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The country’s overall balance of payments (BOP) posted a higher deficit of USD4.1 billion in January, compared to the USD740 million deficit recorded in the same period last year. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) attributed this development primarily to its net foreign exchange operations and the national government’s drawdowns from foreign currency deposits to meet external debt obligations.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of poultry products and related goods from Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin in the United States following recent outbreaks of the H5N1 avian influenza in these places. The decision, under a memorandum order, safeguards the poultry sector and prevents the spread of bird flu in the country.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering a shift in the allocation of imported pork under the minimum access volume (MAV) program, potentially involving government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in an effort to control retail pork prices.

Topline Hi Tech and Synergy Corp., an affiliate of Top Line Business Development Corp., has partnered with the Provincial Government of Aklan to launch a smart port system at Boracay’s Caticlan and Cagban ports. This initiative, which went live on Tuesday, February 18, aims to streamline the ticketing process and enhance port management with real-time data and security features.

NLEX Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, on Wednesday announced a P1.4 billion investment to upgrade its toll systems, streamline its toll transactions and improve customer experience. This development is expected to have a substantial impact on corporate finance and daily commuters alike.