At the heart of Central Luzon, the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga continues to make waves—not just for its expanding services, but for what it proudly refuses to do: charge its patients. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to specialized healthcare for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their …
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Consumers can expect more affordable pork in time for the holidays as the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to route most of its proposed pork imports under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus to Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is seeking to import about 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork at …
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is working to widen the reach of its Lifeline Rate program by pushing for the automatic inclusion of more low-income families, particularly the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Energy Secretary Sharon Garin revealed that only around 330,000 out of the 4.5 million 4Ps households are currently availing of the electricity subsidy, mainly …
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Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez has a clear message for Filipino students: upskilling is no longer optional—it’s essential. Speaking at the post-SONA conference in San Juan City last week, Benitez emphasized the need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving job market. “Wala pong katapusan ang upskilling,” he said, stressing that as industries advance, so …
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By Tracy Cabrera Despite the imminent postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is going full steam ahead with voter registration and other poll preparations. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the agency was formally informed by the Office of the Executive Secretary that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to sign …
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As the digital economy continues to grow, financial technology (fintech) companies have become vital players in facilitating swift, secure, and accessible transactions. However, with great influence comes great responsibility. Regulators and lawmakers are now urging fintech platforms to reassess—and ultimately sever—their ties with unregulated online gambling operators. The concern is not without basis. Online gambling, particularly those operating outside regulatory …
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DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm BingoPlus Foundation, has once again extended support to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by helping expand its reach to individuals in urgent need. As the DSWD opened a new Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) satellite office in Quezon City, BingoPlus Foundation contributed essential furniture and logistical support to enhance the …
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In the wake of Typhoon Crising and intensified monsoon rains affecting thousands of Filipino families, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm BingoPlus Foundation, has allocated ₱5 million in disaster response to provide food, hygiene kits, and essential aid to affected communities. This is part of DigiPlus’ ongoing commitment to stand by Filipinos not only during moments of joy …
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By Tracy Cabrera President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has announced what he calls a “significant achievement” — a new trade agreement with United States President Donald Trump — but the deal is already facing fierce criticism back home for being heavily lopsided. Following an earlier trade pact with Indonesia, the Marcos-Trump deal reportedly imposes a 19% tariff on goods exported …
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Following the deadly onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Atty. Romando “Don” Artes has called for the urgent crafting of a long-term drainage master plan to overhaul Metro Manila’s decades-old flood control system. “Our current system is over 50 years old. It’s time we invest in sustainable solutions before …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business