Prof. Kerry Lee on Rethinking Early Childhood Education with the Yew Chung Approach »B1
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THEHouse of Representatives will begin on Monday its hearings on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 with assurances that the public remains the top priority in an inclusive and transparent budget process.
During the opening of the budget deliberations, the House Committee on Appropriations will receive a briefing from the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the country’s economic outlook and the macroeconomic assumptions that guided the preparation of the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
The DBCC briefing will be led by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan Jr., Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez reaffirmed the House’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent budget process, anchored on the reforms instituted in the passage and implementation of the national budget.
“We want not only to inform but to involve the public, because the national budget is the people’s money. It should benefit them all,” Romualdez said.
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
TOP business groups in the Philippines are rallying behind San Miguel Corporation’s initiative to address flooding in Metro Manila, saying solving such an issue will have a “long-lasting and positive impact” on the economy.
In a joint statement at the weekend, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), Phil-
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
RISING food, energy, health and transportation costs are pushing Filipino families to tighten budgets and cut non-essential spending, delaying long-term goals such as retirement and home ownership, according to Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. (Sun Life PHL).
Citing the latest “Financial Resilience Index” by Sun Life Financial Asia Services Ltd., the insurance company said almost all Filipino respondents surveyed between April and May 2025 cited inflation as having impacted their ability to cover monthly expenses. The biggest price increases were observed in food, energy, health and transportation. “Economic strain forces Filipi-
nos to delay major aspirations to focus on day-to-day survival in the short-term,” the study read. As such, 61 percent of Filipinos put first managing their day-to-day expenses, while 45 percent build their emergency funds.
The study revealed that confidence in managing monthly finances went up to 69 percent from 57 percent, showing improved short-term financial resilience.
However, saving for retirement and a house or apartment were set aside over the next three to five years. Long-term financial confidence also dipped, with only 64 percent feeling capable of meeting future goals, down from 72 percent. In case of income loss or illness, one in three Filipinos said that they would not be able to
ippine Retailers Association (PRA) and Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) said: “This is consistent with what we always say and do about private sector doing what it can to help government address issues especially if these affect the business and trade communities.”
Backed by “huge internal resources” built through the years and CSR programs and projects that benefit communities and the country in general, the business groups said they are confident that SMC will be able to deliver this commitment that
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
UNDERTAKING Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the private sector can help reduce losses and boost agriculture production nationwide, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a recent forum at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the focus was on how PPPs can create opportunities in the agriculture sector, such as those in post-harvest facilities as well as much-needed investments in particular commodities.
Post-harvest losses could reach anywhere from 12 percent to as much as 40 percent on average in
terms of volume and depending on the commodity.
“If I caught a tuna today, fresh, I can easily sell it at P350 per kilo. But in the afternoon, the value is down to maybe P100. So I already lost about 70 percent of the value simply because I don’t have sufficient post-harvest facility,” a senior DA official said.
“So this is not about volume which is the normal way where we measure. We have to understand losses in terms of value. The same is true with vegetable, fruits and vegetables, the same story. And so we need to highlight that it is important to put investments on postharvest,” the official added.
Another aspect of post-harvest losses is linked to logistics, the DA
said. This is the reason for the importance of developing efficient logistics systems.
“Logistics is key to efficiency. You know, if you bring corn from Cagayan to Bulacan, it will cost you probably P2 per kilo. So a ton is P2,000, 10 tons is P20,000,” the DA official said.
Apart from putting in effort in stemming losses, the agriculture sector requires P3.5 trillion in total investments, the DA estimated. The bulk of these investments is the P1.75 trillion needed in production support systems.
This also includes P816.18 billion needed for infrastructure and logistics; P805.81 billion for the commodity sector; P85.5 billion for innovation and system enablers; and
P6.28 billion for sustainable and alternative agriculture systems.
Investing in commodities, the official said, could become game changers for specific products such as eggs. The Philippines does not import eggs due to the difficulty of transporting them and the distance from known sources. The DA estimated that the country only produces 57 million eggs per day. This is only a fourth of the 230 million daily requirement.
“Looking at the nutrition level, the requirement, you need, how many eggs do you need a day? One or two, right? Should be two. Okay. Now, times 115 million, that’s easily, you know, 230 million eggs,” the DA said.
FROM FLOOD TO FOOD: FARMERS RESTART THE RICE CYCLE Farmers stoop over waterlogged paddies beside the NLEX Tabang exit in Guiguinto, Bulacan, their bent forms reflected on the shimmering surface. Undeterred by three consecutive typhoons that submerged Metro Manila and vast stretches of Luzon, they painstakingly transplant young rice plants, racing against time to revive the season and safeguard the country’s rice supply. BERNARD TESTA
“We only produce 57 million eggs a day. So there’s a huge area for expansion and eggs are not difficult to produce. All it needs is an investment,” the official added.
In April 2025, the ADB published the PPP Monitor and stated that the government of the Philippines has made great strides in improving the public–private partnership (PPP) enabling environment and strengthening its PPP institutional framework.
The new PPP Code adopted in 2023 considers key challenges and lessons learned in PPPs for over 3 decades. Under the guidance of its PPP Governing Board and Public–Private Partnership Center, the Philippines is now poised to embark upon a massive PPP program in the national and local spheres.
The report examines the Philippines’s national, sectoral, and local PPP landscape and looks at the government’s PPP action plan to increase strategic investment in these sectors and considers how legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms can improve the way the Philippines uses PPPs to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The report also provides an overview of the country’s PPP initiatives in 12 sectors from roads to solid waste, analyzing risks and showing how the country can better use PPPs to bridge its infrastructure gap.
Construction rises in June, value climbs 28%—PSA
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
buildings were cleared to rise across the country in June 2025 as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a doubledigit increase in the number and value of approved constructions, even as the average cost per project slightly dipped.
Data from approved building permits showed 16,128 constructions for the month, up 13 percent from 14,270 in June 2024. This was, however, lower than the 16,765 approved in May 2025.
Residential buildings accounted for nearly seven in 10 of June’s total at
sustain themselves for more than three months without external support. Those aged 18 to 26 are least likely to meet short-term financial obligations and are less prepared for finan-
11,058 projects. This was 15.2 percent higher than last year’s 9,597. Most were single-family homes, which made up 89.5 percent, or 9,895 projects.
Non-residential constructions had 3,011 projects, representing 18.7 percent of the total. These were led by
cial emergencies. Meanwhile, women are more cautious in meeting short-term financial obligations, while men reported greater confidence.
commercial buildings at 2,023 projects, or two-thirds of the non-residential tally.
Additions, alterations and repairs, and other construction works posted annual increases at 18.5 percent, 4.2 percent and 35.4 percent, respectively.
In terms of value, total approved constructions reached P51.67 billion in June, a 28.4-percent jump from P40.25 billion a year earlier. The figure also rose from P45.33 billion in May.
Non-residential buildings had a value of P24.37 billion, up 55 percent from last year. Within this segment, commercial-type buildings registered the biggest share at P11.18 billion, or nearly half of the non-residential total.
Residential buildings, meanwhile, were valued at P22.32 billion, which is 20.7 percent higher year-on-year. Single-type houses once again dominated the seg-
Urban residents also tend to be more financially resilient, with rural residents more likely to lack safety nets. Still, the study revealed that 66 percent now feel financially secure, up from 45 percent in the previous wave.
Most Filipinos rate their financial literacy as good at 40 percent, with their top sources of financial information coming from banks or other financial institutions and family or friends.
Social media and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are also gaining popularity, especially among younger and
ment, accounting for P15.09 billion or 67.6 percent of the residential total.
For additions to existing structures, it dropped by 16.9 percent to P575 million. Alterations and repairs fell 25.8 percent to P3.62 billion, while other constructions grew by 65.7 percent to P794 million.
Despite the overall increase in activity and value, average construction costs slid by 3.1 percent to P11,600 per square meter from P11,966 a year earlier.
The PSA noted that average costs exclude works with no reported floor area, such as repairs, demolitions, or outdoor fixtures.
The statistics agency reminded that the figures represent building permit approvals and not actual completed constructions, providing an early indicator of trends in the country’s construction pipeline.
urban consumers, as the rise of AI and digital sources reflects growing comfort with self-guided learning.
“These findings highlight both the resilience and the vulnerability of Filipino households,” Sun Life PHL CEO Benedict C. Sison said.
“We are encouraged by the growing financial confidence and commitment to saving; but it’s clear that more support is needed to help families plan for the long term.”
The study was conducted across six Asian markets, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam.
will have “long lasting and positive impacts to the economy.”
The business groups lauded SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang’s initiative to solve the flooding woes in Metro Manila at no cost to the government or the public. The five business groups highlighted their concern about environment degradation, particularly in the context of flooding, noting that this type of issue has hounded development and productivity in the business sector in the recent decades. Hence, business leaders underscored that compliance “makes a lot of business sense.”
“Believing in sustainable development, our organizations had been working with government and private sector partners to help promote responsible waste management in our communities and among our member-companies that are after all, heavily regulated already,” the major business groups noted. With this, the business sector stressed anew that “we are one with the government and every Filipino citizen in this journey to achieve a flood-free Philippines towards a better quality of life and a resilient, sustainable, and progressive economy.”
In a separate statement, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said Ang’s proposal “arrives at a pivotal moment, promising not merely infrastructure intervention, but a transformative commitment to safeguarding our capital’s communities, securing livelihoods, and fortifying the region’s economic vitality.”
While the group of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs “stands firmly” behind the conglomerate’s “visionary and philanthropic” endeavor for Metro Manila, the group is urging “constructive engagement” from all stakeholders to translate this pro bono offer into “tangible results.”
“If we are talking about the people’s money, then it is the people who should know about it and benefit from it. We will keep nothing from them,” Romualdez said.
Among the key House-initiated reforms highlighted by the lower chamber are the active involvement of civil society, people’s organizations, and the private sector in budget hearings, with copies of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) already shared with grassroots groups.
Romualdez also underscored the prioritization of investments that directly uplift lives, including food security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness.
In addition, the House has abolished the “small committee” system that previously consolidated amendments after budget approval and has opened HouseSenate budget conferences to the public to promote greater transparency. To further strengthen accountability, congressional oversight in budget execution has also been enhanced through realtime reporting and tracking of major projects.
“Every peso spent must translate into a service that the people can truly feel,” Romualdez said.
The 2026 NEP—equivalent to 22 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP)—is 7.4 percent higher than this year’s P6.326trillion budget. It sets bigger allocations for education, healthcare, social protection, and food security, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the administration’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
Revenue collections are projected to hit P4.983 trillion, up 10.2 percent from the P4.520 trillion target in 2025, driven by digitalization of tax systems, recent tax reforms—including VAT on non-
resident digital service providers—along with collections from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), dividends from governmentowned corporations, and privatization proceeds.
Government disbursements are programmed at P6.630 trillion in 2026, or 21.5 percent of GDP, with infrastructure spending maintained at 5–6 percent of GDP. The fiscal deficit is expected to narrow to 5.3 percent of GDP next year, from 5.5 percent in 2025, and further down to 4.3 percent by 2028.
The top recipients of the proposed budget are
• Education – P928.5 billion
Public Works – P881.3 billion
Health – P320.5 billion
Defense – P299.3 billion
Interior and Local
Government – P287.5 billion
Agriculture – P239.2 billion
• Social Welfare – P227.0
P67.9 billion
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President said he would not sign any General Appropriations Act (GAA) that is not aligned with the administration’s priority programs and tolerates fund misuse.
95 percent complete
MEANWHILE , the House of Representatives is also set to begin deliberating on all bills filed in the 20th Congress, following the 95 percent completion of its organizational setup in the lower chamber.
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos said the swift reorganization underscores the chamber’s readiness to act decisively on the President’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ legislative priorities.
“As of August 6, upon the guidance of Speaker Ferdinand Mar-
tin G. Romualdez, we are proud to report that in record time, we have filled 76 out of 80 committee chairmanships—95 percent of the total. This shows how serious we are in getting to work right away,” Marcos said. He pointed out that previous Congresses typically took a month or more to organize, making this a significant milestone for the 20th Congress.
“The sooner we organize, the sooner we legislate. Every day we save means more time to craft solutions, respond to challenges, and deliver results for our people,” Marcos added. Earlier, the chamber unanimously reelected Speaker Romualdez to a second term, along with Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez as Senior Deputy Speaker, several Deputy Speakers, and Marcos as Majority Leader and chair of the Committee on Rules.
The House also retained Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco and Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon “Nap” Taas, ensuring operational continuity. Key leadership posts were swiftly assigned, including chairmanships of the committees on Appropriations, Justice, Ways and Means, Agriculture, Higher and Technical Education, Foreign Affairs, Public Works, Basic Education, Energy, Transportation, Labor, and National Defense. The Quad Comm—composed of Human Rights, Public Order and Safety, Dangerous Drugs, and Public Accounts—was likewise constituted to strengthen oversight and investigations.
In addition, the House finalized the election of 12 members to the Commission on Appointments (CA) and six members to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET). With its organization complete, Marcos said the chamber is now preparing for marathon budget deliberations and the passage of priority measures aligned with national goals of inclusive growth, stronger institutions, and improved services for all Filipinos.
‘Legislators not best parties to probe anomalies in flood-control projects’
tee on
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM & Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
EVEN as House leaders have joined calls for a full investigation of past floodcontrol projects that failed, former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Sunday said lawmakers are not the best parties to lead the probe.
He shared the public’s doubts on whether Congress can credibly investigate the government’s P590billion flood control projects and wants independent agencies to take the lead instead.
“The Commission on Audit and the Ombudsman should take the lead,” Drilon said in a radio interview on Sunday. “The COA’s function is to exact accountability, while the Ombudsman is the agency that files anti-graft cases.”
“Without casting aspersion, the problem is that people will not find credible results of their [legislators’] investigation. Because it’s just them, right? Whatever you
say, the congressman and senator, in the public perception, cannot be trusted enough—they are the ones who made the insertions [for flood control], and then they will also investigate?” Drilon asked. Drilon stressed that the credibility of any congressional inquiry would be undermined by perceptions that lawmakers themselves are responsible for project insertions in the national budget. “So in my view, the COA, Ombudsman should investigate in so far as exacting accountability is concerned kung talagang may pagkukulang. As for reforms, Department of Economic Development [DEPDev] and Depart-
ment of Budget and Management should take the lead,” he added.
Flood control has emerged as one of the fastest-growing items in the national budget. The allocation stands at P346.6 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act and P224.8 billion in 2024. That totals roughly P590 billion over just two years. Under the recently-submitted 2026 National Expenditures Program, the allocation for flood control project is P275 billion, he noted.
By comparison, the allocation for flood control projects in 2016—the last year of the Aquino administration—was P64.2 billion, according to Drilon, who was previously chaired the Senate Committee on Finance.
“The current budget is about five times higher than that figure,” he noted.
In addition, Drilon was also baffled how contractors with as little as P250,000 in declared capital were able to secure flood control projects worth billions of pesos. He likened the scheme to the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceutical deal during the Duterte administration, where a small company bagged contracts worth hundreds of billions for Covid-19 supplies. It was Drilon who unearthed the anomalous transaction during Senate hearings, sparking a
marathon Blue-Ribbon committee inquiry led by then senator Richard J. Gordon, leading to the filing of cases against government officials and company executives.
COA joins probe
THE Commission on Audit (COA) over the weekend ordered a fraud audit of the flood control projects in Bulacan in the wake of President Marcos to exact accountability for failed projects that not only resulted in the loss of taxpayer money but also caused inconvenience to the residents in the areas where failed flood control structures were built.
COA Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba ordered all supervising auditors and audit team leaders of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Offices in Region 3 to submit all documents needed for the fraud audit.
The COA officials were also ordered to ensure their availability to assist the fraud audit teams at any time during the audit.
“Given the critical issues raised by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding the implementation of these projects, particularly in the Province in Bulacan, a fraud audit is an immediate and unequivocal necessity,” Cordoba said in the
memorandum-order he issued.
The order covers flood control projects of the DPWH in the province, which received P44 billion for flood control projects, accounting for the biggest share of funding in Central Luzon with 45 percent.
Cordoba said the audit is in line with Marcos’ directive to investigate alleged anomalies in the lood control programs amid persistent flooding across the country.
Last week the President launched the website on flood control projects. He said 20 percent of the P545-billion budget for flood control projects was awarded to only 15 percent of contractors, five of whom have contracts across the country.
He also ordered St. Timothy Construction Corp. to explain why its flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan failed, resulting in floods in the recent weeks which forced the residents of several barangays to wade through floodwater for at least two weeks.
St. Timothy Construction and its sister companies, the website launched by the President showed, got flood control projects all over the country amounting to P29 billion.
House panel starts probe
THE chairman of the House Commit-
ber will leave no
unturned as it gathers comprehensive data and records from past flood control projects to assess their effectiveness, uphold accountability in government spending, and identify solutions to the country’s flooding problem.
Surigao del Sur District Rep. Romeo Momo, the panel chairman, said the Committees on Public Works, on Public Accounts and on Good Government will conduct a joint review of the government’s flood control projects, in light of allegations of widespread corruption and substandard implementation.
“What really is the long-term solution for this?” Momo, a retired official of the Department of Public Works and Highways, asked. He noted that while solid waste management and engineering interventions were identified by Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan as possible solutions, other factors also aggravate flooding and these include deforestation, rapid urban development, blocked waterways, coastal reclamation, rising sea levels, soil saturation, and inadequate drainage systems.
Flyover gets in way of LRT extension, causes years' delay
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
ANassistant majority leader in the House of Representatives has called for a full-scale congressional inquiry into the controversial C-5 Quirino Highway Flyover, part of which was built on the planned alignment of the long-delayed LRT-1 Cavite Extension project.
in April 2024 after four years of construction, instead of forcing the government to spend at least P1 billion to redesign the alignment and station posts of the LRT. The DOTr earlier confirmed the additional costs, aside from persistent right-of-way and utility relocation issues.
“It is more practical, cost-efficient, and justifiable to remove the obstruction than to make costly adjustments to the LRT design,” Santos said.
tions pushed back to as late as 2030. Santos said motorists and residents have also raised concerns that changes in the C-5 Extension project altered original alignments under the Manila–Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP), leading to redundant infrastructure, inflated compensation costs, and additional budget requests.
Large-scale waste-to-energy plant to rise in Capas, Tarlac
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
ATD Waste-To-Energy Corporation, in consortium with Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation, alongside India’s Uttamenergy Limited, will soon construct a P4-billion Waste-ToEnergy (WTE) facility plant in Capas, Tarlac.
A pioneering facility and the first of its kind in the Philippines, the WTE plant is designed to convert solid waste into clean, renewable energy on a large scale.
of electricity. The facility will help power thousands of homes and businesses using a low-emission, renewable process.
The plant is expected to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, thereby stimulating local economies. Equipped with state-of-the-art air pollution control systems, the facility ensures compliance with international environmental standards, making it one of the cleanest energy generation methods available.
Proven technology
These changes have allegedly led to redundant infrastructure and inflated property compensation costs, further burdening taxpayers, said the lawmaker.
Assistant Majority Leader Mark Anthony Santos, in House Resolution 19, urged the House Committees on Transportation and on Public Works to summon officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to explain why a P300.39-million flyover was built directly blocking the right-of-way of the train project.
US
“Every year of delay means commuters suffer, traffic worsens, and government funds bleed due to avoidable mistakes. This is not just inefficiency—it borders on gross negligence,” Santos said. He pressed the DPWH to dismantle the 680-meter flyover, opened only
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension, a P64.92-billion public-private partnership between the Light Rail Manila Corporation and the government, was originally targeted for completion over a decade ago. Phase 1, covering five Parañaque stations, finally opened in November 2024 after nearly three years of Covidrelated delays.
But Phase 2, which includes the Las Piñas, Zapote, Talaba, and Niog stations, is now projected to face another three-to-five-year delay. The DOTr said construction may only begin in 2026, with full opera-
For instance, the DOTr is now seeking P3 billion in next year’s budget to build a proposed Talaba Station requested by Bacoor City, despite its location already being part of the project’s original alignment.
“This isn’t just about a construction delay—it’s about whether billions of pesos in public funds were wasted because government agencies failed to talk to each other, or worse, ignored the problem altogether,” Santos added.
defense, security companies optimistic on prospects in PHL
US-ASEAN Aerospace, Defense & Security Mission Delegation with Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and Gen. Romeo Brawner
ANUMBER of US defense and security companies are seeing opportunities in co-production, joint development, and technology transfers in the Philippines, the US(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Asean Business Council (US-ABC) said.
The interest was conveyed during the 2025 Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) Mission to the Philippines, the US-ABC’s largest industry delegation in its 41-year history.
“This project represents a significant leap forward in the country’s environmental strategy, addressing two of the most pressing national concerns: waste management and energy generation,” Amando T. Diaz, president and chief executive officer of ATD Waste-To-Energy Corporation, said in a statement.
Transformative solution
DIAZ said the facility will be more than just a power plant, as it will be a transformative solution that aligns with the country’s goals of environmental protection, energy security, and sustainable urban development.
Envisioned as the most advanced waste-to-energy facility in the Philippines, the planned project will be constructed on a four-hectare site in Capas, Tarlac, which is part of the New Clark City master plan developed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority.
“This four-billion-peso project delivers direct national value and reinforces our transition to clean energy, supports modern waste management for cities, and brings highimpact foreign capital into one of the Philippines’ most strategic growth areas,” BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said in a separate statement.
Multiple benefits
USING advanced, globally proven technology, the plant will safely convert non-recyclable waste into electricity, significantly reducing landfill dependence while contributing to the national power grid.
Proponents of the project said the key benefits to the country include reduced landfill waste.
The plant will divert daily 600 tons of municipal solid waste from overcrowded landfills, extending their lifespan and minimizing environmental impact.
Because it will convert waste into energy, it will provide clean, renewable energy.
The proposed plant is capable of generating up to 12 megawatts (MW)
WASTE-TO-ENERGY technology is already being successfully used in highly industrialized nations such as Japan, Sweden, Germany, China, and Singapore—demonstrating its safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability. The plant’s operation will be strictly monitored by both local and international experts to ensure that all environmental, health, and safety regulations are met—and even exceeded. All emissions are filtered and treated before being released, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly process that does not endanger communities or the environment.
“The realization of this project signals a bold new chapter in the way we view waste—not as garbage, but as a resource,” said Diaz.
“We are proud to bring world-class technology to the Philippines that supports our people, protects our environment, and powers our future.” ATD Waste-to-Energy Corp. is a Filipino-owned company which specializes in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. Its operations include the management of generation facilities, transmission and distribution systems, as well as electricity and transmission capacity exchanges for the sale of electricity to end users.
Uttamenergy Limited, which is based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, is an energy equipment and solutions provider and a known regional leader with WTE and biomass facilities across Asia and Africa. The plant will utilize German-engineered Enviropower technology from MARTIN GmbH for high-efficiency, low-emission waste combustion and Francebased PAPREC (formerly CNIM) and SecoLAB for Boiler and Flue Gas Treatment, respectively. The joint project is aligned with the Marcos administration’s energy and environmental priorities, including the Philippine Energy Plan and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which mandates more efficient solid waste processing by local governments and producers.
McDowall.
McDowall said Boeing is honored to collaborate with the US-ABC and the Philippine government to help advance the latter’s capabilities.
“The US private sector is firmly committed to supporting the Philippines’ long-term security and economic goals. This mission reflects our enduring strategic partnership and shared vision for regional stability,” US-ABC senior vice president and regional managing director Ted Osius said in a statement.
The delegation, consisting of 26 leading US defense and aerospace companies, was in Manila on August 14 and 15 to build on the momentum as the two countries seek to further deepen defense relations. During their engagements, the mission highlighted opportunities for “co-production, joint development, technology transfers, and workforce development across defense systems, dualuse technologies, and cyber capabilities.”
The delegation met with more than 120 leaders in the Philippine defense and security sectors, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and the Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. High-level meetings were held with Teodoro, the Coast Guard commandant, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan; the Navy flag officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta; the Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura; Civil Aviation Authority Director General Raul del Rosario, and representatives of the Army, Department of Budget and Management, and the Senate and House Committees on National Defense and Security.
The mission was co-led by Osius and Boeing Southeast Asia vice president and ADS committee chairman Dale
“Missions like this are vital to advancing the next phase of military modernization in the Philippines,” he said.
“This work strengthens the nation’s readiness and elevates its strategic posture in a rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific region.”
The mission received briefings on the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Act from the Department of National Defense, Board of Investments and Public-Private Partnership Center.
Two Filipino companies, First Philippine Industrial Park and Armscor Global Defense, Inc., offered practical insights into the local business landscape and highlighted opportunities for industrial collaboration and local defense manufacturing.
Armscor, present in over 65 countries, affirmed its support to the SRDP program and its goal to develop a domestic defense industry that attracts more investments and lessen the country’s dependence on foreign suppliers for defense and security requirements.
The companies that joined the mission include Boeing, GE Aerospace, IMSG, Citi, Lockheed Martin, Atmo, Bell, and RTX, AEVEX Aerospace, Alliance Global Group, Anglicotech Philippines Inc., BAE Systems, Bardex Corporation, COLT, Domo Tactical Communications, Echodyne Corporation, Forward Edge-AI, HavocAI, HawkEye 360, Leonardo DRS, Naval Systems, Inc., Neros Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Planet Labs, Silvus Technologies, and Universal Synaptics. PNA
Bulacan town first in PHL to ban induction
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
SANTA Maria, Bulacan, has banned the use of induction furnaces in steel mills, making it the first in the country to stop the use of these environmentally destructive equipment in steel making.
Steel mills in the town have been ordered to ransition to a more environmentally friendly equipment by Mayor Bartolome Ramos who issued the implementing rules (IRR) on the ordinance that mandated a total ban of induction furnaces.
The IRR, signed by Ramos and the heads of the concerned departments, enforces the ordinance approved by the Municapal Council last year and the Bulacan Provincial Board in June. The town has mandated all companies involved in steel making to dismantle all induction furnaces and transition to a more environmentally friendly equipment within six months from the release of the IRR.
Sta. Maria will revoke the business permits of companies that fail to comply with the ordinance. Violators also face fines and up to six months imprisonment. The Sta. Maria town council passed the ordinance following complaints from civic groups and its constituents on the black smoke and foul smell that emate from the steel mill. Affected resident said complained of widespread respiratory ailments in the area because of the pollution from the steel mill.
In an order dated August 8, 2024, Ramos sus-
furnaces
pended the operations of Hightension Industrial Corporation following a complaint filed by the environmental nongovernment organization SEEDS PH. The complaint alleged that the company was operating without an updated Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) and lacked pollutioncontrol facilities. SEEDS PH also provided evidence that Hightension was producing and selling substandard angle bars produced by the induction furnace. This type of furnace has been banned in China and a town in Pampanga owing to its detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Induction furnaces began appearing in the Philippines after being banned by Beijing in 2017. Thailand also banned the use of induction furnaces after it was discovered that the steel materials used in the buildings and structures in the recent strong quake that his the country were produced by plants using induction furnaces. The Philippine government, led by the Departments of Trade and Industry, on Science and Technology, and on Environment and Natural Resources, has also launched dialogues with the private sector and other stakeholders on the possibility of imposing a nationwide ban on induction furnaces. The Federation of Philippine Industries and Philippine Iron and Steel Institute have also been actively campaigning against induction furnaces, that were dumped in the Philippines by unscrupulous Chinese businessmen.
‘Several hurdles deter crop diversity in PHL’
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
SYSTEMIC
and structural challenges continue to hinder crop diversification in the Philippines, according to a unit of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).
In the latest briefer, UA&P Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA)
Principal Agribusiness Specialist
Ditas Macabasco noted that diversification efforts gained traction in recent years amid climate risks, volatile commodity prices, and the need for more sustainable rural development.
However, she said the country’s agricultural landscape remains dominated by a few major crops, “despite policy initiatives encouraging diversification.”
Rice is the “most widely cultivated crop” as it occupies around 4.8 million hectares or nearly 33 percent of the country’s total agricultural land in 2023. This was followed by coconut plantations with 3.7 million hectares and corn with 2.5 million hectares. Other critical crops include banana with almost 450,000 hectares and sugarcane with 409,000 hectares.
“Despite the range of crops grown, the production structure is still characterized as highly concentrated, with rice, coconut, and corn accounting for 75 percent of crop hectarage,” Macabasco said. She said efforts for crop diversification could be seen through the promotion of high-value crops like coffee, cacao, rubber, vegetables, and fruits for domestic consumption and export. Such initiatives are met with support from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) High Value Crops Development Program. However, Macabasco said sev-
eral factors hamper farmers from adopting diversification.
“Uptake is often limited by mar-
PHL still one of the top recipients of US sugar quota
THE Philippines again secured a raw sugar quota of 145,235 metric tons raw value (MTRV) for the fiscal year 2026 from Washington.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the allocation of 145,235 MTRV of raw cane sugar under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system for fiscal year 2026, which will start on October 1, 2025.
The Philippines got the third largest allocation after the Dominican Republic’s 189,343 MTRV and Brazil’s 155,993 MTRV.
Under the TRQ, countries are allowed to export specified quantities of a product to the US at a relatively low tariff.
The Philippines exported 24,179 MT of raw sugar to the US in crop year 2023-2024 and 66,085 MT in the current crop year. In the previous crop years (20212022 and 2022-2023), the Philippines did not ship raw sugar to the US due to
a shortage in domestic output.
Despite this, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Pablo Luis Azcona recently announced that the entire sugar output of the country will be allocated for domestic use in the next crop year.
This means that the SRA will not allot sugar for export in the upcoming crop year 2025-2026.
The agency said it has been classifying sugar output as “B” (domestic use) since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the local market.
“The US quota is not yet coming into play now. Among the reasons why US quota was implemented then was apart from respecting trade agreements, we sometimes need to unload raw sugar when milling peaks in [January to March],” the SRA said.
New rules
MEANWHILE, the SRA issued
Memorandum Circular (MC) 9, which stipulates the guidelines for the movement of planting materials amid the continued spread of redstriped soft-scale insects (RSSI).
“Given the present characteristic of RSSI as highly transmissible through infected planting materials, controlled movement of sugarcane plants and planting materials has become critical to prevent the further spread of pests.”
Under the circular, planters are required to have a permit to transport before the movement or transportation of sugarcane plants and materials.
Such a move would ensure that only pest-free and inspected planting materials are allowed to be shipped from one location to another, the SRA said.
However, the agency noted that the circular does not cover sugarcane transport to the mills for milling purposes.
Furthermore, the SRA noted that several grounds for disapproval of the application for a permit to transport were also in place.
This includes the failure to submit the necessary requirements; non-compliance with required treatments and procedures, and; misrepresentations, false entries, or withholding relevant data as required by SRA and regulatory agencies.
Other “analogous” grounds as determined by the SRA, Department of Agriculture, or Bureau of Plant and Industry that may result in the introduction or spread of pests and diseases are also included, as these could result in “irreversible and irreparable damage” to the sugarcane industry.
Currently, RSSI infestation has spread to over 3,200 hectares in Negros Island and Panay, based on SRA data. The region accounts for 65 percent of the country’s sugar production. Ada Pelonia
Soybean prices fall as export sales lag amid China’s absence
SOYBEAN futures fell as concerns over sluggish demand for supplies in the United States prompted traders to take profits after a three-day winning streak. Contracts for November delivery of the oilseed used in everything from chicken feed to truck fuel fell as much as 1.5 percent to $10.29 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade. Export sales for delivery in the marketing year starting in September are at their lowest level for this time of the year since 2019, according to US Department of Agriculture data compiled by Bloomberg. US suppliers have so far booked shipments totaling 4.71 million metric tons for the new season, down 20 percent from a year earlier, the USDA said on Thursday. There are concerns that, without a trade deal with China, US soybean exports will fall short of the USDA’s projection for the new season, according to Vinicius Ito, a director at futures and options brokerage Marex Group Plc. The uncertainty led traders to shed bullish wagers on prices and realize profits made after the USDA trimmed its outlook for US suppliers earlier this week, he added. China, which has relied on Brazil’s record supplies for the bulk of its needs, hasn’t booked a single cargo of US soybeans for the new season, according to USDA data.
adoption, and fragmented landholdings.” Despite this,
that the Philippines recorded the highest diversification index among its Asean peers at 0.738, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Statistical Database (FAOSTAT).
While other Asean countries recorded relatively moderate to low diversification, such as Thailand at 0.646 and Malaysia at 0.482, their respective agriculture sector put primacy on export-oriented industrial crops and substantial value addition through processing and exports. The high crop diversification in the Philippines reflects the resilience of smallholder farmers and varied agroclimatic conditions, according to Macabasco.
“While the country is well-positioned in diversification, it still faces systemic and structural challenges that limit widespread, sustainable diversification.”
She said the right investments in infrastructure, capacity building, value chains, and market systems are crucial to allow such diversity to drive competitiveness and prosperity.
“The country can learn from its Asean neighbors to transform its diversification advantage into meaningful agricultural growth and export gains.”
Tobacco agency urges public to shun ‘Tuklaw’
THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) said it did not authorize the entry of “Thuoc Lao” cigarettes, locally known as “Tuklaw,” into the Philippines.
NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said the agency had not issued an import license to any person to bring the “Tuklaw” cigarette to the country.
The NTA is one of the regulatory agencies that issues permits or licenses for the trade of tobacco products to and from the country.
Sanchez issued that statement following recent reports and social media posts that showed seizure-like symptoms characterized by brief, shock-like body jerks and twitches after puffing “Tuklaw” cigarettes.
The NTA chief then warned the public not to purchase the said cigarette due to potential side effects upon consumption.
She also urged the public to report immediately to the authorities once they see the “Tuklaw” cigarette in their locality, noting that their help in the campaign against the illicit tobacco trade is crucial.
“If we work together in curbing illicit tobacco trade, the future of our tobacco farmers and those who depend on the industry is sustained and our economy strengthened,” Sanchez said.
“Increasing our efforts to fight the illicit tobacco trade will improve the country’s image in the global market. Raising our standards of curbing illicit trade through a whole-of-government approach and whole–of–society approach will enable our country to compete globally.”
According to NTA, “Thuoc Lao” is a tobacco plant grown in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, which can be smoked or chewed as part of their rituals. The traditional way of smoking this tobacco is using a pipe called a bamboo bong, it added. The agency noted that the nicotine content of “Thuoc Lao” can reach as high as 9 percent compared to the 1 percent to 3 percent of ordinary cigarettes.
“The cigarettes laced with synthetic cannabinoids are obviously smuggled goods and are reportedly sold online.”
Citing its latest findings, the NTA noted that illegal cigarettes come mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are then transported via sea, with entry points to the country at Zamboanga, General Santos, Davao, and Palawan.
“The distribution and selling of illicit cigarettes is done through wholesalers, retailers, and even house to house with organized deliveries by sales agents for illicit.” Ada Pelonia
Lawmaker vows stronger support for Antique’s abaca farmers
SENATOR Loren Legarda has reaffirmed her strong commitment to revitalizing Antique’s abaca industry by directly supporting local farmers, encouraging youth participation, and pushing for value-adding production so that Antique can compete in larger local and global markets.
Speaking at the Abaca Stakeholders’ Forum held over the weekend at the Kinaray-a Hotel, the Antiqueña senator said that while the province is rich in natural resources, its share of the abaca market remains low, only 0.82 percent of Western Visayas’ production from 2019 to 2024 according to the report of Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFida) Region 6.
“Ang abaca ay hindi lamang hibla; ito ay bahagi ng kabuhayan, at likas-yamang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng mayamang lupain dito sa Antique,” she said.
“Sa kabila ng lahat ng hamon, naniniwala po ako na may pag-asa at malaking potensyal tayo sa paggawa ng mga abaca twine at iba pang produktong abaca,” Legarda told farmers, local officials, and representatives from PhilFida and other government agencies. Legarda personally funded an abaca twining training in Fragante, Pandan, providing initial materials so participants could learn and earn from the craft.
“Unti-unti nating ibabangon ang industriya ng abaca sa ating probinsya. Hindi natin hahayaang masayang at hindi mapakinabangan ng ating
mga kasimanwa ang yamang kinakanlong ng Antique,” she said.
The four-term senator laid out her vision to strengthen Antique’s abaca industry by encouraging youth engagement through skills training, scholarships, and livelihood kits to inspire young Antiqueños to venture into abaca farming; promoting value-adding and local processing so that the province produces not just raw materials but high quality Antique-made
This BusinessMirror file photo shows farmers in Isabela threshing their corn harvest. Corn is one of the major cash crops in the Philippines
No charge for voter registration–Comelec
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) over the weekend warned the public against a fake social media post claiming that new voters must pay P3,000 in order to be registered.
In an advisory, the poll body stressed that suffrage is a constitutional right and voter registration has always been free of charge.
“Voter registration is a constitutional right of qualified Filipinos and is free of charge. Our offices do not and will never collect any payment for registration,” it said in Filipino.
Comelec also clarified that the social media page spreading the false information is not connected to the commission.
It urged the public not to click suspicious links coming from the bogus account.
“Listen and believe only the official website [www.comelec.gov.ph] and the of-
ficial and verified social media accounts of the Commission on Elections,” it added.
The reminder came after Comelec logged more than 2.8 million new voter registrants in its recent 10-day drive—its biggest turnout so far.
To accommodate more voters, the poll body is expected to open another registration period in late October, which will run until July next year.
The extended sign-up period aims to cover those who wish to vote in the barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2026.
Under the law, Filipinos who will be at least 18 years old on or before election
day are eligible to vote in the barangay polls, while those aged 15 to 30 can participate in the SK elections. Registrants must also meet residency requirements of at least one year in the Philippines and six months in the locality where they intend to vote before election day.
Comelec said it will also process applications beyond new registrations, including reactivation of records, transfers, changes in name or civil status, corrections of entries, reinstatement of names in the voter list, and updates for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and members of indigenous peoples and indigenous cultural communities.
Caap reports no flight disruption despite runway incursion at Pagadian Airport
HOT pursuit operations for an illegal drug trafficker reached the runway of the Pagadian Airport on Saturday when the assailant breached the perimeter
security fense and entered the airside of the runway. Depite the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) reported that flight
operations at Pagadian Airport remained normal despite the incident that happened at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Initial reports indicate that the
hot pursuit operation for the assailant from barangay Kawit, Pagadian City was linked to drugrelated offenses.
The chase, which began in barangay Muricay, concluded when the individual breached the airport perimeter fence and entered the airside area of Runway 20.
The assailant was immediately arrested on the runway strip, and
both the individual and the pursuing barangay tanod were escorted out of the restricted area be Caap and airport security personel. The assailand was subsequently turned over to the Pagadian City Police for booking and filing of charges.
Caap assured the public that no flights were disrupted and no damage was sustained by airport facilities or equipment. Nonie Reyes
CA affirms life term for 4 Makati ex-cops
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
THE Court of Appeals (CA) has denied the plea of four Makati police officers to set aside its February 14 decision which affirmed the ruling issued by a Pasay City court that found them guilty of the crime of kidnapping and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua.
In a two-page resolution written by Associate Justice Eleuterio Bathan, the CA’s Eight Division held that the accused-appellants— Police Officer 2 Harley Garcera, PO2 Clarence Maynes, PO1 Tim Santos, and PO1 Jeffrey Cañete—failed to raise new arguments that would warrant the reversal of its decision.
“Upon a careful deliberation of the aforesaid motion for reconsideration and after noting the plaintiff-appellee’s comment, We find no compelling reason to deviate from our findings, conclusion, and ruling,” the CA said in denying the policemen’s motion for reconsideration.
“The arguments presented in the motion were already considered, discussed, and passed upon in the assailed decision. No new matters were raised by the accused-appellants that would warrant modifying, much less reversing, our earlier findings.” It added.
Aside from the prison term, the Regional Trial Court in Pasay City also ordered the policemen to return the P100,000 ransom that they extorted from their victim and pay the amount of P300,000 as civil indemnity and damages.
The case stemmed from the kidnapping charges filed on June 22, 2017 by a motorcycle shop owner accusing the policemen of illegally arresting him and forcibly taking him to Wilcon Depot, Pasong Tamo Extension on May 8, 2017 on board a vehicle.
While in the vehicle, the complainant
said he was questioned by the accusedappellants and shown photographs of people he did not know.
He said the policemen then demanded P400,000 in exchange for his freedom, to which he answered that he did not have that huge amount of money.
The appellants suggested that he should sell some of his belongings or pawn his vehicle to raise the said amount.
However, the complainant was only able to raise the amount of P100,000, thus, told the policemen that he would just give the rest of the amount the next day.
The accused-appellants agreed and asked for the complainant’s phone number so they could contact him.
Before releasing the complainant, the police officer threatened to kill his family if he would renege on his promise to give the balance of P300,000 as agreed.
The four suspects were arrested during an entrapment operation conducted by the National Police-Counter Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) where he reported the incident.
In affirming the ruling of the RTC in Pasay, the CA held that the prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt the existence of all the elements of the crime of kidnapping for ransom, which include (1) the accused was a private person; (2) he was kidnapped or detained, or in any manner deprived another of his liberty; (3) the kidnapping or detention was illegal; and (4) the victim was kidnapped or detained for ransom.
“Lastly, the prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt the conspiracy between the appellants. The RPC [Revised Penal Code] provides that a conspiracy exists when two or more persons come to an agreement concerning the commission of a felony and decided to commit it,” the CA said.
Legislators…
Momo highlighted alarming rainfall data, citing that July 2025 alone recorded 956 millimeters of rainfall—nearly 40 percent of the country’s annual average of 2,400 mm. From July 19 to 25, rainfall reached 665.50 mm, or 28 percent of the yearly average.
“In other words, there are many other matters and issues needing holistic planning and action to combat severe flooding resulting in property damage, displacement of our kababayan, and worse, loss of lives,” he added. The lawmaker also called for public vigilance to ensure that taxpayers’ money, government resources, and time are not wasted. He urged accountability for officials involved in any form of misfeasance, malfeasance, or corruption.
DOH
noted 7 percent hike in dengue cases
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
DENGUE cases increased by 7 percent in July following the series of typhoons and monsoon rains, the Department of Health (DOH) said over the weekend. Data released by the department indicate that that from July 13 to July 26, a total of 15,091 dengue cases were recorded. This was after typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong and the southwest monsoon that they enhanced devastated many parts of the country.
A total of 14,131 dengue cases were reported for the period June 29 to July 12.
The DOH assured that its personnel remain on alert and that the dengue fastlanes of DOH hospitals are always open to accept patients. Kung sakaling makaranas ng lagnat ng dalawang araw at makaramdam ng mga sintomas tulad ng pagpapantal, pananakit ng katawan, kalamnan at mga mata, pagkahilo at pagsusuka, agad na kumonsulta sa health center o magtungo sa mga dengue fast lanes ng mga DOH hospitals,” the department said in a statement.
The DOH reminded the public and local governments to implement “Oplan Taob,” a community-wide clean-up program to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining stagnant water from potential mosquito breeding grounds like pots, drums, and discarded tires.
De Lima calls on Congress to pass anti-EJK measure
HOUSE of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima has called for justice for all the victims of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and for the urgent passage of a measure that seeks to define and penalize EJKs and related acts. De Lima issued the statement on the eighth anniversary of the killing of
Continued from A3
“But more importantly, with our combined expertise, effort, and dedication to serve, may we find a lasting solution against flooding for the benefit of the nation and the Filipino people,” Momo said. According to the lawmaker, who retired as an undersecretary of DPWH, the congressional inquiry will also look into good practices such as tree planting, reforestation, and greening programs. It will evaluate whether existing pumping stations are sufficient, if there are enough dams and water impounding facilities, and whether the country’s weather forecasting system is reliable. Momo underscored the need for better coordination and information dissemination during calamities to strengthen the country’s disaster response.
taong gulang na si Kian delos Santos—isang karumal-dumal na krimen na lalong nagsiwalat at nagmulat sa marami nating kababayan ng karahasan, kapalpakan at kademonyohan ng war on drugs ng nakaraang administrasyon ni Duterte [Today, we commemorate the killing of Kian by members of the police—a heinous crime that opened the eyes of many of our countrymen to the violence, failure and wickedness of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs],” she said in a statement over the weekend. Isa lang si Kian sa libo-libong pinatay nang walang kalaban-laban. Libo-libo pa ang pinatay at nadamay, kasama ang kanilang mga pamilyang naulila at naghihintay pa rin ng hustisya [Kian is only one of the defenseless thousands who were killed. Thousands of innocent bystanders were also killed, and their families are still waiting for justice].” De Lima, the nominee to the House of the party-list group Mamamayang Liberal, also renewed her call for the swift passage of House Bill (HB) 1432 or the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act. The measure mandates the creation of the Inter-Agency Council Against Extrajudicial Killings (Anti-EJK Council) to establish programs and promulgate measures to ensure that state and non-state actors who committed EJK are brought to justice. The penalty of life imprisonment without the benefit of parole shall be imposed upon any public officer, person in authority, agent of a person in authority, or private individual found guilty of EJK.
“EJK is a clear and present phenomenon of the times, boldly challenging our constitutionally protected human right against the taking of life, and a transgression of due process and the presumption of innocence of criminal suspects. EJK remains a grave threat that demands our most urgent effort through legislation,” De Lima said. Panagutin ang pasimuno at ang lahat ng kasabwat sa pamamaslang, lalo na sa mga inosenteng bata at sibilyan [The masterminds and all accomplices in the killings should be held liable, especially in the killing of innocent children and civilians],” she added. PNA
Trump reverses course after Putin meeting, now seeks full peace agreement in Ukraine
By Jill Colvin & Emma Burrows
The Associated Press
NEW YORK—President Donald Trump walked into a summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin pressing for a ceasefire deal and threatening “severe consequences” and tough new sanctions if the Kremlin leader failed to agree to halt the fighting in Ukraine.
Instead, Trump was the one who stood down, dropping his demand for a ceasefire in favor of pursuing a full peace accord—a position that aligns with Putin’s.
After calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump wrote as he flew home from Friday’s meeting in Alaska that it had been “determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.”
It was a dramatic reversal that laid bare the challenges of dealing with Putin, a cunning adversary, as well as the complexities of a conflict that Trump had repeatedly boasted during his campaign that he could solve within 24 hours.
Trump’s position after the summit with Putin FEW details have emerged about what the two leaders discussed or what constituted the progress they both touted. The White House did not respond to messages seeking comment Saturday.
While European leaders were relieved that Trump did not agree to a deal that ceded territory or otherwise favored Moscow, the summit allowed Putin to reclaim his place on the world stage and may have bought Russia more time to push forward with its offensive in Ukraine.
“We’re back to where we were before without him having gone to Alaska,” said Fiona Hill, who served as Trump’s senior adviser on Russia at the National Security Council during his first term, including when he last met Putin in Helsinki in 2018.
In an interview, Hill argued that Trump had emerged from the meeting in a weaker position on the world stage because of his reversal. Other leaders, she said, might now look at the US president and think he’s “not the big guy that he thinks he is and certainly not the dealmaking genius.”
“All the way along, Trump was convinced he has incredible forces of
persuasion,” she said, but he came out of the meeting without a ceasefire — the “one thing” he had been pushing for, even after he gave the Russian leader the “red carpet treatment.”
Trump has “run up against a rock in the form of Putin, who doesn’t want anything from him apart from Ukraine,” she said.
Democrats call for consequences for Putin AT home, Democrats expressed alarm at what at times seemed like a day of deference, with Trump clapping for Putin as he walked down a red carpet during an elaborate ceremony welcoming him to US soil for the first time in a decade. The two rode together in the presidential limousine and exchanged compliments.
Trump seemed to revel in particular in Putin echoing his oft-repeated assertion that Russia never would have invaded Ukraine if Trump had been in office instead of Democrat Joe Biden at the time.
Before news cameras, Trump did not use the opportunity to castigate Putin for launching the largest ground invasion in Europe since World War II or human rights abuses he’s been accused of committing. Instead, Putin was the one who spoke first, and invited Trump to join him in Moscow next.
“President Trump appears to have been played yet again by Vladimir Putin,” said Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The President rolled out a red carpet and warmly greeted a murderous dictator on American soil and reports indicate he got nothing concrete in return.”
“Enough is enough,” she went on.
“If President Trump won’t act, Congress must do so decisively by passing crushing sanctions when we return in the coming weeks.”
Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he supports diplomacy but “peacemaking must be done responsibly.”
“Instead of caving to Putin, the
US should join our allies in levying tough, targeted new sanctions on Russia to intensify the economic pressure,” he said.
Trump has touted himself as the president of peace
TRUMP has tried to cast himself as a peacemaker, taking credit for helping deescalate conflicts between India and Pakistan as well as Thailand and Cambodia. He proudly mediated a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and another between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to end decades of fighting.
Trump has set his eye on the Nobel Peace Prize, with numerous allies offering nominations. But Trump has struggled to made headway on the world’s two most vexing conflicts: the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas.
Republicans and Trump allies offer little response so far IN Washington, the summit was met by little response from Trump’s allies. Republican lawmakers who spoke out were largely reserved and generally called for continued talks and constructive actions from the Trump administration.
“President Trump brought Rwanda and the DRC to terms, India and Pakistan to terms, Armenia and Azerbaijan to terms. I believe in our President, and believe he will do what he always does—rise to the challenge,” Rep. Brian Mast, a Florida Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, wrote on social media after the summit that “while the press conference offered few details about their meeting” she was “cautiously optimistic about the signals that some level of progress was made.”
Murkowski said it “was also encouraging to hear both presidents reference future meetings” but that Ukraine “must be part of any negotiated settlement and must freely agree to its terms.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and close Trump ally, offered that he was “very proud” of Trump for having had the faceto-face meeting and was “cautiously optimistic” that the war might end “well before Christmas” if a trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin transpires.
“I have all the confidence in the world that Donald Trump will make it clear to Putin this war will never start again. If it does, you’re going to pay a heavy price,” he said on Fox News. For some Trump allies, the very act of him meeting with Putin was success enough: conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk called it “a great thing.”
Some see a Putin win and a Trump loss
BUT in Europe, the summit was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Putin, who has been eager to emerge from geopolitical isolation.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, praised the summit as a breakthrough in restoring high-level dialogue between Moscow and Washington, describing the talks as “calm, without ultimatums and threats.”
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said the summit was “a distinct win for Putin. He didn’t yield an inch” but was also “a distinct setback for Trump. No ceasefire in sight.”
“What the world sees is a weak and wobbling America,” Bildt posted on X.
Burrows reported from London. AP reporters Matt Brown in Washington and John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report.
Air Canada strike causes travel chaos; govt orders 10,500 flight attendants back to work
By Thomas Seal
CANADA’S government moved to order more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants back to work, less than 12 hours into a strike that caused hundreds of flight cancellations.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu directed the independent Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the company and the striking employees to resume operations. She asked the board to impose binding arbitration and to extend the terms of the flight attendants’ existing contract until a new one can be determined.
It wasn’t immediately clear when flights would resume. Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations remain suspended pending the outcome of the CIRB process, the airline said in a statement on Saturday evening. The online departures board for Toronto Pearson, the country’s busiest airport, showed extensive cancellations for scheduled Sunday flights.
In recent disputes with Canadian railroad and postal workers, the labor board followed similar government directions within a matter of days.
In the meantime, the Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees stressed that the strike would continue, deepening the travel chaos. The government’s decision rewards Air Canada by “crushing” workers’ rights, the union said in a statement.
Some 10,500 flight attendants walked off the job early Saturday after pay talks between the union and the country’s biggest airline fell through. That led Montreal-based Air Canada to ground hundreds of flights and lock out flight attendants, disrupting some 130,000 passengers a day during the summer holiday season.
The move extends the government’s use of a controversial legal power which allows it to act to “secure industrial peace” by directing the labor relations board. Its use has been challenged in court and unions say it undermines collective bargaining because companies can count on the government to intervene. Air Canada and the labor board didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Business groups applauded the move while other unions and opposition politicians condemned it.
“With valuable cargo grounded and passengers stranded, the government made the right decision to refer the two sides to binding arbitration,” said Matthew Holmes, head of public policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Every hour counts given Air Canada says it will need up to a week for its network to be fully operationalized again, meaning that close to a million Canadians and international visitors could be impacted.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney is “proving once again that he is no friend to workers or labor, and would rather reward his corporate buddies than pay flight attendants who work tirelessly on their feet all day,” said Kyle Seeback, the opposition Conservative Party’s spokesman for labor, touting legislation designed to improve flight attendant pay.
Polling from Abacus Data showed 59% of Canadians wanted the federal government to respect the right of workers to strike, even if it led to travel disruptions. Many more sympathized with the flight attendants than with the company.
Regional flights by Air Canada Express aren’t affected because they’re operated by third-party airlines. Bloomberg News
“It has now become clear that this dispute won’t be resolved at the table,” Hajdu said in a statement. “Canadians are increasingly finding themselves in very difficult situations and the strike is rapidly impacting the Canadian economy.”
Tensions soar in Serbia as angry protesters clash with police and set fire to party offices
BBy Jovana Gec The Associated Press
ELGRADE, Serbia—Angry
protesters clashed with police in a town in western Serbia and in the capital Belgrade on Saturday as tensions soared further in the Balkan nation following days of violent demonstrations.
Wearing scarves over their faces and chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, a group of young men threw flares at his Serbian Progressive Party offices in Valjevo, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the capital Belgrade. They set fire to the party’s offices before clashing with riot police in a downtown area.
Police threw multiple rounds of tear gas and charged at the demonstrators who hurled bottles, rocks and flares at them.
Similar clashes also erupted on Saturday evening in the northern city of Novi Sad and in Belgrade, with
police directing tear gas at protesters while battling the protesters who set garbage containers on fire.
The protesters in Valjevo turned out to the streets to protest what they allege is police brutality.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said at least one policeman was injured in Valjevo and 18 people detained so far.
“There will be more detentions. All those who have broken the law will be arrested,” Dacic said.
He said that the seat of the Valjevo court, prosecutor’s office and the municipal building also have been demolished.
Serbia has been gripped by protests since November, when a train station canopy collapse killed 16 people. Many blamed the tragedy on poor renovation work resulting from widespread corruption in infrastructure projects.
The student-led protests had been largely peaceful for months but turned violent this week. The situa -
tion has put pressure on Serbia’s increasingly autocratic president Vucic, who has refused the protesters’ demand to call an early parliamentary election.
Vucic has accused the protesters of following orders from abroad to “destroy Serbia,” and promised a crackdown on the nationwide movement led by university students.
The protest in Valjevo drew several thousand people after a video on social media showed a young man from the town being severely beaten by police who kicked him and bashed him with batons during a protest earlier this week.
The gathering was peaceful until groups of protesters threw flares at the SNS offices which sparked the fire inside.
The incident marks the second such attack on the SNS party offices this week after protesters demolished the party headquarters in the northern city of Novi Sad on Wednesday.
Clashes between the SNS party loyalists and police on one side and anti-government protesters on the other side have erupted every evening since then. Dozens of people have been injured and scores have been detained.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has called for “calm and respect of the right to peaceful assembly”
“Serbian authorities must uphold Council of Europe standards,” he said on X this week.
Serbian police have denied reports of brutality, saying they have been attacked and that dozens of officers have been injured in the rioting. Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, but Vucic has maintained strong ties with Russia and China. The Serbian president has faced accusations of stifling democratic freedoms while allowing organized crime and corruption to flourish. He has denied this.
US President Donald Trump, second right, shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin after their joint news conference on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP
The World BusinessMirror
Trump administration wants to end UN peacekeeping in Lebanon; Europe resists
By Matthew Lee & Abby Sewell
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—The future of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon has split the United States and its European allies, raising implications for security in the Middle East and becoming the latest snag to vex relations between the US and key partners like France, Britain and Italy. At issue is the peacekeeping operation known as UNIFIL, whose mandate expires at the end of August and will need to be renewed by the U.N. Security Council to continue. It was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel’s 1978 invasion, and its mission was expanded following the monthlong 2006 war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
The multinational force has played a significant role in monitoring the security situation in southern Lebanon for decades, including during the Israel-Hezbollah war last year, but has drawn criticism from both sides and numerous US lawmakers, some of whom now hold prominent roles in President Donald Trump’s administration or wield new influence with the White House.
Trump administration political appointees came into office this year with the aim of shutting down UNIFIL as soon as possible. They regard the operation as an ineffectual waste of money that is merely delaying the goal of eliminating Hezbollah’s influence and restoring full security control to the Lebanese Armed Forces that the government says it is not yet capable of doing.
After securing major cuts in US funding to the peacekeeping force, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed off early last week on a plan that would wind down and end UNIFIL in the next six months, according to Trump administration officials and congressional aides familiar with the discussions.
It’s another step as the Trump administration drastically pares back its foreign affairs priorities and budget, including expressing skepticism of international alliances and cutting funding to U.N. agencies and missions. The transatlantic divide also has been apparent on issues ranging from Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict to trade, technology and free speech issues.
Europeans push back against a quick end to UN peacekeeping in Lebanon ISRAEL has for years sought an end to UNIFIL’s mandate, and renewal votes have often come after weeks of political wrangling. Now, the stakes are particularly high after last year’s war and more vigorous opposition in Washington.
European nations, notably France and Italy, have objected to winding down UNIFIL. With the support of Tom Barrack, US ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Lebanon, they successfully lobbied Rubio and others to support a one-year extension of the peacekeeping mandate followed by a time-certain wind-down period of six months, according to the administration officials and congressional aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic negotiations.
Israel also reluctantly agreed to an extension, they said.
The European argument was that prematurely ending UNIFIL before the Lebanese army is able to fully secure the border area would create a vacuum that Hezbollah could easily exploit.
The French noted that when a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali was terminated before government troops were ready to deal with security threats, Islamic extremists moved in.
With the US easing off, the issue ahead of the UN vote expected at the end of August now appears to be resistance by France and others to setting a firm deadline for the operation to end after the one-year extension, according to the officials and congressional aides.
French officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The final French draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, does not include a date for UNIFIL’s withdrawal, which US officials say is required for their support. Instead, it would extend the peacekeeping mission for one year and indicates the UN Security Council’s “intention to work on a withdrawal.”
But even if the mandate is renewed, the peacekeeping mission might be scaled down for financial reasons, with the UN system likely facing drastic budget cuts, said a UN official, who was not authorized to comment to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.
One of the US officials said an option being considered was reducing UNIFIL’s numbers while boosting its technological means to monitor the situation on the ground.
The peacekeeping force has faced criticism
THERE are about 10,000 peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese army has around 6,000 soldiers, a number that is supposed to increase to 10,000.
Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon have frequently accused the UN mission of collusion with Israel and sometimes attacked peacekeepers on patrol. Israel, meanwhile, has accused the peacekeepers of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah’s military activities in southern Lebanon and lobbied for its mandate to end.
Sarit Zehavi, a former Israeli military intelligence analyst and founder of the Israeli think tank Alma Research and Education Center, said UNIFIL has played a “damaging role with regard to the mission of disarming Hezbollah in south Lebanon.”
She pointed to the discovery of Hezbollah tunnels and weapons caches close to UNIFIL facilities during and after last year’s Israel-Hezbollah war, when much of the militant group’s senior leadership was killed and much of its arsenal destroyed. Hezbollah is now under increasing pressure to give up the rest of its weapons.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UNIFIL continues to discover unauthorized weapons, including rocket launchers, mortar rounds and bomb fuses, this week, which it reported to the Lebanese army.
Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
Pakistan’s monsoon flooding death toll rises to 220 as forecasts warn of more rain to come
By Muhammad Sajjad & Riaz Khan The Associated Press
BUNER, Pakistan—Flooding in a northwest Pakistani district has killed at least 220 people, officials said Saturday, as rescuers pulled 63 more bodies overnight from homes flattened by flash floods and landslides, with forecasts of more rain in the coming days.
One eyewitness, who escaped the deluges in Buner, described seeing floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders and “tons of rocks” crashing down.
Hundreds of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in Buner, one of several places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where torrential rains and cloudbursts caused massive flooding on Friday, said Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for the emergency services. Dozens of homes were swept away.
First responders have been trying to recover bodies from the worst-hit villages of Pir Baba and Malik Pura, where most of the fatalities were, said Kashif Qayyum, a deputy commissioner in Buner.
change, triggering floods and mudslides that have killed some 541 people since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
‘Grief and sorrow everywhere’ MOURNERS attended mass funerals on Saturday, while authorities supplied tents and food to people in Buner.
Local cleric Mufti Fazal had led funeral prayers at multiple locations since Friday morning. “Before yesterday’s floods, the area was bustling with life. Now, there is grief and sorrow everywhere.”
cuers scoured the remote village of Chositi in the district of Kishtwar on Saturday, looking for dozens of missing people after it was hit by flash floods two days earlier, killing 60 and injuring some 150, about 50 in critical condition.
“A stream near Pir Baba village in Buner swelled without warning. At first, we thought it was a normal flash flood, but when tons of rocks came crashing down with the water, 60 to 70 houses were swept away in moments,” Khan told The Associated Press, adding that many bodies were left mutilated.
“Our police station was washed away too and if we hadn’t climbed to higher ground, we would not have survived,” Khan said.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department predicted torrential rains in the coming days and warned that monsoon activity was likely to intensify
Local police officer Imtiaz Khan, who narrowly escaped the deluges, said floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders struck and flattened homes within minutes.
from Sunday onwards, including in the north and northwest.
Higher-than-normal monsoon rainfall
RESCUERS said they saw large swathes of Pir Baba village destroyed, wrecked homes, and giant rocks filling the streets as the water started to recede.
“It was not just the floodwater, it was a flood of boulders as well, which we saw for the first time in our lives,” said Sultan Syed, 45, who suffered a broken arm.
Mohammad Khan, 53, said the floods “came so fast that many could not leave their homes.”
Senegal’s ‘schools for husbands’ aim to shift gender roles and keep mothers from dying
By Mark Banchereau
The Associated Press
DAKAR, Senegal—On a recent evening in Senegal ‘s capital of Dakar, an imam named Ibrahima Diane explained to a group of men why they should be more involved in household chores.
“The Prophet himself says a man who does not help support his wife and children is not a good Muslim,” the 53-year-old said, as he described bathing his baby and helping his wife with other duties.
Some of the 14 men chuckled, not quite sold. Others applauded.
Diane was taking part in a “school for husbands,” a United Nationsbacked initiative where respected male community members learn about “positive masculinity” in health and social issues and promote them in their communities.
In Senegal, as in many other West African countries with large rural or conservative populations, men often have the final say in major household decisions, including ones related to health.
Women may need their permission for life-changing decisions on accessing family planning or other reproductive health services, along with hospital deliveries or prenatal care.
Following his sessions at the school for husbands, Diane regularly holds sermons during Friday prayers where he discusses issues around gender and reproductive health, from gender-based violence to fighting stigma around HIV.
“Many women appreciate my sermons,” he said. “They say their husbands’ behavior changed since they attended them.” He said some men have told him the sermons inspired them to become more caring husbands and fathers.
Habib Diallo, a 60-year-old former army commando, said attending the sermons and discussions with the imam taught him about the risks of home births.
“When my son’s wife was pregnant, I encouraged him to take her to the hospital for the delivery,” Diallo said. “At first, he was hesi -
tant. He worried about the cost and didn’t trust the hospital. But when I explained how much safer it would be for both his wife and the baby, he agreed.”
No more barking orders
THE program launched in Senegal in 2011 but in recent years has caught the attention of the Ministry of Women, Family, Gender and Child Protection, which sees it an effective strategy to combat maternal and infant mortality.
“Without men’s involvement, attitudes around maternal health won’t change,” said 54-year-old Aida Diouf, a female health worker who collaborates with the program. Many husbands prefer their wives not be treated by male health workers, she said. The classes for husbands follow similar efforts in other African countries, particularly Niger, Togo, and Burkina Faso, where the United Nations Population Fund says it improved women’s access to reproductive health services by increasing male involvement, growing the use of contraceptives by both men and women and expanding access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendants. Discussions for men also have focused on girls’ rights, equality and the harmful effects of female genital mutilation.
The program now operates over 20 schools in Senegal, and over 300 men have been trained. In some communities, men who once enforced patriarchal norms now
promote gender equality, which has led to a reduction in the number of forced marriages and more acceptance of family planning, according to Senegal’s ministry of gender.
Men join the groups after being recruited based on trust, leadership and commitment. Candidates must be married, respected locally and supportive of women’s health and rights.
After training, the men act as peer educators, visiting homes and hosting informal talks.
“My husband used to not do much around the house, just bark orders. Now he actually cooks and helps out with daily tasks,” said Khary Ndeye, 52.
Still too many dying in childbirth WHILE maternal and infant deaths in Senegal have declined over the past decade, experts say it still has a long way to go. It recorded 237 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2023, while 21 newborns out of every 1,000 died within their first month. The U.N. globally wants to reduce maternal deaths to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and newborn deaths to under 12 per 1,000 by 2030.
One key problem was that many women have been giving birth at home, said El Hadj Malick, one of the Senegal program’s coordinators.
“By educating men about the importance of supporting their wives during pregnancy, taking them to the hospital and helping with domestic work at home, you’re protecting people’s health,” Malick said.
Most victims died before reaching the hospital, said Mohammad Tariq, a doctor in Buner. “Many among the dead were children and men, while women were away in the hills collecting firewood and grazing cattle.”
Pakistani leaders, including the prime minister and president, offered their condolences to the families of the dead and said they were praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, said efforts were underway to repair roads and other damaged infrastructure.
Pakistan has received higherthan-normal monsoon rainfall this year, which experts link to climate
Schoolteacher Suleman Khan lost 25 members of his extended family. He and his brother survived only because they were away from home when the floods hit his village Qadar Nagar.
In Pir Baba, mourners laid out the covered bodies of their loved ones on wooden bedframes or bore them aloft ahead of burials. In a hospital, paramedics placed blocks of ice next to the deceased or comforted the injured.
According to the provincial disaster management authority, at least 351 people have died in rain-related incidents this week across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Tourists trapped in flood-hit areas IN India-controlled Kashmir, res -
Thursday’s floods struck during an annual Hindu pilgrimage in the area. Authorities have rescued over 300 people, while some 4,000 pilgrims have been evacuated to safety. Such cloudbursts are increasingly common in India’s Himalayan regions and Pakistan’s northern areas, and experts have said climate change is a contributing factor.
Pakistani officials said rescuers since Thursday have evacuated more than 3,500 tourists trapped in floodhit areas across the country. Many travelers have ignored government warnings about avoiding vulnerable regions in the north and northwest.
Pakistan witnessed its worst-ever monsoon season in 2022. It killed more than 1,700 people and caused an estimated $40 billion in damage.
Khan reported from Peshawar, Pakistan. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad, Rasool Dawar in Peshawar, Pakistan, Ishfaq Husain in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, and Channi Ananad in Chositi, India, contributed to this report.
Bolivia heads to the polls as right-wing opposition eyes first victory in decades
By Isabel Debre The Associated Press
LA PAZ, Bolivia—Bolivians headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in presidential and congressional elections that could spell the end of the Andean nation’s long-dominant leftist party and see a right-wing government elected for the first time in over two decades.
The election on Sunday is one of the most consequential for Bolivia in recent times—and one of the most unpredictable.
Even at this late stage, a remarkable 30% or so of voters remain undecided. Polls show the two leading right-wing candidates, multimillionaire business owner Samuel Doria Medina and former President Jorge Fernando “Tuto” Quiroga, locked in a virtual dead heat.
Many undecided voters BUT a right-wing victory isn’t assured. Many longtime voters for the governing Movement Toward Socialism, or MAS, party, now shattered by infighting, live in rural areas and tend to be undercounted in polling.
With the nation’s worst economic crisis in four decades leaving Bolivians waiting for hours in fuel lines, struggling to find subsidized bread and squeezed by double-digit inflation, the opposition candidates are billing the race as a chance to alter the country’s destiny.
“I have rarely, if ever, seen a situational tinderbox with as many sparks ready to ignite,” Daniel Lansberg-Rodriguez, founding partner of Aurora Macro Strategies, a New York-based advisory firm, writes in a memo. Breaking the MAS party’s monopoly on political power, he adds, pushes “the country into uncharted political waters amid rising polarization, severe economic fragility and a widening rural–urban divide.”
Bolivia could follow rightward trend
THE outcome will determine whether Bolivia—a nation of about 12 million people with the largest lithium
reserves on Earth and crucial deposits of rare earth minerals—follows a growing trend in Latin America, where right-wing leaders like Argentina’s libertarian Javier Milei, Ecuador’s strongman Daniel Noboa and El Salvador’s conservative populist Nayib Bukele have surged in popularity.
A right-wing government in Bolivia could trigger a major geopolitical realignment for a country now allied with Venezuela’s socialist-inspired government and world powers such as China, Russia and Iran.
Conservative candidates vow to restore US relations
DORIA MEDINA and Quiroga have praised the Trump administration and vowed to restore ties with the United States—ruptured in 2008 when charismatic, long-serving former President Evo Morales expelled the American ambassador.
The right-wing front-runners also have expressed interest in doing business with Israel, which has no diplomatic relations with Bolivia, and called for foreign private companies to invest in the country and develop its rich natural resources.
After storming to office in 2006 at the start of the commodities boom, Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, nationalized the nation’s oil and gas industry, using the lush profits to reduce poverty, expand infrastructure and improve the lives of the rural poor.
After three consecutive presidential terms, as well as a contentious bid for an unprecedented fourth in 2019 that set off popular unrest and led to his ouster, Morales has been barred from this race by Bolivia’s constitutional court.
His ally-turned-rival, President Luis Arce, withdrew his candidacy for the MAS on account of his plummeting popularity and nominated his senior minister, Eduardo del Castillo.
As the party splintered, Andrónico Rodríguez, the 36-year-old president of the senate who hails from the same union of coca farmers as Morales, launched his bid.
Ex-president Morales urges supporters to deface ballots RATHER than back the candidate widely considered his heir, Morales, holed up in his tropical stronghold and evading an arrest warrant on charges related to his relationship with a 15-year-old girl, has urged his supporters to deface their ballots or leave them blank.
Voting is mandatory in Bolivia, where some 7.9 million Bolivians are eligible to vote.
Doria Medina and Quiroga, familiar faces in Bolivian politics who both served in past neoliberal governments and have run for president three times before, have struggled to stir up interest as voter angst runs high.
“There’s enthusiasm for change but no enthusiasm for the candidates,” said Eddy Abasto, 44, a Tupperware vendor in Bolivia’s capital of La Paz torn between voting for Doria Medina and Quiroga. “It’s always the same, those in power live happily spending the country’s money, and we suffer.”
Conservative candidates say austerity needed DORIA MEDINA and Quiroga have warned of the need for a painful fiscal adjustment, including the elimination of Bolivia’s generous food and fuel subsidies, to save the nation from insolvency. Some analysts caution this risks sparking social unrest.
“A victory for either right-wing candidate could have grave repercussions for Bolivia’s Indigenous and impoverished communities,” said Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network, a Bolivian research group. “Both candidates could bolster security forces and right-wing para-state groups, paving the way for violent crackdowns on protests expected to erupt over the foreign exploitation of lithium and drastic austerity measures.”
All 130 seats in Bolivia’s Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament, are up for grabs, along with 36 in the Senate, the upper house.
PEOPLE attend funeral prayers for the victims of Friday’s flash flooding, at a village near Pir Baba, Buner district, in Pakistan’s northwest, Saturday, Aug.16, 2025. AP PHOTO/MUHAMMAD SAJJAD
Anticipation builds for Federal Reserve’s policy shifts at Jackson Hole Symposium
By Catarina Saraiva
ABIG week is coming up for the Federal Reserve and central bank enthusiasts.
The Kansas City Fed’s annual Economic Policy Symposium kicks off Thursday evening in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Chair Jerome Powell in remarks on Friday is expected to unveil the Fed’s new policy framework—the strategy it’ll use to achieve its inflation and employment goals. Powell may also drop some hints about the Fed’s thinking ahead of its September policy meeting. Officials have left interest rates on hold so far this year as they wait to see how the Trump administration’s tariffs impact the economy.
With inflation still above the Fed’s 2 percent goal and signs of a slowdown in the labor market, policymakers have become divided on when to resume rate cuts. Powell’s speech could give Fed watchers a fresh update on how much support there is to lower rates in September—at a time the Trump administration is piling on the pressure to start easing.
Data over the past week likely did little to shift opinions on inflation and the economy. The core consumer price index, which excludes food and fuel, rose in July by the most since the start of the year. Yet the cost of tariff-exposed goods didn’t rise as much as feared.
A separate report on wholesale inflation suggested price pressures on companies are mounting, however. And a fresh read on retail sales showed American consumers flexed a bit more muscle over the past two months, though a decline in sentiment pointed to anxiety about inflation and the job market.
“Federal Reserve Chair Jerome
Powell has the opportunity to settle the speculation with his speech at the annual Jackson Hole Symposium (Friday). Last year, he used the gathering of central bankers to telegraph that the Fed was ready to cut rates. But the circumstances are different, and we don’t think he’ll be as frank this year,” said Bloomberg economists Anna Wong, Stuart Paul, Eliza Winger, Estelle Ou and Chris G. Collins. The global nature of the Jackson Hole conference also offers an opportunity for Powell’s peers to express their support amid persistent criticism from President Donald Trump. Central bank independence is likely to be a topic on the sidelines of the confab.
A handful of economists will present new research papers during the meeting, and there’s usually a panel featuring heads of some of the world’s biggest central banks.
Elsewhere, central bankers in New Zealand are projected to cut rates in a bid to shore up the labor market. Inflation and retail sales data take top billing in the UK, while purchasing managers indexes for economies across the world will help shed light on the impact of US tariffs.
What’s coming up in the global economy:
US and Canada
THE US economic calendar lightens up in the coming week and will include several reports on the housing market. Cheaper borrowing costs would stoke demand in a residential real estate sector that’s been bogged down by low affordability.
On Tuesday, economists expect government figures to show a decline in US housing starts. National Association of Realtors data out Thursday are projected to show sales of previously owned homes hovering near a 15-year low.
Tariff machinations remain top of mind. Trade talks between the US and India scheduled for late this month may be postponed at Washington’s request, Indian media reported.
Turning north, Statistics Canada will release inflation data for July, the first of two such reports before the Bank of Canada’s September rate decision.
The central bank is closely watching core measures and the share of components in the consumer price index basket that are rising, both of which accelerated in the previous month’s data. Signs of cooling would open the door to a rate cut.
Advance retail sales data for July will shed light on Canadian consumer health after June’s preliminary estimate surprisingly pointed to the strongest spending this year.
Asia
THE Reserve Bank of New Zealand is the focus on Wednesday, when authorities are expected to resume a monetary easing cycle. Economists
forecast the RBNZ will trim its benchmark rate by a quarter-point, to 3 percent, as officials look to keep a sagging labor market from impeding growth.
Bank Indonesia is seen keeping its policy settings unchanged the same day. China will likely hold its 1- and 5-year loan prime rates steady.
Asia sees a slew of indicators that are expected to underscore the impact of US trade policies on the region’s manufacturers. South Korea publishes early trade statistics for August, while Japan, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia all release reports for July. Thursday brings manufacturing PMI data for Japan, Australia and India.
Thailand’s economic growth likely slowed a tad in the second quarter, data on Monday are expected to show, validating the Bank of Thailand’s recent move to to cut its benchmark rate.
Japan’s national CPI data, scheduled for release on Friday, are forecast to show consumer inflation stayed well above the Bank of Japan’s target in July, backing the case for the BOJ to remain on the path toward gradual rate hikes.
Hong Kong and Malaysia also release inflation figures in the coming week. Australia issues consumer
confidence on Tuesday.
Europe, Middle East, Africa
JULY inflation from the UK is likely to be the week’s most-watched release, with the Bank of England seeing price gains creeping up to a 4 percent peak in September. Bloomberg Economics is looking for a slight uptick on the month, to 3.7 percent from 3.6 percent. Analysts at Bank of America see services inflation edging up.
The UK also reports retail sales at the end of the week, though before that it will join the region’s other major economies in getting an update on private-sector activity from S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index.
Like the euro zone, the UK’s reading has been a point or two above the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction. Analysts will look at how companies in Europe are reacting to the tariff deal between Brussels and Washington after investor confidence sank in Germany.
Swiss exports, due on Thursday, will shed light on that country’s trade dealings with the US, which ended up hitting Switzerland with the highest tariffs among developed countries.
Remarks on Wednesday in Geneva from European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde may offer more pointers on the continent’s outlook. Traders have pared bets on further ECB interest-rate cuts but will have an eye on negotiated-wage data due Friday to make sure moderation is continuing there.
Wednesday sees policymakers convene at Sweden’s Riksbank. They’re likely to keep the benchmark rate at 2 percent, looking past a temporary summer flare-up in inflation.
Beyond Europe, South Africa publishes inflation data on Wednesday, with price growth seen accelerating to 3.5 percent in July from 3 percent. Israel will set borrowing costs the same day, with analysts looking for rates to be held steady for a 13th
Hyperlocal deliveries fuel 300% stock rise for Shopee owner Sea
By Olivia Poh & Benicia Tan
IN the battle royale of global e-commerce, the names are familiar and formidable: Amazon. TikTok Shop. Shein. Temu. But in Southeast Asia, home to 675 million people and a $160 billion online shopping market, the reigning monarch is an app the color of a traffic cone. It’s called Shopee. And it’s thriving. Owned by Singapore-based Sea Ltd., Shopee has pulled off one of the more improbable corporate comebacks in recent memory, sending its stock soaring more than 300 percent since the start of 2024. A key secret weapon is a little-known logistics operation powered by an army of homemakers, students and retirees. And the help of some very large Ikea bags. That operation is SPX Express, a homegrown in-house delivery network that Sea spent years building in the shadows. While rivals like Amazon.com Inc. plastered ads across the city for Black Friday and TikTok Shop flooded feeds with flash sales, Shopee was busy rewiring the infrastructure of Southeast Asian commerce one community at a time. They’re a familiar sight in Singapore. The retired “uncle” in flip-flops, slinging parcels across a housing block in an everpractical blue Ikea bag. Or an entrepreneurial homemaker busily sorting a makeshift kiosk beside the elevator. They’re the human backbone of SPX Express, which now handles the majority of Shopee’s several billion parcels annually. And Wall Street has noticed. Shopee’s success has helped Sea inch toward a $100 billion market cap, on the heels of Singaporean banking giant DBS, the region’s most valuable company. The stock, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has soared 324% since hitting a low in Janu -
ary last year. Of the 41 analysts tracked by Bloomberg who rate Sea, 33 of them have a “buy” recommendation on the stock. “Sea’s significant recovery was largely driven by growth in its e-commerce business, which was executed really well during the post-Covid period,” said Hussaini Saifee, an equity research analyst at Maybank Securities Pte., who rates the stock a “buy.”
In 2021, Shopee was facing a conundrum: demand was exploding—especially during the Covid pandemic—but its delivery pipeline was buckling under the pressure. Until then, Shopee had relied mostly on third-party carriers like J&T Global Express Ltd. and Singapore Post to navigate the logistical complexity of Southeast Asia: thousands of islands, alleys too narrow for vans, dirt roads more familiar to scooters than trucks. That changed almost overnight. As online orders more than doubled in 2021, Sea bet big on building its own logistics arm. During a 2022 Sea earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Forrest Li pledged
to build up its logistics business, raising its capital spending to nearly $1 billion that year alone. Lowering the cost of delivering parcels will be “key to long-term growth,” he said.
It was a big risk during a difficult period. Sea had just lost almost 90 percent of its value from its 2021 peak. Investors were disillusioned about its money-making potential in a global tech rout, scrutinizing Sea’s growth prospects after shoppers emerging from pandemic lockdowns started cutting back on online purchases. The gaming and e-commerce giant had cut about 7,000 jobs to try to assuage some of these concerns. It also shuttered its e-commerce operations in some European and Latin American markets and said it would reduce expenses to cope. Sea’s stock is up almost 40 percent in 2025.
CEO Li brought in Hoirul Hafiidz Bin Maksom, a bespectacled 43-year-old former hospital operator, experienced in coordinating large local teams in a highstakes, time-sensitive, customer-centric environment. Over the span of two years,
as Hoirul obsessed over shortening delivery timings and ways to bring down costs, Sea built up a network of delivery drivers, warehouses and thousands of collection points. The market share of its logistics operations in Southeast Asia, which was essentially non-existent in 2022, grew to about 25% in 2024, according to research firm Momentum Works.
“Covid was a great accelerator for us,” said Hoirul. “There was definitely a gap in the services available for last-mile logistics, just because e-commerce was just growing too fast during Covid. So we had to do our part and solve this problem.”
Today, SPX Express is a finely tuned operation. At midnight, sorting centers buzz to life. Parcels are unpacked, scanned, and routed via conveyor belts into color-coded plastic bags—blue, orange, green and purple—each representing a different part of the island. One such sorting facility can process up to 400,000 parcels a day. With SPX Express, 90% of its parcels are delivered the next day in Singapore. In the rest of Asia, almost half of
SPX Express orders were delivered within two days.
But what’s truly characteristic to Shopee begins after the parcels leave the warehouse.
SPX Express’ edge is in its intimacy. It’s the fact that your parcel might be delivered by your retired neighbor, or the kid next door looking to earn pocket money. People like John, a 64-year-old who’s been delivering in his neighborhood for four years, going up and down apartments in a quarter-mile radius to hand over hundreds of parcels every day. He does it for the money, sure — a little extra cash is always nice. But he also likes the community. “I’ve made so many friends, I get to chat with elderly neighbors who welcome me into their home and witness milestones of so many families,” John said.
Shopee scaled this model. Hoirul’s lightbulb moment came while walking through his public housing estate last year. He noticed that neighbors were already informally receiving parcels on
consecutive meeting. Rwanda and Botswana set rate policy on Thursday.
Latin America CHILE kicks off the week with its second-quarter output report, central bank survey of traders, and quarterly current account data. Growth may undershoot central bank forecasts, though the consensus calls for a second-half rebound supported by domestic demand, slowing inflation, and easing financial conditions.
Brazil’s central bank on Monday posts its usual weekly Focus market readout along with its June economic activity report. May’s month-onmonth dip aside, indicators such as the output gap suggest that Latin America’s No. 1 economy is still running hot.
Argentina on Wednesday delivers June GDP-proxy data on the heels of a disappointing -0.1 percent monthon-month reading in May. Economists surveyed by the central bank forecast growth of 5 percent in 2025. Closing out the week, Mexico publishes June economic activity data and its final output figures for the three months through June, likely coming in quite close to flash readings of 0.7 percent quarter-onquarter and 0.1 percent year-on-year reported on July 30.
Uncertainty over Trump’s trade and tariff policies, along with scaled back public investment, are expected to drag on Latin America’s No. 2 economy in the second half and into 2026. After consumer prices slowed more than expected in July—excluding services and core readings—mid-month inflation readings on Friday may have reversed course and ticked higher. With assistance from Jana Randow, Brian Fowler, Vince Golle, Monique Vanek, Robert Jameson, Laura Dhillon Kane, Mark Evans, Andrew Langley and Beril Akman / Bloomberg
behalf of others. Why not pay them? This would be easy to set up, the parcels would be safe and SPX Express would be able to leverage the existing public housing infrastructure of Singapore, where more than 80 percent of the population lives.
So they started doing just that— setting up collection points in the very homes of the people who live in the buildings they deliver to. Shopee’s partner now has more than 3,500 of these sites, which also include shops and lockers, across Singapore. Some look like tidy mini post offices. Others are literally living rooms stacked with brown packages and a folding table.
Pearlyn Tan and her husband, a delivery driver, run one out of their flat. She handles up to 80 parcels a day. At 30 Singapore cents per package ($0.23), they earn enough to cover a few days of groceries each week. Then there’s Diyana Scott, a TikTok influencer and
PHL herbal medicine: Untapped potential and the road to acceptance
IN the Philippines, the promise of herbal medicine remains largely unfulfilled, overshadowed by the complexities of regulatory processes and the prohibitive costs of clinical trials. As highlighted by Dr. Marie Carmela M. Lapitan, chair of the Philippine National Health Research System’s Research Utilization Committee, the public’s strong trust in herbal remedies presents a unique opportunity to enhance healthcare access and support local economies. Yet, the pathway to realizing this potential is fraught with challenges. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Costly clinical trials, vague rules deter commercial use of herbal medicines—experts,” August 15, 2025).
The high acceptability of herbal health solutions among Filipinos speaks volumes about the cultural connection to these natural remedies. With an increasing demand for accessible and affordable healthcare, the herbal sector could not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower local farmers and conserve biodiversity. However, the hesitation among medical professionals regarding the efficacy of these remedies underscores a crucial barrier: the need for rigorous scientific validation.
Dr. Lapitan’s call for large-scale clinical trials is a vital step towards establishing the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines. However, the financial implications are significant, and the lengthy timelines required for such research could deter potential investors and innovators. The disconnect between market demand and scientific validation creates a paradox that hinders progress in this promising sector.
Moreover, the regulatory landscape for herbal products mirrors that of conventional drugs, which may not be suitable given the unique nature of herbal treatments. The push for a differentiated approval process is essential for fostering innovation in this field. A streamlined regulatory pathway that prioritizes safety while accommodating the distinct characteristics of herbal remedies could encourage more research and development efforts.
The recent “3-Minute Pitch to Policymakers” event showcased various innovative projects on herbal medicine, yet many proposals failed to gain the recognition they deserved. This highlights a critical gap in policymaking: the need to elevate the discourse around herbal medicine and integrate it into national health strategies. Congress has a pivotal role in facilitating the transition of research into actionable policies, and the collaboration of civil society, health professionals, and government agencies is necessary to advocate for increased funding and support.
House Committee on Health Secretary Erwin Vicman R. Lara emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to tackle these challenges. While legislative measures are crucial, executive policies can also drive change. The Universal Health Care Act presents an opportunity to prioritize holistic health approaches that include preventive measures, thereby shifting the focus from curative care to a more comprehensive health strategy.
The economic implications of revitalizing the herbal medicine sector are profound. Beyond improving healthcare accessibility, it offers a pathway for sustainable livelihood for farmers and rural communities. As the country grapples with pressing health concerns, leveraging herbal medicine could play a pivotal role in achieving universal health coverage while fostering economic resilience.
The potential of herbal medicine in the country is clear, yet the journey toward its realization requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. By addressing regulatory hurdles, increasing funding for research, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can unlock the benefits of herbal remedies for a healthier, more equitable future. The time has come to embrace this natural heritage and transform it into a cornerstone of our national health strategy.
Businesses and lasting infrastructure solutions
ARISING SUN
NOTHER storm, and Metro Manila once again experiences clogged roads, submerged homes, stranded commuters, and headlines flashing billions lost in just a few days. It inevitably feels like déjà vu, with the business sector on the front lines of disaster—recalculating lost sales, ruined equipment and supplies, and weighing the risks to the city’s role as the heart of the country’s economy.
Every rainy season re-exposes a harsh truth: flood infrastructure failures are more than a public inconvenience; they are a direct threat to supply chains, office productivity, and investor sentiment. Even the most resilient entrepreneurs know the “business as usual” mantra does not apply during times like these.
Many analysts and watchdog groups have flagged questionable government contracts tied to major flood projects. Reports of overpricing, vague procurement processes, and “ghost” contractors have plagued river dredging operations, drainage network upgrades, and newly minted anti-flood schemes. It is no wonder that, despite years of funding and construction, project delays and patchy results remain the norm. Until accountability and transparen-
cy are restored, every million spent may float away with the next flood. Floods in our cities are a business risk. International business groups—from manufacturers to BPO providers—are beginning to look at “infrastructure reliability” alongside labor costs and tax incentives. It is, indeed, time for a change in attitude. Flood-proofing is not just a government concern—it is a business imperative. Companies, business organizations, and sectoral associations must advocate for smarter flood control and higher standards of project delivery. The collective voice of business leaders is needed to push for efficient spending, robust maintenance schedules, and realtime monitoring of public projects. Public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities are growing and should not be overlooked. Business has the expertise and motivation to be more than lobbyists—they can be active co-investors in new drainage systems, green infrastructure, and community education campaigns.
Ramon S. Ang’s bold vision: A flood-free Metro Manila through private initiative
T. Anthony C.
TLITO GAGNI
EN days ago, San Miguel Corporation’s top honcho, Ramon S. Ang—better known to the public as RSA—summoned Metro Manila’s mayors and dropped a surprise: a flood-free program to be borne entirely by SMC, at no cost to the government.
At first, the idea sounded farfetched. But Ang, who has built a reputation for turning bold visions into concrete realities, was dead serious. During the press conference at San Miguel headquarters, he could not resist a dig at officialdom: “ Wala na kayong kita,” he said with a shrug—a line that drew laughter, because every Filipino knows how corruption has long hobbled the government’s flood control projects.
Billions have been poured into those programs, and yet year after year the same inundations plague the metropolis. Hence the soulsearching that echoes across the land, punctuated by the familiar, exasperated question: “Why again?
RSA’s proposal cuts through the excuses. Remove obstructions— such as informal settlements along the Tullahan River—and resettle affected families on new land that
SMC itself would purchase and develop. For Ang, it is simple logic: clear the waterways, restore the flow, and prevent floodwaters from drowning the capital year after year.
This clarity is vintage RSA—the same man who transformed a beer company into a conglomerate spanning power, toll roads, and infrastructure. Now he offers to reframe the flood problem as not just an engineering challenge but a national mindset shift.
San Miguel’s quiet but massive program, Better Rivers PH, has been at work for years. It has already removed over 139,000 tons of silt and waste from waterways around NAIA in Parañaque, under its subsidiary New NAIA Infra Corp. This is part of its modernization contract for the airport, where SMC has made a P30 billion upfront payment, with annual remittances of P2 billion for 15 years.
Is SMC simply protecting its investment? That is a fair question. But Better Rivers PH has gone further. In Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna, it has dredged rivers with no direct economic return to the company. It has spent at least P1 billion dredging the Tullahan River—from La Mesa Reservoir through Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, and Navotas—until it empties into Manila Bay.
It is telling that while billions in public funds have been funneled into flood control—with little to show but clogged esteros and waist-deep streets—it has taken a private conglomerate to roll up its sleeves and dredge rivers. Some quarters have begun whispering a question once unthinkable: if a businessman can clear waterways where the government cannot, should he not also be entrusted to clear the floodwaters of politics?
In the Pasig River, once so choked with silt that ferry systems failed repeatedly, Better Rivers PH has made the revival of water transport possible. Today, air-conditioned ferries ferry passengers across 17 stations in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina, and Taguig. Even the Pasig River Esplanade, inaugurated last year, owes its existence to the groundwork laid by SMC’s river rehab.
The Pampanga River has been restored to depth, and the waterways of Laguna Lake cleared—altogether
Strategic action can go beyond charity and branding; it can help cement long-term economic stability. Climate adaptation cannot be sidelined. Metro Manila’s vulnerability to climate change is only intensifying. Short-term, patchwork fixes do little to address the magnitude of the challenge. What is needed are investments in rainwater parks, permeable pavements, river restoration, and smart data-driven planning—solutions that build resiliency and minimize future disruptions. Forward-thinking businesses know their future bottom lines depend on these proactive infrastructure choices. Finally, this is a moment for urgent action—for the business community to demand results, for policymakers to listen, and for civil society to join in sustained advocacy. The cost of inaction can no longer be ignored. I hope that we can end the cycle of excuses and allow businesses to lead the call for infrastructure that works—not just for profits, but for the people who make Metro Manila thrive.
removing more than 8.2 million tons of muck. All “at no cost to the government,” as Ang proudly notes. This unusual proposal has sparked speculation about RSA and whether he is considering a run for public office. RSA, of course, shrugs off such speculation. He is at ease behind dredgers and boardroom tables, not podiums. Yet every ton of muck hauled out of Tullahan or Pasig seems to add weight to the public perception that here, finally, is a man who does not just promise to “drain the swamp”—he literally does. It is true that the NAIA and NMIA projects are tied to SMC’s bottom line. Yet the dredging of Pasig, Tullahan, and Pampanga rivers, where no profit beckons, signals something else: corporate social responsibility elevated to a scale rarely seen in Philippine business.
In effect, Ang is betting on a “Better Philippines”—where rivers flow, ferries run, floods recede, and the metropolis breathes again. The challenge he has thrown at the government is as blunt as his famous shrug: if a private company can clean and restore rivers on this scale, why can’t the state, with all its billions, do the same? And so the blueprint for a floodfree metropolis is now on the table. Whether the mayors, or Malacañang itself, will seize it—or let another flood season wash the moment away—remains to be seen.
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
From ledgers to algorithms: The rise of tax technology in the Philippines
IDEBIT CREDIT
Part two
N last week’s column, I introduced how tax technology—or Tax Tech—is transforming the way we think about taxes, moving us from the days of handwritten ledgers and spreadsheets to today’s algorithm-driven compliance systems. For this second part, I will focus on how Tax Tech is unfolding in the public sector, particularly in the Department of Finance (DOF) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other agencies, and why this transformation matters for both taxpayers and the nation.
From a tax and fiscal policy perspective, Tax Tech can provide solutions for tax revenue forecasting and tax gap estimation. The DOF, Congress, and the National Tax Research Center will benefit from the use of analytical and statistical tools, assisted by Artificial Intelligence, in their mandate of evaluating the financial and economic data in the process of formulating tax policies and legislation.
The Congress, DOF, and BIR have recently collaborated to pass tax laws and measures targeting online and digital transactions, and improving tax administration and services. These include:
Tax on Online E-Commerce Vendors—requiring sellers on platforms like Lazada and Shopee to register, file tax returns and pay their taxes. Withholding Tax on E-Commerce Platforms—ensuring the government captures revenue at the point of transaction.
Taxation of Social Media Influencers—bringing income from sponsored posts, vlogs, and live streams into the tax net.
VAT on Digital Service Providers —subjecting to VAT the services of Netflix, Spotify, Google, and other cross-border service providers.
Technology solutions and provisions in the Ease of Paying Taxes law—expanding the coverage and further simplifying online engagements of taxpayers with the BIR.
The fiscal and legislative policymakers have used data and research information in formulating these innovative measures. This process will be further enhanced with developments in Tax Tech.
In the area of tax administration, Tax Tech is involved in enhancing the operations of the tax-collecting agencies, including the BIR, Bureau of Customs, and local government tax collection units. This consists of improving tax collection, reducing evasion, modernizing administration, transforming tax systems and processes, and enhancing taxpayer service.
Around the world, leading tax authorities have invested in advanced digital platforms. The Philippines, through the BIR, has begun its digital journey, though still with much ground to cover.
Integrated Digital Tax Administration Systems are now standard in advanced tax jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom’s Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, National Tax Service of Korea, and Australia’s Australian Tax Office.
The BIR is catching up with its ongoing Digital Transformation Roadmap, seeking to link modules for registration, filing, payment, audit, legal, and collection enforcement into a single seamless platform.
The Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), mandated under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) and Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises laws, is one of the most significant reforms being implemented. Modeled after systems in Chile and South Korea, it allows real-time transmission of invoices to the BIR, reducing
Doing nothing is a sin of omission
DFrom a tax and fiscal policy perspective, Tax Tech can provide solutions for tax revenue forecasting and tax gap estimation. The DOF, Congress, and the National Tax Research Center will benefit from the use of analytical and statistical tools, assisted by Artificial Intelligence, in their mandate of evaluating the financial and economic data in the process of formulating tax policies and legislation.
the risk of fake receipts and providing instant data for value-added tax audits. However, the EIS timeline of implementation by 2022 by the BIR has since been delayed and postponed for various reasons. The EIS started development in 2019, with the Korea International Cooperation Agency, extending a $7.3 million grant to develop the program.
While this initiative has been delayed, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui is making tangible progress in advancing the EIS from concept to practical reality. Through systemwide facilities (e-lounges), regulatory upgrades, incentives, and hands-on assistance, the BIR is bridging longstanding implementation delays.
Revenue Regulation 11-2025, issued on February 27, 2025, resumed the expansion of the EIS rollout beyond the initial pilot group. ( https:// bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/RR%20 No.%2011-2025.pdf ). The EIS is now mandated for businesses engaged in E-commerce, Registered Business Enterprises availing of tax incentives, exporters, and taxpayers using Computerized Accounting and Point of sales systems. Incentives of additional deductions of 50 percent and 100 percent of expenses incurred in EIS implementation are provided for Medium Taxpayers and Small Taxpayers, respectively.
Various vendors and service providers, local and foreign, are now presenting to the BIR the latest developments in EIS and the benefits that the tax and business communities can derive from the full implementation of the EIS. This is a clear sign that EIS is fast gaining ground, and the various stakeholders are collaborating with the BIR to move this forward.
I am eagerly awaiting and observing the EIS developments. This Tax Tech solution is a growing trend in the global tax ecosystem. The Philippines can be an active participant in this and be a global model and leader in the use of electronic invoicing systems.
To be continued
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held various positions, including Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and SyCip Gorres and
Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.
THE PATRIOT
ESPITE having his master plans archived, ignored, and hardly used by past administrations, this world renowned architect and master planner remains hopeful that the Philippines can still regain its lost glory. Architect Felino Jun Palafox Jr. believes that Metro Manila can be a “comeback city” and be close to the success of Dubai as a future proofed city. After all, he was part of the team that designed and built Dubai many moons ago.
Despite not winning any bidding for infrastructure projects with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Palafox remains optimistic that flood issues in the metropolis can still be addressed by visionary leadership but coupled with responsible citizenship. Regardless of political affiliations, Palafox urged everyone to stand up and expose any wrongdoing by government officials, not just in infrastructure projects, but in all areas.
Aligned with the tune of “Mahiya Naman Kayo” of PBBM, Palafox seems to be on a quixotic quest of making every Filipino accountable for the miseries of the country. Doing nothing despite knowing something wrong is a sin of omission as per Palafox, perhaps paraphrasing what was said centuries ago—“the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
As a side note, such a quote often attributed to Irish philosopher Edmund Burke has recently been attributed to a British philosopher John Stuart Mill who earlier said, “bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” Either way, we allow evil to flourish if we just sit and watch and, perhaps out of fear or apathy, do nothing.
But when it comes to doing nothing, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is the exact opposite. He
has consistently exposed the evil practices in government infrastructure projects for many months now. In line with the President’s call for transparency in flood control projects, Magalong has a few documents to turn over to Malacañang.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has offered to do the same as he has further evidence to support the claim that construction magnate Sarah Discaya or her family owns or controls two of those 15 contractors that bagged the most flood control projects in the country. No less than President Marcos presented such list, which included Alpha and Omega Contractors and St. Timothy, both of which are allegedly controlled by the Discaya family as per various media sources.
I admire how city mayors like Magalong and Sotto have used social media to expose the truth behind these flood control projects. In a parallel but relentless pursuit, Architect Palafox fearlessly echoed how corruption has turned good plans on paper to bad results on the ground.
Relatedly, in the private sector, business tycoon Mr. Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), has offered to fix the flood issues in Metro Manila, supposedly for free, given that some of the SMC projects have been accused to have contributed to the flood problems in Metro Manila. SMC has done some free relief work
before, the biggest of which occurred during Typhoon Ondoy.
Hopefully, other business tycoons will join and heed the call of President BBM. I pray more leaders both in government (Magalong and Sotto) and in the private sector (Palafox and Ang) will join the fray of a rather seemingly small group of patriots who will stand out from the crowd, not for themselves, but for others. A small group who will choose to stop being bystanders and stop doing nothing can go a long way.
But before other people join the bandwagon of action-oriented patriots, especially those in Congress who want to conduct an investigation as to these flood control projects, they need to be reminded of what the Bible tells us in Philippians 2:3-4 that says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is the essence of doing things as a patriot.
In doing things, government officials must learn to be others-focused and not fixated on how they can be reelected or re-appointed in 2028. Business leaders should be focused not only on how they can grow the business, but also on how they can put the welfare of others beyond the typical corporate social responsibility. A significant part of government officials remain in this mindset of propagating themselves as responsible leaders, even quoting verses in the Bible, when in truth, they are like wolves in sheep’s clothing (WISC). These are the ones who love power and themselves above all things and respond to criticism with anger. These WISC will act one way in the presence of others but suddenly change behind closed doors. I rather see leaders do nothing and commit sins of omission than see them act out of conceit or ambition like WISC. And, worse, these WISC have no or little fear of the Lord and even distort who our Almighty God is.
American theologian R.C Sproul once said, “A god who is all love, all
Tariffs, trade, and technology
By Henry Go
The shockwave of a 100% tariff
THE United States’ 100 percent tariff on foreign chips announced last August 7 is a dramatic shift in global trade policy. Intended to advance national and economic security through the reshoring of production and minimizing foreign dependence, it’s a signal sent loudly to manufacturers: make in America or pay dearly. It has the potential to boost prices, upset supply chains, and administer heavy blows to economies highly dependent on semiconductor exports—especially the Philippines, where electronics make up nearly 60 percent of merchandise exports—are particularly at risk.
Tariffs: The heavy shield TARIFFS are often described as a shield to protect home industries from undue foreign competition. But a shield can be heavy and unwieldy— and in this case, the US has opted for a sweeping 100 percent tariff on a broad range of electronics. The measure aims to push companies to manufacture inside the United States, potentially creating local jobs. Yet the cost is high: consumers face steeper prices, innovation may slow, and allies who have long been part of secure supply chains are caught in the crossfire—this policy casts a net so wide that it captures friend and foe alike.
Is it really about security?
THE WTO’s Information Technology Agreement keeps most electronics tariff-free to foster innovation and affordability. The US is sidestepping this by invoking the “national security” exemption under GATT Article XXI, claiming that such tariffs are vital to protect its security. Yet there’s no concrete evidence that imports from trusted partners pose real security risks. If certain sources were truly suspect, targeted measures—not a sweeping tariff— would suffice. This points less to an urgent security threat and more to an industrial and economic policy push to bring investment and production back home.
Security in the cyber age SECURITY in the semiconductor supply chain rests on trust, transparency, and diversity of sourcing — factory location being only a part of it. In today’s globalized tech universe, taking production back to American soil is no guarantee of security, since cyber threats, supply chain interruptions, and design defects can occur anywhere, including US homeland. Actually, security derives from a network of geographically dispersed, trusted, and competent partners.
A blanket 100 percent tariff on everything imported in chips sends the wrong message by classifying allies as threats to security. This has the potential of alienating nations such as the Philippines that already have high security levels and are major players in the supply chain. Should the aim be to draw in investment into the US, competitive incentives and vigorous cooperation with trusted partners would prove considerably more potent than blanket tariffs.
The Philippines’ vital role IN the 2025 Philippines Business Mission last August 14, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said that the US tariff proposal is “very disturbing,” citing efforts to try to negotiate with US and Asean business groups for an exemption. He cautioned that the action would hurt semiconductor
grace, all mercy, no sovereignty, no justice, no holiness, and no wrath is an idol.” Leaders must have that prevailing fear and reverence for the Lord for them to avoid sins of commission and omission. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:20-22). Fools indeed become of people, leaders and followers alike, who think they know God but still disobeys His commands. Hence, I truly admire how Palafox, a former seminarian, believes that spirit-based leaders, those who fear the Lord, can still make a difference. Instead of “Mahiya Naman Kayo,” I think the better marching order would be “Mahiya Naman Tayo.” The fate of this country of being better in the eyes of Palafox and the rest of the world, depends on all Filipino believers who ought to implore the aid of Almighty God in all things. All of us should stop doing nothing. But in doing something, let’s not be hypocrites and be WISC. We should never allow a few good men and women fight the good fight. Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc, University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines, SM Prime Holdings, Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines, and SONAK Corporation. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, an educator and inspirational speaker by passion, and a book author, writer, and radio broadcaster with a mission.
A blanket 100 percent tariff on everything imported in chips sends the wrong message by classifying allies as threats to security. This has the potential of alienating nations such as the Philippines that already have high security levels and are major players in the supply chain.
exports and cut off billions of foreign investments, including Texas Instruments’ planned $1 billion expansion. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said that although the tariffs pose risks, they may also promote more trade within Asean.
The economic interests are high since the US tariff would affect one of the Philippines’ most significant industries. In 2023, the nation shipped around $41.9 billion in electronics, of which semiconductors were the greatest portion, including $6.3 billion to the US. Electronics represent more than half of total exports, and the Philippines plays a significant role in assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) of chips. While wafer manufacturing produces the silicon chips, ATP assembles chips into functional components, inspects for quality and defects, and packages them for delivery. It requires specialized factories, expert engineers, and years of knowledge, so it is expensive and time-consuming to transfer. The Philippines has the facilities and expertise thus render it a critical component of the world’s electronics supply chain.
Reshoring: An expensive, slow gamble
BUILDING chip fabrication plants (fabs) in the US is neither quick nor cheap. Intel’s Arizona facilities and Samsung’s Texas fab cost $15–$25 billion each and take about 38
months to complete—almost twice the time needed in Taiwan. The talent gap is another hurdle. Thousands of engineering roles remain unfilled, and the US supply chain still relies heavily on Asia’s decades of manufacturing expertise. Even with Apple’s $100 billion US investment, much of its production remains rooted in Asia. Rebuilding that capacity domestically is a project measured in decades, not months.
The narrowing window for free trade
THE longer the 100 percent tariff stays in place, the more difficult it will become to roll back without seeming to cave in. Nations are already thinking of trade disputes or finding alternative markets for their exports, potentially moving supply chains and investment away from the United States. In the long run, this will lessen their dependence on American markets, diminish US clout in key industries, and undermine both market share and future economic expansion, and revealing high long-run cost of the policy.
America has time to alter its approach before it reacts to legitimate supply chain concerns in a way that inflicts unnecessary economic damage on valued friends.
Partnership over pressure THE Philippines is not a mere trading partner—it is one of America’s most reliable allies in Asia, strategically vital to Indo-Pacific security and vital to the global semiconductor supply chain.
Washington can link tariff relief to the Philippines’ contributions to regional stability and supply chain reliability. In the long run, the US will find that true strength comes from allies who choose to stand beside them—not from partners pushed away by blunt economic force.
Joel L. Tan-Torres
Monday, August 18, 2025
BusinessMirror
NGCP: Gencos must build plants near lines
By Lenie Lectura
THE country’s transmission grid can handle new and capacity-heavy power projects for as long as there are available transmission lines where the planned power plants will be put up.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) stressed that power generation companies (gencos) should consider putting up their power plants in areas where there is already available grid capacity and not the other way around.
“Are the facilities existing? It depends where they are going to locate because if you really look at the transmission system, there is indeed excess capacity to accommodate a new generator but that depends on where.
“If they build in an area where there is no connection yet, then the answer to your question is there is no transmission system there. But if you ask, is there a place to attach the generator, the answer is yes but hopefully they will attach it where there is a connection,” said NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza.
The NGCP said the country has 10,260 megawatts (MW) of available transmission capacity. Of which, 6,573MW is in Luzon, 2,281MW in Visayas, and 1,406MW in Mindanao.
The NGCP cautioned the gencos who
will insist on the development of power projects in areas where transmission facilities are not present.
“If they want to attach in an area where there is no connection, of course, they will have to wait for the development of NGCP,” said Alabanza while stressing that regulatory approvals, among others, are critical in the development process.
That’s why, she said, the NGCP has long been advocating for a holistic approach to energy planning.
The focus, it said, should be the development on the three sectors of the energy industry—generation, transmission and distribution— and not just on transmission.
“As we are all working towards ensuring the reliability of the country’s transmission network for a more resilient power industry, we reiterate our call for a more coordinated, resource adequacy based, and holistic approach to energy planning, that considers the three main links to the energy supply chain: supply, bulk transmission, and retail distribution,” NGCP said.
NGCP said it only transmits power when it is available. “They didn’t install power plants where there is an available transmission line. Instead of immediately being able to supply electricity, because they are far from the grid, the NGCP is still trying to build a line to connect them,” NGCP said in a social media post.
Still, NGCP said it remains committed to strengthening the transmission network in the country. NGCP said it will continue to pursue its mandate of expanding the transmission system to keep pace with the developments.
Offshore wind (OSW) power facilities are among the large-scale power projects in the pipeline.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is targeting to deliver OSW power by 2028.
“We have to remind ourselves that the gestation period average global, even including more developed countries, should be 7-10 years. These offshore wind projects were conceptualized, I think, 2022, 2023,” Alabanza said.
The agency recently conducted a stakeholder dialogue with key players in the OSW for the fifth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-5).
The dialogue brought together representatives from OSW developers, industry associations, development partners, and key government agencies, including the Energy Regulatory Commission, NGCP, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and relevant DOE bureaus and offices.
The discussion covered related regulatory, technical, and infrastructure considerations to help ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the GEA-5 process.
SENATE Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed a bill requiring private sector employers to grant their workers a 14th month pay, a measure seen to spark reactions from private business, which is still fending off revived attempts in Congress to legislate a wage hike.
The wage hike bill did not hurdle the 19th Congress, after the House of Representatives took over a year—since the Senate passed its wage-hike measure—to move on the HOR counterpart, and then pitched a surprise P200 pay hike, double that of the Senate proposal. Meanwhile, in seeking to add to the existing 13th
month pay, Sotto emphasized that P14th month pay will ease the burden of rising costs and help Filipino families cope with educational expenses.
Presidential Decree No. 851 or the decree requiring all employers to pay their employees a 13th m onth pay, was enacted in 1976.
“After almost five decades, the needs and cost of living of every Filipino worker have drastically changed, thus it is high time that employees in the private sector receive their 14th month pay,” he added. Under the proposed bill, the 13th month pay should be released by June 14 to help workers with educational expenses for their children,
ROTARY RELIEF FOR CALUMPIT FLOOD VICTIMS The Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) and the Rotary Club of Calumpit distributed 200 sacks of 10-kilo rice to residents of Calumpit, Bulacan, heavily affected by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon. In photo: RCM president Atty. Raoul Creencia leads the gift-giving alongside Rotarians Mike Rojas, Club Secretary Anton Mauricio, Oscar A. Del Rosario Jr., Rotary Club of Calumpit president Joan “Anjo” Cortez, PCA Metropolitan Chapter Director Nelson Samonte, and other club members. BERNARD TESTA
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
B1 Monday, August 18, 2025
PLDT data centers draw suitors
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
BIG multinational companies have recently approached PLDT Inc. with offers to buy into its data center business, the telco’s big wig confirmed, reviving its equity sale plan.
“We have been approached lately by interested parties,” PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters. “You are asking me a question I cannot answer because they are big multinationals. They are also listed.”
The fresh interest comes months after PLDT suspended the sale of a portion of its data center arm—previously valued at around $1 billion—as it concentrated on ramping up operations at its hyperscale facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Earlier talks with a foreign investor were halted, while negotiations with Japanese carrier NTT collapsed over disputes on majority ownership. Pangilinan had previously insisted on maintaining control of the business, which he views as vital to PLDT’s long-term digital strategy.
Pangilinan noted that the company is determined to see this transaction move.
“Once it develops into some -
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)
said it has cleared the proposed acquisition by Japanbased Infroneer Holdings Inc. of all shares in Sumitomo Mit -
sui Construction Co. Ltd., after it found that the two companies do not operate in the same line of business.
“The PCC found that the two companies do not have horizon -
thing, we’ll let you know. I think this time we are serious about selling a stake in data centers,” he said.
PLDT saw its consolidated net income dip 1 percent year-on-year to P18.1 billion in the first half of 2025, as higher revenues were offset by softer telco core earnings.
Consolidated service revenues held steady at P97.1 billion, while gross service revenues rose 3
tal overlaps—that is, they do not operate in the same line of business—and no vertical relationships, such as one company supplying goods or services to the other,” it said in a statement.
percent to P106.3 billion, driven largely by a P1.3-billion increase in data and broadband revenues to P82.2 billion, which now account for 85 percent of the total.
By segment, individual wireless revenues stood at P42.3 billion, with mobile data contributing P37.4 billion. Home revenues reached P30.4 billion, of which fiber accounted for P29.5 billion, up 7 percent from last year.
Enterprise revenues were P23.5 billion, led by P17.4 billion from corporate data and ICT services.
Expenses reached P81.02 billion, a 2-percent increase from P79.46 the year prior.
Telco core income, excluding gains from asset sales and its fintech arm Maya, fell 4 percent to P17.2 billion, while overall core income edged up 1 percent to P17.6 billion, buoyed by Maya’s P406million contribution — a reversal from losses last year.
According to the antritrust body, Infroneer also does not have direct construction operations in the Philippines.
Continued on B2
STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK
Broker 2TradeAsia said the critical near-term catalyst is now United States Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s upcoming address. continued on B2
Prof. Kerry Lee: Rethinking Early Childhood Education
By Francine Medina
Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and growth.
In the latest episode of “Freshly Brewed,” host and Business Mirror Education editor Mike Policarpio strikes an enlightening conversation with Professor Kerry Lee, President and Chair Professor of Child Development at the Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE).
In the said episode, viewers got to learn more about the importance of early childhood education, as well as YCCECE's partnership with Junior Achievement Philippines (JA Philippines).
Policarpio began the conversation by asking Professor Lee to define the Yew Chung philosophy. Professor Lee remarked, “The Yew Chung approach melds two progressive ideas, which is the Western style of child rearing and if you like the Eastern approach has values like respect for elders, I think the melding of the two beliefs is what we need in this world.
“We talk about globalization but we can’t just take the ideas from the East or the West. We need to take into consideration local cultures and look for ways that are
from the best of both worlds.”
According to the Yew Chung website, Madam Tsang Chor-hang established the Yew Chung Kindergarten and Primary School in 1932. This makes the school the oldest Early Education learning institution in Hong Kong. In the 1970s to the 1980s, Madam Tsang’s daughter, Dr. Betty Chan Po-King, took over her mother’s role and introduced reforms to Early Childhood Education in Hong Kong. Dr. Chan propagated the idea of the value of Early Education and create a playful and nurturing environment both in school and at home. This vision became the Yew Chung approach to Early Education.
In the 1980s to the 1990’s, the Yew Chung International School opened in Hong Kong. During this time, the school reimagined international education and introduced the best learning method and contents from the East and West. In 1990 to 2000, the school expanded and added a Secondary School.
JA Philippines partnership Recently, Professor Lee flew to the Philippines to ink the school’s partnership with JA Philippines, a non-profit organization introduced in the Philippines in 1967. To date, JA has supported more than 500,000 students across the nation through its various academic and entrepreneurial programs
For its part, YCCECE is offering exclusive scholarships with living allowances for teachers and learners from the Philippines.
Both organizations have the shared vision of uplifting future Filipino leaders through early childhood education and inspiring a globally-minded generation ready to thrive in a globally ready environment.
“There are a lot of Filipinos living and working in various capacities in Hong Kong. Given the mission of the Yew Chung
in promoting quality education for the betterment of the individual and society, we realized that there is a good opportunity for us to collaborate with them," explained Professor Lee. The scholarship is an opportunity for students to receive international education in Hong Kong. It includes free tuition fee at YCCECE and stipend. As an institution specializing in Early Education, beneficiaries of the scholarship are encouraged to enroll in its Early Education college courses and Master of Education programs. Applicants to the scholarship can also look forward to the school’s new Post-Graduate in Education Diploma program that will be introduced this coming school year, starting in September.
Future-ready education Meanwhile, early education plays a significant part in preparing the young
generation for the challenges of future living. According to Professor Lee, “There has been a lot of research on the impact of early childhood education and how it relates to future development.”
Professor Lee also mentioned his own research study on nurturing children’s numeracy skills (such as counting and grasping the concept of quantities) to their executive function (EF0 skills, such as planning, and flexible thinking.
“Research studies show that developing early numeracy skills is related linearly to earning in one’s 40s. So, it’s really important that the early years are done right. It’s not just a matter of providing access to kindergarten and nursery education. But it’s providing good quality kindergarten and nursery education,” he explained.
Even the terms “good” and “quality” may be contentious, said Professor Lee. “What is good, quality education?” he asked.
What is important, he added, is how well students are learning from their classes. In YCCECE, he said, the school has its Emergent Curriculum that focuses on children’s interest. “We have developmental goals in mind, but we make sure our trainee teachers look into student’s interests, what they pay attention to and to take that as a starting off point for their additional training and learning,” Professor Lee continued.
Changing stereotypes, making a difference
There’s a notion that kindergarten teachers have the easy job of looking after young kids. But it’s more than that, says Professor Lee. “Being a kindergarten teacher is a noble occupation and a demanding one. In days of old, people look at kindergarten teaches as a role that anyone can do.”
“Certainly, learning is emphasized through play. But being a teacher with deliverables requires more than just supervising children. It's really making sure that they get the most out of ihat experience. It’s taking account of their interest and stimulating their interest “ The connection between the teacher and student is essential, he said. “The verbal and emotional interaction between the teacher and child are very important. One of the best predictors of school readiness is the emotional temperature in the classroom. If the children are crying and the teacher is sad and stressed
Professor Kerry Lee, President and Chair Professor of Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education, talks about the Yew Chung Approach to Early Education with Mike Policarpio, BusinessMirror's
Banking&Finance
‘Borrowing dependency drags PHL into debt pit’
AS the Philippines’s outstanding debt is projected to reach P19.057 trillion by the end of 2026, the government’s heavy reliance on borrowings risks dragging the country into a debt crisis.
According to the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), the country could face a “full-blown debt crisis” if borrowings continue to increase, leaving the burden of repayment without producing the promised development outcomes.
“Rather than doing what needs to be done to rein in borrowing, it appears that they have decided to double down on loans and just leave it to succeeding governments to deal with the problem of paying them back,” FDC Secretary General Rovik S. Obanil was quoted in a statement as saying. Obanil warned that history could repeat itself, recalling how the Philippines slipped into a debt crisis during the Marcos Sr. administration in the early 1980s, when debt had risen significantly after Marcos’s first term and the government could no longer pay its obligations.
“As a result of the then-Marcos government’s inability to pay for its mounting debt, access to more loans was cut off, investors fled and the economy tanked. The legacy of that debt hampered the country’s development for decades,” Obanil said.
“That experience shows that we cannot continue on this borrowing binge. Sooner or later, it will catch up with us,” he added.
FDC also argued that the debtfor-development model the country’s economic managers use to justify high levels of borrowing has so far “failed to deliver the expected development outcomes.”
Instead, Obanil said, the government borrowings often fund “antipeople, environmentally destructive projects” such as the Kaliwa Dam and the Davao-Samal Island bridge, while key social services remain underfunded, citing classroom backlogs, poor rural healthcare and high child stunting rates.
At the same time, FDC criticized the government’s “not-so-subtle” revision of what is considered a sustainable debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio, or the country’s outstanding debt measured against the size of its economy.
Malacañang said the Philippines now follows a 70-percent debt-toGDP ratio as the benchmark for sustainable debt, compared to the internationally accepted threshold of 60 percent.
In the second quarter of this year, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio jumped to 63.1 percent from 60.9 percent in the same period a year ago.
For 2026, the national budget is proposed at P6.793 trillion, which the FDC said “completely ignores the pressures from the mounting debt stock, inadequate revenue generation, and widening deficits.”
“To continue to hike the budget far beyond our capacity to raise revenues, relying instead on heavy borrowing, especially when you don’t produce the promised development impacts, is imprudent and unsustainable,” FDC said.
Based on the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF), the government will collect P4.593 trillion in revenues in 2026. Meanwhile, P2.682 trillion will be borrowed from domestic and foreign sources. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
PDIC to hold e-bidding of 115 lots next month
THE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) announced recently that it will sell 155 commercial, agricultural, and residential lots located in various provinces in Luzon and Mindanao through electronic public bidding (e-bidding). Bids will be accepted through the PDIC e-bidding portal at https://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph, starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 17, 2025, until 12:00 p.m. on September 18, 2025, and will be opened at 1:00 p.m. on September 18, 2025. To be sold on an as-is-where-is basis are 149 vacant residential lots, three residential lots with improvements, one vacant agricultural lot, one agricultural lot with improvements, and one vacant commercial lot. With lot sizes of up to 4.1 hectares, the corporate and closed bank properties are located in Cavite, Misamis Oriental, Pangasinan and Quezon provinces.
Central
AProspective buyers can join the e-bidding through a one-time registration on the portal at https://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph/Account/Register They may also access the portal by clicking the “Assets for Sale” icon in the PDIC website’s homepage at www.pdic.gov.ph
Once registered, buyers may proceed to submit their bids online. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the catalog of properties in the e-bidding portal, where the complete list and description of the properties, requirements, e-bidding process, and conditions of bid are posted. Prospective bidders are enjoined to conduct their due diligence on the properties, i.e., determine the actual condition, status, ownership, and other circumstances of the properties they wish to acquire. Likewise, the PDIC reminds interested parties to read carefully the e-bidding terms and conditions outlined by the PDIC.
Outstanding debt securities issued by govt hits ₧12.108T
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE outstanding debt securities issued by the government reached P12.108 trillion as of the end of July, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).
Latest data from the BTr showed that the combined face value of outstanding Treasury bills (T-bills) and bonds rose to P12.108 trillion as of end-July 2025 from P10.752 trillion in the same period last year.
Broken down, Treasury bonds issued by the government amounted to P11.194 trillion as of end-July, up by P1.106 trillion from P10.088 trillion in outstanding bonds as of
end-July 2024.
Among the fixed-rate debt securities, the 3-year T-bonds reached P111.187 billion, the 5-year bonds P312.118 billion, the 7-year bonds P1.766 trillion and the 10-year IOUs P2.425 trillion.
The outstanding amount for 10year agrarian reform (AR) bonds stood at P9.363 billion while the 13-year AR bonds were at P44.475
billion. The 15-year, 20-year and 25year AR bonds stood at P30 billion, P1.080 trillion and P502.197 billion, respectively.
Also outstanding were P3.130 trillion in retail Treasury bonds; P1.520 trillion in benchmark bonds; P50 billion in 25-year CB-BoL Tbonds; and P166.138 billion in retail dollar bonds.
Meanwhile, outstanding T-bills also increased by P249.454 billion to P914.018 billion as of end-July 2025 from P664.564 billion in the same period last year.
The 91-day T-bills have an outstanding amount of P158.850 billion, while the 182-day short-term securities have P293.200 billion in outstanding T-bills.
Outstanding 364-day T-bills also amounted to P461.968 billion as of end-July.
The government borrows funds
from the domestic debt market by issuing T-bonds and T-bills in its weekly auctions, as well as through large issuances to retail investors.
Based on the “Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing” for fiscal year 2026, the government will borrow a total of P2.6 trillion, with P2.111 trillion coming from domestic sources. The remaining P488.174 billion will be raised from foreign creditors. The Treasury aims to raise a total of P2.051 trillion from T-bonds and P60 billion from Treasury bills. Outstanding debt of the government climbed to P17.267 trillion as of end-June, 11.5 percent higher year-on-year from P15.483 trillion. Meanwhile, debt-to-GDP ratio—
BSP tweaks rules for central bank ops during holidays
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced it has revised and “simplified” standard operating procedures for Philippine holidays and work suspensions.
In its Memorandum M-2O25O28, the BSP said essential central bank operations will continue except on nationwide regular and special non-working holidays for the public and private sectors.
The rules cover the following: monetary and FX (USD/PHP) operations; preparation of daily reference exchange rate bulletin (RERB); peso real-time gross settlement through PhilPaSS plus; and, cash services.
“Such operations shall continue to be undertaken except during nationwide regular and special nonworking holidays for both the public and private sectors as declared by Malacañang, or when the BSP Governor/Officer-in-Charge suspends operations due to safety concerns, or non-availability of critical utilities, services, and infrastructure, among other reasons,” read a statement the BSP issued.
In cases when the BSP Governor or the Officer-in-Charge will issue a suspension of central bank services, the advisories meant for supervised institutions and other stakeholders will be issued on the day before but no later than 8 a.m.
However, for suspensions tak-
ing effect after 8 a.m., the BSP said the announcement will be released at least an hour before the service is suspended.
“A holiday shall be considered a ‘Reserve Day’ when all essential central bank operations are conducted for the entire business day,” the BSP said.
The BSP clarified that the monetary and FX operations pertain to the trading and settlement of central bank transactions such as money operations and US dollar and peso trading, among others.
Cash services, meanwhile, refer to currency deposits and withdrawals; cash service alliance (CSA); first-level system administration; and, checkclearing tellering transactions.
The BSP said first-level system administration refer to currency management system support services while check-clearing transactions offered by the Greater Manila Regional Office (GMRO) only and this has dependency on the operations of the Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC). The central bank said the Deputy Governor/Officer-in-Charge, Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector, will also approve suspension of cash services applicable to specific BSP regional offices or branches.
The BSP said the advisories will be released through its website, official social media accounts, or other similar means or platform.
ALI to raise ₧10 billion in sustainability-linked loans
By VG Cabuag @villygc
PROPERTY developer Ayala
Land Inc. said it may raise some P10 billion from sustainability-linked loan, which could happen as early as this month.
Augusto D. Bengzon, the company’s CFO said the said the loan will come from its programmed P50 billion in capital raising program for the year.
Of the said amount, some P30 billion would be sustainability-linked, a third of which would be a loan.
“Then the bonds would happen probably in October,” Bengzon told reporters. “The bilateral (loans) and bond format will happen in the fourth quarter.”
Bengzon earlier said proceeds of the capital raising program will fund its maturing obligations and capital expenditures of about P95 billion for the year.
Capital expenditures for the first half of the year ending June already reached P40.2 billion, some 42 percent of which was spent on the build-out of residential projects, 25 percent for the completion of leasing and hospitality assets 23 percent for priming and development of mixeduse estates and 10 percent for continuing payments for land acquisition commitments.
The company earlier said its net income grew 8 percent for the first half to P14.17 billion from the previous year’s P13.12 billion,
on the strength of its diversified portfolio.
Consolidated revenues for the period reached P83.06 billion, down by 1 percent from the previous P84.27 billion, on the absence of Airswift cash flow, but the company said it had steady property development revenues and leasing and hospitality operations.
For the second quarter alone, the company’s income grew at a slower pace at 5 percent to P7.22 billion from the previous year’s P6.83 billion, while revenues fell much deeper at 8 percent to P39.51 billion from the previous P43.26 billion.
“Our sales momentum is improving, and we are preparing for a busy second half with P57 bil -
lion in new property development launches, and the completion of reinvention works of malls and hotels,” Ayala Land president and CEO Anna Ma. Margarita BautistaDy said.
“These initiatives will support our growth aspirations for 2025 and beyond,” Bautista-Dy said.
Property development revenues for the first half reached P52.3 billion, driven by strong commercial and industrial lot revenues and resilient bookings from the premium residential segment.
Revenues from the residential business stood at P41.3 billion mainly from higher recognized revenues of its AyalaLand Premier-brand and Alveo-brand projects.
bankers flock to Jackson Hole policy symposium at pivotal moment
BIG week is coming up for the Federal Reserve and central bank enthusiasts.
The Kansas City Fed’s annual Economic Policy Symposium kicks off Thursday evening in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Chair Jerome Powell in remarks on Friday is expected to unveil the Fed’s new policy framework—the strategy it’ll use to achieve its inflation and employment goals. Powell may also drop some hints about the Fed’s thinking ahead of its September policy meeting. Officials have left interest rates on hold so far this year as they wait to see how the Trump administration’s tariffs impact the economy. With inflation still above the Fed’s 2-percent goal and signs of a slowdown in the labor market, policymakers have become divided on when to resume rate cuts. Powell’s speech could give Fed watchers a fresh update on how much support there is to lower rates in September—
at a time the Trump administration is piling on the pressure to start easing.
US inflation accelerating only gradually DATA over the past week likely did little to shift opinions on inflation and the economy. The core consumer price index, which excludes food and fuel, rose in July by the most since the start of the year. Yet the cost of tariff-exposed goods didn’t rise as much as feared.
A separate report on wholesale inflation suggested price pressures on companies are mounting, however. And a fresh read on retail sales showed American consumers flexed a bit more muscle over the past two months, though a decline in sentiment pointed to anxiety about inflation and the job market.
The global nature of the Jackson Hole conference also offers an opportunity for Powell’s peers to express their support amid persistent criticism from President Donald Trump. Cen-
tral bank independence is likely to be a topic on the sidelines of the confab.
A handful of economists will present new research papers during the meeting, and there’s usually a panel featuring heads of some of the world’s biggest central banks.
Elsewhere, central bankers in New Zealand are projected to cut rates in a bid to shore up the labor market. Inflation and retail sales data take top billing in the UK, while purchasing managers indexes for economies across the world will help shed light on the impact of US tariffs.
US and Canada
THE US economic calendar lightens up in the coming week and will include several reports on the housing market. Cheaper borrowing costs would stoke demand in a residential real estate sector that’s been bogged down by low affordability.
On Tuesday, economists expect government figures to show a decline
in US housing starts. National Association of Realtors data out Thursday are projected to show sales of previously owned homes hovering near a 15-year low.
Tariff machinations remain top of mind. Trade talks between the US and India scheduled for late this month may be postponed at Washington’s request, Indian media reported. Turning north, Statistics Canada will release inflation data for July, the first of two such reports before the Bank of Canada’s September rate decision.
The central bank is closely watching core measures and the share of components in the consumer price index basket that are rising, both of which accelerated in the previous month’s data. Signs of cooling would open the door to a rate cut.
Advance retail sales data for July will shed light on Canadian consumer health after June’s preliminary estimate surprisingly pointed to the
strongest spending this year.
Asia
THE Reserve Bank of New Zealand is the focus on Wednesday, when authorities are expected to resume a monetary easing cycle. Economists forecast the RBNZ will trim its benchmark rate by a quarter-point, to 3 percent, as officials look to keep a sagging labor market from impeding growth. Bank Indonesia is seen keeping its policy settings unchanged the same day. China will likely hold its 1- and 5-year loan prime rates steady.
Asia sees a slew of indicators that are expected to underscore the impact of US trade policies on the region’s manufacturers. South Korea publishes early trade statistics for August, while Japan, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia all release reports for July. Thursday brings manufacturing PMI data for Japan, Australia and India. Thailand’s economic growth likely slowed a tad in the second quarter, data on Monday are expected to show, validating the Bank of Thailand’s recent move to to cut its benchmark rate. Japan’s national CPI data, scheduled for release on Friday, are forecast to show consumer inflation stayed well above the Bank of Japan’s target in July, backing the case for the BOJ to remain on the path toward gradual rate hikes. Hong Kong and Malaysia also release inflation figures in the coming week. Australia issues consumer confidence on Tuesday. Europe, Middle East, Africa JULY inflation from the UK is likely to be the week’s most-watched release, with the Bank of England seeing price gains creeping up to a 4 percent peak in September. Bloomberg Economics is looking for a slight uptick on the month, to 3.7 percent from 3.6 percent. Analysts at Bank of America see services inflation edging up. Bloomberg News
What to know about past meetings between Putin and his American counterparts
By Dasha Litvinova The Associated Press
BILATERAL meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterparts were a regular occurrence early in his 25-year tenure.
But as tensions mounted between Moscow and the West following the illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and allegations of meddling with the 2016 U.S. elections, those meetings became increasingly less frequent, and their tone appeared less friendly.
Here’s what to know about past meetings between Russian and US presidents: Putin and Joe Biden PUTIN and Joe Biden met only once while holding the presidency—in Geneva in June 2021.
Russia was massing troops on the border with Ukraine, where large swaths of land in the east had long been occupied by Moscow-backed forces; Washington repeatedly accused Russia of cyberattacks. The Kremlin was intensifying its domestic crackdown on dissent, jailing opposition leader Alexei Navalny months earlier and harshly suppressing protests demanding his release.
Putin and Biden talked for three hours, with no breakthroughs. They exchanged expressions of mutual respect, but firmly restated their starkly different views on various issues. They spoke again via videoconference in December 2021 as tensions heightened over Ukraine. Biden threatened sanctions if Russia invaded, and Putin demanded guarantees that Kyiv wouldn’t join NATO ‚Äì- something Washington and its allies said was a nonstarter.
Another phone call between the two
came in February 2022, less than two weeks before the full-scale invasion. Then the high-level contacts stopped cold, with no publicly disclosed conversations between them since the invasion.
Putin and Donald Trump
PUTIN met Trump met six times during the American’s first term—at and on the sidelines of G20 and APEC gatherings— but most famously in Helsinki in July 2018. That’s where Trump stood next to Putin and appeared to accept his insistence that Moscow had not interfered with the 2016 US presidential election and openly questioned the firm finding by his own intelligence agencies.
His remarks were a stark illustration of Trump’s willingness to upend decades of U.S. foreign policy and rattle Western allies in service of his political concerns.
“I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today,” Trump said.
“He just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.”
Since Trump returned to the White House this year, he and Putin have had about a half-dozen publicly disclosed telephone conversations.
Putin and Barack Obama
US President Barack Obama met with Putin nine times, and there were 12 more meetings with Dmitry Medvedev, who served as president in 2008-12. Putin
became prime minister in a move that allowed him to reset Russia’s presidential term limits and run again in 2012.
Obama traveled to Russia twice —once to meet Medvedev in 2009 and again for a G20 summit 2013. Medvedev and Putin also traveled to the US.
Under Medvedev, Moscow and Washington talked of “resetting” Russia-US relations post-Cold War and worked on arms control treaties. US State Secretary Hillary Clinton famously presented a big “reset” button to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting in 2009. One problem: instead of “reset” in Russian, they used another word meaning “overload.”
After Putin returned to office in 2012, tensions rose between the two countries.
The Kremlin accused the West of interfering with Russian domestic affairs, saying it fomented anti-government protests that rocked Moscow just as Putin sought reelection. The authorities cracked down on dissent and civil society, drawing international condemnation.
Obama canceled his visit to Moscow in 2013 after Russia granted asylum to Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor and whistleblower. In 2014, the Kremlin illegally annexed Crimea and threw its weight behind a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The U.S. and its allies responded with crippling sanctions. Relations plummeted to the lowest point since the Cold War. The Kremlin’s 2015 military interven -
tion in Syria to prop up
complicated
fur -
Putin and George W. Bush PUTIN and George W. Bush met 28 times during Bush’s two terms, according to the Russian state news agency Tass. They hosted each other for talks and informal meetings in Russia and the US, met regularly on the sidelines of international summits and forums, and boasted of improving ties between onetime rivals.
After the first meeting with Putin in 2001, Bush said he “looked the man in the eye” and “found him very straightforward and trustworthy,” getting “a sense of his soul.”
In 2002, they signed the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty—a nuclear arms pact that significantly reduced both countries’ strategic nuclear warhead arsenal.
Putin was the first world leader to call Bush after the 9/11 terrorist attack, offering his condolences and support, and welcomed the US military deployment on the territory of Moscow’s Central Asian allies for action in Afghanistan. He has called Bush “a decent person and a good friend,” adding that good relations with him helped find a way out of “the most acute and conflict situations.”
Putin and Bill Clinton
BILL CLINTON traveled to Moscow in June 2000, less than a month after Putin was inaugurated as president for the first time in a tenure that has stretched to the present day.
The two had a one-on-one meeting, an informal dinner, a tour of the Kremlin from Putin, and attended a jazz concert. Their agenda included discussions on arms control, turbulence in Russia’s North Caucasus region, and the situation in the Balkans. At a news conference the next day, Clinton said Russia under Putin “has the chance to build prosperity and strength, while safeguarding that freedom and the rule of law.”
The two also met in July of that same year at the G8 summit in Japan, in September — at the Millennium Summit at the U.N. headquarters in New York, and in November at the APEC summit in Brunei.
In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson last year, Putin said he asked Clinton in 2000 if Russia could join NATO, and the US president reportedly said it was “interesting,” and, “I think yes,” but later backtracked and said it “wasn’t possible at the moment.” Putin used the anecdote to illustrate his point about the West’s hostility toward Russia, “a big country with its own opinion.”
“We just realized that they are not waiting for us there, that’s all. OK, fine,” he said.
ties. Putin and Obama last met in China in September 2016, on the sidelines of a G20 summit, and held talks focused on Ukraine and Syria.
PRESIDENT Donald Trump, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at the beginning of a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. AP PHOTO/PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS, FILE
RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, left, and U.S President Joe Biden shake hands in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 16, 2021 AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool, File
RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to U.S. President Barack Obama in Hangzhou in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, Monday, Sept. 5, 2016. ALEXEI DRUZHININ/SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP, FILE
RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, right, and US President George W. Bush look on during their news conference in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, southern Russia, Sunday, April 6, 2008. AP PHOTO/ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO, FILE
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YOUR flight is booked. The outfits are curated. The itinerary is dreamy. Now all you need? Travel gear that looks as good as you do—and does good for the planet, too.
Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long-haul escape, your travel essentials deserve the same attention as your wardrobe. Enter Travel Sentry Accessories, the new go-to for eco-conscious jetsetters who want to explore the world without compromising on fashion or function.
Travel Sentry brings its knowledge and expertise to travel accessories. The brand is known for bringing peace of mind and has always aimed to deliver a high standard of comfort and functionality to every collection.
Made from 70 to 100 percent recycled RPET Nylon and Polyester, these accessories are more than just functional—they’re better for the planet. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted in GRS-certified factories, ensuring that high environmental and social standards are met from start to finish.
Designed with both durability and flair in mind, Travel Sentry pieces are lightweight, stainresistant, and feature quality stitching, breathable mesh panels, and RFID pockets to keep your essentials safe and organized—wherever your adventures take you.
Even the packaging is part of the mission. All items come in FSC-certified, minimal-glue boxes, making recycling as easy as packing your carryon. Travel Sentry accessories are available at select True Value, SM Department Stores, Landmark Department Stores, Robinsons Department Stores, Urbanize, and Duty Free stores.
Skintific: ‘Science Meets Beauty’
CCORDING
ASkintific, the new rule of barrier science is:
If your skincare isn’t fueling your barrier, it’s just decoration. Imported from and a beloved brand in Indonesia, it originated from China.
A pop-up booth at SM NorthEdsa The Block Atrium, which is ongoing until August 20, is proof that the brand is increasingly being patronized in the Philippines.
‘SCIENCE
MEETS BEAUTY’
SKINTIFIC was born out of a simple idea—to make science-backed skincare easy and enjoyable for everyone. We saw that many people were overwhelmed by complicated routines and unclear product claims. So, we worked with dermatologists and scientists to create formulas that are effective, gentle, and easy to understand,” explained Jessie Zou, the head of operations of Skintific Philippines and the Miss Charity International 2024.
The brand’s philosophy is “Science Meets Beauty.”
It believes that skincare should be rooted in proven scientific research but still feel like a daily self-care ritual you look forward to. It focuses on delivering visible results while keeping products safe and enjoyable to use.
“We combine advanced active ingredients with soothing formulations, so you don’t have to choose between efficacy and comfort. Every product goes through strict testing, and we design them to fit into simple routines—no 12-step programs, just the right products that really work together,” said Zou.
Its target demographic is anyone who values both results and skin health.
“Our products work for people with sensitive skin, busy lifestyles, or those just starting their skincare journey. We especially connect with consumers who want clear, straightforward solutions without the guesswork,” said the Chinese beauty queen.
Zou offers some tips for maximizing the results of
our ranges are designed to complement each other. Always wear sunscreen during the day to protect your results. Listen to your skin—adjust usage if needed, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple.”
‘MADE
FOR ASIAN SKIN’
KAREN SOLEDAD-BORBON, the trade marketing manager, stressed that the brand’s already strong presence on e-commerce platforms is now equally complemented by its offline offerings.
“Starting this year, we actually expanded through offline channels. We’re the exclusive partner for Watsons starting this January. And as of end July, we are available in almost 700 Watsons stores nationwide,” bared Soledad-Borbon.
“Skintific is perfect actually for the Philippine market because the products are catered and made for Asian skin. So, the specialty, the one thing that’s really special about Skintific, is that the product range really
concern. “So, it’s different because I think unlike other brands that are targeting one line only, we cater to multiple skin concerns. It’s really targeted and really effective. And its science technology is patented,” said Soledad-Borbon.
“A lot of consumers know about the brand and what they love about us is that the products are not just effective but they’re also very affordable,” she said. “The only difference is when you buy online, there are vouchers which are carried by the platform. But for offline, we have a lot of freebies as well that’s exclusive to offline. So, we have samples, GWPs [gifts with purchase] that are not available online,” SoledadBorbon clarified.
Skintific products are PETA-certified vegan. All products are also cruelty-free.
“We don’t claim to be a natural brand, or an organic brand,” said Soledad-Borbon. “But we are dermatologically-tested.”
Filipino culture, heritage in focus at Ortigas Malls festivities
THIS month, Ortigas Malls invites the public to immerse in the richness of Filipino language, arts, and culture with a vibrant lineup of events at GH Mall and Estancia Mall. Get ready to celebrate “Buwan ng Wika” with month-long activities that promise fun for the whole family while paying homage to our heritage.
Over at GH Mall, the Buwan ng Wika celebrations give a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our local economy. Following bazaars featuring homegrown brands and vendors, more activities are on tap throughout the month: Table Tennis Academy (August 18 to 29), Toy Kingdom Event (August 20 to 31), Mommy Mundo (August 30 to 31), Zumba (August 31, 6 to 7 am), Yard Sale (August 31), and Gemini Fourth’s
A.W.A.K.E. concert (fan gathering, merch display and watch party, August 31).
Meanwhile, Estancia Mall becomes a hub for all things Filipino with a series of activities that highlight
our unique traditions. From August 18 to 31, explore Kulturang Pinoy, a special showcase of local crafts, music, and traditions. The mall will also be filled with the melodic sounds of classic Filipino love songs with Kundiman performances on August 23 and 30, and the romantic tunes of Harana on August 24 and 30. For those who love to get creative, the Likhang Pinoy workshops from August 25 to 27 are a musttry. Learn how to create beautiful paper bowls at Hinulmang Papel (Mondays), craft your own native fragrances like sampaguita and ylang-ylang at Paggawa ng Pabango (Tuesdays), or try your hand at traditional pottery with Paggawa ng Palayok (Wednesdays).
Unique finds also await at Estancia Mall’s Souk Events from August 22 to 24 and August 29 to 31 at the East Wing. More events are in store for families: Breath of the Flame: A Demon Slayer Fan Gathering on August 20, 3 to 6 pm; and The Red Tents on August 22 to 24 at
Vice Co.’s Perfect Kizz Velvet is for ‘Soft Power’ lips
Velvet collection that included Lip Shapers and Lip Bullets, I knew they were going to be game-changers.
The concept of the Lip Shapers is nothing new.
Chubby lip liners that “dim” the darkness of the lip line was first created in South Korea but what makes Vice Cosmetics’ Lip Shapers different is that it is budge-proof. “Filipinos want something that will stay on their lips and the Lip Shapers will do that. Once it sets, it will stay there,” said beauty content creator Lierge Perey, the muse of Vice Co.’s Perfect Kizz Velvet collection.
The colors of the Lip Shapers are muted so Lierge was asked why there no darker shades like browns and burgundies.
“The Lip Shapers are meant for over-lining and the shades we have will make over-lining fool-proof.” Lierge’s favorite way to wear it is to apply the Velvet Blur Lip Shaper on her lip line and spread the color with the brush (found on the other end of the pencil) toward the center of the lips. Then, she takes the Velvet Soft Lip Bullet and taps it into the center of her lips. These lip products from Vice Co. were created to
give a diffused look “that speaks quietly but creates a strong statement.” Both products contain peptides, which boost collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother, and plumper lips. There are eight shades of the Lip Shaper: Dreamy Kiss (rosy beige), Forbidden Kiss (brick red), Fresh Kiss (soft peach), Gentle Kiss (nude rose), Midnight Kiss (cocoa brown), Soft Kiss (nude beige), Sugar Kiss (soft rosewood), and Sweet Kiss (rosy pink). Except for Forbidden Kiss, Sugar Kiss, and Midnight Kiss, these are all nudes. Having worn them for over a week, I can say they are indeed budge-proof and last for about eight hours. I will review the Lip Bullets in a future
Estancia Mall Rizal Row. More updates can be found at GH Mall and Estancia Mall’s social media pages.
MANY Filipino women have two-toned lips, meaning the lip line is usually darker than the inner part. Thus, I was so happy that the lip liner made a comeback during the pandemic.
When Filipino beauty brand Vice Co. released its Perfect Kizz
Haus Talk, Inc. Recognized as Top Pag-IBIG Partner-Developer
Haus Talk, Inc. (HTI), a leading developer of affordable housing, was honored as one of the Top 10 Partner-Developers by the PagIBIG Fund for the first half of 2025. The citation was presented at the annual Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders Accomplishment Report held on August 1, 2025 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila. HTI President, Ma. Rachel D. Madlambayan, received the award on behalf of the company.
The event, which celebrates PagIBIG’s overall performance and milestones, recognized top performing partners who have made significant contributions to the fund’s mission of providing housing for Filipinos. Haus Talk, Inc.’s recognition is a testament to its aggressive push to service the underserved affordable housing segment.
For the first half of 2025, Haus Talk, Inc. recorded a total loan value of P444,330,519.53, a significant portion of which was generated from its flagship project, The Granary in Biñan, Laguna.
The 14-hectare development has seen overwhelming reception and strong sales, leading to a shortened property development timeline, from five to three years, to meet the high demand.
“We are deeply honored to be
recognized by the Pag-IBIG Fund, a vital partner in our mission to provide quality and affordable homes,” said Madlambayan. “This citation is a clear validation of our commitment to our public listing in 2022 and our strategic focus on the economic and mid-market housing segments. We have utilized our investments judiciously to develop projects that achieve the best mix of sales velocity, profitability, and turnaround time, ultimately serving the housing needs of hardworking Filipino families.”
The company’s continued partnership with Pag-IBIG is a key driver in its success, enabling more Filipinos to achieve their dream of homeownership. Plans are underway to develop additional properties in Binan and Antipolo.
Igan Foundation to hold 22nd Annual Igan Cup Golf Tournament
THE Igan Ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc.
is thrilled to announce that its 22nd Annual Igan Cup Golf Tournament, will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the prestigious Eastridge Golf and Country Club in Binangonan, Rizal. As the longestrunning celebrity golf tournament in the country, led by Igan Foundation Founder and President, Arnold A. Clavio, this highly anticipated fundraising event aims to gather vital support for the Foundation’s various programs and initiatives benefiting its underprivileged beneficiaries.
The Igan Cup, a hallmark event for the Foundation, brings together golf enthusiasts, corporate partners, and philanthropists for a day of friendly competition with a profound impact. Participants will have the unique chance to play on a renowned course while directly contributing to the Foundation’s mission to provide, sustain, and support those in need.
This tournament is more than just a game of golf; it’s a powerful platform where every swing helps the Igan Foundation continue its crucial work. The generosity of the sponsors and participants directly translates into tangible support, making a profound difference in their lives.
Proceeds from the tournament will enable the Foundation to: provide financial and medical assistance to 20 children with juvenile diabetes; offer medical support to children with cleft lip and palate; sustain
vital feeding programs for another year; expand donations to other non-profit organizations aligned with the Foundation’s mission and vision; support 10 soon-to-be mothers, providing them and their children with 1,000 days of nurturing for a healthy start; assist in constructing a farmhouse to provide a living community for individuals with autism.
The 22nd Igan Cup promises to be an exhilarating experience with exceptional Hole-in-One prizes, made possible by the invaluable support of the Foundation’s esteemed sponsors: K & G Golf Apparel and Accessories: P100,000 worth of Products, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora: P100,000.00 cash prize, Casino Filipino: P100,000 worth of Free Play, Parikit Manila: A P249,000.00 franchise fee, GetGo Golf Carts: A two-seater standard golf cart, Autohub Group: A Segway E110L eScooter.
The tournament will feature a double shotgun format, with registration starting at 5 am for the for the 6 am shotgun, and 10 am for the 12 pm shotgun.
The Igan Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all its sponsors, partners, and media collaborators whose unwavering commitment makes this event possible. Their support is instrumental in enabling the Foundation to continue its vital work in the community.
Esteemed Sponsors and Partners include: Platinum Sponsor: Philippine Charity
ECMP expansion continues as SHFC approves Albay project
THE Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has approved the application of Pagkamoot Village-1 Homeowners’ Association, Inc. in Tabaco City, Albay under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), marking another milestone in its mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Following a thorough evaluation, President and CEO Federico Laxa, together with members of the Credit Committee, gave the green light for the community’s ECMP application. With the approval of Pagkamoot Village-1, the total number of ECMP beneficiaries nationwide has surged to almost 1,000 in less than a week.
Previously, SHFC approved four ECMP projects—Centennial Sunrise HOA in Pasig City, Wawangpulo HOA Phase 1 in Valenzuela City, and Pinag-isang Magkakapitbahay ng Miranda Compound Phases 1 and 2 in San Fernando City, Pampanga—which will benefit over 800 families.
SHFC’s swift approval of these projects underscores its commitment to accelerating the rollout of pro-poor initiatives, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Department of Human Settlements of Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.
“Each approved project under the ECMP is a step closer to our goal of building lives and transforming communities,” said Laxa, expressing confidence that the agency is on track to award the initial batch of ECMP projects to over 5,000 families nationwide by October.
The ECMP is a revitalized version of the
flagship CMP, designed to be more responsive and better aligned with the evolving needs of communities. “We will be transformative in our approach to the ECMP,” Laxa said. “Our beneficiaries can count on continuous support to help them build better lives within their own communities.”
Located in Barangay Pinagbobong, Pagkamoot Village-1 will benefit over 150 families. Its members come from low-income groups in both the formal and informal sectors, including street vendors, garbage collectors, drivers, barbers, factory workers, teacher, and call center agents. Many of these families were displaced by Super Typhoon Reming, which caused catastrophic devastation across Bicol Region.
With SHFC’s support, Pagkamoot, which means “love” in the Bicolano language, now stands as a symbol of resilience, commitment, and the transformative power of peoplecentered housing solutions.
Headquartered in Makati and has over 30 offices across the country, SHFC is an attached agency under the Department of Human Settlements of Urban Development headed by Aliling.
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Reyes Haircutters
Gold Sponsors: Andok’s Litson Corp., Converge ICT Solutions, Eurotel, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Nickel Asia Corporation, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Shell Pilipinas, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Unilab, United Auctioneers, Inc., Uno Plus, Hotel Sogo, Champion, SM Foundation, Inc., New San Jose Builders and Zel’e Wellness Center
Silver Sponsors: Arlo Aluminum Co. Inc., Asialink Finance Corporation, Concreat Holdings, Phils., Development Bank of the Philippines, F.R. Sevilla Industrial & Development Corp., GMA Network, Inc., Maynilad, Meralco, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Pag-ibig Fund, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., Stradcom, Kayak Construction Corp., Universal Robina Corporation, Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp., RFM Corporation, Jezka Construction Corporation, Value Trade General Merchandising, Inc., and Eyesports Media Partners: Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., Pitchworks Incorporated, and Real Sports.
Golf enthusiasts and benevolent individuals are encouraged to join this meaningful event. For player registrations, sponsorship inquiries, or more information about the 22nd Igan Cup, please contact Tournament Coordinator Bambie Francisco at 0906-5078075 or 02-84753199.
and
FDPY
Specialist; Sagada Development Corporation Cabalce Electrical Contractors, Inc.; R. Fragante Construction and Trading; and Wall Vision Corporation. The Mist Residences is located along Marcos Highway, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City.
ENCHANTED Kingdom, the first and only worldclass theme park in the Philippines, marks 30 years of magic through the fun-filled birthday celebration of its most iconic character, Eldar the Wizard last August 2, 2025.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash was held at the Spaceport Grounds on Saturday, serving as the grand culmination of the month-long festivities that celebrated EK’s beloved homegrown character who has brought enchantment, values, and fun to Filipinos since the Park opened its gates in 1995.
Every weekend last July, guests enjoyed exciting activities around the Park, like the search for the missing birthday invitations and hats, all in preparation for Eldar’s big day. EK also invited everyone to spread the magic by donating heartfelt gifts such as toys, clothes, and other non-perishable goods through The Birthday Giver.
Faerie King and Queen officially kicked off Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash as they made a royal appearance to welcome everyone to the celebration.
The crowd witnessed spectacular performances from EK’s homegrown talents, SMS and Kingsmen, along with the original theater production of The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard: Volume Two, which explored the different cultures of the Park’s theme zones through music and dance.
Kids and companions from Casa dei Bambini Home for Children and Southville Foundation were also invited to be part of this special day, where they were delighted with an enchanting surprise — the official turnover of The Birthday Giver proceeds as the selected beneficiaries of this meaningful initiative.
Adding to the fun, all parkgoers enjoyed handson activities like coloring, slime making, and face painting at Eldar’s Theater.
Afterwards, the whole magical kingdom, including the other EK characters and sponsor mascots, joined Eldar for the enchanting birthday greeting and candle blowing. As special thanks, the
jolly wizard treated everyone to an unforgettable nighttime spectacle featuring his vibrant Birthday Parade and Fireworks. Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash was made even more magical with the following sponsors: Klook, Coca-Cola, Cherifer, Scott’s, McCormick, Krispy Kreme, Rich Garden, RCBC, Fit Style, Evensia Events Management, Iced Gems Biscuits, Snackeroo, Ceres, Australia’s Own Milk, Barilla, Tulip, Avea Handsoap, Dayzinc, Nutri10Plus, Bounty Fresh, Cobra Rise, Vitamilk, Pascual, Sunkist, Pic-A, Mang Juan, Roller Coaster, Chiz Curls, Nova, Mr. Chips, Goodday, Protect, Hello Glow, Nestle Chuckie, Chupa Chups, Silka, Tiny Buds and Bambini. The following tenant partners also extended their support for Eldar’s birthday: Shakey’s, Purefoods, Dairy Queen, Hap Chan, Potato Corner, and ViewTrue Imaging. For more information and updates regarding EK’s forever enchanting events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom. ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.
The photo taken during the annual Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders Accomplishment Report event shows, from left, Anthony L. Maglunsod; Benjamin R. Felix Jr.; Ireneo V. Vimonte, Trustee - Private Employers’ Representative; HTI’s Ma. Leah Madlambayan and Ma. Rachel Madlambayan; Marilene C. Acosta; Maria Lourdes Doria-Velarde, Trustee - Private Employers’ Representative; Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar and Fermin A. Sta. Teresa Jr.
BLESSED NEW BEGINNING AT THE MIST RESIDENCES. On August 2, 2025, Suntrust Properties Inc. celebrated the property blessing and ceremonial turnover of The Mist Residences in Baguio City. The blessing was officiated by Rev. Fr. Victor Chua and attended by the Suntrust team led by Jerry Rubis, First Vice President for Sales and Marketing, along with Board Member Charmaine Molintas-Ligkan,
Creative spark: Armand Serrano’s soft power story
FRESH from a full day of listening to Armand Serrano’s workshop, “From Concept to Creation: Production Design and Visual Development,” presented by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., (ACPI) and Animation Fusion 2025, I find myself still inspired by the quiet strength of soft power.
What makes this even more remarkable is that Armand and Bing are only here for a quick vacation. Yet, in true Serrano fashion, they found time to share their expertise with professional and student animators alike. Armand’s talent is evident not just in the worlds he has helped create for Disney and Sony Pictures Animation, but also in how he connects with and inspires the next generation of Filipino creatives.
I have known Armand since 1989, the days he courted his now wife Bing, my best friend since our freshman year at the University of Santo Tomas. Back then, our lives revolved around graduating on time, family, careers, and endless conversations about the countries we hoped to visit and the projects we dreamed of accomplishing. We never imagined how those coffee hours would intersect with a mission to empower so many young Filipino creatives.
Over a decade ago in July 2014, my husband Paul and I helped Armand and Bing launch ICON Manila: Animation & Entertainment Design Conference. What began as their desire to give back has grown into a platform where Filipino talent meets global excellence. Eleven years on, with over 5,000 alumni, ICON Manila proves that with the right support, creativity can flourish here at home.
Crafting Creativity
ARMAND’S journey from Quezon City to Hollywood is inspiring. A civil engineering graduate, he shifted paths to follow his passion for art, starting at Fil-Cartoons before moving to Disney. There, he contributed to animated classics like Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. Later, at Sony Pictures Animation, his artistry shaped films like Big Hero 6 and Zootopia.
AYALA FOUNDATION, INC., BIG E FOOD CORPORATION
LAUNCH NEW PARTNERSHIP
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—On February 27, 2025 at Ayala Museum, Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the Big E Food Corporation launched a landmark partnership to celebrate Lemon Square‘s 40th Anniversary.
Big E Food Corporation,
When I asked if Filipino values influence his work, Armand said: “I think they do. Filipinos are naturally hospitable and open. Wherever we go, that warmth shows, not intentionally, but because it’s part of us. Even in the industry, I’m always curious about others’ cultures and open to sharing mine. That openness helps build real connections.”
“For Filipinos, it’s not just about clocking in hours. We really care for the project. We take ownership. And when people see that, they appreciate it, you’re not just doing a job, you’re contributing to the creative process,” he added.
Confronting Challenges
IN public relations (PR), we often talk about campaigns and messaging. But sometimes, the most impactful PR comes not from organized efforts but from individuals whose excellence reflects their homeland.
As American political scientist Joseph Nye writes, “soft power” lets nations influence through culture, talent, and values, not coercion. British independent policy advisor Simon Anholt’s “nation branding” echoes this: “a country’s image is shaped as much by its people and products as by official campaigns.” Even Edward Bernays,
more belovedly known as Lemon Square, is giving back to the community through inspiring stories, familiar comforting recipes, and by supporting Ayala Foundation programs in Leadership, Education, and Corporate Citizenship. The ceremonial MOA signing was attended by key Big E officials including Founder and Chairman Ernesto L. Vergel de Dios, Head of Corporate Strategy and Planning Office Enrique Jose “EJ” Vergel de Dios, other members of the Vergel de Dios family, and the Management Team headed by
General Manager Reynaldo Bondoc. Ayala Foundation was represented by Chief Financial Officer Felipe Antonio P. Estrella III, Senior Director for Marketing and External Relations Paul Vincent S. Mercado, and Senior Director for Development Programs Emil Francis “Jay” de Quiros. As a family corporation, Big E is known for its real goodness baked goods found in every Filipino home. Marking its 40th year of baking wholesome goodness. EJ talked about legacy, describing it as a “positive combination of
the “father of PR,” stressed that credibility and actions speak louder than press releases. Armand doesn’t need to wave a flag; his work quietly speaks volumes about Filipino creativity and resilience.
Yet his story raises a harder question: Why do so many of our world-class creatives have to leave the Philippines to gain global recognition? While we take pride in their success, we must also ask: how can we create a home where talent can thrive without them having to leave?
Catalyzing change
INDIVIDUAL brilliance inspires, but we can’t expect it alone to carry the weight of the Philippines’ image. Building true soft power requires a collective effort, starting with expanded scholarships for animation and design, partnerships between universities and global studios, and support for the Department of Education’s K-12 Arts and Design track and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s animation programs.
It also means improving infrastructure with state-of-theart animation labs, creative hubs in provinces, faster internet for digital artists, and tax incentives to help local studios modernize.
This vision aligns with the
what you’ll leave behind and how you acted while you were here.” He noted, “In the past decade, the family has started growing into a stewardship mindset—the understanding that we are only here for a limited time, so we should make it meaningful.”
This “meaningful” impact has translated into Lemon Square’s advocacies for education, sustainability and nutrition. As the social development arm of the Ayala Group of companies, Ayala Foundation shares these advocacies, making this partnership an
Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act 11904), which seeks to position the Philippines as a global creative hub by 2030.
“We’re behind. Most of the world has moved into 3D animation, and we need support, technological, financial, and educational, to catch up. If we invest in training and infrastructure now, maybe in the next generation, the Philippines can be a creative hub in its own right,” said Armand.
With these in place, we can begin to build a Philippines where creativity doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
Carrying ICON THROUGH ICON Manila, Armand and Bing are helping spark that change. By bringing industry leaders like Gastón Ugarte (Pixar), James Paick (Scribble Pad Studios), Jama Jurabaev (“Star Wars,” “Jurassic World”), Shannon Hallstein (Disney, DreamWorks), and Victoria Ying (Sony Pictures Animation) to share their craft with Filipinos, they’re showing us that we don’t always have to look outward, sometimes, the world can come to us.
“Have we made a dent?” Armand asked. “Maybe not in the industry yet. But I’ve seen changes in individual lives, students telling me they got hired,
ideal marriage. Paul Vincent discussed the programs that the Foundation would implement in 2025 thanks to Lemon Square’s support, “This year, 40 elementary schools around the country will receive reading materials in support of DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela. Six elementary public schools will have the opportunity to visit Ayala Museum to ignite their curiosity, make history lessons vividly real for students, forge tangible connections with the past and enhance their understanding and appreciation of history.
or that ICON Manila opened their eyes. Small wins matter. Maybe the bigger change will come in the next generation.”
Even with ACPI’s support, Armand and Bing carried much of the load in bringing ICON Manila to life. As a non-profit endeavor, there were years when the conference drew heavily from their own resources, especially venue rentals and expenses on sound, lighting, and LED screens. Yet this has never dampened their spirits.
“While we won’t have ICON Manila in 2025, we promise to bring it back in 2026.”
A PR Matter AT its core PR is about shaping perceptions and telling stories. Armand’s journey is a lesson in quiet influence. Frame by frame, he is helping redefine how the world sees Filipino talent.
As we celebrate his story, we are reminded that supporting creatives at home may be the strongest and most enduring PR campaign the Philippines can launch.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier organization for PR professionals around the world. Rowena Capulong Reyes, PhD is the vice president for Corporate Affairs of Far Eastern University (FEU). She is an executive committee member of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 and heads its education committee. She was formerly the Dean of FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences and Colegio de San Juan de Letran. She is the immediate past president of the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), serving two terms.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@ gmail.com.
And 10 deserving female college students will have a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to change their lives for the better through the U-Go Scholar Grant.”
Through this partnership, Lemon Square and Ayala Foundation aim to “pay it forward” by sharing stories of real goodness and giving back to the community in a year-long celebration. Be on the lookout for the exciting engagements planned in the next few months and help perpetuate a cycle of generosity by becoming a part of the legacy.
FROM left: John Butiu (Fil Am), Armand Serrano, Vance Kovacs, Stephen Silver, James Finch and Marcelo Vignali at the inaugural ICON Manila Entertainment Design Conference on July 3, 2014.
ARMAND SERRANO with participants of the Production Design Workshop at Huawei, held in June 2025 and hosted by the Animation Council of the Philippines.
ARMAND SERRANO presenting at ICON Manila: Animation & Entertainment Design Conference on September 27 and 28, 2023, at Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City.
Alas fever in Cebu, Bagunas on track
HBy Josef Ramos
EAD coach Tim Cone and basketball federation head Al Panlilio are both ecstatic over the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) clearance for Quentin Millora-Brown to play for the national team as a local.
“Just what the doctor ordered,” Cone told BusinessMirror in a chat message on Sunday. “Just super excited to have him, we love his youth, size and enthusiasm.”
Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, said the green light from FIBA was a relief after Gilas Pilipinas’s dismal performance in the Asia Cup in Jeddah where the team finished in eighth place.
“It was good news after our campaign in Jeddah,” Panlilio said.
The 25-year-old Millora-Brown towers at 6-foot-10 who played fencing as a kid but blossomed to a competitive basketball player and polished his skills in at least two high school and three college teams with legitimate hoops programs.
A Mechanical Engineering degree holder from Vanderbilt, Millora-Brown’s maternal grandparents migrated to the US—he was born in Washington DC. He helped University of the Philippines win the University Athletic Association of the Philippines crown and played as an import for the Macau Black Bears in a tune-up game for Gilas earlier this month.
“He and I have been in contact and he’s very excited as well,” Cone said.
The Philippines will be vying in the Qatar 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers starting this November and Quentin Millora-Brown, with his height, heft and skills, is a strong candidate for the team.
“Imagine you have a 6-foot-10 big playing alongside AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo and, hopefully, with 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto,” Panlilio said.
POWERLIFTER Joyce Gail Reboton and the three duathlon teams bannered by the pair of Kim Mangrobang and Franklin Yee put up a brave stand on the final day of competition in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu on Sunday.
But the last batch of Filipinos fighting for pride and honor just couldn’t get over the hump as Team Philippines finished its campaign with two silver and two bronze medals after 11 days of action in the quadrennial global event for non-Olympic sports.
Just a few hours before the closing
By Aldrin Quinto
AFTER a season on the sidelines and being limited to his role as event ambassador during awareness drives, Bryan Bagunas revealed his active involvement in training with Alas Pilipinas ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next month.
“Training here is intense in the morning and in the afternoon session, we focus on strength, conditioning and game systems,” Bagunas, who recently signed with Japanese pro team Osaka Bluteon, said from Romania.
Alas Pilipinas goes to Portugal after stops in Morocco and Romania, stepping up preparations for the 32-nation event the Philippines is hosting from September 12 to 28.
The European tour is a big boost for the Philippine squad, getting exposed to top-caliber play against FIVB World Championship-bound teams Romania, the world No. 22, and world No. 28 Portugal.
“We eat together, train hard together and push each other,” added the 6-foot5 outside hitter who suffered a knee injury a year ago in the Southeast Asian V.League in Manila where Alas Pilipinas bagged the bronze medal.
Marck Espejo, who suffered a left ankle sprain during the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation, is also expected to be in top form for the opener against world No. 41 Tunisia at the MOA Arena.
“Coach Angiolino has been pushing us to be disciplined and smart on the court, and I think that’s making a big difference in our preparation,” Bagunas said. “We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives.”
Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni said management plans to wait until the final moment to cut the 21-member pool down to 14.
The squad also has Owa Retamar, Eco Adajar, John Michael Paglaon, Elijah Tae-Yin Kim, Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, Lloyd Josafat, Lucca Mamone, Louie Ramirez and Steven Rotter.
Ike Andrew Barilea, Kennedy Batas, JP Bugaoan, Vince Lorenzo, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Jack Kalingking,
Josh Ybañez, Jade Disquitado and Lucca Mamone are also gunning for spots in the home team seeing action in the event backed by PNVF Official Partners PLDT, Mwell, Meralco, Rebisco, Akari, Nuvali, PNVF official suppliers Asics, Senoh, official ball Mikasa, official
ceremony at the International Horticultural Expo Park, Reboton landed sixth in the women’s equipped super heavyweight division after accumulating 94.52 points with her performances in squat (240 kilograms), bench (147.5 kgs) and deadlift (207.5 kgs).
Canada’s Rhaea Danielle Stinn took the gold medal with 109.24 points highlighted by her massive tournament-best 210-kilogram bench press. Daria Rusanenko of Ukraine (108.98 points) and Mary Jane Krebs of the US (104.93 points) bagged the silver and bronze, respectively.
Last Saturday, Regie Ramirez finished last at eighth place in the men’s equipped lightweight class with a total score of 96.70 points.
Earlier in the day, Mangrobang and Yee became the best performing Filipino pair in the duathlon mixed team relay event with a time of one hour, 23 minutes and 54 seconds at 11th place.
Spain’s Maria Zubiri and Javier Morales snatched the gold with a time of 1:19:21, just three seconds faster than the Netherlands’ Aline Kootstra and Valentin Van Wersch.
Home course advantage Baguio bets at John Hay
BAGUIO City’s rising stars are turning their attention to something just as satisfying— playing spoiler—as they are no longer in contention for a spot in the Luzon
Local junior golfers are bracing for a high-stakes showdown in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. John Hay Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship, which unwraps Tuesday at the John
At least 11 Baguio City-based players will be playing in the 7-10, 1114, and 15-18 divisions for both boys and girls, each eyeing no less than a strong finish on their home course. The par-69 layout, set amidst lush
Jason McAteer, and Steve Finnan to name a few. So it isn’t only black players, but even different nationalities, and again, I wonder if this is just mindless and really shameful banter—anything to hurt. Saying, “you suck” certainly is different than saying “You bleep bleep Irish bastard” or the more hurtful racist comments. I know, it is a sporting event and people cuss out not only opposing players and coaches, but even their own! And there are the frequent targets of verbal abuse—the referees!
pine forests and embraced by the city’s signature cool mountain breeze, offers a home-course advantage that these young players hope to translate into a statement performance. But for those still in the running for the Elite Junior Finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., there’s little room for sentiment or distraction.
Granada in Round 4 of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Intercollegiate Tour at the Beverly Place Golf Club in Mexico, Pampanga, on Sunday.
But Bregente and his Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite team won’t make the season-ending finals next month—the entire team didn’t to meet the minimum participation requirement of two events to qualify for the championship round.
Granada, a standout from the College of Saint Benilde who topped Round 2 at Splendido Taal, rallied with three birdies on the back nine of the par-71 course to card a 70 and secure runner-up honors.
Alongside De La Salle-1’s Zach Castro who won at Round 3 at Pradera Verde last week, they now lead the list of qualifiers advancing to the grand finals set September 23 to 25 at Splendido Taal.
Under the rules, only teams and players who competed in at least two of the four rounds are eligible for the grand finals and the top eight teams and ties in each division, including the ladies, will advance, along with all players who have earned points.
Bregente, playing his first and only leg of the four-round, course-hopping tour, upstaged a stellar field that split the
At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, I used to be the same until an incident changed the way I behave during sporting events forever.
It was an Ateneo versus University of the East (UE) basketball game that as always, was tightly fought and volatile. You know… heckling, girian and gulangan.
At one point, I yelled an expletive plus some choice horrible words at the UE point guard. Nothing out of the ordinary? Or is it?
The next day, one of my friends jokingly related to me how during dinner that evening, his youngest son repeated my insults. His parents asked, “Where did you learn that?”
“From Tito Rick,” was the reply.
My God, I was so embarrassed even as my friend downplayed it. After that I never uttered another derogatory or hurtful word or words during a game (or even after). I remember playing for Ateneo when I would hear someone in the crowd say something either against me or a teammate. Well, it was football that had fewer spectators back then where an angry voice carries farther and is a lot clearer. Was I bothered? Yes, initially. The only way to shut that person up is to make a great play or get a win. A loss… a loss rings in your ears and mind for days after.
first three rounds, including University of the Philippines-1’s Joshua Buenaventura (Royal Northwoods), Granada and Castro. Their expected three-way duel for a second leg victory was quickly derailed as Bregente, from the talent-rich Bukidnon, stormed out of the gates with a birdie on the opening hole.
He showcased elite-level ballstriking, combining a booming long game with clinical iron play and rocksolid putting to dominate the field. Birdies from Nos. 9 to 11 propelled him to a three-shot cushion, but a wobble with three bogeys in the next four holes saw his lead briefly evaporate and La Salle individual player Robin See seize the lead at one-under.
Still, Bregente, who honed his talent playing for Del Monte in Interclub tournaments, responded with the poise of a seasoned pro – firing a birdie on the par-3 16th and capping his round with an eagle on the par-five 18th. From near the greenside bunker, he lofted a precise shot that landed just short of the pin before rolling in on a tricky downhill lie.
“I didn’t expect to shoot a 68, much less make an eagle, especially on that downhill,” said Bregente in Filipino after his victory.
“I just got enrolled,” he added when asked about his late decision to join the Tour, thanking Lyceum-Cavite captain Michael Bolano for encouraging him to play in the final leg.
And those comments were directed more towards my play. How much more if my ethnicity? I experienced that while working in Hong Kong and in a restaurant in America. It was like the Filipino is the lowest of the low. The ironic thing about what I experienced in the USA wasn’t from whites or blacks but from some Mexicans. Our manager told off one of the Mexicans, “Jimmy, how can you be racist when you’re Mexican?”
ROLANDO BREGENTE comes from nowehere to win at the Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga.
MEN’S world championship ambassador Eya Laure (second from left), Cebu pride Karencitta (third from left) and official mascots Kid Lat (left) and Koolog regale the crowd at the SM Seaside in Cebu City. Next stops for the tour are Laoag City and Cagayan de Oro City. PNVF COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO
FILIPINO duathletes Merry Joy Trupa and Kim Mangrobang tackle the run leg at the Chengdu World Games on Sunday morning. ROY DOMINGO
