The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Binondo, Manila—GameZone fueled the world’s oldest Chinatown as it celebrated the 2026 Chinese New Year last February 17 in partnership with one of the country’s most beloved food chains, Tropical Hut. As early as the 1500s, the Chinese New Year has been embedded as one of the rich yearly traditions in the Philippines, specifically in Binondo. It was officially declared …

Access to affordable healthcare remains a pressing concern for many Filipino families, particularly in communities where pharmacies serve as the first line of medical support. Addressing this need, GO2Meds has formed a strategic partnership with Global SME Loans, Inc. (GSLI) aimed at strengthening and expanding community-based pharmacies across the Philippines. The collaboration brings together two organizations with complementary strengths. GO2Meds, …

Winners are made, and champions are destined to make a change. The GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown, now rebranded as the GameZone Tour Tongits Plus Championship Cup, introduced a Tongits tournament with a new format and a prize pool of 10 million pesos in June of last year. One player, Benigno Casayuran, also known as Tatay Igno, is …

ArenaPlus, the #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the country, reinforced its commitment to supporting the Philippines sports, this time through the golf community, with its sponsorship of the 54th Golden Tee Tournament held at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. As part of its advocacy to help grow sports engagement across disciplines, ArenaPlus supported the event, one …

MANILA, Philippines — March 9, 2026 — In response to the ongoing conflict affecting parts of the Middle East, DITO Telecommunity is offering free calls to help Overseas Filipinos and their families stay connected during this time of uncertainty. The initiative supports the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure Filipinos abroad and their loved ones back home remain connected and informed …

Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who have been hit by soaring fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East will soon receive financial assistance from the government after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered immediate intervention. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed that each affected driver will receive P5,000 in financial aid, with distribution set to begin …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he would certify as urgent a proposed measure granting the government emergency powers to respond swiftly to possible spikes in global oil prices. Speaking at a press briefing in New York City during his three-day working visit, the President said the certification would be issued once lawmakers finalize their committee reports on the bill. “I …

Most insurance claims filed by farmers and fishers were processed and released within the standard 20-day period in 2025, according to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said the state insurer has significantly improved the turnaround time for claims, with the majority now being settled within the required processing window. “In 2025, we’re computing at 80 …

The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing the temporary importation of biofuels as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices triggered by supply uncertainties linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, speaking during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, clarified that the proposal does not involve altering the mandated blending ratio …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has partnered with San Miguel Foods (SMF) to create livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for government workers and their families as a way to help them cope with the rising cost of basic goods and services. GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso said the collaboration is designed to equip members, beneficiaries, and …