The Philippines has surged to 16th place in the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, a dramatic leap from 72nd out of 86 jurisdictions in 2023 in the Investment Attractiveness Index. In the Policy Perception Index, the country also climbed to 25th out of 82 jurisdictions, improving significantly from 79th place the previous year. ...

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on July 28, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, rural development and regional connectivity. He outlined key achievements while confronting ongoing issues, stating, “We are building not just for today, but for g...

The Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) and the Philippine Tax Academy (PTA) have formalized a three-year partnership to advance transparency, accountability and fiscal literacy in the country’s extractive industries. Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on 5 August at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, the two in...

Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) posted a net income of Php4.1 billion in the second quarter of 2025, down 33% from Php6.1 billion in the same period last year. The decline was primarily due to the continued stabilization of coal and electricity prices. “While energy prices eased, we ramped up coal production and boosted...

Philex Mining Corp. reported a net income of Php171 million in the second quarter of 2025, bringing its first-half profit to Php301 million, even as core earnings and revenue showed signs of strain amid fluctuating commodity prices. The company’s second-quarter earnings were down from the Php215 million posted during the same period last year. Core net...

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have successfully concluded the wrap-up meeting for the ongoing Fact-Finding Mission on the Second San Juanico Bridge (SSJB) Construction Project. Held on July 25, 2025, the meeting marked a key milestone in the project, with DPWH Senior Undersecret...

The Philippines' infrastructure sector is set to receive a major boost in foreign investment as Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)—a part of BlackRock and one of the world’s leading infrastructure investors—moves toward finalizing a strategic partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV). The discussions include GIP’s potential acquisition of a...

Construction giant EEI Corporation recently marked its 50th year as a listed company at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). During a bell-ringing ceremony, the PSE recognized the company’s legacy as one of the leading construction firms to participate in the equity markets through its public listing. “This half a century of our presence in the stock e...

By Ronald S. Recidoro, Executive Director, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines After more than a decade of uncertainty and policy flip-flops, the reconciled version of the Mining Fiscal Regime Bill, once signed, will mark a turning point in Philippine mineral policy. It is not just the culmination of years of legislative advocacy; it is the resolution ...

From humble beginnings in Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte, to securing a License to Operate as a food manufacturer from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Urbiztondo Crop Producers’ Cooperative (UCPC) is making a name for itself, one cassava chip at a time. On March 12, 2025, the cooperative, composed of 21 women, officially rec...

The Karaang Banwa Marine Protected Area in Barangay Urbiztondo was recognized as 2nd Runner-Up for Best Managed Marine Protected Area in the 2025 HIPADA Siganid Awards, honoring its outstanding marine conservation efforts and strong multi-sectoral collaboration. Karaang Banwa, a thriving marine sanctuary, is an area adopted and actively protected by Ta...

Manicani Island, Eastern Samar — Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) environmental team recently conducted an on-site engagement with residents of Manicani Island to address their environmental concerns related to its subsidiary, Hinatuan Mining Corporation – Manicani Nickel Project (HMC-MNP). The NAC environmental team, composed of in-house foresters, marin...

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified construction work on the twin-tube mountain tunnels of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project, as excavation of the southbound tunnel nears its breakthrough phase. In an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain noted t...

Grand Terra Mining Resources Inc. (GTMRI) has successfully produced the first nickel metal from Philippines laterite ores at its demonstration leach plant in Leyte. The President of GTMRI, Leoben Evangelista said, “This is a great achievement for the Philippines. The innovative vat leaching system and the use of resins to purify solutions followed by elec...

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reached a major milestone in the Bucana (Davao River) Bridge Project in Davao City with the final concrete pouring of the bridge deck slab, signifying the completion of the project’s major structural components. Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who oversees DPWH Infrastructure Flagship Project...

The construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, a flagship infrastructure project of the national government, has reached the 40% completion mark, according to a recent progress report by Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan. This milestone reflects th...

As mining operations intensify across the Philippines, operators are continually challenged to safeguard their equipment and maintain high productivity under demanding conditions. One persistent issue is the presence of tramp metal—unwanted ferrous debris such as broken tools, bolts, or machine parts—that can enter the ore stream during extraction and pr...

At Lockforce, we understand that true security is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our methodology begins with a thorough, risk-based security assessment—laying the groundwork for a robust, customized protection strategy. Professional Guarding Services and Rigorous...

The Philippines is poised to make history as the first country in Asia to host the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference, set for June 2026 in Manila. The milestone event will bring together over a thousand international stakeholders—ranging from government leaders and industry representatives to civil society and developm...

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the accelerated construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), particularly the segment stretching from Valenzuela City to Camp Aguinaldo Station, aiming to make the country’s first underground rail line operational by 2028. During an inspection of the Camp Aguinaldo Station site, Marcos em...

Last June 7 and 8, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines hosted the Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City. “The Philippines-Australia Friendship Festival is a celebration of shared values, cultures, and the powerful connections between people from the two nations. The Festival celebrates the longstanding ...

Johnson Screens, a brand of Aqseptence Group, is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We are the inventors of vee-shaped Vee-Wire® wedge wire screens, which are used to create the most diverse filtration media with great strength, long service life, and a uniquely high level of adaptability for high-efficiency liquid/solid sep...

The United Fisherfolks Association of Bagong Silang (UFAOBS) reached a new milestone in sustainable aquaculture as it officially launched its 5th cycle of Bangus (milkfish) production. This initiative is powered by a collaborative effort among Hinatuan Mining Corporation – Tagana-an Nickel Project (HMC-TNP), the Provincial Agriculture Office of Surigao...

GHD, a global professional services company, is honored to be recognized as Maynilad's Top Achievement for Partners (TAP) awardee for Outstanding Consultancy Services. This prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication, innovation, and reliability of Maynilad’s valued partners who play a crucial role in advancing its mission to provide clean, relia...