San Beda Economics Society

𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗦: 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰? 💡📊

If GDP is growing… 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗸𝗼? 🤔💸

Before we answer that, let’s break it down first.

📌 𝗚𝗗𝗣(𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭) is the total value of all final goods and services produced inside a country within a specific period. In simple terms, it shows how much the economy is producing or “earning” as a whole.When GDP grows, it means businesses are selling more, factories are producing more, construction is expanding, and services like food, transport, education, and healthcare are becoming more active in the economy.

But here’s the real question:
𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿? 🤷‍♂️
Not always.

💡 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
Think of GDP like a big cake 🎂—even if the cake gets bigger, not everyone gets a bigger slice. Some sectors and income groups benefit more, while ordinary workers may not feel the same increase in income. So yes, the economy can grow, but personal finances may still feel tight.

✅𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽:
Don't base your personal financial health solely on national economic reports. Focus on tracking your own net income, managing debt, and budgeting wisely to navigate the real-world economy.

🔍References:
International Monetary Fund. (n.d.). Gross Domestic Product: An economy’s all.
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2026). National Accounts of the Philippines.
International Labour Organization. (2024). Global Wage Report 2024–25.
International Monetary Fund. (n.d.). Fiscal policy: Taking and giving away.

📑 Research and Data by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee
🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 🏆🔥

Missed all the fun? 👀

Looking back at Intramurals, every cheer, every game, and every moment of teamwork made it truly unforgettable. The energy, the laughter, and the spirit of competition will always be remembered.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to our teammates from 𝑲𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒅𝒂 for the dedication, discipline, sportsmanship, and unity you showed throughout the event 🤝💙

Until the next Intrams—same passion, comeback stronger, and rise beyond 🏅✨

“𝑺𝒊 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒂 𝒏𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒂..”😉💪🏻

Today, the San Beda Economics Society celebrates not just fathers by blood, but also those who stepped up and chose to become one—tatay, kuya, lolo, guardians, and mentors who carried the role with quiet strength, patience, and unconditional love. Thank you for being the steady presence we can always rely on, especially in moments when life feels uncertain

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our faculty professors from the Economics Department, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗭𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗮, 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻, and 𝗠𝗿. 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘇 for their guidance, dedication, and continuous effort in shaping not just our academic growth, but also our values and discipline as students.

On this special day, take a moment to give your papa, tatay, or lolo a well-deserved

“𝑻𝒂𝒚, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.” or
“𝑷𝒂, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒕.”

simple words that carry the deepest gratitude and love for everything they’ve done and continue to do for us.

Once again, Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers and father-figures who continue to lead, provide, and inspire in their own quiet but powerful ways. 💙✨

𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐓, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐒𝐏 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐔𝐏 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 💰📈

BSP just raised interest rates to 4.75%

And yes, your wallet might feel it.

On June 18, 2026, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised its key policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing the target reverse repurchase (RRP) rate to 4.75%. The central bank implemented this hike to stabilize inflation expectations and prevent temporary price increases from turning into long-term economic pressures. Alongside the rate increase, the BSP revised its inflation forecasts upward, pointing to elevated global oil prices and ongoing domestic supply-side challenges.

While inflation recently eased to 6.8% in May 2026 from 7.2% in April, it still sits well above the central bank's comfortable target zone. Looking ahead, the BSP emphasized that it remains ready to take additional monetary policy actions if necessary to maintain price stability and shield the purchasing power of Filipino households.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses, which can slow spending and investment but also help reduce inflation over time. For ordinary Filipinos, BSP policy decisions can influence loan payments, credit card interest rates, savings returns, and ultimately the prices of goods and services in the economy.

✅ 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽:
Monitor BSP policy announcements alongside inflation reports. Changes in interest rates can affect mortgage costs, personal loans, business financing, and even returns on savings accounts, making them valuable indicators for personal financial planning.

🔍 Reference:
The Philippine Star. (2026, June 8). BSP vows action to bring inflation back to target.

📑 Research and Data by: Rafael De Castro | Research and Academics Committee
🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee

📢 Call for Applications: Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP)

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is accepting online applications for AY 2026–2027!

Incoming freshmen planning to enroll at San Beda University can apply until June 30, 2026 under these eligible priority programs (PAASCU Level 3 Accreditation) as identified by the CHED:
BSBA in Financial Management
BSBA in Human Resource Management
BSBA in Marketing Management
BSBA in Operations Management
BS Entrepreneurship
BS Economics and Public Policy
BS Psychology

📌 See the attached graphics for the complete eligibility criteria, benefits, and required documents.

🔗 Apply here: bpms.ched.gov.ph

🕰️𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!🕰️

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫?

📦 1956–Present — When people think of inventions that changed the global economy, they often imagine the steam engine, the internet, or the airplane. Yet one of the most powerful innovations in economic history was far simpler: the shipping container.

Before containerization, goods were transported through break-bulk shipping, where cargo had to be loaded and unloaded piece by piece. This process was slow, expensive, labor-intensive, and vulnerable to theft or damage. In 1956, American entrepreneur Malcolm McLean introduced the first commercial container shipping system through the Ideal X, which carried standardized containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston, Texas.

This innovation transformed global logistics. Containers allowed goods to be packed once and moved efficiently by trucks, trains, and ships without repeated handling. With the rise of international standards in the 1960s and 1970s, containers became compatible across ports and transport systems worldwide, making global trade faster, safer, and more cost-efficient.

📊 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: The shipping container became one of the silent engines of globalization. By reducing shipping costs, speeding up delivery, and connecting supply chains across borders, it helped businesses expand internationally and gave consumers greater access to affordable goods. Though often overlooked, this steel box reshaped the movement of products, industries, and economies around the world.

📚 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
• Levinson, M. (2020). The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger.
• Bernhofen, D. M., El-Sahli, Z., & Kneller, R. (2016). Estimating the Effects of the Container Revolution on World Trade.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2015). The Impact of Containerisation on Global Trade.
• World Bank. (2020). Connecting to Compete 2020: Trade Logistics in the Global Economy.

📑 Research and Data by: Rafael De Castro | Academics and Research Committee
🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee

𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝐏𝐇 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐒 $𝟏𝟒𝟕.𝟑𝟓𝐁—𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 📉💸

$147.35 billion.

Yes, that's billion—with a "B."

The Philippines' external debt slightly declined in the first quarter of 2026, falling from the previous quarter's level to $147.35 billion. While the number remains enormous, the decrease signals a small but welcome improvement in the country's debt position.

The drop was mainly driven by lower foreign holdings of Philippine debt securities and shifting investor sentiment in global markets. Despite the decline, the country's debt remains higher than its level a year ago, reflecting continued borrowing to support economic growth, infrastructure projects, and public services.

Think of it this way: if the national debt were a mountain, we're still very much on the mountain—but at least we've taken a few steps downhill.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
External debt helps finance development, but too much debt can place pressure on future government spending and repayment obligations. A manageable and stable debt level helps maintain investor confidence, supports economic stability, and gives the government more flexibility to invest in essential services and long-term growth.

✅ 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽:
Don't just watch prices at the grocery store—watch economic indicators too. Debt levels, inflation, and exchange rates all influence your purchasing power, savings, and future financial opportunities.

🔍 Reference:
Inquirer Business. PH foreign debt dipped in Q1 to $147.35B.

📑 Research and Data by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee
🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee

📣𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 & 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒📣

This year, the 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐚 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 invites you to 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. Be part of our mission and help shape a year filled with Service and Economics excellence, where every initiative, project, and activity is designed to empower students, inspire growth, and create opportunities that leave a long-lasting difference.

A chance to 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙨—to be part of a journey that goes beyond sponsorship, beyond logos and banners, to real stories of growth, leadership, and societal impact.

Be part of our mission.
Be part of our story.
Join us as a 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓, 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 and let’s transcend boundaries and create a year to remember. 🩶💚💫

Reach us out via:
📧: [email protected]
💻:facebook.com/SanBedaEconomicsSociety

🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee

🕰️𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!🕰️

"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧"
-𝗥𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹

📅 1870s–1971 — For much of modern economic history, the Gold Standard served as the foundation of the international monetary system. Under this system, a country's currency was directly tied to a fixed amount of gold, providing stability in exchange rates and fostering confidence in international trade.

As global economies expanded, however, maintaining convertibility became increasingly difficult. Economic crises, wars, and changing financial demands exposed the limitations of the system. In 1971, the United States suspended the dollar's convertibility into gold, marking the end of the Bretton Woods era and the beginning of the modern fiat currency system.

📊 EcoInsight: The Gold Standard demonstrates how monetary systems evolve alongside economic realities. While it provided stability and discipline, its rigidity often limited governments' ability to respond to economic challenges, highlighting the delicate balance between stability and flexibility in economic policy.

📚 References:
• Bordo, M. D. (1999). Monetary Policy Regimes, the Gold Standard, and the Great Depression.
• Eichengreen, B. (1992). Golden Fetters: The Gold Standard and the Great Depression, 1919–1939.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2026). Gold Standard.

📑 Research and Data by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee
🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto & Kate Closa | Creatives Committee

"𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.." 🇵🇭

Today, we commemorate the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Filipinos who fought for our nation's freedom. Their pursuit of independence laid the foundation for a country built on self-determination, unity, and hope for a better future.

As we celebrate this historic day, 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—not just for freedom from colonizers, but also from poverty and corruption.

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐧,𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧!🩶💫

🎨 Publication Material and Caption by: Samantha Intacto | Creatives Committee