NEWS & ARTICLES

The need to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical demands of the workplace has never been more urgent. As the Philippines aspires to be a competitive player in the global economy, the role of structured internship programs in shaping our future workforce...

The nation is teetering on the brink of chaos. A fragile political ecosystem is under intense strain, especially with the scrutiny surrounding the 2025 national budget, which is laden with accusations of corruption. If not addressed with urgency and precision, this may reach a point...

The tourism and hospitality sector experienced seismic shifts during and postpandemic, and this changed the way the industry works, manages resources and engages with customers and markets. These changes, accelerated by technology, societal shifts and a global pandemic, influence and reshape the expectations of visitors...

How to manage finances and where to access capital, which are critical for sustainability, are questions often asked by business owners and leaders. In an earlier article featured in a MAP column, entitled “The Journey of MSMEs: Are we there yet?,” I cited limited financing and...

When we ponder the question of whether the Masagana 99 Program was a resounding success or an abject failure, it is customary to recall the face-off in Congress between Sen. Imee Marcos and former Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. In that confrontation, the lady senator trumpeted...

Government documents often sparkle with noble ideas. For example, AmBisyon 2040, a government manifesto spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), portrays a life for Filipinos in 2040 that is matatag (resilient), maginhawa (comfortable), and panatag (peaceful). The manifesto’s 2040 goal is “a prosperous middle-class society where no one...

Enhancing strategic public procurement has been one of the main initiatives of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the Philippines. Following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12009, or New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), aimed at enhancing transparency, competition, efficiency, professionalism, accountability and...

With technology being at the forefront of all financial services being made available, which lending platform is really pro-poor, and inclusive? The days of “5-6” (a usurious lending scheme of yesteryears) seem to be numbered if technology makes borrowing money simpler and less cumbersome. These days,...

In a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, leadership transcends traditional paradigms. It requires adaptability, foresight and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities shaping our country’s socioeconomic landscape. As the Philippines navigates the crossroads of technological innovation, environmental sustainability, workforce transformation and geopolitical...