The American Dream—a phrase synonymous with opportunity and self-determination—is increasingly becoming a question mark for many U.S. citizens. The surge in applications for Greek Golden Visas, particularly from Americans, reveals a growing trend: the search for greener, or at least calmer, pastures overseas. Following Donald Trump’s re-election, a polarizing moment
December 5, 2024
The agricultural sector in the Philippines finds itself at a pivotal moment. Recent discussions at an agricultural conference led by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) provided a blueprint for rethinking rural revitalization and sugar policy reform. With the word war between the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and sugar
November 28, 2024
Recent calls for the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to investigate GUIMELCO’s power purchases underscore a growing frustration among consumers grappling with fluctuating and high electricity rates. This petition is not just about price complaints; it is a reminder of the need for transparency in how electric cooperatives acquire and price
November 15, 2024
Western Visayas stood out among the most prepared regions in the Philippines, according to a recent study by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). The region, which scored 21.4 out of 50 in HHI’s “Survey on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Perceptions,” ranked third nationwide, showcasing strides in readiness alongside Cordillera
November 11, 2024
In 2019, Miguel*, a young Filipino professional, was let go from his job at a marketing firm. He had excelled in his role, consistently outperforming expectations, yet whispers in the office about his sexuality began to surface. After he came out to his boss, citing his partner in casual conversation,
October 17, 2024
The Philippines is losing between PHP 65.6 billion and PHP 147.6 billion every year due to workplace discrimination, wage disparities, and healthcare costs linked to LGBTQ+ exclusion. A report by Open for Business, a coalition of global companies advocating for inclusive growth, places these losses at 0.30% to 0.67% of
October 10, 2024
I was supposed to run this op-ed piece on October 8 as an analysis of what former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was planning to after he files his certificate of candidacy. But oligarchic and traditional politics virtually dismantled the plans of Mabilog and Rep. Julienne Baronda, forcing them
October 9, 2024
The COVID-19 pandemic unraveled many of the economic and social gains women had achieved in the labor market, particularly for those with school-age children. In the Philippines, extended school closures—lasting up to 75 weeks—significantly burdened working mothers, forcing many to leave their jobs or reduce their working hours to meet
September 24, 2024
A leading legal expert on water rights has called for urgent reforms to the Philippines’ water laws to address the nation’s increasing water conservation needs. The Philippines has been experiencing water stress since 2007, with current water availability ranging between 1,000 to 1,700 cubic meters per capita, according to the
September 13, 2024
The value of a college education in the Philippines has significantly diminished over the past two decades, according to a new study from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). Between 2005 and 2022, returns to education for salaried graduates saw a sharp decline, particularly for those with college degrees,
September 5, 2024
The proposal by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. to take over the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Project has raised significant concerns among local stakeholders, particularly regarding the potential financial burdens and risks it could impose on the province and its residents. At the heart of the issue is whether the deal, as
August 31, 2024
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the debate over how to regulate this powerful technology intensifies. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of crafting regulations that safeguard public interests without stifling innovation. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a prominent voice in the tech
August 17, 2024