The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Eleven days before leaving office, outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia issued a memorandum ordering the creation of trust funds for at least 15 provincial programs, including her flagship tourism campaign, Suroy Suroy Sugbo. Through Memorandum No. 36-2025, Garcia directed provincial treasurer Roy Salubre to set up dedicated trust funds, invoking provisions of the Local Government Code and Commission on …

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised Alert Level 3 in Israel and Iran due to the ongoing conflict between the two countries, and is urging overseas Filipinos (OFs) in both areas to return to the Philippines immediately. “Travel by Filipinos to both these countries is highly discouraged, due to the ongoing crisis and the actual closure of their …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that Japan’s Kanadevia Corporation is set to invest in a major Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project that aims to transform Metro Manila’s waste disposal system into a sustainable energy source. “I’m pleased to share that we are working with Japan’s Kanadevia Corporation on a landmark Waste-to-Energy project for Manila,” the President said in a …

With the retirement of Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz has been appointed as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Kalibo, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). CBCP News reported that Bishop Tala-oc stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation, which was formally …

A newly emerging COVID-19 variant known as “Nimbus” is gaining traction across the United States, with a peculiar and painful symptom drawing attention: an unusually severe sore throat that some have likened to “swallowing razor blades.”  This intense discomfort, informally called “razor blade throat,” is being widely discussed as a potential distinguishing feature of the variant. Despite the buzz, health experts …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched an expanded Z Benefit package to assist kidney transplant patients, enabling them to focus on recovery without the burden of costly medical expenses. In a statement issued Thursday, PhilHealth said the new package provides financial support for both pediatric and adult transplant recipients, as well as their living donors. For pediatric patients, …

Filipinos who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations between 2021 and 2023 remain protected against the latest variant of the virus, which has drawn attention for causing unusually painful sore throats described as “razor-blade” symptoms. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa gave this assurance during a press briefing at Malacañang, noting that existing vaccines continue to provide protection.  “It seems the COVID-19 vaccines that …

The number of Filipinos undergoing dialysis treatment rose sharply to 64,845 in 2024—a 22-percent increase from 53,296 in 2023—highlighting the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the country. National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) adult nephrology consultant Dr. Anthony Russel Villanueva said the rising number reflects a serious health concern. “Ang pagkasakit sa kidney ay nanatiling one of …

Dengue cases worldwide have surged to over 14 million in 2024—double the previous year’s figures—with Asia shouldering 70 percent of the global burden, according to the Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) Group. At a press conference during the 8th Asia Dengue Summit held in Quezon City, ADVA steering committee member Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding said the Philippines is among …

San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo is on the prowl for a record-extending 12th PBA Best Player of the Conference award. Through the end of the Season 49 Philippine Cup elimination round, Fajardo held pole position in the BPC race with teammate Cjay Perez, NLEX’s Robert Bolick and Magnolia’s Zav Lucero in pursuit. “The Kraken” logged 40.4 average statistical points …