BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to drive foreign direct investments and promote economic growth in the Philippines. This collaboration aims to widen the investment horizon for global enterprises eyeing expansion or entry into the local market. PEZA, as the …

Bank lending sustained double-digit growth in February while domestic liquidity also expanded, according to preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last week. Outstanding loans issued by universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) climbed by 12.2% year-on-year in February, slightly easing from the 12.8% growth recorded in January. The total loan portfolio reached P13.02 trillion, a marginal increase …

The World Bank has approved an $800 million loan to support the Philippines in accelerating its clean energy transition, enhancing electricity market competition, and improving water management systems. In a statement released last week, the World Bank said the newly approved First Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Development Policy Loan aims to help the country shift toward renewable energy and …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially launch the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative  last April 2 at the Apacible Conference Hall, DA Head Office in Quezon City. The signing ceremony was graced by key officials from both agencies, including Luis D. Carlos, Postmaster General and CEO of PHLPost, …

ALPAS Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating for clean, cheap, and reliable energy, led an insightful discussion on the role of nuclear energy in the Philippines’ future at an event hosted by the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School (UST-SHS) Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Faculty.  Addressing the students, Alpas Pinas emphasized how nuclear energy can provide a reliable …

Reliable and clean water supply, along with effective wastewater services, are essential to the success of investment hubs in the Philippines.  These critical services not only ensure the operational efficiency of businesses but also attract investors, support environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for residents, tourists, workers, and operators. In the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) in Pampanga, a …

Everyday, hundreds of patients across the Philippines rely on blood transfusions to survive life-threatening, adverse health events and serious illnesses like cancer and anemia. Yet, the supply of safe and voluntary blood donations often falls short of demand. A dedicated social worker is on a mission to organize donation drives while regularly donating blood himself. He aims to inspire others …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened their first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting to advance their technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of public assets against natural disasters. The meeting marks a milestone in the three-year project titled “Strengthening Financial Resilience of Public Assets to Natural Disasters by Improvement …

Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), welcomed SITC Container Lines’ restructured China-Philippines Express 7 (CPX7) service, which introduces regular weekly calls to Iloilo starting March, 2025. The revamped service enhances Iloilo’s trade connectivity with key Asian markets, offering improved reliability, service frequency and cargo handling efficiency.  The CPX7 service was deployed with the SITC …

Region 2 of the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Cagayan Valley, which includes the picturesque island of Batanes, recommends that tourists refrain from engaging in “do-it-yourself” (DIY) travel, warning it may spoil their experience. DoT 2 Regional director Troy Alexander Miano said, “Batanes is not for DIY travelers. They should coordinate with our available tour operators and tour guides because …