ECCP at Work

Unfolding the chamber’s new chapter

Stepping into the role of president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is both a profound honor and a deeply personal milestone. As its first female and Filipina president, I look at our history and feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility — not just to uphold the standard of excellence that came before me but to pave a wider, more inclusive path for the future.

Philippines fast-tracks SE Asia’s first offshore wind farm

The government is moving to fast-track the development of what could become the region’s first offshore wind project in Camarines Sur to strengthen the country’s energy security, according to the Department of Finance.

ESCAP warns Middle East conflict could slow Philippines’ SDG gains

The escalating conflict in the Middle East could further hinder the Philippines’ and the broader Asia-Pacific region’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) said in a report.

ERC bares reforms to boost energy investments in PH

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) unveiled a package of regulatory reforms aimed at accelerating renewable energy development, improving grid infrastructure, expanding electricity market competition, and speeding up approvals for power projects as it seeks to strengthen the country’s energy security and attract long-term investments.

Regulator extends suspension of renewable energy charges 

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) extended the suspension of green energy auction allowance (GEA-All) collections for two more months, which could be reflected in lower power bills.

World Bank OKs $1.02 billion funding for water, energy security

The World Bank has approved a $1.02-billion financing package, consisting of a loan and grant, to support efforts to expand and improve access to electricity and water in the Philippines.

Ecozone investments nearly double in H1

Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) surged by 94 percent in the first semester, putting the agency on track to hit its target.

Philippines leads global solar rush as power prices soar

People in the Philippines are rushing to install rooftop solar power to escape soaring electricity bills, making the country the world’s biggest spender on solar panels since the war in Iran started.

DOE orders 175 power firms to explain alleged violations

The Department of Energy (DOE) will issue show-cause orders to 175 power generation companies nationwide over alleged violations of reporting and operational requirements, part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of the country’s electricity sector.

At WTO review, EU prods PHL on reforms

Sustaining reforms to attract investment and facilitate trade should remain a priority for the Philippines, the European Union (EU) said during the country’s Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

BSP sees wider BoP gap until 2027

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BoP) deficit could further widen this year until 2027 as weak global trade and tighter financing conditions weigh on the country’s external position, the central bank said.

Analysts say lower Philippine growth goals more realistic

Analysts said the government’s downwardly revised growth targets for the next two years better reflect current economic conditions, although elevated inflation and sluggish consumer demand continue to pose downside risks.

Lifting of ban on new Metro Manila ecozones pushed

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Finance (DOF) are pushing for the lifting of the moratorium on the processing and evaluation of applications for economic zones in Metro Manila imposed under the previous administration.

Airfares may get cheaper in July as fuel surcharge hits new low

Travelers may pay lower airfares in July after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) reduced the fuel surcharge collected by airlines to its lowest level since oil prices surged amid tensions in the Middle East.

Fisheries output on the wane in last 5 years

The performance of the country’s fisheries sector has been declining in the last five years due to rising input costs and intensifying effects of climate change, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department said.

Asia's vendors grapple with rising costs of ever-present plastics

Food vendors across Asia who rely on plastics for everything from bags to cups and containers are grappling with their rising costs, the result of the energy crisis sparked by the Middle East war.

Philippine turns to frozen ube imports to meet surging global demand

With ube or purple yam booming in popularity, the country has been importing frozen ube as local production fails to meet the root crop’s ever-growing demand in international markets.

‘High tariffs, price caps hamper investments’

Government policies such as high tariffs and price ceilings squeeze local agribusinesses’ profits, reducing their capacity to invest further in the sector and expand operations, an official of Bank of the Philippine Islands said.

Sugar producers back SRA order closing bioethanol feedstock loophole

The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (Unified)  said a recent Sugar Regulatory Administration order has closed a loophole that could have allowed sugar-derived feedstock imports to enter the country for bioethanol production without proper clearance from the National Biofuels Board.

BPI makes InstaPay, PESONet transfers permanently free

Bank of the Philippine Islands said fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets through InstaPay and PESONet will be permanently free starting July 1. The waiver will apply to transfers made through the BPI app, BPI online banking, VYBE, BanKo, and BizKo.

Sugar industry stakeholders vow support to SRA vs. RSSI

Sugar industry stakeholders vowed support to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in addressing the spread of the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) in Negros.