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Agriculture
PHilMech rolls out rice farm machines as government mechanization drive gains ground
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) has stepped up the government’s farm modernization efforts, delivering over 1,700 farm machines across the country in the first half of 2026 to boost the productivity, resilience and profitability of local rice farming.
NFA steps up palay purchases as wet-season support prices rise
The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that the National Food Authority (NFA) is expanding its palay procurement efforts to boost the country’s rice buffer stocks.
FTI fast-tracks nationwide food hubs to cut food costs
State-run Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) is ramping up the construction of mega food hubs and regional food terminals across the country, a major logistics push aimed at getting more food from farms to markets faster, cutting waste and bringing down prices for consumers.
PCA seeks P1.26 billion to fund 100-million coconut replanting program
The Philippine Coconut Authority is moving quickly to secure extra funds to keep its goal of planting 100 million coconuts by 2028 on track. This forms the core of the Accelerated Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, the government’s main strategy to rebuild one of the country’s most important agricultural sectors and boost earnings for millions of coconut farming households.
Corporate
MREIT secures ₱27-B asset expansion deal
MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust of Megaworld Corp., is set to execute its largest asset expansion to date with a ₱27-billion property-for-share swap.
Converge ICT named PH’s fastest ISP in Ookla H1 2026 report
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has topped Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence rankings for the first half of 2026, earning titles as the country’s fastest internet service provider and best for fixed latency. Its flagship FiberX service recorded leading scores across key metrics, extending the company’s winning streak that began in 2022. Company officials said the results reflect consistent infrastructure investments, as Converge continues expanding its network nationwide under the leadership of founders Dennis Anthony Uy and Maria Grace Uy.
Wipro Consumer Care to acquire personal care firm S Brands
Wipro Consumer Care International, the FMCG division of Wipro Enterprises, has signed a definitive agreement to fully take over S Brands Consumer Care Inc., one of the leading personal care companies in the Philippines.
BPI launches Disney-themed event to introduce new savings account
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is hosting a special two-day event titled “Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart” at the Glorietta Activity Center on August 1 and 2, inviting families, young dreamers, and Disney fans to experience learning about savings in a fun, engaging way. Open primarily to children aged 7 to 12 and extended to those up to 17 years old, the event serves as the official showcase for BPI’s new Jumpstart savings account, which blends practical banking features, financial education, and interactive digital elements.
Corporate Bulletins
Converge ICT named PH’s fastest ISP in Ookla H1 2026 report
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has topped Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence rankings for the first half of 2026, earning titles as the country’s fastest internet service provider and best for fixed latency. Its flagship FiberX service recorded leading scores across key metrics, extending the company’s winning streak that began in 2022. Company officials said the results reflect consistent infrastructure investments, as Converge continues expanding its network nationwide under the leadership of founders Dennis Anthony Uy and Maria Grace Uy.
BPI launches Disney-themed event to introduce new savings account
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is hosting a special two-day event titled “Discover the Magic of Saving: BPI Jumpstart” at the Glorietta Activity Center on August 1 and 2, inviting families, young dreamers, and Disney fans to experience learning about savings in a fun, engaging way. Open primarily to children aged 7 to 12 and extended to those up to 17 years old, the event serves as the official showcase for BPI’s new Jumpstart savings account, which blends practical banking features, financial education, and interactive digital elements.
Philippine Manufacturing Week spotlights smart factory technologies, partnerships
Manufacturing technologies took center stage at Philippine Manufacturing Week 2026, as thousands of industry leaders, suppliers and engineers gathered at the World Trade Center Metro Manila to explore innovations expected to reshape the country's industrial future.
Globe launches new rewards program for multi-service customers
Globe has introduced a first-of-its-kind telecommunications rewards initiative called Globe Circle, made for customers who use the company for both mobile and home connectivity.
Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Jollibee Group Foundation’s farmer-led agri-tech initiative wins top CSR recognition
The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has been conferred the Outstanding CSR Project in Enterprise Development award at the 2026 League of Corporate Foundations CSR Guild Awards for its Agri-Tech Facilitators (ATF) Program, an initiative centered on the principle that agricultural innovation delivers lasting impact when driven by farmers themselves.
Food banking seen boosting Philippines’ disaster preparedness, resilience
As stronger typhoons and other climate-related disasters threaten food security, Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP) is pushing for a stronger nationwide food banking system, saying it can help communities recover faster while reducing hunger and food waste.
Converge launches youth tech program to close digital skills gap
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched a new initiative to equip underserved Filipino youth with technology skills, as the country pushes forward with digital transformation.
Jollibee Danao plant earns landmark green building certification
The Jollibee Group has set a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing after its Danao Commissary in Cebu became the first manufacturing facility in the Philippines to receive LEED certification for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), signaling that industrial plants can pursue ambitious environmental goals without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Markets
Peso weakness, stock volatility test Philippine markets ahead
The Philippine financial markets are entering another week with little room to breathe as the peso hovers near record lows and local stocks brace for another bout of volatility.
PSEi rally gains steam as stable peso lifts outlook
The stock market could be entering a stronger recovery phase after the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) broke through key resistance levels, with a stable peso adding to optimism that local equities can sustain their recent gains despite inflation concerns and geopolitical risks.
Netflix stocks slide after weak revenue outlook spooks
Netflix shares tumbled 7.3 percent on Friday after the streaming giant issued a third-quarter revenue forecast that fell short of Wall Street expectations, overshadowing another quarter of solid earnings and steady subscriber engagement.
Philippine IPO revival hinges on reforms, blockbuster listings
The Philippine initial public offering (IPO) market remained on the sidelines in the first half of 2026, but upcoming regulatory reforms and a pipeline of marquee listings could set the stage for a long-awaited rebound in the country's capital markets.
Energy
Marcos spotlights tax cuts, energy, healthcare in SONA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday to present an agenda centered on lowering household costs, strengthening energy security and accelerating infrastructure, signaling a renewed focus on economic resilience as global uncertainties persist.
Marcos Jr. targets lower electricity rates through nuclear power push and system loss charge cuts
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted major energy reforms during his State of the Nation Address, focusing on adopting nuclear energy and removing system loss charges from electricity bills.
ACEN turns Zambales into major renewable energy hub
ACEN Corporation is developing Zambales into one of the country’s largest renewable energy hubs, with nearly one gigawatt of solar and battery storage capacity. Once fully operational, these projects will generate enough clean power for 340,000 households and cut fossil fuel dependence. Around 450 megawatts are already running, with the rest set to be finished by 2027, alongside new battery systems to ensure steady power supply and grid stability.
Socoteco II members back proposed joint venture with IGNITE Power ahead of public vote
Members of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) have voiced strong support for a proposed partnership with IGNITE Power aimed at upgrading power services across the region, officials confirmed.
Property
Big developers prioritize malls as retail thrives
The Philippines’ biggest property developers are placing greater emphasis on malls as retail continues to outperform other real estate segments, supported by resilient consumer spending and the appeal of stable recurring rental income.
SM Prime lines up over 20 events at New SM Seaside Cebu Arena
SM Prime Holdings Inc. announced on Thursday that its newly opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena will host more than 20 shows this year, as the property developer seeks to tap into the growing demand for live events in the Visayas region.
Havitas moves into wellness real eatate
Boutique developer Havitas Properties Inc. has entered the fast-growing wellness real estate sector, and unveiled the second phase of its Aya Hills resort villa community in Talisay, Batangas, overlooking Taal Lake.
Manila emerges as world’s second prime housing market
Manila has emerged as the world’s second-fastest growing prime residential market, underscoring the Philippine property sector’s resilience despite geopolitical tensions, elevated inflation and a slowdown in new project launches.
Technology
DICT launches AI toolkit for Bicol MSMEs under Magkasangga Program
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has introduced a set of artificial intelligence tools tailored to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bicol enhance their operations and competitiveness. Known as the MSME Digital Assistant, this collection of AI applications addresses key challenges commonly faced by small businesses, covering areas such as business planning, regulatory compliance, product pricing, document understanding, and digital marketing.
DICT introduces AI tools for Bicol MSMEs, expands digital support for Naga
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has rolled out a new set of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bicol grow their businesses, while also pledging broader digital support for Naga City’s connectivity, disaster preparedness, and smart governance initiatives.
AI exports cushion Philippine economy from global headwinds
The Philippines' growing role in the global artificial intelligence supply chain is expected to provide an important buffer against slowing growth, higher oil prices and lingering trade uncertainties, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).
Globe teams up with Japan’s KDDI for next phase of growth
Globe Telecom Inc. has entered a strategic partnership with KDDI Corporation, one of Japan’s top telecommunications and digital services firms, to unlock new growth opportunities for mobile services and transform retail experiences across the Philippines.
Opinion
Pax Silica pits silicon dreams against sovereignty concerns
Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, was often portrayed carrying an olive branch. Ironically, her modern namesake has arrived carrying semiconductor blueprints, investment pledges—and a healthy dose of controversy.
Elon Musk learns trillion-dollar fortunes can wobble
Elon Musk has just misplaced about USD260 billion. Before anyone starts a crowdfunding campaign, though, he's still worth an estimated USD745 billion—comfortably enough to remain the world's richest person.
Trust ratings aren’t get-out-of-jail cards
If trust ratings could acquit public officials, we might as well save everyone the trouble.
VP Duterte impeachment keeps Senate cards hidden
Monday's biggest vote in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte turned out to be the one the public never saw.
Exclusive
Visayas roots, Singapore routes: Top Line redraws its map
Singapore is no longer just a distant dot on Top Line Business Development Corp.’s growth chart. It has become a very literal marker of how far the company has travelled in 12 years, from a Visayas-based real estate developer to an emerging energy player now thinking in global supply routes.
Sunlight Air chooses precision over size aloft
In an aviation industry often driven by scale and speed, Sunlight Air is taking a more measured route. The boutique carrier is building its business around efficiency, discipline, and destination depth, convinced that smarter operations can deliver both commercial returns and environmental gains.
PSAC urges stronger funding for Philippines startups
The Private Sector Advisory Council is raising a clear warning. In a recent meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry, PSAC said the Philippine startup scene is slipping behind Southeast Asian peers, not for lack of ideas but for lack of capital that actually moves.
Tariffs rattle, AI thrives: Gruppo EMS builds ahead
Amid escalating US-China trade tensions and renewed tariff uncertainty from Washington, EMS Group of Companies is expanding production, accelerating its push into artificial intelligence hardware, and positioning the Philippines as an increasingly strategic alternative manufacturing base for global electronics firms.
