Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has delivered a bold policy pivot, ordering an immediate freeze on all new agricultural land reclassification applications as the Department of Agriculture (DA) moves to fortify the nation’s food security strategy and shield precious farmland from rapid conversion pressures.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) highlighted innovation, inclusion, and integrity as key priorities for the financial sector during its annual reception for the banking community on Friday, saying the banking industry remains one of the bright spots in the economy.
The Philippine government has staged a strong return to the global bond markets, successfully pricing a multi-tranche U.S. dollar offering worth USD2.75 billion—its largest dollar deal in more than three years.
Food poverty in the Philippines dropped significantly in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven largely by expanded rice subsidies and higher government spending on farm infrastructure, according to the latest OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey.
Philippine tourism proved more resilient than raw arrival figures suggest in 2025, cushioning the economy and protecting jobs despite mounting global and domestic pressures.