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 Department of Tourism (DOT) is targeting 6.4 million to 6.8 million international visitor arrivals for full-year 2026, with a stretch goal of reaching seven million, as expanded visa-free access for Chinese tourists could help sustain the Philippine tourism recovery amid geopolitical tensions and higher fuel costs.
Nissan is reinforcing its commitment to the Philippine market as it prepares to broaden its electrified vehicle lineup, giving customers an early look at two upcoming models at Nissan DARE ahead of their availability on Nov. 6.
Parqal has opened Pawgrounds, a dedicated pet park giving dogs and their owners space to walk, play, and socialize as pets become an increasingly visible part of Filipino leisure time.
Nearly half of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing a talent crunch even as most plan to expand their workforce, prompting Jobstreet by SEEK to widen access to free digital recruitment tools for smaller businesses.