The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Unilever Philippines is making waves with its Kabisig Summit, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting sari-sari store owners—an essential part of Filipino communities. With over a million sari-sari stores across the country, these micro-businesses are crucial to the nation’s economy, serving as hubs for daily essentials, social connection, and family livelihood. The Kabisig Summit offers both online and in-person training …

The national government’s budget deficit went down by 59.24 percent to P54.2 billion in August this year from P133 billion in the same month a year ago. Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the lower deficit during the month was due to the 24.40 percent growth in government revenues alongside a 0.68 percent contraction in …

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has assured the public the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are ready to fully implement the anti-agri economic sabotage law to end agricultural smuggling, profiteering, and hoarding. In a statement on Friday, Recto said Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on …

The Philippines has leapfrogged 47 places over the past decade in the Global Innovation Index (GII) published by the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO). The country ranked 53rd this year from 100th place in the 2014 edition of the report, making the country one of the fastest 10-year risers along with China, Türkiye, India and Vietnam. The Philippines also advanced …

The Social Security System (SSS) is optimistic that new member registration could reach 4 million to 5 million this year. In a statement on Thursday, the SSS said its new member registration has already reached 2.4 million as of end-July, surpassing the agency’s 2 million target for this year. Macasaet said the new SSS members went up by 165 percent …

Different government agencies hope to streamline safety monitoring at construction sites after setting the guidelines for a joint administrative order (JAO). Spearheaded by the Construction Industry of the Philippines (CIAP), the signing of JAO No. 1, Series of 2022 are with Departments of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Trade and Industry (DTI). The JAO promotes …

An architectural group has recognized a newly built mall in Paranaque City as among the most beautiful structure globally. as one of beautiful structures. Parqal Mall, located in Aseana City, was one of the seven buildings that made the list of The World’s Most Beautiful Emporiums for 2024 by Prix Versailles, an annual architectural competition. Aside from Parqal Mall, other …

Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) has started construction of a multifunctional retail and office facility in Batangas. FPIP Plaza is envisioned to house various retail establishments, restaurants, service centers, corporate offices, and government offices in its 600-hectare property in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. FPIP Chief Commercial Officer Jose Valentin Pantangco said the plaza aims to open more employment opportunities, adding …

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) revealed that Western Visayas needs a total of 495,268 housing units to address the region’s current housing backlogs and future needs. DHSUD-6 director Eva Marie Marfil said that the region’s housing needs represent 7.44 percent of the national housing backlog of 6.5 million units. Of the total, 346,810 come from the …

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South) is allocating P14 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) for 2025, an increase from last year’s P8 billion. The funds will primarily be used to complete road segments that are still under construction. MPT South Vice President Elnora Rumawak said the company needs to finish the projects by 2025 despite challenges such as right-of-way issues …