The first issue of Development Research News for 2025 highlights strategies, policies, and initiatives aimed at sustaining long-term development and enhancing competitiveness in the Philippines. The banner article discusses the country's macroeconomic outlook, underscoring the need to mitigate political uncertainties and natural disaster risks to maintain economic growth momentum. Other articles focus on leveraging free trade agreements and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in trade and investment. Another article highlights the significance of servicification in manufacturing to enhance productivity. This issue also features articles on tackling barriers to artificial intelligence adoption among businesses and addressing funding challenges in innovation in the services sector. Rounding out the issue is an infographic story on the PIDS Corners project, which aims to empower communities through evidence-based policy development.