PAGASA’s STC was invited as guest at the early morning program Umagang Kay Ganda” which airs on ABS-CBN Ch.2 in the morning of 21 Dec. 2016.  With the regular hosts of the program, STC explained the supply and demand situation and steady prices of goods and commodities prevailing in the market.  He also asked the public to shop now and not wait for the last minute Christmas rush to avoid the heavy traffic and parking problems that bring about stress in the metropolis during shopping seasons like these.  He also reminded the public, in behalf of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, to bring out all their old series bills as these will not be considered legal tender come 2017.

On 6 Dec. 2016, PAGASA Pres. Steven Cua was invited to give a briefing of the Food Retail Industry to an audience filled with the academe and officers from the private and public sector.  Entitled “What Lies Ahead for Food and Agribusiness: Challenges and Expectations” and held at the Li Seng Gap Auditorium of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s APEC Bldg., the speakers included UA&P’s Exec. Dir. for the Center for Food & Agribusiness Dr. Rolando Dy, the Planning Manager of the Sugar Regulatory Admin. Rosemarie Gumera, Harbest Agribusiness Corp.’s Pres. Arsenio Barcelona, Pork Producers Federation of the Phils.’ Pres. Edwin Chen and Land Bank of the Phils.’ President/CEO Alex Buenaventura. (L-R) Ms. Gumera, Dr. Dy, Mr. Barcelona and STC sits on stage for the Open Forum portion of the event.

PAGASA sets up its booth at the 3 rd SIAL Asean Show from 31 May to 2 June 2016 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.  Pres. STC makes his rounds at the Grand Opening on Day 1 and exchange food notes with the an officer from the Israeli Embassy and His Excellency Ambassador Truong Trieu Duong of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam who visited PAGASA’s  Booth together with his hard-working Commercial Counselor Ms. Vu Viet Nga. The Tradeshow was also one place to meet up-and-coming supermarket suppliers like Mr. Norman John G. Cordoves of Golden Arrow Food Enterprises>makers of Norman Baker local quality delicacies (at PAGASA Booth) from Laguna.

PAGASA’s STC was invited as guest to the Teleradyo program, Konsumer, ATBP. DZMM on the morning of 3 December 2016. Anchored by Alvin Elchico and DTI Usec. Ted Pascua, the episode discussed the issues to be contended with in the coming Yuletide Season since the Peso’s value has been slipping against the Dollar and world oil prices are beginning to increase. Also guests that morning were DA Usec. Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan/Operations and PRDP Nat. Proj. Dir., DTI Asec. Lilian G. Salonga and Dept. of Energy’s Div. Chief Melita Obillo.  The lively discussion hopefully shed light on concerns of the buying public regarding what’s to come for supplies and prices of fresh produce, basic necessities and prime commodities.