Good morning, readers!

Your money is making headlines, and not all for good reasons. The peso is sinking, interest rates are climbing, and SSS wants to make your contributions work harder. Meanwhile, Philippine ube is getting a multimillion-dollar boost from the US. Here's what matters in today's PesoWeekly.

Stay Sharp.

What happened? Newly appointed SSS President and CEO Victor Alfonso Limlingan wants to boost investment returns and expand member benefits.

The strategy: SSS plans to invest more in high-dividend companies, particularly gold and copper miners. It also aims to gradually expand overseas investments, targeting 5% of its investment reserve fund by 2027.

Beyond investments: Limlingan wants to expand affordable loans, relaunch the Pension Booster program, improve contribution collections, and reduce long queues at SSS branches.

Why it matters: SSS manages funds that millions of Filipinos depend on for retirement and other benefits. Higher investment earnings could help improve benefits, but returns are never guaranteed.

The challenge is balancing higher returns with protecting members' hard-earned contributions.

The Philippine peso weakened to a record closing low of ₱63.615 per US dollar on October 23, Friday, according to Bankers Association of the Philippines data reported by multiple news outlets. The currency fell despite the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raising its key policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.50%. High oil prices and dollar demand continued to pressure the peso.

Southstar Drug, DSWD Expand Access to Medicines

Southstar Drug partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to let eligible Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations beneficiaries obtain approved medicines without upfront payment. Initially, five participating branches in Quezon City accept DSWD guarantee letters, with reimbursement handled directly by the agency. The partnership aims to ease immediate healthcare expenses for financially vulnerable Filipinos.

BSP Raises Key Rate to 5.50%

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its key policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.50% on October 22, responding to widening inflation pressures. The central bank cited higher global oil prices, transportation fare increases and El Niño risks to agricultural production. It also raised its 2027 inflation forecast to 6.0%, signaling that monetary policy may remain tight.

US Pledges $34.1 Million for Philippine Ube

The US Department of Agriculture awarded $34.1 million to support the Philippines’ ube industry, with more than 12,500 farmers expected to benefit over five years. The project, funded through proceeds from selling nearly 40,000 metric tons of US soybean meal, will be implemented by nonprofit TechnoServe to strengthen production and help meet growing international demand for purple yam.

Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos responded to criticism after a Japan train video showed her recording a voice-over for Pinoy Big Brother, saying it lasted only three to five seconds. (Read more)

Elite Surfers Set to Test Siargao’s Cloud 9 Waves

Elite surfers will test Cloud 9 in Siargao during the WSL Philippines Pro Tour, bringing international attention to the island’s waves and showcasing Philippine surfing to a global audience. (Read More)

Charli XCX Joins Scorsese’s New Film

Pop star Charli XCX will make a cameo in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film “What Happens at Night,” joining Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and other stars. (Read More)

Researchers develop a soft, biohybrid swimming device driven by genetically modified muscle tissue that contracts when exposed to light, enabling precise navigation through underwater mazes. (Read more)

Unitree Robotics Unveils Humanoid Robot Capable of Lifting Vehicles, Performing Combat Maneuvers

The new "Kung Fu Legend Guardian" prototype demonstrates high-impact rescue capabilities and physical agility,showcasing advanced balance control and mechanical strength. (Read More)

Indian Workers Film Daily Tasks To Train AI Robots

Workers in India are paid to record activities like haircutting and embroidery, providing footage that technology companies use to train artificial intelligence systems designed to control robots. (Read More)


Chinese Humanoid Robots Seek Jobs In South Korea

Chinese robotics companies are testing humanoid robots in South Korean factories and cafes as Seoul invests in physical AI and expands its robotics industry. (Read More)

Feared-Extinct Bangka Slow Loris Rediscovered in Indonesia After Nearly a Century 

Conservationists and wildlife rescue organizations confirm the survival of the venomous, nocturnal primate on an Indonesian island after it went undocumented since the 1930s.

Scientists Discover Hidden Oxygen Source Deep Inside Earth That Could Rewrite Planet's History 

Laboratory experiments reveal that molten rock under high pressure can absorb and transport significant excess oxygen, potentially explaining ancient increases in atmospheric levels.

Birdwatching Rewires the Brain and Slows Cognitive Decline

New neurological studies demonstrate that engaging in birdwatching and nature observation stimulates cognitive resilience, improves mental focus, and helps preserve brain health in older adults.

🚨 DILG offered a ₱50-million reward for information leading to Senator Bato dela Rosa’s arrest, describing him as armed and dangerous. (Read more)

🌾Agricultural losses linked to El Niño have exceeded ₱8.5 billion nationwide, adding pressure on farmers and threatening production and livelihoods. (Read more)

🚨 UST evacuated its campus after receiving a bomb threat, with authorities assessing the situation and checking for possible explosive devices. (Read more)

🌀 Batanes is experiencing stormy weather as Super Typhoon Rosal affects the province, bringing winds and rain that could disrupt travel. (Read more)

📊 A survey found six in 10 Filipinos believe the Philippine economy is worse than it was a decade ago, overall. (Read more)

France confirmed its first human Shamonda virus case after a hospitalized man died. Authorities suspect a midge bite but said there is no risk to the public.

New Scientific Study Traces Vincent van Gogh's Masterpiece 'Starry Night' to an Actual 1889 Night Sky

Researchers analyze astronomical positions and historical records to confirm that the swirling celestial scene accurately depicts the night sky over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Tourist Dangles From 23-Story Building in Reckless Urban Daredevil Stunt

Law enforcement officials and safety advocates express alarm after footage emerges showing an individual performing dangerous free-hanging maneuvers from a high-rise structure.

📝 Pugs take over robinsons magnolia as Philippine pug lovers club celebrates 14th anniversary. (Watch here)

📝 Mariah Deborah breaks OPM barriers as “Na Para Bang” enters Billboard’s Global Chart. (Read more)

📝 Japanese man caught off guard as marriage details with Filipina are posted at Municipal Hall. (Read more)

📝 Filipino seeks help for elderly fruit vendor spotted in Pasig. (Watch here)