Global Power Shifts & Economic Strategies Unveiled: What You Need to Know Now!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and evolving economic paradigms, understanding and navigating emerging economic strategies is paramount. Recognizing this imperative, the Graduate Program students of Miriam College’s Department of International Studies, as part of their IS 209.1 Global Political Economy course, have organized a roundtable discussion titled "Charting and Navigating the Emerging Economic Strategies." This event aims to dissect how nations harness geo-economic power amidst dynamic global shifts, focusing on the interplay of trade, investment, and financial systems that sculpt development paths.

Event Details:

Date: March 22, 2025 (Saturday)

Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Registration starts at 8:30 AM, Program begins at 9:00 AM)

Venue: HEU Conference Room near HEU Chapel, Miriam College

Format: HyFlex — Onsite for Miriam College participants (limited slots) and online via Zoom for the public (link will be provided after registration)

We are honored to feature Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba as our guest speaker, who will share his profound insights on this critical topic.

Global Economic Landscape: Emerging Trends

As we delve into 2025, the global economy presents a tapestry of challenges and opportunities:

Moderate Global Growth: The International Monetary Fund projects global growth at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, slightly below the historical average of 3.7%. This tempered growth reflects ongoing trade tensions and policy uncertainties. 

Resilient Emerging Economies: Nations like Spain, Greece, Argentina, South Africa, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka have implemented substantial reforms in response to recent economic crises. These measures have led to budgetary discipline, rising stock markets, and improved credit conditions, signaling potential economic resurgence. 

Evolving Monetary Policies: Central banks are increasingly stepping back, allowing fiscal policies to take the lead in steering economic directions. This shift underscores the diminishing influence of traditional monetary tools in the face of complex global challenges. 

Tripolar World Dynamics: The global stage is gravitating towards a tripolar configuration, with the US, China, and Europe emerging as dominant economic and political entities. This regionalization trend is reshaping international alliances and economic strategies. 

Philippine Economic Outlook: Strategies and Prospects

The Philippines stands at a pivotal juncture, with opportunities to bolster its economic trajectory:

Robust Growth Projections: The Philippine economy is anticipated to grow by 6.3% in 2025, driven by strong domestic demand and a rebound in external markets. 

Strategic Initiatives: The country is showcasing its commitment to emerging industries such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable finance. These initiatives were prominently highlighted during the 2025 Davos Week, emphasizing the Philippines' dedication to innovation and sustainability. 

Trade Strategy Amid Geoeconomic Tensions: The Philippines is proactively adapting its trade strategies to navigate rising geoeconomic tensions, aiming to maintain its position as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies. 

Conclusion

The forthcoming roundtable discussion at Miriam College offers a timely platform to explore these global and national economic trends. By engaging with experts like Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba, participants will gain nuanced perspectives on how emerging economic strategies influence international relations and global stability. This dialogue is essential for comprehending the complexities of the current economic landscape and for formulating informed strategies to navigate the future.

Palawan Says ‘No’ to Mining for 50 Years – A Historic Win or a Costly Mistake?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a landmark move celebrated by environmental advocates, the Palawan Provincial Board has unanimously approved a 50-year moratorium on new mining operations, underscoring the province's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. 

A Unified Stand Against Mining

The ordinance halts the issuance of endorsements for all large- and small-scale mining applications, including exploration permits and mineral agreements. This decisive action reflects the collective efforts of various sectors in Palawan, including Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, and the church. Notably, a pastoral letter issued in December 2024 by Bishops Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa and Broderick Pabillo of Taytay played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for the moratorium. 

Environmental Advocates Applaud the Decision

Environmental organizations have lauded the moratorium as a significant victory. Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), emphasized that the ordinance is a clear legal expression of Palawan's opposition to mining, urging the national government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to respect this stance. 

Similarly, Atty. Grizelda "Gerthie" Mayo-Anda, Executive Director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), hailed the ordinance as a historical step toward protecting Palawan's remaining forests and natural resources, underscoring the community's right to a safe and healthy environment. 

Industry Pushback and Legal Debates

The mining industry has expressed concerns over the moratorium. The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) argued that the ban represents an overreach of local authority, potentially undermining national interests and the country's competitiveness in the global nickel market. 

Additionally, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines described the moratorium as "myopic," suggesting it limits the country's ability to harness mineral resources amid rising global demand for metals essential to clean energy applications. 

Call for Vigilance and Sustainable Development

Church leaders, while welcoming the moratorium, have called for continued vigilance to ensure its full enforcement. Bishop Mesiona emphasized the need for the public to monitor the implementation of the moratorium, especially as the province approaches local and national elections, urging voters to prioritize candidates committed to environmental protection. 

This historic moratorium positions Palawan as a beacon of environmental stewardship, balancing ecological preservation with sustainable development goals. As the province navigates the challenges of enforcing this ban amidst industry opposition, the collective resolve of its people remains crucial in safeguarding their natural heritage for future generations.

Toxic Beauty: Banned Mercury-Laced Skin Whiteners Still Sold in Taguig—Thousands at Risk!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The relentless sale of mercury-laden skin-lightening products in Taguig City, Philippines, has once again come under scrutiny. On March 9, 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition, a vigilant environmental watchdog, conducted test purchases at Sunshine Mall Plaza in Taguig City. Their investigation unveiled the continued sale of banned cosmetics containing alarmingly high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin.

Alarming Findings

The EcoWaste Coalition's analysis revealed mercury concentrations in the following products:

Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream: 31,010 parts per million (ppm)

Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene: 29,110 ppm

Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream: 28,090 ppm

88 Total White Underarm Cream: 2,006 ppm

These levels starkly exceed the permissible limit of 1 ppm for mercury in cosmetics, as stipulated by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and reinforced by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Notably, some of these products had been banned by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as 2017.

Health Implications of Mercury in Cosmetics

Mercury is incorporated into certain skin-lightening products to suppress melanin production, leading to a lighter skin tone. However, its use poses significant health risks:

Dermatological Issues: Users may experience skin rashes, discoloration, and scarring.

Systemic Toxicity: Chronic exposure can damage the kidneys, brain, and central nervous system.

Reproductive Harm: Pregnant women using such products risk mercury crossing the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal brain development and leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Its presence in cosmetics is particularly alarming due to the potential for direct skin absorption and inhalation during application.

Global and Local Responses

In February 2023, countries like Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka launched a joint initiative to eliminate mercury from skin-lightening products. Supported by a $14 million project, this effort aims to reduce the health and environmental toll of such cosmetics. 

Locally, the EcoWaste Coalition has been proactive in identifying retailers violating the ban. In July 2024, they reported at least 20 stores in Taguig City engaged in the unlawful sale of mercury-laden cosmetics. 

Despite these efforts, the recent findings indicate persistent non-compliance, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

Consumer Awareness and Safety

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing skin-lightening products. The U.S. FDA warns against over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone or mercury, emphasizing the importance of reading product labels and consulting healthcare providers for safe alternatives. 

Furthermore, a recent study highlighted that over 3,000 beauty products targeting specific demographics contain hazardous ingredients, raising concerns about long-term health implications. 

Conclusion

The continued sale of mercury-contaminated cosmetics in Taguig City highlights a pressing public health issue. It calls for collaborative efforts between local authorities, health agencies, and consumer advocacy groups to enforce existing bans, educate the public, and promote safer beauty practices. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, prioritize their health, and support initiatives that advocate for the elimination of toxic substances in personal care products.