Data released by the central bank yesterday showed foreign borrowings approved by the BSP amounted to $14.49 billion in 2023, $4.17 billion higher than the $10.32 billion obtained in 2022 from foreign lenders./Edd Gumban MANILA, Philippines — Foreign borrowings approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) jumped by more …
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Hong Kong Tourism Board names regional director for Southeast Asia
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced the appointment of Liew Chian Jia as regional director for Southeast Asia effective Jan. 11, 2024. Liew will lead the development and implementation of HKTB’s marketing strategies in Southeast Asia. HKTB executive director Dane Cheng expressed confidence in Liew’s capability in her new …
Read More »Buses halted in Metro Vancouver as transit workers go on strike
Buses will not run Monday in Metro Vancouver as over 180 workers represented by CUPE Local 4500 walked off the job. Here’s what you need to know about the transit strike. Buses and SeaBus service will be stalled until Wednesday as part of job action by CUPE Local 4500 workers. …
Read More »Five firms keen on supplying 660 MW to Meralco for summer
Five companies participated in the pre-bid conference for Manila Electric Co.’s competitive selection process (CSP) or bidding covering its combined 660 megawatts (MW) of interim supply requirement in preparation for the expected increase in demand during the dry months. Meralco on Monday held the pre-bid conference for its 260-MW peaking …
Read More »These fast food jobs are going to robots
As companies cope with worker shortages and higher labour costs, robots are showing up behind the counter at many big fast food chains. Restaurants add automation to cut costs, boost speed. Flippy is making burgers, Chippy is cooking french fries, and Remy is serving up salads. Customers may not even …
Read More »How technology is helping municipalities crack down on illegal short-term rentals
While local governments across Canada have implemented regulation limiting short-term rentals, many owners still flout the rules — and finding those properties can be a challenge given most listings don’t include an address. By scraping publicly available data, tech platforms dig up hard-to-find addresses. During what Orest Katolyk calls the …
Read More »Mass layoffs at Sports Illustrated cast doubt on future of storied magazine
Sports Illustrated is planning to lay off possibly all of its union-represented workers after its publisher, the Arena Group, lost its licence to produce the magazine. Parent company says magazine ‘will continue’ despite Friday’s announcement of job cuts. First published in 1954, Sports Illustrated could be characterized as a part …
Read More »Gov’t allocates over P2b to fund cancer control program
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman The Marcos administration allocated more than P2 billion for the implementation of Cancer Control Program and Cancer Assistance Fund under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Friday. “This government, under the leadership of President BBM, is advocating for …
Read More »Deficit or surplus? Alberta budget on ‘knife’s edge’ amid sluggish oil prices
Slumping oil prices are bringing some relief for drivers filling up their gas tanks this winter, but they’re also delivering a financial hit to some provinces as they prepare their next budgets — notably Alberta. If prices don’t rise, government might have to change spending plans: economist. Slumping oil prices …
Read More »PH to stay fastest-growing economy in ASEAN+3 in ’24’
The Philippines, which likely posted the highest growth among the 10 members of the so-called ASEAN+3 economic bloc in 2023, is expected to retain its status this year, according to an international organization that monitors the macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability of the region. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office …
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