MANILA: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said there is an ongoing review of the distribution of coffee seedlings nationwide following reports from the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) that millions have gone missing. In an earlier report, the PCAFI said that each seedling costs PHP100. DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview Tuesday there is no formal order yet but a review has already started, including looking into the inventory of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), which is in charge of the seedlings' distribution. "Bagamat mayroon talagang ibinigay na sumbong ang PCAFI at ito ay i-rereview na, sinisiyasat na ng kagawaran (Although the PCAFI has submitted a complaint, and this is under review, the agency is already looking into it)," he added. De Mesa also insisted on the need to revitalize the coffee industry, considering the high demand locally. 'Malaki kasi ang demand for coffee. Malaki rin iyong ini-import natin, so kung magkakaroon tayo ng ma gandang production, so import substitution iyon (The demand for coffee is huge. We are also importing a huge volume, so if we come up with a good production, that's an import substitution)," he said. He mentioned good quality coffee produce in the country including Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa, among other varieties. "Sa ngayon karamihan ng coffee natin is being produced in Mindanao, especially in Region XII, sa Sultan Kudarat (For now, most of our coffee is being produced in Mindanao, especially in Region XII [Soccsksargen], in Sultan Kudarat)," De Mesa added. Besides this, local coffee is also being sourced from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Southern Luzon, and Visayas. The local production, however, only covers 20 percent of the demand. Source: Philippines News Agency The Royal Thai Navy explains the incident on the HTMS Chonburi, where a gun fired and hit the HTMS Khirirat. The bullet stuck in the barrel during training. Import for maintenance But a technical error occurred. Recently ordered to move Commander of the Royal Navy Chonburi Assisting the navy patrolling the bay At the Fleet Commissioning Club, Admiral Chatchai Thongsa-at, Commander of the Fleet, together with Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the Gulf Patrol Fleet, Capt. Piyasak Nilnimit, Deputy Director of the Ordnance Repair Center. jointly issued a statement explaining the cause of the cannon on the HTMS Chonburi ship bursting into flames and hitting the HTMS Khirirat ship. While docked at Laem Thian Port Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province, said that from the preliminary investigation, the cause was found to be from a 76-millimeter projectile from the HTMS Chonburi. which malfunctioned and became stuck in the gun while training at sea on March 13. After that, the HTMS Chonburi took basi c precautions against danger. before sailing into the pier for the gun technician to come and solve the problem But there was a loud noise while making corrections. causing damage to the HTMS Khirirat ship Fourteen people were injured, most due to smoke suffocation. All the injured were taken to Queen Sirikit Hospital. Naval Medical Department Immediately after the incident and closely monitor the condition of the injured At present, all soldiers are in safe condition, 10 soldiers can return home and another 4 are being monitored. Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the Bay Patrol Fleet, revealed that while the HTMS Chonburi was out practicing bombing exercises in the bay front. The gun was found to be jammed 2 times but was able to be repaired. Until there was another problem, the ship was brought to dock at Laem Thian Port. to make corrections At that time the gun was turned. By setting the gun angle at 45 degrees for safety. Later, the level was lowered 5 degrees for maintenance. But there was a disruption due to technical problems. Causing the bullet to fall onto the HTMS Khirirat ship at the rear of the ship. Caused damage to 4 rooms. However, in this incident, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy ordered a committee to urgently investigate the facts. By reporting the results within 3 days, the facts have already been reported. However, it must be accepted that the HTMS Chonburi is a royal ship that has been in service for many decades. Therefore, some problems may occur. But when a problem arises The ship's commander cannot deny responsibility. Most recently, an order to move was signed. Commander of the Royal Navy Chonburi Came to be stationed at the Gulf Patrol Fleet Headquarters temporarily I assure you that this kind of problem will not happen again. Because this case is considered an important lesson for the Royal Thai Navy. Source: Thai News Agency
