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The Philippines remains a net lender of resources on the global stage rather than as net borrower based on the country's international investment position (IIP). 

The latest quarterly update of the Oxford English Dictionary has added several Filipino words, including gigil, lumpia, Pinoy, and eight others, to its list of "untranslatable words." The OED defines these words as those that have been lexicalized in one language but not in others, making them particularly intriguing.

The long-held retail belief in the Philippines that "bigger is better" is being reshaped as consumers increasingly seek speed, convenience, and accessibility in their shopping experiences. Small-format stores, including neighborhood supermarkets, mini-marts, and convenience stores, have become key players in meeting these demands.

The National Food Authority (NFA), a government agency under the Department of Agriculture, made significant strides in 2024, achieving its highest rice buffer stocks in years, improving its operations, and significantly reducing its deficit despite facing challenges stemming from a leadership change and an ongoing Ombudsman investigation.

The online retailing platform Lazada recently turned 13 and Context.ph sat down with Alvin Ching who heads its Philippine selling operations. This interview is conducted against a background of consumption activities across the country averaging P2.48 trillion from 2000 until 2024, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Consumption hit a record high of P4.62 trillion in the fourth quarter last year alone, based on the same data set.