Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Business World 
September 29, 2026

The Philippines scored 69.6 out of 100 in the APAC State of Digital Trust: AI Governance Benchmark Report by verification service company Sumsub. The report measures how well organizations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) are managing and overseeing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) based on three pillars: autonomy, responsibility, and traceability. The country was second among Asia-Pacific markets in AI governance and above the regional score of 67.1, trailing only Thailand. It also tied Thailand for the region’s highest responsibility score at 74.8.

Philippines emerged as one of the world’s fastest-improving tourism markets

Philippines jumps eight spots to 57th out of 110, ranks among world's fastest tourism improvers—WEF

Manila Bulletin Newsroom
Sep 25, 2026

The Philippines emerged as one of the world’s fastest-improving tourism markets, climbing eight places in a global ranking of conditions supporting travel and tourism (T&T) development, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In its Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026 Insight Report published on Friday, Sept. 25, the Geneva-based WEF ranked the Philippines 57th out of 110 economies, with an overall score of 4.08.

The country’s TTDI score improved by 5.5 percent between 2024 and 2026, making the Philippines tied with Morocco for seventh among the fastest-improving economies covered by the index.

Compared with the recalculated 2019 baseline, the Philippines climbed 12 places while improving its overall score by 9.6 percent.

The gains came as Asia-Pacific led the global improvement in tourism development conditions, with its average TTDI score rising by 3.6 percent between 2024 and 2026 as the region continued to recover from its delayed post-pandemic reopening.

Seven of the 10 fastest-improving economies were developing countries in Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines joining Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, and India among the region’s strongest improvers.

Albania recorded the largest improvement globally between 2024 and 2026, raising its score by seven percent.

WEF also classified the Philippines among the world’s 10 largest non-high-income T&T economies by direct T&T gross domestic product (GDP), alongside China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Türkiye, Mexico, and Brazil.

Together, these emerging tourism economies account for more than 28 percent of global direct T&T GDP, with their share projected to rise to 35 percent by 2035.

Their average TTDI score has improved faster than those of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Since 2019, the group’s average score increased by 4.7 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for all economies covered by the index and 1.9 percent for the top 20.

As a group, the 10 emerging tourism economies outperform the top 20 in price competitiveness, natural resources, T&T demand sustainability, and cultural resources, reflecting their combination of natural assets, cultural heritage, and competitive pricing.

However, WEF said significant development gaps remain between these emerging markets (EMs) and the world’s tourism leaders.

Tourist services and infrastructure showed the largest gap, pointing to the need for greater investment in accommodation, visitor services, and supporting infrastructure.

EMs also lagged in business environment and human resources (HR) and labor market, reflecting challenges such as access to financing, regulatory barriers, and workforce capabilities.

Environmental sustainability remains another challenge, potentially putting at risk the natural resources that help attract tourists to these economies.

WEF said narrowing these gaps would require stronger infrastructure and services as well as improvements in the conditions that allow tourism businesses to operate and expand.

Globally, tourism development conditions improved across 101, or 92 percent, of the 110 economies between 2024 and 2026, while the average TTDI score increased by 2.1 percent—the fastest pace of improvement since 2019.

Japan topped the 2026 index, followed by the United States (US), Spain, Australia, and France. Advanced economies occupied nine of the top 10 positions, with China the only exception.

TTDI measures the factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of travel and tourism rather than tourism performance itself, such as visitor arrivals, spending, or revenues. The 2026 index comprises 17 pillars and 102 indicators, with the latest available data collected as of May 2026. - with reporting from Danielle T. Bayani

Philippines is 'Country of Honor' at China-ASEAN Expo 2026

Philippines is 'Country of Honor' at China-ASEAN Expo 2026

Stanley Palisada
ABS-CBN News
September 15, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines is launching its largest commercial delegation in the history of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), taking center stage as this year's official "Country of Honor."

 

The country's participation in the 23rd edition of the trade mission between China and ASEAN showcases the Philippines' rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem and robust economic capabilities on the international stage.

Running from September 17 to 21, 2026, at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China, the milestone marks the Philippines' second time earning the prestigious designation since the first one in 2013. The recognition underscores the nation's technological agility, increasingly resilient supply chains, and thriving green economy.

Global Push for High-Value Exports

The Philippines brings together 313 participants representing 73 high-value export enterprises. These businesses are displaying a diverse selection of goods, ranging from processed food and agriculture to home furnishings, fashion accessories, and artisanal crafts. Operating under the banner PARTNERPhilippines, these enterprises demonstrate the country's rising value as an indispensable ASEAN trade partner.

"This year's participation is forged by the ambition and product innovation of Filipino exhibitors, backed by whole-of-government support. Every deal closed directly feeds into economic growth, elevating Philippine exports," stated the Center for International Trade, Exposition and Missions (CITEM), the agency spearheading the country's expo efforts.

Cebu, the province of charm

Highlighting regional development and local institutional capabilities, Cebu province takes the spotlight as CAEXPO's official "Province of Charm."

Sustaining an impressive 7.3 percent annual economic growth rate, Cebu is leveraging the platform to showcase its robust manufacturing core and world-class logistics. Anchored by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and strategic deepwater ports, the province is aggressively positioning itself as a premier gateway for foreign investments and creative industries.

Philippine investment talks

Capitalizing on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), the Philippine delegation is expanding far beyond traditional commodity trading. The Board of Investments (BOI) is spearheading the Philippine Investment Forum to attract foreign capital into high-growth, future-ready sectors, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, green metals, high-tech manufacturing, modern healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, and data centers.

Building on prior successes, the 2026 delegation is well-positioned to break historical export records. Through CAEXPO 2026, the Philippines aims to cement its ongoing transformation into an innovative, sustainable, and highly competitive economic powerhouse in the region.

Alexandra Eala captures 2026 Mubadala DC Open crown

Alex Eala becomes first Filipino to win WTA Tour title with DC Open triumph

Bea Micaller
GMA News
04 August 2026

Alex Eala's breakthrough moment has arrived.

The 21-year-old Filipina overcame a rain suspension and a one-set deficit to stun top seed Jessica Pegula and capture the 2026 Mubadala DC Open crown early Tuesday (Philippine time).

With the come-from-behind victory, Eala clinched her first career title and became the first Filipino to capture a WTA Tour singles crown in history.

But to get there, Eala had to overcome a gauntlet of champions and some of the world's best players.

The 21-year-old was immediately pitted against Zheng Qinwen of China, the reigning Olympic and Asian Games champion, in the Round of 32. The Chinese champion imposed her will by taking the opening set but Eala crawled back and eked out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win.

Eala then faced a 1-5 deficit in Set 2 of her Round of 16 match against defending champion Leylah Fernandez, but still managed to pull through and pull off a mighty 6-2, 7-6(1) victory to move on.

She then had to square off against world No. 13 Naomi Osaka and No. 10 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. But even then, Eala still came out on top to reach her first WTA500 finals stint.

The Mubadala DC Open title is the latest milestone in Eala's growing resume.

Prior to her breakthrough WTA 500 triumph, she had captured the WTA 125 titles at the Guadalajara Open and the Birmingham Open.

—JMB, GMA News

Philippines remains the world’s leading supplier of seafarers

Philippines remains top supplier of seafarers

Bella Cariaso 
The Philippine Star 
July 12, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines remains the world’s leading supplier of seafarers, reaffirming its vital role in providing skilled maritime professionals to the global merchant fleet, the Maritime Industry Authority said yesterday.

MARINA cited the Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 which ranked the Philippines as first among the world’s five largest seafarer-supplying countries.

The report estimated that the Philippines supplies 203,179 officers, ahead of India with 140,718 officers, China with 110,893, the Russian Federation with 85,816 and Indonesia with 72,304.

The report said the Philippines and the four other top countries account for 56.25 percent of the global seafarer workforce supply.

MARINA added that data from shipping companies also showed that Filipinos are the leading nationality certified by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), followed by Ukrainians, Indians, Romanians and Poles.

Filipinos also ranked first in both the officer and rating categories, MARINA added.

The agency said it continues to strengthen the country’s maritime education, training, assessment and certification systems to keep Filipino seafarers competent, globally competitive and compliant with international standards.

“The agency also continues to pursue reforms that improve the quality of maritime training and certification and address the evolving skills and competency needs of the global shipping industry,” MARINA added.

It said the findings reaffirm the Philippines’ leading role in the global maritime workforce and the continued demand for the competence and professionalism of Filipino seafarers in international shipping.

Published every five years, the Seafarer Workforce Report provides estimates on the global supply and demand of STCW-certified seafarers, workforce demographics and the future manpower needs of the world merchant fleet.

Philippines is the next big thing in global supply chain

Philippines, Thailand primed as next supply chain ‘rising stars’

BusinessWorld
June 25, 2026 

Thailand, the Philippines and Argentina are among a group of promising yet underutilized economies primed for an increasing role in supply chains, according to a new analysis of global trade trends.

These and other countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America stand to benefit from diversification as companies look beyond cost and efficiency to build resilience, Verisk Maplecroft, a UK-based risk intelligence firm, said in a report released Thursday.

A third of the world’s busiest ports and airports are vulnerable to disruption from conflicts, environmental risk and domestic security threats, the firm warned. At a time when trade resilience has deteriorated in more than 150 countries — accounting for 90% of global trade — there’s opportunity for “rising stars,” the report argued.

The shuttering of the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israel conflict with Iran created “near-term headwinds” for both Thailand and the Philippines, Verisk Maplecroft said. Still, its data indicate that those “willing to take a longer-term view will find these markets worth their attention.”

Market openness, regulatory strengths and labor rights in each country are the three main factors the firm analyzes.

The supply chain potential in the Philippines comes despite a bout of political turmoil in the past year, including a sprawling scandal over corruption in contracts for flood mitigation projects that’s seen politicians issued with arrest warrants.

With a young, English-speaking labor force, the Philippines offers significant potential for industrial services and outsourcing, she said. “If you are confident in your company’s supply chain management systems to monitor and manage corruption risk, that doesn’t have to be a complete barrier,” Schwartz said.

THAILAND, ARGENTINA

Risks for Thailand, meantime, have decreased when compared with regional peers during the past five years, the firm said in its report. Thailand’s electronics sector is benefiting from AI investment, and the country is “well positioned to host higher-value supply chain links,” Verisk Maplecroft said. That’s even with an aging workforce and higher-cost labor compared with others in the region, it said.

“The ingredients are really good for a lot of the industries that are seeking supply chain diversification opportunities,” Schwartz said.

For Argentina, both the European Union-Mercosur trade accord and an agreement with US on reciprocal trade and investment could drive a shift on critical minerals, energy and industrial exports.

That graft scandal dented foreign investment in the Philippines last year and has been a factor in the government cutting its economic growth forecast for this year. The Senate, meantime, has been consumed by infighting related to a rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his deputy, Sara Duterte, who faces an impeachment trial in July.

“Things are still happening behind the scenes, including efforts to attract investment and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses — though the results of these efforts have yet to fully emerge,” according to Laura Schwartz, senior Asia analyst at Verisk Maplecroft.

“Sometimes political chaos completely stops policymaking, and sometimes it happens alongside policymaking.”

Chile and Uruguay are also on the regional list, with the latter offering the region’s strongest risk-adjusted operating profile.

“Latin America still trails Southeast Asia as a scaled manufacturing platform, but Western efforts to reduce exposure to China are creating new supply-chain contenders,” according to the report.

The report also points to Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico and Brazil as already benefiting from the reduction in bilateral trade between the US and China. Those four have their advantages as supply hubs, the report said, “but according to our data, risks to multinational supply chains in all of these jurisdictions are increasing.” — Bloomberg

Nine Young Filipinos makes it on Forbes' Asia List 2026

Nine PH entries land on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list 2026

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas
GMA News
29 May 2026

Nine entries from the Philippines were included in this year’s Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” list, which recognizes entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators across the Asia-Pacific region “pushing the boundaries” in their respective fields.

The listees were chosen from close to 4,000 candidates who were evaluated by the Forbes Asia team and a panel of judges based on factors such as funding and revenue, social and industry impact, product-market fit, inventiveness, and potential.

Below are the listees from the Philippines, with cofounders of the same company listed together as one entry:

BayaniChain Tech cofounders Raphael Sevilla and Brandon Angelo Wong

Photo: Forbes| People Asia

Tennis player Alexandra Eala

Photo: Alex Eala Official | Screencap

Singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo

Photo: Zach Tabudlo Official | Screencap

Amico Innovations cofounder Kharl Christian Yeung

Photo: Forbes | People Asia

Fan connection SEA cofounders Pauline Dizon and Adrian Jumangit

Photo: Forbes | People Asia

GoRocky cofounders Kiyanusch Braun and Martin Joaquin Palaña

Photo: Instagram | People Asia

ASEAN Youth Advocates Network founder Emmanuel Mirus Ponon

Photo: Facebook Profile | People Asia

Empath founder Steph Naval

Photo: Instagram | People Asia

Siklab founder Saje Miguel Molato

Photo: Siklab Pilipinas | Screencap

“The 11th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list spotlights a fresh wave of young minds from across Asia Pacific, who continue to innovate and disrupt their industries at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping our daily lives,” Forbes Asia editorial director Rana Wehbe Watson said in an emailed statement.

“From entrepreneurs building companion robots and AI tools to up-and-coming stars stepping into the global spotlight, this year’s listees illustrate Gen-Z’s influence across business and culture in the region,” she added.

The list covers 10 categories: AI; Consumer & Enterprise Technology; Entertainment & Sports; Finance & Venture Capital; Healthcare & Science; Industry, Manufacturing & Energy; Retail & Ecommerce; Social Impact; Social Media, Marketing & Advertising; and The Arts.

India had the most entries for the year with 78, followed by China with 46, Australia with 38, and Japan with 32. Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea all had 18. —VAL, GMA News

Philippines one of the best foodie destination for 2026 - Michelin

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Star Insider
16 January 2026

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Michelin has revealed its eagerly awaited "Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers" list. Published by the Michelin Guide, the index is compiled by Michelin inspectors and experts on the ground and highlights 16 destinations around the world chosen for their selected restaurants and hotels and emerging culinary scenes. Essentially, the list showcases an appetizing variety of food from different countries and the techniques used by top chefs to create dishes that are redefining menus and placing cuisine on the traveler's map.

16. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is already deserving of its reputation as a great food city. In 2026, it's also a FIFA World Cup host city, adding further appeal to this multicultural Canadian city.

As a foodie destination, Vancouver is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Fresh locally caught seafood, strong Asian influences, and a burgeoning focus on Indigenous cooking lend this eco-conscious Pacific hub an appetizing allure.

15. Québec, Canada

Québec is the only Francophone-majority province in Canada. Fiercely proud of its historic New France roots, Québec is nonetheless fully international, its diverse regions, languages, cultures, and history shaping its global character.

Québec's culinary landscape is firmly rooted in 17th-century French cooking techniques. Inventive Montreal chefs, for example, ably uphold this farm-to-table philosophy with dishes that also draw on historical influences from British and Indigenous cuisines, many reimagined for international palates.

14. Philadelphia, USA

Another 2026 World Cup host city, Philadelphia boasts one of America's most dynamic dining scenes, shaped largely by immigrant traditions and seasonal mid-Atlantic seafood.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the establishment of two Philadelphia landmarks offering an array of food options, the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Today, neighborhood restaurants flourish.

13. Boston, USA

Further up the East Coast, Boston is a historic food city, known for its exciting blend of New England seafood, tasty Italian fare, and classic American comfort foods, unique regional tastes like North Shore roast beef.

While Boston remains deliciously seafood-centric, the city is also appreciated for more exotic menus, typically listing Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. And an emerging, newly energized emphasis on sophisticated and innovative dining visibly illustrates Boston's growing reputation as a significant food destination.

12. Florida, USA

Gone are the days when Florida's epicurean clout was centered solely on Miami. These days, the state's culinary identity has broadened to include places like Orlando, Tampa and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.

Seafood menus and chef-led dining rooms exemplify Florida's charge as a gourmet destination. But the state's culinary depth is also heightened by Cuban influences, the Floribbean fusion of Caribbean spices and tropical ingredients, and traditional Southern comfort dishes.

11. The American South

And comfort food is what the American South is all about... and more! Across Alabama, Atlanta, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, a bold new culinary clarity is redefining menus across the board.

In Alabama and Mississippi, chefs are carefully reinventing regional staples; standalone Atlanta is big on innovation; Louisiana, meanwhile, is consolidating its Cajun and Creole authority. The Carolinas have redefined their seafood and whole-hog traditions, while Tennessee is honing its smoke-driven identity.

10. Route 66

Route 66—"The Mother Road"—is 100 years old in 2026. All the more reason, then, to drive it. Across eight states, numerous eateries are gearing up for an influx of visitors.

But it's the quality plates found at the start and end of the route in Chicago and Los Angeles that truly inspire, and where exclusive gourmet restaurants in both cities cater to a discerning clientele.

9. Philippines

Filipino food is highly regarded for its diverse fusion of Indigenous ingredients and Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. And restaurants in Manila and Cebu are where these bold sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors are best enjoyed.

But Manila and Cebu are destinations where you can also find a host of young chefs directing kitchens with independent flair and redefining Filipino food culture, employing traditional and international techniques to create dishes using regional fruits, spices, and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling, while balancing those same sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.

8. Jiangsu, China

Jiangsu province is one of China's most refined dining destinations. The culinary scene is dominated by Huaiyang cuisine and a garden culture known for its delicate, fresh, and mild flavors.

Emphasizing natural tastes, meticulous preparation, and artistic interpretation, chefs in the cities of Suzhou and Nanjing are applauded for their elegant regional food traditions, including the use of freshwater fish, subtle seasoning, and classical techniques.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Famed for its unworldly landscape of towering rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," Cappadocia is a favorite vacation getaway. Its natural wonders complement a burgeoning culinary scene, where 70% of the gastronomy is local.

Here, traditional fare is served in clay pots—earthy slow-cooked stews, soups, and grilled meats, and other hearty Turkish staples. The destination's culinary awakening is such that much of what's on offer is now appearing on pop-up tasting menus.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a culinary destination to watch. While the kingdom's food scene is predominantly local, chefs working in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are successfully reinterpreting traditional dishes, grilled meats, and Red Sea seafood with daring creativity.

Meanwhile, the international flavor is picking up pace, with Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, and French cuisines listed prominently on menus in restaurants and hotels in Saudi cities and coastal resorts.

5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The picture-perfect Amalfi Coast is renowned for its serene beauty and romantic allure. The area is also celebrated for its creative culinary scene. Think grilled lobster, lemon-laced pasta, and just-caught seafood served al fresco.

The food remains elemental, rooted in tradition but elevated by stunning coastal settings. Kitchens work with the seasons, with chefs using fresh local produce and artisanal products to create an authentic taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

4. Wrocław, Poland

Wrocław, the historical capital of Poland's Silesia region, is a vibrant city where chefs are reinterpreting Silesian cooking traditions with flair and imagination. The picturesque old market square is lined with several restaurants where this new approach to food can be sampled.

Visitors can still enjoy classic Silesian fare, dishes like pierogi and beef roulade. But these new breed of chefs are designing menus with modern culinary techniques that's allowing this Central European food destination to step out of the shadows.

3. The Dolomites, Italy

All eyes are on Cortina d'Ampezzo as the town prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In preparation, the Dolomites region in the northern Italian Alps, Michelin's third-placed best travel destination, has benefited from new infrastructure and refined mountain hotels. The Games will also afford thousands an opportunity to savor alpine cooking.

Dolomites gastronomy is a unique, hearty blend of Italian and Austrian-German traditions. Local fare includes dumplings, speck (smoked ham), and mountain cheeses. But thanks to chefs looking to techniques outside of the Italian Alps, these cherished dishes are lent a decidedly modern twist.

2. Czech Republic

Michelin's second-placed travel destination is the Czech Republic. While Prague remains a well-known haunt for gourmands, it's what's cooking beyond the capital that has foodies excited. In Karlovy Vary and other spa towns, for example, it is simple ingredients such as potatoes, freshwater fish, and foraged mushrooms that are enriching menus.

Hearty and traditional Central European comfort food is still enjoyed across the country, with rural kitchens and menus rooted in place and seasonality that are essentially redrawing the culinary map.

1. Venice, Italy

Heading the list of the best places to travel in 2026 for food lovers is Venice. Appropriately one of the most romantic of European cities, Venice is honored not so much for its existing culinary scene but for what connoisseurs of fine dining can expect in the future.

A hotel renaissance is about to reset the city's dining scene. Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles are all vying for a place at the table in the floating city. Arriving with these high-end properties will be stylish and trendy restaurants with kitchens geared towards serving those most appreciative of Michelin-rated dining spots.