The country’s economic managers have revised the growth forecast for 2025, citing escalating global risks and trade tensions. Following the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, Budget Secretary and DBCC Chair Amenah Pangandaman announced that the GDP growth assumption for next year was adjusted to 5.5 to 6.5 percent, down from the earlier target of 6 to 8 percent. …
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ICTSI Manila launches another first in Phl ports—EV tractors
As part of its efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies.the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), deployed two fully electric terminal tractors recently. Christian Lozano, MICT chief executive officer, said it is the first deployment of such equipment in a Philippine port. “The testing of electric terminal tractors is another step …
Read More »SMC employees plant nearly 100,000 trees nationwide to help restore forests, protect communities from flooding
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) employees have so far planted or donated a total of 98,296 seedlings across the country in support of the company’s continuing efforts to help reduce flood risks, improve air and water quality, and revive critical forest areas. A total of 2,457 SMC employees have joined tree-planting activities in 48 locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, through …
Read More »McDonald’s takes long-running commitment to Brigada Eskwela to the next level
Mcdonald’s Philippines is once again showing that the spirit of volunteerism and community service is stronger than ever among its management, employees, and partners, as it kicks off its 19th consecutive year of active participation in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program. As a new school year starts, close to 4,000 volunteers from 679 McDonald’s stores nationwide came in …
Read More »Property Prices Rise in Q1 2025, Highest in The NCR
Prices of housing units in the Philippines increased in the first quarter of 2025, albeit at a slower pace, driven by higher prices in the National Capital Region (NCR). The nationwide Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) moderated from 9.8 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q4 2024 to 7.6 percent in Q1 2025. In terms of location, the NCR led the nationwide …
Read More »PHLPost, DFA launch UN80 Commemorative Stamps marking PHL’s 80 Years in the UN
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), formally launched the UN80 Commemorative Stamps in a ceremony held at the historic Old Senate Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. The stamps mark the 80th year of Philippines membership in the United Nations (UN), celebrating the country’s enduring commitment to multilateral …
Read More »NCSC strengthens care, benefits for senior citizens
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is strengthening the care and benefits for senior citizens with the support and cooperation of stakeholders. The NCSC held the 6th National Advisory Board (NAB) Conference and Midterm Assessment of the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (PPASC) 2023-2028 last June 25 at the Great Eastern Hotel. The NAB Conference brought together …
Read More »BIR to launch QR code system to combat illegal vape trade
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is developing a digital track-and-trace system using QR codes to help verify the authenticity of vape products and other excisable goods. The system will allow both consumers and regulators to scan the codes using smartphones, making it easier to detect smuggled or unregulated items. The initiative is part of the BIR’s broader campaign to …
Read More »Sugar prices hit four-year low amid forecasts of global supply surge
Sugar prices dropped to a four-year low on Wednesday, with a pound trading at USD0.1626—a 4% decline from late May and a 15% plunge since the start of 2024. Analysts attribute the price slide to rising expectations of a global supply boost, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projecting a 4.7% year-on-year increase in global sugar production for the …
Read More »Tanduay named world’s No. 1 rum for 8th straight year
Tanduay has once again claimed the title of the world’s number one rum, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top, according to the Millionaires’ Club report by Drinks International Magazine. The Philippine-made rum brand recorded global sales of 23.8 million case liters in 2024, outpacing top competitors Bacardi (19.7 million) and Captain Morgan (11.5 million). In 2023, Tanduay sold …
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