Banking & Finance

The country’s external financial position remains stable even after a month-on-month decline in foreign reserves, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest preliminary data released last week showed that gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $107.5 billion in March, down from $113.3 billion in February. The GIR is composed of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange holdings, gold assets, and …

The national government posted a slightly narrower budget deficit in February, supported by stronger revenue collections that outpaced spending growth, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). Latest cash operations data showed the deficit eased to ₱171.2 billion in February, marginally lower than the ₱171.4 billion recorded in the same month last year. This brought the year-to-date fiscal gap …

The Philippines has secured a $600-million financing package from the World Bank to strengthen foundational skills in reading, literacy, and mathematics among public school students. The program, known as the Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization (PLUS-D), will be implemented by the Department of Education and is expected to benefit around 21 million learners from kindergarten to Grade 10, …

Credit activity in the country’s financial system continued to expand in February, with domestic lending growing at a slightly faster pace, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest data showed outstanding loans from domestic banks rose 9.5 percent in February, up from 9.3 percent in January, reflecting steady credit demand across key sectors of the economy. Loans to …

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has obtained regulatory approval to host outreach and assistance services for Filipino workers in Japan, allowing key government agencies to engage directly with overseas Filipinos within its branch facilities. Under the arrangement, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Pag-IBIG Fund will conduct client assistance, information, and orientation sessions at PNB’s Tokyo and Nagoya branches. …

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed a ₱2-billion loan agreement with the Local Government of Kabankalan City to fund major infrastructure projects aimed at addressing long-standing flooding problems in the area. DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said the financing was approved under the bank’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) Program for Local …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept its policy rate at 4.25 percent following an off-cycle Monetary Board meeting on Thursday to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on inflation and growth. BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chairperson Eli Remolona Jr. said the rare meeting was called due to the “fast-changing and uncertain environment” caused by the ongoing …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is prepared to provide rapid financial and technical support to developing member countries (DMCs) affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “ADB will deliver rapid, flexible, and scalable assistance to help countries manage immediate pressures and strengthen long-term resilience, notably fast-disbursing budget support and trade and supply chain finance to secure …

Banks in the Philippines are showing stronger adherence to Agri-Agra lending requirements, driven in part by the government’s push for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas official said. BSP Assistant Governor Pia Roman-Tayag noted that more financial institutions are now meeting lending mandates and integrating ESG principles to manage governance and operational risks. “More banks …

LANDBANK and the Commission on Higher Education have partnered to advance agricultural education and fully digitalize scholarship support for nearly one million CHED scholars nationwide. The partnership was formalized by LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis during the Higher Education Summit on 12 March 2026 at the SMX Clark Convention Center in …