The agreement, which marks a major step in the coffee chain’s shift toward cost-efficient and sustainable energy use, places the selected Starbucks branches under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

RAP allows for multiple facilities to combine their power demand and access more competitive electricity rates under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework.

MPower, the retail electricity supplier of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), will provide the energy supply for the consolidated load, enabling operational efficiencies across the participating stores in Metro Manila.

The enrollment, which began in November 2025, is expected to support Starbucks Philippines’ efforts to optimize costs while advancing its sustainability agenda.

“In today’s evolving business environment, it is important for companies like ours to continue exploring ways to operate more efficiently. Since transitioning, we have begun to see initial savings in our electricity costs,” RCOC President Noey Lopez said during the ceremonial signing of the agreement with MPower.

The initiative complements existing in-store sustainability measures such as water-saving fixtures, 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, and improved waste management practices.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of MPower Redel Domingo said the move highlights how businesses can benefit from participating in the competitive retail electricity market.

“By pioneering RAP within the food and beverage sector, it demonstrates how businesses with multiple facilities can access the benefits of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework,” Domingo said.

MPower said it will continue to promote customer choice by offering cost-competitive electricity and flexible energy solutions, particularly for companies seeking to improve efficiency across multiple locations.

The initiatives aim to help thousands of platform-based transport workers cope with rising fuel costs while protecting their livelihoods and ensuring that Filipinos who depend on ride-hailing, delivery, and motorcycle taxi services continue to have reliable mobility options.

The intervention comes as pump prices continue to surge amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting the oil market. Diesel and gasoline prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, significantly increasing the daily operating costs of drivers who shoulder fuel expenses out of pocket.

Recognizing the strain on drivers’ earnings, both platforms said their support package focuses on three key pillars: fuel cost relief, earnings protection, and regulatory engagement, designed to cushion the impact of the oil price shock while maintaining service reliability for passengers.

“Our immediate priority is to help ensure that our drivers continue to earn viably and fairly for their families, while preserving service reliability for passengers and the sustainability of the platform as we collectively navigate volatility in the global fuel market,” said Ronald Roda, managing director of Grab Philippines.

He noted that protecting driver earnings is critical at a time when more Filipino households may turn to shared mobility to manage the rising costs of operating private vehicles.

Why it matters for drivers and commuters

When fuel prices spike, drivers are often the first to feel the pressure. Higher fuel costs can force some drivers to temporarily go offline, affecting the availability of ride-hailing and delivery services that many commuters and small businesses rely on daily.

By rolling out early support measures, Grab and MOVE IT aim to help drivers stay on the road while ensuring passengers continue to benefit from safe, dependable, and accessible transport and delivery services.

Fuel cost relief through industry partnerships

As part of the program, drivers can access fuel discounts through partnerships with major fuel providers including Seaoil Philippines, Caltex, Blu Energy, and Shell Pilipinas.

Through participating stations nationwide, driver-partners operating both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles may receive fuel savings of up to ₱4 per liter.

In addition, Grab Finance is launching a targeted fuel rebate program through the Shell Fuel Card for nearly 20,000 eligible drivers and riders nationwide. Starting March 16 until the end of March, partners who refuel using their active Grab Finance Shell Fuel Cards will receive a ₱3-per-liter rebate, credited directly to them based on program mechanics.

Earnings protection and expanded incentives

To help stabilize take-home earnings, Grab is also introducing incentive adjustments across its services.

GrabCar driver-partners will benefit from commission rebates and per-trip cashback incentives, particularly during peak demand periods when fuel consumption tends to be highest.

Meanwhile, GrabFood delivery partners using motorcycles will receive a ₱3 spot bonus per completed delivery nationwide, regardless of total online hours or number of trips completed.

Recognizing that motorcycle taxi riders operate under different cost structures, MOVE IT is launching “Power Pasada,” a dedicated fuel resilience program designed specifically for two-wheel transport professionals.

The program includes monthly fuel allowances for consistently active rider-partners, along with AM and PM peak-hour incentives to help support riders during periods of higher demand.

Coordination with government and stakeholders

Both platforms are also maintaining active discussions with regulators, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation, regarding the impact of the fuel price surge on ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi drivers.

The government recently announced a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for affected transport workers, to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

“We thank the DOTr and DSWD for recognizing TNVS professionals as equal partners in keeping the country’s transport ecosystem alive,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of the United Transportation Coalition Philippines.

Transport sector leaders are also engaging regulators and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to explore additional support mechanisms for motorcycle taxi and on-demand delivery professionals.

“It is imperative that the entire transport ecosystem works together in finding the right support programs as we collectively try to survive this oil challenge,” said Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines.

Commitment to sustained support

Grab and MOVE IT emphasized that the programs announced represent an initial response to the current fuel crisis, noting that both platforms will continue monitoring developments in the global oil market.

They also pledged to work closely with regulators, transport groups, and driver communities to ensure the country’s ride-hailing and delivery ecosystem remains resilient—and that the drivers who keep it running receive meaningful support during this challenging period.

The Cebu-based company said revenues grew 24% from ₱3.37 billion in 2024, while net income rose 21% from ₱99.44 million in the previous year. Gross income climbed 35% to ₱391.22 million from ₱289.08 million, driven by improved pricing strategies, cost management, and rising fuel volumes.

“Our 2025 performance affirms the strength of our vertical integration strategy. By reinforcing our commercial trading operations while expanding our retail presence, we are building a more diversified and scalable business,” said Eugene Erik Lim, TOP Chairman, President and CEO.

TOP also reported an improvement in gross profit margin to 9.34% in 2025, up from 8.57% in 2024.

“In a high-volume industry characterized by thin margins, a 77-basis-point expansion demonstrates our ability to enhance profitability even amid market volatility,” said Atty. Constance Marie C. Lim, TOP First Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Total fuel sales volume grew 31% year-on-year to 96.26 million liters in 2025, compared with 73.45 million liters in 2024.

Commercial fuel trading remained the company’s primary revenue driver. Sales volume in this segment reached 92.65 million liters, up 28% from 72.45 million liters in the previous year, translating to ₱3.98 billion in revenues—an increase of 21% from ₱3.29 billion in 2024.

Meanwhile, Light Fuels Corp., TOP’s retail subsidiary, posted triple-digit growth. Retail fuel volume surged 126% to 3.63 million liters from 1.60 million liters a year earlier, while revenues jumped 153% to ₱205.73 million as the company expanded its station network and improved station performance.

“While commercial fuel trading remains the core revenue driver of our business, the triple-digit growth in retail underscores the strong demand potential of Light Fuels. As we continue to renovate the acquired stations, we are positioning the Company for sustained an resilient growth,” said Brigitte Carmel C. Lim, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, TOP generated ₱1.10 billion in revenues, up 17% from ₱936.40 million in the same period in 2024. Total fuel volume during the quarter rose 27% year-on-year to 27.52 million liters.

Commercial trading contributed ₱1.02 billion in revenues for the quarter, a 12% increase from ₱906.95 million a year earlier. Retail revenues grew sharply by 148% to ₱73.01 million, compared with ₱29.45 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Building on this growth trajectory, we are pursuing cost optimization initiatives to safeguard margins. In 2026, we are preparing for a capital-raising initiative to support supply chain enhancements, including direct fuel importation, expanded storage infrastructure, and retail network expansion,” Mr. Lim added.

Engaged in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and retail fuel distribution across the Visayas, TOP operates through two subsidiaries: Topline Logistics and Development Corp., which handles the importation, trading, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products; and Light Fuels Corporation, which focuses on the company’s expanding retail fuel network.

The company’s board has approved the creation of a Singapore-based trading house that will serve as its international trading arm. The new entity will allow TOP to directly engage global fuel suppliers and optimize procurement arrangements as it scales up importation activities.

“This initiative is a strategic step toward our long-term vertical integration strategy by optimizing our end-to-end supply chain. By establishing a trading presence in Singapore, we enhance our fuel supply reliability and efficiently structure our costs. Over time, this is expected to contribute to better margins and more efficient fuel sourcing across our network,” said Atty. Constance Marie C. Lim, First Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

The move follows the recent grant of a Certificate of Registration by the Bureau of Customs to Topline Logistics and Development Corp. (TLDC), TOP’s logistics subsidiary, authorizing it to undertake fuel importation activities.

Singapore is widely recognized as Asia’s largest oil trading hub, serving as a key gateway between Middle Eastern producers and Southeast Asian markets. By establishing a presence in the city-state, TOP positions itself closer to major market participants, trading platforms, and global pricing benchmarks.

Based in Cebu, TOP is active in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and retail fuel distribution across the Visayas. It operates two subsidiaries: TLDC, which handles the importation, trading, distribution, and marketing of petroleum-based products, and Light Fuels Corporation, which focuses on retail fuel operations.

In a press release dated February 19, the company said Cluster 1 — composed of stations in Medellin, Bogo, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Sogod, Borbon, Catmon, and Carmen — is now operating at full capacity. The cluster forms part of TOP’s broader renovation and rebranding program covering stations in Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.

TOP said the eight stations are designed primarily to serve motorcycles and light vehicles, noting that an estimated 80% of Northern Cebu’s fuel market consists of two-wheeled vehicles. The cluster is targeted to sell between 800,000 and 1,000,000 liters of fuel per month.

“The completion of our Cluster 1 renovation shows how we maintain quality in our acquisitions, reflecting our disciplined approach to optimize each station to operate at full capacity while maintaining efficiency and service quality. This cluster-based rollout allows us to scale systematically and capture demand in high-growth markets like Northern Cebu,” said Brigitte Carmel Lapasaran Lim, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Light Fuels Express format is designed for operational efficiency while retaining flexibility to expand as demand grows. The rebranding initiative also aims to establish a consistent and recognizable identity across TOP’s retail network.

Beyond fuel sales, the newly renovated stations are positioned as service-oriented hubs offering added convenience to motorists. Each Light Fuels Express site is equipped with automated motor wash systems capable of cleaning motorcycles in approximately three minutes. The stations also integrate water recycling systems as part of the company’s sustainability efforts.

TOP said renovations for Clusters 2, 3, and 4 are expected to be completed by end-2026. Stations that have yet to be rebranded continue to operate and contribute to revenue.

Top Line Business Development Corp. is engaged in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and retail fuel in the Visayas. It operates two subsidiaries: Topline Logistics and Development Corp., which handles importation, trading, distribution, and marketing of petroleum-based products; and Light Fuels Corporation, which operates in the retail fuel sector.

Data from the Board of Investments show Philippine aerospace exports reached US$590.2 million in 2024, rising further to US$603.1 million in the first nine months of 2025. Major markets include the United States, Singapore, France, and China.

Building on this momentum, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Singapore (PTIC-Singapore), is promoting the country’s capabilities in aerospace manufacturing, parts production, sub-assemblies, and MRO services at the Philippine Pavilion of the Singapore Airshow 2026.

DTI is supporting the Philippine delegation by facilitating business matching and targeted introductions with potential foreign investors, buyers, and partners attending the Airshow. The DTI Singapore team, led by Commercial Counsellor Carla Grepo, is helping strengthen industry links, including collaboration between the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines, represented by Executive Director Wilfredo Estoque, and the Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore, led by Chew Hwee Yong.

DTI’s engagement focuses on positioning the Philippines as a competitive location for aerospace manufacturing and services while advancing direct commercial discussions between Philippine firms and international aerospace companies.

The country already hosts established aerospace manufacturers and global MRO players, supported by a growing local supplier base engaged in precision machining, components, and assemblies. These operations are anchored in investment-ready industrial zones and airport-linked developments promoted by other agencies represented in the Pavilion.

The Philippine Pavilion brings together economic agencies, infrastructure operators, and private-sector firms engaged in aviation and aerospace. Delegates include representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, Clark International Airport Corporation, Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines, LIPAD Corporation, Poro Point Management Corporation, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Berthaphil Inc., Skytrack Aviation Services, Skyway Airlines, and Wingbox Aviation.

Sponsored by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Tourism, the Pavilion was open to visitors from 3–6 February 2026.

Singapore, a regional headquarters hub for many global aviation and aerospace firms, provides a strategic platform for investment discussions, particularly for companies seeking Southeast Asian manufacturing and services partners.

Interested companies may contact PTIC-Singapore at singapore@dti.gov.ph

The event spotlighted a range of Dubai residential projects — from high-rise urban towers to resort-style master-planned communities and branded residences — catering to both first-time overseas buyers and seasoned investors looking to diversify beyond the Philippine market.

ERA Philippines said interest in offshore assets among Filipinos has been steadily growing.

“We observed a strong interest among Filipino investors in exploring opportunities beyond the local market, particularly as they become more deliberate about diversification,” said Jemariz Austria, Director of Marketing and PR of ERA Philippines.

“Our role is to bridge that gap by making international real estate more accessible, informed, and approachable. Through our partnership with DAMAC Properties, we were able to bring global developments directly to Filipino investors, providing them with clarity, proper guidance, and confidence to assess markets like Dubai,” Austria added.

Among the projects presented were Safa Gate along Sheikh Zayed Road, DAMAC Islands with entry prices starting at around ₱10.9 million, DAMAC Riverside Views featuring waterfront living concepts, and Chelsea Residences, a branded residential development positioned around lifestyle appeal.

Founded in 2002, DAMAC Properties has delivered over 50,000 residential units and currently has more than 54,000 units in progress. Its portfolio spans luxury towers, hospitality projects, and large-scale communities, with operations across 15 cities worldwide.

The Manila event builds on ERA Philippines’ earlier international investor engagements, including a U.S.-based presentation in late 2025, signaling sustained Filipino interest in global property markets.

For Filipino buyers seeking geographic diversification, Dubai is increasingly being positioned as a viable entry point into overseas real estate investing.

The 29th Annual Global CEO Survey found that 39% of Asia-Pacific CEOs reported additional revenues from AI over the past 12 months, outperforming the global average of 30%. Meanwhile, 26% saw tangible cost reductions, and 15% achieved both revenue growth and cost savings simultaneously.

Yet about half of CEOs in the region reported little to no financial upside from AI, highlighting the uneven pace of returns.

The findings suggest that value from AI is closely tied to organizational readiness. Companies with strong AI foundations are twice as likely to achieve both revenue growth and cost reductions.

However, only 26% of organizations report robust capabilities across at least six of seven core areas, including culture, technology environment, strategy and AI roadmap, responsible AI, talent, investment, and data.

In the Philippines, readiness remains a work in progress. The PwC Philippines AI Readiness Survey 2025 found that most organizations fall within the “emerging stage,” with an average maturity score of 3.2 out of 5 across six pillars: strategy and roadmap, technology and infrastructure, data assets, governance and processes, team and talent, and modelling and operations.

The AI divide comes as broader pressures intensify. Nearly four in ten Asia-Pacific CEOs (39%) report high exposure to cyber threats, the highest-ranked risk in the region. At the same time, confidence in short-term revenue growth has softened, with only 21% saying they are very or extremely confident about the year ahead.

Roderick Danao, chairman and senior partner of Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines, said the survey reflects the urgency of transformation in an era of rapid change.

“We live in a time of rapid changes, and these changes will happen whether we are onboard. CEOs must look to evolve with intent and agility and seize the momentum for new sources of growth as industry boundaries become more porous,” Danao said.

He added that the broader message of the survey goes beyond technology adoption.

“What consumers and stakeholders need and how they want those needs met are changing. The pattern is clear around the world. Boundaries between business sectors are blurring and, as a result, new domains of growth are emerging,” Danao explained.

As AI moves from experimentation to measurable impact, the survey suggests that organizations able to institutionalize strategy, talent, governance and data capabilities will be better positioned to convert technological disruption into sustained competitive advantage.

According to the 29th Annual Global CEO Survey of PwC, 37% of CEOs in the region intend to move into new sectors, signalling a stronger appetite for business model reinvention. Globally, the figure is even higher at 53%.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 30 to Nov. 10, 2025, gathered responses from 4,454 CEOs worldwide, including 1,766 from Asia-Pacific.

While 59% of Asia-Pacific CEOs expect global economic conditions to improve over the next 12 months, only 21% say they are very or extremely confident about their own short-term revenue prospects — down sharply from 34% in 2025 and below the global average of 30%.

The weakening confidence comes amid heightened exposure to risks. Nearly four in ten CEOs (39%) say they feel highly or extremely exposed to cyber threats, making Asia-Pacific the only region where cyber risk clearly surpasses other concerns such as inflation, macroeconomic volatility and tariffs.

Despite the cautious outlook, CEOs are actively seeking growth in adjacent and fast-moving industries, including technology, health services, assets and wealth management, transportation and logistics, retail, and industrial manufacturing. Among those that have already diversified, 61% report that more than 10% of their revenue over the past five years came from competing in new sectors.

Roderick Danao, chairman and senior partner of Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines, said global megatrends are accelerating the need to rethink business boundaries.

“What consumers and stakeholders need and how they want those needs met are changing. The pattern is clear around the world. Boundaries between business sectors are blurring and, as a result, new domains of growth are emerging,” Danao explained.

“Companies that actively reinvent—by crossing sector boundaries and investing ahead of the curve—are more sustainable and more confident about their future. In today’s environment, waiting for certainty is often the riskiest strategy,” he added.

However, investment appetite appears constrained by near-term pressures. Only 28% of Asia-Pacific CEOs plan to pursue at least one major acquisition over the next three years, down sharply from 54% last year and below the global average of 41%. Meanwhile, 60% have no plans for international investments in the next 12 months, up from 44% previously.

Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia, managing partner for deals and corporate finance at PwC Philippines, said local trends mirror the regional picture.

“What we’re seeing is that while CEOs clearly recognize the importance of long-term transformation, capital and attention are often held captive by short-range pressures. As a result, deal activity slowed in 2025, with investors deploying capital more selectively toward sectors with clearer growth and value-creation pathways,” Divinagracia said.

The survey underscores a growing tension: CEOs acknowledge that existing business models may no longer sustain long-term value, yet immediate risks and uncertainty are reshaping how — and how fast — they act on reinvention.

“Our 2025 results show that Globe is not only growing traffic; we are turning every gigabyte into real, everyday impact for our customers and communities,” said Carl Raymond R. Cruz, Globe President and CEO.

The company attributed much of its performance to its prepaid portfolio, which continues to attract budget-conscious users. TM offers low-denomination promos such as FBML15, which provides 1GB of Facebook and Messenger data for ₱15 valid for three days, and EasySURF50 5G, which bundles 9GB of data plus unlimited all-net texts for three days.

Globe Prepaid plans start at ₱99 for 20GB of combined all-access, app-specific, and 5G data. Meanwhile, GFiber Prepaid offers unlimited fiber internet at ₱299 for seven days, ₱549 for 15 days, and ₱999 for 30 days. More than 820,000 households are now subscribed to GFiber Prepaid, allowing users to access high-speed internet without long-term contracts.

Globe said its broadband network is now 91% fiber-based, complemented by GFiber Prepaid and its portable 5G WiFi Loop, strengthening its push for reliable and flexible home connectivity.

Beyond commercial growth, Globe highlighted its GoGIVE program, which converts mobile data usage into support for social causes. Since March 2025, GoGIVE has generated 4.3 billion “hearts” from over 70,000 contributors, supporting advocacies ranging from digital literacy and child welfare to forest conservation and frontline medical training. The initiative has also mobilized aid during natural disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes.

“Through affordable prepaid plans, GFiber Prepaid, and programs like GoGIVE, we are enabling Filipinos to work, learn, connect, and give back. Every innovation we deliver is designed to make life better, more convenient, and more meaningful,” Globe’s Cruz said.

Globe, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol GLO, operates across telecommunications, fintech, venture building, and digital services.