Confidence

EYES WIDE OPEN

- IRIS GONZALES

The economy isn’t exactly on a roll. In fact, quite a number of economists see 2025 growth falling below the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent growth goal for the year amid challenges, including governance issues that continue to affect investor sentiment.

The same goes for the expected economic growth for next year, below the six to seven percent GDP growth target earlier set by the government. Not exactly optimistic.

And yet, against this backdrop, we've heard some big business bets either being cooked up or sealed just before 2025 comes to a close. This is telling, and it no doubt indicates confidence on the economy.

Lopezes take control of Alabang Town Center

There is, for instance, the Lopez Group’s big move of acquiring a controlling stake in the 17.5-hectare Alabang Town Center (ATC), that place to be in the southern part of Metro Manila.

This bodes well for Alabang residents, because more redevelopments in the area could lead to further appreciation in land values. Those who love to frequent ATC can also expect new shopping attractions in the center, perhaps with that signature Rockwell vibe.

But more importantly, it is a testament to the Lopez Group's confidence in consumer spending and the long term prospects of the economy.

This is certainly saying something, considering that it comes at a time when many of the Lopezes’ businesses have faced challenges in recent years, such as ABS-CBN.

But this is happening and it can only mean a positive boost for the economy.