Latest news with #Azcona
GMA Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Pest infestation monitored in sugar farms in Negros Occidental —SRA
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Wednesday said it has monitored an infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI)—which can reduce sugar content by as much as 50%—in sugar farms across six areas in northern Negros Occidental. In a statement, the SRA said it created a task force, headed by SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson, to control the infestation and seek quarantine measures from the Department of Agriculture (DA). SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona advised sugar farmers to be 'more vigilant' where they purchase their cane points, as the infestation is suspected to have been brought to Negros from Luzon, where an RSSI infestation has happened before and is still present in some farms. 'We cannot afford to have an infestation, as some farmers are already starting to plant their canes for the next crop year. We made a good showing this year despite the challenges brought about by the long drought, and I hope we can maintain the momentum and even exceed our targets for next year if we will all help one another in containing this infestation,' Azcona said. According to the SRA chief, RSSI can raise production costs and decrease yield, which can jeopardize the stability of the industry. The agency is expecting that sugar production in the previous crop year could reach 1.837 million metric tons (MT), higher than the initial estimate of 1.782 million MT. The SRA said that upon receiving reports from the field in north Negros, it sought the help of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, which facilitated the research and found at least five insecticides that may be able to limit the infestation. Based on the NCPC's study, buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam have shown potential in curbing the spread. However, the SRA said, citing the NCPC, 'This is not conclusive until we conduct a second field trial in a different location,' before they can even seek an emergency-use permit from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), as 'these insecticides are not yet registered for sugarcane.' The SRA said Azcona will propose that the second trial be conducted in Negros. In the meantime, the agency will implement quarantine of canes from infected areas. Sanson said that the task force will set up an Operation and Monitoring Center to document and report all RSSI and related issues around the country and will facilitate coordination and consultation among SRA delivery units and partner agencies that are involved in the management of the RSSI. 'Supporting the task force is not optional, as it is essential in ensuring the future of the sugarcane industry,' said Sanson. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
19-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Sugar production to rise 5% more than initial estimate, says SRA
Sugar production is expected to be almost five percent higher than the initial estimate despite the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said Monday. In a statement, SRA predicted that sugar production could reach 1.837 million metric tons (MT), higher than the initial estimate of 1.782 million MT. SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said that despite the low sugar producer per ton of cane (LKGTC), production is attributed to the increase in sugarcane tonnage per hectare planted. The country currently has 1.815 million tons of sugar produced. The biggest share is from Visayas, with 71% of the total production. This was followed by Negros Island (63%) and Panay (6.3%), while the rest came from Cebu and Leyte. SRA also noted that Mindanao is expected to end a crop year with almost 24% of the country's produce, while Luzon will contribute nearly 5%. Azcona said SRA's initial estimate was low due to the 'health and assessment of the sugarcane' following the El Niño, which hit the country from 2023 to 2024. 'We are ending on a positive note and we can attribute this to the effort of this administration in helping stabilize prices since 2022,' Azcona said. 'Fair farm gate prices encouraged farmers to risk replanting their El Niño damaged canes, using new SRA varieties as they were hopeful that prices would eventually make up for the very high cost of production,' he added. Azcona also said fair prices have encouraged new farmers to plant sugarcane. Mindanao currently has the highest average LkgTC at 1.74 while Negros is averaging 1.65 and Panay and Luzon both hitting 1.54. Azcona said the SRA's thrust to prioritize research is "now paying off." This includes the development and propagation of new sugarcane varieties, improving soil conditions, irrigation, and changing the sugarcane cropping calendar. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
While one tradition is retired, a new one is born at the Paterson Diocese's Blue Mass
The Paterson Diocese held its 25th and final Blue Mass Saturday at its Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson on Saturday, May 3. Though it was the last of a long tradition, a new one will start for friends and families of those who wear blue. The bagpipes, drummers, multiple color guards plus the scores of nattily attired officers are likely to return next year. It's just that they will be heavily reinforced. At the close of the service, Monsignor Geno Sylva said that next spring the Diocese is planning its Guardians Mass, designed to celebrate the service of all first responders: police, fire and EMTs. "I borrowed the idea from Cardinal Dolan," Sylva said, noting New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan decided several years ago to combine Blue and Red Masses together. Still, the Mass on May 3, which was first held in 2000, marked the end of tradition that offers families of officers who gave their last full measure some comfort. A grateful society and especially those who appreciate the personal and familial sacrifices peace officers make understand this is, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney said. "There's no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend or even a stranger," Sweeney told the hundreds of police officers who attended the special service. "We honor those made the greatest sacrifice." Sylva said like the Blue Mass, the new Guardian Mass be held first Saturday in May. Each year, with the exception of 2020, because of COVID, the Mass honors officers who died and exemplified the finest traditions of their departments. On Saturday the lives and service of Newark Sergeant Joseph Azcona, Paterson Officer Jose Valentin and Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, Major Jeffrey Burke, and Sgt. James J. Puhalski of the N.J. State Police were celebrated. A huge contingent of Newark police officers turned out to pay respect to Azcona and his family. Azcona was shot on March 7 while investigating illegal weapons possession at the corner of Carteret Street and Broadway in Newark. He died shortly afterwards of his wounds. Azcona's brother Jonathan Reyes sat with his family and friends and said he was appreciative but also acknowledged that the wounds were still fresh. "It's been tough," Reyes said adding that since his brother died the department has been supportive of his family, "So many came by and told amazing stories." It's this support that's the intent of the Mass to begin with said Mass co-founder Richard Reyes. "We want families to know that we haven't forgotten them," Richard said. Police officers and their families are keenly aware of the danger and occasional empty chair created when they are killed in line of duty. "We want families to know we are here if they need anything," Paterson Police Lt. Louis Spagnola said. Spagnola's father Lawrence was a former Paterson Police Chief and another founder of the Blue Mass. This article originally appeared on Paterson Diocese holds its 25th and final annual Blue Mass
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy turns down plea deal, will place fate in jury hands: ‘His image is international'
NEW YORK (PIX11) – One of the most highly anticipated trials of the year gets underway this Monday in Lower Manhattan. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, once a celebrated Bad Boy Records mogul, now sits behind bars in Brooklyn. The Harlem-born entertainer is accused of racketeering and sex trafficking—charges that could result in a life sentence. More Local News In his final court appearance before the trial, it was revealed that Combs turned down a plea deal and will instead place his fate in the hands of a jury of his peers. For Combs, the first Monday in May meant dressing to impress at the Met Gala. But this year, the first Monday in May will mark the start of his federal sex trafficking trial. His wardrobe has already been selected—and it won't include a prison jumpsuit. Instead, the court is allowing him to wear up to five button-down shirts, pants, sweaters, socks, and shoes without laces, in an effort to maintain an impartial appearance before the jury. 'His image, power, wealth, influence is on an international scale,' said entertainment attorney Yohayra Azcona. PIX11 News got a look at the proposed questions for the jury selection process. From a pool of 150 people, attorneys will choose 12 jurors and six alternates for the expected eight-week trial. 'Juries are humans that have biases that subconsciously play a role,' Azcona added. That's why both sides will have input when asking prospective jurors about their views on sex, assault, infidelity, prostitution, drugs, and hip-hop. The defense also wants to explore whether personal experiences and opinions could impact a juror's ability to remain impartial. At a recent hearing, Combs' attorney likened his client to a 'swinger,' offering a possible glimpse into the defense's strategy—something prosecutors may seize upon. 'When did content turn to coercion? Where did the abuse happen?' Azcona asked. 'The prosecution will have to pinpoint where things took a turn.' Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos, who once represented Michael Jackson, will now watch his daughter, Teny Geragos, attempt to secure an acquittal for Combs. 'I think you'll see witness after witness say, 'I never went to police and didn't do anything in this case, or in Cassie's case, until the eve of the Adult Survivors Act [deadline],'' Mark Geragos told NewsNation's Chris Cuomo, Friday night. Jury selection is expected to take a week, with the trial possibly running through July 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
14-year-old accused of fatally shooting Newark cop expected to be tried as adult
A 14-year-old accused of gunning down a pair of New Jersey police officers, killing one of them, is expected to be tried as an adult in the shooting. The unidentified teen is facing counts including murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal weapons in connection with the gun battle in Newark last month, culminating in the shooting death of 26-year-old Detective Joseph Azcona. Under state law, juveniles below the age of 15 can't be tried as adults — so New Jersey's interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba is working to have the charges transferred to federal court. 'This is really the way it should be,' she said during an appearance on 'Fox and Friends' Thursday. 'If you shoot a police officer, if you shoot anyone, I don't care what your age is. If you're part of a gang and you have a repeated history of crime, you will be tried as an adult.' The shooting unfolded the night of March 7 at Carteret St. and Broadway, near a McDonald's and a White Castle not far from the Passaic River. Police said the gunman fired off more than two dozen shots as officers closed in, fatally striking Azcona, a five-year-veteran of the Newark Police Department. He'd been responding to the area as part of an intelligence team seeking suspects in an illegal weapons investigation, police said, adding that he didn't even have a chance to step out of his vehicle before he was fatally struck. Azcona's partner was also wounded in the shooting, as was the teen, whose name has not been released because of his age. He remains in the hospital, according to Habba. 'He was going to go under the state which meant that he would have had a very low sentence if he was found guilty, which I'm sure he would be, ' Habba said.
