Companies

2GO, the country’s leading sea travel provider, is brewing up an exciting new experience with the launch of its first-ever exclusive and limited-time Summer Barista Workshop, “Brew Like a Pro.” This limited-time onboard interactive barista experience offers a unique opportunity for passengers to immerse themselves in the art of coffee-making while enjoying their 2GO sea journey. This one-of-a-kind, full-day onboard activity …

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced last week the acquisition of new ground support equipment to enhance operations at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other key hubs. The upgrades include high-capacity tow tractors, mobile passenger steps, boarding ramps, deck loaders, catering trucks, and electric baggage tractors, which will be deployed at NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 as well …

Fiber broadband and technology provider Converge has partnered with Starlink and Ribbon Communications, Inc. to expand connectivity and enhance network capabilities. “Many enterprises suffer from connectivity (challenges),” said Converge Singapore Managing Director Sherie Ng during the announcement in Taguig City last week. Converge CEO Dennis Uy said the partnerships aim to empower people, extend services to more areas, and support …

With the April 15 deadline for annual income tax returns (ITRs) fast approaching, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. is urging self-employed individuals and online sellers to fulfill their tax obligations. In a Facebook video message delivered in Filipino, Lumagui emphasized that those engaged in online selling and sole proprietorship businesses—where the business is registered under an …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has adjusted its balance of payments (BOP) forecast for 2025, citing global economic uncertainties that could impact the country’s external position.  The BOP, which summarizes a nation’s transactions with the rest of the world, is now expected to register a USD4 billion deficit this year, a sharp reversal from the earlier projected USD2.1 billion …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have signed an agreement for the safekeeping of the Final Trusted Build Source Codes for the May 12 national and local elections, in compliance with the Automated Elections System Act.  The signing and deposit in escrow took place at the BSP Head Office in Manila, led by Comelec …

The government is accelerating efforts to generate non-tax revenues by expediting the privatization of non-performing assets, according to the Department of Finance (DOF). To streamline and speed up the process, the DOF has issued revised guidelines aimed at boosting revenue while creating investment opportunities for Filipinos. “Privatization of non-performing assets is among the strategic moves to raise much-needed revenues to …

Inflation is expected to slow further to 1.9% in March, driven by improved weather conditions that boosted agricultural production, according to an economist. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a Viber message that inflation is projected to ease from 2.1% in February, falling below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target range of 2-4%. “Better weather …

The Philippines’ creative economy grew by 8.7% in 2024, reaching P1.94 trillion from P1.78 trillion in the previous year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Preliminary data released last week showed that the sector contributed 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The creative economy encompasses various industries, including audiovisual media, digital interactive services, advertising, research and development, …

Automotive vehicle sales in February saw a 2.9% increase, reaching 39,164 units compared to 38,072 in the same period last year, according to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). The commercial vehicle segment was the primary driver of this growth, posting a 9.1% increase in …