by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Health and Wellness
After being diagnosed with gout in his 20s, Andrew Lau of Rodandac overcame significant physical and mental challenges to improve his personal fitness. He also developed a training philosophy called ‘Mind Over Matter’ to assist others in their pursuit of health and wellness.
Rodandac is one of the first mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 28 Aug – Andrew Lau, Founder of Rodandac, is emerging as a visionary leader in the fitness industry by pioneering a sustainable approach to personal training that emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s mindset.
A recent study has revealed a surprising statistic:
only eight percent of individuals achieve their New Year’s fitness goals, often facing unseen mental barriers along the way. Andrew Lau’s journey reflects this common struggle, but his distinctive approach to overcoming these challenges sets him apart.
Emerging Stronger from Life's Trials
At the age of 16, Andrew began his fitness journey, motivated by a desire for personal transformation. However, over a decade later, he faced unforeseen challenges when he was diagnosed with gout, a condition that could have derailed his dreams. Instead of giving in to adversity, Andrew turned his struggles into a source of empathy and understanding. This experience ignited his unwavering commitment to help others overcome their own obstacles.
Despite maintaining my health, diet, and mental well-being for the past 25 years, I couldn’t pinpoint the underlying cause.
My journey with gout was a turning point, teaching me that the power of the mind can overcome formidable physical challenges. I wanted to share the feelings that I felt at that moment with others.
Andrew Lau
Founder, Rodandac
The turning point came for Andrew during his intense preparation for the 2016 Fitness Manhunt competition when he faced a severe gout flare-up and a sprained wrist, both of which threatened to derail his journey. Instead of giving up, he embraced his vulnerability and confronted the challenges head-on. He emerged stronger than ever, driven by a singular mission: to empower lives through the transformative concept of ‘Mind over Matter’ fitness.
The Impact of 'Mind Over Matter' in Personal Transformation
From these transformative experiences, Rodandac was created to challenge industry norms by reshaping the traditional concept of fitness with an emphasis on mental resilience and holistic well-being. It aims to redefine growth and empowerment while questioning superficial industry trends. Rodandac’s vision is to inspire individuals to transcend their limits, cultivate resilience, and achieve lasting change.
“This vision is also backed by experts who concur that incorporating mental fitness into physical training can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being,” added Lau.
The dedication to each client’s personal triumphs has created a tapestry of impactful success stories. Andrew’s mantra, “Do It Anyway,” emboldens clients to embark on transformative journeys, transcending boundaries and unlocking their untapped potential. From empowering a Vice President in finding inner calm and confidence to supporting a determined feminist navigating a male-dominated workspace, Andrew’s guidance unlocks a world of possibilities and fosters unparalleled growth.
“Being introduced to Rodandac 3 years ago is a life-changing experience. The approach has not only improved my physical health but also greatly enhanced my mental resilience. Their infectious enthusiasm and personalised training sessions have helped me make remarkable progress,” shared Richard Hennessy.
“It is important for me that they understand my needs and provide targeted and effective training. Under their guidance, I’ve achieved growth, which was an uphill task given my heart condition,” added Yong Sin Lee, who has also been a committed client of Rodandac for a year.
The future of Rodandac aims to create an ecosystem where skilled trainers customize their guidance to meet individual needs, significantly impacting clients’ lives both mentally and physically.
For more information, please visit https://rodandac.sg/.
Founded in 2017, Rodandac has quickly become a leader in the fitness industry under the strong and visionary leadership of Andrew Lau. The company uniquely blends physical training with mental wellness, emphasizing authenticity and long-term growth. Rodandac inspires individuals to surpass their limits and achieve lasting transformations. It is also one of the first in-home mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
Seema Surinder
+65 92452640
se***@*****************ns.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Global Trend in Green Finance by Financial Institutions
The tide is certainly turning and we see banks and insurers promoting the Green Finance agenda.
What
is Green Finance? The United Nations Environment
Programme defines green finances aim being to increase
the level of financial flows (from banking, micro-credit, insurance and
investment) from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to sustainable
development priorities.
According to Forbes, going green
is no longer just a buzzword for businesses seeking to capitalize from social
cred. It’s a stand-alone concept and one in which more and more companies are
taking an interest. In 2021, green finance hit a market value of $540.6
billion, up from just $5.2 billion in 2012, showing exponential market growth.
In late 2021 accountancy firm Deloitte
noted that since May 2018, new funding directed to shipping organisations based
on ESG indicators has amounted to approximately US$14.5 billion.
We ask Mike Abbott on his views of the
global green ship financing.
Mike’s a seasoned board level executive and brings a wealth of experience in commerce, finance, commodities, and shipping. With a professional accreditation as a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a BA with Honours degree from the University of London, Mike has also served as the CFO of the Petredec Group, a leading gas trading and shipping company.
What does that mean for a ship owner looking to buy a new ship or to refinance an old ship?
Owners need to understand that eventually all finance will become “green”. There won’t be finance offered that does not include ESG as an integral part of the credit approval process. This will naturally include emissions so far as ship finance is concerned.
Owners should be prepared to demonstrate not only that they technically manage their ships to a high standard, but that they are commercially employed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. Fixing out a ship to a charterer or trade that is known to have a historically poor emissions profile, and then arguing that it’s “nothing to do with us” may no longer be acceptable.
How can ship owners take a more proactive approach with regards to green financing?
Owners that work hard to minimise their carbon footprint should push their lenders on pricing. Obviously ESG will only ever be a part of the credit approval process, but it must become an important part of it. If there are two owners with a similar financial credit risk profile, but where one is much further along their decarbonisation journey than the other, then it should be equitable that their relative pricing should include a delta to reflect this.
From the maritime financial institutions’ perspective, showing that they differentiate their borrowers on ESG, and reward / penalise as appropriate, should also help them to build their own ESG credentials. There’s lots of work to do here, by borrowers and lenders alike.
How you do you think the maritime industry should look at ESG holistically?
It will be incredibly difficult to accurately record the whole life ESG tariff of ocean-going ships that typically spend a couple of decades traversing the globe. The key is digitalisation as this will open the silos of data that we all know exist out there but are often inaccessible.
As an industry we’re often quite poor at being “joined up”. Whilst this may seem like yet another burden/ cost for the typical owner to carry, it’s important to note that better data often yields better decision making which yields better commercial performance, so think of it as an investment not a cost!
In Summary
The pivotal solution lies in digitalisation, as it holds the potential to break down the data barriers that exist and as an industry, we have to work together to have better connectivity to track a ships emissions. From the standpoint of maritime finance, considerable efforts are required from both borrowers and lenders to make meaningful efforts toward environmental sustainability. Lastly, the “it’s not our concern” attitude will very much be trying to steam against these changing tides.
If you would like to know how Vasco Systems can help in your Maritime ESG mandate, feel free to reach out to in**@**********ms.com.
Vasco has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com.
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Stamford Shipping adopts Vasco Emissions Solution
Stamford Shipping Partners with Vasco for Enhanced Environmental Compliance and Efficiency.
Vasco announces Stamford Shipping’s formal adoption of their system after a successful 9-month pilot program. Stamford Shipping has chosen to implement the system to effectively manage and report their CO2 emissions, solidifying their position as a leader in emissions monitoring within their fleet. This strategic decision underscores Stamford Shipping’s commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and positions them at the forefront of responsible emissions management in the maritime industry.
” Stamford’s ESG initiative takes paramount importance, and partnering with Vasco demonstrates our commitment to responsible environmental practices”
- Mark Robert Haines, Managing Partner, Stamford Shipping
“We have been working closely with Stamford for a number of months now with our seamless implementation process coupled with AI driven logic. We foresee a long-lasting relationship with Stamford as we embark on this journey together, leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation in the maritime sector”
- Tim Spragg, CEO, Co-Founder Vasco Systems
Vasco Systems has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
<> Introducing the sale of the “Omakase BOX” packed with Japan’s “delicious and enjoyable” snacks!
<>
Introducing the sale of the “Omakase BOX” packed with Japan’s “delicious and enjoyable” snacks!
WeAgri Inc. (Headquarter: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan) has a mission “Find More Japan – Accelerating the Rediscovery of Japan,” aiming to discover captivating Japanese products that are still unknown to the world and deliver them to people worldwide.
This time, we have launched the sale of a new subscription box featuring a selection of Japanese snacks. Starting from August 1st (Tuesday), this subscription box is available worldwide through our company’s e-commerce site, Ginaza Sweets [https://ginzasweets.com/].
Each month, you can enjoy a variety of different Japanese snacks. For those who love Japan but find it difficult to spare time and money for a trip, we began this initiative with the desire to provide a more casual way to experience Japan and to help foster a greater fondness for the country.
The pricing for the products is set at USD 32.2 for subscription purchases and USD 35.5 for one-time purchases. We invite you to indulge in the delicious Japanese snacks from the comfort of your home.

Ginaza Sweets Web site: https://ginzasweets.com/
Ginaza Sweets Instagram Account: https://instagram.com/ginzasweets_omakasebox
WeAgri Inc.
Yajima Bldg. 4F, 7-11-3 Ginza. Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061 Japan
03-5643-7730
https://weagri.jp/
WeAgri Inc.
03-5643-7730
gi**********@****ri.jp
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
Leverage These 4 Software Services for Digital Transformation That Can Help Drive Your Business Growth
Digital Transformation (DX) empowers businesses to enhance their operations by harnessing the potential of technology. This involves transitioning from traditional analog processes (such as paper-based processes) to modern digital systems, making way for a more efficient and effective way of conducting business.
In today’s digital age, companies must undergo organizational transformation to remain current and cater to the demands of a new generation that seeks quick and efficient access to managing information and tasks. Online information management is much simpler than traditional paper storage, and records can be easily retrieved by simply searching or browsing for them. This is why companies strive to keep up with the times and implement changes that align with the needs of their customers. 
Christopher Mosses, Chief Executive Officer of Manao Software, interestingly said that “Data management issues are a common challenge in various businesses, ranging from e-commerce systems to financial and manufacturing systems. Traditional methods such as filling out paper forms and passing them around from person to person can be improved through the adoption of software solutions, which have a positive impact on businesses with complex processes or multiple departments. However, it is crucial for software developers to have a clear understanding of the business’s needs and its existing processes before designing a digital solution. By doing so, the software solution can be optimized to meet the specific demands of the business, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.”

At Manao Software, we provide comprehensive software development services to enable Digital Transformation in businesses. Our services include development of web applications, mobile apps, and platforms that combine both. Services can be provided on a fixed-price basis for individual complete turn-key projects, or top tech talent can be supplied on a monthly basis for customers who wish to augment their technical staff with a dedicated team from Manao Software.
After more than a decade of enabling customers to implement Digital Transformation in their organizations we possess the experience and knowledge to be your trusted advisor and design the perfect solution for your unique needs. And with a free warranty included in every project, and affordable long-term maintenance agreements available, you can have peace of mind that the delivered solution will run smoothly for many years to come.
Manao Software provides high quality software development outsourcing services to companies that need custom made web applications or mobile apps with features exactly matching their unique business requirements.
Contact us : https://bit.ly/3QlTAMo
Tel : +66 52 001130
Website: https://manaosoftware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manaosoftware
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manaosoftware
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manaosoftware
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
Manao Software is a “Zero Headaches” Custom Software Development Company in Thailand
Welcome to Manao Software, an expat-owned software development company in Thailand which is unlike any other. Our Danish founder started Manao Software 16 years ago to solve a common problem shared by many business owners all over the world: Headaches and frustrations when outsourcing custom software development projects. He knew it didn’t have to be that way, and so to this day, Manao Software’s DNA consists of a Danish sense of quality, design, and craftsmanship applied to software development. 
Our team of 140 professionals provide comprehensive custom software development services, making Manao Software a one-stop solution for your software development needs. Mobile apps, web applications, or entire software platforms: We deliver complete turn-key solutions. You can leave the software development to us and focus on your core business and products. We also offer IT staff augmentation on a monthly basis with hand-picked dedicated software development team members that work exclusively for your company.

How do we live up to our “Zero Headaches” guarantee? Every project begins with a thorough Discovery Phase where we listen and learn all about your business and the needs and pain points you have. We don’t go for quick sales, instead we invest time and effort in making sure we thoroughly understand all aspects of the software you wish to develop. More than a decade of experience makes us an ideal technical sparring partner and trusted advisor: We not only listen, we also share our knowledge and ideas.
After gaining a full understanding of the requirements, we build quality into every layer of the software solution, including user-friendly designs, flexible and scalable architectures, clean code, thorough testing from beginning to end, and industry best practices for security. All backed by a free warranty, and affordable long-term maintenance agreements for peace of mind.
If you want to avoid the headaches associated with traditional software development outsourcing, then look no further. Try a refreshing alternative: Manao Software.
Manao Software provides high quality software development outsourcing services to companies that need custom made web applications or mobile apps with features exactly matching their unique business requirements.
Contact us : https://bit.ly/3QlTAMo
Tel : +66 52 001130
Website: https://manaosoftware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manaosoftware
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manaosoftware
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manaosoftware
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 25, 2023 | Ponderings
The weirdest thoughts pop into my head when I am cooking, and this time, it was this … the first man I have ever loved is Superman.
I must have been 8 or 9 years old when Superman (the movie) first appeared starring Christopher Reeve, and I remember my prepubescent heart racing as I gazed into those beautiful blue eyes.

Christopher Reeve in Superman (1978)
I didn’t understand my feelings, but from not giving a damn about any actor, I was suddenly following his career and on tenterhooks for his new movies, especially any new Superman movie. He was Superman for almost ten years, and my love never waned.
I recall being devastated and crying in my room when I heard about his passing years later.
It’s Clark Kent, not Superman.

Dean Cain as Clark Kent in Lois and Clark (1993 to 1997)
Years later, in 1993, Dean Cain appeared in the TV series Lois and Clark, and I was like, “Meh, he’s not Superman,” even though he technically was. Even the title tells us he was Clark Kent more than Superman on the screen.
I watched and enjoyed it but wasn’t attracted or attached to him.
Now that I think about it, Terry Hatcher, as Lois, made a bigger impact on me since she portrayed the role akin to Margot Kidder, the original Lois Lane, but she was much prettier, so my mind could accept Clark falling for her so quickly.

Tom Welling as Clark Kent (2001 to 2011)
Then Tom Welling (born April 26, 1977) took a turn as Clark Kent in Smallville.
Yup, I said Clark Kent. The concept of Smallville didn’t allow for him to don the cape and tights, so while he often displayed his superpowers discreetly as they manifested one by one, most of the time, he was just mild-mannered Clark Kent.
What really got me keen on Smallville was Clark’s relationship with Lex Luthor. I thought that was an interesting twist to explaining how and why Lex will grow to hate Superman so much.
I found Tom more relatable between Tom and Dean, probably because he looked closer to my age. I just did a Google search, and sigh he is seven years younger.
Tom is cute, and I loved Smallville, the show, but I had no emotional investment in Tom. By the way, loved him as Cain in Lucifer.
Superman Returns

Brandon Routh as Superman in Superman Returns (2006)
And then in 2006, Brandon Routh (born October 9, 1979), and my heart dropped … immediately followed by my panties, hahaha. He just has that sweet boy next door charm and “a body made for sin.” Although he did not get the same success as Christopher Reeve, I still think he did an excellent job. In addition … hubba hubba!
I would get super happy catching him in movies like Scott Pilgrim. His role there was so different, too! Later, I was doing the Dance of Joy when I found out he was to join the cast of Legends of Tomorrow after appearing multiple times in Arrow.
So you can just imagine my joy when he got to don the cape and tights again in the DC multiverse episodes! Woo hoo!
The Man of Steel

Henry Cavill plays Superman in several DC superhero movies from 2013 to 2023
This man … whoo, lordy! Henry Cavill (born May 5, 1983) combines my old-time infatuation with Christopher Reeve with my more primal feelings for Brandon Routh.
Because of social media, I know that this man is my idea of perfect! He is both naughty and nice; he is nerdy and a gadget freak, and … he has a body I’d like to do things to that I cannot write about here to keep my rating PG-13, lol!
I watch his movies and TV shows, follow him on social media, and watch his reels. You’d think I’d be obsessed, but I haven’t downloaded his photos (except for that one on the right for this post) or his videos. I don’t buy merch and have not tried to reach out to him on any of his socials.
Just the thought of the possibility of having the chance to meet him someday makes me forget to breathe. It’s a pipedream, I know.
Daddy Superman

Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in the TV series Superman and Lois (2016 to ____ )
I love that we finally see Superman as a parent, as portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin (born September 11, 1987).
I always thought it would have to happen eventually … that we should get the opportunity to see him and Lois finally married and with kids. This changed my feelings for Superman; I now see him as a family man. I like it.
However, I must confess that I found Tyler gorgeous in 2011 when he played Derek Hale in Teen Wolf.
Watching him as Clark and trying to balance his responsibilities as Superman with being a husband and father was surreal. It made me stop and remember that heroes are people, too. While they are saving us, they have families back home who are worried about them, missing them, and hoping they come home alive and safe.
Because Tyler’s role is very paternal, I relate to him more as one parent to another. I still think he is hot, but I respect his relationship with Lois, so a part of me is stepping back and thinking, “I am not going to be a homewrecker,” which is silly, I know, since it is all fictional.
The Perfect Man
Superman, to me, is the perfect man. If I had the power to craft or choose the man I would be with for the rest of my life, it would be him … yes, a fictional character. Let’s face it: What are the odds of a man like that falling for a woman like me (at my age)?

Superman
The actors that play Superman get younger and younger; soon, he will be young enough to be my son. So, leave me to my fantasies where all my book boyfriends look like Superman.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 24, 2023 | Business
IGNITING CHANGE: VELOX NETWORKS EMPOWERS HEALTHCARE CLINICS TO ADAPT WITH EASE
Singapore healthcare faced the challenge of bringing their services to where they were needed most. Velox Networks, a trailblazing Singapore-licensed telecommunications company, stepped in to help clinics quickly move and set up seamlessly.
Singapore, August 24, 2023 – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit
Singapore, healthcare faced big challenges. Velox Networks, a top telecommunications
company in Singapore, stepped in to help clinics quickly set up, move, and set
up again. This was possible because of Velox Networks’ smart cloud PBX design
that can change and adjust easily.
Clarence Lim, a Senior Manager of IT Operations at a leading
healthcare provider in Singapore, explains the difficulty of keeping up with
changing medical needs while dealing with high rent costs. “Our clinics
are spread out across Singapore,” says Lim. “Rent prices keep going
up, and it’s tough. We had to close some clinics and find new places for
them.”
“With Velox as our digital phone partner, we can move
and change phones smoothly,” Lim adds. Velox Networks’ cloud PBX lets us
use our old phone numbers and make new ones when we need to. “Moving phones
has been easy,” Lim says. “Just a few forms to fill out online.
During COVID, our staff took the phones home and connected them to the internet
– no need for extra troubleshooting.”
But that’s not all. Velox Networks offers more helpful
tools. Lim shares, “Their online system has many features. One of them is
rebooting phones from far away.” With clinics all over Singapore, this
feature is a game-changer. “Clinic staff get busy, but we can fix issues
in five minutes with a remote reboot. It saves us time and effort.”
And the support doesn’t stop there. “Velox’s account
management and customer support are great,” Lim praises. “When we
need help, they’re quick to respond – even on weekends. Phone lines are crucial
for us, and Velox makes sure we’re covered.”
Velox Networks isn’t just about technology; it’s about
helping people thrive. As a leader in telecommunications, Velox Networks is
guiding us into a connected future. To learn more, visit www.myvelox.com
or call +65-6978-1329.
Velox Networks Pte Ltd is a leading telecommunications provider specializing in delivering cutting-edge solutions to enhance connectivity and communication. With a focus on customer-centricity, Velox Networks aims to simplify and enrich the way individuals and businesses connect in the digital age. For more information, visit www.myvelox.com.
Jonathan Alquiza
Digital Marketing Specialist
j.*******@*****ox.com
+65 6950 5750
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 24, 2023 | Business
Shopee partners with League of Provinces to help digitize MSMEs
Shopee on Wednesday inked a partnership with the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) to help digitize micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in the country.
Shopee’s Head of Business Intelligence Martin Yu said their goal is to upskill Filipino sellers through free training programs on how to sell their products online and then onboarding them to the e-commerce platform.
“These are grassroots. These are people who don’t know how to do this yet. A lot of our program is designed to teach. That means having workshops, get them to list online and sell online. On top of us granting them this journey is giving their products that pathway to the customer base that is the Philippines,” said Yu.
The program will be piloted in the province of Quirino, where LPP National Chairman Dax Cua serves as governor, before being implemented in other rural areas.
“Quirino is a very rural province. There’s not yet any brick-and-mortar shopping mall in Quirino. And so when we thought of partnering with Shopee, we really envisioned to leapfrog into the future. Wala man kaming shopping mall sa Quirino, we will have the first provincial virtual shopping mall,” said Cua.
Congresswoman Mindy Cua, who represents the lone district of Quirino, was also present during the launch.
She shared that local entrepreneurs from Quirino are very excited about the prospect of having a bigger market for their processed agricultural products such as ginger tea, banana chips, ube powder, and banana flour.
“They’re very, very excited because they have a lot of products and ideas in mind that they want to produce and sell. But of course, selling it to your neighbor is not really the ideal setup. So if they have a huge customer base, it will be easier for them to sell,” she said.
The MSME digitization program was announced during the campaign kickoff of Shopee’s 9.9 sale.
Yu said they are confident that the 9.9 shopping spree will be successful despite elevated inflation.
“If anything, I think it’s natural that people would come look on the platform. You want to compare prices. Saan makahanap ng good prices and great assortment? Our kababayans, they’re very very good at finding great deals,” he said.
Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day sale starts from September 1 to 10.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 24, 2023 | Business
Philippines may still grow by 6% this year, says Remolona
MANILA -Despite a disappointing second quarter output, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. expects the domestic economy to pick up pace and attain a full-year growth rate of 6 percent, the lower end of the government’s target range for 2023.
In a chat with business editors on Tuesday night, Remolona said while 7 percent, the upper end of the target, may no longer be feasible, “we think it (growth) would hit 6 percent.”
One distinct factor that had caused the country’s second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate to soften to 4.3 percent, Remolona explained, was government underspending, which was now being addressed.
Iluminada Sicat, senior assistant governor of the Monetary Policy Sub-sector, noted that the Department of Budget and Management had committed to push various agencies to “fast-track their expenditures in accordance with the 2023 budget.”
One of the underspending government agencies is the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sicat noted, but only because it was cleaning up its database of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.
Patterned after the conditional cash transfer scheme implemented in other developing countries, the 4Ps program provides cash grants to beneficiaries provided that they comply with the set of conditions.
“Once everything has been validated and verified, then disbursement of ayuda (cash support) to relevant population will be fast-tracked,” Sicat said.
In 2022, the Philippine GDP grew by 7.6 percent, exceeding the government’s target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent. This was the fastest pace seen since 1976 and made the country one of the best-performing economies in Southeast Asia.
Asked about whether he shares the concern of some economists on the widening of the current account deficit, Remolona said the big surplus recorded in previous years had been due to underinvestment.
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