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With Donald Trump’s re-election as US President, the Philippines faces both opportunities and challenges in redefining its long-standing alliance with the United States.  Trump’s “America First” stance has reshaped US foreign policy priorities, with a focus on economic nationalism and selective engagement abroad. For the Philippines, this second term could bring shifts in trade, security, and diplomatic ties that require …

The recently released BSP Report on the Philippine Financial System for the First Semester of 2024 highlights the robust performance of the Philippine banking sector, marked by sustained growth in assets, loans, deposits, and earnings, along with strong capital and liquidity positions on the back of an improved macroeconomic environment and BSP’s steady pursuit of progressive financial sector reforms. “Banks …

By Rose de la Cruz  As local cement manufacturers are complaining that utilization of cement plants have been low, with some plants being forced to shut down, because of slow demand which is being filled by surging cement imports, the Department of Trade and Industry is now conducting what it calls preliminary safeguard investigation of cement coming from various countries. …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the government is making significant progress in reducing food poverty, as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported a substantial drop in food-poor families. “We are doing a better job of feeding people who need it,” Marcos stated during a sectoral meeting at Malacañang. According to the DSWD, the number of …

The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with Canva Philippines for free access and training for public school teachers nationwide that will aid them with tools to provide a more interactive learning experience for students. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara formalized the partnership for Canva for Education on Wednesday in a signing ceremony in Pasig City, attended by Australian Ambassador to …

The newly inaugurated Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City, Laguna, is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs for Filipinos, with 1,000 direct positions within the facility and an additional 1,000 indirect roles in support sectors, including trucking, vending, and other essential services. The said facility will also aid in alleviating congestion in Manila by strategically shifting logistics operations to …

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has pledged Japan’s “full assistance” to the Philippines in response to the extensive devastation caused recently by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed this commitment in a message of sympathy sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 29. “I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news …

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman last week urged government leaders to mainstream gender and development in budget preparation. “When you prepare the budget, the primary purpose is to give jobs, to give employment to the people. So, sana, when you propose your budget, whatever program, project, or activity, make sure that women are already included in your …

A lawmaker proposed recently a multi-year Bicol Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund (BRRF) with an initial allocation of P20 billion for 2025 to aid in the rebuilding of communities in Bicol ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). In a statement, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. suggested that the BRRF could help revive the long-defunct Bicol River …

Senators last week reiterated their stance that Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds should remain exclusively within the healthcare system, following a Supreme Court-issued temporary restraining order (TRO) against transferring excess PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury. During a media forum, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito commended the Supreme Court for the TRO, asserting that PhilHealth resources should directly benefit …