Business

MEGAWORLD, through its tourism and leisure arm Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI), said that the projects reflect sustained demand for homes, lots, and commercial spaces in growth areas beyond the capital, as more buyers look for lifestyle communities with open space, nature, and investment upside. Megaworld owner Kevin Tan is leaning harder into the provincial property boom, with P11 billion worth …

THE PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects the proclamation of six new economic zones (ecozones) within the second quarter in key areas like Batangas, Cavite, and Palawan. “A total of six ecozones are for proclamation this quarter,” PEZA Director-General Teresito Panga said. Two ecozones were already endorsed by the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration (ODESGA) and …

SM Prime Holdings Inc. is revamping Susana Heights Village in Muntinlupa City as demand for premium, low-density residential communities remains resilient despite broader economic headwinds. The Sy family-led firm disclosed last week that its premium residential brand, Signature Series by SM Residences, had started the transformation of the established suburban estate. This is intended to improve shared spaces and boost …

AYALA Land, Inc.. has opened Ayala Malls Arca South in Taguig as part of its strategy to expand recurring income streams through its leasing and hospitality businesses. In a statement, Ayala Land said the mall has a gross floor area of 100,000 square meters (sq.m.) and a gross leasable area of 61,000 sq.m. The development is located within Arca South, …

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into a Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) with the Philippines’ Security Bank Corporation to expand access to supply chain financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The agreement marks the first RPA between ADB and a Philippine bank and is expected to strengthen liquidity support for local suppliers through the bank’s …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said last week it will release this year a National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) aimed at strengthening the financial literacy and resilience of Filipinos. In a statement, the central bank said the strategy is currently being refined through nationwide consultations with stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, and development institutions. The …

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has expressed support for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ issuance of the ₱10 ASEAN commemorative coin, which began circulating nationwide in January 2026 to mark the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The initiative, issued under Memorandum Circular Letter No. CL-2025-049 from the BSP Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector, calls on banks …

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has relocated its branch-lite unit (BLU) in Naga City, Cebu to a more strategic site to improve access and convenience for its clients. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the transfer of the DBP Naga branch-lite unit to the Naga City Hall Building in Purok Diamond, Barangay East …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN Things are developing fast for the nickel industry in Southeast Asia.  If there is one good thing that happened in the ongoing 2026 Asean Sustainability Summit in Cebu City, it is this piece of news about the Philippines and Indonesia joining their resources and expertise together in the production of nickel. Nickel is very much in …

Lack of jobs still haunts the Filipino nation. The country’s unemployment rate in March rose to 5%, as the number of jobless Filipinos jumped to 2.58 million amid the oil crisis, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. Preliminary results from the March 2026 Labor Force Survey released on Wednesday showed the jobless rate stood at 5% in March, much higher …