The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Is artificial intelligence making students smarter—or just lazier? A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab raises red flags about the growing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT in education, showing potential harm to critical thinking and brain development, especially among young learners. In the experiment, 54 participants aged 18 to 39 were divided into three …

Demonstrating its dedication to advancing education in the Philippines, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) recently donated P400,000 worth of digital equipment to Patrociña D. Encarnacion National High School, a remote public school located in the far-flung barangays of Dumaguete. The donation—which includes nine laptops, two printers, and three wall fans—was made possible through GSIS’s Adopt-a-School initiative, in partnership with …

For years, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has been a key pillar in the government’s fight against poverty, offering conditional cash transfers to improve access to health and education. But as the conversation around poverty alleviation evolves, so too must the country’s approach to social protection. Responding to the growing call for more sustainable and empowering interventions, Northern Samar …

Renewing your driver’s license is now faster, easier, and entirely online—no need to visit the LTO office or fall prey to fixers. The Land Transportation Office (LTO), in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has officially launched the Online Driver’s License Renewal System (ODLRS) through the eGovPH mobile app. Unveiled …

Over 180 fisherfolk from Zambales, Cagayan, and Sulu completed a year-long capacity-building program spearheaded by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and IMPL-Project Philippines, equipping them with essential knowledge on sustainable fishing and maritime rights protection in the South China Sea. From June 2024 to May 2025, participants took part in the U.S. Embassy-funded “Empowering Coastal Communities in the Philippines” …

In support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s digitalization agenda, Kabankalan City has officially rolled out its P11.8-million Barangay Information Network System (BINS), a pioneering initiative aimed at modernizing service delivery in all 32 barangays. The launch was held during the Tingug Sang Barangay seminar, themed “Strengthening Community Engagement Through Barangay Information Officers.” The event highlighted the city’s commitment to …

Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed two landmark bills aimed at stripping government officials and employees of secrecy protections over their bank and foreign currency deposits, in a bold move to promote transparency and curb corruption in public office. Citing the 1987 Constitution’s mandate that “public office is a public trust,” Lacson stressed that public servants must not use their positions …

In recent years, the Philippine economy has found an unlikely yet significant ally in online gambling. Regulated online gaming—particularly through legitimate licensees under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)—has not only generated billions in government revenue but also created thousands of jobs and fueled related industries such as IT, hospitality, and real estate. Yet, amid mounting concerns over illegal …

BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz Returning legislator Francis Pangilinan has shown his undying dedication to agriculture and the farming sector by making agriculture and ending hunger among his priority bills in the House of Representatives. Pangilinan previously served as senator from 2001 to 2013 and from 2016 to 22 and was the Senate majority floor leader from 2004 …

By Rose de la Cruz Hotels, restaurants, fastfood chains and even the lowly carinderia  should  have ample and sustainable supply of yellow onions. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said  that shipments would come as early as August, now that local harvest have almost been completed and with inventories expected to be depleted by next month. The DA would allow …