Category: Business
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The Rice Price Cap in the Philippines: Pros, Cons, and Long-Term Implications
In the wake of soaring rice prices, the Philippines has found itself in the midst of a contentious debate over the imposition of a rice price ceiling. As the staple food of the nation, rice plays an integral role in the daily lives of millions, making its affordability and accessibility crucial. President Bongbong Marcos, wearing…
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Understanding the housing crisis in the Philippines
Housing in the Philippines is a topic that doesn’t just hit close to home – it IS home. Sadly, it’s a topic also rife with serious issues. As of 2018, there were over 6 million units of housing backlog in our country, a staggering statistic stemming from the twin demons of unaffordable housing and inadequate…
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Regulatory landscape of microfinance in the Philippines: An overview
Microfinance has emerged as a critical tool for poverty alleviation and financial inclusion in the Philippines. The government has recognized its potential and has enacted several laws and regulations to promote and regulate the sector (Llanto & Fukui, 2015). This paper examines the key regulations governing microfinance in the Philippines and their implications for the…
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Power to the Nano: How SEDPI is shaking up economic norms for the better
The SEDPI Group of Social Enterprises is a Philippines-based organization that operates with the aim of alleviating poverty among Filipinos worldwide. Since its inception in 2004, it has grown to include eight collaborative organizations executing three key programs: SEDPI KaSosyo, SEDPI KaNegosyo, and Usapang Pera. These programs focus on social investments, nanofinancing, and financial education…
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SEDPI at 19: Pioneering change and empowering communities
Warm greetings to you all. It fills me with immense joy and gratitude to stand before you on this significant occasion – the 19th anniversary of the SEDPI Group and the inauguration of our new headquarters in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones alike, as we come…
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Comparative Overview of Nanoenterprises, Microenterprises, and Gig Economy Jobs: Characteristics, Market Factors, Risk Resilience, and Potential Impact
Introduction Across the economic landscape of the developing world, one cannot overlook the proliferation of small scale enterprises that create a significant economic impact at the grassroots level. This intricate tapestry of economic activity, composed of nanoenterprises, microenterprises, and gig economy jobs, holds tremendous potential for poverty alleviation and socio-economic mobility. To unlock this potential,…
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The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF): A critical examination of the Philippines’ proposed sovereign wealth fund
Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are state-owned investment funds that are used by countries to benefit their economies and citizens. They consist of various types of assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or other financial instruments, often derived from a nation’s surplus reserves. The concept of SWFs originated in the mid-20th century, pioneered by countries with…