Money Matters

Mindanao’s Economic Pulse. As the multi-award-winning leader in regional economic reporting, Mindanao Gold Star Daily provides deep insights into the island's evolving marketplace. From the multi-billion Northern Mindanao (Normin) air travel upgrades and Cagayan de Oro real estate booms to the latest in BPLO institutionalization and SME digital transformation, our business coverage connects you to the trends shaping the "Land of Promise." Whether you are tracking the agricultural supply chain, regional inflation, or Mindanao’s growing tech sector, we deliver the financial intelligence you need to navigate the local economy.

2002 stories

FFW President Atty. Sonny G. Matula (center, in blue) speaks to reporters outside the Navotas City Hall of Justice after the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and the NAGKAISA! Labor Coalition filed a motion to intervene in a court case challenging the implementation of the ₱85 daily minimum wage increase for Metro Manila workers on Wednesday, Aug. 6. (Photo courtesy of FFW)

Workers’ ₱85 pay raise faces fresh court fight

Labor coalitions ask a Navotas court to lift the temporary restraining order blocking Metro Manila's ₱85 minimum wage hike, warning that delays worsen financial burdens for low-income workers.

Aug 7, 20264700

LOCAL FLAVORS. Food vendors serve a variety of freshly prepared local delicacies and street food at the Fiesta sa Kaumahan: Agro Fair and Garden Show 2026, one of the Higalaay Festival attractions showcasing homegrown flavors and local entrepreneurs. (Photo courtesy of the Cagayan de Oro City Information Office)

Higalaay Agro Fair opens for shoppers seeking fresh local food

Cagayan de Oro residents can now buy fresh produce, ornamental plants, and artisanal food products directly from local farmers and fisherfolk at the annual Fiesta sa Kaumahan Agro Fair and Garden Show at Gaston Park.

Aug 6, 20264000

A highland farmer meticulously selects coffee cherries on a mountain farm. Strategic government interventions under the national agriculture roadmap help growers upgrade productivity and secure stable, higher incomes. (File photo: PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Why Bukidnon is emerging as Mindanao's coffee hub

Modern processing equipment, direct buyer linkages, and local peace initiatives are helping Bukidnon coffee farmers elevate bean quality and capture higher-value markets across the country.

Aug 6, 20264800

Vendors sell fresh produce inside the vegetable section of a public market in Cagayan de Oro City at Cogon public market. (File Photo courtesy of City Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration)

Why healthy eating feels out of reach for many Filipino families

High food prices and export-driven farming leave low-income families in Cagayan de Oro struggling to afford nutritious meals, despite Northern Mindanao's ₱182B agricultural yield.

Aug 6, 20263900

Construction scaffolds line the iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk tower in General Luna, Siargao Island, during ongoing rehabilitation works on Thursday, July 31, 2026. Municipal leaders and tourism officials inspected the coastal development site to ensure facility upgrades, including new public restrooms and first-aid booths, are completed before the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour begins on Oct. 31. (Photo courtesy of Lingkod Lapid FB)

Siargao travelers to get better airport, rest stops, surf facilities

Ahead of the upcoming World Surf League tour, Siargao transforms visitor experience with upgraded Cloud 9 boardwalks, modern airport lounges, and dedicated tourist rest areas across the island.

Aug 5, 20265300

Representatives from the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO), CEEBDA, and BFAR-10 inspect fish stalls during a Market Denial Campaign at the Puerto Public Market in Cagayan de Oro City. The joint operation aimed to curb illegal fishing practices and prevent illegally caught seafood from entering public distribution channels. (File Photo courtesy of Cagayan de Oro City Information Office)

CDO shoppers pay more for fish, less for vegetables

Shoppers across Cagayan de Oro are facing higher costs for seafood and kitchen spices, though dropping vegetable prices and steady rice supplies offer relief.

Aug 4, 20264900

San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora, El Salvador City Mayor Edgar Lignes, and Gingoog City Mayor Eric Cañosa sign historic sisterhood agreements on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The inter-city partnership formalizes cooperation across trade, tourism, education, and local governance initiatives between the Metro Manila municipality and the Northern Mindanao cities. (Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig)

Sister city pact brings Misor products closer to Metro Manila buyers

Sisterhood pacts signed between San Juan City and Misamis Oriental’s El Salvador and Gingoog will bring local products—including oolong tea and faith tourism—directly to Metro Manila buyers.

Jul 30, 20262900

Vendors sell fresh produce and local goods during the Monthly Tabo at the City Hall Mini-Park in Cagayan de Oro City. Organizers under the municipal Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) designed the ongoing livelihood campaign to combine healthcare-led rehabilitation with practical economic support for long-term community reintegration. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan de Oro City Information Office)

CDO monthly market gives recovering PWUDs a fresh start

Through the Monthly Tabo at City Hall, Cagayan de Oro's CADAC is turning rehabilitation into sustainable entrepreneurship for recovering drug responders.

Jul 30, 20264400

Local officials are urging the national government to review transmission fees and amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) alongside removing system loss charges to make energy rates fair and transparent. (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines)

Power bills May drop as system loss charge ends

Consumers and local officials in Lanao del Norte welcomed President Marcos' proposal to remove system loss charges, hoping the reform will significantly lower monthly electricity bills.

Jul 28, 20264000

HELPING FARMERS GROW. Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corp. marked its 28th anniversary in July by expanding technical assistance and sustainable feeds to livestock farmers across Capas, Tarlac. The initiative aims to strengthen regional agriculture and fortify the nation’s overall food supply. Supplied Photo

Farmers get more support as Pilmico marks 28 years

Jul 27, 20263800

Pag-IBIG Fund SAFE Loan helps over 803,000 members with ₱5.82 billion released in less than six weeks

Pag-IBIG Fund has released ₱5.82 billion under its Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies (SAFE) Loan as of July 22, providing aid to 803,769 members in less than six weeks since the program started on June 10.

Jul 23, 20266500

MORE JOBS, STRONGER FARMING.Taiwanese officials led by TECO Representative Ambassador Wallace Minn-Gan Chow meet with Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy on July 21 to discuss a proposed agriculture innovation center and expanded job opportunities in Taiwan for Filipino workers. (Photo courtesy of the Cagayan de Oro City Information Office.)

Taiwan eyes more OFW jobs, agri hub for CDO

Jul 22, 20266900