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By Rose de la Cruz The International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecast for the Philippines to 6 percent in 2024 (still within the government’s target of 6 to 7 percent) from its April forecast of 6.2 percent. “Growth is expected to rebound to 6% in 2024 and 6.2% in 2025, on the back of stronger consumption demand, higher public …

In the wake of Mount Kanlaon’s eruption last June 3, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is prepared to offer emergency loans to GSIS members and pensioners affected by the disaster, once the affected places are officially declared as calamity areas. Eligible members and pensioners with existing loans can borrow up to P40,000, allowing them to clear their current balance …

By Rose de la Cruz Since unemployment rose to a three-month high in April to 2.04 million, up by 41,000 unemployed in March., National Statistician and Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa blamed this on the unemployment in the agriculture sector as a result of the El Nino phenomenon. The Philippine Statistics Authority said on Thursday the unemployment rate climbed to a …

By Rose de la Cruz Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian advised the Marcos administration to look after the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Chinese territories like Macau, Hongkong and China amid the growing tension with Beijing in the West Philippine Sea. Gatchalian told a news briefing that the Marcos administration should also ensure that exports will not be …

By Rose de la Cruz So much for the race to becoming an upper middle income (UMI) economy, the Philippines has to grapple with around 2 million Filipino children under 5 years old living in severe food poverty and malnourishment. In fairness to the Philippines, food poverty stalks at least 20 countries, many of them now gripped by conflict and …

By Rose de la Cruz Mayors and government leaders from eight countries met in Siargao recently for the first international field immersion of Coastal 500, a global network of mayors and government leaders who have pledged to protect their home coasts. Coming from Indonesia, Micronesia, Palau, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Mozambique and neighboring islands in the Philippines, the mayors and government leaders …

China’s claim that the Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal pointed guns at Chinese Coast Guard during a resupply mission on May 19 is extremely absurd, if not downright waggish. After several brushes with the Philippine troops on the West Philippine Sea that always ended with CCG ships blasting water cannons on the hapless Filipinos, China, obviously, is now playing …

Climate advocates urged Japan to “undertake drastic measures to rapidly phase out fossil fuel investments in Asia” in line with global climate goals instead of promoting fossil gas and false technology solutions, like ammonia co-firing, in the three-day Japan Energy Summit which begins in Tokyo today, June 3. Pro-climate proponents reminded summit attendees that  “False Solutions Have No Place In …

On June 1, 2024, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedicated service and significant contributions to the Philippine maritime industry. Established to oversee and develop the country›s maritime sector, MARINA has played a pivotal role in shaping the maritime policies and practices that have fostered growth, safety, and innovation in the industry. …

More major manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have committed to implementing a voluntary price freeze in support of Filipino consumers amid rising prices of goods and the ill effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Trade and Industry announced last Saturday. In a statement, the DTI said several firms, including Monde Nissin, Alaska Milk Corporation, Nestlé, …