Economy
DTI backs P1.75B fintech boost for MSMEs
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is betting big on fintech to unlock long-standing credit bottlenecks for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), welcoming a P1.75-billion digital credit facility as a potential game changer for grassroots businesses.
Lunar New Year: Red envelopes kick-start the business mood
The Lunar New Year, by law, is a special non-working holiday in the Philippines.
Foreign currency reserves rise, helping buffer peso weakness
The country’s gross international reserves increased to US$112.5 billion as of end-January 2026, based on preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data, providing a strong external buffer at a time when the local currency has shown some weakness against the US dollar.
PH–Australia deal smooths seafarer mobility, trade
Australia and the Philippines have reinforced maritime cooperation by reaffirming the mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, a move expected to ease administrative barriers and improve shipping efficiency between the two nations, the Australian Embassy in Manila said.
Aboitiz opens Tokyo office, courts Japanese manufacturers
Aboitiz Economic Estates (AEE) has planted its flag in central Tokyo, opening a dedicated Japan Office to tighten ties with Japanese manufacturers and smooth the path for those expanding or scaling operations in the Philippines.
