Category: Business

Asia

SSS LoanLite Coming to Davao: Qualified Members May Access Digital Loans Up to ₱20,000

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) is preparing to bring its new digital micro-loan program, SSS LoanLite, closer to members in the Davao Region, offering qualified Filipinos access to short-term loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000. But as the government expands the program, SSS officials are also sounding the alarm over a growing danger: fake online lenders and fraudulent loan offers targeting unsuspecting borrowers. The new facility is designed to give eligible SSS m

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Asia

Davao del Norte Posts Highest LPG Prices in Region Despite September Rollback

DAVAO REGION, Philippines — A small September price rollback has offered some relief to households, but consumers in Davao del Norte are still paying the highest average prices for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the region. Latest monitoring by the Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office showed that Davao del Norte recorded an average price of ₱1,379.50 for an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder, the highest among the five provinces in the Davao Region. The figures come despite a ₱0.

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Business

‘Lost’ for Over 110 Years: Critically Endangered Rattan Rediscovered in Davao de Oro

DAVAO DE ORO, Philippines — A critically endangered Philippine plant believed to have vanished from scientific records for more than a century has been found alive in the forests of Mindanao. Researchers have rediscovered Calamus vinosus, a rare native rattan species that had not been documented in the wild for more than 110 years, during a biodiversity expedition in the Mt. Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro. The discovery is being described as a major moment for Philippine biodiversi

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Business

Carcar’s Shoe Industry Is Fading — But Cebu’s Shoemakers Refuse to Let the Tradition Die

CARCAR CITY, CEBU — For generations, the sound of leather being cut, stitched and shaped into shoes was part of everyday life in Carcar City. The Cebuano city built a reputation as one of the country's traditional shoemaking centers, with skilled craftsmen producing handmade footwear that found buyers far beyond their hometown. Today, however, that once-thriving industry is fighting for survival. Cheap imported footwear, rising production costs, changing consumer habits and the growth of onli

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Business

‘Flash’ Strikes Again: Renan Noblefranca Stops Jhan Villegas in Explosive CFC Main Event

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Renan “Flash” Noblefranca reminded Cebu's fight community why he remains one of the Philippines' most dangerous strikers after stopping 2024 Muay Thai national gold medalist Jhan Villegas in the third round of the Cebu Fighting Championship's “Return of the Warriors” event on Saturday, Sept. 5. Noblefranca ended the kickboxing main event at the 2:03 mark of the third round, connecting with a straight back kick to Villegas' midsection that left the younger fighter in vis

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Asia

LTO 7 Warns Vehicle Dealers: Delayed Plate Releases Could Mean Fines Up to P1 Million

CEBU CITY — Motor vehicle dealers in Central Visayas are being put on notice: delaying the release of license plates to vehicle owners could result in fines, suspension or even cancellation of their accreditation. The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) issued the warning after receiving numerous reports involving delays in the release of plates for newly registered vehicles. In a memorandum dated Sept. 1, 2026, LTO 7 reminded accredited motor vehicle dealers that license pla

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Asia

Davao City Offers Free Physical Therapy to Stroke Patients, Including Home Visits for Bedridden Survivors

DAVAO CITY — Stroke survivors in Davao City now have access to free community-based physical therapy, including house-to-house rehabilitation support for patients who are bedridden and unable to easily travel to a healthcare facility. The program is being implemented by the Davao City Health Office (CHO) as part of an effort to help stroke survivors regain mobility, improve motor functions and receive continuing support after a stroke. City health personnel also work with families to teach the

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Asia

EM Services Manager, Maintenance Firm Director Charged Over Alleged S$50,000 Bribe Linked to Town Council Contract

SINGAPORE — A former senior project manager of estate management firm EM Services and a maintenance company director have been charged in Singapore over an alleged S$50,000 bribe connected to a repairs and redecoration contract involving West Coast Town Council. Ng Yin Hong, 56, and Ng Choon Mong, 61, appeared in court on Sept. 7, 2026, facing separate corruption charges under Singapore's Prevention of Corruption Act. Ng Yin Hong, who was a senior project manager at EM Services when the allege

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Asia

Need a Mid-Week Break? KINEX Offers Food, Beauty Deals and a Chance to Win a S$2,300 Staycation

SINGAPORE — Feeling the mid-week slump? KINEX is giving shoppers another reason to step away from the usual work-and-home routine, with a series of dining, beauty, family and shopping promotions running from Sept. 7 to Nov. 8, 2026. Located less than a 10-minute walk from Paya Lebar MRT Station, the mall is promoting a mix of activities designed to turn an ordinary weekday into a quick family outing or personal reset. The campaign also comes with a bigger incentive: qualifying shoppers can col

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Asia

“Good Morning, 10 Cents”: Singapore Man Turns Discarded Bottles and Cans Into Nearly $80 Through Recycling

SINGAPORE — What many people leave behind as rubbish has become a small source of extra income for one Singapore man, who says he collected almost $80 worth of refundable bottles and cans through the country's new Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS). The man, who uses the TikTok account johnsaudio, shared a video on Saturday, Sept. 5, showing himself feeding large numbers of empty beverage containers into a BCRS return machine in Tampines. Several large bags filled with bottles and cans co

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