Workers prepare roasted pig at a store in La Loma, Quezon City, Dec. 22. The Philippine central bank raised its baseline inflation forecast to 3.3% for 2025 (from 3.2%) and 3.5% for 2026 (from 3.4%). — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

REUTERSTHE PHILIPPINES’ outstanding external debt hit another record high as of end-September, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.Data from the central bank showed external debt jumped by 17.5% to $139.64 billion as of end-September from $118.83 billion in the

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. received the “First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series” in Malacañang, Dec. 19. The series highlights the Philippines’ biodiversity and cultural heritage with designs featuring native species and traditional weaves. — YUMMIE DINGDING/PPA POOLTHE Bangko Sentral ng

On Nov. 21, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. went to Pampanga and distributed 2,939 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) and awarded 30 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to over 2,000 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Pampanga.The

A COMPETITION REVOLVING around the nativity scene or belen is helping boost the economy and tourism of the province of Tarlac, the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Inc. said.“Belenismo sa Tarlac has boosted Tarlac’s tourism and economy, establishing the province as a