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 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened its P2-billion e-Transport Loan Program to transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and operators shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), widening access to affordable green financing in the ride-hailing sector.
The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) is bullish on the Philippines as a cornerstone market for 2026, citing sustained demand and a growing appetite for premium imported fruit.
Japan is set to impose stricter limits on mobile batteries carried by air travelers, joining a growing global push to curb fire hazards linked to lithium-ion powered devices.
Food prices have remained broadly stable despite rising fuel costs, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, suggesting that adequate supply is helping cushion the impact of higher logistics expenses.