Day: September 17, 2025

Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) unveiled on Wednesday major pension reforms and digital innovations. During the recent ceremonial launch of the Social Security System (SSS) Pension Reform Program, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed both GSIS and SSS to safeguard members’ trust, invest wisely, and make services accessible not only through digital platforms but also in remote communities. According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS officer in charge Juliet Bautista stated that the agency acted on these directives by removing the survivorship pension cap, allowing surviving spouses to receive the full 50 percent of their partner’s pension. The GSIS

Manila: The Philippines secured the 50th spot in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), up three notches from last year’s ranking. According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release on Wednesday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the country’s upward ranking “underscores the growing role of science, technology, and innovation in shaping the country’s economic and social future, with DOST at the forefront of this transformation.” The Philippines was 59th in the 2022 GII, and 56th in 2023. The GII, produced annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) together with global knowledge partners, ranks over 139

Manila: The Philippines is aiming to broaden its collaborative efforts with Vietnam in key areas such as cybersecurity, digital infrastructure development, and renewable energy. At the Vietnam National Day reception held recently in Manila, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega highlighted the strengthening relationship between Manila and Hanoi, particularly since the elevation of their strategic partnership. According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon-De Vega expressed optimism about future cooperation in renewable and green energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of pursuing greater collaboration in safeguarding the cyber landscape and enhancing digital infrastructure. She pointed out that the introduction of VinFast cars

Cotabato city: The head of the Bangsamoro region has welcomed the Supreme Court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, assuring that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) transition government will submit its comments. According to Philippines News Agency, Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua stressed that BAA 77 remains a valid enactment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament and will enjoy a presumption of regularity until the Court renders its final judgment. ‘In full compliance with the Court’s directive, the Bangsamoro Government will be filing its comment within the prescribed non-extendible period,’

Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday urged the private sector to take a more active role in supporting rural development, food security, and the empowerment of farmers and fisherfolk. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan emphasized that the government must ensure a conducive environment where the private sector would be inspired to support these areas. As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, he called on officials of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries to develop strategies and policies that would advance the growth of the country’s agriculture sector. Pangilinan highlighted the importance of