Day: September 18, 2025

Manila: Digital finance platform Atome and Philippine digital bank Maya Bank have entered into a PHP2.75 billion loan channeling partnership aimed at expanding access to credit for Filipinos. The collaboration is designed to offer flexible payment options to underserved customers, fostering financial confidence and resilience. According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership, which was signed on September 3, seeks to provide responsible, risk-managed, and transparent payment solutions. Maya Bank emphasized the initiative’s focus on empowering creditworthy Filipinos by granting them greater access to responsible financing options. Christian Quiros, President and Country General Manager of Atome Philippines, expressed honor in partnering

Makati city: The Philippines is prepared for a transformation that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) in pursuit of national development and a better quality of life for Filipinos, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Thursday. In his keynote address at the 11th Annual Public Policy Conference of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Balisacan highlighted the country’s digital transformation efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, Balisacan noted the growth of the country’s digital economy, which expanded to PHP2.1 trillion in 2024 from PHP1.6 trillion in 2018. The Philippines also rose to 56th place in the

Manila: A contractor on Thursday admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he paid ‘standard operating procedure’ kickbacks of 10 to 25 percent to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in exchange for flood control projects in Quezon City. Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, owner of St. Gerrard Construction, initially invoked his right against self-incrimination when pressed by Senator Risa Hontiveros to present ledgers of transactions. However, under persistent questioning, he confirmed that his company made the payments in cash once projects were awarded. According to Philippines News Agency, Discaya revealed that the money was usually withdrawn in bulk

Manila: Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Governor Dax Cua has urged his fellow local leaders to use the Special Education Fund (SEF) to help ease the plight of teachers in their respective communities. Cua made this call as the country commemorates National Teachers’ Month this September. He said SEF is a ‘powerful tool’ to provide ‘timely interventions that could benefit our overworked and underpaid school teachers.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Cua emphasized that using the SEF creatively and intelligently could lead to programs offering much-needed relief and aid to teachers. He suggested that

Manila: Scientists have uncovered what are believed to be the world’s oldest known mummies in Southeast Asia, dating back as far as 12,000 years, according to new research on Monday. The study, published in the journal PNAS, indicates that researchers found human remains buried in crouched or squatting positions, some with cut and burn marks, at archaeological sites across China and Vietnam, with smaller numbers located in the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to Philippines News Agency, the remains discovered in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia were preserved through prolonged exposure to low heat, despite lacking visible signs typically