An estimated 30.2 million persons joined the labor force in July 1997, increasing by 497 thousand or 1.7 percent over 29.7 million last year. However, the corresponding labor force participation rate dropped from 66.3 percent to 65.7 percent.

The VPI of key manufacturing enterprises increased by 6.4 percent to 454.3 in July 1997 from 427.1 in the same month last year. On a month-on-month basis, the VPI likewise increased by 4.1 percent from June's 436.3. These figures were based on the…

The merchandise trade increased by 15.2 percent as two-way trade transactions for the first seven months of 1997 reached $34.269 billion from $29.744 billion during the same period in 1996. Imports rose by 11.0 percent to $20.501 billion from $18.…

1997 Since 1995, bands of new sponsors had joined original sponsors enabling cash prizes for the top five national winners to be doubled. Coaches of the winning students were likewise rewarded with cash. Another University of the Philippines - Los…

Measured from a year ago, the national inflation rate increased by 4.5 percent in August, slower than the 4.8 percent posted in June and July. The index was estimated at 241.1 in August from 239.3 in July.

Income from merchandise exports for the first seven months of the year improved by 22.0 percent to $13.763 billion from $11.276 billion last year. For July 1997 alone, export shipments posted a 21.8 percent gain as receipts reached $2.063 billion,…

The VPI in key manufacturing enterprises decreased by -5.3 percent to 433.8 in June 1997 from 458.3 a year ago. On a month-on-month comparison, the VPI slightly increased by 0.6 percent from 431.2 last May 1997. These figures were based on the…

For the first six months of 1997 the two-way merchandise trade between the Philippines and the rest of the world expanded by 15.2 percent to $29.031 billion from $25.211 billion a year ago. Dollar outflows for purchases of foreign-made merchandise…

Merchandise exports for the first half of 1997 improved by 22.1 percent to $11.697 billion from $9.582 billion last year generating additional dollar-inflows valued at $2.115 billion. For June 1997, exports of goods posted an 18.5 percent gain as…

Measured from a year ago, the national inflation rate increased by 4.8 percent in July, which was the same rate posted last month. The index was estimated at 239.3 in July from 239.0 in June.