ECCP at Work

Philippine banks’ loan growth slows to near 2-year low

The Philippine banking sector’s lending activity expanded to its slowest pace in nearly two years at the end of 2025 as loans for both consumers and business activities eased, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.

Moody’s keeps stable outlook for Philippine banks

The Philippine banking system remains stable as its steady profitability, funding and liquidity, as well as strong capital position can help temper potential asset quality risks from the rise in retail loans and the economic fallout from an ongoing corruption probe, Moody’s Ratings said. 

New office mandated to uplift coffee industry

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created an office dedicated to the development of the Philippine coffee industry amid the rising demand for this commodity.

CBK seen to lure more RE investments

The privatization of the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan Hydroelectric Power Plants (CBK HEPP) will result in the inflow of more crucial investments in the country’s renewable energy and provide additional funding for the government’s infrastructure priorities, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A.I. could widen existing inequalities in PHL, says ILO

Widespread exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) could widen existing inequalities in the Philippines, particularly for women and young workers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warned on Monday.

S&P sees steady growth in bank lending despite slowing PHL economy

Bank lending in the Philippines may continue to post double-digit growth this year, S&P Global Ratings said, even as the flood control fiasco continues to dampen business and consumer confidence.

Targeted support eyed for workers after jobless rate jumped in 2025

The government will pivot in 2026 toward targeted job support in sectors facing worker displacement, as the Philippines looks to protect employment gains that stayed within official targets last year, Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said.

ASEAN digital economy deal seen lowering business costs

Businesses are expected to enjoy lower costs and smoother cross-border digital trade within five years at the earliest as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepares for the signing of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. 

Philippine to post 5.2 percent growth in 2026

The Philippine economy is expected to expand at a faster pace of 5.2 percent this year after slowing down last year as investments recover and consumption picks up, according to research and analysis firm BMI.

DICT: Digital upgrade to expand GDP by 1.1 percent

The Philippines can grow its economy by up to 1.1 percent more if the public and private sectors work together in resolving the backlog in connectivity infrastructure, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).