BusinessMirror June 06, 2026

April

factory output grows faster, at 12%

THE country’s manufacturing output expanded at a faster pace in April, sustaining the double-digit growth recorded in the previous month, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (Missi) showed the Volume of Production Index (VoPI)—which measures the actual quantity of goods produced by manufacturers—grew by 12 percent in April. This was faster than the 10.2-percent growth posted in March and reversed the 2.4-percent contraction recorded in April 2025.

BALANCING INFLATION Men on bicycles carry LPG tanks through Manila streets as jeepneys move through the background, reflecting a daily balancing act between household energy costs and transport expenses. With LPG serving as a primary cooking fuel and jeepneys heavily dependent on gasoline, both essentials remain tightly linked to global oil prices and currency movements, underscoring how inflation is ultimately felt in parallel—at home and on the road—where families and commuters absorb the same imported cost pressures in different forms. MDALMACIO DREAMSTIME.COM

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

DESPITE the slowdown in headline inflation in May, economists said the Philippines remained vulnerable to imported price pressures, with rice, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) accounting for more than a third of the overall increase in consumer prices.

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday showed headline inflation slowed to 6.8 percent in May from the three-year high of 7.2 percent recorded in April.

Despite the deceleration, av-

erage inflation in the first five months of the year stood at 4.5 percent, still above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2- to 4-percent target range. PSA said rice, gasoline, and LPG remained among the biggest

drivers of inflation in May, contributing a combined 2.5 percentage points, or nearly 37 percent, of the 6.8-percent headline rate.

Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas said the country’s inflation remains largely influenced by developments abroad, particularly tensions in the Middle East that continue to affect food and energy prices.

“The easing in May stems from an announced ceasefire that has however not been sustained. Expect price volatilities from energy and food as long as the Iran war persists,” Canlas told the BusinessMirror

PSA data showed rice inflation accelerated to 15.6 percent in May from 13.7 percent in April, the fastest pace since July 2024. Rice also remained the single largest contributor to overall inflation, accounting for 1.1 percentage points

of the 6.8-percent headline rate.

Meanwhile, gasoline inflation eased to 51.6 percent from 59.6 percent in April, while LPG inflation slowed to 41 percent from 45.8 percent.

Despite the moderation, both commodities remained among the largest contributors to inflation.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera acknowledged that a significant portion of the May rate “appears to be linked to external factors, particularly fuel and other imported commodities.”

However, he noted that domestic supply constraints, particularly in logistics and food, also play an important role.

“The current inflation story is a combination of imported

Investors bite as reforms gain ground, DTI reports

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

REFORMS aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening the Philippines’s competitiveness helped lift foreign investment approvals by more than 50 percent in the first quarter, according to the country’s trade officials.

Trade Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chairman Ma. Cristina Roque said the latest figures show that the country continues to attract foreign investors despite a challenging global environment.

In May, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that approved foreign investment commitments registered with investment promotion agencies (IPAs) reached P42.64 billion from January to March, up 52.31 percent from P27.99 billion in the same period last year. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/05/14/ central-luzon-top-site-for-foreigninvestment-commitments/)

“The strong first-quarter performance demonstrates that the Philippines remains a compelling

destination for foreign investments,” Roque said in a statement.

South Korea emerged as the largest source of approved foreign investments during the period, accounting for P25.37 billion or 59.51 percent of total commitments.

“With South Korea accounting for nearly 60 percent of total inflows, the results reflect the strength of our economic partnership and continued investor confidence in the Philippines as a destination for highimpact investments that generate

P5.24 billion came from foreign investors while P52.96 billion represented local investments. BOIapproved projects are projected to create 6,226 jobs.

Among BOI-approved foreign investments, Singapore was the largest contributor at P2.97 billion, followed by China at P762.80 million and the United States at P489.35 million.

The energy sector, including renewable energy projects, remained the biggest investment magnet during the quarter, accounting for P29.58 billion or 23.48 percent of total approved investments.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the first-quarter results indicate sustained investor interest in the country and reflect the impact of government efforts to improve the business climate.

“This strong first-quarter performance sets the tone for sustained foreign investment inflows in the months ahead, driven by ongoing reforms, improved ease of doing business, and proactive investment promotion,” Rodolfo said.

The PSA said the acceleration was mainly driven by the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, which posted a 52.7-percent increase in output during the month, a turnaround from the 3.4-percent decline recorded in March.

The agency also cited stronger production in computer, electronic and optical products,

By Joel C. Paredes

scientist regarding food security beyond 2050—unless the Philippines, a major riceimporting country, seriously addresses its food staple by adopting modern technologies, especially hybrid rice. While some might view this narrative as self-serving for the institute, Dr. Jauhar Ali emphasized that hybridization is already paving the way for high-yielding rice varieties—ranging from climate-resilient to “green super” hybrid rice varieties. This was also the focus of a corporate forum for agri

cultural stakeholders recently hosted by the Tao Corporation, which presented this outlook as a direct challenge to other agriculture industry stakeholders to begin transforming rice farming into a viable, modern business for the future.

The geopolitical trap THE IRRI scientist identifed structural traps binding local food security, citing recent global data mapping out an intensely volatile and consolidated global rice trade. While the world’s gross rice production registers at a seemingly massive 563 million tons, Dr. Ali pointed out that a meager fraction—only about 60 million tons—is actually traded on the open global market. The vast majority is reportedly consumed

April factory output...

which expanded by 14.1 percent, as well as food manufacturing, whose output growth accelerated to 8.2 percent from 7.1 percent previously.

Of the 22 industry divisions monitored by the survey, 15 recorded annual output growth while seven posted declines.

Among the industries that contracted in April were fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment, which declined by 36 percent; machinery and equipment except electrical, down 6.6 percent; and chemicals and chemical products, which fell by 3.8 percent. In value terms, manufacturing production also posted faster growth during the month.

The Value of Production Index (VaPI) rose by 14.7 percent in April, quicker than the 13.1-percent increase recorded in March. In April last year, the index contracted by 2.2 percent.

Similar to the VoPI, the stronger VaPI growth was largely attributed to the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, whose output value surged by 60.8 percent from 4.6 percent in the previous month.

The PSA also reported sustained growth in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products at 19 percent and food products at 9.7 percent.

Meanwhile, sales growth slowed despite the stronger production performance.

The Value of Net Sales Index (VaNSI) expanded by 6.8 percent in April, slower than the 8-percent

growth recorded in March. Likewise, the Volume of Net Sales Index (VoNSI) eased to 4.2 percent from 5.2 percent in the previous month.

The PSA attributed the slower sales growth mainly to weaker performance in food manufacturing, chemicals and chemical products, and other non-metallic mineral products.

Factories continued to operate at relatively high utilization rates during the month.

Average capacity utilization for the manufacturing sector stood at 78.4 percent in April, slightly lower than the 78.6 percent posted in March but higher than the 76.5 percent recorded a year earlier.

The highest utilization rates were recorded in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products at 91.8 percent, followed by leather and related products, including footwear, at 82.6 percent, and other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment at 81.8 percent.

Data also showed that 33.4 percent of responding establishments operated at near full capacity ranging from 90 percent to 100 percent during the month.

Another 41.1 percent operated at 70 percent to 89 percent capacity, while 25.5 percent operated below 70 percent capacity.

The Missi or the Production Index and Net Sales Index, monitors the production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization of selected manufacturing establishments to provide flash indicators on the performance of the manufacturing sector.

Justine Xyrah Garcia

Inflation…

Continued from A1

inflation and domestic structural bottlenecks,” Rivera told this newspaper.

For Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo A. Lanzona, external shocks may explain the timing of price spikes but not the country’s recurring vulnerability to them.

“In the case of rice, decades of [Department of Agriculture] mismanagement, underinvestment in irrigation and post-harvest infrastructure, and the political economy of protecting import quotas over productivity have kept domestic yields among the lowest in [Association of Southeast Asian Nations],” Lanzona told the BusinessMirror

He said global disruptions have repeatedly exposed longstanding weaknesses in the country’s food and energy sectors, making inflation shocks more difficult to contain.

Rivera said this underscores the need to address supply-side constraints alongside monetary policy measures.

“Policymakers should focus on improving domestic productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening logistics, and ensuring timely imports when supply gaps emerge. Addressing rice inflation offers one of the highest returns in terms of overall price stability,” he said.

Weaker peso

RIVERA also said a weaker peso could further amplify imported inflation by raising the cost of fuel, food, and other goods sourced from abroad.

“This is why exchange rate stability remains important. But the BSP cannot solve all inflation drivers through interest rates alone as it cannot produce rice, unclog supply chains, or eliminate external shocks. A coordinated supply-side and macroeconomic response remains essential,” he emphasized. Lanzona, for his part, said the country’s vulnerability to currency-related inflation reflects deeper structural weaknesses in the economy.

“In the case of foreign exchange, an economy with deeper manufactured export diversification would have given it a more naturally hedged currency position,” Lanzona added. The Philippine peso closed at P61.47 against the US dollar on Friday.

Palace: Sustained aid for the vulnerable MALACAÑANG has vowed to sustain government aid for vulnerable sectors to keep high prices of

basic goods and services at bay as it braces for a possible faster inflation from the effects of El Niño and high oil prices caused by the Middle East crisis later this year.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement on Friday after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported inflation last month slowed down to 6.8 percent from 7.2 percent last month.

However, the latest inflation figure was significantly faster compared to 1.3 percent year-on-year.

Citing Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Castro attributed the slower inflation rate last May to the government’s efforts to address the socioeconomic impact of the Middle East conflict, which disrupted global supply chains and raised pump prices.

It noted the Marcos administration has assisted public utility vehicle drivers and operators, famers, and fisherfolks and other sectors which are reeling from the effects of the said crisis through its

Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) interventions.

The said interventions include cash aid, service contracting as well as fuel rice subsidies among others.

“The decline in inflation to 6.8 percent in May is good news for Filipino families. It is a sign that the government’s measures under the UPLIFT strategy are gradually bearing fruit,” Castro said in Filipino.

The Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary said the Marcos administration is closely monitoring the impact of El Niño on the country’s food supplies and energy sector, which can push up the cost of living by the second half of the year.

“There are still threats such as the possible increase in oil prices and the effects of El Niño. That is why we are continuing to take steps to keep goods affordable, protect each family’s budget, and create more jobs for Filipinos,” Castro said.

With a report by Samuel P. Medenilla

GLOBAL RICE TRAP…

domestically by countries that cultivate it, leaving a thin margin for importing countries like the Philippines to bid on.

Continued from A1 jected to reach up to 4 million tons. This leaves the country’s self-sufficiency ratio hovering at a fragile 71.3 percent. With a population of 114 million consuming an annual average of 136 kilograms per person, rice also commands an absolute dominance over the Filipino plate, accounting for nearly 35 percent of the national dietary intake.

Even more precarious was the direct monopoly over this traded supply. Out of the 60 million tons circulating globally, a staggering 25 million tons originates from a single country: India.

Furthermore, while global agricultural safety nets note a cumulative “buffer stock” of 220 million tons, Dr. Ali revealed that this inventory has become almost entirely locked behind the borders of just two nations: China and India.

“They are not going to open their gates when a severe crisis comes,” Dr. Ali cautioned. “The actual trading margin left for the rest of the world is incredibly thin. Any sudden domestic policy shifts, conflict, or catastrophic climate failure in those territories will paralyze the global market instantly.”

While current international price indices hover at an apparently stable 102.1 points—closely mirroring the comfortable baselines of 2021—the underlying reality is an absolute bottleneck.

Dr. Ali said unless the Philippines—historically one of the world’s top rice importers—aggressively overhauls its staple food supply through modern agricultural technologies, its vulnerability will transition from “a chronic economic headache to an absolute catastrophe.”

Citing official data, he said the Philippines is on track to produce 19.7 million tons of rice, yet it remains anchored to foreign supply chains, with imports pro -

Yet, as first-quarter production numbers point to a steady decline, the economic divide on the ground deepens. While consumers face retail prices of P58 per kilogram and wholesale rates sit around P52, farm-gate prices languish at just P23.18.

This massive gap between what a farmer earns and what a wholesaler commands underscores a broken market structure that leaves local growers highly vulnerable.

Currently, the Philippines also relies almost exclusively on narrow, single-source importation channels, heavily dependent on Vietnam and India. Should a macro-environmental or political shock hit these neighbors, the local supply chain will collapse.

“You simply cannot depend on a single, narrow source for nation-level importation,” Dr. Ali emphasized.

Weapon for self-sufficiency

TO dismantle the country’s foreign reliance, Dr. Ali presented a multipronged, highly scientific strategy. His focus was not on discovering nonexistent new arable lands or over-straining the country’s depleted water tables, but on maximizing the productivity of every square meter of existing soil using less water and fewer chemical inputs.

He advocated for an immediate transition away from standard, inbred seeds toward 2-line and 3-line heterotic hybrid rice systems. By engineering parental lines that exploit the biological phenomenon of heterosis (hybrid vigor), these crops generate an immediate 25percent to 30-percent

yield increase over traditional variants.

Because of their hyper-efficient growth cycles, they also reportedly produce significantly less methane and greenhouse gas emissions per ton of rice harvested.

Coordinating with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Dr. Ali’s team developed Green Super Rice by subjecting millions of backcrossed breeding lines to deliberate, punishing environmental pressures to weed out genetic frailty.

The resulting GSR hybrids were specifically engineered to survive overlapping, simultaneous abiotic challenges—meaning a single crop can withstand prolonged drought, extreme tropical heatwaves, and sudden, severe submergence from catastrophic typhoons.

Dr. Ali said it can provide a “biological insurance policy” for Filipino farmers dealing with increasingly erratic monsoons.

Corporate call to action IN response to Dr. Ali’s call to reengineer crop resilience against a looming 2050, Julio Sy Jr., who heads Tao Corp., has been into domestic commercial hybrid rice seed production and is now venturing into rice milling, in an effort to help transform domestic farming from a charity-dependent sector into a highly profitable future enterprise.

The conglomerate is leveraging its “Rise to Rice” program to establish a scalable blueprint aimed at motivating other corporate stakeholders to invest in the domestic food supply chain. Central to this strategy is dismantling the country’s extreme vulnerability to foreign imports. The Philippines currently relies on external sources for 90 percent of its hybrid rice seeds.

Local rice production is reportedly dominated by small farmers who till less than a hectare for rice dominated by small farmers, but Sy said that by expanding into modern rice milling infrastructure, like what they are now doing, they can provide full corporate oversight to guarantee rigid quality control.

Unlike unpredictable foreign shipments, domestic seed farms allow the Department of Agriculture and private sector partners to inspect actual fields and enforce strict growth protocols. This meticulous verification will ensure premium crop performance, providing robust, high-yielding planting materials to farming communities. By bridging the gap between advanced agricultural science and commercial execution, Sy said the industry stakeholders will boost farmer productivity, significantly increase seasonal crop yields, and offer a sustainable path toward complete self-sufficiency.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DHSUD-7: What delay in license issuance?

CEBU CITY—The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Region 7 (DHSUD-7) has dismissed as “false and baseless” claims that the delay in the issuance of Licenses to Sell (LTS) is holding back around 10,000 housing units in Cebu, countering warnings from a real estate industry group that the slowdown is constricting the housing supply.

DHSUD-7 in a statement said there are only two pending applications for Licenses to Sell currently under review by the regional office, both of which are already in

the final stages of approval.

DHSUD-7 Director Mark Anthony Lindugan said the pending applications—one involving a residential subdivision and another a columbarium project—have minimal impact on the local housing market.

“These two pending applications do not have any significant effect on housing availability in Cebu,” Lindugan said in a statement, disputing earlier statements made by the A Better Real Estate Philippines (Abrep) Movement.

See “DHSUD,” A10

NDA needs ₧140.5 million for digitalization program

By Ada Pelonia

THE National Dairy Authority (NDA) is seeking P140.5 million to bankroll its digitalization program and enhance regulatory services for the dairy industry.

This, after Republic Act 12308 granted full regulatory authority to the NDA over the domestic dairy industry, including testing and accreditation of local dairy activities and products from primary production to post-market distribution. The agency will handle the issuance and regulation of Licenses to Operate (LTOs) for dairy processors and Certificates of Product Registration (CPRs) for dairy products.

NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said the agency’s expanded role ensures the food safety of dairy goods for consumers prior to market circulation.

The initiative would also address private sector stakeholders lobbying for online systems to reduce paperwork, minimize processing delays, and provide real-time updates on applications for faster, more transparent, and more convenient regulatory transactions with the government.

“The dairy industry is rapidly evolving, and our regulatory systems must keep pace with the needs of stakeholders,” Andaya said. Under the proposed program, the NDA will develop and enhance key digital platforms, including an online LTO portal, online CPR system, a milk feeding program monitoring application, and an improved online LTO information system.

These are expected to streamline regulatory processes, improve compliance monitoring, and provide stakeholders with easier access to government services.

“We only have about six personnel right now […] Hopefully we’ll receive the budget for digitalization by 2027 so we can accelerate our services,” Andaya told reporters.

Bill resolves tax code gap that imperils WFH perks for Peza-, IPA-listed firms

By Butch Fernandez

INVESTMENT promotion agencies (IPA) and their registered enterprises have been forced—thanks to a gap in the tax code—to choose between staying competitive globally and keeping their workers out of punishing commutes.

With this situation in mind, Sen. Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill 2148, which seeks to allow IPA-registered enterprises to adopt alternative work arrangements—such as telecommuting, work-from-home, hybrid setups, compressed workweeks, and other flexible modes—without forfeiting their entitlement to fiscal incentives.

Existing provisions of the tax code

“continue to create uncertainty regarding the continued entitlement of IPA-registered enterprises to fiscal incentives when implementing alternative work arrangements outside economic zones and freeports,” Villanueva, main advocate of the workfrom-home law, explained in a statement. That uncertainty has real consequences, the lawmaker continued, as existing laws mandate that IPA-registered enterprises must conduct their activities exclusively

PHL, Vietnam team up to boost two-way tourism

Pact with Vietnam Air

The P140.5 million for digitalization forms part of its proposed P1.5 billion funding next year to expand the country’s dairy herd and eventually boost milk output.

If the NDA doesn’t receive its proposed funding for the digitalization initiative, Andaya said that would not excuse them from performing their mandate.

“If it can’t be given to us now, it’s not an excuse for us not to do our job on time. With or without it, we have to do it on time,” Andaya said.

“But if the [budget] will be given to us, then we can do more,” he added. Andaya is also banking on the P1.53 billion funding the NDA will receive from the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF) to bankroll the digitalization program.

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Philippines and Vietnam intend to significantly increase two-way tourism traffic with the recent signing of a three-year Tourism Cooperation Program by their respective government officials.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the Philippines’ Tourism Secretary-designate Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay and Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh signed the program document in Malacañang on June 1 as part of the two-day State Visit of Vietnam President To Lam to the country. To and President Marcos witnessed the signing of the cooperation program.

Under the cooperation program from 2026 to 2029, both countries agreed to jointly promote each other by offering one package tour to travelers, and invite media, tour operators, and travel agents on familiarization tours. This will help “strengthen awareness of tourism destinations and products of both countries,” said Angara-Mathay.

Last year, there were 33,559 Vietnamese tourists in the Philippines, 34.71 percent less than in 2024. They ranked 21st overall among the top tourists in the Philippines, in terms of countries of citizenship, as per DOT data.

In contrast, there were 394,739

Filipinos who traveled to Vietnam last year, 82.65 percent more than in 2024. This made Vietnam the eighth top destination of outbound Filipinos in 2025. DOT’s figures on outbound Filipinos, which are gathered from the e-travel data overseen by the Bureau of Immigration, include Filipinos traveling for work and leisure.

Exchange of ‘best practices’ “[WE] commend the finalization of the Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026–2029. Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” said Marcos during the joint news conference with Vietnam’s To. The cooperation program is a continuation of the Agreement on Tourism Cooperation between both countries signed in Hanoi on March 28, 1994.

Both countries also agreed to implement schemes to facilitate travel, undertake research and development, exchange ideas on managing and operating tourism, and build capacities in human resources.

They will, likewise, exchange best practices covering sustainable and regenerative tourism, and developing tourism products.

AS this developed, the DOT said it signed a new two-year agreement with Vietnam Airlines to speed up tourism promotion programs and expand air connectivity between both countries. The renewed partnership coincides with the 35thanniversary of the carrier’s Ho Chi Minh City-Philippines route and the 15th anniversary of the HanoiPhilippines route.

The agreement calls for joint marketing and promotional campaigns between the Philippines and Vietnam’s flag carrier, “promising affordable flights and quality services for local and international tourists,” said the agency.

There are currently 40-45 weekly nonstop flights between the Philippines and Vietnam, with services offered by Cebu Pacific Airways, Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and Viet Jet. These include flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), to Hanoi, and to Da Nang; from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh or to Hanoi; and between Clark and Hanoi.

Low-cost carrier Viet Jet announced on Monday it will launch five-weekly nonstop flights between Ho Chi Minh and Cebu starting December 11, 2026.

Business groups THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), meanwhile, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade, investment, and business cooperation between both countries.

The MOU was signed by PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer and VCCI Vice Executive President Nguyen Quang Vinh during the recent Vietnam-Philippines’ Business Forum in Manila.

In a statement, PCCI said the MOU establishes a framework for deeper cooperation, designed to expand commercial opportunities and strengthen economic links between Philippines and Vietnamese business communities.

Both business groups agreed to “regularly exchange information on trade and investment opportunities; support participation in business missions, trade fairs, forums, and seminars; and facilitate closer engagement among enterprises from both countries.”

The PCCI is one of the leading business organizations in the Philippines.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Labor groups fret over PHL’s inclusion in CAS discussions

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

LABOR groups warned that the Philippines’ inclusion in discussions by the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) on alleged violations of workers’ rights could dampen investor confidence, as businesses may view labor rights concerns as a sign of industrial relations risks and governance issues.

An official document from the International Labor Organization (ILO) showed that the Philippines has been included in the provisional working schedule of the International Labor Conference for discussions on its compliance with ILO Convention 98, or the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention.

Convention 98 is among the ILO’s fundamental labor standards and seeks to protect workers from anti-union discrimination while safeguarding their right to organize and bargain collectively without interference.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)

Chairperson Jerome Adonis said the country’s inclusion in the CAS discussions could raise concerns among prospective investors, particularly those that closely monitor labor rights compliance and corporate governance standards.

DepEd adopts localized ‘no classes’ policy

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

THE Department of Education (DepEd)

is doing away with the usual generic, division-wide “no classes for all” cancellations, with the issuance of the new guidelines aimed at ensuring that decisions for the suspension of classes are tailored strictly to affected classrooms or specific grade levels. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara issued new guidelines that provide a clearer framework for making immediate and informed decisions when classes are disrupted by typhoons, floods, earthquakes, extreme heat, health crises, violence, armed conflict, and other emergencies.

Angara said Department of Education (DepEd) Order 14 series of 2026 or the Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies will help Division Alternative Learning System Focals, and Schools Division Superintendents make decisions during, and after emergencies while prioritizing the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel. Under this framework, school heads are empowered to closely coordinate with division superintendents and local governments to enforce granular, highly localized class suspensions based on actual community conditions.

Kapag may kalamidad o krisis, unang tanong dapat natin: ligtas ba ang mga bata atguro,atkayanabanilangmatutoatmagturo?...Hindipwedengparehoanghinihingi natinsakanilakapagnormalangsitwasyonat kapagmaypinagdadaanansilangpanganib, takot,opagkawala,” Angara said.

Anchored on the principle that well-being is critical to learning and teaching, the policy introduces a levels-based Learning Continuity Framework to guide schools in selecting the learning responses based on the safety, readiness, and condition of learners and teachers.

The four levels are Hayo or Continue, where regular in-person learning proceeds when stakeholders are safe; Hinay or Ease-in, where learning continues at a slower and more flexible pace during mild disruptions; Hinga or Check-in, where academic demands are reduced and well-being checks are prioritized; and Hinto or Stop, where academic learning is halted because safety and basic needs are at risk.

“The economic implication of this is that investors may think twice about entering the Philippines. They may hesitate because of our complaints regarding the government’s violations of our rights, particularly those related to collective bargaining agreements,” Adonis said in a media briefing on Wednesday.

However, he stressed that any potential decline in investor confidence should not be blamed on workers but on the government’s alleged failure to protect labor rights and prevent unfair labor practices.

Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) Secretary General Josua Mata shared the same concern, saying persistent questions over the country’s compliance with international labor standards could affect how investors and trading partners assess the Philippines.

“Continued findings of noncompliance can damage the country’s international reputation, raise concerns among responsible investors, and strengthen calls for closer scrutiny under international trade arrangements that include labor rights commitment,” Mata said.

He added that the more pressing issue is whether the government is willing to address long -

standing obstacles that prevent Filipino workers from fully exercising their internationally recognized labor rights.

The risk of weaker investor sentiment comes as business confidence in the country continues to deteriorate.

Data from the Bangko Sentral (BSP) showed the Business Confidence Index (CI) remained in negative territory for a second consecutive month, worsening to a 35.8 percent contraction in April from a 24.3 percent decline in March.

The BSP said companies cited growing concerns over the economic fallout from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has begun to spill over into the domestic economy through higher fuel prices and rising operating costs.

Opportunity

FEDERATION of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula, meanwhile, said the review process could ultimately benefit the country if it leads to stronger compliance with international labor standards.

“Strong respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining will invite stable and responsible businesses and attract investors from the European Union, the United States, and

other countries that are committed to due diligence, human rights, and responsible business conduct,” he said.

The Philippines’ inclusion on the CAS shortlist marks the second time under the Marcos administration that the country will be examined by the body, a key pillar of the ILO supervisory system composed of representatives from governments, employers, and workers that reviews compliance issues involving ratified labor conventions.

Each year, the CAS draws from the findings of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) to examine selected cases involving alleged violations of ratified labor conventions and issue recommendations to improve compliance.

The ILO said the committee will also consider the 2026 General Survey titled “Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience” for the latter’s assessment.

The Philippine case is scheduled to be discussed on June 8, alongside those involving Uzbekistan, Panama, and Papua New Guinea.

The BusinessMirror reached out to newly appointed Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino for comment, but no response had been received as of press time.

San Jose City government taps MPW as interim water distribution operator

THE City Government of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, has appointed Metro Pacific Water (MPW), a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), as its temporary partner interim operator for the water distribution operations of the San Jose del Monte Water District under an initial two-month consultancy contract.

Two courts earlier junked the petitions of the former operator, PrimeWater owned by the Villar family, to stop the city from taking over the water distribution system over PrimeWater’s failure to provide satisfactory service.

The City Government and MPW signed an Operations and Maintenance Agreement on May 20, 2026, following the local government’s interim management of water supply operations from the San Jose del Monte Water District and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. on May 5, 2026.

The appointment of MPW as interim operator is in line with City Ordinance 202603-012, which authorizes the city government to undertake emergency procurement and appoint an interim operator tasked to stabilize the water distribution system for as long as the emergency persists.

Under the agreement, MPW will operate the water service system on an interim basis while conducting a technical and operational assessment of its current condition. This includes reviewing the state of pipelines, pumping stations, and other factors affecting distribution. The assessment will allow MPW and the city government to identify the causes of the water service problems and recommend investments for longer-term water infrastructure projects to improve water supply for residents.

CELEBRATE Philippine Independence and discover convenient government services as the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) brings its Postal ID registration, Express Mail Services, and other products to the Kalayaan 2026 Celebration on June 6-7, 2026 at the Event Stage, Kalayaan Government Programs and Services Area, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila. As part of the nationwide Independence Day festivities, PHLPost invites the public to visit its service booth and take advantage

The selection of MPW follows the city government’s due diligence process, led by its technical working group, which assessed the operational track record, service standards, technical capabilities, and financial capacity of several water utility operators.

As part of the assessment, the city government reviewed and visited the operations and facilities of various water service providers, including Metro Pacific Water in Dumaguete City, Hanabana Water Corp. in Cagayan de Oro City, Pamana Water in Nueva Ecija and Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. in Negros Occidental.

“This milestone is not only about changing the operator. It is about restoring accountability, proper service, and dignity to every family that has long endured the city’s water problems. We ask for a little time and continued cooperation as we carry out the rehabilitation and necessary changes in the system. You can be assured that your local government will not stop until we achieve the water service that every household deserves,” Mayor Florida Robes said.

According to the city government, MPW was selected for its over 25 years of combined experience in water utility and wastewater treatment operations, access to capital, and capacity to undertake immediate system improvements and longer-term infrastructure upgrades.

“Water is among the most essential services for any growing city. The entry of Metro Pacific Water into San Jose del Monte reflects our broader commitment to support local governments in addressing critical infrastructure challenges that directly affect communities. We are here to rebuild confidence in the city’s water system,” MPIC

of its mobile Postal ID registration and biometric capturing activity, making it easier and more convenient for Filipinos to obtain a trusted government-issued identification card.

The Postal ID continues to be one of the most recognized and accessible forms of identification in the country, widely accepted for banking transactions, government services, financial applications, and various official purposes. Beyond Postal ID services, visitors can

DMW shuts down two Cebu firms for illegal recruitment

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has intensified its campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking, ordering the closure of two Cebu-based establishments allegedly involved in unauthorized overseas job recruitment activities.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, led the operation on Friday morning together with Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara, Regional Director Jhoaden Lucero, and officials from the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB).

The two establishments—JLPT/JFT Training and Assessment Center and Anaya USA Visa Consultancy—were shut down following findings that they were allegedly involved in recruitment activities for overseas employment without the required licenses and authority from the government.

The DMW first served a closure order on JLPT/JFT Training and Assessment Center, located at Amanah & Sons Marketing Building on A.S. Fortuna Street in barangay Bakilid, Mandaue City.

Authorities said the training center allegedly offered Japanese language proficiency training to aspiring workers seeking employment in Japan for a fee of P28,500.

The center reportedly promised participants that upon completing the training and passing the required examinations, they could secure jobs in Japan as dairy farmers, caregivers, or cleaners, with monthly salaries ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.

The establishment also allegedly claimed to facilitate employment opportunities through partner agencies, including Star Express Placement and Profile Overseas Manpower Services.

Meanwhile, the DMW also ordered the closure of Anaya USA Visa Consultancy, located at Meridian by Avenir on Golam Drive in Mabolo, Cebu City.

DMW said Anaya allegedly recruited applicants for seasonal agricultural jobs in the United States, including fruit and vegetable

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence given to us by the City Government of San Jose del Monte. We recognize the urgency of the situation and understand how vital reliable water service is to the health, livelihood, and quality of life of every San Joseño. Metro Pacific Water is here today to show our commitment to bringing its technical expertise, operational experience, and investment capability to help the city progressively restore adequate and reliable water supply for its people,” MPW President and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

MPW and the City Government are in discussions on possible water infrastructure projects that will support San Jose del Monte’s longerterm water supply and distribution needs. These discussions are to be guided by the findings of the technical and operational assessment to ensure that future investments respond to the actual requirements of the system.

The City Government of San Jose del Monte is targeting to restore adequate and reliable water supply to every household within one year.

“While there are immediate steps we can take to help stabilize operations, the full rehabilitation and improvement of the city’s water distribution system will take time, sustained investment, and close coordination with the city government,” Pangilinan added.

MPW has previously allotted P3.81 billion in capital expenditures in 2026 alone for water system upgrades in Dumaguete City and Iloilo City, reflecting its capacity to support large-scale water infrastructure improvements.

also learn more about and avail of PHLPost Express Mail Service (EMS), the country’s reliable and affordable courier solution for urgent documents and parcels destined for local and international delivery. Stamp enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors will likewise enjoy exploring PHLPost’s unique collection of commemorative stamps, personalized (selfie) stamps, souvenir sheets, and philatelic products that celebrate Philippine heritage, culture, and significant national milestones in the country.

harvesting, poultry farming, dairy and livestock production, greenhouse work, grain harvesting, and produce processing.

The company reportedly advertised wages ranging from $14 to $18 per hour and offered benefits such as free housing, transportation, insurance, legal assistance, and meals. It also allegedly claimed that workers would not be required to pay taxes on their earnings.

In exchange, applicants were reportedly charged processing fees ranging from P150,000 to P300,000, excluding medical expenses. The fees supposedly covered pre-screening, job matching with US Department of Labor-certified employers, document processing, visa interview coaching, pre-departure orientation, and post-arrival monitoring.

Investigators further discovered that Anaya had been conducting orientation sessions in Cebu and Bohol through coordination with Public Employment Service Offices (Peso) and local governments. These closures were carried out under Closure Orders 13 and 14, Series of 2026, issued by the DMW after confirming that both establishments lacked the necessary licenses and authority to recruit workers for overseas jobs.

The individuals behind the operations may face illegal recruitment charges.

DMW also said it would recommend that those involved be included on the agency’s List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Record.

The department urged individuals who may have been victimized by either JLPT/JFT Training and Assessment Center or Anaya USA Visa Consultancy to seek assistance from DMW Region VII or the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau.

The agency said affected applicants may avail themselves of free legal assistance and support.

DMW reiterated its warning to the public to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and overseas job offers before making payments or submitting applications, stressing the importance of dealing only with licensed and authorized recruiters.

PRC conducts livestock evacuation drill

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) conducted on Wednesday a Livestock Evacuation Simulation Exercise (Simex) in a barangay in Maguindanao del Sur, to strengthen anticipatory action mechanisms that safeguard livelihoods and build resilience against flooding and other hazards in vulnerable communities.

Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the German Red Cross, and the Finnish Red Cross, the Anticipatory Action in Areas Affected by Conflict (AA-AAbC) Project’s pilot simulation in barangay Darampua, Sultan sa Barongis, was conducted in collaboration with key government and community partners, including the Bangsamoro Resilience, Adaptation, and Disaster Preparedness Initiative (Bangsamoro READi), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) of the Bangsamoro automonous government, local agriculture and veterinary offices, disaster

risk reduction and management offices, and the Barangay Animal Emergency Team (BAET).

The simulation involved PRC staff, volunteers, community members, and partners who practiced the three phases of anticipatory action: Pre-Activation, Activation, and Post-Activation, through a scenario involving an approaching severe tropical storm. Participants carried out operational procedures such as coordination, livestock handling, registration, monitoring, and evacuation management, while responding to realistic challenges that may arise during emergency operations.

“Our place is calamity-prone, both manmade and natural: armed conflicts and disasters, particularly flooding. That is why we thank the Philippine Red Cross because they help our community to be better prepared when disaster comes—they provide us all kinds of help,” said Mayor Allandatu M. Angas Sr. of Sultan sa Barongis as he expressed his

Caloocan families receive new homes

THE Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), officially turned over housing units to beneficiary families of Mapalad

Ka Homeowners’ Association, Inc. in Caloocan City on Thursday under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program of President Marcos.

The turnover of the initial 36 units for the three-story housing development was led by Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and SHFC President and Chief Executive Officer Federico Laxa.

It marks another milestone in the government’s continuing efforts to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to informal settler families (ISFs) through SHFC’s Vertical Enhanced Community Mortgage Program. The beneficiary families previously lived along the waterways of Sta. Monica in Quezon City and Maria Luisa Subdivision in Camarin, Caloocan City. The housing project forms part of the Expanded 4PH Program, which aims to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and inclusive shelter solutions for low-income Filipino families through various housing modalities.

In his message, Laxa underscored the fulfillment of the community’s long-held dream after nearly two decades of waiting. “Mataposang 19 years napaglalakbay mula noong umpisahan at planuhin ang proyektong ito, mapalad na kayo ngayon. MatagalnangmapaladangHOAninyopero ngayonmaisasakatuparannaangpangarap ninyong magkaroon ng sariling bahay at lupa,” he said.

Schools for creative aging

PETER LASLETT, the British historian, describes life after 60 as

“The Third Age,” a period of life characterized by health, vigor, activity, and a positive mindset.

Seen through the lens of the Third Age, post -retirement is an occasion for self-actualization, for doing those things that have the most personal meaning, that keep people challenged and actively learning and continuously contributing to the progress of the city.

To me the best way to do this is through education and participation in the arts. As a senior citizen myself, I propose a nationwide program called “Arts Education for Creative Aging.”

Imagine retirees, in their 60s and 70s or even older, learning new techniques in creative conceptualization and idea making or lolos and lolas pointing and clicking their smart phone-cameras to capture scenes from nature and everyday life, getting the hang of digital photography beyond the selfie.

Envision a scene where oldies are learning the skill of telling the world about their unique personal stories through journal writing, poetry, digital filmmaking and spoken monologue. And why not a scene where senior people are acting out scenes from the world’s most acclaimed famous plays and films learning how to get into the inner persona of characters.

And who are their mentors and teachers? Old artists sharing with their fellow seniors the joy and wonder of watercolor painting, showing the way to give release to their innate knack for visual creations.

There they are, your average old folks participating in art workshops designed for them, singing, dancing, playing creative games, bonding and having the time of their lives. Wouldn’t this be a wonderful way to age gracefully?

Compare these scenes with what is happening in reality. Too many seniors being set aside, marginalized and taken for granted after retirement by our youth-obsessed society.

While seniors appreciate medical missions that give out free eyeglasses or provide free flu vaccinations, they also need something to uplift the spirit. Making them dependents on “ayuda” and pensions serve to cripple their innate creative spirit in their golden years.

Briefly, my idea is a Community Outreach Program that aims to foster the health and mental well-being of Filipinos ages 60 to 80 by way of a professionally conducted, participatory and financially sustained arts education program specifically designed for senior citizens to be conducted all over the country.

The program seeks to encourage senior citizens of each community to leave their homes and participate in art learning workshops suited to their aptitude and talent and join their fellow seniors in dance, music, acting, writing and vi-

TimeOur DSWD to Asean: Prioritize elderly in ‘silver economy’

By Jose Cielito Reganit

Tsual arts activities of their own choosing.

There is a valuable resource of older artists who can be tapped to serve as teachers or mentors in these art classes.

Research shows that professionallyled arts education for older adults fosters positive aging because it promotes physical health, enhances a sense of well-being among older adults, improves quality of life for those who are ill, and reduces the risk factors that lead to the need for long-term care.

Expressive arts, including visual arts, music, dance/movement, writing, and acting in a play have been seen as effective empowering tools that can assist in the aging process.

These workshops can be done exclusively for seniors or may be open to intergenerational mixing young and old. Can you just imagine it—lolo and lola doing water color painting together with their grand kids?

The cynics will scoff at it and say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. All I can say, we’re not out to teach them “new tricks” but to awaken the dormant creativity that’s in every human person.

Remember the old English proverb: “There’s many a good tune played on an old fiddle.”

This proposition is very doable. I know an artist friend who can organize Plein Air artists who are only too willing to give lessons on call. Maybe the Cultural Center of the Philippines can schedule the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to give music appreciation classes as well as basic instrumental playing such as the violin or trumpet. Why not bring in Filipino artist-mentors and art education exponents from abroad as guest resource persons?

I am inviting corporations and organizations from the private sector to consider it seriously. It will be a good CSR program to champion because it will have a meaningful social impact and will earn a lot of goodwill for their organizations.

Progressive and enlightened LGU leaders will earn the lifelong gratitude of the growing army of senior constituents and their families by implementing the program in their local communities. Imagine them coming home brimming with excitement to share their new-found skills with their grandchildren?

Surely our enlightened members of the Senate and House of Representatives, many of whom are senior citizens, can allocate some funding for this program.

There’s no getting around the fact that we all age. The good news is that aging creatively—through the arts—holds the promise of being active and enjoying the bonus years that increased life expectancy has gifted us. Now the idea is there on the table. Time is ticking by. Seniors can’t afford to wait too long. Any takers?

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called on member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to prioritize the region’s growing elderly population by building a more inclusive and sustainable silver economy.

“The silver economy is sometimes thought a niche market for aging populations. In reality, it is far bigger than that,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his keynote address during the opening of the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Unlocking the Silver Economy on Wednesday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“It is about redesigning society itself to ensure that longevity becomes an economic and social advantage not a source of exclusion. It is about whether ASEAN can become a region where longer life expectancy is matched by longer opportunity, longer dignity, and longer participation,” he said.

Gatchalian, who also serves as the current ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) chair, noted that the region is experiencing a major demographic shift, with over 14.8 percent of ASEAN’s

population expected to be aged 60 and above by 2030. By 2035, the number of senior citizens in the region is projected to reach 127 million.

While longer life expectancy is worth celebrating, the DSWD chief noted that it also presents challenges as many older persons in ASEAN remain vulnerable due to rising cost of living, digital exclusion, gender inequality and lack of retirement savings, among others.

“ASEAN has a unique advantage. We are at a stage where many member states can plan ahead. We have the opportunity to build systems before crises fully emerge. And importantly, ASEAN already possesses the cultural foundations needed for more humane models of aging: strong family structures, community solidarity, and traditions of intergenerational support,” he said.

“Our task now is to modernize

these strengths without losing them—to combine technology with humanity, efficiency with dignity, economic growth with social cohesion,” Gatchalian said.

The ASCC chair likewise underscored the necessity for regional cooperation to guarantee that older persons live safely, productively, independently and with dignity within their communities through investing in the silver economy.

“The demographic future of our region demands cooperation across borders and across sectors. Governments alone cannot build the silver economy. The private sector will drive innovation. Academia will generate evidence. Civil society will safeguard inclusion and human dignity. Development partners will help strengthen capacity and financing. Older per-

sons themselves must remain at the center, not merely as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of policy,” the DSWD chief said.

Prioritizing investment in the silver economy to promote active aging is among the DSWD’s priorities under its chairship of the 2026 ASEAN-ASCC Council.

The forum is conducted by the DSWD in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.

Aside from the Philippines, other ASEAN members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. PNA

Nutrition myths for seniors: Debunking misconceptions and embracing foods that boost energy and immunity

By Jona C. Redondo

AS we age, nutrition becomes more critical than ever for maintaining strength, mobility, cognitive function, and overall vitality. However, myths and outdated advice often lead seniors astray, resulting in nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, weakened immunity, and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia). This article debunks prevalent nutrition myths for older adults and highlights evidence-based foods that genuinely support energy and immune health, with references to expert insights from registered dietitians and health organizations.

Common nutrition myths for seniors

MYTH 1: Older adults should eat much less. Many believe that reduced activity and slower metabolism mean drastically cutting calories. While caloric needs may modestly decline, nutrient requirements often stay the same or increase for key elements like protein, vitamin D, calcium, B12, and fiber. Eating “less” without focusing on nutrient density risks malnutrition, frailty, and low energy. The goal is quality over quantity—prioritizing nutrient-rich foods.

Myth 2: Protein isn’t as important after a certain age. This is one of the most harmful myths. Sarcopenia— the age-related loss of muscle—accelerates without adequate protein. Older adults often need more protein (or at least consistent intake) because the body uses it less efficiently. Experts recommend spreading protein across meals for better muscle synthesis and mobility. Sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds are ideal.

Registered dietitian Tiana Barker, in a video from Intermountain Health, emphasizes that seniors benefit from a “protein boost” through small ad-

ditions like cheese sprinkles, beans on salads, or nuts. She notes older adults may need tweaks rather than overhauls, including more protein alongside potassium and fiber.

Myth 3: Supplements can fully replace a healthy diet. Supplements help address specific deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D or B12, common in seniors), but they lack the fiber, antioxidants, and synergistic compounds in whole foods. Whole foods better support digestion, heart health, and immunity. The National Institutes of Health and dietitians stress food-first approaches unless a doctor identifies a gap.

Myth 4: All fats and carbs should be avoided. Healthy fats (from avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish) support brain health and reduce inflammation. Complex carbs from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide sustained energy and fiber for gut health and blood sugar control. Low-fat trends of the past have been largely debunked; moderation and quality matter.

Myth 5: Skipping meals is harmless or helps control weight. Skipping meals can cause energy crashes, blood sugar instability, muscle loss, and dehydration—issues compounded in seniors due to diminished thirst signals. Consistent, smaller meals and snacks maintain energy and nutrient intake. Hydration remains vital, even if thirst cues weaken.

2. Citrus fruits and berries (Oranges, Grapefruits, Blueberries, Strawberries): Vitamin C powerhouse for immune cell production and antioxidant protection. Berries offer additional flavonoids that reduce inflammation and support brain health. They provide natural, steady energy without crashes.

3. Fatty fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines): Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, support heart and brain health, and may ease joint pain for better daily activity and energy. Highquality protein aids muscle maintenance. Aim for 2–3 servings weekly.

4. Nuts and seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Brazil Nuts): Healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium for energy metabolism and immune support. A handful daily provides sustained fuel and antioxidants. Brazil nuts are excellent for selenium, which supports thyroid function and immunity.

5. Greek yogurt or fermented foods: Probiotics for gut health (where much of the immune system resides), plus high protein and B vitamins for energy conversion. Choose plain varieties to avoid added sugars.

6. Whole grains (Oats, Quinoa, Brown Rice): Complex carbs and fiber for steady energy release, plus B vitamins. Oats make a great breakfast base with added nuts or fruit.

7. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antimi-

Other myths include the idea that seniors can eat “whatever they want” or that frozen/canned produce is inferior. In reality, frozen and canned options often retain nutrients and offer convenience and affordability. Foods that actually boost energy and immunity FOCUS on nutrient-dense, antiinflammatory foods. Here are top recommendations backed by science and experts: 1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard): Rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, and antioxidants. They combat oxidative stress, support red blood cell production for energy, and enhance immune function. Iron helps prevent anemia-related fatigue, common in seniors. Add to salads, smoothies, or sautés.

crobial properties. Garlic’s allicin fights infections; ginger aids digestion and reduces nausea; turmeric’s curcumin supports overall immunity.

8. Eggs and legumes: Affordable, versatile protein sources with choline and other nutrients for brain health and energy. Expert videos reinforce these choices. In the Intermountain Health discussion with Tiana Barker, RD, emphasis is placed on protein, hydration, and balanced plates (using MyPlate model) for energy and muscle/immune support. She highlights practical swaps and the value of frozen produce.

Another helpful resource is Henry Ford Health’s video with Allegra Picano, RDN, covering balanced diets for seniors facing challenges like chronic conditions or budget constraints.

Practical tips for implementation

PLATE method: Fill half with vegetables/fruits, quarter with protein, quarter with whole grains.

Hydration: Aim for fluids throughout the day; infuse water with fruit or herbs.

Meal frequency: Smaller, frequent meals to combat reduced appetite.

Consult professionals: Work with a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized advice, especially with medications or conditions.

A nutrient-rich diet can dramatically improve quality of life, reducing risks of falls, infections, and chronic disease while boosting daily energy.

Debunking myths empowers seniors to eat smarter, not less.

Prioritizing whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and yogurt provides the foundation for sustained energy and robust immunity. As dietitians like Tiana Barker and Allegra Picano advise, small consistent changes yield big results in healthy aging.

BusinessMirror

Signify continues to advance innovation and technology

BEFORE Redin Aliling became the commercial lead of Professional Business for Signify Philippines, he was handling Customer Satisfaction, Projects, and System Engineering. Signify was formerly known as Philips Lighting.

A Filipino based in Singapore (he has been with Signify for 10 years), Aliling now spends most of his time in the Philippines because of his new post.

When asked about the company’s business plans, Aliling said Signify is here to stay.

“We have a big representation and I think even a market share. Overall, we see a lot of opportunities in the Philippines. In fact, of all the markets that have grown last year, the Philippines is one of them. When you say lighting, the first perception of the consumer is Philips.”

When it comes to innovation, Aliling said Signify is still leading so the company’s plans include the continuation of innovations and new technologies.

Close to 5 percent of our sales are being invested into R&D and we need to keep up with the changes in LED technology. Fifteen years ago, if you bought an LED lightbulb, the price of that would be 10 times what you’re paying now. Now, you can find an LED lightbulb for P30+. LED technology is advancing and that is driving the price.”

The market prospects are so good that Signify Philippines said it was expecting up to double-digit growth by year-end on the strength of stronger partnership projects with LGUs and increasing demand from the manufacturing sector.

“We’re looking at maybe 8-12 percent this year. We have very good momentum,” said Aliling.

He cites NatureConnect as one of Signify Philippines solutions gaining market strength.

NatureConnect uses Bioup Circadian Lighting technology to mimic natural daylight, enhancing mood, sleep quality, and productivity through customizable light settings that induce the body’s natural production of cortisol and melatonin hormones.

As sustainability expectations rise, lighting is no longer limited to a bulb and a switch, and Signify lighting systems are now integrated platforms generating data and insights, and enables users to control lighting from anywhere in the world.

“We will be launching more products that have connectivity, either for the home, street lights, or offices,” said Aliling.

By the end of 2025, Signify had 167 million connected lighting points across the world.

“When it comes to connected lighting, we are one of the biggest. We are No. 1 in the world. We are trying to evolve from just offering lighting and trying to give more value to the user,” said Aliling. Signify Philippines has ongoing lighting projects

with the government, including partnerships with the local governments of Baguio, Ormoc and Manila, as well as an ongoing railway project. These projects mainly cover solar lighting, street lighting, office lighting, and façade beautification.

Aliling said Signify has more P2P projects in the pipeline and is actively expanding partnerships with more LGUs.

On the education front, Signify Philippines is strengthening its education initiatives and engaging both public and private sector stakeholders on the importance of investing in more advanced and sustainable lighting technologies, which would result in more efficiency and savings in the long term.

“It’s not enough to change traditional lighting to LED. You will have savings, yes, but you can add more features like a sensor to street lighting and this will result in more savings because it will consume lesser energy. We need to educate everyone about this because with connectivity, lighting will be easier to maintain and manage,” said Aliling.

GLOBE AT HOME GFIBER ELEVATES INTELLIGENT HOMES, LAUNCHES GFIBER PLAN WITH ‘CHOOSE YOUR OWN VOUCHER’ PROGRAM

THE modern Filipino home is evolving into an AIpowered, fully connected ecosystem, and Globe At Home is leading the way with GFiber Plans designed to deliver seamless, futureready connectivity. With speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and powered by the latest WiFi 7 technology, GFiber is more than just the internet; it is the foundation of the nextgeneration of intelligent home experience. From streaming and gaming to remote work, smart appliances, and IoTenabled living, GFiber ensures families enjoy uninterrupted digital lifestyles.

To make intelligent home living even more accessible, Globe introduces the “Choose Your Own Voucher” program, giving subscribers up to ₱9,000

worth of vouchers from partner brands like TPLink, Xiaomi, Samsung, Abensons, and Digital Walker, helping households instantly build their own connected, AIpowered homes.

Launched in May, GFiber Plan takes reliability to the next level. Powered by nextgeneration modems with built-in AI capabilities, GFiber Plan intelligently prioritizes key applications such as gaming, streaming, online learning, and virtual meetings. With TroubleFree features like UPS battery backup and ONU mesh, families stay connected even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it matters most.

“Every Filipino family deserves a home that works as hard as they do. It’s not just about ‘fast internet’

Banish battery anxiety with up to 7,000mAh power

SMARTPHONES today have evolved far beyond simple communication tools; they’ve become powerful, all-in-one companions that can handle almost anything, even stepping in as a power bank when needed.

That’s where the OPPO A6s 5G comes in. Designed for modern users, it features a massive 7000mAh battery that keeps you going longer with less worry. Paired with fast charging and practical features like Reverse Wired Charging, it doesn’t just keep up—it also supports your day seamlessly, so you stay powered, connected, and in control. Beyond just lasting longer, the OPPO A6s 5G is built to deliver a consistently reliable, all-day experience that keeps up with your pace. It allows users to stay immersed and uninterrupted without constantly checking your battery percentage. Thanks to the 7000mAh battery, you can enjoy up to 29.73 hours of YouTube video playback, 10.57 hours of WhatsApp video calls, and over 24 hours of calls on a single charge. This means fewer charging breaks and more freedom to stay connected and engaged throughout the day. More than anything, it’s about peace of mind too and the confidence your phone can handle long days, spontaneous plans, and everything in between without slowing you down. The OPPO A6s 5G is built with long-term reliability in mind. Its 5 Years Durable Battery

anymore, it’s about the peace of mind knowing your home security is active, the joy of a lag-free movie night with the kids, and the power to pursue your dreams from your home office. Because your family deserves the future today,” said Abigail Cardino, vice president and head of Broadband Business at Globe.

By embedding intelligence, speed, and flexibility into GFiber Plans, Globe At Home is elevating home internet into a complete digital lifestyle enabler. With fast and consistent connectivity, Globe empowers Filipino families to embrace the future of intelligent living, bridging the digital divide and redefining what it means to be truly connected at home.

More information can be found at glbe.com.ph/ GAH-PR.

is engineered to retain over 80% of its original capacity even after 1,800 charging cycles, ensuring consistent performance well beyond the typical smartphone lifespan. In real terms, this means users can enjoy their device longer without the usual concerns around battery wear and frequent replacements. In today’s economic climate, it also helps users save money by reducing the need for early upgrades or costly battery replacements. The OPPO A6s 5G also doubles as an emergency power source through Reverse Wired Charging support. With OTG reverse charging capabilities, users can conveniently share battery power with compatible devices such as wireless earphones, smartwatches, or even another

smartphone when needed.This practical feature adds another layer of convenience for users who rely on multiple gadgets throughout the day, especially during travel, outdoor adventures, or unexpected emergencies.

Paired with ultra-fast 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology, the OPPO A6 Series helps you stay connected with less downtime.

The OPPO A6 Series is now available nationwide in OPPO Stores, partner retailers, and online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the OPPO Online Store. It comes in a range of variants and finishes suited to different lifestyles.

The OPPO A6s 5G is available in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown, while the OPPO A6 comes in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold.

Bridging the AI gap neutralizes the risks of Shadow IT

BY RIZAL RAOUL REYES

and

said it is important for companies to train their workforce skills in artificial intelligence (AI) to dissuade them from using Shadow AI.

“It is paramount. Research indicates that while 76 percent of knowledge workers use AI, only a fraction have received formal training. This skills gap is where the highest risks of Shadow AI reside, notably in data security and regulatory compliance,” said Subramanyam Sreenivasaiah, CEO of AscentHR, in an email interview with BUSINESSMIRROR

By investing in formal AI skill development, Sreenivasaiah said organizations can train employees on how to use AI without inadvertently violating local labor laws or international data protection standards, helping talent move from experimenting to optimizing within secure, authorized environments, and empowering the workforce to use AI for highvalue business intelligence rather than just basic task automation.

In a highly regulated market like the Philippines, Sreenivasaiahan said an unskilled worker using Shadow AI is a significant reputational risk, while a skilled worker using an integrated ecosystem is a competitive advantage.

Sreenivasaiah emphasized that the most effective way to discourage Shadow AI is not through restriction, but through alignment. “Companies must recognize that Shadow AI is a diagnostic signal, which highlights where existing corporate tools are failing to meet the speed and complexity of modern work,”  he said

To encourage a shift toward authorized tools, he said organizations must bridge the capability gap by providing approved, high-performance AI tools that actually solve the friction-filled workflows employees are trying to bypass. He also said that organizations  should establish clear safe zones, where employees know which tools are vetted for security and local compliance.

“Lastly, instead of penalizing unauthorized use, companies must reward teams that identify manual bottlenecks and work with IT to solve them using approved enterprise solutions,” he pointed out.

“At AscentHR, we believe that when the official path is the most efficient one, the incentive to seek digital shortcuts disappears,” he added.

Shadow AI refers to the use of AI tools, applications, or cloud services within an organization without the explicit knowledge, approval, or oversight of the IT department or security team.

Moreover, it is the modern, AI-specific evolution of “Shadow IT.” Instead of downloading unapproved software, employees are inputting company data into consumer-facing generative AI tools to make their daily tasks easier and faster.

The primary driver of Shadow AI is simple: convenience and productivity. Employees want to work faster, and generative AI tools are highly accessible, free or low-cost, and incredibly easy to use.

The use of unauthorized AI tools creates several critical vulnerabilities:

■ Data privacy and leakage: Many free, consumer-facing AI tools use user prompts to train their models. When employees paste sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or trade secrets into these tools, that data enters the public domain or the vendor’s database, risking a severe data breach.

■ Compliance and legal violations: Uploading regulated data (like financial records, healthcare data, or personally identifiable information) into unapproved AI tools can instantly violate local data privacy laws, such as the EU GDPR or the Philippines Data Privacy Act.

■ Intellectual Property (Ip) Ownership: If an employee uses an unauthorized AI tool to generate code or creative content for a client, the legal ownership of that output can become highly ambiguous, creating potential copyright and liability issues.

■ Bias and hallucinations: Unvetted AI tools can produce inaccurate data (“hallucinations”) or biased results. If employees rely on these outputs for business decisions or reporting without quality control, it can lead to operational errors.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

Xiaomi 17T Pro review: What is midrange anymore?

ASK 10 smartphone brands what qualifies as a midrange phone in 2026 and you’ll probably get 10 different answers.

The categories that once defined the smartphone market have steadily drifted upward.

A few years ago, a ₱45,000 smartphone would have been marketed as a flagship without hesitation. Today, that same price point sits in an increasingly crowded space between traditional midrange devices and socalled “budget” flagships.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro arrives squarely in this premium no-man’s-land

Priced at ₱45,999 for the Shopee Exclusive 12GB/256GB variant and ₱47,999 for the 12GB/512GB model (with an early bird price of P43,999), the Xiaomi 17T Pro sits noticeably higher than previous T-series devices.

But that shouldn’t come as a surprise with smartphone prices having steadily climbed as component costs, memory prices, and increasingly complex mobile hardware continue to reshape the market.

That price increase naturally invites scrutiny, but the more interesting question is where Xiaomi chose to invest that additional budget.

Rather than building its identity around AI features or headline-grabbing specifications, Xiaomi focused on three areas people continue to notice long after launch events and benchmark charts are forgotten: camera reach, battery endurance, and overall performance.

The result is a phone whose biggest upgrades aren’t found in marketing slides. They’re found in the moments when you need to zoom in a little farther, go a little longer between charges, or simply expect the phone to keep up without complaint.

TELEPHOTO—MASTERED?

THE Xiaomi 17T Pro places its telephoto camera at the center of the experience, a decision that feels increasingly deliberate as it furthers its collaboration with Leica.

Over the past few years, Xiaomi has steadily refined its approach to mobile photography, placing greater emphasis on focal lengths that photographers actually use rather than simply chasing larger sensors or higher megapixel counts.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 50MP Leica main camera with an f/1.67 aperture and OIS, a 50MP Leica 5x telephoto camera with an f/3.0 aperture and OIS, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view. Selfies are handled by a 32MP front-facing camera. Since much of my work involves covering events, the extra reach proved invaluable. Whether photographing speakers onstage, performers at concerts, or product demonstrations from the back of a crowded venue, the telephoto camera consistently delivered images that felt more deliberate than what a standard wide lens could achieve.

What surprised me even more was how useful the lens became for toy photography. Collectors spend a surprising amount of time photographing action figures, statues, and collectibles, and the longer focal length creates a natural compression effect that gives subjects more presence while separating them from the background more effectively. Facial sculpts appear more dramatic, accessories stand out better, and the

overall image often looks more polished straight out of the camera.

Image quality remains strong through 10x zoom, which is arguably the range that matters most. Moving subjects remain usable, detail retention holds up remarkably well, and the results consistently look cleaner than many competing implementations. Even between 20x and 30x, where digital enhancement begins to take over, the images remain surprisingly respectable.

The main camera complements the telephoto well. Built around Xiaomi’s Light Fusion 950 image sensor, the 50MP shooter benefits from improved image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The gains are noticeable and contribute to a camera experience that feels consistently reliable across different lighting conditions.

Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant profiles continue to offer distinct visual styles, while features such as Leica Live Moment, Stage Mode, and updated image processing place greater emphasis on capturing moments rather than simply producing technically accurate photos.

Leica Live Moment is particularly useful for events and street photography, capturing moments before and after the shutter press so you can select the exact frame you wanted afterward.

The 12MP ultra-wide camera remains the weakest member of the trio. In good lighting, the difference isn’t dramatic, but once conditions become challenging, softness becomes more apparent compared to the main and telephoto cameras.

THE REAL UPGRADE

THE telephoto camera may grab the headlines, but it’s the battery that quickly made it my daily driver.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro packs a 7000mAh siliconcarbon battery, one of the largest capacities currently available in its category. This is one of those phones that encourages you to stop thinking about battery percentages. Even after a day of photography, browsing, messaging, social media, and video consumption, there was often enough power remaining to comfortably continue into the next day.

That level of endurance has become increasingly valuable as larger batteries become the norm rather than the exception. Xiaomi distinguishes itself by combining a 7000mAh battery with 100W HyperCharge wired charging and 50W wireless charging, a combination that delivers both long runtimes and minimal downtime. Reverse wired and reverse wireless charging are also included.

PERFORMANCE WITHOUT THE DRAMA POWERING the Xiaomi 17T Pro is MediaTek’s

Dimensity 9500 processor built on a 3nm manufacturing process, paired with LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.1 storage.

Xiaomi markets the T Series as its performance flagship, and the Xiaomi 17T Pro delivers exactly what you would expect at this level. Applications launch quickly, multitasking feels effortless, and background apps remain readily available when needed.

Gaming performance is equally impressive.

Demanding titles run smoothly, taking advantage of the phone’s 144Hz refresh rate where supported. The device warms under sustained workloads, particularly with graphically intensive games, but never reached temperatures that felt alarming during my testing.

A DISPLAY THAT FEELS FAMILIAR IN THE BEST WAY

MUCH like its performance, the display leaves very little to complain about. The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 6.83-inch POLED panel with a resolution of 2772 x 1280, a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, and peak brightness of up to 3500 nits. Support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, the DCI-P3 color gamut, and DC dimming rounds out a specification sheet that

Colors are vibrant without appearing

oversaturated, black levels remain deep, and outdoor visibility is rarely an issue even under harsh sunlight. Whether you’re streaming videos, editing photos, scrolling through social media, or playing games, the screen consistently feels like one of the phone’s strongest assets.

Xiaomi has also included a full suite of TÜV Rheinland certifications covering low blue light, flicker-free operation, circadian friendliness, and intelligent eye care, making extended viewing sessions easier on the eyes. Complementing the display is a dual stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support, delivering strong volume, good separation, and enough clarity to make movies, music, and mobile gaming enjoyable.

THANK GOD IT’S NOT ORANGE ORANGE might be the new black, but subtlety still has its place.

I received the Deep Blue variant for review, though the phone is also available in Black and Deep Violet. The latter pairs particularly well with Xiaomi’s matching ecosystem products, including its latest smartwatch and earbuds.

The Xiaomi 17T Pro looks and feels closer to a flagship than what many people would traditionally associate with a T-series device. The flat aluminum frame, clean rear panel, and squared-off camera module create a look that feels mature and confident rather than attention-seeking.

Weighing in at 219g, it’s undeniably hefty, but that weight translates to a reassuring, premium solidity

rather than fatigue Measuring 160.5 x 75.2 x 8.25mm, it remains comfortable enough for extended use despite its large footprint.

The IP68 rating adds another layer of reassurance, providing protection against dust and water exposure that buyers increasingly expect at this price point. Combined with Xiaomi Shield Glass protection on the front, the overall package feels appropriately durable for a phone designed to be used heavily throughout the day.

HyperOS 3 rounds out the package with Xiaomi HyperAI, Google Gemini, and Circle to Search. The AI Creativity Assistant feels particularly relevant here, adding useful photo-editing tools that pair naturally with the phone’s already capable camera system.

FINAL WORD: The Xiaomi 17T Pro isn’t trying to win buyers over with AI buzzwords or a single headlinegrabbing feature. Instead, it focuses on the things people continue to notice long after the launch event is over: a genuinely useful telephoto camera, battery life that can comfortably stretch into a second day, and flagship-level performance that simply gets the job done.

At ₱45,999, the more interesting story isn’t whether the Xiaomi 17T Pro is a midrange phone or a flagship. It’s how difficult that distinction has become. Features that once defined premium smartphones have gradually moved into a new tier of devices that sit between traditional categories.

The old labels no longer fit. What used to be flagship territory has become the new midrange standard, and the Xiaomi 17T Pro is proof of how far that category has evolved.

Former biggest YouTuber PewDiePie launches own AI workspace ‘Odysseus’

BY PATRICK VILLANUEVA

COUNTERING popular AI models of today because of their shady practices, i.e. subscription models and data privacy issues, former No. 1 YouTuber Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg, years after semi-retiring from YouTube, has launched his own AI platform. Announced on his YouTube video, titled “MY trillion $Dollar Project is finally OUT!,” PewDiePie revealed a project that he had been partaking in during his exploration into AI development, as he documented his journey with building custom systems that run on open-source language models ingrained in his own hardware. Thus, the creation of Odysseus, a “self-hosted interface for talking to language models—chat, autonomous agents, tools, model serving, email, research, and more. Local-first, privacy-first, and no telemetry. Just you and your models,” according to its official description.

Odysseus is designed to be an all-in-one platform for those who use AI but do not want to have their privacy or data taken away. It basically provides all things that AI can do, at least the popular ones used

in their daily lives, except it is self-hosted and does not send data to big companies. “I am really releasing a product I’ve been working on for myself today called Odysseus,” PewDiePie shared in his YouTube video. “Odysseus is my response. It is out, it is free. No tracking, no subscription, no funny business. It’s yours, and yours forever,” he added. His inspiration in creating this AI workspace is the privacy protection of internet users and self-hosting. He explained that “the more you share about yourself with AI, the better it becomes...but the more you do that, the more you’re handing a huge piece of yourself to all these giant companies. And that’s a huge trust you’re handing over.” He promised in the video that “all your data is yours—as it should be.” Its capabilities, he explained, are akin to those of AI models Claude and ChatGPT’s web UI but self-hosted. Listed on the website, and some demonstrated in the video, are Chat & Agents, Tools and MCP, Cookbook, Email Assistant, Deep Research, Compare, Memory, Skills (self-evolving), and Private by Default.

Those interested in checking out Odysseus can visit his website (tinyurl.com/5xxdssz8) to learn more or download it.

A8 Saturday, June 6, 2026

Swiss Innovation Prize 2026 cites top Filipino innovators

OUTSTANDING young Filipino innovators were recently feted at the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2026.

The Embassy of Switzerland, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Swiss industry partners recognized the youngsters, whose ideas aim to address real-world industry and societal challenges. Switzerland, consistently ranked as the world’s leading country for innovation according to the Global Innovation Index, launched the Swiss Innovation Prize to promote a culture of innovation, strengthen industry-academe collaboration, and support the next generation of Filipino problem-solvers.

For its third edition, the competition was organized in official collaboration

with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, which served as implementing partner alongside Swiss industries operating in the Philippines. This year’s edition also marked a significant evolution in the program, with a shift from innovation strands to industry clusters to better align with sectoral priorities and realities.

Out of more than 140 applications received nationwide, the competition selected the top three finalists from each of the following industry clusters: information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), life sciences and digital health, as well as manufacturing

and construction.

The finalists represented universities and institutions from across the Philippines, with a strong presence from the Visayas and Mindanao, highlighting the growing reach and inclusivity of the competition.

During the three-day program, finalists participated in workshops, mentoring sessions, and company visits hosted by Swiss companies and organizations, including Zuellig Pharma, Avaloq Philippines, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Nestlé Tanauan Factory, Franke Foodservice Systems, and SGS Philippines. Through these engagements, participants gained valuable exposure to industry practices, innovation ecosystems, and insights from experts and business leaders.

The program saw the finalists pitch their proposals before a distinguished panel of industry experts, followed by an awarding ceremony recognizing the most promising and impactful innovations.

Winners received cash prizes amounting to P100,000 for first prize, P15,000 for second prize, and P10,000 for third prize in each cluster.

Winners of the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2026 are the following: IT-BPM Cluster— First place: Skill Bridge PH (Daniel Hans and Karelle Martinez of Ateneo de Manila University); second place: NexusPro (Zacarias Lancelot Pangan of University of Perpetual Help DALTA-Las Piñas) and third place: PERPSAT-1 (Sean Kirk Cruz, John Michael Robles, and Joshua Gran, also from UPHD-Las Piñas)

Life Sciences & Digital Health Cluster— First place: STEMI Flow (Thomas Manulat, Malt John Solon and Simon Escaño of Cebu Institute of Technology University); second place: Care-to-Cure (Hans Labordo of University of the PhilippinesDiliman) and third place: C.O.R.E Health (Leif De La Cruz, Jennifer Tobes and Matthan Furia of National University-Cebu)

Manufacturing & Construction Cluster— First place: SIBOLution (Harvey Melendrez, Rodric Luceno and Edison Limbaga of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology); second place: RHA Biosilx (Glenn Maujon, Maria Elisa Refugio and Sean Manlupig of Mindanao State University; Iligan Institute of Technology) and third place: RePET (University of Mindanao)

According to the embassy, the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition reflects Switzerland’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meaningful linkage among industries, the government, and academe. By connecting young innovators with Swiss companies and industry experts, the initiative aims to help transform promising ideas into practical solutions with real economic and societal impact.

Foundation Univ.: Redefining the local learning landscape

FROM only a small number of enrollees in 1949, Foundation University (FU) has become a thriving, forwardlooking and tech-centric institution in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

For many Filipino families, the search for top-tier higher education has traditionally meant settling for the high-pressure environment of major metropolitan hubs. Whether relocating from the provinces or already living in the heart of the capital, students have long felt that excellence is only found within the metro’s congestion. FU is proving that it is time to reconsider that notion.

Built on the principle of decentralizing excellence, the university was established to provide regional youth with academic opportunities that rival, and in many ways—surpass—the traditional urban centers. Now in its 77th year, it has transitioned from being a “local secret” to a national player in digital innovation and community-based prosperity.

FU’s recent 18th Digital Expo, held at Robinsons Dumaguete, served as a manifestation of its “Silicon Grove” identity—a high-tech hub where the curriculum is as green as the campus is digital. Beyond increasing awareness of its world-class facilities, the university used the expo to demonstrate its national relevance by showcasing its students designing solutions for the country’s real-world challenges.

Among the standout projects exhibited were those focused on agricultural innovation and community improvement. The expo featured an artificial intelligencepowered platform and mobile app that can monitor water and soil quality for hydroponics, while there was also an agricultural AI-aided system that instantly identifies cacao bean quality.

Another mobile app called “TapPark” streamlines pay parking by allowing users to reserve spaces in advance. There were also prototypes developed by the College of Computer Science that empower local farmers to photograph and self-report cacao pod conditions.

These projects prove that at Foundation University, technology is not just a

subject, but a tool for immediate community intervention. Its leadership in this field is fueled by innovation driven by a tech-enabled curriculum spanning from basic education to postgraduate programs, where technology is utilized as a standard tool rather than a mere feature.

This digital mastery is ultimately directed toward prosperity rooted in the community, as evidenced by the Digital Expo where student projects—ranging from agricultural AI to smart infrastructure— respond to specific local needs to ensure that technological advancement translates directly into regional economic growth.

More than just a pretty campus frequently sought after for its aesthetic beauty, Foundation University’s eco-friendly grounds are a deliberate high-performance hub.

Legacy of leading WITH a desire to help rebuild Philippine education, Dr. Vicente G. Sinco established what was known then as Foundation College. It began operation on July 4, 1949, immediately following World War II.

It was built with a guiding philosophy: “Foundation of Education,” from which the university derived its name. Dr. Sinco created opportunities for individuals from all walks of life, starting from Negros Oriental and the neighboring provinces, aiming to prepare young Filipinos for the future effectively through quality learning.

FU eventually earned university status on January 28, 1969. From 1958 to 1962, Dr. Sinco served as the University of the Philippines’ eighth president.

Its legacy continues under its current president, Ar. Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco—grandson of Dr. Sinco—who has steered the university to become a national pioneer in tech-focused education. Now in its 77th year, FU continues to carry forward Dr. Sinco’s vision of transformative education, as it shapes its students’ future with its tech-forward and innovative learning environment.

As the student body grew, Ar. Sinco still carries the culture that has sustained the institution over decades. Despite educational transformations, he said FU still goes by its core values of “excellence, commitment, integrity, and service.”

In an interview with the media in March, he however emphasized that the university, being private and non-sectarian, is more interested in what it can offer to the community, not just on the number of students.

“We acknowledge that we need to continue to progress. We can’t just sit in our [laurels],” the FU official explained. “But the way we look at it is more of: ‘What kind of profession is helping the community?’ We are always looking at things [like, improving] the community, not necessarily how to compete with other institutions.” This was echoed by the university's

MEditor: Mike Policarpio

Vice Chancellor for Innovation Stephen, who said that they are always keeping an eye on what the next industry is, where he specifically cited the boom in the use of artificial intelligence.

"We definitely have the appetite to always keep an eye on [those things, and what will be] the next industry in the country and the communities,” the younger Sinco said.

Ar. Sinco furthered that FU is committed to preparing students for the future effectively with robust programs for real-world demands, adapting the institution’s education to better suit modern society’s needs.

Right learning environment

LONG before digital transformation became a global corporate buzzword, the university was already setting the pace, becoming one the first in the country to implement an iPad-based education program over 15 years ago. Today, it remains a tech-forward powerhouse, utilizing the latest tools to deliver personalized learning in an inclusive and adaptive environment.

Finding the right overall school environment is never easy, but FU may be the “right fit” for students from the region, as the university serves as a national blueprint of sorts for what a modern tertiary institution should be: a place where the future is not just taught, but is vibrantly alive.

It provides the ideal environment to foster high-level digital thinking, or a living laboratory where students can breathe, think, and build away from the congestion of traditional urban centers, where they become “movers and shakers” from Day 1.

FU offers several fields of study for its undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students: College of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Computer Studies, Criminology, Education, Hospitality and Management, Law and Jurisprudence, Nursing, Architecture and Fine Arts, and School of Industrial Engineering and Technology. It also rolls out complete K-12 education covering grade school, junior high school, and senior high school. With a report from Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ICRO-CREDENTIALS can create a positive impact in the Philippine academic and labor sectors. In a recent press briefing, leading global online learning platform Coursera revealed a sneak peek of its report on the impact of micro-credentials in the Philippine academic and labor sectors. It emphasized these industryaligned, flexible, short programs as the “wave of the future” and highly valued by employers, especially when stacked on top of full degrees.

Known for making professional certificates and full degrees from top universities more accessible online, Coursera highlighted in its 2026 Micro-Credentials Impact Report that 85 percent of Filipino graduates who earned a micro-credential secured a role aligned with their field within 12 months.

In fact, 77 percent of Filipino employers say candidates with micro-credentials move faster through hiring pipelines.

“The Philippines is showing real leadership in building a skills-first higher education system, with [the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order] creating a trusted pathway for flexible, workforce-aligned learning,” said Global Head of Enterprise Anthony Salcito of Coursera. “This regulatory clarity is [crucial]—aligning universities, employers, and learners around credentials that are recognized, stackable, and tied to real workforce needs.” Salcito cited iPeople Inc. as “a powerful example of this vision in action, embedding industry-recognized microcredentials into degree programs and flexible certification pathways so students and working professionals can build practical, job-ready skills alongside academic learning. This is exactly the kind of model that can expand access, improve career readiness, and help prepare Filipino talent for a fastchanging digital economy.”

“Filipino employers no longer rely only on school reputation or degrees, but are looking for verifiable, job-ready skills—proof of what a candidate can do on Day 1,” explained Ana Maria Bongato—former executive director for Talent Development at the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines. “Micro-credentials are designed to be more focused and accessible than traditional degrees and get people job-ready faster in growing areas like [artificial intelligence or AI].”

Supplemental learning resource INNOVATION-DRIVEN education group iPeople Inc.—the Yuchengcho-Ayala education partnership that includes Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan College Laguna, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), Mapúa Malayan College Mindanao, University of Nueva Caceres, and National Teachers College—is one of the first Filipino higher education systems that recognized the value of micro-credentials. To bolster its progressive approach to learning, iPeople in 2019 became the first educational network in the Philippines to embed Coursera into its curriculum as a supplemental learning resource.

The network is now Coursera’s third-largest campus partner worldwide and together, they support the learning needs of 45,000 Filipino students across six schools. The partnership gives them access to micro-credentials, creditbearing Generative AI content, and AI tools for self-paced learning—all designed to enrich student experience.

“Embracing micro-credentials, new educational tools and technologies [via this tie-up with Coursera is part of iPeople’s commitment to complement nation-building initiatives through quality and accessible education for all Filipinos,” said Dr. Reynaldo Vea—chair and CEO of iPeople Inc. “Micro-credentials are linked to real industry and workforce needs…[they benefit students by enhancing their hireability].”

“With Coursera’s global credibility, this partnership further drives our mission in producing graduates with the best outcomes in employability,” shared Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, who is the president of Mapúa Education Group. “This is our contribution in addressing [the Filipino workforce’s skills gap]. By future-proofing Filipino talent with industry-recognized skills, we give them the confidence and competencies to adapt to the [global and local labor markets’ changing demands].”

‘Flipped Classroom’

THE iPeople-Coursera collaboration has proven to be a transformative solution for the iPeople schools’ students, including those of MMDC. This premier digital-first college, known for supporting working students and other vulnerable learners, offers flexible and fully online learning with its Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Business Administration courses, while employing the modern “Flipped Classroom” strategy that deviates from the traditional classroom setup.

Here, students are expected to first encounter new concepts through readings and online lectures or videos. Synchronous sessions with mentors are then dedicated to demonstrations, activities, applications and exercises, helping students fully comprehend the concept and better retain this new knowledge. As MMDC leverages Coursera as its main learning management system, its students have access to the global platform’s AI-powered assistants. The latter aids learners in understanding learning materials through “AI Coach.” It can offer practice exercises and deepen knowledge through “AI Dialogue” that allows students to have immersive, personalized learning experiences with question-based discussions. MMDC further makes education accessible to different kinds of learners with its Certification Programs. These micro-credentials are particularly designed for non-graduate professionals and career shifters aiming to gain the necessary skills and credentials they need to advance in their current fields, switch careers, or unlock new opportunities in high-growth industries like virtual assistance, digital marketing, data analytics, and English language training. Rizal Raoul Reyes

AMBASSADOR Nicolas Bruhl (center) with the awardees MIKE POLICARPIO

Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Tourism

SPOTLIGHT ON QUEZON PROVINCE

Returning LakBayanihan Caravan showcases untapped PHL destinations

Story & photos by John Eiron R. Francisco

UEZON PROVINCE—

QThe Philippine tourism sector’s recovery may already be underway, but the continued increase in fuel prices has once again tested the resilience of the industry, particularly among transport and travel operators dealing with higher operational costs.

In response to these challenges, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) has revived its LakBayanihan Caravan program, a traditional bus tour initiative that offers a more cost-efficient way to travel by accommodating more passengers while providing participants with immersive experiences across various tourism destinations in the country.

PHILTOA President Maria Lourdes Japson told the BusinessMirror that the initiative serves as “the organization’s response to the global oil crisis,” noting the need to provide travel agents and members with more practical offerings amid rising airfare and travel costs.

“With this caravan, we can actually sell something doable, saleable, and low-hanging fruit,” Japson said.

For its first leg, held from May 19 to 21, the association brought the LakBayanihan Caravan to Quezon Province, where tour operators and travel agencies participating in the program boarded a premium bus caravan to experience firsthand the province’s tourism offerings, including heritage sites and cultural attractions that are often overlooked by mainstream travelers.

“It’s about time also to tap emerging destinations and less known destinations, so that in that way, we will be shouting to the world that the Philippines has a lot of things, a lot of tourism products to offer,” he said.

Day One: Heritage routes in Tayabas

THE journey opened in Tayabas City, where the itinerary traced the province’s layered identity through its religious, cultural, and architectural landmarks.

Often described by locals as a place frequently passed through rather than visited, Tayabas has long been overshadowed by neighboring tourist destinations.

Residents, however, expressed optimism that initiatives like the caravan are helping reposition the city as a destination in its own right.

Tayabas tourism officer Koko Pataunia said the city is now better prepared to accommodate an increasing volume of tourist arrivals, noting that it has already recorded more than 700,000 overnight and day visitors in the first quarter of the year, including both local and foreign travelers.

“It’s overwhelming because of all the efforts and sacrifices we’ve been putting in since day one. I think this is the best time to showcase what Tayabas can offer,” Pataunia told the BusinessMirror.

He added that Quezon Province has 19 declared National Cultural Treasures, 15 of which are located in Tayabas, underscoring the city’s strong heritage base.

“Very well-preserved. I think we’re dominant when it comes to heritage and culture,” he said, noting that the local government has assigned personnel dedicated to the upkeep of historic structures. “Part of our program is having personnel whose job is really to maintain these structures. We call them "Built Heritage Maintenance Personnel.”

The caravan’s first stop brought participants to the Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the largest churches in the Philippines and declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Beyond its scale and age, the basilica carries rare distinctions, including a

preserved papal throne reserved in the event of a future papal visit, as well as a first-class relic of Saint Jerome that continues to draw pilgrims.

From there, the group moved to Puente de Malagonlong, a Spanishera stone bridge widely regarded as the longest of its kind in the country.

Spanning the Dumacaa River, the 136-meter structure was built using more than 100,000 adobe blocks under the polo y servicio system or forced labor, and remains defined by its five stone arches that have withstood centuries of use.

The pace slowed briefly as guests sampled local refreshments prepared by the local tourism office, including palitaw (sweet glutinous rice cakes), parirutong (native Quezon rice cakes), and other local delicacies.

By afternoon, the caravan reached Casa Comunidad for a reenactment of the Hagisan ng Suman Festival. In its traditional form, the celebration features residents tossing suman— glutinous rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves—along with agricultural produce and coins from balconies to crowds below as a gesture of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. In the staged presentation, guests observed the symbolic act as part of the cultural showcase.

The visit was followed by a lunch program and a short cultural presentation highlighting Quezon’s music,

Experiencing ‘Japan’s kitchen’

traveling to vibrant Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan and the 10thlargest urban area in the world. Osaka offers a relaxed, modern alternative to Tokyo, acting as a perfect base for visiting Kyoto, Kobe and Nara.  Our temporary Osaka home was the 4-star Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi, a modern, 15-storey high-rise building that also houses the ancient Mitsutera Temple, rising up in the hotel’s glass atrium like a special exhibit at a museum.  Osaka is renowned as “the nation’s kitchen”

for its incredible street food, neon-lit nightlife, and friendly culture. Osakans’ love for the culinary is made apparent in the old saying “Kyotoites are financially ruined by overspending on clothing, Osakans are ruined by spending on food.” Walking distance from our hotel is the lively, neon-lit Dotonbori District, the heart of Osaka’s nightlife and iconic street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls in fried batter) and okonomiyaki (savory, pan-fried batter pancakes). It is also home to the famous Glico Running Man sign which was reportedly inspired, in part, by the winning form of early 20th century Filipino champion sprinter Fortunato Catalon, during the 1917 Far Eastern Games held in Tokyo.

Of course, any visit to Osaka is not complete without experiencing Universal Studios

and our first whole day in the city was spent there. At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme area, we endured a long queue just to experience the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a motion-based dark ride that takes guests through scenes inspired by the Harry Potter books and films. Other highlights include watching the Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show, a live musical revue stage show based on the Universal Monsters, and the No limit! Parade, a daily daytime parade featuring floats, characters, and performers based on Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Despicable Me, Sesame Street, Sing, Super Mario and Pokemon. At the time of our visit in late March (spring), the cherry blossoms (sakura) were in full bloom (mankai) and we first encountered

traditions, and local artistry.

A few steps away, participants stopped by the Mallari Lambanog Showroom for a tasting session featuring different varieties of lambanog, the province’s well-known coconut wine. While no production demonstration was held, the experience offered a closer look at the drink’s variations and local character.

By day’s end, the group checked in at Kamayan Resort and Hotel, where participants wound down in a more relaxed setting surrounded by greenery and a pond. They also sampled pancit habhab, a well-known Quezon noodle dish served on banana leaves and traditionally eaten without utensils.

Day Two: Pilgrimage, color, and provincial life

GIVEN the province’s abundance of historic churches and established pilgrimage sites, the second day of the caravan began at one of Quezon’s most visited destinations, the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church along the Lucban–Tayabas Road.

The site draws devotees, families, and tourists year-round, anchored by the Via Dolorosa Grotto that leads to a 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ atop a hill. The ascent includes 292 steps lined with life-sized depictions of the Stations of the Cross, with the climb culminating in a panoramic view of the surrounding town.

them at 105.6-hectare, scenic Osaka Castle Park, a beautiful blend of historic architecture and nature. A premier hanami (flower viewing) spot, it has around 3,000 cherry blossom trees, predominantly Somei Yoshino, as well as early blooming Taiwan cherries, late-blooming Yaezakura and 1,245 plum trees of 105 varieties.

Beyond the grotto, the complex also features themed spaces such as Noah’s Ark, the Sea of Galilee, the Holy Family Park, and the Garden of Eden, along with souvenir shops and food stalls that form part of the visitor experience.

From the pilgrimage site, the group moved to Lucban town proper, where they were welcomed by local tourism staff holding hand-painted umbrellas created by local artists. The colorful umbrellas served both as practical cover and as a visual introduction to the town’s creative identity.

Despite its modest setting, Lucban’s streets reflected a lively atmosphere, with vibrant decorations and active public spaces that echoed the town’s cultural energy.

The group later visited the town church, one of Lucban’s long-standing landmarks, before taking part in a hands-on activity featuring kiping and the town’s well-known garlicky longganisa.

Kiping, a leaf-shaped wafer made from glutinous rice, is closely associated with the annual Pahiyas Festival, where it is used both as decoration and as a food item.

The immersion continued at Casa Melan Integrated Farms, where participants were welcomed into a serene, green space featuring a humble farm setting, local delicacies, and a glimpse of sustainable tourism and farming

Another must-visit is Shitennoji Temple, sometimes regarded as the first and oldest of Japan’s officially administered Buddhist temples and the first ever to be built by the state. Within the pebble-covered courtyard of the inner precinct, there’s a garan consisting of a five-storey pagoda (which you can enter and ascend); a main Golden Pavilion (kondo) with a statue of Bodhisattva Kannon; and a kōdō (lecture hall). The covered corridor (kairo) holds three gates - the Deva Gate , the Western Gate, and the Eastern Gate. Want to see breathtaking and panoramic, 360-degree views of the Osaka skyline? There are two ways to go about it. One way is to take a 17-minute ride on board the 112 meter (367 feet) tall Tempozan Ferris Wheel which offers a view of Osaka Bay and surrounding areas, including Mount Ikoma to the east, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to the west, Kansai International Airport to the south, and the Rokko Mountains to the north. If you still have time, try exploring the nearby massive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. One of the largest aquariums in the world, it houses whale sharks and an ocean sunfish.

practices. The stop offered a moment of rest amid the day’s activities, with participants taking in the slow pace of provincial life surrounded by swaying trees and open air.

Afterward, the group boarded a decorated local jeepney bound for the “Lumang Bahay” in Barangay Potol. The jeepneys were adorned as part of the locals’ warm welcome tradition for visitors.

Upon arrival, participants were greeted by local performers and artists in a heritage-style home setting, complemented by local cuisine and cultural presentations. The visit offered a final look at Lucban’s provincial lifestyle, highlighting community-based experiences rooted in tradition and hospitality.

Day Three: Industry Linkages

and Wellness Tourism

THE final day of the caravan focused on business-to-business networking among tour operators, agencies, and destination partners aimed at strengthening local tourism linkages while exploring potential collaborations and product development opportunities. It also formed part of the buildup to the 37th Philippine Travel Mart, set on September 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

According to Japson, this year’s Travel Mart will carry the theme “Next Gen Tourism,” positioning it as a continuation of efforts to nurture a new generation of travel experiences and tourism stakeholders.

“This is anchored on our four pillars—sustainability, inclusivity, health and wellness, and digitization—because we all know that after the pandemic, tourism has changed. The behavior of travelers has shifted. We are now moving toward sustainability and inclusivity,” Japson said. After the networking sessions, participants proceeded to Cale Budin, known for local products and souvenir items, before visiting Mother’s Wonderland, a fantasy-themed attraction featuring large-scale installations, cultural performances, and familyfriendly outdoor activities. The final stop brought the group to the foothills of Mount Banahaw, where they visited the Banahaw Circle Nature Island Retreat, a wellness-focused sanctuary designed for rest, reflection, and immersion in nature.

Following the Quezon leg, PHILTOA is set to roll out more caravan circuits this year, including routes covering Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud; Baguio to La Union; as well as Sagada, Zambales, and the Bicol region.

If you can’t get enough of the panoramic views, proceed to the open-air deck of Kuchu Teien (“floating garden”) Observatory, a unique, doughnut-shaped observation facility, spanning three floors, connecting the Tower East and Tower West of the 173-meter tall, 40-storey high, ultramodern Umeda Sky Building. Being so high up above the bustling city, here there was hardly any noise save for the sound of the wind which gives a profound sense of peace and tranquility. A futuristic, seethrough escalator, that goes from the 35th to the 39th floor, is a popular photo spot. Come evening, you can cap your day with a visit to the TeamLab Botanical Garden, an interactive outdoor art experience housed within the 240,000-square meter Nagai Botanical Garden. This new exhibit takes the light show out of the hustle and bustle of the city streets and into a more natural setting, aiming to explore an environment where human perception expands from the artwork itself to the environment. After dark, the garden transforms as flowers, plants, and the surrounding landscape light up to form part of the installation.

Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug

VIBRANT Dotonbori District and its iconic Glico Running Man sign.

GOLDEN Pavilion and Pagoda of Shitennoji Temple

SCULPTURES of Dissipative Birds in the Wind at TeamLab Botanical Garden

SAKURA (Cherry Blossoms) in full

A10

Saturday, June 6, 2026

The World

Hezbollah rejects ceasefire pact as Israeli strikes kill 4 in Lebanon

By Bassem Mroue, Jon Gambrell & Sam Metz

The Associated Press

BEIRUT—Hezbollah on Thursday rejected the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, and the militant group demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as more fighting hampered efforts to end the Iran war.

The Hezbollah announcement came as Israeli strikes killed at least four people, according to local authorities, and a U.N. peacekeeper was killed in the crossfire. An Israeli soldier was also killed in combat in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, in a written statement read on TV, called the negotiations “absurd, humiliating and insulting.” He said the agreement’s demand that Hezbollah fighters leave southern Lebanon under fire would mean “surrender, defeat and achieving the enemy’s goals.” “What we are concerned about is an end to the aggression, ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal,” he said, underscoring that Hezbollah has not made any commitment to stop fighting. “So long as our villages are not safe and are being bombed and destroyed and our people are killed,” he said, northern Israel “will not be safe.”

Sirens sound after Netanyahu visit

FOLLOWING Kassem’s statement, drone alert sirens sounded in several border communities in northern Israel, including

Continued from A3 within zone boundaries. This requirement constrained firms deploying remote or hybrid work arrangements under the constant threat of losing their tax privileges, according to the lawmaker.

“We must understand that in the context of how our work is done today, the stakes go beyond balance sheets,” Villanueva said. “Flexible work arrangements offer meaningful relief to workers facing rising transportation costs, long commuting

Shlomi, a town where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers had been meeting with local officials, his office said. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu left a short time before the alerts sounded.

The Israeli military later said the sirens were triggered by attempts to intercept several drones that hit near soldiers in southern Lebanon. No injuries were reported.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military’s chief of staff, acknowledged Thursday that the ongoing war was straining northern Israeli towns living under the threat of Hezbollah fire. He said Israel’s operations in Iran and Lebanon had “created a new security reality,” by weakening Iran and Hezbollah “to an unprecedented degree.”

Lebanese troops began moving Thursday afternoon into the southern village of Dibbine, in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, after Israeli forces left the area, which saw intense clashes in recent days, state-run media reported. It was the first time Israeli troops withdrew from an area in southern Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began about three months ago.

The fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south, threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for oil and gas. Its closure has jolted the world economy.

Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, wants to press ahead with Israel’s offensive until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat.

US President Donald Trump, who faced

hours, and increasing economic pressures. Flexible work arrangements even benefit locators as they allow businesses to stay resilient and investment-friendly.”

The bill draws directly from the foundation Villanueva built before the pandemic when he authored Republic Act 11165, the Telecommuting Act, which established the legal framework for that flexible work mode in the private sector.

SBN 2148 extends that framework into territory the original law did not reach— the fiscal incentives regime governing IPAregistered companies, which has remained a legal grey area even as remote work became

a rare rebuke from Congress on Wednesday, has sought to downplay the diplomatic deadlock and the failure of declared ceasefires to end the fighting. He told reporters that in the Middle East, “a ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner.”

Serbian peacekeeper and Israeli soldier killed

A SERBIAN peacekeeper was killed and two others were wounded when a mortar struck their location near Marjayoun, a Christian-majority town that has seen intense fighting, according to the U.N. mission in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, and the Serbian Defense Ministry.

Israel blamed Hezbollah for the firing that killed the U.N. peacekeeper, without offering evidence. Hezbollah and the U.N. did not immediately comment on who

standard practice across industries.

“The fuel crisis triggered by the recent Middle East conflict further demonstrated the critical role of these work arrangements in sustaining employment, preserving investments, and maintaining economic activity during periods of disruption,” Villanueva said.

“Some enterprises have demonstrated the successful implementation of alternative work arrangements by continuing to deliver services efficiently and competitively on a global scale.”

Under the bill, all alternative work arrangements must be voluntary and

launched the shells.

Also Thursday, the Israeli military announced that a 21-year-old captain in the armored corps was killed in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said a drone strike killed a motorcyclist and wounded four people in the village of Maaroub. The Israeli military said soldiers killed an armed militant and later found a Hezbollah cache of guns, grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other combat gear in the area.

The military also said it conducted strikes near the coastal city of Tyre and around Shaqra, another community in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese news agency reported airstrikes in the south and said a strike on the village of Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley, in eastern Lebanon, killed three people and

mutually agreed upon by employer and employee pursuant to the Telecommuting Act. The bill explicitly prohibits any diminishment of labor standards, security of tenure, compensation and benefits, occupational safety and health standards, data privacy and cybersecurity protections, and other rights under the Constitution and the Labor Code.

Concerned IPAs may prescribe guidelines for implementation, monitoring, reporting, and compliance, but only in a manner consistent with the law and without impairing the incentive entitlements of registered firms, according to the bill.

wounded others.

Israel has warned people not to go into parts of southern Lebanon where it says it is striking Hezbollah facilities.

Fighting has raged despite declared ceasefires

HEZBOLLAH resumed rocket fire days after Israel and the United States launched their surprise Feb. 28 attack on Iran, which backs Hezbollah. Before then, Israel had regularly carried out strikes in Lebanon against what it said were militant targets, often killing civilians, despite an earlier truce reached in 2024.

After Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks resumed, Israeli troops seized around a fifth of Lebanon, pushing further into the country’s south than at any time since the end of Israel’s 1982-2000 occupation.

In the southern city of Sidon, residents reacted to Wednesday’s ceasefire announcement with skepticism, saying previous agreements had failed to stop the violence.

“Every few days a ceasefire is announced, but people keep getting killed,” said Mayada Hijazi.

“It’s all talk and no action,” said Salah Nassab. “We keep going back to our homes, and then we get displaced again, back and forth. We’re very tired.”

More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over 1.2 million have been displaced. The fighting has killed at least 28 Israeli soldiers and three civilians.

Latest ceasefire came from ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks

THE latest declared ceasefire came about

through US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon’s government, which accuses Hezbollah of dragging the country into war and had made efforts to disarm it before the latest hostilities.

The ceasefire agreement calls for Lebanon’s armed forces to take control of security zones in Lebanon from which the militants would be banned.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday called the new agreement “the last chance to enter a final and comprehensive ceasefire.” He said Lebanon was ready to implement the deal once he receives responses from relevant factions in Lebanon, including Hezbollah. The United States— and Trump himself—would determine how and when the deal is implemented, Aoun told journalists.

The agreement terms Hezbollah “an enemy” of Israel, the US and Lebanon and calls for dismantling it. The government has promised to do so in the past but does not have the capabilities to disarm Hezbollah by force.

The latest agreement did not say when Israel would withdraw from southern Lebanon but said the US would support the Lebanese army as it works to assert control in areas where Hezbollah has long wielded power.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Metz from Ramallah, West Bank. Associated Press writers Malak Harb and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut; Natalie Melzer in Tel Aviv, Israel; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

At least 10 Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes, hospitals say

By Wafaa Shurafa

The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 10 Palestinians on Thursday, hospitals said, even as much of the world’s attention was focused on the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Nine people were killed in at least four separate strikes overnight in Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital, which received the bodies. The hospital said the victims included two women and two children.

Another strike in Gaza City on Thursday evening killed at least one person and wounded another, according to Saraya Field Hospital, which is operated by the Red Crescent.

Footage of one of the strikes showed a massive hole in an upper floor in what appeared to be a residential apartment building. The blast blew holes through interior walls and scattered blood-stained belongings across the room and into the street.

Continued from A3

Lindugan also defended the agency’s permitting process, saying DHSUD-7 has streamlined its procedures to accelerate approvals and reduce delays.

DHSUD-7 issued the statement in response to concerns raised by Abrep president Anthony Gerard Leuterio, who earlier warned that delays in LTS approvals were beginning to affect homebuyers and real estate practitioners by limiting the number of new projects entering the market.

Leuterio had estimated that more than 10,000 housing units in Cebu were awaiting LTS approval, preventing developers from launching pre-selling projects and reducing options for buyers, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking affordable homes and condominium units.

According to Leuterio, the shortage has been most noticeable in the P3 million to P6 million housing segment, a price range that remains popular among OFWs looking to secure properties before prices rise further.

He argued that with fewer pre-selling developments available, buyers are increasingly limited to ready-for-occupancy units, which generally cost more than properties purchased during the pre-selling stage. However, DHSUD-7 maintained that

“They say the war has stopped, but the war has not stopped,” said Walid Shbeir, the uncle of one of the men killed in the strikes, as relatives mourned the victims at Shifa Hospital. “Every night there is killing, and we have martyrs. Every night, in the morning, in the evening, and at night, this killing is continuous for us.” Israel’s military said the overnight strikes in northern Gaza killed four Hamas militants, which it described as senior members of an apparatus responsible for protecting Hamas leaders and providing them with intelligence assessments. The military said steps were taken before the strikes to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. It was not clear what the evening strike was targeting, and the military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on it.

Last week, Israel killed the top Hamas military leader, two weeks after strikes that killed his predecessor.

See “Strikes,” A11

no pending LTS applications in its jurisdiction cover anywhere near the volume cited by Abrep. Lindugan explained that some applications have been returned to developers after notices of deficiencies were issued, while others were suspended because of incomplete requirements.

He emphasized that developers are informed of such deficiencies and must comply before approvals can proceed.

“We are simply carrying out our mandate under the law to protect stakeholders, especially homebuyers,” Lindugan said. The exchange comes amid broader concerns over the pace of housing-related approvals nationwide.

On May 14, DHSUD acknowledged the existence of processing backlogs in some regions after an internal audit found that a number of applications for licenses, certificates and other regulatory transactions had stalled at the regional level.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, in a statement, subsequently launched the department’s Zero Backlog Program, assigning undersecretaries to oversee all 17 regional offices and accelerate the processing of pending applications.

DHSUD has also been pursuing digitalization initiatives aimed at streamlining transactions and preventing future delays. Carmel Pedroza

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Continued from A4

utmost gratitude to the PRC.

PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Richard J. Gordon emphasized the importance of acting before disaster strikes, “The true measure of preparedness is not how we respond when a disaster happens, but how ready we are before it occurs.”

“By helping communities protect their livestock ahead of floods, we are protecting livelihoods, preserving dignity, and reducing the long-term impact of disasters on vulnerable families. That is why we have the 4Ps or the Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice, as we view anticipatory action as something that allows us to save more lives and resources by acting early, when it matters most,” Gordon added.

Continued from A4

The guidelines also set standards for emergency learning resources and learning experiences, including learning packets, print or digital modules, broadcast materials, family kits, check-in guides, home learning support, and emergency learning kits. These are intended to sustain learning without placing unnecessary pressure on learners and teachers.

The policy works in tandem with EduKahon, which serves as the Department’s standardized school recovery kit for learning continuity during disasters. These specialized, pre-positioned kits contain essential teaching and learning materials tailored to sustain education even when classrooms are inaccessible or damaged.

Schools are also directed to update their Learning and Service Continuity Plans annually before the school year and every term, conduct capability mapping of learners and teachers, establish emergency call trees, and orient parents and guardians on learning continuity during the Opening Block of the school year under the three-term school calendar.

For teachers, the policy provides for capacity building on trauma-informed teaching, psychological first aid, and learning delivery across different emergency levels. Regional Offices and Schools Division Offices are also directed to support teacher mental health and emergency assistance, especially in high-risk or under-resourced areas.

from A4

Aliling and Laxa also inspected the units awarded, ensuring that they are ready for occupancy and meet the standards of quality, safety, and livability. They, likewise, consulted with the beneficiaries to identify areas where further government assistance is needed.

During the event, Mapalad Ka HOA members also signed the Kasulatan ng Restriksyon (KasuRes), a document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and community rules that residents are expected to uphold to promote order, safety, and harmonious living within the housing development.

Meanwhile, HOA President Princess Benilan expressed gratitude to the national government for helping turn their long-awaited dream into reality, allowing

Barangay Darampua, located along the Rio Grande de Mindanao, was selected as the simulation site owing to its vulnerability to flooding and its strong dependence on agriculture and livestock raising. The exercise was conducted in a designated stockyard identified as a safe evacuation site for livestock during emergencies.

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacities and preparedness systems in high-risk communities, “Preparedness is one of the most effective forms of humanitarian action.”

“Through exercises like this, we equip our staff, volunteers, and communities with the skills, coordination mechanisms, and confidence needed to act before a hazard escalates into a crisis. Protecting livelihoods is an essential part of helping families recover faster and become more resilient,” she said.

The issuance complements DepEd Order 022, series of 2024, or the Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies. It does not automatically suspend classes or replace regular learning when learners and teachers are safe and ready. Instead, it guides schools on how learning may continue when disruptions occur.

The policy also reflects President Marcos’s directive to strengthen school preparedness and ensure that learners continue receiving support during emergencies, while protecting the welfare of teachers and school personnel.

Angara emphasized that learning continuity should never come at the expense of safety.

“Angtunaynalearningcontinuityaymay malasakit—alamkungkailanmagpapatuloy, kailan babagal, kailan mag-che-check in, at kailankailanganghumintomunaparaunahin angkaligtasan,” he said.

DepEd said it will support implementation through coordination among concerned Central Office units, Regional Offices, Schools Division Offices, and schools, with reporting and monitoring supported by the Education in Emergencies Learning Continuity dashboard.

The guidelines shall apply to all public elementary and secondary schools and DepEdoperated Community Learning Centers (CLCs), as well as DepEd-recognized ALS Providers. Meanwhile, private elementary and secondary schools, private ALS providers, and basic education units of state or local universities and colleges (SUCs and LUCs) may, likewise, adopt the guidelines.

members of the community to finally own homes they can call their own.

“Masayang-masaya po ang mga miyembro ng Mapalad Ka HOA. Mapalad na mapalad po kami kasi po dinala ang simpleng pangarap namin ng social housing. Marami pong pinagdaanan ang pangarap na ito, maraming hirap, maraming pagod. MaramingsalamatposaDHSUD, kayPangulongBongbong Marcos, at sa Social Housing Finance Corporation,” she said. Also present during the ceremony were DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles, Jr. SHFC Executive Vice President Junefe Payot, and Mega Manila Group Vice President Elsa Juliana Calimlim.

The turnover underscores the continued commitment of DHSUD and SHFC to provide secure tenure and improved living conditions for Filipino families, while fostering organized and resilient communities through responsible homeownership and community stewardship.

House passes measure to aid Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia

By Kevin Freking The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The House passed legislation Thursday that would aid Ukraine and sanction key segments of the Russian economy, overriding objections from Republican leaders who warned the bill would undermine negotiations designed to achieve a comparable but stronger result.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., seeks to cement US assistance for Ukraine by providing more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid. It would make another $8 billion available for Ukraine’s defense through loans.

The 226-195 vote is a sign of impatience with President Donald Trump’s approach to the war and represents the House’s second major foreign policy break with Trump this week. The day before, the House, for the first time, approved a war powers resolution aimed at halting US military action against Iran.

Supporters were able to force action on the Ukraine bill by gathering 218 signatures on a discharge petition, a legislative tool that allows a majority of the House to effectively bypass leadership.

Once rarely successful, House members have used the petition tool of Congress to pass bills on releasing the government’s files on Jeffrey Epstein and to extend health care subsidies to many of those who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, though the latter measure faltered in the Senate.

Meeks said the question before the House was simple. Would it help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength or help Russia outlast American resolve?

“We all want this war to end,” Meeks said. “The question is how. Will we abandon Ukraine and force it into a terrible deal? That is what Vladimir Putin is counting on. Or will this body live up

More than 900 Palestinians killed since ceasefire began THE fatalities were the latest in the coastal enclave since an October ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the fragile ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.

Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently opened fire on Palestinians near military-held zones, killing 936 people since the ceasefire took effect, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, is generally seen as reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. It does not give a breakdown of civilian and militant deaths.

Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes

to the commitments we’ve made since the start of this war?”

The vast majority of Republicans opposed the measure. Rep. French Hill, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he is a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. However, the Arkansas Republican said the House was confronted with a flawed, outdated measure that actually calls for less funding for Ukraine security assistance compared to what Congress had agreed to as part of this year’s defense policy. Another section could lead to a decrease in defense spending by some NATO members, he warned.

Rep. Brian Mast, the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he believed the bill was “a cudgel to fight against President Trump.”

“This bill, in my opinion, is an unserious bill that was crafted basically a year-and-a-half ago,” Mast, R-Fla., said.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., broke with most of his Republican colleagues in voicing support for the measure.

“Are we going to stand with good or are we going to stand with evil? That’s what this is about tonight,” he said.

In the end, 18 Republicans, 207 Democrats and one independent voted

are in response to violations of the truce or threats to its troops. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire. Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed some 1,200 people, with 251 others taken hostage.

Flotilla says 11 activists detained in Libya

AT least 11 international activists attempting to bring attention to Israel’s blockade of Gaza have been detained in Libya for more than a week while trying to reach the territory by land, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Libyan media reports said the activists were detained in connection with illegal entry and lack of permits. The Global Sumud organizers said the participants all had valid visas.

The organization’s maritime flotilla, consisting of dozens of boats, was intercepted last month before reaching Gaza. Hundreds of activists were deported via Israel and Greece. Israel accused the flotilla

for the bill. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar joined with 194 Republicans in voting against it.

Lawmakers want to send a message SUPPORTERS are hopeful that the House’s passage of the Ukraine bill would put pressure on the Senate to do the same. But they also know the Senate likely won’t go along unless Trump endorses the bill.

“It’s probably not going to get 60 votes in the Senate, but it’s going to hopefully force the Senate to address the issue,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., who signed the discharge petition and voted for the bill. “It’s going to send a great message to the soldiers of Ukraine.”

He said the vote would also send a message to Putin that “we do have a pulse here, that we do care about Ukraine and that we are going to utilize our authority to help them.”

As the war has dragged on, it’s gotten more difficult for supporters of Ukraine in Congress to provide additional financial support to help Ukraine defend itself.

The US has approved some $195

of being a “PR stunt” carrying very little amounts of aid.

billion for the Ukraine response, according to the latest quarterly inspector general report for Operation Atlantic Resolve, with roughly a quarter of that going to replenish weapons stockpiles for the US military. The last major legislation designed to bolster the Ukraine response occurred in April 2024, though modest amounts have since been included in annual appropriations bills.

Republican leaders tried to stop the bill

REPUBLICAN leaders urged their members to oppose the legislation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said there are good-faith negotiations between members of Congress and the White House to boost Ukraine. He described the negotiations as complicated.

“I think they are going to yield positive results, but you set that back if you pass legislation that doesn’t go as far as the negotiations are going,” Scalise said.

The war that followed Russia’s fullscale invasion of its neighbor is more than four years old, with no end in sight. In recent days, both sides have sought an edge by launching longrange missile strikes.

US-led peace efforts have fizzled out as the sides made no progress on key differences and after the war in Iran grabbed Washington’s attention. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted an unconditional ceasefire demanded by Trump, but Putin refused. Action in the Senate on Ukraine has revolved around a bill that would impose sweeping tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries that purchase Russia’s oil, gas, uranium and other exports, which are crucial to financing Russia’s military. But the bill has languished.

The Associated Press congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

The organization, which has condemned the detentions as “unlawful” and “arbitrary,” said Libya first announced it was holding the activists—who hail from Tunisia, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, the US, Uruguay, Poland, and Spain—on May 25. Their detention was extended on Tuesday by another 10 days.

The Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman and Natalie Melzer contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.

More than 200 health workers and activists have been attempting a separate route overland to reach Gaza. They left Mauritania on May 15 and have been heading towards Egypt to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Global Sumud said a Tunisian national was arrested on May 19 around 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the Libya-Tunisia border while returning home. Another 10 people were detained on May 24 while trying to negotiate safe passage for their convoy at a checkpoint near Sitre, in Libya, along the Mediterranean coast less than halfway between Tunisia and Egypt.

Alas begins AVC bid under FIVB scrutiny

By Aldrin Quinto

“As

volleyball development in the country and contributing to our collective aspiration of making Asia a true volleyball nation.”

Eyes on Alas Pilipinas ALYSSA VALDEZ, 32, and Jovelyn Gonzaga, 34, carry the leadership mantle former Philippine team captains, while

Five-time world champ ‘Crowie’ graces Subic IM

FIVE-TIME triathlon world champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander is bringing his legendary aura, prestige and world-class star power to the Century Tuna full Ironman (IM) Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic Bay blasting off this Sunday. While the Australian icon— who famously dominated the Ironman 70.3 Subic in 2016—has retired from competitive racing but his mere presence elevates the country’s premier triathlon into an extraordinary celebration.

Royse Tubino, Ara Galang and Ces Molina also bring leadership from international campaigns.

The Philippine player pool’s average age is 27 years, with wing attackers having an average height of 5 feet 8 inches and the middle blockers 5’11.

Alas Pilipinas faces Australia on Sunday, Kyrgyzstan on Monday and Korea on Tuesday. After a break on Wednesday, the Philippines resumes the campaign against Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

Defending champion Vietnam is in the other pool with Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Lebanon.

Alas Pilipinas placed runner-up in the previous staging of the event, then named AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, behind host Vietnam.

the PNVF for “serious governance concerns” and alleged violations of the body’s code of ethics, but the Philippine team remains in the AVC tournament.

The FIVB-appointed ad hoc committee, chaired by Palau Volleyball Federation president and FIVB Executive Commitee member Hila Asanuma, assured the AVC that measures are being taken to prevent operational disruptions during the event.

Asanuma wrote to AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, assuring that coordination lines remain open and active among parties concerned.

goals championed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) come into focus—athlete development and sports tourism.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio said international events create the greatest impact when brought to communities that embrace the sport.

For the more than 1,500 participants hailing from 45 countries, Alexander stands as living proof of what grit can achieve, igniting the fire of local hopefuls chasing not just personal glory, but a ticket to the world stage.

“Craig is here to celebrate the milestone 10th staging of the Ironman 70.3 and the fifth anniversary of the full Ironman Philippines,” said Princess Galura, president and managing director of the organizing Sunrise Events Inc. “He will give a pep talk to the participants and bike out.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest endurance athletes in sports history, Alexander cemented his legacy in 2011 by capturing both the Ironman and IM 70.3 World Championships in the same year—a historic “double” that remains the stuff of triathlon lore. His arrival has already supercharged the energy in Subic Bay, which kicked off Friday with the vibrant Sun Life Underpants Run and the excitement builds on Saturday with the RLC Residences Ironkids Triathlon and Kids’ Run.

It all leads to the weekend’s crowning jewels on Sunday, where close to 500 elite endurance athletes will push their minds and bodies to the absolute limit in the punishing full Ironman—a grueling 3.8-km

It was the Philippines’s best-ever finish in Asian volleyball competition. However, nearly the entire silver medal team—led by skipper-playmaker Jia de Guzman along with Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, Angel Canino, Dell Palomata and Eya Laure, are not suiting up this time.

Questions surrounding the composition of the national team were raised following the announcement of the PNVF’s plans for an Alas Pilipinas special draft system early this year, and a player pool was not assembled until recently.

The PSC last week froze the funding for the PNVF for, among others, issues over team formation and readiness for the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon. FIVB then suspended

Fernando, Go book dramatic victories

MHARK FERNANDO III beat local favorite Eddie Gonzales Jr. in a battle of who blinks first to capture the hotly contested International Container Terminal Services Inc. Bacolod Junior Philippine Junior Golf Tour Championship that wound up in a chaotic, down-to-thewire finish at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club on Friday.

In the battle for the girls’ 1518 crown, Lois Lane Go staged a breathtaking, seven-stroke comeback to nip fellow Cebuana Tashanah Balangauan by one, sealing a thrilling victory with a cold-blooded, last-hole birdie for a 70 and a 54-hole total of 155.

In the boys’ final, Fernando held a seemingly comfortable three-stroke cushion entering the last 18 holes, but he lost his touch early on the backside, opening the door for a furious, local gallery-backed rally from Gonzales.

Capitalizing on Fernando’s disastrous double-bogey, bogey start, Gonzales forced a tie and momentarily seized the lead with a clutch birdie on No. 12. Just as the home crowd began to sense a fairytale comeback, the par-70 course struck back.

The pressure reached a boiling point, forcing Gonzales into costly, back-to-back bogeys from No. 13—

although both traded birdies on the par-five 15th, the match evolved into a brutal psychological showdown of power, strategy and pure poise.

The drama peaked at the par-3 No. 18 as Gonzales, needing a birdie to force a playoff, found himself in a dire position after a poor bunker shot.

Yet, to the thunderous roars of the gallery, he chipped in brilliantly from the fringe to salvage par and a 71, finishing at 155.

The weight of the tournament shifted entirely to Fernando’s shoulders.

Putting for birdie from 24 feet out on the right side of the pin, he miscalculated his stroke. The ball rolled past the cup, leaving a nerve-wracking two-foot par putt just to secure the win.

Fernando, the son of a former national champion and touring pro, surveyed the line of his putt several times—not necessarily to recalculate the track, but perhaps to shake off the mounting pressure that hung heavily in the air.

When he finally stroked the ball, the confidence was instant. He raised his right arm in triumph before the ball even disappeared into the cup, saving a 73 and snatching a dramatic, onestroke victory with a 154 total.

“I stayed patient and just played

my game. When the situation got tough, I didn’t force things,” said Fernando in Filipino, who admitted to being a bit rattled after a shaky start on the back nine.

“After I double-bogeyed the 10th, I got nervous, but I just calmed myself down, focused on hitting fairways and greens, and settled for two-putts,” he added.

With the win, Fernando locked down a crucial 15 points, hiking his total to 3—the massive leap lifts him from joint sixth all the way to No. 2 in the VisayasMindanao Series standings, placing him comfortably inside the Top 4 elite who will advance to the Elite Junior Grand Finals.

Ritchie Go also earned a share of the final-hole spotlight, rolling in a stunning 28-footer for birdie to finish with a steady 74 for third at 158. In the girls’ championship, Balangauan appeared to have the trophy in her grasp heading to the backnine, holding what looked like an insurmountable six-stroke lead. But as the pressure mounted, the leaderboard began to fracture. The turning point came early on the inward half.

J“The Committee’s immediate priorities include supporting the participation of Philippine national teams in upcoming international competitions and ensuring the successful delivery of scheduled international events,” Asanuma said.

“In view of the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, the Ad Hoc Committee is taking immediate steps to ensure there are no operational gaps arising from the PNVF’s suspension and that the event proceeds smoothly for all participating teams, athletes, officials, organizers, and stakeholders,” added Asanuma, also an Executive Committee member of the FIVB.

The Philippine national pool includes setters Kyle Negrito and Tin Ubaldo, middle blockers Thea Gagate, Nina Ytang, Cla Loresco and Jazlyn Anne Elarina, outside hitters Royse Tubino, Ara Galang and Tots Carlos, and liberos Kyla Atienza and Alyssa Eroa.

Twofold triumph—sports tourism

AS the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup comes off the wraps, two key

OEY CANOY goes after Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimum weight crown a 12-round title fight organized by Golden Boy Promotions on June 20 at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. “I’m so

“The AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City gives regional coaches, young players, and local fans a front-row seat to the global standard. This firsthand experience bridges the gap between regional potential and international excellence, fortifying the pathways that carry our athletes from grassroots to gold,” Gregorio said. With the concept of “volleyball tourism” gaining further traction, AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressed appreciation to Candon City and Mayor Eric D. Singson for their continued support of the sport.

“Through the leadership of the Philippine Sports Commission and its National Sports Tourism InterAgency Committee [NST-IAC], the country continues to strengthen sports development and sports tourism by bringing international events closer to local communities,” Suzara said. “AVC shares this same vision of expanding the reach of volleyball across Asia and bringing world-class competition closer to fans everywhere.”

“I commend the local organizing committee and extend my sincere appreciation to the city of Candon and Candon City Mayor Eric Singson for their strong support in bringing this prestigious event to the community,” Suzara added.

World Cup 2026 in Poland as the team beats Italy, 17-13, in Pool C action on Thursday. The next big challenge for Gilas 3x3 Women will be the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, which will be an Under-23 tournament. SBP PHOTO

THE Philippines faces Indonesia on Saturday hoping for a golden sweep of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U18 Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Qualifiers in Bacolod City. The Gilas Pilipinas girls are unscathed following victories over Vietnam, 93-52; Singapore, 83-53; and Thailand, 86-48, and a victory over the Indonesians in their 7 p.m. game at the STI West Negros University Gym would earn them the gold medal. Indonesia went for its third straight victory against Thailand late Friday.

Coach Sandy Arespacochaga told the BusinessMirror on Friday that the ultimate goal is to win the gold medal despite the team already formally qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup.

“We are aiming for the gold although we already made it to the Asia Cup,” Arespacochaga, a deputy coach at TNT Tropang 5G, said. “This is my first time to coach the women’s team and I am really happy about the experience.”

“We will be tested against Indonesia. That is the immediate goal: win,” he added. The Philippines got automatic qualification in Division B for the U18 Asia Cup—set July 13 to 19 in Bangkok—with its 3-0 record. Tiffany Reyes, daughter of former pro player Jay-R Reyes, is averaging 14.3 points in three games—she had 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals against Singapore while Sophia Dignadice is scoring 11.3 points also in three games.

“I reminded my players that Indonesia also has good guards and they are also tall,” Arespacochaga said. “But I am confident my players are all motivated to fight for this one as we move forward to our next goal—the Asia Cup.” Josef Ramos

MAYOR Eric Singson welcomes the delegates on Thursday as Candon City gears up for its biggest sporting event yet.

Gilas 3x3 victory in Italy Gilas Pilipinas Women’s—(from left) Afril Bernardino, Kacey de la Rosa, Mikka Cacho and Camille Clarin—persistence finally pays off in its final game at the FIBA 3x3