The total volume of rice the Philippines will import in the first quarter is likely to be significantly lower compared to the same period in 2024, as local farmers begin the harvest season and traders hold off on imports, awaiting further softening of global prices.
Lower food prices in February contributed to a drop in inflation to 2.1 percent for the month. This was slower than both central bank and market forecasts, and marked a significant decline from 2.9 percent in January.
Palay production in the first quarter of 2025 is expected to reach 4.72 million metric tons, with higher yields offsetting a decrease in rice planting area, according to the latest estimate of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Security Bank recently held Sustainability Talks 2026: Energy Savings and Tax Incentives for a Greener Tomorrow, a forum for commercial clients to address rising energy costs and changing regulations. The event gathered regulators, industry experts and business leaders to discuss strategies for better energy management, cost reduction and compliance with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA).
PLDT Enterprise has deepened its collaboration with Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc. to support the expansion of Xeleqt’s Artificial Intelligence of Things (AI-IoT) ecosystem.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tightening its grip on illicit tobacco trade, reporting major enforcement gains in the first half of 2026 as intelligence-led operations and stronger coordination with prosecutors begin to translate seizures into court cases.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially opened Phase 1 of the Mindanao Integrated Government Network, part of the larger National Fiber Backbone project. This initiative advances the country’s digital transformation goals to build a more connected Philippines.