Economy

The Philippines landed at 53rd out of 101 economies in the World Bank Group’s 2025 Business-Ready (B-READY) Report, placing the country squarely at the midpoint of an expanded global ranking and signaling steady reform momentum.

Retail food prices in the Philippines opened 2026 on a mixed note, with staples such as rice, chicken, and fish edging higher, while red onion prices eased from December spikes—highlighting uneven supply dynamics as the market adjusts after the holidays.

Europe is pushing to deepen trade and investment ties with the Philippines as global economic uncertainty reshapes international commerce, according to European and Nordic diplomats.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is closing in on a major milestone, having generated nearly P593 billion in total investments from its establishment in 1992 through 2025, underscoring its role as a key engine of national development.

Food poverty in the Philippines dropped significantly in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven largely by expanded rice subsidies and higher government spending on farm infrastructure, according to the latest OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey.