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.
Energy and agriculture leaders warn of significant risks to fuel supply, prices, and food security after Iran announced it is closing the Strait of Hormuz, and threatening to fire on any vessel attempting to transit. This development follows reported attacks by the United States against Iran, according to a Reuters report.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has approved a reduction in fuel surcharges following a sustained drop in global jet fuel costs, a change that will take effect from June 16 to 30 and expected to bring down the shipping rate for passengers and cargo.
Filipinos could see major changes in how healthcare is delivered and paid for over the next two years as the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) rolls out reforms aimed at strengthening primary care, expanding targeted benefits, and reshaping how hospitals are reimbursed.