The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has extended to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the Silver Award representing the highest rating of 92.8 percent or “Very Satisfactory”, among 50 government agencies in the agency’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0.
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has clinched first place among Philippine banks and securities firms in both the Local Currency Bonds and G3 Bonds categories of The Asset Benchmark Research Awards 2026, affirming its leadership across domestic and international bond markets.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) are actively looking for funding to buy additional trainsets for LRT Line 2, a key move aimed at cutting down long lines that have formed at stations as passenger numbers keep growing. Right now, only eight trainsets are running on the line—one is having its Train Operating Control Panel upgraded, while another remains under repair—creating a gap between what commuters need and what the system can provide.
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan—Boracay already has the white sand, turquoise waters, and postcard sunsets. Kevin Wong is betting billions of pesos that it can offer visitors something more, and persuade them to stay longer while opening their wallets a little wider.
The Philippines is maintaining its target of 6.4 million international tourist arrivals in 2026, banking on stronger year-end demand and improving travel from key markets to offset rising airfares, higher fuel costs and weakening consumer sentiment.