Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City this Monday, July 22, at 4 p.m. Filipinos from various sectors are anticipating that the SONA will address their concerns and are expecting to see progress with President Marcos's previous promi…

Since 1997, there have been multiple attempts to amend and revise the 1987 Constitution in response to various challenges the country has faced over the years. Recently, an economic charter change was approved on the third and final reading by Congress, which seeks to amend the 1987 constitution to lift foreign ownership to some vital industries in…

The Philippines is one of two countries in the world that does not allow divorce for married couples. On June 10, 2024, however, the Philippine House of Representatives transmitted House Bill No. 9349 – or the approved bill for absolute divorce – to the Senate. What are the implications of this bill? If passed into law, how will it affect Filipino …

The Philippines outlined renewable energy targets in its National Renewable Energy Program for 2020 to 2040, but what factors need to be in place for the Philippines to reach these targets? Why is flexibility in power generation important? In this episode, BusinessWorld discuss renewable energy in the Philippine and global contexts with Kari Punnon…

E-cigarette and tobacco products use in the Philippines is steadily increasing, particularly among the youth, according to the study of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey in 2019. Consequently, flavors and esteemed novelty contribute to the initiation and sustained use of e-cigarettes and tobacco use. With this concern, Dr. Maria Encarnita Blanco-Limp…

According to the World Health Organization, despite an alarming number of cases, road traffic injuries are often neglected public health issues. With this concerning issue, Mr. John Alison Uy of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) elaborated on the importance of road safety and road-worthy vehicles to avo…

Marketing is a tool that businesses can employ to increase brand awareness, acquire customers, and improve engagement. But is there a right way to do marketing? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld asks what businesses should prioritize in their marketing campaigns with Ashish Goel, product marketing manager of Zoho Corporation's Campaigns, Market…

What advantage does the Philippines have when it comes to national defense? How should the Philippines approach the West Philippine Sea issue? Should the country prepare for war? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks to Norberto B. Gonzales, who twice served as Secretary of National Defense, on defense strategies, military aid, and the West P…

The Philippines has a wet season and a dry season, or so the saying goes. Given the predictability of summer, in particular, what measures can Filipinos take to protect themselves from the heat? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, the Department of Health spokesperson, on how to both spot the symptoms of…

Is it costly to hire with persons with disabilities, or PWDs? Are PWDs only limited to certain roles? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Grant Javier, executive director of Project Inclusion Network, about the most common misconceptions surrounding PWD employees, as well as the benefits of hiring them. Recorded remotely on March 21, …

Contrary to popular belief, it's not only the lack of funding that spells doom among startup teams. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Martin Gonzalez, creator of Google's Effective Founders Project, about co-founder conflicts, quality disagreements, and the necessity of having difficult conversations very early in a partnership.…

Online gambling has evolved, thanks to advancements in technology and innovations within the industry. With this evolution, however, also comes the rise of sophisticated gambling fraud. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Frederic Ho, Jumio Corporation's vice president of Asia Pacific, on how online gambling has evolved, and how both …

More than giving us answers and ideas in seconds after typing in our prompts, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is increasingly appreciated as a tool that can positively impact businesses. According to the latest study by the IBM Institute for Business Value entitled, “Forging the future of AI: Women can take the lead” genAI, alongside dis…

To cap off 2023, the BBC released its 100 Women list, naming women who have inspired and influenced people worldwide. Among those on the list are former US First Lady Michelle Obama and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and a 25-year-old Filipina farmer and entrepreneur named Louise Mabulo. Ms. Mabulo, the daughter of San Fernando Camarines Sur may…

The Philippines is so close to Taiwan that, as the old joke suggests, one could swim across the Bashi Channel to get there. Their connection goes beyond that, with the future of their geopolitical fates in question. In this B-Side episode, Girard Mariano L. Lopez, a Filipino student in Taiwan and representative of the Asian pro-democracy group Milk…

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cyberattack risks due to their less advanced technologies, making them susceptible to breaches. Many of these businesses are not aware that cyberattacks could have severe consequences, according to a cybersecurity expert. In this B-Side episode, Daniel Bernard, chief business officer of cybersecurity technol…

The constant pursuit of innovation is a testament to human’s inherent curiosity and creativity. With the advancement of technology, people are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and productivity. In this regard, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies, which complements huma…

Breaking down the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health challenges is crucial, especially in workplaces where employees might be hesitant to share their struggles, fearing judgment regarding their professional capabilities, a mental health expert said. In this B-Side episode, Gia Sison, national adviser of the Youth for Mental Health C…

Home gardening has benefits beyond the purpose of serving as a diversion from the pandemic. In this B-Side episode, multimedia producer Patricia Mirasol speaks with Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, executive director of East-West Seed Foundation, about home gardening, the types of vegetables to grow in tropical countries, and tips for budding urban gardene…

Elections in the Philippines have evolved into brutal political competitions over the years, with the persistent claims of general peace and safety often overshadowing the reality of election-related incidents (ERIs). In this B-side episode, Rona Ann V. Caritos, executive director for the Legal Network of Truthful Elections (LENTE), discusses with …

Fake and low-quality medicines have become more common and are being sold at lower prices through online platforms. In this B-Side episode, Monash University professor Michelle McIntosh discusses the effects of subpar medication on the overall health of people with BusinessWorld reporter Adrian H. Halili.…

As household savings were depleted during the pandemic, more Filipinos relied on credit to manage their daily expenses. Now, with the rising cost of living due to inflation and higher interest rates for borrowing money, consumers are struggling to repay their debts. This reality is reflected in Collectius’ own internal data, which shows a slowdown …

Manila Bay has been exposed to rapid urbanization over the years and is now in need of rehabilitation. In this B-Side episode, Jerwin Baure, a marine science researcher, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Sheldeen Talavera how Manila Bay has changed over the years and how it can be restored.

The Philippine education sector must maintain the strides it has made in technology adoption to upgrade teaching methods and prepare students for future jobs that require a deep understanding of technology, an expert said. Modern digital education platforms offer educators data that can help address students' needs. In this B-Side episode, Ryan Luf…

Divorce is quite a taboo topic in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. Lobbying for divorce has mapped its way into Filipinos’ understanding of the State, religion, family, abuse, principle, and love. In this B-side episode, Athena Charanne R. Presto, a sociologist and policy consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, discusses wit…

Loan sharks, or informal lenders, exploit small businesses with exorbitant interest rates. In this B-Side episode, Baasandorj Davaasuren, chief business development officer of fintech solution company AND Global, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Aaron Michael C. Sy some learnings from Mongolia’s experience with loan sharks, aiming to guide mic…

Good design offers numerous benefits, including its potential to enhance daily life, boost business efficiency, empower marginalized groups, and improve public spaces, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Nina Santamaria, principal designer of interior design firm Grupo Santamaria, talks to BusinessWorld senior reporter Joseph L. Garcia …

For the longest time, the Philippines has maintained a modest relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors. Recurring tensions in the South China Sea have left the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seeking clarity on how to navigate potential conflicts with China, even with the involvement of the United States. In this B-…

Industrial engineering, or IE, is an often-overlooked field of engineering that deals with cutting costs, increasing savings, and making improvements to systems. In the Philippines, industrial engineers have been responsible for many such improvements, like streamlining product lines to make them more efficient and adjusting vaccination queues to a…

Ghost Month, a tradition deeply rooted in Chinese culture, has fascinated financial analysts for years. In this B-Side episode, Carlos A. Temporal, a senior equity research analyst at Unicapital Securities, Inc., discusses the impact of Ghost Month on the stock market with BusinessWorld reporter Justine Irish DP. Tabile.…

Parallel, garden party, and kitchen table — these are just some of the many ways to practice ethical non-monogamy. In this B-Side episode, Drew O’Bannon, founder of sex education platform Now Open PH, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson about ENM in the Philippines.

A significant portion of what has traditionally been taught in tertiary education has lost its relevance in the present, according to Hyper Island Institute of Higher Education, a digital creative business school. In this episode of B-Side, Peachy Pacquing, managing director at Hyper Island Singapore, speaks with BusinessWorld reporter Ashley Erika…

China's increased aggression in the South China Sea has made it more challenging for the Philippines, now regarded as an Asian middle power, to ignore the situation, an analyst said. On Aug. 5, the Chinese Coast Guard, backed by its maritime militia and People’s Liberation Army ships, fired water cannons to block a resupply mission to a Philippine …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) needs to be properly prepared to deploy central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as these virtual currencies might pose risks to banks, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Tommaso Mancini-Griffoli, deputy division chief in the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the IMF, said in an interv…

How are Philippine hospitals evolving after the pandemic? What important lessons have they learned from the crisis? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld reporter Patricia B. Mirasol speaks with Eugenio F. Ramos, president and group chief executive officer of The Medical City (TMC), about the importance of public-private partnerships, embracing tec…

The local demand for coffee outpaces its production in the Philippines, according to an industry expert. This unmet need bodes well for farmers seeking credit from typically risk-averse financial institutions. In this B-Side episode, TJ Ryan, chief of the party of Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE), talks to BusinessWorld …

Given their higher yield and early bearing characteristics, coconut hybrids offer Filipino coconut farmers a means to improve production, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Leilani D. Pelegrina, director at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Developme…

Japan is planning to release 1.3 million tons of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, which covers more than one-third of the planet. The power plant's regulators, and even the government of Japan, say that the release will not cause any harm to the world's oceans, but fisherfolk and activists from di…

The Philippines needs to work on ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists to report reliable developments on national issues, despite its improved world press freedom ranking in six years, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said. In this B-Side episode, NUJP Chairperson Jonathan de Santos discusses the current roadblo…

In various cities and barangays (villages) without proper road infrastructure, sari-sari stores, or small neighbourhood shops, have emerged as a crucial lifeline, supporting both the local economy and the daily needs of residents, according to sari-sari store startup Packworks. In this B-Side episode, Andres Montiel, Packworks' chief data officer, …

The Philippines' mobile network operators (MNOs) are now using shared towers to accelerate and lower the cost of digital transformation in the country as a result of the government's common tower policy. In this B-Side episode, Suresh Sidhu, chief executive officer and founder of EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn. Bhd., speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz …

The Philippine government needs to invest more in the local semiconductor industry to boost its competitiveness globally, according to RS Group PLC, an electronics and industrial products distributor. In this B-Side episode, Sean Fredericks, the President of RS Asia-Pacific, discusses with reporter Sheldeen Joy Talavera the potential of the Philipp…

Banks are now actively working to make their operations digital. They want to reduce the reliance on physical cash and move towards a cash-lite economy. This means finding ways to automate their processes and make them available online. By doing so, they hope to provide customers with convenient and secure digital banking experiences. In this B-Sid…

Philippine institutions have expressed concerns and optimism regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as both a potential challenge and an opportunity, according to plagiarism checker Turnitin. In this B-Side episode, Jack Brazel, regional director and spokesperson at Turnitin Southeast Asia, speaks with reporter Miguel Hanz L. …

Advertising has come a long way from traditional paper and ink, and with today’s boom in social commerce and artificial intelligence, the space continues to witness rapid changes, associations, and niches that push the boundaries of product consumption. A battle for brand reach, attribution, performance, and transparency is rapidly evolving, accord…

At a time when the US Congress is not keen on any kind of free trade agreement (FTA) with the country, the Philippine Embassy in the United States is working on alternative measures to expand the country's economic ties with the world's biggest economy. In this B-Side episode, Jose Manuel “Babes” D. Romualdez, Philippine ambassador to the United St…

Shoppertainment is seen as a more authentic form of advertising, as it provides a personal touch and allows businesses to interact with consumers in real time, according to an expert. In this B-Side episode, Pierre Faucher, country manager of Intrepid Philippines, talks to reporter Patricia Mirasol about the opportunities in shoppertainment. Record…

Nuclear power plants are “cancer factories,” and the Philippines is better off growing its renewable energy industry, according to Helen Mary Caldicott, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament. In this B-Side episode, she talks to reporter Alyssa Nicole O. Tan about …

Filipinos love their pets, and demand for vet services did not wane all throughout the pandemic, said Richard P. Encomienda, a veterinarian from the Vets in Practice hospital. In this B-Side episode, he talks to reporter Patricia Mirasol about his life as a vet, and imparts advice for people considering getting a pet. It is important to consider bo…

Filipino consumers are seen to be 'cautiously optimistic' this year as they face persistently high inflation and a looming global recession, but are also banking on higher incomes due to eased mobility restrictions. In this B-Side episode, Amrita Mitra, chief operating officer of TransUnion Philippines, talks to BusinessWorld reporter Luisa Maria J…