Inflation in the Philippines could ease further in April, following a drop to 1.8 percent in March—the slowest pace since May 2020—if rice prices continue to decline in the latter half of the month.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast that the Philippine economy will grow at a robust pace of 6.0 percent in 2025 and 6.1 percent in 2026, driven by strengthened domestic demand and sustained public investment. This growth follows a 5.6 percent expansion in 2024.
Average rates on Treasury bills were mixed in Monday's auction, with six-month and 12-month debt papers seeing a softening of yields due to expectations of further rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). However, uncertainty continued to push yields on three-month bills higher.
Philippine inflation decelerated to 1.8 percent in March, its slowest pace since the 1.6 percent registered in May 2020 when the economic activities was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns. This decline, down from 2.1 percent in February, was largely driven by lower food prices, particularly rice, which saw a significant annual decrease.
Average rates on Treasury bills (T-bills) increased during Monday's auction, ahead of the March inflation data release and the upcoming Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) monetary policy meeting.
Motorists and transport operators should brace for another round of fuel price hikes this week, with oil firms expected to implement significant upward adjustments across all fuel products starting Tuesday.
The Philippines reported a 14 percent increase in pineapple exports in 2024, shipping around 680,000 metric tons (MT) compared to 600,000 MT in 2023, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Security Bank was recognized with 10 prestigious honors at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, highlighting the bank’s leadership in customer-centricity, digital innovation, sustainable finance, and financial inclusion.
Tagum Water, a bulk water service provider under Manila Water’s Non-East Zone operations, commemorated its 5th anniversary, celebrating half a decade of reliable and sustainable service in Tagum City.