The Philippines' Department of Transportation plans to extend runways at several regional airports to 2,100 meters by 2027, enabling larger jet aircraft to land. This initiative aims to increase passenger traffic to the regions, lower airfares, and stimulate tourism and economic growth.
The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to bolster global opportunities for Filipino construction firms and workers. This partnership aims to enhance workforce readiness, industry development, market access, and international engagement.
Jollibee Group, a Philippines-based company, has been recognized as the Global Growth Champion at the inaugural Globie Awards by the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference. The award highlights the company's significant international expansion, operating over 10,700 stores and cafés across 33 countries with 20 brands.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) saw its first-half revenue climb eight percent year-on-year to P19.6 billion, driven by infrastructure investments and expansion in Indonesia, despite softer domestic traffic. While new road openings and right-of-way issues in the Philippines impacted some projects, increased vehicle entries across its regional network bolstered performance.
The Philippine government's tightening of regulations on imported artificial sweeteners is expected to boost demand for local sugar and increase millgate prices, potentially improving farmers' incomes and supporting the domestic industry.
Philippine rice imports have already exceeded last year's annual total as the government boosts buffer stocks in anticipation of El Niño. Despite farmer calls for safeguard duties on imported rice, authorities plan to maintain import levels to ensure supply.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) plans to expand its Fili Hotel brand, the Philippines' first homegrown five-star hotel, regionally. Following its Cebu flagship, a second property opens in Manila next year, with ambitions for further Southeast Asian presence.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is investigating an alleged assault on a person with disability (PWD) by a bookstore security guard, following a viral social media video. The victim's family intends to file a complaint, and city officials are offering support.
Only 11% of the Philippines' 532 water districts meet the acceptable benchmark for non-revenue water (NRW) losses, according to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). This indicates significant issues with water leaks and billing inefficiencies across the country.
San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Philippines, has breached its spilling level, but authorities are keeping gates closed while monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, damage to infrastructure and agriculture from heavy rains is estimated at P8.4 billion.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has halted reclamation activities in a portion of Laguna de Bay in Taguig City. The move comes amid concerns over environmental impact and alleged corruption, raising questions about the future of such projects.
In the Philippines, priority bills in Congress are not guaranteed swift passage due to political negotiations, procedural bottlenecks, and competing priorities, according to analysts. The President's leadership and inter-party coordination are key to advancing legislation.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has called on Filipinos to help defend the nation's maritime rights and interests, emphasizing a peaceful assertion of claims under international law. He highlighted the importance of educating the youth and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in governance amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts heavy monsoon rains in western parts of the country over the next four days. The ongoing monsoon and tropical cyclones have already caused 33 deaths and affected 8.8 million people, with significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Senator Panfilo Lacson claims over P3.7 billion in infrastructure projects linked to alleged illegal reclamation along Laguna Lake in Taguig City may have been wasted. The projects, handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways, include flood control and multi-purpose initiatives, some of which are suspended due to plan revisions. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, however, defends the reclamation area's development potential.
A Philippine senator has called for the government to expedite the repair of agricultural infrastructure damaged by recent typhoons. He expressed concern over the impact on food supply and urged the swift utilization of funds, with reported damages exceeding P2.32 billion.
The Supreme Courts of the Philippines and Brunei have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance judicial training collaboration, addressing emerging legal issues like AI, cybercrime, and climate-related disputes. The partnership aims to strengthen judicial systems through expertise exchange and joint training programs.
The Philippine Presidential Palace condemned the theft of critical components from Metro Manila's pumping stations, warning of legal action against perpetrators. This act jeopardizes flood mitigation efforts, potentially worsening the impact of heavy rains on public safety and property.
The Presidential Palace defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s honorary Doctor of Laws degree, clarifying that such awards recognize significant contributions, not traditional academic study. Officials highlighted his efforts in national issues, including defending Philippine interests.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has handed over the Imus retarding basin to the provincial government of Cavite, a crucial project aimed at mitigating severe flooding in the region. The facility will temporarily store floodwaters during heavy rainfall, gradually releasing them to reduce flood damage.
The water level at San Roque Dam in Pangasinan breached its spilling level on Monday, but the National Power Corp. (NPC) stated all spillway gates remain closed with no plans to open them. Dam managers are closely monitoring the rising water and inflow.
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division has dispatched two additional units to bolster security for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on September 14, aiming to ensure a safe and credible electoral process.
Oil companies in the Philippines are set to implement price reductions for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene starting September 1. Diesel is expected to see a substantial rollback of around P3.80 per liter. Conversely, LPG prices are anticipated to increase by approximately P3 per kilogram due to rising shipping costs and a weaker peso.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has proposed geofencing approximately 3 million hectares of agricultural land to prevent conversion into solar farm sites, prioritizing food security. In collaboration with the Department of Energy, the initiative aims to balance food and energy security.
The Philippine Guarantee Corp. (Philguarantee) aims to support an additional 10,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) this year through its loan guarantee program, with growth expected to mirror that of partner banks' MSME lending.
The Philippine government achieved a budget utilization rate of 94.6% by the end of July, surpassing last year's pace. This indicates that P2.956 trillion of the P3.126 trillion allocated to the national government, local government units, and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) was utilized.
The Philippines' agricultural producer price index (PPI) declined in Q2 due to favorable weather boosting supply. However, recent typhoons raise concerns of reduced production and higher food inflation in Q3 onwards, prompting calls for government intervention.
In August, the Philippines saw the spread of misinformation including out-of-context quotes regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, scams about government subsidies, and false claims about the International Criminal Court. Experts are clarifying the truth and urging caution.
An aspiring youth leader in Biñan City, Laguna, is facing criticism for branding rescue boats used for flood relief with her name and photo, an act deemed 'epal' or self-promotion. The Department of Interior and Local Government has previously issued directives against such practices.
The Philippines' Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) warns that persistent food inflation and shrinking agricultural land are jeopardizing food security, urging Congress to pass long-delayed national land use legislation.
Filipina entrepreneur Carmel Limcaoco co-founded Kita, an AI platform revolutionizing loan processing. By deciphering complex and informal financial documents, Kita aims to alleviate backlogs for lenders and expand credit access, particularly for those outside traditional banking.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts that southwest monsoon rains will affect parts of Luzon and Western Visayas on Wednesday. Thunderstorms and localized flooding are possible in some areas.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in 106 barangays due to continuous heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, urging local governments to prepare for possible evacuations.
During the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta's repetitive 'canned answers' have frustrated court officials. Prosecutors question the credibility of her testimony, with some criticizing it as 'blind loyalty.'
The Philippines is intensifying preparations for the monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility through a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) involving government agencies and local units, with a focus on warning residents in vulnerable areas.
A newly constructed eight-classroom building at Rawis Integrated School in Legazpi City is set to eliminate shifting class schedules, improving the learning environment for nearly 1,000 students and staff.