LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—The clinking of sub-zero bottles of beers as their holders raise them up and say “Cheers,” heads bobbing to the beat of the rock and alternative tunes emanating from the small but powerful speakers by the bar, laughter echoing throughout the pub where college kids, many of those attending the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), spend their week nights to unwind.

Face-to-face classes offer little optimism to bearish businesses in LB

An attendant fixes and arranges some of their merchandise on their stall at Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Freedom Park in Marikina on Tuesday, 7 December 2021. 

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Manufacturing output growth slipped to 50 in January from 51.8 in December because of the combined impacts of typhoon Odette and a surge in COVID19 infections. “Delivery times were also affected by adverse weather conditions and the pandemic with lead times lengthening at the start of the year,” said ISH Markit Philippines.

Production growth slips in January

Because of the work-from-home arrangements of companies during the pandemic—which is still very much around—and the overproduction of office space buildings, vacancy rates will climb this year to 19 percent. But given the improving situation of the virus, the vacancy scenario may be reduced if BPOs and POGOs would resume their office work operations again.

Office vacancy rate would still rise from oversupply

The US will add eight more Chinese firms, including the biggest drone company, DJI Technology Co. Ltd to an investment blacklist this week. It earlier blacklisted AI company, SenseTime, which led to the company postponing its $767-million IPO in Hongkong.

Uyghur surveillance issue: US blacklists 8 Chinese investment firms

Hot money or foreign portfolio investments continued to flee the country because of global and local uncertainties. For the local scene, uncertainty brought by the upcoming elections in May and the policies to be adopted by the new administration remains a big risk for the investors.

Investors continue to flee Phl.

Several business groups want the Philippine Ports Authority to rescind its earlier policy on registration and monitoring of containers using a technology solution that cost P877.6 million.

PPA told to stop container monitoring policy

A global survey conducted by the Young President’s Organization showed that CEOs in 44 industries had positive outlook for 2022 despite lingering uncertainties from COVID 19 and inflation.

World biz CEOs upbeat for 2022 but uncertainties linger

While the Omicron wave appears to have subsided, election season-related activities run the risk of increasing the case count again, which could in turn hinder further reopening, Nomura said.

Nomura raises PH growth for 2022 to 6.8%

Tap for siomai. Use your Beep card to pay at select food stalls in LRT-1 stations in Baclaran, EDSA, and Balintawak.

Cashless trips: LRT-1 kiosks now accept Beep card payments

Cashless trips LRT-1 kiosks now accept Beep card payments photo ABS-CBN News

Uyghur surveillance issue: US blacklists 8 Chinese investment firms photo Reuters

PPA told to stop container monitoring policy photo BusinessWorld

Nomura raises PH growth for 2022 to 6.8% photo Reuters

Office vacancy rate would still rise from oversupply photo Philippine star

Investors continue to flee Phl. photo enterprenuer

Production growth slips in January photo CNN Philippines

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