Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence in a better second-quarter performance for agriculture, as improved weather conditions and stronger, more timely interventions ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are expected to drive a significant rise in rice and corn output.
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the U.S. had launched strikes on three sites in Iran, backing the ongoing effort of Israel to cripple Tehran’s nuclear program. It is a bold and risky action, aimed at a long-time adversary, and comes after more than a week of Israeli attacks that have targeted the air defenses and missile systems of Iran. Iran has yet to responded publicly, but the US attack raises fears that any retaliation could quickly spiral into a broader regional conflict. The White House said Trump will make a national address on the military action.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed deep gratitude to the Philippine Embassy in Israel and other government agencies for ensuring the safe return of four Department of Agriculture (DA) officials who were stranded in Israel after renewed tensions with Iran.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) have declined sharply since their 2008 peak, falling from 5 percent of GDP to around 2 percent in recent years, according to a World Bank study. The decline affects nearly 60 percent of EMDEs, including regional players like the Philippines, and threatens progress in infrastructure development, poverty reduction, job creation, and climate action.
Some of the country’s largest property developers are signaling early interest in what could emerge as one of Metro Manila’s biggest urban redevelopment projects: the transformation of portions of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) reservation in Muntinlupa into a mixed-use commercial and residential district.
Chevron Philippines is accelerating the expansion of its retail fuel network as Caltex reached the 600-station mark nationwide following the opening of six new service stations in the first quarter of the year.
Manulife Philippines has appointed Manish Sangal as deputy chief executive officer as the insurer strengthens its leadership team and accelerates its digital transformation strategy in the Philippine market.
Bank of the Philippine Islands is widening its sustainability agenda beyond environmental initiatives, ramping up support for underserved sectors, small businesses, and financial inclusion programs nationwide.