September 24, 2026 — Three developments are worth watching today for foreigners living, investing or traveling in the Philippines. The Philippines and United Kingdom have signed a financing framework that could support up to £5 billion, or about ₱419.9 billion, in priority Philippine projects. Tropical Storm Surigae is also approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with its trough already bringing rain to parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines is restoring nonstop Manila–Dubai service from October 2, improving another important international connection for residents, visitors and business travelers.
Philippines gains access to up to ₱419.9 billion in UK-backed project financing
The Philippines and the United Kingdom signed a government-to-government partnership on September 23 that gives eligible Philippine projects access to as much as £5 billion in support from UK Export Finance. At current figures cited by the Department of Finance, that is approximately ₱419.9 billion.
The framework does not mean ₱419.9 billion will be spent immediately. Instead, it creates a financing channel through which qualifying projects may receive UK-backed export financing. The Department of Finance identified potential areas including energy transition, sustainable transport, water and sanitation, aviation and social infrastructure. The two governments will still have to identify and develop eligible projects.
For foreign investors and businesses, the practical significance is the pipeline rather than the headline amount. Large infrastructure financing can create opportunities for contractors, technology providers, consultants, equipment suppliers and joint-venture partners, particularly where UK goods, services or expertise form part of a project. It may also support infrastructure that affects the operating environment for businesses already in the Philippines.
The announcement comes just two days after PhilifeGuide reported Mitsubishi Corporation’s decision to deepen its investment in Ayala Corporation. Readers following the investment environment can see our September 22 investment update and our 2026 guide to registering a business in the Philippines.
Foreign companies should not treat the new framework as a general financing program open for immediate applications. The useful next step is to watch which specific projects are selected and what procurement or partnership opportunities follow.
Tropical Storm Surigae approaches PAR as eastern areas get rain
Tropical Storm Surigae remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility early September 24 but was moving west-northwestward toward the region. PAGASA reported it about 1,500 kilometers east of Northern Luzon at 3 a.m., with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h. Once it enters PAR, it will receive the local name Queenie.
The storm’s trough is already affecting parts of the country. PAGASA forecast scattered rains and thunderstorms over Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Moderate to heavy rainfall in these areas may cause flash floods or landslides. Bicol and the rest of Eastern Visayas may also experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
At the time of this update, PAGASA did not indicate a direct storm impact over most of the Philippines during the immediate forecast period. However, travelers should keep monitoring official bulletins because track and intensity forecasts can change. Anyone traveling through Eastern Visayas, Caraga or nearby island destinations should allow extra time and check airline, ferry and local-government advisories before departure.
For visitors unfamiliar with local transport and weather disruptions, PhilifeGuide’s first-time Philippines travel guide provides broader planning advice.
Philippine Airlines restores nonstop Manila–Dubai flights October 2
Philippine Airlines confirmed that its nonstop Manila–Dubai service will return on October 2, 2026. The initial schedule is four flights a week in each direction, operating on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Flight PR658 is scheduled to leave Manila at 12:50 p.m. and arrive in Dubai at 6:00 p.m. PR659 is scheduled to depart Dubai at 7:45 p.m. and arrive in Manila at 9:10 a.m. the following day. PAL has said it plans to increase the route progressively to daily service as operational conditions allow.
The September 23 promotional flash sale has already ended, so travelers should not assume the advertised 50% base-fare discount remains available. The more durable development is the restored nonstop connection itself. It gives tourists, expatriates, overseas workers and business travelers another direct option between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates and can also improve onward travel choices through Dubai.
Passengers booking October travel should verify the operating days and times directly with the airline because schedules can change.
What to Watch Next
- UK financing: Watch for the first Philippine projects identified under the new UK Export Finance framework and any related procurement announcements.
- Weather: Monitor PAGASA for Surigae’s expected PAR entry, its local name Queenie, changes in intensity and any rainfall or tropical cyclone advisories.
- Flights: Watch whether Philippine Airlines announces a timetable for increasing Manila–Dubai from four weekly services to daily flights.
- Transport: The announced September 29–30 nationwide transport strike remains worth monitoring, especially for commuters in major urban areas.
Disclaimer: Weather conditions and airline schedules can change quickly. Travelers should verify current PAGASA bulletins and airline advisories before making travel decisions. Investment and project-financing information is provided for general information and is not financial or investment advice.
Sources
- Philippine News Agency / Department of Finance — UK approves new ₱419.9-billion financing framework
- Philippine News Agency / PAGASA — Surigae trough weather update, September 24
- GMA News / PAGASA — Tropical Storm Surigae, September 24
- GMA News / Philippine Airlines — Manila–Dubai service return
Last updated: September 24, 2026
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