Philippines Business News

DepEd reinforces oversight as 168 LGUs advance classroom construction projects

BUILDING on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) commitment to transparency and rigorous fiscal standards, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has reinforced institutional oversight of the nationwide localized classroom building program. To date, DepEd is actively managing partnerships with 168 local government units (LGUs) that have signed the Supplemental Memoranda of Agreement (MOA), encompassing 72 provinces, 73 cities, and 23 municipalities. Angara emphasized that while localized constr

Local manufacturers flaunt products from nonwoven textiles

NINE local manufacturers showcased products incorporating nonwoven materials during the launch of “Onward: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation”, a new initiative of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) aimed at expanding the use of Philippine natural fibers in manufacturing. Launched at SM North EDSA on July 1, Onward highlights the diverse applications of nonwoven textiles and their potential to replace synthetic-based m

First death reported in Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City

NEW YORK — A Legionnaires' disease outbreak that has sickened dozens of people in New York City has claimed its first life, health officials said Friday. Officials didn't release additional information about the person's identity, age or details on when and how they fell ill. Investigators are still trying to pinpoint the source of the outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side that has infected at least 67 people and hospitalized dozens, according to city Health Department data. Much o

Trump threatens to increase Canada tariffs over wildfire smoke pollution

NEW YORK — US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a tariff increase on Canada to cover the cost of smoke pollution from wildfires that have choked large parts of the United States. Dense wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada and northern Minnesota has set off unhealthy air quality alerts across the US. As of Saturday, there were 937 active fires in Canada, most of which were burning out of control, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. "This is Willful Neg

Odd-shaped raccoon sighted by residents

A Seattle woman's video of an unusually round raccoon named 'Jimothy' went viral this week, drawing millions of views and prompting a wave of sightings from other residents, as she spoke to Reuters on July 17, 2026 about the animal's unexpected popularity. VIDEO BY REUTERS / KIANA HALL

Standard Chartered Bank hosts 2026 Markets Forum

STANDARD Chartered Bank (Standard Chartered) Philippines recently hosted its inaugural Markets Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City, convening government leaders, industry experts and market practitioners for a discussion on global market trends, capital markets development and emerging investment opportunities in 2026. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. delivered the keynote address highlighting the role of the BSP in deepening the Philippines’ capital market

ASEAN CULTURE

What Every XFLT Shareholder Needs to Know for XFLT's Proxy Contest

Fees Will NOTIncrease If Proposal Is Approved Terminated Sub-Adviser Octagon’s "Proven Investment Team” Responsible for -54% NAV Erosion at XFLT and Seven CLO Defaults Across Its Own Portfolio XFLT Asks Shareholders to Vote on the WHITE Proxy Card "FOR” the King Street Sub-Advisory Agreement at Special Meeting on July 30, 2026 CHICAGO, July 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XA Investments LLC ("XAI”), manager of XAI Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) (the "Fund”), responded to misleading

Unexpected passing of Chief Financial Officer Rasmus Lund

It is with profound sadness that Copenhagen Airports A/S announces that its Chief Financial Officer, Rasmus Lund, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack during the night. Rasmus Lund was a highly valued colleague and member of the Executive Management team. His passing is a great loss to the company and to all those who had the privilege of working with him over many years. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Birgitte, children and the family. The company will provide fu

MSME SUMMIT

Yassi Pressman, Luigi Villafuerte announce engagement

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Yassi Pressman and Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luigi Villafuerte are engaged after the couple announced the milestone in a joint Instagram post on Saturday. The couple shared a series of photos and videos from the proposal, which appeared to take place during a romantic safari getaway against the backdrop of an African sunset. They captioned the post, "Our greatest adventure [infinity symbol]." One video captured Villafuerte dropping to one knee as he aske

VinFast inaugurates 20 e-motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia, expanding its green mobility ecosystem nationwide

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 July 2026 - VinFast announced the opening of 20 official e-motorcycle dealerships across Indonesia in July 2026, marking a major milestone in its strategy to expand its distribution network in Southeast Asia's largest motorcycle market. To celebrate the launch, VinFast hosted a large-scale product experience event featuring the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the Company's smart e

What’s next for the ECB? Key expectations for next week

Delta Air Lines to fly nonstop between Los Angeles and Manila in 2027

The airline becomes the only US carrier flying nonstop between Los Angeles and Manila, challenging Philippine Airlines on the route

LTFRB caps app-booked taxi fees at P60

The LTFRB has capped app-based taxi booking fees at 20% of the fare or P60, whichever is lower, following complaints about inconsistent passenger charges.

Irish Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker dies aged 81 — agent

LONDON, United Kingdom — Irish actress Brenda Fricker, who won an Oscar in 1990 for her supporting role in critical hit "My Left Foot", has died at the age of 81, her agent announced Friday. Fricker, who was also beloved for playing the so-called Central Park "pigeon lady" in "Home Alone 2", passed away on Thursday in her native Ireland, agent Phil Belfield said. "It is with much sadness that I share the news that beloved actress Brenda Fricker passed away peacefully last night in Dublin,

Safety protocols remain as Mayon still at Alert Level 3

LEGAZPI CITY — Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 or relatively high unrest, without the need to raise the alert status to Level 4 (intense unrest), as Albay disaster officials continue to enforce safety protocols and maintain heightened preparedness in communities surrounding the volcano. Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) chief Bobby Cristobal said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has not observed parameters needed to just

Sunwin Bus Showcases Green Mobility Solutions at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026, Deepening Commitment to Australia's Zero-Emission Bus Market

SYDNEY, July 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation ("Sunwin Bus") showcased its latest green mobility solutions at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 in Sydney under the theme "Green Means More." The company presented the iEV12 battery-electric city bus and the B13E battery-electric bus chassis, attracting strong interest from Australian public transport operators, government transport authorities and industry media. Sunwin Bus Showcases Green Mobility Solutions at Aust

Blu Girls ends group stage with victory over host Peru

The Philippine women’s softball team ended its WBSC Women's Softball World Cup group stage campaign on a winning note, blanking the host team, 8-0, at the Villa María del Triunfo Softball Complex in Lima, Peru on Saturday. The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls wasted no time asserting their superiority over Peru as they scored four runs in the second and fourth innings to secure the win. The team’s explosive offensive performance featured home runs by Roma Jane Rivera Cruz an

VinFast partners with Bespoke Logistics to strengthen electric motorcycle logistics capabilities in the Philippines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 July 2026 - Global electric vehicle company VinFast has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Bespoke Logistics, a Philippine provider of end-to-end automotive logistics solutions, to establish an integrated mobility processing center and authorized service workshop for the inspection and preparation of VinFast electric motorcycles prior to delivery. The partnership will help ensure vehicle quality, shorten delivery lead times

SM Foundation advances preventive healthcare in San Pablo City

MORE than 1,500 free healthcare services were delivered to residents of San Pablo City as SM Foundation marked its 50th medical mission of the year. The initiative expanded access to preventive healthcare for residents from 10 barangays, serving communities in San Rafael, San Roque, San Nicolas, Soledad, Santisimo Rosario, San Isidro, Atisan, San Lucas, Barangay 6-D and Barangay 2-D. A total of 1,521 healthcare services were provided, including 835 medical consultations, 109 dental services, 150

Philippine Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan dies during rehabilitation

MANILA, Philippines — Rescued Philippine Eagle, Sawaga-Dalwangan, died while undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a sudden medical crisis, the Philippine Eagle Foundation said on Saturday. The eagle, which was housed at the Philippine Eagle Center, initially showed signs of recovery, including eating independently and responding well to treatment, before its condition unexpectedly worsened. An initial necropsy has been completed, while further histopathological examinations are underw

Complete immunization guide for parents

AS parents, protecting our children is our highest priority. From the moment they are born, we do everything we can to keep them safe from harm. One of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to shield your child from serious, life-threatening illnesses is through timely immunization through vaccination. Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive techniques which allows you to protect your child from contracting dangerous infections long before encountering them. Vaccination means

Former Beda cager Gallego dies in road accident

MANILA, Philippines — Former San Beda Red Lions and NU Bulldogs player John Vincent Gallego was killed in a vehicular accident along the North Luzon Expressway in Meycauayan, Bulacan. He was 28 years old. Gallego was part of the San Beda team that won the NCAA championship in season 99. The former cager was with his wife at the time of the accident. PBA player Fran Louie Yu paid tribute to his “brother”. “Thank you for being an incredible person, a great teammate, and a t