While signs of gradual recovery appear in certain regions, both developed and emerging economies face challenges that could hinder gross domestic product (GDP) growth, innovation, and investments.

According to the International Monetary Fund, economies such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan are projected to grow at less than 3% annually. This rate, below the threshold required to double per capita income within a generation, signals long-term economic stagnation that could harm living standards.

Large emerging economies, including Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa, face similar issues due to structural inefficiencies, policy inconsistencies, and external pressures.

As global GDP reaches $110 trillion, its uneven distribution highlights disparities that could deepen economic and social divides.

Challenges at a global scale

The latest Chief Economists Outlook from the World Economic Forum stated that countries face heightened uncertainty, uneven growth prospects, and increasing fragmentation of trade and labor markets.

The report revealed that more than half (56%) of chief economists surveyed expect global economic conditions to weaken in 2025, with only 17% predicting improvement.

Aengus Collins, the Forum’s head of economic growth and transformation, described the growth outlook as the weakest in decades, emphasizing the contested nature of economic policy both domestically and internationally.

International nonprofit media organization Project Syndicate also noted that escalating geopolitical conflicts remain a significant threat. For instance, relations among the U.S., China, and Russia are increasingly strained, compounded by risks from nations like Iran and North Korea.

Economic fragmentation is reflected in the rise of economic alliances and the “splinternet,” where digital economies divide along geopolitical lines. This fragmentation limits collective efforts to address global issues like climate change and energy transitions, further intensifying divides.

Similarly, the World Economic Forum reported that 94% of surveyed chief economists expect further fragmentation of goods trade over the next three years, with 59% anticipating similar trends in services trade. This shift is likely to increase costs for businesses and consumers.

The financial sector stands out as a partial exception, with less than half (48%) of participants anticipating increased fragmentation. This trend highlights the role of cross-border financial flows in modern economies, even as supply chain realignments and security concerns continue to reshape the global landscape.

Meanwhile, demographic shifts are reshaping the global workforce and consumer markets. Populations in high-performing economies are aging, while rapidly growing populations in poorer regions face slower economic growth. For instance, China’s population is projected to decline sharply by 2,100, even as its economic growth stagnates.

The dependency ratio, or the dependents relative to the working-age population, is rising globally, placing additional stress on social security and pension systems. Without significant policy reforms or demographic changes, global per capita income growth could decline further.

In addition, the scarcity of critical resources such as arable land, water, energy, and rare-earth elements is another looming challenge, compounded by rapid urbanization and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven energy consumption. Fossil fuels, despite global climate commitments, remain in high demand, with oil consumption exceeding 100 million barrels per day.

Resource scarcity and rising costs are likely to fuel inflation and disrupt supply chains. Geopolitical vulnerabilities, such as China’s dominance in rare-earth production, further complicate resource security.

Furthermore, loose fiscal policies and mounting government debt are creating unsustainable economic conditions. Both advanced and emerging economies struggle with budgetary constraints, limiting their ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Economic uncertainty in Asia

Although Asian economies show resilience, several external factors will shape the region’s landscape in 2025, according to Oxford Economics.

One of the biggest uncertainties facing Asia is the unpredictable trade policies of the United States (US). With expectations of higher tariffs on goods, particularly targeting China, the effects could ripple across the entire region.

Countries like Vietnam and India, often seen as alternatives to China in global supply chains, may gain limited benefits as the global economic outlook softens. Tariffs on Chinese goods could rise to 30%, while tariffs on other Asian countries might target specific products, reaching up to 10%.

The yield on the US 10-year bond rose before the end of 2024, leading to a stronger US dollar and a decline in Asian currencies. This situation is likely to limit monetary policy flexibility, meaning expected interest rate cuts across Asia may be slower and less effective than initially projected.

China’s ongoing economic struggles present another significant challenge in Asia. The country is experiencing a “balance sheet downturn,” where its economy is burdened by structural and cyclical issues.

Although there are some signs of recovery, fiscal policies have yet to yield results. A slowdown in foreign investments and a shrinking manufacturing sector could exacerbate the economic strain.

Meanwhile, AI remains a significant focus of innovation. Many believe that the AI revolution could be even more transformative than the advent of mobile phones or the internet itself. The production of AI chips in Taiwan, South Korea, and Malaysia places Asia at the forefront of this technology.

The excitement surrounding the potential of AI comes with a word of caution. History shows that technological bubbles can burst. Asia has experienced significant economic crises, including the Asian Financial Crisis, the dotcom bubble burst, and the Global Financial Crisis, all of which have left lasting impacts on its economies.

While AI-related industries are expected to create significant economic opportunities in Asia, particularly in chip manufacturing, there are risks if growth slows. Today, the region’s economies are more resilient than during past crises, but the balance between opportunity and risk remains fragile.

Risks for Philippine businesses

Cyber incidents remain a dominant threat in businesses, tied with business interruption as the top risk in the Philippines with 44%, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer for 2025. This category encompasses cybercrime, information technology (IT) network disruptions, malware, ransomware, and data breaches. The surge in digital transformation and reliance on technology exposes companies to vulnerabilities, with data breaches being the most feared exposure.

To mitigate these risks, businesses are advised to invest in robust cybersecurity frameworks, enhance IT resilience, and comply with stricter data protection regulations.

Cyber incidents also rank as the number one risk globally, reflecting their widespread impact across industries, particularly in financial services, technology, and telecommunications.

On the other hand, business interruption, like supply chain disruptions and operational halts, pose a significant challenge with the country’s susceptibility to natural catastrophes and growing dependence on global trade.

Key strategies to address this risk include diversifying supplier networks, enhancing business continuity plans, and adopting digital supply chain management tools. Industries like manufacturing, transportation, and logistics are prioritizing these measures to ensure resilience.

Meanwhile, the evolving regulatory landscape; encompassing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements; and sustainability mandates present complex challenges, according to 38% of respondents.

Ranked fourth globally but climbing steadily in priority, climate change poses both immediate and long-term risks, especially in the Philippines. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events amplifies threats to infrastructure, supply chains, and ecosystems.

The Philippines’ geographic location also makes it highly susceptible to typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. The rising costs of insured losses, which have surpassed $100 billion globally for five consecutive years, emphasize the importance of preparedness.

Such challenges are expected to shape the global economy; so governments, businesses, and investors alike are suggested to stay agile to ensure resilience and sustainability in the years ahead. — Mhicole A. Moral

Rail transit is one of the best ways to skip the grueling traffic on the road as it gives more convenience to commuters and can reduce their travel time within minutes. It serves as an efficient way to transport millions of passengers in the metro, helping them reach their destinations smoothly.

Travel by train, however, can often be challenged by crowded train cars, normalized long lines, and even glitches in the train, tracks, and systems. Acknowledging these apparent inconveniences, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has been endeavoring to make the train commuting experience better for Filipino commuters.

As it celebrates its 126th anniversary this year, the DoTr shows its steadfast commitment to making railway transportation more efficient, effective, and secure, as shown by the progress of numerous projects.

Metro Manila Subway

The country’s first underground railway system, the Metro Manila Subway (MMS) Project seeks to revolutionize travel and help commuters avoid those pesky traffic jams.

The Metro Manila Subway spans 34 kilometers (km) and is considered the deepest subway in Southeast Asia with an average depth of 30 meters. Touted as the country’s “Crown Jewel” of mass transit system, the rail line is expected to reduce travel time between Valenzuela City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes, as well as to carry 500,000 passengers a day. It will travel across eight cities, serving the eastern side of Metro Manila.

The DoTr, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has launched the operations of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), which are used to building tunnels underground. A total of 19 TBMs will be used to accelerate the construction of the underground rail system.

Currently, the Metro Manila Subway is at 18.24% progress and plans to push ahead this year. Given its significant progress, the subway is aiming for full operation in 2029.

North-South Commuter Railway

The 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is set to offer a long-distance transport and connectivity across three regions in Luzon. With the capacity to serve 800,000 passengers, the project seeks to bring more access to high-quality passenger rail service, reducing lengthy travel time between North and South Luzon from four hours to two hours.

The NSCR will include 36 stations that will connect Manila to the North and South Luzon regions. The northern line will run 266 km from Manila to San Fernando, La Union. Its extension line goes from San Jose, Nueva Ecija to Cagayan, and a branch line is set to connect Tarlac and San Jose.

The southern line, meanwhile, is divided into the South Commuter Railway (Tutuban to Calamba) and the South Long-Haul (SLH) Project (Muntinlupa, Metro Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon). The SLH Project will cover 561 kilometers that will connect various cities, economic zones, and international ports.

The construction of the railway project is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Tutuban, Manila, to Malolos, Bulacan), Phase 2 (Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga), and PNR Calamba (Solis, Manila to Calamba, Laguna).

The Malolos-Manila and Clark Extensions are expected to finish this year. Additionally, the department is looking forward to having partial operations by the end of 2028, aiming for full completion in 2029.

Metro Rail Transit Lines 4 and 7

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Lines 4 and 7 are also building up the railway network in Mega Manila.

Connecting the bustling cities of the northeast Metro Manila, the 24-km MRT-7 consists of 14 stations and spans from North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. This line aims to reduce travel time from around two to three hours to 35 minutes, and it is expected to serve 300,000 passengers per day and 800,000 passengers at most.

On the other hand, the 12.7-kilometer MRT-4 will feature 10 stations, connecting Ortigas Avenue alongside Epifanio de los Santos Avenue to Taytay, Rizal. This railway is projected to ease traffic congestion in the Eastern Metro Manila and will accommodate at least 400,000 passengers daily.

At present, MRT-7 is expected to open partial operations in late 2025, with full operations targeted between 2027 and 2028. MRT-4, meanwhile, is still at pre-construction stage and is yet to finalize project details, including engineering design and acquisition of land. The DoTr plans to start its construction by 2026.

Light Rail Transit Line 1 Extension

The Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 Cavite Extension is another railway project that is set to offer high-quality transportation to commuters in the metro. The extension will add another 11.7-kilometer railway line, featuring eight new stations connecting Pasay City to Bacoor, Cavite. This upgrade is Light Rail Manila Corp.’s (LRMC) commitment to providing world-class public transportation, making every commute experience more efficient and convenient. The LRT-1 extension is on track as it achieved 74% completion last year. It also started partial operations last November, opening up the Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World (PITX), Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos (Sucat) stations. The new stations are expected to increase the estimated number of daily passengers from 320,000 to 400,000.

The entire extension, nonetheless, is anticipated to welcome additional 300,000 passengers in the LRT-1 line, expanding its total capacity of 800,000 passengers once fully operational in 2031.

“The LRT-1 extension is a significant Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the south area of Metro Manila, easing traffic congestion and providing commuters with a faster and more convenient travel option,” LRMC said in a previous statement.

Unified Grand Central Station

The Unified Grand Central Station in Quezon City, serving as a significant transportation hub in Metro Manila, will connect all major railway lines in Metro Manila: LRT-1 (located in west and south of Metro Manila), to MRT-3 (central part of Metro Manila), MRT-7 (north of Metro Manila), and the Metro Manila Subway (eastern part of Metro Manila).

With the construction of the Unified Grand Central Station, commuters can expect a big boost in connectivity, shorter travel times, reduced reliance on road transport, and an alleviation of traffic congestion in the metro.

As of 2024, the construction for the station has achieved 81%. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes

After another year of experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand in the Philippines, advancing the climate agenda is not just a necessity — it’s a survival imperative. Rising global temperatures, intensifying natural disasters, and widespread environmental degradation have all been the topic of headlines in the past year. These natural phenomena caused by human activities highlight the urgent need to combat global warming in an increasingly less climate-resilient world.

Rising global temperature

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record at about 1.55°C above pre-industrial level, based on six international datasets. Similarly, data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shows that global temperatures in 2024 were 1.28°C above the agency’s 20^th-century baseline, which tops the record set in 2023.

Both organizations attribute this rise in global temperatures to ocean warming. The WMO explained that around 90% of the excess heat generated by global warming is absorbed by the seas, making ocean heat content a vital measure of climate change. Climate fluctuations such as El Niño and La Niña, volcanic eruptions, added pollutants, and how solar energy is reflected into space were also cited as contributing factors to the rise in temperature last year.

While the warmth recorded in 2024 is still below the global average temperature target of 2°C based on the 2015 Paris Agreement, it is concerningly slightly above the 1.5°C threshold which would “significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”

Natural disasters

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reported in 2021 that natural hazards accounted for 50% of all disasters, 45% of all reported deaths and 74% of all reported economic losses from 1970 to 2019.

In under a month last year, the Philippines, as one of the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters, was hammered by an unprecedented six consecutive storm systems that left around 200,000 Filipinos displaced across six regions. Damage to livestock, agriculture, and infrastructure was estimated to be nearly P3 billion at the end of November with Marcos Administration spending another P1 billion on food and other aid for the hundreds of thousands of storm victims.

UK-based media company Carbon Brief reported that the likelihood of the observed potential intensity of typhoons in the Philippines has increased approximately sevenfold while the maximum possible intensity of a typhoon has risen by around 4 meters per second compared to data from 1940.

Environmental degradation

Deforestation, land conversion, overfishing, and many other human activities have compromised nature in some way, reducing biological diversity and the general health of the environment. Non-profit development organization IBON Foundation detailed the critical state of the Philippine environment.

Latest data from IBON show that just 7 million hectares as of 2015, or just 23.3% of the country’s land area are covered by forests, a far cry from the 54% environmental scientists recommend. Similarly, soil erosion is reportedly severe in 70.5% of the country’s land area due to land conversion for corporate agriculture, cash crops, real estate according to the organization.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) notes that these degradations pose immediate and long-term risks not only to the environment but to human lives. The CCC emphasized that environmental protection goes beyond conservation; it also involves safeguarding the health and well-being of both present and future generations.

“The rise in environment-related diseases, such as asthma and waterborne illnesses, leads to higher healthcare costs and loss of productivity. Therefore, prioritizing environmental health translates into significant public health and economic benefits,” the CCC said.

Urgency of climate resilience

Every citizen on earth will be impacted in some way by climate change. Phenomena such as rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and environmental degradation require an urgent plea for climate resilience, imploring governments and corporations to actionable solutions, collaborative frameworks, and innovative technologies that can help communities adapt and thrive in a changing world.

Listed as second and first, in the 2-year and 10-year outlooks, respectively, in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2025 are extreme weather events which categorize it as the most critical current risk of the immediate future. Pollution is regarded as a more urgent short-term risk, while biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse are considered more significant long-term threats by the report.

Other environmentally related risks in the WEF’s report include the concentration of strategic resources, critical changes to the earth’s systems, non-weather related natural disasters, and natural resource shortages.

One of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The goal is to increase ambitions, make decisions that cover entire economies, and create policies that transition toward climate-resilient development — all while establishing a clear roadmap to attain net-zero emissions.

The UN’s target for climate action involves strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, and improving education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change.

Additionally, the organization hopes for developed countries to mobilize jointly $100 billion annually from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions as well as to promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in less developed countries and small island developing states.

Specific goals of the United Nations Development Program to mitigate climate change include shifting away from fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, changing agricultural practices, restoring and conserving critical ecosystems, and creating a supportive environment.

In the Philippines, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) by the CCC serves as the blueprint to systematically address the growing threats of climate change to community life and its impact on the environment. The plan envisions a climate-risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous and self-reliant communities, and thriving and productive ecosystems.

The NCCAP’s goal is to build the adaptive capacity of Filipino communities and increase the resilience of natural ecosystems to climate change. It has put an emphasis on ensuring food security, water sufficiency, environmental stability, human security, climate-friendly services, sustainable energy, and capacity development.

The effects of climate change felt firsthand in the Philippines, make it clear that tackling such challenges calls for genuine effort and collaboration from the government, businesses, and individuals alike.

The Philippines stands as a testament to the urgent realities of climate change. By embracing sustainable practices, taking urgent action on combating climate change, and building up climate resilience, realities such as rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and environmental degradation can be addressed, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the nation and the Filipino people. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been at the core of Philippine infrastructure development and have helped shape the country as we know it today. These agreements between the government and private firms leverage each partner’s expertise to effectively address specific public needs by appropriately distributing resources, risks, and benefits.

The partnerships allow the government to build big-ticket projects that can help millions of Filipinos while minimizing the costs due to the participation of private firms. For companies, PPPs are structured in such a way that the private sector gets a reasonable rate of return on its investment and allows them to contribute to national development.

Notable examples of successful partnerships between the government and private sector include the construction of power plants, waste management systems, irrigations, commerce buildings, and even local city halls. Yet, the industry most aided by PPPs is the transportation sector due to the necessity of developing efficient and modern infrastructure to address the country’s growing population, urbanization, and mobilization needs. Currently, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) handles more than 160 projects, programs, and initiatives — including 74 flagship infrastructure projects of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration.

Among the most renowned PPP projects overseen by the DoTr presently operational is the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Developed in partnership with MWM Terminals, a consortium of Megawide Construction Corp. and WM Property Management, Inc., the state-of-the-art terminal, built at a cost of P2.5 billion, has been serving Filipinos since 2019.

PITX boasts several features such as passenger terminal buildings, arrival and departure bays, public information systems, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and park-ride facilities to give commuters from Southern Luzon to Metro Manila and vice-versa a better experience. Recently, the terminal reached a remarkable milestone of 146 million overall foot traffic since it began operations and is expected to breach the 150-million mark within the year.

Another noteworthy DoTr project constructed with the help of private partnerships is the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). Completed in the year 2000, the rapid transit line was developed and is currently operated by Metro Rail Transit Corp. Limited with an estimated project cost during approval of P32.75 billion.

Connecting North Avenue and the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, the 13-station and 17-kilometer (km) railway has significantly reduced travel time for commuters and eased traffic congestion for car owners. MRT-3 has a daily ridership of nearly 360,000 passengers and saw almost 130 million passengers in 2023.

More recently, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport finally gets its long-overdue rehabilitation program through a PPP between the DoTr, Manila International Airport Authority, and New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), a consortium that includes San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Incheon International Airport Corp. of South Korea.

The modernization program, with an estimated budget cost of P170 billion, hopes to increase the airport’s capacity from 35 million passengers to 62 million passengers and an uptick in air traffic movement from 40 movements per hour to 48, as well as improve service quality. Planned improvements for the airport in the next few years include functional escalators and toilets, stable power and water, improved air-conditioning, runway improvements, increased terminal capacity, improved commercial spaces, and better traffic flow.

Building on the success of these operational projects, the ongoing construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) further showcases the potential of PPPs to help develop the country. The DoTr’s ambitious project, in collaboration with SMC’s MRT 7, Inc., aims to divert northern provincial bus operations to San Jose Del Monte, thereby decongesting EDSA.

The 23-km elevated railway line will have 14 stations from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to MRT-3 North Avenue in Quezon City, while a 22-km asphalt road will also be built from Bocaue Interchange of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the intermodal terminal in Tala. The P77-billion project currently has an overall construction progress of 71.32% as of June 2024 and a 16.76% right-of-way progress as of May 2024.

The recently opened five stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is another example of a DoTr project completed with the help of private companies. Developed by the Light Rail Manila Corp. on a Build-Transfer-and-Operate contractual agreement, LRT-1 now runs from FPJ Station (formerly Roosevelt) in Quezon City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque thanks to the first phase of the project. With plans to further extend the railway to what would be the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, the whole stretch of the integrated LRT-1 will have a total length of approximately 32.4 kilometers once construction of the nearly P65-billion project is completed. Latest figures show that the LRT-1 transports around 320,000 passengers daily.

In addition to these developments, the New Manila International Airport, also known as the Bulacan International Airport, highlights the continued expansion of the country’s transportation infrastructure through PPPs. The nearly P740-billion project, a collaboration between the DoTr and San Miguel Aerocity, Inc., involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new modern airport in Bulacan with a design capacity of up to 100 million passengers per year, consisting of four runways and all aviation-related facilities.

Data on the ongoing land development works for the airport show significant progress, with a total completion rate of 84.61%. Site clearance has been fully completed at 100%, while landfilling is at 77.49%. Ground improvement and right-of-way works are nearing completion, with a progress rate of 94.27% and 99.47% respectively. Finally, the right-of-way for the airport toll road stands at 29.35%.

Aside from these ongoing projects, several key transport developments are lined up to improve the country’s transportation system after Mr. Marcos witnessed the signing of agreements and commitments for the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), modernization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, as well as the Agreements for the New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports.

The NCICP aims to decongest the existing Cebu Base Port, improve cargo handling capacity, and reduce logistics costs. In addition, the Cebu BRT is expected to handle 116,000 passengers during partial operations start and over 160,000 passengers once fully operational. The anticipated improvements in the modernization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport include installing modern aviation equipment, expanding the passenger terminal building and other airport facilities. Regional gateways New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports are seen to boost tourism in the area.

Of the five transport projects, only two so far have been awarded to private firms. The International Finance Corp. (IFC) of the World Bank Group was tabbed by the DoTr as the Transaction Advisor in structuring and bidding out the bus supply and operations and maintenance of the Cebu BRT. Similarly, Aboitiz InfraCapital signed a concession deal with the transport department for the transfer of operations and management of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Projects made by the government in partnership with the private sector have and will continue to benefit Filipinos, especially in the transport sector. By combining the strengths of both the government and corporations, these initiatives improve the country’s transportation systems and enhance the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

With continued collaboration and innovation, the successful implementation of these PPPs promises to pave the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future for the nation. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

As the agency tasked to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation to every Filipino, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has implemented several active transport programs that aim to give individuals better mass transit experiences, ease traffic congestion, and promote sustainability through different initiatives.

Active transport is defined as the mobility of people or goods powered by human activity, such as walking or cycling, rather than a motor. Consultancy firm Palafox Associates describes the current active transport situation of the Philippines as “riddled with challenges.” The lack of dedicated bike lanes, safe pedestrian crossings, and supportive facilities such as bike parking and showers significantly discourages active commuting showcasing the need for adequate active transport infrastructure. Pedestrians and cyclists in the Philippines are also plagued with unsafe conditions like poorly maintained sidewalks, uneven pavements, road hazards, and inadequate lighting.

Transport corridors are also car-centric and predominantly designed with private vehicles in mind, often overlooking the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the absence of shade and weather protection makes active transport uncomfortable and potentially hazardous in the Philippine climate.

One of the most notable active transport programs by the DoTr is the construction of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) stops all over Metro Manila. Recently, the transport agency inaugurated two such stops along Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila built with essential features for today’s commuters including a map of the bike routes in the city, charging stations powered by solar panels, CCTVs, and lockers.

Bike lanes all over the Philippines have also been created by the DoTr to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall quality of life in various areas. By integrating bike lanes into urban planning, local governments aim to ease traffic congestion, support sustainable mobility, and foster a culture of active living.

In Cebu, the transport agency opened last year a total of 67.19 kilometers (both ways) of Class 1, 2, and 3 bike lanes along selected roads in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue, and the municipalities of Cordova and Talisay. End-of-trip cycling facilities such as bicycle racks, and repair stations are planned to be built along those lanes.

Millions of Davaoeños have also enjoyed a safer, more comfortable, and more convenient way to travel after the DoTr inaugurated a total of 47.7949 kilometers (both ways) of Class 1, 2, and 3 bike lanes along selected roads in the cities of Davao and Tagum, as well as the maintenance and upgrading of a total of 60.24173 kilometers (both ways) of bike lane in May last year. Additionally, 30 bike racks were installed in separate locations across the two cities.

The walled city of Intramuros also received an expansion, upgrade, and maintenance of its bike lanes after the DoTr, in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Intramuros Administration (IA), inaugurated its Expansion of Active and Public Transport Infrastructure.The project includes the development of Class 1, 2, and 3 bike lanes spanning 9.35 kilometers, enhancements to pedestrian walkways with PWD-accessible ramps, the creation of open spaces, and the construction of four public transport stops.

Quezon City is also a beneficiary of the DoTr’s active transport project. Recently, the agency opened 21 sets of short-term end-of-trip cycling facilities in UP Diliman and an additional 15 sets of short-term end-of-trip cycling facilities in QC City Hall. Each of these sets is composed of five bicycle racks, a bicycle shed, and a bicycle repair station.

Two stand-alone end-of-trip cycling facilities were also built in Marikina City as part of the transport agency’s project. The said facilities could accommodate 70 bicycles and have fully equipped comfort rooms and a bicycle repair and maintenance station. In addition, the DoTr and the local government of Marikina City also broke ground on an eight-kilometer bike lane that would connect to the city’s existing bike lanes.

Also a part of their active transport initiatives, the DoTr is crafting the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) in partnership with Palafox Associates as a consultancy firm. The master plan not only aims to ease the heavy traffic on Philippine roads but also the long and winding queues of commuters at jeepney terminals, bus stations, and railway transit stations.

Other objectives of the ATSMP are promoting sustainable urban mobility, boosting economic opportunities, and supporting local government units in advancing active transport solutions and projects in their localities.

Pilot areas of the study have already been identified by Palafox making sure that the regions are in coherent geographic clusters when it comes to mobility. These areas include the National Capital Region, Puerta Princesa, Iloilo City, Zamboanga City, and Mati City in Davao Oriental.

The public is encouraged by the transport agency to participate in field surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews regarding active transport to help craft better standards and policies and aid in creating a comfortable, accessible, and safe active transport system in the country.

The DoTr’s initiative to adopt and advance active transport in the country is a step toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient transport system in the Philippines. With continued collaboration among government agencies, local governments, private sectors, and the public, the vision of a well-connected and active transport system is within reach—making mobility not just a necessity but a catalyst for nationwide progress. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

The rapid pace of technological changes happening in businesses, industries, and societies comes with new pressures and additional concerns. Given the massive and vast nature of the digital space, risks to businesses might be hiding in plain sight and so might be difficult to identify. When overlooked, these digital risks can cause significant damage and impact.

Recent reports from some think tanks have identified potential risks that might arise from the digital space. Within the complex technological landscape, understanding these potential headwinds can come handy for businesses who are navigating their place and relevance in a more digitally influenced world.

The AI mainstream

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more of a reality last year as it generates new applications for enhancing security, improving banking and financing, business management, and much more. In the business setting, AI offers opportunities for organizations to take advantage of the technology’s ability to analyze data, make smart predictions, and mitigate potential risks.

“Enthusiasm around the technology’s potential to drive a new wave of growth has helped tech stocks to build again post-COVID, and analysts expect this upward trend to continue,” World Economic Forum (WEF) said in a report. “The proliferation of AI means there will be chances to take big swings; even if they don’t work out, the learning experiences for businesses will be incredible.”

While AI is on the side of mainstream with fewer drawbacks, that doesn’t mean no issues are lurking behind. According to WEF’s Global Risk Report, the adverse outcomes of AI technologies are projected to rise, with potential disruptions looming within the next decade. Key concerns include generative AI (GenAI) producing misleading or false content and its relationship to social polarization.

Likewise, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shared that Asia-Pacific economies are among those affected by the continued AI evolution. In its Regional Economic Outlook, it revealed significant shifts will occur in the region, with AI influencing 50% of jobs in advanced economies and 25% in developing ones.

Because of this, AI is seen to increase inequality within countries in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the job market. The report notes of majority of the workers in services, sales, and clerical support are at risk of losing their jobs. In contrast, those in managerial, professional, and technical jobs are more likely to reap benefits brought by AI advancements.

Misinformation and disinformation

Another risk identified for this year is misinformation and disinformation, through which platforms for information might be geared to work against the truth.

The House of Commons Library defined misinformation as the “unintentional creation and spreading of such information,” while disinformation is the “deliberate creation and spreading of false and/or manipulated content.” Either way, both pose a risk for digital consumers, as misinformation and disinformation can accelerate given the fast spread of information through digital channels.

In the WEF’s Global Risk Report, misinformation and disinformation emerged as one of the biggest short-term risks for two consecutive years. Looking ahead to 2025, these challenges are more likely to significantly impact the academic sector, along with the private sector, government, civil society, and international organizations.

Partly fueling the rise of misinformation and disinformation is generative AI (GenAI) technology. While it simplifies content creation, it also produces significant inaccuracies, leading to false and misleading content. As a result, it resorts to a lot of AI-inaccuracies and human errors, making it increasingly difficult to access reliable information digitally.

“The advent of new technologies and the increase in user-generated content platforms is leading to a corresponding rise in the volume of content online. Flows of misinformation and disinformation from those creating it are becoming more challenging to detect and remove in an increasingly fragmented media landscape,” the report noted.

“The upshot is that it is becoming increasingly hard to know where to turn for true information. Both political and societal polarization skew narratives and distort facts, contributing to low and declining trust in media.”

Another contributing factor are algorithms and machine learning models, which can serve as a gateway for cyberattacks. These systems generate automated algorithms or exhibit algorithmic biases that negatively impact decision-making. It often lacks transparency, fairness, and accuracy, especially when critical decisions are made. In the worst-case scenario, algorithmic biases can deepen societal divisions divide and foster biases against political identities.

“Algorithmic bias can both be influenced by misinformation and disinformation and can be a cause of it. The risks of algorithmic bias are heightened when the data used for training an AI model is itself a biased sample.”

Censorship and surveillance

Censorship is when access to online content is limited or blocked. This can be advantageous to protect national security, adhere to policies, shield users from harmful and illegal content, or maintain social order. On the flip side, it can also lead to a lack of access to information, transparency, and concerns on free speech.

WEF’s report stated that misinformation and disinformation are inextricably linked with censorship, with the danger lying in potential responses to misinformation.

“The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation may be leveraged to strengthen digital authoritarianism and the use of technology to control citizens. Governments themselves will be increasingly in a position to determine what is true, potentially allowing political parties to monopolize the public discourse and suppress dissenting voices, including journalists and opponents,” the report said.

Regarding surveillance, emerging technologies are becoming central to the public sector. The 2025 Global Risk Report highlights that data analytics, AI, and other digital platforms are increasingly integral to government services and operations. These technologies provide greater access to data and information, while enabling monitoring of citizens’ activities. They are utilized for various purposes, including tax management, environmental protection, and voter registration, among others.

“Governments now have unprecedented access to data on citizens — and technology companies often have even better access than the governments themselves do. As the computing power available to governments and technology companies continues to rise, it becomes easier for both entities to monitor citizens’ activities,” the report said.

The report also emphasized significant variation in how governments manage the data they can access. Implementing regulations is crucial because it promotes better personal data protection and enforces stricter guidelines on how businesses and governments can utilize such information.

Explosive cybersecurity demand

Another notable risk for this year is cyber-attacks. With the increasing complexities of the cyberspace come the challenges of possible rippling effects that might be damaging to the economy and that live in it.

The WEF’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 highlighted factors responsible behind cybersecurity complexity: geopolitical tensions, cybercrime sophistication, supply chain interdependencies, regulatory requirements, emerging technologies, and cyber skills gap. All of these challenges are making it extremely difficult for leaders to manage cybersecurity while also preparing for future potential risks to come.
The report revealed that 72% of organizations have experienced an increase in cyber risks; while 47% expressed major concerns about security threats posed by GenAI, and only 4% believe they have the necessary skills and personnel to safeguard their systems.

According to the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 report, 42% of organizations fell victim to cybercrime attacks in 2024, including phishing, vishing, deep fake, and other social engineering attacks.

Cybercrimes are constantly surging and evolving, and they have become increasingly profitable as cybercriminals have learned to maximize their gains while minimizing risks. This shift has given a rise to a new trend known as cybercrime-as-a-service, according to the report.

“This is the trend that we’re seeing — professionalization of crime. They require good technology; they require good software engineers. So, the talent that they are accessing are basically the same talents that all of us are searching for, except that they pay better; and that’s where we face a significant challenge. How do we ensure that the talents go to the good guys and not to the dark side?” Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary John Ivan Uy said.

To turn cyberspaces into a safer space, collaborative effort is necessary to stop cybercriminals in their tracks.

“Cybercriminals collaborate; and so must those who seek to stop them, including governments, the private sector, e-wallet providers, digital banking, and citizens,” Mr. Uy said.

It is also important to equip industry leaders with knowledge, helping them make informed and strategic decisions regarding cybersecurity risks their organization faces.

“Leaders must view cybersecurity as a strategic investment, ensuring resilience against new threats and recognizing it as a collective responsibility across all organizations. Strong leadership is essential, focusing not just on technical aspects but also on the economic implications of cyber risks. A unified approach between business and cyber leaders is critical to managing the growing complexity of cybersecurity,” the WEF Annual Meeting report read. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes