NEWS & ARTICLES

Historically celebrated for its remarkable beauty and biodiversity, the Philippines’ archipelagic geography has emerged as a critical economic challenge. Today, logistics costs consume an alarming 27.5% of the country’s GDP—the highest among ASEAN nations—significantly hindering economic growth, inflating consumer prices, and weakening global competitiveness. In...

(First of two parts) In today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving global landscape, industries, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and fintech, are redefining the future of work. These sectors, characterized by swift technological advancements and innovative practices, are key to...

A few weeks ago, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 818 declaring May as Ease of Doing Business Month. Although primarily ceremonial, the move strategically emphasizes streamlining bureaucracy and promoting transparency in public service. By further empowering the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), this...

The Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge 2024 The past weeks have been a vibrant journey across the country, immersing us in the groundbreaking work of agri-aqua innovators. This exploration is at the heart of the Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge, a dynamic initiative spearheaded by the Department of Science...

2nd of 2 Parts Miseducation: cross-generation LLL emergencies          The various miseducation crises of the Philippines published in EDCOM II’s first two year reports are forms of social cancer that spread insidiously across the body politic in different people, places and time. They must be...

One of the critical factors where economists attribute the fast growth of the Philippine economy is because we have been cashing on our demographic dividend. This occurs when there is higher proportion of working people in the total population with the potential to be productive...

1st of 2 Parts Enhancing national competitiveness and social equity through experiential education is recognized in the Philippines by EDCOM II, the body tasked with examining the foundational reforms needed by the country’s entire training system – formal, informal, or non-formal. Experiential or real life...

As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is timely to reflect on the role of mentorship and networking in empowering women and advancing their economic potential. Mentorship is often viewed simply as a tool for sharing advice and wisdom, but when done right, it can be ...

Back almost 15 years ago, I engaged with WeConnect International and had a dream to go global with coffee. I met Elizabeth Vazquez, founding trustee, who brought many American companies to the task of procuring from WOEs, or Women-owned enterprises. In Chongqing, China, we were...