Tho country's foreign debt total USD118.8 billion as of end-September 2023, up by USD915 million (or 0.8 percent) from USD117.9 billion as of end-June 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.
Secretary Frederick Go, Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs, said the catch-up, which also includes attracting foreign investments and investing in infrastructure, targets to realize the country’s untapped export potential of $49 billion.
The National Economic and Development Authority Board, the country’s highest economic policymaking body, on Thursday decided to keep tariff rates on imported rice, corn and pork at reduced levels to address supply and price challenges, including the threat of El Nino and the African swine fever.
Teresita Sy Coson, BDO chairperson, late on Wednesday said the Philippines should do well as a country next year even though it faces a number of challenges.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) marked its 123rd founding anniversary by hosting an animal welfare event aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership, public health, and safer communities.
Stakeholders in the local biofuels industry are urging the government to maximize the use of locally produced biofuels to help protect the country from possible fuel supply disruptions caused by the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and state-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) on Friday urged Filipinos not to abuse the government’s subsidized rice program, warning that unusually large crowds at distribution sites are creating the false impression of a supply shortage.
Crude oil prices are likely to remain above USD80 per barrel in the coming weeks, but the era of massive pump price surges may already be fading, according to economist and former Albay congressman Joey Salceda.