Palay and corn production are poised for significant growth in the second quarter of 2025, latest estimates by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.
A recent decision by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to revise the carcass conversion rate for certain livestock has sparked concern in the swine industry, which continues to struggle following the first African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in 2019.
The Philippine labor market held its ground in April, even as early signs of strain emerged beneath the surface. Unemployment inched up slightly to 4.1 percent, from 4.0 percent a year earlier, yet the economy still managed to add more jobs and keep employment rates above 95 percent—a level considered healthy by most standards.
The country's annual inflation rate dipped slightly to 1.3 percent in May, down from 1.4 percent in April, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. While the decline is modest, it marks a continued deceleration in price increases, indicating a slower pace of inflationary momentum.
National rice stocks at the start of May were estimated at 2.37 million metric tons, marking a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by the aggressive palay procurement efforts of the National Food Authority (NFA).
Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chairman Frederick D. Go praised the Social Security System (SSS) for launching its Emergency Loan Program (ELP), saying it will help members get faster and easier access to financial support during disasters.
Ischaemic heart diseases, cancer, and strokes are still the deadliest threats in the Philippines. From January to June 2025, 53,985 deaths—nearly one in five—were due to heart disease alone, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Philippine baby boom has hit the snooze button. Parenthood, once almost automatic, is now treated like a major purchase—priced, budgeted, and often postponed. Diapers and infant formula increasingly feel less like essentials and more like luxury items with designer tags. Timing, finances, and ambition are all carefully calculated before committing to the ultimate life investment.
The Philippines’ tourism rebound is still stuck in economy class, slowed by the weak return of China and South Korea—once the twin engines of foreign arrivals. Latest Department of Tourism (DOT) data show 5.606 million international visitors as of December 20, with arrivals from January to November slipping 2.16 percent year on year to 5.35 million.