BusinessMirror June 20, 2026

‘MODEST RATE HIKE TO SUPPORT ’26 GROWTH’

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE central bank’s decision to implement a “relatively modest hike” indicates it is now placing greater emphasis on growth, according to HSBC Senior Asean Economist Aris Dacanay.

“Though oil markets gave the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] room to tighten policy moderately, we think the decision marks a shift towards growth,” Dacanay said in a commentary on Friday.

Dacanay said the change in inflation forecasts supports this further. The central bank has slightly raised its inflation forecasts as it now expects inflation to average well above its 2 percent to 4 percent target band throughout 2027. Despite this, he said the BSP opted for a “modest” 25 basis-point (bp) hike to 4.75 percent over a “punchier” 50-bp increase. This, he said, reflects the growth challenges brought about by tight fiscal policy, which were confirmed by BSP Governor Eli M.

25 bps

Instead of the expected

“For

Remolona Jr. during the monetary policy stance press briefing on Thursday.

“Growth has been disappointingly slow in the last few quarters. So, we think that by not being too aggressive, we can maybe help the economy a little bit, help restore the economy a little bit,” the BSP governor said during the briefing on Thursday.

HSBC Economics expected the BSP to raise its policy rate “more aggressively” by 50 basis points to 5 percent.

“Although monetary authorities are managing the dual risks inherent in stagflation, we thought inflation concerns would outweigh concerns about low growth. Price stability is the BSP’s primary mandate after all,” Dacanay said.

See “Modest Rate Hike,” A2

Z’s ‘hunger for art experiences’ opens new market for PHL art industry

By John Eiron R. Francisco

THE Philippine art industry is seeing a shift in audience behavior as museums gain a new market segment among young Filipinos who may not yet purchase artworks but are increasingly seeking immersive art experiences.

“In the Philippines, the art industry has really been driven by collectors. But that experience showed us that there is a new market out there, the Gen Zs, who are hungry for a new kind of art experience,” said Marco Y. Santos, third-generation heir of the Yuchengco family. Santos recalled during the exclusive media day marking the 20th anniversary of the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City that an exhibition he mounted on the museum’s third floor initially attracted only around 20 visitors daily. However, after a guest shared the exhibit on TikTok, attendance surged

rather address because they come dressed, take pictures of the works, and it’s a different ballgame,” he said.

Santos told the BusinessMirror that museums need to remain relevant by adapting to the expectations of a younger generation.

“They’re not necessarily collectors. They want experience. It has to be more immersive, engaged, and inclusive,” he said.

By Andrea E. San Juan

He added that while accessibility and engagement are key, museums must also remain commercially viable. “There is a new wave of art lovers out there. They may not be the regular collectors we see today, but they are the ones taking pictures, sharing, and creating conversations around art,” he said.

SBMA further extends schedule for Subic airport Swiss challenge

SBy Henry Empeño

UBIC BAY FREEPORT—The issuance of instructions to challengers and other tender documents related to the Swiss challenge for the development of the Subic Bay international Airport (SBIA) has been rescheduled by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) anew.

In a notice posted on Wednesday, June 17, at the website of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP), the SBMA moved the date for the issuance of and availability of tender and challenge documents to June 30.

This development further extended the timeline for the comparative bidding process, as all procurement milestones dependent on the issuance date will hence be adjusted, the SBMA said.

The tender documents outline requirements and legal agreements related to the project, as well as instructions to challengers and other project information.

SBMA originally scheduled the release of tender documents on May 18 this year, but later reset the schedule to June 17, as reflected in a bulletin also posted on the PPPCP website.

Atty. John Aquino, chairperson of the Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee for the Subic International Airport Project, said the schedule has been revised on instruction of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

The new schedule, Aquino said, “ensures that technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual frameworks are fully refined and comprehensive.”

The extension also “safeguards the integrity of the Comparative Challenge process and maintains equal footing for all participants,” he added, clarifying that no party has been prejudiced as the docu-

ments have not yet been released. The SBMA has opened the P6.2-billion Subic airport project for comparative proposals, or Swiss challenge, after approving the unsolicited proposal by the original proponent Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC is a key affiliate of the New York-based alternative investment firm Cerberus Capital Management, which also acquired the former Hanjin shipyard in Subic in 2022.

Information posted by the PPPCP on April 27 indicated that Cerberus submitted its unsolicited proposal for the SBIA project on March 26 last year. Under the Swiss challenge, Cerberus is also allowed to match or better the financial proposal of the most superior challenger within 30 days, the SBMA had clarified. The SBMA has set the Swiss challenge to be a single-stage bidding process, with each challenger required to submit three bids respectively containing qualification documents, technical proposal, and financial qualifications to the SBMA PBAC.

It also reserved the right to accept or reject any application or proposal at its discretion, annul the comparative challenge, or reject all proposals without liability for any associated costs.

The SBMA said the airport development project will transform the SBIA into a modern, efficient, and high-capacity international cargo hub that will serve the Luzon region. The Subic airport was commissioned by the US Navy as the Naval Air Station Cubi Point in 1956. Following the Subic turnover in 1991, the SBMA upgraded the airport runway, built a US$12.6-million passenger terminal, and equipped the renamed SBIA with systems on a par with international standards.

Gen

JEANNIE E. JAVELOSA , director of the Yuchengco Museum; Lourdes Constantino; and political scientist Randy

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s creative economy, which includes sectors such as digital interactive goods and services, traditional cultural expression, and art galleries and museums, expanded to P2.12 trillion in 2025 from P1.98 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 6.9-percent year-on-year growth. It accounted for 7.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product at current prices.

Yuchengco Museum Director Jeannie E. Javelosa, meanwhile, highlighted how the “power of social media of the young” has created opportunities for museums to connect with a generation eager to discover and share content online.

However, she stressed the importance of ensuring that these digital encounters are anchored on meaningful and substantive narratives.

“We’re out fighting all kinds of fake news, history being changed, and perspectives that are shifting how we are as a people, truly,” she said, emphasizing the need for museums to stand for art, hope, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of history beyond what is simply seen on social media.

“The museum’s role will always be present—much more now when we hear from CHED that they’re cutting art and culture from the curriculum,” Javelosa said. Building spaces for Filipino creatives AS part of efforts to broaden its programming, the Yuchengco Museum is expanding beyond traditional exhibitions to develop new platforms for artists and creative communities.

Arch. Daniel Vicente A. Lichau-

co, trustee of the museum, said the institution aims to strengthen support for cultural creators by providing Filipino artists, designers, and other creatives with spaces to showcase their work, build audiences, and pursue more sustainable opportunities while sustaining innovation in the local arts scene.

Data from PSA showed that employment in creative industries slipped to 8.71 million in 2025 from 8.74 million in 2024, a 0.4-percent decline. Despite the dip, the sector still accounted for 17.8 percent of total employment in the country.

“We plan and hope to support the creators that shape local culture and arts so that they continue to create, inspire, and innovate. We will be carrying out this commitment by expanding the museum beyond typical exhibitions and functions,” Lichauco said.

Central to this shift is the launch of Y Space, which will convert the museum’s first and second floors into areas for creative events, commercial activities, and direct engagement between artists and the public. The retail component will also be positioned as a platform for creative entrepreneurs, complementing the institution’s exhibitions and programs.

Meanwhile, the museum will retain its galleries on the upper floors, continuing to present permanent and rotating exhibitions on Filipino art, heritage, and contemporary practice.

The direction builds on the museum’s recent programming, including a 2025 architectural exhibition featuring unbuilt works by leading architects across the country, which drew around 7,000 student visitors.

Lichauco said the turnout underscored the potential of cultural institutions to attract younger audiences through more relevant and accessible museum experiences.

Oil flows again through Strait of Hormuz as US lifts blockade under interim accord

By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Omar Tamo and Eltaf Najafizada Bloomberg

THE US-Iran interim peace deal took effect and shipping started returning to the Strait of Hormuz as the US declared an end to its blockade and a complex negotiating period over Tehran’s nuclear program began in earnest.

US Vice President JD Vance told reporters Thursday at the White House that the 60-day clock for working out the contentious details in the so-called memorandum of understanding signed late

Wednesday had started ticking.

He downplayed concerns Iran could eventually impose tolls on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would turn the crucial transport chokepoint— widely considered international waters—into a moneymaker for Tehran.

“Well, first of all, we believe international waterways should be free of tolls,” he said, noting that the countries in the region “together will figure out a proper security framework for the straits in the future.”

If the strait is not open, Vance added, “there’s not going to be a final deal.”

Oil fluctuated between gains and losses on Thursday, with Brent closing under $80 a barrel. It’s still down from close to $95 since Trump said late last week that a deal was imminent.

Still, oil remains roughly 30% higher for the year, with energy traders saying it will take months, if not longer, for volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas going through Hormuz to return to normal.

As the two sides begin to stake out negotiating positions for the next phase of talks, Trump and Vance sought to brush back criticism — including from their political allies — that Iran had gotten the better of them in the initial memorandum.

Asked in an interview with Axios what he’d learned about limits to his power from the military operation, Trump said “there are no limits.” He reiterated claims that the US “defeated them totally militarily” and said the memorandum “probably is unconditional surrender” from Iran.

Yet Trump for a second day reiterated that global oil pressures informed his decision to sign on to the deal that he did. “We wouldn’t have oil for months. As long as you’re dropping bombs, that thing is automatically closed,” Trump told Axios, referring to the strait. He also warned in the interview

that a prolonged closure “is the kind of thing that could cause a worldwide depression.”

Earlier Thursday, the US president posted on social media that “oil is flowing,” hours after signing a memorandum of agreement to extend a ceasefire and begin negotiations to end the conflict he started alongside Israel at the end of February. Iran’s closure of the strait spiked energy prices, raised the risk of a global economic crisis, and led to chaos across the Middle East.

US Central Command announced Thursday that it had lifted the blockade on traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

“American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” the command said in a social media post.

Ships carrying stranded oil began making their way out of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, while Kuwait said it will start ramping up production, as the peace deal sparked a flurry of activity in the region. Vessels carrying nearly 10 million barrels of oil have either appeared outside the strait or are sailing through, including the first Saudi-owned tankers since the war began more than three months ago.

Iran said commercial vessel traffic at southern ports had returned to normal since Monday, according to the semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency.

Many shipping and oil executives had previously said they need more clarity, including on whether the strait is clear of mines and whether they need to seek any kind of permission from Iran before sailing through.

Iran hawks, including some Republican allies of Trump, say the deal concedes far too much to the Islamic Republic in terms of sanctions relief and potentially unfreezing tens of billions of dollars of funds. Some of them have said it is no better than the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear deal that Trump had called the “worst deal ever.”

“Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran— though not funded by US taxpayers—would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.

The deal has also been widely

Modest rate hike…

Dacanay said HSBC Economics is now revising its forecasts accordingly, and now expects a “more measured” tightening cycle.

“We expect the BSP to tighten monetary policy by 25 bp at each of the remaining Monetary Board meetings this year. This would bring the policy rate to 5.50 percent in 2026 (previously 6 percent),” he said.

“After that, we expect the BSP to kickstart its easing cycle in the second half of 2027, bringing its policy rate down to 5 percent by year-end (previously 5.25 percent),” he added.

panned in Israel, with many, including some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, arguing that it gives too many financial concessions to the Islamic Republic and doesn’t do anything to curb its ballistic missile program.

Asked about Israeli pushback, Vance suggested officials consider that the US is Israel’s strongest friend.

“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance said.

For his part, Trump has become more frustrated with Netanyahu in recent weeks, swearing at him on calls and saying Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital almost scuppered his deal with Iran.

On Thursday, when the US president was asked by Israel’s Channel 14 if he would defend Israel if it opted to strike Iran on its own, he said: “If it’s not a significant attack — sure.”

According to a copy of the memorandum of understanding published by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on X on Thursday, Iran will arrange passage of commercial ships through the strait with “no charge for 60 days only” and traffic is to be reinstated “within 30 days.”

Iran will hold talks with Oman to define the future administration and maritime services of the Strait of Hormuz, which will be in line with “applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states” of the Persian Gulf, according to the agreement. It was unclear if Vance would still meet Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s lead negotiator, in Switzerland on Friday for negotiations to permanently end the war as planned. During the 60-day negotiation, the sides will try to agree on restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program and how to dilute or destroy its stocks of highly enriched uranium. Many nuclear experts say 60 days is too short to work out something so complex and technical. The agreement does say the time frame can be extended.

The 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump derided and abandoned during his first term, took about two years to finalize.

(With assistance from Catherine Lucey, Devika Krishna Kumar, Paul Wallace, Ellen Milligan, Jon Herskovitz and Michelle Jamrisko / Bloomberg)

However, Dacanay said there are three risks to growth that should be monitored: Rice price rises due to the El Niño season, tensions in the Middle East reescalating and oil prices increasing again, and the Fed fully shifting to a hawkish stance.

“Any of the three, if they materialize, would risk increasing inflation expectations for 2027 even further, or risk FX-induced inflation. This might then require a more aggressive monetary response,” he said. “For now, the BSP will likely take the opportunity to walk instead of run.”

TANKERS and cargo vessels are seen in the Gulf of Oman, along shipping routes linking the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP

Philippines, Oman set third investment forum in July

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Philippines and Oman are firming up preparations for the third Cebu–Oman Investment Forum, which will convene in Manila this July.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi discussed the event in a telephone call Tuesday evening.

The Omani Foreign Ministry said the investment forum coincides with Oman’s participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Ministerial Meeting with Partner Countries in Manila also next month.

Both diplomatic officials are determined to advance relations “to broader horizons,” and expand economic cooperation and opening new partnership opportunities.

The first Cebu-Oman Investment Forum was held in Cebu in 2025, and then followed another one in Muscat last February.

Working-level talks are scheduled in the coming months to conclude investment agreements.

During the February meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs also identified priority sectors such as tourism, food security, fisheries, and critical minerals, while opening new avenues in digital transformation, healthcare, and technicalvocational education. Both sides agreed to leverage their respective expertise to foster mutual growth.

The coming Manila forum is expected to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and forging effective partnerships across sectors, while highlighting Oman’s engagement with Southeast Asia through its participation in Asean meetings.

On the political front, Lazaro and Al Busaidi welcomed the positive regional climate following the recent US-Iran understanding, noting its impact on maritime navigation and stability in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific.

In both fora, the Muscat to Manila built momentum in trade and investment and explored frameworks for future collaboration.

PSA

reports ₧47.42 billion worth of construction activities in April

THE number of construction activities in the country reached 13,677 in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Preliminary data released on Friday showed that the construction activities covered by approved building permits involved a total floor area of 2.76 million square meters and had a total value of P47.42 billion.

“This excludes alteration and repair, other non-residential such as facade, helipad, niche, water tank, etc., and other constructions, which include demolition, street furniture, landscaping, and signboards, since there is no reported floor area for these types of constructions,” the PSA said. Residential buildings accounted for the largest share of construction activities at 8,630, or 63.1 percent of the total recorded in April.

Most of the residential constructions were single-type houses.

Meanwhile, non-residential constructions totaled 2,973, with commercial buildings comprising the majority of these projects.

Additions, which refer to new construction that increases the height or area of an existing building, accounted for 3.7 percent of total construction activities. Alteration and repair works contributed 7.7 percent, while other constructions comprised 3.8 percent.

The PSA said the average construction cost in April stood at P15,497.47 per square meter, 48.5 percent higher than the P10,437.43 per square meter recorded in April 2025.

Among construction types, non-residential projects posted the highest average cost at P16,673.81 per square meter, followed by residential constructions at P14,527.58 per square meter and additions at P12,550.38 per square meter. PNA

Mandaue exec cites importance of collective action vs pollution

CEBU CITY—Mandaue City

Mayor Thadeo Ouano underscored the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges as San Miguel Corporation (SMC) launched a major cleanup of the Butuanon River, a project expected to strengthen the city’s flood mitigation efforts and improve water flow along one of its key waterways.

“This initiative also reminds us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. Government cannot do it alone. It takes committed partners like SMC, the national government, our barangays, and every Mandauehanon to make a lasting difference,” Ouano said during the launch of the river rehabilitation

Visayas consumers prepare for power rate increase

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—Tight power supply conditions in the Visayas and rising costs in the global energy market are expected to push electricity rates higher this June for consumers served by Visayan Electric.

The utility said generation charges are likely to increase following a series of Yellow and Red Alert declarations across the Visayas Grid in May, a period marked by high electricity demand and limited reserve capacity.

The strained supply situation compelled power providers to tap more expensive generation sources and procure additional electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to meet consumer demand.

Adding to the pressure were elevated spot market prices, the continued weakening of the Philippine peso against the US dollar, and higher international fuel costs, all of which contributed to the rising cost of power generation.

Despite these developments, Visayan Electric said it has undertaken measures to reduce the impact of higher generation costs on customers.

Mark Anthony Kindica, Visayan Electric’s president and general manager, said their primary focus during periods of market volatility is customer protection.

“While global fuel indices and grid alerts are beyond our control, we are working around the clock to aggressively manage what we can. Through disciplined power contract management, strategic supply allocation, and tight coordination with our generation partners, we have successfully absorbed and mitigated significant portions of the price spike so that it does not reach

our consumers in full,” he said.

According to the utility, careful management of its power supply portfolio and close coordination with generation companies have helped soften the effect of the market-driven increases.

Visayan Electric also called on consumers to practice energy conservation as a way of managing electricity expenses amid the anticipated rate adjustment.

The company advised customers to reduce the use of powerhungry appliances during peak demand hours, particularly from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when electricity demand on the grid is typically highest.

Among the recommended energy-saving measures are setting air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius, routinely cleaning filters and other appliance components to maintain efficiency, and unplugging electronic devices and chargers when they are not being used.

Visayan Electric said it will continue coordinating with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the Department of Energy, and the Energy Regulatory Commission to support grid reliability and ensure that consumer interests remain protected amid fluctuating market conditions.

‘PHL must pursue energy transition despite easing Middle East tensions’

By Butch Fernandez

ENATE President Sherwin

SGatchalian on Friday said the Philippines should stay the course on its energy transition agenda despite easing Middle East tensions following the US-Iran framework agreement.

Gatchalian said the country should not lose sight of the need to strengthen its long-term energy security by reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

To advance this goal, Gatchalian renewed his push for Senate Bill 366, or the Energy Transition Act, which he earlier filed to establish a national framework for energy transition. The measure promotes the adoption of clean energy sources, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and delineates the responsibilities of government agencies in implementing transition policies in the transport and power sectors.

“Kailangan nating mabawasan ang pagdepende ng bansa sa inaangkat na langis upang maprotektahan

ang ekonomiya laban sa anumang posibleng panibagong oil crisis o biglaang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Kaya mahalagang magkaroon tayo ng isang malinaw at maayos na energy transition plan,” Gatchalian said. Beyond bolstering energy security, an energy transition plan would help the Philippines meet its target of reducing and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

PHL tuna catch hits 230K metric tons in 2025

Tproject on Thursday. The cleanup operation, undertaken through SMC’s Better Rivers PH initiative, is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mandaue City Government, and other stakeholders under the national government’s Oplan Kontra Baha program.

The project covers a four-kilometer stretch of the Butuanon River from its mouth, where years of accumulated silt and waste have reduced the river’s carrying capacity and restricted the flow of water into the Mactan Channel,

HE Philippines’ tuna catch for 2025 was estimated at 230,347 metric tons (MT), according to the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI).

Last year’s tuna catch estimate was finalized and submitted to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) during the 18th PTUNASTAT Annual Catch Estimates Review Workshop through the Western Pacific East Asia–Sustainable Pacific Fisheries (WPEA-SPF) Project in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on May 28 to 29.

The event consolidated, reviewed, and validated oceanic tuna catch estimates generated during the 17th WPEA-NSAP Tuna Catch Data Review Workshop.

The fisheries data were reconciled with the records from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Ministry of

Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) offices in General Santos City, Davao, Iloilo, and Navotas City, as well as the Socssksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII).

“Through the comparison and validation of various datasets and estimation methods, participants finalized the country’s annual tuna catch estimates,” the DA-NFRDI said in a news release on Friday.

Of the total, the skipjack tuna remained the dominant species at more than 58 percent.

Yellowfin tuna contributed approximately 39 percent, followed by bigeye tuna at about 3 percent and albacore tuna at less than 1 percent.

Purse seine accounted for more than 46 percent of the total esti -

DepEd orders resumption of classes in Central Mindanao

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

PUBLIC schools in most earthquake-affected areas of Region XII have been ordered by the Department of Education (DepEd) to resume classes.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said DepEd’s response is guided by safety, readiness, and well-being while continuing safety inspections, learning continuity measures, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services for affected learners, teachers, and school personnel.

Under the Learning Continuity in Emergencies framework, schools in Cotabato City, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Sultan Kudarat have transitioned to “Hayo,” where learning activities may resume when stakeholders are deemed safe, as of June 15. Meanwhile, schools in General Santos City and Sarangani remain under “Hinto,” or the temporary suspension of academic learning, until further notice as they await local government advisories and continue recovery efforts. Sa ganitong sitwasyon, alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos, hindi lang tanong kung kailan babalik ang klase. Ang mas mahalaga ay ligtas ba ang paaralan, handa na ba ang learners at teachers, at may sapat ba silang suporta....Kailangan sabay ang structural safety, learning continuity, at psychosocial support para makabangon ang schools nang maayos,” Angara said.

DepEd monitoring as of June 16, indicate that the earthquake affected 142,821 learners, 7,406 personnel, and 39 schools division offices coordinating response.

DICT connects Mindanao to NFBP

IMPROVED connectivity is now available to hundreds of key government offices in Mindanao as part of the Mindanao Integrated Government Network (MIGN) under the Marcos administration’s National Fiber Backbone Project (NFBP). In a statement on Friday, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced the official launch of Phase 1 of the MIGN, with 500 government agencies and facilities connected across several cities and municipalities.

These include the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Davao, Koronadal and Pagadian.

mated tuna production in terms of fishing gears, maintaining its position as the largest contributor in the national tuna catch.

South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City (Soccsksargen) recorded the highest volume of tuna landings nationwide.

Participants, meanwhile, recommended the strengthening of catch reporting by species, fishing gear, and fishing grounds to improve the quality and accuracy of the country’s tuna fisheries data.

This may be realized through enhanced data coverage and alignment with WCPFC standards, standardized gear classifications, consolidation of distant-water catches into electronic reporting systems, and improved data sharing among partner agencies.

The next PTUNASTAT Annual Catch Estimates Review Workshop is scheduled for April 2027. PNA

“The launch marks a major milestone in fulfilling President Marcos’s vision of seamlessly connecting Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, through a unified digital infrastructure that enables faster government services, stronger disaster resilience, and greater economic opportunities for Filipinos nationwide,” the DICT said.

To date, the agencies connected to the MIGN are the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), among others.

“The impact of this connectivity extends far beyond government offices. By strengthening digital links across Mindanao, the project is expected to benefit approximately 5.3 million Filipinos through faster, more reliable, and more responsive public services,” the statement read.

In particular, the MIGN is expected to also benefit the public through faster access to education, employment, and government services, while allowing government agencies

Saturday, June 20, 2026

‘PHL cautious to avoid unintended involvement in conflicts’

THE Philippines remains cautious and will assess its engagements with foreign partners on a case-to-case basis to avoid unintentional support for conflicts, President Marcos said.

In a media interview in Kazan, Russia, Marcos addressed concerns about potential backlash over partnerships with Russia

amid sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the Philippines’ strong commitment to

peace and non-involvement in conflict financing.

“As I’ve always said, the Philippines is one of the, if not the greatest sponsor, supporter for peace, and not only in our region but everywhere else. And certainly, that is not something that we would like to be accused of and would not like to be part of,” he said.

“We would certainly not want to be part of any system that furthers conflict anywhere in the world. And some of them [are] very nuanced decisions that we will have to be making in the future,” Marcos added.

Citing the relatively minor scale of Philippine-Russian trade in the broader economic landscape, Marcos said the country is unlikely to contribute significantly to funding any war effort.

He noted that the trade between the Philippines and Russia “comprises such a small part of their general revenue generation that it clearly cannot be said that it is funding conflict anywhere.”

“So, we will just have to be very careful to make sure that we are not inadvertently becoming part of a system that is encouraging war in any way,” Marcos said. PNA

DepEd builds disaster-resilient schools

IVE disaster-resilient Learn -

Fing Continuity Spaces (LCS) have been completed in Quezon, Bulacan, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Bohol, as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) broader classroom construction strategy.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said that the strategic deployment offers a rapid, costefficient solution to address classroom backlogs in schools facing the most urgent infrastructural needs.

The newly completed prefab

units were handed over to Buli Elementary School in Quezon, Kalawakan Elementary School in Bulacan, Magwawa Integrated School in Davao del Norte, and Doroteo Elementary School in Davao de Oro, and in Loon North High School in Bohol. Malinaw ang direktiba sa atin ni Pangulong Marcos na tiyaking walang maiiwang mag-aaral, kaya itong Learning Continuity Spaces ang mabilis nating tugon para hindi maputol ang kanilang klase tuwing may kalamidad...Sa tulong ng mga

makabagong prefab classrooms na ito, mas mabilis nating nalalagpasan ang mga karaniwang delay sa construction habang pinapanatili ang mataas na kalidad at ligtas na espasyo para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.

Out of the targeted 1,622 prefabricated units under the P3.5 billion program, 159 LCS units are currently undergoing construction and are scheduled for completion by July 2026. Additionally, 505 units are moving through various stages of the

procurement pipeline, which includes 462 sites under active procurement and 43 projects already awarded and awaiting their final Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Beyond the immediate rollout of learning continuity spaces, DepEd is leveraging diversified implementation pipelines, which include partnerships with 109 local government units (LGUs) to date and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives for 3,100 classrooms under the PPP School Infrastructure Program. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Latest complaint vs Gibo ‘built on unverified allegations’

THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday night said that the complaint filed against its head, Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., seems to be “built on unverified allegations” and appears to shift the “burden of proof to the State.”

In a statement the DND Legal and Legislative Affairs Service chief, Assistant Secretary Erik Dy, made this point after noting the complainants’ request to the

Office of the Pasay City Prosecutor and other government agencies to establish the “very facts” that they  themselves failed to prove.

This is not how the  justice system works, he added.

“The burden of proof rests on those who make the accusation,”  Dy said.

The DND official also stressed that a complaint for perjury requires competent evidence, not speculation, assumptions, or a fishing

Marcoleta: Got word of impending arrest, says to surrender peacefully

ENATOR Rodante D. Marcoleta

Srevealed Friday that he had received information that he may be arrested the same day or in the coming days in connection with the “fabricated bribery and plunder charges” against him. He said he would peacefully submit to authorities and would not resist arrest, maintaining that he did not violate any law. This means he will follow the example of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who surrendered to the PNP-CIDG team that went to the Senate to arrest him on June 1. Two weeks earlier, the Senate was thrown into chaos when absentee Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, while avoiding a warrant of arrest from the International Criminals Court, showed up to cost his vote for Alan Peter Cayetano in a Senate coup. He later escaped from the Senate’s “protective custody,” sparking investigations.

According to Marcoleta, the move is intended to halt his efforts to uncover the truth and identify those behind the flood control scandal. Marcoleta, former Blue Ribbon committee chairman, had been at odds with Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who succeeded him in early September but recently yielded the post to a fellow member of the new majority—Sen. Erwin Tulfo. They tangled over the handling of the flood control scandal inquiry, with Marcoleta accusing Lacson of helping shield some powerful people, and the latter saying Marcoleta was violating established norms in handling witnesses, among others. Marcoleta, identified with the previous Senate leadership of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, on Friday urged the public not to lose hope, expressing confidence that truth and accountability will ultimately prevail. Butch Fernandez

expedition in search of proof.

“Until credible and verified evidence is presented, these claims remain nothing but unproven accusations,” Dy said.

Allegations over Teodoro’s dual citizenship first surfaced in July last year.

Earlier, DND spokesman Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong  has said Teodoro surrendered and renounced his Maltese passport in 2021 before filing his certificate of candidacy for senator for the

DepEd. . .

Continued from A3

A total of 1,396 schools reported damaged classrooms, including 1,950 totally damaged classrooms, 2,098 classrooms with major damage, and 6,065 classrooms with minor damage.

DepEd also reported 2,342 schools with active class suspensions and 6,748 schools that had resumed classes as of June 16, 2026, subject to local safety conditions and advisories.

To support safe recovery, DepEd is continuing structural safety inspections with local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and local engineering offices. In General Santos City, 115 of 119 schools had been inspected as of June 15, with 76 schools cleared for occupancy.

DepEd has identified P352.3 million in immediate response needs for clean-up, clearing operations, and minor repairs.

To support learning while repairs continue, DepEd will provide 109 Learning Continuity Spaces to affected areas. The Department is also prioritizing mental health and psychosocial support.

In Region XII or Central Mindanao, 671 MHPSS facilitators have been mobilized for the earthquake response, while 2,972 DepEd personnel have been trained on MHPSS, including Psychosocial First Aid, based on ongoing mapping as of June 16.

Learner and teacher wellbeing checks, kumustahan sessions, Psychosocial First Aid, and psychosocial support activities

Philippine Navy frigate, other warships conduct ‘leapfrog’ drills enroute to Rimpac

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Navy (PN) on Friday announced that one of its ships and those of its partner nations, participating in a multinational group sail, successfully executed a coordinated “leapfrog maneuver” on June 17 as part of their preparations for the coming Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) Exercise 2026 in Hawaii.

“Involved in the exercises were the PN vessel [the guided missile frigate] BRP Miguel Malvar [FFG-6], Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Steadfast [RSS 70], and the Republic of Korea Navy amphibious landing ship ROKS Cheon Ja Bong [LST-687],” it added.

During the maneuver, the participating ships executed a leapfrog formation, in which vessels alternated as maneuvering ship and guide of the formation while maintaining close safe distance at 50 yards.

The activity tested the ships’ crew proficiency in precise ship handling, communication procedures, and seamanship skills.

“The PN continues to strengthen partnerships with like-minded nations and enhance its capabilities to safeguard the country’s maritime interests,” it added.

2022 elections.

“Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Committee on Appointments prior to the confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary,” Andolong has said.

“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” he added.

Rex Anthony Naval

are being conducted in affected schools. In Koronadal City, partial reports showed that kumustahan sessions reached 1,160 teaching and non-teaching personnel, while two-day MHPSS activities reached an estimated 35,000 learners.

DepEd also convened the Education Cluster on June 15 to align partner support for affected learners, personnel, schools, and communities, including assistance on education in emergencies (EiE), child protection, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), psychosocial support, reporting, and recovery.

Angara emphasized that class resumption must remain gradual and based on actual conditions on the ground.

“Gusto nating makabalik ang mga bata sa pag-aaral, pero hindi natin puwedeng madaliin kung hindi pa ligtas ang classroom o kung hindi pa handa ang learners at teachers...Ang trabaho natin sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas ng administrasyong Marcos ay siguraduhin na may malinaw na gabay, may ligtas na learning space, at may sapat na psychosocial support habang unti-unting bumabalik ang normal na operasyon ng schools,” Angara said.

DepEd said it will continue working with Regional Offices, Schools Division Offices, local governments, public works department and education partners to validate damages, support school recovery, provide learning continuity measures, and ensure appropriate well-being support for affected learners and personnel.

In a related development, the PN said the contingent aboard BRP Miguel Malvar successfully crossed the International Date Line (IDL) on June 17 while underway to Hawaii for the Rimpac drills.

The milestone marked a significant moment in the deployment as members of the Naval Task Group 84, who conducted the preinitiation rites for the “Domain of the Golden Dragon Ceremony,” a centuries-old maritime tradition for sailors crossing the 180-degree meridian or the IDL for the first time.

As the BRP Miguel Malvar traverses its way to Hawaii, this is also the first time that the guided missile frigate crossed the IDL since its commissioning last year.

“The transit, likewise, highlights the Navy’s increasing capacity for extended-range deployments and participation in multinational maritime activities while demonstrating the capability and readiness of its modern naval assets,” the PN said.

thanked SMC and its leadership for supporting the rehabilitation effort.

contributing to flooding in nearby communities.

To support the operation, San Miguel Brewery has deployed six excavators and several barges to remove sediments and debris from the river channel.

SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang said the company brought its river rehabilitation program to Mandaue in response to the severe flooding that affected the city last year and because of San Miguel’s longstanding ties to the community.

Ang said SMC aims to apply its experience in restoring waterways across the country – including the removal of approximately 9.2 million metric tons of silt and waste from more than 190 kilometers of river systems since 2020—to help improve water flow and support Mandaue’s flood mitigation efforts.

Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon welcomed the initiative and

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to San Miguel Corporation, led by Chairman Ramon S. Ang, for partnering with us in this meaningful undertaking,” Ouano-Dizon said.

“Your generosity and corporate responsibility demonstrate how the public and private sectors can work hand in hand to create lasting solutions for our communities,” she added.

Meanwhile, SMC project manager Jaime Lu disclosed that the Mandaue City Government will not spend any funds on the cleanup operation, with SMC providing the equipment and resources needed for the project.

The Butuanon River cleanup marks the expansion of SMC’s Better Rivers PH program to Cebu and is expected to complement existing flood control measures aimed at reducing the impact of heavy rains and enhancing the city’s resilience against future flooding.

and local governments to coordinate and respond more efficiently through real-time data sharing.

“During earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other emergencies, government agencies can coordinate

Carmel

Pedroza

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Our comebacks are what truly define us

TimeOur

BusinessMirror

I’VE been watching the NBA Finals series between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. I’m really not a basketball fanatic. I don’t root for any particular team. I’m more of a casual and neutral spectator of the game.

I enjoyed the games. But Game 4 of the series was to me something everyone will be talking about for years. It was a game that defined the character of this New York team.

I was watching that game with my son, who is a loyal Knicks fan. The game wasn’t going well for New York in the early part. At halftime, the Knicks were down by 29 points.

Most teams would have accepted defeat and would just look ahead to the next game. Knicks fans caught by the camera looked gloomy and disheartened.

I told my son that the game was over for the Knicks. So, I left him and went to work on a think piece that I was writing. He said something like “they’ll bounce back” although I sensed he wasn’t too confident about it. After a quite a while, as I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard my son letting out a loud whoop of excitement.

to live. It’s been more than a year now and it seems he is making a rebound, with the help of her wife and therapists. Through it all, she did not give up. The series of crisis developed in her what I call “spiritual muscle.”

Setbacks, failures, disappointments are opportunities to build, strengthen and flex our spiritual muscles.

Consider the coach of the Knicks. He was fired four times—by other NBA teams he coached. He could have walked away bitter. Instead, he kept learning, kept showing up, and kept believing his story was not finished. Now, with the New York Knicks, he’s a champion. Sometimes rejection is not the end of the road. It is preparation for the right opportunity. Your setback may simply

I dropped everything I was doing and went back to join my son in front of the TV screen. The game was in its last few minutes. Unbelievably, the Knicks were now tied with the Spurs. In the last 7 seconds a timely rebound from nowhere and a tip in by one of the Knicks sealed the game for New York, which won by one point! Eventually, two days after, as we all know, the New York Knicks went on to become NBA champions once again, after 53 years!

One reason I enjoyed the series is that it had the elements of an endearing movie – comeback after comeback, the Knicks refusing to stay down, New York fans going from despair to delirium and back again, sometimes within the same quarter. A roster rebuilt from scratch over six years finally delivered what this city had been waiting for since before most of its fans were born. To top it, there was the added layer of David versus Goliath duel, a crafty 6-foot-2 experienced point guard going against a young talented 7-foot-4 behemoth center.

Me being me, I saw a message. It wasn’t just about basketball. It’s about life. Your failures, setbacks don’t define you. How you respond to them does. Take a moment and look back. Remember the hardships you survived, the heartbreaks you healed from, the challenges that forced you to grow. The strength you need today may already be inside you, forged by yesterday’s struggles.

My son stayed with it. He knew the team had a track record of overcoming big deficits time and again. They were a resilient team, or as someone has dubbed them, “the comeback kings.”

Speaking of come backs, I have a friend who had been downed by a debilitating stroke. The stroke triggered other mini strokes and multiple health issues. After being discharged, he would be rushed back to the hospital. At one time, one doctor even told the wife that my friend had only three or four weeks

be setting the stage for your comeback.

Many of us find ourselves stuck in a place we think we can’t escape: a destructive habit, a toxic relationship, an addiction, a character trait that keeps hurting the people we love.

Well, there’s a beautiful thing called redemption.

In fact, there’s a redemption story that is now keeping a social media platform abuzz.

It’s about the journey of someone who has survived being an addict, who walked through hell and made it out the other side. He is the son of a former US president, who had been vilified and judged endlessly by millions.

Now he has fully recovered and he is telling his story, posting short but pithy messages to help others in the same predicament. In one post, he writes:

“I don’t really think it’s about me. I think it’s about the idea that we all have fallen down and that we all wish we could be a little kinder to each other. And we all hope for a little grace and understanding when we get honest with ourselves and the world. And we all have that friend or brother or parent or son that has fu--d up but fought to get back on their feet. Whatever it is-- it’s not about me.

It’s about all of us. So I genuinely ask you to forget about me-- and reach out to someone.”

If you’re going through something hard right now, stay in it. Never stop trying. Never believe for one moment that you’ve gone too far to come back.

As the Japanese say “Nana korobi ya oki” (fall down seven times, stand up eight.)

Don’t allow anyone make you believe you’re not worthy, because you are! The thing that breaks you is often the thing that builds you. The way you make comeback after comeback is what will truly define you.

So let me give a big shout out to each and every one of you who gets up every day, still in the game of life, ready to come from behind for the win.

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Saturday, June 20, 2026 A5

DSWD continues nationwide payout for indigent seniors

By Jose Cielito Reganit

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to intensify its nationwide payout of social pension to indigent senior citizens as part of the Marcos administration’s broader efforts to uphold their welfare and dignity.

As of June 9, the Department has served a total of 3,403,182 beneficiaries in the first quarter of 2026 and 1,286,658 in the second quarter.

Among the regions with the highest number of beneficiaries served are Northern Mindanao with 162,663; Central Visayas with 156,131; Eastern Visayas with 152,371; Mimaropa with 147,482; Soccsksargen with 145,875; and Caraga with 114,693.

In a statement Wednesday, Director Alfrey Gulla of the Protective Services Bureau said the DSWD continues to intensify its efforts to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of stipends to

eligible senior citizens nationwide.

“We continue to strengthen payout activities in various parts of the country to ensure that seniors will receive their social pension at the soonest possible time. This is a big help to their daily expenses, particularly on food, medicine and other basic necessities,” Gulla said. He said this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that the needs of elderly Filipinos are met, especially the indigents who need government support.

In Central Visayas, a total of 3,401 indigent senior citizens from 44 barangays in Ubay,

Bohol received their second quarter social pension stipends during a two-day payout activity conducted by local officials on June 2 and 4 with the help of personnel from the DSWD’s Field Office 7.

The DSWD official said the Department remains committed to strengthening the program’s implementation in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies.

“With the help of partner LGUs, payout operations are hastened and the orderly delivery of assistance to the elderly beneficiaries is assured,” Gulla said.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens serves as a core government assistance program that provides a monthly stipend of P1,000 to qualified indigent elderly Filipinos to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs PNA

Proactive mental health in retirement: Strategies that help seniors manage anxiety and depression

By Jona C. Redondo

RETIREMENT marks a sig-

nificant life transition, often envisioned as a time of freedom, leisure, and fulfillment after decades of work. However, for many, it brings unexpected challenges to mental health. The loss of daily structure, professional identity, social connections, and sense of purpose can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a sense of aimlessness. Understanding these risks and adopting proactive strategies can help retirees maintain well-being and enjoy this new chapter.

The psychological impact of retirement

RETIREMENT affects mental health in varied ways. Some experience an initial “honeymoon” phase of relief, especially after stressful careers, but others face a decline. Studies indicate that complete retirement can lead to a 6 percent to 9 percent decline in mental health metrics over several years, with increased difficulties in daily activities and higher rates of illness.

One-third of retirees experience depression, according to geriatric psychiatry specialist Dr. Martha Sajatovic.

In a University Hospitals video, “The Four Secrets to a Better Retirement,” she explains that challenges stem from retirement readiness across physical health, mental health, financial security, and social environment. Forced retirement or inadequate preparation heightens risks. Key triggers include: Loss of purpose and routine: Work often provides goals, identity, and structure. Without these, retirees may feel aimless or useless.

Social isolation: Colleagues and workplace interactions fade, leading to loneliness—a major risk factor for depression in older adults.

Financial anxiety: Worries about outliving savings or reduced income add stress.

Health changes: Declining mobility, chronic conditions, or caregiving roles compound emotional strain.

The World Health Organization notes that by 2030, one in six people will be over 60, with retirement, bereavement, and reduced purpose as key risk factors for mental health issues. Depression is not a normal part of aging, yet it is often underdiagnosed in seniors because symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues, or withdrawal are mistaken for “just getting older.”

Anxiety may manifest differently in later life, focusing on health, finances, or loss of independence. Dr. Julie Erickson, in her ADAA webinar “Anxiously Aging,” describes anxiety as a “fire alarm” for potential threats, which can be adaptive but becomes problematic when it leads to excessive avoidance or chronic worry.

Recognizing signs of anxiety and depression

COMMON symptoms in retirees include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. In older adults, depression may also appear as irritability, cognitive complaints, or somatic issues like unexplained pain. Anxiety might involve restlessness, muscle tension, or excessive worry about health or family.

Experts from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIMH, and SAMHSA, in their Q&A video “Mental Health and Older Adults,” emphasize that while some emotional ups and downs are normal, persistent symptoms lasting weeks warrant attention. Depression increases risks for other issues, including dementia-like symptoms or suicide in severe cases.

Expert tips for fighting anxiety and depression FORTUNATELY, effective strategies exist. Experts recommend a multifaceted approach focusing on

lifestyle, social connections, and professional help when needed.

1. Stay physically active

Exercise is one of the most evidence-based ways to boost mood. It releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and improves sleep and self-esteem. Aim for 30 minutes most days—walking, swimming, yoga, or chair exercises suit varying mobility levels. Mayo Clinic resources highlight how physical activity can ease depression and anxiety symptoms comparably to other treatments.

Dr. Sajatovic and NIA experts stress maintaining routines, including regular activity, to combat the void left by work.

2. Build and maintain social connections

Loneliness is a silent epidemic. Schedule regular interactions with family, friends, or community groups. Join clubs, volunteer, or take classes. The NIA Q&A panel notes that staying connected via phone, video, or in-person activities significantly wards off isolation and boosts mood.

3. Find new purpose and structure

Replace work with meaningful activities. Pursue hobbies, part-time work, mentoring, or volunteering. Dr. Sajatovic advises thinking about passions or teaching old skills, and gradually scaling back from full-time work if possible to build a non-work identity. Set small goals, maintain household routines, and schedule pleasurable activities.

4. Practice mindfulness and relaxation

Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga reduce anxiety. The NHS offers a helpful body scan relaxation video guided by a doctor. Gratitude practices— noting daily positives—also shift outlook.

Dr. Erickson’s webinar outlines cognitive behavioral strategies for managing anxious thoughts, such as challenging worst-case scenarios and engaging in valuebased activities.

5. Prioritize healthy habits and seek help

Eat well, stay hydrated, maintain sleep hygiene (7-9 hours), and limit alcohol. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor or mental health professional. Treatments include therapy (e.g., CBT), medication, or combined approaches. Early intervention is key. Ohio State Health experts recommend consistent sleep schedules, weekly social plans, exercise (150 minutes/week), and new hobbies.

A positive outlook is possible WHILE retirement can challenge mental health, many thrive by viewing it as a new life chapter rather than an end.

Preparation—financial planning, social networks, and mindset shifts—makes a difference. Research shows aspirational or well-planned retirements often improve well-being, while negative circumstances worsen it. Retirees should monitor their mood, reach out for support, and remember that help is available. Videos on YouTube featuring Dr. Martha Sajatovic (University Hospitals), the NIA expert panel, and Dr. Julie Erickson (ADAA) provide accessible, expert-backed guidance worth watching. By staying active, connected, purposeful, and proactive about care, retirees can reduce anxiety and depression risks and embrace a fulfilling post-career life. Mental health in later years is not inevitable decline but an area for continued growth and resilience.

Recommended expert videos: “The Four Secrets to a Better Retirement” with Dr. Martha Sajatovic (University Hospitals) – Discusses depression causes and purpose-finding.

“Mental Health and Older Adults Q&A” (National Institute on Aging)—Signs, symptoms, and lifestyle tips.

“Anxiously Aging” with Dr. Julie Erickson (ADAA)—Managing anxiety in later life.

BusinessMirror

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

First 3D printing experience hub opens in PHL

ON June 12, Makerlab successfully launched the Philippines’ first-ever 3D printing experience hub at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The launch was timed with the celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary and the nation’s Independence Day.

Celebrating the spirit of Independence Day, the event celebrated the freedom to dream, innovate, and create like a “Maker.”

Present during the event were Mike Sy, CEO of Makerlab, and Wendel Harris Chan, general manager of Makerlab. From Arduino kits to advanced 3D printers, Makerlab has supported thousands of Filipino innovators start building projects and experimenting with technology.

On June 12, Makerlab officially launched the country’s first-ever 3D Printing Experience Hub, an immersive, multi-zone space designed to make fabrication technology tangible for everyday users.

Instead of a product showcase, Makerlab created a whole-day activation built as an interactive ecosystem spread across three curated zones: an activity center, an experience hub, and a sales hub.

The design allowed visitors could to move from observation to interaction. They watched live 3D printing in action, engaged with prototypes, and spoke directly with experts and exhibitors.

“This launch represents more than a milestone for Makerlab—it represents a new chapter for innovation in the Philippines,” said Sy.

The whole-day event transformed the mall into

Visitors explored the Activity Center, Experience Hub, and Sales Hub, where live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, expert talks, and exclusive technology showcases highlighted how 3D printing is now more accessible, affordable, and achievable for every Filipino creator.

Celebrating the spirit of Independence Day, the launch underscored the freedom to dream, innovate, and create like a “Maker.” Guests were inspired by real-world applications of 3D printing across industries such as education, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and design.

Mike Sy extended his heartfelt gratitude to Makerlab’s partners, supporters, stakeholders, media friends, and the growing maker community for

‘Until Dawn’ 2 set for 2027 release on PS5

BY PATRICK VILLANUEVA

ONE of the most bizarre horror adventures in the 2010s is making its return, with a new cast and brand-new lore to explore.

“Until Dawn” first came to the PlayStation 4 in 2015, developed by Supermassive Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment (previously known as Sony Computer Entertainment), featuring the talented cast Hayden Panettiere, Rami Malek, Peter Stormare, Brett Dalton, Meaghan Martin, Nichole Sakura, Jordan Fisher, Galadriel Stineman, Noah Fleiss, and Ella Lentini.

The first game was one of a kind, making great use of PlayStation 4’s touchpad and sensor to fully immerse the players in its

grim atmosphere. Moreover, it had a unique mechanic wherein the player had to hold the controller steadily, without putting it down, or the Wendigo (the main antagonist and enemies) would hunt them down.

Its first installment was a massive success based on its sales, selling over 1.38 million copies by January 2016 following its release in August 2015. Its fame was also supported by massive gaming YouTubers back then, like Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg and Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach streaming the game upon its release.

The game, being a Sony product, was exclusive to the PlayStation until it became available on the PC. With that, the sequel must have been a long-awaited love letter to the fans, as PlayStation just announced its

“We want more Filipinos to discover that 3D printing is no longer the future; it is a powerful tool available today for learning, business, creativity, and innovation,” he said.

Sy cited several sectors where 3D printing was useful. One is architecture, where its use is considered revolutionary. In making keychains, Gen Z wants something customizable and personalized, and 3D printing could be used for that. Sy said 3D printing could also be useful in the medical and dental fields.

“We have the best dentists and when they use our products, maybe they can help promote our own medical tourism. Our technology can also be used in the medical field for prosthesis, for example. Pre-op, they print it so they can practice,” said Sy.

second installment to be released by 2027. Here’s what we know so far: Its narrative is completely different from the friendship drama in its prequel, although hints of it will probably remain, as there still seem to be hints of romance among the group of friends.

The story follows a crew of ghost hunters running a paranormal channel, Dead True. However, their shows are staged, and supernaturalistic phenomena are strangers to the group. That is, until they got their first fully-funded show after signing a deal with a TV network. From there, they went to an isolated island where they were met with its horrific secrets.

Apart from the narrative, “Until Dawn 2” will retain what made the first game

successful: choices and consequences. As noted in its ending frame, “Everyone can live. Everyone can die.” The choices of the player can either make or break the story, hinting that they can save all of the crew or leave most, if not all, of them to a horrific and gory death.

Is this a direct continuation from the first? Yes and no. The narratives are different, but the world looks to be the same, as it sees the return of Dr. Hill, played by Peter Stormare.

To get more updates about the game, PlayStation and Firesprite games (its new developer) will be rolling out more reveals, from the cast to its gameplay. But for now, you can check out its trailer at tinyurl. com/3y3rubp8.

Infinix users can now get 3 months of Google AI Plus at no cost on eligible devices

TECH brand Infinix announced a new 3-month extended trial of Google AI Plus (2 TB) to users of eligible Infinix devices, including the NOTE 60 Series, GT 50 Pro, NOTE Edge, HOT 70, and SMART 20. This plan enables access to Google’s AI-powered productivity and creativity tools, including the Gemini app, Nano Banana 2 and NotebookLM, along with 2 TB of cloud storage, delivering advanced digital experiences directly to Infinix users at no extra cost.

As AI continues to play an increasingly important role in how people learn, create, and stay productive, Infinix is working to make advanced AI tools and experiences more accessible to users across emerging markets.

By being an Infinix customer, getting more access to Google Gemini through the Google AI Plus plan, Infinix aims to deliver practical and impactful AI experiences for their consumers.

“At Infinix, our focus is always on empowering everyday users with impactful technology,” said Tony Zhao, CEO of Infinix.

“By combining our powerful device hardware with Google’s cutting-edge AI capabilities, we are delivering a smarter, more seamless digital lifestyle. This partnership ensures that mobile-first users in emerging markets can

effortlessly unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.”

“Our goal is to put the power of AI into the hands of as many people as possible, and we are excited to bring the Google AI Plus (2 TB) plan on Infinix devices directly to vibrant, emerging markets,” said Shimrit Ben-Yair, Vice President, Google Photos and Google One. “We can’t wait to see how users in these rapidly growing regions harness these tools to elevate their daily productivity and creativity.”

With eligible Infinix devices, users gain access to expanded capabilities within the Gemini app, Nano Banana 2, NotebookLM, and beyond—all complemented by 2 TB of secure cloud storage. The specific benefits available include :

1. 2 TB CLOUD STORAGE. Plenty of space to help keep your memories and files safely backed up to use across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

2. GEMINI IN GMAIL. Boost productivity with Gemini integrated directly into Gmail. Users can draft or proofread emails in seconds and manage their inbox.

3. AI IMAGE GENERATION. Users gain enhanced image generation capabilities powered by Nano Banana 2. Generate visuals from natural language prompts, apply styles from a reference photo, or create logos, invitations, and posters with multilingual text support.

4. AI-POWERED LEARNING. Study smarter with Gemini, which accelerates learning through tailored study plans, interactive self-quizzing, and multimodal explanations. For deeper research, NotebookLM provides double the capacity for audio Overviews, notebooks, and sources, making collaboration easier than ever. Eligible users can activate the trial directly through the Google One app on their device. Simply open either app, follow the on-screen prompts to confirm eligibility, and start the subscription at no extra cost. Cancel anytime. The trial begins from the date of activation and lasts for three months. After the trial ends, you will be charged at the standard monthly price for Google AI Plus (2 TB) in your location. More information can be found at Infinix’s official Facebook page or ph.infinixmobility. com.

BPO sector will remain strong despite AI threat

BY RIZAL RAOUL REYES

WHILE the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) displacing Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) workers is real, automation tells only half the story. An oft-cited Social Science Research Network (SSRN) study estimates that roughly 53,000 BPO positions are at risk from automation—largely voicebased, transactional, and repetitive roles susceptible to AI agent substitution. However, context is critical. In an interview with BUSINESSMIRROR, Lobien Realty Group (LRG) CEO Sheila Lobien noted that while the figure sounds alarming at first glance, “it represents less than three percent of an industry that currently employs 1.9 million Filipinos and generated over $40 billion in export revenues in 2025.”

A more instructive data point comes from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Roadmap 2028. The sector is targeting 2.5 million full-time employees and $59 billion in revenues by 2028. This implies the addition of over 530,000 net new jobs over the next three years, translating to approximately 135,000 to 180,000 incremental seats annually.

“Even applying a conservative two-shift rotation model, each incremental seat requires roughly 3 square meters of net leasable area,” Lobien explained. “This translates to 200,000 to 270,000 square meters of additional office demand per year from the IT-BPM sector alone.”

Notably, this forecast excludes the parallel expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), which IBPAP identified as the fastest-growing segment of the sector through 2025 and 2026.

Against this backdrop, Metro Manila’s current office vacancy rate of approximately 20 percent— while elevated—is stabilizing. When new IBPAPdriven demand is balanced against the incoming office supply pipeline and existing vacancies, the structural trajectory points toward a gradual recovery. LRG projects that vacancy rates could ease to the 15-to-17 percent range by 2027, provided BPO expansion and GCC proliferation maintain their current momentum.

The transition from traditional, voice-based BPO to high-value Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) is one of the most critical structural shifts in the Philippine economy. Driven by the AI-led automation of low-end tasks and a surging global demand for analytical expertise, the country is actively pivoting toward knowledge-intensive sectors.

Rather than relying purely on basic administrative processes, the Philippines is securing its foothold in specialized domains, including financial analytics and legal services; telehealth and clinical operations; software engineering and digital design.

This transition is being executed through a coordinated strategy involving targeted upskilling, public-private partnerships, and robust policy frameworks.

Major industry associations, government agencies, and international analyst groups have consistently aligned to support this KPO expansion. As the industry shifts from traditional call centers to high-value, non-voice analytical tasks, stakeholders emphasize that the Filipino workforce is uniquely ready for knowledge-intensive roles.

As the primary umbrella organization for the country’s IT-BPM sector, IBPAP is leading the charge. Through its IT-BPM Roadmap 2028, IBPAP explicitly outlines a pivot toward high-skill segments, emphasizing that upskilling talent in data science, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics is critical to sustaining growth and insulating the industry from basic automation.

Ultimately, Lobien said the future of Philippine outsourcing relies on moving up the value chain. By focusing on complex decision-making, creative design, and specialized technical operations, the sector is well-positioned to transform the threat of AI into an avenue for higher-value growth.

A6 Saturday, June 20, 2026 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Beyond the megabits:

FOR years, the battle among internet service providers was measured almost entirely by speed.

Advertisements promised faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lag-free gaming. Every new plan seemed to arrive with a bigger number attached to it. Today, however, that race is approaching a point of maturity.

Fiber internet has become fast enough for most households to stream 4K movies, join video calls, upload content, and connect multiple devices simultaneously without much difficulty.

So what’s next?

The next phase isn’t simply getting people online. It’s improving what happens after they are connected. That shift is changing how broadband companies think about the home. With our homes becoming extensions of our offices and schools, it has become the center of our digital lives.

Instead of focusing solely on the connection coming into the house, they’re increasingly paying attention to the experiences built on top of it.

Entertainment, smart-home devices, voice assistants, and connected services are becoming just as important as the internet connection itself.

AND AT THE CENTER OF THAT HOME EVOLUTION? THE TV.

PLDT Home Life’s StreamTV+ is one example of how that thinking is evolving.

The television has become the center of digital life and its role inside the home has changed dramatically over the past decade.

What was once a screen primarily used for broadcast channels and watching TV programs now serves as a gateway to streaming platforms, music services, gaming, video content, and connected devices.

On any given evening, a family might jump from a Netflix series to YouTube, stream music through Spotify, catch a live event on Cignal, and browse other content across multiple apps and services.

The challenge is that convenience has also introduced complexity.

Multiple subscriptions, multiple interfaces, multiple remotes, and multiple devices can sometimes make modern entertainment feel more fragmented than seamless. If you’ve ever spent several minutes searching for the right remote, switching between apps, or adjusting the volume because dialogue sounds too soft, you’ve experienced some of the small frustrations that come with today’s entertainment setup.

Rather than treating the television as just another screen, many technology companies now view it as the control center of the connected home. Google, Apple, Amazon, Samsung, and other technology giants have spent years building ecosystems designed around this idea. PLDT Home Life’s StreamTV+ represents the company’s attempt to become part of that conversation.

MORE THAN A STREAMING DEVICE

AT its core, StreamTV+ functions as an entertainment hub powered by Google, bringing together popular services such as Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, Spotify, and Cignal into a single platform.

Setup is refreshingly straightforward. Connect the device to a television through HDMI, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into a Google account, and begin downloading apps. The process is familiar to anyone who has used a modern streaming device, allowing users to get up and running within minutes.

On paper, that may sound similar to other streaming products already available in the market. Streaming devices are hardly new, and many televisions today already include smart TV platforms.

For PLDT Home Life, however, it goes beyond simply adding apps to a screen.

The company is positioning StreamTV+ as a “Cinema in a Box”—a device designed to improve not only what viewers watch, but how they experience it.

BEYOND 4K: THE CASE FOR BETTER SOUND

PICTURE quality has dominated television marketing for years. Manufacturers compete on screen size, brightness, HDR support, and increasingly sophisticated display technologies. Audio, on the other hand, is often treated as an afterthought.

As televisions become thinner, manufacturers have less physical space available for speaker systems. The result is that many modern TVs look impressive but struggle to deliver equally impressive sound.

This is where StreamTV+ attempts to differentiate itself.

Developed in collaboration with Sagemcom and featuring speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, the device incorporates three built-in speakers supported by Dolby Atmos technology.

Instead of relying entirely on the television’s speakers, StreamTV+ delivers sound directly from the device itself.

The difference is immediately noticeable when watching dialogue-heavy dramas, sporting events, concerts, or action films. Voices sound clearer, background scores carry more presence, and scenes feel fuller without requiring viewers to constantly reach for the volume control.

The device also supports music streaming over Wi-Fi 6, allowing it to function as a standalone audio solution even when the television isn’t being used.

For households without a dedicated audio setup, the enhanced sound experience can be a welcome addition, helping deliver clearer and more immersive entertainment straight from the StreamTV device.

FROM

ENTERTAINMENT TO COMMAND CENTER

ENTERTAINMENT remains the headline feature, but StreamTV+ is also part of a larger smart-home story.

Voice assistants have steadily moved from novelty to everyday utility.

Many people now use voice commands on their smartphones, smart speakers, and connected devices without thinking twice about it. StreamTV+ extends that experience to the television.

Equipped with built-in microphones and noisecancellation technology, the device allows users to search for content, launch apps, adjust settings, and interact with compatible smart-home devices using voice commands.

Instead of treating smart-home technology as a separate category requiring additional hubs and hardware, StreamTV+ integrates those capabilities into a device already positioned at the center of family life.

For households curious about connected living but hesitant to invest in a complex smart-home setup, the television may prove to be the most natural place to begin.

PLDT HOME LIFE’S BROADER VISION FOR THE CONNECTED HOME

THE launch of StreamTV+ reflects a broader industry trend. As fiber connectivity becomes increasingly common, internet providers are searching for ways to create value beyond bandwidth alone. Consumers are no longer evaluating services based solely on speed. They are looking at the overall experience that surrounds their digital lives.

Entertainment, productivity, security, communication, and home automation are becoming interconnected parts of a larger ecosystem. Seen through that lens, StreamTV+ is not simply another gadget connected to a television. It represents PLDT Home Life’s effort to expand its role from internet provider to lifestyle enabler, helping customers build a more connected and convenient home experience.

THE NEXT CHAPTER OF HOME ENTERTAINMENT

THE television has spent decades serving as the focal point of family entertainment. What continues to evolve is everything connected to it.

Streaming services, voice assistants, smarthome controls, music platforms, and broadband connectivity are increasingly converging on a single screen. The result is a living room experience that looks very different from what most households knew just a decade ago.

With StreamTV+, PLDT Home Life is making the case that the future of home entertainment is no longer just about watching content. It’s about bringing entertainment, connectivity, audio, and smart-home convenience together in one place.

For households looking to upgrade an existing television setup without replacing the entire screen, StreamTV+ offers another option within PLDT Home Life’s connected-home ecosystem. StreamTV+ is available as an add-on to eligible PLDT Home Fiber plans through installment

XIAOMI INTRODUCES NEW WEARABLES DESIGNED FOR LIFE IN MOTION

how they feel each day.

Xiaomi’s latest lineup of wearables—the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S5, and Xiaomi Buds 6—serves as a practical toolkit for users who want to better understand their bodies, move with greater purpose, and stay more in control of their overall wellbeing. Whether it’s a morning workout, a full day of meetings, or simply improving sleep habits, these devices are designed to make health tracking more personal, practical, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Built for all-day comfort and a wide range of lifestyles, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro features a slim, lightweight design that helps users maintain a clearer, more complete view of their health. It provides continuous monitoring of sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress, offering real-time insights into both physical and mental well-being.

With over 150 sports modes, including new riding and playground modes, the Smart Band 10 Pro adapts easily to both structured workouts and spontaneous movement throughout the day.

Its large AMOLED display ensures key health metrics are easy to read at a glance, even during exercise, while up to 21 days of battery life supports uninterrupted tracking with fewer charging breaks.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Watch S5 is designed for users who want a deeper understanding of both training performance and everyday activity. It expands wellness tracking into more advanced performance and recovery insights, supporting more informed movement, better recovery, and long-term health awareness.

The smartwatch enhances outdoor fitness experiences with professional-grade sports features, including improved GNSS accuracy, faster satellite search, and more precise route and movement tracking. Whether running, cycling, or training outdoors, it is built to deliver more reliable data for performance tracking.

Beyond fitness, the Watch S5 offers upgraded heart rate and sleep monitoring to help users better understand recovery patterns and overall well-being. These insights support a more balanced approach to activity and rest, helping build healthier, more sustainable routines.

Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS, the Watch S5 integrates seamlessly across Xiaomi devices, enabling smoother everyday control through gesture navigation and connected ecosystem features.

battery life, making it ideal

Like the Smart Band 10 Pro, it also delivers up to 21 days of battery life, making it ideal for consistent wellness tracking without frequent charging.

These and the other wearables from Xiaomi are now available for purchase via the official Xiaomi online store, as well as through Shopee, Lazada, and selected Xiaomi offline stores nationwide.

Unesco hails Filipino educators in sustainability, responsible AI use

THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently recognized two Filipino educators who championed the Unesco chair’s initiatives in sustainability, global collaboration, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the Philippines.

Through the chair, the organization partners with higher educational institutions (HEIs) and research teams to conduct college-led projects. They serve as think tanks and bridge-builders among academia, civil society, and policymakers in their mutual pursuit of advancing knowledge, training, and research.

Unesco acknowledged De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Management and Information Technology’s dean Dr. Joana Diñoso; SMIT Analytics, Computing, and Infotech associate dean Dr. Catherine Mojado; and Cybersecurity program chair Dr. Dennis Alfaro for their contributions.

Chief International Officer and Unesco chair of Utah Valley University Dr. Baldomero Lago presented the citations during the recently concluded partnership

event held inside the Atrium @ Benilde in the City of Manila.

As part of efforts to create new learning opportunities, while preparing students and fellow faculty with responsible technology use, the educators have actively led efforts in activating AI within the community. Their initiatives included applied AI webinars, collaborative research engagements with international partners, joint academic projects, and meaningful outputs with Utah Valley University.

SMIT Faculty Marketing Coordinator and Marketing Management Program chair Erickson Jao confirmed that the recognition strengthens the college’s position as a learning center where business, technology, research, and social responsibility come together.

Jao explained that “it affirms the grow -

ing role of Benilde SMIT-ACI in shaping globally competent information technology, information systems, and cybersecurity professionals who are ready for a fast-changing world.”

He added: “With leaders like them helping drive innovation and global collaboration, Benilde continues to prove that purpose-driven education can help shape a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected future.”

“Through their leadership, Benilde has become an active contributor to the broader goals of the Unesco chair by promoting innovation, cross-border collaboration, and sustainability-oriented education,” the SMIT official concluded. “Their work reflects what strong academic partnerships can do when ideas move beyond paper and become real programs, real learning, and real impact.”

PHINMA Education establishes presence in Butuan, opens in July

THE largest private college in Northern Mindanao is officially expanding to Butuan City to bring its accessible, student-centered, and success-focused college education to underserved communities in the Caraga region.

The Commission on Higher Education has officially approved the opening of the PHINMA COC Butuan campus, which will offer programs in Accountancy, Management Accounting, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Criminology, Civil Engineering, and Tourism Management. These programs are aligned with growing regional demand for professionals in key sectors driving growth across Caraga.

“For years, many students from Butuan and nearby provinces have chosen to study at PHINMA COC in Cagayan de Oro because of the quality of education, strong board exam performance, and career opportunities our graduates achieve,” said PHINMA COC Network COO Mark Macaventa. “With PHINMA

lies, and communities.”

PHINMA COC currently serves more than 38,000 underserved students across Carmen, Puerto, Iligan, and nearby communities. With the expansion in Butuan, the institution expects to reach up to 50,000 more learners across the Caraga region. The campus is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including working students and those returning to complete their studies.

The new campus will also offer PHINMA Education’s “ Hawak Kamay ” scholarship program, which does not require an entrance examination and does not impose maintaining grades. The scholarship remains valid until students complete their degree, helping remove barriers to entry, while continuing to ensure accessibility to various forms of support throughout their college journey.

With this development, PHINMA Education expands access to college education in Caraga, reinforcing its role in helping families use higher education as a pathway out of poverty.

Far Eastern U takes lead in building resilient campuses

AS climate-related disruptions increasingly shape campus life across the country, the FEU Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) underscores the strategic value of the College Experience Survey (CES) in helping institutions better understand and improve the lived realities of Filipino students. Conducted annually, the CES is a nationwide, cross-sectional survey that assesses students’ academic, social, and personal development. More than a research instrument, it serves as a decision-making tool for higher education leaders, offering credible, student-level insights that inform policy review, program design, and institutional planning.

The 2025 edition of CES places climate change, disaster preparedness, and student resilience at the forefront. With many Filipino students experiencing typhoons, flooding, and other environmental disruptions, institutions must realize these challenges’ effects on learning continuity, well-being, and campus engagement. Through CES 2025, schools gain data-driven insights into students’ attitudes toward climate change and sustainability, their perceptions of curriculum relevance to real-world risks, their lived experiences with disasters and the resulting academic impact, and the effectiveness of

existing institutional support systems. These findings enable institutions to move from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based strategies, thus strengthening resilience not only in infrastructure but in student formation and support. Participating schools receive access to national and cross-institutional trends through the CES General Report and may qualify for a customized school-level report upon reaching at least a 20-percent response rate. Institutions are also provided with their own raw data, accompanied by technical guidance

from FEU PPC to support interpretation and strategic use. In addition, participation includes invitations to forums, workshops, and data analysis training sessions, as well as membership in the CES Network, fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Aboitiz Foundation-DepEd synergy expands access to quality education

ABOITIZ FOUNDATION continues to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) as it supports efforts to expand educational opportunities and create better learning environments for Filipino students.

In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Aboitiz Foundation worked with volunteers from DepEd-Mimaropa at Tagburos Elementary School through “Brigada Eskwela:” DepEd’s annual nationwide initiative that mobilizes communities, local governments, educators, parents, and private sector partners to prepare schools for the opening of classes. The event also marked the ceremonial turnover of four schools connected to renewable energy and satellite Internet through “AuroraPH”—Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship education initiative that addresses one of the country’s most persistent education challenges: limited access to reliable electricity and Internet connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged schools.

As part of its Brigada Eskwela participation in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Aboitiz Foundation through its partner City Savings Bank turned over flat-screen televisions to four last-mile schools that now have Internet access and renewable electricity through AuroraPH.

Aboitiz Foundation also participated in the Region VI Brigada Eskwela kickoff at Maayon National High School in Western Visayas, which was highlighted by the turnover of AuroraPH projects benefiting four schools in Tapaz through the support of Okada Foundation.

More presence IN Caraga, Aboitiz Foundation participated in the Brigada Eskwela kickoff in Surigao City, followed by the turnover of an AuroraPH project at Sumilom Elementary School in the remote island community of Barangay Lipata graced by representatives from DepEd and the local government of Surigao City.

In Metro Manila, Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars and volunteers from Aboitiz Foundation helped transform learning spaces

at Krus Na Ligas Elementary School in Quezon City through classroom improvements, armchair repainting, and the conversion of an unused storage room into a reading corner.

These initiatives reflect a shared belief that improving education requires collective action and sustained collaboration among government, communities, and the private sector.

For more than 25 years, Aboitiz Foundation has partnered with DepEd to help improve learning outcomes, expand access to opportunities, and strengthen the conditions that enable students to thrive. This enduring commitment was recently recognized by the department, which honored the foundation for its dedicated contribution to advancing quality education across the country.

In its citation, DepEd recognized Aboitiz Foundation’s steadfast support and collaboration, noting that its contributions have significantly empowered learners, educators, and communities while advancing the agency’s mission of providing accessible and quality education for all.

Community-development hubs BEYOND Brigada Eskwela, Aboitiz Foundation continues to support the Education Department through AuroraPH. By bringing solar power and connectivity to last-mile schools, the initiative enables students and teachers to access digital learning resources, strengthens educational delivery, and expands opportunities for communities that have long remained disconnected from essential services.

The program also demonstrates schools serving as hubs for community development. In several AuroraPH sites, connectivity has enabled access to government services, including birth registration and other key interventions that help communities participate more fully in social, economic, and civic life.

With 84 schools in the pipeline for energization and connectivity and a long-term goal of reaching 300 schools nationwide, AuroraPH continues to support DepEd’s efforts to ensure that no learner is left behind because of geography.

DLS-CSB educators receive citations from Chief International Officer and UNESCO chair of Utah Valley University Dr. Baldomero Lago (second from left). FB: BENILDE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-SMIT

ABOITIZ FUTURE LEADERS scholars recently volunteered their time to paint armchairs at Krus Na Ligas Elementary School in Quezon City.

COC Butuan, we are making that same proven educational experience more accessible to students in Caraga—closer to their homes, fami -

‘BRIGADA’

Tourism&Entertainment

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

BusinessMirror

BARAGATAN SA PALAWAN

Month-long festival is a treasure trove of nature, history, and culture

&

Story

photos by Estrella Torres

PARADE floats in the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival showcased the rich history, culture and identity of people in the 23 municipalities and independent city-Puerto Princesa.

The parade kick-off coincided with 12th of June Independence Day celebration, and the float of Kalayaan municipality hits hard among the crowd as it carries a giant Pawikan (sea turtle) on top of the deep blue sea design that carries the roaring call: ATIN ITO, reflecting the hard-won territorial claim to the West Philippines Sea.

The month-long Baragatan festival draws crowd from local and international tourists, as it highlights cultural heritage, well-preserved indigenous traditions and practices, local arts, and unrivaled natural treasures of pristine beaches, diving sites and limestone cliffs.

Baragatan festival provides a platform for local singers and songwriters to showcase their talents through “Himig Likha” music competition. OPM singer Rannie Raymundo served as one of the judges.

The festival gives tourists a glimpse of the country’s rich cultural identity that remains well-preserved in Palawan. Through the support of the National Museum of the Philippines, the municipal booth of the Quezon gives visitors a unique experience of writing in ethnic Baybayin through: “Surat it Tagbanua bau Pala'wan Writing Experience,” sa Baragatan.

The experience aims to connect visitors with the well-preserved heritage of the writing systems of the Tagbanua and Pala’wan communities in the municipality of Quezon.

Baybayin was widely used in 16th century, with indigenous people writing on leaves using pigments, or on bamboos using sharp objects for engraving. Over centuries, Baybayin was replaced by the Roman alphabet but retained in Palawan-the tribal groups -Pala’wan and Tagbanua still use the ethnic form of writing, as well as Mindoro’s BuhidMangyan and Hanunuo-Mangyan.

The National Museum of the Philippines established a museum at the Lipuun Point in Quezon to highlight the importance of the Tabon Cave, where the earliest direct evidence of modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) in the Philippines was recovered. Also found in Tabon Cave is the Manunggul Burial Jar.

‘HEALING

Quezon won in the Most Artistic Parade Float as it depicts an intrinsically designed face of the Tabon man. The municipalities of Taytay and Rizal won second and third for highlighting the endemic species in their respective towns.

The festival brings in huge opportunities for tourism sector to increase revenues. The Palawan Tourism Council recorded PhP65.51 billion in tourism receipts in 2025, with visitor arrival climbing to around 2.1 million. Foreign tourists remained the province’s biggest tourism spenders, contributing more than PhP35 billion in tourism receipts last year.

Rediscover Princesa THE Baragatan Festival is an opportunity to

discover the historic city, its gastronomic treasures, white sand beaches which is becoming an artists’ cradle, investment destination for resort owners, and retirement for executives from Manila.

Domestic and foreign visitors can discover the visual art masterpieces of Palawan artists in the ongoing “ Mata…mata.. Art Exhibit at The Residence (formerly Governor’s Mansion).

Puerto Princesa is also home to a wellpreserved artifacts of World War II displayed at the Special Battalion Memorial Museum which established by Higinio “ Buddy” Mendoza Jr. to honor the legacy of his father Dr. Higinio Mendoza Sr., a beloved local doctor and former governor of Palawan, who served

as a guerrilla leader during the Japanese occupation.

Gastronomic Experience

THE Baragatan festival gives visitors a chance to explore flavorful Palawan dishes as well as fusion of the Filipino and international cuisines.

Wanderlust LOCATED at the heart of the city, Wanderlust Bed and Breakfast gives visitors a “home away from home experience,” with hearty and satisfying Filipino meals. Their musttries are Bulalo, Kare-Kare bagnet and the all-time Pinoy favorite for fiestas-lumpiang shanghai. Pinoy breakfast dishes are also

IS THE NEW LUXURY’ Thailand launches campaign at Thailand Travel Mart 2026

and Images by

Story

LMarky Ramone Go

UXURY, for decades, was defined in extravagance, infinity pools and private villas. But in an era where burnout, uncertainty and the toxicity of digital and real world happens, Thailand is betting that travelers are seeking something more than just common comforts.

At the opening of Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2026 in Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its latest global tourism campaign, “Healing is the New Luxury,” a message that reflects a growing shift in how people travel and what they hope to find when they arrive.

The campaign positions Thailand not merely as a destination to visit, but as a place to slow down. A place where healing can be found in a bowl of delicious tom yum, a meditation retreat set in the mountains, a coastal village by the sea, or a conversation with a local artists preserving generations of tradition.

This new branding came from a simple observation: travelers are increasingly searching for experiences that restore rather than exhaust. Wellness retreats, spiritual journeys, community encounters and nature-based adventures now rank alongside beaches and landmarks as reasons to travel.

“Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer comfort, balance and peace of mind,” said Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, during the opening ceremony. “We

while simultaneously pursuing a strategy centered on higher-value tourism and meaningful travel experiences.

That ambition was evident at Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) Plus 2026 in Pattaya, where the launch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign drew a strong turnout from the global travel trade. The event welcomed 429 international buyers, 428 Thai tourism sellers, and more than 70 foreign media representatives, underscoring continued confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry despite a challenging global economic environment.

The first round of business-to-business meetings began almost immediately after the opening ceremonies. Walking through the meeting halls, I spotted three buyers from the Philippines among hundreds of delegates negotiating future itineraries, partnerships and tour programs. The format felt familiar, akin to the speed-meeting sessions of the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), which this writer covered in Cebu a couple of years ago. In a reminder of how interconnected the regional tourism industry has become, even recognized several foreign buyers who had attended that PHITEX edition and were now in Pattaya seeking more business opportunities in Thailand. With this optimism, Thailand’s momentum also raises an important question for the Philippines. If Thailand succeeds in attracting 30 million visitors this year, how many of those travelers could be persuaded to extend their Southeast Asian journey to the Philippines?

For many long-haul travelers from Europe, the Middle East and North America, Southeast Asia is rarely a one-country trip. A visitor who

guest favorites of both domestic and foreign tourists.

On Friday and Saturdays, Wanderlust hosts open-mic acoustics where guests can listen or jam with the local artists. The staff are courteous and accommodating, giving you a warm vibe of sleep-over to your favorite Aunt’s house.

Viet Ville PALAWAN’S hospitality reflects on the presence of Vietnamese refugees in the 1970’s and the legacy of the Vietnamese cuisine lives in this cozy restaurant in Puerto Princesa, built with native bamboo, woven sawali (bamboo mats) ceilings. Among the must-tries are its bestselling

chicken with lemongrass, Pho beef noodles and healthy fresh spring rolls with generous vegetables.

French and Vietnamese Fuzion FOR a cozy dinner, C75 French Vietnamese Bistro at The Funny Lion Boutique Hotel gives a satisfying experience-both in your palate and elegance.

Visitors will enjoy the rich taste of Boeuf de Luxe Pho (beef pho with a twist) without the guilt as it is dressed with generous vegetables. The restaurant also boasts of sumptuous Fish Meunière La Vong with fresh catch from the sea, and a comforting Bouillabaisse Bun Bo Hue seafood soup combining mussels,

cake slices, and prawns with bean sprouts. Iwahig sunset ride or a dancing with fireflies THERE are many different ways to

A glimpse to a Pandora of nature’s wonders THE Baragatan festival indeed

NITHEE SEEPRAE, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, delivers his opening remarks

WATCHING a match of Muay Thai has become part of the Thai cultural experience

BUYERS

A10 Saturday, June 20, 2026

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon in intense fighting; US–Iran talks postponed

By Erin Cunningham & Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

JERUSALEM—Israel’s military said Friday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes, which the Israeli military said were ongoing.

Continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” where Israel has been battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, and for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

Vance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, has refused to withdraw, saying Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon until the

threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated.

The attacks came as planned talks in Switzerland between

Iran and the United States over their efforts to reach a permanent end to the Iran war were delayed.

US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday put off his trip to Switzerland where he had been set to lead the talks. The White

House blamed logistical issues, but the announcement came after a report from Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied to Hezbollah, that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump signed the initial pact with Iran on Wednesday while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, which took immediate effect. In comments following the signing, Vance offered a blunt warning to Israel, saying Trump was “the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time.”

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press reporter David Rising contributed to this story from Bangkok.

delays trip to Switzerland to lead US talks with Iran on its nuclear program

By Will Weissert, Seung Min Kim, Michelle L. Price & Mary Clare Jalonick The Associated Press

WASHINGTON The White House said Thursday night that Vice President JD Vance was delaying a trip to Switzerland, where he’d been set to lead a new round of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program raising questions about what’s next for the tentative agreement to end the war. The team led by Vance had been ready to leave but was postponing, the White House said, citing difficult logistics for negotia -

tions. The announcement followed a report from Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. Vance, who was initially personally skeptical of the US going to war with Iran, has increasingly become the administration’s face of the conflict and has been outspoken in defending the deal.

Earlier Thursday, he took the relatively unusual step of appearing at the White House to defend the initial deal to extend the ceasefire 60 days and allow for more negotiating arguing that while it offers

concessions, Iran first has to comply with US demands.

“As they dial up their good behavior, we can dial up the economic relief,” Vance said. “If they dial down their good behavior, we can turn it off.”

But the vice president also had said during those remarks that he was not sure of the timing of his planned to Switzerland and that talks might not begin this week.

The formal postponement now makes that even less clear.

Vance staying put in Washington came after the US said it had lifted its blockade, allowing oil tankers to begin freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel.

Still, the tentative agreement has drawn sharp criticism from some in the US including a few congressional Republicans who worry Washington ceded too much to Iran with relief from sanctions and a potential $300 billion fund to help with rebuilding.

Earlier, a top Trump administration envoy told US lawmakers in a private briefing that Iran will invite the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency to inspect its nuclear sites.

And Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had seemed to endorse direct negotiations for his officials.

“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion,” he said in a statement read by state media.

It was Khamenei’s first reaction to the agreement, and it was interpreted as a shift in Iran’s approach. Hard-liners, especially Khamenei’s father, the previous supreme leader, have long opposed direct talks, especially after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

The supreme leader has not been seen in public since he was wounded in a strike at the start of the war.

Lawmakers told Iran will invite UN inspectors to its nuclear sites

The agreement states that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium must at minimum be diluted under international supervision. It also says that Iran shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons a commitment it has made previously.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told members of Congress that Iran will invite the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear sites and begin work on identifying and uncovering the locations of Tehran’s enriched material, which is believed to be buried under rubble.

Witkoff’s private briefing was described by two people familiar with the conversation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to share the closed-door details.

The agreement requires Iran to “commit to renounce their nuclear ambitions in writing,” said White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales. The IAEA did not respond to a request for comment.

Witkoff told congressional leadership and members of national security-related committees that the agreement the US struck with Iran did not include any side deals, but a side letter was drafted between Tehran and the IAEA extending the invitation.

Witkoff said the letter to IAEA DirectorGeneral Rafael Mariano Grossi would enable him to bring US nuclear inspectors to Tehran. Vance defends US-Iran deal and has sharp words for Israel BEFORE Vance delayed his trip, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif postponed a planned visit to Switzerland, where Islamabad officials had originally planned to host a ceremonial signing ceremony for the agreement. That visit was postponed because the agreement had already been signed by both Iran and the US, said two senior officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

President Donald Trump signed the initial pact with Iran on Wednesday while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles. The deal is slated to take immediate effect and extends a ceasefire while giving each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements on larger issues.

Vance, in his comments at the White House, shrugged off criticism about the confusing rollout of the initial deal, saying, “I don’t think our public messaging has been chaotic.”

He also offered a blunt warning to Israel, which has pushed the US to take a harder stance against Iran and launched attacks on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon throughout the war, including just before the deal extending the ceasefire was reached. Those attacks complicated the peace efforts with Iran.

Trump “is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time,” Vance said. “And he happens to be the head of state of the world’s superpower.”

Shipping starts to pick up TRUMP said he signed the agreement to avoid “economic catastrophe” in the US, after the war caused oil prices to skyrocket, made financial markets skittish and fueled inflation. The deal caused gas prices to fall and stock markets to rise though rallies could be threatened again depending on how the next round of US-Iran talks go. The vice president said more than 12.5 million barrels of oil went through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night and said that the US easing its blockade of Iran means “honoring our end of the early part of the agreement on the military side.” US Central Command said American warships “will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.”

Iranian state media said shipping had “normalized” at Iran’s southern ports but added that the strait remains supervised and under the control of the Iranian military, and transiting through the vital waterway still requires coordination.

Major shipowners began moving vessels through the strait after the agreement was signed, according to maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence, though Lloyd’s did not give data on how many ships have passed through the strait as of Thursday. In a media briefing, Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, said for the first time in 110 days, ships owned by major companies are transiting the strait after effectively being marooned there since February. It could take weeks or months to fully reopen the strait, and the two alternative routes do not have as much capacity as the strait’s central passage.

BUILDINGS damaged by Israeli strikes are seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, June 18, 2026. AP PHOTO/HASSAN AMMAR

Hegseth blasts NATO allies, announces 6-month review of US forces in Europe

By Lorne Cook The Associated Press

BRUSSELS US Defense Secretary

Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday as he announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security.

The review was yet another surprise for European allies and Canada as they learn to deal with an increasingly unpredictable ally. US officials and senior military officers had promised to coordinate closely with the Europeans as America draws down.

In recent months, US President Donald Trump and the Pentagon have sent conflicting signals about whether America is reducing or increasing its military footprint in Europe, as well as threatening to annex Greenland, a semiautonomous island that is part of ally Denmark. Just weeks ago, the Trump administration said that it would no longer provide as much military support should any NATO member come under attack.

in Europe to launch attacks on Iran, calling it “shameful.”

“These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all,” he said. The review would also assess whether the US has full access and overflight “when we need it.”

While defense ministers and military officers sat in silence, Hegseth railed against migration and gender equality policies in Europe, in remarks reminiscent to those of Vice President JD Vance in February last year that angered many Europeans.

is scaling back how it might help should an ally trigger Article 5. US nuclear weapons will stay THE US has by far NATO’s biggest armed forces. It does not intend to withdraw its nuclear weapons in Europe, which are key to NATO’s deterrence. To underscore that point, NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group issued its first statement in 19 years after Thursday’s meeting. In the statement, it “recalled that the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance remain the supreme guarantee of Allied security and underpin NATO’s extended deterrence architecture.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later said the allies have long been aware of US plans to pull troops from Europe at some point and that they must take care of their own security.

“We know that we must do more and we are doing it,” Merz said.

Public dressing down over bases, gender and migration IN a fiery speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth lambasted European allies for failing to provide US forces access to bases

“This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe,” Hegseth told his NATO counterparts. “It’s a review that some countries will fail and others will pass with flying colors.”

“Instead of tanks and fighters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity. Europe’s borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered, along with Europe’s belief in itself and its civilization,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth’s comments largely mischaracterized European policies today. On defense, European allies and Canada have launched an unprecedented effort to boost defense spending and expand their armed forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on Thursday that they spent $90 billion more on defense last year, a 20% increase over 2024. And while Europe accepted large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers more than a decade ago, most countries

have tightened their borders since. It does not augur well for a summit of NATO leaders in Turkey on July 7-8.

A rare and short visit to NATO IT was a rare visit to NATO by Hegseth, his first this year after skipping a meeting in February. The Pentagon chief did not stay long, leaving well before the gathering was over and hours before Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to press allies for more weapons for his country. Speaking to reporters at Brussels airport before flying home, Hegseth said, “It was great to hear country after country say, ‘We’re going to meet our target. We’re going to meet our target.’ There are still a few outliers, and we will be clear with them as we do this review.”

NATO’s supreme allied commander, an American, is working on backup plans to defend Europe after the US signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets, among other military assets, in a crisis.

The Trump administration insists that it needs to be able to plan for two simultaneous conflicts and wants more military resources at hand should it clash with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under NATO’s collective security guarantee Article 5 of its founding treaty the 32 allies pledge that an attack on one of them will be considered an attack on all. It does not oblige them to provide military support, although many likely would.

In essence, the United States

The ministers “agreed to continue enhancing NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission by modernizing NATO’s nuclear capabilities, strengthening its nuclear planning capacity, and adapting to achieve its security interests.”

Rutte played down the impact of the US decision, saying that the NATO Force Model the system for organizing what forces member countries will provide commanders in times of peace, crisis or conflict is just “a planning tool,” and not a reflection of what would actually happen.

“If war breaks out, we will all max out what we need to do to make sure we can fight the war,” Rutte told reporters. “In the planning phase, it is important to know what we can count on. What is in theory there.”

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

Special election win elevates Andy Burnham as Starmer faces mounting calls to step down

LBy Jill Lawless The Associated Press

ONDON Labour’s Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country. Burnham decisively won the seat of Makerfield in northwest England over Rob Kenyon of the anti-immigration party Reform UK.

The victory announced early Friday cements the status of Burnham, a 56-year-old politician nicknamed the King of the North, as the top contender to replace Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country. Burnham won almost 55% of the 45,510 votes cast for a field of more than a dozen candidates, over 9,000 more than runner-up Kenyon. Burnham’s victory speech left no doubt that he wants to lead the country, and not just be one of the more than 400 Labour lawmakers in the 650-seat House of Commons.

“Everyone knows that politics isn’t working,” he said. “Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could,

just could, be the turning point.”

Starmer, who has insisted he will fight any leadership challenge, congratulated Burnham. “Voters chose Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate,” the prime minister wrote on X. Burnham has led Manchester since 2017, overseeing rapid regeneration for the city where the Industrial Revolution was forged.

He is pledging to repeat his signature brand of “Manchesterism” on a national scale. Burnham said he would work to ensure that “the name Makerfield is forever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs.”

He said Labour had “a final chance to change” and win back voters’ trust.

“But it is a chance now, from this result tonight, to build a new politics based on unity and hope, turning away from the path that takes us to a divided, dark politics of the kind we see in the United States,” he said.

Labour is in power but unpopular STARMER’S popularity has cratered since he led the center-left Labour Party to a landslide election victory in July 2024. He has struggled to deliver promised

economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living, and been hamstrung by repeated missteps, including his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as the U.K. ambassador to the United States.

Labour is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party, and facing a rising Reform UK, which consistently leads in nationwide opinion polls. The Nigel Farage -led party has rapidly gained ground in post-industrial northern England areas like Makerfield, some 200 miles (320 kilometers) northwest of London.

Burnham’s resounding victory gives Labour new hope of stopping the Reform tide. Farage acknowledged he was “disappointed, no question about it,” with the result of Thursday’s vote.

A dismal performance by Labour in May’s local elections spurred scores of lawmakers to demand Starmer’s resignation. He has refused to budge, but senior colleagues are trying to force a change.

Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary in May, saying that “where we need vision, we have a vacuum.” Streeting has said he will run in a leadership contest if there is one.

Then Josh Simons, the Labour lawmaker for Makerfield, stepped down to trigger a special election and give Burnham the chance to return to Parliament.

Britain’s parliamentary system allows governing parties to change leaders midterm, with the winner becoming prime minister without the need for a national election. Under Labour rules, a lawmaker can challenge

the leader if they have backing from a fifth of the party’s House of Commons lawmakers a number that stands at 81.

The victorious Burnham will head to London to be sworn in as a lawmaker as soon as Monday. He’s likely to seek a meeting with Starmer to argue that the prime minister should exit gracefully and set a timetable for his departure.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Burnham and Starmer would in the next few days have to “have a conversation about what comes next.”

Labour lawmaker Louise Haigh, a Burnham ally, said Starmer should “do what’s best for both the country and the Labour Party” and “consider an orderly and managed transition.”

“Andy won’t be doing anything rash or hasty,” she told Sky News. “I’m really hopeful the prime minister and Andy can come to an agreement.”

Burnham’s victory piles pressure on Starmer to quit STARMER has so far insisted he has no intention of leaving his post.

There could then be a leadership contest, or a coronation, depending on whether other potential candidates think Burnham has an unassailable lead.

Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said “the pressure on Starmer will be very hard to resist” now that Burnham is back in Parliament. Ford said defeating Reform UK in Makerfield strengthens Burnham’s claim to be Labour’s biggest asset.

“The narrative he can bring is, ‘No one else could have won that seat. I won that. I bring something unique. I bring an ability to renew our appeal,’” Ford said.

“I will fight if there’s a challenge,” he said at the G7 summit in France this week. “We won a significant general election result in 2024, with a mandate to bring about change. I’m not going to walk away from that.” Starmer suggested that he could offer Burnham a Cabinet post, telling Sky News on Wednesday that “I want him to have a big role in government.” Allies of Burnham indicated that he wasn’t interested. Despite his stubborn determination, Starmer could be forced out if several members of the Cabinet tell him the game is up and quit, or threaten to quit, in protest.

LABOUR party’s Andy Burnham speaks after winning the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in Wigan, England, Friday, June 19, 2026. AP/JON SUPER

UNITED States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, speaks during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in defense ministers format at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. AP PHOTO/VIRGINIA MAYO

Senator Kiko heaps praises on Clarkson

ENATOR Francis “Kiko”

SPangilinan filed a Senate resolution commending FilipinoAmerican Jordan Taylor Clarkson for being part of the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) champion New York Knicks, making him the firstever NBA champion of Filipino descent. Filed on Wednesday, proposed Senate Resolution No. 463 aims to formally recognize the Knicks’ shooting guard’s “extraordinary achievement” and honor his “instrumental contribution” to the Knicks’ victory.

“The Senate of the Philippines congratulate and commend Jordan Taylor Clarkson for his historic win in the 2026 NBA Championship Finals, making him the first Filipino NBA Champion, cementing Filipino achievements in the hallowed history of the NBA, and paving the way for future generations of Filipino athletes,” the resolution read.

Clarkson, who has represented the Philippines at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2023 FIBA World Cup, is widely recognized as “one of the most successful Filipino basketball players in history,” the resolution added.

Pangilinan also highlighted Clarkson’s critical role as a combo guard and primary ball-handler for the New York Knicks, providing a dynamic offensive spark and exemplary veteran leadership throughout the hard-fought five-game series against the San Antonio Spurs.

The resolution also heavily underscores Clarkson’s deep pride in his Filipino roots.

Born to an African-American father, Mike Clarkson, and a Filipino-American mother, Annette Tullao Davis, Clarkson credits his Filipino maternal grandmother, Marcelina Tullao Kingsolver of Bacolor, Pampanga, for immersing him in his Filipino culture. His father also shared that Clarkson’s profound connection to his Filipino heritage is the foundational motivation behind his stellar career and success.

Taruc, Anciano putt their way to JPGT Finals

JAKOB TARUC won the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Eagle Ridge Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Championship to complete a backto-back conquest in the Luzon series for a spot on the North’s boys 15-18 team in the Finals in August.

Rafa Anciano, on the other hand, locked out Levonne Talion to top the girls’ premier division and officially clinch a spot in the Finals alongside early qualifiers Lisa and Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao.

Riding the wave of a brilliant secondround surge, Taruc displayed nerves of steel on the Aoki course of the sprawling Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club and shot three birdies against two bogeys on the front nine, before adding two more birdies against another bogey in the last nine holes to close with a 70.

It was his finest round of the tournament, securing a three-over 219 total and a dominant 11-stroke victory over Harry Sales. Sales, the first-round leader who faltered with a 79 on Thursday to hand Taruc the advantage, showed flashes of a comeback early, birdying the par-five No. 3 for the third consecutive day. But his rhythm crumbled midway through as he wavered, stumbling to a 77 to finish with a 230 total.

Lujo Gomez carded a 76 to claim third place at 231 at the close of the six-leg, three-month, course-hopping regional series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., setting the stage for a high-stakes Finals showdown set August 17 to 20 at the Pueblo de Oro Country Club in Cagayan de Oro.

“Reaching the finals wasn’t originally part of my plan, so being here feels like a true blessing,” Taruc said. “Heading into Beverly Place, I was struggling with self-doubt because my game wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be—but I could feel it coming together.”

VNL sparks excitement in build up to ’29 worlds

By Aldrin Quinto

FILIPINO fans are getting a live front-row look at the style of play of the world’s best in the Volleyball Nations Leagues (VNL) and with the teams putting up sterling performances, top local sports executives are confident they are headed in the right direction.

The top sports brass is banking on the commanding performances of six elite nations led by world No. 1 Italy to jumpstart interest in the Philippines’s hosting of the FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championship in 2029. FIVB executive vice president Ramon “Tats” Suzara stressed the importance of hosting top-tier events to build momentum for the world meet.

“We’ve lined up these events because we want the spotlight on the women as we prepare for the world championships,” Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, said.

The event has proven a strong reintroduction to elite women’s volleyball for Filipinos since the last Women’s VNL in the country in 2022.

The VNL’s Pasig City leg, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, has a powerhouse cast led by Italy, which holds all the major titles in women’s volleyball—the World Championship, the Olympic gold and the VNL crown. PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio called the hosting of the world championships as a “once in a lifetime” and vowed to make it memorable and historic.

Thrice VNL champion USA and former silver medalist and perennial contender Japan have also put up entertaining matches along with Serbia, Czechia and the Dominican Republic, all in the top 13, drawing robust midweek crowds, with even bigger turnouts expected over the weekend.

Serbia finds groove SHOWING no ill-effects from consecutive five-set heartbreakers, Serbia returned to its winning ways with a commanding 25-19, 25-23, 2518 victory over the Dominican Republic on Friday in

UAAP clamps down on Ateneo coaches

THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Friday finally acted on the drowning to death of two Ateneo de Manila basketball players—the league’s Board of Trustees barred members of the Blue Eagles coaching staff who were present during the tragic team building activity in Aurora from engaging in any UAAP activity.

“The Board of Trustees…has approved the recommendation of the Board of Managing Directors to bar from the UAAP all the coaching staff of the Ateneo de Manila University who were present during the June 8 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora,” the UAAP statement said. The prohibition, the statement

JAKOB TARUC displays nerves of steel on the Aokio course as Rafa Anciano also earns herself a ticket to the Finals. ROY DOMINGO

added, would take effect pending the outcome of the investigations of the concerned government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding inquiry and the league’s own investigation.

“As such, they are prohibited from participating in any UAAPrelated activities, in any capacity, effective immediately and while these investigations are being conducted,” the statement said. “This preemptive measure, adopted even prior to the UAAP season, is intended to preserve the integrity of the ongoing inquiry and to ensure full transparency and due process as facts surrounding the incident are being carefully examined.”

The UAAP Board of Trustees— presidents of their respective schools—is composed of chairman Johnny Montinola (Season 89 host Far Eastern University) and members Adamson University’s Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM, De La Salle’s Br. Bernie Oca, FSC, National University’s Dr. Renator Ermita, University of the East’s Dr. Zosimo Battad, University of the Philippines’s Atty. Angelo Jimenez and University of Santo Tomas’s Fr. Richard Ang. Ateneo de Manila president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, inhibited himself.

The league’s Board of Managing Directors, on the other hand, is made up of the member school’s athletic directors and a deputy representative.

ROTHERS Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo made the men’s floor exercise, parallel bars and horizontal bars finals—both missed the medal round for vault and pommel horse finals though—of the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the Zunyi Olympics Sports Centre Stadium in Guizhou province in China.

“They’re in their elements in the floor exercise,” national team trainer and coach Aldrin Castañeda told the BusinessMirror on Friday. “They are focusing on these finals not only for the medals, but also for the Asian Games.”

Carlos Yulo, 26 and winner of the floor exercise and vault gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, emerged No. 1 with 14.433 points in the floor exercise qualifiers, while Karl Eldrew, 18, got 13.600 points to wind up seventh among eight finalists from the 67-gymnast field.

The final is set Saturday afternoon.   Carlos Yulo, winner of 11 Asian championships gold medals, placed fourth in the

The UAAP statement came on the same day former Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin submitted himself on Friday morning to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, but didn’t answer questions from media.

The UAAP also said in the statement that it set a July 15 deadline for Ateneo de Manila to submit its findings from its own investigation over the tragedy that cost the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili who drowned off Dipiculao beach in Aurora. Barred are Baldwin resigned head coach Baldwin and assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Jon Jacinto and Sandro Soriano. Josef Ramos

bars on 13.966 points behind top-notcher Liu Yang (14.533) and Zhang Boheng (4.366) of China, with Karl Eldrew missing the final with 11.033 points at 53rd place.

Interestingly, Karl Eldrew placed better than his Olympic and world champion brother in the horizontal bar at seventh spot with 13.633 points as Carlos salvaged the eighth and final spot with 13.466.

Carlos Yulo could only finished 12th with 13.250 points in the vault qualification followed by compatriot Juancho Miguel Besana at with 13.183.

“Carlos didn’t run that well and his timing was off so he was a little bit awkward in the vault,” Castañeda said.

Carlos Yulo missed the podium of the allaround event with his fourth-placed 81.864 points behind China’s gold winner Zhang Boheng (85.298) and silver medalist Yang Haonan (82.398) and Japan’s bronze medalist Miwa Teppei (82.265). Josef Ramos

Obiena sees action in Diamond League Doha

PANGILINAN

SERBIA’s Helena Kurtagic and Sladana Mirkovic execute a monster block on Dominican Republic’s Yonkaira Peña Isabel as Niverka Marte could only look on. NONIE REYES