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Agriculture
JTI PH steps in with extra tobacco purchases as oversupply hits local farmers
JTI Philippines has committed to purchase an additional 3.32 million kilograms of local green weight tobacco leaf to absorb excess supply caused by overproduction in major growing areas. The move supports farmers amid weaker global demand that drove down prices from last year’s highs.
Amid risks, gov’t assures farmers of support, fair palay prices
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging rice farmers to continue planting this wet season, assuring production remains viable and profitable despite threats from severe El Niño and rising input costs driven by global oil market shifts.
PH joining 2027 Yokohama Horticultural Expo to boost agri ties, exports to Japan
The Philippines has officially committed to take part in the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced.
Japanese firm brings AI boost to bananas
Filipino banana growers could soon gain access to advanced artificial intelligence and drone technologies as Japanese agri-tech company E-SupportLink Ltd. moves to expand its operations in the Philippines, potentially accelerating efforts to modernize one of the country’s most important export industries.
Corporate
PAL names new independent directors to boost growth strategy
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Tuesday the appointment of corporate leader Edgar O. Chua and seasoned aviation executive Datuk Captain Izham Ismail as independent directors, effective June 1, 2026.
NKC PH taps First Gen for 1.84-MWp rooftop solar project in Cebu
NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corporation, a local unit of Japan’s Nakanishi Metal Works Group, has partnered with First Gen Group to build and run a rooftop solar power plant at its factory inside the Mactan Economic Zone.
Alibaba inks long-term global partnership with UEFA
Alibaba Group has signed a multi-year deal to become the exclusive official partner for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and e-commerce for top European football events. Starting from the 2027–2028 season through 2032–2033, the partnership covers the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and UEFA EURO 2028.
BPI’s Best Life Run returns June 7, unites over 100 firms for wellness
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will hold its 3rd Best Life Run on June 7, gathering more than 100 companies to promote workplace wellness as it marks its 175th anniversary. Launched internally in 2023 as an employee activity, the event opened to corporate partners and the public in 2024, growing from a simple fitness drive into a platform that encourages well-being across industries.
Corporate Bulletins
NKC PH taps First Gen for 1.84-MWp rooftop solar project in Cebu
NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corporation, a local unit of Japan’s Nakanishi Metal Works Group, has partnered with First Gen Group to build and run a rooftop solar power plant at its factory inside the Mactan Economic Zone.
Security Bank named AI learning champ at LinkedIn Talent Awards 2025
Security Bank Corp.(SEBC) has received top recognition at the LinkedIn Talent Awards 2025, taking home the AI Pioneer: Learning Champion Award in the category for organizations with over 10,000 employees. The award honors the bank’s successful integration of artificial intelligence into employee learning and development, making skill-building more accessible, tailored, and closely linked to business goals.
LG launches new AI-powered aircons for comfort, energy savings, easy maitenance
As temperatures rise and electricity costs remain a key concern for households, LG Electronics Philippines has launched its LG DUALCOOL™ AI Aircons, a home cooling solution designed to balance comfort, energy efficiency, and simple maintenance.
Meralco Power Academy ties up with NEUST, DLSU to build future-ready energy workforce
Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the education arm of power distributor Meralco, has signed separate partnership agreements with Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) and De La Salle University (DLSU) to bridge academic learning and industry needs.
Social Responsibility & Sustainability
BPI’s Best Life Run returns June 7, unites over 100 firms for wellness
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will hold its 3rd Best Life Run on June 7, gathering more than 100 companies to promote workplace wellness as it marks its 175th anniversary. Launched internally in 2023 as an employee activity, the event opened to corporate partners and the public in 2024, growing from a simple fitness drive into a platform that encourages well-being across industries.
Gokongwei Foundation’s ‘Iskolar ni Juan’ techvoc program opens career paths for young Filipinos
The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), in partnership with food and beverage industry leader Universal Robina Corp. (URC), operates the Iskolar ni Juan scholarship program to provide young Filipinos—especially those unable to afford college education—with a clear alternative pathway toward stable employment.
Home Credit boosts employee financial welness amid resilience gap
While financial literacy among Filipino adults rose to 74 percent in 2025 (up from 69 percent in 2021), only 30 percent have enough savings for emergencies, per the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas survey.
Ayala Land hits the brakes on cars, not fun
Ayala Land, Inc. is bringing its popular Car-Free Sundays to Davao and Negros, giving residents a rare chance to reclaim city streets for people instead of traffic.
Markets
Investors seek shelter as risks crowd horizon
A growing list of economic and geopolitical concerns is pushing investors into defensive mode, with the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) struggling to regain momentum after slipping below a key support level.
Inflation jitters weigh on Philippine peso, stocks
The peso and Philippine equities continued to face mounting pressure as investors grappled with persistent inflation concerns, global market volatility, and cautious sentiment over the domestic outlook.
Filipinos shift toward affordable, convenience-led retail
The Philippine retail landscape is undergoing a clear shift as consumers increasingly prioritize affordability and convenience, driving a rebound for neighborhood sari-sari stores while traditional supermarkets continue to lose ground.
Senator Aquino wars new ad rules burden MSMEs
Senator Bam Aquino has once again criticized the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), raising concerns that a proposed regulation requiring permits for advertisements and promotional campaigns could create an additional bureaucratic burden for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and online sellers.
Energy
MGB: PH mining up 28.6% in 1Q, bright 2026 outlook seen
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) forecasts a favorable 2026 for the mining sector, driven by strong global demand for energy transition minerals and steady commodity prices.
ESEC gets green light for 98.2 MW Capiz solar project
EcoSolar Energy Corp. (ESEC), a member of the Yuchengco Group, has secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its 98.20 MW solar plant in Panitan, Capiz.
Prices slash across all fuels; PH plans regional reserves with Japan’s help
The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed this week will see broad price rollbacks, with reductions starting at P4.76 per liter for gasoline, P9.26 for diesel, and P10.86 for kerosene.
Nordeco elevates franchise dispute to Supreme Court, challenges private takeover
Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) has brought its legal battle over power distribution rights to the Supreme Court, seeking clarification and review of rulings that allow it to operate alongside Davao Light and Power Co.
Property
Metro Retail deepens provincial expansion with Biliran store
Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) has expanded its footprint in Eastern Visayas with the opening of Metro Naval in Biliran, reinforcing its strategy of tapping growth opportunities in underserved provincial markets amid intensifying competition in the retail sector.
Rockwell Land eyes Alabang Town Center revival
Rockwell Land Corp., the listed property arm of the Lopez Group, is positioning the redevelopment of Alabang Town Center (ATC) as the cornerstone of its next phase of growth, betting that the iconic southern Metro Manila property can become for Alabang what Rockwell Center became for Makati.
AXON lease signals Makati office market strength
Demand for premium office space in Makati remains resilient despite evolving workplace trends, with AXON Group securing a long-term lease for a property formerly known as Teleperformance Center Ayala, reinforcing confidence in the country’s premier business district.
Arthaland eyes P12B revenue from Makati luxury project
Arthaland Corp. projects to earn P12 billion from Sondris, its premium residential development in Makati City. Developed in partnership with Japan’s major real estate firm Mitsui Fudosan Co., the 37-story tower taps into strong demand for sustainable high-end properties.
Technology
Smart bets on personalized plans and 5G to counter slowdown
PLDT Inc. said Tuesday its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., will rely on tailored data solutions and faster 5G adoption to drive growth amid a broader industry slowdown. Moving away from standard packages, Smart now uses advanced analytics to create customized plans matched to each user’s needs and budget. Smart co-OIC Lloyd Manaloto noted this approach lets them deliver the right service at the right time, while PLDT COO Menardo G. Jimenez highlighted how targeted offers help counter slower growth.
Globe adds free cybersecurity scans to GFiber Plans for SME safety
As more businesses go digital and use AI tools, cybersecurity has become as critical as internet access itself. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which drive local jobs and economic growth, are increasingly at risk—cyberattacks targeting them have jumped as much as 325 percent, since automated threats look for weak points regardless of company size.
PLDT connectivity powers Xeleqt’s tech expansion
PLDT Enterprise has expanded its partnership with Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc. to deliver scalable, reliable wireless connectivity supporting the company’s growing AI-IoT ecosystem. The collaboration highlights how strong digital infrastructure drives business transformation, better efficiency, and data-led innovation.
PLDT Enterprise powers Metro Pasay Hospital digital upgrade
Metro Pasay Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. has teamed up with PLDT Enterprise to boost its digital infrastructure, aiming for smoother operations and better patient care.
Opinion
Silent senators forfeit democracy’s mantle
The Senate has been regarded as the last bastion of democratic dissent—a chamber where statesmen stood their ground, challenged power, and refused to let their voices be drowned out by political pressure or executive overreach. It was where difficult questions were asked, unpopular truths were spoken, and silence was treated not as a virtue but as a surrender.
Senate descends to institutional absurdity
If anyone still believed the Philippine Senate had reached rock bottom, the May 25 session suggested there was, in fact, a trapdoor beneath the floor.
Senate power shift risks Estrada-style backlash
The sudden leadership shake-up in the Senate ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Dutertel may yet prove a poisoned chalice—a glittering prize that offers control today but threatens political liability tomorrow.
A house divided: Lopez family rift tests corporate governance
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every house divided against itself will not stand.” In the Lopez corporate universe, the verse now reads less like scripture and more like a live governance case file—complete with injunctions, contested boardrooms, and competing versions of who nearly switched off the lights.
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.
