Henry Sy Sr., together with wife Felicidad, joined their children Tessie, Hans, Harley, and Debbie in hosting a testimonial dinner in honor of this year’s 256 scholar graduates of SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City recently. 

By Riza Lozada The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed at 7,843.16 on the last trading day of June, marking a 14.7 percent increase for the PSE index in the first six months which market players attributed to the reform thrust of the government. 

JG Summit Holdings Inc. (JGSHI) has increased its capital expenditure (capex) to P48 billion for this year up 13 percent from last year’s P41.9 billion. 

Listed A Brown Co. Inc. has entered into a cooperation agreement with private institution Rusatom International Network (RAIN) recently. 

To provide enhanced commuter experience to LRT-1 passengers, LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and Coca-Cola recently sealed a partnership under the “Station Domination” Project spearheaded by PHAR, LRMC’s exclusive ancillary revenue partner. 

British bank Standard Chartered has offered to help convert the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) into the government’s infrastructure bank. 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is consulting the banking sector on a plan to issue new rules regarding online financial transactions next month. 

By Riza Lozada Filipinos working abroad can look forward to having a bank dedicated to their needs and a chance to invest in government securities as the Department of Finance (DOF) said a state-owned OFW bank will open in October while at least $500 million worth of US-dollar OFW bonds is being planned for overseas issue next year. 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has launched Credit Surety Funds (CSFs) in Tacloban City and Mandaue City. 

The people of Valencia municipality in Negros Oriental province recently celebrated the opening of their newly rehabilitated health center, the Oscar M. Lopez Birthing Home and Rural Health Unit of Valencia. About 60,000 individuals from 24 villages are expected to benefit from the improved maternal healthcare, child-care, and outpatient services of the renovated structure, officials said.