Economy

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is speeding up the release of funds for climate change by allowing the online submission of the budget. The Unified Accounts Code of Structure (UACS) that will expedite reportorial of expenditures was also introduced in government offices with an information campaign launched last week.

Asia-Pacific nations, including the Philippines, can no longer pursue growth at any cost without embracing better governance to build economies that are socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department.

By Riza Lozada Service to the community will be highlighted through The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awards (BTCA), which returns for its 28th year. Coming from their successful run last year, the BTCA is once again in search for selfless leaders who have given back to the community through their own social causes that benefit the marginalized members of society.

By Jerry Maglunog There are plenty of big-ticket projects in the Philippines that cost billions of pesos, and only the giant conglomerates can complete them. These projects are those classified as public-private partnerships (PPP), the battlecry of the Aquino administration seemed to decrease severe lack in public infrastructure ranging from expressways, ports, roads, bridges and airports.

Exclusive By Riza Lozada The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) set a minimum bid price of P267.15 million for the 7,633.1-square-meter Metropolitan Theater (the Met), a price which barely matched what the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) said was needed just for the rehabilitation of the heritage structure.

International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) Subic Bay Freeport unit, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), recently opened a one-stop shop (OSS) to fast-track documentary transactions in Subic Bay’s container terminals. Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras led the launch of the OSS, together with SBMA Chairman and Administrator …

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) stressed the need for better land governance and increased infrastructure investments in agriculture and rural areas, as these remain critical for productivity, job generation, and poverty reduction in many parts of the Philippines.

By Riza Lozada The resignation of former Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla was both controversial and an eye-opener for the business sector, as his departure was considered the result of industry groups resenting the aggressive BOC thrust to hike revenues lobbying against him.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members need to go beyond commerce and financial assistance to address factors that impede the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as post-2015 development priorities, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

By Jerry Maglunog Accolades about the Philippines are being peddled by government drumbeaters to convince the public that the economy is growing and investors are investing their money in the country.