The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Philippine government is committed to integrating competition policy into its broader development framework, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. During a webinar hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Balisacan emphasized that ensuring competition policy becomes an integral part of the country’s development strategy would prevent it from operating in isolation. The Philippine Competition …

For two consecutive years, the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) has recognized the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for its significant achievements and outstanding performance. This year, GCG has even cited the PCSO for two distinct recognitions. First, PCSO was acknowledged by GCG as one of the top-ranking GOCCs in the 2023 Performance Scorecard, and second, for …

The Philippine local currency bond market saw significant growth in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong performance across all bond segments, according to the latest report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In its Asia Bond Monitor report released Wednesday, the ADB noted that total bonds outstanding rose to P13 trillion, reflecting a 3.8 percent quarter-on-quarter increase. This …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD500-million policy-based loan to enhance the Philippines’ efforts in addressing climate change. In a statement released recently, the ADB announced that the Climate Change Action Program (CCAP) Subprogram 2 will support the country in meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals. The NDC includes the Philippines’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions …

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has officially entered into a USD500-million financing agreement with the World Bank-International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (WB-IBRD) to support the reconstruction of over 3,000 schools across the Philippines that were impacted by typhoons. In an announcement made Wednesday last week, the Department of Finance (DOF) confirmed that the deal was signed by Recto and Zafer …

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (right) leads the ceremonial switch-on of BSP Christmas lights at its head office in Manila on 28 November 2024. Festive lights also adorn Christmas trees and buildings at the BSP Security Plant Complex in Quezon City and various Regional Offices and Branches, while BSP’s EDPC Building façade along Roxas Boulevard …

Christmas came rushing in November at Cavite’s new landmark hotel, The Lake Hotel in Tagaytay City. Sparkling lights, joyous atmosphere, vibrant music, festive melodies, and a generally classic Christmas spirit with drinks and lavish food galore marked the Christmas tree lighting ceremony amid the cool air of November 23. This year marks the 15th anniversary of The Lake Hotel, which …

Jungo Pinoy is giving Filipinos one of the best gifts we can get for the holidays – exciting entertainment you can stream for free! Created by Los Angeles-based media company Jungo TV, Jungo Pinoy is opening its full library of quality content for Pinoys to freely access on jungopinoy.com. Viewers can also stream anytime, anywhere on their mobile phones when …

In an effort to share the experience of opera with Filipinos in the provinces, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently brought Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s timeless tragedy La Bohème to Silliman University in Dumaguete City. This outreach program was made possible in partnership with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc. (FOSFI), …

By Jinky Jorgio President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the Universal Robina Corp.’s (URC) 10-hectare flour milling plant in Sariaya, Quezon would fuel economic growth, saying he expects it to shape the future of the Philippine food industry. “With this new plant, the URC has positioned itself as a key player in our nation’s food security, driving economic …