Economy
BCDA renews bid for Smart backbone
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is making a fourth push to attract private investors to commercialize the passive information and communications technology (ICT) backbone of New Clark City, relaunching a P2.5-billion project critical to building the country’s first smart metropolis.
Foreign capital finds firm Philippine foothold
Foreign direct investments into the Philippines picked up pace in October 2025, posting net inflows of USD642 million and lifting year-to-date totals to USD6.2 billion, signaling sustained investor interest despite a mixed global backdrop.
APECO pushes funding to lure investors
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is seeking the release of the remaining P7 billion from its P10-billion authorized capitalization to bankroll infrastructure and development projects designed to make the zone more attractive to investors.
Innovation Leap: Philippines’ IP office shines
The Philippines has quietly pulled off a big leap on the global innovation stage — and the business world should take notice. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has rocketed to third place in the World Trademark Review’s (WTR) 2026 IP Office Innovation Ranking, jumping from 13th in the previous edition and outperforming many far larger economies.
Tariffs, production cost squeeze Philippine garment exports
Higher US tariffs and stubbornly high production costs are tightening the vise on Philippine garment exporters, even as shipments are estimated to have topped USD1 billion in 2025.
