Category: Business

Business

From River Weed to Real Income: Ilocos Norte Weavers Turn Water Hyacinth Into Products Buyers Are Now Ordering in Bulk — What Happens Next?

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A plant often dismissed as a nuisance is becoming an unexpected source of income for families in Ilocos Norte. Members of the Cataban Water Hyacinth Weavers Association are turning water hyacinth into bags, baskets, rugs, planters, coasters and tumbler holders—transforming an abundant local material into products that can be sold in the market. The livelihood initiative was highlighted on August 13 during an exhibition and live weaving activity at the Robinsons Iloco

August 17, 2026

Business

Hired Today, Helped Tomorrow: Why Thousands of Vulnerable Ilocanos Are Racing to Qualify for DSWD’s ₱7,000 Work Grant

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Landing a job is often celebrated as the finish line, but for many low-income Filipinos, it's only the beginning of another financial struggle. From medical examinations and government clearances to uniforms, transportation, and temporary lodging, the cost of reporting for work can easily reach thousands of pesos—forcing some newly hired workers to delay or even lose employment opportunities. To bridge that gap, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

August 17, 2026

Business

PSEi at 6,297: Stocks Could Be Poised for a Breakout—But One BSP Decision May Change Everything

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine stocks are expected to move largely sideways this shortened trading week, but investors may see a slight upward bias as markets weigh the possibility that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could take a less aggressive approach to interest-rate hikes. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended last Friday at 6,297.30, gaining 0.11% week-on-week, as investors continued to assess weak economic growth, elevated inflation and the direction of monetary polic

August 17, 2026

Business

₱900,000 in Sales, 57 MSMEs: What Made Ilocos Norte’s ‘Produkto Ilocandia’ Trade Fair a Breakthrough?

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — What began as a showcase of homegrown products turned into a significant opportunity for small entrepreneurs in Ilocos Norte, with the second Produkto Ilocandia Trade Fair generating more than ₱900,000 in sales and bringing together 57 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers’ associations. Held from August 7 to 15 at the Laoag City Hall Grounds, the trade fair gave local producers a direct avenue to meet consumers, sell their products and gather feedba

August 17, 2026

Business

Mindoro Port Passengers Forced to Walk in Heavy Rain—Now, 2 Resolutions Could Change How Travelers Board Ferries

SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro — A push is underway to make one of Occidental Mindoro’s busiest sea gateways safer and more convenient after provincial lawmakers raised concerns over passengers being forced to walk long distances between the terminal and boarding area—sometimes while exposed to heavy rain. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Occidental Mindoro has approved two resolutions seeking improvements at the Abra de Ilog Port in Barangay Matabang, with the measures targeting passenger pr

August 17, 2026

Business

Mansalay’s Power Gamble: Will Mindoro’s Town Become the Island’s First Renewable Energy Municipality?

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Mansalay is being urged to take a potentially historic step toward cleaner and more affordable electricity as renewable-energy advocates push the municipality to become Mindoro’s first renewable energy town. The proposal, however, is not yet a done deal. REnew Mindoro and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) are asking the Sangguniang Bayan of Mansalay to pass an ordinance formally declaring the municipality a renewable energy town. The measur

August 17, 2026

Business

DBP Goes After Bigger Deposits as Funding Push Targets More Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is making a bigger push to attract deposits as the state-owned lender looks to strengthen its funding base and expand its capacity to finance infrastructure, businesses and other development projects across the country. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the bank has launched its “Save 2 Win” campaign as part of an aggressive deposit-generation drive targeting both individual and institutional de

August 17, 2026

Business

China Is Taking Over the Matcha Supply—But Japan Still Holds the One Advantage That Could Decide the Future

The world’s obsession with matcha has created an unexpected new rivalry: Japan’s centuries-old tea tradition versus China’s rapidly expanding production machine. What began as a global café and social-media trend has become a serious battle over supply, prices, branding and the future of one of Asia’s most recognizable tea products. In Japan’s historic tea city of Uji, Kyoto, demand for premium matcha has exploded. At Horii Shichimeien, a centuries-old tea business, some tins now sell for near

August 16, 2026

Business

Romblon’s Calatrava Port Is Now in the MIMAROPA Diamond Route Plan—But the Bigger Change May Be Coming

Calatrava Port Upgrade Moves Into Focus as MIMAROPA Pushes New Sea Connectivity Network ODIONGAN, Romblon — A major upgrade of Calatrava Port could be on the horizon as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) identifies the Romblon facility as one of seven ports targeted for development under the proposed MIMAROPA Diamond Route. The initiative is designed to strengthen maritime connections among Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, potentially creating a more integrated sea transport network

August 15, 2026

Business

No More Long Routes to Romblon? Sunlight Air’s New Clark–Tablas Flights Could Change Island Travel—Here’s Why

Sunlight Air Opens Direct Clark–Tablas Flights, Bringing Romblon Closer to Central Luzon ODIONGAN, Romblon — Romblon is becoming easier to reach by air as Sunlight Air officially launched its new direct Clark–Tablas route, giving travelers from Central Luzon and beyond a more convenient gateway to the province. The airline inaugurated the service on August 11, 2026, connecting Clark International Airport (CRK) with Tugdan Airport (TBH) on Tablas Island. The new route operates twice a week, eve

August 15, 2026