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GOOD PRACTICES OF MEASURING POVERTY RATES Is the Philippines Measuring Poverty Accurately? Poverty measurement has long been a crucial issue in the Philippines. With millions of Filipinos struggling to meet their daily needs, the question remains: Are we measuring poverty accurately, and are we using the right tools to address it? The Philippine government, primarily through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) , determines poverty rates using various methodologies. Traditionally, the measurement focused on a basic "basket of goods" , determining the minimum income needed to afford essential food and non-food items. But with economic changes and the evolving needs of Filipinos, is this method still relevant? The "Imaginary Basket of Goods": Outdated or Still Effective? One of the longstanding methods of poverty measurement in the country is the food threshold approach , where the government sets a minimum amount needed for a person to afford a basic s...

COOPERATIVES MEMBERS CAN SAVE MONEY AND MAKE MONEY ALSO Cooperatives in the Philippines play a crucial role in economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and social progress. Yet, many Filipinos still ask: "Are cooperatives truly beneficial? How do they help members save and earn money?" Let's explore the opportunities and challenges facing cooperatives today. What Exactly Are Cooperatives? Cooperatives are member-owned organizations that pool resources to provide goods and services at better rates. They exist in various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, electricity, and finance. But here’s an important question: Are transport cooperatives considered real cooperatives? The answer is yes! Transport cooperatives, such as jeepney and tricycle operators' coops, function like any other cooperative—by pooling resources, sharing profits, and providing benefits to members. Transport coops are under the Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC) and not the C...

CONVERTING WASTE PLASTIC INTO HYDROGEN FUEL: A GAME CHANGER FOR THE PHILIPPINES Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges in the Philippines. With less than 30% of plastic waste being recycled or upcycled, the rest ends up clogging rivers, polluting our oceans, or being burned—releasing toxic chemicals into the air. This has led to alarming levels of microplastic contamination in marine life, which eventually enters our food chain. Who is Responsible for Plastic Waste Management? Despite existing regulations, plastic waste continues to accumulate in our waterways. The question is: which agency should be accountable for controlling the entry of plastic into our rivers, lakes, and seas? Is it the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ? The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ? The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ? Should the PNP Maritime Command or Philippine Coast Guard step in? Does the Dep...

THE PROTOCOL FOR REVIVING COLD CRIMINAL CASES The pursuit of justice does not come with an expiration date. Every unsolved crime represents a lingering wound in society—a case file gathering dust while victims’ families wait for answers. The good news is that the legal framework to revive cold criminal cases in the Philippines is already in place. The bad news? The organizational structures and resources required to operationalize these protocols remain weak and underfunded. Cold Cases: A Justice System’s Unfinished Business Cold cases—unsolved criminal investigations that remain open due to a lack of evidence or leads—are a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In the Philippines, authorities are already overwhelmed with ongoing or “live” cases, leaving cold cases on the back burner. However, new evidence, such as advancements in DNA technology, can bring fresh hope to long-dormant investigations. The Legal Foundation is There—Now What? The Philippine Nat...

PROS AND CONS OF PRICE CONTROLS: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD Price controls, particularly in the form of Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) , are among the most hotly debated economic policies. While they may appear as a simple and immediate solution to rising prices, their long-term consequences are far more complex. Are they truly beneficial, or are they just another political maneuver that does more harm than good? Why Do Governments Impose SRPs? SRPs are often implemented as a temporary measure to control inflation and prevent social unrest . In countries like the Philippines, where the cost of basic goods can fluctuate wildly due to supply chain disruptions, government intervention through SRPs is seen as a means to protect consumers from price gouging . Historically, the Philippine government has relied on SRPs to maintain affordability. The origins of price control in the country date back to the Price Act of 1952 , but it was under President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. that price-settin...

PREPARING FOR USAID PROJECT WITHDRAWALS The recent foreign policy shifts under returning U.S. President Donald Trump have significantly impacted global development aid, including USAID’s programs in the Philippines. With the United States reassessing its foreign assistance policies, it is almost certain that USAID funding for the Philippines will be reduced . This could lead to the slowdown—or even the complete shutdown—of various projects that have been instrumental in supporting economic development, governance, health, education, and infrastructure in the country. A Call for Proactive Government Action The Philippine government cannot afford to wait until the last minute to respond. The potential withdrawal of USAID projects must be addressed now , not when funding officially stops. A well-planned transition strategy is necessary to prevent gaps in critical services and ensure that the country’s development momentum is not disrupted. Steps the Government Must Take Immediate...