Manufacturers in the Philippines are showing stronger business confidence for the year ahead, even as factory activity declined in March, according to the latest S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report released last week. S&P Global noted that business sentiment last month was the most positive since December 2024, with manufacturers expressing optimism that demand will rebound in …

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto last week said the Philippine economy remains stable and adaptive amid global trade disruptions, with the government poised to capitalize on opportunities through key economic policies. In a statement, Recto emphasized that the CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) Act will be instrumental in attracting investors …

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) last week assured the public that the country’s sugar supply remains sufficient and prices remain generally stable, even as the Philippines gears up to export over 66,000 metric tons of sugar to the United States this April. Speaking during the Bagong Pilipinas interview, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the industry remains in good shape, …

Inflation in the Philippines cooled to 1.8% in March 2025, the lowest recorded since June 2020, largely due to the continued decline in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices—especially rice—according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In a press briefing on Friday, PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa noted that the March figure was lower than both February 2025’s 2.1% and the …

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 …