Blue economy in transition: Thailand’s financing drive, Philippines’ legislative push

Thailand and the Philippines—both maritime nations deeply intertwined with ocean resources—are embarking on contrasting journeys toward blue economic development. While both face mounting pressures from climate change, coastal erosion, and overexploitation of marine assets, Thailand is actively deploying innovative financing and governance tools, whereas the Philippines is still laying the legislative and institutional backbone needed […]


Trading blows: The tariff war that’s hitting the Philippines

For years, global trade was the default engine of growth. But as we pass the midpoint of 2025, it’s sputtering badly—and not because of any natural cooling. This slowdown is man-made, self-inflicted, and increasingly perilous. According to the World Bank, global trade growth is forecast to decelerate from 3.4% in 2024 to just 1.8% in […]


Jobs, not aid: The Philippines’ new path out of poverty

As economic pressures mount across the developing world, the Philippines should shift its focus—placing jobs, not aid, at the heart of its fight against poverty. That opportunity lies in harnessing the country’s most abundant asset: its people. With nearly 1.2 billion young people in emerging economies reaching working age over the next decade—and only an […]


World Bank backs Phl’s digital transformation with $750-M loan

The Philippines is pushing forward with its digital transformation agenda, backed by a $750 million policy loan from the World Bank designed to modernize infrastructure, expand access, and drive inclusive growth through technology. Approved in late 2024, the Second Digital Transformation Development Policy Loan is now fueling a government-led push to integrate digital tools across […]