Accelerating power sector reforms could slash electricity prices, create more than 161,000 jobs and lift about 730,000 Filipinos out of poverty by 2030, with the World Bank arguing that lower energy costs may be one of the country's biggest catalysts for faster and more inclusive economic growth.
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.
For the second week in a row, Filipinos will see mixed changes in fuel prices starting Tuesday. The Department of Energy confirmed Monday that gasoline will go up by P1.56 per liter and kerosene by P1.77 per liter, while diesel will drop by a bigger P3.01 per liter. As of Tuesday morning, only Seaoil has officially announced these new rates, matching the adjustments noted by the DOE. Last week, gasoline rose P1.93 per liter, kerosene P3.30 per liter, and diesel dipped P1.30 per liter.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda has committed to a seamless handover following his resignation, assuring the public that key digital programs and department operations will continue without disruption.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given the green light to Negros Electric and Power Corp.’s (NEPC) P3.73 billion capital expenditure program from 2024 to 2026, paving the way for major upgrades across its service areas in Central Negros.
The Philippines is pitching for more than $57.4 million in new investments across five key farm and food sectors at this week’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum in Rome, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The push builds on the country’s first national investment forum held in March, and marks a major shift toward drawing in private and international financing instead of relying only on traditional aid.