The country's rice stocks inventory was estimated at 1.61 million metric tons at the start of March, an 18 percent increase from the 1.37 million metric tons recorded in the same period last year.
Golden Arches Development Corp., the exclusive operator of McDonald's restaurants in the Philippines, has secured a significant vote of confidence from McDonald's Corporation, as founder George Yang and his son, Kenneth Yang, were granted a fresh 20-year franchise term, extending their ownership until 2045.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomed the sharp decline in the Philippines' inflation rate to 1.8 percent in March, the lowest since the pandemic, while assuring that the government will remain vigilant in its efforts to protect consumers' purchasing power.
Philippine inflation decelerated to 1.8 percent in March, its slowest pace since the 1.6 percent registered in May 2020 when the economic activities was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns. This decline, down from 2.1 percent in February, was largely driven by lower food prices, particularly rice, which saw a significant annual decrease.
The decision of President Donald Trump to set new global tariffs has forced economists to revise their economic forecasts, with many predicting slower growth and rising inflation.