ECCP at Work

Philippines, EU to hold FTA talks this month

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are set to hold a small round of talks for their free trade agreement (FTA) this January, covering only certain chapters of the deal, according to a trade official.

PHL trims 2026, 2027 growth goals

The Philippine government lowered its economic growth targets for this year and 2027, with the impact of the corruption scandal still expected to be felt in the first half, according to Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

‘Higher agricultural budget to boost food security’

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said yesterday that this year’s higher budget for the sector is expected to boost farm and fishery output and ensure the country’s long-term food security.

DOE to officially use OCSP method in awarding RE service contracts

The Department of Energy (DOE) expects more renewable energy (RE) projects to be developed in the country with its issuance recently of a circular to adopt the Open and Competitive Selection Process (OCSP) to award Renewable Energy Service Contracts (RESCs).

Cebu prepares for Asean Tourism Forum as PHL takes chair

Preparations are under way for key meetings of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which the Philippines will be chairing and hosting beginning this month in Cebu.

Global trade tensions pose risks to Philippine manufacturing sector

The Philippine manufacturing sector may face headwinds from increasing global trade tensions that could weaken overseas demand this year, S&P Global said.

BoI approves P1.56 trillion in investments in 2025

The Board of Investments (BoI) said it has approved a total of P1.56 trillion in investments in 2025, registering the second-highest level of investment approvals in the agency’s 58-year history.

Marcos signs P6.793 trillion budget for 2026

Following the largest corruption scandal his administration has seen, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Monday, January 5. 

Softer inflation seen anew in December

Most economists expect inflation to have slowed in December from November’s 1.5 percent, extending the streak of subdued price pressures and reinforcing expectations of continued policy easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

DICT taps satellite tech in P1.27B bid to expand school e-learning

The Department of Information and Communications Technology will open bid submissions this month for its P1.275-billion Connectivity Enhancement Program, aimed at expanding e-learning access to nearly 5,000 public schools nationwide.

Government debt payments ease 4% in November

The national government’s debt servicing eased in November 2025, largely due to a substantial reduction in amortization payments which offset the increase in interest payments on both domestic and external obligations.

After record 2025, NAIA traffic may slow in 2026

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) handled a record 52 million passengers in 2025, but could shrink this year for various reasons, leading to lower revenues for the government.

PHL skills gap most apparent in foreign languages, machinery operation — ADB

Filipino workers of either gender assessed themselves most deficient in language skills and operating machinery, according to a study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).