Get the latest news on global and domestic trade and industry trends and developments. Be aware of the Philippine Government’s programs and projects for the development of Philippine Small and Medium Enterprises. March 2010 Puerto Princesa acquires another eJeepney Bid Network Awards Local Eco Friendly Food Chain Power charge up P1.83/kWh Lifestyle check poised on flashy taxpayers Businesses driving car sales P6.48-B typhoon-damaged infrastructure rehabilitation project gets approval Pag-IBIG Fund raises P11.9 billion from bonds Growth upgrade for electronics Incentives to stay as crisis not over? RP to export more sugar to the US despite tight local supply Dry spell putting P6.3-billion Negros poultry industry at risk Real estate loans rise in ‘09 San Miguel loses Laiban deal; MWSS says joint venture talks for P52-B project ‘terminated’ Gains made but challenges remain Businessmen say gov’t can still expand achievement list Tax collection performance mixed in February Inflation seen manageable Despite calamity, Sy holding firm’s profits grow faster The eJeepney Revolution: The Beginning of a Greener Lifestyle Fresh outages averted;Energy chief calls Monday’s brownouts ‘very unusual’ Wage hikes before Arroyo gov’t exits? Male-female socioeconomic gap narrower Finance expects 1st quarter deficit target to be met Millers press Customs bureau to act on undervalued flour Arroyo orders use of El Niño fund to give alternative jobs WTO ruling on RP-Thai dispute out this month Ban on unprocessed ore exports eyed;DENR out to maximize mineral resources’ value Top company officials to be held liable for tax reports’ correctness End to Visayas power woes within sight? Resolution of meat export problem up to next gov’t -- industry exec Microinsurance rules out February 2010 Understanding the Business of Education Companies even more upbeat; Improved sentiment mirrors that abroad, says Bangko Sentral Imports drop within target following December uptick Manufacturing output extends rebound in Dec. Peso slumps to P46.28:$1 El Niño-caused water lack could peak in June Pinoys’ optimism recovers; 33% expect their lives to get better versus 12% who think otherwise Trade barriers expected to increase this year 2010 deficit seen lower; BIR, BoC doing fine so far Agriculture dep’t pins hopes on high-yield rice varieties Threats to Philippine coastal ecosystems cited El Niño toll could worsen Gov’t urged to adopt ‘export recovery’ incentives BSP profits decline in Nov. Ongpin-led Alphaland to spend P4 billion on new Makati mall Robinsons to open retail shops in Ayala-Floirendo joint venture Deficit tops gov’t estimates Agri output target could be cut due to El Niño Gov’t action needed to spur firms’ use of regional trade agreements Firms cleared for power option scheme Advertisers advised to maximize potentials of social media Achievement of UN dev’t goals ‘off track’ Car firms press proposals for new incentives scheme Agriculture department assuming worst case for crop production in the first semester Finance official says ’09 shortfall didn’t top P300B British investor pours in $50M on Ayala-led outsourcing firm Lifting of investment curbs urged Unenacted law to blame for RP’s tax haven listing C. Mindanao’s pangasius business hits P100 million Peso hits two-week high Globe Telecom gets P2B from Lucio Tan bank Auto sector perks tied to parts manufacturing BSP okays microinsurance sales Fresh restraining order obtained by Pilipinas Shell Philippines looking to revive its coffee industry Gov’t bans imports of pork, poultry from S. Korea, Taiwan 800-seat Panasiatic Call Center to open in Bacolod by June Rotating brownout looms Rice import cap raised Pfizer suffers setback in its campaign against generic anti-cholesterol drug Central bank chief stable after heart bypass surgery Tax campaign on motels to yield P500M 2010 budget signed into law ; Stimulus spending still included Automotive sales up 33.8% in January Big ticket items in BIR’s sights Philippines, Brunei explore partnership on sardine processing Tuna firm bullish on salmon venture, Indonesian unit Peso jumps as dollar falls against euro 2013 budget goal still viable Campaign to start as race tightens ‘It’s not a funding issue’; Call option to be exercised BIR targets motels in Project Valentine Investors to look to global markets for cues Thrift, rural banks’ NPLs rise May elections ‘crucial’ -- S&P Congress OK’s corporate recovery bill Business gives Congress failing marks Main revenue agencies off to a good start Tuna exports drop by a fifth in 2009 due to fishing ban in Pacific Ocean Peso climbs to 2-week high First-quarter pickup forecast; Export rebound, election spending to drive growth El Niño may cause heavy palay loss Gov’t completes rules for duty-free sugar shipments Flood-prone resettlement areas to be cleared Cement prices seen stabilizing SC says cooperatives entitled to tax perk BSP considering next steps;Inflation still the primary consideration -- Tetangco Renewable energy deals awarded Auction for Ilijan plant attracts interest of at least four firms Cost of Bataan nuke plant rehab set at $1 billion Print still losing ground to TV, radio Sardine industry banking on warmer seas to increase catch Perks for job retention to be removed Strike notice filed by PAL union Analysts expect January inflation to fall within central bank forecast New microinsurance rules issued; Regulators want informal schemes closed within a year Former Legacy official nabbed January 2010 Growth slowest in 11 years BSP takes first step towards exit Amnesty proceeds to finance BIR’s tax information system Microinsurance to yield P2.5B, DoF says RP seen exporting pork for the first time; Test kits to ensure pork quality to arrive next month Peso firms up by 10 centavos Sweeping tariff review set Imports up for 1st time since Oct. ’08 Gov’t sees debt rising in line with higher deficit cap Farm dep’t seeks P1.7B to weather El Niño Moody’s upgrades outlook on banks Convergys to hire 6,000 for expansion Mining investments seen rising;2010 forecast of $1.428B tied to increased global demand RP-Thailand rice deal could be inked next month VAT collection improves to P164B in ’09 Subic seen getting more Taiwanese investments Renewable energy sources to boost RP’s power supply New micro-agri loan rule OK’d Priorities for next gov’t tagged Ayala firm IMI goes public; other listings expected ‘Recovery has to come from the private sector’ Davao agriculture board asks developers to go slow on land conversion Peso gets lift from China growth news WTO to rule on RP liquor tariffs Perks eyed for storm rehab projects Push for renewable energy to cost electricity consumers ’09 farm output below target; dry spell to hit 1st half P20-billion face-lift set for Ayala Center BIR to run after state firms, LGUs for P25-billion back taxes EU pushes bilateral trade pact Thailand offers to sell up to one million tons of rice Fisheries industry expected to grow 5% Merrill Lynch sees GDP up 3% Peso strengthens slightly No revenue laws from Congress; SNITS, incentives rationalization okay unlikely given little time Remittance growth still at record pace BoI targets 10% rise in investment pledges Privatization plan calls for first-quarter sale of three big-ticket items Export recovery seen to take two years Ayala Land forms Amaia Land for ‘economic housing’ venture Gradual unwinding set; While rain clouds linger, the global storm is over’ -- Tetangco Lender notes RP resilience but says more must be done Hot money flows positive in 2009 -- Bangko Sentral EU likely to ask anew for WTO intervention in liquor tax row NPL ratio continues decline Lending rises in November Rebound raises export hopes;November shipments up 5.1%, ending 13-month decline Foreign direct investments stay positive DTI tags stores in drive to rein in cement prices Ayala Land sees growth ‘across the board’ Peso appreciation stalls as it loses 7 centavos Satisfaction with Arroyo gov’t falls to record low 2010 deficit could hit P320B -- Fitch Insurance for the poor a step closer to reality Bakers shelving ‘budget pan de sal’ program Still no consensus over handover of SLEx to Malaysians -- PNCC BSP to start unwinding policy; Rediscount rate on short-term loans to banks under review Forex holdings hit record high of $45B Gov’t targets to buy 584,000 MT of palay Napocor seeking increase in generation rates nationwide SSS law to condone penalties Gov’t, JBIC reach deal on yen bond guarantee Yearend rise pulls ’09 inflation to 3.2% Business group wants candidates to detail agendas BIR expects to have fallen short of 2009 target by P55 billion Australia gives $6M for rural development in Mindanao Trade flow boost expected Revenue agencies want 2010 targets lowered Gov’t projects slower increase in mineral production for 2010 BSP’s nine-month profits jump by 11% Pre-need industry group expecting a revival under new law December 2009 ‘Bad’ satisfaction rating stays Mining investments miss this year’s target Manila proceeds with ASEAN tariff deal State records higher debt payments in November Peso closes stronger due to remittances Polls key to business hopes Regional tax directors now authorized to move staff End-Nov. state borrowings up 13% on ADB loan, bond sales Arroyo ready to sign SSS condonation measure Peso expected to weaken vs dollar in 2010 Inflation to hit 8-month high 2010 tax collection targets to be cut Foreign investments seen to pick up BIR to reshuffle RDOs before yearend San Miguel eyes more telco, power firms Roadblock hit in JPEPA tariff talks Banks get reprieve from reporting rule Increasing investments crucial to reducing poverty -- WB exec Investment chief admits ’09 target will be missed No hope for revenue bills in 14th Congress ADB shaves RP forecast Jobs situation improves Oct. remittances highest so far for ’09 Prices rise slightly in fourth tender for 2010 rice supply BSP rates seen unchanged Privatization boost ruled out Typhoons dampen Pinoys’ inclination to spend Mobile phone firms told to drop per-minute billing Arroyo leaving for Copenhagen climate summit BIR admits missing November goal Gov’t may hike 2010 deficit cap Vehicle-specific perks eyed to lure investments Ayala-led firm’s listing plan approved by PSE Bangko Sentral rates seen steady;first hike in Q3? Public sector debt hits P5T Early recovery for electronics Exports plunge eases to single digits RP eligible to seek 2010 grant -- Millennium Challenge Corp. Revamp of anti-poverty thrust pushed Rural bank’s ‘toilet loan’ program takes off Threat to jobs not over Shortfall, economy to weigh on decision to keep spending Power shortage the price to pay for growth Forex reserves hit $43.73B in Nov. -- BSP Peso weakens as dollar gains on labor data Satisfaction with gov’t drops Mixed sentiments on martial law More open trade to swell ranks of informal workers S&P projects deficit at P272B, but sees better conditions in 2010 Plantersbank Tier 2 issuance approved No help from privatization Reprieve for distressed exporters Gov’t hikes budget for rice purchase as prices start increasing Exporters worried over dwindling state support as elections near Peso appreciates to P46.25:$1 Bids sharply up at rice tender Manila trash becomes hot London fashion item $10-million WB funding sought for Laguna Lake IFC expects more applications for local gov’t loans after polls Peso firms up on risk taking November 2009 Growth weaker than expected Gov’t to continue stimulus spending Tariff cuts to push through as scheduled -- trade execs ADB approves $225-M loan for local gov’ts Peso retreats Gov’t quizzed on exit strategy Farm, infrastructure projects get P23 billion from Japan aid agency Customs bureau braces for P36-B shortfall this year Remittances, spending in polls expected to drive 2010 growth Ayala approaches Camposes for Greenfield Peso retreats Hunger up following storms IMF backs central bank on exit strategy stance Marikina secures preliminary okay of P300-M loan ‘Green’ transport policy eyed to be implemented in 2010 Billions of pesos lost due to air pollution, says World Bank study Supply concerns downplayed Sept. exports dip smallest in 10 months E-jeepneys finally on public roads Ayala Land to sell P1B in bonds to overseas Filipinos next year Peso closes lower Climate change agenda for Arroyo at APEC meet Quartet of reconstruction ‘czars’ needed? Gov’t eyes 18 geothermal areas for dev’t Increased spending not enough to offset impact of storms Globe Telecom asks regulator to block entry of new firm Fuel price freeze could be limited to ‘hot spots’ Higher food prices lead to Oct. inflation spike Bangko Sentral in no rush to start raising rates San Miguel net income boosted by liquor units Demand for dollars pushes down peso Ranks of mahirap increasing World Bank sees 1.4% growth for RP New business ‘philosophy’ for Ayala SoKor, Viet firms give lowest bids in auction for 2010 rice Peso rebounds to P47.54:$1 Meeting target still BIR’s goal Manila traffic found costing economy $2 billion each year Google, STI offer Web boost for MSMEs Gov’t working to keep budget deficit in check Not enough domestic savings in RP to support investments October 2009 Business community bucks fuel price freeze Controls to stay until rescinded by Malacañang US companies eye farms, aquaculture areas in Mindanao Awarding of contract to operate Batangas Port targeted by yearend Peso skids as dollar firms Next gov’t faces fiscal crisis Imports drop eases; industries upbeat NFA raises P9B from bonds, wants more via tap facility Cash transfers benefit Samar poor — gov’t Peso weakens as banks pad dollar position Rice row unresolved Too little spent on flood control Better Q3 seen; last three months ‘still being assessed’ CSR needs to be part of company business models Land titles to spur lending in the countryside Post-disaster assessment set RP to focus on tariff cut schedule at ASEAN meet Outsourcing share under threat Peso slumps as dollar firms up Convergys opens largest call center in RP Long-term growth focus urged Lender ready to redirect aid to rehabilitation effort New outsourcing niches cited UN body commits $71M more loans Peso slides after investors seek haven in dollar Plantersbank eyes Tier 2 Part of $1-B bond sale to be used for this year’s shortfall ¥14.6-B farm loan approved Calamity aid use exempted from poll ban Market to go for P46 per dollar Banker named Entrepreneur Of The Year ’09 Local investors more bullish — ING survey Philippine film sector seeks new stage National gov’t debt rises to P4.2 trillion in July Peso appreciates to 13-month high Reconstruction bonds rushed Gov’t banks on remittances to offset storm impact Gov’t may extend price controls Internet banking use to rise Peso hits fresh 9-month high Drop in exports eases Storm impact to hit RP’s competitiveness Strong remittances prompt gov’t to keep ’09 GDP target Peso may end year stronger vs dollar More RP companies buying software to predict customer behavior RP microfinance sector ranked 3rd ‘most advanced’ Storm aid takes center stage in RP dev’t forum Remittances seen to grow even faster Plans to export corn to Vietnam could be postponed to 2010 Rural banks gear up for Basel Gov’t mulls 2-million ton rice imports Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2009The road not taken HSBC raises GDP forecast to 1.8% due to steady inflow of remittances RP bonds soar to record-high Peso resumes appreciation Inflation starts picking up Economic planners see 0.2% hit to GDP New body to coordinate rural dev’t thrusts Software firm sees RP as major market, cites strong retail sector Prices climb as investors react to good news Firms lose at least P1 billion;Ondoy’s toll preliminary and Pepeng damage still to be counted — PCCI Rice imports seen as storms hit crop Gov’t pins hopes on non-tax revenues Bigger ‘voice’ in IMF expected Shell to spend $80M to drill new well in Malampaya field IMF now sees growth for RP Global economic recovery has started Enough wood for rebuilding Standards sought for alternative medicines Peso appreciates to five-month high September 2009 Gov’t struggles to deal with Ondoy aftermath Energy dep’t finalizing deal to develop deep ocean power Taiwan donates weather forecasting tools Mindanao to ship thousands of hogs a month to Metro Manila in the 4th quarter BSP relaxes hedging rules for non-banks Storm batters Metro Manila BSP expected to keep policy rates unchanged T-bill rates may rise by 5 bps SM group considering bidding for Food Terminal property Australian miner begins gold, copper exploration project Current account surplus improves: BSP Q3 electronic exports bare rising demand Iloilo’s tax system cited by World Bank, Landbank Over 100 SMEs benefit from DoST fund assistance program Peso continues to surge Bourse notes first-half gains ASEAN considering expanded free trade pacts Economists see 5.5% increase in ’09 remittances Biofuel development attracts P83-B investments since 2007 International flights soon at the new Iloilo airport Target likely to be topped as BoP surplus hits $2.7B Philippines gets high marks as an emerging market Cebu businessmen shrug off looming electricity rate hike Sustainability an issue for reforms boosting local gov’t transparency Peso climbs to P47.76:$1 Demand for retail bonds could exceed P100 billion Remittances up by 9.3% in July; new record seen ‘Dare to dream’The Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Peso surges as dollar falls Miners to boost investments in RP amid rising metal prices Bilateral pact urged given delayed ASEAN-EU talks BSP approves €149-M Ro-Ro loan Rice inventory seen sufficient until first week of October Planned new fish port seen to boost Samar’s tuna industry P100B seen from bond sale Hot money, FDI post net outflows; tallies still positive Prosecution fund to be set up for aggrieved investors Hanjin exec says $2-B shipyard project to proceed Real estate loans up 23% in first half Peso gains as demand for dollar wanes Arroyo wants growth goals revised upwards Reserves rise to fresh peak of $41.3 billion Renewable energy sector seen to draw UK investors Gov’t mulls corn exports to India, Kenya Peso advances as investors dump dollars Retail bond issue finally on Software firm braves market, stages IPO Ad spending up despite downturn Analysts see growth accelerating in the second semester Businessmen in Tawi-Tawi seeking closer ties with Malaysian, Indonesian counterparts No rush to reverse policy Asset sales boost San Miguel profit Reserves likely topped $40B last month — BSP Finance dep’t expects RVAT collection to hit P77B next year ASEAN in search of best practices in poverty-alleviation initiatives August 2009 Growth tops expectations Crisis to have little impact on RP banks’ credit ratings Business sentiment turns positive in latest BSP survey Resource management to top discussions in tuna congress Banana exports to US seen by next year BSP to update its macroeconomic assumptions India entices RP with free trade Factory production seen key to sustaining recovery Gov’t prices corn for Vietnam House committee approves perks for Sarangani ecozone Pinoys still hoping for the best; Net optimism rises in new SWS poll Philippines set to export yellow corn to Vietnam to ease farmers’ plight Thailand said considering RP plea on sugar, rice tariffs More companies expected to prepay foreign loans next year UN, China hybrid rice program targets to raise yield in Philippines, 11 others Treasury bills may fetch higher rates $506-M BoP surplus notched in July Gov’t forecasts increase in palay, corn production Ex-SGV partner joins tax bureau as senior official RP geohazard map completed next year ADB provides $225,000 grant to boost economic planning Gov’t to hike 2010 spending Public sector surplus rose by a third in 2008 — Finance dep’t Gov’t improves its use of ODA Region 8 intensifies anti-black bug measures ‘Clean’ technologies pushed in N. Mindanao Mindanao’s tourism industry set to launch key projects this week July 2009 PGMA gets warm welcome from Fil-Am community in Washington, D.C. PGMA names seven new National Artists PGMA to thank US Government for the USD 190 million payment for World War II Filipino vets PGMA ready to answer 'open letter' for US President Obama PGMA cites importance of her upcoming meeting with U.S. President Obama PGMA underscores importance of upholding peace, security in barangays US-RP partnership in focus as PGMA departs for Obama meeting PGMA leaves for US state visit Local execs come out in support of PGMA feats History will be a kinder judge of the President's legacy - Remonde PGMA resolve to step down very clear in her SONA, Remonde says PGMA cites benefits derived from her trips abroad There is still more work to be done, PGMA says Energy independence and lower power rates PGMA's legacy to sustain growth Economic sustainability one of PGMA's legacies to Filipinos, Remonde says PGMA SONA elicits varied reactions "State of our Nation is a Strong Economy"--- PGMA Ordinary Filipinos now enjoy cheaper medicines, lower rental rates Pacquiao a favorite among Congressmen at PGMA's last SONA PGMA administration cites importance of education in reducing poverty PGMA fights back, fells critics with one big punch Palace official lauds PCGG for ill-gotten wealth disposal Gov't transportation and infrastructure projects benefit poor Filipinos - Mendoza PCGG remits P51 billion to national treasury under Arroyo gov't PGMA's CLEEP program helps cushion impact of crisis among poor workers Next RP President is very lucky, PCCI official says Educational reforms improve National Aptitude Test results PGMA programs, projects uplifted Filipinos’ health, welfare, says Duque Remonde questions Washington Times editorial on PGMA-Obama meeting RP posts record 34 quarters of successive economic growth under PGMA Demand for Filipino workers abroad expected to hold up PGMA’s SONA online on OPS website The good news: NAPC livelihood program bears fruit Export offensive to make RP a dominant supplier of mango BIR, BOC eyes P30 B revenue collection in second half SONA to highlight PGMA accomplishments Palace lauds Enrile’s positive appraisal of PGMA’s legacy FCGCCI cites PGMA for providing RP with sufficient sources of resiliency amidst global crisis PGMA to highlight her legacy in final SONA PGMA envisions RP to join first world countries in 20 years PGMA assures lower electricity rates PGMA assures lower electricity rates Real estate sector thanks PGMA for policies that helped them during the crisis PGMA, De Castro to award housing certificates to transport workers SONA to focus on PGMA accomplishments PGMA may discuss important global issues with Obama PGMA conferred Datu Sikatuna Award of Excellence by Bohol-Anons PGMA cites local government leadership, strong tourism appeal as main factors in uplifting Bohol image P500-million fund available for conversion of diesel-fed engines into LPG-capable machines RP won’t fall into recession, says Global Source PGMA cites importance of international engagement Govt will continue to help MSMEs access financing, gain markets PGMA envisions lasting peace in RP Palace hopeful that oil companies will lower prices PGMA to CHED: Strengthen scholarship program for engineers, scientists The Good News: Merchandise exports increased by 10.1 percent in May RP to continue active role in Climate Change, says PGMA Peace and order high on Obama-Arroyo meeting, says PGMA More good news for the economy: Export slide bottoming out, July inflation is lowest PGMA assures: There will be elections next year PGMA returns home from NAM Leaders Summit in Egypt Record OFW remittances in May hardly surprises Palace PGMA will sign MDRP, Duque assures public PGMA’s continuing role in developing BPO industry lauded Performance, not popularity, is PGMA’s yardstick: Palace Arroyo-Obama meeting may dwell on regional peace, prosperity PGMA signs directive on digital signatures PGMA cited for call center growth in RP RP economic recovery, military assistance up in PGMA-Obama meeting; ‘quid pro quo’ issue baseless PGMA signs Rent Control Act into law PGMA to launch new PNR trains in Tutuban PGMA to sign Rent Control Law tomorrow PGMA to bring up poverty alleviation program, economic resiliency plan in meeting with Obama - Remonde Palace assures 50 percent rollback on selected medicines PGMA first Southeast Asian leader invited to Washington PGMA cites OFW contribution to RP economy RP still better off than most other nations, says PGMA PGMA named to speak for Asia in NAM summit in Egypt PGMA launches National Youth Service program Government lending program generates 2.5 million jobs PGMA honors outstanding MSMEs Office of the President launches Moral Renewal Program First Presidential Awards for outstanding MSMEDs tomorrow PGMA takes closer look at National Social Welfare Program NEDA upbeat on RP’s GDP rebound PGMA orders NTC to act on spam texts, vanishing load PGMA to bring RP cause to NAM Summit PGMA’s CLEEP includes senior citizens as beneficiaries PGMA to attend the NAM meeting in Egypt July 15-16 -- Remonde PGMA orders DILG, DoF to enforce financial assistance guidelines to LGUs Tough grind awaits recharged PGMA next week PGMA leads nation in observance of Fil-Am Friendship Day tomorrow PGMA cites long standing RP-US friendship RP, Brazil bilateral agreements to address climate change, promote sustainable agriculture PGMA to RP’s top students: Help gov't in pursuing national economic recovery Education is ticket to better life, says PGMA PGMA lauded for getting Japan's assurance on RP seafarers' security vs piracy while off Gulf of Aden Gains of PGMA's 4Es and 1H program on economy, education, environment, energy, and health cited RP advances in 4 of 6 dimensions of World Bank report PGMA back from 10-day fruitful trips to Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong June 2009 Palace cites need to bolster democratic processes PGMA gets warm welcome from OFWs in Hong Kong Benefits of PGMA Japan, Brazil visit cited RP economy moving upwards says NEDA PGMA gives marching order to DOH and DA on influenza AH1N1 problem PGMA’s last SONA to focus on economy and education PGMA urges Congress to institutionalize her poverty reduction program (4Ps) Palace remains optimistic of positive economic growth this year PGMA greets Manileños on 'Araw ng Maynila' PGMA, Brazil’s Lula de Silva share one thing in common Closer RP-Brazil cooperation in development and production of renewable energy resources seen DOH maps out plans for A H1N1 strain RP on verge of First World in 20 years -- PGMA April 2009 Exports drop eases; silver lining seen Peso back to appreciation mode Banks urge more relaxation of foreign exchange rules Rent control bill hurdles 2nd reading More businesses register in W. Visayas in 1st quarter Galoc to deliver oil to Japan next week Gov’t looking to soon ink P8B in biofuel investmen Survey says optimism up in Metro Manila Gov’t slates retail bond issue Peso sustains gains as sentiment improves Palace claims 200,000 more Mideast jobs available Ayala outsourcing unit bullish of prospects amid downturn Life plan sales nearly double in Jan.-Feb. as public shuns education and pension plans Franchisers remain confident despite OFWs’ uncertainties Boracay expected to post bigger earnings in 2009 RP, three others, removed from OECD blacklist Inflation eases to 6.4% RP firms say productivity, outsourcing, new products key to boosting profits Oil and gas explorers set to start seismic survey in resource-rich Visayan basin site W. Visayas planners endorse P13-B infrastructure projects Summit to push new economic order Metro Pacific wants to buy Manila-Cavite Coastal Road project Central bank impresses on S&P team economy’s strengths P13B allocated for irrigation in W. Visayas S. Cotabato earmarks P178M to spur economy Gov’t vows prudent use of stimulus Imports to be facilitated by Web-based scheme SM Investments expects net to top market forecasts Road projects to ease traffic in Metro Manila Atlas mining set to upgrade copper mine Country’s foreign debt cut by $1B in 2008, says BSP As much as P53-billion biofuel investments expected RP’s financial markets projected to recover in the second half Philippines packaged as one-stop-shop for health services Farm dep’t plans to spend P10B for irrigation repair March 2009 Central bank confident amid S&P review Isabela chosen to produce corn for export Retailers confident of steady growth despite downturn Canadian outfit set to explore more copper, gold deposits AMA university, Bahrain firm in farm venture Exports recovery may limit job losses Asset sales, beer gains lift San Miguel Inflation to again ease this month, says central bank P250-million shipbuilding facility to rise in General Santos City Cebu to be more aggressive in luring outsourcing firms Bank resources rise to P7.3T Pag-IBIG allots more funds for home lending RP, Taiwan ink eco-label pact State claims job losses from crisis over OFW protection up in talks CEOs should keep up to date through Facebook et al Hunger down substantially WB approves $10-M additional funding for irrigation program Philippines considered as shipbreaking site Business service automation tagged key to luring investors Roasted food chains brush crisis aside House approves rationalization of fiscal incentives Peso gains on Fed plan Government, industry chart direction to resolving demand-skill mismatch Japan pushing digital television standard for RP Bananas from former battle zone make their way to supermarket chains in Metro Manila Lower water rate hikes offered for a new concession Davao City digs in with P3-B loan facility Land reform support services tapped to generate more jobs Globe Telecom opens submarine cable system, eyes bigger broadband share Ratings lead in Metro Manila, Luzon to fuel growth — GMA Network G20 finance ministers back rescue funds boost Measure seeks merger of tax, customs bureaus No spending cuts to limit deficit Local governments advised to link up with business groups to lure investments Negros sugar mill commissions bagasse-fired plant Consumer sentiment improvesResult a ’good indicator of what to expect for the economy this year’ — BSP San Miguel Brewery gets green light for bond offer Pinoy billionaires gain even as crisis trims Forbes list NLEx extension to be funded by P100-B stimulus Philippines plans to export 150,000 MT surplus sugar Manila among world’s least expensive cities for expats Peso firms up BPOs’ new requirement: Managerial talent Summer jobs await students, graduates Diesel, kerosene prices cut Modest’ deficit not a problemBut better tax effort, measured fiscal stimulus also needed — IMF Japanese conglomerate to set up new firm in RP P8 billion netted from stricter implementation of e-tax filing Prices of basic food stable in February, Farm dep’t notes Globe gets central bank nod to borrow $50 million Bangko Sentral trims rates by 25 basis points Peso rallies to P48.64:$1 Top Vietnamese rice exporters plan to build warehouse in RP Northern Mindanao production beats RDC’s 2008 target BPO companies expected to employ more workers amid crisis Higher deposit insurance OK’d Calaca plant negotiated sale draws interest EDC finalizing P1-B assistance to small exporters Tuna firms start mission to Palau $10B expected from tourism Fresh BSP rate cuts expected this week IPP perks proposed for TV, film and theater Deposit insurance, election budget bills up for approval North Cotabato targeting Thailand’s meat market Gov’t offers Samal to Thai poultry, mariculture investors February 2009 No change in debt watchers’ ratings Fitch says local telcos to ride out global downturn Bacolod expects more revenues NZ luring skilled Filipinos Taiwan hires 4,445 workers in January Banks to stay ‘conservative’ OFW deployment up 25% in January Gov’t mulls farm deals with Saudi investors Palace claims P39-B projects completed World-class mineral deposits in Tampakan confirmed Development at Bonifacio Global City continues amid global slowdown RP to ink deals at ASEAN summit Selective focus for government productivity programs Expanded currency swap deal approved in principle Tuna sales grow amid weak overall C. Mindanao exports Gov’t pushes cheaper mango exports IMF pushes revenue measures SMC sets P10-B food group expansion Cities not hiking business, property taxes this year RP can still export to Japan despite crisis, officials assure Economy to grow despite global downturn, but reforms, anti-poverty efforts still needed Export rebound in 2010? Fuel prices expected to stay low this year RP, Kuwait agree on more flights P50B set aside for microfinance; Trade dep’t chief named ‘czar’ 7-Eleven eyes Visayas, Mindanao Final P4-B Katas ng VAT package implemented $100-M loan for land reform OK’d Inflation expected to stay slow Aquaculture, livestock tagged Davao priorities Semirara sees 5 million MT of coal output; to export half Positive RP outlook affirmed by Moody’s Gov’t agencies told to hire workers Easier access to regional fund facility pushed India chamber sees sustained interest in RP New association formed to enhance auto industry’s competitiveness Peso gains ground Makati sets tax hike moratorium NEDA body endorses P5-B infrastructure projects for approval Philippines receives $73-million US environment grant Outsourcing firms in a hiring mood BSP sees higher M3 growth Business as usual despite FedEx departure, says local franchisee House body OK’s establishment of RP trade representative office Mindanao dev’t authority pushed Philippine exit from rice market augurs stability 2nd phase of World Bank’s rural dev’t program expected to generate 1M jobs W. Visayas tagged as RP’s second biggest rice producer Japan study to improve logistics N. Cotabato’s pork sector targets Manila Peso strengthens to P47.52:$1 Palau team in town to explore joint fisheries ventures Sardine makers bank on shift by consumers to cheap food Trade department launches site to alert exporters to standards Gov’t saves P500M thru bond exchange September 2007 Plantersbank CEO urges "SME Enablement" at APEC SME Summit October 2006 ShoreCap International, Plantersbank partner in microfinance August 2005 Plantersbank is Outstanding SBCorp Omnibus Program partner February 2005 Plantersbank Cebu Business Center opens today   [Top]  [More News]

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