The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines marks a major milestone with the opening of its 700th store in Bagontaas, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Dubbed as the “City of Golden Harvest,” and Bukidnon’s economic hub, Valencia blends agricultural richness with growing commercial activity, serving as a lifeline for surrounding communities. This new store highlights MR.DIY’s commitment to bridging urban and rural gaps, …

The Marcos administration’s comprehensive efforts to bolster the Philippine labor market yielded positive results, as unemployment and underemployment rates dropped in November 2024. Data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted the resilience of the labor market, as evidenced by improved employment figures. NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized the strength of the labor market, noting its high …

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to consumers about unauthorized skin-lightening products found to contain mercury, a toxic chemical that poses severe health risks. In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition lauded the FDA for its prompt response following the group’s report on cosmetics with mercury levels far exceeding the allowable trace limit. …

The Philippine Navy (PN) has significantly enhanced the operational readiness of its warships and marine units, bolstering its capability to conduct operations within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos emphasized in an interview on Friday that this improvement is essential for the Navy to fulfill its mandate under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).  …

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government is undertaking major infrastructure projects this year, including the complete rehabilitation of EDSA, the country’s busiest thoroughfare. This was revealed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan during an interview on PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Wednesday last week. Bonoan said improving the riding quality in EDSA …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced the launch of new and expanded health benefit packages on Friday, aiming to provide enhanced support for its members beginning this year.  PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. stated that the necessary policy instruments and circulars for these benefits have already been issued.  The new packages include coverage for ischemic heart disease-acute …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will launch new Express Mail Service (EMS) delivery hubs in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting today, January 13, to enhance domestic and international EMS operations. According to a news release issued on Friday, the new hubs will be located in the central post offices of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati City.  These additions aim …

Immigration authorities apprehended approximately 400 illegal aliens during a large-scale raid on an alleged scam operation in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Thursday. The raid, conducted on Wednesday, targeted a company in Barangay Tambo suspected of operating activities similar to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), according to BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. “The Bureau’s …

The recent decision of the Social Security System (SSS) to increase its contribution rate from 14% to 15%, although met with some opposition, is a vital step in ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of the country’s social security program.  This move, which aims to strengthen the SSS fund and extend its life until 2053, is essential for securing the …

Beyond EllipticalBy Rose Marie de la Cruz Because of the continued disability of the National Food Authority to import rice and have control over the market and to support the Department of Agriculture’s cheap rice program– which it implements in its Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers at P40 per kg.– the DA is now pleading with importers to ship in …