PH Assumes Chair of UN Commission on Women

 Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Libran Cabactulan formally assumed the chairmanship of the United Nations' Bureau for the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, apparently the international community's recognition of the Philippines' leadership in this field, reports GMANews.tv.

UK-PH Trade Expected to Double

The UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment expects bilateral trade between the Philippines and the United Kingdom to double within the next five years, reports Inquirer.net.  Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint said that this could be achieved by exchanges of trade missions.

Pinoy's Taxi in D.C. Has Karaoke

Filipino Joel Laguidao has been driving his taxicab  in Washington, DC for two years. His passengers are apparently happy with his service because his cab has karaoke, reports ABS-CBN News.

Filipina Household Worker Gets Norwegian Medal

A Filipina household staff member at the Norwegian Ambassador's residence in Berne, Switzerland was given royal recognition for rendering thirty years of loyal service, reports Philstar.com. Alice Javier was given The Norwegian King's Commemorative Medal, a decoration given to personnel who work at Norwegian missions and residences in recognition for special services.

First Filipino Coronavirus Death in Saudi Reported

A 41-year-old female Filipino nurse died of MERS coronavirus in Saudi Arabia last month, reports GMANews.tv. The Filipino, whose identity was not disclosed, is the first reported fatality from the Philippines. She died at a hospital in Riyadh last August 29

Thousands of OFWs Corrected Their Status in Saudi

Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago said over 20,000 Filipino nationals have corrected their residency status during the grace period, reports Arab News. He called on OFWs who needed correction to benefit from the remaining days of the amnesty period, which will end in less than two months.

PH Bananas Now Sold in US

The first batch of fresh Philippine bananas has finally arrived in the United States, according to the Philippine Embassy in the US, reports Inquirer.net . A shipment of 7.047 metric tons of highland cavendish from Bukidnon arrived September 9 in California, making the Philippines the first Asian country to export bananas to the US.

PH High Growth Not Enough to Cut Joblessness

Unemployment will continue to hound the Philippines even if its economy sustains seven percent growth in the coming years, if the government fails to open up more industries to competition, the World Bank said (Interaksyon.com).