Business

Headline inflation in the Philippines dropped to 1.3% in May 2025, down from 1.4% in April, marking the lowest level since November 2019, when it was at 1.2%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In a briefing last week, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the year-to-date average inflation now stands at 1.9%, at the lower end of the government’s …

The Philippine economy is expected to sustain stable growth over the next two years, mainly driven by robust consumer spending, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In a virtual briefing last week, Cyrille Schwellnus, head of the OECD’s Indonesia and Philippines desk, said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 5.6% in …

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recognized the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) for showing “a shift from past inaction” and laying the groundwork for sustained development through the completion of long-overdue infrastructure projects. In its 2024 Audit Observation Memorandum, COA cited APECO’s infrastructure initiatives as critical steps in transforming the ecozone into an investment-ready hub. According …

Global tech and services giant Concentrix has invested nearly P1.02 billion to establish its second site in Bacolod City—marking a major boost for the city’s IT-BPO industry. The new facility, named Concentrix Bacolod AIU, spans four floors and over 8,200 square meters at the AIU Centre in Barangay Mandalagan. It is expected to house around 1,800 employees—referred to by the …

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) reported a significant increase in asset sales in 2024, generating P411.4 million from the sale of 281 properties—up by 24.7% from P330 million in 2023. In a statement released last week, the PDIC said the number of properties sold this year matched 2023 figures, but the total sale value in 2024 exceeded the aggregate …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series (FPPBS) has won the “Best New Banknote or Banknote Series” award from the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA). In a statement released last week, the BSP said the award was conferred during a ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 28. IACA cited the FPPBS for its cutting-edge …

The Department of Finance (DOF) assured that the government is effectively managing the national debt it inherited from the previous administration by sustaining strong economic growth and implementing prudent fiscal policies. In a statement released Thursday, the DOF said the P16.75 trillion national debt as of end-April 2025 remains relatively low compared to other Asian economies. Japan tops the list …

The Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) announced that the reduced P10 fee for InstaPay inter-bank transfers via the BPI app and online platform will now be a permanent feature. This move aims to make digital financial services more affordable and accessible for customers. Previously, BPI had cut the InstaPay fee from P25 to P10 as a promotional offer to …

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is gearing up for a transformative year as it readies the launch of two state-of-the-art data centers and two major international submarine cable systems, all set to go online within 2025. During the company’s virtual annual stockholders meeting on Friday, Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy announced that the twin initiatives mark a strategic push …

With classes set to resume on June 16, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the 2025 edition of the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies, providing parents with a reliable reference for school supply prices to help them prepare for the new academic year. This year’s guide covers 195 items across 12 categories. According to the DTI, …