The World Bank has approved an USD800-million financing package for the Philippines aimed at strengthening fiscal resilience, improving the business climate and equipping Filipino workers with skills needed for higher-quality jobs.
The Philippines is seeking to join the US-led Pax Silica Initiative while exploring a critical minerals partnership with Canada, as Manila steps up efforts to position itself in emerging supply chains tied to artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
The Philippines on Friday urged fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reinforce policy stability and cooperation across the region, warning that rising geopolitical tensions are increasingly shaping investment flows and economic confidence.
The Philippines is seeking to fast-track a bilateral free trade agreement with Canada, aiming to clinch a deal even as broader negotiations between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations move forward. Officials say an early deal could position the country as a strategic bridge linking North American supply chains with Southeast Asia’s expanding trade network.
More Filipinos joined the ranks of the unemployed in January, with fresh labor data pointing to a softer job market after the Christmas season surge despite pockets of hiring across several industries.