The Department of Agriculture (DA) declared a food security emergency on Monday that allowed the National Food Authority (NFA) to release buffer stocks for public sale. The declaration, signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., comes in the wake of persistent price increases that have not aligned with global market trends or previous tariff reductions.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has raised alarms over the Konektadong Pinoy bill, a key legislative measure designed to expand internet access and encourage new players in the telecom sector.
Foreign investments registered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through authorized agent banks (AABs) took the high path in 2024, with net inflows totaling USD2.1 billion, a sharp turnaround from the previous year's outflows. This marked a significant 39.2 percent increase from 2023, which saw USD12.9 billion in investments.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded mixed movements in the prices of agricultural commodities in mid-January, with potential implications for inflation. January inflation data are due 5 February.
The Philippine economy showed resilience in 2024, posting a 5.6 percent year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP), despite challenges such as the contraction in agriculture due to El Niño and a series of storms. However, this growth fell short of the government’s target of between 6.0 percent and 6.5 percent.
At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Seville, Spain, the Philippines—through the Department of Finance (DOF)—asserted a leading role in global financial reform, urging the international community to overhaul the current financial architecture to better support middle-income countries (MICs).
Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has appointed Karen Ong as its new chief marketing officer, a strategic move aimed at bolstering its brand presence and accelerating growth across Southeast Asia.
BDO Unibank, Inc. is launching a peso‑denominated Fixed‑Rate Sustainability Bond offering with a minimum issue size of P5 billion, the fourth such issuance of the country’s largest lender by assets controlled by the Sy Group.