisco S. Tatad

First Things First

Will Duterte be asked to testify against himself?

By Francisco S. Tatad

Stephen CuUnjieng

The Empiricist

Tariffs: Reacting, responding and resolving

By Stephen CuUnjieng

Like a Circle

Matters of life and death

By Carl E. Balita

Today's Front Page

Preparing for the next pandemic

Lawful termination of employment due to disease

By Persida Acosta

Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Ambient Voices

Good Fridays, past and present

By Ma. Isabel Ongpin

By Alvin Santos

The 90-day club: Where deadlines go to die

By Imran Khalid

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Sara's black ops and Imee's desperation

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

Reform and renewal of our political system

By Yen Makabenta

A man walks past an electronic board showing the numbers of morning trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange along a street in Tokyo on April 14, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP)

BUSINESS

Stocks waver as ECB cuts rate, Trump slams Fed chief

By Agence France-Presse

From left are NCFP Region 4 director AGM Fred Paez, Rotary Club of Nuvali president-elect Abigail Fainsan, Banton Councilor Allan Fabula, open division champion Samson Chiu Chin Lim, kiddie division champion Luben Vicente, Banton Mayor Milalgros Faderanga and ASCCA president Cheryl Festin.

SPORTS

Lim, Vicente rule Banton Chess Tournament

In this handout photograph taken by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on April 17, 2025 and released on April 18, 2025, rescuers work at the site of an attack in Mykolaiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One dozen people were wounded in overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv and the southern Black Sea region of Mykolaiv. Russian strikes killed at least two people in Ukraine on April 17, 2025 and wounded over two dozen, Kyiv said, as Moscow claimed to have captured another village in the northwestern Sumy region. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

WORLD

Russia rains missiles on Ukraine as US mulls ending truce efforts

By Agence France-Presse

FILE - In this combination of images Rapper Kendrick Lamar appears at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif., left, and Canadian rapper Drake appears at the premiere of the series "Euphoria," in Los Angeles on June 4, 2019. (AP Photos/Chris Pizzello, File)

Drake complains about Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Super Bowl performance in new defamation claims

By Agence France-Presse

Mackerel Sinigang PHOTOS FROM MEGA MACKEREL

LIFESTYLE

Mackerel recipe ideas for a nutritious Good Friday meal

Catholic devotees join the Santo Entierro procession where the image of a dead Jesus Christ is carried through the streets leading to the Quiapo Church in Manila on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H DILAN

CARRYING CHRIST

April 18, 2025

Baguio City in Benguet is a favorite spot for foreign and local visitors because of its attractions and cool weather. PHOTOS BY BENEDICT ABAYGAR JR.

April 18, 2025

Catholic devotees hold a procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H DILAN

NAZARENE PROCESSION

April 18, 2025

People flock to Parish of San Santiago Apostol in the town of Paete in the province of Laguna, as part of the annual Visita Iglesia or church visit, a popular Filipino Catholic tradition during Holy Week. The town is famous for producing wood carvings, particularly religious images. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

April 18, 2025

Members of the Apostolic Catholic Church (ACC) hold a procession around the Stations of the Cross that have been put up on a mountain at the Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan as part of their commemoration of Good Friday on April 18, 2025, the second day of the Triduum, a period of prayer that starts on Maundy Thursday and ends on Black Saturday. In this photo, the devotees pass the tomb where Jesus Christ was buried after he was laid down from the cross that marked his crucifixion. Founded in the 1960s, the ACC is an independent Catholic Church which, according to its website, promotes inclusivity by welcoming all people, especially 'those who have been unjustly excluded from or discriminated against by the larger historical and liturgically apostolic denominations.' PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

April 18, 2025

PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Nation

Bloody Philippine passion play sees final performance of veteran 'Jesus'

MANILA, Philippines — Scores of penitents whipped themselves bloody under a scorching Philippine sun while others were nailed to crosses in a polarizing Good Friday tradition drawing the most extreme of Catholic devotees. The macabre spectacle, officially frowned on by the Church, attracts thousands of Filipinos — and a smattering of tourists — each Easter weekend to sites across Asia's only majority Catholic nation. In Pampanga province, two hours north of Manila, 64-year-old Ruben Enaje was nailed to a cross for the 36th time on Friday. Minutes after the nails were gingerly

By Agence France-Presse - April 18, 2025

Two more bodies recovered from ship

Good Friday: A day of penance, sacrifice

Nation mourns Nora Aunor

Inventory of roads, bridges now online

Labor wants Tripartite Tariff Task Force

Webb spots strongest hints of life on distant planet — astronomers

More troops deployed in Maguindanao as election nears

Harmonization of education to employment urged

Rep. Joey Salceda FILE PHOTO

Salceda ends House term with more benefits for elderly

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

Fernando recommends suspension of jail warden, guards

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. TMT FILE PHOTO

Garcia hits back at Tulfo again

n National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

'Caravan' benefits 6K in Bulacan, Zamboanga

This handout photo taken and released by Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia on April 18, 2025 shows Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking during a press confrence in Bangkok. Myanmar's junta chief held talks with the Malaysian prime minister in Bangkok on April 17, in a meeting condemned by critics of the military government. (Photo by Izzuddin Radzak / Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia / AFP) / NO USE AFTER MAY 1, 2025 17:00:00 GMT - NO USE AFTER MAY 1, 2025 17:00:00 GMT - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE OF MALAYSIA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVE /

Asean chairman urges Myanmar junta to honor quake truce

By Agence France-Presse

epa11726973 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian participates in a press conference with foreign media in Beijing, China, 18 november 2024. Jian spoke about President Xi Jinping's participation in the 31st APEC Summit. EPA-EFE/JESSICA LEE

China says 'never provided lethal weapons' to parties in Ukraine war

A person clears snow from the street after heavy snowfall at the Aravis Pass (Col des Aravis), near La Clusaz in east-central France, on April 17, 2025. The Swiss, French, and Italian Alps are experiencing very heavy snowfall on April 17, causing major disruptions that have led local authorities to take exceptional measures in response to traffic difficulties and the risks of avalanches and falling trees. AFP PHOTO

Spring snow storm wreaks deadly havoc in the Alps

A member of staff takes Astro, an American Pocket Bully for a walk outside its enclosure at the Mayhew animal shelter in west London, on April 3, 2025. Britain is a nation of dog and cat lovers -- half the adult population has a pet, according to the RSPCA, the world's oldest animal welfare organization. But it says pet abandonment in the UK is up due to sustained cost of living pressures and changing habits following the Covid pandemic. AFP PHOTO

Heartbroken Brits abandon pets as living costs bite

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 13: George Glass, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be U.S ambassador to Japan, speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations committee nomination hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Senators questioned the nominees on a range of topics pertaining to United States interests including trade, security and resources. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

US ambassador to Japan 'extremely optimistic' about trade deal

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto speaks during an economic event titled "Strengthening Indonesia's Economic Resilience Amid the Wave of Trade Tariff Wars" in Jakarta on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP)

Indonesia pledges more US imports as part of tariffs talks

This illustration picture shows a video circulating on social media about humorous campaign online taken in Beijing on April 18, 2025. While China's leaders use their economic and political might to fight US President Donald Trump's trade war "to the end", its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online. (Photo by Adek BERRY / AFP)

Chinese vent anger at Trump's trade war with memes, mockery

Foreign Business

Google has illegal monopoly in ad tech, US judge rules

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google illegally wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology market, in a legal blow that could rattle the tech giant's revenue engine. The federal government and more than a dozen US states filed the antitrust suit against Alphabet-owned Google, accusing it of acting illegally to dominate three sectors of digital advertising -- publisher ad servers, advertiser tools, and ad exchanges. "Google's monopolies allow it to soak up excessive profits, leaving less for the workers and businesses whose livelihoods depend on

By Agence France-Presse - April 18, 2025

BSP seen more dovish amid global uncertainty

US tariffs pose indirect risks to PH banks – Fitch

Marginally higher Q1 palay output expected

Rice cheaper, pork more expensive at start of April

Initiatives to accelerate shift to renewable energy tagged

Understanding impeachment

Foreign Business

Temu, Shein prices up next week due to tariffs

Foreign Business

New Fords could cost more later this year

Foreign Business

US retail sales surge in March

Foreign Business

MAG reports $12-M profit for 2024

Foreign Business

Singapore exports below forecast

Sunday Business & It

TikTok tests letting users add informative 'Footnotes'

HEROIC Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (left) guard Kevin Huerter and center Nikola Vucevic (right) during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game in Chicago on April 16, 2025. AP PHOTO

Sports

Herro scores 38 as Heat advance in Play-In Tournament

CHICAGO — Tyler Herro and the Heat had it going right from the start. Another performance like that could catapult Miami into the playoffs. Herro scored 38 points, and the Heat dominated the Chicago Bulls, 109-90, on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to advance in the Play-In Tournament. Herro scored 23 points as Miami grabbed a 71-47 halftime lead, and the Heat knocked the Bulls out of the play-in for the third year in a row. They play at Atlanta on Friday for a chance to meet top-seeded Cleveland in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hawks lost to the Orlando Magic

By Associated Press - April 18, 2025

Youth, veterans work together for Magnolia

Creamline focuses on AVC Champions League

'Boots' Ennis kicks up a storm

NBA Playoffs: War in the Wild West

Warriors down Grizzlies to reach playoffs

Hitters look to defy odds in AVC debut

GDL brothers commit to SSC-R

4 foreign teams pose challenge in Tour of Luzon

Boardroom Watch

Dee, constructing is future-proofing

By Susan Claire Agbayani

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Stock indices as of April 16, 2025

Basra Terminal in Iraq is operated by ICTSI. PHOTO FROM ICTSI BASRA

Basra Gateway Terminal sets record

THE GUIDE Check out our list of the best instant withdrawal casinos and explore sites with the fastest payouts, lowest fees, and most comfortable banking. IMAGE FROM ARTEMIS MARKETING

Best instant withdrawal casinos in 2025: 10 fast payout casino sites for real money

SAFE JOURNEYS When embarking on a long drive, one should be prepared for possible emergencies and be vigilant toward one’s surroundings. FILE PHOTO

Tips for safe rides this holy week

CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES With the MOA Sky walkway, SM Mall of Asia harnesses solar energy to deliver a combined three megawatts of power that’s enough to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month. PHOTO FROM SM

SM Prime's environmental leadership, innovation power a sustainable future

AUTO LOVERS’ PARADISE The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) returns bigger as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This year’s highlights include the car club display, Mobility Marathon, MIAS-Petron Custom Classic Car Competition, truck zone, test drive avenue and die-cast car collection. PHOTO FROM MIAS WEBSITE

Buckle up for Manila International Auto Show's 20th year

BEYOND ARCHITECTURE The Philippine Pavilion is a multisensory experience that blends heritage and innovation. PHOTO FROM TPB

Tmt Newswire

PH Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka receives warm global reception at media preview

JUST days before World Expo 2025 Osaka opens, the Philippines offered a preview of its cultural showcase. On April 9, 2025, the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), hosted an exclusive media preview of the "Woven" Pavilion, earning glowing early reviews from the international press and the Japanese public. Themed "Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future," the Pavilion offers a multisensory experience blending heritage and innovation. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with TPB COO and POC Secretary

Earn up to P10,000 when you save more with Metrobank

FedEx strengthens APAC leadership, announces key appointments

'DisTrumption' ahead: Trump 2.0, PH economy discussed at PFA GMM

Uratex celebrates 57th anniversary, 17th Reader's Digest win

P77-B INVESTMENT FUELS CONSTRUCTION SURGE IN CLARK

'Moments of Summer' with Rustan's

#SunspellSweatSesh year 2 welcomes more golden days

Grohe delivers sleek designs to refine showering joy

Easter reimagined: The most unique celebrations

It's a 'Hoppy Eggstravaganza' Easter at Power Mac Center

Neuromap PH to advance early detection of neurological disorders

CHR stresses need to uphold IPRA, NCIP autonomy

Campus Press

HS visual arts students explore skin color in exhibit

By Andreanna Dy

Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes (left) meets with Education Secretary Sonny Angara. PHOTO FROM FDCP FACEBOOK

DepEd, FDCP to design film curriculum for SHS students

No Image

The power of symbolism

The protective cultivation facility received by the local government of Quezon, Isabela, has a greenhouse where leafy greens can be cultivated using less water. DA PHOTO

Agribusiness

Isabela town receives urban farming facility

By Leander C. Domingo

no-image

RCEF training program to be evaluated

no-image

Global agri trends to highlight Psabe meet

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10 Holy Week movies for reflection

Pause and reflect with GMA's 2025 Holy Week Specials

MTRCB's Holy Week movie ratings and PUV policies

'The Passion of the Christ,' 21 years on

Katy Perry roars into space on all-woman flight

Sean 'Diddy' Combs pleads not guilty to new sex charges

'Incognito' brings the action to Japan

No Image

'Mother Teresa & Me' and the silence between faith and doubt

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola - April 17, 2025

Montemaria Shrine opens arms to pilgrims

Was Jesus into wellness?

Nephro Plus, Conifer Capital bring hope to renal care patients

Peak air travel reminders for Holy Week 2025

Perks of lakeside living just an hour from the metro

Hop into Easter fun at Savoy Hotel Manila

The Sunday Times Magazine

The extraordinary life of Dominador Buhain

April 13, 2025

Bb.q Chicken is the ultimate destination for Korean-style fried chicken. PHOTO FROM ROBINSONS ANTIPOLO

Korean chain bb.q Chicken brings signature flavors to Antipolo

Araneta City accommodates both solemn observance and practical needs during Holy Week.

Spaces of stillness — where to observe Holy Week

Celebrate Solaire Resort North’s first-ever Easter with a feast.

Easter festivities in the city

Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. Always check the labels for these ingredients or their by-products. PHOTO FROM CANVA

Starting a gluten-free lifestyle

The Manila Times CSI

The national consultative conference focused on drafting the ‘Technology Transfer Policy Framework for DOST,’ a unified policy framework for technology transfer and commercialization in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM THE BRITISH COUNCIL

Expats & Diplomats

British Council, DOST develop policy on technology transfer

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of April 16, 2025

Changan Hunter K50

Fast Times

Changan unveils groundbreaking EV lineup at MIAS 2025

By Anjo Perez - April 15, 2025

Basra Terminal in Iraq is operated by ICTSI. PHOTO FROM ICTSI BASRA

Maritime

Basra Gateway Terminal sets record

By Genivi Verdejo - April 16, 2025

Burnharm Park, Baguio City PHOTOS BY IAN MORLEY

Build & Design

How the City Beautiful changes societies

By Jovi Miroy - April 15, 2025

Some members of the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines — AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines — a member of the Island Skies Alliance. PHOTO FROM ISLAND SKIES ALLIANCE

Green Industries

PH keen to lead in SAF production

By Margie T. Logarta - April 12, 2025

Campus Press

HS visual arts students explore skin color in exhibit

By Andreanna Dy - April 17, 2025

Boardroom Watch

Dee, constructing is future-proofing

By Susan Claire Agbayani - April 18, 2025

The protective cultivation facility received by the local government of Quezon, Isabela, has a greenhouse where leafy greens can be cultivated using less water. DA PHOTO

Agribusiness

Isabela town receives urban farming facility

By Leander C. Domingo - April 17, 2025