The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) recently partnered in providing free legal assistance to DOT-accredited tourism enterprises nationwide while introducing a privilege card offering discounts to lawyers to boost domestic travel. Included in the IBP legal aid program are offer consultations, training and representation to qualified DOT-accredited companies and their employees. The initiative is designed to safeguard workers and businesses during disputes …

Electric vehicle (EV) fleet operator Green GSM received the E-Mobility Award for Technology Adoption, presented by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) for its leading role in advancing electric mobility and supporting the nation’s shift to sustainable transportation. The award was presented at the recent 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS). The recognition highlights Green GSM’s launch of the Philippines’ first all-electric taxi fleet …

NorthPort, the Philippines’ lead gateway for domestic cargo operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), takes a significant step toward more sustainable operations with the conversion of its rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes into hybrids. The conversion enables the RTGs to operate more efficiently while reducing the terminal’s carbon footprint. Six RTGs were converted into hybrids by replacing their diesel …

The Asenso Center, the first livelihood hub of its kind in Grab’s Southeast Asia network, was inaugurated by Grab Philippines and Move It in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology last Thursday in Marikina City.  The Asenso Center is expected to generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities for the Philippine government. The leading superapp said it has already delivered …

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed a  ₱1-million fine on Surity Cash Lending Investors Corporation for engaging in unfair debt collection practices through its mobile lending platform. In a decision dated September 16, 2025, and approved by the Commission En Banc, the SEC found Surity Cash guilty of three counts of violating SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 18, …

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) inaugurated last week a new socio-civic center in Barangay San Gregorio, Laurel, Batangas — a facility designed to serve as both an evacuation site during disasters and a venue for community activities. In a statement, PAGCOR said the two-story, ₱50 million building features multipurpose halls, kitchens, restrooms, and other disaster-resilient amenities to ensure …

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has entered into a tripartite agreement with South Korea’s Yooshin Engineering Corporation and the Philippines’ Lordsbridge Resources Corporation to develop the Casiguran International New Port in Aurora. The memorandum of agreement was signed Tuesday by APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil Taway IV, Yooshin Director and Philippine Regional Representative Jin Ho …

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reported a 14-percent increase in consolidated core net income (CCNI) to ₱40 billion as of end-September 2025, driven by strong performance of its power generation business. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, Meralco said its distribution utility (DU) business remained the biggest income contributor, accounting for 55 percent or ₱21.9 billion …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) assured the public on Thursday that its investment operations are guided by strict governance standards and multiple layers of safeguards to ensure the prudent management of its members’ contributions. Speaking at *The Agenda* media forum, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso emphasized that transparency and discipline are at the core of the pension …

The Philippine peso recovered slightly on Thursday, closing at ₱58.69 against the US dollar after touching a record low of ₱59.13 the other week. The local currency strengthened by 44 centavos from its previous level of ₱59.26 to $1. Analysts said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which earlier signaled tolerance for a weaker peso, may have intervened in the …