Good morning.

Saturday’s issue comes with mixed economic weather: factory output just hit a four-year high, but oil did most of the heavy lifting. Inflation cooled, diesel may jump, and the World Bank says many Filipinos remain one crisis away from poverty.

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Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Philippine factory output jumped 12% in April, its fastest growth in over four years, based on PSA data. Sounds like a manufacturing comeback. But the engine was mostly oil.

What drove it: Coke and refined petroleum products surged 52.7%, helped by higher refining activity, inventory rebuilding, and firms frontloading production amid Middle East supply risks. Food output also rose 8.2%, while electronics grew 14.1%, though slower than March.

Yes, but: The broader picture is less shiny. S&P Global’s manufacturing PMI fell to 48.3, signaling contraction as new orders and export demand weakened. Analysts said April’s spike was boosted by base effects and petroleum-related activity, not a full-sector revival.

Why it matters: Manufacturing is growing, but unevenly. Oil carried the month. Demand will decide if the momentum lasts.

Despite steady poverty reduction, nearly 28% of Filipinos remain vulnerable to falling into poverty, according to the World Bank. Rising fuel and food prices linked to the Middle East conflict could push almost 2 million more Filipinos below the poverty line. The report highlights the need for quality jobs, stronger social protection, and greater resilience against economic and climate shocks.

NDA Pushes P140.5M Digital Overhaul

The National Dairy Authority is seeking a P140.5-million budget to digitize key regulatory services, aiming to speed up approvals, reduce paperwork, and improve transparency. Planned platforms include online licensing, product registration, and monitoring systems. The initiative seeks to lower business costs, streamline compliance, and support the growth of the Philippine dairy industry.

Diesel Set for Sharp Price Hike

Motorists may face a hefty diesel increase of up to P4.50 per liter next week, while gasoline prices could fall by as much as P1.50 per liter. Rising oil prices, driven by Middle East tensions and supply concerns, fueled the projected adjustments. Final rates remain subject to the last trading day's results.

Inflation Eases to 6.8% in May

Philippine inflation slowed to 6.8% in May 2026 from 7.2% in April, driven by slower increases in transport, food, and utility costs. The rate came in below market expectations and the BSP’s forecast range. However, core inflation rose to 4.1%, indicating persistent underlying price pressures.

Sandara Park was named an Overseas Koreans Agency ambassador, crediting her years in the Philippines for shaping her journey and connection with global Korean communities. (Read more)

PH Taekwondo Gets Asian Games Boost

The Philippines secured four additional taekwondo slots for the Asian Games, strengthening medal hopes as athletes prepare for competition in Japan this September. (Read More)

Pepito Manaloto Marks 16 Years

The cast of Pepito Manaloto celebrated its 16th anniversary, thanking loyal viewers, GMA, and the production team for making it one of Philippine television’s longest-running shows. (Read more)

Researchers developed a fuel cell powered by microbes in soil that can run sensors and wireless devices. The technology generated reliable energy in wet and dry conditions, offering a renewable alternative to batteries. (Read more)

A seventh-generation robot barista outperformed a human competitor in a Shanghai coffee-making contest. The robot worked faster and more accurately, highlighting advances in automated beverage preparation and service technology. (Read more)

A tech-savvy man created an AI-powered water gun turret that detects pigeons and sprays them with water. The homemade system uses cameras, sensors, and machine learning technology. (Read more)

Startup Eka unveiled a robotic arm designed to handle delicate objects with greater precision. The system uses AI-driven simulations to perform tasks traditionally requiring human dexterity in workplaces. (Read more)

Scientists Discover New Insect Species and Fluorescent Spider in Angola

Researchers exploring Angola’s Lisima plateau identified new species of dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies, and spiders. The findings highlight the region’s biodiversity and ongoing efforts to document threatened wildlife.

NASA Ends MAVEN Mars Mission After Long Operation

NASA ended its MAVEN Mars mission after long operation in orbit around Mars. The spacecraft studied the Martian atmosphere and solar wind effects before its mission conclusion was announced Thursday

Stanford Lab Turns Food Waste Into Cheese-Like Product

Stanford University researchers created a cheese-like food from food waste using fungal fermentation in California. The experiment shows how discarded materials can be transformed into edible products and reduce food waste.

Scientists Discover Vast Hidden Structure Beneath Antarctic Ice

A Durham University study found a vast hidden fan-shaped network of basins beneath East Antarctica’s ice sheet, revealing linked geological structures that improve understanding of ice behavior and tectonic history.

🗑️ Garbage was dumped outside the DENR regional office as Davao City protested a landfill closure causing waste buildup. (Read more)

🛂 The US revoked visas of Martin Romualdez, with authorities declining to disclose reasons due to visa confidentiality rules. (Read more)

⚖️ A Bulacan court ordered the arrest of Curlee and Sarah Discaya and nine others over a non-bailable malversation case. (Read more)

🎓 DepEd trained over 3,600 teachers in Sulu to implement revised K-10 and senior high school curriculum reforms. (Read more)

💼 A PWD employee at SM City Baguio shared how 10 years of inclusive work helped build dignity, confidence, and stability. (Read more)

Scientists in Italy used yeast found in Ötzi the Iceman’s preserved gut to make sourdough bread in Europe. The study shows ancient microbes can still be revived and studied today.

Priest Removed as Exorcist After UFO Comments in Washington, D.C.

A Catholic archdiocese in Washington, D.C., United States removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as exorcist after he linked UFO sightings to demons, saying his remarks undermined official Church teachings.

US Visa Issues and War Deter Fans from World Cup 2026

Fans from several countries face barriers attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States due to visa issues, high costs, and geopolitical tensions affecting travel and participation plans.

📝 Filipinos mourn viral ‘security guard cat’ Conan after his passing. (Read more)

📝 Chinese humanoid robots stun America’s Got Talent with a synchronized dance performance. (Watch here)

📝 Paper bag artwork praised as a Filipino spirit tribute, celebrating creativity and cultural pride. (Watch here)

📝 The “Sharmaine” effect fuels viral name trend “Vanessa” and “Melanie” (Read more)