Business

DTI extends P4.22M in loans to women entrepreneurs under WEF

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its financing arm Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), has disbursed a total of P4.22 million in loans to 24 women entrepreneurs under the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), aimed at empowering women-owned small businesses across the country. The initial batch of recipients will use the loans to start or expand their ventures, including variety …

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Bank NPL ratio eases to 3.38% in May

The share of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Philippine banking system slightly declined in May 2025, signaling early signs of improving credit conditions, according to data released Friday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The NPL ratio eased to 3.38% in May, down from 3.39% in April and notably lower than the 3.57% recorded in the same month last …

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FDI inflows up 7.1% in April on stronger debt investments

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the Philippines rose by 7.1% year-on-year in April 2025, reaching USD610 million from USD570 million a year earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Thursday. The increase was driven primarily by higher investments in debt instruments by non-resident investors, which surged by 24.3% to USD522 million from USD420 million in April 2024. …

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FinTech Alliance Backs BSP’s Stricter Online Gaming Rules

The FinTech Alliance Philippines has thrown its full support behind the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) enhanced regulatory framework aimed at promoting the responsible use of digital financial services in licensed online gaming platforms. In a statement, FinTech Alliance founding chair Lito Villanueva acknowledged the growing concerns from the public and various sectors about the potential social risks of online …

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ICTSI Manila launches another first in PH ports – EV tractors

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), recently deployed two fully electric terminal tractors— the first deployment of such equipment in a Philippine port. Christian Lozano, MICT chief executive officer, said the deployment is part of ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies:  “The testing of electric terminal tractors is another …

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Coloring Lives exhibit to benefit elderly community

Sunshine Place in collaboration with its students (seniors, young adults & children) enrolled in its various art classes is mounting the eighth edition of Coloring Lives. Aptly named Coloring Lives, the annual exhibit is a fund-raising exhibit to benefit residents of a chosen institution. Proceeds of the exhibit will go a long way in making the lives of the beneficiaries …

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BDO Foundation continues rural health mission

Several primary care facilities in the provinces of Antique and Cebu received renovation support from BDO Foundation through the recommendation of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. As part of its long-standing program, the foundation continues its mission to support public health workers and local government units in providing optimal patient care within an environment that is conducive to healing …

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Generational diversity drives SM’s success, market dominance

SM Malls attract people, but have you ever wondered why? Is it because SM Malls are everywhere? There is one in every city, even two or more in some cases, and at least one in every province, except for a few. But then the competition is also there, in the same vicinity, sometimes just across the street. No, it is …

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Manufacturing PPI drops faster in May 2025

The producer price index (PPI) for the manufacturing sector saw a quicker annual decline of 0.4 percent in May 2025, accelerating from just a 0.001 percent dip recorded in April. “The faster decline in the annual rate of PPI for the manufacturing section in May 2025 was primarily due to the faster decrement in the annual growth rate of the …

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DTI lauds P1 price cut on sardines

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CPFI) for reducing the prices of its canned sardine products by P1. The price rollback, which took effect the same day, covers Ligo and 555 sardine brands. The company said the move was made “to ease the burden on consumers and support them during these times.” Roque …

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