MANILA, Philippines — The peso exchange rate stands at P43.42 to the US dollar, the closing rate last Friday at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx). The weighted average rate stands at P43.422.

P.L.D.T. raised to investment rating

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s (PLDT) long-term foreign-currency rating was raised to BBB- from BB+, Fitch Ratings said in a statement.

That was the lowest investment grade rating at Fitch, with a stable outlook, the rating company said. The company’s long-term local currency rating, raised to BBB+ from BBB is on a positive rating watch, Fitch said. (Bloomberg)

D.B.P. launches O.F.W. reintegration program

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has launched its OFW Reintegration Program (DBP-OFWRP), a financing facility that aims to support the entrepreneurial activities of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

DBP president & chief executive officer Francisco F. Del Rosario, Jr. said the facility will assist OFWs in putting up or strengthening their existing business ventures and give them access to credit. The facility is also designed to help OFWs build up their assets and gain access to business development services.

Agri journalism awards now open

The nationwide search is on for the best works in agriculture journalism as the fifth Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards is now accepting entries to this prestigious competition.

The event gives due recognition to outstanding published works in print, radio, television, and photography that chronicle and capture the agricultural landscape of the times.

By recognizing journalistic excellence in agriculture, it contributes to raise awareness and support to an industry that feed and fuel the nation. The categories of Bright Leaf Awards include Agriculture Story of the Year, Tobacco Story of the Year, Best Television Program or Segment, Best Radio Program or Segment, Agriculture Photo of the Year, Tobacco Photo of the Year, Best Regional News Story, Best National News Story, Best Regional Features Story, and Best National Features Story.

Suntel offers group plan packages

SunTel Wireless Landline now comes in Group Plan packages for only P999 per month.

SunTel Group Plan 999 offers the activation of three lines with unlimited landline to landline and long distance calls to any SunTel or Digitel landline in the country.

Under its standard 24-month subscription, the package also offers three phones that subscribers can avail for free.