Philippines

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) urges banks to accept dirty, defaced, and mutilated currency from the public, ensuring all citizens have access to financial services. This directive aims to streamline currency exchanges without additional fees and promote consistent practices among banks. The BSP emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reliable currency system, regardless of banknote condition, and encourages the public to report non-compliance.

The Philippines marks a milestone in international trade with its first frozen durian shipment to China, valued at ₱8.2 million. Davao City-based Maylong Enterprises Corp. spearheaded this export to Nansha District. The endeavor highlights the nation’s expanding agricultural reach by tapping into China’s vast consumer base, signifying promising growth opportunities for local producers in the global market. The move aligns with the Philippine government’s strategy to enhance trade relations with China, potentially paving the way for increased revenue and future collaborations within the agricultural sector.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) partners with Japanese organizations to enhance local capacities in identifying counterfeit Japanese goods. Through a training seminar with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO), IPOPHL aims to strengthen market monitoring and enforcement. This collaboration is set to bolster intellectual property rights protection in the Philippines, reflecting the importance of international cooperation against counterfeiting.

The Philippines is addressing critical challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing through the launch of eight new research and development programs. These initiatives focus on quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and smart agriculture to foster innovation and drive national progress.