The World Bank Group has approved a USD268.6-million, or about P15.6-billion, water and sanitation project for the Philippines that is expected to create up to 46,500 jobs over the next 25 years while improving climate resilience in three island provinces.
Foreign business groups welcomed the Philippines' elevation to upper middle-income economy status as a strong endorsement of the country's economic progress, while urging the government to accelerate reforms needed to convert the milestone into sustained investment and long-term growth.
The Philippines' elevation to upper-middle-income status by the World Bank is expected to strengthen investor confidence and bolster the country's appeal as an investment destination, marking a new phase of economic development while raising expectations for broader, more inclusive growth.
The World Bank Group has approved a record USD1.02-billion financing package for the Philippines, backing reforms aimed at lowering electricity costs, strengthening water security and accelerating the country's transition to cleaner energy.
The Philippine government is pinning its next employment surge on three high-growth industries—business process outsourcing (BPO), semiconductors, and renewable energy, said Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is within reach of its P300-billion investment target for 2026, with approvals hitting about P297 billion by end-September and three months left in the year.
KABAN Boracay is expanding its food and beverage portfolio ahead of its grand opening this month, bringing Korean restaurant Chung Dam and Japanese dining brand Umi Matsu to its Station 0 complex.
Philippine mall developers are easing off rapid expansion and putting more capital into redevelopments, upgrades and premium lifestyle concepts as changing consumer preferences reshape the retail landscape.