Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) achieved a new operational milestone with its recent handling of Messina Line’s Jolly Quarzo, the first ro-ro vessel to call the terminal. This marks the resumption of ro-ro services at the Port of Karachi after 20 years. Khurram Aziz Khan, PICT chief executive officer, witnessed the inaugural ro-ro operation at the terminal together with Karachi …

The Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PWARC) has grown from a small organization in this remote Capiz town, into a successful and thriving cooperative that provides financial access to support its farmer-members. PWARC was officially established in 1999, with the co-op’s headquarters located in the Municipality of Dumarao, Capiz. In 1998, PWARC was initially formed by 20 female founding-members from …

To provide reliable and quality healthcare services amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and MEDICUM The Medical Center, Inc. (MTMCI) have signed a P300-million loan agreement for the construction of a hospital building and support facilities with modern medical equipment in Tabuk City. The new hospital will be completed next year and will be …

The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2022-2028 is a blueprint for broad-based growth and financial resilience, and signifies the collective commitment of the government, private sector, and civil society for a more financially included and empowered citizenry. “The NSFI focuses on reducing disparities in financial inclusion; improving health and resilience; empowering consumers; and increasing access to finance of micro, …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Research Academy is set to launch the “Journal of Monetary Policy and Finance” this year. “This is a peer-reviewed journal series that will feature outstanding research studies on relevant topics on central banking, monetary policymaking, and finance. It is targeted to be at par with leading international peer-reviewed journals,” according to BSP Governor Benjamin …

Full-year 2021 personal remittances from Overseas Filipinos (OFs) reached a new high of US$34.884 billion, surpassing US$33.467 in 2019, and the US$33.194 billion recorded in 2020 by 5.1 percent. For the month of December, personal remittances grew year-on-year by 2.9 percent to US$3.298 billion, the highest monthly level since the tracking of personal remittances data series began in 2005.          …

State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) wrapped up 2021 by further expanding touchpoints in key strategic areas nationwide, as part of its thrust of promoting greater financial inclusion and providing a more delightful banking experience to customers. LANDBANK’s total branch network reached 489 branches and branch-lite units across all 81 provinces nationwide as of 31 December 2021. The Bank …

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) recorded a net income of P21.75 billion in 2021—a 27% expansion from P17.14 billion in 2020—on the back of lower cost of funds and provision for losses.  LANDBANK’s total assets likewise grew 9.5% year-on-year to P2.586 trillion from P2.362 trillion. This was propelled by deposits expanding by 8.39% to P2.269 trillion, mainly from …

Despite the limited mobility caused by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, has completed relief operations in nine provinces hit hardest by Typhoon Odette, one of the most destructive storms to make landfall in the Philippines in recent years. The foundation, in line with its disaster response advocacy, successfully delivered …

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) imposed a penalty amounting to P15.5 million on ten generation companies for exceeding the maximum yearly outage limit in 2021. “We have been on the watch for gencos who exceed allowed unplanned outage days,” said ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera.  “We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the weekly reports being submitted by …