Lotto sales surge over 38% following higher minimum jackpot launch

by Info @Business | February 9, 2026

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) recorded a 38.3 percent year-on-year increase in Lotto sales following the implementation of higher minimum jackpot prizes, signaling stronger public participation and sustained interest in Lotto games under the enhanced prize structure.

Total Lotto sales from February 1 to 7, 2026 reached ₱413,827,025.00, up from ₱299,172,920.00 during the same period in 2025. The increase followed the rollout of higher starting jackpots across major Lotto games, making larger prizes available from the first draw and boosting overall player engagement.

PCSO said the growth in sales was accompanied by higher player participation, with the number of Lotto tickets sold rising by 10.7 percent year-on-year during the same period.

The agency attributed the sustained growth to the improved value proposition of Lotto games, where players now compete for significantly higher prizes from the outset while continuing to benefit from the progressive jackpot system when prizes are not immediately won.

“The strong year-on-year growth in Lotto sales shows that higher minimum jackpots resonate with the public,” said PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles. “By offering bigger prizes right from the start, we are making Lotto games more exciting and rewarding while ensuring the system remains fair, transparent, and sustainable.”

"Higher sales also mean a high degree of confidence by the betting public in the Philippine lottery system," he added.

Robles noted that increased participation directly supports PCSO’s mandate to fund health, medical, and social welfare programs nationwide. “Higher participation means more resources for medical assistance and other social services that benefit Filipinos in need,” he said.

The enhanced jackpot structure, implemented starting February 1, forms part of PCSO’s continuing efforts to modernize the Lotto system and align it with internationally accepted gaming practices.

PCSO continues to encourage the public to play responsibly and to rely on official PCSO channels for accurate information on Lotto games, draw schedules, and prize announcements.

Robles urged the betting public not to patronize illegal gambling   not only in order to avoid being defrauded but in order to help the government sustain its social service programs.

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For more information about PCSO’s Responsible Gaming initiatives, visit www.pcso.gov.ph or follow us on our official social media platforms.

DOST rolls out science-based peace interventions in former MILF camps

by Nelson Santos @Info | February 7, 2026

Photo: DOST reaffirms its commitment to advancing peace through science and technology—building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.

Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has strengthened its peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao through the delivery of science- and technology-based interventions in six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development in former conflict-affected areas.

Led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the program was formalized through the ceremonial turnover of technologies and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the project titled “Empowering the Six Previously Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the Provision of Science and Technology Interventions.” Activities were held at Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, and Camp Bilal in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

The initiative is implemented in partnership with Member of Parliament Basit “Jannati Mimbatas” Abbas, MILF Chairman of Camp Bushra and representative of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), headed by Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who was represented during the event by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano.

MP Abbas shared that beneficiaries expressed happiness upon learning about the initiative and warmly welcomed the support. He described the program as distinct from other government interventions because of its strong grassroots reach and the personal presence of DOST leadership, which helped strengthen trust and partnership within the communities.

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The activity was attended by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro M. Gatchalian, and DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director and Project Leader Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, reflecting the Department’s unified support for peace-oriented development.

The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar, and Camp Rajahmuda. Interventions were developed in close coordination with local leaders and community members to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to local priorities.

Key interventions focused on health, water, education, and livelihoods. These include the installation of six solar-powered Level II water systems serving more than 300 households, the deployment of SAFEWATRS water treatment technologies, and the conduct of food safety training, Halal compliance orientation, and basic nutrition activities.

In education, six STARBOOKS Learning Hubs equipped with Starlink connectivity were established, benefiting over 600 learners and educators. Meanwhile, science-based livelihood technologies—such as food processing, dressmaking, weaving, abaca production, and aquaculture initiatives—directly supported more than 300 community members and strengthened local economic self-reliance.

All technologies and facilities were designed with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience considerations, utilizing solar-powered and energy-efficient systems.

Capacity-building activities were conducted from July to October 2025, covering food processing, aquaculture, livestock production, vegetable farming, and enterprise development. Follow-through mentoring and enterprise strengthening activities are scheduled for 2026 to ensure long-term sustainability.

According to Secretary Solidum, “Science is for peace and development,” emphasizing that science provides communities with the tools needed to build sustainable and productive lives.

The initiative is implemented in close coordination with OPAPRU, the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel, the Joint Task Force for Camps Transformation,

local government units, and community leaders.

Through this program, DOST reaffirms its commitment to advancing peace through science and technology—building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.

Utang ng ‘Pinas, umakyat sa P17.71T sa pagtatapos ng 2025

by Info @Business News | February 4, 2026

File Photo

Isinara ng Pilipinas ang 2025 na may bagong record-high sovereign debt na P17.71 trilyon, ayon sa Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

Batay sa datos na inilabas ng BTr, mas mataas ito ng P1.66 trilyon o 10.32% kumpara sa naitalang P16.05 trilyon sa pagtatapos ng Disyembre 2024.

“The increase due to the government’s strategic net issuance of debt instruments to fund development programs, as well as the valuation effects of peso depreciation against the US dollar and third currencies,” ani BTr.

Sa kabuuang utang ng bansa, nasa P12.12 trilyon ang domestic debt, habang nasa P5.59 trilyon naman ang external o foreign debt.