The Philippines is emerging as a strong player in the booming global wellness economy, and the SM Group has announced its plans to position itself to meet growing demand by expanding access to health, beauty, and wellness products. Citing Global Wellness Institute data, SM noted that the global wellness economy is projected to reach nearly USD 9 trillion by 2028, …

The country’s ocean-based industries breached the ₱1 trillion mark in 2024, contributing nearly 4 percent to the national economy, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). PSA data showed the ocean economy expanded by 4.7 percent to ₱1.01 trillion from ₱962.49 billion in 2023, accounting for 3.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices. Sectors that posted the …

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended to Dec. 31 the registration deadline for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, giving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) more time to comply. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque stressed the badge is meant to protect legitimate businesses from scammers and boost consumer confidence. “The Trustmark is not a regulation to burden businesses but …

The Philippines has reached its highest-ever spot in the Global Innovation Index (GII), climbing to 50th place out of 139 economies in the 2025 report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Thursday said the milestone surpasses the government’s 2025 target of 52nd place under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. …

Government agencies nationwide are now mandated to use energy-efficient products and prioritize the installation of solar rooftop systems to cut electricity consumption and accelerate the shift to clean energy. The Department of Energy (DOE), which chairs the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), said the directive was approved during the committee’s Sept. 16 meeting as part of the Government …

Positive investor sentiment continued to buoy the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) on Friday, while the peso managed to hold steady against the US dollar. The main index rose 0.50 percent to 6,264.49 points, while the All Shares gained 0.17 percent to 3,740.81 points. Three sectoral indices also closed in the green: Financials climbed 2.01 percent, Services rose 0.49 percent, …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has set a limit of ₱500,000 per banking day for cash transactions, in a move to curb money laundering and other risks linked to heavy cash use. Under Circular No. 1218, series of 2025, issued on Sept. 18, transactions exceeding ₱500,000—or its equivalent in foreign currency—must be carried out through traceable channels such as …

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has reaffirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade rating, highlighting the country’s sustainable economic growth and the soundness of its banking system. In its latest report released Thursday, JCR pointed to robust domestic demand, low external debt, ample foreign exchange reserves, and a stable financial system as key drivers of the country’s “A-” credit rating with a “stable” …

Digital finance platform Atome and digital lender Maya Bank have entered into a ₱2.75 billion loan channeling partnership to expand Filipinos’ access to credit. In a statement last week, Maya Bank said the deal, signed on Sept. 3, aims to provide responsible, risk-managed, and transparent flexible payment options, particularly for underserved customers. “We are deeply honored to partner with Maya …

Caltex has renewed its partnership with Go Rewards for another three years and they’re kicking things off with an exclusive nationwide promo that’s bigger, better and packed with prizes! From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15, the “Choose Your Ride” exclusive promo gives Go Rewards members the chance to win P3,000 worth of Caltex fuel vouchers and one lucky Go Rewards …