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UN backs new map to correct global size distortion

The world could soon look different in classrooms, newsrooms, and digital platforms after the United Nations backed a push to replace the familiar Mercator map with projections that more accurately show the relative size of countries and continents.

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Vivant Water sees 2026 as launchpad for bigger growth 

Vivant Water is treating 2026 as a pivotal year as it moves from building its presence across the water industry to scaling operations, investments, and its project pipeline.

Agriculture

ACPC speeds zero-interest loans for flood affected farmers and fishers

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) is simplifying access to emergency financing for farmers and fisherfolk hit by recent flooding, offering zero-interest, collateral-free loans that could be credited on the day of approval.

Corporate

Maya earns multiple HR Excellence Awards for third straight year

Maya, the country’s leading digital financial services platform, has been recognized at the 2026 HR Excellence Awards Philippines for the third consecutive year, securing a Silver Award for Excellence in Performance Management Evolution and a Bronze Award for Excellence in HR Technology Use. Competing among 64 firms at the Grand Hyatt Manila ceremony, Maya also reached finalist status in five additional categories: Employee Engagement, Employer Branding, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Management.

Banking & Insurance

Cool-down in August inflation offers brief respite, not policy pivot – analyst 

The slight cooling of headline inflation to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July provides a welcome breathing room, but it remains far from a signal for the central bank to ease its stance. Lower meat and vegetable prices helped pull down overall food inflation, though the decline was largely muted by accelerating rice costs and expensive transport amid persistent global oil strength. According to Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr., this temporary easing is unlikely to alter the trajectory of monetary policy. He says that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely stay on a tightening path, potentially raising the policy rate by 25 basis points in each of its final two meetings this year to hit 5.50 percent.
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Markets

Global gold demand hits record US$193-B in 1Q 2026; EastWest delivers expert insight under new partnership

Global gold demand stayed resilient amid market volatility, reflecting strong long-term investor confidence in the metal as a reliable way to preserve wealth. In the first quarter of 2026, total global demand hit 1,231 tons - valued at a record US$193 billion. This strength held even though gold prices dropped 15.4 percent in the second quarter, driven by expectations of higher interest rates.

Travel

TPB urges MICE industry to turn opportunities into gains

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is urging the local meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry to turn growing opportunities for business events into actual bookings and broader economic gains as competition across the region intensifies.
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Energy

Meralco’s anti-pilferage campaign gains support from scrap industry association

Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has gained support from the Scrap Collectors and Recyclers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SCRAP) for its anti- pilferage campaign, as the industry group expressed intent to help prevent stolen utility materials from entering the scrap market.

Transport & Communications

Toyota, Lexus extend ASEAN 2026 mobility partnership

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is using the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit to showcase Lexus hybrid vehicles while extending a mobility partnership that puts its, premium brand at the center of official transport for visiting leaders.
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Property

ALI shifts from mall reinvestment to maximizing upgraded assets

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is moving into a more earnings-focused phase of its mall strategy, seeking to extract stronger returns from flagship properties after a major reinvestment cycle while selectively expanding its retail footprint.

Environment

Rescued pangolin safely turned over to wildlife authorities for rehabilitation

A Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis), one of the country’s most threatened mammals, was safely handed over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) on September 3, 2026, following its discovery by a resident in Barangay Galicia 3, Mendez, Cav
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Technology

LG highlights AI, energy efficiency and space design in new appliances at IFA 2026

As European consumers prioritize space-saving, energy-efficient and easy-to-use home products amid changing lifestyles, LG Electronics is showcasing seven advanced appliances at IFA 2026. The lineup demonstrates how AI, smart energy use and space-conscious design address key purchasing needs for modern, often limited living areas.

Health & Science

UN backs new map to correct global size distortion

The world could soon look different in classrooms, newsrooms, and digital platforms after the United Nations backed a push to replace the familiar Mercator map with projections that more accurately show the relative size of countries and continents.
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Opinion

No story is worth a reporter’s life

It was drilled into generations of journalists that no story is worth your life. Tell the story. Do not become the story.

Senate finally remembers it is an impeachment court

Eight weeks into the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate impeachment court has rediscovered a useful legal principle. People involved in a trial should probably stop trying the case everywhere except the courtroom.

Philippine poverty is falling, no time for victory laps

Poverty is not just an empty wallet. It can be a family scrambling to keep a child in school, relatives walking farther to fetch clean water, or a household wrestling with a stubborn internet signal while the rest of the world moves on.

Violent games are no simple school-shooting trigger

Every generation gets its villain. In 1979, it was Voltes V and other Japanese robot cartoons. Today, as the Philippines confronts fresh school shootings, the finger is pointing at Roblox.