FROM THE MARGINS The Philippines’ financial inclusion efforts received a much-needed boost with the recent visit of H.M. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development, she met with President Ferdinand...
FROM THE MARGINS Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), often called “Bagong Bayani,” are modern-day heroes who sacrifice for their families and boost the Philippine economy through the remittances they send back home. Their contributions to our economic growth were never clearer to me than when I...
FROM THE MARGINS The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported last week that El Niño’s damage to agriculture has reached P6.35 billion. The prolonged dry spell is also drying up reservoirs, making communities struggle to meet basic water needs. El Niño has also disrupted schools and...
FROM THE MARGINS Kudos to the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) for commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards through knowledge exchanges in key cities of Asia. This is a very effective way to popularize the Magsaysay awardees’ good works and promote...
FROM THE MARGINS And just like that, May is here. When I was young, I remember that old folks called the first rainfall of May “Agua de Mayo” (waters of May), which is supposed to have healing properties. Amidst the sweltering heat that we are all experiencing, I really wish for that...
FROM THE MARGINS My wife and I celebrated our birthdays recently. At our advanced age, there is no greater gift than a loving family, so the special time spent with our children and grandchildren is one we will always cherish. I am grateful. I am living a full life, blessed with family, good...
FROM THE MARGINS Palawan, a favorite travel destination, consistently ranks as one of the best islands in the world. Just recently, TripAdvisor described Palawan as “a slice of heaven,” naming it one of the world’s most trending destinations in its Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024....
FROM THE MARGINS Even as El Niño continues to affect many parts of the country, last week, the Department of Agriculture (DA) projected a 1.1 percent increase in rice production this first quarter. This is reassuring, especially in the face of rising inflation that, according to the...
FROM THE MARGINS This week, we will celebrate a double holiday in the Philippines. Tomorrow is Araw ng Kagitingan, which commemorates the valor and heroism of Filipino veterans. On Wednesday, our Muslim brothers and sisters will celebrate Eid-al Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. I was on...
FROM THE MARGINS I am grateful for every day, but especially this day after Easter, which is all about hope and renewal. Today is not just the start of a new week; it is also the first day of a new month, April. Meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection leads us on a journey...
FROM THE MARGINS The Philippine model of microinsurance mutual benefit association (Mi-MBA) is quite unique, providing the poor not only access to risk protection, but opportunities to own and manage their microinsurance organizations. Apart from the social and economic benefits,...
FROM THE MARGINS March is a time to celebrate women. March 8 is International Women's Day, a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is a call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to actively contribute to the ongoing pursuit to...
