Author: admin

The FCA has issued near final rules on its new targeted support regime to address the UK “advice gap” and help advance its new “regulation for growth” agenda.

This cheat sheet provides a summary as to what firms need to do to apply for permission to conduct the new regulated activity of providing targeted support, including next steps, information about pre-application engagement with the FCA, and key points for firms to focus on when developing their application and a regulatory business plan.

Author: DA Press Office | 26 December 2025

The Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that investigation conducted on reports in Region I of “insoluble and floating” fertilizer was caused by improper product application, not product defect, easing concern over the integrity of government-supplied inputs.

The issue surfaced after a farmer in Marcos, Ilocos Norte, posted a video on social media showing fertilizer granules that appeared to float and were blown by strong winds toward a rice field embankment. The footage quickly fueled speculation over the quality of fertilizers distributed under government programs.

In response, the DA’s Regional Field Office I immediately launched a validation and monitoring activity on December 21–22, through its Agricultural Program Coordinating Office in Ilocos Norte. The team coordinated with provincial and municipal rice program coordinators and the municipal agriculturist, all with extensive experience in rice and corn production, to verify the claims on the ground.

The farmer involved, Esting Dela Cruz, did not initially identify the fertilizer brand in his post, although commenters pointed to “SWIRE.” Field validation later confirmed that the product used was DANAT Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14) procured through the local government unit.

Investigators found that the fertilizer was applied as a side-dress, despite being designed for basal application. According to the DA, this improper method—combined with windy conditions—caused the granules to remain on the soil surface and be displaced, creating the impression that the fertilizer was insoluble or defective. The team conducted an on-site briefing to explain the correct application process and prevent a repeat of the issue.

The DA has emphasized that all fertilizers distributed under its programs undergo mandatory quality testing before delivery, with additional re-testing and quality control carried out through DA laboratories or Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority-accredited facilities.

Following the investigation, Dela Cruz thanked the DA for its swift response and confirmed the fertilizer’s authenticity. He later used his vlog to share proper application practices. The DA said it will continue monitoring fertilizer use across the Ilocos Region and step up farmer briefings to ensure proper utilization and protect the credibility of government farm inputs. ### (By DA – OSEC Comms)

When did I last use a paper planner?

In the past, The Asahi Shimbun distributed “shain techo” (employee notebook/planner) pocket diaries to all employees at the end of the year.

I remember opening my new techo to a blank page and vowing to use it regularly—at least for a while, anyway. I would mark the dates of upcoming interviews, appointments and other plans, being mindful of keeping my handwriting neat and legible.

“Techorui Toshoshitsu” in Tokyo’s Yoyogi district is a small, library-like institution that keeps a collection of pocket planners and diaries with handwritten entries.

It is run by Masafumi Shirado, 45, a game programmer who became fascinated by people’s “personal records that were not intended to be shown to anyone.” Over time, Shirado purchased or received donations of about 2,000 such items.

I viewed a diary of a male company worker in his 50s. By coincidence, one entry, dated Dec. 26, 2003, was a Friday, just like this year.

“Received my salary today,” it went. “Repaid my loan of 50,000 yen, but on my way home I lost 25,000 yen playing pachinko. I’ll be in serious trouble unless I lie really low during the New Year’s holiday.”

And he scribbled in the margin over and over: “Got to be frugal, thrifty.”

But on Jan. 2, he confessed to what made me giggle: “Am I weak-willed? Had my annual gambling kickoff.”

Another man in his 60s asked himself on the last page of his planner, “Did this year go without incident, again?” This was written in red ink and straddled several days’ worth of space.

People make their resolutions, break them and then promise again to do better. This is all so human.

For many people, Dec. 26 must have been their last day of work this year. I wonder if they have successfully achieved what they wished for at the start of the year.

Alas, my wish was to be able to write a more worthwhile column. 

For now, I think I’ll start by buying a new paper diary or planner for the first time in quite a while and write down the same wish in super-big letters.

–The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 27

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.