Hello PW Readers!

Government is planning a ₱1.2B palm oil expansion. PLDT profit slips but eyes a new strategy. The Philippines lines up $10B in loans. And Lucio Tan’s 9% beer play shows how small wins build empires. Here’s what matters, and why it affects your money and future.

Stay sharp.

Big picture: The Department of Agriculture wants to pour ₱1.2B into oil palm in 2027, a sharp jump from this year’s ₱79M allocation after Congress cut its proposed ₱1B budget. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. says funding will target fertilizer support, area expansion, and productivity upgrades, with Mindanao at the center.

Why oil palm: Yields average 3.8 metric tons per hectare versus less than 1 MT for coconut. Farmers reportedly earn nearly double the roughly ₱90K annual income of coconut growers.

The gap: The United States Department of Agriculture projects output to dip while consumption rises 5.6%, pushing imports to 1.1M MT.

What’s next: The Philippine Coconut Authority plans nurseries and imported high-quality seeds to close the supply gap.

Market Reality
In the 1980s, San Miguel controlled almost the entire Philippine beer market. It had nationwide distribution, strong brand loyalty, and deep political ties. When Lucio Tan launched Asia Brewery, he was entering one of the most concentrated industries in the country.

Early Strategy
Rather than confronting San Miguel across all segments, Tan focused on specific entry points. Asia Brewery introduced cheaper, mass-market beers aimed at price-sensitive consumers. The company also faced legal disputes over bottles and branding, which slowed but did not stop expansion.

Strategic Partnerships
To strengthen its position, Asia Brewery partnered with foreign brands such as Asahi. This allowed it to compete in niche categories that were less saturated. Over time, the company secured roughly 9% market share.

Long-Term Impact
That foothold supported the growth of LT Group into tobacco, banking, airlines, spirits, and real estate. The case shows how targeted market entry can challenge even dominant incumbents.

PLDT Inc.’s net income fell 7% to P30.01 billion in 2025 as expenses rose and competition intensified, despite flat revenues of P218.39 billion. The telco is studying a REIT listing for its VITRO data centers after shelving a minority stake sale, aiming to cut debt and retain control of key assets.

Netflix dropped its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance Corp. to clinch a $111 billion deal. Netflix said matching the latest offer was no longer financially attractive and will instead invest $20 billion in content this year, as regulators review the merger.

The Philippines is preparing 25 new official development assistance loan agreements worth $10.3 billion for 2026, with funding from Japan, South Korea, and France, according to the Department of Finance. South Korea leads the pipeline, while talks with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank continue for two major infrastructure projects.

Bank of the Philippine Islands and Ayala Land Inc. introduced Direct Debit, allowing buyers and tenants to auto-pay amortizations, rent, and dues from any participating bank. The system, aligned with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rails, removes same-bank requirements and aims to reduce missed payments while improving cash flow efficiency.

Blackpink will release mini album “Deadline” on the 27th, as their YouTube channel surpassed 100 million subscribers, the first artist to reach the milestone globally. (Read More)

Michelle Dee’s lawyer said they will seek an Interpol red notice if a court issues an arrest warrant against Xian Gaza in her cyber libel case, as he is reportedly in Thailand. (Read more)

Alex Eala visited Nike’s Oregon headquarters before the Indian Wells tournament, receiving a personalized welcome celebrating her career milestones as she prepares to compete in the BNP Paribas Open. (Read More)

The Department of Education issued a 49-page order on artificial intelligence use in schools, stressing a human-centered approach and warning of risks like data privacy breaches and misleading content. (Read More)

Researchers from the University of Maryland developed a wearable underwear sensor that detects and counts gas releases to help doctors monitor digestive health and diagnose gastrointestinal conditions more accurately. (Read More)

Researchers from Kyoto University unveiled Buddharoid, an AI humanoid monk providing 24/7 Buddhist counseling in Kyoto temples, aiming to address Japan’s clergy shortage through personalized, scripture-based spiritual guidance. (Read more)

Engineers at the University of California, Davis developed a Stirling engine device that generates nighttime power by harnessing temperature differences between the warm ground and freezing outer space without fuel. (Read more)

Researchers discovered Clerodendrum kelli, a critically endangered shrub in Nueva Ecija, long used by the Bugkalot community as traditional medicine for sick dogs.

A galunggong bought in Dasmariñas, Cavite glowed blue-green, likely from naturally occurring bioluminescent bacteria, though experts say it is generally safe if the fish is fresh.

Canadians Choose Time of Death, Often with Peace and Dignity

In Canada, one in 20 people now opt for assisted dying, allowing patients to end suffering on their own terms, sometimes turning final moments into celebrations with family.

Six Planets Visible in Evening Sky During Planetary Parade

Stargazers can see Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune lining up after sunset, with best viewing dates varying by location and binoculars or telescopes needed for some planets.

Chinese Navy warships were spotted near Philippine and US vessels during joint exercises with Japan that reached northern Batanes waters. (Read more)

Thousands set to reenact the Bataan Death March in New Mexico’s desert on March 21, honoring WWII American and Filipino soldiers. (Read more)

Duterte’s defense argues ICC prosecution claims are weak, but human rights lawyers and victims say allegations of killings remain credible. (Read more)

Senator Jinggoy Estrada proposes lowering income taxes to boost take-home pay, aiming to benefit low- and middle-income Filipino workers. (Read more)

Kanlaon Volcano erupted, causing ashfall, sulfuric odor, and shockwaves in Negros Occidental, prompting evacuations and class suspensions. (Read more)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared “open war” following airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika in response to Taliban attacks on Pakistani posts, as tensions escalate despite a fragile ceasefire from October.

Babawru, one of the last three surviving Akuntsu members in Brazil’s Amazon, gave birth to a boy, bringing hope for the tribe’s survival amid decades of violence and deforestation.

Parliamentary committees are set to review extending medical assistance in dying to Canadians with chronic, treatment-resistant mental disorders, following the country’s growing use of the practice for physical illnesses.

📝 Jollibee and McDonald’s mascots go viral in street showdown. (Watch)

📝 Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 with world’s first privacy display. (Watch)

📝 Argentina’s youth embrace animal identities in viral craze.

📝 Uganda detains two women over public kiss amid harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law.

📝 Marks & Spencer stays in Philippines with new franchise partner.

 Entertainment & Vibe