NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson asked the government to address the mounting crisis in the province’s sugar industry, pointing at artificial sweeteners as one of the factors contributing to the low millgate price of sugar. “As the country’s major sugar-producing province, we are particularly concerned about recent developments in the local sugar and sweetener market and their implications on …

Following the tragic trash slide in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City last January 8, that killed and buried many and destroyed some houses, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered a thorough review of all operating landfills in the country to prevent similar disasters. DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a press release, said the move is part of a …

Sovereign wealth fund manager Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) seeks to close strategic agribusiness deals within the first six months of 2026, backing firms ready to scale production and expand the country’s export capacity. In a statement on Monday, MIC said it will focus on special situations and strategic mergers and acquisitions in the agricultural sector. It is looking at businesses …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN When President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. in Malacañang on Tuesday, the Palace spokeswoman tried to scrape the bottom of the economic cauldron to come up with something worth reporting to the press. Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communication Office  had to make do with …

The construction industry and its sibling businesses such as suppliers of construction materials were unfortunately hit by the flood of corruption which their leaders and corrupt government officials brought on the nation. This was during the last two quarters of 2025, during the height of the multi-billion peso flood control scandal in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) …

UNLEASH Philippines, a local innovation program of UNLEASH initiative which aims to empower young changemakers and early-stage innovators using collaborative, user-centered design and prototyping methods.  With the closing of 2025 and the start of 2026, UNLEASH Philippines helped shine a light to pressing issues in the country and equip individuals striving to enact change and strengthen solution efforts during a …

The Philippine stock market has room to move higher in 2026 as easing interest rates, improving capital market regulations, and a more stable macroeconomic environment support a gradual recovery, according to the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP). ICCP President and COO Manny Ocampo said the recent rise in the Philippine Stock Exchange index reflects a “catch-up” phase …

First and largest Filipino life insurer InLife completed the sale of its shareholdings in iCare HMO to Value-Based Health Care PF PTE. LTD. (VBHC) of Singapore, subject to regulatory approval. This is part of InLife’s strategic move to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on life insurance and corporate solutions enabling more comprehensive solutions for clients nationwide. “This realignment allows us to …

DEEPAL is set to be introduced soon in the local market and Autohub Group is strengthening its push into next-generation mobility by marking a significant step in the company’s expansion within the electrified vehicle space. Autohub was appointed the exclusive Philippine distributor of DEEPAL following a contract signing on middle of this month formalized with Changan Auto Southeast Asia. The agreement establishes the foundation for the brand’s long-term development and …

Vinfast is on a roll these days as it rolls out various pioneering electric car policies and significantly broadening its product lineup in the local market. ​Last week, Vinfast Philippines, led by Vinfas chief executive officer Toti Zara, unveiled its Battery Subscription Program, an important step in the brand’s evolving approach to electric mobility in the Philippines  Zara disclosed that this is VinFast long-term approach for the electric mobility in the local market …