December, 2024

• 23 December

  Better consumer sentiment, business optimism noted in Q4

  

  Consumer sentiment has improved and businesses are more optimistic in the fourth quarter, according to the latest results from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) and Business Expectations Survey (BES). The CES, released late Thursday, showed a more favorable outlook among consumers, with the overall confidence index (CI) improving to -11.1 percent in the fourth quarter …

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• 23 December

  Gov’t to cut down on foreign borrowings

  

  The government is looking to reduce its foreign borrowings to minimize exposure to foreign exchange risks, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto. In a recent briefing, Recto explained that while the government is considering various bonds such as Euro, Yen, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), and Dollar bonds, the aim is to limit foreign borrowings to a maximum of …

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• 23 December

  Ecozones drive economic growth across the country

  

  The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) highlighted the vital role ecozones play in spurring development across the country, noting that nine of the 10 wealthiest local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines are home to PEZA zones. In a press briefing in Pasay City recently, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga shared that the establishment of ecozones significantly contributes to economic …

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• 23 December

  BSP cautions against text hijacking

  

  The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued a warning last week about “text hijacking,” a tactic used by fraudsters to execute smishing attacks by mimicking legitimate SMS Sender IDs. In an advisory, the BSP explained that text hijacking allows fraudsters to infiltrate legitimate text message threads, making their messages seem credible as they blend with authentic communications from trusted sources. …

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• 23 December

  Marcos leads unveiling of Phl’s first polymer banknote series

  

  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the historic unveiling of the first Philippine polymer banknote series on Thursday. The President described the introduction of the polymer banknotes as a groundbreaking step embodying the nation’s strength, ingenuity, and forward momentum. “Today, I stand before you with pride as we unveil the first Philippine polymer banknote series— a groundbreaking step that embodies …

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• 23 December

  IMF projects stronger Phl economic growth in 2024-2025

  

  The Philippine economy is poised for moderate growth acceleration in 2024 and 2025, driven by easing inflation and gradual normalization of monetary policy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Growth is expected to accelerate in 2024-25, supported by disinflation, and gradually declining borrowing costs as monetary policy normalizes,” stated the IMF following its 2024 Article IV consultation with the …

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• 23 December

  Manila Water recognized by UN Women and Australia for gender equality efforts

  

  Manila Water was lauded as the country’s Community Engagement and Partnerships Champion, while its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jocot de Dios, was the first runner-up for Leadership Commitment at the 2024 Philippines United Nations (UN) Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards last November 27, 2024. The company’s winning entry for the Community Engagement and Partnerships category was the Integrated …

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• 23 December

  ICTSI secures 25-year extension to operate Mindanao Container Terminal

  

  Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT). The extension, awarded by the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, allows MICTSI to continue managing the MCT until 2058. Located within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, the MCT serves …

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• 23 December

  PH secures USD 1.6B worth of export sales in China International Import Expo

  

  The Philippines’ seventh consecutive participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s biggest import-themed trade show, was underscored by a notable performance after yielding USD 1.602 billion in export sales and purchase agreements, surpassing last year’s total by a significant margin. The amount was a combination of reported sales, purchase agreements or memorandum of understanding, and business matching …

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• 23 December

  Tagum Water wins DOE’s 2024 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award

  

  Tagum Water, an operating unit of Manila Water Non-East Zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippines Ventures (MWPV), has once again proven its dedication to sustainability and responsible use of energy by winning in the Department of Energy’s 2024 Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) Awards. This consecutive win highlights Manila Water’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and energy-efficient operations, paving the way for …

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