THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) said it released P3.02 billion in agricultural loans in the first half, most of them via a program intended to improve the sector’s competitiveness.

THE central bank stands ready to ease monetary policy, but views current money supply as ample and is gauging when the financial system can absorb extra liquidity, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.

THE national ID and the registration of SIM cards will help add teeth to enforcement efforts against terrorism financing, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said.

THE trade department is preparing an order increasing the capacity limit for restaurant dine-in operations to 50% in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), starting July 21.

THE Philippine economy could be at risk from reopening too early while infection levels rise, according to Nomura Global Market Research.

THE National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) is considering adjusting the minimum level of electricity contracted from renewable energy developers to improve the Philippines’ chances of hitting a target of 35% of power from renewables over the next decade.

Humanity has a natural desire to know about its ancestry and to keep the family name alive. Over and above the inclination of man to keep records of births and relationships, genealogy has been critical to chronology, particularly in the early years of human history.

MANY FILIPINOS are suffering from “apparent financial insecurity” stemming from the lack of financial literacy, which is hampering their ability to cope during a “once-in-a-lifetime pandemic,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.

A MEASURE expediting the privatization of government assets to raise funds for the coronavirus crisis has been filed in the Senate.

RURAL POWER utilities were ordered to review their compliance with regulations governing billing during the lockdown, the industry association said.

THE International Labor Organization (ILO) said it revised upwards its estimate of work hours lost during the second quarter due to the pandemic to the equivalent of 400 million jobs lost from 305 million, adding that recovery prospects for the second half are clouded.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in challenges and difficulties previously unknown to economies and businesses worldwide. Travel bans, quarantines and lockdowns have become standard measures implemented by governments. Most businesses, regardless of industry, are losing revenue, experiencing disrupted supply chains and even possibly facing permanent closure. Economies are severely impacted with recession looming large on the horizon.