The Philippine economy is headed for a sharper slowdown in 2026 as elevated energy costs, weak public investment and subdued business confidence weigh on domestic demand, the World Bank said, while lowering its growth outlook for next year.
The Philippine government is moving to translate the World Bank’s Public Finance Review into concrete fiscal reforms, with economic officials stressing that better tax collection and spending will matter only if recommendations result in measurable improvements for citizens.
The Philippine government said it will act on recommendations from the World Bank’s latest Public Finance Review, putting a sharper focus on broadening the tax base, improving revenue collection and ensuring that public spending translates into measurable gains for Filipinos.
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.
The Department of Agriculture has handed over a ₱65.6-million rice processing facility to the Talabutab Norte Primary Multipurpose Cooperative in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, under the RCEF Mechanization Program.
Quezon City job seekers now have easier access to industry-relevant skills training, after the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) signed an agreement with global customer experience leader Foundever®. The deal launches the Quezon City Competency Enhancement and Retooling Program, aimed at bridging the gap between community skills and actual workplace needs.
The US has ruled out announcing the proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone during or after this month’s ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila, leaving the initiative’s timeline uncertain as Washington and Manila continue discussions on its scope and potential impact.
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Alberta Council and is preparing a separate memorandum of understanding with a Canadian power generation company, as it seeks to convert investor interest into actual projects in Casiguran, Aurora.