Lender helps execute some of the country’s biggest transactions in 2025
East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) strengthened its presence in the local capital markets this year after helping execute three major transactions: the IPO of Maynilad Water Services in November, SM Prime Holdings’ ₱17-billion retail bond offering, and Ayala Land Inc.’s ₱15-billion Sustainability-Linked Bonds completed in October.
Philippines to push financial health as ASEAN priority in 2026
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) says financial health will be a major focus when the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. announced the plan during a fireside chat at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland, on 11 November 2025.
Savings priorities shift with age, Metrobank survey shows
A recent Metrobank survey reveals that Filipinos’ reasons for saving change as they move through different life stages. Younger adults save mainly for financial security and personal needs, working adults focus on buying a home or funding travel, and middle-aged Filipinos prioritize retirement and their children’s education.
DA chief to staff: Stay focused, stay clean, keep public service first
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. opened December with a clear reminder to Department of Agriculture (DA) personnel: stay grounded, stay principled, and keep public service at the center of the agency’s work, even as the holiday season brings distractions and pressures.
Philippines, Canada boost agricultural cooperation in high-level meeting
The Philippines and Canada have reaffirmed their strong agricultural partnership following a high-level meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai on November 13 in Makati City.
