Economy

The World Bank expects Philippine economic growth to slow to 3.7 percent in 2026, down from 4.4 percent in 2025, according to its East Asia and Pacific (EAP) outlook released on April 8.

The Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven industries under the draft 2025–2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which outlines priority investment areas across a three-tier system.

The Philippine government has scrapped its long-planned Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program, opting instead to fast-track a new incentive framework focused on electric vehicles, a senior investment official said.

Manufacturers have agreed to extend the nationwide price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) until April 30, following a late Monday meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The move pushes back the original April 15 deadline, providing temporary relief to consumers amid rising costs.

Projects endorsed under the government’s Green Lane Initiative are beginning to transition from approvals to execution, signaling early traction in the Philippines’ efforts to accelerate strategic investments across priority sectors.