The latest World Health Organization study on adolescent physical activity should alarm Filipino parents, educators and policymakers. Around 40% of Filipino adolescents aged 11 to 17 reported having no day in the previous week with at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The global average is approximately 25%. That puts Filipino teenagers among the least physically active in the …
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The Philippines could unlock new sources of economic growth and job creation by linking cities, surrounding municipalities and production centers into integrated regional economic corridors, the World Bank said. In its report, “From Cities to Corridors: Unlocking the Philippines’ Urban Growth Potential,” released on Oct. 27, the multilateral lender urged the government to address infrastructure gaps and improve coordination among …
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The Marcos Jr. administration is prepared to face whatever emergencies may arise, Malacañang assured the public last week amid a wave of emergency preparedness advisories issued by several countries urging their citizens to stockpile essential supplies. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government was taking steps to prepare for possible eventualities, although she did not identify the specific threats or …
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The Philippines has begun the final countdown to its hosting of Southeast Asia’s biggest diplomatic gathering, with regional leaders set to converge in Manila this month for talks aimed at advancing peace, economic growth and people-centered development. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) officially launched the countdown to the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits on …
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Motorists and other road users could gain broader financial protection from accidents involving public transport under a proposal to require buses, taxis and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) to carry comprehensive insurance. Sen. Raffy Tulfo raised the proposal during a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing last week, citing complaints from motorists who encountered difficulties obtaining compensation for damaged vehicles …
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The government’s commitment to keep prices of 190 basic necessities and prime commodities unchanged through year-end could provide a boost to consumer spending during the Christmas season, even as rising inflation and global uncertainties continue to weigh on the Philippine economy. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), said the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) price …
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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has launched an enhanced electronic invoicing and sales reporting system aimed at reducing paperwork, improving tax compliance, and strengthening safeguards against fraudulent business transactions. The web-based Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), introduced on Oct. 27, allows covered taxpayers to issue electronic invoices and receipts, shifting more business documentation and record-keeping to digital platforms. BIR Commissioner …
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The Philippines must strengthen coordination among government, power producers, regulators and consumers to accelerate its transition to renewable energy without compromising electricity reliability, affordability and the country’s economic competitiveness, a top energy executive said. Francis Giles Puno, president and chief operating officer of First Gen Corp., said achieving renewable energy targets should not be the sole measure of progress, stressing …
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Singapore to channel their hard-earned savings into agricultural enterprises in the Philippines, seeking to turn overseas earnings into sustainable livelihoods, new businesses and jobs back home. The initiative gathered 127 Filipino workers at the second Usapang Agribiz sa Singapore on Oct. 25, where participants explored investment opportunities and …
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The Department of Education (DepEd) is coordinating with water service providers to help keep public schools supplied with water as the Philippines braces for a potentially severe El Niño that could bring prolonged heat and dry spells. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency has enlisted Maynilad Water Services Inc. to promote water conservation and prepare schools for possible supply …
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