May, 2026

• 3 May

  Toxic lead lingers in Metro Manila air

  

  More than two decades after the phaseout of leaded gasoline, hazardous lead particles continue to circulate in Metro Manila’s air—now driven by newer, less visible sources. A research team, including scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Physics and the Manila Observatory, analyzed aerosol samples from 2018 and 2019 using lead isotope fingerprinting.  Their findings reveal that while …

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• 3 May

  Rice prices are nearing P62/kg now

  

  BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz I BEG to disagree with the forecast of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. about rice retail prices reaching P62 per kilogram by September. In my last trip to the public markets in the third week of April, I saw prices ranging from P55 to P60 with some reaching as high as P64/kg …

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• 3 May

  DA okays imports of Taiwan pork 

  

  AFTER BEING cleared of African Swine Fever, Taiwan’s pork can now enter the Philippines. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Philippines can now import domestic and wild pigs and its by-products, including meat, pig skin and semen from Taiwan. The DA said it had confirmed all reported cases of ASF in Taiwan were resolved with no additional outbreak …

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• 3 May

  DA seeks $500-M from ADB for bamboo industry

  

  ON September 16, 2021 a simultaneous national bamboo and tree planting activity was held in celebration of the World Bamboo Day and to promote commercial planting. Bamboo– aside from its vital role in preventing soil erosion, floods and other negative impacts of climate change–  also has a lot of commercial, industrial and infrastructure uses.  What led to the commercialization and …

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• 3 May

  Oceana urges fish, water quality test at Navotas landfill

  

  OCEANA, an international conservation NGO, raised possible alarm about the possible water and fish contamination near the Navotas landfill since the garbage fire on April 10 that affected around 90 percent of the 44-hectare sanitary landfill, emitting toxic smoke that brought the air quality in northern Metro Manila (the whole of Quezon City), Bulacan and Bataan to dangerous levels. Oceana’s …

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• 3 May

  Taiwan Night in UST unveils rich tradition of performance arts 

  

  A vibrant cultural showcase featuring music, dance, and acrobatics of outstanding Filipino and Taiwanese performers was staged at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Frassati Auditorium, on February 27, 2026. From choral harmonies to dynamic dance performances and gravity-defying acrobatics,  the event highlighted the rich artistic traditions of both nations through a meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Representing the Philippines were the talented young singers …

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• 3 May

  Jakarta falls in love with Maki

  

  Jakarta’s Gen Z tastemakers, top creators, and loyal Zushis (moniker for Maki’s fanbase) gathered for an exclusive Listening Party with rising Filipino alt-pop star Maki, held at the buzzing Rumah Kenangan Senopati, in partnership with popular coffee chain Kopi Kenangan  The night was a full-on vibe, filled with music, fandom, and Filipino-Indonesian connection. With his chart-topping Tagalog tracks playing alongside …

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• 3 May

  Chinese tourists save the day for PHL

  

  By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The first quarter of 2026 saw an increase in international visitor arrivals to the Philippines, notching a 10.43 percent uptick, totaling 1.83 million from 1.66 million a year earlier, it was disclosed by the Department of Tourism (DOT). There were fewer arrivals from South Korea, but this was more than compensated with the influx of Chinese …

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• 3 May

  5-percent increase in inflation likely

  

  From 1.4% one year ago to a likely 6.4% in April, 2026 — that’s a full 5-percent increase, and that’s the estimate of many officials, including those from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The official inflation rate for last month is scheduled to be announced tomorrow, May 5. The BSP said the higher expectations for inflation are driven by …

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• 3 May

  Concepcion pushes local entrepreneurship

  

  Concepcion Industrial Corp. (CIC), the Philippines’ leading provider of home and enterprise solutions, officially returns as the “Powered By” sponsor for the 2026 Philippine Franchise Expo, held from April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center. Highlighted in this year’s participation is “The Carrier Air Authority Center,” the country’s first and only retail air conditioning (AC) franchise by Concepcion-Carrier …

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