The Philippines: rising demand for poultry highlights the importance of imports

 

Manila, 27 May 2026 – Poultry meat consumption in the Philippines is on a clear upward trend. It is forecast to reach around 2.38 million tonnes in 2026, up 6% compared to the 2025 estimate. This growing demand, driven by lifestyle changes and seasonal factors, is making imports and stable supply sources increasingly important – including those from the European Union.

Consumption supported by market trends

According to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) data, published in the Poultry and Products Annual – Philippines report in September 2025, poultry consumption is growing mainly thanks to its relatively lower price compared with other protein sources, wide availability and the expansion of the foodservice and quick-service restaurant sectors. 

Macroeconomic conditions are also supporting demand. A growing population and steady economic growth are helping to drive further increases in poultry consumption.

The growing role of imports 

As demand rises, international trade is playing a greater role. Poultry meat imports are expected to increase by around 2% in 2026, supported by market needs and the price competitiveness of imported products. Trade liberalisation and a growing number of approved suppliers are also strengthening this trend.

EU poultry exports to the Philippines continue to grow. According to data from the European Commission’s DG AGRI, they reached around 7,800 tonnes in the first two months of 2026, up by around 25% compared with the same period in 2025. Polish exports accounted for a significant share of these supplies.

Seasonality: May fiestas boost demand

The role of poultry in the Philippines is especially visible in May, when numerous local fiestas take place across the country. In many regions, these celebrations are an important part of community life. They are accompanied by shared meals, prepared both at home and on a larger scale for local events, with chicken dishes often among the preferred choices. 

Reliable supply for a growing market

With demand for poultry meat rising in the Philippines, stable and predictable supply is becoming more important than ever. European producers offer a production model based on clear standards and controlled processes at every stage of the supply chain, from farming to distribution. This approach helps ensure product consistency and transparent cooperation – both highly valued by importers, distributors and the HoReCa sector.

“In markets such as the Philippines, where demand for poultry meat is growing steadily, supply stability and consistent product quality are key. The European poultry sector is well prepared to meet these needs. These are exactly the values – quality, safety and transparency – that we highlight through our activities as part of the European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables campaign, co-financed by the European Union,” says Dariusz Goszczyński, President of the National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce (KRD-IG) in Poland.

 

NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY Unveiled: A New Story-Driven Brand Officially Inspired by the NBA

On May 27, "NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY" was unveiled as a new story-driven brand officially inspired by the NBA, the world’s premier professional basketball league. "NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY" is a groundbreaking story-driven brand that embraces stylized anachronism by fusing 16th Century Japan with the NBA. The project is directed by "NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS," a Japanese creative collective led by Takaya Mitsunaga, whose works have been shown on numerous global stages.

The brand envisions a parallel universe where basketball existed during Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) period, unfolding across various domains such as storytelling, design, character development, and fashion. In this fictional period inspired by the cultural and historical landscapes of both Japan and the U.S., the narrative follows ninjas who strive for national unification using basketballs instead of swords or shuriken. Each ninja bears a new team logo and "Kamon" reflecting the distinct history and characteristics of various Japanese regions, honing their skills to unite a divided Japan without bloodshed.

The project’s typography features "Ninja Letter" provided by the Ueno Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Iga City—a region with profound historical ties to the ninja. By blending American-born basketball with a fresh Japanese interpretation, the project aims to broadcast its unique worldview to a wide audience.

The brand will host its inaugural art exhibition and pre-order event, “SHOMEI,” this fall in Daikanyama, Tokyo, running from June 13 (Sat) to June 21 (Sun). Timed ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, the exhibition will showcase official product releases, including art pieces and apparel, in an immersive space where basketball culture and Japanese aesthetics intersect through the creative use of traditional Japanese rooms and gardens.

▼HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Japan, 16th Century. People were locked in a cycle of endless conflict over territory, and countless lives were being lost on the battlefield. In the midst of this sengoku era, the regional lords gathered and reached an agreement to achieve national unification through a peaceful alternative. The method they chose was "Temari," a traditional ball game that had been popular since the Heian period.

The ninjas, who once excelled in combat within their respective territories, traded their swords and shuriken for balls, dedicating themselves to mastering this new craft to unite the nation. The sport, where players scored by tossing the ball into peach baskets—symbols used to ward off evil spirits—gradually became known as "Basketball."

As the ninjas integrated their movements and unique ninjutsu into the game, a one-of-a-kind basketball culture began to take root and flourish across the island nation.

▼NINJA LETTER

Regarding the designs, including the family crests (Kamon), we have utilized "Ninja Letter" in collaboration with the Ueno Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Iga City—a region with deep historical ties to the Ninja. These fonts are inspired by "Jindai Moji" (Ancient Script), which was systematized based on Edo-period documents and has sparked much debate over its potential use by historical Ninja. Within this parallel universe, the Ninja communicate through these cryptic codes, weaving them into written documents and knotted cords.

▼"NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY" officially inspired by the NBA

This brand envisions a parallel universe where basketball existed during Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) period, unfolding across multiple domains including storytelling, design, character development, and fashion. Set in a fictional 16th century inspired by the cultural and historical landscapes of both Japan and the U.S., the narrative follows ninjas who strive for national unification—not with swords or shuriken, but with basketballs. Each ninja bears a new team logo and "Kamon" (family crest) inspired by the distinct history and characteristics of various Japanese regions, honing their skills daily to unite a divided Japan without bloodshed.

Web：https://njba.jp/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ninjabasketballarmy
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/njba_jp/
X : https://www.x.com/njba_jp/

▼"NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY” 1st Exhibition： 初鳴 - SHOMEI -

◯Location：

Daikanyama Space R

1-35-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021

◯Date：

June 13 (Sat) to June 21 (Sun) 

◯Time：

13:00-21:00

▼Produced by NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS

The creative direction and production are led by "NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS," a Japanese creative collective with extensive experience in Japan, the United States and especially basketball culture. The project is directed by Takaya Mitsunaga, whose work has been featured on numerous global platforms. The collective brings together a diverse group of world-class artists, art directors, designers, and photographers operating at the forefront of the international scene.

 

PetroSync Helps Oil and Gas Professionals Improve Operational Competency

 

PetroSync helps oil and gas professionals improve operational competency through practical, industry-focused training designed to support safer, more efficient, and reliable operations.
Operational Competency Challenges Continue to Affect Oil and Gas Performance
Inconsistent Technical Skills Slow Field Operations

Many oil and gas companies experience delays from inconsistent technical understanding between engineers. Different operational approaches often create confusion during inspections, maintenance activities, and drilling execution.

These inconsistencies become problematic during complex projects involving multiple engineering teams simultaneously. Without regular competency development, operational coordination becomes slower and less reliable daily.
Limited Practical Experience Reduces Workforce Readiness

Many professionals understand operational theories but struggle handling unpredictable field conditions confidently. Unexpected equipment issues often require quick judgment during high-pressure operational situations onsite.

Limited practical exposure forces companies to increase supervision during critical operational activities significantly. As a result, project execution becomes slower while workforce confidence decreases during operations.
Companies Face Growing Pressure to Maintain Operational Reliability

Oil and gas companies now face stricter operational expectations and increasing production reliability demands. Small operational mistakes can disrupt maintenance schedules and delay important project deliverables significantly.

Companies increasingly prioritize professionals who contribute quickly during challenging operational and engineering situations. Workforce readiness now directly affects operational continuity, safety performance, and long-term business stability.
Industry Training Helps Strengthen Operational Competency
Practical Learning Supports Faster Operational Decisions

Operational training becomes valuable when participants directly understand realistic workplace operational challenges daily. Engineers often make important decisions while handling pressure from multiple operational departments simultaneously.

Programs like Drilling and Well Engineering Training help professionals strengthen practical operational decision-making skills. Participants gain confidence handling operational problems while improving communication during field coordination activities.
Standardized Training Helps Reduce Technical Skill Gaps

Different educational backgrounds often create uneven technical understanding within engineering and operational teams. Some employees work independently while others still depend heavily on senior operational supervision.

Standardized industry training helps companies align operational understanding across different engineering departments consistently. Teams communicate more effectively when operational standards and technical expectations become clearly aligned.
Continuous Development Supports Efficient Drilling and Well Engineering Operations

Oil and gas operations continue evolving through updated technologies and changing project operational requirements. Professionals lacking continuous development often struggle adapting to newer operational and technical expectations.

Continuous learning helps engineering teams remain operationally prepared during challenging project execution activities regularly. Insights from Drilling and Well Engineering practices support safer operational coordination and workforce readiness.
Stronger Competency Improves Coordination Across Engineering Teams

Oil and gas operations depend heavily on coordination between engineers, operators, and supervisors daily. Different competency levels often create communication gaps during critical operational execution and planning.

Training helps engineering teams build stronger operational understanding and collaborative workplace communication effectively. Employees become more confident solving operational challenges without creating unnecessary project delays internally.
PetroSync Supports Workforce Readiness Through Industry-Focused Training
Training Programs Are Built Around Real Operational Challenges

Many professionals prefer practical training programs reflecting realistic operational conditions and field situations directly. Real operational examples help participants understand how challenges appear during actual project execution.

This learning approach makes training more relevant for operational and engineering workforce development programs. Employees return better prepared handling operational challenges with stronger technical understanding and workplace confidence.
Flexible Learning Solutions Support Oil and Gas Professionals Across Asia

Engineering professionals often struggle balancing operational responsibilities with ongoing workforce development training schedules. Tight project timelines frequently limit opportunities for consistent competency improvement and technical learning.

Flexible learning solutions help companies continue workforce development without disrupting operational activities significantly. Professionals across Asia improve competency while maintaining productivity during daily operational responsibilities effectively.
PetroSync Helps Companies Build More Competent and Operationally Ready Teams

Companies increasingly treat workforce competency development as part of long-term operational reliability strategies today. Training now supports operational readiness, workforce stability, and sustainable engineering team performance consistently.

Through practical industry-focused programs, PetroSync supports operational competency development across various engineering disciplines. Companies strengthen workforce readiness while improving operational coordination and project execution performance naturally.




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Casino Plus Fortifies Player Protection with ₱1B Surety Bond amid Economic Headwinds

 

Taguig City, Philippines, 25 May 2026 — As Filipino households continue to navigate rising costs and a shifting economic landscape, Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible entertainment and gaming platforms licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), is reinforcing its commitment to player protection, financial transparency, and responsible entertainment.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that headline inflation rose to 7.2% in April 2026 from 4.1% in March 2026, its highest level in over three years. For many Filipinos, this translates into real everyday pressures from higher grocery expenses to rising utility and transport costs. In this environment, Casino Plus believes trust, regulation, and financial safeguards matter more than ever.

A Platform Backed by Financial Strength

Casino Plus operates within the regulatory framework of PAGCOR and continues to invest in systems that protect players and support responsible play.

Beyond its licensing, Casino Plus has secured a ₱1-Billion PhilFirst Surety Bond — a legally binding financial instrument that reinforces the company’s ability to protect player funds and uphold its obligations.

“We understand that Filipinos are being more careful about where their money goes,” said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma. “Our ₱1-Billion Surety Bond is proof that we take player protection seriously. It reflects our commitment to operating with financial discipline, transparency, and accountability,” Spytma added.

Player Security Amid Economic Uncertainty

With economic conditions placing added pressure on Filipino households, Casino Plus continues to prioritize long-term player confidence over short-term promotional activity.

The company’s combination of PAGCOR compliance, financial safeguards, KYC security, and customer support infrastructure provides players with a more secure and accountable gaming environment.

While entertainment remains a personal choice, Casino Plus believes it must be delivered responsibly with clear safeguards, transparent processes, and immediate access to legitimate winnings.

Entertainment Built on Trust

Casino Plus serves a wide range of Filipino players and recognizes that entertainment spending is often reconsidered during challenging economic periods. This is why the company continues to strengthen its platform, improve customer support, and promote responsible gaming practices across its operations.

"At Casino Plus, we built our platform on a simple but powerful truth: entertainment should light up a moment, not consume a life. We remind our players that control isn't a restriction—it's a form of respect for your time, the people who count on you, and the life that extends far beyond any screen. Control is as important as enjoying the moment,” Spytma stresses.

Casino Plus remains committed to ensuring that players are treated not only as users, but as individuals who deserve fairness, security, and care.

Looking Forward

The Philippine economy has weathered significant challenges before, and Filipinos have consistently shown resilience. Casino Plus intends to be part of that landscape as a reliable, regulated, and responsible entertainment platform.

In a time when stability matters, Casino Plus remains committed to giving Filipino players a platform they can trust — one grounded in regulation, protection, and responsible play.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.