Manila Times

Department of Tourism Promotes Lesser-Known Heritage Destinations

The Department of Tourism has launched a campaign highlighting heritage and cultural sites in the Visayas and Mindanao to spread tourism benefits more broadly across the country.

Agriculture Department Distributes Climate-Resilient Rice Seeds in Central Luzon

The Department of Agriculture has expanded the distribution of drought- and flood-tolerant rice varieties to farmers in Central Luzon to support food security and reduce the impact of extreme weather.

Philippines Introduces Stricter Safety Standards for Inter-Island Ferries

The Maritime Industry Authority has adopted updated inspection and safety requirements for passenger ferries to strengthen compliance and improve maritime safety.

Bureau of Customs Rolls Out Digital Cargo Clearance at Port of Manila

The Bureau of Customs has fully implemented automated clearance procedures at the Port of Manila to reduce cargo processing times and improve trade efficiency.

Philippines Expands Off-Grid Renewable Energy Projects in Mindanao

The Department of Energy has begun new solar and micro-hydro projects in remote Mindanao communities to improve electricity access and strengthen regional power supply.

Supreme Court to Hear Petitions on Public Utility Regulation

The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on petitions concerning the scope of government regulatory authority over public utilities, with potential implications for the energy, water and transport sectors.

Budget Department Speeds Up Funding for Local Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness

The Department of Budget and Management accelerated the release of funds for local infrastructure repairs and disaster resilience projects ahead of the peak typhoon season.

Philippine Police Tighten Security Around Major Public Gatherings

The Philippine National Police increased security monitoring across Metro Manila and other urban areas during major religious and public events to help prevent potential disturbances.

Philippines Showcases Advanced Non-Woven Textile Technology to Support Manufacturing

The Department of Science and Technology launched an exhibition of advanced non-woven textile technologies in Quezon City to encourage industrial investment and promote higher-value manufacturing.

Marcos Calls for Peace During Iglesia ni Cristo Gatherings

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that Iglesia ni Cristo gatherings along EDSA would remain peaceful while urging authorities to stay alert against any attempts to disrupt public order.

Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rain Warnings for Parts of the Philippines

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued rainfall advisories for Palawan and Occidental Mindoro as the southwest monsoon intensified, prompting authorities to prepare for possible flooding a...

Philippines Expands School Mental Health Support With New Counselor Standards

The Department of Education and the Civil Service Commission have approved new qualification standards for school counselors to strengthen mental health services for students nationwide.

Department of Social Welfare Reports Walang Gutom Kitchen Has Served More Than 300,000 Meals

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said its Walang Gutom Kitchen program has provided more than 300,000 free meals since its launch as part of the government's campaign to reduce involuntary hunger.

Philippines Launches 20-Year National Anti-Corruption Strategy

The government has introduced a long-term National Anti-Corruption Strategy aimed at strengthening transparency, institutional accountability and public trust across government agencies.

Philippines Promotes Infrastructure Pipeline to Regional Investors in Singapore

The Public-Private Partnership Center presented the Philippines' pipeline of sustainable infrastructure and waste-to-energy projects at the Asia Infrastructure Forum, seeking to attract greater private sector investment.

Philippine Navy Commissions New Amphibious Vessel to Strengthen Maritime Capabilities

The Philippine Navy commissioned the Tarlac-class landing platform dock BRP Ilocos Norte in Surabaya, Indonesia, enhancing the country's amphibious and maritime security capabilities amid continuing challenges in the South China Sea.

Philippine Government Pledges Reforms to Turn Income Upgrade Into Broader Economic Gains

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and senior economic officials said the country's new upper-middle-income status will be used to attract more investment, create better-quality jobs and deliver tangible benefits for Filipino families.

Marcos Begins Canada Visit to Expand Trade, Energy and Security Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Vancouver for an official visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation with Canada in trade, labor, energy and regional security.

Philippines Attains Upper-Middle-Income Status After World Bank Reclassification

The World Bank has upgraded the Philippines to upper-middle-income status after the country's gross national income per capita reached US$4,850, ending nearly four decades as a lower-middle-income economy.

Government Pursues Long-Term Reforms to Improve the Investment Climate

Economic planning agencies are working to simplify permit procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve transparency as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's business environment.

Agriculture Remains Exposed to Global Commodity Price Volatility

Economic analysts warn that the Philippine agricultural sector remains vulnerable to swings in global commodity prices, adding to inflationary pressures faced by households.

Philippine Banks Remain Well Capitalized Despite Slower Household Lending

Major commercial banks continue to report healthy capital levels even as higher interest rates and tighter credit conditions slow the growth of consumer lending.

Tourism Officials Target High-Value Visitors Despite Slower Economic Growth

The Philippines is continuing to promote luxury, medical and sustainable tourism as authorities seek to sustain the sector's recovery despite broader economic headwinds.

DL Holdings Posts Triple-Digit Profit Growth Following AI and Digital Finance Expansion

DL Holdings reported a 168 percent increase in net profit after expanding beyond traditional financial services into artificial intelligence computing infrastructure, digital asset trading and institutional investment research.

Infrastructure Planning Places Greater Emphasis on Climate Resilience

Government agencies are incorporating stronger disaster-resilience standards into new transport and public infrastructure projects to better withstand increasingly severe weather events.

Build Better More Projects Remain Central to Long-Term Development Strategy

Despite tighter fiscal oversight, the government continues to prioritize flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Better More program to improve connectivity and support long-term economic growth.

Technical Education Programs Expand to Support Strategic Industries

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has launched new vocational training programs focused on manufacturing, information technology and construction to help meet workforce demand.

Foreign Interest in Philippine Technology Parks Remains Resilient

International investors continue to show strong interest in Philippine technology parks and special economic zones as companies diversify manufacturing and digital services operations across Southeast Asia.

Philippines Expands Cybersecurity Measures for Finance and Critical Infrastructure

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and government agencies are requiring stronger cybersecurity standards for institutions handling sensitive digital information while expanding cooperation with regional partners to protect banking systems,...

Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission Tightens Oversight of Fintech Firms

The Securities and Exchange Commission continues updating its regulatory framework for fintech companies and virtual asset service providers to strengthen investor protection and maintain market integrity.

Digital Payments Now Account for More Than Half of Philippine Retail Transactions

Official statistics show digital payments represent more than 57 percent of monthly retail transactions, reflecting continued progress in financial inclusion and the adoption of digital commerce.

Department of Trade and Industry Expands Digital Economy Support for Small Businesses

Trade officials are encouraging micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt digital trade platforms and cross-border payment systems to broaden market access and attract investment.

Philippines Pushes ASEAN Efforts Toward Seamless Cross-Border Digital Trade

As ASEAN chair this year, the Philippines is promoting interoperable payment systems and harmonized data privacy rules to support a more integrated regional digital economy.

Philippines Prepares Manila Tech Summit to Advance ASEAN Digital Trade

Government and business leaders are finalizing preparations for the Manila Tech Summit on July 28 and 29, where discussions will focus on accelerating implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

Department of Energy and Asian Development Bank Expand Renewable Energy Financing Cooperation

The Department of Energy and the Asian Development Bank are strengthening cooperation to reduce investment risks for long-term geothermal, solar and wind energy projects across the Philippines.

Philippines Approves Geothermal Investment Facility Backed by Asian Development Bank

The Cabinet Committee has approved a geothermal resource derisking facility supported by an Asian Development Bank sovereign loan to encourage greater private investment in renewable energy development.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Raises Capital Requirements for Digital Financial Marketplaces

Banks operating digital marketplaces must now maintain at least one billion pesos in capital to support cybersecurity upgrades and strengthen technology infrastructure as digital finance expands.

Philippine Maritime Forces Maintain Heightened Patrols in the South China Sea

The Philippine military and maritime agencies continue stepped-up patrols and coordination with regional allies following recent encounters with Chinese vessels near disputed maritime features.

Philippine Government Tightens Budget Oversight After Flood Control Investigation

The Department of Budget and Management has strengthened scrutiny of government fund releases to ensure infrastructure projects undergo stricter evaluation and auditing following an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood cont...

Cabinet Approves Unified Grand Central Station Construction in Quezon City

The Investment Coordination Committee has cleared immediate construction of the Unified Grand Central Station, which will connect multiple Metro Manila rail lines and the Metro Manila Subway to improve urban transport.

Philippine Government Accelerates Infrastructure Spending to Support Economic Growth

The administration is speeding up budget disbursements for infrastructure projects in the second half of 2026 to stimulate economic activity after weaker-than-expected growth in the first half of the year.

Philippine Budget Study Warns of Rising Stagflation Risks

A study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department says the economy may be facing a combination of slow growth, elevated inflation and rising unemployment, prompting calls for stronger macroeconomic policy management.

Philippine Economy Seen Slowing Further in Second Quarter as Domestic Demand Softens

The University of Asia and the Pacific estimates Philippine economic growth eased to 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2026 from 2.8 percent in the first quarter, citing persistent inflation and weaker consumer spending.