Bamboo has been gaining popularity for its diverse uses and applications around the globe, which is searching for sustainable and climate-friendly solutions for development. Bamboo is the future, said Luiz Felipe Lopez, general manager of Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE) in a recent huddle with reporters at the Bamboost IV Forum held at De La Salle University recently. The Philippines …

The United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) sees the 20% tariff imposed by the US government to the Philippines as a ‘wake-up call that underlines the need for market and product diversification. UCAP underscored the current heavy reliance of the Philippines on the US and European Union markets, which collectively account for over 60% of industry exports.      …

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan has bought into the country’s oldest coconut processor, Franklin Baker (founded in 1921), that operates processing facilities in Laguna and Davao to fortify his firm’s presence in the coconut export sector. Using the Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV), a unit under Metro Pacific Investment Corp., Pangilinan confirmed signing the agreement buying into Franklin Baker to …

The Department of Tourism (DoT) wants to ensure the safety of tourists and travel-related businesses during and after the onslaught of typhoons Emong and Dante across almost the entire country. DoT Secretary Christina Frasco said that more than 1,000 tourists, mostly in Regions 8 and 10, were affected or stranded due to flight and ferry cancellations. No injuries or fatalities …

The hotel industry said the country should position itself as a safe destination, to counter the negative impact of an international survey that portray the Philippines as unsafe. “I think we also need to work with the government on a concerted effort in reintroducing the Philippines to all of our key markets, reminding everybody why we are different from Thailand, …

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) targets to begin pilot operations for the Davao Bus project, formerly Davao Public Transport Modernization Program, in 2027. Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said the pilot will cover the Catalunan Pequeño-Ulas-Bangkal-Matina-Bankerohan-Quirino-Bajada-Lanang-Buhangin-Sasa routes. DoTr said it is also launching the Davao Bus Driving academy to train designated drivers, conductors and support staff with the 672-kilometer Davao Bus …

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government announced the new buses it bought from a local contractor are expected to be turned over and subsequently fielded by August or September in a move to offset the much-delayed funding for the experimental bus transport system that would replace traditional jeepneys. Dwight Tristan Domingo, manager of the Davao City Bus Project, said …

Metro Manila commuters can now pay for their MRT-3 fares, effective July 25, using their Mastercard credit, debit or prepaid cards by using designated turnstiles. Mastercard said the new capability is also available to cardholders using compatible e-wallets on NFC-enabled Android smartphones. According to Mastercard, this signifies a growing momentum for open-loop payment systems across Southeast Asia, a collaborative effort …

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) through the management of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) denied they are responsible for the recent flooding along a portion of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. “Its facilities near Batasan Station on Commonwealth Avenue are not the cause of the flooding that occurred in the area,” according to a statement from MRT-7 Project Management Office. …

After nine months of consultations, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC) on July 16 signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that mandates the pre-screening and regulation of gambling-related advertisements across all media platforms. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and ASC Chairperson Golda Roldan led the ceremonial signing at the PAGCOR …