The value of trade in goods within the Philippines plummeted by 22 percent to more than ₱745 billion in the second quarter, driven by slower economic growth and weaker consumer spending. The latest preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data on Monday, Aug. 24, showed that total...
Apart from the proposed artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in New Clark City, the Philippines plans to establish other projects under the United States-led Pax Silica initiative, including an economic zone focused solely on data centers. Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told lawmakers...
Local government units (LGUs) have the discretion to adopt or not adopt the registered business enterprise local tax (RBELT), even as the interagency Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has required them to review and align local rules with national policies. In FIRB’s latest advisory dated...
The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) swung to a $1.47-billion deficit in July, reversing the $3.4-billion surplus recorded in June, as the country’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell to their lowest level in 18 months. The July deficit brought the cumulative BOP shortfall to $5.35...
The next great Filipino brand may be closer than you think. Behind every handcrafted accessory, woven textile, artisanal delicacy, sustainable fashion piece, and proudly Filipino product is a woman who dared to turn an idea into a business. Some are preserving generations of Filipino craftsmanship....
The Philippines and Germany are exploring potential investment opportunities in high-upside areas such as the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiative, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In a social media post, the DTI said several priority and prospective areas of cooperation...
Driven by robust demand for MICE events, SMX Convention Centers, the conferences and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., posted strong first-half results in 2026, welcoming 4.3 million visitors across its footprint. This represents an 18 percent year-on-year surge compared to the 3.6...
The Philippines and Chile are seeking to deepen bilateral relations as the two Pacific nations mark 80 years of diplomatic ties, with trade, investment, maritime cooperation, and tourism among the areas identified for closer collaboration. In statements issued on Friday, August 14, the Department...
The Philippines is looking to accelerate foreign capital inflows through the inaugural investment forum for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which will showcase key opportunities, including the proposed Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) hub. In a statement, the United States Trade and...
The Kadayawan Festival kicked off its month-long celebration of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and honoring indigenous traditions of Mindanao with the big KadayaOne sale and the Floriculture and Agri Trade Fair, which runs through the whole month of August. The grand opening ceremony,...
The Philippines is exploring potential areas for deeper cooperation with New Zealand, as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade by 50 percent by 2030. In a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Philippine and New Zealand...
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking into the implementation of a mandatory certification scheme for certain aluminum products to promote compliance with the necessary quality and safety requirements. Under a draft department administrative order (DAO), the DTI is proposing a...
