Day: July 16, 2025

Manila: Tourism-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) may now avail of loans of up to PHP20 million through the Turismo Asenso multipurpose loan program under the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Wednesday. The DOT said the program aims to empower tourism MSMEs by providing access to low-interest financing to help scale up operations and enhance services for visitors. According to Philippines News Agency, the program was launched following the formal signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DOT and the Department of Trade and Industry last April. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the

Manila: A labor group has welcomed the upcoming PHP50 wage increase for minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) to be effective on Friday, July 18. According to Philippines News Agency, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) supported the wage adjustment, approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-NCR through Wage Order No. 26, issued on June 30. It noted that ‘PHP50 x 26 day = PHP1,300.00 is expected to be added to a worker’s income effective July 18, 2025.’ The FFW acknowledged that while the increase is insufficient to fully meet the needs of workers

Manila: AirAsia Philippines has ramped up flights between Manila and Taipei this month amid growing demand, the airline announced on Wednesday. Weekly flights have increased from 14 to 17 since July 1. According to Philippines News Agency, for the first half of 2025, the airline flew more than 70,000 passengers to Taipei, and an increase is expected with Taiwan’s extension of visa-free entry for Filipinos. The airline also recorded an average load factor of 85 percent for its Taipei route, underscoring the consistent interest of travelers to this destination. In a statement, AirAsia Philippines president Suresh Bangah said the increase

Manila: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be able to enjoy free rides on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) from July 17 to 23 as part of the celebration of National Disability Rights Week. The MRT-3 announced this initiative in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting a commitment to making transportation more accessible for PWDs. According to Philippines News Agency, the MRT-3 stated that the free rides will be available during the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the designated week. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to

Davao city: Homegrown talent AJ Wacan shot a final round 71 to rule the boys’ 15-18 division in the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City on Wednesday. Wacan finished with a one-over 217 total over 54 holes, beating fellow Davaoe±o Adrian Bisera, who carded a 74 for a 218 total. Three-leg winner Alexis Nailga had an 80 to settle for third at 231, while David Teves shot a 75 for fourth with a 232. According to Philippines News Agency, AJ’s cousin, Merry Rose Wacan, also triumphed in the girls division after beating