The Philippines’ tourism sector posted a more nuanced performance in 2025: employment continued to rise, but its overall economic footprint softened, pointing to a recovery that is steady in participation but uneven in value generation.
The Philippine economy is entering 2026 on uneven footing, with growth expected to slow slightly and risks looming large, economist Jonathan Ravelas said on Wednesday.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., struck a cautiously optimistic tone on the Philippines’ economic outlook, projecting a rebound as near-term risks begin to ease and structural strengths remain intact.
The Philippines faces a markedly weaker growth trajectory after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 expansion forecast to 4.1 percent, citing intensifying global shocks and a softer domestic backdrop.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the looming effects of El Niño are emerging as twin headwinds to Philippine growth, with remittances and inflation pressures forming a potentially volatile mix.
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has secured P177 million in government assistance to prepare a feasibility study for a proposed international seaport in Casiguran, a project envisioned to turn Aurora into a gateway for manufacturing, logistics and Pacific trade.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is targeting about P165 billion in additional investment partnerships within three months, expanding its development pipeline in agriculture, energy and aviation while seeking to turn rising private-sector interest into sustained government revenues and jobs.
Cyber threats across the Philippines have intensified significantly this year, with more than 9 million user credentials compromised in the third quarter alone, according to the latest Cyber Threat Landscape Report from Viettel Cyber Security (VCS). The figure marks more than double the 4.3 million recorded in the same period last year, bringing the year-to-date total to over 28.3 million—nearly three times the full-year count for 2025.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has provided automotive servicing training to 15 dependents of GSIS members and pensioners in Cebu, opening pathways to employment, steady income, and small business ownership.