Speaking Out

  By Ignacio R. Bunye BanKo, the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has joined forces with agritech company Agrilever to launch a possible game-changing Agri NegosyoKo Loan Program. This initiative aims to uplift farmers and fortify agricultural communities by providing them with essential resources. The heart of the program lies in …

  By Ignacio Bunye The National Teachers College (NTC), an Ayala-led educational institution, has made remarkable strides in promoting inclusion. Recently, they received the prestigious Global Inclusion Award from the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP) which actively works with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on …

  By Ignacio R. Bunye In a groundbreaking move, ACEN and SariSuki have joined forces to launch the Agro-Circularity in Renewable Energy (ACRE) program, a visionary initiative aimed at uplifting local farmers in ACEN’s host communities. This collaboration is not just a testament to the power of synergy between agriculture and renewable energy, but also a model …

  By Ignacio R. Bunye Last month, more than a thousand leaders from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) gathered for the E.L.I.T.E. (Empowering Leaders, Inspiring Transformational Excellence) Summit 2024. This landmark event, designed to foster innovation and a growth mindset, adopted a dynamic talk show format that captivated its audience. The summit featured renowned …

  By Ignacio Bunye The June 14, 2024 Communiqué from the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Apulia, Italy, has once again brought attention to the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. As the world’s leading industrialized democracies, the G7 leaders expressed serious concern about China’s behavior in the region, particularly its “dangerous use of …

  By Ignacio Bunye The Philippine peso’s recent slump to a near 19-month low, closing at P58.635 per dollar, is more than just a numerical dip — it’s a troubling indicator of underlying economic vulnerabilities. This 21.5-centavo decline from the previous day’s close reflects broader issues that deserve serious attention and action. Historically, the peso hasn’t …

  By Ignacio R. Bunye The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched this June the third edition of its eagerly awaited annual Sustainability Awareness Month (SAM), aligning perfectly with the bank’s robust sustainability agenda. Under the inspiring theme “Beyond Green,” this initiative seeks to foster a culture of sustainability among Filipinos through a series of …

  By Ignacio Bunye Muntinlupa City recently celebrated its annual search for Ten Muntinlupa Outstanding Students (10MOST) 2024, recognizing the city’s best and most exemplary young students. Mayor Ruffy Biazon praised the achievements of each finalist, encouraging them to relentlessly pursue their dreams and emphasizing the transformative power of their dedication and hard work. He …

  By Ignacio R. Bunye The Ateneo Law School (ALS) the other Saturday “framed” and then “hanged” Supreme Court Chief Justice Alex Gesmundo and four other magistrates, namely, Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda, Ricardo Rosario, Jose Midas Marquez, and Maria Filomena Singh in the institution’s venerable Justitia Room. Ignoring double jeopardy, the perpetrators of the “hanging,” who included Ateneo …

    By Ignacio Bunye In 1981, an extraordinary discovery was made in the province of Surigao, unearthing a treasure trove of pre-colonial gold artifacts. This significant find marked a pivotal moment in the recognition and preservation of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. As expected, the discovery triggered a mad scramble for the treasure. Fortunately, after …