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BusinessMirror Editorial
Long-term solutions needed to address PHL food inflation
The Southeast Asian region is home to two of the world’s top rice-exporting countries—Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam is the Philippines’s top source of rice imports in recent years, based on official government data. Of the 3.5 million metric tons of imported rice the country bought last year, Vietnam accounted for nearly 3 MMT, according to data from the Bureau of Plant Industry. (See, “High global prices, low stock pull down PHL rice imports,” BusinessMirror, January 5, 2024).
AFFI’s certification program protects franchise investors and boosts industry growth
The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. has taken a proactive step to combat the prevalent issue of scams in the franchise industry. In response to the rising number of individuals falling victim to fraudulent franchise business models, AFFI has announced the launch of a certification program for brand owners called the Certified Franchise Practitioner (CFP). This initiative aims to educate potential franchisers and franchisees, eliminate scammers, and promote legitimate franchising practices. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Franchisers see certification tack to protect vs scammers,” April 1, 2024).
Addressing inadequate connectivity: A necessity for economic progress
Connectivity, or the lack thereof, has been a persistent issue in the Philippines for decades. As we mark 30 years since the country first connected to the Internet, it is disheartening to note that inadequate connectivity still plagues a significant portion of the population. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s recent remarks shed light on this pressing concern, emphasizing that the lack of reliable Internet access hampers economic development and perpetuates the digital divide. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Connectivity woes still bite 30 years after PHL got Internet access,” March 28, 2024).
A duty to the public: Education as the key to reducing recidivism
IN a society that values justice and aims for the betterment of its citizens, the successful rehabilitation of prisoners should be a paramount concern. It is heartening to see initiatives such as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) continuing education programs, which have provided over 19,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with valuable skills and knowledge during their incarceration. This holistic approach to rehabilitation is commendable and holds the potential to significantly reduce recidivism rates among PDLs. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “BJMP drive for continuing education to reduce recidivism gets solon’s nod,” March 27, 2024).
Tackling food insecurity: Effects on school-age children’s nutrition and academic performance
School-age children should have three meals, plus snacks between meals, every day, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Breakfast is important particularly if a child has to walk a long way to school and does not eat much at midday. FAO recommends that children must be given a snack in the mid-morning to keep their energy up for play and study.
Uncovering the threat within: Safeguarding PHL national security
The recent revelation of foreigners using Philippine passports and government-issued identification cards has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of the country’s systems. Now, a new issue has come to light, demanding urgent attention and thorough investigation: the infiltration of Chinese nationals into the Philippine Coast Guard’s Auxiliary Corps. This alarming development, dubbed “Makabagong Makapili,” must be addressed swiftly and decisively to protect the nation’s interests. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Solon eyes probe on Chinese recruits in PHL Coast Guard,” March 25, 2024).
$3.3B LNG deal: Ensuring Philippine energy security and lowering power rates
The Philippine power industry is set to undergo a significant transformation with the recent announcement of a groundbreaking liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal. Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corp. (AP), and San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) have joined forces to establish the largest integrated LNG facility in the country. This collaboration marks a crucial step towards achieving the nation’s twin goals of energy security and lower power rates. As stakeholders, experts, and consumer advocacy groups weigh in on the pros and cons of this $3.3-billion deal, it becomes clear that the benefits outweigh the concerns. (Read the BusinessMirror report: “Major leap forward in energy security,” March 23, 2024).
Embracing happiness: The Pinoy perspective
The latest Global Happiness Index (GHI) released by Gallup has shed light on the happiness levels of people across the world, and the results are heartening for Filipinos. The report reveals that the Philippines remains among the happiest nations in Southeast Asia, coming in second only to Singaporeans, who enjoy higher incomes. This news is indeed cause for celebration, as it reflects the resilience and positive outlook of the Filipino people.(Read the BusinessMirror story: “Filipinos 2nd happiest people in Asean—Gallup,” March 21, 2024).
The Philippines’ path to economic growth
President Marcos declared that the Philippines has entered “a new era for investments” during his keynote address on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Roundtable on the Philippines. With economic liberalization policies already in place, the President emphasized the government’s focus on attracting foreign investments and fostering a favorable business environment for both local and international companies. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “PHL has entered ‘new era for investments,’ Marcos tells WEF,” March 19, 2024).
Philippines misses business opportunity as chocolate takes center stage
TasteAtlas, an online food guide, released its list of top 100 deserts in the world on March 15. A cursory examination of the list shows that chocolate is a common ingredient of several of the world’s favorite desserts. Sweden’s kladdkaka, France’s soufflé au chocolat, Italy’s gianduiotto (pralines), and the United States’ brownies are some of the chocolate-containing desserts that made it to the TasteAtlast list.
UNDP exposes growingdivide among nations,urges global solidarity
The United Nations Development Program’s recent warning about the drifting apart of nations in terms of development should serve as a wake-up call to the world. While some countries are bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic, the poorest nations are being left behind, with their conditions deteriorating further. This alarming trend not only highlights the urgent need for global solidarity, but it also exposes the deep-rooted inequalities and concentration of economic wealth that plague our world today. (Read the story in BusinessMirror, “Growing inequalities and deteriorating conditions: UN warns of drifting apart in global development,” March 16, 2024).
Captain’s Peak Resort closure sparks debate on responsible tourism
The recent closure of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Bohol, nestled amidst the iconic Chocolate Hills, has sparked a significant debate about the importance of environmental protection and responsible tourism. The resort’s closure, due to the revocation of its business permit by the Sagbayan municipal government, highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to safeguard our natural treasures. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Controversial resort within Chocolate Hills now closed,” March 15, 2024).
PCSO must give public iron-clad assurance of full transparency
THE recent revelation by Senator Raffy Tulfo about two bettors winning the lottery an astonishing 10 to 20 times in just one month has left the public questioning the integrity of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) games. The claim is nothing short of extraordinary and demands a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and fairness.
PHL should remain vigilant amid global bird flu outbreaks
Winter is a bane for tropical countries like the Philippines where there are only two seasons—wet and dry. Of the four seasons in North American and European countries, winter can be both mesmerizing and dangerous. It is fascinating because the coldest season can create the most beautiful landscapes that can warm the hearts, but the falling snow can also signal danger.
Alarming drop: Over a million women exit workforce in January
The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals a concerning trend: over a million women left the workforce in January. This significant decline in female labor force participation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and employers to address the underlying factors contributing to this alarming development. (Read the BusinessMirror report, “PSA: Over 1-M women left workforce in January as holiday spending wanes,” March 9, 2024).