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ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

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A broader look at today’s business n

Saturday, August 29, 2026 Vol. 21 No. 319

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BSP FORECASTS 5.5-6.5% INFLATION FOR AUGUST HE Central Bank is looking at a 5.5 to 6.5 percent inflation forecast range for August as it gauges how recent weather disturbances alongside the elevated fuel costs weighed on the prices of food. In a statement on Friday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it projects August 2026 inflation to settle within the range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent. “Upward price pressures for the month are likely to be driven by higher rice, vegetable, fruit, and fish prices, partly due to unfavorable weather conditions, and elevated domestic fuel costs,” the BSP said. However, the central bank explained that upward pressures are expected to be mitigated by lower prices of meat, as well as lower electricity rates and the peso appreciation. For this year, this is the third straight month that the central bank pegged a wider-than-usual

month-ahead inflation forecast range, with the lower and upper bound of the range having a 1-percentage-point difference. Should inflation in August hit the lower end of the range or 5.5 percent, it would mean that the increase in the prices of goods and services eased to the slowest in five months or since March 2026. However, if inflation shoots up to the upper end of the Central Bank’s forecast range at 6.5 percent, this would have marked the end of inflation’s downtrend, particularly the highest reading in three months or since May 2026 when inflation was at 6.8 percent. Moving forward, the central bank said it “will remain vigilant See “Inflation,” A2

July trade gap widens further to $5.97B as imports grow twice as fast as exports JULY TRADE DEFICIT +34.9% year-on-year July 2026 Imports Exports Trade gap

Value $14.12B $8.15B $5.97B

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

FOOD PRICES IN FOCUS Various vegetables are displayed for sale along Hidalgo Street in Manila. Food prices are again in focus as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects August 2026 inflation at 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent, citing higher prices of rice, vegetables, fruits and fish, partly due to unfavorable weather conditions, alongside elevated domestic fuel costs. The BSP said these upward pressures could be partly offset by lower meat prices, electricity rates and the peso’s appreciation. NONIE REYES

BM Graphics: Ed Davad / Source: PSA

By Andrea E. San Juan

HE country’s trade deficit widened further in July as imports continued to grow nearly twice as fast as exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA on Friday reported that the country’s trade deficit reached $5.97 billion in July, 34.9 percent higher than the $4.43 billion recorded a year earlier. The latest reading was

also the largest deficit since May 2026, when the trade gap reached $6.10 billion. The wider trade gap came as import payments increased 19.8 percent year-on-year to $14.12 billion from $11.79 billion, while export receipts grew 10.8 percent to $8.15 billion from $7.36 billion. Overall, the country’s total external trade in goods reached $22.27 billion in July, up 16.3 percent from $19.14 billion a year earlier. See “Trade,” A2

SBITC to collect wharfage fees for govt at Subic Port By Henry Empeño

UBIC BAY FREEPORT— Port terminal operator Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) has been authorized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to collect wharfage fees from port clients on behalf of the government, the Subic agency belatedly announced on Thursday, August 27. The new arrangement, the SBMA said, was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the two parties on July 29 to streamline payment processes through SBITC’s online payment platforms. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the new arrangement will minimize face-to-face interactions, eliminate the need for clients to travel to the SBMA cashier’s office, and reduce waiting times for fee processing.

A NEW WAY TO PAY AT SUBIC PORT SBITC has been authorized by the SBMA to collect wharfage fees from port clients on behalf of the government, with payments to be processed through SBITC’s online platforms. The arrangement is intended to cut face-to-face transactions, reduce waiting time and simplify doing business at the Port of Subic. SBMA PHOTO

“Ultimately, it simplifies doing business at the Port of Subic,” Aliño pointed out. SBITC, through its Head of Management Services and Government Affairs Henry Dungca, said that under the agreement, it will ensure transparent, accountable remittances of the wharfage fees collected on behalf of the SBMA. “This partnership goes beyond payment collection,” Dungca said. “It enhances service speed, simplifies procedures, and improves the overall experience for all port users.” SBITC, a subsidiary of global port management firm International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), manages Subic’s New Container Terminals (NCT-1 and NCT-2), which serve as the primary gateway for international trade and containerized See “Subic,” A2

pushes digital trail DTI settles ₧4-B old car incentives MAP for every peso in budget

HE government is settling billions of pesos in unpaid automotive incentives before rolling out a new program aimed at strengthening the local industry, with the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) initiative now down to its final steps, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque has said. Roque said the government has already released more than P4 billion in incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS), covering payments to participating automakers and small and medi-

um-sized parts manufacturers. “That’s the total. Including the small and medium enterprises. Yes, the parts makers,” Roque told reporters on the sidelines of a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) event on Wednesday. The release covers the incentives owed under the CARS program, including the obligations that had been raised during congressional budget deliberations. During the congressional budget hearing on Tuesday, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez had raised the government’s reported P1.5billion obligation to Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. See “CARS,” A2

₧4B+

BM Graphics: Ed Davad / Source: DTI

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

→CARS INCENTIVES RELEASED

Clearing old obligations paves the way for RACE, the government’s next automotive industry incentive program

FROM OLD TO NEW CARS

Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy →Old incentives / arrears being settled

RACE

tio

a Revitalizing the Automotive Infl Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement → New automotive industry incentive framework

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

HE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is pushing for a digital system that allows the public to track government money from the time it is appropriated to when it is actually spent, as scrutiny over the use of public funds intensifies ahead of the 2027 national budget. The business group said the Executive, Congress and government agencies involved in preparing, approving and implementing the 2027 National Budget should adopt end-to-end digital transparency measures, including reforms

“The complexity of the budget process must never become a shield against public scrutiny or accountability.” —Management Association of the Philippines

embodied in the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (Cadena). Cadena and similar measures seek to make government spending more transparent, traceable and resistant to tampering, MAP said. “The technology to do this already exists. What is required is the political will to make transparency the rule rather than the exSee “MAP,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 61.7640 n JAPAN 0.3876 n UK 84.0423 n HK 7.8799 n CHINA 9.1911 n SINGAPORE 48.6178 n AUSTRALIA 44.4330 n EU 71.9859 n KOREA 0.0448 n SAUDI ARABIA 16.4507 Source: BSP (August 28, 2026)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Saturday, August 29, 2026

Continued from A1

In response, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the department had secured funding to settle the automotive program arrears and that payment was already being processed. Roque said the funding came from savings from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ 2025 budget, rather than a separate allocation in the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). “It’s a savings from the 2025 budget of DPWH,” Roque said, adding that such savings are typically used to pay incentives owed under the automotive program so participating companies can continue investing in the Philippines. Under CARS, parts manufacturers are also part of the incentive structure, with participating automakers required to source components from small and medium-sized enterprises to qualify for the incentives. With the arrears being addressed, Roque said the government can proceed with the RACE program, which is intended to succeed the existing automotive incentive framework. “The RACE program. We’re just waiting for the final touches,” she said. Roque said the program could be launched within the next month. Rodolfo earlier told lawmakers that RACE had been included in the DTI’s Tier 2 budget proposal submitted to the Department of Budget and Management, although it was not yet reflected in the 2027 NEP. He also said the joint administrative order governing RACE was already being circulated among the agencies involved. Further, Roque said the government’s shift toward electric vehicles would proceed separately, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had already directed the government to pursue the sector.

‘Reliance on imports makes PHL at risk while $ is strong’

Inflation… Continued from A1

By Andrea E. San Juan

N analyst warned that the Philippines remains vulnerable during periods of sustained dollar strength given the country’s reliance on imported fuel and other essential commodities. Unionbank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the peso’s move beyond the P62-per-dollar level reflects the continued dominance of external factors over domestic drivers. “While the BSP’s recent 25bp rate hike provides support to the currency, markets remain focused on broad US dollar strength, elevated oil prices, and lingering uncertainty in global financial markets,” Asuncion said. He added that demand for dollars from importers and investors has also likely contributed to the peso’s weakness. Asuncion said this after the Philippine peso plunged to a new record low, moving past the P62per-dollar level on Friday. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed the peso closed at P62.265 per $1 on Friday, 37.7 centavos weaker than its previous finish of P61.888. Meanwhile, Michael L. Rica-

fort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), attributed the further weakening of the peso to the “local wider trade deficit data amid faster increase in imports compared to exports largely due to the effects of the war on Iran/Middle East since February 28,2026.”

Weak peso: A double-edged sword?

ASUNCION explained to this newspaper that a weaker peso benefits remittance-receiving households because every dollar sent home converts into more pesos, helping support consumer spending. However, he pointed out: “It also raises the cost of imports, particularly fuel, energy, raw materials, and other essential goods.” If sustained, Asuncion warned that the higher cost of imports could contribute to inflation and increase costs for businesses and consumers.

ALDARINHO | DREAMSTIME.COM

CARS…

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PESO BREAKS P62

₧62.265 per US dollar →NEW RECORD LOW Previous close: P61.888 Daily weakening: P0.377

“The Philippines remains vulnerable during periods of sustained dollar strength given its reliance on imported fuel and other essential commodities. Higher oil prices increase the country’s import bill and may put additional pressure on both the currency and inflation,” added Asuncion. Asuncion said the peso is expected to remain volatile in the near term. He explained that while the BSP’s tightening action should help anchor inflation expectations and

MAP… Continued from A1

ception,” the group said. MAP said the push comes as public trust in government has been weakened by allegations of corruption, questionable projects, irregularities in public spending and the misuse of government resources. These concerns, it said, go beyond ordinary political disputes because they affect confidence in government institutions and their management of public resources. “The government therefore has an obligation to account for how every peso is allocated, spent, and translated into actual benefits for the Filipino people,” MAP said. The group also called for greater scrutiny of the budget even before it is enacted, particularly during congressional deliberations and the bicameral conference. Material amendments and insertions should be publicly identified along with their proponents, amounts and purposes, it said. “The complexity of the budget process must never become a shield against public scrutiny or accountability,” MAP said. Yet, transparency should continue after the General Appropriations Act is signed, with taxpayers able to track the movement of funds through procurement, contract awards, project implementa-

Subic… Continued from A1

cargo handling across Central and Northern Luzon. In October 2025, SBMA extended SBITC’s concession for 25 years, or until 2058, with SBITC committing to invest more than $130 million in civil infrastructure and equipment upgrades at the Subic port terminal. Before this arrangement, the SBMA, as manager of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, collected wharfage fees for

“For now, external developments remain the key driver of peso movements.”— Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, UnionBank chief economist

temper further depreciation pressures, a “more sustained” recovery in the currency will likely depend on easing oil prices, a softer US dollar, and an improvement in global risk sentiment. “For now, external developments remain the key driver of peso movements,” added Asuncion. For next week, Ricafort said the US dollar/peso exchange rate could range at 62.00-62.50 levels. tion, completion and audit. “Filipinos should be able to follow public money from appropriation and release to procurement, award, implementation, completion, and audit,” it said. For major infrastructure and government projects, MAP said the public should be able to determine how much was appropriated, who received the contract, how much was actually disbursed, what was delivered and whether the project achieved its intended purpose. The group also called for zero tolerance for hidden insertions, questionable appropriations, favored contractors, ghost or substandard projects, unexplained realignments and the use of public funds for political accommodation or personal gain. “These practices have no place in a government that claims to uphold good governance and fiscal responsibility,” MAP said. The 2027 National Budget, it added, allows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current administration and the 20th Congress to strengthen accountability in public spending. MAP said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation, position or influence, and that no expenditure involving taxpayers’ money should be beyond reasonable public scrutiny. “The 2027 National Budget should mark a decisive break from opacity and business as usual,” the group said.

the maintenance and use of port infrastructure like docks and loading areas. The charges are determined by cargo weight, volume, or container size. Aliño said the new arrangement “strengthens our publicprivate collaboration (in) securing essential revenue to sustain port operations, infrastructure, and future investments.” The SBMA-SBITC deal also aligns with the direction adopted by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), wherein port operators handle fee collection on the government’s behalf, the SBMA said.

and guided by incoming data, particularly on inflation and growth prospects.” “It will continue to assess the impact of latest developments in the Middle East and recent weather disturbances on the country’s inflation and economic outlook,” the BSP also noted. Inflation has eased for the third straight month in July at 6.2 percent. The downtrend started after it eased from the 7.2 percent peak in April to 6.8 percent in May, slowing further to 6.4 percent in June. Sought for comment last month, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera explained to the BusinessMirror that a wider forecast range “suggests greater uncertainty around the inflation outlook.” For this year, these were the BSP’s month-ahead inflation forecasts: January, 1.4 to 2.2 percent; February, 2.3 to 3.1 percent; March, 3.1 to 3.9 percent; April, 5.6 to 6.4 percent; May, 7.1 to 7.9; June, 6 to 7 percent, and July 5.6 to 6.6 percent. The actual headline inflation rates for this year were the following: January, 2 percent ; February, 2.4 percent; March, 4.1 percent; April, 7.2 percent; May, 6.8 percent; June, 6.4 percent; and 6.2 percent in July, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. During its August 27 monetary policy meeting, the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the BSP, revised downwards its inflation forecast for 2026 to 6.1 percent from its 6.4 percent forecast during its June 18 policy meeting. However, it raised its inflation forecast to 5.4 percent for 2027, compared to the 4.5 percent forecast last June 18. BSP Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy Sub-Sector Rogelio V. Mercado Jr. said: “The 6.1-percent inflation is of course driven by lower-than-expected inflation in June and July, as well as declining oil prices. This would be partly offset by the impact of El Niño on rice prices in the fourth quarter.”

Trade… Continued from A1

Imports accounted for 63.4 percent of total trade, while exports made up the remaining 36.6 percent. The latest figures also brought the January-to-July import bill to $92.26 billion, 18.9 percent higher than the $77.58 billion recorded in the same period last year. Exports during the seven-month period reached $54.92 billion, up 12.9 percent from $48.67 billion. This left a January-to-July trade deficit of $37.34 billion so far. Both the year-to-date export and import values were the highest recorded for the period since the PSA’s trade series began in 1991, the agency said.

Electronics

ACCORDING to PSA, the faster growth in imports was led by electronic products, which posted the largest annual increase in import value among commodity groups. Imports of electronic products rose by $1.75 billion to $4.60 billion in July from $2.85 billion a year earlier. Electronic products accounted for 32.6 percent of total imports during the month. This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at $1.95 billion, or 13.8 percent, and transport equipment at $976.95 million, or 6.9 percent. By major type of goods, raw materials and intermediate goods accounted for the largest share of imports at $5.71 billion, or 40.4 percent of the total. Capital goods followed at $3.84 billion, while consumer goods reached $2.58 billion. On the export side, electronic products remained the country’s biggest export commodity, generating $4.79 billion or 58.8 percent of total exports. The United States remained the Philippines’s biggest export market in July, absorbing $1.68 billion worth of Philippine goods, or 20.7 percent of total exports. Meanwhile, China was the country’s largest import source, supplying $4.17 billion worth of goods, equivalent to 29.5 percent of total imports.

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Ping: Defund persistently nonperforming GOCCs

NSTEAD of merely reducing their subsidies, persistently nonperforming governmentowned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) should be de-funded so the government can maximize its limited resources. Sen. Panfilo Lacson raised this possibility on Thursday as he asked the government’s economic managers about their policy on GOCCs that still receive subsidies every year despite persistently generating no revenues or providing little or no apparent benefit. “What is the new policy of the government on nonperforming GOCCs? These are the ones that the national government subsidizes every year but don’t give any important revenue or service in return - all expenses and subsidies but no revenues,” he said, partly in Filipino, at the Development Budget Coordinating Committee briefing at the Senate. “Why don’t we just abolish them, or not fund them for that matter? Even if they are not abolished by law, they can no longer function without funding,” he added.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the Governance Commission for GOCCs is considering 21 GOCCs for closure, winding down or absorption by other GOCCs, but the process is “very slow, long and tedious.” Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon added they are considering separation incentives for potentially affected personnel. Lacson asked how much the national government had been subsidizing nonperforming GOCCs annually, particularly from 2022 to 2026, stressing that the issue deserved attention given the country’s tight fiscal space. “I understand the complexities because there will be staff who will be displaced. W hat are your contingency plans in case the GOCCs are abolished? These are government employees. Maybe that’s one reason why you find difficulty in abolishing these GOCCs. But we cannot afford to consider humanitarian reasons in view of the ver y tight fiscal space we’re having now,” Lacson said. Butch Fernandez

‘Ber’ months soon? Not quite a supermarket bonanza yet By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

HE arrival of the “ber” months does not necessarily mean a surge in supermarket sales, with demand typically remaining subdued until the Christmas season, according to Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (Pasa) President Steven Cua. Despite the popular perception that holiday spending begins as early as September, Cua said supermarkets typically go through leaner months from September to November. “One myth is that ‘ber’ months increase sales. They don’t. These are dry months for us,” Cua told reporters Tuesday on the sidelines of a Mondelez Philippines event in Mandaluyong City. For retailers, Cua said, the next meaningful seasonal lift usually comes closer to Christmas. Even the traditional Undas period no longer provides the same boost it once did, he said, as consumers outside Metro Manila now have greater access to local retailers instead of traveling to Manila to stock up before visiting cemeteries. “Before, they used to buy from Manila to bring home. And now they can buy it from their areas,” Cua said. Seasonal data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), likewise, show that food demand can weaken in September. In September 2025, the seasonally adjusted consumer price index for food and nonalcoholic beverages declined 0.2 percent month-on-month after rising 0.7 percent in August, with the PSA attributing the movement partly to seasonal factors. The seasonal weakness, however, does not persist throughout the entire holiday

buildup. By November 2025, seasonal factors were already pushing the food and nonalcoholic beverages index higher. As a response to uneven demand, the PASA chief said supermarkets are continually reassessing the products they carry rather than simply cutting inventory across the board. “We’re rationalizing the number of items and what we offer,” he said, noting that product choices vary according to the neighborhood, customer demographics, package sizes and flavors. A supermarket can carry several variants of the same product, he said, making inventory decisions more complicated when consumers suddenly shift away from previously popular items. “It’s a continuous process. Endless process,” Cua said. He also remained cautious about the strength of consumer spending through the remainder of the year. “Mindset-wise, it’ll always be merry. But volume-wise, everybody’s looking at first quarter next year,” Cua said. Retailers are also watching how consumers respond to further price adjustments. Cua said manufacturers can choose to raise prices on larger packs while keeping smaller sachets unchanged to limit the impact on sales volume. “That’s very difficult to answer. There are 15,000 items inside the supermarket,” he said when asked how much prices could rise. Among basic commodities, Cua identified rice as a particular concern, citing ongoing discussions with the government over maintaining prices of imported rice.

Saturday, August 29, 2026

JCR keeps PHL’s ‘A-’ credit rating, with a stable outlook

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

APAN Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) kept the Philippines’ “A-” credit rating with a “stable” outlook on the back of underlying credit strengths despite the sharp economic slowdown. JCR announced on Friday that it affirmed the sovereign’s foreign and local currency long-term issuer ratings, reflecting “high and sustained” economic growth backed by domestic demand, lowlevel external debt and resilience to external shocks thanks to accumulated foreign exchange reserves. “However, reducing income disparity through rural development and infrastructure development remain important tasks to be addressed,” the credit rater raised. The slowdown in the pace at which public works projects are being implemented and weaker consumption brought on by rising crude oil prices were also noted by JCR as culprits to the slowing of economic growth. As a result, the pace of fiscal improvement has slowed, with JCR expecting the government debt-to-GDP ratio to remain in the mid-60 percent range for

some time. Among the sovereigns rated in the A-range by the credit rater, the Philippines’ 63.2-percent government debtto-GDP ratio at the end of 2025 is a “relatively low level,” JCR said. “JCR believes that, as the government works to improve the investment environment and advance industrial upgrading, the economy will return to high growth rates over the medium term,” it said. Full-year 2026 real GDP growth is projected by JCR to reach the mid-3 percent range, fueled by recovery in public infrastructure investment and the effects of price stabilization policies. JCR also cited the government’s promotion of infrastructure investment under the “Build, Better, More” policy to address the infrastructure gap, while utilizing public-private

partnerships to complement public infrastructure spending. The agency also pointed to the 2024 enactment of the Create More Act, which seeks to expand tax incentives and clarify the value-added tax system, as a measure that should further improve the country’s investment environment. It, likewise, mentioned the Philippines’ participation in the US-led Pax Silica, a multilateral initiative launched this year aimed at ensuring a stable supply of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and other resources. Moreover, JCR expects the economy will continue being highly resilient to future external shocks as the country’s foreign exchange liquidity position remains solid despite the growing uncertainty brought on by the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Foreign exchange reserves hit a total $110.8 billion at the end of 2025, more than seven months’ worth of imports. “JCR’s affirmation of the Philippines’ A- rating and Stable outlook reflects the resilience of our economy and the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and long-term reforms,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go was quoted in a statement as saying. “It reinforces investor

confidence and supports our efforts to attract investments, create quality jobs, and sustain inclusive growth,” he added. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona also said in a statement that JCR’s affirmation of the country’s credit rating indicates the importance of upholding sound policies and continuing reforms that support investment and productivity at a time of heightened uncertainty. “For its part, the BSP will continue to promote price stability, safeguard financial stability, and ensure safe and efficient payments and settlements. These efforts support sustainable growth and broader economic opportunities for Filipinos,” Remolona said. Just this Monday, Moody’s Ratings maintained its “Baa2” long-term local and foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured ratings for the Philippines and kept its outlook stable. Last week, Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) also affirmed the country’s “A-” investment-grade credit rating and maintained its “stable” outlook. The Philippines currently holds a “BBB+” investment-grade credit rating from S&P Global Ratings and “BBB” from Fitch Ratings.

sea is open Cebu chamber of commerce does The for business, data-driven competitiveness review but not without By Carmel Pedroza

EBU CITY—The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is undertaking a datadriven review of Cebu’s competitiveness, including the cost and reliability of utilities, regulatory efficiency and the overall ease of doing business, as the province competes with other investment destinations across Asia. CCCI President Regan Rex King said the chamber is moving toward a more deliberate, evidence-based assessment of Cebu’s investment proposition amid concerns that rising business costs and friction in government processes could affect the province’s ability to attract and retain investments. “Cebu is not competing only with other Philippine cities. We are competing with destinations across Asia for investment, talent, businesses, tourists, technology, and opportunity,” King said during his president’s report at the chamber’s third General Membership Meeting on Thursday evening. While Cebu continues to benefit from its strategic location, talent pool, entrepreneurial culture, tourism base and established industries, King said investors can now compare locations, operating costs, incentives, infrastructure and business conditions more quickly than ever. “The world can compare Cebu with other destinations instantly. So we must be able to do the same,” he said.

As part of the initiative, CCCI is reviewing representative electricity costs across competing locations and examining power reliability, with King stressing that the analysis remains preliminary and will still have to be validated and normalized for customer classes, tariff structures, taxes and other variables. The chamber is also looking into water costs and reliability, particularly for large commercial and industrial users such as hotels, hospitals, food manufacturers, laundries, restaurants and industrial operations. For businesses, King said, the concern goes beyond the published price of power or water. “It is the total cost of reliability,” he said, noting that utility expenses and service interruptions can directly affect operating margins and investment decisions. The review will not be limited to utilities. CCCI is also using findings from its Cebu CEO Survey to identify friction points in the local business environment. The survey showed that while chief executives were relatively positive about certain processes, such as securing business permits and registering vehicles, satisfaction was lower in other areas. Only 15 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with securing necessary approvals and rulings, while 45.8 percent saw room for improvement in how

limits–DTI

government agencies make decisions and rulings. Another 43.9 percent pointed to the need for government agencies to respond to requests with greater urgency. King said the findings underscore that competitiveness is determined by the combined experience of businesses, covering utilities, infrastructure, regulation, government responsiveness and the time required to complete transactions. The CCCI also plans to work with other chambers and business organizations to benchmark Cebu against competing destinations, identify gaps and recommend interventions. The chamber intends to convene government, utilities, investors, industry leaders, academe and experts, with the goal of putting evidence behind policy advocacy and monitoring whether reforms produce measurable results. “We can put evidence on the table. We can articulate what businesses are actually experiencing. We can benchmark Cebu against competing destinations,” King said. The initiative comes as several sectors face varying degrees of pressure, including furniture, fashion accessories, tourism, real estate and the business process outsourcing industry. King said these developments should not necessarily be viewed as isolated challenges,

HE Philippines’ growing ocean economy is putting a familiar trade question under a different lens: how can countries extract more economic value from the sea without exhausting the resource base that supports that growth? Trade and industry policy can help answer that question, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) International Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said, as Southeast Asian economies seek to turn the Blue Economy into actual businesses, investments and jobs. The Philippines, he said, has a particularly strong economic link to the sea, making the balance between environmental protection and commercial activity central to its Blue Economy strategy. “The Blue Economy agenda therefore gives Asean an opportunity to align two priorities that should never be uncoupled: protecting our oceans and creating prosperity for our people,” Gepty said during the 4th Asean Blue Economy Forum hosted by the DTI on August 24 and 25 in Makati City. Rather than treating ocean protection and economic activity as separate concerns, Gepty said governments should support sustainable enterprises, strengthen regional value chains and steer investments toward

See “CCCI,” A4

See “DTI,” A4

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

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Saturday, August 29, 2026

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Science, hazard mapping can help avert Nepal-Tibet-like disasters in PHL–expert

By John Eiron R. Francisco

HE Philippines can reduce the risk of massive landslides and flash floods similar to the recently recorded along the Nepal-Tibet border by using science and hazardmapping technologies to identify vulnerable communities and guide preparedness measures, according to an expert.

UP Resilience InstituteNOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay said in a sideline interview on Thursday that

such disasters are not new to the Philippines, particularly in communities settled on alluvial plains or flat areas near rivers

formed by sediments deposited by flowing water, which often attract settlements because of their fertile soil and access to water. “People have a natural tendency to live in hazard-prone areas. In earthquake-prone areas, for instance, there may be gold and scenic landscapes. Volcanoes can provide fertile soil because of the minerals deposited there, which can support good harvests. People also tend to settle near rivers because these areas have fertile land,” he said, partly in Filipino. Lagmay stressed, however, that natural hazards themselves cannot be prevented. “We cannot prevent hazards from happening. Gravity does not sleep. It will always pull down rock materials from the

ground,” he said. “What we can prevent are disasters from happening,” Lagmay added, explaining that hazards become disasters when people are exposed to them because of human errors or decisions. “If we’re smart about living with nature, we can let the hazards take their course. But if we are out of harm’s way, there will be no disaster to come,” he said. Lagmay cited past debrisflow events in the country to illustrate the scale of the threat. In Compostela Valley, he said about 20 million cubic meters of debris were carried by debris flows that overwhelmed Barangay Antang in New Bataan, killing more than 500 people. Similar volumes of debris flows

were also recorded in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, during Typhoons Nona and Lando in 2015, he said. Lagmay said UPRI-NOAH has identified more than 1,000 areas where communities are potentially exposed to such hazards, particularly given the Philippines’ mountainous terrain. “We need to put them out of harm’s way,” Lagmay said. “And if we cannot get them to be in that place, at least we need to get them prepared.” Although debris f lows are relatively rare, Lagmay said communities must understand the hazards in their areas to avoid being caught off guard and reduce the likelihood of these events turning into disasters.

Bohol declares province-wide dengue outbreak; cases breach epidemic limit By Carmel Pedroza

C MEMBERS of a multi-agency rescue team continue the search for three missing persons at Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales on Friday, August 28, a day after a boat carrying 13 Aeta residents capsized in a storm. RANNY MAGNO/SBMA FIRE & RESCUE TEAM

6 dead, 3 missing as boat capsizes in Zambales lake in stormy weather By Henry Empeño

AN MARCELINO, Zambales—Six persons were confirmed dead, while three others are still missing after a motorized banca capsized amid stormy weather on Lake Mapanuepe at Barangay Buhawen here on Thursday, August 27. The Zambales Provincial Police Office (ZPPO) said the fatalities were three Aeta adults and three children who were among the 13 passengers aboard the banca. Four others in the group survived. The accident reportedly occurred while the group was heading for home at Sitio Lumibao in Buhawen after attending a 4Ps meeting and getting vaccine shots at the Buhawen Barangay Center. The ZPPO said authorities mounted a search, rescue and retrieval operation with a composite team from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the San Marcelino Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) following a call for help from Buhawen Barangay Chairman Eduardo Dueñas. However, after six bodies were retrieved, rescue and recovery efforts were temporarily discontinued at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday due to inclement weather, the ZPPO added.

The search for the missing residents resumed early Friday, August 28, with a team from the Philippine Red Cross in Olongapo City and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Fire & Rescue Team combing the area near the sunken Saint Barbara Chapel, a remnant of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Still, heavy rains from previous days made the lake water murky and prevented deep-water search maneuvers, rescuers said. Meanwhile, the ZPPO also said the motorboat operator has been detained at the San Marcelino Police Station for possible filing of charges for reckless imprudence, as authorities believed the banca was overloaded when it sank. Lake Mapanuepe, which has become a popularly known as the “New Zealand of Zambales” because of its surrounding open grassland and mountain backdrop, also had a tragic history. Continuous lahar flow after the 1991 volcanic eruption dammed the exit point of the Mapanuepe River on the valley and formed the lake, submerging in the process the low-lying area of Buhawen where most of the houses and community facilities of the former mining community were located. Today, the chapel steeple with a large metal cross mounted atop it is the only visible sign that a community once thrived under the lake’s surface.

EBU CITY—The Bohol Provincial Government has declared a provincewide dengue outbreak after the number of cases remained above the epidemic threshold for five consecutive weeks, with health officials expressing concern over the rising number of deaths from the disease. Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10, Series of 2026, declaring a dengue outbreak throughout Bohol and directing local government units (LGUs) to intensify prevention, surveillance and response measures. The declaration followed the recommendation of the Bohol Provincial Local Health Board, which reviewed the province’s epidemiological data and the capacity of local health facilities to manage the increasing cases. As of Aug. 22, Bohol had recorded 1,883 dengue cases and 20 deaths, according to provincial health officials during a media briefing on Friday morning, Aug. 28, 2026. The case count was 7 percent higher than the same period last year. Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, department head of the Bohol Provincial Health Office, said the increase in cases alone appeared comparable with last year’s figures, but the number of fatalities was a major concern. “Last year, with the same number of cases, we only had 5 deaths. [But now] with the same number of cases, we have 20 deaths,” Uy said.

The province’s case fatality rate (CFR) has reached 1.17 percent, above the Department of Health’s acceptable level of below 1 percent, she said. The executive order noted that the province had surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks based on the data available when it was prepared. It also cited the recommendation of the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Central Visayas Center for Health Development and the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. The order requires LGUs to strictly implement the enhanced 4S strategy against dengue, reactivate their local dengue task forces and conduct “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue” activities. Households, schools and communities will also be mobilized to conduct regular searches for and destruction of mosquito breeding sites through the 4 o’clock habit. Confirmed dengue cases identified through NS1 and PCR testing are to undergo the 1-3-7 intensified vectorcontrol strategy, while city and municipal health offices and hospitals are directed to establish Dengue Fast Lanes to speed up consultation and management of patients. LGUs are likewise required to ensure proper referral of patients, allocate funds for essential dengue prevention and control supplies, and coordinate with government agencies, partners and other stakeholders.

The provincial antidengue task force will also be reconstituted and strengthened.

12 LGUs breach epidemic threshold

NIEL JOHN OCLARIT, development management officer IV of the Provincial Department of Health OfficeBohol, said 12 of Bohol’s 48 LGUs have already surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks. These LGUs may also declare a local dengue outbreak, officials said. Among the areas with the highest number of reported cases are Talibon with 188, Tagbilaran City with 172, Ubay with 146, Getafe with 108, Tubigon with 99, Inabanga with 75, Trinidad with 64, Dauis with 61, Mabini and Candijay with 60 each, and Jagna with 59. Talibon also recorded the highest number of deaths at five, followed by Tubigon with three. Getafe and Ubay each recorded two deaths. Alicia, Bien Unido, Dauis, Guindulman, Pilar, Tagbilaran City, Panglao and Clarin each recorded one death, according to provincial health officials. Dr. Mutya Kismet TirolMacuno, first district board member and vice chairperson of the Committee on Health and Public Sanitation, Dr. Jeia Pondoc, Tagbilaran City health officer, and Fritzie Vallentos Olaguir, nurse program coordinator of the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, also joined the briefing.

DTI. . . Continued from A3

businesses and technologies that can create jobs while reducing pressure on marine resources. The discussions were anchored on the Asean Blue Economy Framework adopted in 2023 and the Asean Blue Economy Implementation Plan 2026-2030, which aims to move the region from policy development toward implementation. The push comes as the Philippines’ ocean economy continues to expand. In July, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s ocean economy grew 5.3 percent in 2025 to P1.08 trillion from P1.02 trillion in 2024. The latest figure accounted for 3.8 percent of gross domestic product at current prices, according to the Philippine Ocean Economy Satellite Account, which tracks the economic contribution of oceanrelated activities. Further, the government is also developing the policy framework around the sector. The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 identifies sustainable ocean-based development as part of the country’s long-term growth strategy, while a proposed Blue Economy Act is among the priority measures in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda. Separately, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development held a two-day Blue Economy Inter-Agency Roundtable Dialogue on July 20 and 21, bringing government agencies into discussions on the sector’s development. The August forum was held as the Philippines chairs Asean this year, with the country using its chairmanship to push for regional cooperation on inclusive and sustainable growth.

CCCI. . . Continued from A3

particularly if multiple sectors are experiencing pressure at the same time. “If the evidence confirms that utility costs, infrastructure constraints, regulatory friction, or other factors are eroding Cebu’s competitive position, we must be prepared to say so, and more importantly, to do something about it urgently,” he said. For CCCI, the central question is increasingly becoming what Cebu can offer an investor— and why the province should be chosen over other locations. The answer, King said, will have to be supported not just by Cebu’s traditional advantages, but by measurable evidence showing where the province remains competitive and where urgent intervention is needed.

PHL, UK open discussions for visiting forces accord

HE Department of National Defense (DND) said the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday started formal negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) highlighting the growing security ties between the two nations. The SOVFA, once signed and ratified by the two nations, will provide the legal framework for military exercises between the two countries.

DND Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Mison Jr. led the Philippine negotiating panel during the first round of formal SOVFA negotiations, Meanwhile, the UK negotiating panel was led by Amy Senior, head of the Indo-Pacific at the UK’s Ministry of Defense. The negotiations affirmed the two nations’ commitment to “bolstering cross-regional defense cooperation and upholding rules-based

international order.” Likewise, the talks also highlighted “Philippines-UK relations while upholding rulesbased order in response to the emerging complex security challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region.” Discussions focused on “enhancing strategic initiatives and interoperability” between the two armed forces, highlighting “mutual commitment for regional peace and security through the rule of law.”

“We appreciate UK’s unqualified support as a likeminded partner in upholding the rules-based international order and preserving freedoms ensured by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Mison said. The Philippines has an existing SOVFA or similar agreements with the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan. Rex Anthony Naval

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Sleep problems after 60: Causes, solutions, and when to get help By Jona C. Redondo

LEEP problems become increasingly common after age 60, but they are not an inevitable sentence of aging. Many older adults experience lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier bedtimes and wake times, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and reduced deep restorative stages. Adults still need roughly 7–8 hours of sleep per night; the challenge is often the ability to obtain it efficiently. Understanding the causes and focusing on natural, evidencebased approaches can significantly improve rest, daytime energy, and long-term health — without relying primarily on medications that carry higher risks in later life.

Common sleep changes and problems after 60

SLEEP architecture shifts with age. Deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep declines substantially—by some estimates, older adults have lost a large portion of the slowwave sleep that supports physical recovery and memory consolidation. Sleep becomes lighter and more easily interrupted, leading to more nighttime awakenings. Circadian rhythms often advance, so melatonin release occurs earlier, prompting earlier evening sleepiness and morning awakenings (sometimes around 3–5 a.m.). Common complaints include insomnia (trouble initiating or maintaining sleep), frequent nocturia (waking to urinate), restless legs syndrome, and unrefreshing sleep. Sleep apnea also rises in prevalence. While brief awakenings can be normal, prolonged difficulty returning to sleep, daytime fatigue, or mood changes signal a problem worth addressing.

Key causes

SEVERAL overlapping factors drive these issues: Physiological aging: Reduced melatonin production, weakened circadian signals, and brain changes that make sleep less consolidated. Medical conditions: Chronic pain from arthritis, heart failure, diabetes, gastrointestinal reflux, neurological issues, and depression or anxiety frequently disrupt sleep. Nocturia linked to prostate enlargement or other urinary changes is especially common. Primary sleep disorders: Obstructive sleep apnea becomes more frequent; restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements increase. Medications and substances: Many drugs (beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, diuretics, corticosteroids) interfere with sleep. Caffeine, alcohol (which fragments later sleep stages), and nicotine compound the problem. Lifestyle and psychosocial factors: Reduced physical activity after retirement, limited daytime light exposure, excessive or poorly timed napping, loneliness, and stress all undermine sleep quality. Poor sleep in turn raises risks for falls, cognitive decline, weakened immunity, and worsening of existing conditions—creating a cycle that is important to interrupt.

Natural solutions that work

EXPERTS emphasize non-drug strategies as first-line approaches. These are safer and often more effective long-term than sleeping pills for older adults. Prioritize sleep hygiene and circadian support. Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends. Create a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom; use blackout curtains or a white-noise machine if needed. Reserve the bed for sleep (and intimacy), not reading, TV, or worry. Avoid screens and bright light for at least an hour before bed, as blue light suppresses melatonin.

Get morning light and stay active. Exposure to natural daylight, especially in the morning, helps reset the internal clock and counteract advanced sleep phase. Aim for regular moderate exercise (walking, gardening, or gentle strength work) most days, but finish vigorous activity several hours before bedtime. Filled days with social interaction and purpose improve nighttime sleep quality. Manage intake and routines. Limit caffeine after early afternoon and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Eat lighter evening meals. If naps are needed, keep them short (20–30 minutes) and early in the afternoon. A wind-down routine—reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath—signals the body that sleep is approaching. Some find listing next-day worries earlier in the evening helps quiet a racing mind. Evidence-based behavioral approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard non-drug treatment. It addresses unhelpful thoughts about sleep, restricts time in bed to build sleep drive, and strengthens associations between bed and sleep. Mindfulness meditation has also shown benefits for older adults with sleep disturbances. These methods often outperform or match medication with far fewer side effects and lasting gains. Supportive supplements (with caution). Low-dose melatonin (often 0.5–1 mg taken 30–60 minutes before desired bedtime) may help with circadian timing for some, though evidence varies and medical guidance is essential. Magnesium may support relaxation. Always consult a physician before starting supplements, especially with existing conditions or medications.

Palace: No delays in release of senior citizens’ benefits

By Darryl John Esguerra

ALACAÑANG on Wednesday assured senior citizens that their government benefits due would not be unnecessarily delayed. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to immediately distribute the P10,000 cash gift to qualified senior citizens who are beneficiaries under the Expanded Centenarians Act. Under the Expanded Centenarians Act (Republic Act No. 11982), all Filipino senior citizens reaching the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old are entitled to a P10,000 cash gift. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the President, upon learning of the complaints filed with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, directed responsible agencies to address the delays without pause. Eight Quezon City senior citizens on August 24 filed anti-red tape cases

against the National Commission of Senior Citizens over delays in the release of P10,000 cash gifts they are entitled to for reaching milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. In complaints filed before the Anti-Red Tape Authority, the eight senior citizens, with ages from 80 to 85 and residents of Barangay Marilag, aired serious concerns over the long delays, saying that they do not want to suffer the same fate as some of their friends who died without receiving their cash gifts. Castro assured all Filipino senior citizens that the government will carry out the directives and address the issue immediately. “Ito po ay nakarating sa Pangulo at kailangan po talaga maibigay kung ano

When to seek professional help

PERSISTENT problems lasting weeks, loud snoring with pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or sleep issues accompanied by mood changes or falls warrant evaluation. A sleep study or medication review may be needed. Treat underlying conditions (pain, apnea, depression) first. Sleep after 60 can improve meaningfully through consistent habits, light, movement, and behavioral tools. Treating rest as seriously as diet and exercise pays dividends in energy, mood, cognitive sharpness, and overall vitality. Start with one or two changes— morning light and a fixed wake time are powerful entry points— and build from there. Better nights are achievable at any age.

NATIONAL Commission of Senior Citizens personnel in the Davao Region distribute cash incentives to senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 years old under the Expanded Centenarian Act in this December 17, 2025 photo. Malacañang on August 26, assured senior citizens that government benefits due to them would not be delayed. PNA PHOTO BY ROBINSON NIÑAL JR.

ang benepisyo na dapat ibigay sa ating mga elderlies lalung-lalo na iyong mga senior citizens dahil iyan naman po ay talagang kailangang maipaabot sa kanila nang mas mabilis at sa mabilis na pamamaraan (The issue has reached the President, and the benefits due to our elderly, particularly senior citizens, must really be delivered to them more quickly and promptly),” Castro said in a Palace briefing. Castro said ARTA endorsed the

It’s dirty work and I love doing it

Expert insights from video resources

GERIATRICIAN Dr. Melissa Bogin of Mayo Clinic discusses age-related sleep changes, common complaints after 60, the role of melatonin and circadian shifts, medical contributors, and practical non-medication strategies including CBT-I in the podcast “Why Sleep Gets Worse With Age (And What Actually Helps).” Board-certified sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris offers concise, practical tips for adults over 65 on CBS Mornings, covering hormonal influences, sleep hygiene, meditation, and when to seek further help. Clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus (“The Sleep Doctor”) provides detailed guidance tailored to seniors in videos such as “8 Ways for Seniors to Sleep Better Tonight,” addressing phase advancement, environment, medical factors, and behavioral fixes. Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sophiya Benjamin covers assessment, causes, sleep hygiene, and CBT-I in her webinar “Sleep Disorders & Insomnia: Understanding and Managing These As We Age.”

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, August 29, 2026 A5

HERE is a small patch of bare earth in our backyard that I consider hallowed ground, treated with the same respect and reverence as our home altar. It is a zone of quietude where no cellphones or audio devices are permitted. Here, underneath the soil, you can discover little bits of my family history since the day we moved into our house 40 years ago. Someday in the future, maybe a hundred or two hundred years from now, an archeologist will excavate this site and would be able to piece together a composite picture of the kind of people who lived here. He would know what we ate, what pets we had, the packaging materials we used, the plastic utensils we threw away, and other objects that would be tell-tale evidence of the way we lived. Since we started raising pets —cats that had strayed inside our garage and never left or dogs given to us by friends— this backyard has served as a burial ground for many of them. I can’t count how many times my youngest son, our official grave digger, dug the ground to bury the long list of animals that endeared themselves to us. “Boxer, Athena, Harpo, and Chinkee are just the few I can remember. A future archaeologist discovering their bones would conclude that a pet-loving family once lived here. So, in a sense, it’s our pet cem-

etery, a “sacred” place of honor for all the animals we’ve learned to love and who in their own little ways had a beneficial effect on our family. Cats are said to be sacred pets protecting their human owners against evil spirits. Some Buddhists believe that cats have a spiritual mission in life. They neutralize and transform negative energy into positive energy in our homes. But beyond our dead pets, there’s something I am now burying beneath the ground of our backyard. It has become the scene of my dirty work in late life. A few years ago, during the pandemic, I was reading a book on permaculture and I came across a quote about soil that captured my imag inat ion: “The soil is miraculous. It is where the dead a re brou g ht back to life.” The truth is that the soil is not dead, but ca n be kept alive by feeding it with our wastes from the food we cook and eat. What we t h i n k i s waste is not really waste. With the help of earthworms, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms (billions of them), these discards are broken down and brought back to life. This process is part of the ongoing cycle of life that values everything, uses everything, and transforms everything. That’s when I went into composting. Every morning, I collect the organic wastes put in plastic bags the previous night, such as vegetable

and fruit peelings, rotten leftover food, chicken and animal bones, animal internal organs that can’t be fed to our cats and feral dogs in the neighborhood, and other wet wastes. I dig a hole, put these mixed wastes, and then cover them with the same earth I dug out, happy in the thought that I am feeding the earth and all the creatures that live underground. I confess that I have no background in Biology and Botany so what I am doing is not scientific or systematic but simply for the spirit of it. All the while, I imagine that our wastes are a feast to the squirming earthworms that emerge and come to light as I dig the ground. I’ve been treating the worms like pets that I have to feed. I like giving them things that are really well rotten— a blackened banana, slimy greens, even fish scraps. I am comforted by the thought that these tiny wormies are helping inoculate the soil with new richer life, without the help of chemicals bought from a store. If you decide to try it, I suggest approaching it as more than just a “green” habit. One can look at composting as a teacher, showing us lessons we wouldn’t be able to learn any other way. For example, composting is a living metaphor for transformation. When I look at my compost, I don’t see garbage anymore. I see possibility and continuity. The end of one form is the beginning of another. That pile of wet rubbish metamorphose in due time into something nourishing and alive: soil that is full of life and potential. Yesterday’s rotting cabbage becomes tomorrow’s vibrant soil that enables a Bandera Espanola to grow and produce bright yellow and red flowers. I learn to practice humility, which comes from the Latin word “humus”, which means ground or dirt. The work that I do gets me literally grounded. It involves squatting on the ground to dig the soil with a

complaints to the Committee on Anti-Red Tape of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on August 25. A clarificatory meeting among ARTA, NCSC, concerned local government units, and the complaining senior citizens is scheduled on August 28. “Assistance should be provided on time and should not be unnecessarily delayed,” Castro said. PNA

small shovel. In those moments, I become one with the lowly scavengers, the garbage collectors, the sewage cleaners, as well as those who have been thrown out, forgotten, or shunned by society. I think of Fr. Damien of Molokai who lived with the lepers till his death, Mother Teresa who served the unwanted sick and the homeless of Calcutta, Benedict Labre who tended to people considered dregs of society, and many more.

Nothing tests one’s humility and endurance like the stink of rotten wastes. I have learned to embrace the entire gamut of the smell of rottenness: putrid, sour, rancid, fetid, name it, I’ve smelled it. In truth, nothing is offensive anymore to my olfactory sense. Like my practice of cleaning the toilet bowl, stink is no longer repulsive to me. Despite the filth and stench of composting, I love doing it. Nothing could be a more pleasant sight to me than seeing the mounds of earth that mark the wastes I buried. Someday, I hope to do more systematic composting. Then who knows, I might pick up gardening too. I would like to grow our own food. Out there is the city where life is always moving fast. Meanwhile, here is my little corner where time slows down, nature does its work, and with every digging of the shovel into the dirt, I feel happy to be participating in the ancient cycle of decay and renewal. At the same time, or because of this dirty task, I feel my inner life being worked on, renewed and transformed. No wonder every time I come here, it feels like a quiet celebration.

BusinessMirror

Saturday, August 29, 2026 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

FROM left: Dr. Angelito B. Fernando; Korina Castro-Fernando, chief human resources officer; Bobby L. Castro, chairman and founder; Lilian Castro-Selda, chief financial officer; Lisa Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer; and Karlo M. Castro, president and chief executive officer, with brand ambassador Marian Rivera at the launch of the “Palawan for All” campaign. PHOTO FROM PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES

businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com • www.businessmirror.com.ph

ISOG URGES ORGANIZATIONS TO BUILD ADAPTIVE CYBER RESILIENCE BY RIZAL RAOUL REYES ORGANIZATIONS need to build cyber resilience into their enterprise architecture, governance, operations, workforce and leadership to prepare for threats driven by artificial intelligence and automation, according to the leader of a group of cyber security officers. In the recent I Am Secure 2026 CXO Connect Series 2 in Makati City organized by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG) in partnership with XMS, ISOG president Luis Jacinto urged organizations to become adaptive, and more autonomous cybersecurity can no longer be treated simply as an IT function. The August 5 event, themed “Engineering Cyber Resilience in the Age of Intelligent and Autonomous Threats,” brought together business leaders, technology executives, cybersecurity professionals, government representatives and industry partners to discuss how organizations can anticipate, withstand, respond to and recover from emerging cyber risks. Pursuing cyber resilience, Jacinto said organizations must build resilience across the enterprise as cyber threats become more sophisticated and autonomous. Jacinto emphasized that the shift means companies should not focus solely on preventing attacks. “They must also have the capacity to continue operations, respond effectively when incidents occur, recover critical systems and adapt their defenses as threats evolve, “ he said. ISOG vice president Alvin Punsalan reinforced this approach, emphasizing that resilience must be engineered into people, processes, technology and leadership. This makes cybersecurity a business imperative rather than a responsibility confined to the technology department. For companies, Punsalan urged companies to implement an integrated approach in protecting systems and data while ensuring that employees, executives and business processes are prepared to respond to disruptions. Pam Valmonte, program head of I Am Secure and operations manager of XMS, highlighted collaboration, trust and bringing together the right stakeholders as essential to addressing an intelligent and constantly evolving threat landscape. “Cybersecurity must therefore extend beyond individual devices and applications to encompass systems, data, people and the connections between them,” she said. Xialeemar Valdeavilla, CEO of XMS, I Am Secure partner and ISOG consultant, also said XMS aims to create platforms where leaders can connect, ideas can evolve and strategic decisions can take shape. She added the initiative places emphasis not simply on event attendance but on the quality of discussions, partnerships and actions that emerge from these engagements. For Philippine enterprises, Valdeavila said the message from I Am Secure and XMS is clear that “strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure requires more than purchasing additional security solutions.” She added companies need to develop an enterprise-wide resilience strategy that connects technology investments with governance, people and business continuity. Executives must understand cyber risk and be proactive to ensure that their organizations are capable of anticipating threats, responding to attacks and recovering from disruptions.

KKB, BSP COLLABORATION TO TEACH FINANCIAL LITERACY BY PATRICK VILLANUEVA A NEW partnership aims to bring financial literacy to millions of Filipinos, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and KasKasan Buddies (KKB) partnering for an educational collaboration for the latter’s community. PisoLit, the BSP’s official financial education platform, is set to arrive on the KKB’s channels, making its financial education content accessible to its users. The KKB app is a platform that helps you manage your finances. It has over 2 million buddies across platforms. Also under this collaboration, both KKB and BSP will jointly make and distribute these educational materials, with the BSP saying it will focus on “how financial products work, which ones fit specific needs, and how to guard against risk.” “The goal is to help Filipinos understand how financial products work, know the features of financial products that fit their needs, and learn how to manage risks through platforms where they are having conversations,” said BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette RomuloPuyat. The BSP highlighted that this decision was made to help Filipinos who are already talking about financial literacy in the KKB’s platforms and communities, gaining access to these educational content in the communities they are already active in. Meanwhile, this partnership is one of the many collaborations made by the KKB this year. Among their efforts are a collaboration with the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) to create educational video content and conduct financial literacy sessions, a memorandum of agreement with FinTech Alliance PH to advance digital financial literacy and combat scams, and a memorandum of agreement with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to strengthen efforts against digital financial crimes. To learn more, you may follow PisoLit on Facebook. Meanwhile, you may download the KKB app at tinyurl.com/mach35az to find verified BSP-regulated financial products.

Palawan Group expands into a broader range of ﬁnancial solutions

HE Palawan Group of Companies marks its 41st anniversary this year with the launch of “Palawan for All,” which brings together the company’s expanding range of financial solutions under a commitment to broaden its portfolio in order to serve more Filipinos. The Palawan Group of Companies is known for its core businesses, which are pawning and remittances. With Palawan for All, the group expands into a broader range of financial solutions, including digital payments, microinsurance, credit, business solutions, and wealth-building options. “First things first: at Palawan, we always try our best to listen to the customers and learn about what they need and require. We are always innovating in many ways not just in the use of technology but to make the lives of our customers easier. Customers want their transactions to be more convenient, affordable and accessible,” said Karlo M. Castro, president and chief executive officer of the Palawan Group of Companies. For example, he added, if a physical branch is

closed, a customer can use PalawanPay to pay bills or send remittances. This “BrickTech” approach combines the reach of Palawan’s over 3,800 branches with the convenience of its PalawanPay e-wallet, which has 23 million users and counting. “Today, millions of Filipinos entrust us with their hard-earned money because we have remained true to our promise of providing affordable, reliable and accessible services. More than our growth, what makes me proud is knowing that generations of Filipinos continue to see Palawan as a partner they can trust,” said Bobby L. Castro, chairman and founder of the Palawan Group of Companies. The Palawan Group is a family business started by Bobby and his wife Angelita. “It is our Tatay, Palawan Group chairman and founder, Bobby L. Castro, who planted the seed that later grew into the No. 1 non-bank financial institution as we know the Palawan Group of Companies today. Tatay, maraming salamat sa inyo ni Nanay. Salamat sa inyong pagsisikap para sa pamilya, sa ating mga associates, at sa iyong malasakit sa bayan at sa ating mga kababayan,” said Karlo during a media event in Makati. Today, the group has 20,000 employees or associates all over the Philippines. At the heart of the business is “serbisyong may malasakit,” which essentially means that every associate performs their duty to the company while responding to the customer’s need with compassion. “Palawan for All brings these different services together under one promise: To be a financial partner for Filipinos through the different chapters of their lives. It is a campaign about people, not products.

Every Filipino has a different financial journey, and everyone deserves a partner they can rely on, whether they are starting their first job, supporting their family, growing a business, or planning for the future,” said Bernard V. Kaibigan, chief marketing officer of the Palawan Group of Companies. As part of the Palawan for All campaign, Palawan is also expanding its services to address other financial needs and priorities of Filipinos. Palawan ProtekTODO provides affordable microinsurance, while Palawan Gold and Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry offer options to build and preserve wealth. Palawan for Business and Palawan Credit, meanwhile, provide solutions for entrepreneurs and customers looking to pursue their financial goals. During the media event, the Palawan Group also announced its renewed partnership with actress Marian Rivera. “It is important that the Palawan Group and I value the same things, which is our families, hard work, and trust. More than that, I appreciate how they serve our countrymen through their services,” said Rivera. “What makes the partnership even more meaningful is that Marian understands the importance of being responsible with money. She has openly shared how she manages her household finances, keeps track of expenses, sets financial goals, and uses technology to make managing her family’s finances more convenient. “So when Marian told us that she said yes to Palawan because she believes in our mission to provide accessible financial services to every Filipino, we knew that this partnership was more than an endorsement,” said Karlo.

Designed for Xbox collection released for 25th anniversary CELEBRATING their 25th year, gaming company Xbox is set to release their Designed for Xbox collection, showcasing a nostalgic feel to a variety of peripherals for gamers. A collaboration with gaming tech company Razer showcases the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K—XBOX 25 Anniversary Edition, Razer BlackWidow V4 75%—XBOX 25 Anniversary Edition, and Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed— XBOX 25 Anniversary Edition, an ergonomic gaming mouse, mechanical keyboard, and wireless earbuds, respectively. The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K boasts a wireless ergonomic RGB gaming mouse that can play for up to 140 hours. It has a 4-way scroll wheel with deeper configurations so players can customize better with the new mouse. Meanwhile, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact mechanical keyboard powered by Razer Chroma

RGB. A feature of the keyboard allows the player to open the Xbox game bar with the “Xbox Key.” The Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed, on the other hand, delivers gaming-grade audio quality with low latency across compatible gadgets. It has a total 35 hours of battery life, with 10 hours of non-stop use, plus an additional 25 with its pocketable charging case. Pre-orders for these items are available at Razer.com. For portability and/or turning your gaming into a handheld gaming console, the Backbone Pro Xbox 25th Anniversary Edition and GameSir X5 Lite for XBOX are your best bets, with both of them giving a nod to Xbox’s rich history. The Backbone Pro’s design pays homage to the original hardware of Xbox, and a revival of the three heritage colorways: Iconic Blue, Bold Orange, and Crystal Clear. You can only get them in a blind box format. The GameSir X5 Lite pays tribute with

its translucent green color, combining the Xbox aesthetic with mobile gaming performance. This item is compatible for both Android and iOS. The 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock for XBOX Controllers X25 Special Edition is inspired by Xbox’s history, showcasing a transparent green color, but with the experience of a modern docking device. It is compatible with XBOX Series X|S and XBOX One wireless controllers. Lastly, the PowerA XBOX Sling Bag is the perfect companion for ROG XBOX Ally and ROG XBOX Ally X devices. This versatile crossbody bag fits your device, headset, controller, phone, and accessories. Plus, it also features the XBOX 25th anniversary limited edition design. PATRICK VILLANUEVA RAZER Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed

www.businessmirror.com.ph • businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com

BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, August 29, 2026

JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo: Your playlist is now your songbook RAKUTEN VIBER LAUNCHES IN-APP ESIM FOR GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY, ADVANCING SUPER APP VISION

RAKUTEN Viber today announced that it has introduced a seamless, in-app travel eSIM service, offering great value and instant connectivity to travelers. The first phase has rolled out in the Philippines, where Viber users can now purchase data-only roaming packages for international trips directly in the app. The service runs on Rakuten Mobile’s AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform, which has a proven track record of delivering integrated travel solutions at scale. Traveling internationally often involves expensive roaming charges. It also brings the inconvenience of purchasing and swapping physical local SIM cards. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards built directly into mobile devices. They offer convenience and flexibility. Users can instantly choose and activate a mobile plan and switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. With eSIM support now common on modern devices, global travel eSIM revenue is projected to grow by 380 percent from 2025 to 2030. Activating the Viber eSIM is a simple process designed for user convenience: ■ Access the eSIM store directly from the Viber app: Open the eSIM section from either the More screen or the Calls screen in Viber—no need to install a new app. ■ Browse and select a plan: Choose from a range of travel data plans covering hundreds of destinations. These are tailored to your travel needs. ■ Purchase securely: Complete your purchase using integrated payment methods. Viber uses its existing spam and fraud models. It also integrates with Stripe’s anti-fraud tools to ensure secure transactions. ■ Install the eSIM: Follow the easy on-screen instructions to install the eSIM, using a “Quick Install” link, scanning a QR code, or entering details manually. ■ Activate and connect: After installation, activate your eSIM. You can then immediately enjoy smooth international data connectivity without needing to swap a physical SIM card. This new feature marks an important step in Viber’s mission to become a super app, bringing essential services into one place to simplify everyday life and support global connectivity. With eSIM mobile plans available directly in Viber, users can purchase, install, and activate a plan within the app. Combined with Viber Out, which enables low-cost international calls to landlines and mobile numbers, Viber offers a single place to manage connectivity and stay in touch while abroad. The collaboration also offers a blueprint for brands in the travel, fintech, and telecom sectors that want to expand their product portfolios and unlock new revenue streams. By embedding mobile connectivity directly into the user experience, companies can launch travel-focused digital offerings without the complexity of traditional telecom operations. It also reflects Rakuten’s vision to revolutionize mobile connectivity worldwide by extending it beyond traditional operators and into digital platforms. Nadav Melnick, CPO at Rakuten Viber, commented on the launch: “Bringing eSIM to Viber is a major milestone. It highlights the power of the Rakuten Ecosystem and our commitment to building a true super app. We’ve already integrated services such as Business Accounts, Viber Dating, and Viber Pay, and eSIM expands that momentum with a new connectivity option. This launch reinforces Viber as a single platform that supports a wide range of user needs. We’re evolving from a messaging app into an everyday utility, making international travel simpler and more affordable. With Rakuten Mobile, users can access Viber internationally and stay reliably connected across borders.”

LOVE my JBL speakers almost as much as my toy collection. I probably have at least one from every series, going all the way back to the very first JBL Micro I got in 2012. I wake up to the JBL Horizon 2, work with a PartyBox Club 120 playing in the background, and chill with the JBL Authentics in the bedroom. But for all the love I have for JBL’s bigger and more powerful speakers, I have to say that one of its smallest devices has given me the most fun—and it’s not even a speaker. I’m talking about the JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo. It was launched on my birthday, and I promised myself I’d get one. I finally did last month, and since then I’ve spent far too many nights behind closed doors, losing my voice to late-night solo videoke sessions. I’d like to think there are two kinds of Filipinos: those who can sing and those who think they can sing. I belong to a third group—the ones who know they can’t sing but refuse to let that stop them. Some people scream or shout when they’re depressed, angry or emotional. Me? I grab a microphone and wail. And now that I’m living alone, let’s just say it’s happening a lot more frequently. Fortunately, the neighbors haven’t complained. Yet.

SMALL MIC, BIG AMBITIONS

JBL actually released two EasySing form factors. There’s the JBL EasySing Mic, which looks like the traditional wireless microphone we’re familiar with. Then there’s the much smaller JBL EasySing Mic Mini, available as a single-microphone package for ₱8,999 or as the Mini Duo for ₱12,999, which gives you two microphones. Now, ₱12,999 might sound expensive for a pair of tiny mics. But remember when dedicated videoke machines could cost several times that amount? You got thousands of songs but were still stuck with whatever was in the songbook. Want newer songs? You’d have to wait—and pay—for an update. Then YouTube changed everything. Search for practically any song followed by “karaoke” or “minus one,” and chances are somebody has uploaded one. The JBL EasySing Mic Mini goes one better. It can turn the regular songs you already listen to into karaoke tracks with the press of a button. JBL calls it AI Vocal Removal. Instead of requiring a specially prepared karaoke track, the EasySing processes the music you’re playing and reduces the original singer’s vocals in real time. There are four levels so you can leave some of the original vocal when you need help or crank the removal all the way up and take over completely. No songbook. No hunting for a decent minus-one version or settling for MIDI. Your Spotify, YouTube or music library effectively becomes your songbook. And as I found out, AI Vocal Removal can be surprisingly good. But karaoke isn’t the EasySing Mini Duo’s only trick. Remove the mic handles, attach the included magnetic clips and these tiny microphones can double as wireless clip-on mics for content creation, interviews, livestreaming and recording. Plug the receiver into a compatible phone or laptop and you’ve essentially transformed your karaoke mics into a two-person wireless microphone system. That’s something I certainly wasn’t expecting to be as good when I bought them primarily to embarrass myself singing power ballads.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE TINY MICS?

EACH JBL EasySing Mic Mini weighs only 37 grams. The Duo package includes two microphones, the wireless AI dongle/receiver, charging case, two magnetic ring handles, two magnetic clips and a carrying pouch. The microphones use a 2.4GHz wireless

connection to communicate with the dongle, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles compatible audio connections. You’ll need to download the JBL One app first to access features like High-Pitch Voice Boost, natural reverb, microphone EQ, pitch and AI Vocal Removal settings. Taking the microphones and dongle out of the charging case automatically powers them on. Put them back and they switch off and begin charging. Perhaps the most important thing to know is that each microphone can last up to six hours. And if you’ve been singing for six straight hours, battery life is probably the least of your problems.

WHAT JBL SPEAKERS CAN YOU USE?

THE JBL EasySing Mic Mini Duo doesn’t simply work through the microphone input of a karaoke speaker. Its AI dongle is effectively the brains connecting the microphones, music source and speaker. Officially supported JBL portable speakers include the JBL Go 5, Grip, Flip 7, Charge 6, Xtreme 5 and Boombox 4. It also works with JBL PartyBox models, although the connection method varies depending on the generation. Newer models can connect through USB, while older PartyBoxes can use the EasySing’s AUX connection. For this review, I’ve been using the JBL Charge 6.

PAIRING THE EASYSING MIC

THE first time I tried connecting everything, I instinctively expected to pair the microphones through Bluetooth. That’s not how it works. First, update your speaker to the latest firmware through the JBL app. Then turn on the JBL Charge 6 and remove the EasySing microphones and dongle from their charging case. Press and hold the Play button on the speaker while inserting the EasySing Mic dongle into its USB-C port. Wait for the confirmation tone and for the dongle’s indicator light to turn solid. Then connect your phone normally to the JBL Charge 6 via Bluetooth and start playing music. That’s it. Your phone sends the music to the JBL Charge 6, while the EasySing microphones communicate wirelessly with the dongle plugged into the speaker. And now comes the fun part.

MAKE ALMOST ANY SONG A KARAOKE SONG START playing the original version of your song— not a karaoke track—and activate Vocal Removal. You can cycle through 0, 25, 50 and 100 percent,

progressively reducing the lead vocal until you’re left with something resembling a minus-one track. At 0 percent, you’re singing along with the artist. At 25 or 50 percent, the original singer remains audible enough to act as your guide—which, in my case, can be extremely helpful. At 100 percent, you’re on your own. God help everyone within hearing distance.

KARAOKE IN YOUR POUCH, OR BAG?

TECHNICALLY, you don’t need a big JBL speaker to use the EasySing Mic Mini Duo—unless you really want to do serious damage to the music industry. The tiny JBL Go 5 is currently the smallest portable JBL speaker officially compatible with EasySing and probably the closest you can get to putting an entire videoke setup inside a small bag or pouch. But karaoke is one of those activities where you eventually want more volume, especially once someone grabs the second mic and your supposedly intimate singing session starts attracting an audience. Then there are the JBL Party Boxes. My JBL PartyBox Club 120 has 160W of output, dual mic inputs and its own light show, making it the obvious choice for an actual party. The problem is that it weighs 11.05kg. It’s portable in the sense that you can carry it somewhere, but it’s certainly not fitting in any bag. That’s why I think the JBL Charge 6 might be the sweet spot for the EasySing Mic Mini Duo. It weighs just under a kilogram but gives you a 30W woofer and 15W tweeter for 45W of total output—enough volume and bass to make singing feel like karaoke rather than two people shouting over a tiny Bluetooth speaker. It also has up to 24 hours of playback, stretchable to 28 hours using Playtime Boost. Considering the EasySing microphones are rated for six hours, the Charge 6 is unlikely to be the first thing begging for a charger during a videoke marathon. For outdoor use, it’s IP68 water- and dust-resistant, drop-proof and has a detachable carrying strap. So while the JBL Go 5 wins if you want the smallest karaoke setup possible, and a PartyBox is still what I’d choose for a proper gathering, the JBL Charge 6 lands comfortably in between. Small enough for one person to bring anywhere, it’s also powerful enough that you’ll probably end up sharing the microphones. And that’s when the EasySing Mic Mini Duo starts becoming dangerous. Because karaoke was never meant to be a solitary activity.

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, August 29, 2026

Editor: Mike Policarpio

For learning and migration, more U. of Saint Anthony prioritizes academic community’s welfare Filipinos consider New Zealand

FILIPINO student graduates in New Zealand

By Patrick Villanueva

EW ZEALAND may be the next major destination for Filipinos looking to study abroad as immigration data showed that Philippine student visa application approvals surged in 2025 and 2026. According to Auckland-based education and immigration consultancy Right Education NZ (RENZ), official immigration data show that more than 6,200 student visa applications from the Philippines were approved, up from 4,726 the past year. Meanwhile, only two Southeast Asian countries outpaced the Philippines in growth, with Lao PDR and Malaysia posting 34.3 percent and 32.5 percent, respectively. However, the Philippines still edged them in raw numbers as the country is reported to be “growing fastest in scale.” As Filipinos have looked for opportunities to get permanent residency abroad, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, the data meant that the Filipinos’ interest in residency

and education in New Zealand is continuously growing. Asked what makes New Zealand attractive to more Filipinos, Managing Director Jay Arañas of RENZ told BusinessMirror that this jump was due to the country’s consistent immigration policies and living standards. Arañas explained that immigration policy has always been consistent for many years: “New Zealand has a straight pathway because when you [go there, your studies can be an entry point. When you finish], you will get a poststudy work visa which will allow you to stay.” He added that those who find work and qualify for residency can apply immediately.

For the family’s future

THOSE taking their postgraduate studies also

have an avenue to migrate with their family to the Oceanic country. According to Arañas, “Filipinos usually would like to migrate for the future of their children. It’s easy to get residency, as long as you meet the [policies’ requirements].” The RENZ official also said that most of their clients are undertaking postgraduate studies, citing migration with their family as the focal point of their decision to study in New Zealand. “Right now, the majority of our clients are taking a Master’s degree because with them, they can bring their spouse while they have an open work visa so they can work anywhere. They can also bring the kids, and they [kids] can study for free,” Arañas said. Still, the managing director cited growing demand among those still finishing their Bachelor’s programs. He also revealed that engineering and nursing courses are their top choices for Bachelor’s programs, while those pursuing postgraduate studies are inclined toward management because of their work experience.

Ideal conditions

OTHER factors include safety and peace, as New Zealand is ranked second on the 2026 Global Peace Index. The cost of living and tuition fees are lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom, and comparable to Australia and Canada. While it is more affordable than the US and UK, the costs could still be hefty for some, as migrating to another country like New Zealand is also an investment. “The tuition fee here is paid before your visa is granted. Tuition fees can range from NZ$30,000 to NZ$65,000, on top of the cost of living,” Arañas illustrated. “For a person to study, [a minimum of about P1.7 million will be needed, but about P700,000 or NZ$20,000] is ‘show money.’” “It’s an investment in [the future, and of children],” he added. He shared a client’s account of a family already enjoying the gains, or “returns on investment,” because they are free from paying their child’s tuition from Year 9 through university.

BatStateU opens country’s first industry-based learning campus

ALVAR, BATANGAS—For decades, engineering education has followed a familiar path: Students learn in classrooms, train in laboratories, complete industry internships, and eventually transition into the workforce. But as technology reshapes the way businesses operate, employers need engineers who can work with emerging technologies, adapt to changing production environments, and solve problems grounded in actual practice. As the “National Engineering University,” Batangas State University (BatStateU) is challenging that sequence by bringing industry into the learning journey from the very first day of class. That vision became a reality on August 17 as BatStateU formally welcomed more than 800 first-year engineering and technology students to its LIMA Campus, marking the operational launch of what the university describes as the country’s first campus built around an industrybased learning model. Located within LIMA Estate in Batangas through a strategic partnership with Aboitiz Economic Estates, the campus places engineering and technology students at the center of one of the Philippines’ leading industrial and economic zones, where academic instruction is designed to evolve alongside industry practice.

From vision to implementation THE formal opening of classes began with the blessing of the interim BatStateU LIMA Campus, followed by a parade led by the first cohort of students, faculty, and staff. The opening program brought together university officials, Aboitiz Economic Estates representatives, faculty members, and sector partners to welcome Pioneer Batch 2026. “We are at the very heart of this platform, where we have expert faculty and industry partners to provide everything you need to hone…skills and build…competencies, so that our industries will have a bigger pipeline of talent,” university president Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo said as he formally welcomed the students and underscored the university's commitment to preparing engineers equipped for the demands of rapidly changing industries. “This is where we pioneer a big train-

ingly value graduates who can apply knowledge in multidisciplinary environments, collaborate across sectors, and respond to real-world industrial challenges from the outset of their careers. Rather than treating industry exposure as a culminating internship, the university’s industry-based learning model integrates industry throughout the entire educational journey, from admission to graduation. “Our students learn with the industry, in the industry, and for the industry,” Dr. Ronquillo previously explained in introducing the university's educational philosophy. “They graduate not only ready for work but ready to lead and innovate the industry.”

How the model works OFFICIALS and representatives from the university and Aboitiz Economic Estates at the opening of the LIMA Estate campus

ing place that we call industry-based learning in the Philippines.” Likewise, President and CEO of Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Economic Estates Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa emphasized the value of closer collaboration between higher education and industry in developing the country’s future workforce. “We need to see solutions again,” de Mesa said. “To our pioneering students, take advantage of this unique environment. Be curious, ask questions, seek experiences, and see the entire estate as an extension of your campus.” Beyond the opening event, students participated in university and academic orientations, campus life sessions, and guided tours across key learning spaces, locator firms, and facilities within LIMA Estate. It offered the Pioneer Batch an early introduction to a learning environment where industry is embedded in the learning experience.

Pioneering industry-based learning THE BatStateU LIMA Campus launch comes as governments, employers, and universities worldwide seek more effective ways to prepare graduates for increasingly complex workplaces shaped by digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, automation, and sustainability. While engineering programs have long emphasized technical competence, employers increas-

AT the BatStateU LIMA Campus, industry is positioned as a co-facilitator of learning. Engineering programs are co-designed with industry experts to ensure that course content reflects current technologies, professional standards, and emerging workforce requirements. Selected courses are co-delivered by industry practitioners, while students undertake project-based learning and capstone research addressing actual industry challenges under the joint supervision of faculty members and company professionals. The university’s response to emerging technologies also extends to the curriculum itself. BatStateU has integrated artificial intelligence courses into 34 undergraduate programs across engineering, engineering technology, and information and computing sciences. The revised curricula include three AI-focused courses: Linear Algebra for Artificial Intelligence, Probability and Statistics for AI, and Machine Learning and Neural Networks, which are designed to develop competencies relevant to an increasingly AI-driven technological landscape. The integration gives students a foundation in AI alongside their core engineering and technology competencies, which can be further developed through applied projects, industry mentorship, and professional placement. In this way, curriculum updates and industry engagement work together to help students adapt to emerging technologies while meeting the workforce's ongoing upskilling needs.

USANT’S proposed university library

ONPROFIT University of Saint Anthony (USANT), which provides quality yet affordable and accessible private education in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, has reiterated its commitment to ensure the utmost welfare of its students, faculty members, and employees as it prepares to celebrate its 80th founding anniversary in February 2027. Chief among its major infrastructure projects is the Santiago D. Ortega Jr. Memorial Library that is set to open next year. The university’s new learning facility—a modern, four-story academic center that promotes learning, research, and intellectual development of its community—will serve more than 1,000 students, faculty members, and staff at any given time, providing dedicated space for reading, thinking, collaborating, and creating. It will have a welcoming lobby area, reading areas, discussion rooms, computer rooms, an oral defense room, individual carrels, and a café. USANT President Atty. Emmanuel “Mickey” SD. Ortega maintains that competent teachers and efficient staff bring out the best in their students as the school brings out the best in their teachers and employees because they are well taken care of. Here are some recent proofs: All 94 first-time takers from USANT passed the Nurse Licensure Examination (LE) in November last year, while it also had a 100-percent passing rate for its takers in May last year versus the 64.39-percent national passing rate. All USANT graduates passed last year’s LE for Certified Public Accountants or CPAs conducted in October last year, while only 34 percent of all takers on the national level hurdled the test. The same is true with those who took the LEs for Criminology, Teachers (elementary education), Architecture, and Librarians, who tallied 100-percent passing rates. Not far behind are its Engineering and Teachers (secondary education) examinees who registered a 90-percent passing rate last year.

Lower tuition fees, scholarship grants USANT, which also offers Montessori grade school, senior and junior high school, and post-graduate education, has earned a reputation for lower tuition fees and scholarships for deserving students. As a nonprofit private school without a board of directors, USANT channels its tuition earnings into higher salaries for teaching and administrative personnel, as well as the continuous upgrade of campus facilities, which serve as the backbone of every school, according to Ortega. The university president is working to raise awareness of USANT’s high standards to help open greater opportunities for its college graduates. He wants to end a difficult situation often faced by students from the provinces—a situation repeated at the end of every school year: employers often prefer graduates of prestigious universities from Metro Manila. When he took over USANT’s reins in 2022, Ortega’s first order of the day was to raise teachers’ salaries. He believes in retaining and attracting highly qualified faculty members who shape an institution's academic and research culture. The university is the largest private employer in Camarines Sur’s Rinconada region with close to 800 employees—an 81-percent increase from three years ago. Ortega links this jump to the school’s reputation for prioritizing workers’ welfare.

The school’s board of trustees approved, in November last year, a salary increase ensuring the lowest employee salary will be at least P12,000 for five days a week. Minimum wage in Iriga City for the same period is P9,570.

People first UNDER Ortega, USANT has followed a “people-first philosophy” that has kept its workforce happy, encouraging its employees to “stay, grow, and build their dreams with USANT.” This has enticed many professionals to find work at the university. The university’s philosophy became evident when severe tropical storm Kristine (international name: Trami) ravaged Bicol in 2024, flooding areas that had not been prone to such a situation and leaving hundreds of families homeless. Several victims were employed by USANT, which immediately provided relief and other forms of assistance to assure them that the university has their back during times of crisis. Affected employees received cash assistance, an early release of their 13th month pay, and full salaries paid even while classes were suspended. Students who lost their books to flooding were given subsidies, while relief packs were given to affected households. Also important was the trauma counseling given to both students and personnel. Likewise, the institution’s tuition assistance program dubbed “Serbisyo Niyo, Kinabukasan ng Anak Niyo” grants up to 100-percent tuition coverage for the qualified children of employees. This school year, 123 children of USANT employees availed of scholarships or discounts, a considerable rise from the 68 children accepted last school year. “When we invest in the children of our staff, we build stronger families and better schools,” Ortega said. “Care should not be seen as a cost.” USANT’s social responsibility extends beyond the campus with “Alay sa Kapwa: A Chance to Change Lives,” where employees actively participate. They help identify individuals or families in their communities who need assistance either in kind or cash, including their neighbors, relatives, and friends. The university makes Christmas donations to those beneficiaries in the name of the employees who recommended them. Alay sa Kapwa reached 750 families in 2025, with funding of about P855,00.

Career growth, empowerment BOTH teaching and administrative personnel are encouraged to hone their abilities through opportunities for career growth. Many who started at USANT as clerks, encoders, or assistants had been promoted to administrative officers, supervisors, and even directors and deans. Faculty members are given opportunities to prove themselves worthy of promotion to assistant professor or associate professor. Ortega noted that at USANT, a “first job is never [the] final position. One is hired to grow, not to stay still.” USANT employees have also completed 19,000 training hours last year—averaging 24.64 hours per employee—funded by a budget of P6,394,996. These training programs covered digital and artificial intelligence literacy and mental health awareness, among others. The university also sent employees to benchmark best practices in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, August 29, 2026 A9

DUBAI DISRUPTED Glitzy desert destination tries to turn tourism tide Photos by Charo Logarta

HE tourism industry in Dubai (and much of the United Arab Emirates, for that matter) took a huge hit following heated tensions in the Middle East in early 2026. It was understandably a scary situation, with Dubai marking a record 19.6 million tourist arrivals in 2025. But the emirate has made bold (and expensive) moves to restore tourist confidence and reiterate its reputation and image as a safe and fun destination. Its most recent initiative, called “A Dubai Invite,” gives each tourist nominated by UAE residents up to US$800.00 in perks, which include hotel stays and dining vouchers, attraction tickets, and free trips on ride-hailing app Careem. But other than the glam, the shiny edifices and the desert safari, what does Dubai have to offer tourists (other than some of the most expedient connections between Europe and Asia)?

From fisherfolk and pearl farmers to traders and investors COMPARED to Abu Dhabi and the other emirates, Dubai barely has any crude oil reserves or production. It traces its roots to a tribe of fisherfolk and pearl divers that settled in the area in the 18th century. The early settlement along the Dubai Creek has been restored into what is now the Al Shindagha Museum, a living heritage site spread over 80 restored edifices that tell a multi-sensory story of the beginnings of Dubai. Tourists can get a feel of what life was like back in the olden days. The Dubai Creek became the heart and hub of the emirati. Old Dubai expands along the waterway—and a 30-minute walk takes visitors to the Al Fahidi Neighborhood—a quaint area featuring restored wind tower houses and shaded courtyards from the 19th century.

VIEW from the Observation Deck at Burj Khalifa

VIEWS along the Dubai Creek Al Fahidi became Dubai’s early commercial center, with the Spice Souk—an olfactory and visual myriad of colors and spices- and the Gold Souk, where practically every type of jewelry can be found. Old courtyards have been transformed into cafes where one can enjoy Arabic Coffee and dates served pretty much the same way as in centuries past.

Putting on the glitz WHAT Dubai lacked in black gold, they made up for in business savvy, and the limited oil found there in the 1960s was cashed in to transform the emirate into a global financial and business hub. Dubai’s transformation was symbolized by an iconic, 7-star hotel which was in a league of its own for the past 25-years: the Burj Al Arab. Rising on top of a man-made island, the Burj Al Arab was in a class all its own in terms of luxury, opulence and service. Tensions in the Middle East, which caused minor damage to

FACADE of the luxurious Atlantis Hotel, in Palm Jumeirah

SUNSET at the desert the property, prompted its closure for renovations until 2027. Nonetheless, a visit to Dubai would be incomplete without a photo featuring the stunning façade. Photos can be taken from the public beaches along Dubai’s coastline. And while you’re at it, take in the sand and sea in Dubai. Dubai’s beaches boast of powdery off-white sand, and the sea has bath-like temperatures practically year-round. From a seven-star hotel, Dubai also boasts of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. While tickets to the observation deck sell out fast and there is a long line to get to the observation deck, the crowd is managed well, and it is worth the wait with stunning views from the top. Below, the Dubai Mall is an interesting place to whet the wanderlust and flex some retail power with massive aquariums, indoor waterfalls, and a wide variety of dining options. When Dubai goes on sale (there are about two to three huge seasonal sales), there are really

THE sail shape facade of the Burj Al Arab Hotel

MAZMI Cafe, set in a restored courtyard in the 18th century Al Fahidi neighborhood serves traditional Arabic coffee and dates

good deals all around. Outside the mall, the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest performing fountain system, lights up the night sky with a choreographed show. And if you’re standing at the right spot, the lit-up façade of the Burj Khalifa enters frame. In the same general downtown direction, the Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame are two visually arresting landmarks that can be paired for sightseeing. Shaped like a genie’s lamp, the former has Arabic calligraphy all over its façade. Tickets to visit the museum sell out weeks in advance, and the exhibits look at what the world might look like with advancements like space exploration and artificial intelligence. The latter, on the other hand, literally provides a picture of new and old Dubai with stunning vistas from the top.

Experience the desert life DUNE bashing is not for the faint-hearted. You need a retrofitted 4x4 vehicle and a highly

Why Cannes is more than just a film festival Story & photos by Kelly Austria

HEN people think of Cannes, they think of the red carpet. Every May, the world’s attention turns to Cannes. Cameras are everywhere, stars arrive one after another, influencers fill social media with every moment, and some of the biggest film premieres take place. But Cannes is much more than that. Beyond the glitz and glamour is a charming Mediterranean city with historic streets, beautiful beaches, great food, and stunning sea views. Pronounced “Can” (the “s” is silent), Cannes sits on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Cannes twice, both times to attend the Cannes Film Festival as part of the QCinema International Film Festival delegation. While my days were filled with screenings, meetings, and representing QCinema, I always made time to explore the city. Between events, I wandered through the old town, walked along the waterfront, discovered quiet corners,

THE Hôtel Martinez is an iconic 5-star Art Deco palace

and realized that Cannes is a destination worth visiting even when the festival isn’t happening. For first-time visitors, the Palais des Festivals is a must. This is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place and where the famous Grand Théâtre Lumière is located. The Palais sits along La Croisette, Cannes’ waterfront boulevard. Lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, cafés, designer boutiques, and beaches, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. During the festival, La Croisette is the best place to people-watch. You’ll see guests dressed in gowns and tuxedos rushing to screenings, influencers creating content on almost every corner, and fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars outside hotels like the Carlton and the Martinez. Just across from the Palais des Festivals is Allées de la Liberté, a tree-lined promenade and public square where locals, filmmakers, and visitors gather throughout the day. Restaurants spill onto the sidewalks, people meet over coffee, and festival guests gather for drinks after screenings. Even without a festival pass, it’s another

THE view from the top of Cannes

great place to soak up the atmosphere. On weekends, the square becomes even livelier with local artists displaying their work and a popular brocante market selling antiques and vintage finds. Just behind the Palais is Rue Meynadier, one of Cannes’ oldest and busiest pedestrian streets. It connects the city center with Le Suquet, the historic old town, and is lined with bakeries, cafés, restaurants, cheese shops, and local boutiques. Both times I visited Cannes, I stayed on Rue Meynadier. It turned out to be the perfect base because almost everything was within walking distance. Just behind the street is Marché Forville, Cannes’ main public market, where locals shop for fresh seafood, cheeses, olives, flowers, pastries, and seasonal produce. It’s worth stopping by to experience everyday life in the city before continuing to Le Suquet. From Marché Forville, the streets begin climbing into Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic old town. Follow the narrow cobblestone lanes and you’ll eventually reach NotreDame d’Espérance, a hilltop church overlooking the city.

CANNES

AT the world famous red carpet

The climb is worth it because the view from the top is one of the best in Cannes. Looking down, you’ll see the Old Port of Cannes (Vieux-Port), La Croisette, the rooftops of the old town, and the Mediterranean stretching into the distance.

trained driver to navigate the sand dunes, but it is a must-do, along with sand-boarding—sliding down the sand on a board. Late afternoon is the best time to go, when one might chance upon locals holding on to their pet falcons and experience a desert sunset. Tourists are later taken to a camp for dinner where traditional desert fare is served, sitting on cushions as desert tribes would have done, with the option to change into traditional Arabic dress. The evening also includes a showcase of cultural dances. In the summer and winter seasons, Dubai routinely has other attractions and experiences. It’s a pretty diverse field—from the highest infinity pool in the world to skydiving and indoor skiing. Coupled with strategic and aggressive initiatives to restore confidence and lure tourists from many different countries, Dubai could see its tourism industry bouncing back from major disruption sooner than anticipated.

If walking uphill isn’t your thing, you can hop aboard Le Petit Train, the charming tourist trains that winds through the old quarter before reaching the viewpoint. For shopping and dining, don’t miss Rue d’Antibes and nearby Rue Hoche. Rue d’Antibes is Cannes’ main shopping street, lined with everything from international brands to local boutiques. Just around the corner, Rue Hoche has a more relaxed feel, with cozy cafés, restaurants, and outdoor terraces. Another landmark worth visiting is Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage. Just a few minutes from the festival crowds, it feels worlds away. Originally built as a small chapel for local fishermen in the 15th century, the church is best known as the first place Napoleon Bonaparte visited after returning from exile on Elba in 1815. Its name, which means “Our Lady of Good Journey,” reflects its long history as a place where travelers stopped to pray before setting off. And if you’re Filipino and start craving a taste of home after a few days of French food, you’re in luck. Cannes has three Filipino establishments, including Kabayan, where you can enjoy comforting home-cooked meals served carinderia style. Located just a few steps from the train and bus station, it’s the perfect last stop before continuing your journey to your next destination.

ALLÉES de la Liberté

TheWorld

A10 Saturday, August 29, 2026

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Time limits and a midnight cutoff: Meta’s new rules for kids go further, but critics say not enough By Barbara Ortutay & Wyatte Grantham-Philips

The Associated Press

AKLAND, California—Kids under 18 will soon see a host of changes to their Instagram and Facebook experiences thanks to a historic $18 billion settlement Meta Platforms reached Wednesday with 48 US states. Besides the money, which will be paid out over a decade, Meta has agreed to strengthen its age estimates to keep kids under 13 off its platforms and teens in age-appropriate accounts, enact a hard limit of two hours a day for users under 18, block kids from the apps from midnight to 6 a.m., and hide “like” counts, among other changes. Meta said the new safeguards will only apply in the United States, with most in place for 10 years. W h i le ac k nowle d g i ng t he changes go further than Meta has ever gone when it comes to child safety, critics and children’s advocates cautioned that they won’t solve its myriad problems overnight.

Arturo Béjar, a former Meta engineering director, said the settlement is a “significant milestone,” but parents should not see Instagram as suddenly safe for children. “The agreement has a big problem in that it allows Meta to define harm,” Béjar said in an interview Wednesday. “It’s one thing to say, ‘Yeah, you only get like two hours of alcohol or two hours of cigarettes a day,’ but it’s still as bad for you because of what’s getting delivered.” Béjar, the first witness to testify during the federal trial cut short by the settlement, would like to see Meta address the effect of content recommendations on teens, which he says can prove addictive. While

teens might put their phone down when they hit the two-hour limit, they can be distressed about it because the way the platform is designed leaves them craving more. Meta said people over 18 also can adopt versions of the new controls individually, such as daily time-limit reminders, but there will not be an option for them to opt into the overall settings for what teens experience on the platform.

Stronger age checks

TO protect kids, first Meta has to know who they are. While the company has already been using artificial intelligence to determine if kids are lying about their age — either to sign up if they are under 13, which is not allowed, or to use adult accounts when they are 13 to 17 — the AI did not always work. Under the proposed settlement, Meta agreed to strengthen its agechecking technology using its own as well as third-party tools, with regular outside audits on how well it is working. The agreement also includes specific goals around false positive rates — that is, minors who are identified as over 18. And if a user is identified as under 13 and kicked off the platforms, Meta will check the ages of their friends, too. “The age assurance section is

reasonably good because it has measurement, has independent testing, has goals,” Béjar said. “Because I think Meta should be measured on effectiveness, not effort.” Federal child privacy law requires users to be at least 13 to create an account, but Béjar testified last week that Meta took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach. “Meta has one of the most sophisticated infrastructures in the world to detect fake accounts,” he said, but Meta had “no goals, no metrics” to detect and check the ages of kids suspected to be under 13.

Some safety features will be on by default

CRITICS have faulted Meta over many of its safety features that users have to manually turn on, or opt into themselves. Of the host of safeguards listed in the settlement, many will now be on as a default. This includes the two-hour time limit, which can only be turned off with a parent’s permission, as well as the night mode that blocks use between midnight and 6 a.m. Still, under the agreement other features will be opt-in, such as turning off video autoplay or showing posts in chronological order rather than having algorithms decide what to show kids scrolling

through their feeds. Josh Golin, executive director of the online safety nonprofit Fairplay, said the deal appears too focused on offering tools to parents rather than restricting harmful features altogether. “We are disappointed that the settlement does not turn off by default recommendation algorithms that connect kids to predators and send young people down dangerous rabbit holes,” Golin said. Questions around default settings came up at the trial this week when a lawyer for the states suing Meta pressed Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, on the low adoption rate among teens for the “take a break” feature, which prompts users to step away after scrolling a while. Very few teens used the feature when Instagram first introduced it, but since launching separate teen accounts in 2024, Meta has made it the default setting for teenage users. Still, if a teen didn’t want to take a break, they could simply swipe away the notification.

It may take time to see the results

SOME researchers have found that many past protections Meta has rolled out are ineffective or don’t work as advertised. “It is a little premature, unfortunately, to tell if exactly all the

changes we want to see are going to happen,” said Yaël Eisenstat, director of policy and impact for the Cybersafety Research Center, which recently audited dozens of safety tools offered by both Meta and other social media companies and said most fell short. Still, Eisenstat said, Wednesday’s settlement is monumental in showing that alternative approaches are possible. For years, Meta “decided to go against the advice of some of their own internal employees and continue to ignore the fact that these design features were unsafe in search of profit,” said Eisenstat, who also previously worked at Meta, then Facebook, before leaving the company in 2019. The measures outlined Wednesday at the very least show that there are technically feasible options that can make the platform safer, she said — something whistleblowers and others have already “been saying very loudly.” Like others, Eisenstat stressed that there is a lot of work left to be done—and that it will require a combination of technical solutions, market forces and government regulation. “There’s no singular silver bullet for fixing all of this,” she said. “I’m just glad that at least we are catching up a little bit now.”

Trump renames Lake Ontario as Lake America, fans Canada spat By Bloomberg News

RESIDENT Donald Trump announced he was moving to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, escalating his clash with Canada after trade negotiations between the two nations collapsed.

Trump on Thursday signed a directive changing the name of the lake and said the move would take place “effective immediately.” The President previewed the move in a social media post earlier this week. The order signed by Trump said the Interior Department had 30 days to

change the name in federal databases and materials. “Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade,” Trump told reporters when asked what message he was sending to the US’s northern neighbor. “They want to be treated like they’re a state, and so we just can’t do that anymore.” Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes and straddles the US-Canada border between the state of New York and the province of Ontario. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, responding a few hours after Trump’s order, said the name Ontario has Indigenous roots and predates both Canada’s confederation and America’s Declaration of Independence. “We know that America is changing. Their trading relationships, their foreign policies, their national monuments, their hydronyms,” Carney posted on social media. “Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario—then, now and always.” Throughout his second term, Trump has routinely sought to belittle and humiliate Canada, including by referring to it as the 51st US state, as he criticized the country’s trade practices as unfair to US businesses. Critics, including some members of his own party, have decried the president’s attacks on Canada, calling them a counterproductive affront to one of Washington’s closest allies. Trump last year renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, another jab at a US neighbor and major trading partner. The name change applies to federal documents and communications and has not been broadly recognized by other countries, including Mexico. “If you think about it, we have a Gulf and we have a lake now. All we need is an ocean. So maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or the Pacific. Maybe we’ll change them,” the president said. Trump’s move marks the latest volley in the trade war between the two traditional allies, which erupted after the US imposed a 50% tariff

on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods after the breakdown of talks. Carney responded with a set of retaliatory duties that are set take effect Sept. 8. The US president responded by vowing to double tariffs on automobiles and parts from Canada to 50% starting in January. The Trump administration is discussing additional trade penalties and other actions against Canada following the announcement of Ottawa’s countermeasures, Bloomberg News previously reported. High-level trade talks between the two sides have yet to resume. Negotiations fell apart at the 11th hour after pressure from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who viewed the deal as too generous to Canada, according to people familiar with the matter. Canadian officials have accused Trump’s team of trying to change the terms at the last minute. Lutnick on Thursday accused Canada of walking away from the table for “political purposes,” with Carney looking to consolidate support ahead of elections in Quebec and a preliminary vote on independence for Alberta scheduled for October. “My guess will be as soon as his elections are over, you’re going to see a plane full of Canadian negotiators flying down, going, ‘come on, come on, we’ll give it to you before your election.’ We’re just being used by them, right?” Lutnick told reporters in Washington. Trump has indicated he’s willing to wait, repeatedly insisting that the US does not need Canadian products to fuel the economy. But despite those claims, Trump acknowledged earlier this week that the US relies on Canada for aluminum supplies as the country builds up a domestic industry. “Selfishly, we need aluminum in this country,” Trump said during a telephone rally for Mike Mazzei, a Republican candidate for governor in Oklahoma. “We don’t have it. We get it all from Canada for the most part, and we need it badly.”

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Russia bombards Kyiv and other cities in onslaught testing Ukraine’s defenses By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—Russia bombarded cities across Ukraine with missiles and drones in an overnight onslaught that ran into the daylight hours of Thursday, when explosions echoed around Kyiv through the morning. Ukraine is desperately short of US-made Patriot air defense missiles that can counter Russia’s ballistic missiles, and Moscow’s fast-flying jet-powered drones have brought another challenge since the Russian military’s full-scale invasion began 4½ years ago. Ukrainian officials say Russia builds up missile stocks and launches major attacks every few days, hoping to exhaust Ukrainian defenses through the sheer weight of numbers. In response, Ukraine has hit highprofile targets on Russian soil as the countries inflict mutual destruction.

Russia says attack targeted war-related facilities THE Russian Defense Ministry said its forces carried out a “massive” strike on targets in nine Ukrainian cities that began after nightfall on Wednesday. It described the targets as military-related, including industrial facilities, oil refineries, logistics hubs and port infrastructure. Civilian areas, including apartment buildings, suffered damage. The barrage killed a 78-year-old woman in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and another person in the northern Kharkiv region, with at least 14 people reported wounded elsewhere, Ukrainian officials said. “Russia continues to invest in missiles and in expanding its war, and that means more countermeasures are needed,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media, noting promises earlier this week by European countries to provide more air defense assistance. “It is important that these (measures) are also supplemented by additional ballistic missile defense packages” through European purchases of weapons from the United States, he said. Though the Russian Defense Ministry insisted only war-related targets were attacked, Russia appears determined to hurt Ukrainian businesses and dent the country’s economy through attacks on private enterprise after Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes caused financial difficulties for Moscow. Russian drones hit three major distribution centers, destroying depots belonging to a toy store chain and a confectionery company, and damaging another run by an electronics retailer, the companies said. In addition, Moscow continued its efforts to wreck the Ukrainian power grid before the freezing winter months. Four powerful glide bombs destroyed generating equipment at the southern Kherson region’s combined heat and power plant, forcing it to shut down, its operator Naftogaz said.

US says troops review to speed up Europe taking on defense

Ukraine takes aim at another Russian online retailer UKRAINE has also fired hundreds of long-range drones almost nightly at targets in Russia. Ukraine’s General Staff said that plane-launched missiles hit Russia’s main and backup command posts near the eastern city of Donetsk, where Ukrainian defenders are under pressure from a Russian push. The Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday that its air defenses shot down 267 Ukrainian drones over 14 Russian regions, the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. After razing huge warehouses in recent months belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s biggest online retailer, Ukrainian drones are now taking aim at Ozon, the country’s second-largest e-commerce company. Ozon initially said that its logistics facilities in the cities of Orenburg and Ufa were attacked, but neither of the premises caught fire. A later alteration to the company statement said that only the Ufa site was attacked, while the Orenburg facility was evacuated because of an alert, but resumed normal operations.

By Bloomberg News

HE US aims to “advance and accelerate” the transfer of responsibility for most of Europe’s own conventional defense as Washington continues a review of its troop presence, a top Pentagon official said. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby was in Brussels for talks with NATO allies on Thursday to update them on the progress of the six-month review, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year and bring sizeable changes to the US military footprint on the continent. As part of the process, allies received a US questionnaire, which is due this Friday and was seen by Bloomberg, that included queries on whether countries have been “publicly supportive” of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, restrictions on US military base use and whether nations are spending money with US defense contractors. “We wanted to hear from allies directly, in writing,” Colby told reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of their meeting at alliance headquarters. His visit is linked to the questionnaire, which surprised many capitals earlier this summer.

Speaking after the meeting, Colby said that he had already received several responses from allies. Washington didn’t want there to be any impediments to US companies’ access to the European market, while it also understood that “European companies and governments are going to invest in Europe,” “ We w a n t t h a t ,” h e t o l d re p or t e r s . On the issue of access to bases on the European soil, which became a point of tension with Trump at the start of the war in Iran, he said the continent also had an interest in Iran not getting a nuclear weapon. “We’re not looking for, in every context, complete carte blanche but we need to be able to have the ability to operate effectively,” and have “a clear sense of what we can expect,” Colby added. He also reiterated the US’s support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

UNITED STATES soldiers take part in a US-NATO training exercise in Germany, on Aug. 26. ALEX KRAUS/BLOOMBERG

NATO’s European allies want to reassure Colby, author of the US national defense strategy, about their ongoing efforts to rearm Europe and take up more responsibility for its defense, and to express their wish to keep US troops present and visible on the continent, Bloomberg has reported previously. Colby on Thursday singled out Poland, Germany, Nordic countries and the Netherlands for their “extraordinary investments” in defense, adding that the US hopes “to see more from countries like the UK.” As part of the effort to discourage the Trump administration from reducing its military footprint, NATO’s eastern Euro-

pean countries have offered to cut costs for US troops stationed on their soil. T he i r concer n s h ave on ly grown as Russia is preparing to escalate attacks on Ukraine after concluding that negotiations for a peace deal have reached a dead end, according to people close to the Kremlin. Europe has also seen an escalation in the acts of sabotage that have been linked to Moscow. This meeting in Brussels comes a day after Colby visited the US European command, where he hailed a “superb meeting” with Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus Grynkewich, who is closely involved in the US forces posture review on the continent.

ICE awards $16.7M contract to buy 6,000 pairs of gloves that deliver electric shocks By Ryan J. Foley

Zelenskyy expected on official visit to neighboring Moldova ZELENSKYY was due to visit neighboring Moldova on Thursday to mark its national day commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. Ukraine announced its independence the same year. Russia’s neighbors in Eastern Europe are concerned its invasion of Ukraine could trig ger a w ider conf lict, and drones f ly ing into its airspace have fueled jitters. Moldova’s Ministry of Defense said Thursday that five drones breached its airspace overnight, but it didn’t specify who fired them. Ukraine’s air force said defenses shot down or suppressed seven Russian ballistic missiles, though it didn’t say how they achieved that. Four districts of Kyiv were hit during the night, damaging residential buildings, a school and a medical facility, though no casualties were reported, city police said. Russian forces struck industrial facilities as well as energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s central Poltava region, said Vitalii Diakivnych, head of the Poltava regional military administration. The southern Odesa region also came under a major Russian attack lasting more than seven hours, according to Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration. The barrage damaged a 16-story residential building and two educational facilities as well as a grain elevator, he said. Odesa is a key port for Ukraine’s vital exports of grain and other agricultural products. Some trains were delayed by more than 17 hours following the attack, according to Ukrainian state rail company Ukrzaliznysia.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 A11

The Associated Press

N I T E D S TAT E S I m m i g r at i o n and Customs Enforcement has awarded a $16.7 million contract to purchase 6,000 pairs of gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks, saying officers would use them to control detainees and protesters who resist. ICE moved forward with the purchase despite opposition from civil rights advocates and Democratic members of Congress, who said ICE officers cannot be trusted to use them appropriately. A notice published in a federal database Thursday said ICE entered into a no-bid contract to purchase the gloves from Compliant Technologies LLC, a Kentucky-based firm that manufactures them. The deal includes acquiring 6,000 of the devices along with support equipment and services over the

next six months. Civil rights advocates have said ICE officers already face criticism for their use of force with little oversight or accountability while enforcing President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. ICE published the notice hours after a group of US senators, led by Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, urged the agency to cancel its plan to buy the gloves. In a letter to ICE’s acting director Thursday, Cortez Masto and 15 of her colleagues in the Democratic caucus questioned ICE’s need for the devices. “The blatant and tragic misuse of force in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Maine, and other locations around the country raises significant skepticism about the agency’s professional capability to safely deploy a new tool that could be used to harm Americans without cause,” the letter said.

The senators were the latest to express opposition to the plan, which became public this month when ICE published a notice outlining its intent to purchase thousands of “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices” for officers and investigators. The devices are normal patrol gloves until an officer presses a button to activate the electrical mode. They must be applied directly to someone’s skin to produce a shock that causes pain, which is promoted as a way to gain compliance from people who are resisting. They have been used by some local jails and police departments in recent years. ICE’s notice said officers would use them in “high-tension environments,” including while making arrests, transporting combative detainees and responding to civil disturbances outside detention facilities. “It will be used when a subject is actively or passively resisting and an officer needs

to gain control quickly to prevent injuries to both parties,” the document said. It said that the shocks would help “maintain control over inmates and prevent aggression or escape attempts,” allow officers to handcuff people hiding their hands, and assist in crowd control. The goal would be to avoid using “more severe force,” including firearms. The notice said the gloves would be used with “approved policy, training, and accountability standards,” but it did not elaborate. Cortez Masto and the other senators said in their letter that the device “presents substantial risks if deployed during civil arrests—even more so if it is deployed without clear limits, appropriate training, and comprehensive oversight.” They said ICE must make public details about how officers will be trained and how use of the gloves will be documented and reviewed internally to avoid misuse.

Ratko Mladic, ex-Bosnian Serb warlord who oversaw atrocities, dies as a prisoner at 84

ELGRADE, Serbia—Ratko Mladic, the bullish Bosnian Serb general whose forces besieged the Bosnian capital for several years in the 1990s and carried out the worst massacre in Europe since World War II, died Thursday while serving a life sentence for his crimes, UN officials said. He was 84. Mladic died at a hospital in The Hague, Netherlands, UN court officials said. A Mladic relative who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation confirmed the reports and said Mladic’s son, Darko Mladic, was on his way to the Dutch city. The UN tribunal for war crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s sentenced Mladic to life in prison in 2017 in what was considered a key step toward bringing justice to the victims. He had been in custody since 2011 after many years on the run. The ruthless, blue-eyed former communist officer-turned nationalist warlord was one of the most notorious figures of the conflict that left more than 100,000 people dead and over 1 million homeless. He commanded his troops

to “scorch the brains” of the Bosnian Muslims and boasted of being a “Serbian God.”

A rise to power

WHEN the ethnic war in Bosnia and Herzegovina started in 1992, Mladic became the commander of the Bosnian Serb troops and took control of large swaths of the country to form a Serb mini-state. Serbs under Mladic’s control laid siege to the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, and other cities and villages, established concentration camps for detained non-Serb civilians and enemy soldiers, and systematically killed prisoners. In Sarajevo, Serb troops kept the city isolated while killing civilians with snipers and heavy artillery. In 1995, Mladic’s troops slaughtered more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica—the first case of genocide in Europe since WWII. But Mladic and his admirers have never repented. He was seen by many as a patriot fighting for the first pan-Serbian state. Defiant, Mladic acted bullishly during his trial and yelled at the judges when sentenced to life in prison. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

A12 Saturday, August 29, 2026

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

COUNT EALA IN AT US OPEN E By Diane di Costanzo Usopen.org news

S always, the women’s US Open main draw is rich in talent—and stories with Filipino pride Alex Eala getting special mention in the year’s last Grand Slam that starts its main draw on Sunday. With Eala as one of the players to watch are Sara Bejlek, Maja Chwalinska and Sorana Cristea. These players enjoyed career-changing success in the past few months and, based on their momentum, are poised for continued success at the 2026 US Open.

Alexandra Eala

IT sounds like an obvious “poised for success” choice in August 2026. But last year, Eala was a relative unknown here—that is until a huge Filipino contingent turned out to watch their unseeded compatriot upset Clara Tauson, the No.14 seed. Then, the 20-year-old was the firstever Filipino to contest a match in a US Open women’s singles draw and now draws Filipino fans whenever she plays, all but guaranteeing her a show court to accommodate the party. Eala is seeded No. 18, thanks in part to taking the title in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago, beating Jessica Pegula in the final. Eala is among those waiting to see who they would face from the qualifiers in their openers.

EJ clears 5.90m, makes next year’s worlds in Beijing By Josef Ramos

RNEST JOHN “EJ” OBIENA leapt to a season best 5.90 meters but could only finish fifth behind, who else but Armand Duplantis, art the Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday. Nevertheless, the two-time Olympian and at the moment, unbeatable in Asia, earned a berth to the world outdoor championships September next year in Beijing. “Pole vault is the best it has ever been and it’s good be part of it in the history of sports,” Obiena told the BusinessMirror via internet call. “But I also know that I am capable of doing more.” It was another day at the office for the Olympic and world champion and record holder Duplantis who ran away with the gold medal at 6.25 meters, a little off his world record of 6.31m.

a sponsor stepped in to foot her bills. Chwalinska—who now enjoys a career-high ranking of 21 and is seeded No. 20 at the 2026 US Open—meets American Taylor Townsend in Round 1.

Sorana Cristea

LAST December, at 35, Sorana Cirstea announced that 2026 would be her final year on tour and thanked tennis for all it had given during her 20-year-long career. That was then. The Romanian veteran has done nothing but win since then—or so it seems—success that includes a dream run to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and cracking the Top 20 for the first time in her life. Cirstea is seeded 17 here and, last she spoke on the matter, still plans to retire—she meets unseeded Austrian Julia Grabher and, if seeds hold, Jasmine Paolini in Round 3.

ALEX EALA and three other players enjoyed career-changing success in the past few months and are poised for continued success at the US Open. USOPEN.ORG PHOTO

Top seeds draw

CARLOS ALCARAZ will open the defense of his US Open title against an opponent who made a strong run at Wimbledon while the Spaniard was sidelined with an injury. Along with some interesting opening-round matches, the draws for men’s and women’s singles Thursday delivered one what-could-have-been possibility: Had Serena Williams decided to play, there could have been a Williams sisters showdown in Round 1. When Venus Williams was given

a wild card into the event at 46, the US Tennis Association (USTA) initially held one spot, which surely would have gone to Serena if the six-time US Open champion wanted to play after returning to tennis for the first time since 2022. When the 44-year-old decided to only compete in doubles, the USTA awarded that last wild card over the weekend to American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion.

Sara Bejlek

Oriental Mindoro passionately joins call to become sports hub

Maja Chwalinska

POLAND’S Maja Chwalinska, 24, gained fame this summer with her Cinderella run to the final round at Roland Garros, where she lost to Mirra Andreeva. Chwalinska started that campaign as a qualifier ranked 114 in the world and considered initiating a GoFundMe drive to raise the cash necessary to stick around Paris for Championship Sunday—instead,

Paris Olympics bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis of Greece got silver with 6.20 meters and Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen clinched bronze after clearing 6.0 meters. Obiena went for his personal record of 6.0m but missed thrice. American Chris Nielsen, silver medalist in Paris, also cleared 5.90 meters but clinched fourth place after clearing 5.80 meters on his first try as Obiena made the height on his third attempt—he did 5.90m only once. Obiena said he’ll never stop scaling greater heights under new trainer and coach Marcin Szczepanski of Poland. “I need more time and I need some more preparations in adapting,” he said. “So eventually, or least, I will get closer. I always demand a continued progress to myself.” Ten pole vaulterts made the 5.90-meter standard for an automatic slot to the 2027 world championships. PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio takes a selfie with his team at the Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex during the agency’s sports summit where the province made strong intentions to become a regional sports hub in the future. A series of projects designed to elevate the province’s sporting landscape are unveiled during the summit that included speakers from the PSC, National Academy of Sports, national sports associations, Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization and media. PSC PHOTO

On Thursday, Venus Williams and Kenin were randomly drawn to face each other. Main draw play at the final Grand Slam tournament of the season begins Sunday. Alcaraz is the No. 2 seed and will face Roman Safiullin. It will be Alcaraz’s first singles match since April, after the two-time US Open champion was forced to miss the French Open and Wimbledon because of a right wrist injury. With AP

AS the No. 28 seed, Sara Bejlek is the last of the five seeded female players from tennis-crazy Czechia. But she punches above her weight in terms of recent results. A week ago at the Cincinnati Open, Bejliek stunned No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, then defeated Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. The 20-year-old Bejliek also punches above her height. At just 5-foot-4, she relies on variety, courtcraft and foot speed to defeat more powerful players. She takes the unseeded Cristina Bucsa of Spain in Round 1.

OBIENA

ARENA PLUS Ambassador Derrick Rose just couldn’t refuse the opportunity of testing his reflexes dancing the Tinikling. ARENA PLUS PHOTO

Rose graces ‘Champions Circle’

ERRICK ROSE joined ArenaPlus’s most valued players for an exclusive Champion’s Circle Appreciation Dinner last Tuesday—giving members of the brand’s strictly invitational VIP tier a rare evening with the basketball icon. Staged at the Kasadya Buffet Buko Bar of Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Rose, a former National Basketball Association MVP, made sure ArenaPlus’ most loyal players had their moment. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a specially curated program featuring cultural performances, raffle draws and opportunities to interact with Rose, with photo opportunities among the night’s biggest highlights. The event reflected the brand’s continuing commitment to recognizing and rewarding its

most loyal players through exclusive experiences created especially for them. ArenaPlus Head Ethan William welcomed guests through a pre-recorded message, thanking the company’s VIPs for their continued trust and support. “We started VIP Nights last December for one simple reason: to recognize our most valued players and give you something made just for you,” William said. “Tonight is our way of saying thank you for being part of ArenaPlus. And of course, we wanted to make it extra special.” Willam added: “As the No. 1 PAGCORlicensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, we want to keep raising the bar—not just online, but in moments like this one.”

HE just-concluded Oriental Mindoro Sports and Youth Summit in Calapan City marked a decisive step in shaping the province’s future as a regional sports hub. With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government joining forces, the summit outlined strategic priorities that blend infrastructure, grassroots development and youth engagement. PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio set the tone of the summit by unveiling a series of projects designed to elevate the province’s sporting landscape. With the support of the PSC and World Archery Philippines, Oriental Mindoro will soon host archery training and competitions on a dedicated one-hectare facility inside the Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, a site provided by Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor. Gregorio also announced the construction of a football pitch at the center of the track and field oval, a project which will be made possible through collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation and FIFA. The archery range and the football pitch, valued at a combined P50 million, will be donated by the PSC. It highlighted the broader vision of Gregorio, who underscored his advocacy of “From Grassroots to Gold, From Gold to Greatness.”

He explained that the PSC’s mission is not only to discover talent but to nurture it within the athletes’ own communities. “We are building regional training centers all over the country so that athletes can train and compete in their regions without having to uproot themselves and move to Manila,” Gregorio said. “Development must be accessible, and excellence must be cultivated where athletes live and dream.” Dolor emphasized that sports in Oriental Mindoro is not merely about chasing medals but about shaping lives and communities. “There’s no fight in sports. Every time there’s a big game, there’s zero crime. In sports, everybody is peaceful,” Dolor said. “I see sports as an investment to develop our people not only physically but mentally and emotionally.” Oriental Mindoro built 27 new gymnasiums and repaired 57 more, creating accessible venues for training and competition. Athletes are rewarded generously, with cash incentives reaching up to P500,000 for gold medalists in national tournaments. Dolor also revealed plans for a swimming pool, softball, and baseball fields inside the Naujan complex, ensuring a comprehensive sports infrastructure.

PRU POP Run celebrates 30 years with 30K race

P High Speed Hitters out on a mission The PLDT High Speed Hitters have a formidable frontline rotation led by Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Alleiah Malaluan, Jovie Prado and Jessey de Leon as they go out on a mission to prove their mettle more at the Premiere Volleyball League that starts Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. PVL IMAGES

RU Life UK is celebrating three decades in the Philippines with PRU POP (Promise of Protection) Run, highlighted by a special 30K race that challenges runners to go beyond the usual fun-run distances. Set Sunday at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, the event will feature 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and the centerpiece 30K races. The races are designed to accommodate a wide range of participants—from beginners taking their first steps into running to seasoned athletes looking for a demanding new milestone. The 30K is particularly significant because the distance is relatively uncommon in local running events. Rather than simply adding another category, Pru Life UK created the race as a physical representation of its 30-year

journey in the country—30 kilometers for 30 years of serving Filipino policyholders and communities. Pru Life UK Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications Kathryn Cajucom said the event reflects the idea that preparing for a stronger future involves more than financial security— it also requires healthier habits, discipline and the willingness to make responsible choices every day. That message gives the 30K a deeper meaning— endurance is not only measured by how far a runner can go, but by the habits built along the way—and through PRU POP Run, Pru Life UK hopes to turn its 30th anniversary into a reminder that securing one’s future is itself a long-distance journey. Registration is still open at www.prupoprun.com.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 B1

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Tet Andolong

ALL‑NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

ITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has officially brought in the All‑New Outlander PHEV SUV, the brand’s first plug‑in hybrid electric vehicle for the local market. Already Japan’s best‑selling PHEV SUV, it now stands as MMPC’s flagship model—melding Mitsubishi’s proven SUV engineering with advanced electrification. Anchored by the brand’s Super All‑Wheel Control (S‑AWC) system, the Outlander PHEV embodies “The Power of Both Worlds.”

Electrification without boundaries

THE arrival of the All‑New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV marks a decisive step into a new era of electrified mobility. At its core is a 2.4‑liter gasoline engine with MIVEC, seamlessly paired with front and rear electric motors. This tri‑power setup lets the vehicle shift intelligently between electric and gasoline propulsion, balancing performance and efficiency. The system produces a combined output of 302 hp and 450 N‑m of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and smooth delivery across varied driving conditions. With this configuration, the Outlander PHEV achieves a driving range approaching 1,000 kilometers, including 100 kilometers of pure electric travel. Range anxiety, often the concern with electrified vehicles, is effectively addressed. The gasoline engine engages seamlessly whenever additional power or extended distance is required, ensuring uninterrupted mobility. Drivers are given full control through four selectable EV

drive modes—Normal, Save, Charge, and EV Priority—each designed to adapt to specific needs, whether conserving battery, replenishing charge, or prioritizing electric propulsion. Compatibility with the AC Type 2 charging protocol further integrates the Outlander PHEV into the Philippines’ growing EV infrastructure. Charging stations across the country can accommodate the model, but even in areas where facilities remain limited, the vehicle continues to operate efficiently as a hybrid. This dual capability ensures electrification is not an all‑or‑nothing proposition; instead, it lets drivers embrace the transition at their own pace.

Confidence in every terrain

AT the core lies Mitsubishi’s celebrated Super All‑Wheel Control (S‑AWC), a fully integrated system that harmonizes several advanced technologies. Twin‑Motor 4WD, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti‑lock Braking System (ABS), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Traction Control System (TCS) all work in concert, continuously

THE All-New Outlander PHEV is positioned as Mitsubishi’s new flagship SUV in the Philippines

optimizing traction, stability, and handling. This coordination gives drivers greater confidence and control across a wide range of road and weather conditions, whether navigating city streets, winding mountain passes, or unpredictable rural terrain. Complementing S‑AWC is a suite of seven selectable drive modes, designed to adapt to both driver preference and road environment. Normal, Eco, and Power modes tailor everyday driving for efficiency or responsiveness, while Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes fine‑tune power delivery and traction control for specific surfaces.

What sets the Outlander PHEV apart is the seamless integration of electrification with these intelligent vehicle dynamics. The combination preserves Mitsubishi’s hallmark driving enjoyment while elevating safety, capability, and confidence. This synergy— between unbound electrification and true 4WD mastery—defines “The Power of Both Worlds.” Further reinforcing its credentials, the Outlander PHEV is equipped with the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) suite. Features such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, and Driver Attention Alert provide comprehensive protection.

Design that commands presence

INSIDE conveys refinement, carefully balancing luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. WWW.MITSUBISHI-MOTORS.COM.PH

THE All‑New Outlander PHEV carries forward Mitsubishi’s SUV heritage while presenting a distinctly modern and sophisticated character. Its wide proportions and muscular stance immediately project authority, while sculpted body surfaces add refinement and balance. At the front, the signature Dynamic Shield fascia reinforces the brand’s unmistakable identity, framed by sleek full‑LED lighting fixtures that sharpen its visual impact. Bold 20‑inch machine‑finished alloy wheels in a black two‑tone design complete the athletic yet elegant profile, underscoring both strength and style. Beyond aesthetics, every exterior detail has been engineered with purpose. Steel on key body components improves noise and vibration characteristics, reducing unwanted wind and road noise. This refinement elevates

craftsmanship and contributes to a quieter, more premium driving experience. Together, these elements create a vehicle that embodies Mitsubishi’s evolving design language while remaining true to its roots.

Comfort meets technology

INSIDE conveys refinement, carefully balancing luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. Premium light gray leather‑trimmed seats, complemented by soft‑touch surfaces, establish a sophisticated atmosphere that underscores the model’s flagship status. The spacious interior is further enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with natural light and creating an open, lounge‑like ambiance that elevates every journey. Technology is also seamlessly integrated. At the center is a 12.3‑inch Smartphone‑Link Display Audio system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This interface connects effortlessly with daily routines, while the immersive eight‑speaker Yamaha Premium audio system delivers clarity and depth. Practical innovations

UNDER the hood is a 2.4‑liter gasoline engine with MIVEC, seamlessly paired with front and rear electric motors

such as the Smart Rear View Mirror provide an unobstructed perspective behind the vehicle, while the Heads‑up Display projects vital information directly onto the windshield. The triple‑zone automatic climate control system lets each occupant set their own comfort, while the eight‑way Power Adjustable Seats for the driver and front passenger include lumbar support, memory functions, heating, and ventilation.

Pricing and Availability

THE All‑New Outlander PHEV is priced at P2.848 million, with a special introductory offer of P2.749 million for reservations and releases from August 20 to September 30, 2026. Available colors include White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond. MMPC positions the Outlander PHEV as its new flagship SUV, available nationwide beginning August 20, 2026—an electrified statement of capability and refinement, true to Mitsubishi’s promise of The Power of Both Worlds.

B2 Saturday, August 29, 2026 • www.businessmirror.com.ph

GAC GS4 MAX HEV COMBINING HYBRID EFFICIENCY,

SUV VERSATILITY, AND SMART VALUE

AC Motor expands its vehicle lineup with the official launch of the GAC GS4 MAX HEV—a next-generation hybrid SUV engineered for upwardly mobile families. True to its moniker, the GS4 MAX delivers a high-value blend of maximum space, comfort, safety, and efficiency to seamlessly support the diverse lifestyle needs of modern households. “With the introduction of the GS4 MAX HEV, we are thrilled to offer modern Filipino families a high-value hybrid SUV that balances practical comfort, reliability, and exceptional efficiency,” said Calvin Cheng, General Manager of GAC Philippines. “As we expand our SUV portfolio alongside the EMKOO, GS3 EMZOOM, and GS8, the GS4 MAX HEV reinforces our commitment to providing uncompromised mobility solutions designed to elevate everyday life for growing households across the country.”

Benchmark Hybrid Efficiency and Performance AT the heart of the GS4 MAX HEV is GAC’s 2.0L Atkinson-

cycle dedicated hybrid engine paired with a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and a 2.1 kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery. Combining modern architectural aesthetics with GAC’s advanced hybrid technology, the multimode system seamlessly transitions between Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid (HV), Direct Engine Drive, and Energy Recuperation modes. Powered by an Atkinsoncycle HEV engine, the system achieves a combined power output of 232 HP (173 kW) and a maximum motor torque of 300 N·m. Designed to optimize output while minimizing fuel consumption, it delivers an outstanding total combined driving range of up to 1,250

kilometers on a single tank, offering electric vehicle-like responsiveness with longrange peace of mind for daily city commutes and weekend getaways.

Family-Ready Space and Comfort

TAILORED specifically for family-oriented users seeking true SUV versatility, the cabin is thoughtfully designed to maximize spatial freedom and passenger comfort on every journey.

Anchored by a generous 2,750 mm wheelbase and an expansive 1,901 mm wide body profile, the GS4 MAX HEV provides classleading legroom and shoulder room across both rows. The interior features a modern Minimalist Black cabin crafted for low-maintenance elegance, framed by an expansive panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade that bathes the space in natural light. Passengers benefit from zeropressure comfort seats with precision piping and extensive perforation for superior longdistance support. Designed around real-world family needs, the cabin incorporates whisperquiet acoustic insulation, rear passenger air vents, and smart storage compartments throughout. When maximum cargo capacity is required, the second-row seats fold completely flat to unlock a seamless, unobstructed load floor— making light work of bulky strollers, sports gear, or luggage for family getaways. Advanced Safety, Smart Tech, and Design Value Safety and intelligent connectivity complete the GS4 MAX HEV package. Built around a robust safety-cage body structure comprising high-strength and ultra-highstrength steel in critical loadbearing areas, protection is further anchored by an Airbag Protection System equipped with dual front, front side,

Pricing Reservations are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The following Introductory pricing is available for reservations made until September 30, 2026.1

GAC GS4 MAX HEV SRP

P1,298,000

Intro Savings

P80,000

Intro Price

P1,218,000

Powertrain

2.0L ATK + Dual Motor

Body Color

Interior

Planet Silver Hoary Grey Crystal White Black (with Black ceiling)

PER DTI FAIR TRADE PERMIT NO.FTEB-265211 SERIES OF 2026

second-row side airbags, and seamless one-piece woven side curtain airbags. Driving confidence is elevated by a full Level 2 Driver Assistance Suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB-VRU), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), alongside a Surround View Camera System. On the tech front, driver control is centered around a 10.1-inch Multifunctional

Touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster, an aircraft-inspired gear selector, and a 50W Wireless Smartphone Charger with built-in cooling fan technology. Externally, its clean, confident presence is framed by a bold Qilin-inspired front fascia, Qingyun Ladder matrix grille, Morning Star LED headlights, full-width Changhong LED taillights, and electric hidden door handles. The GAC GS4 MAX HEV is offered in three exterior colors: Planet Silver, Hoary Grey, and Crystal White. All exterior colorways feature the signature Minimalist Black interior cabin. GAC has leveraged 20 years of collaboration with Toyota and Honda to emerge as a dominant force in automotive tech. A legacy of world-class manufacturing and hybrid expertise ensures that every GAC vehicle adheres to the most stringent quality and performance benchmarks. By harmonizing international engineering with localized precision, GAC delivers highperformance durability tailored specifically for the Filipino driver’s peace of mind. GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit. Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.

MG MOTOR PHILIPPINES SET TO UNVEIL NEW MG S5 EV, LAUNCH NEW ENERGY TOUR 2026

NEW chapter in MG Motor Philippines’ electrification journey is about to begin, as the brand prepares to introduce the new MG S5 EV and launch the MG New Energy Tour 2026, bringing its latest electrified vehicles and technologies closer to Filipino motorists. Set to take place on August 27, 2026, at the Trinoma Activity Center, the upcoming event will mark both the Philippine debut of the MG S5 EV and the official kickoff of MG’s nationwide New Energy roadshow. Together, the launch and tour ref lect MG’s continued push to make electrified mobility more accessible, practical, and relevant to the everyday Filipino driver.

At the center of the occasion is the MG S5 EV, an all-electric compact SUV designed around the demands of everyday driving. Combining sporty rear-wheel-drive performance with the versatility of an SUV, the S5 EV is positioned to offer an electric driving experience that is engaging enough for enthusiasts while remaining practical for daily commutes, errands, family trips, and weekend drives. While the S5 EV represents MG’s latest move into fully electric mobility, its arrival also forms part of a larger push to help Filipino motorists better understand and experience the growing range of New Energy technologies available today. This is where the MG New

Energy Tour 2026 comes in. Launching alongside the S5 EV in Manila, the nationwide roadshow will bring MG’s electrified lineup directly to motorists in different parts of the country. The tour will feature MG’s range of Hybrid+, Plug-in Hybrid, and Battery Electric Vehicles, giving visitors the opportunity to see the vehicles up close, explore their technologies, participate in interactive experiences, and get behind the wheel through test drives. The roadshow will continue to different regions in the next months, bringing the New Energy experience to more communities and giving more Filipino motorists the opportunity to discover which type of electrified mobility best

suits their lifestyle. For MG Philippines, the goal is to make New Energy mobility easier to understand and experience as the expanding range gives customers more choices when they consider the next vehicle for their daily lives. The upcoming Manila event therefore marks the beginning of more than a new vehicle launch. It starts a nationwide conversation around how electrified mobility can become part of the way Filipinos drive every day. Customers, automotive enthusiasts, and the public are invited to join MG Motor Philippines on August 27, 2026 at the Trinoma Activity Center for the official unveiling of the new MG S5 EV and the launch of the MG New Energy Tour 2026.

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Saturday, August 29, 2026 B3

TGR PHILIPPINE CUP DEBUTS IN BATANGAS RACING CIRCUIT, CONTINUES AS ROLLING LABORATORY FOR RACE WEEKEND 3

OYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) held Race Weekend 3 of the 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup, TMP’s premier racing series, last August 15 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). This marked the TGR Philippine Cup’s first time in BRC in its 13-year run. The decision to bring the series to a new track comes in line with TGR’s mantra of pushing the limits for better by bringing the prestigious racing championship to territory that’s challenging, serving as a test that’s tough enough for both drivers and cars alike. TMP continued the use of biofuels in Race Weekend 3,

which also served as the second leg of its “rolling laboratory” as it pursues its mission to advance more sustainable motorsports. The Vios onemake race car or OMR continues to be powered by an E20 bioethanol blend, while the Tamaraw OMR runs on a B5 coco-biodiesel blend. Once again taking the track

for Team TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines were TMP President Masando Hashimoto, Justin “Buzzhype” Santos, Chenee Jimenez, Alex Lim aka BanaweBoy, Will Lucas, and Enzo Ison, who finished third in the Tamaraw Class Sprint Race 8 that day. The action of the weekend started intense and physical as the first race of the event, the mixed Sporting and Super Sporting Class Sprint Race 8 and Legacy Class Sprint Race 6, began with a dramatic and chaotic multi-car collision not even 10 seconds into lights out. The incident saw one car, that of Julia de los Angeles, spin out into the track and get taken out of the running. The chaos of the opening moments of that race led Red Diwa to take first in the Super Sporting Class, which he maintained throughout the entire sprint. Alain Alzona passed Michael Bryan Co in that race to finish third on the podium, while Joaquin Garrido secured second place.

Another tense moment happened in the last race of the day, the Tamaraw Class Sprint Race 9, where TGR driver Enzo Ison’s car, dragged down with debris hanging from its side, collided with the car of teammate Will Lucas and spun out of control. Jesse Garcia, who won the Tamaraw Class Sprint Race 7, and Russel Reyes also got taken out with collisions late in the race. Raymond Cudala took the lead very early in that same race, which left a nailbiter race for those aiming to secure a podium finish. The spots were eventually taken by Iñigo Anton and Oliver Aquino, respectively. Alzona, who had two firstplace finishes in three Super Sporting Class sprints that day, displayed calm, collected, and confident driving, secured his top spot in Sprint Race 9 with a masterful pass on the leading Michael Bryan Co just before the first turn. Co tried to stay close to take back the lead, but Alzona maintained his defense and composed driving to retain

his spot all throughout and win the race. “Batangas Racing Circuit is a true racer’s track—fast, technical, and relentlessly demanding. For drivers who trust their craft, BRC has long been a dream circuit: a place that tests both skill and courage. As BRC celebrates its 30th anniversary, I am incredibly proud that TMP was able to bring the TGR Philippine Cup here for the very first time,” shared TMP President Masando Hashimoto. For fans who want more motorsports action, the TGR Philippine Cup is holding its fourth and final Race Weekend on September 10-12 at the Clark International Speedway. With the success of Race Weekend 3 and the legs that came before it, TMP continues to push the limits of innovation, doing its part to help create a more sustainable future in both motorsports and mobility. The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by Official Tire Partner GT Radial, Official Engine Oils

Partner Petron RevX and Petron Blaze Racing, Official Partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy and Premier Race Partner DENSO. In cooperation with MOMO Italy, PIAA, Sparco Philippines, Toyota Financial Services Philippines, Autoplus, ROTA, and VARTA. This event is also supported by 3M, AVT, QUAD, myToyota Wallet, OMP, Tuason Racing Sports Unlimited, Brakes by AutoPerformance, GENCHEM, Toyota Tsusho, and Toyota Aisin. Contributing sponsors are Aguila Auto Glass, Kinto One, AutoQuix, HKR Philippine Inc, Technol Eight, and Sun Logistics Technology Inc. For more information on the TGR Philippine Cup and other TGR events, visit https:// toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok. Follow TMP’s official pages—ToyotaMotorPH on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH for updates.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

B4 Saturday, August 29, 2026

SOUTHEAST ASIA’S BEST-SELLING BOXY NEV BRAND ICAUR WITH V23 AND V27 ARRIVING THIS OCTOBER

FTER leading Southeast Asia’s boxy NEV segment for several consecutive months, the premium NEV brand iCAUR has officially announced its entry into the Philippines. Its flagship model, the iCAUR V23, has topped the segment month after month, driven by a fusion of classic design and intelligent technology—helping the brand surpass 100,000 global sales. Looking ahead, iCAUR is poised to offer Filipino consumers a distinct and refreshing mobility alternative—backed by proven quality, trusted by hundreds of thousands of users, and crafted to withstand the test of time and close scrutiny. The “i” in iCAUR embodies “Inner Self,” “Intellect,” “Imagine,” and “Interactive”— reflecting a vision of building a deeper connection with every driver. iCAUR is for those who refuse to settle for ordinary. While the automotive industry relentlessly chases the next big thing, iCAUR believes in the power of time: great design endures. ‘CLASSIC NEVER FADES’ captures this belief perfectly. A classic, to us, is not a throwback or a trend-chaser— it is staying power that outlasts fads, and a trust that grows stronger with every journey. This conviction materializes in a product identity that speaks for itself. iCAUR shuns flashy styling in favor of restrained proportions and timeless lines, resulting in design with lasting presence. Technology here is no spectacle; it’s a seamless companion, quietly integrated into every journey. Safety, design, and innovation are principles iCAUR builds into every model from the very first

sketch. For iCAUR, technology is never about complexity—it’s about making every journey simpler and more effortless. From city streets to the great outdoors, iCAUR delivers a driving experience rooted in confidence and composure. iCAUR has had a distinct purpose from day one: to inspire users to personalize their vehicles as expressions of their identity and lifestyle—turning a car into a true companion. Around the world, the i-CLUB community brings together like-minded souls who share a love for design and life—a space where connections are made and friendships begin. This October, iCAUR will officially launch in the Philippines with two models: the all-electric boxy SUV V23 and the all-round hybrid SUV V27, featuring iCAUR’s Golden REEV (rangeextended electric vehicle) system. Together, they bring the brand’s distinctive design philosophy to Filipino consumers.

GREEN GSM PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES PREMIUM TAXI, A 7-SEAT HIGH-END ELECTRIC TAXI SERVICE

REEN GSM, an allelectric ride-hailing platform, today officially launched Premium Taxi, an upscale seven-seat taxi service in the Philippines. With an all-electric fleet of sophisticated and spacious VinFast Limo Green vehicles, the service is designed to deliver a comfortable and convenient travel experience, setting a new standard for the high-end electric taxi segment in the market. As Green GSM’s second service tier in the Philippines after Green GSM Car, Premium Taxi offers a new mobility option for groups of up to six passengers, families, business travellers, passengers carrying multiple pieces of luggage, and customers seeking a smooth ride in a pleasant and relaxing environment. The entire Limo Green fleet is finished in black to reflect its high-end positioning, making it easily recognisable and distinguishable from the existing Green GSM Car service, which features a cyan color scheme. Alongside its modern exterior design and spacious

seven-seat configuration with three rows, each Limo Green is equipped with amenities including automatic air conditioning, dedicated air vents for the two rear rows, and an air filtration system that helps keep the cabin pleasant and fresh. Alongside the three signature benefits of electric vehicle-zero emissions, no fuel odour and no engine noise, Green GSM’s Premium Taxi also delivers a five-star service experience through carefully-selected drivers who have received high ratings for service quality. Fares are transparently displayed through in-vehicle meters and on the Green GSM app, allowing customers to conveniently track their fares and trip information. During its initial phase, Premium Taxi will operate in Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong and Pasig City, serving travel needs across key business districts, commercial centres, hotels and transport hubs in Metro Manila. Customers can book through the Green GSM app, hail an available vehicle on the street, or contact the

customer service hotline at 027777-8080. Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang, CEO Green GSM Philippines, said: “Premium Taxi is not simply about providing more space. It is designed for journeys where comfort and attention to detail matter, from family trips and airport transfers to business engagements and special occasions. By combining the spacious interior of the VinFast Limo Green with professional drivers and Green GSM’s fivestar service standards, we aim to give Filipino customers a high-end mobility option that is thoughtfully-delivered from the moment they book until the journey ends.” With Premium Taxi, Green GSM expands its all-electric mobility portfolio in the Philippines to better meet customers’ diverse needs. Going forward, Green GSM will continue to enhance service quality while consistently upholding its “5 Green Promises”, with standards of professionalism, transparency and attentive customer care, thereby contributing to greener urban transportation