Most banks upheld their existing credit standards in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Findings from the Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey (SLOS), released on Friday, revealed that the majority of surveyed banks kept their lending policies unchanged for both business and consumer loans, based on the modal approach. However, using the diffusion …
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts in expanding labor market programs and boosting workforce skills. According to the ADB, the Business and Employment Recovery Program-Subprogram 2 aims to equip Filipino workers with industry-relevant skills, enhance women’s participation in the labor force through technical and vocational education and training …
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Sunshine Place collaborates once more with artist Sir Jen Consumido to offer Fundamentals of Drawing Workshop from February 4 – March 11,2025. The course focuses on an academic approach in learning about traditional drawing, aiming to impart knowledge and techniques for developing drawing skills using various traditional media. The objective is to enhance observation skills, while also guiding students to …
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is optimistic about pursuing a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States under the renewed Trump administration, according to Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo. Speaking at an event in Makati City last week, Rodolfo noted that President Donald Trump’s track record suggests a stronger possibility of advancing talks on a PH-US FTA during …
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The Department of Finance (DOF) has issued a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) to combat smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation of imported goods through streamlined customs procedures and enhanced inspection systems. The DOF released JAO No. 001-2025 to set in motion Administrative Order (AO) No. 23, which establishes a Digital and Integrated System for Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing. This …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business