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 Social Security System (SSS) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand digital access to short-term credit, rolling out the pension fund’s LoanLite facility through RCBC’s mobile platform.
Jollibee Foods Corp., the Philippines’ largest fast-food chain, said it has secured regulatory approval in South Korea for its planned acquisition of All Day Fresh Co., Ltd., the company behind the “Shabu All Day” hot pot chain, marking a key step in expanding its presence in one of Asia’s most competitive dining markets.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will launch a new nonstop flight between Manila and Chicago starting November 9, expanding its network in the United States. Chicago becomes PAL’s eighth U.S. and U.S. territory destination, alongside Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Guam, and Saipan.