Canadian businesses eyeing opportunities in the Philippines are set to benefit from the launch of the Export Development Canada (EDC) office in Manila. The state-owned export credit agency officially announced its Manila presence during a plenary session at the Canadian Embassy Thursday last week, coinciding with a Canadian Trade Mission’s visit to the country. “We’ve been thinking about this for …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the new polymer banknotes to be released in the first quarter of 2025 will be circulated alongside the existing paper banknotes. “Paper banknotes shall remain legal tender,” the BSP said in a statement last week. In a recent social media post, the BSP announced the issuance of the First Philippine Polymer banknote series. …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may increase the number of digital banking licenses it plans to issue in 2025, according to Chuchi Fonacier, the BSP’s Deputy Governor for financial supervision. Fonacier explained that while the BSP is open to the possibility of issuing more licenses, any increase would require approval from the Monetary Board (MB). Currently, six digital banks …

Landbank led the roster of government agencies recognized for exemplary service, with 12 of its branches earning top marks in the 2023 Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0 by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). The LANDBANK branches were honored at the ARTA RCS Awards Ceremony at Conrad Manila on 30 October 2024, underscoring the Bank’s collective commitment to providing efficient, high-quality …

Former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemate Bryan “Brx” Ruiz expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to share his financial knowledge to fellow Negrenses during the recent BDO mini-fiesta held at the Sipalay City Gymnasium. Tapped to co-host the event, the 32-year-old Ruiz—dubbed as Seamanluluto ng Bacolod during his PBB: Gen11 days—said his experience as a seafarer helped him …

The SM Foundation, in partnership with the Quezon City Schools Division Office, inaugurated the Schools Division Office (SDO) Wellness Center for Teachers & Employees, a facility designed to promote the health and well-being of teachers and staff in the city.  The foundation refurbished the center to create a relaxing atmosphere and provide them with a safe and comfortable space to …

“Writing memoirs & poems made me relook at my learning is life.” Mario Torrento, an entrepreneur from Iloilo who took the Creative Writing class.  “My poem “Letter to the World” serves as a beacon of hope to our readers, young & old, in the face of chaos and confusion” this is from Rudy Fernandez, a banker who was sidelined from …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) conducted its Annual Planning Conference December 4, 2024, bringing together key officials to review the agency’s achievements for 2024 and to outline its operational plans, commitments, and performance targets for 2025. Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista emphasized the importance of collaboration across the agency’s four sectors to ensure timely completion of DOTr projects. “I encourage …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) called on partner-drivers and merchants of Grab Philippines to ensure safety and security while servicing their clients. Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said safety and security are never compromised in the transport industry. “Kailangan po ng safety dito sa ating transport sector. Hindi po pwedeng pabayaan na macompromise ‘yung safety natin,” Sec. Bautista said as …

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), working alongside maritime stakeholders and government agencies, concluded the legal review of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The legal review aimed to finalize the IRR for one of the landmark laws for the maritime sector. …