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Unemployment falls, but Philippine jobs remain fragile

The Philippine unemployment rate fell sharply in August, but the improvement came with enough fine print to keep the labor market from declaring victory.

News Dispatch

Agriculture

DA in talks with DALI Grocery to open bigger, direct markets for Filipino farmers

The Department of Agriculture is exploring a partnership with DALI Everyday Grocery that would give local farmers steady, expanding direct sales channels and boost contract farming opportunities for cooperatives and producer groups.

Rice imports set to exceed 5 million MT, surpassing 2024 record

The Department of Agriculture confirmed that rice imports are on track to surpass 5 million metric tons this year, a figure that would exceed the previous all-time high of 4.81 million MT recorded in 2024.

Meralco, BTCI launch talent farm program to train next-generation energy workforce 

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has joined forces with Banahaw Technological College Inc. (BTCI) through a newly signed agreement designed to prepare students for real-world careers in the energy sector through a specialized talent farm program.

P9-B FMR deal sealed: 605 roads to link Luzon farms to markets

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed a memorandum of agreement to build 605 farm-to-market roads across Luzon, worth P9.06 billion in total.

Corporate

AboitizPower earns ASEAN recognition for energy sector contributions

Aboitiz Power Corporation has received official commendation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for its outstanding contributions to the region’s energy sector, with special recognition of its work in advancing nuclear energy cooperation, knowledge sharing, and skills development.

Lifesaver on Wheels: LG turns over ₱1.6-M ambulance to Laguna upland village

Barangay Galalan in Pangil, Laguna, finally has its own ambulance through LG Electronics Philippines’ “Life Saver on Wheels” project, ending years of relying on makeshift transport for emergencies.

Mynt IPO draws surge of local demand, boosting market and financial inclusion 

Mynt Inc., operator of GCash, has drawn exceptionally strong domestic interest for its upcoming initial public offering, with state-run pension funds GSIS and SSS among those seeking shares, and lead arranger BDO Capital urging that more stock be set aside for local investors.

P2.7-B Bayad Center stake sale to Kayana on track for April 2027 full settlement

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) confirmed Wednesday it expects to complete full payment for the P2.7-billion sale of its combined stake with subsidiary Corporate Information Solutions Inc. (CIS) in CIS Bayad Center Inc. to Kayana Solutions Inc. by April next year.

Banking & Insurance

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Corporate Bulletins

AboitizPower earns ASEAN recognition for energy sector contributions

Aboitiz Power Corporation has received official commendation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for its outstanding contributions to the region’s energy sector, with special recognition of its work in advancing nuclear energy cooperation, knowledge sharing, and skills development.

St. Luke’s named Southeast Asia’s third WGO center

St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City has been designated a World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) Training Center, becoming only the third facility of its kind in Southeast Asia and expanding the Philippines’ capacity to train specialists in advanced digestive and liver care.

FedEx PH wins HR Asia awards for fourth year

FedEx Philippines has been named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia for the fourth consecutive year, earning three additional honors for workforce transformation, sustainability and technology adoption.

Converge ICT takes double win at Asian Experience Awards 2026

Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has earned top honors twice over at the Asian Experience Awards 2026, claiming both Philippines Product Experience of the Year – Technology and Philippines Digital Experience of the Year – Telecommunications.

Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Lifesaver on Wheels: LG turns over ₱1.6-M ambulance to Laguna upland village

Barangay Galalan in Pangil, Laguna, finally has its own ambulance through LG Electronics Philippines’ “Life Saver on Wheels” project, ending years of relying on makeshift transport for emergencies.

Meralco strengthens earthquake readiness via full-scale drills

When the ground shakes, readiness cannot remain on paper. For Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), preparedness means putting plans, people, technology, and partnerships through their paces—before a real emergency does.

EastWest widens EasyMobility, donates vehicles to boost community impact

EastWest has expanded its EasyMobility for Community Program, turning over vehicles to Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary and Jubilee Christian Academy to help both institutions reach more people and extend their vital work. This latest milestone follows earlier donations to groups in Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Davao.

Anne Curtis’ Dream Machine turns small dreams into big hope

In Puerto Princesa, the road to school can come with two very different kinds of baggage: a child’s dreams and, during the rainy season, a puddle—or several—that seems determined to get in the way.

Markets

GCash shares start as few as 100 shares or only P660 for retail investors

Mynt Inc., GCash’s operator, lets the public buy shares for as low as 100 shares — just P660 at P6.60 apiece — far lower than the usual 1,000-share minimum for small investors.

Depressed valuations could drive Philippine stocks higher

Philippine equities may be approaching a potential re-rating as depressed valuations increasingly reflect concerns over elevated borrowing costs, peso weakness and a fragile domestic macroeconomic backdrop. With the broader market trading at roughly eight times earnings, valuations suggest investors are pricing in substantial pessimism, creating room for upside if economic conditions stabilize and confidence improves.

PSEi, peso pressure builds ahead of inflation

Philippine markets enter Monday under renewed pressure, with the PSEi vulnerable to a test of 5,500 and the peso hovering near P63 to the dollar as investors await September inflation and reassess the outlook for monetary policy.

Peso, stocks brace for volatile week ahead

The peso and Philippine equities enter Monday facing another potentially volatile week as investors weigh persistent inflation pressures, softer growth prospects and expectations of further monetary tightening.

Travel

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Energy

SMC unit redeploys capital via Meralco stake sale, shifts focus to renewables

San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) is unlocking value from its long-held Meralco minority stake, selling the shares to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) to free up capital for renewable energy projects and align resources with businesses where it holds direct operating control.

Anya Resort Tagaytay goes fully renewable, partners with First Gen for geothermal power

Award-winning luxury property Anya Resort Tagaytay has switched entirely to renewable energy, sealing a deal with First Gen Group to power its entire estate with clean geothermal supply as it marks its ninth year of operation.

Strict new bidding rules threaten operations at Semirara coal mine, SMPC warns

Strict new bidding conditions established for the Semirara coal mine risk halting operations altogether by next July, threatening both national energy supplies and public revenues, according to current operator Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC).

Gov’t steps up El Niño readiness for power sector; price hikes seen

The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun firm preparations to safeguard the country’s power system against the projected Super El Niño, which may push electricity rates higher alongside tighter supply.

Transport & Communications

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Property

Metro Manila office demand eases in Q3; tenants shift to knowledge, health sectors

Prime Philippines reports office demand softened slightly in the third quarter, with total space rented edging down to 53,200 square meters from 53,300 square meters in the previous three months.

Mall developers pivot to upgrades as shopping habits evolve

Philippine mall developers are easing off rapid expansion and putting more capital into redevelopments, upgrades and premium lifestyle concepts as changing consumer preferences reshape the retail landscape.

Condo redevelopment bill to unlock urban renewal, revive Makati market — LPC

A Senate bill that lowers approval requirements for condominium redevelopment could breathe new life into older residential properties and kickstart urban renewal, especially in Makati’s central business district, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

Robinsons Land joins Pag-IBIG drive for affordable homes

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) has joined Pag-IBIG Fund’s growing network of private developers backing the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, giving Filipino workers more housing options they can finance through affordable Pag-IBIG loans.

Environment

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Technology

Maya: Use in-app tools – protect your money now

Maya urges all customers to use its built-in security controls to safeguard accounts and transactions.

DICT Chief Henry Aguda stays focused on mandate amid resignation reports

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda reaffirmed his commitment to his post on Wednesday, saying that he remains focused on executing his official duties despite lingering reports about his supposed resignation.

GCash challenges young innovators to solve MSME needs

GCash is turning to young Filipino innovators for technology-driven ideas aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) tackle financing and operational challenges as digital financial services expand their role in the small-business economy.

World Bank: AI boom drives East Asia and Pacific growth, but high energy costs and adoption gaps pose risks 

A worldwide surge in artificial intelligence technology is giving a major boost to economies across the East Asia and Pacific region, including developing manufacturing hubs like the Philippines, according to the World Bank’s latest regional economic update released Tuesday.

Health & Science

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Opinion

Half-a-billion time deposit math does not quite add up

Sometimes, a little arithmetic can do what a long argument cannot. It can puncture a rather large financial assumption.

The nation’s new favorite

There is a moment when a Filipino athlete stops being a promising competitor and becomes a national event. It usually begins with a victory, especially an unexpected one, and proceeds at a speed that would put the most frenetic fastbreak in basketball to shame.

Santissima Trinidad! The price of money

Not so long ago, my P100 got me a full meal, a movie ticket and a jeepney ride home. Today I showed one to the barista and all I got was a sympathetic nod and a small glass of service water.

Players push, WTA finally loosens tennis grip

Tennis players have long had a peculiar relationship with the calendar. They are expected to live on airplanes, play through aching bodies, cross time zones as casually as they change rackets, then somehow be fresh when the tournament director calls their name.

Sports & Entertainment

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Exclusive

iPeople targets 200,000 students with global expansion push

iPeople, the listed Yuchengco-Ayala education joint venture, is pursuing an expansion strategy built around international partnerships, new campuses and facilities, sustainability-focused programs, and deeper artificial intelligence integration as it aims to nearly triple its student population to 200,000.

Vivant Water sees 2026 as launchpad for bigger growth 

Vivant Water is treating 2026 as a pivotal year as it moves from building its presence across the water industry to scaling operations, investments, and its project pipeline.

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.