Deepal, one of the top new energy vehicle brands in China, is now in the Philippine automotive market with a strategic dual launch – in an exclusive industry preview at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati last April 7 followed by its public showcase at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 from April 9 to 12 at the World Trade …

The March 2026 inflation of 4.1 percent settled higher than the BSP’s announced forecast range of 3.1 to 3.9 percent, highlighting the upside inflation risks emanating from the global oil price shock. This was largely driven by higher transport-related costs following the sharp increase in domestic fuel prices, alongside higher prices of key food items, particularly rice. The inflation risk …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The reprieve currently in effect the West Asia hostilities due to the two-week ceasefire forged by Iran and the United States and Israel has little effect on Philippine business, as evidenced by the latest projections from local and international economic authorities. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pruned its growth forecast for the country, as this …

Unilever Philippines, together with the City Government of General Trias and its City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWD), has officially launched a livelihood partnership, named GentriAsenso, a community-based skills and livelihood program aimed at creating additional income opportunities for General Trias residents. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which was attended by 121 …

Manila, Philippines — Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), the country network of the United Nations Global Compact, has elected a new set of officers for 2026–2027. GCNP’s new officers include: PLDT’s Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios as Chairman, Globe Telecom Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility Apple Evangelista as Vice Chair, PTC Holdings Corp. Executive Director for Corporate …

Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI), the company behind the Philippines’ leading sardines brand Mega Sardines, marks a significant milestone in its growth journey as it expands beyond seafood and into agriculture through a landmark partnership with global agro-industrial leader Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF). The two companies recently broke ground on the Mega CP Layer Complex in Zamboanga City, positioning the region …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will release more than P19 billion under its Balik Ginhawa (Loan Moratorium Through Refund) program, benefiting 1.37 million members and pensioners with active loan accounts. GSIS data show that monthly loan amortizations range from ₱4,000 to ₱39,000, depending on the loan amount, equivalent to roughly ₱12,000 to ₱117,000 over three months. The program covers …

BEYOND ELLIPTICALBy Rose Marie de la Cruz THE FUEL crisis triggered by the ongoing war in Iran is definitely affecting the food supply chain and energy programs of the world. Its  negative impact in the Philippines is on food and energy supply which all depend on petrochemicals. Prices of urea—the most used chemical fertilizer in our farms– have skyrocketed to …

DAIRY imports in 2025 declined by 3 percent as a result of 3.388 million metric tons in liquid milk equivalent (MMT-LME) down from 3.5 MMT-LME in 2024 because of better milk production, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA). This is because the country’s milk production surged to a record-high of 43.3 million liters in 2025, according to the Philippine …

RECEIPTS from coconut-based exports declined by 2.1 percent in February because of  lower revenues from coconut oil—the country’s top farm export, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.  PSA figures showed the value of coconut-based exports declined to $569.25 million from the previous year’s $581.43 million. Coconut oil accounted for the bulk of shipments at $442.97 million, down by 11.6 percent …