Business

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to inclusive digital transformation to enhance its trade and financial ecosystems during the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting in Switzerland. At the Innovative Trade Financing Forum last week, Roque highlighted how the Philippines is leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to revolutionize supply chains, e-commerce, and services …

A Filipino ice cream brand has expanded into locally-sourced fresh milk production, aiming to provide livelihood opportunities for dairy farmers and significantly boost supply by late 2025. During the launch of Carmen’s Best fresh milk in Makati City recently, Jovy Hernandez, President and CEO of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV)—the agricultural arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)—highlighted the company’s …

SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., the country’s largest steel producer, is set to invest PHP30 billion in constructing a state-of-the-art steel facility in Candelaria, Quezon. In a statement released Wednesday, SteelAsia announced that the new plant will serve as an import substitute for heavy structural steel products, which the Philippines currently sources from other countries.  The facility will utilize cutting-edge European steel …

The Philippines has re-entered the international bond market for the first time this year with a dual-tranche offering of US dollar-denominated bonds, featuring both 10-year and 25-year maturities. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza confirmed that the government aims to raise at least USD500 million through these US dollar bonds.  The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has provided initial pricing guidance for …

The Philippines successfully raised a total of USD3.29 billion from the sale of US dollar and euro-denominated bonds, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) announced on Friday. The bond issuance included USD2.25 billion in 10-year and 25-year US dollar bonds and €1 billion (USD1.04 billion) in a 7-year euro bond. Both the 25-year dollar bond and the 7-year euro bond …

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has successfully raised P11 billion under its latest local bond issuance as part of efforts to diversify its funding sources in anticipation of increased lending activities this year, a top official said. DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said that the Bank’s Fixed Rate Series 6A Bonds and Fixed Rate Series …

Security Bank has established itself as a key player in the Philippine banking sector, standing out for its strong financial services and customer-centered approach.  The bank differentiates itself by prioritizing the needs of its customers, using their feedback to drive investments in technology and service improvements. In 2024, it launched several initiatives to enhance the overall customer experience. In mid-2024, …

The  Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has further reduced its fee rates for Electronic Games (E-Games) from 35 percent to 30 percent effective January 1, 2025 as part of efforts to combat illegal gaming operations. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said rates for E-Games operated by integrated resorts were also reduced to a lower 25 percent to …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is now offering affordable logistics service to both government and the private sector. PHLPOst said it can now pick up, wrap, and deliver office equipment and other bulk items with the addition of  18 six-wheelers and four wheeler trucks to government and the private sector in need of affordable logistics service.  Postmaster General Luis Carlos …

ACMobility, the mobility solutions arm of the Ayala Group and a leader in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, is set to expand its charging network across Makati, one of the leading sustainable cities in Metro Manila.  By the first quarter of 2025, Makati will host 74 fully-operational charging points across 18  locations, including offices, malls, condominiums, and more. This expansion aims …