The Philippines landed at 53rd out of 101 economies in the World Bank Group’s 2025 Business-Ready (B-READY) Report, placing the country squarely at the midpoint of an expanded global ranking and signaling steady reform momentum.
The World Bank and the Philippine government are moving forward with a landmark agreement that could reshape the country’s agriculture sector. At a recent meeting, agriculture secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and World Bank country director Zafer Mustafaoglu reviewed the progress of the Philippine Sustainable Agricultural Transformation (PSAT) loan program, with the goal of finalizing the USD1 billion loan agreement in July.
The International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank, has appointed Riccardo Puliti as its new Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has partnered with the Primer Group of Companies to launch "The Philippines by Foot," a new initiative positioning the country as a top destination for walking and mindful travel.
A massive shipment of imported onions left abandoned at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) is now set for disposal after laboratory tests confirmed the cargo poses health risks, intensifying government action against deteriorating perishable imports clogging port facilities.
Once a vital source of food and livelihood for communities in Malapatan, Sarangani, the Sapu Masla River had deteriorated due to poor waste management and slash-and-burn farming practices. Uncontrolled soil erosion from deforested uplands carried silt downstream, turning waters murky, increasing flood risks, and threatening local livelihoods.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have reaffirmed their partnership to stop the theft and pilferage of power facilities and materials across Meralco’s service area.