The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) last week assured the public that the country’s sugar supply remains sufficient and prices remain generally stable, even as the Philippines gears up to export over 66,000 metric tons of sugar to the United States this April. Speaking during the Bagong Pilipinas interview, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the industry remains in good shape, …
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March inflation drops to 1.8%
Inflation in the Philippines cooled to 1.8% in March 2025, the lowest recorded since June 2020, largely due to the continued decline in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices—especially rice—according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In a press briefing on Friday, PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa noted that the March figure was lower than both February 2025’s 2.1% and the …
Read More »BDO, PEZA forge alliance to lure foreign investments
BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to drive foreign direct investments and promote economic growth in the Philippines. This collaboration aims to widen the investment horizon for global enterprises eyeing expansion or entry into the local market. PEZA, as the …
Read More »Bank lending grows 12.2% in February
Bank lending sustained double-digit growth in February while domestic liquidity also expanded, according to preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last week. Outstanding loans issued by universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) climbed by 12.2% year-on-year in February, slightly easing from the 12.8% growth recorded in January. The total loan portfolio reached P13.02 trillion, a marginal increase …
Read More »WB grants $800-M loan to push Phl clean energy, water reforms
The World Bank has approved an $800 million loan to support the Philippines in accelerating its clean energy transition, enhancing electricity market competition, and improving water management systems. In a statement released last week, the World Bank said the newly approved First Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Development Policy Loan aims to help the country shift toward renewable energy and …
Read More »PHLPost, DA sign MoU to expand Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Post Offices
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially launch the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative last April 2 at the Apacible Conference Hall, DA Head Office in Quezon City. The signing ceremony was graced by key officials from both agencies, including Luis D. Carlos, Postmaster General and CEO of PHLPost, …
Read More »Alpas Pinas calls on students to take charge
ALPAS Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating for clean, cheap, and reliable energy, led an insightful discussion on the role of nuclear energy in the Philippines’ future at an event hosted by the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School (UST-SHS) Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Faculty. Addressing the students, Alpas Pinas emphasized how nuclear energy can provide a reliable …
Read More »Clark Water propels sustainable development through strategic investments
Reliable and clean water supply, along with effective wastewater services, are essential to the success of investment hubs in the Philippines. These critical services not only ensure the operational efficiency of businesses but also attract investors, support environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for residents, tourists, workers, and operators. In the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) in Pampanga, a …
Read More »Blood donation: A life-saving mission
Everyday, hundreds of patients across the Philippines rely on blood transfusions to survive life-threatening, adverse health events and serious illnesses like cancer and anemia. Yet, the supply of safe and voluntary blood donations often falls short of demand. A dedicated social worker is on a mission to organize donation drives while regularly donating blood himself. He aims to inspire others …
Read More »GSIS, JICA hold first joint meeting on disaster resilience project
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened their first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting to advance their technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of public assets against natural disasters. The meeting marks a milestone in the three-year project titled “Strengthening Financial Resilience of Public Assets to Natural Disasters by Improvement …
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