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Agriculture
Agri damage hits P1.73B; TD Neneng now included
Agricultural losses from the enhanced monsoon and storms Luis, Maymay, and TD Neneng rose to P1.73B, the DA said in its Aug. 20, 7 a.m. advisory — up from P1.42B on Aug. 17 before Neneng’s effects were tallied.
DA highlights sugar technologists’ role in industry growth
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recognized the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (PhilSuTech) as a vital partner in driving science-backed growth, higher incomes, and resilience for the country’s sugarcane industry.
Habagat, TCs Luis & Maymay damage to agriculture sector reaches P1.42B
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported a P1.42 billion damage to the agriculture sector due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, as of August 17. This figure rose from P1.03 billion earlier that day.
DA moves to cut Benguet veggie losses amid rains
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its Cordillera (DA-CAR) office are stepping in to protect harvests and reduce farmer losses as persistent rains damage crops and disrupt Benguet vegetable trading.
Corporate
PSE sets Robinsons Retail delisting on Aug 31
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), part of the Gokongwei Group, is set to end its tenure as a publicly listed company at the end of August, after the Philippine Stock Exchange approved its petition for voluntary delisting.
Aboitiz pushes circular economy across businesses
The Aboitiz Group is broadening its circular economy strategy across its businesses, seeking to turn waste, water, energy, and other resources into inputs for other industries as rapid urbanization and industrial growth put mounting pressure on infrastructure and natural resources.
Dominion Holdings board approves merger with Tampakan Copper-Gold project owner
Dominion Holdings Inc., a company controlled by the Sy family, has secured board approval for a merger with Indophil Resources Phils. Inc. and Sonar Holdings Inc., the latter holding voting rights in Sagittarius Mines Inc. — the entity behind the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in South Cotabato. Widely recognized as Southeast Asia’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposit, Tampakan carries an estimated gross value reaching $200 billion.
Robinsons Land’s Kerwin Tan named CFO of the Year
Kerwin Max S. Tan, chief financial, risk and compliance officer of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has been awarded CFO of the Year at the 25th Global Edition of the Asia Business Leader of the Year Awards in Singapore.
Corporate Bulletins
Robinsons Land’s Kerwin Tan named CFO of the Year
Kerwin Max S. Tan, chief financial, risk and compliance officer of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has been awarded CFO of the Year at the 25th Global Edition of the Asia Business Leader of the Year Awards in Singapore.
JJ Ibarreta named communications director at DM&A Co.
Dugenia, Marayan & Associates Co. (DM&A Co.) has appointed John “JJ” Ibarreta as Communications Director, strengthening its leadership team as a digital-first integrated communications agency.
Jollibee’s Tim Ho Wan realigns North America, Japan ties with WDI to accelerate expansion
Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) said its wholly owned dim sum brand Tim Ho Wan has reached definitive agreements to restructure its joint venture with Japan’s WDI across North America and Japan, giving Tim Ho Wan full control of its priority North American platform while WDI takes full charge of Japan operations.
Batanes fisherfolk gain financial literacy, open bank accounts via Fish N’ LEarn program
Over 50 fisherfolk representing all six municipalities of Batanes have completed the Fish N' LEarn financial education program, acquiring practical skills in budgeting, savings, debt management, insurance, and financial planning through a joint initiative of BDO Foundation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Aboitiz pushes circular economy across businesses
The Aboitiz Group is broadening its circular economy strategy across its businesses, seeking to turn waste, water, energy, and other resources into inputs for other industries as rapid urbanization and industrial growth put mounting pressure on infrastructure and natural resources.
When floodwaters rose, Meralco brought relief
The floodwaters came fast, swallowing roads, closing small businesses, and turning familiar streets into stretches of murky water.
CIAC turns over 250 ChariTimba food packs to aid flood-hit Pampanga families
Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) provided relief to flood-affected families in Pampanga on Tuesday, turning over 250 ChariTimba food packs to the Social Action Center of Pampanga, Inc. (SACOP).
Globe offers free roaming services in Indonesia after Flores Island quake
Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Flores Island, Indonesia, Globe is extending free call, text, and data services to its customers in the country to support emergency communication. The quake caused widespread damage, landslides, power outages, and displacement, with rescue efforts still ongoing.
Markets
Mega Sardines lands in 2,750 Kroger stores nationwide
Filipino canned sardines brand Mega Sardines has secured a major foothold in the US mainstream grocery market, entering at least 2,750 stores of supermarket giant Kroger as Mega Global Corp. accelerates its international expansion.
UNIQLO brings Filipino craftsmanship into everyday fashion
Filipino craftsmanship is getting a modern platform through UNIQLO’s Re.UNIQLO Studio, which has introduced Special Artisan Patches inspired by indigenous communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
7-Eleven Philippines targets 5,000 stores despite bottlenecks
7-Eleven Philippines is pressing ahead with its expansion toward more than 5,000 stores by year-end, even as permitting delays and power availability threaten to slow the pace of new openings.
Markets brace for pressure as rate risks persist
Philippine financial markets may remain trapped in a cautious trading environment as investors balance hopes of global monetary easing with stubborn domestic inflation, currency weakness, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Energy
JEG Tower locks two-year power rate with COREnergy
JEG Tower in Cebu City is locking in its electricity costs for two years under a new power supply deal with COREnergy, giving the commercial property greater protection against price volatility while improving control over a major operating expense.
Light Fuels expands into Negros Oriental
Top Line Business Development Corp. is taking its Light Fuels retail network beyond Cebu, opening five renovated and rebranded fuel stations in Negros Oriental as it seeks to build a wider presence across the Visayas.
ERC extends GEA-All collection suspension until end-2026 to ease power costs
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced Wednesday it has further extended the temporary suspension of Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collections through the end of 2026, continuing relief for consumers amid ongoing economic pressures.
ERC to appeal CA ruling on Siquijor power firm, cites lapsed authority & ended deals
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will file a motion for reconsideration via the Office of the Solicitor General to reverse a Court of Appeals (CA) decision reinstating S.I. Power Corp. (Sipcor)’s authority to operate in Siquijor.
Property
RLC sees bigger REIT asset recycling opportunities
Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is eyeing a bigger asset-recycling program through RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR), with more malls and offices available for potential infusion as the property developer shifts toward recurring income.
Ayala Land starts turnover of Naga employee homes
BellaVita, the socialized housing arm of Ayala Land Inc., has started turning over homes to Naga City government employees under a program covering 1,011 units at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol.
AREIT eyes October approval for P17.33B swap
AREIT Inc. is moving toward an October regulatory filing for its P17.33-billion property-for-share swap with Ayala Land Inc. and four subsidiaries, a transaction that will bring six shopping mall and hotel assets into the real estate investment trust’s portfolio and potentially strengthen recurring cash flow and dividends.
CLI clears regulatory hurdles for P25-billion project launches
Cebu Landmasters Inc. is set to resume its project launch program in the second half of the year after addressing regulatory requirements that delayed several developments during the first six months.
Technology
Converge expands Leyte footprint with new business centers in Tacloban, Ormoc
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched two new business centers here in Tacloban and Ormoc, broadening its customer service network across the province of Leyte.
Globe chart responsible, scalable AI path at DTW Ignite 2026
As AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment, balancing large-scale adoption with trust, security, and governance has become a critical industry challenge.
PLDT and Smart partner with Microsoft to integrate enterprise-wide artificial intelligence
Telecommunications giants PLDT and Smart Communications have expanded their strategic collaboration with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence directly into their core business operations.
Epson robotics expansion signals Philippines’ manufacturing shift
Epson Precision Philippines Inc. (EPPI) is expanding beyond its established precision printing operations into industrial robotics manufacturing, adding to the Philippines’ push to attract higher-value, technology-driven investments.
Opinion
Tighten gun laws after school shootings
The livestreamed shooting at a school affiliated with Ateneo de Zamboanga University should end the country’s familiar cycle of outrage, condolences, and calls for tighter security. It should instead trigger a harder look at how firearms are acquired, stored, and kept out of the hands of those who should never have them.
EDSA puts Dizon to the test
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon spent much of the past year cultivating the image of a no-nonsense reformer determined to clean up one of government’s most corruption-tainted agencies.
Lawyers still owe decency in impeachment trial
Impeachment may be political. It may be bruising, theatrical, and occasionally combustible. But it is still a legal proceeding, and lawyers do not get a temporary exemption from good manners simply because the stakes are high.
Exclusive
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.
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.
