The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. According to World Bank, the country—which is along what is called the Pacific “typhoon belt”—experiences an average of 19 to 20 typhoons per year. Given the threat of climate change, East Zone concessionaire Manila Water is implementing nature-based solutions including the protection, rehabilitation, and enhancement of watersheds to address the increasing …

(A tribute to Apo Whang-Od Oggay, a National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Elderly Filipino Week (2022) awardee for her outstanding contribution to national culture and the arts.) In the beautiful mountainous province of Kalinga, where breathtaking sky-high views and stunning natural landscapes meet – there lived a 104 year-old centenarian named Whang-Od Oggay, the oldest living “mambabatok” not only …

“I’m so happy and I’m so proud. EB has been here for 39 years and they’re still the number 1 beauty brand in the Philippines…” says Alex Gonzaga (AG) about being the newest face of Ever Bilena. Ever Bilena (EB) introduced us to “AG in Everland” to celebrate the launch of its newest celebrity endorser, Alex Gonzaga, last September 19. …

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur (Branch 24) convicted former officers of the now closed Rural Bank of Magsingal, Inc. (RB Magsingal) for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 8791 (The General Banking Law of 2000), in relation to RA No. 7653, as amended (The New Central Bank Act), and the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB) issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). RTC …

With the perennial rise of the Marikina River, especially during typhoon season, which often causes it to breach its banks, Manila Water continues to improve the flood resiliency of its facilities built near the river to ensure that flooding would not disrupt nor endanger the operations of the facilities, particularly the Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Marikina North STP. …

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) recently received from the Social Security System the 2022 SSS Balikat ng Bayan Best Collecting Partner Award under Bank Category. “We are honored to be recognized by the Social Security System as a reliable partner in delivering service to both the agency and the Filipino people,” said Paul Robert Murga, Metrobank Executive Vice President …

SM Foundation, Inc. the social good arm of the SM group, and the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a general incorporated foundation in Japan, formally launched the ‘Grow Trees Community’ project in Nasugbu, Batangas last September 27 as the first stop of three provinces for their ‘treescaping’ and reforestation initiative. The Grow Trees Community project aims to plant and grow …

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe M. Medalla  (above) said banking regulations are accompanied by initiatives that  support the country’s shift from a cash-heavy to a cash-lite economy. During  a recent conference by “The Asian Banker,” the Governor explained that the  BSP is pursuing these initiatives under its Digital Payments Transformation  Roadmap. The Roadmap aims to digitalize at least …

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the 19th edition of the China-ASEAN Expo  (CAEXPO) through a pre-recorded video message during its opening ceremony. With a strong  invitation to welcome new opportunities to the country, the president highlighted that the  Philippines is “very much open for business.”  CAEXPO is an annual international event held since 2004 with the aim of …

The Philippine Consulate General in Osaka and its trade  and investment section, the Philippine Trade & Investment Center, recently featured two of the  country’s top artists and designers at the Fashion Philippines Showcase at the Fashion Goods  and Accessories Expo 2022 during the 3rd Lifestyle Week to be held in Osaka from 28-30  September 2022. The Fashion Philippines booth was …