The Philippines put more than USD20 billion worth of infrastructure and industrial projects before about 600 local and foreign investors, seeking to turn the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) from a development blueprint into a pipeline of fundable deals.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called for stronger ASEAN-India collaboration Wednesday at the Ninth ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, warning that geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and volatile farm input costs threaten regional food supplies.

Twenty-nine Luzon and Visayas electric cooperatives have secured long-term power supply agreements (PSAs) with six generation firms, ensuring stable electricity for millions, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) announced Thursday.

Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has recognized the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) support in addressing electricity theft as it pledged to sustain efforts to reduce system losses, particularly non-technical losses arising from illegal connections and power pilferage.

Maya has completed its shift to 100 percent recycled plastic for all newly produced wallet cards—beating its year-end target—while unveiling the nature-inspired Bukad Card with Filipino artist Raxenne Maniquiz.

ACEN Corp.’s retail arm ACEN RES will supply 100 percent renewable energy—from solar, wind, and geothermal sources—to ACS Manufacturing’s two key Laguna facilities.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has added IBM Philippines Country General Manager and Technology Leader Leo L. Capinpin and Vivant Corp. President Emil Andre M. Garcia to its board of trustees, bringing technology and infrastructure experience to the business-led social development group.

The Power for People Coalition (P4P) urges the Energy Regulatory Commission to suspend Wholesale Electricity Spot Market operations in Visayas and Mindanao until supply stabilizes, to shield consumers from record spot rates—P18.59/kWh and P19.56/kWh respectively—announced this week.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued revised, more practical Grid Compliance Test (GCT) requirements for older power plants, offering a clear path for these facilities to prove they can operate safely and reliably within the national power grid. The new policy, announced Thursday, applies to legacy plants—those that began commercial operations before the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 was enacted.