The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez There are champions, and then there are symbols. As Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) himself praised, Manny Pacquiao is not only a legendary fighter but a living testament to the strength, discipline, and heart of the Filipino. He is not just a world champion in boxing; he is a champion for every Filipino who dares to dream …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) that would align their respective programs, infrastructure and promotions to promote the Philippines as a leading food and gastronomy destination in Asia. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, “This is not simply about adding tourist stops to farms, a visit that …

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) have partnered to extend the Tourism Legacy and Livelihood Program to senior citizens who have been given the opportunity take on active roles in elderly-friendly and community-based tourism initiatives. Under the program, senior citizens are allowed to serve as community tour guides upon completing required training. Among …

Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently inspected the ongoing bridge construction along the Villasis–Sto. Tomas Bypass Road in Pangasinan, confident the project is on track to be completed by end of 2027. Dizon, joined by Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, district engineers and other officials of the DPWH, assessed the progress and bottlenecks …

While travel data show the Philippines trailing in tourism movement, travelers profile show millennials and Gen-Z comprise the bulk of traffic under the sports tourism sector. The latest YouGov survey revealed that “Traveling for sports events is an international phenomenon, with four in 10 consumers across 17 markets having done so.”  The survey found that 45% of the respondents were …

The Metro Manila hospitality sector is expected to reclaim its pre-pandemic occupancy levels by 2028, according to Colliers Philippines, a real estate services firm, arguing that a surge in domestic travel would offset the wave of new hotel room openings. Average hotel occupancy in the national capital region (NCR) is projected to climb to 65% in 2025 and 68% in …

Additional automated gates and self-check-in kiosks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have become available to passengers. A total of seven carriers are now participating at NAIA’s automated passenger processing program. The New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) said additional airlines have completed system integration across Terminals 1, 2 and 3, as part of NAIA’s ongoing airport modernization. These kiosks …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking construction of relocation sites for families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system in Bulacan and Pampanga. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all partner agencies, including local government units, to prioritize improved housing and recreational facilities for displaced households. The relocation project, named “El Nuevo De Municipio …

Local businesses were upbeat in January, the first month of the year, it was disclosed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The BSP based its conclusion on the results of its recent business expectations survey (BES), which showed a positive confidence index (CI) of a little less than one percent. The Bangko Sentral intends to do its surveys on …

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Chinese Business Leaders Summit in Metro Manila this October as part of efforts to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) and promote the Philippines as a regional tourism and business hub during its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship. In a statement on Friday, …