The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

RECEIPTS from coconut-based exports declined by 2.1 percent in February because of  lower revenues from coconut oil—the country’s top farm export, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.  PSA figures showed the value of coconut-based exports declined to $569.25 million from the previous year’s $581.43 million. Coconut oil accounted for the bulk of shipments at $442.97 million, down by 11.6 percent …

MEAT imports in 2025 gave a record-high of over P22 billion in tariffs and taxes, driven by higher volume as the country continued to depend on foreign supplies to meet its growing animal protein requirement. In a report, the House of Representatives’ Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) computed the government’s tariff and value added tax (VAT) revenues from …

The country’s external financial position remains stable even after a month-on-month decline in foreign reserves, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest preliminary data released last week showed that gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $107.5 billion in March, down from $113.3 billion in February. The GIR is composed of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange holdings, gold assets, and …

The national government posted a slightly narrower budget deficit in February, supported by stronger revenue collections that outpaced spending growth, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). Latest cash operations data showed the deficit eased to ₱171.2 billion in February, marginally lower than the ₱171.4 billion recorded in the same month last year. This brought the year-to-date fiscal gap …

The Philippines has secured a $600-million financing package from the World Bank to strengthen foundational skills in reading, literacy, and mathematics among public school students. The program, known as the Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization (PLUS-D), will be implemented by the Department of Education and is expected to benefit around 21 million learners from kindergarten to Grade 10, …

Credit activity in the country’s financial system continued to expand in February, with domestic lending growing at a slightly faster pace, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest data showed outstanding loans from domestic banks rose 9.5 percent in February, up from 9.3 percent in January, reflecting steady credit demand across key sectors of the economy. Loans to …

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has obtained regulatory approval to host outreach and assistance services for Filipino workers in Japan, allowing key government agencies to engage directly with overseas Filipinos within its branch facilities. Under the arrangement, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Pag-IBIG Fund will conduct client assistance, information, and orientation sessions at PNB’s Tokyo and Nagoya branches. …

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed a ₱2-billion loan agreement with the Local Government of Kabankalan City to fund major infrastructure projects aimed at addressing long-standing flooding problems in the area. DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said the financing was approved under the bank’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) Program for Local …

As the World Surf League QS6000 International Pro approaches, Siargao’s iconic Cloud 9 Towers are undergoing a major renovation to welcome the world’s best surfers and fans to this surfing paradise. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with the local government of General Luna and the province of Surigao del Norte, is spearheading the facelift of the Cloud 9 …

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has taken a bold step toward shaping the next generation of Philippine gymnastics stars by introducing aerobic gymnastics into its Season 101 calendar. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), the NCAA formally launched its aerobic gymnastics program at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, signaling a …