Day: February 25, 2025

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting to double the Philippines’ halal trade revenues to almost PHP16 billion by 2025, following the success of the “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign in 2024. This ambitious goal is set to capitalize on the PHP7.9 billion generated from participating in various international expositions in the previous year. According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Program Manager for Industry Development and Investments Promotions Group, Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, shared these plans during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. Guiapal revealed that to achieve this target, the DTI plans to expand its reach into the United

Baguio City: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is strengthening its partnership and advocacy programs with other government agencies and sectors to provide a holistic solution to child labor. Imelda Romanillos, director of the DOLE-CAR, stated in an interview on Tuesday that they recently conducted an information and service caravan for implementing measures against child labor. According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE is the lead agency in addressing the problem and achieving a child labor-free Philippines. Romanillos emphasized promoting the program and advocacy with partner agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the public.

Mandaluyong City: A security guard of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assigned inside the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Mandaluyong City was arrested in an entrapment operation on Tuesday for illegally offering expedited government services in exchange for money. According to Philippines News Agency, the DMW stated in a news release that the suspect had proposed to expedite a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) appointment and certificate for a fee of PHP35,000 per applicant. The PDOS is a mandatory and free requirement for first-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The suspect was apprehended by the Migrant Workers Operation Bureau (MWPB)

Manila: The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) hailed the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, saying this will bolster investor confidence and promote sustainable economic growth in the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, a key factor contributing to this success is the enactment of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) in July 2024. The ECCP commended the passage of AFASA, highlighting its role in strengthening the integrity of financial accounts and the overall financial system. The law empowers financial institutions to better protect client accounts and combat financial account scamming, reinforcing

Manila: Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday called for immediate solutions and improvements to the EDSA Busway to improve comfort and accessibility to its commuters. During an inspection of the EDSA Busway and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) from Ortigas to Monumento, Dizon noted the absence of clear wayfinding or location signs at stations of the busway and the MRT-3, faulty timers at bus stops, inconvenient rail stops, and broken elevators. According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon also cited the need for a stricter dispatch system at the Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and Monumento Station to ensure