Relief measures for Philippine borrowers hit by the ongoing Middle East conflict may steady credit conditions but are likely to trim banks’ profitability, according to an April 16 report by S&P Global Ratings.
Households across the country are continuing to feel the pressure of rising prices as inflation drives up everyday expenses. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has increased its 2026 average inflation forecast to 5.1 percent, citing global economic pressures and elevated oil prices. While fuel price rollbacks have provided occasional relief, higher costs for goods and services remain a persistent burden.
A local fuel retailer said pump prices are expected to go down again next week, with gasoline possibly dropping by ₱2 to ₱3 per liter and diesel by as much as ₱18 to ₱20 per liter.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), will hold a public scoping on April 20, 2026 for a proposed solar energy project in Hermosa, Bataan.
Cebu Pacific has been recognized as one of the world’s top-performing airlines in sustainability, ranking in the top 25 percent globally in the latest S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). The airline scored 47, above the industry average of 37, making it the most sustainable carrier in the Philippines.
The Philippines faces mounting risks to agricultural production, infrastructure and economic activity as coastal flooding intensifies, underscoring the need to integrate climate resilience into development planning and investment decisions, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asia–Pacific Climate Report 2026.
Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI), together with Vivant Energy Corporation and its subsidiary 1590 Energy Corporation, has upgraded electrical systems in three public elementary schools and provided library packages to 14 schools in Bauang South District, La Union, as part of efforts to improve learning environments and support literacy.
JPMorganChase has received two major distinctions at the 2026 Bahaghari Awards organized by Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry PRIDE (PFIP), highlighting its efforts to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion, employee engagement and workplace diversity in the Philippines.
The Philippines will promote low-carbon cement production, alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies across Southeast Asia as it assumes the presidency of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) for 2026–2028, balancing environmental goals with the industry’s competitiveness.