The Philippine electronics industry is raising its 2026 growth forecast to 10 percent as artificial intelligence, data centers and the technologies powering them drive a fresh wave of demand, putting exports on track to break the USD50-billion mark for the first time.
Malacañang on Sunday ordered government employees in Metro Manila and 15 Luzon provinces to work from home as authorities braced for continued heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular 123 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Alternative learning modes were also ordered for schools in affected areas. Agencies providing basic and health services, disaster responders, and other vital government services must continue necessary operations. The private sector was also urged to adopt alternative work arrangements. The covered provinces are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.