Security Bank has entered into a partnership with AC Health subsidiaries I.E. Medica and MedEthix to extend financing support to their nationwide network of dealers and distributors through a dedicated dealer financing program. In a statement last week, Security Bank said the initiative will provide accredited partners with access to short-term revolving credit lines and inventory financing solutions designed to …

Land Bank of the Philippines will waive convenience fees on select online government payments as part of efforts to make public transactions more affordable and accessible amid ongoing economic pressures. In a statement, LandBank said the zero-fee policy will cover eligible person-to-government (P2G) transactions made through QRPh-enabled channels from June 1 to December 31, 2026. The covered payment channels include …

By Tracy Cabrera  June 1 marks the 52nd founding anniversary of the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) with the theme ‘Sailing Better, Sailing Safer’.  In her anniversary message, Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted MARINA’S long-standing commitment to upgrade the local maritime industry while giving recognition to the agency’s partners who supported its programs of development throughout its five decades …

By Tracy Cabrera  The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is stepping up efforts to promote greater participation of women in the maritime sector, emphasizing that inclusivity is key to building a stronger and more competitive industry. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the continued expansion of global maritime trade is opening up more opportunities not only at sea but also in related …

By Heidi Nicodemus  Amid prevailing inflation and rising prices of commodities, the government is actively formulating ways and means to assuage the impact that has struck the citizenry, now overburdened with the spread of social challenges that include mobility and its costs.  With this in mind, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has rolled out the Lakbay Alalay ng Gobyerno (LAYAG) …

By Heidi Nicodemus Following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on the issue of the right to strike, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) welcomed the landmark decision as embodying the  fundamental component of freedom of association as this right is protected under international law.  MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan expressed optimism in the proper implementation …

THE NATIONAL Dairy Authority is eyeing more cattle imports and stronger funding streams to whip the industry into higher productivity. The country’s dairy industry remains import-dependent for decades, as local production can only meet a miniscule amount due to the lack of sufficient government funding, private sector investments and proper infrastructure. The country is now gearing to meet a milk …

EXECUTIVE Order 116, which increased the minimum access volume for pork to 204,210 metric tons for 2026, of which 30,000 MT will be given to food processors while 120,000 MT for the Food Terminal Inc. leading the balance of 54,210 to other importers would create supply chain disruptions and would create “unfair competition.” Apparently, the government wants to take over …

ABOUT 49 provinces – mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao– may experience below-normal rainfall by October when meteorologists expect the emergence of a “very strong” El Niño, said  Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. Most of the provinces affected will experience rainfall of only 41 to 80 percent of the average. By November, some areas in Northern Luzon may experience way-below-normal …

BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz I MIGHT have missed Dr. Bernie Villegas’ part 1 of his column  in the Bulletin on “A call for more food banks”   I have also been writing about the need for government to ease up on bureaucratic requirements for street-based food banks like that of Maginhawa, Quezon City because this means feeding …