ECCP at Work

Marcos assures ODA donors of H2 focus on education; vows ‘no centavo wasted’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured foreign aid donors that education will be a top priority for the second half of his term, ordering key departments to fast-track the construction of thousands of classrooms while vowing that “not a single centavo” of public funds will be wasted.

ED Council OKs adjustments in US-backed development agreements

The Economy and Development Council (ED Council), chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved on Oct. 2 the increase in cost, implementation extensions, and grant validity period extensions for four US Government Assisted Development Objective Agreements (DOAgs).

Bam asks DTI to review ‘Trustmark’ rule

SEN. Bam Aquino is asking the DTI to review and reconsider the mandatory “Trustmark” requirement for online traders, calling it an unnecessary burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Philippines eyes 1-month rice import window in January 2026

THE PHILIPPINES will implement a one-month rice import window in January and reimpose a ban on imports from February to April, as the government seeks to support the prices of rough rice in the 2026 harvest season.

‘PHL gig economy fails to meet decent work metrics’

DESPITE the rapid growth of ride-hailing and delivery platforms in the country, its gig economy continues to fall short of even the most basic standards of decent work, according to a new Fairwork Philippines report.

DOST unveils e-ferry system

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the development of an electric passenger ferry, which aims to provide a cleaner and more efficient transport option for Metro Manila commuters.

Rice farmers to get P7,000 aid

At least one million rice farmers will get P7,000 each next year as earmarked by the Marcos administration in the P6.973-trillion national budget for 2026, Speaker Faustino Dy III said yesterday.

Foreign funds step up purchase of Philippine bonds

Foreign investors continue to ramp up purchases of Philippine government bonds, reaching more than P700 billion so far this year, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Drones seen playing key role in rice farming digitalization

THE Philippine Rice Research Institute said it is expanding its Scaling, Modern, and Adaptive Rice Technologies for Better Rice-Farming Communities (SMART Farm) to use drones to seed and fertilize rice fields.

DOH probing 400 ‘ghost’ health centers, anomalies with MAIP

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said that they are already investigating the alleged anomalies involving the so -called 400 “ghost” health centers and irregularities in the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), also known as MAIP.

Banana vinegar processing plant built for Cotabato planters

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned over a P500,000 Banana Vinegar Processing Plant to the New Leon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NLMPC) in Barangay New Leon, Aleosan, Catabato.

SEC eyes improved REIT regulations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to issue enhanced rules for real estate investment trust (REIT) to boost participation in the space.

SEC chairperson Francis Lim said the revised rules for Republic Act 9856, or the REIT Act of 2009, are currently “a work in progress.”

Philippines to pursue updated deal with Japan for banana exports

The Philippines is ready to pursue an update to its trade deal with Japan to expand banana exports, signaling the government’s intention to secure better market access for one of the country’s top agricultural commodities.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said last week that the government is preparing a trade proposal to offer Tokyo as part of efforts to expand shipments of the tropical fruit to Asia’s second-largest economy.

Philippines set to benefit as IFC invests $25M in infra fund

The Philippines is expected to benefit from a $25-million investment from the International Finance Corp. (IFC).