Economy & Resources

In the Philippines, rising hospital bills are pushing many people to seek assistance through Facebook groups. What began as informal support spaces has evolved into a whole new system for navigating medical aid. These online groups have become lifelines for families struggling to pay for treatment.   The groups focus on securing "guarantee letters," which are documents issued by government officials to help cover hospital expenses. Guarant...

 ASEAN economies are facing pressure as the unresolved Iran conflict raises oil and shipping costs, and inflation risk grows while trade slows.   Experts say the 2026 outlook is more uncertain as global energy markets tighten and investors watch Asia closely, affecting markets, jobs, and consumer confidence across the region.   Strait of Hormuz Oil Risk Drives Energy Cost Surge Risks in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing up oil ...

Japan has unveiled a bold $10 billion plan to support Southeast Asian nations facing rising oil prices. The move comes as global energy markets feel pressure from war in the Middle East. Leaders across Asia are working together to secure stable fuel supplies and protect key industries.   Japan Steps in With Major Energy Funding Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the funding after a high-level virtual meeting with region...

Fisheries across Southeast Asia are under growing pressure as millions of kilos of fish disappear each year. In the Philippines, annual fish losses have reached around 45 million kilos. Experts warn this is not just an environmental issue, but a serious threat to food security and livelihoods.   A study by Oceana shows that Philippine fisheries are in “freefall.” National fish production dropped from 2.6 million metric tons in ...

When the Strait of Hormuz shut in February, the Philippines felt the shock almost immediately. Speaking by teleconference at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit hosted by Japan, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the disruption had laid bare how vulnerable the country remains as an archipelagic economy heavily dependent on imported petroleum.   Diesel and liquefied petroleum gas prices have skyrocketed...