The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Local pharmaceutical industry players are being encouraged to adopt 2D barcodes, including Quick Response (QR) codes, to combat the spread of counterfeit medicines and medical supplies in the domestic market. GS1 Philippines, the leading organization for local barcode standards, emphasized the importance of this measure as the country remains under the watch of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for …

The World Bank last week revised its 2024 and 2025 economic growth forecasts for the Philippines, highlighting the country’s favorable medium-term outlook. In its October East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projected the Philippine economy to grow by 6.0 percent this year, up from its earlier forecast of 5.8 percent. The 2025 growth forecast was also raised …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve within the year the funding for the first phase of the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project. In a recent interview, ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran said they are now in the last stages of having the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network project presented to the ADB Board for …

Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is poised to intensify its focus on serving its diverse clientele of key development sectors with the privatization of UCPB Savings Bank, Inc. (UCPB-SB), allowing it to better streamline resources and facilitate more efficient capital deployment.  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the privatization of UCPB-SB through Memorandum Order No. 28, issued on 06 …

Heading the inauguration of the new East Java terminal are (From left):  David Lim, Eastern Logistics chief executive officer; Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president; Capt. Subuh Fakkurochman, KSOP Tanjung Pakis; Bambang Sulistiyo, PT. Lamongan Integrated Shorebase director; and Patrick Chan, EJMT chief executive officer. East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT), International Container Terminal Service, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Lamongan …

Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) was given the recognition, Rebranding Campaign of the Year in the Philippines, by the Asian Banking and Finance: Retail Banking Awards 2024 for the bank’s Every Step Together campaign. “I am very thankful for the Asian Banking and Finance and, of course, our Marketing team. Every Step Together is more than just a tagline. It …

A DOQAUS WORLD, the highly anticipated launch of DOQAUS headphones, delivered an unforgettable experience at SM North Annex, setting a new standard in audio innovation. With an immersive display of premium headphones, the event captivated tech enthusiasts and music lovers alike, keeping them engaged from start to finish. Headlining the event was DOQAUS Philippines’ 27-year-old CEO and President, Mark Javier, …

In response to the increased challenges and escalating threats facing operational technologies (OT) and critical infrastructure, Kaspersky has enhanced its Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (KICS), a native XDR Platform for industrial enterprises, and streamlined Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Industrial Control Systems (ICS), a service that helps to perform key SOC functions for organizations that may lack dedicated personnel. The …

Cine Europa, with the theme “Celebrating the European Cultural Heritage” will have its screenings in Cebu City for the first time on September 27, 2018, as it celebrates its 21st year in the country. The first-come first-serve film screenings will take place in Circa 1900, Alliance Francaise de Cebu, and Ayala Center Cebu City. EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said that …

At the recent F&C Jewelry Studio event at SM Makati, fashion influencer Laureen Uy put together a beautiful style showcase, sharing her expert tips on how to make F&C Jewelry a part of every modern woman’s daily wardrobe. “Fine jewelry isn’t just for gala nights anymore—it’s for brunch dates, boardrooms, and everything in between. Jewelry holds a special place in …