Foreign debt rises to $155 billion as officials reassure economic stability
The Philippines reported total external debt climbing to $154.93 billion as of end-June 2026, marking a notable jump from the $147.35 billion recorded just three months earlier. The increase brings the country's foreign obligations to 31.6 percent of its gross domestic product, up from 30.0 percent in the previous quarter, as borrowing outpaced overall economic growth during the period.
BSP flags MSME credit gap as loans reach P580B
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is pushing to close a persistent financing gap for micro, small and medium enterprises, with bank loans to the sector reaching more than P580 billion but accounting for only about 6 percent of total business lending.
Smart unveils GSMA-certified identity tools for stronger digital fraud defense
Smart Communications, the country’s first telco with GSMA Open Gateway-certified Number Verification API, has secured GSMA certification for its SIM swap and device swap APIs.
Grab tightens halal food verification in Davao pilot
Grab Philippines is tightening halal food verification on its platform through a pilot partnership with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Region XI, seeking to make certified halal options easier to identify for consumers in Davao City.
Benguet potato farmers test new varieties, boost incomes in long-running sustainable program
Potato farmers across Benguet’s vegetable-growing highlands have begun harvesting crops planted just months ago, with this year’s harvest bringing new promise alongside familiar yields.
