Business

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. expects the Monetary Board “to cut a few more times” this year, noting that a reduction is “on the table” during next month’s policy meeting. Speaking to reporters last week, he said the MB remains in an easing cycle but emphasized that the timing and magnitude of rate cuts will depend …

Total external debt (EDT), or borrowings owed by residents to non-residents, stood at US$137.63 billion as of end-December 2024, down by US$2.02 billion (or 1.4 percent) from the US$139.64 billion level as of end-September 2024.  The external debt ratio (EDT expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product) remains at a prudent level, falling to 29.8 percent from 30.6 percent …

The  “Hail Transport PH”, the newest transport network vehicle service  now revolutionizing ride-hailing in the Philippines was launched.  In a press conference, Atty. Anton Inton, Head for Community Relations and Development, said that hail means that to call up. “In the Hail app, the main difference is that we are focused on safe and reliable transport. Eventually, it”s the drivers …

Matadi  Gateway Terminal (MGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in the Democratic Republic of  Congo, is undertaking several key projects this 2025 to enhance operational efficiency and customer service, and reinforce Matadi’s position as the country’s premier maritime hub. One of the major initiatives is the construction of a 2.65-kilometer road linking the Port of Matadi to the …

SM Scholar alumna Dr. Daisy Rosano fulfills her childhood dream of becoming a teacher through the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program. Life’s challenges often serve as the greatest teachers, shaping character in ways that comfort never could. For many Filipino students, financial hurdles make higher education seem out of reach. But with the right support, these challenges become stepping stones …

With the increasing demands of tourism, ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply while maintaining environmental sustainability is a critical challenge for water operators in the Philippines. Boracay Water, an operating unit of Manila Water Philippine Ventures and a concessionaire of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), has effectively tackled these challenges through an integrated approach.  This comprehensive, …

Factory output in the Philippines posted faster growth in January, both in volume and value, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Data released on Friday showed that the value of production index (VaPI) increased by 4 percent in January, a significant improvement from the 0.4 percent growth recorded in December 2024.  This also marked a turnaround from the -1.4 …

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto welcomed the creation of 2.6 million additional jobs for Filipinos at the start of 2025, expressing optimism over the increasing participation of youth in the labor market. “This good news affirms that our efforts to unlock the full potential of our demographic sweet spot are paying off. Through targeted government action and strategic reforms, we are …

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued its first yellow alert for the Luzon grid this year, citing insufficient operating margin as temperatures continued to rise. The alert was in effect from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the highest heat index in Luzon reached 42°C …

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said last week that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law has encouraged Japanese companies to invest in the Philippines. Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Economic Affairs and Investments Secretary Frederick Go visited Japan from March …