THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to hire one million Filipinos in the next two years to work in its hospitality, construction, and information and technology sectors. This week, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople is meeting with a delegation from the kingdom to discuss what looms as a massive manpower …
Read More »Editorial
‘One-Town One-Product’ will empower the local economy
There can be no true and realistic post-pandemic recovery if our local economy is still being weighed down by the prolonged effect of the three-year global health crisis. All efforts must be in line to push the economy first, especially in the countryside where towns are located and where a …
Read More »A good result from govt energy saving program
The GEMP is overseen by the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) created by Republic Act 11285, or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act,” which took effect in late 2019. Under RA 11285, the government has a target of reducing its total electricity and fuel consumption by at least …
Read More »ARTA’s efforts to promote ease of doing business, efficient public service spur economic progress
In 2018, Congress passed Republic Act No. 11032, An Act Promoting the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services. The law amended Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise known as the Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007. The enactment of these laws demonstrates the government’s determination to remove long-standing …
Read More »Trade pact with EU is vital for PH growth
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently called for a resumption of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, and it is encouraging that support for the idea has been virtually unanimous. The Philippines already enjoys substantial trade privileges with the 27-member EU, but with the expiration of …
Read More »There is urgency in having a national land use policy
“Terribly important” — these were the words of the President when he described the urgency of having a national land use policy. This he emphasized in a speech at the inauguration of Pier 88 in Liloan, Cebu, on May 27, 2023. “Allow me to reiterate the urgency of enacting a …
Read More »ADB, World Bank and Fitch Ratings commend PH’s stable economy
Three international institutions extended support and commendation to the Philippines over the past week. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a $4-billion grant during President Marcos’ visit to its headquarters. The grant covers major infrastructure projects such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, the Davao Public Market Modernization Project, and …
Read More »Buoys part of a chess game in South China Sea
EARLY this month, the Philippine Coast Guard planted navigational buoys emblazoned with the national flag in the waters around five islands and reefs inside of the country’s exclusive economic zone or EEZ. The Coast Guard said the deployment of the buoys “highlights the Philippines’ unwavering resolve to protect its maritime …
Read More »Unfurling our fervor and love for the country on National Flag Day
Today, May 28, marks the beginning of a significant commemoration known as National Flag Day — a day that holds profound meaning in our national identity and collective consciousness as a nation. It is a day when we reflect the historical importance of our flag and the values it represents. …
Read More »Super majority in Congress should be more productive
POLITICAL allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have a supermajority in Congress, and yet they have missed an opportunity to pass many of his priority bills. At his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) nearly a year ago, the President presented a lengthy list of bills needed to recover …
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