The unemployment rate in the Philippines declined in April to 4 percent from 4.5 percent in the year-ago period, with the economy creating more jobs in industry and services to take up the slack in agriculture because of the adverse impact of El Nino on the farm sector.
Inflation nudged higher in May to 3.9 percent, lower than most analysts' forecasts averaging 4 percent, versus only 3.8 percent in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Wednesday.
The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has approved the reduction of tariff on rice to 15 percent from 35 percent to substantially lower the cost of the staple and ease its impact on inflation, whose elevated level has kept the central bank from cutting interest rates to help spur greater economic activity.
The total outstanding debt of the national government in April reached P15.02 trillion, marking a rise of P91.50 billion or 0.61 percent from March 2024.
The various ports across the country posted revenue collection averaging 2.5 percent more in 2023 than in previous year, based on preliminary data generated by the Bureau of Customs in April this year.
Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) posted higher second-quarter earnings as a strong rebound in its power business more than compensated for weaker coal production, highlighting the benefits of its integrated business model amid volatile energy markets.
Aboitiz Foundation is growing its partnerships with local groups across Cebu to boost community-led forest restoration under its CarbonPH climate initiative. Working with officials in Danao City and Balamban, the foundation is providing training and resources to help residents restore forests while building sustainable livelihoods.
The Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Agriculture (DA) have intensified joint market inspections to keep rice and other essential goods fairly priced, signaling closer government oversight as authorities seek to contain food inflation and protect consumers' purchasing power.
Manila Electric Company (Meralco), headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan, is pushing ahead with improvements to its Elevated Metering Transformation (EMX) as part of ongoing efforts to modernize its power distribution system.