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.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cautioned lawmakers that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger a severe economic shock in the Philippines, with surging oil prices threatening to reverse gains in poverty reduction.
Treasury bill yields continued to ease at Monday’s auction as investors positioned for a possible shift toward monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amid weakening economic momentum.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Japan’s Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. have moved closer to testing a self-driving cable car system in Camp John Hay, signing an agreement that sets the stage for feasibility studies, financing discussions, and a possible joint venture.
DHL Express Philippines plans to make its entire delivery fleet electric by 2030, putting the country ahead of DHL’s global target of at least 60 percent electric vehicles by the end of the decade.
Indian luxury jewelry maker Ivani Diamonds is exploring a potential export manufacturing and raw-material processing operation in the Philippines, with Davao and other parts of Mindanao among locations under consideration.
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has joined forces with Banahaw Technological College Inc. (BTCI) through a newly signed agreement designed to prepare students for real-world careers in the energy sector through a specialized talent farm program.