Stressed, lonely, anxious—or simply in need of someone to talk to? Increasingly, Filipinos are turning not to a counselor, friend, or family member, but to artificial intelligence.
The Philippine IT-BPM industry used its biggest awards night to spotlight a changing growth strategy, with artificial intelligence, workforce upskilling, sustainability, and innovation emerging as key priorities for the sector’s next stage of expansion.
The Philippines and India have taken another step toward a possible free trade agreement, using a high-level bilateral trade meeting to advance discussions on deeper economic integration and broaden cooperation in sectors ranging from renewable energy to artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is making inroads into the Philippines’ vast network of sari-sari stores, helping neighborhood retailers boost sales, sharpen inventory decisions, and compete more effectively in an increasingly data-driven marketplace.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $97.4 billion as of end-October 2026. This dip in foreign currency reserves was primarily driven by the central bank’s active foreign exchange interventions, downward adjustments in the value of gold assets amid shifting global prices, and the national government withdrawing funds from its central bank deposits to cover foreign debt service obligations alongside other international funding needs.
Motorcycle sales among the country’s four major manufacturers rebounded in the third quarter of 2026, rising 8.1 percent year-on-year to 524,860 units as stronger monthly volumes in August and September reversed the previous quarter’s contraction.
The Philippines will bring some of the world’s biggest business names, regional policymakers and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to Manila on November 11 for a summit focused on how Southeast Asia can protect economic resilience, accelerate digital transformation and ensure growth reaches smaller businesses and underserved communities.
The enduring friendship and diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines took center stage during the 82nd commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait, jointly organized by the City of Surigao and the Province of Dinagat Islands.