Pisompongan Integrated School in Zamboanga del Sur conducted a two-day emergency response training for teachers, students, and community volunteers to enhance first response capabilities during disasters, recognizing the vulnerability of schools in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.
GoTyme Bank, a digital bank in the Philippines, has raised its year-end customer target to 12.5 million from 12 million, citing a surge in monthly customer additions. The bank currently has approximately 11.5 million customers.
Philippine Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been suspended for 90 days by the Sandiganbayan Third Division in connection with a plunder case involving an alleged P75-million donation, temporarily barring him from his legislative duties.
The Philippine peso has fallen below 63 to the US dollar, marking a new record low. This sharp depreciation raises concerns about its impact on the domestic economy and foreign investment trends.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is offering discounts of up to 60% on premium cabin fares, a move likely aimed at boosting domestic travel and competing in a recovering aviation market.
Philippine sports sees prominent athletes shifting focus to doubles competitions. This suggests a strategic pivot towards promoting the sport domestically and nurturing the next generation of talent, drawing attention to the future development of Philippine sports.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos has endorsed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) call for a national task force to intensify the crackdown against illegal drug syndicates operating in the country, a request made to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Eric Gawilan from Davao has made history by winning the Philippines' first-ever gold medal at the Asian Para Games, marking a significant achievement for the nation's athletes.
Amidst ongoing reports of harassment and government interference against journalists in Cagayan de Oro, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) CDO Chapter has launched a campaign to protect media workers and advocate for local legislation safeguarding press freedom.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta's camp has objected to the prosecution's move to present the notary public who authenticated deeds of donation for his campaign expenses. The Ombudsman anticipates a resolution by 2027.
South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) in the Philippines has announced the results of a plebiscite approving a joint venture agreement (JVA) with IGNITE Power, backed by businessman Enrique Razon and boxing star Manny Pacquiao. The deal is expected to modernize and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted its 'Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program' (4Ps) initiatives and their impact on Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Davao City. The program aims to reduce poverty and improve living standards.
The iconic Camp John Hay in Baguio City, Philippines, is slated for a multibillion-peso facelift through private sector partnerships. This initiative aims to transform the former American recreational base into a modern tourism and commercial hub, revitalizing the local economy.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is shifting its focus to Luzon, specifically the Calabarzon region, for its next major data center. This move aims to capitalize on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, abandoning previous plans for Visayas or Mindanao and boosting the country's digital infrastructure.
Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) has strongly criticized the government's coal bidding rules, arguing they risk billions of pesos in state revenues with no commensurate gain. The company claims the rules are 'unfair' and is calling for the auction process to be halted.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the credentials of the new ambassadors from Turkey and Egypt, expressing intentions to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand economic cooperation with both nations, highlighting the Philippines' ongoing efforts to bolster international partnerships.
Western Visayas in the Philippines will deploy over 6,500 police officers and force multipliers from October 31 to November 2 for the Undas observance, ensuring public safety with heightened security measures focused on cemeteries and transport hubs.
South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) has approved a joint venture with Razon-led Primelectric Holdings Inc. through a plebiscite, paving the way for the privatization of the electric cooperative.
The Philippine stock market extended its gains for a third consecutive session, buoyed by optimism surrounding the upcoming IPO of GCash, despite the peso hitting a fresh record low. While a correction in crude oil prices provided support, investors remain cautious ahead of the central bank's interest rate decision.
Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is planning to list its international business unit, Jollibee International (JFCI), on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by the second half of 2027, specifically targeting the third quarter. This shift from a previously considered US listing is part of a strategy to fuel further growth in Asian and North American markets.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has dismissed four regional and district executives following preliminary investigations into alleged flood control project anomalies in Davao and extortion activities in Cebu, signaling a move to enhance transparency and accountability in public works.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in the Philippines has secured a court order to forfeit P217,165 in funds linked to financing the Abu Sayyaf group, as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt terrorist financial networks.
Two science high schools in Quezon City and San Juan City have suspended face-to-face classes due to a surge in influenza-like illnesses. Schools are implementing disinfection measures and shifting to online learning or work-from-home arrangements.
Nearly half of cyberattacks in the Philippines are leveraging artificial intelligence, presenting new challenges for businesses. A Cisco study highlights issues with detecting and responding to AI-driven attacks, revealing a lack of coordination among security teams and difficulties in demonstrating ROI for security investments.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into safeguard measures on imported pork, aiming to protect the local hog industry. The probe is based on initial evidence suggesting serious injury or threat to domestic producers, with potential outcomes including tariff hikes or import restrictions.
GoTyme Bank has raised its customer target for the end of 2026 to 12.5 million, driven by accelerated account openings and expanding lending activities. The digital lender aims to achieve profitability in 2027.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has suspended the operations of six vessels belonging to Atienza Interisland Ferries following a deadly fire that claimed 77 lives. The order was issued due to confirmed violations of safety standards.
MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power), serving Iloilo City, was named Grand Winner of the Apex Company of the Year category at the Asia CEO Awards 2026. The company emphasized its commitment to customers in both electricity rates and quality of service.
Philippines' rice tariff collection surged by nearly a fifth annually to P16 billion in the first nine months of the year, driven by higher import volumes and a weaker peso. This revenue is crucial for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) but falls short of targets.
Quezon Medical Center in the Philippines has opened its new emergency room, boasting the largest and most modern facility in the Calabarzon region. With a 75-bed capacity and advanced medical equipment, it aims to enhance healthcare services for provincial residents.
The Philippines' balance of payments (BOP) deficit widened to $3.14 billion in September, pushing the year-to-date deficit to $9.09 billion, primarily due to a trade gap and foreign portfolio outflows. Gross international reserves also fell below the $100 billion mark.
Fintech firm Salmon Group has secured P8.8 billion ($140 million) in additional financing to expand its lending operations and introduce new loan products across the Philippines, targeting MSMEs and underserved borrowers.
Former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi appeared before the anti-graft court to seek permission for travel to China and Japan for import-export fairs. Prosecutors opposed the motion, citing a lack of emergency.
NephroPlus Philippines, marking its 50th clinic milestone, conducted a kidney health medical mission for the Mangyan Indigenous Community in Oriental Mindoro. The initiative provided health screenings and education on kidney disease prevention, highlighting the company's commitment to community impact.
In preparation for the upcoming 'Undas' (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) travel surge, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved over 1,100 special bus permits. This aims to facilitate smoother travel for an expected 1.9 million passengers nationwide.
Coastal residents in Butuan City, Philippines, are welcoming the economic promise of a multi-billion-peso seaport project but are demanding clear relocation plans and government guarantees due to potential displacement. Local authorities emphasize dialogue with affected communities.