Economy
Philippines fast-moving consumer goods braces for slowdown
The Philippine fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is set to cool in 2026, with growth projected at 3–4 percent, down from 5.2 percent in 2025, according to the 2026 FMCG Outlook by Worldpanel by Numerator in the Philippines.
Canada partners with Philippine startups to boost women-led innovation
Canadian organizations partnered with local stakeholders in Manila for a week of entrepreneurship activities, highlighting growing collaboration between APF Canada and Kickstart Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of a leading Southeast Asian telecom company. The events aimed to connect Philippine startups with international investors and partners while promoting sustainable business solutions.
Philippines, Japan forge 11 new loan deals
The Philippines is set to ink 11 new loan agreements with Japan under Japanese fiscal year 2026, totaling JPY371.31 billion, roughly USD2.41 billion, strengthening the decades-long development partnership between the two nations.
ICI chief building AI-aided graft hunter
Independent Commission for Infrastructure chairman Andres Reyes Jr., the former Court of Appeals presiding justice once known for slicing through case backlogs with quiet efficiency, is now helping build a new kind of remedy for bureaucratic gridlock.
Business leaders seek stronger JPEPA framework
A private sector-led push to review the nearly two-decade-old Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is gaining momentum, as business leaders argue that evolving regional dynamics demand a refreshed approach to Philippine-Japan trade ties.
