The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Security Bank has established itself as a key player in the Philippine banking sector, standing out for its strong financial services and customer-centered approach.  The bank differentiates itself by prioritizing the needs of its customers, using their feedback to drive investments in technology and service improvements. In 2024, it launched several initiatives to enhance the overall customer experience. In mid-2024, …

The  Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has further reduced its fee rates for Electronic Games (E-Games) from 35 percent to 30 percent effective January 1, 2025 as part of efforts to combat illegal gaming operations. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said rates for E-Games operated by integrated resorts were also reduced to a lower 25 percent to …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is now offering affordable logistics service to both government and the private sector. PHLPOst said it can now pick up, wrap, and deliver office equipment and other bulk items with the addition of  18 six-wheelers and four wheeler trucks to government and the private sector in need of affordable logistics service.  Postmaster General Luis Carlos …

ACMobility, the mobility solutions arm of the Ayala Group and a leader in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, is set to expand its charging network across Makati, one of the leading sustainable cities in Metro Manila.  By the first quarter of 2025, Makati will host 74 fully-operational charging points across 18  locations, including offices, malls, condominiums, and more. This expansion aims …

The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project) celebrated  International Zero Waste Month, highlighting the need to promote zero waste practices and principles in the healthcare sector and address challenges in implementing sustainable waste management solutions. The event, dubbed “Zero Waste for Health: Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare Facilities,” was conducted simultaneously in three regions where the HCW Project …

Contecon Guayaquil is enhancing Ecuador’s banana export capabilities with the launch of its first on-dock cold storage facility within the Port of Guayaquil. The Guayaquil Banana Gateway is the first on-dock cold storage facility in the country, which remains as the world’s top banana exporter.  Developed in partnership with Cool Carriers, the facility ensures uninterrupted cold chain preservation from cargo …

As the Philippines enters 2025, the rapid growth of its digital economy has made it a lucrative target for cybercriminals.  Recent data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) reveals that between October and December 2024, over 26.8 percent of Filipino users faced web-borne cyberattacks, placing the country 17th globally for web-related threats.  These statistics underscore the urgent need for robust …

By Boy Villasanta Philippine cinema has lost another gem of an actress. Gloria Romero, dubbed as Queen of Philippine Movies, died yesterday, January 25, 2025. Gloria, Gloria Anne Borrego Galla in real life, was a well-loved luminary in Philippine movies. According to showbiz fixture Marie Cusi, Romero passed on the Feast of Saint Paul. Gloria was survived by her only …

PASSERBYBy Nestor Cuartero He refuses to reveal his age, preferring to allow the flaming red gumamela flowers on his shirt to speak volumes about his zest for life, beauty and youthfulness. “If I reveal my age, I might lose my many friends who are female,” he laughed. A second revelation: Mr. Atienza has amassed too many floral shirts that have …

Chemist and philanthropist Pinky Tobiano, president of the Association of Veterinary and Agri-Quality Assurance Laboratories of the Philippines, Inc. (AVAQAL), recently led the organization in honoring agriculture luminaries in handing out prestigious Haligi ng Agri-Siyensya Awards. Tobiano emphasized AVAQAL’s commitment to elevating quality assurance standards in the agricultural sector. The well-attended gathering not only highlighted AVAQAL’s accomplishments, but also reaffirmed …