Economy

Philippine mangoes have long traveled overseas, filling supermarket shelves and satisfying homesick Filipinos abroad. But increasingly, the country’s signature fruit is reaching new corners of the world and finding a place not just as a familiar export, but as a premium product for global consumers.

The country’s outstanding external debt eased slightly to US$147.35 billion as of end-March 2026, from US$147.65 billion in the previous quarter, keeping the overall debt burden well within manageable levels.

Energy and agriculture leaders warn of significant risks to fuel supply, prices, and food security after Iran announced it is closing the Strait of Hormuz, and threatening to fire on any vessel attempting to transit. This development follows reported attacks by the United States against Iran, according to a Reuters report.

The Philippines and Sweden are exploring deeper economic cooperation in renewable energy, digitalization, manufacturing, healthcare, and advanced technologies, as both countries seek to boost...

The Philippine iron and steel industry is pressing regulators to fast-track the implementation of tougher construction standards, arguing that recent tragedies have underscored the urgent need for earthquake-resistant building materials in one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.