PH external gap widens; foreign reserves cushion households
The Philippines posted a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $827-million in December 2025, bringing the full-year shortfall to $5.7 billion, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed.
InLife sells HMO, sharpens core focus
Insular Life (InLife) has completed the sale of its shareholdings in iCare HMO to Singapore-based Value-Based Health Care PF Pte. Ltd. (VBHC), marking a decisive step in the insurer’s long-term strategy to streamline operations and double down on its core strengths. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Orchestra of the Filipino Youth kicks off 2026 season with Tchaikovsky tribute
The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) opens its 2026 concert season with ELEVATE: Triumphs of Tchaikovsky on February 1, 2026, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell. The performance spotlights the nation’s young classical musicians, celebrating their growth, discipline, and artistic excellence.
MAP Charts ASEAN Ambitions, National Impact
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), under newly installed president Donald Lim, is repositioning itself as a more outward-looking, action-oriented organization—one that aims to play a deeper role in nation-building while asserting a stronger private sector voice in ASEAN that ultimately benefits Filipinos.
PH leads ASEAN energy agenda, eyes sector benefits
The Department of Energy (DOE) is confident the power sector will gain as the country leads regional energy discussions under its ASEAN chairmanship. The Philippines will host the ASEAN Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and related meetings in Bohol from January 20 to 22, 2026.
