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 Philippines is shifting its tourism strategy from simply counting arrivals to attracting long-term investments, as it prepares to host ASEAN tourism ministers this week and showcase the country as a regional tourism hub.
Batang Matatag is expanding to 44 schools in Pasig as the child health initiative marks its fifth year, bringing health education on gut health and everyday hygiene to more school communities.
The compounded pharmacy market in the Philippines is seen growing 1.8 percent higher this year to around P212 billion from its level in 2025, personalities at the PRIMA ASEAN Congress in Taguig City said.