U.S. officials announced Monday the arrest of a Chinese researcher for allegedly smuggling biological samples into the country—marking the second such case in recent days.   The FBI stated in a criminal complaint that Chengxuan Han, a doctoral student from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was taken into custody Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.   Authorities allege that since September, Han had mailed four shipments from China containing hidden biological materials to a lab at the University of Michigan, where she was set to work on a year-long research project. Upon arriving in the U.S. from Shanghai, she reportedly gave false statements about the shipments when questioned by federal agents.   This follows another case last week in which two Chinese nationals were charged after the FBI accused one of attempting to smuggle a harmful fungus into the U.S. for research at the same university. One suspect, a university r...

Smoked fish, known locally as tinapa, is a traditional Filipino delicacy made by preserving fish through brining and smoking. Among the various fish species used, Tunsoy (Fimbriated Sardines) is a key product in the industry. This article examines the value chain of smoked Tunsoy, covering its production process, economic viability, challenges, and growth potential.   Production Process of Smoked Fish The production of smoked fish involves two main stages: brining and smoking. First, the fish are soaked in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes, which enhances flavor and moisture retention. Next, they undergo smoking for 1 hour, giving them their signature aroma and taste. The full process includes washing (2-4 hours), soaking in brine (30 minutes), cooking (15 minutes), straining and cooling (1-2 hours), transferring cooked fish (6-12 hours), and finally smoking (1 hour). Since the entire process takes 24-48 hours and relies heavily on manual labor, there is minimal mechanizatio...

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has released its latest report on the Volume of Production of Agriculture and Fisheries for the first quarter of 2025, revealing notable trends across key sectors. The data highlights a 7.4% increase in crops production, a 9.3% rise in poultry output, and a 1.5% growth in fisheries compared to the same period in 2024. These figures underscore the resilience and evolving dynamics of the country’s agri-fishery industry.   Crops Production: Sugarcane and Tobacco Lead Expansion The total volume of crops production reached 26.94 million metric tons, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase. Sugarcane emerged as the top performer, with output surging by 19% to 12.10 million metric tons, accounting for nearly 45% of total crops production. Tobacco also saw an extraordinary 80.4% growth, though its overall volume remained modest at 20.49 thousand metric tons. Other gainers included cacao (up 23.6%) and rubber (up 13.6%), signaling dive...

National security officials and lawmakers are sounding the alarm over an alleged plot by two Chinese researchers—reportedly in a romantic relationship—to smuggle samples of a destructive crop-killing fungus into the United States.   The FBI has accused Yunqing Jian, 33, a lab researcher at the University of Michigan and a Communist Party loyalist who received Chinese government funding, of conspiring with her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, to illegally transport the pathogen.   Liu was intercepted at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July after allegedly attempting to bring packages of Fusarium graminearum into the country, according to federal authorities.   Court documents filed Monday in Michigan federal court reveal that the couple discussed ways to sneak the fungus into the U.S. Fusarium graminearum is classified as a serious biological threat, capable of devastating crops and posing risks to livestock and humans. Experts have labeled it a "po...

Manila, Philippines – In a striking display of advocacy, members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) took to Rizal Park on Thursday, June 5, clad in traditional Filipino attire and animal masks to deliver a powerful message: "Freedom is for all." Dressed in Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya, and adorned with flower wreaths and animal head masks, the activists marched toward the Jose Rizal monument, symbolizing their call for the liberation of animals held in captivity at Manila Zoo and other zoos nationwide. The demonstration, timed days before the country’s Independence Day celebrations, drew attention to the plight of captive wildlife, urging the public to reconsider the ethics of confining animals for entertainment.   A Visual Protest with a Deeper Message   The protest blended cultural symbolism with animal rights advocacy. The traditional attire honored Filipino heritage, while the animal masks—representing species often kept in zo...

Registering as a Pag-IBIG Fund member has never been easier, thanks to its convenient online process. Whether you're using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, you can complete your membership registration in just a few simple steps. Here’s everything you need to know to sign up through Virtual Pag-IBIG .  Accessing the Pag-IBIG Online Registration Portal There are three ways to begin your registration:    1. Via the Official Pag-IBIG Fund Website Visit the https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ . Hover over the E-Services tab and select Membership Registration . You will be redirected to the Online Membership Registration page.   2. Through Virtual Pag-IBIG     - Go to the https://www.virtualpagibig.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ .      - Click " Be a Member ", then select Continue to proceed.   3. Direct Link    - You may also go straight to the registration page at: https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/PubReg/Ne...

Why Join SSS? If you're working in the private sector, self-employed, a non-working spouse, or an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), being an SSS member ensures you and your family get support when you need it. The SSS provides benefits for sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and even unemployment.   Types of SSS Membership  There are two kinds:    1. Compulsory – Required for employees in private companies.   2.  Voluntary – For self-employed, freelancers, OFWs, and non-working spouses.   How to Get an SSS Number (Online Registration) Since July 15, 2020, SSS requires all new members to register online. This makes the process faster and easier.   Steps to Apply for an SSS Number Online 1. Go to the SSS Website    Visit the [SSS website]( https://www.sss.gov.ph ) and click " Apply for an SS Number Online ." Read the instructions, then click " Start ." 2. Fill Out the Registration Form Enter ...

PayPal announced on May 2025, the discontinuing of the standalone PayPal Business App. The PayPal Business App is more useful than other fintech around the world. Businesses accepting payment online are prepared to use PayPal payment methods as a more convenient integration to business, accepted in any part of the world, supporting multi-currency, and accepting card payment such as Credit Card and Debit Card. PayPal said that the Business App will be discontinued this June 30, 2025; after this date, business accounts can still log in to the paypal.com website, where you can still access your account. However, for you to have a seamless experience between your consumer and business accounts, they advised you to connect your business account to your personal account. How do I link my accounts? Here’s how to link your accounts from the web: 1.Go to Settings . 2.Click Link your accounts on the left. 3.Follow the steps to complete the process. Here’s how to link your accounts o...

  One of the common problems in GCash transactions is that the debited amount is not reflected in the recipient's account or is not credited to the biller. Someone who has this problem feels frustrated and alarmed by what they need to do. They worry about the overdue charge for the biller that had a failed transaction and about possibly losing money to an unknown. GCash is always on the go; you have nothing to worry about with all failed transactions as long as there's valid proof of your transaction, specific time, and exact date. As the most reputable and trusted fintech app in the Philippines, GCash customer service will always be on the act to serve you better and solve the problem you are facing in their application. However, if your failed transaction is about bill payment, there is a possibility that you will be overdue to the biller. But if the failed transaction is reconciled by GCash and the biller, all possible overdue charges because of your delayed pay...