Day: July 30, 2025

Manila: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upward its 2026 Philippine economic growth forecast. In its recent World Economic Outlook report, the IMF said it expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.9 percent in 2026, slightly higher than its previous projection of 5.8 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, the IMF forecast for the country’s gross domestic product this year is a growth of 5.5 percent, which falls within the government’s target range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. Earlier this year, the IMF noted that the Philippine economy remains resilient amid external challenges and heightened policy uncertainty.

Manila: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowered the status of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest / high level of volcanic unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate level of volcanic unrest). “Kanlaon Volcano has been exhibiting less frequent volcanic earthquake activity, decreased volcanic gas emitted by subsurface magma and ground deformation cycles,” Phivolcs said in an advisory Tuesday night. Kanlaon’s last eruptive activity was on May 13. According to Philippines News Agency, an average of eight volcanic earthquakes per day was recorded from May 14 to July 29. This indicates a significant decrease from the

Manila: The announcement of the Philippines and Israel’s intention to pursue free trade agreement (FTA) talks is certain to bring in more Israeli investments into the country. Visiting Israel Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat said the Philippines and Israel ‘actually are starting the process’ to initiate negotiations on a free trade deal. According to Philippines News Agency, Barkat mentioned that ‘usually, it takes few years to sign an FTA. By defining that we will, many investors will start collaborating now,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of a reception in Taguig City. The announcement of the FTA talks

Manila: The weather bureau announced that most areas in Luzon will continue to experience rainfall due to the prevailing southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.” According to Philippines News Agency, occasional rains are expected to persist over the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Abra, and Benguet. Additionally, scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecasted for Metro Manila, Central Luzon, the rest of the Cordillera region, the rest of Cagayan Valley, and Rizal. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the moderate to heavy rains in these areas could potentially lead to flash floods or landslides. The agency’s

Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez has retained Undersecretary Claire Castro as Palace Press Officer, two weeks after she submitted her courtesy resignation as part of the agency’s recalibration. ‘Yes, this is confirmed,’ Gomez told reporters Wednesday, when asked about reports that Castro will remain in her post. ‘She is doing a fine job!’ he added. According to Philippines News Agency, the PCO chief said there are no new appointees in the agency so far. With her retention, Castro, a lawyer and podcaster, will continue to lead Palace media briefings and release official statements on presidential engagements,