DepEd Unveils 10-Year Quality Basic Education Development Plan for Systemic Reform

The Department of Education (DepEd) officially launched the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025–2035 on Tuesday, outlining a comprehensive decade-long strategy to reform the nation’s education system. Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the blueprint centers on three primary reform drivers: decentralization, bolstered collaboration between public and private sectors, and embracing digital technologies. He noted that the plan was crafted based on a combination of statistical analysis and the insights of educators and students. The QBEDP is structured around five core pillars: teachers, learners, governance, learning quality, and employability, each supported by specific targeted initiatives. A fundamental aspect of the plan is the push for decentralization, which seeks to transfer decision-making authority from central offices to local school administrators. Secretary Angara stressed that providing schools with access to real-time data and autonomy in decision-making will foster greater accountability and agility. As part of this initiative, under Project BUKAS, 22 critical data sets—such as school performance indicators—will be made publicly available to promote transparency. In addition, DepEd is committed to substantial investments in physical infrastructure and digital resources. This includes the construction of 40,000 new classrooms, the distribution of laptops for all teachers, and the establishment of nationwide internet connectivity. According to Angara, partnerships between the public and private sectors will play an essential role in accomplishing these ambitious targets.

DSWD Western Visayas Distributes Relief to Capiz Families Affected by Habagat and Tropical Storms

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas has mobilized relief efforts to support families in Capiz impacted by the recent southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones. As of July 23, the agency has distributed 1,782 family food packages valued at nearly P1 million to the hardest-hit communities. According to the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), some 4,894 families, totaling approximately 24,374 individuals across 26 barangays in Sigma, Panay, and Maayon municipalities, have been affected by the severe weather conditions. This initiative is part of a broader P38.5-million relief program for the Western Visayas region, underscoring the government’s commitment to swift disaster response. To ensure readiness for further needs, the DSWD has prepositioned standby funds amounting to P2.7 million, over 111,000 additional food packs, and more than 30,000 non-food items strategically across the region. In addition to the DSWD’s efforts, local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other partners have contributed an extra P6.8 million in relief assistance, according to the latest DROMIC report. The agency also reported that 33 families (154 individuals) have been displaced due to flooding and heavy rains, seeking refuge outside formal evacuation centers because their homes have become unsafe. Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Atty. Sheila Artillero highlighted the significant impact of Tropical Storm "Crising" and the southwest monsoon on the province’s agricultural sector, especially rice farming, raising concerns about food security in rural areas. "Before the weather disturbance escalated, the provincial government distributed roughly 8,000 food packs containing staples like rice, canned goods, and noodles, prioritizing fishermen and coastal communities in Roxas City and nearby municipalities," Artillero stated. The relief distributions were coordinated through Task Force Pagdumdom, a multi-agency provincial task force dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of Capiz residents during natural disasters. This collaborative approach reflects the province’s resilience and the unity between government agencies and community stakeholders in addressing the crisis and supporting recovery efforts.

SM Foundation Launches Rapid Relief Effort for Communities Affected by Severe Storms

Amid ongoing flooding and relentless rainfall triggered by tropical storms Crising, Dante, typhoon Emong, and the southwest monsoon, SM Foundation has activated its emergency response initiative, Operation Tulong Express, to assist affected communities swiftly. Together with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the foundation has distributed upwards of 18,800 Kalinga Packs, which comprise essential food items and supplies. The relief efforts have extended to multiple locations, including Metro Manila, Olongapo City, Bataan, Pampanga, Rizal, Pangasinan, Cavite, Tarlac City, La Union, Laguna, and Cebu City. These relief operations were conducted in close coordination with local government units and barangay leaders to ensure efficient distribution. Cristie Angeles, assistant vice president for Livelihood and Outreach Programs at SM Foundation, underscored the importance of teamwork across SM’s different business segments. She stated, \"Our partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets has been crucial for a prompt and organized response, enabling volunteers to effectively prepare and distribute Kalinga Packs to families impacted by the recent storms.\"

Tropical Cyclones Cause PHP 12.84 Billion in Damage Across Philippines

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported that the combined impact of tropical cyclones Crising (Wipha), Dante (Francisco), Emong (Co-May), and the intensified southwest monsoon has caused approximately PHP 12.84 billion in damages across the Philippines. According to the latest situation report released on Friday, agriculture suffered losses valued at PHP 2.25 billion, while infrastructure damage amounted to PHP 10.59 billion. The calamities have affected a total of 77,798 farmers and fisherfolk. The devastation also extends to housing, with 48,843 units damaged and 6,707 completely destroyed. The number of affected households has climbed to 2,272,696, encompassing 8,263,199 individuals across 8,503 barangays in 17 regions nationwide. Currently, there are 27,516 families taking refuge in 950 evacuation centers, while another 31,062 families have sought shelter with relatives or friends. The death toll remains at 37, of which only two fatalities have been confirmed. In addressing the aftermath, the NDRRMC continues its relief and rehabilitation efforts to support the affected communities and mitigate further risks.

Nostalgia for Early 2000s Economic Boom Sparks Social Media Trend Among Young Chinese

Amidst a difficult job market and limited economic prospects, young Chinese are increasingly engaging with nostalgic content centered on the country’s early 2000s economic boom era. This trend has gained significant traction on social media platforms, serving as a discreet outlet to voice dissatisfaction with current economic challenges without provoking censorship. Over the summer, the hashtag "beauty in the time of economic upswings" surged in popularity, accompanied by images and videos showcasing celebrities, fashion, and advertising from two decades ago. This spike coincided with the graduation of 12.2 million university students, entering one of China’s toughest employment landscapes in recent memory. Although China’s economy is expected to grow around 5% this year, analysts characterize it as a "dual-speed" economy—manufacturing and exports remain robust while household incomes and consumption slow down considerably. This growth rate is roughly half that seen during the 2001-2010 boom period. Social media users reflect this divide: millennial women often reminisce about greater career and consumption opportunities in their youth, while today’s younger generation confronts starkly limited options. Yaling Jiang, founder of ApertureChina consultancy, noted that the trend likely echoes widespread concerns over the diminishing value of higher education and intensifying competition in the job market. The growing popularity of this nostalgic content also poses a subtle challenge for Chinese authorities, says Xiao Qiang, founder of China Digital Times. "By using familiar symbols like fashion and makeup," he explained, "the trend conveys economic frustrations and pressures indirectly, fostering shared nostalgia and subdued criticism without overt political statements." This ambivalence complicates censorship efforts, as most posts celebrate the aesthetics and optimism of a bygone era rather than explicitly criticizing current conditions. Capitalizing on this surge of interest, luxury and consumer brands have aligned marketing campaigns with the boom-era theme. Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Valentino, and others have sponsored posts on platforms like RedNote, China’s Instagram equivalent, while numerous retailers on Alibaba’s Taobao promote early-2000s-inspired merchandise. Beauty products and footwear are also framed as "millennial classics reborn," enhancing brand visibility through the wave of nostalgia. However, fashion analysts observe that these vintage styles are not widely adopted on the streets. Yaling Jiang explained that marketers primarily use the trend for branding rather than to revive the exact looks of the early 2000s. Makeup trends today contrast sharply with the brighter, futuristic styles of that decade. Present-day aesthetics favor subdued, “glass skin” looks featuring moisturized, monochromatic palettes—reflective of the more cautious economic climate—unlike the bold metallic tones and dramatic color contrasts of the boom years. As one beauty blogger succinctly put it, "During periods of economic growth, makeup aims to look luxurious and exude the confidence that comes with career ascendancy and optimism." This social media phenomenon illustrates a complex interplay between nostalgia, economic reality, and expression under tightly controlled media conditions in China, offering both a marketing opportunity and a subtle barometer of public sentiment.

Eight Suspected NPA Rebels Killed in Armed Clashes in Northern Samar

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) reported that eight suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed during armed confrontations in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on Thursday. According to an official statement issued Friday, local civilians alerted state forces about a group of armed individuals allegedly involved in extortion activities and threatening the farming community. At approximately 2:30 a.m., military units launched an assault on the suspected rebel hideout, which was reportedly secured with International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-prohibited anti-personnel mines. Due to these dangers, the troops called in fire support. Seven suspected NPA members were killed in this initial engagement. Later in the morning around 10:00 a.m., a follow-up encounter occurred when additional troops from the 803rd Infantry Brigade pursued rebel elements fleeing westward from the first clash location. This resulted in one more suspected rebel killed. The military did not report any casualties among its personnel during these operations. Evidence recovered from the sites included five M16 rifles, two R4 rifles, and an M203 grenade launcher attachment. Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of Joint Task Force Storm and the 8ID, reaffirmed the military’s stance against the insurgents, stating, \"We have repeatedly called on them to return to their families, but this group continues to cling to their twisted ideology that has claimed the lives of countless Filipinos.\" He added, \"We therefore reaffirm our call to the remaining members of the CTGs, this may be your best chance to lay down your arms, abandon the armed struggle, and return to the fold of the law. We will not stop until Eastern Visayas is free from your acts of terror. We will hit you hard.\"

Philippine Peso Drops to Six-Month Low Amid Fed Rate Pause and Strong US GDP Growth

The Philippine peso closed at P58.32 against the US dollar on Thursday, marking its lowest settlement in almost six months amid market reactions to the US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain current interest rates. This closing rate represents a decline of P0.74 from Wednesday's finish at P57.58, and the weakest close since the peso hit P58.34 on February 4. Intraday, the peso dipped as low as P58.40 after opening at P57.86 and reaching a high of P57.85, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP). The day's average weighted exchange rate registered at P58.186, notably higher than the previous day’s P57.306. The depreciation followed the release of the US second-quarter GDP data, which exceeded expectations with a 3 percent expansion. This stronger-than-anticipated growth has fueled anticipation that US interest rates may remain elevated for an extended period, enhancing the appeal of the dollar among investors. The peso’s decline occurred alongside a broad downturn in local equities, as the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped for the sixth consecutive session, shedding 65.50 points to close at 6,252.73, its lowest since June 18. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s chief economist, Michael Ricafort, attributed the peso’s five-day slide to a combination of external pressures and cautious investor sentiment amid looming data releases. He also referenced the recent trade discussions between the Philippines and the US, where an agreement was reached to reduce a US tariff rate from 20 percent in exchange for zero tariffs on selected US imports including motor vehicles. While largely viewed as a positive development, Ricafort noted its impact was already factored into the market. Looking ahead, Ricafort suggested the peso may weaken further, potentially reaching P58.50 to P59, with near-term support expected between P57.50 and P58. He identified minor technical support at P57.15 to P57.65, and stronger stability anticipated within the P56.40 to P56.75 range. These support levels, he noted, could help sustain the peso’s upward momentum over the past two months and avert a retest of the recent low of P55.143 recorded on May 26. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. addressed market concerns, affirming his confidence in the peso despite its decline toward P58. He characterized trading around this level as speculative and emphasized the BSP’s cautious stance. "I don\"t speculate," Remolona stated. Addressing inflation worries linked to the peso’s depreciation, the governor pointed out that inflation has averaged 1.8 percent over the past six months, remaining comfortably below the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target for 2025. While the BSP maintains a free-floating exchange rate policy, it is prepared to intervene during periods of excessive volatility, particularly when market activity is one-sided. "We step in when we see stress in the spot market, especially when there\"s only one side buying or selling," he explained. Remolona also reassured that the central bank holds adequate US dollar reserves to protect the peso against speculative attacks. Market participants are now closely monitoring two important upcoming domestic economic data releases: July inflation figures scheduled for August 5 and second-quarter GDP data to be published on August 7. These reports are expected to significantly influence the monetary policy outlook and the peso’s trajectory in the near term.

New Zealand Government Reverses Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Ban

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – In a significant policy shift, New Zealand’s government has voted to lift the ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration that was originally imposed in 2018 under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The decision marks a reversal of the country’s previously strong emphasis on environmental preservation and its "clean, green and sustainable future." Resources Minister Shane Jones, a vocal critic of the ban, labeled climate change concerns as "largely moral hysteria" and stressed that the new legislation would stimulate investment in petroleum exploration. He argued that the 2018 moratorium had worsened domestic gas shortages by deterring new ventures. Jones stated, \"The ill-fated exploration ban in 2018 has exacerbated shortages in our domestic gas supply by obliterating new investment.\" He further described the previous ban as "the worst energy (and) natural resource decision" in New Zealand's history and emphasized the need to avoid harming economic productivity by restricting access to fossil fuels. During parliamentary debate, questions arose about consultation with indigenous Maori communities. Jones, who is Maori, responded, \"I interviewed myself. I spoke to no climate group. I spoke to no (Maori) group. I engaged with the people who are investing and who will be the risk takers to salvage and rescue this sector, and I’m extraordinarily proud of myself that I’ve done that.\" This stance reflects a stark departure from Jones’ position in 2018 when he supported the ban while serving in Ardern’s cabinet. The bill encountered opposition from all other political parties. Green Party MP Steve Abel criticized the move as "wrong-headed and archaic," noting New Zealand had been internationally praised for its environmental vision. The opposition’s energy spokesperson, Megan Woods, condemned the decision as favoring oil and gas companies at the public’s expense, calling it "one of the most ridiculous things I have heard." Despite these criticisms, the government passed the legislation with a vote of 68 to 54. The bill’s implementation was delayed multiple times, due in part to a drafting error, but was ultimately approved with a promise that any increase in oil and gas output would not occur for at least another decade. New Zealand has cultivated a global reputation for its unspoiled landscapes and commitment to sustainability. Ardern, who led the nation from 2017 to 2023, declared a climate emergency and instituted the offshore exploration ban in line with that vision. However, rising energy costs—exceeding 10% in recent years—even as household consumption declined, and warnings from the state-owned grid operator about potential winter blackouts, have prompted this policy reconsideration. Transpower, the company managing New Zealand’s power grid, recently signaled that renewable energy alternatives such as solar, wind, and battery storage technologies are not progressing rapidly enough to compensate for declining gas supplies. While the government concedes that new exploration efforts will not alleviate shortages immediately, officials view the move as a necessary step to secure the nation’s energy future. This new direction underscores the tension between economic priorities and environmental commitments as New Zealand navigates its energy challenges in the coming decade.

BSP Implements Real-Time Online Reporting for Banks’ Liquidity and Deposit Data

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has introduced new rules requiring banks and certain non-bank financial institutions to submit intraday liquidity and demand deposit account (DDA) reports in real time using an online platform. The measures, outlined in two separate memoranda issued by BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, aim to enhance the monitoring and validation of critical financial data. Memorandum No. M-2025-024 directs all universal and commercial banks, their thrift bank subsidiaries, and digital banks to electronically report intraday liquidity information. Meanwhile, Memorandum No. M-2025-023 covers banks and non-bank entities with quasi-banking functions, mandating online submission of demand deposit account reports. Both guidelines specify the use of extensible markup language (XML) format through the BSP’s Prudential Reporting Innovation and Monitoring Engine (PRIME) for these submissions. Fonacier emphasized that although these live reports must adhere to existing BSP reporting standards, only BSP-approved file formats will be accepted. Failure to comply will result in penalties. The rollout features phased implementation dates: for intraday liquidity parallel reporting, the reference period began July 31, 2025, with full live reporting to commence on September 30, 2025. For DDA parallel reporting, the reference date was June 30, 2025, using PRIME’s sandbox module, while mandatory live reporting starts December 31, 2025. As part of this transition, BSP-supervised financial institutions will stop using the existing BSP Financial Institution Portal for these submissions. These updates tie into broader modifications the BSP has been making since 2023 to the intraday settlement facility (ISF), formerly known as the intraday liquidity facility. Adjustments include enhanced check clearing and settlement processes aimed at strengthening the peso real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system. Notably, the BSP phased out the overdraft credit line facility last year, transferring its role to the ISF to streamline liquidity operations. The ISF supports the RTGS by ensuring timely and secure settlements of interbank payments, mitigating systemic risk within the financial system. Under these reforms, banks are now prohibited from overdrafting or drawing funds beyond their demand deposit accounts during check clearing. DDAs, defined as current or checking accounts, can be designed as either interest-bearing or non-interest bearing deposit instruments, accessible via check withdrawal. The BSP continues to strengthen the real-time settlement framework to safeguard financial stability, improve risk management, and ensure smooth functioning of the national payment infrastructure.

SSS Launches Historic Three-Year Pension Increase Program Starting September 2025

The Social Security System (SSS) is set to introduce a groundbreaking pension reform program beginning this September that will incrementally raise pensions over a three-year period. The Social Security Commission (SSC) approved the initiative on July 11, marking the first multi-year pension adjustment in the agency's 68-year history. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro explained, \"Following thorough actuarial analysis, we are implementing a sustainable and equitable pension increase that benefits all pensioners while maintaining the fund's financial stability.\" Starting in 2025, all pensioners registered by August 31 will receive annual pension hikes every September through 2027. Retirement and disability pensions will see a 10% increase each year, culminating in a total raise of roughly 33% after three years. Meanwhile, death or survivor pensions will grow by 5% annually, amounting to a 16% increase by 2027. Approximately 3.8 million pensioners, including 2.6 million retirement and disability recipients and 1.2 million survivor pensioners, stand to benefit from the reform. Importantly, the SSS confirmed that this adjustment will not require an increase in contribution rates. \"Our actuarial team assures that the pension fund remains financially sound,\" De Claro stated. Although the reform will slightly reduce the fund's projected lifespan from 2053 to 2049, this is balanced by stronger cash flows due to previous contribution rate increases and improved collection efforts. De Claro added, \"We are dedicated to extending the fund's viability back to 2053 through expanding coverage and enhancing collection efficiency.\" Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, who chairs the SSC, highlighted the broader economic impact: \"The pension increase will boost the purchasing power of millions, injecting significant funds into the economy and encouraging growth.\" The SSS estimates the reform will contribute approximately ₱92.8 billion to the Philippine economy from 2025 to 2027, with the Department of Finance projecting up to ₱117.2 billion in economic stimulus. The average monthly pension for retirement beneficiaries aged 60 to 89, currently around ₱4,923, is expected to rise to about ₱6,548 after three years—an increase of ₱1,625 or 33%. Over the three-year period, a typical pensioner will receive an additional ₱41,145 in total pension payments. This reform has been made possible by substantial cash inflows resulting from the incremental contribution rate hikes mandated under Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018). Contribution rates have increased by one percentage point every two years since 2019, rising from 11% and culminating in the latest adjustment in January 2025.