Companies

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 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, …

Global superstar, actor, and philanthropist Nick Jonas has teamed up with leading watch and accessories brand FOSSIL for a bold and nostalgic new collection, launching August 20, 2025. Each limited-edition timepiece blends Jonas’ passion for watch collecting, his distinct personal style and Fossil’s decades-long design heritage to deliver styles that are both timeless and distinctly modern—all while reinvigorating customers’ love …

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), headed by Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto, held a Responsableng Panonood seminar for members and officers of the Rotary Club of Quezon City and the Rotary Club of Marikina West on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Club Filipino, San Juan City. The RP seminar highlighted the Agency’s commitment and dedication to …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued new regulations on large value cash transactions to reduce money laundering and other risks linked to the use of cash. Under Circular No. 1218 series of 2025, issued on 18 September 2025, large value transactions above ₱500,000.00 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must be conducted through traceable channels such as checks, …

Hundreds of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) volunteers will join cleanup drives at 15 sites across the country this weekend to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, in line with the company’s ongoing initiative to clear rivers and waterways of waste. SMC’s Team Malasakit employee-volunteers are targeting to conduct 55 coastal cleanups in all, following last year’s record collection of 36.3 metric …

Global insights firm TransUnion projects faster credit expansion in the Philippines as steady economic growth and easing inflation create a favorable borrowing environment. The economy grew 5.5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, driven by strong household spending, agriculture rebound, and inflation easing to 1.4%. With the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cutting policy rates to 5%, borrowing conditions are becoming more supportive. …