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.
Shell Energy Philippines Inc. (SEPH) has entered a second 15-year power supply agreement with Greenlight Renewables Holdings Inc. via its unit San Isidro Solar Power Corp., securing an additional 120 megawatts peak (MWp) from the second phase of the San Isidro solar power project in Leyte. Announced Tuesday, the new deal follows an earlier 15-year agreement for the project’s first phase, bringing the total solar capacity SEPH will source from Greenlight Renewables to 240 MWp.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are expanding their joint effort to assess energy use and deliver support to hotels, resorts, and other tourism establishments.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is seeking an additional P1.73 billion for 2027 to strengthen the Philippines’ tourism infrastructure, destinations, and promotion as it tries to close an investment gap with more aggressive Southeast Asian competitors.
Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is expanding its Bohol footprint with a 5.6-hectare residential project in Tagbilaran City, adding a third site as the Visayas-Mindanao developer taps rising housing demand in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets.