OTHER branches of government should help monetary authorities in getting the economy out of slow growth, according to analysts.
A few days after the central bank decided to reduce the Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent, experts shared their insights on what could really help address the slowdown in the economy, with most of them pointing out that growth could have been impeded by “structural” woes such as fiscal drag and issues on human capital.
DBP wants to limit UAs to 3% of total budget
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
WITH the government releasing P218.194 billion in unprogrammed appropriations last year, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) wants to even cut the level to 3 percent of the total budget.
On the sidelines of Makati Business Club’s Business-Government Forum on Tuesday, Acting Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo told reporters he supports lowering unprogrammed appropriations even further below the current level.
This year, unprogrammed appropriations amounted to P243.400 billion, or 3.5 percent of the P6.793trillion national budget.
“I can go lower by 3 percent, prob -
ably, not just 5 percent. Just to minimize the unprogrammed appropriations level,” Toledo said, noting that the matter is still subject to discussion in Congress.
Unprogrammed funds provide standby appropriation authorized by Congress in the General Appropriations Act and may be charged against excess or windfall revenues to fund specific programs and projects.
It may only be used under strict conditions, such as the availability of excess revenues, new revenue measures, or approved loans for foreign-assisted projects, and only for the specific purposes identified in the law.
To put a limit on unprogrammed appropriations, the DBM is advo -
cating for the passage of the Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized Governance Act.
The bill is part of the common legislative agenda for the 20th Congress, but not under the priority bills for passage by June 2026.
“[We need this] for us to really attain what we want to have in terms of transparency, accountability and citizen participation,” Toledo said, in terms of the whole budget process, including execution, monitoring and evaluation.
In 2025, unprogrammed appropriations released by the government reached P218.194 billion, pushing the total budget releases to P6.486 trillion.
The bulk, or P110.359 billion, of the unprogrammed appropriations
were used as support to foreignassisted projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The DOTr further received P1 billion for the Risk Management Program.
Another P10.453 billion was disbursed as the government counterpart of foreign-assisted projects of the DOTr, Department of Health and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, among others. Meanwhile, P51.969 billion went to government infrastructure and social programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education.
“Monetary policy can’t go it alone to extricate the economy from low growth,” former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Wednesday. “The BSP has been successful in disinflating the economy without causing a recession. It has cut interest rates in support of consumption & investment,” Canlas pointed out.
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Philippines will push for deeper reforms to sustain investor confidence after landing in the middle among economies assessed by the World Bank in its latest Business Ready (B-Ready) report.
“We do not stop here,” Finance
Secretary Frederick D. Go said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We must continue to improve
implementation, service quality, and operational efficiency if we are to build a business environment that truly empowers our people—creating more jobs, better jobs, and meaningful opportunities for every Filipino.”
The Philippines ranked 53rd out of 101 economies in the BReady 2025 report, which evaluates global business and investment climate across regulatory framework, public services and operational efficiency.
THE central bank is set to require BSP Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) to implement a measure that enables these
Sy’s real identity, according to the agency, was established through the assistance of government intelligence sources which prompted the BI to dig deeper into his immigration records.
The BI added the photos, as well as the biometric information and data of Sy and Chen matched, thus confirming them to be one and the same person.
The agency added that the fingerprints of Sy appearing on his passport and the fingerprints of Chen appearing on the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Records (ACR I-Card) belong to the same person. Thus, the BI said Sy should be deported for violating the country’s immigration laws and the limitations and conditions of his stay.
In affirming the Taguig RTC’s ruling, the CA said Sy’s birth certificate constitutes prima facie evidence of his citizenship, which the BI has the burden of proving otherwise.
“It is not for Sy to prove its alleged falsity, but for the respondents-appellants who are assailing the certificate to prove it. As a duly registered public document, the birth certificate is presumed to have undergone the process prescribed by law for the late registration of birth,” the CA said.
The CA added that Sy’s birth certificate should have been accorded more weight by the BI over the ACR I-Card of Chen.
“The birth certificate enjoys primacy in evidentiary value, primarily because a birth certificate is a public document while an ACR is not,” the CA pointed out.
Duterte victims’ counsel: Drug war a crime against humanity
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
VICTIMS’
lawyers told the International Criminal Court (ICC) pretrial chamber that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign was not a war on narcotics but a systematic assault on human dignity, amounting to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
At the second day of the confirmation of charges hearing Tuesday, Filipino lawyer Gilbert Andres said the campaign deliberately targeted marginalized communities.
“It was not really a war on drugs. It was a war against the poor. And the continued stigmatization of the surviving family members still persists until now,” Andres told the chamber.
Duterte repeatedly stripped alleged drug users of their humanity, publicly declaring them “no longer viable as human beings in this planet” and asking soldiers, “What is your definition of a human being?”—remarks that served to condition the public to accept their killings.
Victims from impoverished areas were executed without due process, often inside cramped homes, in front of family members. Even in death, victims were branded natokhang—those killed in “tokhang” operations—and publicly labeled drug users without judicial declaration.
Police allegedly planted drugs and weapons to portray them as nanlaban, or suspects who fought back.
The stigma fractured communities: families were shunned, some displaced, and children bullied as “offspring of natokhang,” suffering trauma and depression. Some of these children who endured such intense
trauma and depression developed physical symptoms such as epilepsy.
Andres said police also weaponized the justice system, arresting relatives who tried to retrieve bodies.
Paolina Massidda, Principal Counsel of the independent Office of Public Counsel for Victims, argued that Duterte’s dehumanizing public statements were actual “operational directives” rather than mere rhetoric.
By normalizing and institutionally defending this violence, Duterte established the clear government policy required by the Rome Statute to elevate the targeted killings into a systematic
crime against humanity
“When violence is normalized, repeated, and institutionally defended as in the present case, it reflects policy,” Massidda said.
Andres said the victims of Duterte’s drug war are closely watching the proceedings of the ICC, seeing it as their “first step towards the truth and towards justice.”
“The victims pray that this chamber confirm the charges... so that the murderous legacy of Mr. Duterte’s anti-drug campaign will not find new victims in the future,” he said.
Massidda added: “Justice cannot restore their loved ones, but it can restore dignity.”
forwarded emails into correspondence—stripped of thread-index headers that would normally help recipients verify authenticity.
“The commodification of generative AI has significantly amplified this threat, enabling attackers to craft convincing, personalized phishing messages at scale with minimal effort,” Dedenok said.
Dedenok advised users to treat unsolicited invitations with sus-
As such, the former chief economist of the country said the central bank “needs the help of the fiscal authority [e.g., the Executive and Congress] to get the economy out of slow growth.”
Fiscal authorities, Canlas added, should address the “growing” public debt with increasing debt service as this is “hindering” investments in what the former chief economist called “growth enhancers” like human capital (health and education) and modernizing infrastructure facilities such as roads, ports and airports.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. shared a similar sentiment as Canlas. He told this newspaper that since the BSP’s mandate is “mainly” price stability, other agencies and branches of government would need to “move” to get the economy back on its feet.
“Since BSP’s mandate is mainly price stability, then its other agencies and branches of government that need to move to improve the pace of recovery. Of course this requires the support and trust of the private sector,” Neri told this newspaper.
Analysts were asked about their take on the situation after BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. recently signaled that monetary policy can only do so much.
“We feel that we’re at the point where monetary policy cannot do much more,” Remolona said in a recent interview.
The BSP governor also raised his concern that too much focus is now being placed on interest rates as the solution to the slower-than-expected pace of economic expansion.
“Interest rates can’t do the trick. It needs help from other things,” Remolona pointed out. Asked what “other things” could support economic growth, Neri replied: “Structural reforms in 1) governance 2) public investment efficiency 3) weak industrial base 4) high cost structure 5) human capital mismatch etc.”
picion even when they appear to come from trusted sources, inspect URLs before clicking, and avoid calling phone numbers listed in suspicious emails—instead looking up contact details directly on a service’s official website.
For businesses, the firm recommended regular employee training on phishing tactics and ensuring all devices, including smartphones, carry up-to-date security software.
In the near term, however, Neri said the government should execute the realigned budget efficiently and prime the economy with the help of the private sector.
For one, the BPI lead economist said, “PPP-led classroom construction should help offset the impact of cancelled flood control projects.”
Neri shared a copy of the proposal of Joey Sarte Salceda, former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, to close the 165,443-classroom gap in the country through public-private partnerships.
Salceda had said: “The classroom shortage is one of the most consequential infrastructure deficits in the country. It directly shapes the quality of human capital, which in turn determines our economic competitiveness for decades.”
‘Interest rate cuts won’t cut it’ MEANWHILE , Ibon Foundation Inc. Executive Director Sonny Africa echoed the sentiment of Jr. that the cuts will only “do a little bit.”
“Until the Marcos Jr administration’s economic policies cut to the heart of the matter—nationalist development strategies to improve the structure of production and democratically distribute incomes—interest rate cuts really just won’t cut it,” Africa said in a statement.
He explained further that the logic that rate cuts will boost slowing growth is straightforward.
“Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, supposedly encouraging firms to invest and households to spend. Rising asset prices trigger wealth effects, and a weaker peso makes exports more competitive. Confidence is boosted. As the textbook story goes, monetary easing nudges the economy back toward its potential,” said Africa.
Africa said the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSEi) index has already been pushed upward, and the peso downward. But, he added, these financial reactions “don’t guarantee economic wellness.”
“Such measures might work if the problem is cyclical from temporarily weak demand or fragile sentiment. But the Philippine slowdown is structural,” he pointed out.
“The CMF and CCSA will be embedded within the Advanced Suptech Engine for Risk-based Compliance (ASTERisC*), which may be periodically reviewed and enhanced to ensure a dynamic and responsive assessment process,” the BSP said. This initiative, however, is not intended to replace the Supervisory Assessment Framework (SAFr) for cybersecurity and information security.
Rather, these tools are designed to “complement” existing supervisory mechanisms by enabling BSFIs “to identify areas for improvement and systematically track progress toward their desired maturity level.” The result shall provide the BSFI’s current maturity and inform of the possible areas requiring intervention or a plan for improvement to achieve their target maturity.
BSP explained that BSFI’s maturity assessment will be based on these four major domains and their sub-domains: Information Security Governance, Information Security Risk Management, Security Control Implementation (identification, prevention,detection,response,recovery, assurance and testing) and Cyber Threat Intelligence and Collaboration.
In a recent interview, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. underscored that while digitalization continues in the country, “it brings with it some risks.”
“We worry a lot about cyber risks. So, even as we’ve encouraged digitalization, we’re also trying to get the banks to also make sure that they defend themselves against cyber risk,” added the BSP chief.
As such, Remolona described the growth of digital payments as “slow,” admitting that the target set under the Philippines’s economic blueprint for the volume of digital payments to corner 70 percent of the pie of retail transactions by 2028 may not be achieved due to cyber risks. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/02/23/70-digital-share-for-retailpayments-not-doable-in-2028/).
Corruption issues
Andrea E. San Juan
MEANWHILE , Luis F. Dumlao, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) economics professor told this newspaper: “Lowering the interest has limited effect if confidence is lacking.”
“So the key is to regain confidence in the economy. The long process of regaining confidence that government spending results in acceptable return on investment is key,” Dumlao added.
“Return on investment on government projects is often not monetary but takes the form of functionality, for example, of a flood control project. Just like in relationships when trust or confidence is lost, it takes longer to regain,” he said. De La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas told this newspaper that “I agree with the limitations of the interest rates. It’s not the only determinant of economic activity towards economic growth.”
Oplas said, for one, investor confidence is another factor that the country’s economy slowed down.
“With the uncertainties, political turmoil, poor governance, and corruption, we will never generate our muchneeded investment,” she also noted. As such, she pointed out that: “My point is no matter how low the interest rate is, it will not attract borrowing, hence no economic activity.”
Oplas said “President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. should put at least one big fish in jail to show his sincerity to his quest for good governance.”
“Because only then will people feel secure to spend and invest. Why are people not spending and investing? We are insecure, anxious with what’s going on with our country,” Oplas said, adding: “[We are] demoralized as to where our hard-earned money is going.”
“So even if the interest rate is low... people will not get encouraged to spend or invest because there is uncertainty,” she underscored further.
During the BSP’s first policy meeting for 2026, Remolona Jr. said the sevenman Monetary Board’s decision to deliver another quarter-point rate cut “may actually help to restore confidence, boosting investment and consumption.”
“The pace of economic recovery will depend on how quickly confidence returns,” the BSP chief underscored. commensurate with the BSFI’s IT risk profile.
Sinclair National Art Competition
Celebrates Filipino Creativity and Innovation in Art and Design
By Ricky B. Aquino, Jr.
IN honor of its 25th Anniversary and National Arts Month this February, Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc., in partnership with the United Artists Society, proudly announced the winners of the Sinclair National Art Competition on February 26, 2026, at the Sinclair Pro Store. The nationwide initiative champions creativity and demonstrates how advanced paint technologies can transform contemporary art and design.
After months of evaluation, the winners emerged as exceptional expressions of Filipino talent and vision, bringing ideas to life with Sinclair Makaw Microcement, Lime Plaster, and Effect Paints. Their works show that when artistry meets innovation, surfaces become more than painted— they tell stories, evoke emotions, and create experiences.
Mr. Derrick A. Tan, President and CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment:
“Through this competition, we provide Filipino artists a platform not only to showcase their creativity, but to explore how advanced decorative finishes can unite interior design, wall art, and architecture in one powerful medium,” he said. “This initiative celebrates the ingenuity and passion of Filipino artists, proving that local talent can shine globally. By integrating art and technology, we are opening opportunities for the decorative wall design industry to grow, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the country’s thriving art communities, and inspiring a new generation of artists to imagine, innovate, and shape their communities.”
Serving as Head Judge, Maestro Eleazar Abraham “Abe” L. Orobia, a distinguished visual artist, educator, and cultural advocate, evaluated entries for creativity, technical mastery, and innovative material use. Renowned for his acclaimed solo exhibitions, Images of Our Nation (NCCA Gallery,
immersive spaces where art and design seamlessly converge.
Winners of the Sinclair National Art Competition
THE following artists stood out for their originality, craftsmanship, and vision, with each piece showcasing creativity and innovative use of Sinclair Makaw finishes.
Canvas Art Category
1st Place: John Paul Verdera Antido – The Tide is Coming In A painter from Antipolo City trained at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Antido explores social, cultural, and historical themes through oil and acrylic impasto techniques. His works have been exhibited locally and internationally, including in Laos, Singapore, and Denmark. A recipient of multiple national art awards, including the Art Petron Grand Prize, he credits Sinclair Makaw Paints for enabling vibrant, highquality expression reminiscent of his early artistic explorations.
national shows in France and Italy, while experimenting with Sinclair Makaw finishes to achieve luminous, stone-like surfaces.
2nd
A contemporary abstract painter from Valenzuela, Francisco is known for his vibrant color palettes and explorations of identity and memory. Exhibiting since 2008, he also works as a graphic designer, enriching his multidisciplinary creative approach.
SINCLAIR SPECIAL AWARDEE
3rd Place: Roger Dionaldo Morales – Forrest Firm With decades of experience in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Morales built a strong foundation in advertising agencies, producing billboard designs, neon signage, silk screen projects, and product artwork before serving as a professional
ist at Hamad Medical Corporation. After an eight-year hiatus from painting, he rediscovered his artistic drive through Sinclair Makaw, appreciating its smooth texture, quick-drying quality, and durability, which reignited his passion to create.
4th Place: Lindsey Pagtananan Ricablanca – Rustic Cosmos A visual artist from Pagsanjan, Laguna, Ricablanca is known for her abstract realism works exploring the interplay between surreal presence and abstraction. A graduate of Advertising from the University of the East, she previously worked in animation and graphic arts before pursuing full-time visual art.
Winner Finalists (Wall Obra) nJay Oliver
2021) and Unconquerable (Turn! Turn! Turn!) (Pinto Art Museum, 2023), Orobia has dedicated his career to mentoring young artists, leading workshops, and directing cultural projects across the Philippines. Under his guidance, the competition’s rigorous selection process highlighted the nation’s top artistic talent.
Two Categories: Canvas Obra and Wall Obra
THE competition featured two categories highlighting the versatility of Sinclair’s decorative technologies: the Canvas Obra Category honored fine art tradition while pushing creative boundaries, transforming Makaw finishes into expressive, textured masterpieces on canvas, while the Wall Obra Category showcased large-scale architectural works, turning walls into
2nd Place: Bernis C. Aure –Fragments of Becoming A contemporary visual artist from Binondo, Manila, now based in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Aure creates surreal compositions exploring symbolic imagery and emotional depth. Incorporating Sinclair Makaw Lime Plaster into his works, he builds layered, tactile surfaces that enhance his distinctive visual language. He was the Grand Prize winner at the 2024 Flower Power International Art Competition.
3rd Place: Jun Mananguit Martinez – Depths of Destruction A Filipino visual artist from Muntinlupa City, Martinez blends realism with socially relevant themes across traditional painting, digital illustration, and architectural rendering. With a background spanning stage design, animation, and graphic services—including work for the 1994 Miss Universe pageant—he continues to expand his creative practice while leading his own fabrication and design company.
4th Place: Ace Eugenio Enriquez – Para sa Pamilya Formerly an engineer for two decades, Enriquez transitioned to full-time sculpting and painting
in 2023. His works explore themes of growth, struggle, and human resilience, offering thoughtful reflections grounded in lived experience.
SINCLAIR SPECIAL AWARDEE
Winner Finalists (Canvas Art)
nMaribel L. Cortez – Sa Pakpak ng Kalayaan
nFlubert B. Neri – Muling Sisikat
Ang Araw
nEvalyn B. Gareza – Sirena
nMichelle Flores Santos – Rosita
nAlexander Martinez Balmaceda –Color Me Softly
nCarlos Alferez Castro – Ang
Mga Babae sa Likod ng Makulay na
Billboard
nMichael Allan Chan Tan – Déjà vu
nHerbert Sausa Pinpiño – Maharlika Madonna Under the Moonlight
nRafael Galang Montejo – Flood of Tears
nDante Bon Verano – Don’t Just Paint It, Put Your HeART Into It
Finalists (Canvas Art)
nAntonio Cabe Pacuan Jr. – A Homage to Amorsolo's Dalagang
Bukid: The Unfolding Story
nRenz Reuben Eden Divio –Natatagong Ganda
nMark Jasper Catacutan Joseph –The Earth’s Palette
nGrace Alejandro Santos – Inside
My Heart
nAna Rhea Consebido-Adonis – Sa Isang Iglap na Pangarap nGregorio Abanador Badillo – Sa bibig ng kasakiman kung saan nasusunog ang KATARUNGA N Wall Obra Category
1st Place: Regina Roxanne Rivero Caoili – Regenerative Teal
A licensed interior designer and visual artist from Baguio City, Caoili integrates design principles with fine art to create textured, conceptually layered works. Her victory marks her first national recognition. She continues to exhibit across Luzon, with upcoming inter-
Leaves on White and Gold Finalists (Wall Obra) nRomano Pengson Lucena — In Between of Nothing nLana Pagtalunan Baquing — Unseen Order nChristian M. Carlos — CRATER LINES
The Sinclair National Art Competition reaffirms the commitment of
The New Generation Paint, to celebrating Filipino creativity and providing artists with a platform where innovation meets artistry. Through initiatives such as this, the company continues to elevate the country’s artistic landscape while inspiring future generations of visual storytellers and design innovators.
Place: Billy James Angeles Francisco – Midas Touch
Maestro Eleazar Abraham “Abe” L. Orobia and Mr. Derrick A. Tan, President and CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc.
1st Place: John Paul Verdera Antido – The Tide is Coming In
2nd Place: Bernis C. Aure – Fragments of Becoming
3rd Place: Jun Mananguit Martinez – Depths of Destruction
4th Place: Ace Eugenio Enriquez – Para sa Pamilya
1st Place: Regina Roxanne Rivero Caoili – Regenerative Teal
Regenerative Teal
2nd Place: Billy James Angeles Francisco – Midas Touch
LAWMAKERS on Wednesday rejected allegations of receiving suitcases of cash, calling the claims a diversionary tactic to shield the Dutertes from accountability.
The allegations came to light on Tuesday during a news conference called by pork barrel scam whistleblower lawyer Levi Baligod. A group of 18 alleged former Marines asserted that they had handed cash to several officials, claiming their work was on behalf of businessman and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. An unsigned affidavit circulated alongside the allegations, listing several public officials who allegedly received kickbacks. Among those listed were Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., Rep. Julienne Baronda of Iloilo City, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima, former Makabayan bloc lawmakers Arlene Brosas, France Castro and Raoul Manuel, Rep. Jojo Ang of the Uswag Ilonggo party-list, Manila Rep.
Joel Chua, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, and several others.
The BusinessMirror is awaiting statements from other lawmakers and officials implicated in the allegation. Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said the timing of the claims appears intended to undermine the Quad Committee and justice committee, which is set to hear Sara Duterte’s impeachment. “The timing is suspect. These allegations are meant to discredit members of the committees handling the impeachment proceedings,” Chua said. In the last Congress, the multipanel Quad Comm conducted extensive inquiries into VP Duterte’s
alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd) received when she was education secretary.
Also, Ortega called the claims baseless and urged the public to ignore unfounded narratives.
“These stories have no factual basis. Let us focus on truth and responsible statements, not speculation,” he said.
Preposterous
DE LIMA dismissed the accusations as “preposterous,” calling them a “clear demolition job” timed to distract from ongoing ICC proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte and the impeachment process involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
“These cheap and laughable moves are squid tactics to divert attention from the real issue. They can only rely on dubious, discredited personalities to spearhead their amateurish operation,” de Lima said.
Also, Abante rejected the claims as “completely false, baseless, and malicious.” He said the allegations were politically motivated, intended to target his principled stand on seeking justice for victims of extra-judicial killings.
“I stand by my record. I stand by my principles. I will not be deterred by fabricated attacks and will continue to fight for justice for our countrymen,” Abante said, quoting Exodus 20:16.
Baronda also denied the allegations, stressing that her name was never mentioned in any formal inquiries by Congress or the International Criminal Court. She attributed her inclusion in the unsigned affidavit to her association with a local personality critical of the previous administration.
“I trust in the discernment and wisdom of the Ilonggo people to see matters clearly and judge based on truth,” Baronda said.
In response, former Makabayan bloc representatives Castro, Brosas, and Manuel condemned the unsigned statement circulating on social media, calling it a diversionary tactic to shield the Dutertes from accountability.
“These are fabricated charges designed to intimidate us and undermine the people’s quest for truth and accountability,” the group said in a joint statement.
They also noted the timing of the allegations, coinciding with ongoing ICC proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte and the impending impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Up to law enforcement
MALACAÑANG said it will leave it up to law enforcement authorities to go after those behind the “messy” claims about the President allegedly bribing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators, who probed the case of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, with the use of flood control project funds.
“It is their obligation to prosecute those who spread fake news. Should they be ordered to do so? No, it is the obligation of the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation], PNP [Philippine National Police], [and the] DOJ [Department of Justice],” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said partly in Filipino in a press briefing. Castro dismissed the latest allegation against the President as something based on “repeated lies” and a “lousy script.”
She said they already have an idea on who is behind the said false claims against the chief executive, but she did not identify the said person.
“You know these are lies. So, who is behind this? Maybe you should know who the owner of the car was who picked them up after their press briefing or presscon. So, [these are] repeated lies,” Castro said. With Sam Medenilla
Investigators discover operational lapses, multiple violations at Montalban landfill
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
THE Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesEnvironmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) office issued on Tuesday a cease-anddesist order (CDO) against Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc., Sanitary Landfill in sitio Lukutan Munti, barangay San Isidro, Montalban, Rizal, following a major trash slide.
The body of one of three missing persons has been retrieved at ground zero of the trashslide within the 13-hectare sanitary landfill, formerly called Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill, and rescuers are still searching for the two other missing persons with the hope of finding them alive.
Representatives of Green Leap and the local governments of Montalban
and Rizal province, held a meeting to discuss the situation.
The company is also set to meet with the DENR-EMB Calabarzon later on Wednesday as part of the technical conference in connection with the incident.
Mark delos Reyes, a lawyer of ISWIMS, which operates the landfill, told the BusinessMirror that search, rescue, and retrieval operations at ground zero are continuously being done despite the cease-and-desist order.
“Earlier, we just talked with the local government of Montalban to give them an update on our ongoing search and rescue and plan. Our operation is continuing because only the portion of the affected area is Phase V, while the rest could still be used to receive garbage,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said company personnel are focused on the ongoing search and rescue operation. “As of today [12 noon of Wednesday], we are still conducting a search and rescue operation in the area,” he said.
Navy: 18 Co ‘marines’ fake, sacked or retired
By Rex Anthony Naval
remains a professional, disciplined and non-partisan organization and will never compromise its values, integrity and reputation.
The company, he said, is accepting full responsibility and is already initiating remedial measures at the landfill, starting with cordoning off the area of the collapsed portion of the landfill, as well as securing the perimeter to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the premises. He also said that the operation of the landfill is unhampered, as only the affected areas that need rehabilitation are closed.
“We are working with the LGU, as well as the DENR, and we acknowledge the notice, and we are willing to cooperate. This afternoon, when we meet, we will thresh out the problem and work for the remedial measures to correct it,” he said. To prevent a repeat of the incident, he said they are working with the LGUs of Rizal province and Montalban on how to address the issue of unauthorized entry in the facility.
ABy Ashley J. Manabat
NGELES CITY—The
landowner who complained that a P 96-million flood control project encroached on his property has elevated his grievance to national officials, including President Marcos and the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee.
Local Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials insist that the project did not encroach on private property.
Ruperto Cruz, who claims a portion of the slope protection structure stands within his titled land in barangay Pampang, said he has elevated the matter to higher government offices. He added he has consulted a lawyer as he considers possible legal remedies.
In the previous report, project signboards at the site listed two slope protection components totaling to P95.9 million under the DPWH’s Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (Sipag) program which was funded through the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The project began in August 2025 and targetted for completion in January 2026.
Cruz said he has written to Marcos, the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee, and Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon seeking an investigation into the
project which he alleges extends into his property.
“This is my property. I just want what is legal,” Cruz said.
DPWH: Creek predates project
IN an interview, Joafran King David of the DPWH Third District Engineering Office denied that the project crossed into private property. He said the creek alignment predates the current works.
“The creek has always existed. The creek itself has been there since after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo,” David said, referring to the 1991 eruption.
David said the project was initiated after a private company, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), called the DPWH’s attention in 2024 regarding the creek.
DPWH proposed the slope protection rehabilitation in response, he added.
David reiterated that no realignment of the waterway was done and that the project involved repairing previously damaged infrastructure.
“We did not encroach any property because the bridge itself and the creek itself are already existing,” he said. “What was there, we didn’t cross anything. No realignment.”
According to David, the rehabilitation covers approximately 430 meters on each side of the creek, or 860 meters in total. He said slope protection structures had
already been built in the area prior to 2017 or 2018 but were later damaged.
“Long before 2017 or 2018 there was already a project there and it was damaged. So we only fixed it,” he said. “What we did was rehabilitation.” David declined to comment on matters he described as “outside the project,” including questions about the alignment of the bridge along Fil-Am Friendship Road which runs perpendicular to the slope protection structure at issue.
He also denied that excavation took place within Cruz’s property and reiterated that the project followed the existing creek alignment. However, Cruz disputed David’s position. He previously presented a Transfer Certificate of Title, which he said covers the portion of land where the structure now stands. He claims the construction cuts diagonally across his property which spans roughly 21 meters in width and about 200 meters in length. He also alleged that soil was removed from the area which caused portions of his lot to dip.
“They made my lot a catch basin. They conducted quarry activity there. Where did they bring the sand? My lot has leveled down,” Cruz said.
DOE strengthens nuclear workforce
By Lenie Lectura | @llectura
THE Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing to strengthen the nuclear workforce in the country with the assistance of the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
by Minister Ken Cheveldayoff of the Ministry of Advanced Education in Saskatchewan and co-chaired by Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, representing Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. Other key attendees included Ashier Calulot of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Alvie Astronomo of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Edgar Vallar of the De La Salle University, Aldrin Calderon of Mapua University, and officials from various Canadian universities.
ensure that the Philippines’ transition is supported by capable institutions, a prepared workforce, and sustained engagement with communities, including indigenous peoples.”
There will also be a continued coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) on microcredentialing and skilled worker development aligned with nuclear and clean energy needs.
TheJWGmeeting,heldatDOEoffice in Bonifacio Global City, was attended
The agency said on Wednesday that a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting took place and agreed to create a task force to support the development of localized Nuclear Engineering and Safety Management curricula, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and relevant Saskatchewan institutions. Also, specialized Train-the-Trainer programs for Philippine educators on advanced clean energy topics, alongside potential technical-vocational cooperation with Saskatchewan Polytechnic will be introduced.
Discussionsfocusedoncollaboration in technology development and deployment, workforce and skills development, and research and innovation, anchored on the goal of supporting a secure and inclusive energy transition.
“The Joint Working Group meeting allows us to move from shared intentions to coordinated actions,” Marasigan said. “Our priority is to
On the technical track, the JWG discussed potential cooperation on studies that can support evidencebased planning for emerging technologies and system reliability. These include exploring joint research opportunities related to SMR and microreactor feasibility for possible applications in Philippine Island grids, as well as technical exchanges on approaches to the early retirement and repurposing of aging coal plants, including assessment of requirements should sites be considered for future energy infrastructure uses.
“A nuclear program is only as strong as the people and institutions behind it. This cooperation with Saskatchewan helps us build the skills pipeline and academic partnerships
ADB approves $3-M grant for victims of Tino, Uwan in Bicol
HEAsianDevelopmentBank(ADB)
Thas approved a $3-million grant to support victims of typhoons Tino and Uwan in the Bicol Region. In a document released on Wednesday, the ADB said the money will come from its Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund, a pool of funds that provides fast financial assistance to developing member countries right after major natural disasters to support life-saving efforts.
The grant will finance an Emergency Response Project that will provide cash
assistance to eligible disaster-affected families in Camarines Norte, Bicol. The bank said it will ensure the timely and transparent delivery of cash transfers while strengthening coordination between national and local stakeholders involved in cash-based disaster response.
It can be recalled that typhoons Tino and Uwan struck back-to-back in November 2025, affecting more than 13.36 million individuals in Luzon and the Visayas. In the Bicol Region alone, 36,779
individuals were affected by Tino, while 2.52 million were affected by Uwan.
Damage to infrastructure in Bicol reached P1.13 billion, while agricultural production losses were estimated at P195.53 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
The ADB said the grant is expected to improve affected families’ access to basic needs during the post-disaster period, enhance their capacity to recover and rebuild, and reduce negative coping strategies.
In November last year, ADB President Masato Kanda announced the bank’s readiness to extend grant assistance upon the request of the Philippine government.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the suffering caused by the recent series of disasters in the Philippines, especially from Typhoon Tino… This immediate emergency support reflects ADB’s enduring commitment to the Filipino people, addressing both urgent humanitarian needs and long-term development goals,” Kanda earlier said. Justine Xyrah Garcia
Bill establishes scholarships for health professionals
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
TO prevent a looming healthcare crisis, a lawmaker has filed a bill establishing a scholarship and return service program for aspiring pharmacists and other allied health professionals.
The measure, House Bill 7355, aims to strengthen the country’s public health system by ensuring a steady supply of trained medical personnel.
Under the bill filed by Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, deserving students can pursue priority allied health programs through fully funded government scholarships. In return, scholars are required to serve in their local public health facilities after passing their respective licensure exams.
“We may not notice or be aware of it, but we are facing a looming healthcare crisis owing to our dwindling workforce of radiologic technologists, pharmacists, midwives, and other allied medical professionals. The support they deliver in terms of diagnostic, rehabilitation, and technical services is indispensable to our healthcare system, especially
He noted that wastepickers or informal waste recyclers are dependent on the waste they are able to salvage and recycle, which requires attention both by the company and concerned government units or agencies.
The CDO issued by the DENR-EMB Calabarzon only covers Phase 5 of the land fill with an area of approximately six hectares. Investigation conducted by the DENR-EMB revealed that approximately 420,000 cubic meters
in rural communities and other underserved areas,” Yamsuan said in filing the bill in line with his H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunities and Jobs, Peace and Order, and Education) legislative agenda.
“We should act now to ensure that every Filipino has access to adequate, modern healthcare in the future. We cannot properly implement our Universal Health Care Program if we lack physicians, nurses, and their partners in delivering healthcare services,” he added. Yamsuan noted that while programs like the Doktor Para Sa Bayan Medical Scholarship Act and the Commission on Higher Education’s short- and mediumterm initiatives have helped address the nurse shortage, the allied health sector remains critically understaffed.
CHED data show a steep decline in radiologic technologists capable of operating x-ray machines, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and other diagnostic equipment. The decline he said is now considered “an ongoing crisis.”
Meanwhile, the Private Sector Advisory Council reports that the Philippines needs 57,000 pharmacists but currently has only 30,000 in
practice, leaving a 27,500 shortfall.
With about 4,000 board-certified pharmacists produced annually, it would take seven years to fill the gap.
“These challenges are further exacerbated by the inequitable geographic distribution of allied-health professionals, as the workforce remains heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural communities understaffed and existing workers overworked,” said Yamsuan in his explanatory note on the bill.
HB 7355 calls for the creation of the Philippine Allied Health Council (PAHC), tasked with reviewing and updating every five years the list of priority allied health programs eligible for state scholarships.
The PAHC will also set guidelines for financial aid under the Allied Health Professionals Subsidy and Return Service Program, which may include tuition, books, uniforms, housing, transportation, internship fees, health insurance, licensure subsidies, and other support.
Filipino citizens eligible for the program include graduating senior high school students, college students, and degree holders pursuing a second allied health degree. Scholars must complete
of waste eroded from the active tipping area. According to the DENR-EMB, several operational lapses were observed during their site-inspection and investigation, which led to the erosion of the active tipping area. They also observed the foul odor from exposed waste and a visible crack in the adjacent bench waste that threatens further collapse.
Multiple violations of conditions in the pro ponent’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) were also documented by the team.
In issuing the CDO which covers Phase 5 of the landfill, the DENR-EMB said operations in the area is restricted to emergency and remedial activities such as retrieval operations, slope stabilization, debris clearing, and installation of engineering controls to prevent further erosion. A strict “no-entry” policy has also been imposed to protect the public and prevent interference with rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
their mandatory return service within six years of passing licensure exams, working in government health facilities in their locality or in underserved communities, with appropriate civil service rank, salary, and benefits.
The bill also allows the Department of Health to deploy scholars still in school to public health offices or hospitals during pandemics or public health emergencies.
In its final report, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) highlighted the worsening shortage of allied health workers due to migration, high dropout rates, and limited access to public medical education. It recommended expanding scholarships, improving training facilities, revising licensure policies, and strengthening return service requirements to ensure a robust health workforce nationwide.
“In doing so, the measure aims to address both the scarcity and maldistribution of the allied-health workforce, guaranteeing that the program will ultimately strengthen our health systems, beginning with the country’s unserved and underserved areas, where the gaps are most critical,” Yamsuan said.
DENR Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria emphasized the seriousness of the incident.
“Our priority is to ensure the immediate stabilization of the site to prevent further environmental degradation and to hold the proponent strictly accountable for these operational lapses. We will not tolerate negligence that puts the environment and public safety at risk,” he said in a statement.
To ensure continued waste management services while safeguarding nearby communities, the proponent was advised to move the active tipping area from Phase 5 to another portion of the landfill to ensure stability and safety.
easement and Cruz’s property.
we need from engineering and safety management to technical training and micro-credentials, while reinforcing the standards and public engagement required for responsible energy development,” Garin said.
In June last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the parties was signed.
The MOU provides the framework for cooperation across priority areas, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), carbon capture, smart grids, renewable energy integration, and the repurposing of aging coal assets, while emphasizing stakeholder engagement and social acceptability.
Cheveldayoff underscored the importance of human capital in energy transition efforts. “A skilled workforce is essential for long-term sustainability,” he said, citing Saskatchewan’s postsecondary institutions including the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and Saskatchewan
Polytechnic, and noting the role of the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (Giems) in supporting collaboration among academia, government, industry, and Indigenous groups.
Giems is a collaborative, notfor-profit research institution in Saskatchewan, formed by these three major post-secondary institutions to advance innovation and research in the energy and mining sectors. The DOE noted that the Saskatchewan partnership complements other international engagements supporting Philippine workforce and institutional readiness for emerging clean energy sectors, including recent education and training cooperation initiatives for the civil nuclear industry. Bothagreedtocontinuecoordination through the JWG and to identify priority deliverables and timelines for the next phase of cooperation.
PSA e-certificate seen to boost digitalization of civil registry services
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) newly launched e-certificate service is expected to further accelerate the shift toward digital transactions for civil registry documents.
National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said that as of 2025, about 27 to 30 percent of the total requests received by the PSA are already being made online—a sharp increase from just 6 percent in 2019.
This translates to an average increase of roughly 5 percentage points annually over the past five years.
“Online transactions are already substantial, but with the introduction of our e-certificate, we feel this will further increase and people will transition into digital…It is relatively cheaper, so we expect even more people to use it,” Mapa told reporters in a chance interview.
On Wednesday, the PSA officially launched its 100-percent online e-certificate platform, allowing Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad to request vital documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as certificates of no marriage (Cenomar) and no death (Cenodeath).
To request an e-certificate, applicants must simply go to PSAHelpline. ph, choose the document they need, and fill out the online application form.
Before the certificate is released, the applicant must pass a mandatory identity verification step. This includes confirming their identity through the National ID e-Verify system, where they may be asked to perform a live facial check and upload a valid ID.
The system also uses artificial intelligence tools to detect tampering and ensure the ID submitted is authentic.
Once the applicant’s identity is successfully verified, the PSA issues the document as a digitally signed PDF file. This file is tamper-proof and has the same legal validity as a printed
PSA certificate. The e-certificate can then be downloaded and sent electronically to schools, employers, banks, or government agencies.
Receiving institutions can check its authenticity instantly by scanning the QR code on the document or by entering the reference details on the PSA verification portal. The digital version is also cheaper. The e-certificate costs P290 for birth, marriage and death certificates, and P345 for Cenomar and Cenodeath. By comparison, a printed copy costs P335 if picked up at a PSA outlet and P365 for door-to-door delivery for birth, marriage and death certificates. For Cenomar and Cenodeath, the fee is P390 for pickup and P420 for delivery. However, while the digital certificate itself does not expire, the QRbased verification page that displays the official PSA image is accessible for only 60 days.
This means institutions can view the official PSA record for visual comparison within that period; after 60 days, they may still verify that the PDF file has not been tampered with, but the image preview will no longer be available.
The PSA also clarified that the downloaded digital copy cannot simply be printed and treated as an official hard copy, as physical PSA certificates are issued on special security paper. Earlier this week, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) said the Philippines needs to improve its civil registry processes, including for death registration, to make them easier for applicants. Escap stressed that digitalization alone is not enough, noting that procedures must also be simplified to ensure services remain accessible to everyone (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/02/23/ escap-advises-phl-to-fix-deathregistration-process/).
The project signboards, however, were positioned facing inward, not visible from the main road and the public.
“There are instances when project signboards are being stolen. Twice it happened,” David said. David added that DPWH projects are properly disseminated to the public.
DPWH representatives presented drone footage and site photographs during the interview. However, no parcellary survey or right-of-way documentation had been presented or publicly released to clarify the boundary between the creek
The DPWH maintained that the project rehabilitated long-standing infrastructure along an existing creek alignment, while the landowner alleged that the construction overlaps his titled property. Cruz said he is prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.
“I invested here. was born and raised here,” he said. “I just want what is legal.”
This story will be updated as additional documents and official clarifications become available.
A6 Thursday, February 26, 2026
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince Americans that US is ‘winning so much’
By Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price & Matt Brown The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump declared during a marathon State of the Union on Tuesday that “we’re winning so much”—insisting he’d sparked an economic boom at home and imposed a new world order abroad in hopes it can counter his sliding approval ratings.
Trump’s main objective was convincing increasingly wary Americans that the economy is stronger than many believe, and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections. In all, Trump spoke for a record 108 minutes, breaking—by eight minutes—the previous time mark from his address before a joint session of Congress last year. The president largely avoided his usual bombast, only occasionally veering off-script—mostly to slam Democrats. As he did during such addresses in his first term, Trump relied on a series of surprise special guests to dramatically punctuate his message. They included US military heroes and a former political prisoner released after US forces toppled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump drew some of the loudest applause of the night when he invited the Olympic gold medalwinning US men’s hockey team into the House chamber.
“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me, ‘Please, please, please, Mister President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore,’” Trump said before introducing the team.
The hockey players, wearing their medals and “USA” sweaters, drew a bipartisan standing ovation. Trump pointed to the Democratic side of the chamber and quipped, “That’s the first time I ever I’ve ever seen them get up.”
In a made-for-TV moment, the president announced he would be awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, to the hockey team’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. He also bestowed the Purple Heart on Andrew Wolfe—a National Guard member who was shot while deployed on the streets of the nation’s capital. Wolfe made his first public appearance since then during the speech.
That scene recalled a similar
surprise announcement in 2020, when Trump gave the Medal of Freedom to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh during his State of the Union speech.
Trump decries tariff decision as justices look on
THE president championed his immigration crackdowns and his push to preserve widespread tariffs that the Supreme Court just struck down. He drew applause only from Democrats while describing the high court’s decision, which he called “an unfortunate ruling.”
Trump vowed to plow ahead, using “alternative” laws to impose the taxes on imports and telling lawmakers, “Congressional action will not be necessary.” Trump argued that the tariffs are paid by foreign countries, despite evidence that the costs are borne by American consumers and businesses. “It’s saving our country,” he said.
The only Supreme Court justices attending were Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan. Trump greeted them personally before the speech, despite last week slamming Coney Barrett—who he appointed to the high court in his first term—for siding with the majority against his tariffs.
Democrats also stood for Trump vowing to halt insider trading by members of Congress. But Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, yelled, “How about you first!” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, called out, “You’re the most corrupt president!”
When some heckling continued, Trump proclaimed, “You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Later, he pointed at
Democrats and proclaimed, “These people are crazy.”
Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted from the chamber early in the speech, after he unfurled a sign of protest that read “Black People Aren’t Apes!” That was an apparent reference to a racist video the president posted that depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as primates in a jungle. Green was also removed during Trump’s address last year.
The president, meanwhile, was mostly optimistic and patriotic, but Trump struck a darker tone in large swaths of his speech to warn about the dangers posed by immigrants. He invited lawmakers from both parties to “protect American citizens, not illegal aliens” and championed proposals to limit mail-in ballots and tighten voter identification rules.
Affordability gets relatively little time
TRUMP didn’t dwell on efforts to lower the cost of living—despite polling showing that his handling of the economy and kitchen-table issues has increasingly become a liability. Such concerns about the high costs of living helped propel Democratic wins around the country on Election Day last November.
There also are persistent fears that tariffs stoking higher prices could eventually hurt the economy and job creation. Economic growth slowed in the last three months of last year. It is potentially politically perilous ahead of November elections that could deliver congressional wins to Democrats, just as 2018’s blue wave created a strong check to his administration during his first term.
On Tuesday, Trump blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, along with Democratic lawmakers in the chamber, saying they were responsible for rising prices and health care costs, two issues his political opponents have repeatedly raised against him.
“You caused that problem,” Trump said of affordability concerns. He added a moment later, “They knew their statements were a dirty, rotten lie.” Trump also said he’d press tech
China’s Li,
companies involved in artificial intelligence to pay higher electricity rates in areas where their data centers are located. Such data centers tend to use large volumes of electricity, potentially increasing the cost of power to other consumers in the area.
Another notable off-script moment came as Trump was referencing prescription drug prices, saying, “So in my first year of the second term—should be my third term—but strange things happen,” prompting at least one chant in the chamber of “Four more years!”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who delivered the Democratic response to Trump’s speech, slammed the president’s aggressive immigration policies, his widespread cuts to the federal government and his tariffs.
“Even though the Supreme Court struck these tariffs down four days ago, the damage to us, the American people, has already been done. Meanwhile, the president is planning for new tariffs,” she said. “Another massive tax hike on you and your family.”
A warning to Iran
TRUMP’S address came as two US aircraft carriers have been dispatched to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. Trump said, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy.”
“But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror—which they are, by far—to have a nuclear weapon,” he added.
The president also recounted US airstrikes last summer that pounded Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, and lauded the raid that ousted Maduro in Venezuela—as well as his administration’s brokering of a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
“As president, I will make peace wherever I can,” Trump said. “But I will never hesitate to confront threats to America, wherever we must.”
Friedrich Merz signal desire for better ties after tensions
By Arne Delfs
PREMIER Li Qiang and Friedrich Merz both indicated they’d like relations between their nations to improve, as the German chancellor kicks off his first official visit to China—one that will be complicated by worries about trade and supplies of key minerals.
“It’s very important to me to keep and deepen this relationship wherever that is possible,” Merz said before heading into a meeting with Li in Beijing on Wednesday. “But we also have some issues about which we will have to address,” adding he saw an opening for both nations to help their economies grow.
Speaking alongside Merz, Li said “China and Germany, as two major economies and influential major countries, should firm up our confidence in cooperation,” adding that Beijing “is willing to continue working with Germany to strengthen dialog and communication and enhance political mutual trust.”
“We should work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and commit ourselves to building a more just and equitable system of global governance,
thereby injecting more positive energy into the cause of global peace and development,” China’s No. 2 official said.
China’s status as both a strategic rival and an essential trading partner for Germany makes Merz’s visit tricky. Merz has warned executives against expanding investment in China in the past but recently toned down his criticism of the nation some. The German economy has been shedding 10,000 manufacturing jobs a month, experiencing what some economists call the “second China shock.”
Earlier this month at the Munich Security Conference, Merz said “China systematically exploits the dependencies of others,” adding that “raw materials, technologies and supply chains become instruments of power in the zero-sum game of the great.” China is the dominant supplier of materials vital for the production of electric vehicle batteries, smartphones and fighter jets. The minerals took on greater importance last year when China started to curb exports of rare earths in response to US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
VICE President JD Vance, left, and House Speaker Mike Johnson applaud President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Iranians worry over American military buildup as final round of talks nears
By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—
As the United States assembles its greatest military firepower in decades in the Middle East, Iranians are warily awaiting the next round of talks with the US in Geneva this week—negotiations that many see as a last chance for their ruling theocracy to strike a deal with US President Donald Trump.
Some say the situation feels hopeless. Battered by decades of sanctions, heightened by Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers, Iranians also just suffered through the bloodiest crackdown on dissent in the country’s modern history.
Still, Iran heads into the Thursday talks “with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal— in the shortest possible time,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted Tuesday on X.
As Iranians await the outcome of the Geneva negotiations, many fear the outbreak of a war that could surpass Iran’s bloody 1980s conflict with Iraq.
That conflict sparked a patriotic response from Iranian volunteers. But now the prospects of a war with the US have riven a population that includes hardline supporters of the theocracy and those who feel Iran is splitting at the seams, especially after it is still reeling from a devastating 12-day war with Israel in June and thousands of people killed and arrested during last month’s protests.
Trump said at least 32,000 people were killed in the protests, which is at the further end of estimates over the death toll. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency has so far counted more than 7,000 dead and believes the death toll is far higher. Iran’s government offered its only death
toll on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed.
“Every morning when I get up, my brain is full of chaos,” said Sepideh Bafarani, a 29-year-old woman who works in a women’s clothing store. “It’s a possible war ... and an ongoing bad economic situation.”
Rasool Razzaghi, a 54-year-old resident in the capital, Tehran, shared similar concerns ahead of the talks.
“I predict that if both sides really mean what they are saying, a war will start,” he said.
Trump’s ‘armada’ is getting closer FOR weeks, Trump has talked about an “armada” now largely in place off the coast of Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. He has also sent the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, from the Caribbean toward the Mideast.
Overall, at least 16 US Navy ships will be assembled, according to a US Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive military movements.
That’s comparable to Operation Desert Fox in 1998, when American and British forces bombed Iraq for four days over Saddam Hussein ‘s refusal to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions about weapons inspections. There are hundreds of fighter jets and other support aircraft in the region necessary for launching a major
attack on Iran.
Adding to that force, the United States also moved 12 F-22 stealth fighter jets to a base in Israel on Tuesday, according to a US official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive military movements.
Meanwhile, the CIA published instructions in Farsi online on how Iranians can securely contact the spy agency.
Iranians have been watching the buildup with growing concern, some by surreptitiously getting around internet restrictions or watching satellite news channels. Iranian state television has continued showing the country’s military running drills and its leaders threatening massive retaliation against any American assault.
Iranian state TV on Tuesday said the country’s Revolutionary Guard held a drill that included launching missiles, flying drones and firing guns at targets along its coast, without elaborating on the exact time or place of the exercise.
“It’s not an equal situation,” a passerby told The Associated Press on Tuesday in Tehran, declining to give his name for fear of reprisals. “One side has entered the talks with a lot of power, it has lot of equipment. On the other hand, Iran is in a weak position. They want total surrender, but I think that’s not viable.”
Steve Witkoff, the billionaire friend of Trump serving as his special Mideast envoy, has said the
president didn’t understand why Iran “hadn’t capitulated” given the forces arrayed against it in the region and beyond in Europe. Iranian Foreign Minister spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed Witkoff’s comments on Monday, saying “the word ‘capitulation’ does not exist in the Iranians’ dictionary.”
In his X posts Tuesday, Araghchi reiterated that Iran had no intention of ever developing a nuclear weapon but said it also would not forgo the “right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people.”
The Geneva talks, he said, are “a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests. A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority.”
Iran, he added, would “stop at nothing to guard our sovereignty with courage.”
It remains unclear just what Iran could offer Trump. Tehran has insisted it wants to continue enriching uranium, something Trump has repeatedly said must stop. It also has refused to discuss its ballistic missile arsenal or its support of regional proxy forces, another Trump demand.
‘Everybody is worried’
IT remains difficult to speak to people in Iran; internet and telephone lines remain disrupted
A WOMAN crosses a square as motorbikes ride past in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. AP/VAHID SALEMI
House panel favors ban on relatives up to 2nd degree as 24 anti-dynasty bills consolidated into HB 6671
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
APROHIBITION on political positions among relatives up to the second degree is emerging as the favored approach as the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms moves to consolidate 24 anti-political dynasty bills into a single substitute measure.
In a news conference, House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reform Chairman Zia Alonto
Adiong said the working draft is House Bill (HB) 6671, filed by Speaker Faustino G. Dy III and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos Jr., which now has 144 co-authors since its filing last December.
Adiong said the committee is
BARMM
ministry
sole Mindanao recipient in digital excellence awards
DAVAO CITY—The Bangsam-
oro Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) received the sole digital advocacy awards for any corporate or government entity in Mindanao, a feat that the recipient ministry dedicated to its mostly homeless clients in the communities in the autonomous region.
The digital awards was organized and bestowed by the Filipino-owned corporate money transfer giant GCash, in its annual awards ceremony in Taguig City.
The Bangsamoro government announced that its MHSD romped away with the Champion for Digital Advocacy and Connectivity, saying that it was the sole recipient in Mindanao during the February 19 GCash Digital Excellence Awards (GDEA) 2025.
It said the award “recognizes public personalities and government entities that help strengthen its footprint across all its serviceable areas.”
Deputy Minister Aldin Asiri, who also serves as MHSD’s officerin-charge, said this recognized the interim government’s dedication to serving the Bangsamoro people.
“For our communities, this award shows that the Bangsamoro government is capable of delivering transparent, modern, and people-centered services, even in challenging contexts,” said Asiri, who was joined by Abdulhamid Alawi, Jr., the Ministry’s GCash partnership focal and chief of the Policy Development Coordination and Regulation Division.
Asiri also lauded GCash’s vital role in transforming its manual government procedures into “more transparent and datadriven systems”.
“One example of GCash’s positive impact is our online digital map of geotagged housing projects. It allows the public and policymakers to see project locations,
See “BARMM,” A9
in the final stages of consolidating the 24 measures into a unified substitute bill, which they hope to finalize next week. The panel reached this point after completing public consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, held in Cavite, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.
“Our responsibility now is to consolidate these varied inputs into a version that is principled, balanced, and enforceable,” Adiong said.
“Our goal at the committee level is to craft an agreeable, constitutionally sound anti-political dynasty law that can gather broad support in Congress and endure legal challenges,” he added.
The debate, Adiong noted, is not about whether political dynasties should be prohibited—they
are—but about the degree of relationship to be covered. Among the 24 bills, the majority propose a second-degree ban.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan Suan, whose version initially proposed banning up to fourth-degree relatives, acknowledged the challenges of enforcing a stricter prohibition and expressed openness to reducing it to the second degree.
“We cannot insist on a ‘perfect’ bill based on personal preference if it cannot pass. Because when we make laws, it’s not about personal preference; it’s about collective agreement,” Suan pointed out.
1TAHANAN Rep. Nathaniel Oducado, another co-author, said HB 6671 strikes a balance between constitutional intent and political reality.
“So far, I think our group will
agree that the best approach is Speaker Bojie and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos’ HB 6671 because it aligns with the constitutional intent, while at the same time balancing the political realities and what is necessary on the ground,” he said.
Under HB 6671, a political dynasty is defined as the concentration or dominance of elective power by relatives. It covers all elective positions, from president, vice president, senators, and House members, down to governors, mayors, and barangay officials. Spouses and covered relatives would be prohibited from holding elective positions simultaneously within the same political jurisdiction, preventing the consolidation of power at national, provincial, city, municipal, legislative district, or barangay levels.
Lawmakers also described HB
AFP beefs up maritime defense with two new naval vessels
NAVAL OPERATING BASE, Subic — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) further strengthened its capability to secure the country’s vast archipelagic waters, coastlines, and economic zones with the commissioning here on Tuesday, February 24, of two vessels secured under the military’s ongoing modernization program.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. and Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, led the christening and commissioning ceremony for the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and the fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910).
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first six OPVs contracted from South Korean shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), while the BRP Audrey Bañares is the last of the nine FAICs acquired from Israeli Shipyards Limited. BRP Rajah Sulayman was named after the pre-Hispanic ruler who led Tagalog forces during the 1570 Battle of Manila, while BRP Audrey Bañares honors Jose Audrey Bañares, a Navy commando who was killed off Zamboanga City in September 2013 following a sea battle with Moro National Liberation Front extremists.
The AFP said that integrating these vessels into the active fleet would ensure a more formidable presence in both littoral and deep-sea operations.
In his keynote address, Gen. Brawner stressed that the AFP’s modernization efforts are anchored on responsibility and peace.
“Let me be clear: modernization is not a signal of aggression. It is a statement of responsibility,” Brawner said. “A credible defense posture deters conflict. Preparedness prevents miscalculation. Capability preserves peace,” he added.
AN ESTIMATED 66,772
minimum wage earners in the private sector in the Davao Region are set to benefit from a new wage increase taking effect next month.
Under Wage Order No. RB XI-24 approved on February 23 and made public on Wednesday, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) granted a P20 to P30 increase in daily minimum wages. For workers in the non-agriculture sector, the daily minimum wage will rise to P540 from P510. Those employed in the agriculture
THE offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman is docked at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales for its christening and commissioning ceremony on February 24.
"As these ships enter service, they join a PN that is forward-looking and mission-ready. They join a force that understands the complexities of our time — a force that balances firmness with diplomacy, vigilance with professionalism. The commissioning of a ship is the beginning of a commitment. From this day forward, PS-20 and PG-910 will sail into waters that demand competence, composure, and courage," Brawner said.
BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first vessel among six OPVs worth around P30 billion ordered by the Philippine Navy in 2022.
“Both ships are tangible representations of our commitment to protect our seas and secure our people. BRP Rajah Sulayman is considered the first of her class, and as a modern offshore patrol vessel newly acquired for the fleet, she harnesses our capacity for sustained operations to bolster national defense. BRP Audrey Bañares adds depth and versatility to our patrol forces, reinforcing readiness and adaptability to address both traditional and emerging maritime security challenges,” Ezpeleta said.
With the commissioning of these vessels, the
PN reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and supporting national and regional security objectives.
“As both vessels take their place within our fleet, I have no doubt that they shall be vital contributors to the conduct of our operations at sea and to the growth of our Navy,” Ezpeleta said.
The POVs are equipped with an acoustic detection system for anti-submarine operations and feature dedicated spaces for various mission modules to enable effective deployment across a wide range of operating environments, including maritime surveillance, maritime security missions, and military operations.
HD Hyundai also provided a pre-delivery training program to support the Philippine Navy in operating the ship safely immediately upon delivery.
Meanwhile, the nine FAICs, also known as the Acero-class gunboats, were ordered in February 2021 with a price tag of P10 billion.
These ships are expected to replace PN’s medium-sized patrol craft and help protect Philippine littoral waters. With Rex Anthony Naval
sector will receive P525 per day, up from P505.
The NWPC said the increase will be rolled out in two tranches: the first adjustment will take effect on March 13 while the second will follow on September 1.
“The wage increase prescribed herein shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector within the region, regardless of their position, designation, or status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid,” the commission added.
The Davao wage adjustment is the first set of increases approved this year. The NWPC earlier said the Bicol Region could follow in April, subject to the determination of its regional wage board. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/01/19/ bicol-davao-minimum-wagedetermination-still-withindeadline/).
Kasambahays get increase too MEANWHILE, domestic workers,
6671 as the most workable approach under consolidation, balancing political reform with practicality. Suan emphasized that the goal is a measure that can actually become law.
“I think we do not have to amplify the extremes. We need to find a workable common ground and I think this bill is the most workable of them all,” Suan said.
“We must remember that we need to find a workable bill, one that is acceptable to everyone and can actually pass. Because if we really insist on the most extreme version, we might end up with no bill at all. No law would be passed,” he said.
He added that dispersing political influence geographically helps mitigate the problem.
“If the concentration of power is
dispersed among a more expansive geographical area, I think the problems that we are trying to avoid with political dynasties might be mitigated,” he said.
Adiong clarified that the measure does not legitimize political dynasties but prevents excessive concentration of power in a single locality.
“We cannot really penalize the entire family simply because they share the same DNA, and they cannot be allowed, for example, to serve different localities in different positions all at the same time,” he explained.
He stressed that the core issue is power concentration within a single jurisdiction.
Adiong added that banning an entire family nationwide would be excessive.
Chiz chairs new Senate panel to tackle bill banning officials, kin from govt contracts
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero will lead Senate hearings on a priority measure that will disqualify relatives of public officials from entering into government contracts, following his appointment as chairperson of a newly created subcommittee under the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation.
The Senate approved Escudero’s designation in plenary after Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed that the move was made at the request of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, chair of the parent committee. The chamber then referred the proposal under Senate Bill No. 783 to Escudero’s subcommittee, underscoring its role in bolstering transparency and accountability in public procurement.
The senator from Sorsogon, who principally authored SB 783, has long championed reforms to bar public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from participating in government contracts. The bill, co-authored by Senators Bong Go and Joel Villanueva, is currently pending.
In filing the bill on August 4, 2025, Escudero emphasized that banning officials and their kin from government projects would
or kasambahays, in Davao will also receive a uniform minimum wage beginning next month.
The NWPC said the new monthly minimum wage for kasambahays will be set at P6,500, effectively removing the previous differential rates for those employed in chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and other municipalities.
The adjustment is expected to benefit 64,111 domestic workers, covering both live-in and live-out arrangements.
Like the private sector wage increase, the new rate for kasambahays will take effect on March 13.
“The issuance also underscores the Marcos Administration’s continuing commitment for timely and regular review of regional minimum wage rates to reduce uncertainty, enhance fairness for all stakeholders, and foster a stronger link between productivity and wages,” the commission also said.
Justine Xyrah Garcia
“boost procurement safeguards” and close gaps that allow undue influence in public transactions. He also stressed that such reforms are vital to restoring public trust and ensuring that government resources are allocated fairly and transparently.
“This subcommittee will ensure that integrity in public service is not only discussed but institutionalized,” Escudero said.
“By disqualifying relatives of officials from government contracts, we close the loopholes that allow undue influence and strengthen the country’s procurement safeguards as part of our continuing efforts to fight graft and corruption,” he added. The creation of the subcommittee reflects the Senate’s commitment to prioritize anti-corruption measures, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s call to eliminate undue influence in public transactions. With Escudero at the helm, hearings are expected to fast-track deliberations and consolidate legislative proposals that safeguard government procurement from familial and political interference. He assured the people that the panel he will chair will conduct itself with full “transparency” and will be open to hear all sides to ensure that all public hearings lend clarity to the situation “and will truly ensure an honest government.”
DILG cites 63 LGUs for outstanding anti-drug abuse performance; nearly 1,300 others get high marks
SIXTY- three local government units (LGUs) have received national recognition for their outstanding Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced.
In the same anti-drug abuse performance audit, close to 1,300 LGUs were rated as having highly functional ADACs, the DILG said in a statement.
Among the 63 national awardees are one province, three cities, and 59 municipalities. Each scored above 80 points in the performance audit, demonstrating strong and sustained anti-drug efforts, including effective reintegration programs and consistent aftercare monitoring.
In total, 1,291 LGUs earned a “highly functional” rating. This group includes 53 provinces, 33 cities, and 1,205 municipalities.
These councils received scores ranging from 70 to 100 points under the updated ADAC performance index.
The audit measured key governance areas such as council organization and regular meetings, funding and program implementation, supervision of component councils, sustained barangay drug-clearing efforts, access to rehabilitation and reintegration services, and integrity testing through drug screening. To encourage continuous improvement, the DILG will gradually raise the standards for highperforming ADACs over the next three years. The minimum score will increase to 90 points in 2027, and 95 points in 2028. This step aims to strengthen accountability and push LGUs to sustain and improve their anti-drug initiatives.
PSA: Registered births and marriages plunge in first 9 months of 2025
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
REGISTERED births and marriages both declined in the first nine months of 2025, according to provisional data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday.
From January to September 2025, the PSA said registered
DILG.
The audit also identifies councils that need improvement. These lowperforming ADACs will receive targeted capacity-building support to address gaps in planning, implementation, and monitoring.
With the full rollout of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council Functionality Monitoring System in 2025, the DILG reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and integrity in evaluating local performance. The system standardizes assessments, promotes evidence-based evaluation, and strengthens accountability across all levels of local government.
The annual performance audit serves as the government’s official mechanism for reviewing and recognizing local ADACs. It highlights effective and innovative practices while reinforcing national antidrug efforts at the community level. The ADAC National Audit Committee is chaired by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
ADACs are multi-sectoral councils led by local chief executives and are responsible for developing and implementing antidrug programs in their communities.
This yearly recognition supports the country’s community-based anti-drug campaign and aligns with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to pursue a wholeof-nation approach toward a drug-free Philippines. Jonathan L. Mayuga
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Some P20.447 billion also served as payment of personnel benefits for a total of 45 departments and agencies.
Moreover, the Department of National Defense was allotted P15.696 billion under the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The National Food Authority also received P6.269 billion as budgetary support to state-run corporations, while the Marawi Compensation Board was given P2 billion for the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Program.
Based on the 2025 General Appropriations Act, unprogrammed appropriations rose to P531.665 billion, higher than the P158.665 billion proposed by the DBM, after the Bicameral Conference Committee added P373 billion more.
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following last month’s nationwide protests. On the streets of Tehran, many people are suspicious of talking to journalists, assuming reporters work for the government. Iran’s theocracy controls all radio and TV stations in the country.
Those who did talk with the AP repeatedly mentioned the 1980s war with Iraq, a cataclysmic event in the minds of those old enough to remember it.
“I remember many bad situations, but even during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s it was not like this,” said Hassan Mirzaei, a 68-year-old taxi driver. “I am in shock without any hope— especially when there is word about war.”
He added: “I have two orphaned grandchildren, and need to work to feed.”
The man in Tehran who spoke of an unequal nature of the talks said: “We once fought Iraq for eight years, but it was a country at the same level with us. Going to war with America, Israel and NATO will have very horrible and unpredictable consequences.”
The Associated Press writer Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.
births reached 907,362, down 8 percent from 985,916 in the same period in 2024.
Across regions, Region IV-A (CALABARZON) recorded the highest number of births at 137,240, accounting for 15.1 percent of the national total.
The National Capital Region (NCR) followed with 102,244 births, reflecting a 6.9-percent
decline from 109,870 a year earlier. Region III (Central Luzon) registered 102,041 births, while Region VII (Central Visayas) logged 59,206.
Within Metro Manila, the PSA said Quezon City recorded the highest number of births at 22,250, or 21.8 percent of the region’s total.
At the provincial level, Cavite
posted the highest number of registered births at 36,785, followed by Cebu with 29,844 and Bulacan with 29,537.
Meanwhile, marriage registrations showed a steeper decline over the same period.
According to PSA, registered marriages fell 30.5 percent to 198,344 from 285,242 in the same period in 2024.
PNP to help other govt agencies in hunt for spies
THE National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Wednesday said the service will step up efforts to address a supposed trend of espionage activities in the country involving foreign nationals.
In line with this, Nartatez said he has tasked police units to closely coordinate with the Armed Forces (AFP), Bureau of Immigration, and other law enforcement and security agencies to investigate and monitor suspected intelligencegathering activities by foreign nationals.
“Our mandate to maintain peace and order includes a commitment to protect the interest of the Filipino people and the sovereignty of our country from any foreign threat. We will keep it that way,” Nartatez said, highlighting the urgency of preventing any security breaches.
The move comes amid recent reports from the AFP’s
BARMM. . .
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progress, and status. This improves accountability and monitoring,” he stated during the event, which awarded 45 recipients in various categories, including local government units (LGUs).
Established in 2004, GCash is a mobile wallet in the Philippines that offers services such as digital financial transactions
EDSA@40. . .
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In Cebu, moral conversion MEANWHILE , in Cebu City, a renewed call for moral conversion marked the 40th anniversary of the Revolution as Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy urged the faithful to remember the peaceful uprising not only as a historic triumph, but as a continuing summons to conscience.
Addressing attendees at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Uy described the 1986 revolt as a “moment of national awakening” and reminded Filipinos that the spirit of Edsa must remain alive amid persistent corruption and injustice.
He recalled how millions of Filipinos—many of them ordinary and poor— rediscovered their voice and courage in February 1986.
Without weapons and without bloodshed, Uy said Filipinos toppled a dictator through peaceful and prayerful resistance.
“Way dugo nga niagas [There was no blood shed],” Uy stressed, adding that such a miracle would not have been possible without the hand of God.
Historians have described Edsa as one
Merz. . .
Continued from A6 Beijing’s economic and political support for Russia during the war in Ukraine has also been a source of friction between Europe and China since the full invasion in early 2022. This month, Western officials said China increased its support for the war in 2025 and was likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow this year, casting doubt on efforts by European leaders to improve relations with Beijing. Merz, a conservative who took power in May, started his two-day trip on a surprisingly
monitoring of increased incidents in which foreigners were arrested on suspicion of intelligence-gathering.
The military flagged these cases as a developing trend that could threaten national security.
The latest incident involved a Chinese national, identified as Zhi Ling Guan (also known as Shi Nengyuan and Mike Sy), who was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Batangas on February 20 for falsely claiming Filipino citizenship and using fraudulent documents.
Authorities discovered that Zhi used multiple identities to obtain Philippine documents, including a passport. He was found administratively liable under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code for material misrepresentation in securing a drivers license.
Meanwhile, a Mongolian linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) was arrested in
through its users’ smartphones and other mobile devices, the Bangsamoro Information Office said.
Asiri said digital governance “has been instrumental in the MHSD’s service delivery, as it made its government functions convenient, especially in meeting the needs of the Bangsamoro in far-flung areas.”
“Through digital platforms and cashless transactions, we hope that in the near future, services become faster, safer, and more dignified for our beneficiaries,” he added.
of the largest non-violent mass mobilizations in history — achieved without arms, but sustained by faith, courage, and moral conviction.
The revolution derived its name from Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, the highway where much of the uprising unfolded.
Uy noted the deeper meaning of the name “Epifanio de los Santos”—a manifestation of the saints.
“Niadtong Pebrero 25, 1986, ang maong dalan napuno sa mga santos,” he said — saints not in marble statues, but in ordinary Filipinos willing to sacrifice for the nation.
While the historic gatherings took place in Metro Manila, Uy emphasized that thousands across the country, including many in Cebu, joined through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and fervent prayer.
Freedom still at risk
FOUR decades later, the prelate warned that the gains of Esa remain fragile.
“Ngano nga nagpabilin kining bililhon karon? Tungod kay ang atong kagawasan nameligro gihapon [Why is still important today? Because our freedom is still in peril],” he said.
He lamented that many Filipinos are still
positive tone.
“China has risen to the ranks of the major powers,” he told reporters in Berlin on Tuesday before departing. “Our China policy has to take account of that.”
The 70-year-old Merz will hold separate talks with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. He is scheduled to visit a Mercedes-Benz Group AG plant in Beijing on Thursday before traveling to the tech hub Hangzhou to tour facilities operated by Chinese robotics firm Hangzhou Unitree Technology Co. and Germany’s Siemens Energy AG. He joins a long list of foreign leaders traveling to Beijing recently trying to improve ties with China while the Trump administration
CALABARZON again recorded the highest number at 30,846 marriages, representing 15.6 percent of the national total.
NCR logged 26,776 marriages, down 26.5 percent from 36,423 in the same period in 2024.
Of these, Quezon City accounted for 10,252, or 38.3 percent of the region’s total.
Zambales on Feb. 12.
The 30-year-old suspect, who had enrolled as an aviation student, failed to disclose his military background and his jet fighter license from the PLA Air Force Aviation University.
The suspect was classified as an undesirable alien due to posing a potential threat to public safety.
Reports indicated that the foreigner allegedly took aerial photographs of Iba airport and surrounding areas, approximately five nautical miles from the airport.
Nartatez vowed that the PNP would link up with the Immigration and AFP to verify the possible links of the arrested foreigners.
“We will work closely with the BI to verify whether these arrested foreign nationals are connected and to uncover the full scope of their activities in the country,” he added.
Rex Anthony Naval
Asiri said the Ministry was awarded last year as having the best website among the Bangsamoro Government’s ministries, offices, and agencies, saying, “that recognition affirmed our commitment to accessible information and public service.”
In June 2025, GCash and MHSD commenced their collaboration and subsequently made it official a month after, through their partnership signing, themed, “Empowering BARMM through Digital Access and E-Governance.” Manuel T. Cayon
not free from poverty, trapped in systems of political patronage where the poor are pacified with temporary aid instead of being given sustainable livelihoods.
Uy also criticized the “politics of personalities,” where voters choose familiar or famous names without examining competence or integrity.
He decried the persistence of political dynasties, where power is concentrated in a few families as though public office were an inheritance.
The archbishop pointed to inequalities in the justice system, where the poor are easily jailed while the wealthy often evade accountability.
Above all, he warned that corruption remains a grave and worsening problem.
Following the Mass, members of the academe, civic groups, and community organizations joined a march dubbed Sugbuanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon (SUPAKK 2.0).
At 3pm on Wednesday, church bells toll across Cebu in unison as part of the synchronized ringing for 40 seconds— symbolizing the 40 years of the commemoration of the peaceful revolution in the country. Samuel P. Medenilla, Manuel T. Cayon &Carmel Pedroza
rattles officials around the world with tariff policies and other moves such as criticism over their defense spending levels.
Merz’s strategy for his meetings with Xi and Li will be to engage in dialog without losing sight of the potential risks from dependence on Chinese supplies of critical raw materials and rare-earth elements, a government official in Berlin said.
Merz has signaled his government’s China policy must begin at home by Germany strengthening its competitiveness and diversifying supply chains. “Only if we in Germany and Europe are united, strong and competitive can we shape a balanced partnership with China,”he said before
The PSA said the figures are provisional and based on registered events processed as of December 31, 2025.
“The results presented herein are still provisional and may differ from subsequent releases,” it added.
Among provinces, Cavite led with 8,589 marriages, followed by Batangas (7,510) and Pangasinan (7,201).
CA rejects AMLC appeal; Antonio Tiu officially excluded from Makati Building probe
THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the ruling issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila which excluded businessman Antonio Tiu and several others as respondents in the forfeiture case filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in connection with the alleged multi-billion anomalies in the construction of Makati City Parking Building and Makati Science High School Building.
In a 20-page decision penned by Associate Justice Mary Josephine Lazaro, the CA’s Fourteenth Division did not give merit to the argument of AMLC that the dismissal of Tiu, Ann Lorraine Tiu, and Pei Feng Lee and their companies Greenergy Inc. and Sunchamp Real Estate Development Corp as respondents in the forfeiture case was premature.
The appellate court held that the Manila RTC did not commit grave abuse of discretion when it issued the assailed September 28, 2023 order which granted the motion of Tiu and his co-respondents to be dropped as party-respondents to the case.
It may be recalled that prior to the trial court’s Sept. 28 order, it granted the respondents’ motion to lift the asset preservation order (APO) that it issued on December 15, 2015 covering the bank accounts, insurance policies, securities, investments and real properties.
The trial court held that the AMLC failed to prove that the accounts and properties of the respondents were related to an unlawful activity.
In light of the lifting of the APO, the respondents filed a motion to be dropped as party-respondents in the forfeiture case which the trial court granted.
This prompted the AMLC to elevate the case before the CA.
However, the CA said the trial court did err in removing the respondents from the forfeiture case.
Continued from A1
Overall score of the country improved to 61.04 in 2025 from 59.81 a year earlier.
Its strongest performance was in the regulatory framework category, scoring 73.86 compared with 70.68 the previous year.
The DOF credited reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), VAT on Digital Services and the Enhanced Mining Fiscal Regime for the gains.
Public services also improved, with the score increasing to 57.82 from 50.80, reflecting efforts to streamline government processes and make it easier for businesses to operate in the country.
Among the topic areas assessed in the report, the Philippines scored the highest in utility services at 80.24.
his departure. Germany will continue to carefully pursue its policy of so-called derisking from China, Merz said.
“It would be a mistake for us to seek to decouple ourselves from China,” he said.
“That kind of policy would only harm our own interests.”
Merz’s predecessor, Olaf Scholz, had set a goal of making Europe’s biggest economy less dependent on the Asian nation.
Dirk Jandura, president of Germany’s BGA export lobby, said the government was right to derisk from China and highlighted the need for “a balanced approach between
“As public respondent keenly observed, petitioner failed to establish any valid cause of action against private respondents. This conclusion is firmly supported by public respondent’s prior judicial determination that the funds held in the subject accounts of private respondents bear no relation to, nor are they the proceeds of, any unlawful activity,” the CA said.
“In view of these categorical findings, the continued inclusion of private respondents in the civil forfeiture proceedings would be without factual or legal basis. Accordingly, public respondent’s directive to drop private respondents from the case constitutes a proper and judicious exercise of discretionary authority vested in the RTC,” it added. The case stemmed from the petition for civil forfeiture with urgent prayer for the issuance of a provisional APO and/or APO pursuant to Republic Act No. 9160, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, filed before the Manila RTC by the AMLC against former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay; his son former Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay; 50 individuals, including Tiu, Ann Loraine and Pei; 14 entities, including Greenergy and Sunchamp; and 20 covered institutions and government agencies.
The petition alleged that based on the Office of the Ombudsman’s letter-referral to AMLC an investigation was conducted against the former Vice President, some members of his immediate family and close associates for possible money laundering activities.
The investigation was initiated based on the complaint for plunder and graft filed by Binays’ political opponents accusing them of overpricing the construction costs of the new Makati City Parking Building II by more than P 1.3 billion and the Makati Science High School Building by P1.18 billion.
Joel R. San Juan
Strong safety regulations for electricity and water, certification and inspection systems, liability frameworks, and ongoing infrastructure investments supported this. Moreover, the Philippines scored 73.22 in financial services, benefiting from robust credit infrastructure, better collateral registries and credit bureaus. Improvements in e-payment systems, loan processing, and digital banking have also increased reliability and efficiency, making financial services more accessible and effective for businesses, the DOF added.
In the labor category, the country scored 70.42, driven by consistent enforcement of labor regulations, clear rights and obligations for employers and employees and established institutional frameworks.
“This report affirms that our reform agenda is delivering results. We are doing everything in our power to strengthen investor confidence and make it our mission to ensure that the Philippines remains a top business destination to drive inclusive and sustainable growth for our people,” Go said.
openness and resilience” rather than a broader decoupling.
“Critical dependencies, for example in raw materials, intermediate goods or key technologies, should be addressed through dialog and reduced through diversification,” Jandura said Monday in an emailed statement. “Simultaneously, supply chains must remain stable and resilient.”
In a separate note on Monday, the government in Berlin said the issue of “competition” will be the focus of Merz’s trip and that Germany remains committed to efforts to secure a “level playing field” in international commerce. Bloomberg News
Safeguarding a $40-B engine: Securing the future of the country’s IT-BPM industry
THE Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry stands as one of the country’s most remarkable economic success stories. Employing nearly 1.9 million and contributing approximately 8.2 percent to the national GDP, the industry has generated substantial export revenues—surpassing $40 billion last year and projected to reach $42 billion by the end of 2026. It has fueled the rise of a new middle class, created stable, modern jobs, and positioned the Philippines as a global leader in information technology and business process management services.
This achievement is no accident; it reflects decades of talent, English proficiency, cost competitiveness, and adaptability. Yet, as highlighted in recent statements from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) following the Senate public hearing on Senate Resolution 253, authored by Senator Bam Aquino and supported by input from Senator Risa Hontiveros, this hard-won position is increasingly at risk. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Fixes needed to keep IT-BPM lead,” February 23, 2026).
The hearing spotlighted critical challenges that threaten the industry’s sustained growth and global competitiveness: rising cybersecurity threats, the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on job roles, burdensome and inconsistent regulatory compliance, escalating operating costs, delays in government-funded upskilling programs under TESDA, and—most alarmingly—the persistent imposition of local taxes, fees, and charges by some local government units despite explicit exemptions under the CREATE MORE Act.
IBPAP COO Celeste Ilagan captured the urgency well: “This industry helped build a new Filipino middle class. With clear policies and decisive action, the Philippines can remain a global leader in IT-BPM.”
The message is clear—past gains alone will not secure the future. Investor confidence is fragile; concerns elevated to global headquarters can swiftly shift location decisions away from the Philippines toward competitors like India, Poland, or emerging hubs in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
The issues are not abstract. Inconsistent business permitting requirements and additional documentation demands add friction and costs. Aggressive LGU taxation undermines the national incentives designed to attract and retain investments. Delays in large-scale reskilling initiatives leave the workforce vulnerable as AI transforms routine tasks, potentially displacing jobs unless proactive upskilling accelerates. Cybersecurity incidents erode trust in an industry that handles sensitive data for multinational clients.
These are fixable problems, but they require swift, coordinated action from national and local governments. Congress and relevant agencies must enforce the spirit and letter of CREATE MORE, ensuring LGUs honor exemptions and align local ordinances with national policy.
Regulatory streamlining—reducing red tape in permitting and compliance—would immediately boost ease of doing business. Accelerated rollout of TESDA and other upskilling programs, ideally in partnership with private sector leaders like IBPAP, is essential to prepare workers for higher-value, AIaugmented roles rather than leaving them exposed to displacement.
The Senate hearing itself is a positive step, demonstrating legislative willingness to engage with the industry. Senators Aquino and Hontiveros deserve credit for elevating these concerns. Now, follow-through is crucial: concrete reforms, not just discussions.
The Philippines cannot afford complacency. The IT-BPM industry is more than an economic engine; it is a ladder of opportunity for millions and a showcase of Filipino capability on the world stage. Protecting and future-proofing it demands decisive leadership—harmonizing national and local policies, investing aggressively in talent, and addressing emerging risks head-on. With decisive reforms, the country can not only maintain but also strengthen its position as a global IT-BPM powerhouse, ensuring continued prosperity for the middle class it has helped create. Action is urgent; delay will likely mean lost jobs, reduced investment, and a weakened national economy.
BusinessMirror
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes M. Fernandez
Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug
Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa
Rolando M. Manangan
Cheap goods, expensive consequences
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John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
RALL died with an unread note in his pocket because he preferred his cards and his liquor to the reality of an approaching army. The commander of the German mercenaries at the Battle of Trenton was warned that George Washington was crossing the Delaware River to attack, but he simply tucked the intelligence away in his coat pocket for a “later” that never arrived.
Today, the global industrial community is carrying a similar piece of paper in its coat pocket, and the bulge is becoming impossible to ignore. For more than 10 years, we have watched Chinese overcapacity flood international markets, and the world is finally realizing that the party is over. However, as any businessman in Binondo will tell you, knowing the fire is coming and having the water ready are two very different things.
We see the carnage clearly in the European Union, where car manufacturing is currently in a state of managed collapse. European car production fell -11 percent in the first quarter of 2025, and total output (down -4.2 percent for the year) remains significantly below 2019 levels. For the first time in its history, Volkswagen has begun closing factories on its home soil in Germany.
Meanwhile, Chinese brands now hold nearly 10 percent of the entire European passenger car market, seemingly larger than South Korean
rivals for the first time. This is not a random fluctuation of the business cycle; it is the calculated result of long-running Chinese industrial policies. Years of state subsidies have built more capacity than Chinese domestic demand can ever hope to absorb.
The International Monetary Fund again is saying that China has become increasingly reliant on manufacturing exports as its primary source of economic growth. Data from the IMF indicate that China spends roughly 4 percent of its Gross Domestic Product subsidizing companies in critical industries. While 4 percent may sound like a small, harmless number to a bureaucrat, in the context of the second largest economy in the world, the math is devastating.
With China’s GDP currently approaching $19 trillion, that 4 percent represents $760 billion in state support. To put that in perspective, the entire Philippine GDP is hovering below $500 billion. Beijing is spending more money just on sub -
The International Monetary Fund again is saying that China has become increasingly reliant on manufacturing exports as its primary source of economic growth. Data from the IMF indicate that China spends roughly 4 percent of its Gross Domestic Product subsidizing companies in critical industries. While 4 percent may sound like a small, harmless number to a bureaucrat, in the context of the second largest economy in the world, the math is devastating.
sidizing its factories than the total value of everything produced, sold, and consumed in the Philippines in a year.
The IMF suggests that China should reduce these subsidies to 2 percent to help rebalance global output. Even a reduction to 2 percent would still leave $380 billion in the war chest. Good luck with that. Expecting a voluntary reduction in industrial subsidies is about as realistic as expecting the Permanent Court of Arbitration to successfully stop Chinese vessels from harvesting “Filipino fish” in our own exclusive economic zone.
For the Philippines, Chinese economic subsidies are not an exercise in macroeconomics but a story about Philippine manufacturing survival. We have spent decades attempting to build a credible industrial base against the headwinds of high power costs and the usual bureaucratic nonsense. When global markets are drowned with low-priced goods from
Importers launch tariff refund process after Supreme Court win
By Zoe Tillman
AGROUP of small businesses that successfully challenged President Donald Trump’s global tariffs before the US Supreme Court have asked lower courts to reopen the legal proceedings so that they can begin the process of seeking refunds from the government.
On Tuesday, lawyers for the challengers asked the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to formalize its ruling last year declaring Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs unlawful, which a majority of the Supreme Court upheld on February 20. Once that happens, the fight will return to the US Court of International Trade to determine next steps, including whether the importers must get their money back. Also on Tuesday, attorneys for the group of small businesses filed a request in the trade court asking a three-judge
panel to enter a fresh injunction blocking the administration from enforcing the tariff policy and initiating the refund process.
The businesses aren’t asking the trade court for a nationwide order, saying that’s unnecessary because the government can’t impose the tariffs “on anyone without violating the Supreme Court’s decision.”
But they suggested that the trade court could consider merging all of the tariff lawsuits “to ensure the fair and prompt resolution.” More than 1,500 refund lawsuits
Trade lawyers told Bloomberg News that they expect the administration will face a difficult legal landscape contesting refunds. The Justice Department not only had said that the original plaintiffs would get repaid, but also that the government would concede key issues related to refunds in other cases. The administration had made those statements in urging judges to allow officials to continue collecting the levies while the court fight played out.
have been filed to date, according to
televisions to sophisticated electronics, our local industries do not just struggle; they vanish. For the Filipino consumer, cheap goods are always a temptation. But the true price of these cheap goods will eventually be found in that unread note in our collective pocket, discovered only after the industrial base has been completely surrendered. There is a glimmer of a counterstrategy. The Philippine government has anchored its current manufacturing vision on the “Tatak Pinoy Strategy,” which was made law in 2024 and rolled out in late 2025. Unlike previous plans that focused on low-cost labor, this strategy focuses on high-value production. We may be seeing the first signs of movement. Government agencies have begun implementing the 25 percent domestic preference rule, where local manufacturers are prioritized in state contracts to stimulate demand. Perhaps only coincidental good luck, but the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI rose to a nine-month high of 52.9 in January 2026, up from 50.2 in December 2025. This growth was driven by a genuine rebound in production and new orders. We have the roadmap and we may finally have the data moving in the right direction. It is a start, but this new roadmap cannot be another “Photo-Op” initiative. Government must start to fill the pockets of all Filipinos and not just the bank accounts of political and business “crocodiles.”
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
sued would get refunds with interest if they won.
“We’re trying to hold the government to their word,” Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at Liberty Justice Center, which has represented the businesses, said in an interview. Immediately after the Supreme Court announced its decision in the tariff case, Trump made comments suggesting the government might oppose paying refunds.
“I guess it has to get litigated,” the president said at the time. He also speculated that the issue might take years to resolve.
Importers have paid approximately $170 billion on tariffs so far. Schwab said the president’s statements made “things a little murkier,” so they are hoping for clarity from the trade court as soon as possible. See “Importers,” A11
Memory boom drives Korean stocks’ breakthrough past 6,000 level
By Sangmi Cha
SOUTH Korea’s equity benchmark has crossed a new milestone just a month after surpassing the once-unthinkable 5,000 mark, as surging global memory demand powers the country’s biggest chipmakers.
The Kospi Index advanced as much as 1.9 percent to a record 6,085 Wednesday morning, with Samsung Electronics Co. up 2.5 percent and SK Hynix Inc. shares gaining 2.1 percent. With the benchmark now up 44 percent for 2026, Korea’s stock market capitalization has also moved past France’s, following last month’s overtaking of Germany’s.
Long overlooked by foreign funds despite being undervalued, Korean stocks have now emerged as clear winners in the global market. The so-called “AI scare trade” has proven a boon for the country, where software stocks play only a minor role and hardware manufacturers continue to drive the market higher.
Corporate governance reforms have helped fuel the rally, with parliament expected to pass a bill later Wednesday requiring companies to cancel treasury shares.
The latest gain is part of a global tech rally following Meta Platforms Inc.’s deal to buy chips and computers from Advanced Micro devices Inc. to power AI models.
“The country continues to benefit from multiple structural tailwinds, with increasing scope for positive spillover from the memory supercycle to the broader tech ecosystem,” said Homin Lee, senior macro strategist at Lombard Odier. “We still see meaningful upside potential for the index in the next 12 months even if its path beyond the 6,000 mark proves a bit more volatile.”
The US Supreme Court’s decision last week to strike down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is also seen as a boost for Korean equities. Tiffany Hsiao, portfolio manager at Matthews, expects “Korean exporters tied to US consumer demand— particularly in electronics and components—would benefit from any reduction in tariff uncertainty.”
There are early signs that retail investors, who have traditionally favored US stocks over local ones, are returning home. Such a shift, if sustained, could drive the next leg of the rally.
In late January, Korea’s market value overtook Germany’s, and this week it climbed to $3.76 trillion, exceeding France’s despite its much smaller economy. Such a swift advance might normally spark concern and some market watchers are closely monitoring valuations.
“I was looking at buying Kospi fu-
Importers. . . continued from A10
“Hopefully the Justice Department attorneys will work with us and it will be an easy process,” he said. Spokespeople for the Justice Department and the White House didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
The small businesses that brought one of the cases that went before the justices didn’t specify how much money they’re seeking to recoup. Their lawyers told the trade court on Tuesday that any refund process adopted in the case could serve as a “template for providing swift relief” for the rest of the companies pursuing claims. The bulk of the tariff refund lawsuits were filed by importers after the Supreme Court heard arguments in November, and the trade court put them all on hold until the justices ruled. The Justice Department hasn’t said how it intends to proceed yet.
Rebel startups challenge conglomerates in Korea’s ‘AI Squid Game’
WLong overlooked by foreign funds despite being undervalued, Korean stocks have now emerged as clear winners in the global market. The so-called “AI scare trade” has proven a boon for the country, where software stocks play only a minor role and hardware manufacturers continue to drive the market higher. Corporate governance reforms have helped fuel the rally, with parliament expected to pass a bill later Wednesday requiring companies to cancel treasury shares.
tures, but given the relative move in Kospi the past month, it’s a tough call to initiate new longs,” said Matthew Haupt, portfolio manager at Wilson Asset Management in Sydney.
Samsung share prices have nearly quadrupled since the start of 2025, while those for SK Hynix have jumped six-fold.
But analysts remain broadly bullish, describing the surge as a watershed moment for Korea.
“Still Korean stocks appear largely immune from the deep selloff we have seen in the US, as the damage has been in software versus hardware so far,” Haupt said. “So Korea continues to attract a lot of capital.”
Nomura recently raised its target on the Kospi gauge to as high as 8,000 in the first half of the year, citing a memory supercycle, earnings strength in the AI capex chain and defense sector, and a re-rating of the physical AI supply chain.
“If Korea can accelerate its corporate value reform and structural improvement of the Kosdaq, we expect a further re-rating beyond 8,000,” Nomura analysts including Cindy Park and Dongmin Lee wrote in a note.
The path to 8,000 also hinges on whether the government can deliver the reforms promised through multiple revisions of the Commercial Act, Korea’s main business law, Park and Lee wrote.
The latest proposal, requiring the cancellation of treasury shares, would eliminate a mechanism that governance experts say conglomerate owners have used to reinforce control with minimal direct holdings. With assistance from Winnie Hsu/ Bloomberg
Trade lawyers told Bloomberg News that they expect the administration will face a difficult legal landscape contesting refunds. The Justice Department not only had said that the original plaintiffs would get repaid, but also that the government would concede key issues related to refunds in other cases. The administration had made those statements in urging judges to allow officials to continue collecting the levies while the court fight played out.
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court agreed with the lower courts that Trump unlawfully imposed the tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Shortly after the Supreme Court announced its decision, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a new round of global tariffs under a different authority, the Trade Act of 1974.
Legal experts have predicted that the administration is likely to face challenges to those levies as well. With assistance from Catherine Lucey/Bloomberg
By Yoolim Lee
HILE pursuing his doctorate in mathematics at the University of Oxford, Junghwan Lim watched many peers head deeper into academia or pivot toward lucrative careers in finance. But an encounter with DeepMind, later acquired by Google, inspired a more unconventional path: using his expertise in anabelian geometry, a formidable study spanning algebra, geometry and topology, to develop technology.
He returned home to Seoul and did stints as a data scientist at a gaming company and Samsung Research. But rather than settling into a comfortable career at a conglomerate, he soon ventured into the world of startups. Today, the 34-year-old is applying his polymathic background at Motif Technologies, a startup that’s emerged as a contender in the race to build South Korea’s national AI infrastructure.
Late last week, the government announced that it selected Motif as a competitor in a state-backed competition to create sovereign AI models. Nicknamed “AI Squid Game” after Netflix’s dystopian survival show, the multi-stage contest—overseen by the Ministry of Science and ICT— kicked off in January and is designed to have a panel of judges pick two of the best homegrown AI models. It will join a bigger local AI startup, Upstage, in challenging industrial giants SK Group and LG Group in the next elimination round in August.
Motif had been eliminated in an earlier round but was allowed to rejoin the race in recognition of its competitiveness. Its Motif-2-12.7BReasoning model was released in December, garnering impressive benchmark scores and becoming the best-performing model from Korea at the time, according to Artificial Analysis, an independent research organization based in the US.
“We believe that we have the best technology and R&D capabilities in the country,” said Lim, chief executive officer of Motif, which was spun
off from AI software company Moreh a year ago.
Motif’s founding mission was to use technology to transcend resource constraints, he said, a goal that mirrored the national drive to use innovation to overcome scarcity and to challenge the dominance of the US and China.
The company isn’t just competing with domestic rivals. It has been measuring its model against much bigger leaders in a bid to outperform them. “Win or lose, this effort will push us forward in our mission to become a top-tier global AI company,” Lim said.
The government is providing Motif with funds as well as access to 768 of Nvidia Corp.’s B200 AI processors. The initiative represents a change for a government that has long backed the country’s powerful conglomerates to drive innovation and export-led economic growth, although it’s begun encouraging tech entrepreneurship in recent years. By giving smaller startups a chance, Seoul is acknowledging the disruptive force of AI and that its economic future relies increasingly on agile tech entrepreneurs rather than massive industrial scale.
South Korea is among a growing list of nations determined to prevent their industries and workforces from being left behind by AI. Officials are particularly keen on building homegrown foundation models as the country is a heavy user of AI, being one of the world’s biggest markets for ChatGPT by paying users. It also has a high density of industrial
robots, a sector set for radical changes led by the technology.
The ultimate goal, officials say, is to develop indigenous open-source models that are on par with frontier models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The government is hoping the competition will breed innovation and bolster a homegrown AI industry, helping make the country a third power in the global AI race, providing an alternative to the dominance of the US and China.
While AI is becoming a capitalintensive industry, with giants like OpenAI and Anthropic raising billions to fund massive GPU clusters, startups remain central to major innovations. Little-known Chinese player DeepSeek, for example, upended the industry by demonstrating world-class performance with costefficient AI models.
“It’s great to see these bold startups jumping into a difficult sector,” said Chanjun Park, an assistant professor in the School of Software at Soongsil University in Seoul. “When you look globally, the big AI leaders are actually startups, not the established tech companies.”
The other startup in the contest, Upstage, is already something of a star in the local tech scene. Led by co-founder and CEO Sung Kim, the company is preparing for an initial public offering and is widely considered, along with LG AI Research, a top contender in the race.
During the last round of competition, Kim made an impression by publicly confronting allegations that the company’s Solar Open 100B model was fine-tuned from a Chinese model. Through a livestreamed presentation, the veteran developer gave a walkthrough of its original architecture, prompting an apology from the accuser. “Sung Kim is fearless, and he’s fast,” said Soongsil University’s Park, who worked with him in the past.
Kim, unlike many of the country’s tech elite, comes from a humble background. The son of a factory worker, he grew up sharing a room with his family of six. He studied at a vocational high school which offered free tuition, a track typically leading to factory work. Yet he managed to enroll at Daegu University where, in the early days of the internet, he developed one of Korea’s first search engines.
After roles at MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, he joined Naver Corp., often described as the country’s answer to Google. There, he spearheaded the early development of AI as head of CLOVA AI, hiring a team of 150 engineers. However, frustrated with Naver’s repeated shifts on AI strategy, Kim quit to found Upstage, convincing 10 elite engineers to join his new venture. The competition is also credited for energizing the country’s broader tech sector, speeding up innovation and partnerships across industries. Artificial Analysis said in January that the initiative was helping Korea become a clear contender for third place in global AI. Even those already cut from the race, such as startup Trillion Labs, Naver and NCSoft Corp.’s NC AI, say they’re pressing ahead with their AI strategies.
“Nothing fundamentally changes for us. We didn’t start this company for a competition,” said Jay Shin of Trillion Labs, which lost to Motif last week in its bid to rejoin the race. The 31-year-old founder said the company still aims to challenge the dominant architectures of global models. Upstage’s Kim said he believes the competition will bolster Korea’s chance at becoming a top global player, adding that he’s not afraid of elimination.
“Luck and drive brought me here,” he said. “Failure doesn’t scare me, but I’m here to win.” Bloomberg
Takaichi’s reflationist picks for BOJ board nudge yen weaker
By Toru Fujioka & Erica Yokoyama
JAPAN’S
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government nominated two reflationist academics to join the Bank of Japan policy board on Wednesday, proposed appointments that weakened the yen against the dollar.
The government named Aoyama Gakuin University Professor Ayano Sato and Chuo University Professor Toichiro Asada as its candidates to replace outgoing BOJ board members Asahi Noguchi and Junko Nakagawa. Noguchi’s five-year term concludes at the end of March and Nakagawa’s finishes in June.
The nomination of two academics associated with reflationist economic policies is likely to fuel speculation that Takaichi will be cautious about the central bank raising interest rates quickly.
“Both hold a view that it’s important to support the economy from both the monetary and fiscal sides,” said Yutaka Harada, a former BOJ board member who is acquainted with both nominees. “They probably think that it’s hard to justify continu-
ing to raise rates when inflation data are expected to decelerate.”
Harada added that it’s unclear to what extent the newcomers might influence thinking on the board.
The yen slipped to as weak as 156.04 against the dollar from around 155.51 before the news in a sign that investors saw the likely new members favoring easy monetary policy.
This was the first opportunity for Takaichi to directly influence the dynamics of the nine-member board, with market players watching closely for an indication of the prime minister’s intentions after her decisive election win earlier this month.
“Markets may be interpreting the two replacements as likely to hold slightly more dovish policy stances than the outgoing board members,”
said Carol Kong, a strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. “But the very limited selloff in the yen and moves in long-dated JGB yields mean markets are not too concerned about Takaichi interfering with BOJ policy.” With yen weakness persisting, economists have increasingly seen the likelihood of a rate increase by April, a shift from the once widely held market view that the next move wouldn’t come until June or July. Some see the outside chance of a hike when the BOJ next sets policy on March 19. Still, those views may be revisited after the latest selections. By choosing two pro-stimulus candidates, Takaichi appears to be following in the footsteps of her mentor, Shinzo Abe, who packed the board with reflationists when he was prime minister. The replacement of two board members isn’t likely to upend the BOJ’s intention to raise the benchmark rate when economic conditions allow. Still, the nominations drew more attention than usual as investors seek to analyze Takaichi’s signaling.
In a sign of what’s at stake, the yen already weakened as much as
1.1 percent on Tuesday after local media reported that Takaichi voiced apprehension over more rate hikes in a meeting with BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda last week.
The BOJ declined to comment on the Mainichi report. Following their meeting, Ueda last week said that Takaichi made no specific requests as they swapped general ideas during their discussion of the economy. Departing board member Noguchi was a staunch advocate of monetary easing, having voted against rate hikes twice. For that reason, traders weren’t likely surprised by his replacement with someone likeminded. More than 60 percent of BOJ watchers expected a strong monetary easing advocate to succeed him, according to a Bloomberg survey last month.
That had put the focus on the second nominee and whether Takaichi would balance her choices or give a clear pro-stimulus signal. The incumbent member Nakagawa hasn’t voted against the board’s policy decisions. With assistance from John Cheng, Akemi Terukina and Takashi Umekawa/Bloomberg
US, South Korea in rare clash over US drills held near China
TBy Soo-Hyang Choi
HE US and South Korea engaged in a rare public display of friction after it was reported that American and Chinese fighter jets briefly faced off over waters near the Korean Peninsula last week, exposing signs of strains in one of Washington’s key security alliances in Asia.
South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back lodged a complaint with Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the 28,500-strong US Forces Korea, over the drills that he said heightened military tensions near the peninsula, Yonhap News reported.
South Korea’s military wasn’t in-
volved in the latest training exercises and wasn’t aware of the flight details in advance, Yonhap said. Yonhap cited a military source in reporting that Brunson apologized—a claim USFK later denied.
“We don’t make apologies for maintaining readiness,” USFK said in a statement to Bloomberg News late Tuesday.
Brunson spoke with the defense minister to reiterate that notification had been provided to the South Korean side and expressed regret that the minister and the South Korean chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were not briefed in time, the US military said.
“Candid dialogue is essential to effective alliance coordination, and selective
disclosure—whether accurate or not— does not advance our shared security objectives,” it said.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry earlier confirmed that the minister had spoken by phone with the US commander and said reports of the general apologizing were “in part” true, without elaborating.
Around 10 US fighter jets departed an airbase in Pyeongtaek for drills over international waters off South Korea’s western coast last week, Yonhap News reported. While the US planes didn’t enter China’s air defense identification zone, Beijing scrambled planes as they neared the area, according to the report. The rare public airing of tensions
between the allies comes as the US has hinted at reducing its role in deterring North Korean aggression while urging South Korea to take the lead in countering Pyongyang.
It also demonstrates the challenges facing President Lee Jae Myung as he seeks to avoid taking sides between the US and China, a shift from his predecessor’s approach of clearly prioritizing ties with Washington and Tokyo. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during his visit to Seoul in November that Washington retains “flexibility for regional contingencies,” signaling potential roles beyond the Korean Peninsula amid rising tensions with China. Bloomberg
Thursday, February 26, 2026
45% OF GLOBAL EMAILS IN ’25 WAS SPAM, SAYS KASPERSKY
By Lorenz S. Marasigan
ALMOST half of the emails received globally last year was spam, with malicious email attachments surging 15 percent to over 144 million detections, according to a new report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
Kaspersky telemetry showed that 44.99 percent of global email traffic in 2025 consisted of spam—a category that includes not just unsolicited messages but also scam, phishing, and malware-laden emails.
“Email phishing shouldn’t be underestimated. Our report reveals that one in 10 business attacks starts with phishing, with a significant proportion being Advanced Persistent Threats,” said Roman Dedenok, anti-spam expert at Kaspersky.
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest share of email antivirus detections at 30 percent, ahead of Europe at 21 percent, Latin America at 16 percent, and the Middle East at 15 percent.
China led among individual countries with 14 percent of detections, followed by Russia at 11 percent, Mexico and Spain at 8 percent each, and Turkey at 5 percent.
Detections peaked in June, July, and November. “In 2025, we saw an increase in the sophistication of targeted email attacks. Even the smallest details are meticulously crafted in these malicious campaigns, including the composition of sender addresses and the tailoring of content to real corporate events and processes,” Dedenok said. Beyond sheer volume, Kaspersky flagged growing sophistication in how attackers craft and deliver malicious emails.
Threat actors are increasingly combining channels—luring victims from email to messaging apps or fraudulent phone numbers—while using QR codes embedded in emails or PDF attachments to disguise phishing links and bypass corporate security filters.
Kaspersky also documented abuses of legitimate platforms, including a tactic exploiting OpenAI’s team invitation feature to send scam emails from authentic OpenAI addresses.
A calendar-based phishing scheme that first emerged in the late 2010s also resurfaced last year, this time targeting corporate users.
In business email compromise attacks, fraudsters inserted fake
BusinessMirror
DOE prefers private sector bids for coal power projects
By Lenie Lectura
THEDepartment of Energy (DOE) would rather have bidders from the private sector for the upcoming bid round for coal development and production on February 27.
The auction will offer three coal areas covering a total of 18 coal blocks. These include 10 blocks in Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique; three blocks in Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan; and five blocks in Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan, Isabela.
Asked if the Philippine National Oil Company—Energy Corp. (PNOC-EC) can participate in the auction, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said it is not barred from participating, but her office prefers private sector bidders.
“I don’t think there’s any prohibition on their part but we have a policy, or I think it’s a general policy. But in DOE, I try to remind our agencies that we do not compete with the private for business. We only come in
when the private is not interested or is not capable.
I would discourage. Let the private sector participate rather than bring in PNOC. Later. PNOC can come in as a partner or in any form. For now, I do prefer that it’s private,” said Garin.
The launch will mark Day 1 of the bidding program, with interested applicants given 60 days to submit their application documents. The deadline for submission is 11a.m. on the 60th day, followed by the opening of applications at 1.m. on the same day.
A presubmission conference will be held 20 days after launch to address bidder inquiries and clarify requirements.
A PDA bid round is a competitive
process where the government offers identified resource areas for development and production, and qualified parties participate under a transparent evaluation and award mechanism. By offering areas with established mineable reserves through a structured bid round, the DOE aims to ensure the orderly and responsible development and production of indigenous coal resources, while maintaining strict safeguards for public safety, environmental protection, and host-community welfare.
Semirara contract
THE DOE confirmed that Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corp.’s (SMPC) coal operating contract (COC) no. 5 was included in the PDAs.
“COC-5 will expire on July 10, 2027 and they can still continue their work program until July 10, 2027. New contract will take effect the day after July 10, 2027,” DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales earlier said.
On SMPC’s part, the company said it intends to fulfill the remainder of its current COC. It added that management continues to implement prudent capital management
Edsa@40: Marcos spends day in meetings, critics seek reforms, resignation
AS protesters marched to Edsa to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution on Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent the day in Malacañang attending private meetings.
Marcos did not attend any public event related to the People Power Revolution—the nonviolent mass movement in 1986 which ended the dictatorial rule of the chief executive’s father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Instead, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos held four meetings in Malacañang.
Among the groups which met with Marcos was the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The chief executive’s apparent attempt to play the event also extended to his decision not to immediately release any statement for the People Power Revolution Anniversary.
“Maybe I’ll give you an update on that later, but we don’t have any information about that yet,” Castro said when asked if Marcos will issue a statement on the anniversary.
The Palace usually issues the President’s statement on important holidays on the morning of such events.
Marcos also drew criticism from some lawmakers when he decided to declare Edsa People Power Revolution Anniversary simply a special working holiday. Critics claimed this diminished the importance of Edsa.
The event was usually declared a special non-working holiday in past years.
In the first year of his Presidency in 2023, Marcos initially continued the tradition before breaking it in 2024 by declaring it a working holiday.
The event has since then remained a special working holiday.
To address the issue, Akbayan Party-list lawmakers and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao has filed House Bill 7911 seeking to declare every February 25 as a national holiday to mark the anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
Davao archdiocese: Focus on public funds IN Davao City, the Catholic archdiocese sought wider discussions in Christian communities and villages on government accountability of its use of public funds.
Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao City also warned about the public’s “silence, indifference and compromise” as contributing to the “unprecedented corruption.
While he publicly said that the “Marcos Resign” placards outside the San Pedro Cathedral was not the archdiocesan position, he “encouraged” the Catholic faithful to discuss in the Basic Christian Communities, in the communities, in the homes of how government is using public funds. His archdiocesan pastoral letter read in November and reread on Wednesday’s candle-lighting in front of the cathedral has been critical of President Marcos Jr. It talked of government efforts to obscure scrutiny of abuse of public funds. It talked of the President’s continued refusal to undergo hair follicle test, the anomalous flood control projects, and loss of moral ascendancy to lead the nation.
“It must be stated that corruption is morally unacceptable,” he said.
On Wednesday, about 500 representatives and leaders of parochial and church organizations, many of them youth and schools, attended a mass at the San Pedro Cathedral as lighted candles at the cathedral compound.
“In our communal discernment, we believe that moral ascendancy is essential for governance. Given the grave controversies confronting the highest office, and the erosion of public trust, we therefore call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to do the supreme act of sacrifice by stepping down peacefully, for the good of the nation and in fidelity to constitutional order,” the group statement said.
measures to preserve financial flexibility. It stressed that there is no immediate impact on its financial condition or business operations, beyond the mine plan submitted to the DOE.
“Semirara still has the contract up to 2027. So the actions are either we do an extension of their contract or a bidding. But since we have not issued an extension, we’ll be issuing an announcement. So in a few days, we will be announcing that those are up for bidding. So, likely, it will be included in that.
We don’t need to formally communicate to them. It’s just the natural course of contract with the government,” commented Garin. SMPC can still participate in the auction.
“I think there will be many companies that will be interested. But you have to remember also that this is not about the least price. This has to be awarded to the company that is the most capable to continue or even improve the operation.
Semirara has proven itself already and any other challengers for that should prove that they could do better than Semirara,” said Garin.
CA: Arrest, detention of bizman Joseph Sy is illegal
By Joel R. San Juan
THE Court of Appeals (CA) has ruled that the Bureau of Immigration’s arrest and continued detention of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. chairman Joseph Sy is “illegal” for lack of jurisdiction. In a 15-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Carlito Calpatura, the CA’s Special Eight Division denied the BI’s petition seeking to nullify the September 2025 ruling of the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City which granted the petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus in favor of Sy and ordered his immediate release from the BI’s detention. The appellate court held that that BI cannot proceed with the deportation proceedings of Sy, considering that he is a Filipino national based on his birth certificate.
“Owing to his birth certificate, Sy should be considered a Filipino and not a proper subject of BI’s jurisdiction. At best, the deportation proceeding against Sy is prematurely instituted because Sy has an existing birth certificate issued by the Office of Civil Registrar that has not yet been cancelled,” The CA said. The CA reminded the BI that summary deportation proceedings cannot be instituted by against Filipino citizens.
Court records show that Sy applied for the late registration of his birth certificate in 2007 which was favorably acted upon by the Office of the Civil Registrar and issued a birth certificate. Sy was issued with Philippine government identification cards, such as a driver’s license and a Philippine Identification Card. He was also issued a Philippine passport in 2010, 2014, 2019, 2017, and 2021.The latest passport is valid until 2031.
On August 15, 2025, Sy departed from the Philippines for Hong Kong using his Philippine passport but was accosted by the BI upon his return to the country on August 21, 2025, and was detained.
The BI maintained that Sy and Cheng Zhong Zhen are one and the same person.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Core business lifts Meralco earnings to new record high
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) posted a record net income of P51.13 billion in 2025, 11 percent higher than the P45.86 billion recorded in 2024, driven by the strong performance of its distribution and generation businesses.
“Meralco had another record year in 2025, marked by a double-digit growth in our CCNI [consolidated core net income] and full-year profit that surpassed our target,” said Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilninan.
At end-2025, Meralco also posted a 12-percent increase in its CCNI to P50.6 billion from P45.1 billion. Revenues went up 6 percent to P497.32 billion last year from P470.36 billion in 2024.
“These results were driven by the steady performance of the core distribution business and solid growth of the power generation business,
supported by the disciplined financial management. Our strategy of maintaining a balanced mix of regulated and unregulated operations has served us,” added Pangilinan. The share of the distribution business in the utility firm’s CCNI accounted for the largest share at 58 percent or P29.6 billion, while the power generation contributed 33 percent or P16.8 billion. The remaining accounted for the retail electricity supply business and non-electricity businesses.
During a briefing on Wednesday, Pangilinan said he was “reluctant” to provide profit guidance for the year
but said that the company has “no choice but up and up.”
“We are a bit reluctant because the impact of Terra Solar is going to gradually become profitable for the year. The sooner it generates power and sells to the grid, the better the prospects for 2026 would look like for Meralco.
Hopefully, we can give you a better idea and when we announce firstquarter results in May. By that time, we would be at 1,400 megawatts already,” he said during a news conference on Wednesday.
The distribution utility business posted consolidated energy sales volumes of 53,997 gigawatt hours (GWh) in 2025, flattish versus the record-high El Niño year volume of 54,325 GWh in 2024.
Commercial volumes, which maintained the largest share in the sales mix at 38 percent, closed 2025 at 20,326 GWh. Residential volumes, which accounted for 35 percent, reached 19,060 GWh. Industrial sales, which accounted for 27 percent of the volume, stood at 14,465GWh.
At end-2025, Meralco’s customer count reached 8.2 million.
“We’ve seen a softness in demand on the DU side starting late last year,
CPG allots ₧12B for spending plan
CBy VG Cabuag @villygc
ENTURY Properties Group
Inc. (CPG) on Wednesday said it is earmarking P12 billion for capital expenditures (capex) to fund its 2026 developments.
This year’s capex is the same as last year’s allotment.
The company also said it launched Cerulean Residences, a 25-hectare master-planned houseand-lot development in General Trias, Cavite.
The launch of the property marks a key milestone for the expansion of CPG’s premium residential segment under its subsidiary Century Limitless Corp.
This also signals CPG’s continued push into high-growth provin -
cial corridors, the company said.
“By balancing our PHirst and Premium residential segments, we are able to sustain growth while expanding our footprint across the nation’s key growth corridors,” Marco R. Antonio, the company’s president and CEO, said.
“With Cerulean under our premium segment and continued PHirst expansion—including our move into Mindanao—we are building a truly nationwide platform that addresses multiple market segments.”
Meanwhile, CPG’s horizontal brand, PHirst Park Homes Inc., will also have the grand launch of its new residential development in General Trias next month, further strengthening the group’s presence in Cavite.
PHirst continues to be CPG’s largest revenue contributor, generating P8.4 billion or 69 percent of total revenues in nine months of 2025.
PHirst recently marked its entry into Mindanao with the grand launch of PHirst Park Homes Gen San, reinforcing its transformation into a nationwide first-home developer, while Century Limitless continues to scale CPG’s premium portfolio in strategic locations.
“With two projects launching in General Trias this March—Cerulean Residences under Century Limitless and Phirst’s new project—CPG continues to execute a dual-brand growth strategy: scaling its premium offerings while broadening access to quality homes through PHirst, all under a strengthened and growing consolidated platform,” Antonio said.
IPO candidates head overseas as SE markets lag
COMPANIES across Southeast Asia are looking overseas to sell shares, as persistent underperformance in some parts of the region weighs on markets at home.
Philippine fast-food group Jollibee Foods Corp.’s international unit and financial-technology firm Maya are eyeing US listings. Indonesia’s PT Merdeka Gold Resources and a unit of the MNC Group conglomerate are considering Hong Kong, as is the restaurant arm of Thai hospitality group Minor International Pcl.
The moves highlight a broader strain across the Philippine, Indonesian and Thai markets, where thin liquidity and weak returns have made it harder to attract capital. All three have trailed the MSCI Asia Pacific Index over the past year, prompting companies to look abroad for higher valuations and more investors.
“The issue for many Southeast Asian markets is the relative lack of capital pools available for public equities and the relative maturity of their public equity ecosystems,” said William Bratton, head of AsiaPacific cash equity research at BNP Paribas SA. The challenge is more acute for niche or fast-growing companies, which often see overseas exchanges
with more developed ecosystems as a lower-risk route to public capital, he added.
Last month, Jollibee’s chief financial officer said the US offers a deep pool of investors and strong market valuations for food-and-beverage companies. The Philippine Stock Exchange is projecting just four initial public offerings this year, after missing its own targets for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
A similar dynamic is playing out in Thailand, where Minor International is considering Hong Kong as the listing venue for its restaurant business,
Auto makers remain upbeat despite car sales slump in Jan
drawn by the prospect of higher valuations and broader investor base, its chief executive officer said last week. The company is also pursuing a listing of a real estate investment trust worth about $1 billion in Singapore, which — like Hong Kong — has been stepping up efforts to court international issuers. Domestic conditions remain challenging. A senior Thai stock exchange official said last year the nation’s IPO market was likely to stay subdued as market reforms would take time to stem the drift of companies toward overseas exchanges. Bloomberg News
partly because of slow economic activity that could impact consumer spending,” Pangilinan said, adding that the cool weather is contributing to the softness in demand.
“It’s been rather cool in the last quarter than last year, and it sort of continued until perhaps the early part of February. So hopefully, like yesterday, it was quite warm. And that’s good for consumption of electricity. I think the forecast is to continue the slow growth for the economies for 2026.”
Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie Aperocho said despite the challenges that tempered sales volumes, Meralco remained resilient in 2025, delivering operational milestones.
He said Meralco achieved its alltime best reliability performance in terms of system average interruption duration index at only 97.5 minutes and system average interruption frequency index at only 0.91 time.
“Our commitment that no one will be left in the dark remains constant—through investments in innovative solutions like microgrid systems that bring electricity to communities that are not connected to the country’s main power grid.”
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
THE decline in car sales last January did not surprise industry players, with the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) saying it is expected after the surge in purchases during the last month of 2025.
Based on consolidated figures from Campi and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), total industry sales reached 35,053 units last month.
This was down 10 percent from 37,604 units in the same month last year and 26 percent from the record 47,371 units sold in December 2025, the strongest month for the industry since 2017. According to Campi President Jose Maria Atienza, the January performance remains consistent with historical trends, noting that sales typically ease after the yearend rush driven by promotions and fleet purchases.
“When market seasonality is factored in, January sales levels align with the steady pace observed during the second half of last year,” it said in a statement.
The chamber added that the industry remains on track to surpass its full-year target of more than 500,000 vehicle sales. Campi and TMA members account-
THE Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) begins 2026 with renewed leadership and a clear focus: in a year defined by economic shifts and increased scrutiny across financial services, disciplined and well-informed marketing will matter more than ever.
At the General Membership Meeting on Friday, February 27, at Electric Garden in Bonifacio Global City, the BMAP will formally introduce the newly elected 2026 officers and Board of Directors. This transition reflects the association’s continued commitment to elevating the standards, capabilities, and strategic influence of bank marketing professionals nationwide.
As the financial sector navigates tighter regulatory environments, evolving consumer expectations, and intensified competition, BMAP remains one of the few industry associations dedicated to strengthening marketing within banking. For members, this means relevant dialogue, practical insight, and access to a professional network that understands both commercial growth and regulatory responsibility.
This year’s General Membership Meeting is anchored on an Economic Briefing titled “2026 Trends and Insights,” underscoring a fundamental reality: bank marketing does not operate in isolation from macroeconomic forces. Interest rates, inflation, consumer confidence, and global volatility shape financial behavior long before any campaign reaches the market.
We are privileged to hear from respected economists who will ground the discussion in data and perspective. Ms. Roselle R. Manalo, director
BMAP Ushers in 2026 Leadership with Focus on Economic Insight Bond
TRADERS in US futures and options markets are piling on bets that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting rates into next year instead of raising them. Futures spreads linked to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which closely track expected Fed policy, are becoming deeply inverted—a sign that traders are starting to price a more prolonged central bank easing cycle.
Until recently, traders had been wagering that the central bank would resume hiking rates in 2027 after two quarter-point reductions by the end of this year. But a growing debate around the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market is leading them to reassess this outlook. Last
DEUTSCHE Bank AG and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. are looking to agentic artificial intelligence to help bolster trading surveillance and track possible misconduct, in a sign that financial institutions are folding such technology into their operations.
for the Financial Markets Research Group at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, will share insights on the monetary and financial landscape. Mr. Azril Rosli, senior economist at Maybank Investment Banking Group, will provide a global and regional view, while Mr. Marco Miguel M. Javier, lead economist at the Bank of the Philippine Islands, will outline the Philippine economic outlook.
For BMAP members, the value goes beyond information. Understanding the economic landscape enables better decisions on positioning, investment timing, and customer engagement.
Beyond the briefing, the gathering offers an opportunity to reconnect with peers across institutions. In an industry where compliance, innovation, and performance must move together, shared learning becomes a competitive advantage.
As the 2026 officers assume leadership, BMAP remains committed to advancing bank marketing as a business driver aligned with outcomes and economic realities.
With renewed leadership and a year grounded in insight, the association enters 2026 focused on strengthening both capability and impact across the Philippine banking sector.
For more information, visit bmap. org.ph or facebook.com/BankMarketingAssociationPH
Angeline Angeles is marketing director of GoTyme Bank Corp. and director for Publicity and Digital Marketing of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines. She may be reached at angeline.angeles@gotyme.com.ph. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of BusinessMirror GoTyme Bank, or BMAP.
Tuesday, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook warned that the central bank may not be able to counter rising unemployment driven by the adoption of AI.
The flattening move in SOFR spreads has accelerated since the end of last week, just as AI disruption fears took a toll on a swath of stocks, setting off a rally in long-dated Treasuries.
“The question is how is AI going to be inflationary and maybe the long end of the curve is sniffing all of this out,” said Jack McIntyre, portfolio manager at Brandywine Global Investment Management.
“The only inflationary aspect of AI is the building out of data centers and the associated energy needs, and that is known.”
LandBank sees bond offer could raise another ₧50B
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) is eyeing another bond sale towards the end of the year, potentially raising up to P50 billion to fund agriculture and development projects, its top official said.
LandBank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz said that the bank will deploy the P50 billion it raised from its recent successful bond issuance, but will return to the capital market later this year.
“This year, hopefully, we get to do it another time. One more,” Ortiz told reporters on the sidelines of the “Asean Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum” last Tuesday.
during its recent sustainability bond issuance.
“A lot of individuals came out because they believed that the purpose of the bonds that we’ve raised will be put to good use in a sense of helping our country, trying to spur economic development and funding the entire agri-value chain,” Ortiz added.
Sun Life PHL leads insurers despite slipped earnings
SUN Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. retained its position as the country’s top life insurer for the 15th consecutive year in terms of total premium income.
Data from the Insurance Commission (IC) showed that the total premium income of Sun Life reached P61.813 billion as of end-2025, up by 8.18 percent from P57.137 billion in end-2024.
Despite securing the top spot in terms of net income in the life insurance industry, Sun Life’s earnings slipped by 4.25 percent year-on-year
to P10.225 billion as of end-2025 from P10.679 billion.
Still, the insurer continued to lead the industry in net worth, which rose by 16.61 percent to P60.119 billion from a year earlier, while its total assets stood at P344.487 billion.
“We are deeply grateful to our clients for placing their trust in Sun Life year after year,” Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head Benedict C. Sison was quoted in a statement as saying.
“Together, we remain committed to delivering meaningful financial
solutions that help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives,” Sison said. Meanwhile, Pru Life Insurance Corp. of UK (Pru Life UK) ranked second in terms of premium income, posting P52.840 billion, up 9.73 percent year-on-year.
FWD Life Insurance Corp. trailed closely with P52.468 billion in premium income, a 31.66-percent increase from P39.851 billion a year ago. The premium income of Allianz PNB Life Insurance Inc. also rose by 16.99 percent to P37.657 billion from
P32.186 billion in 2024. The life insurance industry, comprised of 34 licensed companies, booked a total premium income of P403.205 billion in 2025, higher by 14.54 percent year-on-year from P352.016 billion. Total benefit payments of the sector slightly declined by 1.31 percent to P121.876 billion from P123.490 billion in the previous year. Net income of life insurers jumped by 15.11 percent to P46.322 billion from P40.241 billion a year earlier. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
‘Pre-sale’ of Mynt shares on socmed flagged
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
LOBE Fintech Innova -
Gtions Inc., doing business as Mynt, has warned the public against social media posts and other communications offering “early access” or “pre-sale” of its shares, saying these are “unauthorized and fraudulent.”
Mynt, the parent company of
The 12-month December 2026 to 2027 SOFR spread dropped into negative last Friday with the inversion deepening on Tuesday to minus 8 basis points, in a sign that investors have flipped from pricing hikes in 2027 to pricing cuts. A record amount of just over 150,000 traded in the 12-month spread over Monday’s session.
In the SOFR options market, a similar dovish theme is emerging in trades that are favoring hedging the prospect of multiple rate cuts this year. Those trades picked-up again on Tuesday with one position that’s looking to hedge for the policy rate falling to as low as 2 percent by the end of the year growing in size. Open interest in the December 98.00 calls
mobile wallet GCash, said it has not authorized any public offering of its shares and has not made any official filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Philippine Stock Exchange.
“Any social media posts or other communications offering ‘early access’ or ‘pre-sale’ of its shares are unauthorized and fraudulent,” the company said in an advisory.
The company said that if it un-
ballooned to more than 400,000 this week. The swaps market is currently pricing a Fed rate of around 3.1 percent—or just over two 25-basis point cuts—by year-end, some 110 basis points above the options strike price.
“There has certainly been a bit of repricing for lower yields after the Fed hits terminal,” said Gennadiy Goldberg, head of US rates strategy at TD Securities, with the market “penciling in a more gradual drift higher in yields.”
“That could be driven by uncertainty regarding the impact of AI on the labor market, but fluctuations in longer-dated Fed expectations tend to be quite significant, making it difficult to read into them,” he said. Treasury curve metrics also re-
dertakes any offering of securities in the future, it will do so in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, never click any suspicious link, and avoid sharing personal information or funds with these unauthorized entities,” the advisory read.
To report suspicious investment schemes or fraudulent posts, Mynt said customers may contact the official GCash Help Center via the app or message Gigi on the GCash website at help.gcash.com. Suspicious activities may also be reported directly to the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department.
flect the market’s pricing of prolonged rate cuts. The 2- to 5-year spread reached flattest levels since the start of December on Monday, while the richening of the 2s5s30s butterfly was the biggest one day move seen in six months, driven by outperformance in the belly of the curve.
Meanwhile in the cash market, traders are showing a lack of conviction on how to position in Treasuries. JPMorgan’s latest client survey covering the week up to Feb. 23 showed the largest amount of neutral positioning since the end of 2024. US Treasuries slipped across maturities last Wednesday. The 10-year yield was two basis points higher at 4.05 percent. Bloomberg
Mynt has floated the idea of an initial public offering, but it has yet to firm up plans on when and how much it will raise from the said prospect.
TThe German lender is working with Alphabet Inc.’s Google Cloud to develop a large language model to spot anomalies in orders, trades and market moves, according to Bernd Leukert, head of technology, data and innovation at Deutsche Bank. Agentic AI is typically designed to plan and take action autonomously, unlike AI chatbots that simply supply information. Deutsche Bank is developing the tool with the intention of flagging potential market abuse to a human compliance officer once operational. Deutsche Bank also has plans to use an LLM to monitor communications of traders, salespeople and other clientfacing staff, with a rollout slated for later this year. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has been looking into using agentic AI to analyze trades and look for any suspicious signals or movements in the market, said people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. A representative for Goldman declined to comment.
integrate artificial intelligence as a way to save costs and improve efficiency. Currently, most trading surveillance is done on a rule-based algorithm, programmed to detect issues.
“We have retired legacy systems and rebuilt how we do compliance,” Deutsche Bank’s Leukert said. “Before it took a huge amount of time to collect data from different sources.”
At Nomura Holdings Inc., executives are in discussions with another global bank to train AI surveillance models together, according to Tahir Zafar, the firm’s international head of AI strategy. Many banks are evaluating ways to
These reforms—part of a wider overhaul of compliance—have allowed Deutsche Bank to shut down 200 internal servers that had been used for surveillance. The bank has also cut false positives that can trigger deeper probes by more than 25 percent, according to Leukert.
“The LLM can do the analysis and help recommend the route which the compliance officer can validate and then
close the alert,” he said. “The ultimate decision stays with the compliance officer and they can deep dive as much as he or she wants.”
The bank plans to monitor communications of trading and sales staff through an LLM designed to pick up abnormal activity, such as employees forwarding confidential information to personal email addresses. For now, Deutsche Bank’s surveillance system scours more than 40 internal and external channels to monitor front-office staff, and it examines 1 terabyte of electronic communications per day.
“Banks are worried about data loss prevention,” said Sid Nadella, global head of capital markets solutions at Google Cloud. “Monitoring communications, making sure there is no problematic ac-
tivity, has always been part of it. That can be amplified by using AI.” By collaborating with a rival bank, Nomura aims to share information where appropriate while protecting its own interests. “That means we can run our proprietary models and they can run theirs,” Zafar said. “We can keep our IP protected but share information on entities and transactions.” The firm is also in discussions with a regulator that is interested in funding the bank’s collaboration with other firms and helping them connect to share ideas.
Nomura executives declined to name the bank or regulator. The firm believes AI could help cut false positives by 30 percent to 40 percent, potentially saving as much as $5 million per year in compliance costs. Bloomberg
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Thursday, February 26, 2026 www.businessmirror.com.ph
PHL sugar industry facing crisis–lawmakers
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
CITING a looming crisis in the sugar industry, lawmakers in the House of Representatives are reviewing potential amendments to existing laws and policies to address the sharp drop in mill gate prices of locally produced sugar and its effects on farmers and industry workers.
Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, said current mill gate prices of P2,000 to P2,100 per 50-kilogram bag are below the estimated production cost of P2,500, prompting a legislative review.
The committee is deliberating House Resolution No. 373 by Negros Ocidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, House Resolution No. 563 by Capiz Rep. Howard Dean Cook, and House Resolution No. 674 by Bukidnon Audrey Kay Zubiri. These measures call for an inquiry in aid of legislation that could revise regulatory and statutory frameworks on sugar importation, industry support, and price stabilization.
On January 23, the committee held a public consultation in Talisay City with sugar farmers, millers, refiners, and other stakeholders. Enverga noted that the participants cited multiple factors behind the price drop, including “over-importation” of refined
sugar, growing use of artificial sweeteners, rising labor and input costs, aging milling facilities, climate impacts from El Niño, and pest infestations.
Recommendations raised include amendments to Executive Order 18 to expand representation in the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), revisions to Republic Act 10659 or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2014, possible excise taxes on imported sweeteners, mill and refinery rehabilitation, and programs to boost farm productivity.
On February 2, Enverga met with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona to discuss policy options for implementing these proposed reforms.
Warning DURING the hearing, Benitez warned of a deepening crisis in the province’s sugar industry,
which produces about 1.8 million metric tons (MMT) of sugarcane annually—over half of the country’s output. At the start of the 2024–2025 milling season, mill gate prices fell to an average of P2,200 per bag, nearly P300 below production costs.
“Sugar is not merely an industry in our province. It is the very foundation of our economy, our culture, and the daily survival of hundreds of thousands of families,” Benitez said.
He said small producers, including many agrarian reform beneficiaries, are under severe economic strain due to rising costs for fertilizer, fuel, electricity, and labor. Benitez cited multiple causes: large sugar imports, weakening demand due to sweeteners, climate-related production losses, pest infestations, and structural inefficiencies such as aging mills.
“This crisis is not the result of a single cause. It is the product of multiple compounding factors that have placed enormous strain on an already fragile industry,” Benitez said.
“When sugar prices fall, so do the livelihoods of thousands of Negrosanos. This is not an abstract policy question. It’s a matter of survival for real families in real communities.”
The lawmaker said the proposed inquiry will examine market conditions, import volumes, and implementation of existing policies intended to stabilize the industry, including mandates of the Sugar Regulatory Administration and programs under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act.
He added that urgent intervention is necessary as the industry confronts multiple economic and structural challenges.
For her part, Zubiri raised concerns over falling prices and their effect on farmers in Mindanao, where about 79,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations operate, including 59,000 hectares in Bukidnon. She noted that roughly 20,000 sugarcane farmers depend on the crop, and unstable prices threaten their livelihoods.
“Uncontrolled fluctuations in the price of sugar pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of our farmers, who are already burdened by rising production costs and limited government support,” she said.
“For us, sugar is not just a condiment. This represents thousands of Filipino farmers, their families, their children, their dreams, and their hopes. They need our help to protect and to revive the industry.”
Zubiri cited a position paper from the Mindanao Sustainable Sugarcane Agricultural Development Federation Inc., which opposes imports of refined and raw sugar under current market conditions. The federation also called for stricter regulation of sugar substitutes, including highfructose corn syrup and liquid glucose, which reduce demand for local sugar.
Farmers are seeking to maintain a price level of about P2,500 per bag, which they consider necessary to sustain farm operations, labor employment, and mill viability.
Award-winning fragrant rice is also sturdy, says study
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
MABANGO 3, commercially known as Dinorado, has shown strong performance under oxygen-deprived conditions, making it a promising option for direct-seeded farming systems vulnerable to sudden flooding, according to a newly published study.
In the February issue of the Philippine Journal of Science, researchers reported that the aromatic variety, officially registered as NSIC Rc218, can germinate and establish even when fields are temporarily submerged, a critical advantage as erratic rainfall increasingly disrupts crop establishment.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the importance of making climate-ready breeding central to the government’s farm strategy.
“If we want to increase rice production while strengthening climate resilience and food security, we must invest in varieties that can survive real field conditions, not just ideal ones,” he said. “Studies like this move us closer to stable harvests and a more secure food future.”
The findings come from a study titled “Anaerobic Germination Tolerance Trait of Philippine Rice Elite Lines and Varieties for Direct Seeding,” conducted by scientists from the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
The team screened 56 elite breeding lines and 38 released varieties to identify rice that could survive and grow during the earliest, most vulnerable stage of planting when oxygen is scarce. The study indicated that direct seeding has gained popularity among farmers because it cuts labor requirements, shortens planting time, and reduces water use, as seeds are sown directly into the field rather than transplanted as seedlings. However, heavy rains and flash floods can quickly saturate paddies just as seeds begin to sprout, often leading to uneven stands or total crop failure, it said. Flooding remains one of the most damaging threats to rice production in Asia, affecting roughly a quarter of crops each year and dragging down regional yields. To address such risk, the researchers focused on anaerobic germination tolerance, a trait that allows rice seeds to elongate and push shoots upward even
when oxygen levels are low.
Under controlled flooded conditions, the team measured germination rates, seedling length, and seedling vigor, and used molecular markers to check for the presence of the AG1 locus, which is associated with tolerance to oxygen deprivation.
NSIC Rc218 emerged as one of the strongest performers, posting high germination rates and vigorous early growth comparable to established tolerant varieties.
Research indicated that it also tested positive for AG1 markers, illustrating its potential both for immediate farm use and as a parent variety in future breeding programs.
Another variety, NSIC Rc638 SR, which is a non-glutinous, special-purpose rice recently approved for commercial release, recorded an 87-percent germination rate under stress.
A breeding line identified as PR52390ILR2-1-3-B also showed encouraging results, the experts said, widening the pool of rice suited for direct seeding.
“We are lucky our scientists developed Mabango 3. It is a gift that continues to give,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) chief said.
Given this development, the DA said varieties must now combine taste, yield, and the ability to establish under stress. It also added that Dinorado’s tolerance to low-oxygen conditions adds to its appeal in both domestic and export markets.
Last November, Dinorado won a silver award at the 2025 World’s Best Rice competition in Cambodia. When cooked, the government said Dinorado grains transform into something almost magical. “Soft yet slightly sticky, fragrant with a natural sweetness that lingers.”
Also in late 2025, the DA chief said yields of the variety could reach up to eight metric tons (MT) per hectare on irrigated land, well above the national average of 4.17 MT. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/12/03/phl-wants-to-expandoutput-of-award-winning-dinorado/)
Despite its performance, the agriculture chief noted that only about 3 percent of Dinorado seeds distributed by the government are currently covered under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
Govt wants to expand use of durable natural fiber
T HE government is looking at ways to further develop Salago fiber, with two agencies looking at a possible collaboration to boost research and expand its use as a sustainable forest product. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (Philfida) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are exploring joint efforts in research, development and extension programs to promote the sustainable production of the durable fiber and increase its value
livelihood opportunities.
Per the two agencies, discussions focused on advancing innovation, improving the management of natural resources and expanding income opportunities for communities involved in fiber production.
Philfida, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, said it remains committed to working with other government agencies to support sustainable fiber development, strengthen the local natural fiber industry and
Recommendations
IN addition to regulatory measures, Zubiri urged increased government investment in farm mechanization, equipment support, and agricultural inputs for Mindanao producers to improve productivity and competitiveness.
For his part, Guintu said sugarcane farmers in Capiz are also feeling the effects of declining prices, as he urged lawmakers to consider the impact on smallerproducing provinces.
Guintu told the panel that while Capiz does not have large-scale plantations compared with other sugar-producing areas, the province maintains about 6,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations supported by approximately 2,000 farmers.
“These are not just numbers. These figures represent real lives—farmers who work every day, families who depend on every harvest, and land with significant potential if prices become stable.”
He added that thousands of family members rely directly on sugarcane production for their livelihood and are among those most affected by the continued decline in farm prices.
Bulacan Rep. Augustina Dominique Pancho added that uncontrolled price fluctuations, exacerbated by imports, have left many farmers with minimal earnings.
“The farmers I spoke to are feeling the pinch. They say the prices are very low, and one of the reasons they cited is sugar importation.”
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona said the Philippines imported 424,000 tons (about 8.4 million bags) of sugar to meet a
national demand of 1 to 1.1 MMT. Local refineries produced 618,000 tons. He noted that while imports are carefully timed—between June and December—they can still create temporary oversupply and price volatility.
“Adding local production to imports, that’s about 1 million tons, which still falls short of total demand,” he said. He noted, however, that a 25-percent drop in demand for sugar and other agricultural commodities in the third quarter of 2025 contributed to a temporary oversupply in the market.
Pancho pressed further on the perception among farmers that importation floods the market, driving prices down. Azcona acknowledged this concern, saying, “It’s possible. Farmers see the importation as overwhelming the market, and it can affect prices.”
Much of the imported sugar came from Thailand, a nearby supplier, raising questions about whether imports could be better calibrated. Azcona said importation is “carefully timed”--local harvest typically ends in June, and the refined sugar season starts in December.
“From June to December, we need to import based on projections to ensure supply. Farmers do not allow importation during the milling season, so planning is critical.”
He said import approvals are finalized in July, and once the local harvest begins, no additional imports are allowed. “Any talk of importation during harvest can depress prices because it disrupts market speculation.”
Soy falls as traders weigh export sales and trade uncertainty
SOYBEANS nudged further down from a three-month high in Chicago, as US Department of Agriculture data signaled weaker demand for American exports and the market weighed trade uncertainty.
Futures lost as much as 0.5 percent, after a choppy couple of sessions as traders try to unpack how changes to President Donald Trump’s tariff regime will impact US crop shipments. Trump’s new 10 percent global tariff went into effect on Tuesday but a timeline for a proposed higher rate of 15 percent is still in question, and investors will listen for any further trade comments in his State of the Union speech Tuesday.
“The uncertainty is at its peak, and everyone is trying to cope with the widening gap between political announcements on the one hand, and the reality on the other,” Argus analysts wrote in a note.
Meanwhile, USDA data released Monday showed soybean export inspections for the week ending February 19 totaled about 670,000 tons, down 45 percent from the week earlier.
Trump earlier this month said China could buy up to 20 million tons of US soybeans in the current season, as the nations looked to extend their trade truce.
The current trade developments could prompt China to “drag their feet with any trade commitments with the US” regarding soy purchases, Matt Ammermann, a commodity risk manager at StoneX, wrote in a note.
Copper jumps
BASE metals gained as China’s markets reopened after the Lunar New Year break and traders cheered potentially lower US tariffs.
empower communities that depend on these resources.
Last year, Philfida told this newspaper that it had pushed for tighter controls on imported fibers, warning that increased imports could threaten domestic producers and undermine efforts to build a competitive local fiber sector. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/04/21/philfidas-atienzaunbridled-imports-imperil-local-fibers/) Bless Aubrey Ogerio
Copper rallied as much as 2.8 percent to reach $13,228 a ton in London and aluminum also inched higher. China faces less-punitive charges, a boost for the country’s metal-intensive exports, with the administration proposing a 15 percent levy after the Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump’s reciprocal duties.
“The US Supreme Court dismantled the most cost-effective tariff instrument, but not the new tariff regime overall,” Allianz SE analysts, including chief investment officer Ludovic Subran, wrote in a note. “Uncannily, the Global South and China now emerge as the biggest winners.”
The gains in metals were echoed by a positive tone in mainland equities, as the benchmark CSI 300 Index also advanced on Tuesday. Under the new trade framework—if it’s confirmed—Morgan Stanley estimated that the average US levy on goods from China will drop to 24 percent from 32 percent.
The US news is bullish for metals, said Jon Li, an analyst at Guangzhou Finance Holdings Futures Co. Demand from manufacturers will return, he added. Copper has consolidated at a high level since hitting a record in January, with moves driven by frequent shifts in US policy, as well as mine snarls and forecasts for higher consumption from the energy transition. Higher prices have weighed on physical demand in China, causing exchange-tracked inventories to expand to the highest since 2024. Holdings of the red metal have been rising in the US, as well as in London Metal Exchange-tracked sheds. Copper rose 2.3 percent to settle at $13,166.50 a
PHOTO FROM WWW.PIA.GOV.PH
Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror
Secretary Lazaro, Deputy PM-FM Bettel
boost Philippines, Luxembourg linkages
SECRETARY of Foreign Affairs
Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro received Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg on February 18.
The foreign ministers’ meeting focused on deepening PhilippineLuxembourg bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, financial cooperation, creative industries, information and communications technology, and space technology, including artificial intelligence.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay also joined the meeting and highlighted opportunities to strengthen formal cooperation on labor mobility between the Philippines and Luxembourg.
The ministers acknowledged the growing people-to-people exchanges and opportunities for academic cooperation in the near future. Both marked the visit with the signing of the PhilippinesLuxembourg memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations, which will facilitate regular dialogues and encourage high-level exchanges between the two countries. The Philippines looks forward to the inaugural con-
sultation meeting later this year. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Lazaro emphasized the Philippines’ position on the promotion of multilateralism and respect for the rule of law in the regional and multilateral fora.
She underscored the Philippines’ priorities as Asean chair and invited Bettel to attend the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on July 24. The deputy prime minister accepted the invitation to visit the Philippines again, and expressed keen interest in exploring engagements in Asean on practical areas such as humanitarian assistance and digitalization that will promote integration and inclusive growth in the region.
Bettel visited the Philippines in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Luxembourg diplomatic relations this year.
PHL co-chairs Asean-India meeting, partnership with bloc strengthened
JAKARTA—In its capacity as Asean country coordinator for India, the Philippines reaffirmed its proactive stewardship in reinforcing Asean-India Dialogue Relations and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the bloc and the South Asian nation.
Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, who serves as the Philippines’ permanent representative to Asean, co-chaired the 26th Asean-India Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting on February 13 with Ambassador Srinivas Gotru, who is India’s envoy to the bloc, as her counterpart.
Progress in the implementation of the Asean-India Plan of Action (POA) 2026–2030 was discussed, which was recently adopted by the two sides. It sets the strategic direction for cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. The JCC also commended the successful completion of the Asean-
India POA 2021–2025 a year ahead of schedule, underscoring the robustness and maturity of the bilateral cooperation. In line with ongoing thematic initiatives, Asean and India highlighted 2026 as the AseanIndia Year of Maritime Cooperation, which aims to advance collaboration in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, sustainable blue economy, and capacity-building in maritime governance, among others. The initiative reflects the region and India’s shared commitment to upholding international law—particularly the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, promoting freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as strengthening maritime connectivity and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
Convergent aspirations
IN her national capacity, JimenezDucrocq highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to deepening Asean-India ties, as she said that “the [successor POA’s adoption reflects the high level of trust and commitment between both sides, and provides a clear roadmap to translate our CSP] into tangible outcomes for our peoples.”
She further noted that India’s sustained support through the Asean-India Fund, Asean-India Green Fund, and the Asean-India Fund for the Digital Future demonstrates the South Asian country’s strong and enduring commitment to the bloc’s development priorities. The rest of the region’s member states also shared their views.
Phil., Belgian ties mark new chapter with IFS Training Centre inauguration
ANEW milestone in Belgian–Philippine relations is being celebrated with the opening of the International Food Services (IFS) Training Centre in Manila—a pioneering facility combining Belgian expertise, maritime innovation, and deep social commitment.
IFS is an independent, global maritime catering company serving offshore and merchant vessels across the oil and gas, offshore wind and broader maritime sectors. At the heart of its work is the training and professional development of maritime catering personnel.
Founded in Antwerp in 2000 by former ship’s chef Michel Pradolini, IFS has grown from a hands-on entrepreneurial initiative into a global leader in maritime catering management. With operations spanning Belgium, Singapore, Poland, Angola and the Philippines, the company reflects Belgium’s strong position in international shipping and its long tradition of maritime knowhow.
First-of-its-kind
THE new IFS Training Centre introduces an innovative approach to
maritime hospitality education. The facility integrates hands-on culinary and hospitality training, digital and artificial intelligence-supported learning tools, sustainability-focused practices, and a strong emphasis on crew wellbeing.
According to the Belgian Embassy, this combination makes it a unique training hub in the region, strengthening the Philippines’ role as a global source of maritime talent.
Beyond technical excellence, IFS has distinguished itself through a strong social mission. Over the years, the company has invested in youth empowerment, education, and community outreach, both in Belgium and in the Philippines. Pradolini has long championed the idea that economic success and social responsibility go hand-inhand. His initiatives for vulnerable youth have received national recognition in Belgium, underscoring the values at the core of IFS’ identity.
Boost to maritime diplomacy BELGIUM and the Philippines share deep maritime links. Thou -
sands of Filipino seafarers sail on Belgian-linked vessels, and Belgian companies remain active partners in maritime logistics, ship operations, port management, and training.
The creation of the IFS Training Centre boosts this relationship at a key moment, as 2026 marks the 80th year of Belgium–Philippines diplomatic relations, deemed by the embassy as “a year of celebration and strengthened cooperation.”
Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova emphasized that maritime diplomacy remains one of the pillars of Belgium’s economic engagement in the country. The embassy said it proudly supports IFS’ investment, being “a bridge between Belgian expertise and Filipino talent—exactly the kind of partnership that defines our two nations’ friendship.”
In this significant year for Belgium and the Philippines, the IFS success story serves as a compelling example of what the two nations can achieve: excellence with purpose, innovation with heart, and cooperation with long-term impact.
Korean Embassy expands simplified visa rules, application hub goes digital
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Embassy of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) has extended its simplified visa application policy for one year, while the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) announced new measures to streamline requirements and modernize the process.
Until December 31, 2026, certain categories of applicants and their immediate family members will be exempted from submitting financial proof documents such as bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns.
Groups covered are elected politicians (senators, members of Congress, governors, provincial board members, mayors) and their families; as well as government officials ranked assistant secretary or higher in the Executive Branch; or brigadier general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, excluding acting positions.
Those included are professional license holders such as physicians, dentists, lawyers, judges, prosecutors, certified public accountants, pharmacists, and veterinarians with valid Philippine Regulation Commission or Integrated Bar of the Philippines IDs.
Gold or Elite credit card holders from BDO, BPI, RCBC, Metrobank, and PNB (excluding supplementary cardholders), are also eligible. Immediate family members—parents,
spouse, minor children, student adult children, and spouse’s parents—are also covered. While financial proof is waived, other requirements such as proof of relationship and employment certificates must still be submitted.
Simplified general requirements
EFFECTIVE February 20, 2026, KVAC will implement additional changes, such as the waiver of three months’ bank statements for all visa types. Student applicants may submit either an original school certificate or a copy of their school ID. For group applications, common documents need only be filed once under the representative applicant. Employment-related documents issued without a landline number or with electronic signatures will be accepted, provided other contact details are indicated.
Digital visa grant notice
SINCE January 26, 2026, the Visa Grant Notice has been fully digitized. Applicants may check their visa status and download their issued visa through the Korea Visa Portal: https://www.visa.go.kr. Applicants are advised to verify that all personal information matches their passport before printing. Correction requests may be sent to kvacph@visaforkorea-mn.com with a copy of the passport bio page, the visa grant notice, and a written request specifying the error.
AMBASSADOR Evangeline T. Ong JimenezDucrocq
SECRETARY Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel DFAOPD Johannes Adrian De Guia
Philippines to host MarketHub Asia 2027, a milestone on digital tourism, global connectivity
The Philippines is set to host MarketHub Asia 2027, an exclusive by-invitation-only global TravelTech and tourism marketplace. This marks the first time the prestigious international business-tobusiness conference will be held in the Philippines.
Slated for the first quarter of 2027, the 6th edition of MarketHub Asia will convene approximately 400 global clientpartners, thought leaders, senior decision makers, and digital travel innovators from 16 international source markets, including the Middle East, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, among others.
“With the majority of global tourism transactions now taking place online, it is timely for the Philippines to take a more strategic and proactive approach in strengthening our digital visibility,” said Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“By engaging the world’s leading digital distribution partners, we expand our global reach, improve ease of access, and create stronger pathways for inbound travel to the Philippines.”
“This milestone is significant for the Philippine hotel and tourism industry because its impact extends far beyond a single sector,” the Tourism Chief added. “Global events such as MarketHub create a ripple effect across the entire tourism value chain— from airlines and airports, to hotels, transport providers, food and beverage enterprises, tour operators, technology partners, and local communities. Hosting MarketHub 2027 reinforces the importance of working together as one tourism ecosystem to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Representing HBX Group, Xabi Zabala, Chief Sourcing and Operations Officer, and David Amsellem, Chief Distribution Officer, underscored the organization’s core strengths and mission. “At HBX Group, our focus has always been on building the digital foundations that allow travel to move efficiently across borders,” Xabi Zabala said. “Our strength lies in our global network, our advanced e-commerce infrastructure, and our ability to connect thousands of travel products and distributors through trusted, scalable platforms.”
“As we continue creating opportunities that connect markets and destinations at scale, the Philippines stands out as a market with so much for the world to discover,” David Amsellem added. “There is real depth and diversity here, supported by an ecosystem that is increasingly ready to engage globally. MarketHub Asia 2027 allows us to connect that potential to our worldwide
network in a meaningful, structured, and sustainable way.”
The selection of the Philippines as host also affirms its steady advancement as a competitive Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in Asia. Continued investments in convention infrastructure and event-ready facilities have strengthened the country’s capacity to stage high-level global events. At the same time, the Filipino culture of hospitality—characterized by warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail—adds a distinct human dimension that elevates every gathering into a meaningful and memorable experience.
Instrumental in bringing MarketHub Asia 2027 to the Philippines is Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator, which will host the event within Megaworld’s Mactan Newtown, a master-planned township designed to support integrated business and leisure travel.
Delegates will be accommodated at Savoy Hotel Mactan and Mercure Mactan, with conference sessions to be held at Mactan Expo, Cebu’s newest large-scale convention and exhibition venue.
Mactan Expo has already demonstrated its capability to host world-class events, having recently served as a key venue for the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in January 2026—providing added assurance of the Philippines’ readiness to host high-level international gatherings.
As one of the more tangible outcomes of the ATF 2026, the three-day TRAVEX 2026 generated PHP 1.43 billion in sales at the Mactan Expo. The ATF meetings among Southeast Asian NTOs and dialogue partners also took place in Cebu City at the NUSTAR Convention Center, the largest venue outside Metro Manila, reinforcing Cebu’s growing reputation in the MICE sector.
Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts and President of the Cebu MICE Alliance, expressed pride in supporting the initiative.
“More than a responsibility, hosting MarketHub Asia 2027 is a privilege and an opportunity to give global industry leaders a compelling reason to rediscover the Philippines,” Albiso said. “Our role is to help create an environment where meaningful conversations take place, partnerships are formed, and global leaders are inspired by the depth of experiences the country can offer.”
She noted that MarketHub has traditionally been staged in globally celebrated destinations. “MarketHub has been hosted in destinations known for setting benchmarks in travel and tourism. With the most recent edition successfully concluded in Bali, expectations are understandably high,” Albiso added. “The Philippines is prepared to deliver an experience that is both professionally executed and distinctly memorable.”
As the Philippines prepares to host MarketHub Asia 2027, the event underscores the country’s strategic push to strengthen its position within an increasingly digital and interconnected global tourism marketplace.
The TravelTech and tourism conference is expected to expand livelihood opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by attracting both domestic and international tourism investments through business-to-business meeting opportunities, further increasing tourist spending on activities, experiences, food, and services.
Through this platform—anchored on data-driven connectivity, digital distribution, and business-to-business collaboration—the Philippines deepens engagement with international partners, expands its global reach, and advances its competitiveness in the evolving travel landscape.
MarketHub is HBX Group’s premier platform for advancing dialogue, collaboration, and innovation—bringing together the global players that power travel bookings through digital distribution, data-driven connectivity, and business-tobusiness e-commerce.
the campaign seeks to highlight key Philippine destinations and drive economic growth through accessible mobility.
“The ‘Drive Electric. Love Pinas.’ campaign is a transformative step in our mission to champion a tourism industry that is substantive, purposeful, and deeply rooted in stewardship. The initiative aligns tourism development with national policy directions on sustainability and clean energy, ensuring that as we move toward recovery and transformation, we do so with a clear commitment to environmental responsibility,” says Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. The campaign will kick off in the first quarter of 2026 and will be led by Filipino-American Travel Vlogger, Wil Dasovich, serving as the Lead Navigator. Dasovich will embark on a groundbreaking road trip across the Philippines to rediscover local culture and landmarks. His journey is designed to amplify the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” messaging by showcasing storytelling-driven travel that leaves no carbon footprint behind.
“With this partnership, we are delivering more than just world-class electric vehicles; we are also providing Filipinos the ultimate freedom to explore our beautiful country with absolute peace of mind. We are proud to prove that with BYD and the right infrastructure, there are no boundaries to how far our passion for sustainable local travel can take us,” says Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines.
For more information on the existing vehicle lineup and electrified solutions of BYD Cars Philippines, visit bydcarsphilippines.com.
COMMUNITY Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), a residential property developer under the ICCP Group, has taken a decisive step toward international expansion with a series of strategic initiatives in the United States. The company’s US mission was designed to introduce the Pueblo de Oro brand to the Filipino-American community and establish a foundation of trust and credibility in one of the most dynamic overseas markets. PDO began its US entry with a courtesy call to Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. This engagement underscored the company’s commitment to transparency and reliability, addressing long-standing concerns among Fil-Am buyers about developers’ delivery and quality. By aligning with the Consulate, PDO reinforced its credibility and positioned itself as a trusted partner for Filipino-Americans seeking investment opportunities in the Philippines. In photo are, from left, Los Angeles Vice Consul Levi Anthony Malaylay, Los Angeles Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, PDO President and COO Prim Nolido, and PDO Sales Director Emmanuel Pablo.
Seasons of Japan and seven decades of friendship
ON the opening day of the PTAA Travel & Tour Expo 2026, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO Manila Office) took center stage showcasing a compelling vision of the country during spring and summer time, all in its charm, regional treasures, and ever-deepening friendship with the Philippines, which is now going seventy years strong.
The spotlight of the morning was the arrival of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines’ Minister for Economic Affairs, Naobumi Yokota, whose presence at the event marked a meaningful milestone during the 70th anniversary of Japan–Philippines diplomatic relations.
“Tourism is not only about visiting places. It is about connecting people, cultures, and generations,” shared Minister Yokota during his keynote speech. “Each journey creates understanding. Each visit builds trust. And each shared experience opens new possibilities for both our peoples.”
As visitors poured into SMX Convention Center, JNTO Manila welcomed guests into a beautifully curated pavilion that evoked Japan’s beauty during the spring and summer season, highlighting how the seasons create a new reason to explore.
From summer festivals and flower fields that turn vibrant during the summer in Hokkaido to cherry blossoms in Kyoto and Fukuoka, the JNTO booth became a hub for travel inspiration. Staff were on-site to answer queries, distribute maps and regional guides, and share insights on lesser-known prefectures waiting to be discovered by Filipino travelers.
“Japan is only a few hours away by air,” said Minister Yokota. “It is safe, efficient, and increasingly friendly to international visitors, including families, first-time travelers, and repeat visitors from the Philippines.”
Key airline partners like All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) also supported JNTO in the expo, offering special promotions and packages tailored to Filipino tourists. During the event, JNTO’s co-exhibitors including the Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association, Osaka/Kyoto/Nara, Railway Trip in KANSAI, the Japan Local Government Office, the City of Sapporo, Premium
Distinguished guests, diplomatic representatives from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao, media partners, and key stakeholders gather for the ceremonial opening of Malaysian Nights at Madayaw Café, an elegant celebration of culture, cuisine, and Ramadan hospitality at Dusit Thani Davao.
The opening evening welcomed media partners, local government representatives, VIP guests, and dignitaries from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao, creating a vibrant gathering centered on hospitality, cultural appreciation, and shared culinary experiences. The venue was transformed with Malaysianinspired décor, featuring traditional tapestry accents that created a warm yet refined ambiance. Guests were welcomed by captivating traditional dance performances and cultural music, adding energy and authenticity to the celebration while reinforcing the immersive Malaysian atmosphere. At the heart of the experience was an extensive spread of Malaysian cuisine prepared by a visiting
Minister Naobumi Yokota opens the pavilion with a warm message of inspiration
Outlets Japan, Mitsui Outlet Park, and Tokyu Snow Resort X Shibuya Style added more experiences that visitors can immerse themselves in. Complete with necessary information in every pamphlet, representatives from each co-exhibitor were ready to meet excited Filipino travelers to create their own Japan story.
As 2026 marks seven decades of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines, JNTO’s participation in the Expo is more than promotional, but a testament of a long-standing and evolving partnership. The day closed with a renewed invitation to all Filipino travelers. “Japan warmly invites you, to explore, to discover, and to return again and again,” Minister Yokota said. “Not only as visitors, but as partners in weaving our shared future together.”
JNTO continues to find ways to provide ways and avenues where they can share cultural demos, travel trivia games, and expert talks on Japan’s hidden gems. A hub where Filipino visitors will be encouraged to stop by, speak with representatives, and begin crafting their own journey across Japan’s seasons. For updates, follow JNTO Manila on Facebook Visit Japan Philippines and Instagram @VisitJapanPH.
Malaysian chef. Live cooking stations allowed diners to select fresh seafood, fish, shellfish, and specialty viands prepared à la minute, showcasing the depth, vibrancy, and elegance of Malaysian flavours. The culinary presentation reflected both heritage recipes and contemporary refinement, offering guests a comprehensive taste of Malaysia’s rich gastronomic identity.
The formal program featured welcome remarks from Vanessa Sustengco, General Manager of Dusit Thani Davao Hotels, followed by an address from Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consul General of Malaysia. The evening was well-attended by members of the media, who conducted interviews and coverage throughout the event. In observance of tradition, guests also paused for the Maghrib prayer in preparation for Ramadan, reflecting inclusivity and respect for Muslim customs alongside the evening’s cultural celebration. Presented in observance of Ramadan, Malaysian Nights offers a welcoming venue for iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. Guests are invited to gather in fellowship while experiencing the gracious taste of authentic Malaysian cuisine in a refined setting. This initiative underscores Dusit Thani Davao’s commitment to thoughtful hospitality and cultural appreciation through a meaningful seasonal dining experience.
Malaysian Nights will run until March 3, 2026 only, offering a limited-time opportunity to experience authentic
HBX Group announces Mactan, Cebu, Philippines as the official host of the 6th MarketHub Asia, marking the first time the conference will be held in the country. Leading the announcement is Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director, MHR; along with David Amsellem, Chief Distribution Officer, HBX Group; Asha Sumputh, CEO and Founder, Waterlily Project Ltd.; Xabi Zabala, Chief Sourcing and Operations Officer, HBX Group; Loleth So, Group Commercial Director, MHR; and Sharlene Batin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Tourism.
STRENGTHENING TIES WITH FIL-AM
Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco are joined by Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines, Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility, Dino Obias, Chief Marketing Officer, ACMobility and Wil Dasovich, the lead navigator that will drive the “Drive Electric. Love Pinas” Campaign
Parentlife BusinessMirror
Five ways to live in an intentional home
Award-winning design voices Jason Buensalido and Ivy Almario identify the elements to achieving meaningful interiors
AHOME is in constant flux, evolving according to the times, moods, and needs of those who live in it. One season, it’s eclectic chic; the next, it’s modern minimalism. Colors that once caught your eye eventually lose their appeal, and after going through the gamut of themes and trends, you finally make the design philosophy “less is more” your own. Indeed, it’s by trying these trends that we learn what truly makes a house a home. For the clients of architect Jason Buensalido and interior designer Ivy Almario, home is a living space defined not only by aesthetics but by a thoughtful layout, populated by purposeful furniture pieces that afford comfort and lasting appeal.
“When you talk about contemporary, modern Filipino architectural design, it’s not just in the look,” says Buensalido, principal architect of Barchan + Architecture.
“The finishes, the tactility, the visual experience, the olfactory experience of what the Filipino space is, are all results of the spatial quality.”
Ivy Almario concurs, noting how clients want “more intentional lives” so homes reflect that choice. To achieve it, the interior designer and founder of Atelier Almario says, “The challenge then is how to give them spaces that can also transform, as one of the constants in life is change.”
The attention to space planning then is crucial. Adaptability should be a consideration, spaces that can expand and compress as the need arises. The same goes for height and proportions. She points to “the tension between compression and expansion, as when you enter a low foyer and get the surprise of a double volume space thereafter. It will always be a source of delight and aliwalas. With height, you make their spirits soar. While the opposite is also true in the other areas of the house, where lower ceilings add warmth and intimacy.”
Intentional living begins with taking stock of what’s important and meaningful to extract the most joy out of the use of the built environment. As Buensalido and Almario discovered, most everyone wants the same things—forms that function in the service of enhanced lives.
n They bring the outdoors in. It’s no secret that nature has a direct effect on our wellness. Enough studies have been conducted to prove that regular exposure to the sky, sea, and greens strengthens our immune system and lifts our spirits instantly. But being inside shouldn’t prevent you from feeling the warm rays of the morning sun or the coolness of an evening breeze.
“There’s always a preference to everything and anything that’s natural,” says Buensalido. “Abundant natural light and abundant natural cross-ventilation contribute to this feeling of maaliwalas—the Filipino term to describe a bright, spacious, and airy environment.”
“In terms of materiality, there’s a lot of wood involved because it’s a very warm material,” offers
Almario. “And if you were to have stone, technology now offers an array of finishes that add pleasure to tactility.”
n They want storage—plenty of it. “What I noticed among our Filipino clients is they really need a lot of storage space,” says Almario. “One must be original in carving out hidden storage to achieve a space that feels seamless. People also want organized storage spaces, which are usually pre-planned meticulously since leaving it as an afterthought encourages clutter.”
But don’t just limit yourself to extra closet space or additional shelves. There are a lot of multi-functional furniture now that are also easy on the eyes.
“The multifunctionality of spaces, I think, is a very Filipino thing,” says Buensalido. “Because of our resourcefulness, our resilience, and our limited resources, we find ways to create multifunctionality within one thing.”
n They incorporate technology—to a certain point. While integrating smart gadgets into an intentional home that values taking one’s time and fostering family bonding seems counterintuitive, carefully selected tech can make daily living more efficient, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
“Incorporating technology really depends on the client. We don’t want to force smart features if one is uncomfortable with it,” says Buensalido. “It really depends on you. Whatever works for you, I think it should be able to contribute to your health.”
“Good brands understand that people want things to be more stylish,” says Almario.
“Now, you no longer have to hide the TV. They have been rendered invisible because of how slim they are. The same attention has been applied to massage chairs and reclining chairs. They are not the oversized attention-grabbers they used to be. Technology incorporated into the design has enhanced our lifestyles, especially in the spaces where we spend the most time, where we can do our rituals.”
n They turn their bathroom into a sanctuary. Cleanliness, comfort and privacy are key to this part of the house where we are at our most vulnerable while bathing or using the toilet.
“In bathrooms, neutral colors prevail,” says Almario. “Practicality prevails for personal spaces. When it comes to color and textures, we go with materials that are easy to clean.”
“Bathrooms should be bespoke to your lifestyle,” avers Buensalido. “If you’re a parent, bathrooms should also function as a respite for quiet time, for example. It doesn’t have to be opulent.”
n They value timelessness over trends. Family, health, comfort, peace, and human connection are priorities of an intentional home. So too are brands that uphold the enduring legacy associated with their name.
With over 150 years of fitting homes with innovation and modern convenience, Kohler (www.kohler.ph) remains the preferred brand of
Brave netizens: Teaching our children to stay safe online
ONLINE risks used to feel far away. Today, they feel closer to home. In Microsoft’s latest Global Online Safety Survey, nearly twothirds of people worldwide said they experienced at least one significant online risk in the past year, from scams and hate speech to graphic content and sexual exploitation.
For Filipino families who live, study and unwind online, this matters deeply. The survey shows that people now feel more connected and productive online, yet also more overwhelmed with information and less safe than 10 years ago. Risks are no longer limited to strangers in dark corners of the web. Many targets actually know the perpetrator, and harmful encounters from cyberbullying to exposure to explicit content can erode trust, sleep and selfesteem, especially among teens. Love at home now includes helping our children navigate a world where the
screen is both a classroom and a playground.
Microsoft’s 10year global research confirms that online dangers are evolving quickly. The pandemic pushed more of life onto screens, and that digital migration has stayed, with adults and teens doing more of their socializing, learning and shopping online than a decade ago. At the same time, nearly 3 in 10 people now rank online frauds and scams as one of the top risks they face, and hate speech and graphic violence remain among the most common harmful experiences.
Layered onto this is the rapid rise of generative AI. The survey found that 38 percent of respondents already use generative AI weekly or more, up sharply from just 13 percent in 2023 with college graduates, teens and young adults among the most active users. People are excited about practical uses such as answering questions, planning trips, and boosting productivity, but worries are rising just as fast: sexual and online abuse, scams and data privacy top the list of AIrelated fears. More than half of those who experienced online fraud suspect AI was involved in the scam.
One of the most striking findings for families is how hard it has become to tell what is real. Only 25 percent of respondents now feel confident they can reliably distinguish real images from AIgenerated ones but when tested, most performed worse in spotting deepfakes. Teens say they would advise
friends targeted by deepfake intimate images to report and seek help but they still face a world where manipulated media can spread in seconds. For Filipino students who increasingly rely on AI tools for school projects and creative work, learning to question and verify content is fast becoming a survival skill.
The good news is that young people are not simply victims in this story. Across the 15 countries surveyed, teens who experienced online risks most often took protective actions: about threequarters blocked perpetrators, closed accounts, or reported what happened, and 74 percent talked to someone or reached out for help.
Parents are getting better at estimating the risks their teens face, narrowing the gap between what teens experience and what adults think is happening. But Filipino families still face familiar constraints: limited time, patchy digital literacy, and the pressure of relying on social media for everything from news to side hustles.
This is where simple, consistent habits matter more than perfect tech skills. Microsoft’s Family Safety Toolkit encourages parents to start conversations early, cocreate boundaries, and treat parental controls not as a “setandforget” shield but as part of an ongoing relationship. That includes learning the apps your child uses, keeping devices in shared spaces when they are young, and using tools
like content filters, SafeSearch, and activity reports as conversation starters. It also means modeling empathy and digital civility: if it is not okay to say in person, it is not okay to post. When it comes to AI, the toolkit urges families to treat these systems as copilots, not replacements for human judgment. Young people should know that chatbots can sound confident and still be wrong, biased, or incomplete, and that they should avoid sharing personal information or using AI to harm others. Features like family safety settings, stricter SafeSearch, and ageappropriate controls can help, but the most powerful protection is still a child who knows they can come to you when something feels off.
This Safer Internet Day invites moms and dads to choose one small “safety habit” we can stick with: a weekly “kwentuhan” about what kids are seeing online, or a family promise to pause and verify before sharing anything sensational. Microsoft’s Global Online Safety Infographic, Survey Results, and Family Safety Toolkit offer practical starting points for these conversations. Our kids are growing up in a world where harm can arrive in a single notification—but also where courage, kindness, and wisdom can spread just as quickly. The screens may keep changing, but we must continue to show up and walk beside them as they learn to be
and
IVY ALMARIO, interior designer and founder of Atelier Almario ARCHITECT Jason Buensalido, principal architect of Barchan + Architecture
Pacquiao memorabilia turned over to PHL Sports Museum
TBy Josef T. Ramos
“There is always a lot of uncertainty when you are not together all the time. We think we are going to compete, we like our chances, we think we matchup well, we are hoping to play well together, but certainly there is a lot of uncertainty,” Cone told the BusinessMirror through a text message.
“We do not know until we hit the floor, but we do know for certain that we will bring a lot of fight and intensity playing in home court.” World No. 25 New Zealand lost to World No. 6 Australia twice—84-79 and 79-77—in the first window. Still, it holds a big advantage in the head-to-head with team Philippines since 2016, having won six times in seven encounters.
For veteran national team player CJ Perez, Gilas will always have a chance to win against any team including New Zealand and Australia.
“They are taller and bigger I guess but we have a chance to steal the spotlight and win against them,” Perez told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday as he saw the New Zealand team walking at the lobby of same Seda Hotel in Pasay City.
“We must keep our defense intact all the time as our shooting will play a vital role as well.”
Gilas Pilipinas 12-man roster has not been finalized.
In the pool are 6-foot-10 Quentin Milloria-Brown, 6-foot-7 Justine Baltazar, 6-foot-10 AJ Edu, 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and 6-foot-7 Carl Tamayo. Cone also has Dwight Ramos, Perez, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Juan Gomez de Liaño, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Kevin Quiambao for world No. 36 Philippines. New Zealand’s 6-foot-9 Sam Mennenga, with 17.5 points and eight rebounds average, and playmaker Flynn Cameron averaging 12 points, 4.5 assists and three rebounds after two games, are the other players to watch.
HE Philippine Sports Commission hosted the ceremonial handover of select memorabilia from Philippine boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, marking a defining moment in the preservation of Philippine sporting heritage. Pacquiao turned over the memorabilia to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a ceremony attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo.
“What can I say about Manny Pacquiao and his boxing career that hasn’t been said before? Because lahat—all the superlatives that can possibly be used, all the praises that can possibly be had by an athlete have already been heaped upon him and well deserved,’’ said President Marcos.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Museum, Pasig City, formalized the inclusion of iconic artifacts from Pacquiao’s storied career into the Museum’s permanent collection.
“We commit Manny Pacquiao’s legacy to national memory to inspire and ignite future champions. Your sweat, your tears, your blood, your life. We can never thank you enough,’’ said Gregorio.
This milestone highlights the institution’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s athletic legacy and celebrating the achievements that shaped Philippine sports history.
Recognized globally as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao captured world titles across multiple weight classes, redefining the boundaries of the sport
while elevating Philippine pride on the international stage.
Among the items formally entrusted to the Museum are:
n Representative Fight Trunk
(Miguel Cotto Bout, 2009)— Symbolizing Pacquiao’s victory for the WBO Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, securing his seventh world title in his seventh different weight division.
n Representative Fight Trunk
(Antonio Margarito Bout, 2010)— Commemorating Pacquiao’s historic triumph at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, where he became the first and only fighter to win world titles in eight separate weight categories.
n World Boxing Council (WBC) Championship Belt—A globally recognized emblem of excellence, representing not only victory but a legacy defined by resilience, courage, and reinvention.
By Aldrin Quinto
GOLFCON 2026 will be much more than a showcase of equipment and cutting-edge technology.
As the newest playing and coaching gear are put on display during the expo on March 14 and 15 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, Philippine Golf Convention 2026 chairman Jesse Guerrero emphasized that the event is designed to elevate the local golf scene. “We’re working to promote golf
Rookies with the ‘mostest’
IT’S been just 12 days since the volleyball season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) opened on Valentine’s Day. Already, several athletes and teams have left their imprints on the taraflex, aweing media and volleyball fans with their talent, positive aura and fighting heart.
I asked several media colleagues covering the UAAP beat to pick the volleyball rookies who made them stand at attention and cause them to shake their heads in disbelief. I also asked them to choose a team or teams who had interesting trajectories this season. See if you agree with them.
lifestyle and put the spotlight on the different courses in the Philippines,” Guerrero said.
“They are really at the heart of why we wanted to do GolfCon. Beyond the brands we’re featuring, we also want to make sure we promote the different golf courses.”
Lyle Fernando Uy, the Department of Tourism’s Director for Golf Tourism and Special Projects, said on Wednesday at the DOT Office in Makati that an important program will be formalized during GolfCon.
“The industry will feel the government’s support, not only for tourism but for the whole industry,” Uy said.
“The government is very excited, especially since we’re able to tap this niche market. For the past years, we’ve been trying to develop golf tourism for the Philippines. We see golf tourism as a new tourism product for the Philippines, although if you look at it, golf has been in the country for the longest time.”
“Through GolfCon, we are able to expand the network and share what the Philippines has to offer, both for those who want to play golf and also to the stakeholders in the industry.
The latest golf club releases, apparel and accessories will be available as GolfCon partners with among others, J-Ten Sports, Icon Sports, PacSports, Golf Depot, Transview and Dynamic Sports.
Angge Poyos, Angel Canino and Bella Belen— rookie sensations of various years—who have impressed the fans during their respective debuts.
“The power, the IQ, and that composed, ‘nice’ attitude are all there,” Paolo Campos says of Sam. “Sure, National University are the defending champions, but earning quality minutes and making them count shows how reliable she is as a player.” “She has already proven this early that she is not afraid of the moment,” Justin Valencia chimes in.
“[She’s a true] standout—playing better than expected. [The] intangibles are there, especially her mental fortitude in the end”, notes Philip Matel. Lui Morales calls her “a no-brainer choice, as evidenced by her high-scoring performances in her first three games for the three-peat seeking Lady Bulldogs. But she’s not the only first-year player making waves.”
The other rookie who has caught positive attention among the media in the women’s game is Eshana Nunag of the De La Salle Lady Spikers. “Just last season, it was clear that DLSU’s missing link was stable setting. For Season 88, they seem to have found that with Eshana Nunag. With the ability to mix things up, and even confuse opposing blockers, Nunag has been able to generate quality looks for Shevana Laput and Angel Canino. By the numbers, she’s currently Season 88’s top setter with 4.67 sets per frame,” says RJ Ballecer.
These memorabilia represent more than milestones in a boxing career—they embody moments when Filipino determination, discipline, and excellence resonated across the world.
“The legend of Manny Pacquiao put the Philippines on the world map. He made the world look at us with awe and respect. This is our narrative as a nation: a story of grit, sacrifice and courage--violent but truthful and, in the end, triumphant,’’ said Gregorio. By safeguarding these pieces of history, the Philippine Sports Museum ensures that Pacquiao’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and citizens alike.
The ceremonial handover further affirms the Museum’s role as a custodian of collective and cultural memory—transforming extraordinary individual triumphs into enduring sources of national pride and inspiration. Also present during the handover ceremony were PSC Commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston and Walter Torres as well as PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy.
“When the President recognizes and memorializes an athlete, he places sports at the center of nationbuilding—this appeals to the heart and nobility of athletes across the nation,’’ said Gregorio.
Manny Pacquiao’s story remains one of the most powerful narratives in Philippine sport—a testament to perseverance, faith, and the limitless potential of the Filipino spirit. Through this preservation effort, his achievements are not only remembered, but shared with future generations.
Golfers also get to experience the most recent technology from Trackman, unveiled at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, featuring biomechanics integration and three-dimensional motion analysis, according to Guerrero.
Equally important is the presence of representatives from at least eight golf courses in the country.
“Dakak and Liloan, among others, will be represented there. Davao golf will have representation with Region XI supporting the golf courses,” Guerrero said.
“These clubs are open to international level of championships and we want to help them get in touch with the right people, talk to the stakeholders and try to market themselves there.”
Guerrero pointed out that golf is arguably the top sport driving tourism in the country year-round. In addition to being a premier golf destination for international players, various tournaments attract overseasbased Filipinos seeking to reconnect with the local golf culture. Aside from the team tournaments such as the Fil-Am Invitational and the PAL Interclub, among the biggest draws is the World Amateur Golfers Championship, which is set to hold its finale at Caliraya Springs in Laguna
“She has been steady so far and has led to tremendous success for the Lady Spikers to start the season. While she has yet to be tested against other contending teams, Nunag has done good so far and might be the key to La Salle’s return to UAAP glory,” Lui added. Among the men, Jims Ducusin of the Adamson Soaring Falcons was mentioned by Rupert Marcelo as “impressive,” taking note of the former Baby Falcon’s 23-point
Dongallo,
Ring icon Manny Pacquiao hands President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his framed fight trunks. PSC
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio believes Manyn Pacquiao’s memorabilia will serve as an inspiration for
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES LAND 11-YEAR-OLD IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
THEY thought that one of the important milestones in puberty will soon come knocking at their door after their daughter Likha complained of “painful discomfort in her tummy” and a “slight bout with headaches.”
Three weeks later, Joel Pablo Salud, an author and former editor -in-chief of the Philippines Graphic magazine, and his wife Che, did not imagine that they will experience a big change in their family’s life that would involve their 11-year-old daughter.
“Three weeks slipped by without any serious incident until Tuesday this week. Again, she called her Mom so she could pick her up from school, this time complaining of chest pains, a bad headache, low grade fever, and pain along her lower torso. I also noticed a stark drop in her weight,” Joel recalled, as he posted their experience on February 21, 2026.
She was first diagnosed at a nearby clinic to have contracted influenza B. On that very night, he recounted, they rushed Likha, to the emergency room of Las Piñas General Hospital (LPGH) due to vomiting and extreme pain in her belly.
Joel said that the doctors noticed
a spike in Likha’s blood sugar at 570+ where “250 is already considered an emergency level.”
The first prognosis: Type 1 Diabetes A SERIES of tests were conducted and indicated that Likha had Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
“This disease is a killer. The first prognosis was grim. The doctor said she had no choice but to bring Likha to Intensive Care. Tests showed that her blood upon arrival at the ER resembled that of ‘a dead man’ due to the spread of blood clots. She was an inch shy of being dead,” he shared, noting that Likha’s weight had plummeted to 24 pounds.
“This could only go two ways. If she pulls through, she might suffer brain swelling or be attached to breathing tubes. Either way, it’s not good. The damage that will come about due to the swelling of the brain may affect
her for life,” Joel, who quoted the doctor as saying.
Minutes later, he said, the doctor in charge gave a grim prognosis: “This will only go two ways: either she survives with a breathing tube on her chest, or the effects of a swelling brain.”
“It goes without saying that the third option is only death,” he lamented.
Juvenile diabetes
COMMONLY known as juvenile diabetes, the Department of Health (DOH) said that T1D is usually diagnosed in children and young people.
It is a condition where the immune system attacks the islets of langerhans or beta cells of the pancreas leading to the destruction of insulinmaking cells.
Research indicates that offsprings of mothers with type 1 diabetes have a 2.5 to four percent risk, while those with an affected father have a six to seven percent risk, sometimes higher (three to eight percent for siblings)
With T1D, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pancreas does not produce insulin or makes very little insulin.TD1 is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake).
Her survival rate: 50 percent JOEL then asked, what are the chances of seeing Likha cured? The doctor responded, “It’s 50-50 for the first
24 hours. She needs to go through a battery of tests.”
Upon hearing this, Joel even blamed himself for her daughter ‘s situation. While waiting of the doctor’s prognosis, Joel and Che prayed, knowing that they can turn to God and trust Him as they face difficult and challenging situation.
Risk factors
THE CDC noted that known risk factors of T1D include:
Family history: Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes.
Age: You can get type 1 diabetes at any age, but it usually develops in children, teens, or young adults.
On Tuesday, Joel posted an update that the level of Likha’s blood sugar is spiking to over 200 and 300.
“Insulin is keeping it at bay. But we have to keep some juices close by just in case levels go so low as to trigger hypoglycemia,” he said.
Joel thanked Pilar Village Gospel Church for praying for Likha.
“Two days the prayers went on unhindered, prayers being lifted up from morning till night. Thousands more came to join. Heaven fought against the dark forces which are ransacking my daughter’s body. I could almost feel the battle being waged on our behalf and in the name of my Lord Jesus,” Joel said, noting that doctors declared that they were out of danger.
He added that talks among the medical staff were rife about her be -
ing discharged from the ICU.
However, Joel continues to appeal for prayers for improved sugar levels and appetite.
“Please continue praying for Likha, for the doctors, for the children at the ICU, and their mothers. The fight rages on, and we’re not about to back down. Because our King fights for us,” he said adding that prayer is the greatest kindness one can extend to his family.
Joel also thanked the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of the ER and ICU of LPGH.
“I have never encountered doctors and nurses with such amazing dedication,” he appreciated.
Can’t be prevented, but can be treated PEOPLE with T1D need to take insulin every day.
Currently, the CDC said that T1D can’t be prevented, but it can be treated effectively.
T1D was once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. It often develops in children, teens, and young adults, but it can happen at any age.
“At any age” means any parent can get blindsided by the discovery of T1D. One of the most popular poster boys of T1D, Gary Valenciano, known for this heart-stopping emergencies throughout his concert career, was diagnosed at age 14.
But in some cases, as with Hope Roxas (not her real name), who like
Likha almost died from T1D’s havoc, was a mere 2 ½ years gold when the disease caused her near death. Rushed to Dr. Fe del Mundo Hospital in Quezon City, Hope stayed in ICU for several days as her parents stormed the heavens and doctors worked to save her. With a pancreas that did not fully develop, she could barely produce insulin so her sugar levels were shooting through the roof when brought for treatment.
By God’s grace, Hope recovered and has lived with insulin pens since then. Her mother and her nanny were so good at brainwashing her into embracing the new challenging lifestyle that in her early years, she would routinely look at the clock and nudge her nanny, “time for my ouchouch,” referring to the pinprick sensation of the pen. She grew up to be a happy, vivacious child—she is now 15—and is proof that T1D, for all its challenges, can be embraced so that the child who survives it will never feel that survival is such a burden. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed successfully by: Following your doctor’s recommendations for living a healthy lifestyle.
n Managing your blood sugar.
n Getting regular health checkups.
n Getting diabetes self-management education and support.
See “Diabetes,” C2
Asian Hospital advances healthcare excellence through training, outreach and innovation
AT the forefront of innovation, compassion, and community service, Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) continues to shape the future of healthcare through meaningful milestones and strategic collaborations. Guided by a vision of excellence and a strong sense of responsibility to the communities it serves, AHMC nurtures a culture grounded in integrity, continuous learning, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
By investing in advanced systems and, more importantly, in the growth of its people, AHMC empowers healthcare professionals to lead with both competence and compassion. Anchored on science, service, and sacrifice, the institution remains committed to delivering impactful, patient-centered care that advances healthcare standards and uplifts the lives of those it serves.
AHMC’s 10th Residents’ and Fellows’ Commencement Exercises
ASIAN Hospital proudly celebrated its 10th Residents’ and Fellows’ Commencement exercises at the Acacia Hotel, highlighting the theme “The Making of a Physician: Science, Service, Sacrifice and Impact.”
During the ceremony, Dr. Keith Andrew Ablona, speaking on behalf of the graduates, reflected on their journey at AHMC: “Asian Hospital has always pushed us toward excellence—to become experts in our fields, to feel for, and to do the right thing by our patients. They have nurtured this mindset in a humane and collaborative working environment.”
The event honored the dedication, perseverance and growth of the graduates as they completed years of rigorous training and service while recognizing the invaluable guidance of mentors, consultants and families who supported them throughout their journey.
As they move forward as fullfledged specialists, the graduates carry with them Asian Hospital’s commitment to excellence, integrity and compassionate care.
Chinese New Year Celebration
AHMC celebrated Chinese New Year and welcomed the Year of the Horse with meaningful Lunar New Year messages and greetings from Dr. Jose Acuin, Director of the Asian Learning Institute and Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and CEO of Asian Hospital. Members of the leadership team and hospital staff were present during the celebration, highlighting the spirit of unity and shared optimism for the year ahead.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a vibrant dragon dance toured key areas of the hospital and extended to the Asian Health and Medical Clinics, spreading cheer and symbols of prosperity, good fortune and wellbeing for all.
The celebration concluded with warm wishes for continued success, good health and happiness throughout the year.
Argus-Eyed Project
ASIAN Hospital has officially launched the Argus-Eyed Project, marking a significant step forward in strengthening early pathogen detection and advancing antimicrobial stewardship. This joint initiative of AHMC’s Asian Institute of Respirology (AIR) and Pfizer reflects a shared commitment to elevating patient care through innovation and collaboration.
Health&Fitness
PHL fertility rates drop to record low–study
ABy Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor
RECENT study by the Philippines Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that Philippine fertility rates have dropped below the population replacement level.
Based on the study by PIDS researchers Tania Dew Perez and Dr. Michael Abrigo titled “Do men matter in fertility outcomes? Evidence from spousal dynamics in the Philippines,” total fertility has declined from around four children in 1993 to about 1.8 by 2022 for both men and women, placing the country below the level needed to sustain population size over time.
In demographics, Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is defined as “replacing” a population of 2.1 children per woman.
From a TFR of 2.7 in 2017 to roughly 1.9 in 2022, the Philippines has seen a rapid decline, which places the country below the 2.1 threshold for the first time in modern history, following a trend seen in neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore.
While the drop mirrors global trends, researchers said many Filipino couples are not achieving the number of children they want.
Similar fertility trends for men, women
THE researchers used three decades
of data from the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey to examine fertility patterns for both sexes. In their study, the authors found out that men tend to have children later and over a wider age range than women. Historically, male fertility rates were slightly higher. Nonetheless, male and female fertility patterns have converged, with both declining to similar levels by 2022. This indicated that fertility outcomes are shaped by common demographic and socioeconomic forces affecting households as a whole.
Although women-centric national policies help in shaping the national trends, Perez and Abrigo said men must also be included in the national planning agenda because it might overlook important dynamics when designing family planning and social programs.
Gaps between desired, actual family size DESPITE increasing alignment in
Public, private sectors unite to build a cancer-ready Philippines
By Rory Visco | Contributor
CANCER remains a formidable foe in the Philippines, ranking among the three leading causes of death among Filipinos.
At the recent General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham) held in Makati, it was shown that the fight against cancer requires a coordinated, “whole-ofsociety” approach, which was the clear message coming from policymakers and business leaders. Supported by Manulife Philippines, the gathering sought to chart actions ranging from initial screening to long-term survivorship.
Leading the call were Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora, who both emphasized and reminded everyone present that cancer care must extend far beyond clinical intervention to address access, affordability, and dignity.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data revealed that from January to April 2025, cancer ranked second with 22,837 deaths or around 11.3 percent of all recorded deaths, with ischemic heart disease at number one with 40,532 deaths or about 20 percent of the total deaths nationwide, and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) is at third with 20,484 deaths, or 10.1 percent of the total deaths.
Behind these stark statistics are disrupted dreams, depleted savings, and families pushed to the brink by a disease that Manulife’s Asia Care Survey identifies as one of the most feared in the country.
A national push for readiness
THE DOH has placed cancer care at the forefront of its Eight-Point Action Agenda. For Herbosa, the strategy is moving the nation from a position of fear to one of “readiness.”
“For too long, a cancer diagnosis in this country was whispered like a death sentence, not just biologically, but finan -
cially. It was a ‘catastrophic’ illness in every sense of the word, capable of wiping out a lifetime of savings in a single treatment cycle,” Herbosa remarked during the GMM. “A Cancer-Ready Philippines is a nation where the quality of your care is determined by the urgency of your need, not the weight of your wallet.”
The GMM focused on critical pillars to support this vision, which is about strengthening prevention, advancing digital health for early detection, and scaling interventions like human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. While the government sets the direction under the banner of Universal Health Care, Herbosa acknowledged that the “formidable foe” requires inclusive and proactive cooperation with the private sector.
The financial shock families cannot absorb THE urgency of this cooperation is highlighted by systemic barriers like geographic disparities. This means those outside Metro Manila have fewer options for specialized care, while limited access to screening leads to late-stage diagnoses when treatment becomes more difficult and complex.
Hora, for his part, pointed to the heavy burden of out-of-pocket expenses, which place a tremendous strain on families’ finances. Data from Manulife’s “In Wellness and In Health Study” revealed that 41 percent of medical spending in the Philippines is out of pocket, while 33 percent of Filipinos feel their current health insurance is insufficient.
“We at Manulife are on a mission to make decisions easier, and lives better for our customers, and we know that cancer and other diseases are a challenge to these. That’s why we remain deeply committed to respond with urgency and compassion,” Hora explained.
He likewise emphasized that by working with the DOH and organizations like CanCham, the goal is a future where Filipinos face a diagnosis with “hope, support, and access to the right care” rather
than financial uncertainty.
From coverage to care
MAN ULIFE Philippines, which has served the country for 119 years, is evolving its role from a traditional insurer to a trusted partner in Filipinos’ health and longevity journey.
To bolster this commitment, Manulife recently launched its global Longevity Institute, backed by a CA$350-million investment through year 2030. The Institute serves as a platform for research and advocacy to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Locally, the company has partnered with AC Health on cancer prevention and care programs to help Filipinos prepare for the risks of critical illness.
CanCham President and CEO Christopher Ilagan noted that the chamber is actively mobilizing its network to align employers and health innovators. “We are also convening our member-organizations to align employers, insurers, and health innovators around early detection, digital pathways, and sustainable financing, so patients are guided from diagnosis to survivorship.”
A whole-of-society approach
THE forum concluded with a recognition that cancer is as much an economic issue as a medical one. A “whole-of-society” approach means recognizing different dimensions of the condition, from the psychological toll to the need for sustainable financing models. The objective was clear: build an ecosystem where a diagnosis does not translate into ruin. The collaboration between Canadian and Philippine leadership, exemplified by Manulife and CanCham and the government, demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the country’s most urgent healthcare needs.
In the end, success will not be measured by statistics alone, but by whether fear gives way to fighting chance, whether a diagnosis no longer sounds like a final verdict but the beginning of a battle backed by science, solidarity, and a system that refuses to let any Filipino walk it alone.
fertility preferences, differences between intended and actual family size persist.
Among poorer households, Perez and Abrigo said families often end up having more children than they intend, reflecting continued unmet needs resulting in contraception and economic vulnerability.
Among wealthier households, the pattern is reversed. Couples consistently have fewer children than they say they want, even with better access to services.
The poorest households still average between 2.5 and 2.9 children, while the wealthiest average between 1.2 and 1.5. In Metro Manila, fertility among women has fallen to just above one child on average.
These outcomes point to different constraints across income groups, from limited access to reproductive health services among lower-income families to work-family trade-offs among higher-income households.
Employment, housing, time constraints
THE study highlighted several factors that may influence couples’ ability to realize their fertility preferences, including employment conditions, housing arrangements, childcare availability, and daily commute times.
Arduous commuting mainly caused by urban planning and high housing costs in urban areas may reduce the time and resources available for child-rearing, while career inter -
ruptions associated with motherhood can discourage planned births among working women.
“The Philippines’ chronic transportation crisis is deeply intertwined with housing problems,” the authors said, describing Metro Manila’s threeto-four-hour daily commutes and how families must choose between cramped housing near work or distant homes that steal time away from childcare.
At the same time, poorer households continue to face barriers to fertility regulation despite improvements in access to family planning services following the Reproductive Health Act of 2012.
Rethinking how the country supports families WITH fertility now below replacement level and the population expected to age over time, Perez and Abrigo said there would be implications for labor supply, social protection systems, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
The study suggested that policies aimed at supporting families may need to look beyond access to contraception alone and consider broader economic and social conditions that shape family decisions including employment stability, affordable childcare, housing, and transport. For many Filipino couples, economics is the major factor on how many children they are able to raise and give them quality life.
Bridging the gap: The vital role primary palliative care plays in the community
By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
ACOMMON misconception persists that palliative care is a “last resort” reserved only for patients at Stage 4 or those nearing the end of life. However, health advocates are shifting this narrative toward the expansion of primary palliative care, an approach that focuses on early integration within the community.
Unlike specialized hospice care that often begins in the final days, primary palliative care serves as a vital bridge that begins at the moment of diagnosis.
Dr. Djoanna Aguirre Pedro, President of the Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PSHPM), said that this model which is supported by the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth ensures that patients and their families are not left to navigate the complexities of a serious illness alone. Instead, a comprehensive care plan is established from the beginning, providing guidance and comfort from the first day of diagnosis through every subsequent stage of the journey.
“There is early integration. Eto ay nangyayari na po sa mga komunidad na hawak ng The Ruth Foundation (This is already happening in the communities being handled by The Ruth Foundation),” said Dr. Pedro.
Community-centered approach THIS community-centered approach is already being successfully implemented in Muntinlupa, Parañaque, and Las Piñas through the efforts of The Ruth Foundation (TRF). By partnering with local government units and medical institutions, the foundation facilitates early referrals that allow patients to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes.
The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care (TRF) is a nongovernmental organization based in Muntinlupa City. TRF is dedicated to providing the best quality of life to individuals of all ages facing serious illness.
Dr. Pedro explained that this process is rooted in shared decisionmaking, where the goals of the patient and family are given equal weight to
the objectives of the healthcare team. By meeting halfway and prioritizing open communication, the care plan becomes a collaborative effort, ensuring that every stakeholder is aligned and moving forward together.
Dr. Pedro served as a featured speaker at the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2026. Spearheaded by the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation, the summit gathered leaders, survivors, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates for a vital dialogue.
This year’s theme, “Scaling Up What Matters Most: Person-Centered and Integrated Cancer Care for Every Filipino,” signals a definitive shift in the landscape of oncology. It moves the focus from treating diseases in isolation to caring for patients within their personal contexts, shifting from disconnected services to coordinated systems, and from policy on paper to compassionate care at the bedside.
Benefits of Early Palliative Care
THE benefits of early palliative integration are measurable and transformative for the entire healthcare system. Dr. Pedro said that when symptoms are managed effectively within the community, patients experience fewer unnecessary emergency room visits, fewer treatment dropouts, and stronger adherence to their prescribed medications. This seamless coordination creates a “Compassionate Community” where the gap between hospital treatment and
home life is finally bridged.
Dr. Pedro pointed out that the ultimate goal is for every community to adopt this model, ensuring that palliative care is accessible to all through local government support and non-governmental partnerships. Ultimately, the success of primary palliative care lies in the strength of its partnerships.
“We cannot do it alone. That is why we are coordinating with your oncologists, with surgeons, with different societies like the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, the Hospice Philippines which is the advocacy group for palliative care, the Philippine Cancer Society, the LGUs, and other NGOs,” said Dr. Pedro. By working alongside these groups, the healthcare community can ensure that comfort, communication, and coordination remain the pillars of patient care. Dr. Pedro said that in this model, the patient and their family are never just recipients of a service; they are an integral part of the plan, empowered by a network of support that honors their journey until the very end.
A patient’s guide to quality life ALSO during the Cancer Summit, the Quality of Life (QOL) Department of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) introduced a comprehensive guide designed to empower patients and their families to partner effectively with healthcare providers, regardless of cancer type or stage. Dr. Mari Joanne Joson, head of HCCH-QOL Department, emphasized that palliative care focuses on symptom relief, communication, and holistic support at every stage of the patient’s journey.
The presentation explored the synergy between palliative medicine, nutrition, and psycho-oncology in improving patient outcomes: while palliative medicine relieves suffering and nutrition fuels physical recovery, psycho-oncology strengthens emotional resilience. To provide practical support, the guide includes essential tools such as a Symptom Assessment Scale, a Pain Scale for cancer patients, nutrition screening tools, a food diary, distress thermometer, and grounding techniques for managing anxiety.
Heart Month
Mitigating risk: The importance of tailored fitness for heart health
By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
HEALTH experts emphasize the importance of consulting a physician or undergoing a formal risk assessment before beginning any new fitness regimen. This is particularly critical for individuals with personal risk factors or a family history of heart disease. While physical activity is a cornerstone of health, experts warn that exercise should be tailored to the individual to ensure it remains beneficial rather than hazardous.
Cardiologist Dr. Luigi Pierre S. Segundo and Dr. Faye M. Bautista from the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) also urged athletes and fitness enthusiasts to remain vigilant during physical exertion. They warn against ignoring warning signs, advising individuals to recognize when to stop if they experience unusual symptoms mid-activity.
On Valentine’s Day, Dr. Segundo headlined the PCP I.M. Health Talk, “Usapang Puso, Mula sa Puso, Para sa Lahat.” Hosted by Dr. Bautista, the session was broadcast across the KaPCPeeps and Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Facebook pages to promote heart health awareness.
A project of the PCP, KaPCPeeps serves as a platform for the wide -
spread dissemination of health education and awareness.
Work with a coach FOR those engaged in sports or physical activities, Dr. Segundo suggested working with a coach and monitoring heart rate via wearable technology. While smartwatches provide accessible data, users should understand key metrics like the Maximum Predicted Heart Rate (MPHR). Use the standard formula, 220 minus your age, to find your MPHR. This figure represents the upper limit of cardiovascular exertion.
Dr. Segundo explained that for a 20-year-old, the MPHR is 200 beats per minute (bpm). However, for sustainable health, experts suggest aiming for a target heart rate of 85 percent of that maximum. While occasionally exceeding this threshold is not immediately life-threatening, consistently overexerting the heart increases the long-term risk of developing conditions such as arrhythmia.
“We mentioned 85 percent, but it’s not for everyone. Of course, if you participate in sports and you already have heart disease, or you have a risk factor, the best thing is to consult your doctor or undergo a risk assessment. This means that before you participate in sporting events—especially if you have a risk factor or you have already had a heart attack—you
should check first and clarify with your doctor if you can participate in sports,” said Dr. Segundo.
“And in a lot of patients, it’s not prohibited to participate. It’s just modified.
Our patients can have a guide before they participate in sports,” he added.
“Remember that extracurriculars are usually to improve our health and fitness and it’s not to put us in danger. Hindi po kahinaan kung magpapa checkup muna kayo (It is not a sign of weakness to consult a doctor before you begin.),” said Dr. Bautista.
Surge of high blood pressure in young adults
ACCORDING to Dr. Segundo, heart disease is no longer exclusive to the elderly. He observed that despite a growing interest in fitness, a large segment of the younger generation continues to lead lifestyles that put their cardiovascular health at risk.
Data from the 2023 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) reveals a sobering reality: one in 10 Filipinos aged 20 to 59 now lives with elevated blood pressure. This prevalence is driven by a combination of lifestyle factors, including high sodium intake, sedentary habits, obesity, chronic stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of heart disease.
Often dubbed a “silent killer,” hypertension can cause internal damage for years without warning, leading to life-altering disabilities, strokes, or fatal heart attacks if left unmanaged.
Hypertension is a primary cardiovascular risk factor. Along with high cholesterol, elevated blood glucose, and obesity, it is one of several manageable conditions that can be controlled to prevent heart disease. Dr. Segundo noted that many individuals remain asymptomatic; therefore, regular checkups are essential to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
He added that there are strategies recommended to boost physical activity and combat obesity, such as undertaking at least one hour of exercise daily or every other day. Consistent movement remains a primary tool for weight management and longterm wellness.
The ‘Puso Muna’ framework DR. Segundo also highlighted PHA’s “Puso Muna” (Heart First) campaign, which advocates for a holistic approach to cardiovascular wellness. This initiative outlines 11 essential elements of primary prevention, serving as a comprehensive roadmap for maintaining a healthy heart.
At its core, the program encourages Filipinos to prioritize a hearthealthy diet while strictly avoiding
Healing Hearts: How De Los Santos Medical Center Redefined Heart Care
‘HINDI lang bilang doctor yung ginagampanan nila. Nakita ko kay Doc na gusto niyang tumulong talaga”, Rowena Alicaway, mother of Princess Sofia Alicaway – a 9-year old who had her open heart surgery last November 10, 2025 at De Los Santos Medical Center through PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit for OpenHeart (TOF) surgery.
smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Managing physiological numbers is equally vital, as the campaign urges the public to keep blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels within healthy ranges. Beyond clinical metrics, “Puso Muna” emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle, which includes achieving seven to nine hours of quality sleep, practicing effective stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight to prevent obesity. For those already diagnosed with chronic conditions, consistent adherence to prescribed maintenance medications is a non-negotiable step. Finally, the PHA underscores that an active lifestyle—consisting of regular daily exercise—is the foundation of a strong heart. By putting “Puso Muna,” individuals can transform these 11 elements into a lifelong shield against heart disease. Heart
care lies not just in state-of-the-art technology, but also in how care is delivered— with empathy, integrity, and unparalleled Kalinga.
Since the establishment of its Catheterization Laboratory Unit in 2018, minimally invasive procedures such as coronary angiograms, angioplasty, and pacemaker implantations are already within reach for many patients. With package options designed to make these services more affordable, the hospital reaffirmed its mission that quality heart care should be both excellent and accessible. From diagnostic services to open-heart surgeries to cardiac rehabilitation, De Los Santos has mastered advanced cardiac care with a personalized, patient-centric approach. With Cardiology as one of its Centers of Excellence, the institution’s cardiac services now encompass everything from routine heart screenings and catheterization procedures to complex surgeries like coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and open-heart surgeries to comprehensive postoperative care like cardiac rehabilitation, ensuring patients get topnotch care at every stage of their heart health journey. Committed to its mission of making global-standard healthcare accessible to Filipinos, De Los Santos continues to find ways to deliver quality and affordable services. Currently, the hospital is accredited by PhilHealth for the following: nZ-Benefit Open-Heart Surgery (Adult) nZ-Benefit Pediatric Open-Heart Surgery Package (VSD/TOF)
Protect your heart health; push for smoke, vape free ordinances—multisectoral group
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
TO protect the youth against the harms of vaping and smoking, the local government unit (LGU) of Gubat, Sorsogon, Parents Against Vape (PAV), youth representatives, parents, and various sectors of the community came together, expressing support for the passage and effective implementation of the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Ordinance in the municipality.
Likewise, the LGU, barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), parents, and community leaders called for stronger policies at the national level during the Community MPOWERment on Tobacco Control: Capacity Building Seminar on Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment held on February 19, 2026 at the Municipal Compound of Gubat.
The activity aims to strengthen the capacity of the groups to support the passage and effective implementation of the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Ordinance in Gubat, alongside the call for stronger policies at the national level.
Collective advocacy
IN his message, Gubat Mayor Ronel “Nono” Lim expressed his support for the collective advocacy for stronger
public health protection. “ Bilang mga lider, napakahalaga na pinapakinggan natin ang boses ng publiko at naipaparating ang kanilang mensahe hindi lang sa lokal na antas kundi maging sa ating mga pambansang mambabatas, upang patuloy silang makinig at kumilos para sa mga polisiyang tunay na naglalagay sa kalusugan ng mamamayan sa unahan [As leaders, it is very important that we listen to the voice of the public and convey their message not only at the local level but also to our national lawmakers, so that they continue to listen and act on policies that truly put public health first],” Lim said.
According to Alexis James Has, President of the SK Federation–Gubat, the proposed Smoke-Free and VapeFree Ordinance of Gubat is not only
a local initiative but also a symbol of the broader call of the youth.
“Ang proposed ordinance para sa Gubat ay demand at panawagan ng mga kabataan. Simbolo rin ito ng aming panawagan sa ating national government na mas palakasin ang implementasyon ng mga polisiya at tiyaking sapat ang proteksyon laban sa vapedemic [The proposed ordinance for Gubat is a demand and a call from the youth. It also symbolizes our call to the national government to strengthen the implementation of policies and ensure adequate protection against the vapedemic],” said Has.
For his part, Judy Delos Reyes, Project Leader of PAV, tobacco control policies carry deeper meaning.
Ang mga polisiya na nagpoprotekta sa kabataan ay hindi lang tungkol sa kanilang kalusugan—ito ay tungkol din sa pagprotekta sa kanilang mga pangarap. Kapag may malinaw at matibay na smoke-free at vape-free policies, mas nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang kabataan na lumaki sa ligtas at suportadong komunidad [Policies that protect the youth are not only about their health—they are also about protecting their dreams. When there are clear and strong smoke-free and vape-free policies, young people have greater opportunities to grow in safe and supportive communities],” said Delos Reyes.
Significant health risks
ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), PAV noted, no tobacco products, including e-ciga -
What is atrial fibrillation and how is
DANIEL MOORE was about 30 the first time it happened. At the end of a long, hot, stressful day, he chugged an icecold glass of milk.
“It felt like a bunny rabbit trying to jump out of my chest,” said Moore, now 60. Moore, a radiologist, knew what it was: A-fib. Short for atrial fibrillation, A-fib is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that is a worrisome stage-setter for blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Some researchers believe more than 10 million Americans have it, most of them older. And it’s expected to become even more common in the years ahead. Yet, University of Utah heart researcher Dr. T. Jared Bunch sees reason for optimism.
“Even though we see more of the disease, we’re better at treating it,” said Bunch, who co-authored a book on A-fib.
Shortness of breath
A-FIB occurs when the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria, beat out of sync with the lower chambers, the ventricles. Not everyone is aware something is wrong, but some people suffer alarming symptoms like a pounding heartbeat and shortness of breath.
“I definitely have no exercise tolerance when I’m in it,” Moore said. “I can’t run. Walking is tiring faster. I get a little light-headed standing up.”
The heart can surpass 200 beats per minute for someone with A-fib, more than double the 60 to 100 beats typical for a healthy adult’s resting heart rate. Symptoms can come and go, and it’s not usually life-threatening by itself. But the erratic beating can lead to blood pooling in the heart that can become clots in days or even hours. Those clots, in turn, can travel to the brain and cause strokes.
A-fib also can increase the risk of devel -
oping ventricular fibrillation—a more serious condition.
Diagnosis is becoming more common
EXPERTS say smartwatches and other devices that can detect erratic heartbeats are one reason A-fib diagnoses are increasing. Many people who experience symptoms don’t understand what is happening. The American Heart Association found that more than half of people with A-fib didn’t know about the condition before they were diagnosed.
Studies have suggested 15 percent or more of strokes can be tied to A-fib, and that the percentage rises in older people. The condition is one reason that US stroke deaths rose in the last decade, although the stroke death rate has dipped in the last few years.
What causes A-fib?
RESEARCHERS attribute A-fib to damage in the heart’s upper chambers and its electrical signaling. Genetics can play a role, but other contributors include high blood pres -
sure, diabetes, stress, sleep apnea, smoking and alcohol.
Those harms accumulate over time, which is one reason why the condition tends to hit older adults. About 70 percent of A-fib cases are people 65 and older, Bunch said.
Viruses can also pose a threat because they can affect the proteins behind the heart’s electrical signals or prompt an immune response that damages heart tissue.
COVID-19 is among the list of viral culprits and likely contributed to A-fib in some patients, experts say.
Studies have found no link to Covid-19 shots, said Dr. Jose Joglar, a Dallas-based expert who helped author American Heart Association guidelines on A-fib diagnosis and management.
Treatment options
THERE’S no cure, but a number of therapies can help manage the problem.
“We’re miles beyond where we used to be” in treating A-fib, said Dr. Laurence Epstein, of Hofstra University and Northwell Health. “The technology has really evolved.”
10 small steps to a healthier heart
ARDIOVASCULAR diseases
C(CVDs) are the number one cause of deaths in the world accounting to 17.7 million people dying of the disorder of the heart and blood vessels every year. Though a leading global killer, most CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and harmful consumption of alcohol.
rettes, are safe. Vaping and smoking both pose significant health risks, but traditional cigarettes contain a deadly mix of over 7,000 chemicals, while vapes contain fewer, yet still harmful, substances. The safest approach is not to use either.
Vaping is associated with cardiovascular damage, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke while smoking causes damage to nearly every organ in the body.
Meanwhile, the Smoke-Free Baguio team, led by Dr. Donnabel Panes, Mr. Daryl Kim Longid, and Atty. Hannah Calitong, shared their legal, policy, and enforcement best practices that have been key to the successful implementation of smoke-free policies in Baguio City.
As part of the continuing campaign against smoking and vaping, PAV also continues to conduct similar activities in different towns in Sorsogon, including information sessions and community engagements in schools and barangays, to further strengthen the support of parents and communities in building healthier, smoke-free and vape-free communities.
PAV, together with its partner communities, reiterated the need to amend the vape law to: ban flavors that appeal to the youth, raise the minimum age of access to 21, strengthen the regulation of online sales and marketing, and return the primary regulatory authority over vape and other novel tobacco products to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
it treated?
One initial treatment is a cardioversion, which involves using a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore rhythm. It’s often successful, but sometimes only temporarily.
For some patients, doctors may recommend implanted devices. Pacemakers can regulate heart rhythm, and a device called a Watchman can close off a clot-prone area of the upper heart.
And then there’s ablation. It’s a procedure in which a doctor uses heat, cold or electric pulses to zap certain areas of the heart, creating scars that block faulty electric signals.
Traditionally, ablation was used when other approaches failed, but in recent years ablation techniques have become more advanced and it has become a first choice for certain patients, including those with heart failure.
Medications to regulate the heart or thin the blood to reduce stroke risk can have problematic side effects.
How to lower your risk
PEOPLE can lower their risk of developing Afib by living a healthy lifestyle. That includes exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, managing high blood pressure, and avoiding tobacco products and alcohol.
Doctors also have long warned about excessive levels of caffeine, although some new evidence suggests that at least a little may be OK. One small study published recently found that patients who averaged one cup a day saw less recurrence of symptoms than those who abstained entirely.
If symptoms do develop, it’s important to take them seriously, said Amy Stahley, who was first diagnosed three years ago. Mike Stobbe, Associated Press
The month of February is Heart Health Month and there is a need to emphasize the need to protect our heart. A study from Harvard Medical School as quoted by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, suggested to start with ten small steps which people of all ages can easily follow:
1. Take a 10-minute walk. A brief walk is a great way to start the day even if you don’t exercise.
2. Lift yourself up, and some weights too. Lifting a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When you start to become used to it, you can move on to heavier items by joining a gym as strength training helps condition your heart to be more efficient and better able to pump blood throughout the body.
3. Eat more fruits or vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are cheap, ready available, nutritious, and good for both your brain and body. By eating more fruit, you avoid consuming more calories, more sugar, more unhealthy fats.
4. Start your day with breakfast. Start the day with fruit and whole grains such as oatmeal, cereal, or whole-wheat bread. Whole grains help lower blood cholesterol levels and lessens heart disease risk.
5. Hold the caloric drinks. Cutting out one glass of sugar-sweetened beverage or calorie-filled coffee can easily save you 100 or more calories a day.
6. Have a handful of nuts. Having a craving for chips and cookies? Try to grab a handful of nuts instead. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts contain unsaturated fats, which are the good guys You can also add them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch.
7. Check what’s under the sea. Eat fish and other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.
8. Breathe calmly and deeply. Take time gather your thoughts and breathe. Slow and deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure and calm your mind.
9. Wash your hands. Washing your hands with soap and water regularly is a great way to protect your heart and health. Flu, pneumonia, colds, and other infections can have an impact on your heart.
10. Take it easy. When life gives you lemons, try tapping into other positive emotions. Positivity has been linked with better health, longer life, and greater well-being, the same way anger, worry, hostility, and negative emotions could trigger high blood pressure and heart disease.
Achieving a healthier heart and a healthier life doesn’t need to be costly. By starting small and maintaining your drive to do it every day, it gets easier and you get to go for larger goals.
Doctors urge public to manage stress to prevent heart disease
CARDIOLOGISTS at the Department of Health (DOH)run Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) are urging the public not to take stress lightly, warning that it can lead to serious heart problems if left unmanaged.
Dr. Annabelle Taclobao, a visiting consultant at the hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine, emphasized that stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
“Stress can lead to heart ailments and should not be taken for granted,” she said. According to Taclobao, stress-related concerns should be addressed with the help of medical professionals.
Like other health conditions, stress can be managed and treated, but ignoring it may result in cardiovascular complications. She added that consultations on stress management are available free of charge at BGHMC.
Good mental health
THE doctor noted that maintaining good mental health plays a vital role in protecting the heart. She explained that chronic stress can also lead to sleep deprivation, which further increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A healthy heart is not just a physical matter but also an emotional one, Taclobao said.
“We have a lot of patients. I had a 40-year-old executive who already had her laboratory and other tests but continued to complain that she had palpitations and chest pain, and it was found that the cause was be -
cause of stress as a result of her job. Ang stress nakakabigay ng sakit sa puso (Stress leads to heart disease),” the doctor said.
Taclobao advised adults to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep daily. While uninterrupted sleep is ideal, she acknowledged that this may not always be possible for working individuals.
“There is no exact measurement for quality sleep, but uninterrupted sleep for seven to nine hours is best. If that is not possible, schedule your rest in a way that you wake up feeling energized rather than tired,” she said. Balanced diet SHE also underscored the importance of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates in proper portions. Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important.
“The correct weight for a person is when the size and weight of the person do not interfere with daily routine,” the doctor explained.
Taclobao further warned that smoking and vaping significantly increase the risk of heart disease, urging people to quit. An active lifestyle and regular exercise also help protect against cardiovascular problems. She added that diabetes is another major risk factor for heart disease. Meanwhile, Dr. Allan Jake Dela Cruz, also a cardiologist at BGHMC, noted a significant rise in heart patients during the pandemic, which he partly attributed to increased stress levels. Liza Agoot, PNA
LGU of Gubat
NIGHT LIGHT EXPOSURE, SLEEP DEPRIVATION LINKED TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES–EXPERT
By Rory Visco | Contributor
HEART disease remains one of the leading health concerns among Filipinos, and while diet, exercise, and genetics often take center stage, sleep is increasingly part of the conversation.
According to Dr. Jimmy Chang, otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, and president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM), understanding how light affects the body clock is an important step toward protecting long-term health.
“Using your phone at night will not automatically cause heart disease,” Dr. Chang said in an email interview with BusinessMirror. “But chronic circadian disruption and poor sleep can gradually increase cardiovascular risk. Small nightly habits, repeated over years, do add up.”
Emerging research suggests that disrupted sleep and chronic circadian misalignment—when the body’s internal clock falls out of step with the natural day-light cycle due to shifting work, irregular sleep schedules or “social jet lag,” or exposure to light at the wrong times—may quietly contribute to cardiovascular risk. One surprising factor woven into modern routines? The glow of screens long after sunset.
Large population studies have linked nighttime light exposure, which suppresses melatonin, to higher rates of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke, independent of traditional risk factors. The relationship is not direct or immediate, but still meaningful. Reduced melatonin and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with inflammation, autonomic imbalance, and metabolic dysfunction, factors that influence heart health.
How blue light talks to the brain INSIDE the eyes are specialized cells called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Unlike rods and cones that allow humans to see images, these cells detect blue light, particularly wavelengths of around 460 to 480 nanometers, and send signals directly to the brain’s master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
When exposed to blue light in the evening, the brain interprets it as daytime. The result: suppression of melatonin, the hormone released by the pineal gland that signals it is time to sleep.
“Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone.
It’s also part of a larger biological rhythm that influences blood pressure patterns, heart rate variability, and metabolic processes,” Dr. Chang explains.
Laboratory studies consistently show that evening exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin and delays its onset. Suppression can begin within minutes, where some research suggests as little as five. Even brief screen use close to bedtime may delay sleep onset by 30 to 60 minutes, depending on brightness, duration, and timing.
This repeated nightly exposure can shift the body clock later, and create what experts sometimes refer to as “digital jet lag.”
Why nighttime exposure is different DAYTIME light—including blue light—is not the villain. In fact, morning and afternoon light exposure strengthens the circadian rhythm, supports alertness, and promotes better sleep at night.
The problem arises when bright, blueenriched light appears at a time when the body expects darkness.
“Nighttime screen exposure is more disruptive because it sends a conflicting signal,” Dr. Chang emphasized. “Your internal clock is preparing for rest, but the light tells your brain to stay awake.”
Research consistently links screen use in the hour before bedtime to later sleep times, shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, longer time needed to fall asleep, and increased morning grogginess. Engaging content, whether work emails or streaming dramas, further heightens alertness.
Protection isn’t just about turning on “night mode.” Warmer screen tones can reduce melatonin suppression, but they do not fully eliminate it. Brightness, duration, distance from the eyes, and mental stimulation all contribute to the overall effect.
“It’s not just the color of the light,” Dr. Chang notes. “It’s how bright it is, how long you’re exposed, and how stimulating the activity is.”
The sleep–heart pathway
THE connection between sleep and heart
health is complex but well documented. Sleep deprivation has been strongly associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Irregular sleep patterns may disrupt normal nighttime dipping of blood pressure, a protective physiological process.
Reduced melatonin, whether from light at night or erratic schedules, is associated with cardiovascular risk pathways. Melatonin itself appears to have cardioprotective properties, although its effects depend on context, dosage,
and underlying health conditions.
“We see that people who consistently get insufficient or poor-quality sleep often develop other risk factors like higher blood pressure, weight gain, impaired glucose metabolism,” Dr. Chang enumerates. “Sleep is not separate from heart health. It’s deeply connected.”
Still, he stresses that the message is not meant to alarm.
“This is about awareness, not fear. We’re talking about cumulative effects over time, and
that means we can also make cumulative positive changes.”
Small adjustments, meaningful gains FOR many Filipinos, screens are essential tools for work, communication, and relaxation. The goal is not elimination but thoughtful timing.
Dr. Chang recommends establishing a “digital wind-down” period of about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. Lowering screen brightness, increasing ambient room lighting earlier in the evening, and keeping devices at a greater distance from the face may help reduce impact. Choosing less stimulating content can also ease the transition to sleep.
Equally important are consistent sleep schedules and exposure to natural light in the morning.
“Our bodies are designed for rhythm—light in the morning, darkness at night,” Dr. Chang says. “When we align with that rhythm, sleep becomes more restorative.”
In a world that rarely powers down, reclaiming the night may be one of the simplest acts of preventive health. Protecting the heart does not always begin in the gym or the kitchen. Sometimes, it starts with something far quieter: dimming the lights, setting the phone aside, and allowing the body’s natural clock to do its work.
PARTICIPANTS do warm-up exercises during the “Step Up for Healthier Hearts: Sama-samang Hakbang para sa Kalusugan” activity along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday (Feb. 22, 2026). PHOTO COURTESY OF QC GOVERNMENT
TIRCHARDZ FREEPIK.COM
Heart Month
Get medical advice from experts, not social media–cardiologists
THEPhilippine Heart Association (PHA) on Thursday warned Filipinos against misinformation and misconceptions about heart diseases circulating on social media, saying these often lead patients to delay or stop proper treatment.
PHA national president Dr. Walid Amil said one of the biggest challenges the association faces is correcting false advice that patients sometimes get from friends, neighbors, or online sources instead of from health professionals.
“Minsan naniniwala ang pasyente sa kaibigan o kapitbahay na nagsasabing huwag nang inumin ang gamot, kahit na ito ay dapat sana ay lifelong medication (Sometimes, patients believe friends or neighbors who tell them to stop taking their medication, even though it is supposed to be a lifelong treatment),” Amil said in an interview.
Misinformation
SUCH misinformation can seriously affect
a patient’s condition and recovery, he added.
To address this, Amil said the PHA continuously conducts lectures, patient consultations, and community engagements nationwide to ensure accurate and science-based information reaches the public.
PHA’s 2,546 members, he said, are actively involved in countering fake news related to heart health.
“The only way is regular dissemination of lectures and consultations with patients. Alam ng aming mga miyembro kung paano labanan ang fake news (Our members know how to fight fake news),” he said.
Symposium
AMIL also said the association is set to hold a symposium on combating health misinforma -
tion during its annual convention in May, recognizing the growing influence of social media on health decisions.
The PHA, likewise, uses its official website and social media platforms to publish educational content that corrects common myths and misconceptions about heart diseases and their treatment.
The reminder came as the PHA marked Philippine Heart Month with the theme “Bringing Heart Care Closer to Every Filipino All Over the Country.”
As part of the observance, the association’s 18 chapters nationwide are holding activities focused on heart disease prevention and proper treatment, including hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrations, healthy lifestyle campaigns and com -
munity lectures.
Heart health education
AMIL reiterated that heart health education is especially important given the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases and the limited number of cardiologists in the country, particularly in provinces. He urged Filipinos to prioritize heart health by adopting healthy habits and seeking medical advice from qualified professionals.
“Nag-iisa lang po ang ating puso (We only have one heart). Take good care of our heart,” he said.
“Eat the proper diet, avoid vices, encourage regular exercise, and regularly consult our health professionals.” ( Ma. Teresa Montemayor, PNA)
WOMEN SUFFER HEART ATTACKS TOO Understanding risks, symptoms and how to save yourself
By Laura Ungar
LORI SEPICH smoked for years and sometimes skipped taking her blood pressure medicine. But she never thought she’d have a heart attack.
The possibility “just wasn’t registering with me,” said the 64-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, who suffered two of them 13 years apart. She’s far from alone. More than 60 million women in the US live with cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease as well as stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. And despite the myth that heart attacks mostly strike men, women are vulnerable too.
Overall, in the US, one in five women dies of cardiovascular disease each year, 37,000 of them from heart attacks.
Cardiovascular disease is “the No. 1 killer of women. It will affect you or someone you know,” said Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Knowing what to do if you have symptoms of a heart attack and taking action if you do, that’s really important.”
Do what you can to prevent heart attacks THERE are several ways anyone can reduce their risks.
The American Heart Association has created a list called “Life’s Essential 8:” eat better, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, be more active, control cholesterol, and manage weight, blood sugar and blood pressure.
Dr. Stacey Rosen, association president, advises getting regular checkups to talk about these preventive measures, keep tabs on your health and discuss any family history of heart problems.
Doctors also suggest discussing risk factors that uniquely or disproportionately affect women.
Women are more likely to have autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which cause inflammation that can raise heart disease risk. They’re also more likely to suffer from depression, which is associated with inflammation and unhealthy behaviors like staying in bed.
Other conditions associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease are a history of high blood pressure or diabetes while pregnant, miscarriages or stillbirth. Hot flashes and night sweats during menopause have also been linked to a greater risk of high blood pres -
sure and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Heart attacks don’t happen like they do in the movies
WHEN people think about heart attacks, many envision a middle-aged man suddenly clutching his heart and falling to the ground.
But in reality, Hayes said, “it’s not going to probably be one of those Hollywood heart attacks.”
Chest pain or discomfort is a usual symptom, but far from the only one.
“What’s different about women is that they are more likely than men to have other symptoms as well,” Rosen said.
Those include back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, tiredness, nausea, lightheadedness, an anxious feeling, jaw pain and finger tingling.
Experts aren’t sure exactly why symptoms differ between men and women, but some research suggests that physiological differences may play a role.
Another difference: Symptoms may come on a bit more subtly for women than men. Hayes hears a common refrain from patients: “I got the symptom and it waxed and waned a little bit over time, but I knew something wasn’t right.”
Take immediate action
“IF you think that there’s even a chance that you’re having a heart attack, that’s when you call 911,” Rosen said, adding that it’s better to “err on the side of over-concern than err on the side of minimizing something that could be quite serious.”
Doctors recommend taking an ambulance to the hospital, which is more equipped to handle emergency situations than urgent care centers or a doctor’s office.
Any delays in getting the right care could be harmful or even deadly.
“If you wait too long,” Rosen said, “the damage can be more significant.”
Don’t be in denial
WHEN Sepich had her first heart attack, she waited too long. She had largely been in denial about her heart problems since being diagnosed with severe, hereditary high blood pressure at 17.
On Easter Sunday 2005, she woke up to extreme chest pressure, nausea and pain radiating down her arms.
“I chose to ignore those signs that day because I was absolutely in shock,” she said. “I was scared.”
She attended Mass and a family lunch and went to work the next day. She eventually went to the ER at her doctor’s urging, where she wound up having six stents placed and spending a week in the hospital.
She acted more quickly when she had her second heart attack, and got another stent placed after her cardiologist found a nearly complete blockage in the heart’s biggest artery.
Sepich now keeps her blood pressure under control, hasn’t smoked in more than two decades and exercises almost every day.
She urges other women to be honest with themselves about heart disease.
Laura Ungar, Associated Press
PHA calls for national preparticipation cardiac screening framework for athletes
THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has issued a unified call for a systematic and collaborative approach to preparticipation cardiovascular screening for athletes across the country, emphasizing that health and safety must remain paramount in Philippine sports. In a joint statement released by the PHA Council on Cardiac Rehabilitation and Sports Cardiology, the PHA Council on Preventive Cardiology, and the PHA Council on Congenital Heart Disease, the organization underscored the urgent need for standardized national guidelines to safeguard both pediatric and adult athletes.
A
preventable risk
SPORTS participation in the Philippines promotes fitness, teamwork, discipline, and national pride. However, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among athletes. Undiagnosed heart conditions may result in sudden cardiac arrest, an event that, while rare, carries devastating medical and societal consequences.
The PHA stressed that these tragic incidents, though uncommon, highlight the importance of proactive and preventive strategies.
Routine cardiovascular screening and surveillance, the association said, are essential components of athlete health management. A preparticipation cardiovascular evaluation that includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), when feasible, can help identify at-risk individuals and allow for timely intervention.
Global standards, local gap INTERNATIONAL organizations such as the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology have long endorsed preparticipation cardiovascular screening for athletes. Despite these global recommendations, the Philippines currently lacks standardized national guidelines for cardiovascular screening at both professional and grassroots levels.
Lawmakers...
Continued from C5
The local government hosted a community march on Sunday, February 22, 2026, dubbed “Step Up for Healthier Hearts: Sama-samang Hakbang para sa Kalusugan” along Tomas Morato Avenue to promote the measures.
Akbayan Party-list Representatives Perci Cendaña and Chel Diokno, principal authors of House Bill No. 6834 or the HFE bill, joined the march and reiterated their commitment to advancing the legislation.
Civil society groups and community members likewise expressed support for policy reforms aimed at creating healthier food environments nationwide.
Cendaña, a stroke survivor, underscored the need for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels to guide consumers.
Meanwhile, Diokno stressed the need for stronger protections for Filipinos.
Kailangan meron din pananagutan ang mga gagawa ng bagay ng mga hindi nakakatulong sa ating kabataan at lahat ng mga Pilipino [There must be accountability for those who produce food and beverages that do not benefit our youth and all Filipinos],” Diokno said.
About 24 bills promoting a healthy food environment have been filed in Congress as of February, reflecting growing legislative support.
At the local level, Councilor Vincent Belmonte highlighted the city’s Healthy Public Food Procurement policy, which ensures that public funds are spent on nutritious food, and its Calorie Labeling ordinance to help residents make informed dietary choices.
Philippine Heart Association member Dr. Rodney Jimenez said heart disease remains the leading health concern among Filipinos, emphasizing that reforms in nutrition labeling and sodium reduction are critical preventive measures.
ImagineLaw executive director Sophia San Luis urged swift congressional action, saying systemic safeguards are needed to protect public health. Ma. Teresa Montemayor, PNA
The absence of uniform protocols, the PHA noted, may result in inconsistent health practices. Without a structured system in place, cardiovascular conditions may go undetected—placing athletes at unnecessary risk.
Toward a national framework IN response, the PHA is calling for the development of an evidence-based, standardized national framework for athlete cardiovascular screening, tailored specifically to the Philippine context.
The proposed framework would: ESTABLISH consistent screening protocols for both pediatric and adult athletes, including follow-up care and emergency preparedness measures n Educate athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, and policymakers on the importance of cardiac screening prior to sports participation
n Enhance access to diagnostic tools and create clear referral pathways for athletes identified as at risk
n Promote research initiatives to continuously refine and update screening strategies based on emerging scientific evidence
The association emphasized that screening should not be viewed as a barrier to participation, but rather as a protective measure that enables athletes to train and compete safely.
Protecting lives, promoting health THROUGH strengthened collaboration with government agencies, sports organizations, schools, healthcare institutions, and policymakers, the PHA aims to improve the country’s approach to cardiovascular screening and reduce the burden of sudden cardiac death among Filipino athletes. Ultimately, the organization reaffirmed that protecting athlete health does not only prevent tragedy—it also strengthens confidence in sports programs and encourages sustained participation in physical activity, which remains a cornerstone of cardiovascular health.
By advancing a coordinated national strategy, the PHA hopes to ensure that Filipino athletes—from grassroots competitors to elite professionals—can pursue excellence in sports with their hearts safeguarded.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
How Vision Express is pioneering innovation, technology, and personalization in eye care
By Vincent Peter Rivera
EALTH experts esti -
Hmate that nearly 80 percent of the information people absorb, whether through education, professional work, or digital engagement, is processed through the eyes. Given the constant demands placed on this vital organ each day, prioritizing regular eye examinations is more important than ever.
In the Philippines, Vision Express stands as a premier optical retailer, redefining the industry by offering “clinical precision, styling expertise, and innovative technology” all under unparalleled customer service.
The brand’s identity takes pride in its curated portfolio of the world’s most coveted luxury eyewear brands. This includes household names such as Ray-Ban, Celine, Loewe, Prada, Gucci, Cartier, Bvlgari, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, and Dior, alongside the brand-exclusive Tony Morgan London.
Every pair of eyewear is a synergy of design and innovation, where world-class frames are paired with leading lens technologies from Shamir, Tokai, and Opulens. Whether it is Shamir’s AI-powered progressives that adapt to your “visual age,” Tokai’s record-breaking thinness and neuroscience-based comfort, or Opulens’ precision-crafted surfacing, these solutions are engineered to enhance clarity at every distance. Each solution is thoughtfully customized not only to your facial features but to how you live, work, and move through the world, delivering eyewear that is as refined as it is functional.
However, the true heart of the Vision Express experience lies in its commitment to innovation. By utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, the brand has transformed the standard eye check-up into a comprehensive wellness experience, ensuring that every patient receives the most accurate
and advanced care available today.
Vision7
WHILE a standard eye checkup often ends with a prescription, Vision Express elevates the experience with Vision7, a free comprehensive sven-step eye examination designed as a holistic health check. With the help of an eye expert like an Optometrist, this meticulous process begins with a detailed case history and visual acuity testing, moving through objective and subjective refractions to determine the most precise eye grade. Then, the eye health check continues with an assessment of binocular vision to ensure both eyes work in harmony. A visual health exam is also conducted to detect early indicators of ocular diseases. Then, there is also a visual eye exam, your diagnosis, and the Ishihara or Color Test. By doing such steps, Vision Express aims to provide a visual health check to a different extent based on your age, lifestyle, and specific needs. This state-of-the-art protocol transforms a routine visit into a preventive journey, ensuring your vision is supported through every stage of life.
VisionPlus FOR those seeking a deeper look into their systemic well-being,
VisionPlus offers an AI-powered health screening that takes just three minutes. By utilizing advanced retinal imaging and machine learning, this non-invasive scan looks past the surface to identify subtle biomarkers within the eye.
The process is remarkably simple: patients look at a small green target inside the device, one eye at a time. While maintaining a steady gaze, the device emits a gentle flash—reminiscent of a camera—to capture a high-resolution map of the retina. This is followed by a personalized one-on-one consultation where an optometrist interprets the generated images, explaining exactly what they signify for the patient’s health.
This technology provides a vital window into overall wellness, screening for indicators of systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cognitive health, alongside ophthalmic concerns like retinal abrasions, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
“VisionPlus is great because a standard eye exam cannot always reveal underlying issues with such depth. It provides a comprehensive view of potential systemic health concerns,” explained Ron Alderney Golingo, Senior Optometrist. “If we identify any issues, we can immediately refer the patient to the appropriate specialist to ensure they
Laguna-based hospital network expands with purpose-driven vision
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
GLOBAL Care Medical Center (GCMC) is entering a new phase of expansion, backed by growth capital from LeapFrog Investments and Philippine private equity firm Navegar. The partnership aims to accelerate the Laguna-based hospital network’s expansion and improve access to quality healthcare in underserved regions across the country.
Founded in 2016, GCMC has steadily built a strong presence outside Metro Manila. It now operates four Level II hospitals in Cabuyao, Canlubang, Bay, and Talisay, as well as a specialized cancer facility in Bay. Together, the group runs more than 300 licensed beds supported by over 670 doctors. A sixth hospital is currently under development, expected to add approximately 150 more beds.
But long before institutional investors came on board, GCMC began as something deeply personal.
“We began as a family investment more than a decade ago,” said Chairman Ricardo Celino during a recent milestone event in Cabuyao. “It has grown into a mission to bring quality healthcare closer to communities outside Metro Manila.” Celino shared that his initial motivation was practical—to help secure the medical practice of his daughters, who were then completing their training. Over time, however, he came to recognize a more urgent reality: the need for advanced healthcare
facilities in Laguna and nearby provinces. Each hospital, he emphasized, was more than infrastructure.
“Each hospital was more than just a building. It was a promise to serve communities that had long been overlooked in terms of access to medical care.” That promise has helped reshape local landscapes. In Bay, once described as a quiet town, development gradually grew around the hospital. “It was as if Global Bay was built in the middle of nowhere,” Celino recalled. “But over time, the area began to develop and the hospital became a pillar of that growth.”
The Philippines’ healthcare sector continues to face rising demand driven by increasing incomes, aging populations, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Yet outside major urban centers, access remains limited. Many families still travel long distances for treatment or delay care due to capacity constraints.
GCMC’s strategy addresses this gap directly, building facilities where need is real and bringing urban-quality healthcare to regional communities.
Beyond hospitals, Celino also built an integrated ecosystem to support operations, including medical supply and pharmaceutical units. “Hospitals deserve flexibility,” he said. “They must be able to make decisions quickly and avoid being constrained. Our system allows us to focus on what truly matters—caring for patients.” As expansion accelerated, investor
interest followed. Celino revealed that he met with more than 40 potential investors globally. Some offered to acquire the company outright; others proposed majority ownership.
“I had to stay true to the vision,” he said.
Ultimately, Navegar and LeapFrog emerged as aligned partners.
“Navegar understands the Philippine landscape,” Celino explained. “With LeapFrog, what matters most is that we share the same values—governance, transparency, and growth with purpose.”
LeapFrog Partner and Global Lead for Healthcare Biju Mohandas described the investment as an opportunity to support a platform delivering high-quality, accessible care amid rising healthcare demand. Navegar’s Juan Carlos Camara likewise cited GCMC’s disciplined growth and commitment to clinical standards as key strengths.
For Celino, however, the expansion is about more than capital.
“Our partnership is not just about funding. It is about shared values,” he said. “Together, we are creating a healthcare legacy that will endure.”
As GCMC prepares to expand further north and introduce additional specialty services, Celino remains focused on the mission that started it all: bringing accessible, quality healthcare closer to Filipino families.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “We will keep building, keep serving, and keep turning possibilities into legacies.”
receive the care they need.”
Designed with utmost convenience in mind, the system delivers a detailed, easy-to-read health report via email almost instantly. This service effectively bridges the gap between a retail optical visit and primary healthcare with clinical-grade precision.
The AI Styling Studio RECOGNIZING that eyewear is a defining element of personal identity, Vision Express has introduced the AI Styling
Studio at select branches, bringing a high-tech edge to the traditional fitting process.
This digital advisory service features a sophisticated vertical interface equipped with facial analysis technology. In a process as intuitive as looking into a mirror, the device scans a customer’s unique features like analyzing face shape, skin tone, and hair color in just one to three minutes.
Based on these attributes, the AI invites users to select their color pref -
erences, such as warm or cool tones, before suggesting frames that perfectly harmonize with their specific profile. To further streamline the experience, the studio utilizes augmented reality to virtually “place” available Vision Express’ eye glass frames onto the customer’s face in real time. This allows for an instant, interactive preview, helping shoppers discover their ideal pair in minutes rather than hours.
Much like the VisionPlus screening, the AI Styling Studio delivers a comprehensive analysis report directly to the customer’s email for future reference. With this integration of innovation, technology, and personalization, Vision Express Philippines has evolved beyond the traditional optical shop, transforming eye care into a sophisticated blend of health and lifestyle. By grounding their services in the scientific reality that vision accounts for 80 percent of sensory information, they prioritize both clinical depth and aesthetic precision. For today’s consumer, this means that maintaining eye health is no longer just a necessity, but a comprehensive, hightech experience that ensures you both see the world clearly and move through it with confidence.
FORTY-NINE (49) private lying-in clinics in Quezon City received the Seal of Excellence (SoE) in recognition of their outstanding compliance with national and Quezon City standards for maternal, newborn, and child health services. This is the highest number of SoE recipients since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched by the Quezon City Government and Unilab, Inc. in 2016, the SoE is awarded to private lying-in clinics that demonstrate full compliance with Department of Health (DOH) standards, including essential maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition indicators.
This year’s awardees reflect a continued upward trend in quality improvement among private healthcare facilities in the city, increasing from 42 recipients in the previous year to 49 in 2025.
“Private lying-in clinics play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for mothers and babies, and ultimately in saving lives. We thank our Seal of Excellence recipients for their dedication in meeting our requirements and providing quality care to their patients,” Quezon City Health Department Head Dr. Ramona Asuncion DG. Abarquez said.
The Seal of Excellence Awardees have met licensing and accreditation requirements, adhere to service delivery network protocols, and provide quality services such as maternal counseling, immunization, newborn screening, and family planning.
“We are pleased to see more private healthcare facilities raising the quality of services they provide to mothers and their newborns. This reflects their commitment to safe and effective maternal and neonatal care, aligned with our mission to improve the quality of life of Quezon City residents,” Abarquez added.
Recently, Quezon City was also recognized as the Best Local Government Unit in the National Safe Motherhood Program by the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development during the Regional Awards 2025 on November 13, 2025, affirming the city’s effective implementation of maternal health initiatives.
For her part, Dr. Bernadette Lico, Vice President of the PhilHealth Regional Office, National Capital Region, shared her appreciation for the SoE awardees who “went through the eye of a needle” to meet strict health standards. She said their commitment to providing safe, affordable, and quality service for mothers and their babies elevates the entire healthcare system, and helps the country move closer to the realization of universal healthcare.
Dr. Lester Tan, regional director of the Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development, was also present to express his congratulations to the recipients of the SoE.
“As we near the 10th anniversary of the Seal
of Excellence Awards, we convey our gratitude for the dedication of Quezon
THE Vision Express Philippines at Glorietta 2, Makati. THE AI Styling Studio.
Health&Fitness
Iloilo university secures patent for kadios-based antibiotic innovation
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor
BY securing valuable support from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), Iloilo’s University of San Agustin (USA) officially obtained a patent late last year from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for its method of purifying antibiotic compounds from Cajanus cajan or pigeon pea, locally known as kadios.
Valid until August 31, 2042, the patent grants USA and its partner manufacturer, Maridan Industries Inc., the exclusive right to prohibit any unauthorized person or entity from making, using, selling, or importing any product derived directly or indirectly from its patented process of purifying antibiotic compounds from kadios seeds.
The development is the result of years of extensive research by the USA–Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) on kadios seeds, led by Dr. Doralyn Dalisay
and supported by DOST-PCHRD’s Tuklas Lunas® Program.
Through this initiative, the research team identified antibiotic compounds effective against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, paving the way for the commercial launch of the Skivios product line in July 2023.
“We initiated this research on kadios with the hope of reinforcing our country’s antimicrobial arsenal against the rising threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Building on this research, we were successful in launch -
ing Skivios for skin problems and infections in 2023,” Dr. Dalisay said.
“This patent recognizes our years of research and will help us scale up the production of these kadios-based products by granting us exclusive rights in manufacturing and commercialization,” she added.
Patent protection
DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya expressed satisfaction with the project, noting that within five years, the team achieved key milestones—from discovering bioactivity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, to developing and commercializing Skivios, and ultimately securing patent protection from IPOPHL.
“We are proud to see how in just five years, Dr. Dalisay’s team achieved significant breakthroughs in developing kadios-based antibiotic products,” Montoya said.
“The team’s success reflects what our Tuklas Lunas program aims to promote — fostering the development of homegrown drugs by capitalizing on the country’s megadiversity and the expertise of Filipino talent,” he added.
To date, the Skivios product line, developed from the now-patented kadios purification process, is commercially available through online shopping platforms. The line includes a soothing antibacterial serum gel and a soothing antibacterial facial mist toner.
Resuron: A family’s science-backed leap into skin care
ABy Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
FTER 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Marion and Redel Navarro decided to retire and start a business of their own. Before taking the leap, the couple conducted a survey to determine which industry they wanted to enter.
With children who have asthmatic and sensitive skin and Marion herself struggling with hyperpigmentation, skincare quickly became more than a business opportunity. It became a practical solution.
“After having three children, I struggled with hyperpigmentation,” Marion shared. “There were so many products in the market, some too strong, some ineffective, and many too expensive to maintain.” As frequent buyers of imported skincare, they knew how unsustainable that routine had become. A chance encounter with a chemist-formulator led to a realization: they could develop their own products, guided by pharmaceutical discipline and clinical science.
A brand born from family
RESURON’S name is a combination of their children’s names—Reinier, Ryon, and Summer—reflecting how personal the venture is to the Navarro family.
“This is our new baby,” Marion says with a smile.
“It’s our Batman-and-Robin tandem.”
Their children were involved from the start. Ryon directed the launch materials. Summer chose the colors for her set. The entire family served as product testers for six to eight months before launch, ensuring safety and consistency.
Skincare with pharmaceutical rigor DRAWING from decades in the pharmaceutical field, the couple approached skincare like medicine.
Formulations underwent stability testing, from oven to freezer, to ensure they remain effective in both tropical heat and colder climates. Today, the products ship internationally and carry a two-year shelf stability. Their team includes dermatologists, chemists, and pharmacists. Active ingredients are sourced from France, Japan, and the United States, combined with locally sourced actives. Each ingredient is supported by clinical data and scientific literature.
“We don’t promise three-day miracles,” Marion explains. “Skin adapts. With consistent use, you’ll see results, slowly but surely.”
Instead of highlighting a single hero ingredient, Resuron combines complementary actives in safe, effective concentrations designed to work together.
Embracing skinimalism
RESURON subscribes to “skinimalism”—the philosophy that less is more.
“There is no 15-step routine,” Marion says. “Your skin can only absorb about three layers. After that, it just sits on top.”
Each core set includes a pure glycerin soap that is gentle and non-drying, an alcohol-free hydrating mist toner, and a moisturizer-serum with SPF 40. By incorporating sun protection into the moisturizer, users eliminate the need for a separate sunscreen, making the routine travel-friendly and cost-efficient.
“Why spend P2,500 piecing together products when everything is already in one set for less than P2,000?” she adds.
Addressing real skin concerns
INITIALLY, Marion wanted to focus solely on mothers dealing with hyperpigmentation and hormonal skin changes. But surveys revealed a broader opportunity: underserved segments across age groups and genders.
“What works for you may not work for me,” Marion explains. “There’s Gen Z, mature skin, men and even the ‘pa-man’ market.”
This insight led to multiple targeted lines.
For Moms, By Moms
INSPIRED by motherhood and simplified self-care, this set is formulated to rejuvenate skin affected by hormonal changes, fatigue, and stress. It aims to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier.
“This is for all moms,” Marion says. “Moms with kids. Moms who act like moms. Every kind of mom.”
The set includes a gentle glycerin soap, toner essence, firming butter, and an intimate wash formulated to balance pH and soothe delicate skin.
SUM’R (For Her)
DESIGNED for young women aged 16 and above, SUM’R addresses acne-prone and oily skin. The set includes a clarifying soap, toning mist, and milk serum that help reduce blemishes, control oil, and maintain hydration while remaining safe for daily use.
R&Sons (For Men)
PACKAGED in a sleek, watch-box-inspired case, the men’s line offers a simple two-step routine: GentsBar and Hydro Block. Lightweight and oil-absorbing, it is formulated for men exposed to pollution and sweat.
“There are men who like a full routine,” Marion notes.
“But many prefer stop-and-go. Wash and wear.”
Is
Thermawave Bioessence’s next-gen skin, body treatment?
ABy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
NEW chapter in non-invasive aesthetic treatments has arrived in the country with Bioessence Facial and Slimming Center Inc.’s introduction of Thermawave, a technology they brand as designed to lift, tighten, and slim in one session.
For Bioessence chief executive Joseph Alexander Feliciano, Thermawave harnesses the same microwave energy used in household ovens, repurposed to penetrate layers of the skin that most current heating technologies cannot reach.
“It’s similar to RF,” Feliciano told BusinessMirror in an exclusive interview, referring to the widely used radiofrequency treatments, “but instead of just heating the dermis, it reaches the subcutaneous layer where fat is usually deposited.”
He added that this deeper heating enables a dual effect: skin tightening and contouring akin to RF, and simultaneous fat reduction. “When we tried it, even after a single session, the results were visible. That’s why we wanted to bring it here,” he said.
Doctor weighs in DR. Ernest John Lumberio, cosmetic surgeon and medical director of Bioessence, explained the machine’s difference from conventional RF treatments.
“RF is mainly for skin tightening. Thermawave, on the other hand, can actually slim down the treated area while lifting and firming,” Lumberio explained to this newspaper.
The doctor further described the machine as having a dual purpose: “It loosens fats, tightens, and lifts the skin. It’s not just a lifting tool; it’s a slimming one too.”
According to Lumberio, the treatment is suitable for clients who show early signs of aging or who seek non-invasive procedures with minimal downtime. Areas like the face, tummy, and arms can all benefit.
Compared to other clinics’ offerings, Lumberio says Thermawave stands out because of its combined approach. “Other clinics have machines that may address one aspect—tightening or contouring—but Thermawave merges both into one treatment,” he said.
For clients, he assured, Thermawave represents a blend of convenience and efficacy. The technology heats targeted layers of skin to stimulate collagen production while addressing localized fat deposits, all without downtime.
Lumberio highlighted that the treatment suits those who want visible results with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
“The beauty of Thermawave is that it combines tightening and slimming. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a treatment that adapts to modern lifestyles,” he said.
While he acknowledged future innovations are planned, for now, he considers Thermawave a significant advancement for Bioessence’s portfolio.
However, aside from Thermawave, Bioessence already offers a variety of lasers and treatments, with the doctor emphasizing Harmony lasers for pigmentation and brightening, as well as IPL and diode therapies.
“Thermawave complements our existing procedures,” Lumberio said, noting that the new treatment expands options for clients seeking more comprehensive results without invasive surgery.
Expansion
THE launch of its new clinic at Gateway Mall 2 marks the fifth branch to adopt Bioessence’s updated design. Feliciano described the new layout as “timeless and modern, with larger rooms and high-end motorized beds” aimed at enhancing patient comfort. The aesthetic incorporates subtle Filipino touches while moving away from the traditional carved-wood interiors of older branches.
“This is part of our effort to elevate the overall client experience,” Feliciano said. “We want to offer premium care that is both effective and comfortable.”
The updated design also integrates Dermarooms with in-house dermatologists at every branch, giving clients access to specialized care without leaving the clinic.
Bioessence currently operates 35 branches nationwide and plans to open five to six more this year, including locations in Central Luzon and Metro Manila South.
The CEO emphasized that each new branch will adopt the modern design, ensuring consistency and a high-quality experience across the network. Moreover, while Thermawave is currently Bioessence’s flagship innovation, Feliciano hinted that more technology-driven treatments are in development.
“We’re always exploring ways to enhance the customer experience and offer new solutions. Some projects are still under wraps, but they’ll complement what we already provide.”
How nutrition supports the rapid wiring of young minds
By Rory Visco Contributor
Users have reported clearer skin within weeks. The goal, Marion emphasizes, is not whitening but enhancing one’s natural tone.
Even Out
RATHER than promising to “whiten,” the Even Out set targets dark spots to promote healthy, even-toned skin. Marion had the formulation tested through a skin analysis laboratory, confirming measurable improvements in skin health markers.
“We’re not claiming to treat melasma,” she clarifies. “But it helps support even-looking skin.”
Pricing with purpose
RESURON positions itself between mass-market and luxury brands, accessible yet premium in appearance.
“It has to be sustainable,” Marion says. “You can’t fix your skin for one month and then stop because it’s too expensive.”
Each glycerin soap weighs 120 grams, larger than many standard 90-gram bars, and the 50-gram moisturizer already includes SPF 40, reducing additional purchases.
Navigating a changing market
DESPITE meticulous planning, entering the skincare industry proved more complex than expected.
“We thought our tried-and-tested sales strategies would work,” Marion admits. “But the market has changed.”
Direct-to-consumer channels outperformed traditional distributors. Social media became indispensable. TikTok influencers and digital storytelling replaced conventional sales calls.
“There were sleepless nights,” she shares. “Skincare is dynamic. In three months, everything can shift.”
Still, the Navarros remain committed to their advocacy for Filipino-made products.
“We want to stand alongside global brands,” Marion says. “Filipino formulators are real scientists. We believe in Filipino talent.”
More than a business
RESURON is more than a skincare line. It is a story of family, science, and resilience.
From sourcing ingredients abroad to refining packaging and adapting marketing strategies, every decision has been intentional.
At its core is a simple philosophy: enhance what is naturally yours. Make it sustainable. Keep it simple.
As Marion puts it, “We don’t change the brand. We tell the story better.”
GROUNDBREAKING neurocognition research is sharpening the scientific focus on a once littleunderstood process in early childhood: myelination. As studies reveal how this critical brain mechanism shapes learning and memory, researchers are uncovering how targeted nutrition in the first five years of life may help support the rapid wiring of young minds. In the global effort to give children the strongest possible start, science has long pointed to the first five years as a period of unparalleled brain growth. But recent advances in neurocognition are offering more precise insight into how that growth unfolds, and how nutrition may influence it.
The myelination breakthrough AT the heart of emerging research is myelination, the process where nerve fibers are coated with myelin, a fatty protective sheath that enables faster and more efficient transmission of signals across the nervous system. Often compared to insulation around electrical wires, myelin helps neural circuits communicate smoothly, supporting skills linked to memory, language, attention, and problem-solving. New findings from the Neurocognition Research initiative of Wyeth Nutrition indicate that nutrition may play a measurable role in supporting this process. The research team, based in Lausanne, Switzerland and composed of scientists from the company’s Health Benefit Department within its Physical and Cognitive Health Group, has been studying how specific nutrient combinations influence early brain development. In one study supported by the team, a pro-myelination nutrient blend was associated with a 26-percent increase in myelination up to two years of life after one year of consumption. The findings also suggest that certain nutrients may continue to support myelination beyond infancy, highlighting the importance of sustained nutritional support throughout early childhood.
From brain science to nutrient synergy
B EYOND myelination, neurocognition research is examining how specific nutrients contribute to brain structure and function. In collaboration with global experts, scientists have explored the roles of alphalipids and other brain-relevant nutrients such as MOS+, choline, lutein, and DHA.
These nutrients are linked to processes involved in memory formation, sustained attention, and information processing, all core cognitive skills that underpin early learning. Researchers are also focusing not just
on individual nutrients, but on how combinations work synergistically to support neural pathways during periods of rapid brain plasticity.
“Every product we create is grounded in evidencebased science to support optimal growth and brain development. By working hand-in-hand with healthcare professionals and parents, Wyeth Nutrition remains committed to empowering future generations by providing the right nutrition at the right time for healthier minds and bodies,” according to Arlene Tan-Bantoto, General Manager of Wyeth Nutrition.
Why the first five years are critical NE UROSCIENTISTS consistently describe the first five years of life as a window of extraordinary brain plasticity. During this time, children form millions of neural connections per second, building the foundation for language acquisition, emotional regulation, executive function, and even social skills.
Myelination accelerates during these early years to help strengthen and streamline neural networks. But experts emphasize that brain development is multifactorial. Genetics, responsive caregiving, environmental stimulation, health status, and nutrition all interact to shape cognitive outcomes.
Balanced nutrition ensures that the developing brain has access to essential building blocks during this critical growth phase. While no single nutrient determines cognitive success, mounting research suggests that targeted nutritional support may help optimize biological processes already underway.
From laboratory to everyday nutrition IN SIGHTS from neurocognition research have informed the development of advanced growing-up milk formulations, including Promil and Promil Gold, designed for children aged three to five. These products are formulated with nutrients associated in studies with markers of brain development, such as memory, focus, language, and problem-solving, when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Experts stress that such products are intended to complement and not replace a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Still, ongoing neurocognition studies continue to refine scientific understanding of how specific nutrients may contribute to cognitive milestones during early childhood.
As research deepens, the message from neuroscience is becoming clearer: early brain development is not only rapid but it is responsive. By focusing on processes such as myelination and the nutrients that support them, scientists are bringing greater precision to conversations about child development.
RESURON founders Redel and Marion Navarro FOR Moms by Mom Mature Skincare Set
