Manila Standard Business

11/09/2025

Ten companies from the Philippines makes it to Time magazine's 2025 'World's Best Companies' list.

10/09/2025

Unemployment rate in the Philippines climbed to 5.3% in July 2025.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports the country's unemployment rate climbed to 5.3% in July 2025, with 2.59 million jobless Filipinos. Learn more about the latest labor force data, including employment, underemployment, and sector-specific trends.

10/09/2025

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon uncovers 3 'ghost' flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro province.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has found three non-existent flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, prompting an investigation into officials and contractors.

10/09/2025

The Philippines ranks No. 64 out of 69 economies in 2025 Global Talent Ranking.

The Philippines has fallen to 64th in the 2025 World Talent Ranking, its fourth consecutive drop. A new report highlights how the country's low education spending is a primary factor, with poor rankings in investment, appeal, and readiness.

08/09/2025

Shaping a confident tomorrow for Filipino youth

Allianz PNB Life is strengthening its commitment to youth empowerment through the global ! Program, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas.

The initiative offers workplace visits, career coaching, and financial literacy sessions, giving young people practical experience, essential skills, and the confidence to pursue future careers. By promoting independence and resilience, Allianz mentors help prepare participants to build brighter futures.

For Allianz, ! is more than corporate social responsibility. It reflects the company’s belief that financial security and personal growth must go hand in hand. Through lessons on savings, debt management, and the importance of protection, the program equips young people with knowledge they can carry with them for life.

https://manilastandard.net/business/314639620/shaping-a-confident-tomorrow-for-filipino-youth.html

08/09/2025

Globe celebrates 10 years of GDay with bigger rewards and experiences

Globe marks the 10th year of its annual GDay celebration this September with more rewards, surprises, and meaningful experiences for customers.

“What began as a simple thank-you has grown into a nationwide movement. This GDay, we’re celebrating in ways that recognize our customers’ passions and everyday wins,” said Globe vice president and head of Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong.

Globe is rolling out GDay Pop-Up Booths in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Naga, Tuguegarao, and CDO, turning familiar spaces into hubs of promos, rewards, and giveaways. Online, the GlobeOne app will feature daily surprise gifts, vouchers, lifestyle perks, and bigger prizes.

Globe marks the 10th year of its annual GDay celebration this September with more rewards, surprises, and meaningful experiences for customers. “What

08/09/2025

Monde Nissin rolls out greener bread deliveries
Monde Nissin Corp. is putting a fresh spin on bread distribution with its Monde Fresh Express program, which pairs electric vehicle (EV) deliveries with local Filipino “salespreneurs.”

The result is fresher bread, cleaner air, and more opportunities for community entrepreneurs.
“For us, sustainability isn’t something extra on the side—it’s at the core of how we grow responsibly. With Monde Fresh Express, we’re proving growth can go hand in hand with positive impact,” said Monde Nissin CEO Henry Soesanto.

Monde Nissin Corp. is putting a fresh spin on bread distribution with its Monde Fresh Express program, which pairs electric vehicle (EV) deliveries with

08/09/2025

Study points to local health spending gaps

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has lauded a new study citing gaps in how local government units (LGUs) spend their health budgets, calling the findings a valuable tool for its campaign to maximize local resources.

The study, commissioned by the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP), found that while LGU health allocations rose by up to 5 percent, many municipalities still heavily depend on the national tax allocation, which makes up 74 percent to 95 percent of their funds.

Conducted by the Ateneo School of Government and the Ateneo Policy Center, the research reviewed LGU budget practices from 2022 to mid-2025. It found that a large portion of health budgets goes to personnel salaries, leaving fewer resources for health programs and services.

The study also cited overlapping requirements, delayed fund releases and misaligned directives as barriers to efficient spending. It recommended stronger technical support, clearer policy guidance, and closer coordination between national and local priorities.

John Basa, UCHP program director, said the results underscore the urgent need for government agencies such as the DBM, the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Local Government Finance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Health (DOH) to provide stronger support and clearer guidance to local governments.

He also stressed the crucial role of Congress in reviewing legislation to promote sustainable health spending at the LGU level.

“With improved systems and alignment, LGUs can transform their health budgets from routine expenditures into powerful investments that directly improve the well-being of their constituents,” Basa said.

Full story: https://manilastandard.net/news/314640162/study-points-to-local-health-spending-gaps.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawMrEIRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUOHpEQ1J1bTFwcGhsMWVGAR6IgsScWYoctgZMT6VC5LmxcVg0RzfCXpEqcckRK-r5XyLP2Q0sPdTiJymSfg_aem_u3DuGN3F6JiDFAimpkQREg

03/09/2025

PCAB revokes licenses of Sarah Discaya's nine construction companies.

22/08/2025

PUBLIC ADVISORY: FREE RIDES PROVIDED BY DOTr, MRT-3, LRT-1, AND LRT-2

Following the suspension of classes due to expected heavy rainfall in parts of Metro Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the implementation of free rides on the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2, starting at 12:00 PM today, August 22, 2025.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) prioritizes the safety of all passengers and aims to ensure they can get home quickly and safely.

𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐎: 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐎𝐓𝐑, 𝐌𝐑𝐓-𝟑, 𝐋𝐑𝐓-𝟏, 𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐑𝐓-𝟐

Kasunod ng suspensyon ng klase dahil sa inaasahang malakas na pag-ulan sa ilang lugar sa Metro Manila, iniutos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., na magpatupad ng libreng sakay sa MRT-3, LRT-1, at LRT-2, simula 12:00 ng tanghali ngayong araw, August 22, 2025.

Prayoridad ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga pasahero at tiyaking mabilis at ligtas silang makakauwi sa kanilang mga tahanan.

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18/08/2025

BSP to keep financial markets open on holidays, suspensions

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has revised its standard operating procedures for holidays and work suspensions, according to a memorandum issued on Aug. 12, 2025.

The BSP said it would now conduct essential operations on national and local holidays, as well as during government work suspensions.

These operations include monetary and foreign exchange (USD/PHP) transactions, preparation of the daily reference exchange rate bulletin and cash services. The peso real-time gross settlement system, PhilPaSS plus, will also operate.

Under the new rules, holidays will be considered “reserve days” where all essential operations are conducted for the full business day.

Read more at the link in the comments section.🔗

18/08/2025

PLDT Group advanced digital inclusion in first half

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., are continuing their push to bridge the digital divide, especially in underserved areas and remote communities across the Philippines.

Through ongoing investments in both network infrastructure and community programs, the PLDT group expanded digital access and empowered more than 6,400 Filipinos nationwide with new skills and opportunities.

These initiatives are part of the group’s long-standing commitment to building a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

Building on a strong network foundation, the PLDT Group uses technology-driven programs to reach marginalized sectors and create lasting change.

Read more at the link in the comments section.🔗