Economy

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is stepping on the gas, targeting the proclamation of 20 to 30 new economic zones every year as it banks on a wider network of investment hubs to drive jobs, exports and countryside growth.

Government employees may soon enjoy longer weekends without reducing public service hours after the Civil Service Commission (CSC) expanded guidelines allowing agencies to adopt more flexible four-day compressed workweeks.

The Philippines and the US are racing to seal a framework agreement for the proposed Pax Silica technology hub in New Clark City before year-end, a move that could unlock one of Southeast Asia's biggest platforms for artificial intelligence, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing investments.

The Ayala Group is poised to ramp up investments in digital infrastructure and healthcare after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held separate meetings with key Singapore-based partners during his working visit, reinforcing investor confidence in two sectors seen as vital to the country's long-term growth.

Filipino women and young workers may soon find artificial intelligence acting less like a helpful office assistant and more like an ambitious new colleague eager to take over routine tasks.