MAJOR infrastructure projects related to the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit next year, including the rehabilitation of Edsa, will be focused in Metro Manila, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Our focus is Metro Manila because the preliminary meeting will have to take place by early 2026,” DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
He said among their major
infrastructure projects is the rehabilitation of the 7.9-kilometer segment of Edsa from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, which is expected to start by next month.
“The priority sections that we will be undertaking will be from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, southbound and northbound.
And our timetable here is we hope that we can complete those segments, those segments, towards the end of the year,” Bonoan said.
The rehabilitation, he said, can be expanded to other parts of Edsa next year, once the country starts hosting the Asean Summit.
The Philippines will host the
Asean Summit Meetings next year in lieu of Myanmar due to the ongoing civil war in the latter.
Bonoan said they are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to minimize the possible inconvenience to motorists and commuters caused by the rehabilitation of major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“I think, MMDA and DOTr are actually having the protocols and the traffic management plan laid out already so that we can see what will be the alternate routes that are available and how to manage
dividends to the national government as of mid-May, boosting non-tax revenues to fund the country’s expenditures without imposing new taxes.
According to the Department of Finance (DOF) on Wednesday, dividends collected from government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to about P76 billion in the first five months of the year. The dividends were sourced from around 50 GOCCs, with about 13 of them contributing at least P1 billion each to the government.
The top contributor among GOCCs was the state-run bank Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) with P26 billion in dividend remittances.
Trailing LandBank was the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation with P12.6 billion and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation with P10.13 billion. They were followed by the Philippine Port Authority and the Manila
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
OVER P1.4 billion has been approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund livelihood and community development projects focused on supporting peace-building efforts and rebuilding conflictaffected and vulnerable communities in the country. Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (Sara) of
P1.4 billion for the implementation and monitoring of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (Pamana) Program. The initiative, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is composed of microlevel interventions to respond to conflict, strengthen peacebuilding efforts and support reconstruction and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
THE Philippine Contact Center industry projects a slower growth rate in employee headcount in the next few years due to the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which require “higher value” of work and skills that are not yet well developed in the Philippines, according to Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) officials.
“We immediately approved the release of Sara, amounting
“What we’re seeing now is we will continue to see growth slowly. A lot of companies that we serve are waiting and seeing, you know, the AI is there, the
technology is there. It’s becoming better, but now companies are more cautious about delving into these types of new technologies,” Tonichi Achurra-Parekh, CCAP Board Director, told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday.
“So do we project that we will see a reduction in [full-time employees] FTEs in the next one, two years? No, maybe. Slower, yes. But farther than that, we don’t know, just because of the fast-paced or the development of the technology,” Achurra-Parekh also noted. CCAP data showed employment rose in 2024, reaching 1.62 million workers, an 11-percent jump from 1.51 million in 2023.
For this year, however, CCAP President Haidee Enriquez said
the contact center industry is only gunning for around 5 to 7 percent growth rate for both revenues and employment.
In 2024, the contact center industry posted $31.5 billion in revenues, up 6.8 percent from the $29.5-billion projection previously set for 2025.
Contact centers accounted for 83 percent of the IT and Business Process Management (ITBPM)’s $38 billion in revenues in 2024.
Looking ahead, Enriquez said the industry has to be “very aware” of the new roles that the emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) bring about, pointing out that these roles would require higher sala -
ries amid the limited supply of professionals with such skills in the market.
“For example, cybersecurity professionals or AI analysts, designers, AI coaches or even prompters, the AI trainers. These are roles that are hard to find because the skills are not yet very well developed in the Philippines,” Enriquez added. The CCAP president explained: “Because there’s not a lot of professionals that are very proficient, then of course these types of job command quite high levels of salary in the market.”
In fact, Enriquez underscored that recent new hires, or those who have just graduated, are “not ready”
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan actually the internal traffic in Edsa during the construction,” Bonoan said, partly in Filipino.
SEISMIC RETROFIT FOR GUADALUPE The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to
CCAP sees slow headcount growth due…
to enter the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.
Achurra-Parekh explained: “We have a very different generation for workers or generation of students right now going into a different generation of workers.”
“Have we assessed their level? Maybe different from what we need to truly assess because of the technology available for them,” added Achurra-Parekh.
Further explaining the skills gap, James Garcia, Corporate Secretary of CCAP, said: “I think it’s the way we teach students because in other countries like India, China, Japan, their curriculum is very different. If we talk about coding, in other countries that’s part of their core …it’s not even grade school, it’s pre-school. So it’s the way you’re wired.” Garcia said this is why the industry still tries to “augment them when they come to the workforce,” adding that learnability or learning agility is a very important attitude that an employee must possess.
With this, Enriquez emphasized that enterprises play a “critical role” in making Filipino talents globally competitive.
Comelec eyes leasing 7K units for Oct BARMM polls
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections is set to lease 7,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) from South Korean provider Miru Systems for the firstever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on October 13.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia on Wednesday said the poll body intends to place a repeat order with the same provider due to time constraints.
“We can’t go through another procurement process because that would take about three months. The law allows a continuation of the previous procurement, so we’re doing a repeat order,” Garcia said at a media forum. He added that the ACMs performed satisfactorily during the May 12 midterm elections, with only around 311 units reported to have malfunctioned. However, he noted some unmet expectations, particularly instances of ballot rejection due to overheating issues.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is estimated to have around 3,500 precincts.
Each precinct will be assigned one ACM, while the remaining 3,500 units will serve as contingency machines in case of technical issues during election day.
Comelec acknowledged persistent network challenges in parts of BARMM, especially in geographically isolated areas like Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao, where signal reception remains weak.
To address this, Garcia said three to four Starlink units will be deployed per area to guarantee smooth transmission of election results.
“During the national and local elections, we only deployed one Starlink per site. We’re now looking at deploying three or four to ensure faster and more reliable transmission, especially in schools,” Garcia added.
In the May 12 polls, some parts of BARMM were among the last to transmit election returns to the Comelec servers and were delayed in sending certificates of canvass to the National Board of Canvassers.
Garcia said Miru’s election system will go through a full verification process—including a trusted build, local source code review, and depositing of the source code with the Central Bank—to ensure its integrity.
With ballot templates set to include photos and party logos for the first time, Comelec is requiring a review by the IT community and accredited citizens arm between July and August.
Fix seat issue
COMELEC also pressed the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to finalize the number of parliamentary district seats until May 30.
Garcia warned that delays could affect ballot printing, set to begin in August.
China…
Continued from A12
remain clear priorities for recipient nations.
Navigating complex waters
LIANG was careful to avoid confrontation in his remarks, especially when touching on recent regional frictions. Instead of focusing on disagreements in the South China Sea, he emphasized commonalities: shared economic priorities, a joint commitment to regional peace, and the cultural affinity between Chinese and Southeast Asian peoples.
He also urged media outlets to play a more constructive role in fostering mutual understanding.
“People-to-people exchanges and truthful reporting are bridges,” Liang stated. “Media must not al-
“Without pressuring the Bangsamoro parliament, we hope they can clarify the issue regarding the seven seats to be reallocated among the remaining provinces,” he said.
In a September 2023 ruling, the Supreme Court excluded Sulu from the BARMM following its rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
This left Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur as the remaining provinces under the region’s jurisdiction.
Comelec said the final seat allocation must be confirmed soon to determine whether the filing of certificates of candidacy should be reopened in areas receiving additional district seats.
“That ballot must be final, ideally by July, so we can start printing in August and distribute by September,” Garcia emphasized. Following the exclusion of Sulu, 73 seats are now confirmed for the parliamentary polls. Of these, 40 are for regional political parties, 25 are for district representatives, and eight for sectoral representatives. The rescheduled parliamentary polls carry a P2.7-billion budget.
A big chunk will cover the P2,000 honorarium for teachers serving as electoral board members.
low misunderstandings to widen gaps between nations.”
Call for continued engagement
THE forum ended with Liang inviting more Filipino and Southeast Asian journalists to participate in Chinese-hosted exchanges and fellowships, signaling a soft power push through media diplomacy.
While no formal policy announcements were made, the speech reinforced Beijing’s continued interest in regional development partnerships, positioning the GDI—and to a lesser extent, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—as preferred vehicles for cooperation in the post-pandemic era.
As China recalibrates its foreign policy toolkit, and Southeast Asian nations weigh engagement with multiple powers, forums like these offer insight into not just Beijing’s messaging—but its methods.
International Airport Authority, with P5.20 billion and P3.32 billion, respectively.
Other major contributors included the Philippine National Oil Company (P2.42 billion), the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P2.03 billion), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (P1.77 billion), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (P1.46 billion) and the Maharlika Investment Corporation (P1.45 billion).
The Clark Development Corporation, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation also remitted at least P1 billion in dividends.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the sustained increase in dividend remittances reflects the strengthened good governance and fiscal discipline of GOCCs under the Marcos Jr. administration.
“This shows that our GOCCs are continuously operating efficiently and generating substantial profits, enabling them to contribute more to the National Treasury,” Recto said.
“These non-tax revenues allow us to support the government’s expenditure program for the year, enabling the DOF to stay on track with its fiscal program and mobilize funds for our priority programs and projects,” the Finance chief added. In 2024, the DOF raised the mandatory dividend remittances of GOCCs to 75 percent from 50 percent of their annual net earnings to generate more non-tax revenues. Because of this, the DOF expects GOCC dividends to exceed P100 billion by the end of the year and surpass the P136.29 billion collected in 2024.
Under Republic Act No. 7656 or the Dividend Law, GOCCs are required to remit at least 50 percent of their net earnings during the preceding year as dividends to the national government.
Dividends form a major source of non-tax revenues for the government, by raising more funds without imposing additional taxes on the public.
Last year, non-tax revenues helped the government reach its revenue target of P4.270 trillion, contributing P618.3 billion, surging by 55.34 percent from P394.8 billion in 2023.
to P1.4 billion, for the implementation of Pamana Program, as we fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s peace and national development agenda,” Pangandaman was quoted as saying.
The Pamana program has two key tracks: the Pamana Peace and Development Project and the Pamana Local Government Unit (LGU)-Led Livelihood Track.
The DBM allocated P351.071 million for the Pamana Peace and Development Project, which seeks to provide conflict-vulnerable and conflict-affected regions and indigenous communities with improved access to basic services
This will build the capacity of 198 target areas in regions including CAR, Regions I, II, IV-A, IV-B, VI to VIII, X, and XIII. These communities will also be given the opportunity to identify and propose their own development projects.
Meanwhile, the Pamana Local Government Unit (LGU)-Led Livelihood Track will receive
P1.049 billion, benefiting 981 target areas under Sustainable Livelihood Associations in regions CAR, II to VI, the Negros Island Region (NIR), Region IX, and Region XIII.
This track aims to improve the socioeconomic conditions of families affected by armed conflict and to promote long-term resilience by generating income opportunities through LGU-led initiatives.
“It is important that the PAMANA program continues because it provides support for the long-term development of local communities, especially those that are vulnerable,” Pangandaman added.
The budget for these projects will be charged against the DSWD’s Specific Budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Of the total funding, P500 million will be used for peace and development case management to help communities recover from the trauma of conflict and rebuild their resilience.
accessed by mrwn, the group made over $68,000 in February alone, with an annualized profit projection of over $365,000. The DICT said it is now coordinating with law enforcement agencies to verify the evidence and investigate the company listed in leasing documents as BMJ Data Processing Services. The syndicate reportedly operated out of space rented through BPOSeats before transferring to a new location within Cebu IT Park. Sought for reaction, Jack Madrid, president of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), said: “I have seen it. We are unsure as to the source of the video but clearly this is not the activity of an IBPAP or CIB.O [Cebu IT-BPM Organization] member.” Madrid added, “We do not know who this company is, if they are a registered enterprise or not. So it is difficult to take action, especially if the unknown entity is not an accredited member.”
With earlier reports by Lorenz
Andrea E. San Juan
Marasigan,
‘No pre-condition for reconciliation’
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
PRESIDENT Ferdinand
Marcos will not accept any conditions or violate any law in his reconciliation with the Duterte family or other groups who oppose his administration, according to Malacañang.
“Let us remember, the President will not be held by the neck and will not be dictated to. The President will not abandon and reverse the law just to serve the
personal interests of a few,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing on Wednesday. She made the remark after
Marcos said in a video interview last Monday that he is open to reconciling with the Dutertes to foster national stability and unity.
When asked if such reconciliation will come at the expense of holding Vice President Sara Duterte accountable, Castro answered in the negative.
Duterte is currently facing an impeachment trial in the Senate for the alleged fund misuse of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd), while it was under her administration.
“So, let’s remember, the President will always choose the law. Friends or the law? The President will still choose the law,” she said.
Marcos’ relations with Sara
Duterte deteriorated after he allowed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, her father, last March.
Castro said the Chief Executive is open to reconciling not only with the Dutertes, but also with other political groups or individuals, who criticize the administration “to placate any faction or individual for political gain.”
“So, let’s not focus on the Duterte family’s openness to reconciliation,” she said.
“The President has clearly stated that to all people who may not share his beliefs, principles, or policies, it would be better if everyone could agree with him for the sake of the people so that there can be continuous work for the country,” she added.
Another exec fired over Owwa mess
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday announced the dismissal of another Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) executive in connection to the agency’s controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro disclosed that President Marcos also sacked former Owwa Deputy Administrator Emma V. Sinclair because of the said transaction, which was allegedly not authorized by the Owwa Board.
She said both Sinclair and former Owwa Administrator Arnaldo “Arnel” A. Ignacio were fired by the President for loss of trust after Owwa employees accused them of plunder for their alleged deliberate attempt to hide the land acquisition deal from the Owwa Board and to refund P36 million to its seller in a white paper.
Ignacio earlier said he will respond to the allegations against him at the proper forum.
“They were removed [from office], they did not resign. It is
just a sign that we can say that this is the President’s call to all those working under him to do their job, eliminate cheating in their work because the President will not hesitate to remove them,” Castro said.
“You will all be fired if you do not fulfill your obligations,” she added.
In an online interview posted in his social media page on Monday, Marcos announced he would change his approach in dealing with erring officials. Instead of allowing them to
leave government service without drawing public attention, he said he now wants them to be charged.
Migrant Worker Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said they are conducting an ongoing investigation on the land deal to determine, where the funds used for the deal came from, and who were the officials and personnel involved in the transaction.
He said the Department of Migrant Workers would file charges against the erring Owwa officials and personnel. Samuel P. Medenilla
Marbil hopes successor would continue reforms
By Rex Anthony Naval
GEN. Rommel Francisco Marbil, National Police (PNP) chief, on Wednesday said he hopes that his successors would be able continue the reforms he started.
In an interview, Marbil said he was not gunning for legacy but continuity, hence his desire for his successor to continue the reforms he started.
Some of the reforms that he started include improving the service’s promotion
system and training for its personnel. Marbil also wants mandatory continuous learning and education about the law for all personnel.
Marbil is scheduled to retire on June 7.
He was originally scheduled to retire on February 7 but President Marcos extended his term by another four months owing to the May 12 elections. Marbil, 56, assumed command of the PNP on April 1, 2024. As this developed, Marbil reiterated calls for the strict enforcement of the “No
NFA rice stocks good for 11 days
TTolerance for Cover-Ups,” which supports the long-standing “Zero Tolerance Policy” on misconduct.
Marbil said this is inline with the directive of the President which calls for transparency and accountability in all levels of the organization.
He also reminded all unit commanders of their responsibility to ensure accurate and honest reporting, particularly on incidents involving personnel who are killed or wounded during operations.
“Let us be transparent in reporting what
really happened to our personnel on the ground—whether they truly died or were wounded in the line of duty, or not. The public deserves to know the truth, and so do the families of our personnel,” Marbil said.
He also emphasized that integrity in leadership is crucial to maintaining public trust saying: “I will hold all commanders accountable if they are found covering for their personnel. There should be no gray areas when it comes to truth and accountability. We must ensure our actions reflect the values we stand for.”
Asean unified visa system security risk for RP–legislator
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
ASENIOR lawmaker on Wednesday voiced strong opposition to the Philippines’ participation in the proposed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) unified visa system, warning that it could compromise national security and open the door to more Chinese spies.
Reelected Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called on President Marcos to instruct Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to withdraw the Department of Tourism’s support for the initiative. Rodriguez opposes a unified visa system, saying it will pave the way for the entry of more Chinese spies.
The proposed Asean visa scheme, modeled after Europe’s Schengen visa, would allow travelers to move freely among participating Southeast Asian nations using a single visa.
However, Rodriguez argued that such a system would expose the country to heightened security risks.
Rodriguez said the country’s involvement in the system, if it materializes, “will pose greater risk to our national security and interest, our people, and our society than the present set-up.”
“This will allow Chinese tourists who are actually spies to get Asean visas in Chinese client states like Cambodia and Laos, or even the liberal visa granted by Thailand to Chinese citizens, to come to the Philippines, and they will automatically be admitted under the Asean visa scheme. This will be more dangerous to our national security than our
present visa issuance process,” he added.
As it is, he said Chinese “Trojan horses” are able to enter the country as tourists, students, and businessmen.
“Many of them are actually spies of Beijing, several of whom have been caught redhanded by the authorities near military installations and sensitive government offices, including the Commission on Elections,” he said.
“Others are scammers, illegal gambling operators, illegal Pogo [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations] operators, human traffickers, drug smugglers, and criminally minded nationals of China. They are a plague in our society. We cannot have more of them here through a system that facilitates their easy entry into our country,” he added.
Rodriguez urged Frasco and other tourism officials and tourist industry stakeholders to think of national security and interest in endorsing the country’s participation in such tourism-related schemes like the Asean unified visa system.
“We are all for boosting our tourism sector and our economy by having more tourist arrivals, but, given our experience and our raging dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, we don’t want to just accept Chinese tourists, but they should undergo rigorous evaluation by our embassy and consulates in China,” he said. Frasco previously expressed support for the Asean unified visa plan during a tourism forum in Bangkok on May 15. She said she was “very hopeful” the proposal would be taken up when the Philippines hosts the Asean Summit next year.
DPWH eyes 10-ton limit for vehicles using San Juanico Bridge by yearend
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE government’s rice inventory can feed the nation for almost 11 days, according to the National Food Authority (NFA).
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the grains agency’s stockpile reached 8.19 million 50-kilo bags or 409,000 metric tons (MT) of rice equivalent.
“Our current buffer stock is good for 10.7 days,” Lacson told reporters in a news conference on Wednesday.
“Of this, 1.4 million bags have already been milled, while the rest are still in palay form and continuously being milled,” he added.
Procurement
THE grains agency said it procured 1.63 million 50-kilo bags or 81,271.3 metric tons (MT) of palay in March, a surge from the 42,743 bags or 2,137 MT it bought in the same month of the previous year.
With this, the NFA noted that it met its procurement target of 695,600 bags or 34,780 MT by more than threefold.
“Increase in procurement compared to last month is mainly due to favorable harvest this cropping season, and the continuous implementation of the Council-approved Price Range Scheme [Pricers] for palay procurement activity,” the NFA said in its latest accomplishment report.
Under its Pricers program, the grains agency buys clean and dry palay at P23 to P30 per kilo, while the price of fresh and wet
palay ranges from P17 to P23 per kilo. This price scheme changes weekly per province.
The NFA said it had a total rice inventory of 6.86 million bags or 343,088 MT at the end of March.
“It should be noted that NFA’s inventory is 19 percent of the country’s national rice inventory.”
Low distribution
THE grains agency also noted that it only distributed 57,989 bags or 2,899.45 MT of milled rice in the reference month.
“[The NFA only achieved] 13.40 percent of the target of 432,740 bags or 21,637 MT, despite the declaration of food security emergency.”
It distributed 1,944 MT of rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), legislators, and local governments for relief operations and calamity response.
About 208 MT of rice were distributed to government agencies and local governments (LGUs) rice requirements under the Executive Order 51 program, while 356 MT was for the one-time rice allowance grant.
The NFA added that 390 MT have been distributed to LGUs under the food security emergency program, which was declared to fast-track the release of rice buffer stocks held by the NFA, thus allowing it to procure more palay from farmers amid the peak harvest.
The government recently launched the subsidized P20 per kilo rice program to free up space in NFA warehouses.
Legislator vows to increase livelihood opportunities
ALAWMAKER has vowed to scale up the government’s livelihood initiatives and provide long-term economic opportunities for disadvantaged residents rather than keeping them dependent on one-time government assistance or ayuda.
Parañaque Rep.-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan said he has begun forging partnerships with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) to offer skills training to qualified participants of his ongoing “Dagdag-Puhunan” and “Bigay-Negosyo” programs.
He said these entrepreneurship initiatives, launched last year in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), aim to support aspiring small business owners by providing capital and training.
As part of his legislative priorities in the 20th Congress, Yamsuan said he would re-file measures seeking the creation of local job facilitation offices tailored for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), along with bills promoting sustainable financing for micro and small enterprises.
“What we need is to provide opportunities for people to elevate
their standard of living instead of just giving dole-outs without any follow-through. Change will start with the people themselves. We will provide them the opportunity so that they will have the confidence to change and rely on their capabilities instead of just depending on dole outs,” he said.
This “follow-through,” Yamsuan emphasized, includes providing livelihood training and seminars for ayuda recipients to help them transition into small-scale entrepreneurs and eventually become self-sufficient.
He explained that applicants of these livelihood programs must first undergo training to ensure they are prepared to run and sustain their businesses. The programs will soon incorporate financial literacy sessions to teach participants how to save, spend wisely, and reinvest their earnings.
“Our poor countrymen still need dole-outs because it will serve as a lifeline for them. But we will teach them how to use it wisely. The same goes for those who have received assistance
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking at the possibility of increasing the gross weight limit per vehicle passing through the San Juanico bridge from three tons to 10 tons before the end of the year to reduce its partial closures’ impact to commuters and economic activities in Eastern Visayas.
Public Works Secretary Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan made the assurance after the provincial board of Samar declared a state of emergency and decided to subsidize the transport of fuel, medical supplies, and other essential goods which come from Leyte while the bridge is undergoing rehabilitation.
Without the said subsidies, the limited use of the bridge is expected to have inflationary effects in Samar.
“While the main structure [of San Juanico bridge] is intact, I think there is also something that needs to be rehabilitated right now in the center structure. But our estimate is that, if we’re able to implement remediation measures, I think, we might be able to increase it [weight limit] up to 10 tons,” he said in a press briefing at Malacañang on Wednesday.
The DPWH chief said they expect to raise the weight limit for the bridge during the last quarter of the year. He said this will allow most vehicles, except those with heavy load, to pass through the San Juanico bridge.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is also currently facilitating the issuance of permits to ferries to transport passenger buses and other vehicles, which weigh over the current three-ton limit, to and for from Samar and Leyte to make sure travel between the two islands provinces will continue smoothly, according to Bonoan.
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge is undergoing two-year rehabilitation works amounting to P900 million after DPWH discovered deterioration in some of its segments.
“In the further analysis, we allowed three tons first for the time being that you can travel here on this bridge while we are now undertaking [the rehabilitation],” Bonoan said.
DPWH also announced that the detailed engineering design for the second permanent bridge, which aims to augment the capacity of the San Juanico Bridge, is
ERC to gencos: Do not exceed cap on generation capacity, market share
By Lenie Lectura @llectura & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will not hesitate to penalize power companies that would go over the prescribed market share limitation (MSL) and installed generating capacity (IGC).
ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said on Wednesday her office shares the concerns of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian over the high market concentration in the generation and supply sectors of the power industry.
“We have disclosed this observation when we issued in March this year our preliminary report on market share limitation as of end-2024. So far, there is no breach of the law-mandated grid and subgrid thresholds on ownership, but we have flagged the high concentration of ownership among just three to four groups.” she said. She pointed out that while the commission does not have authority to disapprove acquisitions or
mergers in the power industry, the ERC is prepared to exercise its authority to impose penalties on breach of market share limitations, bilateral contracting limits or any anti-competitive behavior or arrangement resulting from such acquisition, investment or mergers.
Under Section 45 of Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (Epira), any company or related entity is prohibited from owning, operating, or controlling more than 30 percent of the IC per grid and or 25 percent of the national IGC.
The IC and MSL are being set annually, pursuant to ERC
Resolution 26, series of 2005, and may be adjusted as necessary, based on the maximum capacity of generation facilities.
For 2025, the national IGC has been set to 27,096 megawatts (MW), with an MSL of 6,774 MW. The installed capacity for Luzon is set at 19,419 MW and is approximately 8 percent higher than last year’s figure, with a market share cap of 5,825.9 MW.
For the Visayas, the IGC for this year is at 3,383.9 MW, with a market share limit of 1,015.2 MW, while Mindanao is at 4,292.6 MW and a 1,287.8 MW MSL.
Control by major busines groups
DESPITE the mandate of the Epira and the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) to promote competition among industries, Gatchalian observed that the power sector remains essentially controlled by major business groups and the cost of electricity in the country remains high.
As such, Gatchalian is calling for an inquiry into the competitive landscape of the power industry.
In Senate Resolution 1353, Gatchalian pointed out that the current market share distribution and cross-ownership between generation companies, retail electricity suppliers, and distribution utilities could undermine consumer welfare
as economic concentration is likely to stifle competition or manipulate the disciplines of free markets.
He said the Philippines has the second highest residential rate among member economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at P11.32 per kilowatthour (kWh), or 40.4 percent higher than the Asean average of P6.75 per kWh.
“If only a few controls the industry, how can we be assured of cheap electricity?” asked Gatchalian.
In its March report, the ERC cited the top companies with the highest capacity in the generation sector. These are San Miguel Corp. (SMC), with a national market share of 6,079.6 MW; Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., 5,894.5 MW; First Gen Corp., 3,583 MW; Manila Electric Co., 1,467 MW; and Ayala Corp., 1,431.3 MW.
The ERC reminded the companies to strictly comply with the prescribed limits.
Gatchalian, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, pointed out that the current market share distribution and crossownership between generation companies, retail electricity suppliers, and distribution utilities could undermine consumer welfare as economic concentration is likely to stifle competition or manipulate the disciplines of free markets.
BuCor eyes penal farms as eco-tourism sites
TLacson, Hontiveros lock horns on Marcos’ presence at 2026 budget bicam deliberations
SENATORS are split on whether President Marcos. can sit as observer in the bicameral budget deliberations on the 2026 budget, a proposal that his office is apparently considering to avoid a legal challenge similar to the one raised against the 2025 budget, where the bicameral conference committee was accused of mangling the money measure.
To Senator Risa Hontiveros, Marcos has no legal standing to sit in the lawmakers closed bicameral deliberations, not even as observer.
“He should not…the Constitution does not allow it. The power of the purse is wielded by the Congress and Congress alone. Not the Executive [branch], not any member of the Executive, not even the Chief Executive [could attend deliberations],” she told reporters at the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
“It’s enough that the Executive sends the National Expenditure Program [NEP] to the House [of Representatives]. From then on, it’s in legislature’s hands.”
a mockery of the budget process. Lacson on Wednesday expressed support for the President’s intention to keep tabs on the budget process, including possibly sitting as an observer at the bicameral conference committee.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Bureau of Corrections
(BuCor) is eying to transform various operating prison and penal farms (OPPFs) into eco-tourism sites not only to help inmates in their rehabilitation but also to boost local revenues through influx of tourists.
Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said he has already issued a directive to all OPPF superintendents to explore their respective areas as possible eco-tourist sites, not -
ing that OPPFs are usually surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that could offer visitors a unique and immersive experience.
“This innovative approach seeks to harness the natural beauty often found within these facilities allowing them to serve as more than mere correctional institutions,” Catapang said.
Having a multi-faceted penal system, according to Catapang, will not only support the rehabilitation of inmates but also “fosters a connection with nature and promotes economic growth.”
He noted that the possible influx of visitors in OPPFs can significantly benefit local economies, as tourists, whether local or foreign typically patronize nearby restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
“The financial benefits of this eco-tourism model extend beyond immediate economic gains,” Catapang said, while stressing the importance of reinvesting proceeds into local communities and improving prison facilities and programs.
“This creates a symbiotic relationship between tourism and community development, illustrating
how such initiatives can uplift both inmates and surrounding neighborhoods,” he added.
The BuCor has control and supervision of seven OPPFs which include the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Palawan, Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Davao, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro and Leyte Regional Prison in Leyte.
Poll winners told: Do away with ‘Thank You’ tarps
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ALOCAL waste and pollution
watchdog on Wednesday appealed to all winning candidates in the recently concluded elections to do away with “Thank You” tarpaulins to avoid contributing to the huge volume of waste generated during the campaign period.
EcoWaste Coalition appealed following a site inspection organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Payatas, Quezon City, where tons of
discarded plastic campaign tarpaulins from the city are temporarily kept pending final disposal.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia revealed that some 64.5 tons of electionrelated trash were collected across Metro Manila, posing environmental challenges for the authorities and the people, as campaign materials like plastic tarpaulins are not biodegradable and with very limited reusability and recyclability due to their chemical composition.
Tarpaulins, which are often made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, contain toxic additives, including plasticizers and
stabilizers like cadmium.
“The post-election campaign clean-up has yet to be completed, and we already see newly-installed ones from candidates thanking their constituents for their trust and support,” observed Cris Luague, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.
“We might see more ‘thank you’ tarpaulins on utility poles and on trees in the coming weeks as poll winners prepare to assume their posts on June 30,” he said.
“As we come to terms with the environmental impact of the last electoral exercise, we ask all poll winners to do away with the customary hanging of ‘thank you’ tarpaulins, and express their gratitude to the voters in a way that will not cause further stress and harm to Mother Earth,” he said. “We need not contribute further to the toxic plastic and microplastic pollution facing our society.”
Instead of “thank you” tarpaulins, which sooner or later will end up as hazardous waste, the EcoWaste Coalition encouraged poll winners, individually or as a group, to signify their appreciation to their supporters by posting e-thank you greetings and videos on their websites and social media platforms; planting trees to offset carbon emissions from campaign activities; and leading a community clean-up drive like unclogging waterways.
The group also advised winners in the last election to provide free meals to
waste and sanitation workers for the hours they put in removing campaign materials, and participate in the upcoming Brigada Eskwela school cleanup and repair on June 9 to 13, and give back-to-school essentials to needy children and youth.
The group also suggested that winning candidates donate segregated waste bins in high-traffic places, sponsor community art projects like murals using lead-safe paints, organize free medical and dental services, and support community pantries or feeding programs.
Finally, the group urged the elected officials to work for improved public service by assisting projects addressing economic, environmental, climate, health, and gender justice issues.
“We urge everyone, especially our duly elected local and national leaders, to view campaign waste not as an inevitable byproduct of our democratic practices but as a challenge requiring preventive solutions,” the EcoWaste Coalition said, noting the value of protecting the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment from chemicals and wastes.
The group emphasized the importance of replacing PVC plastic tarpaulins with environmentally acceptable alternatives. As defined in Republic Act 9003 and Comelec Resolution 11111, environmentally acceptable pertains to ““the quality of being reusable, biodegradable or compostable, recyclable and non-toxic or hazardous to the environment.”
In addition, Hontiveros said: “When it gets out of the bicameral panel, that’s the only time the Office of the President will play a role. It’s either signed or line-item vetoed.”
She stressed that ““the President has no role as observer in the bicam,” adding: “If they insist on that, they might have a problem. They might be charged…They’re not yet out of the woods with regard to the complaints in 2025 budget…Should they add to their problems? But that’s their call.”
Lacson disagrees FOR Sen.-elect Panfilo Lacson, however, Marcos’s prospective role as an observer in the bicameral deliberations on the 2026 national budget should send a “clear and strong signal” to Congress against making
DPWH. . .
Continued from A3
projected to be completed by 2026.
“This is the second San Juanico Bridge that will be constructed. It will be longer [than the present San Juanico bridge]–I think this will be about 2,600 meters,” Bonoan said.
DPWH was supposed to start the rehabilitation of the San
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“As long as the President will not actively participate in the bicameral conference deliberations and just sit as an observer, lest he be misunderstood as encroaching in the timehonored tradition of the legislature’s exercise of the ‘power of the purse,’ I support such gesture as it will send a clear and very strong signal to the members of Congress not to make a mockery of our role in the budget process and that we should not treat the national budget as individual prerogatives, not aligned with the policy direction of the administration towards achieving the country’s development goals in 2026 and beyond,” Lacson said. Lacson, who earned a reputation as an eagle-eyed watchdog of the national budget, had lamented that the bicameral conference committee deliberating on the budget bill has become the “third and most powerful chamber” owing to its lack of transparency. Also, Lacson has repeatedly pushed for transparency in the budget process, including allowing the media and the public to sit at the gallery during the bicameral conference committee’s deliberations.
“The public and the media can be at the gallery. They will not participate directly in the deliberations but at least they will know what is going on. What is happening now in the bicam is that those concerned just whisper to each other, and the public is kept in the dark,” said Lacson, who in the 18th Congress filed Senate Bill 24 encouraging people’s participation in the national budget process. Butch Fernandez
Juanico Bridge after the completion of the second bridge, but Bonoan said they decided to push through with it this year owing to existing structural issues, which were discovered in the 53-year old bridge.
Bonoan said they were instructed by President Marcos to prioritize public safety in the initiatives of DPWH related to the San Juanico Bridge. Samuel P. Medenilla through our livelihood programs,” Yamsuan said.
Yamsuan said the “Bigay-Negosyo” and Dagdag-Puhunan” programs can lead to success stories if beneficiaries use the funds given to them wisely.
He recalled that during one of his house-to-house visits during the campaign period, a BigayNegosyo recipient thanked him
because she was able to open a sari-sari store and later became a Magnolia products and soft drinks reseller in their community. “She was able to send her two kids to school. Her husband quit a low-paying job and now helps her manage their sari-sari store. This and other success stories are what we want to bring to the district to effect real change, which can only happen if we all pitch in to help each other,” he added. Jovee Marie Dela Cruz
Alvin Que submits sworn statement before DOJ containing ‘vital information’ on the killing of his father and driver
BY JOEL R. SAN JUAN @jrsanjuan1573
ALVIN Que, the son of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que who was kidnapped and killed by his abductors, along with his driver after paying P200 millions in ransom, on Wednesday submitted a sworn statement before the Department of Justice (DOJ) containing “vital information” that may lead to the successful resolution of the case.
This was confirmed by Alvin’s lawyer Pearlito Campanilla during a chance interview at the DOJ which handled the preliminary investigation of the kidnapping for ransom with homicide charges filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against five individuals believed to be responsible for the crime.
Alvin’s sworn statement was submitted ahead of the resolution of the preliminary investigation conducted by the prosecutors which would determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the suspect before a court for trial.
Likewise, the investigating prosecutors are expected to resolve Alvin’s motion to amend the complaint and exclude him as one of the individuals recommended by the police to undergo preliminary investigation as possible respondents.
“We confirm that Mr. Alvin Que has formally submitted his [sworn statement] to the Department of Justice providing vital information that may assist in the prosecution of those responsible for the tragic kidnapping and murder of his father, Anson Que,” Campanilla said.
Campanilla stressed that members of the Que family have assured their commitment to cooperate with relevant government agencies tasked to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“This tragedy has caused immense pain and suffering but we remain steadfast in our resolve to see that those responsible are going to justice,” the lawyer stressed.
When asked how vital was the in -
formation provided by Alvin in his sworn statement, Campanilla said, “It is a narrative that contains [information] from the time of the abduction up to the time of the positive identification of Anson Que. And in between, is the protracted and tedious, difficult negotiation for the ransom.”
Alvin was identified in a media report as among those being sought for investigation after he was implicated by David Tan Liao in his extra-judicial confession following the latter’s surrender and admission of his involvement in the crime.
The report drew outrage from the Que’s camp, as well as the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO), a group advocating against crime and injustice.
The group accused the PNP-AntiKidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) of releasing David’s extra-judicial confession without conducting investigation and presenting physical evidence that would support such claim.
They also question the PNP’s motive in giving credence to David’s claim despite the latter’s criminal record.
Aside from David, other respondents in the complaint were identified as Richard Austria, Reymart Catequista, Haohua Yang and Fangquiang Yuan.
Campanilla pointed out that Alvin’s name had already been cleared by the PNP-AKG.
“He has no involvement in this. It was already declared by the PNP-AKG, the CIDG [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group], supported by the officials of the PNP that there was no evidence pointing to his involvement,” Campanilla said.
“In fact, his involvement in the negotiation for ransom, his demand [for the kidnappers] to show proof of life, it’s very indicative that he had no participation in the crime,” the lawyer added. Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal more than a week after they were kidnapped last March 29.
Investigators said the victims died of strangulation.
Marcos hopes ‘The Last Resort’ will help boost tourism as international film shoots in Palawan
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
WITH the country serving as the setting of the international romanticcomedy film “The Last Resort,” President Ferdinand Marcos is hopeful it can help further promote the Philippines as a top tourist destination.
The cast and production team of the film “Last Resort” met with the Chief Executive in Malacañang last Wednesday.
The group was led by the business tycoon, Manuel V. Pangilinan, who served as executive producer. He is joined by Ernesto “Bong” Sta. Maria Jr. and Raja Collins, as the film’s producers.
MAIFIP funds guaranteed by legal agreements, not political ties: Garin
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
ALEADER of the House of Representatives on Wednesday said that the disbursement of funds under the government’s Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program is guided by formal agreements, not by political affiliations.
House Deputy Majority Leader and former Health Secretary Janette Garin, who also serves as vice chairperson of the House Committee on Health, said that the
continuity of MAIFIP support lies in the legal agreement and funding mechanism—not in political tenure.
She said that hospitals can only charge fees under MAIFIP if there is a signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the institution and the Department of Health (DOH), with an accompanying fund allocation.
“All hospitals rendering service to their patients with fees being charged to MAIFIP only do so when there is an accompanying MOA with its corresponding funding allocation,” Garin said.
“Regardless of the government official who facilitated its inclusion in the budget,
once a MOA is signed with a corresponding amount allocated, that cannot be reversed,” she added.
Her statement comes amid growing concern from the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) over delayed MAIFIP reimbursements, reportedly due to the defeat of several political sponsors in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
PHAPI president Dr. Jose de Grano, in a televised interview, said many of their member hospitals are still waiting for at least P7 billion in unsettled bills incurred by patients whose assistance was guaranteed by now-defeated politicians.
De Grano said PHAPI has reached out to the Department of Health to address the issue, and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that he has already directed the person in charge of MAIFIP to settle the payments. He emphasized that under the guidelines, politicians who issue guarantee letters for patient assistance under MAIFIP should ensure payment is made within 60 days.
The MAIFIP aims to help struggling and poor Filipinos by providing them with essential healthcare expenses like payment of their hospital bills, lab tests, medication, and diagnostic procedures.
UST and faculty union reach settlement, averting strike over unpaid benefits and tuition hike shares
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
AFTER months of tension and a looming strike, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and its faculty union have reached a settlement over unpaid benefits and long-delayed tuition hike shares.
The agreement was confirmed in a joint statement on Tuesday evening, with both the UST administration and the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) crediting the National Conciliation and Mediation Board for helping break the deadlock.
“This settlement marks a significant step forward for both parties, reflecting a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual
respect, and constructive resolution. More importantly, it reinforces our unity and shared purpose of advancing the interests of the academic community,” the joint statement read.
“As we move ahead, both UST and USTFU remain guided by our common goal—to uphold academic excellence and serve the best interest of our students,” it added.
The two sides are now expected to return to the negotiation table to finalize the collective bargaining agreement that had stalled for almost a year.
The breakthrough came just as the university released more than half of the P27.8 million in tuition hike shares owed to faculty members for Academic Year 2020 to 2021.
The disbursement followed mounting pressure from the union, which had accused the administration of delaying their legally mandated share of tuition increases for over four years.
The dispute had already reached the Department of Labor and Employment and nearly resulted in a strike.
A vote had been scheduled for May 15 but was put on hold in a last-ditch effort to resume talks.
No details of the agreement have been disclosed, but faculty members had been calling for the release of over P220 million in accumulated back pay since 2020.
They also demanded improved hospitalization benefits, salary adjustments for senior high school teachers, and better incentives for non-teaching academic staff. Earlier this year, the Commission on Higher Education ordered UST to explain its failure to distribute the 70 percent share of tuition increases to its faculty and staff, as required under existing laws. The faculty is
and
Among the international films which were shot in the Philippines were the Bourne Legacy (2012), and Apocalypse Now (1979).
The “Last Resort” features Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: Force Awakens), who plays the role of Brooke, a heiress scouting for a new resort site in the Philippines. She later meets Ben, who is played by Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story), an expat pilot.
It is directed by Donald Petrie and written by Karen McCullah, who was born in the Philippines.
“Thank you for coming to the Philippines, hopefully helping us project the Philippines out into the world, the way Filipinos see our own country and it’s a country we’re very very proud of - the people are even prouder of,” the chief executive said in his speech during his courtesy call with the staff and production team of the film. He said he is ecstatic with another international production movie being filmed in the country, particularly in Palawan. “I am so happy that now, that you are in fact here and the work has started and it’s all terribly exciting for all of us,” Marcos said.
FDA reaffirms commitment to combat ASF and avian influenza in partnership with DA
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has affirmed its commitment to support the programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) safeguarding animal health and national food security amid the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI).
FDA Director General Paolo S. Teston, who met with DA – Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Undersecretary Constante J. Palabrica on Wednesday, assured that they fully support programs aimed at controlling both ASF and AI outbreaks. Both FDA and DA will reinforce inter-agency cooperation in the regulation and availability of critical animal vaccines.
The meeting focused on the next phase of the government’s efforts to curb the spread of ASF and AI, two major animal health threats that have affected the pork and poultry industries and disrupted the country’s food supply chains. Teston said that they aim at controlling both ASF and AI outbreaks, through close cooperation and coordination.
Likewise, the DA, through BAI, said they will to facilitate the completion of the Monitored Release (post-marketing) requirements and compliance with the regulatory process of the FDA.
The FDA, in response, assured that they will carefully evaluate the submissions to check on the vaccine’s quality, safety and efficacy, with dispatch, considering the rising number of livestock deaths due to ASF and AI.
The FDA also reiterated its readiness to assist the DA in navigating the regulatory pathways for veterinary vaccines that are crucial for national preparedness and agricultural recovery.
Wednesday’s meeting builds on the momentum of the previous milestone held on 30 July 2024, when the FDA and DA-BAI jointly announced the approval of the country’s first ASF vaccine.
The historic approval signaled the start of a coordinated public health and regulatory response to the ASF crisis, which had long affected pork producers and supply stability across the country.
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Japan’s agriculture minister resigns over tone-deaf rice comments amid price surge
By Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press
TOKYO—Japan’s agriculture minister was forced to resign Wednesday because of political fallout over recent comments that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. The resignation comes as the public struggles with record high prices of the country’s traditional staple food.
Taku Eto’s comment, which many Japanese saw as out of touch with economic realities, came at a seminar Sunday for the Liberal Democratic Party, which leads a struggling minority government. The gaffe could be further trouble for the party before a national election in July. A major loss could mean a new government or could mean Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would have to step down.
“I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when
consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto told reporters after submitting his resignation at the prime minister’s office. Eto’s resignation was the first under Ishiba’s leadership that began October. The government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but the latest agricultural ministry statistics show little impact from the move. Some supermarkets have started selling
JAPAN’S
cheaper imported rice.
Eto also sought to clarify the comments that got him in trouble. He said he does actually buy white rice himself and was not living on rice given as gifts. He said the gift comment referred to brown rice, which he wants people to become interested in because it can reach market faster.
Ishiba appointed popular former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister, to lead the minis -
try, noting his experience in agriculture and fisheries policies and enthusiasm for reforms.
Koizumi told reporters Ishiba instructed him to do everything to stabilize the rice supply and prices to address consumer concern.
“I was told to put rice before anything,” Koizumi told reporters. “At this difficult time, I will do utmost to speedily tackle high rice price that people feel and worry in everyday life.” He said he shares consumers’ concerns as he feeds his children
packaged instant rice sometimes.
Ishiba, also a former farm minister, said he wants to strengthen Japan’s food security and selfsufficiency. He has proposed agricultural reforms, including increased rice production and possible exports, though critics say he should urgently fix the ongoing rice problem first.
Noting the rice situation, Ishiba said he suspects the rice price surge is “not a temporary but a structural problem.”
“It may not be easy to find an answer,” he said, but repeated his pledge to do the utmost to ease consumers’ difficulties and to reform rice policies.
Koizumi said the measures so far have proved ineffective and that he will speed the effort as soon as he formally takes office later Wednesday.
Party leaders plan to further grill Ishiba at a party leaders’ debate at parliament scheduled later in the day.
Japanese rice demand has decreased over recent decades as people’s diets have diversified, but rice remains a staple food and integral part of Japanese culture and history.
“Rice is the stable food for the
Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia demand back wages after factory closure
By Aniruddha Ghosal
The Associated Press
ANOI, Vietnam—Around
H280 Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia are demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages and other money owed to them after their former employer, a plastic parts supplier to big Japanese companies, closed down.
The workers at Kawaguchi Manufacturing’s factory in Port Klang, Malaysia’s largest port city, were left stranded when the company withheld their wages for up to eight months before shutting down late last year. The workers have filed complaints in Malaysia and back home in Bangladesh.
Such disputes have become a diplomatic sore point between Bangladesh and Malaysia, drawing scrutiny on a small but powerful group of recruitment agencies and middlemen who monopolize such jobs.
Asif Nazrul, an adviser to Bangladesh’s expatriate welfare ministry, met with Malaysia’s Home Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong in Kuala Lumpur last week. Officials
were due to meet again Wednesday in Dhaka, the Bangladesh capital.
The interim government that took over in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has placed a higher priority on the plight of migrant workers who often get trapped in debt after paying exorbitant recruitment fees to work in dismal conditions for little pay.
Labor advocates say the situation is worsening as more people from across South Asia, sometimes losing their livelihoods due to climate change, seek work in Southeast Asia.
Trade tensions between the US and China have accelerated that trend as factories move from China to places in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and elsewhere.
Workers allege abuse THE workers have received just 251,000 ringgit ($58,101) of the more than 3 million ringgit ($694,444) in back wages that a Malaysian labor tribunal ordered Kawaguchi to pay. Many have found new jobs but still have heavy debts after borrowing money to pay hefty recruitment fees.
The workers allege they were sometimes required to work without breaks for 24-hour shifts and on holidays with no paid overtime, making plastic casings for televisions and air conditioners. They say Kawaguchi confiscated their passports, provided inadequate housing and delayed their visa renewals.
The factory shut down in December, soon after Sony Group and Panasonic Holdings Corp., two of Kawaguchi’s main customers, halted their orders in response to the allegations against their supplier.
After the factory closed, the workers say Malaysian officials forcibly sent many of them to another city some 360 kilometers (220 miles) away to toil in new factory jobs without giving them any information. They were kept in filthy shipping containers converted into dormitories. Another 80 workers were told to work in palm oil plantations— but refused.
Most made their way back to Port Klang to seek work and chip away at the debts that have been accumulating. It took nearly three months for them to get permission from the Malaysian government to switch jobs.
The Associated Press got no response to multiple requests to Kawaguchi for comment. Malaysia’s labor department also didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Md Kabir Hossain’s case is typical. The 19-year-old said he borrowed more than $4,000 to get to Malaysia from his hometown Rangpur in Bangladesh in November 2023, after his family’s textile shop began to fail. The family’s sole wage earner, he defaulted on one of his loans and wasn’t able to send money back home, as his family struggled to keep their shop going.
“I am constantly worried about what will happen to my family,” he said.
Another worker, Parvez Azam said he didn’t know how much lon -
ger he could keep going. “If this goes on, we’ll die here,” he said.
Wider trends across developing Asia
Factories in Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia rely on migrant workers, often from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal, to fill labor-intensive jobs in manufacturing, plantations, or construction that local workers won’t perform for the wages offered.
The cost of recruitment and migration from Bangladesh to Malaysia is among the most expensive in the world, according to the International Labor Organization’s office in Bangladesh.
The official recruitment fee is about $650 per worker. But all the workers at Kawaguchi said they paid nearly $5,000. The loans they took to pay such sums has pushed them into debt bondage as they labor to pay off ever mounting debts.
In 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia should end use of recruitment agents, describing the system as “modern slavery.” But a 2024 study of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia found that more than 70% had spent at least half of their wages to pay off recruitment debts. Most have at least two loans and many said they were misled about their wages.
Nearly everyone who migrates overseas from Bangladesh, one of the countries most affected by climate change, has suffered at least one form of modern slavery, like withholding of wages or physical violence, according to a study by the London-based think tank International Institute for Environment and Development.
Mohamad Mohosin, 38, said he moved to Malaysia when his crops failed because of extreme weather. After going months without being paid his debt has spiraled, forcing his large family in Bangladesh to borrow still more money. “My family is in trouble,” he said.
Among migrant workers, Bangladeshis often end up in the riskiest jobs, such as plantation work where they can catch mosquitoborne diseases, or physically demanding factory or construction roles, where the likelihood of accidents is higher, said Shariful Islam Hasan of BRAC.
“Despite the high risk and the high migration cost, salaries are too low,” he said.
Seeking help from Japan PANASONIC , Sony and Daikin, three of Kawaguchi’s former main customers among about a dozen, agreed to cover an estimated $1.3 million of the recruitment costs paid by the workers. It’s unclear how much each company is contributing.
“This doesn’t cover all the workers’ costs, including interest rates of up to 30% they must pay on their loans,” said Andy Hall, a British labor activist who has been helping the workers. Many have also defaulted on their debts after going months without wages.
“They’re absolutely desperate and they’re at very high risk of falling into even worse situations,” Hall said.
Daikin settled with the workers, agreeing to pay them more, although it says it accounted for only 1% to 2% of Kawaguchi’s orders. The air conditioner manufacturer told AP it was working with human rights groups to resolve any remaining issues.
Panasonic said it was “proportionally reimbursing the recruitment fees” paid by workers and had asked Kawaguchi to correct labor violations. It said it tried to support Kawaguchi but had to disengage from the company due to its financial woes and anticipated production problems.
Sony told AP its code of conduct prohibits abusive labor practices in its supply chain. After investigating, it demanded corrective measures. “When our demands were not satisfied, we terminated our relationship with this supplier,” it said.
Japanese. When its prices are rising every week, (Eto’s) resignation is only natural,” said Shizuko Oshima, 73. The shortfall started last August on panic buying following a government caution over preparedness for a major earthquake. The supply pressure eased after the autumn harvest, but a shortage and price increases hit again early this year.
Officials have blamed the supply shortage on poor harvests because of hot weather in 2023 and higher fertilizer and other production costs, but some experts blame the government’s long-term rice production policy. The unprecedented release from emergency rice stockpiles was seen in part as an attempt to figure out distribution problems. The government has denied there is now a rice shortage, but officials say it’s a mystery why rice is not reaching consumers. Some experts say the rice shortage could be serious but it’s difficult to trace rice as its distribution route has become so complex since the end of government control in 1995.
AP video journalist Mayuko Ono contributed to this report.
Japan’s exports to US drop amid ongoing tariff tension
By Yuri Kageyama AP Business Writer
TOKYO—Japan’s exports to the United States, its largest single trading partner, fell nearly 2% in April as tariff hikes imposed by President Donald Trump hit home.
Globally, exports rose just 2% year-on-year, down from 4% in March, leaving a trade deficit for the first time in three months. Imports from the United States fell more than 11% in April, while total imports slipped 2.2%. Weakening exports could drag on growth after the economy contracted 0.7% in the last quarter.
Japan is asking the Trump administration to scrap his tariffs on imports from Japan, but so far, the US has not agreed to do so.
The Finance Ministry said April’s trade deficit totaled 115.8 billion yen ($804 million), compared with 504.7 billion yen a year earlier.
The Japanese yen recently has gained against the US dollar, eroding the value of exports in yen terms. The dollar is trading at about 144 yen, down from about 155 yen a year ago.
Exports had picked up earlier in the year as businesses rushed to beat tariffs that have gradually taken effect since Trump took office for a second time.
While trade with the United States has suffered, exports to other regions such as Southeast Asia have expanded. The US is charging a 25% tariff on imports of autos, a mainstay of Japan’s trade with the US and a key driver of growth for the economy. Trump has relaxed some of those tariffs but has kept in place higher tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Japan’s vehicle exports fell nearly 6% in April from the year before.
Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s main tariff negotiator, is due to visit the US soon for talks, likely over the weekend, in the third round of those talks.
Renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza claim 45 lives amid international outcry and aid challenges
By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy & Melanie Lidman The Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza—
Hospitals in Gaza say Israeli strikes overnight and into Wednesday killed at least 45 people, including several women and a weekold infant.
The fresh strikes come as Israel’s war on Hamas shows no signs of relenting, despite a surge in international anger at Israel’s widening offensive.
Israel began allowing dozens of humanitarian trucks into Gaza on Tuesday, but the aid has not yet
reached Palestinians in desperate need, according to aid groups. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Tuesday evening that although the aid has entered Gaza, aid workers were not able to bring it to distribution points where it is most needed, after the Israeli
Tigers, jaguars and elephants are the latest to flee cartel violence in Mexico’s Sinaloa
By Megan Janetsky & Félix Márquez
The Associated Press
CULIACAN, Mexico—A pack of veterinarians clambered over hefty metal crates on Tuesday morning, loading them one by one onto a fleet of semi-trucks. Among the cargo: tigers, monkeys, jaguars, elephants and lions—all fleeing the latest wave of cartel violence eclipsing the northern Mexican city of Culiacan.
For years, exotic pets of cartel members and circus animals have been living in a small refuge on the outskirts of Sinaloa’s capital. However, a bloody power struggle erupted last year between rival Sinaloa cartel factions, plunging the region into crippling levels of violence and leaving the
leaders of the Ostok Sanctuary reeling from armed attacks, constant death threats and a cutoff from essential supplies needed to keep their 700 animals alive.
The aid organization left Culiacan Tuesday and transported the animals hours across the state in hopes that they’ll escape the brunt of the violence. But fighting has grown so widespread in the region that many fear it will inevitably catch up.
“We’ve never seen violence this extreme,” said Ernesto Zazueta, president of the Ostok Sanctuary. “We’re worried for the animals that come here to have a better future.”
Cartel factions battle VIOLENCE in the city exploded eight
See “Cartel,” A9
military forced them to reload the supplies onto separate trucks and workers ran out of time.
Internal notes circulated among aid groups Wednesday and seen by The Associated Press said that no humanitarian trucks had left Kerem Shalom, the border crossing in southern Gaza that is operated by Israel. The notes said 65 trucks moved from the Israel side of the crossing to the Palestinian side, but hadn’t made it into Gaza.
The Israeli defense body that oversees humanitarian aid to Gaza said trucks were entering into Gaza on Wednesday morning, but it was unclear if that aid was able to continue into Gaza for distribution. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said they waited several hours to collect aid from the border crossing in order
to begin distribution but were unable to do so on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the UK suspended free trade talks with Israel over its intensifying assault, a step that came a day after the UK, Canada and France promised concrete steps to prompt Israel to halt the war. Separately, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza.
Israel says it is prepared to stop the war once all the hostages taken by Hamas return home and Hamas is defeated, or is exiled and disarmed. Hamas says it is prepared to release the hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory and an end to the war. It rejects demands for exile
and disarmament.
Israel called back its senior negotiating team from ceasefire talks in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, saying it would leave lower-level officials in place instead.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued to pound Gaza. In the southern city of Khan Younis, where Israel recently ordered new evacuations pending an expected expanded offensive, 24 people were killed, 14 of them from the same family. A week-old infant was killed in central Gaza.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes but has said it is targeting Hamas infrastructure and accused Hamas militants of operating from civilian areas.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked
southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others. The militants are still holding 58 captives, around a third of whom are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive, which has destroyed large swaths of Gaza, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.
Magdy reported from Cairo and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud contributed from
Putin visited Russia’s Kursk region for first time since Moscow said it drove out Ukrainian forces
By The Associated Press
RESIDENT Vladimir Putin
Pvisited Russia’s Kursk region for the first time since Moscow claimed that it drove Ukrainian forces out of the area last month, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
Putin visited the region bordering Ukraine the previous day, according to the Kremlin.
Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024 in one of its biggest battlefield successes in the more than three-year war. The incursion was the first time Russian terri -
tory was occupied by an invader since World War II and dealt a humiliating blow to the Kremlin. Since the end of 2023, Russia has mostly had the advantage on the battlefield, with the exception of Kursk.
Ukraine, the US and South Korea said that North Korea sent up to 12,000 troops to help the Russian army take back control of Kursk, and Russia said on April 26 that its forces had pushed out the Ukrainian army. Kyiv officials denied the claim.
Putin’s unannounced visit appeared to be an effort to show Russia is in control of the conflict—
even though its full-scale invasion of its neighbor has been slow and costly in terms of casualties and equipment—amid recent US and European proposals for a ceasefire that Putin has effectively rejected.
Video broadcast by Russian state media showed that Putin visited Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2, which is still under construction, and met with selected volunteers behind closed doors.
Many of the volunteers wore clothes emblazoned with the Russian flag and the Latin letters “Z” and “V”, which are symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“What you are doing now dur -
ing this difficult situation for this region, for this area, and for the country, will remain with you for the rest of your life as, perhaps, the most meaningful thing with which you were ever involved,” Putin said as he drank tea with the volunteers.
Ukraine’s surprise thrust into Kursk and its ability to hold land there was a logistical feat, carried out in secrecy, that countered months of gloomy news from the front about Ukrainian forces being pushed backward by the bigger Russian army.
See “Putin,” A8
Beirut and Sam Mednick contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.
Trump’s tariffs will test unity among allies at G7 finance ministers’ summit
By Christopher Rugaber AP Economics Writer
BANFF, Canada—Leading financial officials from the world’s richest countries are gathering in a Canadian mountain resort this week for what may prove a contentious meeting in the wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
The annual meetings of the Group of 7 finance ministers, known as the G7, are typically congenial and in previous years have produced joint commitments to combat inflation and counter the Covid pandemic. There may be less agreement this year as Trump’s tariffs threaten to slow growth in many of the gathered nations, including host Canada, which Trump has also suggested become a potential 51st state.
“I expect it will be somewhat of a testy conversation among the G7 officials,” said Eswar Prasad, an economist at Cornell University and former top official at the International Monetary Fund. “This is a very difficult period for the relationships among the G7 countries.”
The Trump administration has reached an initial trade deal with one G7 member, the United Kingdom, and is engaged in talks with Japan and the European Union. But Canada still faces 25% duties on many of its exports to the United States, including autos, and the other three G7 members— France, Germany, and Italy—all
face a baseline tariff of 10% on all their exports as part of the European Union.
It will be the first formal meeting of the G7 attended by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who participated in a brief G7 gathering last month on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington, D.C. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will also attend along with central bank governors from the other G7 nations.
“The message from colleagues is pretty clear is that a free and fair and a rules-based multilateral trading system, is a system in which we all win,” FrancoisPhilippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of finance, said Tuesday.
While many finance ministers gathered in Banff this week will likely seek one-on-one meetings with Bessent, it’s unlikely any trade deals will be reached, according to a person briefed on preparations for the meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not have authorization to speak about it publicly. Instead, the finance officials
will seek to smooth the way toward any agreements before a meeting of the heads of state of the G7 countries in June in nearby Kananaskis, Canada.
Bessent may be able to bring a more conciliatory tone to the meetings, Prasad said, as he is often seen as a relatively moderating influence on tariffs in the Trump White House.
And there will likely be some areas of agreement, particularly around the Trump administration’s goal to address what it calls “global imbalances” in world trade, a reference to the United States’ large annual trade deficits, which reflects that it imports more than it exports. The White House sees China as the key driver of such imbalances. China has a large trade surplus.
“Intentional policy choices by other countries have hollowed out America’s manufacturing sector and undermined our critical supply chains, putting our national and economic security at risk,” Bessent said in a speech last month during the IMF and World Bank
meetings.
The status of the US dollar may also come up, at least in informal conversations. The dollar dropped in value unexpectedly last month after Trump unveiled his widespread tariffs, while the interest rate on Treasury bonds rose, a sign that international investors may have been dumping American assets as confidence in the country’s governance and economy eroded.
“In the hallways, they’re going to talk about nothing but tariffs and the dollar,” said Steven Kamin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former senior economist at the Federal Reserve.
At last year’s meeting of G7 finance officials in Stresa, Italy, they agreed on a joint statement that said the members have a “strong commitment to a free, fair, and rules-based” trading system. It’s not yet clear whether they will be able to agree on such a statement this year.
Another question hanging over
See “Tariffs,” A9
UK inflation hits 3.5%, as energy, water prices rise, dashing rate cut expectations
By Irina Anghel & Tom Rees
UNITED KINGDOM inflation jumped more than forecast to its highest rate in over a year as households were hit by a raft of price increases, prompting investors to pare bets on rate cuts from the Bank of England.
Increases to energy, water and other administered prices pushed inflation to 3.5% in April from 2.6% a month earlier, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday. It was the highest rate in 15 months and above the 3.4% forecast by the BOE.
Services inflation, watched closely by the BOE for signs of underlying price pressures, accelerated to 5.4% from 4.7%. The central bank had expected a rate of 5%.
Core inflation, which excludes energy and food, climbed to 3.8%—the highest since April last year.
Traders slashed bets on further interestrate cuts, favoring just one more quarterpoint reduction by the end of the year.
Markets also see just a 50% chance of a cut in August, from 60% before the data. The pound rose as much as 0.6% to $1.3469, the strongest level since February 2022.
Suren Thiru, economics director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said the figures “probably rule out a June rate cut” and “means an August policy loosening is far from a done deal.”
The data support the cautious tone struck by the BOE at its meeting earlier this month, when two policymakers voted to pause rate cuts and others wavered over another easing. While officials backed a quarter-point cut to 4.25% and expect the price spike to be temporary, the BOE is worried about lingering price pressures in the economy with wage growth still stubbornly high. On Tuesday, BOE Chief Economist Huw Pill warned that interest rates were coming down too quickly.
“We think a quarterly profile of rate cuts remains appropriate, but the chance of the easing cycle speeding up any time soon has fallen,” said Luke Bartholomew, deputy chief economist at Aberdeen.
“The faster-than-expected rise in April’s CPI inflation will make for an awkward reading at the Bank of England. The better news is that there was evidence underlying inflation eased gradually. With growth likely to cool and the jobs market loosen,
Putin. . .
Continued from A7
Kyiv’s strategy aimed to show that Russia has weaknesses and that the war isn’t lost. It also sought to distract Russian forces from their onslaught in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.
The move was fraught with risk. Analysts noted that it could backfire and open a door for Russian advances in Ukraine by further stretching Ukrainian forces that are short-handed along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620mile) front line.
The incursion didn’t significantly change the dynamics of the war.
Putin told acting Gov. Alexan -
we expect that to continue in the coming months, clearing the path for the central bank to keep cutting rates in quarterly steps,” said Bloomberg’s UK economists Ana Andrade and Dan Hanson.
Inflation is now well above the 2% target, and the BOE expects the rate to accelerate further to a peak of 3.7% in September. That’s a fresh blow for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as households face a renewed cost-of-living squeeze at a time when US President Donald Trump’s tariffs are weighing on the economic outlook.
“I am disappointed with these figures because I know cost of living pressures are still weighing down on working people,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said in a statement.
Consumer prices rose 1.2% over the month, the biggest increase in two years. It largely reflected a 6.4% increase in the energy cap—the maximum suppliers are allowed to raise prices for gas and electricity. Consumers also faced higher water bills, train fares and local authority taxes as a wide range of basic costs went up in what British media dubbed “awful April.”
Volatile air fares drove up services inflation as the ONS collected some of the price data over the Easter holidays when demand soars. Fares were up 16.2% on a year ago, though the timing of the collection suggests the boost from this component will ease.
Stripping out volatile and indexed categories leaves services price inflation falling to 3.8%, down from 4.4%, according to Bloomberg Economics. Energy price pressures are also set to ease later this year. According to Cornwall Insight, the energy price cap for household bills is likely to fall 7% in July. An announcement by the energy regulator is due next Tuesday. The sharp price increases last month coincided with the introduction of a £26 billion ($34.8 billion) boost to the payroll taxes paid by employers and a near 7% rise in the minimum wage, both announced in the October budget. Surveys suggested that a high proportion of firms were planning to raise prices in a bid to protect their margins. With assistance from Aline Oyamada, Philip Aldrick, Mark Evans, Harumi Ichikura, Joel Rinneby, William Selway and Julian Harris/Bloomberg
der Khinshtein that the Kremlin supported the idea of continuing monthly payments to displaced families that still couldn’t return to their homes.
Putin said that he would back a proposal to build a museum in the region to celebrate what acting Gov. Alexander Khinshtein described as “the heroism of our defenders and the heroism of the region’s residents.”
Disgruntled residents had previously shown their disapproval over a lack of compensation in rare organized protests.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said that its air defenses shot down 159 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight, including 53 over the Oryol region and 51 over the Bryansk region.
UKRAINE Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, right, and Canada’s Finance Minister FrancoisPhilippe Champagne speak to the media prior to the G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Banff, Alberta, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. JEFF MCINTOSH/THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP
Trump selects concept for $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system
By Tara Copp The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump has announced the concept he wants for his future Golden Dome missile defense program—a multilayered, $175 billion system that for the first time will put US weapons in space.
Speaking Tuesday from the Oval Office, Trump said he expects the system will be “fully operational before the end of my term,” which ends in 2029, and have the capability of intercepting missiles “even if they are launched from space.”
It’s likelier that the complex system may have some initial capability by that point, a US official familiar with the program said.
Trump, seated next to a poster showing the continental US painted gold and with artistic depictions of missile interceptions, also announced that Gen. Michael Guetlein, who currently serves as the vice chief of space operations, will be responsible for overseeing Golden Dome’s progress.
Golden Dome is envisioned to include ground- and space-based capabilities that are able to detect and stop missiles at all four major stages of a potential attack: detecting and destroying them before a launch, intercepting them in their earliest stage of flight, stopping them midcourse in the air, or halting them in the final minutes as they descend toward a target.
For the last several months,
Cartel. . .
Continued from A7 months ago when two rival Sinaloa Cartel factions began warring for territory after the dramatic kidnapping of the leader of one of the groups by a son of notorious capo Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán who then delivered him to US authorities via a private plane.
Since then, intense fighting between the heavily armed factions has become the new normal for civilians in Culiacan, a city which for years avoided the worst of Mexico’s violence in large part because the Sinaloa Cartel maintained such complete control.
“With the escalating war between the two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, they have begun to extort, kidnap and rob cars because they need funds to finance their war,” said security analyst David Saucedo. “And the civilians in Culiacan are the ones that suffer.”
Zazueta, the sanctuary director, said their flight from the city is another sign of just how far the warfare has seeped into daily life.
This week, refuge staff loaded up roaring animals onto a convoy as some trainers attempted to sooth them. One murmured in a soft voice as he fed a bag of carrots to an elephant in a shipping container, “I’m going to be right here, no one will do anything to you.”
Veterinarians and animals traveled along the freeway to seaside Mazatlan, where they released the animals into another wildlife reserve. Their caravan of vehicles flying large white flags, in a sign of peace, rolled past young men in black ski masks perched on motorcycles who watched them intently—a reminder of what the animals and refuge workers were leaving behind.
Pentagon planners have been developing options—which the US official described as medium, high and “extra high” choices, based on their cost—that include spacebased interceptors. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail plans that have not been made public.
The difference in the three versions is largely based on how many satellites and sensors—and for the first time, space-based interceptors—would be purchased.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated this month that just the space-based components of the Golden Dome could cost as much as $542 billion over the next 20 years. Trump has requested an initial $25 billion for the program in his proposed tax break bill now moving through Congress.
The Pentagon has warned for years that the newest missiles developed by China and Russia are so advanced that updated countermeasures are necessary. Golden Dome’s added satellites and interceptors—where the bulk of the program’s cost is—would be focused on stopping those advanced missiles early on or in the
middle of their flight.
The space-based weapons envisioned for Golden Dome “represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organizations,” Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the US Space Force, told lawmakers at a hearing Tuesday.
China and Russia have put offensive weapons in space, such as satellites with abilities to disable critical US satellites, which can make the US vulnerable to attack.
Last year, the US said Russia was developing a space-based nuclear weapon that could loiter in space for long durations, then release a burst that would take out satellites around it.
Trump said Tuesday that he had not yet spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Golden Dome program, “but at the right time, we will,” he told reporters at the White House.
In a joint statement earlier this month, China and Russia called the Golden Dome idea “deeply destabilizing in nature,” warning it would turn “outer space into an environment for placing weapons and an arena for armed confrontation.”
There is no money for the project yet, and Golden Dome overall
is “still in the conceptual stage,” newly confirmed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators during a hearing Tuesday.
While the president picked the concept he wanted, the Pentagon is still developing the requirements that Golden Dome will need to meet—which is not the way new systems are normally developed.
The Pentagon and US Northern Command are still drafting what is known as an initial capabilities document, the US official said. That is how Northern Command, which is responsible for homeland defense, identifies what it will need the system to do.
The US already has many missile defense capabilities, such as the Patriot missile batteries that the US has provided to Ukraine to defend against incoming missiles as well as an array of satellites in orbit to detect missile launches. Some of those existing systems will be incorporated into Golden Dome.
Trump directed the Pentagon to pursue the space-based interceptors in an executive order during the first week of his presidency.
The Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed reporting.
Tariffs.
. .
Continued from A8
the meetings will be whether the G7 can come to agreement on a new round of sanctions on Russia. The European Union and U.K. announced sanctions on Russian oil Tuesday, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of unregistered oil tankers that are shipping its oil and allowing it to fund its war with Ukraine.
Proposals to lower a price cap on Russian oil, set as part of earlier rounds of international sanctions, down from its current level of $60 may also be discussed in meetings Wednesday.
Yet the Trump administration, while it has called for greater sanctions on Russian oil,
hasn’t yet signed on to the new restrictions.
Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, and said the two countries would soon begin ceasefire talks, though no details were available.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko will also attend the G7 meetings this week, though Ukraine is not a member. Daleep Singh, chief global economist at PGIM Fixed Income and a former deputy national security adviser in the Biden administration, said the issue of Russian oil sanctions will be a key test of what unity remains in the G7.
“If you’re looking for something to engender a just and lasting peace, oil sanctions are the place to look,” he said.
‘No safe place left these days’ During intense periods of violence, staff at the sanctuary could hear gunshots echoing nearby, the roar of cars and helicopters overhead, something they say scares the animals. Cartel fighting regularly blocked staff off from reaching the sanctuary, and some animals went days without eating. Many have started to lose fur and at least two have died due to the situation, Zazueta said.
Complicating matters is the fact that an increasing number of the animals they rescue are former narco pets left abandoned in rural swathes of the state. In one case, a Bengal tiger was discovered chained in a plaza, caught in the center of shootouts. Rumors circulate in Sinaloa and other conflict-ridden parts of Mexico that capos feed their enemies to pet lions.
Diego García, a refuge staff member, is among those who travel out to rescue those animals. He said he regularly receives anonymous threats, with callers claiming to know his address and how to find him. He worries he’ll be targeted for taking away the former pets of capos. Zazueta said the refuge also receives calls threatening to burn the sanctuary to the ground and kill the fauna if payment isn’t made.
“There’s no safe place left in this city these days,” said García.
That’s the feeling for many in the city of 1 million. When the sun rises, parents check for news of shootouts as if it were the weather, to determine if it’s safe to send their kids to school. Burned houses sit riddled with bullets and occasionally bodies appear hanging from bridges outside the city. By night, Culiacan turns into a ghost town, leaving bars and clubs shuttered and many without work.
“My son, my son, I’m here. I’m not going
The relocation came after months of planning and training the animals, a move made by the organization in an act of desperation. They said the sanctuary was caught in the crossfire of the warfare because of its proximity to the town of Jesús María, a stronghold of Los Chapitos, one of the warring factions.
to leave you alone,” screamed one mother, sobbing on the side of the road and cursing officials as they inspected her son’s dead body, splayed out and surrounded by bullet casings late Monday night. “Why do the police do nothing?” she cried out.
Displaced animals head for new refuge
IN February, while driving a refuge vehicle used for to rescue felines and other species, García said he was forced from the car by an armed, masked man in an SUV. At gunpoint, they stole the truck, animal medicine and tools used by the group for rescues and left him trembling on the side of the road.
The breaking point for the Ostok Sanctuary came in March, when one of the
two elephants in their care, Bireki, injured her foot. Veterinarians scrambled to find a specialist to treat her in Mexico, the United States and beyond. No one would brave the trip to Culiacan.
“We asked ourselves, ‘what are we doing here?’” Zazueta said. “We can’t risk this happening again. If we don’t leave, who will treat them?”
The concern by many is that Mexico’s crackdown on the cartels will be met with even more violent power moves by criminal organizations, as has happened in the past, said Saucedo, the security analyst.
The Associated Press videojournalist Fernanda Pesce contributed to this report from Culiacan, Mexico.
DEFENSE Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Washington. AP/ALEX BRANDON
UNDP report urges PHL to accelerate human development and tackle inequality
THE latest United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report 2025 offers a sobering yet hopeful snapshot of the country’s progress on human development. Ranking 117th out of 193 countries with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.720, the Philippines has inched forward, improving by 1.4 percent since last year and securing a place in the “high human development” category. Yet, when positioned alongside its East Asia and Pacific neighbors, the country still lags behind the regional average of 0.775. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “PHL Human Development Index up, but below region’s,” May 14, 2025).
The country’s average annual HDI growth rate of 0.59 percent since 1990 is less than half the East Asia and Pacific regional average of 1.25 percent. This is concerning, especially given our considerable human potential, natural resources, and a young, dynamic population. The HDI measures critical dimensions—health, education, and standard of living—all of which have seen only modest improvements in the country. The slowdown in progress emphasized by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner should act as a wake-up call for the government and stakeholders to intensify their efforts to boost development.
While aggregate numbers show incremental gains, a deeper look reveals persistent inequality undermining true human development. The inequalityadjusted indices for life expectancy, education, and income tell a story of disparities that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. The Philippines’ life expectancy inequality at 15 percent and income inequality nearing 24 percent are particularly troubling when compared to regional peers. These gaps translate into real-world consequences—unequal access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities—that limit the country’s ability to fully harness the potential of its people.
Gender inequality presents a mixed picture. Although the Gender Development Index (GDI) is slightly above regional averages, the Gender Inequality Index (GII) remains high, ranking the Philippines 86th globally. This suggests that despite strides in closing some gender gaps, women and marginalized groups continue to face significant barriers, particularly in political participation, reproductive health, and economic empowerment.
The report’s warning about the growing chasm between countries with very high and very low HDI is a stark reminder that global progress is fragile. Rising trade tensions, mounting debt burdens, and jobless industrialization threaten to reverse hard-won gains. For the Philippines, which is vulnerable to economic shocks and ecological risks, these global trends underscore the urgency of building resilience through sustainable development.
Among the report’s more optimistic notes is the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform development pathways. AI could be a powerful tool to accelerate education, healthcare, and economic productivity. However, the Philippines is at a considerable disadvantage due to low public investment in research and development, which hovers between 0.14 and 0.18 percent of GDP—well below the UNESCO benchmark of 2 percent. If the country doesn’t enhance R&D and cultivate innovation ecosystems, it risks falling behind in the AI revolution. As the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals approach, the country must heed the UNDP’s warning that sluggish progress risks delaying milestones by decades. The government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to create a future where development is not only measured by averages but experienced by all Filipinos.
The gods are still crazy
DJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
EEP in the Kalahari Desert, San tribesman Xi and his people thrive in self-sufficient isolation, untouched by global clamor.
A reckless pilot tosses an empty glass Coca-Cola bottle from his plane, and it lands among them. The San, dazzled by this gleaming oddity, deem it a divine gift and search for its purpose. This is the 1980 film “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”
Southeast Asia faces the same rude surprise “gifts.” Be it US export bans or trendy Western apps, they come uninvited. The world dumps its baggage, its chaos and expects you to sort it out. The San transform the Coca-Cola bottle into a versatile multi-tool: a pestle for crushing herbs, a rolling pin for flatbreads, a flute for music, and a plaything for children. Their resourcefulness turns junk into treasure, adapting this alien object to their needs.
The Kalahari San stick to a traditional life, their horizon stopping at the desert’s rim. Gcao Tekene Çoma, the movie’s lead, had no grasp of cash, though his tribe tapped Namibian government subsidies. His acting bought a house and a used car with
L. Cabangon Chua
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes
Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan
BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
a hired driver, having no desire to learn to drive.
But if you buy a car, learn to drive. You can live a “traditional life” but must “think modern.” Last week, Moody’s, the bond credit rating firm, stripped the US of its pristine “AAA” credit rating due to spiraling deficits and mounting interest costs to end the US’s perfect rating streak. But that is a US problem.
Yet local analysts said, “The peso depreciated on safe-haven concerns after the US’s sovereign credit rating was downgraded.” I do not have a clue what “safe-haven concerns” means. For all their ingenuity, the “traditional life” San tribe did not understand what a Coke bottle was used for. Maybe the Philippine election results were a greater factor?
Southeast Asia sits on the global sidelines, not quite in the US or Europe’s orbit, yet we are not immune to their fallout. There are many empty “Coke bottles”—IMF loan terms, Netflix’s cultural shove, EU green mandates—raining down, forcing us to decode their impact. The Philippines, caught in US-China trade tugs, knows this well.
At least the Kalahari Coke bottle did not land on anyone’s head. The world’s chaos kicks down the door like a Thai farmer cashing in on global markets yet baffled by their rules. Globalization dangles rewards but skips the instruction manual and no one explains the fine print.
The world recoils at every news headline. Apprehension pervades the globe. Regional conflicts simmer, each a spark for wider disaster. But do not pin this solely on foreign troublemakers. The UN and WTO do not just advise—they dictate, posturing as kings without crowns, brushing off borders like old paperwork. Asean’s voice drowns in their noise, just as your vote does. Decades of globalization built this unaccountable machine, and it answers to no one. When did your ballot start reporting to a Swiss bureaucrat?
Southeast Asia’s history weaves Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians into a vibrant tapestry. But rapid urbanization and economic
Buyers recoil from Japanese bonds in warning on BOJ balance-sheet cuts
By Mia Glass & Alice French
JAPAN’S sovereign debt market is flashing a warning to the central bank that dialing back its bond purchases needs to be done with great care.
The issue is in sharp relief this week, with investors shunning an auction of government debt and yields soaring, just as market participants sit down with Bank of Japan officials to share views on tapering. Comments from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba likening Japan’s financial position to that of Greece underscore the stakes for avoiding any missteps in fiscal and monetary policy.
The rout in the nation’s $7.8 trillion government bond market, which has been building since US President Donald Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs in April, is most acute for longer-maturity debt. That part of the market has been dependent on purchases from large Japanese institutions, such as life insurers, who are now waiting for uncertainty to clear.
“There’s almost a buyers’ strike in the back end of the curve,” James Malcolm, a London-based macro
strategist at UBS, said in the wake of Tuesday’s sale of 20-year bonds, which drew the weakest demand in more than a decade. “And on top of that, the political situation is fragile and there’s more pressure for fiscal spending,” he said.
This has investors keenly focused on the BOJ’s hearings with market participants, which began Tuesday with commercial lenders and brokerages, and continues Wednesday with investors. There was no consensus among participants going into the meetings on the best course for policy, potentially keeping the current pace of tapering on track.
But events in the market are likely to test this position in the lead-up to the BOJ board’s next policy decision on June 17. The Ministry of Finance will sell 40-year bonds on May 28, and upward pressure on US Treasury yields continues to ripple through to Japan.
The BOJ’s reduction in its purchases means the market has to absorb an increasing amount of government notes, leading to lower prices.
The central bank’s holdings of Japanese bonds have fallen by ¥21 trillion ($146 billion) from a record high set in November 2023 as purchases fell short of redemption of debt that the central bank owned.
Net bond supply, which takes into account redemptions and the central bank’s debt purchases, climbed to the highest at least since 2010, according to Bloomberg analysis of central bank data.
“I expect that the BOJ will be forced to take action at its June meeting, such as excluding superlong-term JGBs from the scope of reduction in JGB purchases,” said Ryutaro Kimura, a fixed-income strategist at AXA Investment Managers Ltd. in Tokyo. “Until a clear message is given by the authorities, bond investors are unlikely to relax their cautionary stance toward super-long JGBs.”
Japan’s bonds extended their losses on Wednesday, with 30-year yields rising 6 basis points to the highest since that maturity was first sold in
migration strain its threads. Communities, once tight-knit, wrestle with clashing cultures and ambitions, fueling innovation but also strife. Indonesia and the Philippines’ urban-rural political rifts show how fast unity splinters. Diversity is no harmony—it is a mosaic with sharp edges. Forget superpower rivalries— the true battle is on our streets, shaping this region’s economies and each nation’s future. The world flings its Coca-Cola bottles—trade barriers, cultural tides, IMF edicts—expecting Southeast Asia to cower. The San forged tools from junk; this region forges GCash and Grab. The storm rages, yet our resolve can burn better. It is time to ignore the posturing of global elites and their borderless decrees. Asean —and Filipino—power thrives in remaking each intrusion to instead serve our markets, our people, our vision.
Southeast Asia does not need to bow to anyone. We can sharpen every shard into a blade and dare the gods to keep throwing bottles. We can carve our own path. But we need the leaders that understand the idea of creating a future that answers only to the people.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
1999. Japan’s 20-year bonds yielded 2.57 percent, the most since 2000. “Long-term JGBs are being treated with disdain, as though investors fear a credit ratings downgrade for Japan following the one seen for the US last week. Fixed income traders may only get true relief when there is a credit event on Japan’s sovereign rating that acts as the catalyst for a buy-the-fact type rebound,” said Bloomberg strategist Mark Cranfield.
There is a lack of consensus on how much further yields may rise, as investors adjust to a market that is returning to a more natural—albeit volatile—state after a years of aggressive purchases by the BOJ to hold yields down to stimulate the economy.
“Storms may be brewing here that may spark off something more Japan-centric, in terms of the size of its debt and growing bond vigilantes in our market,” said Amir Anvarzadeh, Japan equity strategist at Asymmetric Advisors Pte. “All eyes are on whether Japan’s institutions are perhaps being asked by the MOF to raise their allocations in JGBs.” See “Buyers”
Shutting the door on industry interference
Dr. Anthony Leachon
OUR newly elected lawmakers are now in the position to do what is right for public health.
As the 20th Congress assembles, its members carry more than the hopes of their constituents. Our senators and representatives hold the power to shape a future where health is not a privilege but a right for every Filipino. With fresh mandates and renewed commitments, they have the opportunity before them to pass prohealth, life-saving policies that put people first.
The first order of business should be to shun the specter of industry interference that waits by the door for our newly elected lawmakers.
The public health community has warned our duty-bearers about this long before the 20th Congress. The rhetoric of choice has been weaponized to delay regulation, undermine enforcement, and mask the truth on cigarettes, vape, and alcohol, shifting the responsibility of regulation to the individual instead of addressing the systemic drivers of harm. These industries continue to normalize beliefs and narratives supporting their vested interests, positioning these products as recreational and social necessities.
But cigarettes, vape, and alcohol continue to harm, injure, and kill. Most at risk are the very people lawmakers are meant to protect — young Filipinos, women, and vulnerable communities disproportionately bearing the health and financial burdens of these industries.
Take, for instance, House Bill No. 11360—dubbed the Sin Tax Sabotage Bill—which was passed on third reading by the House of Representatives earlier this year, and is being railroaded in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The measure does away with the annual 5 percent indexation of tobacco taxes, replacing it with alternating adjustments between 2 percent and 4 percent starting 2026.
Lowering excise tax rates only significantly damages fiscal and public health by increasing accessibility to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Initial estimates from the Sin Tax Coalition projects that the tobacco industry will profit P33.7 billion from the bill if enacted, and a staggering P176 billion income revenue loss for the government.
The numbers tell us what we already see in our hospitals and communities. Vaping and smoking cigarettes among Filipino youth is rising. Tobacco-related illnesses remain one of the country’s top killers. Alcohol consumption drives road crashes, domestic violence, and a spectrum of long-term health issues and mental illnesses from alcohol use disorder. Statistics from the Global Burden of Disease Study has shown that a total of 88,169 Filipinos passed away
Buyers. . .
continued from A10
The yield surge is another cause for concern for investors in Japanese stocks, which came under pressure Tuesday, said Kazuhiro Sasaki, head of research at Phillip Securities Japan.
“Prime Minister Ishiba has said issuing more bonds to fund the budget is unacceptable, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on economic measures,” he said. “The economic situation is quite uncertain.”
Others are relatively sanguine.
For Hui Shi Yeo, a portfolio manager and researcher overseeing Japan equities at Singapore-based fintech firm iFast, “the recent rise in ultra-long yields may not necessarily be a red flag, but rather a reflection of economic normalization which could support corporate earnings.”
Still, higher yields point to increased borrowing costs for the government, Japanese companies and consumers, at a time of underlying shakiness in the economy, which flipped back into reverse in the first
From classrooms to careers: Bridging education with employment
Tfrom tobacco-related afflictions in 2021, a number that accounted for a tenth of all deaths in the country that year. It also noted there were 27,478 alcohol-related deaths. These are not mere statistics; they are children with inflamed lungs, mothers battling cancer, and breadwinners buried too soon.
The 20th Congress can change this story.
Industry lobbyists will frame regulation as an assault on personal freedom or economic growth while cloaking addiction and illness in the language of choice and harm reduction. But there is nothing free about a choice made without full knowledge of possible repercussions. Economic productivity and human development are weighed down by the costs of cancer, stroke, and early death.
The alcohol, tobacco, and vape industries will continue to knock on our decision-makers’ doors. They will offer sentiment about economic growth, consumer rights, and innovation. Make no mistake. What they seek is a policy environment where regulation is diluted and accountability is deferred.
Public health laws must be passed with the people in mind, not profit margins. We need bold, uncompromising legislation. That means increasing taxes on cigarettes, vape, and alcohol products that deter consumption and in turn, fund public healthcare. Most importantly, that means standing up against industry interference in policy-making. This involves proactively monitoring prohealth policies, defending the gains of public health laws, and engaging the media to assist in compliance and enforcement efforts. Combating industry interference starts with taking a preemptive stance against industry attacks.
The public deserves laws that prioritize health, not handshakes with harmful industries. If lawmakers stand with public health, they must shut the door to industry interference once and for all.
We, medical and allied health professionals, in the public health community are ready to work with this Congress. We believe they can stand on the side of health, and history will remember them for it.
Dr. Anthony Leachon is an independent health reform advocate.
three months of the year. Uncertainty also remains over trade talks with the US, with Japan seeking the removal of all additional US tariffs on its goods.
Japan’s central bank has said it intends to trim its purchases by ¥400 billion a quarter, putting it on course to reach monthly buying of around ¥2.9 trillion in the first three months of next year. A decade-long campaign of huge asset purchases left the BOJ holding more than half the nation’s outstanding government bonds.
A quarterly BOJ bond market survey released on Monday showed a sharp deterioration in market functioning in May, compared with February.
“If the BOJ makes no changes to its purchase reduction plans despite the survey showing a decline in market functioning, it may send the wrong message that it intends to continue reducing purchases without taking market conditions into account,” said Naoya Hasegawa, chief bond strategist at Okasan Securities, in a note. With assistance from Masahiro Hidaka, Erica Yokoyama and Masaki Kondo/Bloomberg
By Henry Go
HE Philippine educational system stands at a crossroads. In the face of promising reforms such as the K–12 program, the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) paints a deeply alarming picture: 18 million plus high school graduates from 2019 to 2024 are still functionally illiterate. This serious situation is a worrying sign that something is deeply wrong in the educational system, holding back the country’s goals of fair growth, competitiveness, and sustainable progress.
The education-to-employment gap ONE big problem is that what students learn in school doesn’t match what most jobs need. In a study conducted by a group of alumni scholars from batch 2022- 2023 of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc.’s (CFBCI) Pagharap sa Pangarap scholarship program, it was found out that many K–12 graduates still struggle to get jobs because their skills don’t fit what employers are looking for. This shows that the extra two years in Senior High School (SHS) haven’t really helped students become ready to work. For poor families, this is especially hard—they were hoping SHS would help their children get jobs, but it hasn’t worked out that way.
Even with efforts from the government—like Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 2500229 that allows SHS graduates to apply for government jobs—many still don’t have the right skills or experience to succeed. Because of this, moving up in life remains difficult, especially for SHS students from low-income families.
Strengthening early foundations Change must start at the early stage of learning. Studies from the World Bank and UNESCO show that students who do well in the early years of school are more likely to succeed later in life and find good jobs. Thus, without the early transformative foundation, later corrective measures become more costly and often remedial.
Rethinking Senior High School: A smarter step before college
Senior High School (SHS) should not just be a transit period before college. It should help students gain useful knowledge, real-life skills, and clear goals for their future. Instead of just memorizing facts, students should be encouraged to deeper learning, do analytical problem solving, and think critically.
Schools should also bring students on educational tours to businesses or factories so they can see what the real world is like. Teaching should move away from rote learning and focus more on better academic preparation, career guidance, and practical knowledge.
This will enable colleges to focus on teaching advanced and specialized topics, instead of going back to basic lessons. Education experts say that when students spend quality SHS education learning, they become more confident and better prepared—whether they decide to go to college or start working right after SHS.
College education that prepares students for the real world College should be more than just getting a diploma. It should help students get ready for real life and the working world. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reports that more youth are attending college. The students in bachelor’s degree programs increased from 2.6 million to 3.8 million, and the proportion of youth in college increased from 32 percent to 41 percent. This indicates that college has a lot to do with the future of our nation.
But a diploma is not sufficient.
Employers today want employees who can think critically, work collaboratively, learn, and resolve problems innovatively. To ready students to develop these abilities, colleges must provide more experiential learning, actual projects, and opportunities to collaborate with businesses. These types of experiences enable students to put what they have learned into practice and confront actual challenges.
Faculty members also have a responsibility. They ought to play the role of mentors or coaches — rather than mere lecturers. By being guided, empowered to discover, and taught how lessons apply to the real world, students become confident and equipped for the real world upon graduation. That way, college becomes not merely a place to learn— but a place to develop, prepare, and thrive.
Building a strong workforce for the future
THE Philippines needs more skilled workers in fields like IT/AI, fintech, healthcare, engineering, and education. To meet this need, schools, businesses, and the government must work closely together.
Schools should teach students the skills they need for real jobs. Businesses can support by giving students hands-on experience through internships and on the job training. The government should help by creating good policies and support programs.
We must act now. If we wait, many students may not be ready for work, and companies may struggle to find skilled workers. By working as a team, we can build a stronger workforce and help the Philippines grow and prosper.
Governance, investment, and accountability: Enabling strategic reform
IN order to really address the education crisis of the country, Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno called on the government
to prioritize more in education by setting aside at least six percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) for this sector, as recommended by UNESCO. Repairing the education system needs something beyond cash infusion—it requires strategic investment, good leadership, and clear accountability. So that, it will be outcome-oriented, with every peso invested converted into tangible improvement in student learning.
The private sector should do more than just donate and be a long-term collaborator in enhancing education. Education isn’t a charity—it’s the building block of a thriving and emerging economy. One of the most significant means of enhancing education is by investing in educators.
The OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) in 2019 indicated that effective teachers have a significant impact on the quality of learning among students. It is for this reason that we need to invest in teachers through frequent training, mentorship, and incentives for excellent performance. These should be integral in every school system so that teachers are appreciated and students thrive.
Conclusion: Education as a national imperative FROM classrooms to careers, moving forward requires all of us to work together. The government must set clear policies, educators must spark curiosity and build skills, and industries must take an active role in training and developing a competitive workforce.
Every Filipino—whether a student, worker, business owner, or lifelong learner—deserves a learning system that supports growth and success at every stage of life. Learning shouldn’t end after school—it should continue, helping people live better and more meaningful lives. This is more than just fixing our schools—it’s about creating a stronger, fairer, and more progressive Philippines for everyone.
Malaysia downplays Huawei deal as US aims to curb China AI power
By Mackenzie Hawkins & Ram Anand
MALAYSIA declared it’ll build a first-of-its-kind AI system powered by Huawei Technologies Co. chips, only to distance itself from that statement a day later, underscoring the Asian nation’s delicate position in the US-Chinese AI race.
Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said in a speech Monday her country would be the first to activate an unspecified class of Huawei “Ascend GPU-powered AI servers at national scale.”
Malaysia would deploy 3,000 units of Huawei’s primary AI offering by 2026, she said in prepared remarks reviewed by Bloomberg News. Chinese startup DeepSeek would also make one of its AI models available to the Southeast Asian country, the official added.
The project, first reported by the local outlet Malaysia-China Insight, caught the attention of the White House, which is working to prevent Beijing from capturing foreign AI markets.
“As I’ve been warning, the full Chinese stack is here,” David Sacks, President Donald Trump’s AI and crypto czar, wrote on X. The Trump administration was rescinding Biden-era global semiconductor curbs, which restricted chip sales to Malaysia, “just in time,” he said.
When reached for comment by Bloomberg News on Tuesday, Teo’s office said it’s retracting her remarks on Huawei without explanation. It’s unclear whether the project will proceed as planned. Huawei didn’t provide immediate comment.
The unusual about-face comes after the US Commerce Department released—then tweaked—guidance warning for overseas companies against using Huawei’s Ascend. The use of those chips “anywhere in the
world” could violate US export controls, the agency originally said, before removing that globally focused language during a spat with Beijing. Malaysia is in many ways the perfect test of the Trump administration’s new-fashioned AI diplomacy. The idea, championed in part by Sacks, is to proliferate American AI hardware across the world—with security guardrails—to ensure that companies building data centers in Southeast Asia or the Middle East don’t turn to Chinese alternatives. The US has limited time to entrench itself in those markets, Sacks argues, as Huawei makes progress in catching up with industry leader Nvidia Corp.
At the same time, the Trump administration has promised to crack down on illegal shipments of advanced Nvidia chips to China via third countries. Officials have identified Malaysia as a particular concern.
The Trump administration’s urgency stems in part from the growing prowess of Huawei, which has emerged as China’s national semiconductor champion since its breakthrough in processors for the Mate 60 Pro in 2023. The company has since expanded into adjacent arenas from EVs to AI, where it’s begun making chips it hopes can compete with Nvidia.
Huawei’s Ascend lineup is thought to be so far largely confined to use in China by domestic firms that otherwise can’t legally access Nvidia’s cutting-edge products. The Ascend
Trump officials this year pressured Malaysian authorities to crack down on semiconductor transshipment to China. The country is also in the crosshairs of a court case in Singapore, where three men have been charged with fraud for allegedly disguising the ultimate customer of AI servers that may contain highend Nvidia chips barred from China.
chips are still quite capable, though, particularly in running AI services, according to industry experts.
Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s chief executive officer, called Huawei one of the world’s most formidable technology companies and said China was “right behind” the US in the AI race. That race ramped up last week during Trump’s whirlwind trip to the Middle East. His administration announced deals to ship tens of thousands—and likely upwards of a million—advanced Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. chips to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Those two Gulf nations have huge AI ambitions and long been a focus of Washington’s semiconductor policy.
The deals, which still require licenses for actual shipments, have sown divisions within the Trump administration and drawn bipartisan criticism from Capitol Hill. China hawks worry the agreements could benefit Beijing, which has deep ties in the region. Some policymakers are also concerned the projects, which include a UAE data center that could be one of the world’s largest, may undermine efforts to ensure the most significant AI progress happens on American soil.
As Trump officials hammer out the fine print of the Gulf accords, they’re drafting a replacement for former President Joe Biden’s socalled AI diffusion framework. Those regulations, which Sacks mentioned in his post, were a dramatic expansion of chip curbs originally focused on China. They imposed new license requirements for many countries including Malaysia, as well as national caps on the volume of sales that could be approved—with ways for companies to bypass those limits in exchange for security guarantees. Malaysia is a high priority. US firms including Oracle Corp. are planning massive data center clusters in the nation, and are keen to import high-end Nvidia chips for those facilities—in volumes that may not have been possible under Biden-era rules. The regulations barred American hyperscalers from housing more than 7 percent of their global capacity in any one nation outside the US and a handful of close partners. Oracle was set to blow past that limit in Malaysia, according to the research firm SemiAnalysis.
One element of Trump’s replacement regulations, Bloomberg News has reported, will be chip controls on countries suspected of diverting US hardware to China—including Malaysia.
Trump officials this year pressured Malaysian authorities to crack down on semiconductor transshipment to China. The country is also in the crosshairs of a court case in Singapore, where three men have been charged with fraud for allegedly disguising the ultimate customer of AI servers that may contain highend Nvidia chips barred from China. Malaysian officials are probing the issue. With assistance from Gao Yuan, Andy Lin and Netty Ismail/Bloomberg
BusinessMirror
NBI hunts 40 people in Cebu online investment ‘scam’
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
THENational Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now looking for around 40 individuals who may be involved in an online investment scam operating in Mabolo, Cebu City that was exposed by a hacker who successfully broke into the group’s internal systems and recorded evidence of their fraudulent activities.
In an interview, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said operatives of the NBI-Region 7 led by its directorlawyer Rennan Augustus Oliva immediately conducted an operation on the scam hub located at the second floor of The Gallery located at Archbishop Reyes St., Mabolo, Cebu City, after a YouTube video published by the ethical hacker went viral and reached its attention.
The hacker’s YouTube video exposed the operations of the scam hub as well as the faces of some of
the alleged scammers and their purported identifies.
According to the hacker, the scam syndicate has reportedly duped hundreds of victims across Europe, North America, and Africa through fake investment schemes.
However, Santiago said the place was already abandoned when NBI7 operatives went to the place on Monday.
“Allegedly, last Friday was their last day of operation,” Santiago said.
China signals renewed SE Asia engagement, seeks deeper devt ties
BBy Wes Cabangon
EIJING
—Deputy Director
General Liang Jianjun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Asian Affairs has affirmed China’s intention to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia, emphasizing shared development goals and mutual respect amid shifting geopolitical currents.
Speaking to a room filled with local and regional journalists, Liang acknowledged the growing interest in China’s diplomacy with its neighbors, contrasting this year’s enthusiasm with more subdued engagements in the immediate postpandemic era. In the candid dialogue with media representatives at the “Lin Jia 7 Salon,” he said, “Compared to the last time in 2023…this year we’re seeing significantly greater attention, particularly toward diplomacy with our neighboring countries and Southeast Asia.”
He credited this shift not only to geopolitical developments but also to China’s evolving approach to multilateralism and regional engagement.
Liang described Southeast Asia as a region with which China shares deep historical, economic, and cultural ties. Notably, he highlighted the enduring importance of Asean-
China relations and lauded Asean’s centrality in regional cooperation frameworks. “China respects Asean’s central position in regional cooperation,” he said, underscoring China’s commitment to “non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit.”
Development-centered diplomacy
THE Deputy Director repeatedly steered the conversation toward shared development goals, particularly those under the Global Development Initiative (GDI)—one of China’s newer international cooperation frameworks. Proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2021, GDI emphasizes poverty reduction, infrastructure development, green energy, and digital connectivity.
“GDI reflects China’s hope to share its development experience in a way that’s inclusive, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of partner countries,” Liang said. For the Philippines, a country grappling with energy affordability, food security, and infrastructure gaps, GDI is said to present a potential platform to leverage Chinese funding and technical expertise— particularly in areas like renewable energy, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation. However, critics warn that project governance, transparency, and sovereignty must
Initial investigation conducted by NBI-7 operatives revealed that the group’s previous place of operation was at Sky Rise, an IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City.
Santiago noted the group transferred to The Gallery only a month ago.
During the raid, Santiago said NBI and police operatives seized 40 computer units used by the group in their illegal schemes.
Santiago added the NBI-7 is now determining where the group may have transferred its illegal operation.
In addition, the NBI is now preparing to subpoena a certain Antonio Jacalan Jr, of DJM data processing, who allegedly transacted for the rental of the unit at The Gallery; and a certain Jona Morgan, a restaurant owner who subleased the area to the group.
DICT’s probe ON Tuesday, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it will launch a formal investigation into the scam operation.
According to the YouTube video that the ethical hacker published on his YouTube account “mrwn,” the
scam syndicate—posing as a crypto trading platform under various names including Virtual Wealth Exchange, BTC Boutique, and Solis Market—has reportedly swindled hundreds of victims across Europe, North America, and Africa through fake investment schemes.
“We have to investigate further. But the investigation of ‘mrwn’ has provided good leads and we have several persons of interest already to pursue investigation and attribute certain crimes with them,”
DICT Assistant Secretary and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Custodian Renato A. Paraiso said.
Part of the investigation will focus on possible lapses in the issuance of permits that allowed scam hubs to operate in Cebu.
The group’s tactics involve a twostep fraud.
“Openers” first persuade targets to deposit small sums into a sham investment site, which is then manipulated to display modest returns. This sets the stage for “retention agents” or “closers” to fabricate outsized profits and pressure victims into investing larger amounts.
According to internal documents
See “NBI,” A2
D.A. SEEKS P10-B BUDGET FOR P20 A KILO RICE SCHEME IN ’26
By Ada Pelonia
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing a P10-billion budget to sustain the P20 per kilo rice program in 2026.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the P10 billion would be allocated to the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), which currently purchases the National Food Authority’s (NFA) aging rice stocks that will be sold for the cheaper rice program.
“The P10 billion will be used to help subsidize the next year’s operation of FTI. This subsidy would be given to the FTI,” De Mesa told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday.
This proposed budget is double the current P5 billion from the Office of the President’s contingency fund. Of this, P4.5 billion will be used as rice subsidy, while the rest is allotted for logistics.
The government launched the P20 per kilo rice program this month to free up space in NFA warehouses that would allow it to procure more palay amid the harvest season.
This year, the DA plans to widen the subsidized rice program nationwide through various phases aimed at reaching around 14 million Filipinos or 3.3 million households by September.
The second phase, set to begin in July, will tap Mindanao provinces with high poverty incidence, such as Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, Sorsogon, and Maguindanao del Norte.
The third phase, to start in September, will extend the cheap rice program’s coverage to Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani, and Dinagat Islands. Under the subsidized program, rice is sourced from the NFA, the current inventory of which is equivalent to around 8 million 50-kilo bags of milled rice. The cheaper rice sold in Kadiwa stores is only available to vulnerable sectors such as indigents, senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who can purchase up to 30 kilos per month. However, the DA said it would soon include those sectors in the lower- and lower-middle-income brackets.
For the local government units (LGUs) that will share in the subsidy, it will be up to the LGUs to determine eligibility. Earlier, the agency said some local governments that inked an agreement with the DA were Bohol, Siquijor and Southern Leyte.
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
increases. Alterations and repairs climbed to P5.41 billion, or an 87.7-percent spike year-on-year. Additions surged by 59 percent to P540 million, while other constructions rose 44.1 percent to P1.18 billion.
In terms of volume, the PSA recorded 14,973 approved construction applications in March, up 3.4 percent from 14,477 during the same period last year.
Residential buildings remained the most common type of construction, totaling 9,426 permits, although this marked a slight 0.2 percent dip from last year. These comprised 63 percent of all construction projects filed during the month, with single-family homes accounting for 87.8 percent (or 8,272 structures) of the residential segment.
Non-residential constructions, meanwhile, rose 2.1 percent to 3,329, making up 22.2 percent of the
DEPUTY Director General Liang Jianjun of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Asian Affairs engages local and regional journalists in a recent dialogue. He affirmed China’s intention to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia, a region with which, he said, China shares deep historical, economic, and cultural ties. WES CABANGON
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Exec: SM Prime bullish on MICE industry prospects
By VG Cabuag @villygc
SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property development arm of the Sy family, said it is spending some P1.7 billion to build SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE), a large-scale venue rising within the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay.
The said investment reflects SM Prime’s long-term bet on the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry’s growth and emergence as a regional hub.
Expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, SMXCITE will add over 18,000 square meters of leasable trade hall space, doubling the existing SMX Convention Center Manila’s footprint.
“This expansion reflects our con-
fidence in the Philippines’s growing stature in the MICE space,” Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., said.
“With world-class infrastructure and a strategic location, we believe Manila can rival regional peers as a go-to venue for international trade events.”
Designed to accommodate international trade shows, product launches, corporate gatherings and
large-scale consumer exhibitions, SMXCITE will feature two buildings constructed simultaneously, each capable of hosting more than 18,000 guests.
Together with SMX Manila, the development will offer over 35,000 square meters of combined space, enhancing the MOA complex’s appeal as a destination for international exhibitions and business events.
Once completed, SM Prime’s total convention portfolio will grow to nearly 60,000 square meters of gross leasable area across eight venues nationwide, including SMX branches in SM Aura in Taguig, Bacolod, Davao, Clark, Olongapo, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. SMXCITE will also carry forward SMX Manila’s sustainability benchmarks, including design elements that maximize natural daylight to reduce energy use.
With its scale, accessibility, and environmental features, SMXCITE reinforces Metro Manila’s position as a rising force in the Southeast Asian
MICE landscape, the company said. Last month, SM Prime reported that its net income grew 11 percent to P11.9 billion in the first quarter from the previous year’s P10.7 billion, which it attributed to steady revenue growth, margin improvement and disciplined cost management.
Total revenue rose 7 percent to P32.8 billion from last year’s P30.7 billion due to higher rental income, revenue recognition from real estate sales and other revenues.
Our portfolio is off to a strong and promising start this year,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said. “Malls, offices, hotels and convention venues, and even residences, posted gains in the first quarter. This speaks to both the resilience of domestic demand and the strength of our integrated development strategy.”
Hotels and convention centers contributed 3 percent of total net income, rising by 17 percent to P362 million from P309 million last year, owing to strong room bookings and a robust calendar of MICE events.
DTI: Top SoKor firms keen on PHL
SBy Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
OUTH Korean firms, includ-
ing Lotte GRS, are planning to invest and expand their operations in the Philippines particularly in the areas of food service, franchising, and retail modernization, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said she engaged with Lotte GRS and other leading South Korean conglomerates last May 16 in Seoul, South Korea.
According to DTI, the engagements focused on the conglomerates’ planned investments and expansion into the Philippine market, particularly in the areas of food service, franchising, and retail modernization.
DTI said Lotte GRS, the restaurant service arm of the Lotte Group, is preparing to launch its flagship brand “Lotteria,” targeting at least 30 store openings across five years.
“This initiative has strong focus on local sourcing and workforce development.”
Meanwhile, DTI said other South Korean firms outlined plans to in-
troduce modern convenience store formats tailored to the urban Filipino lifestyle, building on their success in markets such as Vietnam and Mongolia through partnerships with local operators.
“The companies underlined their commitment to local sourcing, with over 95 percent of the products offered in their overseas stores sourced within the host country. These include fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and salads,” DTI said.
The agency said another key focus of the discussion was the South Korean firms’ plans to “leverage their operational expertise and advanced retail models” to contribute to the Philippines’s economic growth.
“These companies aim to invest in joint ventures, master franchise agreements, and localized operations that will generate employment, strengthen supply chains, and modernize retail distribution in the country, progressing beyond exporting their brands.”
The discussions also covered initiatives to integrate digital commerce platforms and strengthen last-mile delivery services to enable “technol-
ogy-driven retail experiences” in the Philippines, according to DTI.
Aside from food service and retail ventures, South Korean firms are exploring opportunities in restaurant expansion and import-export channels for Philippine agricultural and seafood products.
One company, which recently signed a partnership with a Philippine firm, is set to open its first store in Manila by August.
“Our partners enjoy one of the most competitive and forwardlooking incentive systems today— through smarter incentives, streamlined processes, and a vibrant consumer base ready for innovation,” Roque said.
The Trade chief was joined in the meetings by Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and Commercial Counsellor Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center.
To further explore sourcing and collaboration opportunities, the South Korean firms are scheduled to participate in local trade expos such as IFEX Philippines and the World Food Expo.
Iloilo govt grants OPS to AIC water project
THE Iloilo City government has awarded Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) the original proponent status for the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal.
OPS is granted to the proponent of an unsolicited proposal after successful negotiation with the proposal’s implementing agency, acknowledging the proponent’s proposal as qualified.
“This is a major step forward in strengthening Iloilo’s water security and infrastructure resilience. We are honored by the city’s trust given to us through the OPS, and we are committed to working closely with our partners to co-create a future-ready water system for all Ilonggos,” AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao said in a statement.
The OPS was awarded to AIC in a ceremony held at Iloilo City Hall last May 15. Officials from the City and AIC, including Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Canilao, attended the event.
In his remarks, Treñas highlighted the need for water redundancy as a critical component of Iloilo City’s economic expansion. In 2023, Iloilo City was named the fastest-growing economy in Western Visayas, posting a 10.5-percent increase in its GDP, driven by a robust services sector.
“The need for water is tremendous. And we can see that even with a desalination plant, because of rapid growth, we will continue to need additional water.”
AIC said the grant of OPS “reflects the merit” of its bulk water supply project, which offers “a technically sound, financially viable, and socially responsive solution to Iloilo’s urgent water needs by meeting the region’s current and critical demand-supply gap.”
Once completed, the project will deliver long-term water security through the development, operation, and maintenance of new water infrastructure designed to meet the demands of a growing population and expanding Iloilo economy.
“Iloilo’s growing water concerns need urgent, collaborative solutions. A resilient water system with multiple players working together is key to ensuring that communities, businesses, and industries can thrive,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Water Business Eduardo V. Aboitiz.
AIC noted that the PPP process provides an opportunity for other qualified parties to submit comparative proposals during the Swiss Challenge stage—a competitive bidding process ensuring transparency and fairness. Its bulk water supply project involves diverting water from a raw source through a water intake facility. Following a thorough treatment process, the treated water will be delivered to different city off-takers. This project, with a capacity of 86 million liters per day (MLD) of potable bulk water, directly enables a wide range of socio-economic drivers for the city, including a reliable and consistent water supply, improved water quality, and support for local and economic growth. Jonathan L. Mayuga
ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. is banking on the completion of four renewable energy (RE) projects with a total capacity of 224.6 megawatts (MW) to boost its revenues this year.
Company chief financial officer Carmen Diaz said these projects will “eventually contribute steady revenues” for the company--the 28MW Balsik solar power project in Hermosa, Bataan; 4.6-MW Dupinga mini hydro project in Nueva Ecija; 64-MW Alabat wind power project; and the 128-MW Tanay wind power project in Rizal.
The Balsik solar is more than 50 percent complete while the Dupinga hydro is around 83 percent complete. These two are targeted to be switched on in the second and third quarters, respectively.
The Tanay and Alabat wind power projects, meanwhile, could be operationalized in the last quarter of the year. “We are in full blast construction of four projects that we expect to complete in 2025,” said Alternergy President Gerry Magbanua.
The offtakers of the Balsik solar and the Dupinga wind are the “RES [retail electricity supply] entity of the Villar Group,” and “Nueva Ecjica Elec-
tric Cooperative II,” Magbanua said. The other two RE projects were included in the second round of the government’s green energy auction program.
“So, you can see here that every quarter, starting second, third, and fourth, we will be delivering new projects into completion. The Tanay and Alabat projects are going to change dramatically the landscape in terms of revenue generation and EBITDA generation of Alternergy,” said Magbanua.
Alternergy reported that its net income in the nine-month fiscal period ending March 31 reached P109 million, lower than the previous P158 million. The company cited a one-time gain from the full acquisition of the Tablas Straits offshore wind projects in the same period a year ago. Revenues surged 43 percent to P261 million, up from P182 million, mainly brought about by the strong performance of its Palau Solar Battery Storage System project. EBITDA also went up by 9 percent to P291 million during the same period. The company’s goal is to develop up to 500MW of additional wind, solar, and run of river hydro projects. Alternergy’s portfolio currently stands at 86 MW. Lenie Lectura
What do Filipinos dream of?
FOR many Filipinos, the recent elections have turned a new chapter for the country. For some, there is renewed hope that things will be better. For others, it may remain the same. Amid everyday life, dreams remain a constant.
I came across research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which was shared early March at the “Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit” by BCG Principal Sitti Reyes. It was titled “The Filipino Dream.” I want to share some excerpts from BCG’s comprehensive survey. There was consensus around not one, but two dreams: achieving financial security to absorb health scares and starting a business. When participants were asked to rank their top dreams from a choice of 15 propositions, 58 percent of respondents ranked health security and 56 percent ranked entrepreneurship in their top four. Rounding out the list were having a large savings fund at 51 percent and moving into their dream home at 44 percent.
The paper revealed that in a 2022 survey run across multiple markets in Southeast Asia, two-thirds of Filipino consumers expected to prioritize their health and well-being when making purchases. This was the highest score across Southeast Asia and pointed to the beginnings of a broader trend. However, they found it alarming that despite this increased focus, only 46 percent of Filipinos feel prepared for a financial crisis.
Filipinos’ shared dream: Starting a business WHILE the Covid-19 pandemic changed Filipinos’ health perceptions, it also changed the dynamics of entrepreneurship. According to a 2022 survey of 500 Filipinos by Manulife, 41 percent had established a business during the pandemic, and 50 percent said they
Banking&Finance Insurance deposit coverage for Islamic banks formalized
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
Fplanned to continue the business even afterwards. On the patronage side, 65 percent said they started buying from small and micro businesses during the pandemic, and 51 percent planned to continue with this post-pandemic. Data from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reflects this trend.
Between 2016 and 2019, new business registrations grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 percent. Between 2019 and 2023, it doubled to 16 percent, with over 984,000 new businesses being registered during the pandemic.
The vast majority of these were very simple, traditional businesses—at least 444,000 were retail businesses, with the majority being sari-sari stores, and a little over 115,000 were food and beverage (F&B) stores, like karinderyas. Filipinos are not trying to create the next Facebook—they are simply trying to sell a few extra items to build some additional financial stability. Interestingly, there is some truth behind the dream. In the survey, they found that business owners were not significantly wealthier than their peers, but they were more optimistic and felt more empowered by their education and health, compared to Filipinos who were either employed or freelancing.
We hope that the future can bring them closer to their dreams. For more information, visit www.bmap.org.ph or https://facebook.com/BankMarketingAssociationPH
Eric Montelibano is a Consultant of Integrated Marketing and Communications at CSBank (Citystate Savings Bank) and the President of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines. He can be reached at erichmontelibano@gmail. com. The writer’s views and his written piece do not necessarily reflect those of the B usiness M irror and BMAP.
BSP seeks granular data on trust accounts, clients
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has released a draft circular that will require banks to submit supplemental data requirements on trust operations as part of the central bank’s efforts to monitor the asset management industry.
According to the BSP, it developed the “Supplemental Data Requirement for Trust Entities” to complement the data currently submitted by TEs under the “Financial Reporting Package for Trust Institutions” (FRPTI).
The central bank has given stakeholders until June 2 to provide comments on the proposed circular.
“It is the BSP’s objective to continually enhance the supervisory framework for [TEs] and strengthen the monitoring and surveillance of the trust industry through improved regulatory reporting,” read the BSP’s draft circular.
“The SDR is hereby introduced as a complement to the FRPTI, with a view toward eventually incorporating the data requirements into the enhanced FRPTI,” it added.
In a background note on the draft circular, the BSP said the SDR will collect “more granular information” in five key areas. These areas include the movement of accounts and distribution channels and risk profiles of clients.
The other areas include nonresidents’ funds managed by the TE; unit investment trust fund structures; and trust and agency accounts not specifically identified under the FRPTI. “The SDR will be submitted through the BSP Prime Reporting Innovation and Monitoring Engine or ‘PRIME’ system and shall be due within 30 banking days from the end of each reference quarter,” the BSP said.
The BSP said that once the circular is finalized, the SDR will undergo pilot implementation for one quarter. Subsequently, the report will be formally submitted by all TEs on a quarterly basis.
This will last until an enhanced FRPTI incorporating the additional data requirements has been rolled out by the BSP. Cai U. Ordinario
ILIPINOS who are already banking with or have plans of creating deposit accounts in Islamic banks and Islamic banking units are now assured of deposit insurance system coverage, according to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).
According to the PDIC, deposits in these banks are insured in the same manner as conventional deposits up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) of P1 million per depositor, per bank.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Financial Supervision Sector Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier told the BusinessMirror that this statement from the PDIC “formalized” the PDIC coverage for all Islamic banks (IBs) and Islamic banking units (IBUs). Fonacier said, however, that while the Philippines has had an Islamic
bank before this year, Al-Amanah Islamic bank, the PDIC coverage could not be included because there was no Islamic banking law when it was established in 1973.
“Iba ang naging treatment in the case of Al-Amanah since it was established through its own charter. At that time, [there was] no formal Islamic banking framework given that [there was] no enabling Islamic banking law,” Fonacier told this newspaper.
Through a statement it released last Wednesday, the state deposit insurer stated that the new MDIC took
effect on March 15, 2025. As of the end of December 2024, there were 12,514 Islamic deposit accounts in the banking system.
“The expansion of deposit insurance to include Islamic deposits guarantees that depositors of Islamic banks have the same level of protection as those of conventional banks, thereby fostering confidence in the Islamic banking system,” PDIC President and CEO Roberto B. Tan was quoted in the statement as saying.
“This is a welcome development that also aligns with the National Government’s pursuit of promoting financial inclusion and strengthening of the Islamic banking sector in the country as this encourages more individuals and businesses to save in banks,” Tan added. Through PDIC Bulletin 2024-09, IBs and IBUs nationwide are now officially covered by the Philippine deposit insurance system following amendments to Republic Act No. 3591 or the PDIC Charter.
IBs and IBUs offer financial products and services, including deposits, which are compliant with Shari’ah Law focusing on ethical financing, risk-sharing, and socially respon-
sible practices.
Data from the results of a survey conducted by the BSP and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) showed that 78 percent of respondents expressed interest in Islamic finance.
This, according to the BSP and ADB, indicated the market curiosity about the potential benefits of Islamic finance compared to conventional banks. The interest in Islamic finance was the highest in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) and Metro Manila, which the report noted, could be a target area to attract “early adopters” in Islamic finance.
“The motivations for interest in Islamic finance vary between respondents from BARMM, who are more focused on savings and adherence to Islamic principles, and those respondents from Mindanao, who are intrigued mainly by the processes and benefits of Islamic finance,” the report stated.
In terms of services, 79 percent of those who are interested in Islamic finance are keen on savings followed by 24 percent for business loans and 16 percent for health or medical insurance.
SEC revokes registration of state microfinancing firm
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the primary registration and certificate of authority of People’s Credit and Finance Corp. (PCFC) to operate as a financing company for its failure to submit and comply with reportorial requirements.
In an order dated May 14, the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department found that the government-owned and –controlled corporation (GOCC) failed to submit 15 reportorial requirements to comply with the Revised Corporation Code or the Financing Company Act. The revocation of PCFC’s licenses also follows the recommendation of the Office of the President to abol-
TBy Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has cut down value-added tax (VAT) refund requirements, allowing businesses to no longer submit previously compulsory forms to simplify tax compliance under the Create More Act.
According to Revenue Memorandum Circular 37-2025, the move aims to streamline the documentary requirements in processing and grant of VAT refund claims to implement reforms following the passage of Republic Act (RA) 12066 (Create More Act).
“The BIR, together with the government’s legislative and executive branch, is committed to improving and simplifying the necessary documentation and processing requirements for future VAT and other tax refund claims to better serve the taxpaying public,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said.
As such, certified copies of invoices or receipts for sales and purchases can now be submitted, instead of the original copies, provided these are certified by an authorized official or employee of the corporate claimant, partnership or sole proprietorship, as applicable.
For quarterly claims involving amortized input taxes from imported capital goods, taxpayers may submit previously-issued certifications from the Bureau of Customs-Revenue Accounting Division, instead of
ish the government agency and wind down its operations, pursuant to a Memorandum Recommendation from the Office of the Executive Secretary dated September 3, 2015, transmitted to the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department on January 8, 2025.
“The company has been declared delinquent by the Commission for its failure to comply and/or submit the required reportorial requirements. After the declaration, no effort from the company has been made. More so, as per the recommendation of the Executive Secretary, the company failed to process its winding down of operations, disposition of assets and settlement of liabilities of PCFC,” the order read.
On September 3, 2015, the Office of the President abolished its existence.
“Notwithstanding, the corporation failed to perform such directives and the winding down of operations did not materialize. The non-continuance of the Respondent’s operation, constrained the Commission to put its status as ‘delinquent,” according to the order.
On November 16, 2012, the Governance Commission for GOCCs confirmed the abolition of the PCFC. The corporation ceased operation on June 30, 2017, read the 2018 report of the Commission on Audit (COA).
The PCFC was mandated by law through Republic Act 8425 (Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1998), “to be the vehicle for the
Based on records, the company started its operation in 1998 and continuously operated until 2017.
certified copies, as long as the original certification has been submitted with an earlier claim.
Meanwhile, VAT-refund claims covering taxable periods starting April 1, 2025—when the Create More Act took effect, the BIR will verify export sales based on certifications issued by Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
This measure seeks to prevent overlapping of validation efforts among government agencies. As a result, exporters are no longer required to submit separate documents proving actual export of goods or services, since these will be submitted to the EMB for their scrutiny and issuance of a certification.
In addition, three documentary requirements were removed, such as the proofs of registration with either the Securities and Exchange Commission or DTI, as applicable, as well as copies of Import Entry and Internal Revenue Declarations and/or Informal Import Declaration and Entry or Single Administrative Document.
Furthermore, the sale of goods and services under Sections 106(A) (2)(a)(2), 106(A)(2)(a)(5) and 108(B) (1) of the National Internal Revenue Code have reverted from being subject to 12-percent VAT, as imposed under RA 10963, back to 0-percent VAT under the “Create More” law, allowing qualified taxpayers to avail of VAT refund.
RA 12066 was signed into law
on November 11, 2024; its implementing rules and regulations on February 17, 2025.
Under the law, registered business enterprises will have the option to choose between the special corporate income tax (CIT) of 5 percent or the “Enhanced Deductions Regime” (EDR) right from the start of their commercial operations.
The SCIT and EDR incentives, initially capped at a maximum of 10 years, are
delivery of microfinance services for the exclusive use of the poor and the lead government entity in mobilizing financial resources from both local and international funding sources for microfinance services,” the COA explained. It added that the PCFC “provides microfinance services to the poor through wholesale lending to private microfinance institutions (MFIs) composed of rural banks, thrift banks, cooperatives, cooperative rural banks, non-government organizations and people’s organizations spread all over the country.”
The PCFC was provided by National Livelihood Support Fund an initial capital of P100 million in 1995 and an additional P900 million in 1999 pursuant to Memorandum Order 11 dated August 13, 1998.
now extended to a period of up to 17 or 27 years. Laborintensive projects will be allowed to apply for an extension of another five or ten years.
The law also expands the EDR to provide additional relief to RBEs by reducing the CIT rate to 20 percent from 25 percent, as well as increasing to 100 percent from 50 percent the additional deduction on power expenses for the manufacturing sector.
Pest threatens to dampen PHL sugar output
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Philippines’ raw sugar production reached 1.87 million metric tons (MMT) as of May 11, higher than the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) revised projection for the current crop year.
The SRA warned, however, that pest infestation is threatening to derail the country’s efforts to prop up sugar production.
GTC (50-kilo bag per ton of cane) from 1.80 LKGTC a year earlier, based on SRA data.
The actual output as of May 11 had also exceed the projection of the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agriculture Service (USDA-FAS Manila) at 1.85 MMT in marketing year 2025.
Despite this, the current sugar output was 3 percent lower than the 1.92 MMT recorded in the previous crop year.
Detection
monitored after red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) reportedly infested plantations. This could slash sugar content by nearly 50 percent.
According to the SRA chief, RSSI could also raise production costs and threatens the industry’s overall stability.
“We cannot afford to have an infestation, as some farmers are already starting to plant their canes for the next crop year.”
and seek quarantine measures from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“Stop transporting planting materials from Luzon and other infected areas because it has been observed that transmittal of this disease came from infected cane points,” Sanson said.
The SRA also sought the help of the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The center facilitated the research and found at least five insecticides that could curb the infestation.
Figures from the SRA showed that sugarcane production reached 23.12 MMT in the reference period, 7 percent higher than the 21.48 MMT recorded in the previous year.
HOWEVER , SRA Administrator
Pablo Luis Azcona confirmed on Wednesday the first case of pest infestation in Negros Occidental, considered the country’s sugar bowl, which could deal a blow to the country’s production of the sweetener.
He urged sugar farmers to remain vigilant where they purchase their cane points, claiming that the infestation was brought to the region from Luzon, where an RSSI infestation had occurred before and remains present in some farms.
Control measures
Based on their study, buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam have shown potential in curbing the spread.
for a second trial in a different location to further test the efficacy of the insecticides before receiving an emergency-use permit from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), since “these insecticides are not yet registered for sugarcane.” Azcona said the agency will propose the conduct of a second trial in Negros, while pushing for the quarantine of canes from infected areas.
The agency recently adjusted the projected sugar production to 1.84 MMT from 1.78 MMT in crop year 2024-2025, which will end on August 31. It attributed the expected increase to the growth in sugarcane tonnage per hectare planted which will offset the low sugar content produced per ton of cane.
“We made a good showing this year despite the challenges brought about by the long drought, and I hope we can maintain the momentum and even exceed our targets for next year if we will all help one another in containing this infestation.” B4
Yield for sugarcane shrank by 9 percent to an average of 1.63 LK-
PHLPost, LBC tapped for Guimaras mangoes
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is teaming up with Shopee and LBC Express to bring Guimaras mangoes into the e-commerce ecosystem to expand market opportunities for the growers of the fruit.
DTI said it is putting in place a multi-stakeholder strategy to “further elevate” the Guimaras mango as a key player in domestic and international markets.
One of these efforts, according to DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG) and Regional Operations Group (ROG), is to enable local mango sellers to join the Shopee platform and tap into LBC’s logistics network.
In a Viber message sent to the BusinessMirror, DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics arm said: “As part of our efforts to expand market opportunities for Guimaras mango growers, we explored Shopee as an option and successfully assisted a Guimaras mango seller in onboarding to their platform during the National Food Fair.”
“However, our primary focus is on the logistics aspect. We facilitated the linkage between LBC and the Shopee merchant, recognizing that Shopee’s default logistics provider, SPX, and others do not handle perishable goods like mangoes.”
To address this gap, the DTI office said it partnered with LBC, whose expertise includes managing time-sensitive and perishable shipments.
“We chose them [LBC] primarily because their Jordan, Guimaras branch is currently offering special discounted rates for mango shipments in support of the Manggahan Festival. This makes them not only a cost-effective logistics partner, but also a practical choice for handling timesensitive and perishable goods, which Shopee’s default courier, SPX, does not accommodate,” DTI-SCLG said.
As for the initial onboarding of the Guimaras mango growers, the supply chain group said it facilitated a Shopee 101 tutorial conducted by the e-commerce platform last May 8 which was attended by 13 interested merchants.
“This session aimed to provide local sellers with a foundational understanding of the Shopee platform and e-commerce processes, encouraging more MSMEs to tap into digital market opportunities,” DTI-SCLG told this paper.
In a separate statement, DTI said it inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) last May 20 during the Manggahan Festival in Guimaras.
“This initiative establishes a direct ordering system for fresh Guimaras mangoes, sourced directly from the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Cooperative. Leveraging digital convenience, customers can place orders by scanning a QR code featured on promotional materials. This innovative approach creates a seamless link between producers and consumers.”
DTI said PHLPost will provide “reliable” last-mile delivery services, ensuring the mangoes arrive fresh and in “excellent” condition.
“This partnership with PHLPost is more than just a logistics solution—it’s about bringing the pride of Guimaras straight to Filipino homes,” DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said.
“In line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are strengthening local industries and making sure our hardworking farmers earn what they truly deserve. At the same time, we’re giving Filipino families in Metro Manila easier access to our worldclass Guimaras mangoes—fresh, fair-priced, and proudly local.”
PHLPost will offer a fixed shipping rate of P470 for deliveries to any location within the National Capital Region, according to the DTI
In a statement, the agency noted that six areas in Northern Negros Occidental are being closely
WITH this detection, the SRA created a task force headed by SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson to control the infestation
Previously, the SRA chief said the sector managed to constrain the spread of cocolisap as the DA ensured that farm products would not be shipped out of Calabarzon while the infestation was active.
However, Randolph Candano of NCPC noted that “this is not conclusive until we conduct a second field trial in a different location.”
The protocol stipulates the need
State rice buffer stock for next year to cost ₧27B–NFA
THE National Food Authority (NFA) is seeking a budget of P27 billion from the national government for its 15day rice buffer stock requirement for 2026.
“[Our proposal for next year] is P27 billion, which will cover the 900,000 metric tons [MT] of palay that we will procure from our farmers,” NFA Administrator Larry Lacson told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday. Currently, the grains agency has a total budget of P14.6 billion. Of which, P5.6 billion came from carryover funding last year, along with its P9-billion allocation under the General Appropriations
Act (GAA).
“The remaining budget this coming harvest season is P9.8 billion... so, we don’t have a problem on procurement,” Lacson said. “Now, for 2026, we’re assuming that we have already exhausted this P9.8 billion for the remainder of the year.”
Under the amended Rice Tarrification Law (RTL), the NFA should maintain a buffer stock enough to cover 15 days of national rice consumption, up from the previous 9-day requirement.
The grains agency buys clean and dry palay at P23 to P30 per kilo, while the price of fresh and wet palay ranges from P17 to P23 per kilo. This price scheme
changes weekly per province under the NFA Council-approved Price Range Scheme (PRICERS) for palay procurement activity. This year, the NFA is targeting to procure as much as 880,000 MT of palay.
Storage facilities
MEANWHILE , the NFA noted that it is upgrading the grains agency’s storage infrastructure, including warehouses and handling facilities, to accommodate a higher stockpile of 555,000 MT of milled rice, or 880,000 MT of paddy rice.
When the RTL was first implemented in 2019, the NFA held buffer stocks equivalent to just over 492,000 MT, much of it consisting of imported rice. However, the grains agency’s role has significantly changed under the RTL as it has been stripped of its power to intervene in the market.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government’s rice reserves allow the state to support vulnerable communities via government-run programs. “We continue to explore ways to better manage the NFA’s aging rice stocks, while ensuring that the most disadvantaged Filipinos receive the assistance they need.”
Ada Pelonia
From wind to wafers: What PHL can learn from Inner Mongolia
By Wes Cabangon
INNER Mongolia is fabulously rich in natural resources— ranking first in China for both coal and dairy production. But the real story lies in how it’s reengineering those resources to power a clean, smart, and interconnected future.
Start with its volcanic basalt. This ultra-resilient material, mined locally, is being used in the manufacturing of wind turbines by Windey Energy—one of China’s top turbine manufacturers. Windey’s current lineup includes powerful 7.5 megawatts (MW), 8.5 MW, and 10 MW turbines, with a 16-MW model in development—poised to be among the most powerful onshore turbines globally. These turbines harness the region’s abundant wind, while high solar factor rates and naturally cold temperatures further support clean energy generation and reduce cooling costs for electronics.
This energy backbone is what powers Inner Mongolia’s next leap forward: data.
The region’s vast energy capacity and cool climate make it ideal for data exchange and processing centers. One standout is Hohhot’s Yungu Exploration Port—part of the growing “Data Town”—which showcases drone integration, AI
development, and massive computing power. One facility alone handles up to 67,000 petabytes of data. This is green computing in action—where renewables meet realtime intelligence infrastructure. But what makes this ecosystem compelling is how it loops back into the land.
Data centers power an expanding fleet of autonomous agridrones and machinery. These aren’t just futuristic flourishes— they’re now workhorses for land rehabilitation, crop monitoring, and targeted spraying. Companies like M Grass are leveraging these tools to restore degraded land into productive real estate and boost
meat production through proprietary seed strains.
High-tech hydroponics is also scaling in Inner Mongolia. HOFO Agricultural is industrializing tomato production in vertical farms. Meanwhile, 4DBIOS is growing premium strawberries in modular, climate-controlled environments— producing consistent yields at scale.
Even Shudu Kaida Food Inc., one of China’s largest potato processors, runs at 98 percent automation.
This convergence—of geography, energy, data, and agriculture—forms a self-reinforcing loop. Energy powers data. Data enables machines. Machines enhance land. Land feeds systems.
And the cycle continues. For the Philippines, this isn’t just an inspiration—it’s a necessary comparison.
If we want to scale high-yield, tech-enabled systems—from hydroponics to agri-automation— then energy becomes a crucial cost variable. Even with lower wages, automation levels the playing field; but if electricity costs are nearly double in the Philippines ($0.152/kWh in PHL vs $0.088/ kWh in China), then scaling becomes an uphill battle. While nuclear energy—especially through emerging small modular reactors—may play a role in our long-term energy mix, the most practical and high-impact path forward today lies in maximizing what we already have: geothermal and hydro. These are proven, stable, and perfectly suited to our geography, that provide near constant energy production unlike solar and wind.
Lowering energy costs through focused investment in renewables like geothermal and hydro isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about unlocking industrial potential. It’s about building an ecosystem where innovation thrives because the infrastructure allows it to.
Inner Mongolia didn’t just build farms or factories. It built feedback loops. So can we.
A rare olive-colored fish in Nevada nears a key step toward endangered species listing
Jennifer A. Ng
THE hydroponics facility of 4DBIOS enables strawberries to keep producing even during the market’s off-season, using climate-controlled rooms stacked eight levels high. PHOTO BY WES CABANGON
THE country is right now facing an aging population and an impending housing crisis that will see fewer adults forming households.
In a recent webinar hosted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) titled “Rethinking Policies for Inclusive Living: Demographic Shifts and Housing Trends,” researchers and housing advocates examined how demographic changes are reshaping housing needs and how current policies are falling short.
PIDS Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros described the country as being in the early stages of a demographic transition, with a rise in the number of older adults expected in the coming years.
“The Philippines is still in the early stages of demographic transition,” she stated. “By 2030, we will already be starting the demographic transition towards [an] aging society.”
In 1980, PIDS observed that 73 percent of households were headed by 25-to-34-year-olds. By 2020, that figure dropped to 59 percent. “This slowdown in the rate of household formation” has far-reaching consequences.
Ballesteros warned that the trend may shrink birth rates, slow the economy, and leave many aging Filipinos without secure homes.
For urban poor, housing is livelihood
DR. Mary Racelis, urban anthropologist at the University of the Philippines Diliman, urged policymakers to view housing beyond physical structure— especially in Metro Manila, where informal settlers account for about 35 percent of the population.
“The vast majority want to remain there because it makes total economic and family access to resources sense,” she explained, highlighting how relocation programs often sever critical livelihood connections.
“For the urban poor, housing is not just houses, right? It is not apartment dwellings,” Racelis emphasized. “Housing is the community setting environment of the economy, [it is] where people work, get their income, have access to social services, health services, and so on. So, housing must be seen in a much larger context.”
She cited examples of home-based workers—from welders to beauticians—whose incomes depend on staying in their current neighborhoods.
Migration trends reveal new housing pressures
BALLESTEROS also flagged emerging patterns in population movement.
While working-age Filipinos often migrate from rural areas to urban centers, some later return to their provinces upon retirement, a trend referred to as “reverse migration.”
Racelis pointed out that educated children of informal settlers often face difficult choices: remain in overcrowded cities to stay close to their family or move far away in search of affordable housing.
Overhauling the housing policies
SPEAKERS called for a radical shift in how the government approaches housing development.
Ballesteros emphasized the need for data-driven policymaking that includes marginalized groups.
“We cannot continue planning without considering the most vulnerable. They have to be heard, they have to be seen in the data, and they have to be part of the planning process.”
She stressed that current approaches fail to account for the complex realities of “the elderly, persons with disability, women in rural areas,” whose needs must be prioritized in housing solutions.
On the other hand, Racelis urged policymakers to listen more closely to grassroots communities: “A city is not just its buildings—it is its people. If we continue ignoring the housing needs of 60 percent of our population, we are not just failing those communities, we are failing our collective future.”
Housing Developers Association Executive Director Santiago Ducay also proposed concrete solutions to address these challenges.
Noting the rise of non-traditional living arrangements, he suggested, “Perhaps they can consider allowing loans not just for related individuals by consanguinity but also friends and other arrangements.”
Ducay also stressed the need to prepare for an aging population. This includes developing retirement communities with integrated healthcare services, designing adaptable housing units, and utilizing existing housing stock, noting “the government [owns] some two million housing units classified as acquired assets.”
“Limited access to decent housing would affect household formation and decisions to [have] children,” with longterm consequences for national development, Ballesteros warned.
HPV-related diseases carry heavy economic burden, new study finds
PBy Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
REVENTING human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers and diseases in the Philippines alone could avert at least 151,933 cases and save the country approximately USD 1.39 billion (P74.5 billion) in healthcare costs. This substantial economic benefit is highlighted in a newly published report by global health economics consultancy firm Asc Academics, funded by biopharmaceutical company MSD, which examines the global burden of HPV.
The report, “HPV’s Economic Burden: Unmasking the Benefits of HPV Prevention,” strongly emphasizes the urgent necessity for increased investments in HPV prevention strategies, including vaccination, screening, and awareness initiatives. These efforts are vital to combat cervical cancer, which continues to be a leading cause of death among Filipino women.
The analysis was undertaken by Asc Academics and Prof. Maarten J. Postma, Professor of Pharmacoeconomics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
“Every country can strive to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue. The report emphasizes that prevention is both a health necessity and an economic benefit, and that prevention is a cost-effective measure with immediate and long-term advantages,” said Postma.
Highest cervical cancer incidence THE overall economic burden of HPV and HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer, within the countries researched, is considered high, but varies significantly per country based on numerous factors. For example, although the Philippines ranks among the countries with the highest cervical cancer incidence rate at 15.51 per 100,000 women, it has a relatively lower estimated cost per case. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines, with more than 8,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The report pointed out that persistent HPV infection is responsible for 95 percent of cervical cancer cases, making screening and vaccination a critical preventive measure. In the Philippines, HPV types 16, 18, 31, 45, 52, and 58 are detected in almost 90 percent of cervical cancers. May is recognized as Cervical Cancer
Awareness Month, a dedicated period for raising awareness about the disease, its causes, prevention, and early detection. Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Notably, when diagnosed and detected early, cervical cancer is among the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, especially with effective management.
Effective prevention
ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening for, and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases.
The Department of Health is implementing an HPV Vaccination Program for nine to 14- year-old girls enrolled in public schools, aiming for 95 percent coverage. Despite these efforts, the Philippines currently ranks last on HPV program coverage among low-middle income countries, with coverage of only 23 percent of the target female population for the first dose and five percent for the final dose.
The report’s findings serve as a critical wake-up call for both policymakers and the public. Investing in the preven -
tion of certain HPV-related diseases and cancers not only saves lives but also substantially reduces future healthcare costs, freeing up resources for other urgent health priorities.
Barriers to screening AS the Philippines strives to meet the WHO’s 2030 elimination targets, addressing barriers to screening and treatment, alongside bolstering vaccination efforts and increasing public awareness, are essential steps toward a healthier future for all Filipinas.
“This research underscores how each country’s progress is shaped by unique healthcare systems, cultural views, investment, and policies. Common barriers include limited access, misinformation, hesitancy, varied provider recommendations, and cultural norms. Addressing these issues can expand prevention efforts, screening, and treatment programs, especially in countries with low coverage,” said Maarten.
He added, “Investing in HPV prevention saves lives and cuts future healthcare costs long-term, saving countries hundreds of millions of dollars per year, and even billions in some cases if elimination can be achieved.”
Parents call on newly elected officials to take on fight vs nicotine addiction
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
AS the Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed that nicotine addiction from tobacco products remains a critical public health challenge in the country, a health advocacy group urged newly elected officials to take bold action by creating a smoke-free and vape-free generation and to protect non-smokers from the harms of these healththreatening products.
The Parents Against Vape (PAV) also said that newly elected local and national officials should address smoking and vaping by advocating policy reforms, carrying out actionable strategies in smoking cessation support, alongside any efforts to curb vaping to protect the health and well-being of future generations.
Most e-cigarettes, or vapes, contain nicotine, which has known adverse health effects.
“We believe that our elected officials could reduce vaping uptake among children and youth,” PAV said, noting that smoking and vaping pose a threat to human health, especially to the lungs and the heart.
The group also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns by highlighting the dangers of vaping and smoking.
“We always say tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are harmful. Vaping and smoking are addictive. Both bring potentially dangerous chemicals into the body,” the group added.
House Bill 11360 MEANWHILE , PAV and the Sin Tax Coalition urged Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, head of the Senate committee on ways and means, to reject House Bill (HB) 11360, stating that the bill is not simply a legislative proposal but a Trojan horse, “guised as a regulation, but hiding within it the seeds that will destroy our public health policies.” A Senate hearing was held on Monday to tackle the said HB.
“We remind our legislators: sin taxes are not just about revenue. They are a shield that protects the next generation. When we lower these taxes, we lower our defenses. When we compromise, it is our children’s lungs, hearts, and futures that pay the price,” they said.
PAV and Sin Tax Coalition warned, “To yield now would be to betray the public trust, to exchange public health for private gain.”
“Let us not mortgage our children’s future to an industry built on addiction. We urge our lawmakers: stand on the side
of health, not harm. Stand with the people, not with profit,” they said.
Raising alarm
THE DOH is also alarmed by the rising prevalence of adult tobacco and vape use as evidenced by the 2023 National Nutrition Survey which reported an increase from 19 percent in 2021 to 24.4 percent among adults aged 20 to 59.
The DOH emphasizes that tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over 8 eight million annual deaths attributable to tobacco.
In the Philippines, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority for 2023 and 2024 indicate that the top three causes of death—heart attacks, cancer, and strokes—are all linked to tobacco use.
Beyond its association with the top three causes of death, cigarette smoking is also linked to a range of other serious health conditions.
These include lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and harmful reproductive health effects. Additionally, smoking contributes to other
Advancing underserved women’s health through education, collaboration
TBy Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
O effectively address the complex and often overlooked healthcare needs of women, healthcare leaders and women’s health advocates underscored the critical role of comprehensive education, fostering open dialogues that break down barriers, and actively promoting positive behavioral shifts.
They further emphasized that ensuring equitable access to contraception, providing evidence-based health information, and establishing robust support systems are fundamental to empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and overall well-being.
Global healthcare company Organon recently held a forum Titled “Women’s Health Unveiled: Insights Into Hormonal Shifts and Unplanned Pregnancies” that raised conversations on urgent and less talked-about concerns of women such as hormonal transitions and unintended pregnancies. The event gathered medical professionals in obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health advocates to discuss the current challenges and identify opportunities to optimize women’s health in the Philippines.
Portfolio of therapies ORGANON is a global healthcare company with a portfolio of therapies and products in women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines across a wide array of conditions and diseases.
“The company’s vision is to help create a better and healthier every day for every woman because, at Organon, we believe that every woman counts. Our mission is suited for, in our longstanding history, bringing essential medicines and contraceptives to those who need them most. And we are honored to continue this work alongside our dedicated partners,” said Organon Philippines Country Manager Emmanuel Tiglao.
A staggering reality is that nearly half of all pregnancies globally, 121 million each year, are unintended. This means that for countless women and girls, the decision of whether or not to become pregnant is not theirs to make. The State of World Population 2022 report from UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, highlighted this crisis, warning that this violation of reproductive rights has severe consequences for individuals, societies, and global health.
diseases, including certain eye disorders and immune system problems like rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, the DOH emphasizes the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure, which is known to cause coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer in adults, and increases the risk of respiratory and ear infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in children.
EVALI
“VAPES and vapor products pose significant health risks including e-cigarette or vapor product associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others,” the DOH said.
The DOH reiterated that the country has already recorded and published its first case of E-cigarette or Vaping Use-associated Lung Injury (EVALI)-related death in a 22-year-old athletic male who had no history of smoking or other vices, but started vaping at an early age.
The DOH added, “Beyond its policy achievements with the Sin Tax and Graphic Health Warnings, the DOH also urges users of tobacco and vape products to make use of its quit line (1558) and other smoking cessation services.”
Over 60 percent of unintended pregnancies end in abortion, and alarmingly, almost half of these abortions are unsafe, contributing significantly (five to 13 percent) to maternal deaths and hindering global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Unintended pregnancies
ONE of the speakers during the forum was Dr. Bernabe Marinduque, a practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist and an active advocate for women’s health. With a focus on the widespread and far-reaching impact of unintended pregnancies, a reality for millions of women globally and a significant concern in the Philippines, his presentation, “Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Addressing Unintended Pregnancies,” discussed the barriers hindering access to contraception, the pervasive stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancies, and the stark statistics illustrating the issue’s prevalence.
As a means to address this challenge, Dr. Marinduque highlighted the importance of education, open con -
versations, integrating family planning into various healthcare services, and promoting behavioral changes in women.
He likewise shared stories of his patients and how much women today really need support in terms of unintended pregnancies.
“These stories illustrate the factors that bring about unintended pregnancies—these are institutional, social, cultural, and financial. And I’m also illustrating the impact of unintended pregnancies on women, such as depression, separation from the family, impact on finances, impact on community, and stigma. These are the reasons why these women are scared to go to the doctor,” said Dr. Marinduque.
Access to contraception THE discussion also highlighted that access to contraception transcends mere healthcare as it reflects a woman’s ability to make autonomous decisions about her own body and life. In light of the Philippines’ current fertility rate falling below replacement levels, ensuring this reproductive autonomy is increasingly recognized as crucial not only for women’s long-term well-being but also for their meaningful participation in shaping the nation’s social and economic future.
Another vital area explored was the impact of hormonal changes on women’s health. In her insightful presentation, “Women’s Health Odyssey: A Journey through Hormonal Transition,” Dr. Eileen Manalo, a well-known fertility and reproductive specialist, talked about how these shifts can significantly influence a woman’s physical and mental well-being. She also addressed the declining fertility rate in the Philippines and its implications for economic resilience, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and improved access to healthcare solutions that empower women to proactively manage their health.
“As healthcare providers, we should give our patients access to reliable contraception, which should be offered to women from all walks of life. It empowers women and their partners to make informed, reproductive choices, supports gender equality, and reduces the burden on health care systems,” Dr. Manalo said.
Breaking down barriers
DURING the panel discussion, both experts urged breaking down the barriers to women’s healthcare. These barriers commonly include limited access to specialist treatment, cost-related issues, and insufficient information on available services. The panel members called on the physicians in attendance to double their efforts to overcome such barriers and guide women in making critical reproductive health choices.
The forum further emphasized that oral contraceptives offer a dual benefit: not only do they help regulate women’s hormones during transitional phases, but they also provide women with greater autonomy and control over their bodies. Organon introduced ultra-low dose combination oral contraceptive pills that contain desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol to the Philippines, and explained how this can be highly beneficial for women due to its many benefits. In addition to providing reliable contraceptive efficacy, the ultra-low dose desogestrel-containing contraceptive, has been shown in studies to provide regular menstrual cycles, and also secondarily improving acne and seborrhea, while having a neutral effect on weight.
UNITED for women’s health—advocates from different sectors come together at Organon’s Women’s Health Forum.
Coins.ph Brings Cheaper, Faster Remittances for All
Coins.ph, the Philippines’ leading crypto exchange platform, is transforming the Philippine remittance market through blockchain technology and stablecoin solutions. As international remittances continue to play a crucial role in the Philippine economy, Coins.ph is becoming the preferred partner
The Philippines continues to be a major recipient of remittances, totaling $38 billion in 2024, an increase from the previous year. Despite its growth, conventional remittance rails still inadequately serve businesses and consumers. This is due to average transaction costs of six to seven percent, lengthy processing times of at least two to five business days, limited availability during banking hours, and concealed charges through unfavorable exchange rates.
“Traditional remittance methods present challenges with cost, speed, and accessibility. Coins.ph leverages blockchain technology and stablecoins to provide a solution that offers faster, affordable, and always-available services, directly addressing these pain points for businesses and their customers.” says Wei Zhou, CEO of Coins.ph
Coins.ph’s stablecoin infrastructure can significantly improve remittance efficiency by reducing transaction fees to 0.1 to 0.3 percent, enabling fund transfers within minutes, providing 24/7 availability, and ensuring transparent transactions with fair exchange rates and no hidden fees.
Through blockchain technology, Coins. ph makes cross-border transactions easier and cheaper. This technology cuts out the need for many intermediaries, which means lower fees for businesses and consumers. By utilizing stablecoins which are designed to hold a steady value, this makes the amount of money sent unchanged during the transfer.
Coins.ph is actively working with key local players to strengthen its domestic footprint and drive financial inclusion across the Philippines. This includes DragonPay, one of the country’s most established payment gateways with extensive cash-in and cash-out infrastructure.
“At Dragonpay, our mission has always been rooted in financial inclusion— making secure, reliable, and accessible payment services available to every Filipino, regardless of where they are or how they choose to transact. By partnering with Coins.ph, we continue this mission by supporting innovative remittance solutions that not only reduce costs and delays but also expand access for underbanked communities across the country. This is a crucial step in ensuring that technology truly works for the people it aims to serve,” says Robertson “Dick” Chiang, Founder and CEO of Dragonpay.
Puregold Channel's latest offering
PUREGOLD Channel just raised the bar— again. Following the breakout digital hits “My Plantito” and “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile,” Puregold Channel has stepped confidently into the realm of cinematic-scale storytelling with its newest offering: “Si Sol at Si Luna.” The series was unveiled in a starstudded press conference held on May 16, 2025, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, making a quantum leap in Puregold’s journey as a force in Filipino digital entertainment.
In “Si Sol at Si Luna,” Zaijian Jaranilla and Jane Oineza shed their child-star images for roles steeped in emotional complexity and adult vulnerability, a distinct first for both actors. It’s a career-defining turn for Jaranilla, compelling him to deliver his most mature performance yet in his first intimate scene—a bold moment not just for him but for Philippine retailtainment. However, the series’ real power lies beyond the sensual as it explores grief, longing, and the uncomfortable space between connection and timing. As Sol, a film student seeking creative spark, falls for the older, emotionally-scarred Luna, their relationship forces a confrontation with the hard truths of age, loss, and love that doesn’t fit the mold.
For Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, the wistful insights
depicted in “Si Sol at si Luna” are what make it more than just your garden variety romcom.
“At its core, the series is about love—but not the kind that comes easy,” says Hayagan-Piedad.
“It asks: Where do we find love? What do we do with it when it comes at the most unexpected time? Luna’s story is about loving through grief. Sol’s is about loving through transformation. Whether love can survive both—that’s the question the audience will ponder on.”
With “Si Sol at Si Luna,” Puregold Channel is staking its claim as a powerhouse content studio—one that blends commercial value with creative boldness. This is where sharp writing meets honest emotion. Where fulllength narratives meet bite-sized platforms. And where every Filipino, no matter where they are, can watch themselves reflected in stories worth telling.
Visibly excited at the press conference were the series leads Jaranilla and Oineza, as well as supporting members of the starstudded cast, including Joao Constancia, Uzziel Delamide, Vaughn Piczon, Lyle Viray, Jem Manicad, Marnie Lapus, and the breakout star, Atasha Franco.
“Si Sol at si Luna” will drop its very first episode on the Puregold Channel on YouTube on May 31, with a new episode set to be released every Saturday thereafter.
COther local partners include Tala Financing, Pisopay, Paynet, Yeecopay, and Pays0, —each playing a role in expanding access to digital payments and financial services.
Outside the country, Coins.ph continues to support global players such as Veem, BC Remit, and Stables for cross-border flows. Coins.ph is part of Mastercard’s Crypto Credential, helping enhance trust and compliance in blockchain transactions. Coins is also a design partner of Circle Payments Network, with a goal to enable more seamless and reliable global payments.
Blockchain-based remittances continue to gain adoption as more businesses recognize the efficiency benefits. Coins.ph is positioned to lead this transition with plans to expand settlement options and add more stablecoin pairs.
To partner with Coins.ph today, contact payments-business@coins.ph
G-SHOCK, UNDEFEATED
reunite to create bold, multi-strap timepiece set
CASIO Philippines is thrilled to unveil the DWE5600UD-1, a special edition timepiece created in collaboration with UNDEFEATED. This second partnership between G-SHOCK and UNDEFEATED seamlessly blends both brands’ legendary designs to build on the success of their 2023 collaboration that celebrated G-SHOCK’s 40th anniversary.
The DWE-5600UD-1 is a striking new timepiece that authentically combines UNDEFEATED’s street style with G-SHOCK’s extreme durability. Drawing design elements from the square DWE-5600, the collaboration model makes a bold statement with a vibrant green LCD screen on the watch face paired with a sleek black base.
Showcasing the collaboration between both brands, the iconic UNDEFEATED five-strike logo appears prominently on the case back, within the LED backlight, and subtly on the short band strap. Adding to its unique appeal, the brand’s name graces the long strap for a distinctive finishing touch.
For added versatility, alongside the main resin band, the DWE-5600UD-1 comes with two additional interchangeable bands, both featuring exclusive UNDEFEATED camouflage patterns. Wearers may select a tiger camouflage design with an opaque finish or storm camouflage with a semi-translucent finish, offering a customizable look.
The mix-and-match options empower individuals to create a style that uniquely reflects their individuality.
ARITAS Manila, the lead social services and development ministry of the Catholic Church, will hold its annual Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) Telethon on Monday, June 16, 2025, to be broadcast live from 7 am to 6 pm via Radio Veritas 846 and streamed on DZRV 846 and Caritas Manila’s official Facebook page. Last year’s telethon raised P3,516,790.51. The telethon aims to raise funds for 4,465 YSLEP scholars with 1,315 students expected to graduate by the end of School Year 2024 to 2025. Among the scholars are 144 YSLEP-Gen129 students taking up Agriculture, an initiative aligned with Caritas Manila’s goals for food security. For school year 2023 to 2024, YSLEP produced 1,129 graduates with 509 graduating with honors.
YSLEP is a nationwide effort done with the help of 142 Caritas Manila Implementing Partners (CMIPs) and 52 partner dioceses. The program gives priority to the poorest of the poor, indigenous people, victims of calamities and those affected by war and conflicts.
YSLEP goes beyond financial assistance. It offers holistic formation by promoting values-based servant leadership and by empowering underprivileged youth to break the cycle of poverty through education and moral development. There is a firm focus on giving back. Graduates form the backbone of
Caritas Manila Alumni Scholars Association (CAMASA). Its stewardship program, Balik Handog, encourages former scholars to donate and assist those who are still in school.
“We believe that education is the great social equalizer,” said Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual, Caritas Manila’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to help poor but deserving youth reach their fullest potential according to the will of God.”
A donation of P30,000 is enough to support the educational needs of one YSLEP scholar for a full year. That is just P83 a day to help change a life through education. Send donations to account name Caritas Manila, Inc. through the following bank accounts: Banco De Oro, Savings Account No. 000-5600-45905, SWIFT CODE: BNORPHMM; Bank of the Philippine Islands, Peso Savings Account No. 3063-5357-01, Dollar Savings Account No. 3064-0033-55, SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM; Metrobank, Savings Account No.: 175-3-17506954-3, SWIFT CODE: MBTCPHMM, and RCBC Savings Account No.: 0000003000902216, SWIFT CODE: RCBCPHMM.
To find out more ways to donate and to know more about YSLEP and Caritas Manila, call 0967-276-4806, 0938-059-4829, or (02) 8562-0020 to 25. Caritas Manila is also on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Mang Inasal bags 3 honors at 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards
MANG Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, earned three major distinctions at the 12th AsiaPacific Stevie® Awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most innovative and customer-focused brands in the region.
The brand received a Silver Stevie® for Innovation in Cross-Media Marketing for its campaign, “Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal – Walang Pigil ang Sarap at Saya!” The campaign created a strong emotional connection with audiences by highlighting how customers enjoy Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal—not just for its flavor, but for the joy and sense of togetherness it brings. It reached people nationwide through a mix of digital, broadcast, and on-ground activations.
In addition, Mang Inasal’s Marketing Head, Allan C. Tan, was awarded a Bronze Stevie® as one of the Most Innovative Marketing or Advertising Professionals of the Year for his leadership in developing impactful, customer-centered campaigns. A second Bronze Stevie® was awarded to the
Mang Inasal Marketing Team, recognized as one of the Most Innovative Advertising or Marketing Agencies of the Year for its collaborative and insight-driven approach to brand building.
“These awards reflect the spirit of innovation that drives Mang Inasal forward,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “We’re proud of the team and grateful to our customers, whose continued support inspires us to grow and serve better every day.”
This year’s wins follow Mang Inasal’s strong showing in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards, where the brand earned four recognitions for its standout marketing and public relations efforts.
The annual Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards is the only program recognizing workplace innovation across the region. Winners were selected by over 120 executive judges from more than 1,000 nominations representing organizations from more than 29 countries in the region.
Caritas Manila to Hold 2025 Telethon on June 16
YSLEP 2024 telethon participants Carina del Pilar; Radyo Veritas anchor Loraine Icalia; Caritas Manila
Executive Director Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual; YSLEP graduate Ezekiel del Pilar, Cum Laude from Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Makati.
The cast of Puregold Channel’s “Si Sol at si Luna.”
A parent’s reflection on art, peace, and Uniqlo’s global movement
ALL the conflict ongoing both globally and locally has shown the various and negative impact it has done to our society. In our own daily lives, our families face difficult situations whether at home, at school or at work. That is why this recent initiative recently caught my eye: Uniqlo’s Peace for All project.
EASTWEST RURAL BANK HONORS
YOUNG ROLE MODELS
IN a world constantly reshaped by trends, technology and noise, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) keeps its focus on something timeless: respect. This year’s I Respect Award continues to recognize young students who live out the value of respect in meaningful, everyday ways.
Held during the graduation ceremonies of select Department of Education (DepEd) schools across the country, the I Respect Award 2025 honors graduating elementary students who have demonstrated respect not just as a manner of behavior but as a way of being. A total of 84 students were selected based on teacher testimonials, character standing, and their consistent display of respect for self, others, the environment, culture, and digital spaces.
“This initiative is about affirming the quiet strength of students who show grace, empathy and kindness every day—often in ways that go unnoticed,” said Sheila Marasigan Bajado, president of EastWest Rural Bank. “By recognizing these children, we also hope to uplift the communities, families and teachers that helped shape them.”
EastWest Rural Bank officers joined the graduation ceremonies to personally award the I Respect medal and cash incentive to each honoree. This on-ground presence allowed the Bank to connect directly with school communities, honor the students in front of their families and peers, and reaffirm its support for values-based education.
The I Respect Award is one of EastWest Rural Bank’s initiatives that reflect its core values—particularly its commitment to respect, which is deeply embedded in the bank’s advocacy for education with strong values formation. This award underscores the belief that shaping character is just as vital as academic success. The award is open to bona fide graduating elementary students with an excellent record in Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) or equivalent subjects, and who are certified by their teachers as role models in respectful behavior. The 2025 selection began on March 11, with awards conferred during the April 14 to 15 graduation events. In honoring these students, EastWest Rural Bank also sends a powerful message: respect isn’t just taught—it’s lived. And it starts young.
As a mom, I often wonder: How can I raise kind, mindful, and socially responsible kids in a world that can feel chaotic? How can we as parents nurture effective communication and peace at home in a way that ripples into the communities we’re part of?
On May 2, Uniqlo strengthened its commitment to promote peace by utilizing the universal hobby of art as a language of peace. It recently hosted a special art workshop at Museo Pambata as part of their global Peace for All initiative. They partnered with Project Pearls, a local nonprofit that supports children from underserved communities in Tondo, Cavite and Bulacan. The workshop gathered students from Grades 4 to 12 and gave them a meaningful opportunity to express themselves through art. Their inspiration? Pablo Picasso’s “Bouquet of Friendship”—a vibrant, iconic image of two hands offering flowers. It’s a piece that communicates unity and hope in a language children instinctively understand: color, imagination and joy. The students were guided by local artists from Artolution, a global nonprofit dedicated to creative empowerment through collaborative art-making. With brushes and crayons in hand, these kids created interpretations of Picasso’s vision of peace—each drawing a visual story of what harmony means to them. “We thought of creating this art workshop so that the children can really relate to the design of the shirt, which is all about peace,” shared Reiny Vergara, head of PR and sustainability for Uniqlo Philippines.
The Peace for All initiative doesn’t stop at the museum. Through this T-shirts to Transformation campaign, Uniqlo invited global figures to design limited-edition T-shirts that reflect their unique visions of peace. This year, they partnered with the estate of Pablo Picasso, marking a historic first between Uniqlo and the iconic artist. The shirt design, “Bouquet of Friendship,” is available for purchase globally, and all proceeds go to organizations that support people affected by conflict, discrimination and poverty. To date, over 6.6 million shirts have been
sold worldwide, raising more than $12.8 million in donations. The funds directly benefit UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency), Save the Children, and Plan International—groups working to protect displaced children and communities worldwide. These shirts may seem simple, but they carry a message that goes far beyond fashion. They are symbols of shared responsibility, compassion and connection. As a mother, I couldn’t help but feel moved by the thought that children from our own local communities are contributing to something so global and heartfelt.
The bigger mission is how to raise children who choose peace while upholding principles and values. It is easier said than done but we need to teach our kids to share, to apologize, and to be empathetic to others. These are everyday lessons but they are also the building blocks of peace. Watching the children of Project Pearls use art to talk about kindness reminded me that even the youngest minds can understand what peace feels like.
One child drew a sunflower and said, “It’s for my mommy because she always gives me hugs when I’m
‘Wellness rooms’ are claiming space in many homes
By Kim Cook
The Associated Press
OUR homes have been multitasking for a while now. They may be where we work, they are certainly where we play, and in today’s stress-filled world, they’re often the place where we feel most at peace.
Spurred by the pandemic, dens became offices, extra bedrooms became workout zones, dining rooms morphed into multifunctional creative spaces. Often, we’re seeing rooms transformed into sanctuaries of self-care: welcome to the “wellness room.”
“Small sophisticated home gyms, music rooms, meditation rooms and Zen gardens are some of the wellness spaces we’ve designed recently,” says designer Gonzalo Bueno, who owns the firm Ten Plus Three in Dallas. “Spaces for wellness, retreat and recharging are all really popular right now.”
Bueno and his team combined several of these ideas in a home renovation in Austin, Texas. There is an outdoor Zen garden, flanked indoors by a meditation room on one side and the soaking tub of the primary bath on the other, with both facing a serene green space.
HOLISTIC HIGH AND LOW TECH
SOUNDBATHING,” where you immerse yourself in soothing instrumental and natural sounds, has become popular at many professional spas. Now, companies
are making versions for the home, or you can set one up yourself.
Create a low-tech soundbathing studio with some comfy pillows, yoga mats, essential oil scent and dimmed lights or candles, and then either play or use recorded sounds of chimes, singing bowls and gongs. You can find links to meditation sounds online.
There are full-size beds available that use low frequency sound and vibrations, or you can find cushion-y mats with some of the same features, far less costly.
Traditional saunas use steam, but infrared light saunas are an easier-toinstall alternative for indoors. Several makers offer single, two-or threeperson versions made of wood or just an insulated fabric.
QUIET AND MAYBE DEEP
JACK OVADIA, whose eponymous design firm is based in New York, created a one-person onsen, the Japanese deepsoak-style tub, for a Phoenix client. The cocoon-like space has a contemplative wall of terrazzo pebbles and a pretty, petal-bedecked chandelier above.
But he also is doing wellness rooms that can multi-serve with a sauna and then an invigorating cold plunge tub. In his own home, he has an area to practice yoga and Pilates.
“Having a private space is essential,” Ovadia says. “A wellness room should be a space where the outside world dissolves; no background noise, no movement
children to foster peace in their daily lives:
1. Model it daily. Children learn by example. Speak kindly, listen actively, and resolve conflict with calm—especially when your kids are watching.
2. Encourage expression. Art, music and storytelling help children express complex feelings in healthy ways.
3. Celebrate diversity. Read books or watch films about different cultures and talk about inclusion and empathy.
4. Do good together. Volunteer as a family. Even small acts—like donating toys or writing thank-you notes—teach compassion.
5. Talk about global issues in age-appropriate ways. Use simple language to explain concepts like fairness, kindness, and helping those in need.
I remember when my child joined the Children International Summer Village (CISV) when she was 11 years old. She was given the chance to learn about global empathy and peace by meeting children from many continents. You can visit cisv.ph to learn more about this program.
beyond your own. This is where you go to let go; to drop into something quieter, something deeper.”
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY SOLO OR WITH YOUR PEEPS
Your ideal wellness room might be a little more energetic than the serene, spa-like versions.
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that great change often begins in small, quiet moments—with a hug, a drawing, a shared story, a shirt worn with purpose. Let’s continue to plant the seeds of peace at home one moment at a time. n
a room to enjoy music during large family gatherings.”
MATERIALS AND ACCESSORIES TO SET THE MOOD
MAKE sure the size of the space suits your activity and you use materials to set the tone. “Bring in warmth and a sense of calm with things like natural tan oak, cork, bamboo, neutral tones and organic textures,” Ovadia says. Small table lights can be set on a timer to play calming nature sounds. Some offer a soft amber glow or an array of soothing day-to-evening hues. Invest in a comfy sectional if you have space, or look for flop-worthy giant beanbags and squooshy oversize chairs.
And for the quiet well room? Dreamy nature photographs, prints or mural wallpaper would be the chef’s kiss.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE ROOM FOR A WELLNESS ROOM
“We’re designing more music rooms,” Bueno says, “which isn’t surprising since music is so healing. “ He notes how much fun it is to work with clients who have a passion—“art, yoga, music or entertaining”—and design spaces to help bring that passion home.
“Recent clients had an extensive vinyl collection,” he says. “Others have wanted
NOWHERE to stake out a wellness room in your own place? You might have something similar in your hometown. Public wellness spaces are becoming places to jive and gather as well. Socalled social spas offering traditional spa services, as well as group hangout spaces and social activities, are popping up around the US.
“It’s the new nightclub,” Ovadia says. “Self-care is evolving into a shared experience, becoming a prominent scene rather than just a side routine.”
EVENT photos from the Uniqlo’s Peace for All Project held at Museo Pambata on May 2.
NICOLE KHATE M. MELARGO of Tamisan Elementary School, the I Respect Award 2025 recipient from the Schools Division of Mati City, shares a proud moment with her mother and EastWest Rural Bank Mati Store representatives, showing what it means to live with empathy, humility, and a deep regard for others.
Coach Tim Cone: Winning Culture
By Josef Ramos
CULTURE bears the winning formula for success on the hard court and in the board room of the corporate world , successful basketball coach Tim Cone told the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) General Membership Meeting on Wednesday at the Shangrila Fort in BGC. But culture should come from the heart of leaders, according to the Philippines Basketball Association’s (PBA) most successful coach, for one to be excellent at his task.
“It’s not any single culture that is going to be successful, it’s the one that really comes from the heart of the leader and from the values of the leader that’s the one going to be presented,” said Cone, who has won 25 PBA championships, including two grand slams.
Cone was the main speaker of the MAP, whose incumbent president, Al Panlilio, is himself revolving around sports as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and first vice president of
Cone
A head coach of the
reputation has
deeply
the
Association where he
with the Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra, Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr and former Los Angeles
Lakers and Chicago Bulls’ Phil Jackson. He hailed the three coaches for their winning culture.
“Spo, Kerr and Phil are obviously really, really, good in communicating and creating their culture,” he said. “And it’s not an easy thing—you must have total buy-ins from your players, and obviously they do. They get total buy-ins.”
Cone went down to his success journey that started from Alaskaa and Purefoods, which he led to those two grand slams in the PBA, and currently with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel which he consistently
mentors as a blue-chip team. He also tackled how short a window he had to worked on when he coached the national team Gilas Pilipinas to end the men’s basketball gold medal drought at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and how he toppled Latvia right in the world powerhouse’s turf in last year’s Olympic qualifiers.
But Cone stressed that players and corporate people are apples and oranges.
“No doubt it’s quite different and I just envisioned these guys as just me and my players communicating with
Growling Tigers dominate Season 87 University of Santo Tomas reaffirms its status as the gold standard in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines by clinching its eighth consecutive general championship trophy in the collegiate division and a ninthstraight crown in the high school ranks as Season 87 comes to a close on Tuesday at the
Mall of Asia Arena. Shown above are (from left) University of the Philippines’ Bo Perasol, Assistant Professor Pauline Gabayan Assistant Director Gigi Kamus, Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio OP, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang OP, Rod Sambuang and Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.
Rizal Memorial Football Field gets FIFA stamp as ‘quality pro’
THE Rizal Memorial Football Field has been certified as “quality pro” by the sport’s world governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa). The announcement was jointly made by the Philippine Sports Commission and E-Sports International (Everything Sports), the leading expert in establishing FIFA-certified fields in the country, during a special session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The refurbishment was made within a month’s time frame, then tested last April 11, before finally receiving the formal certification last May 2. FIFA Quality Pro is the topmost quality designation within the FIFA Quality Programme, indicating the strictest standards of performance, accuracy, safety, and durability.
It is reserved for artificial turf that may be used for the highest level of football such as professional matches and international tournaments.
“Since we passed it, I want to thank the PSC for the trust, for allowing us to build champions with them,” E-sports Managing Director Audris Romualdez told the forum.
B8 Thursday, May 22, 2025 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao
each other, but once I get off that stage, it’s like I’m just a little coach among all these financial giants,” he said. “I feel overwhelmed sometimes.”
Panlilio praised Cone for his wit in sports that borders on leadership and management.
“I always say there are a lot of learnings from sports that I apply in the corporate world,” Panlilio said. “Tim Cone spoke a lot about those things like teamwork, chemistry, excelling in your craft and your role, team plays.”
“That is all true for sports, true for corporate, you always follow the same principles when you run a company and sports,” he said.
“It’s not a [hard] leadership presentation that we wanted, we wanted to show leadership in many ways and apply those learnings in the corporate.”
Shai go gun-shy in Game 1 of ThunderWolves semis Oklahoma City’s Shai GilgeousAlexander (2) shoots in front of his cousin, Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, during the second half of Game 1 of the National Basketball Association Western Conference Finals which the Thunder
SBG hails PHL climbers for summiting Everest
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go lauded Ric
Rabe, Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad for their historic and courageous ascent to the summit of Mount Everest.
Rabe reached the summit on Thursday and he safely returned to the base camp on May 17, while Panganiban and Mapalad successfully reached the Everest peak on May 18.
Rabe, a proud Mindanaoan from Cotabato City, became the first Filipino to successfully reach the world’s highest peak in nearly two decades—after Leo Oracion and Erwin Emata, who conquered Everest in 2006.
San Juan City’s Mapalad and Pasig City’s Panganiban started their final push to the mountaintop on May 14.
“The three mountaineers’ achievements are a testament of the courage and resilience of Filipinos,”
Go said. “I know it wasn’t easy at all, for them to summit, they proved nothing is impossible—that’s the heart of a Filipino!”
“Their successful climb is not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the entire country,” he said. “As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I will continue to support athletes and sports.”
Go then offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, a Filipino climber who tragically passed away during his Everest expedition at Camp 4 on May 14.
Go played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports and has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Go also welcomed the developments that would allow the Philippine Sports Commission to access more funding through the National Sports Development Fund.
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman
Duckpin nationals on
National jr tennis circuit Mindanao swing unfurls
Tnationwide talent-scouting efforts led by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro. On the boys’ side, fans can expect fierce action from a powerpacked lineup that includes Andrei Esick, Vincent Nadal, John Patrick Rabaya and Gil Niere. Nadal is also a strong presence in the 16-and-under group where he will be joined by Kennedy Gumera, Nathan Cortes, Prince Centino, Laurence Revil and Gil Niere. In the 14-and-under girls’ division, Farrah Rigodon, Bless Labadisos, Rain Cuarto and Bulado are among the favorites. Niere brothers, Pete and Gil, will headline the boys’ roster in the same age group thus bringing sibling rivalry and teamwork into play in the tournament supported by Universal Tennis and ICON Golf and Sports.
GRecord-breaking season
IT’S over. Collegiate sports—the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) side, at least—is done for Season 87. Host school University of the Philippines (UP) put on a closing ceremony with a colorful, mesmerizing light show preceded by the always high-voltage Streetdance Competition to close the season as energetically as it began. With a wallop.
“The ultimate goal for PSC is to make the football field alive again. And we want to thank E-Sports for helping us and giving us quality turf which everyone can enjoy,” said Bachmann.
The FIFA Quality Pro certificate is valid for one year, while the FIFA Quality certificate has a validity of three years.
PSC chairman Richard Bachmann, E-Sports General Manager Pam Romualdez, Engineer V Office of the Provincial Architect Joseph Apat, and Department of Education teacher and football coach Cyril Olis were also on hand in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT and sports app ArenaPlus.
E-Sports will provide one year of free servicing in the upkeep of the field, and has also given maintenance equipment and training to PSC personnel.
Better, Together,” the league will find “Strength in Motion, Hope In Action” in Season—a “celebration of boundless courage, enduring discipline and the uniting spirit of sports” but also promises “fierce competition,” says UST.
Even as UP President Angelo A. Jimenez turned over the UAAP flag to his UST counterpart, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, on stage, ballroom dancers dressed in their lavish dance costumes—first from UP, then UST— symbolically conveyed the changing of hands from
IFT certificates worth P380,000 and trophies will be at stake in the 50th Grand National and 30th Youth Championships of the Philippine Duckpin Bowling Council (PHIDBC) starting Thursday at the New Bowling King Center in Cainta with PHIDBC president Inez Magbual said the four-day competition will have men’s and women’s competitions in team singles and senior, Youth (9 to 18 years) Masters and Open Mixed Doubles. The tournament is open to PHIDBC duckpin bowlers nationwide, Magbual said. The mixed team champion will receive P100,000 in gift checks, while the
Maroon-and-Green to Yellow-Black-and-White.
The ballroom mood provided an interesting counterpoint to the swag and “angas” of the street dance competition.
Meanwhile, up in the stands, after the turnover and the awards had been done, the pep squads and drummers of the eight UAAP schools—Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila, Far Eastern University (FEU), De La Salle, National University, University of the East (UE), UP and UST—banged their drums and made noise by turns, and sometimes, simultaneously to give their last hurrahs for Season 87. It felt very much like New Year’s Eve.
“They’re giving their all now one last time because they will stay quiet for a while,” explained a fan who was passing by. Season 87 did have some very notable moments that will be part of cherished UAAP memory.
It was a season of migration and transfer, for one.
Athletes changed schools as easily as volleyball athletes change courts during a fifth set do-or-die. From Mason Amos shipping out of Ateneo and going to La Salle, to UP’s Sean Torculas going to San Beda and Bedan James Payosing transferring to UP, to Francis Lopez leaving for Japan, to VJay Pre tearfully saying goodbye to FEU, and Kristian Porter leaving The Nest, there have been eyebrow-raising movements in basketball and volleyball as well (the exodus of Dongallo et. al. from UE to UP, for example) that make
Season 87 very interesting, to say the least.
Season 87 also introduced us to another Super Rookie in women’s volleyball who has not just broken records, she has established them as well. Take a bow, Shaina Natura, who made 38-points in a single game and established the new single-season scoring total of 371 points that erased Alyssa Valdez’s previous record of 312. Season 87 also reminded us that NU is the reigning volleyball power of the league.
COACH Tim Cone (center) with Management Association of the Philippines Al Panlilio and board member Gil Genio during the organization’s General Membership Meeting.
Envoys&Expats
Grace in action: PHL applauds UK envoy’s transformative posting
ABOVE and beyond reinforcing two-way ties between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, Amb. Laure Beaufils has endeared herself to Filipinos with her warmth, accessibility and sharp sense of purpose.
Since arriving in August 2021, Beaufils’ tour-of-duty has been defined by multifaceted engagement: from expanding defense cooperation to championing Filipino health care workers in the UK, launching inclusive development projects, and several more in between. Under her leadership, the UK has emerged as one of the Philippines’ the top investors, while initiatives in various fronts flourished. True to her development roots, she has consistently prioritized partnerships that deliver “real change that affects people’s lives—not just lofty ideas.”
Beaufils represents a modern diplomatic ethos: inclusive, data-driven, and people-centered. She often cites the UK’s openness as the force that made her journey—from development professional to ambassador— possible. As she prepares to pass the baton, she hopes to be remembered not just as a diplomat, but as a bridgebuilder: “engaging and impactful… someone who strengthened the understanding of who we are as Brits, what we stand for, and what we are good at.” With a legacy marked by authenticity, impact and deep human connection, diplomacy for her has always been personal—and the Philippines, unforgettable.
ENVOYS&EXPATS: You have
spent considerable time in your work in Asia. What drives your passion to serve within the continent? How do you shuttle between the Philippines and Palau?
BEAUFILS: I’ve been incredibly lucky to serve in Africa, the Middle East and in Southeast Asia. Each of the countries I’ve worked in has touched me and in each, I have developed strong friendships and bonds. I think it’s as much about how much of yourself you give, and your willingness to immerse yourself in the culture, the food, the language, and the music. The “more senior” one gets, the trickier this becomes as one has less time, and one doesn’t travel in the same way.
But it’s a choice. When you give a lot of yourself, you get a lot back.
Asia is an incredibly diverse continent of course, so I don’t want to generalize about it. But as for the Philippines—it’s trite to say it, but it’s the most welcoming country I have ever set foot in. The kindness and generosity of the people are second to none. From the moment my family and I set foot in Manila in August 2021, we have felt at home here. I’ve learned a lot about the kind of person I want to be by observing Filipinos across the country.
On managing my time across the Philippines and Palau—that’s tricky: Time is the thing that many diplomats
wish they had more of. In truth, I spend a lot more time in the Philippines than I do in Palau. But I try to be there for important moments—for example, I joined the inauguration of Pres. Surangel Whipps Jr. earlier this year. It was important for me to be there, and share the United Kingdom’s congratulations with the new leader of the island-country.
What is the UK’s participation with defense and military exercises in the country? Why is the British government heavily invested with such?
Our defense partnership is growing, and that’s in good part because of the interconnected nature of global security. The UK understands that the security of Europe and Asia are inseparable.
A case in point is the South China Sea: A third of the world’s trade passes through it. Thus, it’s absolutely in the British interest to ensure that the SCS is free and open.
And there is also a matter of principle: we as the UK are ardent defenders of and promoters of international law. This is why Royal Navy ships undertake freedom of navigation exercises, such as the one undertaken on May 17 by HMS Spey. And yes, we as the UK partake in military exercises such as “Balikatan” or “Sama-Sama,” as we want to be able to work closely with the Philippines and defense partners to promote a free and open Indo Pacific.
We also have a memorandum of understanding covering areas such as military exercises, training, maritime domain awareness, hydrographics, and many more. And we have our Carrier Strike Group coming back to the region in a few months—another demonstration of our long-term commitment to the region in general, and the Philippines in particular.
There are 200,000 Filipinos in the UK—many of them, nurses. Your government spoke highly of them, especially during the pandemic. Are there initiatives to help the Filipino diaspora in your country? Many of them hold dual citizenship, too.
Indeed, we are grateful to the phenomenal Filipino health-care workers in the UK. Their malasakit is second to none. His Majesty King Charles III honored them by hosting foreign HCWs at the palace on the day of his birthday in 2023.
And one of the final acts that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II did before she passed away was to award the St. George’s Cross---Britain’s highest nonmilitary honor---to Filipina nurse May Parsons. (Read in the BusinessMirror: Pinay nurse in UK receives highest award for NHS from Queen Elizabeth; July 13, 2022.)
But it’s not just about recognizing Filipino HCWs; we have an MOU with the Philippine government that sets out how we look after them. We have a Tagalog help line for HCWs in the National Health Service. On the back of “Covid,” we now disaggregate data on NHS HCWs on the basis of ethnicity or nationality to ensure that all workers are treated fairly.
We have a fantastic British Philippines Nurses Association that looks after Filipino HCWs in the UK to ensure they are not homesick, and to support them as they settle in. So yes—it’s really important for us that we look after Filipino HCWs in the same way that they look after NHS patients.
Are we seeing more UK-sponsored development projects in the Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro, under your stewardship?
Absolutely! We are really excited about our program in the Bangsamoro Region. It’s focused on institu-
tional development, helping support the development of the parliament, strengthening women’s political participation, and working with local government units to engage them in the democratic process, among others.
But our program of support to the region is by no means the only one. In fact, the bulk of our programming is in climate and environment related issues, and in science cooperation too. We also have those in education, health, cyber, AI, good governance, counterterrorism, and many other sectors.
How can our countries increase or expand further their trade relationship, especially in the light of uncertainties brought by United States’ tariffs on China and other countries? How about investments?
We’ve worked incredibly hard to boost UK-Philippines trade, and it’s paying off. Our trade is growing— and we’re putting in place measures to make sure it continues to grow.
When we left the European Union, we established the “Developing Countries Trading Scheme,” which supports Filipino exports to the UK. So now, 99 percent of total Filipino exports to the UK, by value, are eligible for duty-free access, saving P1.4 billion, or about $25.3 million in tariffs annually.
And I’m really proud that last year, the UK was the top investor into the Philippines, with huge investments in particular in renewable energy. And in 2025, for the first time, we held a UK-Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee or JETCO, which identified key sectors that we will further invest in to boost our trade: energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development.
So, a lot has happened in the last couple of years—but we’re not resting on our laurels. We’re hoping to final-
ize a new government-to-government arrangement with the Philippines this year, which would unlock a whopping £5 billion, or some P370 billion, of Export Finance to support our bilateral trade. We’re already developing a pipeline of projects that will benefit from this. So yes, we really are going from strength-to-strength.
You were initially in development work before you became a diplomat. Why is development assistance important to you? Yes. I’m still deeply passionate about development. In fact, it’s through development and women’s rights that I got into foreign policy and diplomacy. For me, development is about social justice, which is incredibly important to me, and drives a lot of my belief systems and values. There is a saying that we shouldn’t judge a society by its wealth, but by the absence of poverty. The same applies for the world. I think it’s right that we should still be indignant when we see people live in poverty, and that we should work across the public and private sector to address this. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s in our interest.
We recently learned that you were born French. Could you share with us your experience and journey, becoming a British diplomat and later on, as an ambassador? Indeed, my journey is rather atypical. I was born to French parents but spent a lot of my youth in the UK. I went to university there, made friends there, married a Brit, had kids in the UK and made a home and life for myself there. So I’ve long felt British, and Britain has been home for an exceptionally long time. So it was the right thing to do to apply for a British passport all those years ago.
British Chamber bats for policy continuity, economic reforms passage in 20th Congress
THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) is urging for key legislative priorities to be passed under the incoming 20th Congress.
The chamber cited that investor sentiments will primarily be driven by economic reforms, ease of doing business, and the economy’s further liberalization.
BCCP’s executive Chairman Chris Nelson reiterated that political continuity and the passage of key legislation such as the “e-Gov-
ernance Act,” “Cybersecurity Act” and the “Konektadong Pinoy Act” will assist in the country’s digital transformation through an enhanced, secured and protected connectivity.
The United Kingdom and the Philippines have recently upgraded their discussions through the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade
Committee meeting, which aimed to address multiple sectors covering infrastructure, agriculture, renew-
able energy and increased regional cooperation.
In the four quarters until the end of 2024’s last three months, UK-Philippine trading marked a 3.6-percent increase, and reached a total of £3 billion.
“We’d like to see further ease of doing business; we are keen supporters of [the Anti-Red Tape Act],” Nelson said. “With that, we would like to see further liberalization of the economy to drive foreign direct investment [FDI]…What we want to be doing is driving the Philippine gross domestic product’s growth above 5.4 percent. We think there are ‘very good’ opportunities for that, and will make the Philippines more competitive.”
Poland: Committed to common values, rule of law principles, and respect for all nations
By Chargé d’Affaires
Adam Dyszlewski
(Delivered during the Republic of Poland’s Constitution Day celebration on May 6, 2025)
DISTINGUISHED guests; Hon. Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac [of the] Department of Migrant Workers; Hon. Usec. Jesus Domingo [and] Hon. Asst. Sec. Deena Joy Amatong [of the] Department of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency [Most Rev.] Charles John Brown DD, archbishop of the Apostolic Nuncio; members of the Filipino administration; excellencies; and friends of Poland: Drodzy Rodacy!
It is my pleasure to host tonight’s reception on the occasion of May 3’s Constitution Day. Why is this anniversary so important?
To me, the very essence of Constitution Day is respect for those who think differently, and understanding their freedom in a way that limits the freedom of others, as little as possible. Truly, that is the essence of a united Europe: In varietate concordia—united in diversity. Both the Constitution and the European Union are fundamentally designed to protect citizens from domination by those who are stronger and more powerful. National constitutions and the EU at the international level serve to counter that mindset: the danger of hegemony and domination.
We live in a world where an individual European country stands little chance when confronted with
an increasingly brutal reality. Yes, it is true: what are happening around us—both in Europe and beyond— present a whole new set of challenges for us, for [the continent. But it] was created precisely to face such. Democracy, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, the welfare state: these are all values the EU has delivered to its nearly 450 million citizens. Above all, the European integration project has brought about the longest period of peace and stability in the history of its member-states— now threatened by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
That is why the motto of Poland’s presidency in the European Council is: “Security Europe…” the presidency which we will soon hand over to our friends and allies from Denmark.
To quote Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk: “Security in various di-
mensions is crucial for the daily lives of Europeans, for member-states, and for the EU as a whole. This is a key challenge the [union] must confront, and the difficulties we are facing should encourage Europe to grow even stronger.”
To achieve this, we must continue to view defense as the EU’s strategic priority: always working in support of a strong transatlantic partnership and close cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO.
Distinguished guests: I am happy that Poland and the Philippines share common values, and a commitment to the principles of the rule of law and respect for all nations. For that, I say: Thank you.
Tonight, I could tell you many things about our bilateral cooperation—including the important visit by Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski last year, during which he reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the South China Sea, as well as upcoming planned visits this year.
I could also speak at length about what Poland and the Philippines have achieved in terms of trade and defense cooperation, with Polish-made Black Hawk and Sokół helicopters now serving here…but that would surely extend my speech by another 10 minutes; so, no—not tonight.
However, my speech would not
be complete without expressing my gratitude for the contribution of the nearly 30,000 Filipinos living in Poland, who enrich our society every day. And for that, I say: Thank you.
Now I’ll say a few words in Polish: Szanowni Państwo, Bardzo dziękuję za przyjęcie naszego zaproszenia. Korzystając z okazji, chciałbym przede wszystkim serdecznie podziękować za wasz wkład w budowanie pozytywnego wizerunku Polski na Filipinach, za to, że jesteście prawdziwymi ambasadorami Polski. (Dear ladies and gentlemen: Thank you very much for accepting our invitation. For this opportunity, I sincerely thank you for your contribution to building a positive image of Poland in the Philippines, and for being true ambassadors of Poland.)
Distinguished guests: Isang malaking karangalan at pribilehiyo na ako ay maipadala dito sa Pilipinas. Ako ay nandito hindi lamang bilang kinatawan ng aking bansa, kundi bilang isang kaibigan na handang matuto at makipag-ugnayan sa inyo. Muli, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap. (It is a great honor and privilege that I was assigned here in the Philippines. I am here not only as a representative of my country, but as a friend who is ready to learn and engage with you. Again, I am thankful for your warm welcome!)
And now, let me raise a toast: To the good health and well-being of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.; to the prosperity and happiness of all the Filipino people!
Mabuhay! Salamat po!
US boosts poultry products trading, launches adobo collection cookbook
ON May 15, Amb. MaryKay Carlson of the United States hosted the launch of the “US Poultry Adobo Collection” cookbook authored by “Adobo
and the Philippines, and our shared love for food as friends, partners, allies, and foodies,” Carlson said during the cookbook launch attended by chefs and representatives from the local retail, food service, and food-processing sectors. “I thank Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen for contributing her expertise and passion for adobo to bring authenticity and creativity to this collection.” With the support of the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign
tural
and
and the
posted on https://www.facebook.com/ USAPEECPHL.
“Adobo isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about heart, patience and flavor. Use your hands, trust your taste, and let time do its work,” Reyes-Lumen imparted. “With premium quality US poultry, your adobo can be rich, meaty and proudly yours. Own your recipe, cook it slowly, and let the love simmer through.”
Among her creations is the US chicken barbecue-adobo with adobo glaze, which pairs traditional Filipino flavors with the premium quality of US poultry.
The Philippines is the seventh-largest market for US poultry products in the world, and largest in Southeast Asia. Exports of such to the country have more than tripled in the past 10 years, which reached nearly P10.6 billion ($190 million) in 2024. The increase is attributed to growth in the country’s retail, foodservice, and food-processing sectors, with strong demand by a young and rapidly growing population.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, FDI net inflows reached $529 million in February 2025, with key sectors identified such as manufacturing, financial and insurance, real estate, as well as information and communication industries.
Nelson also announced that the Philippine Economic Zone Authority-UK investment mission is set for June 2025, seen to further strengthen the latter’s position as PEZA’s top investor for January 2025. Between 1995 and 2024, PEZA has recorded 89 British-registered business enterprises or RBEs operating in the Philippines, with total investments reaching P34.036 billion. These have also played a key role in job creation, generating 72,391 work opportunities.
Grace
The BCCP official recently visited the Philippine Embassy in London, where he met with Amb. Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and Second SecretaryConsul Bea Martinez, following the recently held midterm elections. They discussed key areas of cooperation on trade and investments, marking the growing relations between the two countries. He noted that the chamber is “working ‘very hard’ on driving investments, but we want to see further growth in that area. We want to see the Philippines [develop further] for companies coming to invest directly as a gateway to Southeast Asia.”
in action: PHL applauds UK envoy’s transformative posting
Continued from C1
That I am now British ambassador says a lot about the UK: that we are open, inclusive and meritocratic. And I am by no means the only British envoy in this situation. This week, a colleague of mine born in Iran and who came to the UK aged six as a refugee, was announced to be the new High Commissioner, or ambassador to Fiji. His appointment in particular tells the world that Britain values fairness and diversity. It’s a proud moment for the UK: it shows that opening doors to a wide range of backgrounds makes a country stronger and more open-minded.
I should say that our commitment to diversity is much broader too. We work hard to have ambassadors represent all of our society. Our ambassador to Slovenia, for example, is blind; and we have a large number of ambassadors from the LGBTQ+ community, and those from various ethnic groups.
What other sectors would you like to focus on for the remainder of your posting? How would you like to be remembered as one of the UK’s envoys to the Philippines?
Over the past few years, we have tried to both deepen and broaden our partnerships and collaborations. On defense and security, we were already doing a lot in this space—but that is now much deeper and broader, working with a lot more partners in the Philippines than was previously the case.
The same goes for trade and investment, climate and environment, renewable energy, science and tech, as well as health. And in the last few years, we’ve also started working on new, cutting-edge areas in partnership with Filipino counterparts. For example, we’ve developed quite a lot of cooperation around cybersecurity, and we’ve done a lot together around artificial intelligence, particularly AI Governance and AI Ethics. We’re always innovating and wanting to ensure that we are flexible in responding to emerging priorities and needs.
The way I want to be remembered?
That is not an easy question! But if I need a short answer, then I’d like to be remembered as an ambassador that was both kind and engaging, and impactful. Someone who was able to make progress and deliver tangible results in areas that are in the national interest of both the UK and the Philippines. And I’d like people to know that this is about delivering real change that affects people’s lives—not just lofty ideas!
I also hope that, in the quality and the tone of my engagements, I have been able to demonstrate that the UK is modern, engaging, innovative and relevant, and that we are credible, trust-worthy long-term partners of
the Philippines that are value creating. So I hope to have strengthened the understanding of who we are as Brits, what we stand for, and what we are good at. This is just as important to me.
For example, if a Filipino is looking for a business partner, a research collaborator, a university to study at, and they think: “The UK could be great in this space…” Then, that’s an important success for me.
Pres. Marcos Jr. studied in England for a while, probably considering the UK as one of the countries closest to his heart. Did it help you in establishing rapport with him; that he knew many things about England, and probably has maintained networks there?
Yes, I do think the president is fond of the UK, and that’s a wonderful thing for us to see. We were so happy that he and the First Lady were able to go to the Coronation of His Majesty the King. We know that the President is very fond of British music, and indeed of the West End! We very much hope that he will have the time to go back to the UK for a visit sometime in the year to come.
Speaking of British music, any chance that the embassy will engage in “music diplomacy?” If it were up to you, which acts would you bring over?
We already do! Every year for the “Great British Festival,” we celebrate British culture in general and music in particular. That is something to look forward to later this year when we host another iteration. And we’ve had countless great British artists come to the Philippines. Just in the last couple of years, we have had Harry Styles, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Arctic Monkeys, Sting, and Dua Lipa. And there have been many more! My music taste is a bit eclectic and perhaps this betrays my age---but I’d love to bring Oasis and Blur over. And Adele. I would absolutely love to have her here. Interview by Mike Policarpio and Malou Talosig-Bartolome
DYSZLEWSKI
NELSON
AGRICULTURAL Counselor Michael Ward (from left), Amb. MaryKay Carlson and Chef Nancy ReyesLumen hold a plate of US chicken barbeque-adobo.
THE British ambassador beams with pride for her tenure’s accomplishments in the Philippines.
&Expats
‘E&E’ - EDUCATION CROSSOVER
University in Spain hosts Justice Carpio’s lecture,
‘Pag-asa’
documentary screening
THE Philippine ConsulateGeneral in Barcelona advanced the promotion of the Philippines as a maritime nation at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) on May 7.
A keynote online lecture by retired Senior Assoc. Justice Antonio T. Carpio of the Philippine Supreme Court headlined the event at the UPF’s Ciutadella Campus, where more than 70 students in International Relations and Global Studies of UPF attended.
The talk was preceded by a screening of GMA Public Affairs’ awardwinning documentary “Pag-asa” by Filipino journalist Atom Araullo.
“Might does not make right,” said Carpio, as he underscored a principle vindicated in the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. He emphasized that even smaller nations like the Philippines—when armed with international law—can stand firm against hegemonic overreach.
The “Pag-asa” documentary, pre-
sented with Spanish subtitles, laid out the background of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, and places the spotlight on the continuing aggression around Pag-asa Island and the broader area of the Spratly Islands, where harassment of Filipino coast guard and fishermen, ramming of vessels, and images of the militarization of features were documented.
As leader of the class, UPF’s Prof. Iraida Giménez praised the documentary for highlighting the human dimension of maritime conflict in the WPS: “Geopolitical flashpoints such as the [WPS are not merely cartographic disputes, but existential battles for dignity, survival, and justice... ‘Pag-asa’ brought these realities to life with] the stories of Filipinos living under constant threat, yet unwavering in spirit.”
Meanwhile, Consul-General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro emphasized the importance of the discourse about the disputed waters: “Understanding the [WPS] issue is vital in grasping the broader dynamics of Asean and the Asia-Pacific Region. In fact, for Europe and the rest of the world, the implications are profound: The South China Sea Region has become the home to some of the world’s busiest sea lanes and most dynamic economies. [It] means that, what happens in this area impacts supply chains, freedom of navigation,
energy security, and the rules-based international order that Europe itself helped shape.”
As a form of university outreach, the consulate general in Barcelona said the UPF engagement is part of a broader public diplomacy initiative to promote the country’s maritime identity and champion the 2016 Arbitral Award. By engaging academic communities in Spain and Andorra, the Philippines continues to speak truth to power, reaffirming its place as a champion of international law, peace, and principled diplomacy.
Japan’s ambassador engages with top universities in Manila
MB. KAZUYA ENDO deliv-
Aered an insightful lecture on Japan and its bilateral relations with the Philippines at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) as part of the lecture series: “Ateneo Global’s EmbLEM: Embassy Lectures, Encounters, and Masterclasses.”
His lecture last May 9 brought together students, faculty and other members of the Ateneo community to broaden their understanding of the continuously evolving two-way ties between both countries.
In his presentation, Endo highlighted their flourishing relations, as he spotlighted recent developments in cooperation and collaboration in the areas of economy, security, culture and people-to-people exchange. He underscored the youth’s vital role in sustaining and enhancing diplomatic relations, then encouraged the students to actively engage in efforts and initiatives that continue to promote friendship, international cooperation and understanding.
The lecture concluded with a lively question-and-answer session where students expanded their knowledge with further insights from the ambassador.
School of Government dean Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, Dr. Rosita Leong School of Social Sciences dean Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, Japanese Studies Program acting director Dr. Kristine Michelle Santos, University Partnerships and Internationalization assistant vice president Ma. Cristina Alikpala, Partnerships and Engagement director Karen Sunico, Internationalization at Home director Carolyn Natividad, and Department of Political Science chair Dr. Carmel V. Abao were in attendance.
Ateneo’s EmbLEM series strives in providing students the opportunity to learn from and engage with senior diplomatic officials assigned to the Philippines. Through informative discussions, the lecture series aims to be a platform to deepen students’ knowledge of international relations and global issues.
With DLSU, ADMU, UP Japan Studies professors ON May 15, Endo welcomed Japan Studies professors from De La Salle University and ADMU to his residence in Makati City. DLSU’s Department
of International Studies professor Dr. Dennis Trinidad and associate professor Dr. Ron Bridget Vilog, together with ADMU Japanese Studies Program’s Dr. Santos and Dr. Hiroko Nagai-Yabut attended the event.
At the meeting, the ambassador conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Japanese studies professors—some of whom were also former Japanese government scholars, or MEXT, and distinguished experts in their respective fields. He emphasized their vital role in promoting friendship and mutual understanding, as he reminded that cultural and people-to-people ties are key pillars to Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship. Endo and the professors exchanged insights on the current state of Japanese studies education and scholarly research in their universities.
In April, Endo welcomed Japan Studies professors from the University of Philippines-Diliman’s Asian Center and Center for International Studies who are also MEXT scholarship alumni: Prof. Matthew M. Santamaria, Assoc. Prof. Jocelyn Celero, Asst. Prof. Karl Ian U. Cheng Chua, retired professor and former CIS director Cynthia Neri Zayas and Prof. Amparo Adelina Umali III.
In his short message, the ambassador conveyed his sincere gratitude to the professors: “In all your achievements, I thank you all for your efforts cultivating a culture of excellence future scholars can aspire to and uphold.”
He also highlighted their vital support in advancing partnerships between Japan and the Philippines, as he emphasized that cultural and people-to-people exchanges are the key pillars of the “golden age” of bilateral relations between the two countries.
South Australia sees closer linkages, greater trade opportunities with PHL
THE governor of South Australia Frances Adamson AC will embark on an official visit to the Philippines starting today, May 22, where she will engage with mutually beneficial sectors: global education, trade and investment, along with arts and culture.
Gov. Adamson was Australia's former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as ambassador to China.
Ahead of her successive meetings with local leaders, the governor accorded this exclusive exchange, as she details the Australian state’s multiple points of collaboration in the coming days.
ENVOYS&EXPATS: G’ Day, Your Excellency! Is this your first visit to the Philippines? What comes to mind when you hear about our country?
ADAMSON: Although it’s my first visit as governor of South Australia, I’m incredibly happy to say that it’s not my first visit to the Philippines, as I’ve been here several times before in my former career as a diplomat. It’s always a pleasure to visit the Philippines [and experience] the vibrancy of its people and culture, as well as the long-standing and friendly relationship with Australia. In that regard, I’m especially pleased to be here for the Philippines-Australia Friendship Day, for which our ambassador is hosting a celebratory event.
Why did South Australia choose to engage with the Philippines? How will this contribute to our countries' two-way ties?
The Philippines and South Australia are becoming increasingly important partners for one another—especially in the education sector. We want to grow two-way trade and investment. As part of this, relevant parties are hoping to establish a direct air link at some stage in the not-too-distant future.
More broadly, the Philippines-South Australia relationship plays its part in building the bilateral relationship at the national level, now elevated to a Strategic Partnership. Inspired by “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” we will pursue initiatives and opportunities with the Philippines across mutually key sectors including education and skills, along with agriculture and food.
Kindly provide a sneak preview of your itinerary. Which Philippine government officials will you be engaging with?
I will be following up on recent Philippine education missions to South Australia in 2025 led by Sec. Jose Francisco Benitez and Sec. Juan Edgardo Angara in February, as well as Chairperson Jose Prospero de Vera of the Commission on Higher Education earlier this month. I will have the opportunity to meet with the latter and senior representatives of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Education, reinforcing collaboration between South Australia and the Philippines in higher education, research and vocational education and training.
I will also be meeting the Cultural Centre for the Philippines’ vice president, along with high-ranking officials of the Philippine Airlines, ACEN International, and making a call at the Asian Development Bank.
In terms of bilateral trade and investment, what was the impetus for South Australia to engage with the Philippines?
The country is among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. There are vital opportunities arising from its expanding consumer base and maturing food-service sector. We see great promise for synergies with our premium wine and grain products.
There is also potential to enhance the two-way character of the investment relationship through deepening understanding of local opportunities, identifying where South Australian businesses, expertise and technology could be incorporated within the Philippines’ green energy transition, and building linkages on research, training and education institutions.
We learned that South Australia—particularly Adelaide—is a center for education. Please share with us prominent courses of study and institutions that will be attractive to Filipino students looking for a global degree.
The state capital is home to worldclass universities that offer industryinformed and contemporary qualifications that are globally recognized. The University of Adelaide and University
of South Australia—together soon to become Adelaide University—have a combined history of 180 years of teaching and research excellence. Areas of strength include information technology, engineering, business, science and health.
Flinders University has an international reputation for its health and medical research and related teaching programs in medicine, nursing, health science and public health. In 2024, it opened a new AU$255-million Health and Medical Research facility, with a strong reputation for its extensive support for international students and the one-on-one learning services that it provides.
Our technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector also offers world-leading courses, and our Commissioner for Skills will be actively engaging with Philippine counterparts during my visit.
South Australia proudly welcomes Australia Award scholars, as the three universities have an enduring record of supporting these impressive students during their time in Adelaide.
Apart from Adelaide, some Filipinos are unfamiliar with South Australia. If you were to do an “elevator pitch” for the state, how would it go? South Australia is big enough to be world-class in many fields, but small enough, in population at least, to retain a unique sense of friendship and community. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and wonders; a leading producer of premium food, wine and agricultural goods. We host a collaborative education, research and innovation ecosystem with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and data capabilities; we are world-leaders in renewable energy; and we are home to a number of world-class cultural festivals, international sporting events and conferences.
Certainly, South Australia shares the charm of the entire country. What would be potential top attractions for Filipino visitors, especially first-timers?
If you’re after world-class wines, visit our regions and meet the people who make them: from Barossa and Coonawarra, to Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. For an outback adventure, head to the Flinders Ranges & Outback to get an unforgettable view of Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park.
If your preference is to escape to an island full of Australian wildlife and our iconic Aussie kangaroos, then your best bet is to take the ferry to Kangaroo Island to see a range of unique wildlife on the secluded coastal island. And if you would prefer to stay closer to the city, step into a thriving hub of food
SUPREME Court senior associate justice Antonio T. Carpio (Ret.) (on screen) joins the Universitat
Pompeu Fabra’s International Relations students on an online lecture about the West Philippine Sea conflict. BARCELONA PCG AMB. Kazuya Endo at ADMU’s lecture series
THE ambassador (standing) and professors from ADMU and DLSU take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
ENDO (fourth from left) with UP Japan Studies professors and Japan Information and Culture Center director Shigehiro Matsuda (right).
THE Honourable Frances Adamson AC
Thursday, May 22, 2025
PBBM
upbeat on stronger cooperation with partner-nations as new envoys are welcomed
PRES. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his intent to enhance the Philippines’ relations with several countries as he welcomed new ambassadors to the country.
The chief executive received the credentials of the five diplomats who are starting their tour of duty in Manila in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace last Thursday.
“President Marcos Jr. expressed his hope that the envoys would work closely with their Philippine counterparts to continue deepening bilateral ties, and encouraged them to take time to explore the [country],” the Presidential Communications Office said in a news release.
The president welcomed Bangladesh’s resident ambassador to the Philippines Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood during the presentation of credentials, and expressed optimism for deeper collaboration between the two nations. He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with other governments when he received the credentials of their non-resident ambassadors. They are Peter Adelbai (Palau), Suren Baghdasaryan (Armenia), Yadira Ledesma Hernandez (Cuba), and Enkhtaivan Dashnyam (Mongolia).
Sec. Enrique A. Manalo of the department of Foreign Affairs joined Marcos Jr. in welcoming the new ambassadors. Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA THE president
Survey says: Southeast Asians are ‘concerned’ over US tariffs
SINGAPORE—A global market research and data-an -
alytics firm has released a survey that revealed the growing apprehension among Southeast Asians in responding to newly imposed tariffs by the United States on goods from the region.
The findings shed light on a population highly anxious on rising living costs and broader economic outcomes, with many already shifting their spending habits.
The quantitative study conducted by Milieu Insight’s proprietary survey community polled 6,043 individuals, representative of the online population in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam.
New tariffs recently imposed by the US would carry a 46-percent tariff on Vietnam’s exports, 36 percent on Thailand’s, 32 percent on Indonesia’s, 24 percent on Malaysia’s, 17 percent on the Philippines’ and 10 percent on Singapore’s.
“These findings show that people in Southeast Asia are already anticipating economic pressure from these new tariffs,” said
Milieu Insight founder and COO Gerald Ang. “There may be higher prices, which means Southeast Asians would have to adjust their spending habits and increasingly look to local products to fill the gap. This shift in sentiment could have lasting implications on both consumption patterns and economic slowdown in the region.”
Impact to daily life
THE survey across six Southeast Asian nations revealed that 73 percent of respondents were aware of the tariffs, which signaled widespread regional attention. Concerns about the tariffs’ possible impact on daily life were particularly high in Vietnam (78 percent), followed by Thailand (75 percent) Indonesia (73 percent) and Singapore (72 percent). Malaysians, while still wary, showed comparatively lower concern at 63 percent.
When asked about the potential national impact, 93 percent of Thais believed the tariffs would have a negative effect on their country—the highest level of concern across the region. Meanwhile, a resounding 90 percent of South -
east Asians expect the tariffs to drive up prices of everyday goods.
Shifting spending patterns
THIS shift in perception is translating into stronger support for local products, with most respondents expressing increased interest in locally made goods.
Some 87 percent of respondents who usually prefer international brands said the new tariffs make them more likely to purchase locally made products. Additionally, close to 4 in 5 (75 percent to 80 percent) said they would reduce their consumption of imported goods or switch to local alternatives.
Across all surveyed markets, electronics and gadgets are seen as the most vulnerable to tariffrelated price increases.
When it comes to absorbing the costs of the tariffs, responses vary across markets: Majority of the surveyed Singaporeans (59 percent), Filipinos (51 percent) and Malaysians (37 percent) expect the increased costs from businesses to be passed on to consumers if product prices rise due to tariffs. However, respon -
dents among Thais (49 percent) and Vietnamese (48 percent) are more optimistic, expecting businesses to offer more discounts and promotions instead.
Confidence in government response SOUTHEAST Asians are divided on whether their governments can effectively manage the economic impact of these tariffs. Confidence is highest in Vietnam (81 percent) and Singapore (66 percent), followed by Malaysia (56 percent), while skepticism prevails in Thailand (68 percent not confident) and the Philippines (61 percent not confident).
In the future, 42 percent of Southeast Asians said they would prefer to reduce reliance on US imports by expanding domestic industries, while 40 percent called for implementing price controls or regulations on essential goods. Additionally, 34 percent expect their governments to introduce subsidies that will support local consumers and negotiate trade agreements with other countries.
The above fieldwork was carried out from April 4 to 7, 2025.
UN Global Compact, Phil. Permanent Mission impel renewed private sector action on SDGs
THE United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in New York convened a high-level dialogue with participant companies and organizations of the “Global Compact Network Philippines [GCNP]” on May 2 at the BPI Townhall in Makati City. The in-person session brought together a broad range of Philippine stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, small and medium enterprises, as well as some of the country’s largest corporations for strategic discussions on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The dialogue featured UN Global Compact chief of programs Tonilyn Lim and Philippine Permanent
Mission to the UN minister Jesus Enrique Garcia II. It was organized following the UNGC’s participation in the “High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries” hosted by the Philippine government on April 28 and 29.
A key focus was the need to mobilize private financing for SDG acceleration, particularly in Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like the Philippines.
“To accelerate SDG progress, we need a significant shift in how funding flows, particularly in LMICs where transitions are urgent and the potential for impact is high,” emphasized Lim, as she underscored the need to strengthen ecosystems that enable businesses to drive large-scale, system-wide change.
Garcia reaffirmed the Philippine government’s partnerships with the private sector, especially in light of the country’s goal of transitioning to “Upper MiddleIncome Country” or “UMIC” status by 2026: “The government supports enabling SDG-aligned businesses to thrive. As the Philippines progresses towards UMIC status, we are putting in place the right conditions for purposedriven companies to grow not just economically, but sustainably and inclusively.”
The session drew strong engagement from GCNP participants that included Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Ayala Corporation, ASSIST Asia, BPI, Globe Telecom, Goldrich Industrial Packaging Corp., Manila Doctors Hospital, Morination
Agricultural Products, Philippine Marketing Association, PLDT Inc., and San Miguel Corporation. They represented sectors actively advancing the UN Global Compact’s key priorities, while enabling SDG targets attainment with ongoing initiatives and commitments.
The dialogue marked a pivotal step toward deeper collaboration between the private and public sectors. The UNGC, through the GCNP and the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the UN, committed to working closely together to ensure the key points raised during the session—particularly those related to financing, ecosystem strengthening and policy engagement—are translated into concrete actions that are supportive of the SDGs.
Nordics empower Phil. gov’t reps for circular econ. innovation, collaboration
REPRESENTATIVES from the national government of the Philippines and the local government of Pasig City visited Sweden and Denmark for a weeklong study visit on circular economy. Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in the Philippines, with the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers, organized the official travel. It provided an opportunity for delegates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and City Government of Pasig to benchmark best practices from Nordic countries as global leaders in circularity.
The Philippines’ envoy to Sweden
Patrick Chuasoto hosted a dinner in Stockholm to welcome the delegation, as he highlighted the avenues for Filipino stakeholders to learn from the Nordic countries’ strong tradition of sustainability.
The delegates drew inspiration from Denmark’s and Sweden’s experiences on relevant key issues for the Philippine circular economy agenda such as extended producers’ responsibility, depositreturn system, as well as waste and wastewater management. This collective tradition for sustainable practices was well showcased at “LOOP Forum,” where the delegates witnessed firsthand some of the most innovative technologies by Nordic companies in fulfilling a circular economy. Examples of notable circular solutions are Envac’s underground vacuum waste collection system, Scania’s biogas fueled vehicles, and Recoma’s PackWall which gives new life to discarded waste by turning them into construction boards.
The Filipino delegation visited, among others, Amager Bakke (also known as Copenhill) which sustainably combines a waste-toenergy facility with a recreational
skiing area in Denmark, the Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre in Stockholm, Sweden— one of the world’s leading research and development facilities for wastewater management, and a reverse vending machine made by Norwegian company TOMRA where delegates returned beverage bottles and cans themselves at a local supermarket.
The study visit also presented a circular-economy rollout at a local level with in-depth discussions and demonstration of installed technologies in Copenhagen and Stockholm, particularly on efficient and smart waste-collection systems.
Aside from deployment of state-of-the-art technologies, the Philippine delegation also took note of the successful model of crosssectoral collaboration that drives not only innovation, but also social behavioral change that is equally vital toward achieving a circular economy.
“The Nordic study visit showcased how innovation, policy and community engagement seamlessly converge to drive sustainable urban transformation,” according to DOST representatives.
For Pasig City, the more fundamental work of civic education, constant communication, social preparation, and institutionalization seen in the Nordic states are only secondary to advanced technologies and capital-intensive infrastructure.
“Nothing is truly unaffordable if industries, civil society, and the academe have a unified vision of the common good, and are willing to invest in it,” highlighted the Pasig City representatives who were impressed by the catalyzing role of non-profits supported by publicprivate partnership in Denmark and Sweden in terms of research and development, market sounding, data gathering, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
(fourth from left) and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (fourth from right) with the new set of envoys to the Philippines. PIA
AMB. Patrick Chuasoto (fifth from right) with delegates from DOST, DENR and Pasig City LGU
