FROM THE MARGINS The world is increasingly becoming digital. Many of our kababayans now buy and sell goods online. People take online classes, track their exercise regimen on FitBit, and use Facebook to keep in touch. More are choosing tablets over news print, and Viber over phone lines. The...
FROM THE MARGINS Microfinance – previously known as microcredit — had a simple premise: giving small loans to the poor would help their microenterprises, which would lift them out of poverty. When they pay back the loan, the money can be lent to other borrowers, improving the lives of more...
FROM THE MARGINS Once touted as something of a miracle cure for global poverty, microfinance used to be a high-profile and generously-funded development intervention. In recent years, however, support for the sector has dwindled, with development finance institutions moving on to new disruptive...
FROM THE MARGINS Hungry stomachs do not wait. Thus, it is not surprising that economic-related issues topped the latest Pulse Asia survey on the most urgent concerns that people want the new administration to prioritize. Though not definitive, this nationwide survey provides the government a useful...
FROM THE MARGINS Today, three weeks after he assumed office, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the opening session of the 19th Congress. Like many of our kababayans, I wait with bated breath as he outlines the key policies and priorities of...
FROM THE MARGINS JAIME ARISTOTLE B. ALIP, PHD Putting agriculture at the forefront of our development agenda is a good move on the part of President Marcos. His assumption of the post of Agriculture Secretary is an affirmation of the promise made during his presidential campaign to lower the price...
