In the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani, the nation 's foremost concern must be the welfare of the thousands of families whose lives have been disrupted by this devastating disaster. Beyond the tremors that rattled communities lies a more...
As millions of Filipino learners trooped back to public elementary and secondary schools yesterday, June 8, for the opening of School Year 2026-2027, the nation once again confronts a sobering reality. While access to education has expanded significantly over the decades, the quality of learning...
The state visit of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 was far more than a ceremonial exchange marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Hanoi. It represented a strategic investment in the future...
Food is more than nourishment. It is the foundation of life, health, productivity, and national development. Yet every meal carries an invisible risk when food safety is neglected. As the world observes World Food Safety Day today, June 7, we are reminded that ensuring safe food is not merely a...
The relationship between Washington and Manila has found a steady rhythm lately, anchored by shared security concerns in the Pacific and the mutual desire to keep supply chains running smoothly. But we all know that trade diplomacy rarely follows a straight line. A new issue is emerging, not from...
Today, as the world observes World Environment Day, the international community is reminded that the future of our planet depends on the choices we make now. The annual observance is a call to action, not merely a celebration of environmental awareness. In the Philippines, that call carries a...
The elevation of Philippines-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo last week marks a defining moment. As the two countries celebrate seven decades of...
At a time of great peril and uncertainty, Pope Leo XIV has issued the encyclical entitled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity) – an epistle of robust hope that seeks to invigorate Christians and Catholics in tackling present-day realities. Human dignity is the focal point of Magnifica...
The government 's investigation into alleged irregularities and questionable budget insertions in flood control projects is both necessary and long overdue. Public funds intended to protect communities from floods must be used for their intended purpose, and those responsible for any misuse...
The Philippine financial sector is entering a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to chatbots or automated customer service. Increasingly, banks and financial technology (fintech) firms are adopting AI-driven risk and identity solutions designed to verify users, prevent...
The appointment of Francis Tolentino as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) comes at a crucial moment for the Philippine labor sector. Inflation continues to erode household incomes, workers are demanding higher wages, businesses fear rising operational costs, and...
The Philippine economy enters the second half of 2026 with mixed prospects. Recent analyses by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development and forecasts made by the Institute of International Finance paint a cautiously optimistic picture. The Philippines remains among Southeast Asia’s...
