The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to move away from a transportation system dominated by private cars is a long-overdue step toward a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility network. As newly-appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon emphasized, this shift signals a renewed commitment to prioritizing public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, and alternative mobility options over the traditional …

BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz It is a nice and wise move for the Sugar Regulatory Administration to repeat the voluntary purchase program (VPP) for raw sugar– or siphoning off a substantial volume of the sweetener from the local market–to prevent the freefall of raw sugar prices prior to the peak milling season. First adopted in the crop …

The National Dairy Administration (NDA) aims to raise the country’s milk sufficiency rate from the current 1.66% to 5% by 2028 through international collaboration and potential funding from France’s government and private sector. The Philippines and France recently signed an agreement to boost dairy sector cooperation, with an ongoing feasibility study assessing the viability of a large-scale milk production project. …

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has indicated that he would recommend increasing tariffs on imported rice if retail prices rise to between P42 and P45 per kilogram. “It can be from 15 [percent] to 20 or 15 to 25 or full 35 depending on the situation and after consultations with all stakeholders,” he stated. Executive Order (EO) 62, which …

A Switzerland-based company has engaged in discussions with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to explore the possibility of establishing a manufacturing plant for coconut husk-based medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in the country. Swiss firm Naturloop AG, known for producing cocoboard, a 100% bio-based MDF made from coconut husks, is considering local production to streamline costs and enhance supply chain efficiency.  The …

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has identified Bukidnon as the country’s top contributor to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector in 2023, accounting for 7 percent of the national gross value added (GVA).  Nueva Ecija followed with a 4.6 percent share, while Pangasinan ranked third at 3.8 percent. Also making it to the top 10 contributors were Pampanga (3.7 percent), …

With an inspiring new theme “Where Stars Are Born”, the fifth edition of the My Daily Collagen Triathlon returns to Subic Bay on Sunday, March 9 with more than 400 participants expected to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout. The My Daily Collagen Triathlon has long served as a launchpad for athletes who have gone on to excel in the triathlon …

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys get the feel of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League competition when they tackle the Sarangani Marlins at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the opening of the MPBL Seventh Season at their 10,000-seat homecourt–The Capital Arena. Binan Tatak Gel and retooled Abra clash in the 6 p.m. inaugural game. The Cowboys joined the country’s premier regional tournament last …

Champion PBA coaches Leo Austria and Norman Black lead high-profile speakers for Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball Coaching Clinic Milcu Sports and Got Skills will gather several high-profile stars within the coaching circle, both from the amateur and professional ranks, for a one-day coaching clinic on March 30 at the Greenhills West Clubhouse in San Juan. Headlining the speakers are …

The Zamboanga Valientes exacted sweet revenge on Letran Asenso Bancoro, securing a 91-81 victory to bag the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament title on Friday night at the Cultural & Sports Center in Sibugay. Despite the relentless full-court press of the gutsy Knights, the Zamboanga Valientes held their ground, relying on clutch baskets from Zamboangueño heroes …