The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has revised its projections for the country’s balance of payments (BOP) surplus for 2024 and 2025, signaling continued resilience in the nation’s external financial position despite ongoing global uncertainties.  The BOP, which tracks a country’s economic transactions with the rest of the world, is now expected to record a surplus of USD3.5 billion in …

On 30 December 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored a total of 195,644 outbound passengers and 173,712 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide. Moreover, the 3,043 deployed frontline personnel in 16 PCG Districts inspected a total of 1,811 vessels and 2,247 motorbancas. Compared to the consolidated report on 29 December 2024, the number of outbound passengers has decreased by …

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) recently provided Malasakit Kits to air travelers passing through CAAP-operated airports commuting for the second wave of holiday rush. Hundreds of Malasakit Kits containing essential items like refreshments and hygiene kits were given to passengers using the airports in Davao, Zamboanga, Dipolog, Pagadian, San Jose, Romblon, Bicol, Virac, Naga, Masbate, Tuguegarao, Tacloban, …

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is implementing the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 0.50% sulfur cap on marine fuel oil in domestic ships by January 1, 2025, according to MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan. While compliance to the sulfur cap policy is high, Malaluan said some shipping operators with a higher number of vessels will be granted an extension in consideration for the high …

The Marcos administration is championing projects like the EDSA Greenways (elevated pedestrian walkways) and bike lanes already set up in cities like Kalibo, Laoag, and San Fernando-Pampanga. The EDSA Busway and bus rapid transit systems in Cebu and Davao aim to provide commuters with efficient and eco-friendly alternatives to private vehicles. In July 2024, the Marcos government partnered with Japan …

While cities like Paris, Madrid and Athens plan to ban diesel vehicles, and countries like Norway are phasing out conventional cars in favor of electric vehicles (EVs), the Philippine government is pioneering EV use. Under President Marcos’s directive, at least 10% of government fleets are set to transition to EVs. Current infrastructure includes 384 electric PUVs, 7,515 registered EVs, and …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through its Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT), is cracking down on illegal transportation operations in a major push for safer, legitimate public transport this holiday season.  The intensified campaign yielded significant results. Recent operations by SAICT’s Special Operations Group (SOG) netted seven colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila’s northern and …

By Rose de la Cruz The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has spent nearly P6 billion for the production abroad of polymer bank notes in P1,000; P500; P100 and P50 denominations, which also erased the memories of heroes who have shed their blood and lives for the independence and integrity of the country. Instead, the BSP has completely replaced them with …

By Rose de la Cruz The idea of removing labels like imported rice and premium or special tags in rice sold in all markets is just an affirmation of the lingering colonial mindset of Filipinos when buying products like food, specifically rice as it gives them an image of being well-off than the rest of the hoi polo in their …

ArenaPlus, the country’s 24/7 digital sports entertainment gateway, gifted Filipino fans with a special experience on December 23, 2024. Lucky fans got to video call with Reaves and even more got to chat and ask their favorite basketball star questions on life in the league, his experience in the Philippines, and his partnership with ArenaPlus. Reaves gave out lots of …