The Philippines is on the verge of expanding its free trade agreement portfolio to 20, with negotiations ongoing with the European Union, Canada, and Chile, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced Saturday, as the Marcos administration pushes to open new markets for Filipino exporters. Roque said the country currently has 17 active FTAs, with three more set to be concluded this year and…
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched five simultaneous loan programs totaling P13 billion aimed at helping overseas Filipino workers, women entrepreneurs, exporters, small businesses, and transport operators, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced Saturday, April 18. Roque said the five funds — the OFW Negosyo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, Business Expansion Fund, MSME Business Fund, and E-Transport Loan — are…
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended its price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities through May 10, 2026, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced, as the government continues weekly negotiations with manufacturers and retailers to keep shelves affordable amid rising global oil prices. Roque said DTI is monitoring 205 stock-keeping units — covering essential food and household products available…
The Philippines could dramatically reduce its electricity costs by shifting to nuclear power, with fuel imports for a 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant costing only $20 million a year compared to $400 million for an equivalent coal or gas facility, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco said Saturday. “Twenty times cheaper,” Cojuangco, chairman of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, said in an interview on…
With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience. The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up. About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what…
The Laguna Lake is fast deteriorating into the country’s “biggest septic tank,” Biñan City Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. warned on Saturday, August 2. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday, Rep. Dimaguila urged the Marcos Jr. administration to take urgent and science-based action to rehabilitate the vital water body affecting millions across Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. “Magkakaroon na…
The Iran war is showing why the Philippines can’t afford to neglect its farmers
A war thousands of kilometers away is beginning to ripple through something as basic as the Filipino dining table. The conflict involving Iran has pushed oil prices higher, disrupted key shipping routes, and strained global supply chains—especially for fertilizer, a critical input for food production. Farmers are already feeling the pressure. Fertilizer prices have surged by as much as 30% to 40%,…