Business

Hiraya Water Corporation has begun rolling out a series of major infrastructure projects in Lucena City, breaking ground on water source development and pipeline rehabilitation initiatives aimed at improving water availability, pressure, and long-term service reliability for thousands of residents. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on July 26 at the Lucena City Hall Compound, marks another milestone in the company’s rehabilitation …

The number of employed Filipinos went up to 50.66 million in June this year from 49.63 million in May, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Results of the latest Labor Force survey showed that this was also higher than the 50.47 million employed in June 2025. National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the employment rate during the month was …

The Maharlika Fund has set its eyes on a target of P3.3 billion in core net income for the year 2026. MIC President and CEO Rafael Consing Jr. said the state-run fund remains confident of hitting its 2026 net income target, with its investment portfolio growing at a steady rate. The MIC plans to deploy some P35 billion in capital …

A burgeoning metro population and 24/7 usage of water contributed much to Maynilad Water Services Incorporated`s 14-percent increase   in the first six months of 2026. It is small wonder that Maynilad, with its strong water sales and customer growth,  has expressed interest in providing the humongous water needs of the planned Pax Silica AI hub in New Clark City, Capas, …

The US-based World Bank (WB) last week sharply lowered its forecast for the Philippine economy, warning that rising uncertainty and the continuing global oil shock have dragged the country`s economy. In its latest Philippine Economic Update, the Washington-based lender now expects the country’s economy to expand 3.7 percent in 2026, a steep downgrade from the 5.3 percent growth it projected …

LANDBANK and the City Government of Naga have partnered to launch new joint initiatives aimed at boosting local entrepreneurs and government employees through expanded financing, business development support, and digital financial services. Formalized on July 24, 2026, by LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Naga City Mayor Leni G. Robredo, the collaboration introduces the LIFTING MSMEs Lending Program …

Legislative reforms for a stronger deposit insurance system. The Philippine Deposit  Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is pursuing legislative reforms to amend its Charter and  ensure a deposit insurance system that is broader in coverage, faster in response, stronger  in times of crisis, and worthy of public trust. This was shared by PDIC President and CEO  Roberto B. Tan (inset and 2nd …

Boracay Water has reinforced its El Niño mitigation strategies to ensure a stable and reliable water supply across Boracay Island despite prolonged dry conditions. Operating with a robust production capacity of 25 million liters per day against an average demand of 10 MLD, the utility utilizes real-time river level monitoring of the Nabaoy River, intensified leak detection, and pressure management …

Growth in bank lending and domestic liquidity slowed in June as businesses and consumers turned more cautious in borrowing despite continued expansion in economic activity, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Data released by the BSP showed outstanding loans extended by universal and commercial banks reached ₱14.88 trillion in June, up 9.8% from a year earlier but slower …

Philippine National Bank (PNB) posted a 17% increase in net income to ₱14.6 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by higher lending, stronger fee-based income and improved asset quality. The bank’s return on equity improved to 12.1% from 11.4% a year earlier as operating revenue increased by ₱3.3 billion. Net interest income rose 7%, supported by a 12% …