PHL tourism ambitions to hinge on infra quality, safety
The Philippines needs to improve its infrastructure and ensure the safety of its visitors to solidify its spot as a promising tourism destination, the ECCP said. “The Philippines, while a promising destination, faces challenges in advancing alongside regional counterparts, particularly in expanding hotel infrastructure,” President Paulo Duarte at a luncheon meeting on Wednesday.

DOT convergence program set to boost connectivity — Frasco
The Department of Tourism (DOT) completely agrees with the views expressed by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) that the country needs to improve its infrastructure by air, land or sea, as well as its digital connectivity to boost tourism, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.

Lack of infra a challenge for PH tourism— Europe business group
In his speech at a forum in Makati City on Wednesday, ECCP President Paulo Duarte acknowledged the strong recovery of the tourism sector last year, but noted “there is still significant work to be done in unlocking the full potential of Philippine tourism and ensuring that the sector remains competitive on a global scale.”

IMF slashes PHL growth forecasts
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) slashed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth projections for the Philippines from this year to the next, reflecting heightened global uncertainty arising from US tariff policy.

PH risks missing trade advantage without quick policy response — PIDS
The discussion paper, “Navigating a New Era of Reciprocal Tariffs: Strategic Implications for the Philippines and Selected ASEAN Economies,” emphasized that effectively aligning industrial policy with a proactive trade strategy is essential to mitigating the effects of tariffs and securing long-term competitive advantage.

Dizon orders sweeping review of road safety policies
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will form a special task force to review road safety policies and procedures and implement reforms aimed at reducing road accidents.

PSALM’s 10-year extension lapses into law
A measure extending the corporate term of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the state-run firm that implements the privatization plan for the government’s energy assets, has lapsed into law.

DOF simplifies tax breaks availment for education initiatives
The Department of Finance (DOF) has issued a revenue regulation aimed at consolidating education-related tax incentives to boost investments in human capital development.

5.1 million additional jobs in Philippines doable by 2040—World Bank
The World Bank believes that an additional 5.1 million jobs can be created in the Philippines during the next 15 years if the country fast-tracks reforms conducive to labor market growth and enhancement.

ADB funding for Philippines reaches $6B in 2024
The Philippines bagged a total of $6 billion in financing and co-financing packages from Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) last year, the second largest among its member nations, in a bid to help its host country tackle a range of complex development challenges.

Franchising sector in the Philippines seen growing 8% to 10%
A local trade association of franchising firms expect their revenues to grow by 8 percent to 10 percent in 2025. Industrywide earnings are projected to hit P800 million this year.

NEDA Board OKs enhanced e-voucher food stamp program
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved a three-year program to improve food insecurity and malnutrition measures.

Lower US tariff rate can create niche export openings for Philippines
The Philippines is among the least exposed to US tariff policies in Southeast Asia and stands to benefit from shifting trade directions, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said in a discussion paper.

PHL eyes beneficial tariff deal with US
The Philippine government said it is confident that it will be able to secure a ‘mutually advantageous’ arrangement with the US ahead of trade talks with US counterparts next month.

PHL should find right technology to meet rising power demand, experts say
Securing reliable and efficient power supply for the Philippines means finding the right technologies suited to the country’s demands, energy experts said.

Philippines has room to negotiate much lower tariffs with US – BMI
The Philippines has room to negotiate with the US to lower its reciprocal tariffs, Fitch Solutions’ unit BMI said, but added that trade tensions are still likely to weigh on economic growth.

NCR economic output jumped by 5.6% in 2024 – PSA
The National Capital Region’s (NCR) economic output expanded by 5.6% in 2024, the fastest pace in two years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday.

Peso weakens as yuan fix hits Asia currencies
The peso weakened anew on Tuesday, joining the Chinese yuan and other Asian currencies that weakened against the dollar.

DOT To Intensify Promotions Amid Slowdown In South Korea Outbound Travel
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to intensify its marketing and promotion in South Korea, its top source market for visitors, as it frets over the slowdown of Korea’s outbound travel.

BPOs worried US tariffs may sideswipe service industries
The information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry said US tariffs may end up having an indirect impact on services, citing the growth slowdown from US President Donald J. Trump’s first term.

NFA rice stocks equivalent to 9 days' consumption
The National Food Authority (NFA) said it built up reserves equivalent to nine days’ consumption – 7.17 million 50-kilogram bags of milled rice, the highest inventory level since the end of 2020.

Hog farms invited to join direct-sourcing scheme
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that it will invite more hog farms to participate in a direct-sourcing scheme piloted by Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI), which supplies retailers with pork products at reduced cost due to the savings on logistics.

Marcos urges gov’t to serve people better through technology
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged public servants on Thursday to use modern technology and innovations to serve the public.

Tax exemption rules simplified for education training investments
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it simplified the tax exemption application process for education and upskilling projects.

Philippine banks mull 'defense bonds' to fund military upgrades
Philippine lenders are prepared to bankroll the Southeast Asian nation’s military modernization bid including the purchase of missile systems, fighter jets and submarines, executives said, as Manila bolsters its defense posture amid maritime clashes with China.

Marcos urged to pass FOI law
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should prioritize the approval of a long-awaited Freedom of Information (FOI) law to strengthen Filipinos’ right to access information, a civil group said on Wednesday.

PAL eyes wider international footprint under new president
Philippine Airlines (PAL), operated by PAL Holdings, Inc., has appointed British aviation executive Richard Nuttall as its new president, a move aimed at accelerating the airline’s international expansion and driving ‘sustainable growth.’

Philippine economic growth could slow to 5% this year – ANZ
Philippine economic growth is expected to slow to 5% this year due to fallout from the Trump administration’s trade policy and weak private spending, ANZ Research said.

Subsidized rice set for pilot in Visayas at ₱20 per kilo
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that it will be conducting a pilot program offering subsidized rice at ₱20 per kilo in the Visayas, which the Palace is pushing to sustain until the government steps down in 2028.