East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) strengthened its presence in the local capital markets this year after helping execute three major transactions: the IPO of Maynilad Water Services in November, SM Prime Holdings’ ₱17-billion retail bond offering, and Ayala Land Inc.’s ₱15-billion Sustainability-Linked Bonds completed in October.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) says financial health will be a major focus when the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. announced the plan during a fireside chat at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland, on 11 November 2025.
A recent Metrobank survey reveals that Filipinos’ reasons for saving change as they move through different life stages. Younger adults save mainly for financial security and personal needs, working adults focus on buying a home or funding travel, and middle-aged Filipinos prioritize retirement and their children’s education.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. opened December with a clear reminder to Department of Agriculture (DA) personnel: stay grounded, stay principled, and keep public service at the center of the agency’s work, even as the holiday season brings distractions and pressures.