Tag: business news

Philippines 2026 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands at 2.1% (Year-on-Year)

Philippines 2026 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands at 2.1% (Year-on-Year)

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As the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation slowed down to 2.1% year-on-year in the 3rd quarter of this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. This new development makes the Philippines the economic weakling of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy expanded by 2.1% year on year in the third quarter, unexpectedly slowing from a year ago as agricultural output declined amid El Niño, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth sharply slowed from the 4% expansion in the same period last year and the revised 2.4% recorded in the second quarter. The third-quarter growth was well-below the 2.7% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll last week.

This also marked the economy’s weakest performance since the 3.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic. Excluding the pandemic years, this was the slowest growth in over 16 years, or since the 1.8% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Agricultural production contracted by 4.8% in the third quarter, from 2.9% growth a year ago, amid bad weather. Industry slipped by 0.003% (from 0.7%), while services growth slowed to 3.7% (from 5.5%).

In the first nine months, the economy expanded by 2.5%, slower than the 4.9% growth recorded in the same period last year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will eventual fall into an economic recession in 2027? Do you think the current government has been too focused on the ASEAN Summit and foreign affairs while being negligent on the national economy? Do you think the government’s GDP growth target range of 3.5%-4.5% will still be achieved this year? Do you think there are many foreign investors out there who are staying away from the Philippines? Are you convinced that the Philippines is now in the state of stagflation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Filinvest REIT’s Profit Jumps to P1.3 Billion during January-September 2026 period

Filinvest REIT’s Profit Jumps to P1.3 Billion during January-September 2026 period

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Real estate investment trust Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) saw its profit jump 28% to P1.3 billion during the January-September 2026 period and the figure includes revenues from the full-year ownership of Festival Mall (main mall) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, according to a business news report by The Manila Times.

FILRT’s portfolio consists of seventeen office buildings, one shopping mall and one resort lot, with a combined gross leasable area of more than 450,000 square meters. The entity is also one the top taxpayers in Muntinlupa City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the report of The Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…

FILINVEST REIT Corp. (FILRT) posted a 28-percent increase in net income to P1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by higher revenues following the full-year contribution of Festival Main Mall to its property portfolio.

The real estate investment trust on Wednesday reported revenues of P3 billion from January to September, up 18 percent from P2.54 billion in the same period last year.

The latest earnings performance builds on the 15-percent growth in net income FILRT recorded in the first nine months of 2025, when profit reached P1.02 billion from P893 million in the previous year.

The company attributed its revenue growth mainly to the full-year contribution of Festival Main Mall, which was added to its portfolio in May 2025.

Costs and expenses increased by a slower 4 percent to P986 million, while other charges declined 1 percent to P279 million during the nine-month period.

FILRT’s average portfolio occupancy remained at 86 percent in the first three quarters, unchanged from the same period last year.

Its office portfolio recorded an average occupancy rate of 79 percent, with multinational business process outsourcing companies accounting for 83 percent of office tenants. Traditional tenants accounted for 14 percent, while coworking, wellness and educational institutions made up the remainder.

During the third quarter, FILRT secured 5,651 square meters of new leases from incoming tenants and existing occupants expanding their leased spaces at Northgate Cyberzone in Alabang. This brought its year-to-date new leases to 11,714 square meters.

The company also renewed all 20,689 square meters of leases expiring this year, bringing the portfolio’s weighted average lease expiry at 13.95 years as of end-September.

With the improved earnings, FILRT’s board approved a quarterly cash dividend of P0.06 per outstanding common share, covering income earned from July to September. Shareholders on record as of Nov. 24 will receive the dividend on Dec. 2.

The latest declaration brings FILRT’s total dividends declared for 2026 to P0.24 per share, equivalent to an annualized yield of 8.5 percent based on its closing share price of P2.84 on Oct. 30.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think of this development? Do you think FILRT has a bright future of growth even though the economy of the Philippines continues to get weaker? Do you think FILRT will continue to contribute a lot to the economy of Muntinlupa City over the next five years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

APEC 2027 Could Impact Tourism in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

APEC 2027 Could Impact Tourism in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

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In the history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Vietnam hosted the inter-governmental economic forum twice. The 2027 edition of the APEC set for November next year will be hosted by Vietnam in Phu Quoc Island which itself has gained tremendous popularity with tourists. That said, it is anticipated that APEC 2027 could impact Phu Quoc’s tourism industry dramatically in a variety of ways, according to a news article by Asia News Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of Asia News Network. Some parts in boldface…

APEC 2027 could transform Phú Quốc Island’s tourism industry by improving international connectivity, attracting business events and accelerating the shift towards higher-value, year-round tourism.

With major investments in aviation, transport and conference facilities, the island is preparing not only to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in November 2027 but also to strengthen its position as an international destination for leisure, business and investment.

The Government has identified 21 major projects associated with preparations for the event, with preliminary investment estimated at VNĐ137 trillion (US$5.4 billion).

The programme covers transport infrastructure, conference facilities, accommodation, water supply, environmental services and urban development.

However, the real test will come after the summit.

Phú Quốc, Việt Nam’s largest island in the southern province of An Giang, must convert international attention into sustained visitor demand, maintain new air connections, attract recurring international events and ensure that investment benefits businesses and communities across the island.

For the hospitality sector, including La Festa Phú Quốc, Curio Collection by Hilton, APEC offers an opportunity to strengthen the island’s appeal as a premium tourism destination while demonstrating how distinctive experiences can complement infrastructure-led growth.

New connections –Improved connectivity will be central to Phú Quốc’s ambition to attract more international visitors and compete with established destinations across Asia.

The expansion of Phú Quốc International Airport and the development of conference facilities are intended to improve the island’s capacity to accommodate larger numbers of visitors and international gatherings.

Associated projects include roads, an urban railway and supporting infrastructure designed to improve transport links between the airport, conference complex and tourism areas.

The additional airport capacity could encourage airlines to introduce direct services, increase frequencies and accommodate larger aircraft. Better connections would reduce travel time for international visitors and improve the island’s appeal to travellers combining business with leisure.

Nevertheless, additional airport capacity does not automatically guarantee commercially viable routes.

Airlines need consistent demand, competitive fares and sufficient passenger numbers in both directions. Maintaining services after APEC will therefore be as important as launching new routes ahead of the event.

Economist Võ Trí Thành has argued that the summit should be viewed as an opportunity to establish a new development platform rather than a short-lived event.

“The greatest value of APEC does not lie in the few days when the conference takes place, but in the development foundations that Phú Quốc will possess for decades to come.”

His assessment highlights a central question for the island’s tourism industry: whether new infrastructure can generate a continuous flow of visitors and investment after international delegations leave. The benefits could extend beyond conventional beach holidays.

Direct flights and improved ground transport would support corporate groups, international conference delegates and travellers seeking shorter, more convenient stays.

They could also encourage visitors to combine Phú Quốc with other destinations in Việt Nam and the wider region. However, infrastructure alone will not determine the island’s competitiveness.

Destination management, environmental protection, workforce development and the quality of visitor experiences will also influence whether new demand can be sustained.

Beyond leisure – The development of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, collectively known as MICE, could become one of the most significant long-term opportunities arising from APEC.

Unlike conventional leisure travel, MICE tourism generates demand across a range of services, including accommodation, meeting facilities, catering, transport, technical support and organised activities.

Corporate groups may also spend on gala dinners, entertainment and excursions, creating business opportunities beyond room revenue.

Tourism expert Phạm Trung Lương, former deputy director of the Việt Nam Tourism Development Research Institute, said APEC 2027 was significantly increasing Phú Quốc’s capacity to serve as an international destination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think next year’s APEC will impact Phu Quoc’s tourism more positively than negatively? If you have been to Phu Quoc over the past six months, what can you say about the quality of the infrastructure, the services at the island’s airport and the natural environment of the island? Do you think Phu Quoc is ready to become a hot spot of international tourists and modern economic activities?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Domestic Tourism in the Philippines Dampened by High Fuel Costs

Domestic Tourism in the Philippines Dampened by High Fuel Costs

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Domestic tourism, which has been one of the few economic bright spots for the Philippines this year (click here and here), has officially been dampened by high fuel costs and the Department of Tourism (DOT) itself confirmed it lately, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

DOMESTIC TOURISM has been dampened by high fuel costs stemming from the fighting in the Middle East, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.

Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Ryan R. Carlos said in a webinar on Monday that higher fuel prices have pushed airfares higher.

“We cannot deny that inflation is also one of the factors,” Mr. Carlos said, pointing to soaring prices of air travel, accommodations, and various tourism-related expenditures.

Inflation accelerated to 7.2% in September from 6.1% in August, bringing the nine-month average to 5.4%.

The Civil Aeronautics Board set the passenger fuel surcharge at Level 16 for Oct. 16-31, down one notch from the first half of the month.

Under Level 16, airlines may collect fuel surcharges ranging from P525 to P1,535 for domestic flights and between P1,733.76 and P12,891.29 for international flights, depending on distance.

To address rising costs, Mr. Ryan said the DoT has been partnering with various travel associations to help bring down the costs of tourism-related goods and services. He said the department has also asked its regional offices to develop affordable itineraries.

Domestic tourism propped up the industry last year, according to the Key Indicators of the Household Survey on Domestic Visitors report.

Of the 84.38 million individuals aged 15 years and over, 74.5% took at least one domestic trip in 2025. Female domestic travelers accounted for 50.5% of the total, compared with 31.11 million, or 49.5%, for males.

“By age group, domestic travelers are much more concentrated in the younger age group, particularly in the range of 13 to 54 years,” Assistant National Statistician Genelyn Ma. F. Sarte said, adding that the highest percentage of travelers belonged to the 25 to 29 age group.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think domestic tourism numbers by the end of this year will end up being lower than in 2025? If you were able to go out of town for vacation here in the Philippines over the past six months, how much did you spend on travel? Do you think 2027 will be a tougher year for domestic tourism?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Vietnam sets 2027 targets of at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP

Vietnam sets 2027 targets of at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP

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With its booming economy, robust manufacturing and exports, and a thriving tourism industry, Vietnam is aiming high to achieve at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP in 2027, according to a news report by VnExpress. Vietnam is already one of the outstanding economies in all of Southeast Asia today and it will host the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) next year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam’s National Assembly has set a target of at least 10% economic growth in 2027, with GDP per capita expected to reach approximately US$6,100.

The legislature passed a resolution on the country’s 2027 socio-economic development plan on Saturday, with more than 93.4% of lawmakers voting in favor.

Under the resolution, Vietnam aims to achieve economic growth of at least 10% next year while keeping inflation at around 4.5%.

The resolution calls on the government to continue prioritizing growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and ensuring major economic balances.

The government is also tasked with making breakthroughs in mobilizing and efficiently allocating resources for development. Measures include increasing state budget revenue, cutting expenditure, particularly recurrent spending, issuing various types of bonds and securing official development assistance (ODA) loans.

It must also promptly implement policies to raise foreign ownership limits in industries and sectors that do not affect national security.

The National Assembly urged the government to manage interest and exchange rates in line with domestic and international conditions, lower lending rates and direct credit toward production, business activities and priority sectors.

The government is also expected to introduce effective measures to address trade deficit, develop a healthy and sustainable real estate market, and resolve long-standing stalled projects.

To ensure energy security, the resolution requires the government to guarantee sufficient supplies of electricity and petroleum products under all circumstances.

On infrastructure, the government is tasked with completing the expressway network in line with approved plans, particularly the eastern and western sections of the North-South Expressway and East-West transport corridors.

It must also accelerate major national railway projects, including the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, the North-South high-speed railway, international rail connections and urban railway networks.

The resolution calls for faster progress on two major airport projects: Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai, about 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, and Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh Province, 40 km east of central Hanoi.

Long Thanh is being developed to ease pressure on HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport and eventually handle 100 million passengers annually. Gia Binh is planned as a major aviation gateway for northern Vietnam, serving passenger and cargo transport, international transit and aircraft maintenance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong economic momentum Vietnam has been enjoying recently, do you think they can achieve GDP growth of at least 10% next year? Do you think inflation won’t reach 5% anytime soon? How long do you think Vietnam’s thriving manufacturing and exports will last?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DTI Considering Stricter Regulations for Light Electric Vehicles

DTI Considering Stricter Regulations for Light Electric Vehicles

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In a serious effort to protect consumers from unregulated vehicles and related devices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering stricter regulations for electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering stricter regulations for light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes and scooters to protect consumers from unsafe and unregulated vehicles.

Under a draft department administrative order (DAO), the DTI is proposing a mandatory product certification scheme for LEVs and their batteries to ensure compliance with the country’s product standards.

The certification will be required for the importation, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of LEVs and their batteries in the country.

The DTI said the measure aims to protect consumers from hazards linked to electric shocks, electrical malfunctions, overheating, thermal incidents, fires, and other electrical safety risks that may arise from the use of these products.

“This technical regulation further aims to support the safe and reliable adoption of electric mobility technologies in the Philippines through the implementation of appropriate mandatory product certification requirements,” the DTI said.

The proposed regulation covers electric bicycles or e-bikes, including electrically powered assisted cycles and non-pedal-assist electric bicycles.

Also included are personal e-mobility devices such as electric-powered scooters, electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles, and batteries for LEV applications.

The mandatory certification does not apply to charging stations, battery-swapping stations, stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS), and standalone motor controllers and electrical components.

Under the draft DAO, both local and foreign manufacturers of the covered LEVs and battery components are required to secure a Philippine Standard (PS) certification mark before selling or distributing their products in the country.

Importers without a PS license must obtain an import commodity clearance (ICC) on a per-shipment basis.

For verification purposes, the DTI will require specific markings on manufactured or imported products to ensure that they remain identifiable and compliant with product standards.

The DTI, through its Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), will also regularly inspect and audit LEVs and their batteries as an additional oversight measure.

In cases of non-compliance with the proposed rules, BPS may issue a show-cause order or a cease-and-desist order (CDO) to prevent companies from supplying, distributing, or selling their products.

The draft DAO includes a 12-month transition period before the certification scheme becomes mandatory. Monitoring and enforcement of the regulation will begin 24 months after the order takes effect.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DTI is correct with regards to considering restrictions for light electric vehicles?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Filinvest City Aims High with New Alabang District

Filinvest City Aims High with New Alabang District

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Remember back in 2025 when it was announced that telecommunications giant PLDT will relocate its headquarters to Filinvest City? Filinvest City itself is now aiming high with its new Alabang district called The Quarter which is being developed beside the future PLDT campus and it is being prepared to attract commercial investment, according to a news article by Insider PH.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the Insider PH news article. Some parts in boldface…

Corporate investments and rising demand for commercial space are creating opportunities for further business expansion in southern Metro Manila, as Filinvest City seeks to attract enterprises to its established Alabang township.

Filinvest City has introduced The Quarter, a four-hectare mixed-use district designed to accommodate new businesses and support the township’s next phase of commercial development.

A township of 47,000 workers – The development is positioned beside the upcoming PLDT Campus, which is expected to accommodate approximately 5,000 employees. The concentration of corporate activity could generate demand for retail, dining, healthcare, hospitality and professional services.

The Quarter also offers commercial lots to businesses and investors seeking to establish operations near major employment centers. Filinvest City currently serves approximately 47,000 workers, more than 19,000 residents and 231,000 daily visitors.

The township’s existing population and commercial activity provide a potential customer base for enterprises considering expansion into the district.

Strategic location – The Quarter forms part of Filinvest City’s strategy to diversify its business ecosystem beyond traditional office developments.

Located near Asian Hospital and Medical Center, the district could accommodate healthcare-related enterprises, including private clinics, therapy centers and specialized treatment facilities.

Its location also provides access to the South Luzon Expressway, nearby educational institutions, residential communities and commercial establishments. A pedestrian bridge connecting The Quarter to the future PLDT Campus is also planned.

‘New centers of opportunity’ – “Filinvest City’s growth has always been driven by the ability to identify and cultivate new centers of opportunity,” Filinvest Townships first vice president and head Don Ubaldo said in a press statement.

“Just as the Peza-registered hub Northgate Cyberzone helped establish the township in the 90’s as a leading destination for the IT-BPM industry, The Quarter is envisioned to be the epicenter of its next phase of evolution, creating a dynamic environment where enterprise and innovation can thrive together,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think of this development? Do you think the new Alabang district called The Quarter will help Filinvest City attract more new investment and create both new jobs and more business opportunities in the years to come? Do you think Filinvest City will become to most vibrant and most progressive central business district (CBD) of the south by the year 2030?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Nuclear Power is the Next Step for the Philippines

Nuclear Power is the Next Step for the Philippines

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As the Philippines continues to use energy from renewable sources, it is also gradually moving forward to adapting nuclear power for its energy needs which was confirmed by the secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), according to a news article by BusinessMirror.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessMirror news article. Some parts in boldface…

THE Philippines maintains aggressive targets to shift its energy portfolio toward green power. To provide clean, stable baseload power generation that complements renewables, the country has stepped on the gas to advance its nuclear goals.

“I think nuclear is the next step because we are already maturing on renewables and it’s difficult to be dependent on imported fuel. That’s really very painful for us when things don’t go well around the world,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin in an interview.

The energy chief is leading the Philippines’ push to integrate nuclear energy into the national power mix, targeting 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032 and scaling up to 4,800MW by 2050. This timeline is heavily anchored on the commercial rollout of small nuclear reactors (SMRs). The agency is looking at locations including Bataan, Batangas, Masbate, Pangasinan, Palawan, and Camarines Norte as potential nuclear sites.

“All the companies are interested: Meralco, Aboitiz, San Miguel, Prime Infra. All of them are interested because they know that with nuclear, it’s not a matter of if, but when,” said Garin, adding that since the law does not allow the government to be involved in the power generation, “maybe the government can have a minimal stake only.”

Meralco’s power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), agrees that nuclear power provides a reliable, low-carbon baseload source that reduces exposure to volatile global fossil fuel prices.

“As I said, it’s an option, right? And if you really want energy independence with a baseload profile, then nuclear is one of the clear options,” said MGEN president Emmanuel Rubio in an interview.

The Pangilinan-led Meralco is among the major industry players driving this transition. It has engaged a US-based engineering firm, Sargent & Lundy, and AMH Philippines, Inc. to conduct a feasibility study on deploying SMRs in the Philippines.

The comprehensive study is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027. The study marks the next step in the $2.8-million technical assistance program funded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) also agreed to pursue joint pre-feasibility studies, information sharing, and capacity-building activities related to nuclear technologies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will succeed in achieving its nuclear goals over the next several years? Are members of your local community still afraid of nuclear power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Thailand Postpones $30 Departure Tax to Sustain Tourism Growth

Thailand Postpones $30 Departure Tax to Sustain Tourism Growth

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With the intention to sustain the growth of its tourism sector, Thailand announced that it has postponed the planned imposition of a 1,000 Baht (US$30) departure tax on all air travelers, according to a news article by VnExpress. The nation, which attracted almost 33 million foreign tourists in 2025, also pointed to other factors behind their decision such as the higher cost of energy and the need to assess the economic outlook.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Thailand has postponed plans to impose a 1,000-baht (US$30) departure tax on all air travelers to sustain the tourism sector’s growth momentum amid economic uncertainty and rising energy costs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday that the government would assess the economic outlook and the impact of higher energy prices before deciding whether to proceed with the measure, Khaosod English newspaper reported.

The government is seeking to sustain the country’s tourism recovery, particularly as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airlines and the wider tourism industry, Ekniti said.

The decision comes amid a positive international response to Thailand’s recent hosting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings, Nation Thailand reported.

The government expects tourism activity to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2026 and wants to preserve the sector’s positive momentum.

Introducing an additional departure tax at this stage could increase costs for both the public and airlines, while also placing an extra financial burden on foreign tourists, Ekniti said.

Earlier this month, the Revenue Department invited public feedback on a draft bill proposing a 1,000-baht departure tax per trip for travelers of all nationalities flying out of Thailand. The proposed levy aims to optimize the use of existing government resources, uphold fiscal discipline and provide greater flexibility in responding to emergencies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Was the planned imposition of a $30 departure tax on all air travelers in Thailand a huge turn-off for you? Have you visited Thailand over the past six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA and Subic EnerZone Renew Power Distribution Partnership for Another 25 Years

SBMA and Subic EnerZone Renew Power Distribution Partnership for Another 25 Years

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The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that its power distribution partnership with Subic EnerZone has been renewed for another twenty-five years which ensures reliable electricity in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone that varied businesses and thousands of customers need. It should be noted that Subic Bay has economic and logistic roles in Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

AboitizPower-led Subic EnerZone Corp. has renewed its power distribution partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), extending its management of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s distribution system for another 25 years.

Subic EnerZone has operated the Freeport’s power distribution system since October 2003.

As of Feb. 28, 2026, it served more than 3,750 customers, including industrial and commercial locators, residential customers, and streetlights. The utility also serves industrial locators under the Retail Electricity Supply program.

At the end of 2025, Subic EnerZone reported system losses of 4.37 percent, below the 5.50 percent ceiling set by the government for private distribution utilities.

“Subic has always been a place of possibility—a Freeport where businesses grow, industries connect, and communities build better lives. As Subic Bay Freeport moves into its next chapter, reliable electricity will remain essential to that progress. It supports the daily work of locators, the services people depend on, and the opportunities that continued investment can bring,” said Anton Mari G. Perdices, chief executive officer for distribution utilities at AboitizPower.

“For AboitizPower Distribution Utilities and Subic EnerZone, this partnership carries a clear responsibility: to plan alongside SBMA, strengthen the systems that serve the Freeport, and prepare for its changing needs. That work calls for practical planning, close coordination, and a long-term view of reliability and growth,” he added.

Jay Navarro, Subic EnerZone’s officer-in-charge president and general manager, said the utility plans to pursue system upgrades and reliability improvements to support SBMA’s vision of a modern, resilient, and future-ready economic hub.

“Looking ahead, we are ready for Subic’s growth. Our demand and capacity forecasts project a steady rise in power needs. With Subic’s position as the Global Gateway of the Luzon Economic Corridor, these forecasts will change significantly, and we are prepared for it,” Navarro said.

At the renewal ceremony, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño outlined the agency’s strategic direction and upcoming development plans. He said reliable energy infrastructure is essential to strengthening investor confidence and sustaining economic growth in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“Today, we renew our commitment to a partnership that has served Subic Bay well—SBMA and Subic EnerZone working together to modernize our infrastructure, keep the power on, and build a more sustainable Freeport,” Aliño said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the increase of incoming shipments of electric vehicles at the Subic Bay port will somehow create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs as well as customers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco