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Monday, 06 April 2026

Provinces

Mga natatanging Balagtaseño, kinilala sa pagbibigay-dangal sa bayan

[caption id="attachment_14017" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BALAGTAS, Bulacan — Kinilala at pinarangalan ang mga natatanging mamamayan ng Balagtas bilang pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang ambag sa komunidad at patuloy na pagbibigay dangal sa bayan sa iba’t ibang larangan. Kinilala ang mga Balagtaseño na nagsilbing inspirasyon sa komunidad dahil sa kanilang mahahalagang kontribusyon sa iba’t ibang larangan—mula sa serbisyo publiko hanggang sa mga gawaing pangkomunidad. Ayon sa mga lokal na opisyal, ang kanilang mga sakripisyo at pagsusumikap ay sumasalamin sa tunay na diwa ng pagiging lingkod-bayan. Binigyang-diin na ang ganitong pagkilala ay hindi lamang parangal, kundi paalala rin sa bawat mamamayan na ang sama-samang pagkilos at malasakit ay mahalaga sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng bayan. Patuloy namang hinihikayat ang mga residente na tularan ang ipinakitang kahusayan at dedikasyon ng mga pinarangalan, bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng pagkakaisa at pagmamalasakit sa komunidad. 📷 Mayor Andy "Andrews" Santiago FB 4 hours ago

Provinces

4Ps Ugnayan sa Bulacan, naghatid ng serbisyo at suporta sa mga benepisyaryo

1 hour ago

NCR

Libreng pamasahe sa Maynila, patuloy na umaarangkada

1 hour ago

NCR

Pasig LGU naglunsad ng bagong ruta ng libreng sakay para sa mga commuter

1 hour ago

Nation

Diesel prices may surge to nearly P170/liter

37 minutes ago

Provinces

New CLLEX segment cuts travel time, boosts connectivity in Central Luzon

1 hour ago

NCR

Dagdag ayuda sa tsuper—Maynila itinaas ang kita sa libreng sakay program

2 days ago

Provinces

Ika-4 na Malolos Theater Festival, nagtapos sa makabuluhang pagdiriwang ng sining at pananampalataya

2 days ago

NATION

PH secures safe passage for ships and seafarers through Strait of Hormuz

[caption id="attachment_13982" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MANILA – The Philippine government has secured assurances from Iran that Filipino seafarers and Philippine-flagged vessels will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level diplomatic talks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The development comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed officials to engage Tehran to safeguard the country’s energy supply and protect the welfare of Filipino workers overseas. “Safe, Unhindered Passage” Assured According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the commitment was made during a Maundy Thursday phone call between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. “During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers,” the DFA said. Lazaro described the discussion as “very productive,” highlighting its importance for both maritime safety and energy security. “Building on recent talks, we reached a positive understanding on the safety of our seafarers and the security of our energy supply. Grateful for the warm spirit of cooperation,” she said in a post on X. No Additional Fees for Passage The DFA also clarified that Philippine vessels will not be charged transit fees, amid earlier reports that Iran might impose new charges on ships crossing the strait. “On question regarding the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee,” DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said. This ensures oil shipments bound for the Philippines will not face additional costs at a time when global fuel prices remain volatile. Oil Imports Crucial for Energy Supply The agreement is seen as critical for the Philippines, which relies heavily on imports from the Middle East. “Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines,” the DFA said. About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. For the Philippines, which imports around 98% of its crude oil, any disruption could directly impact fuel prices, transport costs, and overall inflation. The assurance also provides relief for thousands of Filipino seafarers working on vessels operating in the Middle East. War and Blockade: Tensions in the Middle East The talks come as tensions remain high following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have raised concerns about possible disruptions along key shipping routes. Iran has tightened its control over the strait in response, contributing to uncertainty in global energy markets. President Marcos earlier said the country’s fuel reserves could last until the end of June, but has ordered the government to secure additional supply to build up reserves. The government has also declared a state of national energy emergency to prepare for potential supply disruptions. PH Reaffirms Commitment to Diplomacy Both the Philippines and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining cooperation and dialogue. According to the DFA, both sides agreed on the importance of “Maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy.” The Philippines is among several Asian countries that have received similar assurances, as governments seek to protect their economic interests and citizens amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. 📷 DFA FB

3 days ago

Marcos chairs UPLIFT meeting to stabilize food supply, cushion impact of rising oil prices

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday convened a high-level meeting of the UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) Committee to address the potential impact of rising global oil prices on the country’s food supply and transport costs. During the meeting, officials outlined measures aimed at keeping food prices stable and ensuring steady supply despite mounting external pressures linked to fuel price volatility. A key component of the government’s response is the mobilization of $10 billion to support the agriculture sector. The funds will be coursed through the Department of Agriculture to provide fuel assistance and essential farm inputs to farmers and fisherfolk. Authorities said the move is intended to sustain production levels and prevent supply disruptions that could lead to higher food prices. In parallel, the government is set to activate P1 billion in transport-related subsidies through the Department of Transportation. The allocation will be used to directly compensate drivers affected by rising fuel costs and to expand free ride programs for commuters. Officials said the twin measures are designed to mitigate the broader economic impact of increasing oil prices, particularly on vulnerable sectors such as food producers and daily commuters. The UPLIFT initiative integrates efforts across key sectors—livelihoods, industry, food, and transport—to ensure a coordinated response to inflationary pressures and safeguard economic stability. 📷 Presidential Communications Office FB

3 days ago

CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 3B opens, cuts travel time to 15 Minutes

PARAÑAQUE CITY — Travel between key routes in southern Metro Manila is expected to become faster and more convenient following the opening of the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 3B, a new expressway project aimed at easing traffic congestion. From a previous travel time of about one and a half hours, motorists can now reach destinations between CAVITEX and SLEX/C5 in just 15 minutes. The development is seen to benefit up to 36,000 vehicles and reduce congestion along Kaingin Road, while improving access between southern Metro Manila and Cavite. The two-kilometer, three-lane expressway located in Parañaque was constructed under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly to address the expected surge in traffic during the Holy Week. The president also announced that toll fees along the new segment will be waived for the entire month of April, providing additional relief to motorists. 📷 Presidential Communication Office FB

6 days ago

Robredo still noncommittal on 2028 National Elections, focused on Naga

Mayor Leni Robredo remains no plans on a possible return to national politics, saying her priority is to fulfill her mandate as mayor of Naga City. In an interview with Bernadette Sembrano, Robredo said she is not entertaining discussions about the 2028 Philippine National Elections for now, despite calls from supporters urging her to run for a higher position. “Hindi ko muna pinapansin kasi ayaw ko ma-distract kasi, obligasyon ko, first and foremost, Naga,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to local governance. When asked directly about a potential national bid, Robredo admitted she has yet to make any concrete plans. “Hindi ko pa rin sigurado. Hindi ako politikong pinagplanuhan kung ano ’yong susunod eh. Wherever the road takes me,” she added. For now, the former vice president is focused on implementing a slate of upcoming projects in Naga, reinforcing her stance that her attention remains on delivering services and development initiatives for the city. 📷 Leni Robredo FB

1 week ago

PROVINCES

Bulacan commodity prices remain stable

CITY OF MALOLOS — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bulacan announced on April 1 that prices of basic and prime commodities in the province remain steady. Despite increases in oil prices, DTI-Bulacan reported that essential goods under its jurisdiction remain compliant with, and in many cases below, the prevailing suggested retail prices (SRP). The agency noted that this indicates retailers and distributors continue to adhere to fair pricing practices, safeguarding consumer welfare amid external economic pressures. It also cited that the supply of basic and prime commodities remains sufficient and stable, with no significant disruptions observed during the inspection period. 📷 Qui Nguyen, Pexels 3 days ago

Unang SNEd building sa ikatlong distrito ng Bulacan, pinasinayaan sa San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan — Pormal nang pinasinayaan noong Marso 26 ang kauna-unahang Special Needs Education (SNEd) Building sa Ikatlong Distrito ng Bulacan, na matatagpuan sa Carlos F. Gonzales High School. Ang naturang proyekto ay bunga ng pagtutulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan at Cong. Cholo I. Violago, alkalde ng San Rafael, Bulacan Ayon sa mga opisyal, layunin ng gusali na magbigay ng mas angkop at inklusibong kapaligiran para sa mga mag-aaral na may espesyal na pangangailangan. Dumalo rin sa inagurasyon ang iba pang opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaang bayan na nagbigay-suporta sa proyekto, na itinuturing na mahalagang hakbang tungo sa pagpapalakas ng inclusive education sa lalawigan. Ayon sa pamahalaang lokal, magsisilbing modelo ang bagong pasilidad upang makapagtayo pa ng katulad na mga SNEd building sa iba pang paaralan sa distrito. Layunin nitong matiyak na mabibigyan ng sapat na suporta at oportunidad ang bawat batang may espesyal na pangangailangan. 📷 San Rafael Bulacan FB

3 days ago

Senakulo sa Malolos, umantig sa puso at nagpaalab ng pananampalataya

MALOLOS, BULACAN — Sa gitna ng paggunita ng Semana Santa, muling umigting ang diwa ng pananampalataya at tradisyon matapos itanghal ng Samahang Senakulista ng Caingin ang dulang “Landas ng Hapis” sa Liwasang Republika nitong ika-31 ng Marsoz Dinagsa ng mga manonood ang gabi ng pagtatanghal kung saan binigyang-buhay ang makasaysayang kuwento ng sakripisyo at tagumpay ni Hesukristo. Higit pa sa isang dula, nagsilbing espasyo ang pagtatanghal upang muling pagnilayan ng mga manonood ang kahalagahan ng pananampalataya sa pang-araw-araw na buhay. Itatanghal sa Abril 1 ang “Kristo ang Hinirang” ng Samahang Senakulista ng Canalate, habang sa Abril 2 naman ay mapapanood ang “Sa Pintuan ng Kaharian” ng Dularawang Bulacan Foundation, Inc.—kapwa gaganapin sa gabi sa parehong tanghalan. 📷 Malolos City Information Office FB

5 days ago

Gulayan sa paaralan, pinalalakas sa Bocaue Bulacan

BOCAUE, BULACAN — Patuloy na isinusulong ni Mayor Jonjon Villanueva ang kahalagahan ng agrikultura sa mga paaralan sa ilalim ng “Gulayan sa Paaralan Support Program." Sa pamamagitan ng programa, nagpamahagi ang lokal na pamahalaan ng iba’t ibang agricultural inputs tulad ng vegetable seeds, seedlings, seedling trays, garden soil, vermicast, at fruit tree seedlings sa mga paaralang may gulayan. Ayon sa pamahalaang bayan, layunin ng inisyatibo na mahubog ang kamalayan ng kabataan sa kahalagahan ng pagtatanim, wastong nutrisyon, at pangangalaga sa kalikasan. Dagdag pa rito, inaasahang makatutulong ang programa sa pagpapatibay ng kaalaman at kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa agrikultura, habang isinusulong ang isang komunidad na may malasakit sa kalikasan at seguridad sa pagkain. 📷 Mayor Jonjon Villanueva FB

6 days ago

Community pantry para sa mga tsuper at commuter, inilunsad sa Calumpit

CALUMPIT, BULACAN — Sa gitna ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at mga pangunahing bilihin, muling umarangkada ang diwa ng bayanihan sa Calumpit sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng community pantry para sa mga driver at commuter. Pinangunahan ni Mayor Lem Faustino ang proyekto na layong magbigay ng agarang tulong sa sektor ng transportasyon na lubhang apektado ng tumataas na gastusin. Sa isinagawang aktibidad, daan-daang benepisyaryo ang nabigyan ng libreng bigas, gulay, at iba pang pagkain — alinsunod sa prinsipyo ng community pantry na “magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan.” Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, ang bawat ambag mula sa mga residente at volunteers ay patunay ng malasakit at pagkakaisa ng komunidad sa gitna ng hamon sa ekonomiya. Nagpasalamat naman ang pamahalaang bayan sa lahat ng nakiisa at tiniyak na isasagawa ang ikalawang bugso ng community pantry sa mga susunod na araw. Hinikayat din ang mga nais tumulong na makipag-ugnayan sa Municipal Information Office ng Calumpit. 📷 Mayor Lem Faustino FB

1 week ago

NCR

Mga QCitizen at PDLs, nagtapos sa Skills Training Program ng Lungsod

Isinagawa ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Quezon ang isang seremonya ng pagtatapos para sa mga kalahok ng Manpower Barangay-Based Skills Training Program, bilang pagkilala sa kanilang tagumpay sa pagtatapos ng pagsasanay na naglalayong palawakin ang kanilang kakayahan para sa hanapbuhay. Pinangunahan ni Mayor Joy Belmonte ang paggawad ng mga sertipiko sa mga nagsipagtapos. Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyang-diin niya ang kahalagahan ng patuloy na paglinang ng kasanayan upang makasabay sa pangangailangan ng merkado at mapalakas ang oportunidad sa trabaho ng mga QCitizen. Kapansin-pansin na kabilang sa mga nagtapos ang ilang Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) mula sa QC Jail Male Dormitory, na binigyan ng pagkakataong matuto ng mga praktikal na kasanayan bilang bahagi ng kanilang rehabilitasyon at paghahanda sa muling pagbalik sa lipunan. Layunin ng Manpower Barangay-Based Skills Training Program na magbigay ng dekalidad na pagsasanay sa iba’t ibang larangan upang mapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga mamamayan na makahanap ng disenteng hanapbuhay. 📷 Quezon City FB 3 days ago

Valenzuela LGU pinalalakas ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga kabataan

VALENZUELA CITY — Pinagtibay ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Valenzuela ang pangako nito sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng kabataan sa pamamagitan ng isang tatlong araw na pagsasanay para sa mga healthcare worker na ginanap mula ika-25 hanggang ika-27 ng Marso sa Action Center, Barangay Dalandanan. Sa pangunguna ng City Population Management Office at City Health Office, layunin ng Adolescent Job Aide Training na palakasin ang kakayahan ng mga frontliner sa pagbibigay ng mas maayos, sensitibo, at angkop na serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa kabataan. Binigyang-diin sa pagsasanay ang kahalagahan ng pagbuo ng tiwala at bukas na komunikasyon sa pagitan ng healthcare workers at ng Kabataang Valenzuelano—isang mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak na natatanggap ng mga kabataan ang tamang gabay, suporta, at serbisyong medikal. Layunin ng lungsod na makalikha ng ligtas, malusog, at suportadong kapaligiran para sa kabataan—na siyang susi sa mas matatag na kinabukasan ng komunidad. 📷 Valenzuela City

5 days ago

Government Service Express, binuksan na sa SM Caloocan

CALOOCAN CITY — Pormal nang binuksan ang Government Service Express (GSE) sa 2nd Level, Services Lane ng SM City Caloocan upang ilapit sa publiko ang iba’t ibang serbisyong pampamahalaan sa iisang lugar. Kabilang sa mga unang tanggapan na nag-aalok ng serbisyo ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Caloocan, pati ang Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Professional Regulation Commission, Social Security System, Philippine National Police, at Bureau of Fire Protection. Sa pamamagitan ng GSE, maaaring iproseso ng mga residente ang mahahalagang transaksyon tulad ng business permits, loan applications, membership registration, police clearance, at iba pang dokumento nang mas mabilis at mas maginhawa. Layunin ng nasabing inisyatibo na mapalapit ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa mamamayan at mapabilis ang pagproseso ng mga dokumento. 📷 Along Malapitan FB

6 days ago

Metro ng tubig, ipinamahagi sa Brgy. Tumana para sa mas maayos na suplay

MARIKINA CITY — Pormal nang inilunsad ang direktang koneksyon ng metro ng tubig sa mga residente ng Barangay Tumana bilang bahagi ng pagsisikap ng lokal na pamahalaan na tiyakin ang tuloy-tuloy at maayos na suplay ng tubig sa komunidad. Pinangunahan nina Congressman Marcy Teodoro at Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro ang pamamahagi ng individual orders of payment at ang ceremonial opening ng mga water meter para sa mga benepisyaryo, katuwang ang Manila Water. Layunin ng programa na mabigyan ng direktang access sa malinis at sapat na tubig ang bawat kabahayan, habang pinapadali rin ang proseso ng pagbabayad at koneksyon ng serbisyo. Bahagi ito ng mas malawak na inisyatiba ng pamahalaang lungsod para mapabuti ang serbisyo sa tubig, lalo na sa mga lugar na madalas makaranas ng kakulangan sa suplay. Tiniyak naman ng lokal na pamahalaan na magpapatuloy ang mga proyektong nakatuon sa kapakanan ng mga taga-Tumana, kabilang ang pagpapalawak pa ng access sa pangunahing serbisyo tulad ng tubig at iba pang pangangailangan ng komunidad. 📷 Marikina PIO

1 week ago

Halos 28k na pasahero, nakinabang sa libreng sakay sa Maynila

MAYNILA — Umabot sa halos 28,000 pasahero ang nakinabang sa libreng sakay program ng lungsod ng Maynjla nitong Lunes ng umaga, ayon kay Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. Ayon sa alkalde, layunin ng inisyatiba na tulungan ang mga commuter pati na ang sektor ng transportasyon at gasolina. Batay sa ulat ng Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), nasa 27,994 pasahero na ang naserbisyuhan hanggang alas-11:00 ng umaga noong Marso 30. Ayon kay Moreno, dinisenyo ang programa upang sabay-sabay na makinabang ang apat na sektor — operator, driver, gasolinahan, at riding public — sa gitna ng patuloy na epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa buong mundo. “Makaramdam lang ng ginhawa ang taong bayan, maramdaman lang nila na may gobyerno sa Maynila, masaya na ako,” ayon kay Moreno matapos ang flag-raising ceremony sa Manila City Hall. Sa ilalim ng programa, sinasagot ng pamahalaang lungsod ang boundary ng mga operator, kaya’t sigurado ang kanilang kita sa bawat araw. Para naman sa mga driver, tumaas ang garantisadong kita mula sa karaniwang P200 - P300 kada araw hanggang humigit-kumulang P1,000. Ipinapamahagi rin ang kalahati ng kita bago bumiyahe ang mga tsuper, habang ang natitirang bahagi ay ibinibigay pagkatapos ng kanilang shift. “Petiks-petiks lang ang pagmamaneho niya, hindi siya mai-stress. But there is a level of assurance na meron siyang maiuwing magandang kita,” dagdag pa ng punong lungsod. 📷 Manila Public Information Office

1 week ago

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BUSINESS

Fuel prices rise again as diesel marks seventh straight weekly hike

MANILA -- Fuel prices will increase again from Tuesday, extending a run of weekly increases that has added pressure on households and transport operators. Oil companies including Pilipinas Shell, Seaoil, Cleanfuel, Caltex, and Petrogazz said diesel prices will rise by ₱1.00 per liter, while gasoline and kerosene will increase by ₱0.60 per liter. The adjustments will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The latest increase marks the seventh consecutive week of diesel price hikes. Over the past two weeks alone, diesel prices have risen by a total of ₱3.00 per liter. Seaoil said in an advisory that diesel would see the full ₱1.00 increase, while gasoline and kerosene prices would also move higher, recording their fifth and seventh straight weekly increases, respectively. Industry officials have attributed the latest round of price adjustments to global supply concerns. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said diesel prices were being supported by weather-related supply and demand disruptions and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil supply at a time when Europe is reducing its reliance on Russian-origin oil supplies. The Department of Energy said it is closely monitoring developments in the domestic fuel market to ensure that price adjustments remain fair and reflective of global movements. 📷 Kenneth Surillo, Pexels

1 month ago

Meralco cuts power rates in January, households to save ₱33

MANILA — Electricity rates for customers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Philippines’ largest power distributor, fell in January, offering households some relief at the start of the new year. In a briefing on Monday, Meralco announced a reduction of ₱0.1637 per kilowatt hour (kWh), bringing the overall rate for a typical household to ₱12.9508 per kWh, down from ₱13.1145 in December. The adjustment means a household consuming 200 kWh a month will see its electricity bill drop by about ₱33, according to the company. “While there were upward pressures on certain cost components this January, overall electricity rates declined — for the second straight month,” said Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga. “We hope that this development will bring relief to all our customers as we start another year.” Meralco explained that the decline was driven by lower transmission and generation charges. Transmission charges fell to ₱1.04 per kWh, largely due to reduced ancillary service costs. Generation charges declined to ₱7.75 per kWh, reflecting lower prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and power supply agreements. Spot market charges dropped by ₱1.19 per kWh as power supply in the Luzon grid increased. The company noted that average peak demand fell by 367 megawatts as cooler weather reduced electricity consumption. Charges from power supply agreements also decreased by ₱0.05 per kWh. The January adjustment marks the second consecutive month of lower electricity rates, following a reduction implemented in December. 📷 Meralco

2 months ago

December inflation rises slightly on higher food prices

MANILA -- Inflation rose slightly in December, mainly due to higher food prices, according to official data released on Tuesday, January 6. Consumer prices increased by 1.8% year-on-year in December, up from 1.5% in November, but remained within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast range of 1.2% to 2% for the month. For the full year 2025, inflation averaged 1.7%, significantly lower than 3.2% in 2024 and below the central bank’s target range of 2% to 4%, indicating that price increases remained generally subdued throughout the year. The December uptick was largely driven by a 1.4% rise in food and beverage prices. Although rice prices dropped sharply by 12.3%, increases in the cost of fish and seafood (9.0%), vegetables and tubers (11.6%), and meat (3.0%) pushed overall food prices higher. Clothing and footwear prices also edged up, rising from 1.8% in November to 2.2% in December. Conversely, price increases eased in several categories: Alcohol and tobacco: 3.6% (down from 3.9%) Housing, water, electricity, and gas: 1.7% (down from 2.1%) Transport: 0.4% (down from 1.9%) Restaurants and hotels: 2.5% (down from 2.6%) Personal care and other goods: 2.3% (down from 2.4%) National Statistician Dennis Mapa noted that natural disasters and holiday demand contributed to the price increase. In a statement, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said government measures had helped keep inflation within target despite both domestic and global challenges. “Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy has remained resilient against inflationary pressures due to the government’s timely and targeted interventions,” Balisacan said. He added that authorities would continue coordinating fiscal and monetary policies and advancing structural reforms to support inclusive growth in 2026 and beyond. 📷 Swarup Sarkar, Pexels

2 months ago

Corruption threatens PH economy, warns MVP

MANILA — Business tycoon Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan is sounding the alarm on government corruption — and he’s not mincing words. The Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman and president told the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) that graft could stall economic growth, scare off investors, and even put the country’s credit rating at risk. “Investor confidence could get affected. I think they’re slowly getting affected by this particular event. Perhaps even credit ratings, too, could be at risk if the institution’s responses are seen to be inadequate,” Pangilinan said. He cited the alleged siphoning of ₱1 trillion in public funds from flood control projects as evidence of how deep the problem runs. “The people themselves are on a wait-and-see attitude. All I’m saying is that we have to be careful,” he added. Pangilinan warned that government spending could be cut, slowing growth further. “It could (slow down growth) because the stock market is down. How can you raise money?” He didn’t hold back on the human cost. “When cash of the magnitude of budget insertions – they say as much as ₱1 trillion – are taken out of the pockets of the many who are poor and diverted to the wallets of the few, the economy will indeed suffer, as the stock exchange has indeed suffered these past three weeks,” he said.“The market may have declined anywhere between 1.5 and 1.8 percent in the overall value of the stock exchange.” Pangilinan also warned that credit ratings are on the line. The Philippines is currently rated BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s with a positive outlook — just one step away from an “A” rating. But complacency, he said, could undo progress. “It isn’t just about catching crooks,” he said. “It’s filling the gaps with financial experts with the competence and integrity. Corruption survives not because bad people are smart, but because good people are absent.” “Citizens and concerned sectors should push back vs. graft” Pangilinan urged citizens and the private sector to defend the media, academe, courts, and the Church, calling them vital in resisting coercion and corruption. “So let me place the ethics of this flood control issue within the broader national context. The public is now increasingly aware to the fact that the presence of ethical attributes – or their absence – impacts businesses and the economy seriously,” he said. “We should be engaged even as citizens, or even as private citizens, in the first instance, as business persons managing our affairs well and doing things right,” the tycoon stressed. 📷 Presidential Communications Office

5 months ago

Ayala’s ACMobility to exit Honda dealerships by 2026; Shifts focus to EVs and sustainable mobility

MANILA -- The Ayala Group’s mobility unit is set to relinquish its Honda dealership operations after more than three decades, citing a strategic focus on emerging growth areas, including electric vehicles. Ayala Corporation disclosed on Thursday that ACMobility, through its subsidiary Iconic Dealership Inc. (IDI), will hand over its Honda dealerships to “new dealer principals” by January 1, 2026. The transition includes all Honda outlets currently operated by ACMobility, which will continue to run Honda Cars Makati, Pasig, Shaw, Bacoor, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Negros, and Cagayan de Oro until the end of this year. Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility, said the company was “grateful, and indeed proud, to have been part of Honda’s journey in the Philippines for the past three and a half decades.” “This transition reflects our ongoing effort to optimise our portfolio and focus on new growth areas. Among these are initiatives in advancing sustainable mobility and electrification, where we continue to build solutions that benefit communities, businesses, and the environment,” Ayala added. Since 1990, ACMobility has sold more than 220,000 Honda vehicles through its dealerships, growing to become the country’s largest Honda dealer group. The move comes as both ACMobility and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) pursue independent strategies for growth and innovation. This announcement follows a similar decision by ACMobility earlier this month to cease distribution of Volkswagen vehicles in the Philippines. Apart from Honda and Volkswagen, ACMobility’s portfolio includes BYD, Isuzu, and Kia. 📷 AC Mobility

6 months ago

Go Negosyo mentors over 1.5K QC students on youth entrepreneurship

MANILA – The Go Negosyo non-profit organization, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a youth entrepreneurship mentoring session for more than 1,500 senior high school students in Quezon City under the group’s Youthpreneur program. The mentorship event was held at San Francisco High School in Quezon City on February 21, 2025, co-led by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, other department officials, and the Quezon City Local Government Unit (LGU). More than 50 mentors, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and successful entrepreneurs—including Violy Lapid, owner of R. Lapid’s Chicharon; Graciano “Butch” Salvador, owner of Car Magic Auto Painting and Street Smart Magic General Merchandise; Kim Lato, founder of Kim Store; Mika Leetong, owner of Brew & Co.; and content creator Reymond ‘Boss RDR’ Delos Reyes of RDR Business Solutions —oriented students on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Angara hailed the gathering as the “biggest Youthpreneur event” to date and expressed gratitude to Go Negosyo and other partners for spearheading the project. He also thanked the mentors for sharing their lessons, insights, and experiences in entrepreneurship. "What the mentors will share here today cannot be found in books because they are real-life lessons. Our young entrepreneurs are lucky to have a strong support system. DepEd and Go Negosyo are here to show you different dreams," Angara told the students at the event's opening. Concepcion also thanked key officials from DepEd, the Quezon City government, and the country’s largest business groups for supporting public school students. “Character formation is important, and a lot of it comes from parents, from mentors, from good friends,” Concepcion emphasized. The mentors encouraged students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams at an early age. RFM Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joey Concepcion, who also serves as Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council, leads Go Negosyo, which aims to “alleviate poverty in the Philippines by promoting an entrepreneurial mindset and by leading programs that help grow small businesses, with the goal of one day transforming the Philippines into a nation of entrepreneurs.” As stated on the group’s website: “Youthpreneur… is designed for Filipino youth, specifically for senior high school students. It aims to nurture the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs or offer entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment.” “Youthpreneur is the newest program of Go Negosyo, launched on November 25, 2023, aimed at promoting an entrepreneurial mindset among Filipino youth. The program seeks to build skills through mentorship, increase financial literacy, raise agricultural awareness, cultivate entrepreneurial skills in agriculture, and facilitate industry connections for mentorship.” According to Go Negosyo, the Youthpreneur program has already reached more than 6,000 public school students across 22 schools nationwide, including several cities in the National Capital Region, Quezon Province, General Santos City, Cebu, Davao, La Union, Lucena, Laoag, Baguio, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. 📷 DepEd, Go Negosyo

1 year ago

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