Category: Business

Business

DBP Goes After Bigger Deposits as Funding Push Targets More Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is making a bigger push to attract deposits as the state-owned lender looks to strengthen its funding base and expand its capacity to finance infrastructure, businesses and other development projects across the country. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the bank has launched its “Save 2 Win” campaign as part of an aggressive deposit-generation drive targeting both individual and institutional de

August 17, 2026

Business

China Is Taking Over the Matcha Supply—But Japan Still Holds the One Advantage That Could Decide the Future

The world’s obsession with matcha has created an unexpected new rivalry: Japan’s centuries-old tea tradition versus China’s rapidly expanding production machine. What began as a global café and social-media trend has become a serious battle over supply, prices, branding and the future of one of Asia’s most recognizable tea products. In Japan’s historic tea city of Uji, Kyoto, demand for premium matcha has exploded. At Horii Shichimeien, a centuries-old tea business, some tins now sell for near

August 16, 2026

Business

Romblon’s Calatrava Port Is Now in the MIMAROPA Diamond Route Plan—But the Bigger Change May Be Coming

Calatrava Port Upgrade Moves Into Focus as MIMAROPA Pushes New Sea Connectivity Network ODIONGAN, Romblon — A major upgrade of Calatrava Port could be on the horizon as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) identifies the Romblon facility as one of seven ports targeted for development under the proposed MIMAROPA Diamond Route. The initiative is designed to strengthen maritime connections among Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, potentially creating a more integrated sea transport network

August 15, 2026

Business

No More Long Routes to Romblon? Sunlight Air’s New Clark–Tablas Flights Could Change Island Travel—Here’s Why

Sunlight Air Opens Direct Clark–Tablas Flights, Bringing Romblon Closer to Central Luzon ODIONGAN, Romblon — Romblon is becoming easier to reach by air as Sunlight Air officially launched its new direct Clark–Tablas route, giving travelers from Central Luzon and beyond a more convenient gateway to the province. The airline inaugurated the service on August 11, 2026, connecting Clark International Airport (CRK) with Tugdan Airport (TBH) on Tablas Island. The new route operates twice a week, eve

August 15, 2026

Business

Benguet Farms Were Hit by Heavy Rains—But La Trinidad Mayor Warns: Don’t Turn the Damage Into a Vegetable Price Shock

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — As heavy rains damage agricultural areas in Benguet, La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan is urging businesses and traders not to use farm losses as a reason to excessively raise vegetable prices. Awingan's appeal comes at a sensitive time for the province's vegetable industry, where weather disruptions can quickly affect production, transportation and market prices. The mayor's warning, reported by the Philippine Information Agency, is aimed at preventing agricultural dam

August 15, 2026

Business

₱6.3 Million Livestock Project Lands in Surigao Norte—But What Happens Next Could Change Local Egg Supply

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — Three farmers’ cooperatives in Surigao del Norte are getting a major boost to their poultry businesses as the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turns over a combined ₱6.3-million egg production project designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening the province’s local food supply. The project, implemented under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) program, provides each beneficiary cooperative with a package wor

August 15, 2026

Business

Mystery investment firm I&C Holdings suddenly becomes ABS-CBN’s No. 2 owner after Lopezes

A low-key investment firm that only started operating in February this year is about to become one of the most powerful names in Philippine media. I&C Holdings Corp. is pouring ₱3.5 billion into ABS-CBN — the biggest single chunk of the network’s ₱6-billion capital raise. Once the new shares are issued, I&C will own roughly 38 percent of the company, making it the largest individual shareholder after the combined Lopez family interests, which will hold about 47 percent. The deal is already tur

August 14, 2026