Business & Economy — August 26, 2026

Philippine business coverage on August 26 includes fresh data on household income and spending, stronger state-backed credit guarantees, and a sharp rise in PEZA-approved investments. Financial markets and the government’s critical-minerals strategy also remain important themes as investors weigh domestic growth prospects against global interest-rate and currency pressures.

Last updated: 3:20 p.m. PHT

Average Filipino family income rose 16.5% in 2025

The Philippine Statistics Authority said average annual family income reached about ₱411,350 in 2025, up 16.5 percent from ₱353,230 in 2023. Average annual family expenditure increased faster, rising 24.7 percent to about ₱321,850. Wages and salaries remained the biggest source of family income, while food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for the largest share of household spending. Source: Philippine Statistics Authority.

PEZA-approved investments more than double in first eight months

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority approved 196 new and expansion projects worth ₱216.47 billion from January through August, 105 percent higher than the ₱105.83 billion approved in the same period last year. The projects are expected to generate about $6.6 billion in exports and 26,994 direct jobs. PEZA said the total represents more than 72 percent of its ₱300-billion full-year investment target. Source: The Philippine Star.

PHILGUARANTEE housing guarantee portfolio grows in first half

State-owned Philippine Guarantee Corporation said the total value of loans it guaranteed in the first half of 2026 reached ₱313.77 billion, up 9.44 percent from a year earlier. The portfolio included socialized-housing guarantees under the Abot-Kaya Pabahay Fund and supported more than 412,000 beneficiaries through a network of partner lending institutions. Source: Philippine News Agency.

Peso and equities track global rate expectations

Philippine financial markets remain sensitive to the outlook for US interest rates, which affects the dollar, regional currencies, bond yields and foreign fund flows. The peso and local equities have been moving as investors weigh Federal Reserve signals alongside Philippine inflation, growth and corporate developments. Source: Inquirer Business.

Critical-minerals policy targets more local processing

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 122 directs agencies to strengthen the critical-minerals industry beyond raw extraction. The policy emphasizes refining, processing and downstream manufacturing of higher-value products such as batteries and electronic components, with the aim of attracting investment and retaining more value in the Philippines while meeting environmental and regulatory requirements. Source: Department of Finance.

New economic zones broaden regional investment locations

PEZA has added new economic zones to its portfolio, expanding the locations available to manufacturers and service companies. The additions support the government’s effort to spread employment and export activity beyond established business centers while improving regional infrastructure and investment readiness. Source: PEZA.

Power-supply outlook remains important for business costs

The Department of Energy continues to monitor generation capacity and reserve levels as electricity demand grows. Reliable power supply remains a major concern for households and businesses, particularly in Luzon, where tight reserves can affect operating costs and investment decisions. Source: Department of Energy.

ARTA pledges efficient regulatory processing for major investments

The Anti-Red Tape Authority has said it will work to ensure fair and efficient regulatory processing for major investment proposals, including projects connected to strategic technology and industrial development. The commitment forms part of the government’s wider effort to reduce permitting bottlenecks without bypassing applicable legal requirements. Source: Anti-Red Tape Authority.

About this brief: PHNews tracks meaningful Philippine business and economy developments throughout the day. Stories are sourced from official organizations and established news outlets. Older developments may be included when they remain active or relevant today.