demand more risk prevention and protection, Philippine insurers must respond with innovative products amid weaker global growth and rising uncertainty, according to Allianz Research.
By Samuel P. Medenilla
P@sam_medenilla
RESIDENT Marcos is pushing for a cease-fire in the ongoing armedconflict in Myanmar as the wartorn country prepares to hold its elections next year.
Marcos said the cease-fire will halt the mounting death toll in the Myanmar conflict, which the United Nations said has reached over 5,000 as of last year.
“It’s a cease-fire first that we want because the humanitar-
ian cost has become very, very large,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters during the sidelines of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Myanmar on Tuesday.
The coming elections announced by Myanmar’s military government from May 2025 to January 2026 will help pave the way to a lasting peace in the said country, according to Marcos.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the chairman
Rice tariff collections hits a record ₧34.2B in 2024
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
THE country’s rice tariff collection reached a record
P34.23 billion in 2024, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), citing data from the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the collected duties from rice was 14.37 percent higher than the P29.93 billion recorded in 2023. The tariff collection will be earmarked for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) as stipulated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), geared towards boosting the competitiveness of the country’s rice sector. Under the amended RTL or Republic Act (RA) 12078, the amount earmarked for RCEF tripled to P30 billion from P10 billion until 2031 to fund the rice industry’s programs. Of the P30 billion allocated for RCEF, P9 billion will fund farm mechanization, while P6 billion will be allotted for the development, propagation and distribution of high-quality rice seeds. The mechanization program is expected to provide free agricultural machinery to all rice-producing provinces while
TBy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) intends to invest $24 billion on what it considers the food basket of Southeast Asia, the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga), over the next three years. In a statement, the Manila-based multilateral development bank said the investment will help finance efforts to deepen regional cooperation and integration. ADB said this includes expanded investments to strengthen connectivity, private sector-led growth, energy integration, and food security. This was announced during the 16th Summits of the BIMP-Eaga and the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). It can be noted that in the recently concluded Annual Meeting in Milan, ADB announced that it will scale up its financing for food security to $40 billion through 2030.
“The region is navigating the impacts of trade and geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, and growing threats to food and energy security,” said Mr. Kanda. “Yet these challenges also present exceptional opportunities to strengthen resilience and drive sustainable economic growth. Our longstanding partnerships will help us turn obstacles into new pathways for progress.”
In BIMP-Eaga, known as "Asean’s food basket,” ADB has invested $500 million for agricultural development, $93 million for sustainable aquaculture, and $500 million for plastic marine debris reduction.
During the meeting, Kanda also announced a forthcoming $400-million loan at the BIMP-Eaga Summit to restore marine ecosystems and strengthen the blue economy in the Philippines.
ADB’s commitment to energy integration includes readiness to provide $10 billion in financing to accelerate action on the Asean Power Grid through cross-border interconnections, national grid expansions, and renewable energy.
Aligned with BIMP-Eaga and IMTGT priorities to enhance connectivity through the private sector, ADB is
aiming to cut postharvest losses to as much as 8 percent from the current 5 percent.
The DA earlier said that the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) should distribute around 5.5 million bags of rice seeds annually by 2027. This would mark a 76-percent increase from its current levels.
Furthermore, the P15 billion would be allocated for extension and training programs, rice farmers' financial assistance, and credit assistance. It would also be earmarked for soil improvement, solar-powered irrigation systems, and water impounding projects.
The P4.23 billion in excess of the collected duties would be disbursed based on the allocation under RCEF.
Under the amended law, farmers registered under the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), along with the cooperatives and associations accredited by the DA, are the beneficiaries of RCEF.
Last year, government data showed that the Philippines imported a record 4.8 million metric tons (MMT) of rice.
GCG chief orders GOCC execs to resign on govt ‘recalibration’
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THEGovernance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) has directed all heads of government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to submit their courtesy resignations immediately after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to ‘recalibrate’ the government.
Last May 26, GCG Chairman Marius P. Corpus notified non-ex-officio chairmen, CEOs and appointive members of GOCC governing boards to submit their respective resignations to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES).
“[This] is in line with the President’s announced intention to recalibrate and realign his Administration’s policies and priorities with the people’s expectations,” read the notice uploaded on the GCG website last Wednesday. For non-ex-officio members and CEOs, the courtesy resignations shall be addressed to the President and submitted through the OES, read the notice.
“This directive is intended to allow the President to assess the perfor-
mance of key officials in all government agencies, including GOCCs, and realign government priorities in response to the evolving expectations of the Filipino people and ensure that the Administration remains dynamic, accountable, and responsive,” the GCG said.
Meanwhile, appointive directors, trustees and members of GOCC Governing Boards must submit their courtesy resignations directly to the GCG and must be addressed to the President.
To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries, heads of agencies with Cabinet rank, other heads of agencies, and presiden-
tial advisers/assistants. The GCG pointed out that the President’s order includes key officials in all government agencies, including GOOCs. According to GCG Memorandum Circular 2012-07 or the Code of Corporate Governance for GOCCs, the Chairman of the GOCC’s Board is considered the “Head of Agency” for legal purposes.
Section 3(g) of Republic Act (RA) 10149, meanwhile, defines the CEO as the highest-ranking corporate executive, who could be the Presi-
dent, General Manager, Chairman, or Administrator of a GOCC. The CEO, as the representative of Management in the GOCC Governing Board, oversees the GOCCs' day-today operations. Further, GCG clarified that GOCCs are included in the definition of a government agency, based on Section 2(4), “Introductory Provisions of the Administrative Code of 1987” (Executive Order 292, s. 1987) and Section 3(k) of RA 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.
Power stakeholders see…
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Lotilla said his office has been reviewing the challenges in the energy sector that still need to be addressed.
“We at the Department and its attached agencies are one with the President in working together to realize a future for all Filipinos where energy is accessible and affordable, reliable and resilient, and clean and environmentally sustainable. With those clear objectives in mind, the Department wishes to assure the public of its uninterrupted services. As directed by the Office of the President, all officials and staff and attached agencies will continue to perform their functions and carry out their duties without let-up,” Lotilla said.
Allianz said “companies that continue to do business in the face of increased uncertainty are likely to demand more risk protection.”
“Wars and social unrest will increase. In such a situation, the need for prevention and protection increases,” it said.
For life insurers, weak economic growth with lower incomes is “bad for business.” However, Allianz said this also prompts many households to increase their savings—an opportunity for insurers to offer stable, secure investment-linked products. Yet, that opportunity depends on their ability to meet the increased demand for security, which also depends largely on product design, Allianz said.
Unit-linked products, which are often tied to stock market performance, may lose appeal in an environment where consumers prioritize stable capital preservation and risk aversion.
Likewise, both life and property/ casualty insurance must also respond appropriately to changing consumer needs with new and innovative products.
“Whether and to what extent the economic turmoil caused by the trade wars will ultimately affect insurance business depends largely on the response of insurers themselves,” Allianz said. But while innovation may help insurers weather short-term headwinds, it would be even more difficult to respond to longer-term effects of these global uncertainties, Allianz said.
Since tariffs force companies to create less efficient supply chains, this will eventually drive up claims costs, especially in sectors such as automotive insurance.
“Inflation will therefore not only be higher overall than in the past, but also much more volatile. This poses new reserving challenges for insurers,” Allianz said.
Although the United States’s tariffs do not target the insurance industry, Allianz made it clear that this does not mean that insurers will not be affected by the trade war.
scaling up private sector financing with a projected four-fold increase to $13 billion annually by 2030. It aims to double its trade and supply chain financing for Southeast Asia to $2.5 billion annually by 2030.
In a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Kanda commended Malaysia’s leadership in Asean, including its role in advancing the Asean Power Grid.
The ADB President expressed interest in deepening cooperation, particularly in private sector mobilization and regional cooperation and integration. He welcomed the renewed Agreement of Cooperation between Malaysia and ADB, and affirmed ADB’s knowledge support for green city development across 14 cities.
In his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Kanda noted Thailand’s strong focus on private sector development. He welcomed renewed momentum in sovereign lending to the country, which will support transport, health care, and flood management.
In 2017, during the Asean Meeting in Manila, BusinessMirror quoted analysts as saying Asean should leverage its welldeserved reputation of being the “food bowl of the world” to cut poverty incidence in the region and wipe out hunger.
Ateneo de Manila University EagleWatch Senior Fellow Leonardo A. Lanzona Jr. said Southeast Asia is “blessed with the right environmental conditions” to grow food all year round. He added that the region also has the land resources needed to grow various kinds of food, not only rice.
Economist Pablito M. Villegas,
president and CEO of agricultural think tank Meganomics Specialist International Inc., agreed with Lanzona and said the region enjoys geographic advantages that allow farmers to grow on-demand crops. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/04/26/ asean-can-cut-poverty-asworlds-food-bowl/).
The parts of the Philippines which are strongly linked to the BIMP-Eaga region are Mindanao and the province of Palawan.
Data from the BIMP-Eaga showed in 2023, there were 28.24 million Filipinos in this area.
BIMP refers to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, while Eaga refers to the actual growth areas in the subregion.
These actual growth areas in the subregion include the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; the provinces of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua of Indonesia; the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia; and Mindanao and the province of Palawan in the Philippines.
In 2023, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Indigenous Peoples (IPs) topped the list of the country’s most impoverished sectors in 2023, even as the national poverty rate saw a slight drop.
The latest data showed 32.4 percent of IPs lived below the poverty threshold, making them the most affected group. The PSA data showed there were 2.925 million poor IPs nationwide.
Based on the PSA report, the largest concentration of poor IPs live in Region XI or Davao Region with 492,630; Region IX or Zamboanga Peninsula, 489,550; and Region XII or Soccsksargen, 346,180 poor IPs.
The “supposedly super-safe” assets such as US Treasuries also experienced wild swings that left a mark on insurers’ balance sheets, Allianz said.
The high level of uncertainty in global markets also complicates investment decisions for insurers, as the US dollar’s status as the world’s primary reserve currency has weakened.
“By increasingly weaponizing the dollar, the US is undermining its own leading role in the global financial system,” Allianz said, which makes it difficult for insurers with internationally diversified investments.
“Such fragmented financial markets would be less efficient, significantly raising the cost of international financial transactions,” it added.
Moreover, endemic global instability exposes insurers more to the risk of inadequate provision of global public goods, such as climate policy, cybersecurity or pandemic prevention.
With the United States’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, Allianz said there is no doubt that disastrous consequences for the global economy and also for the insurance industry will occur.
“The insurability of natural catastrophes is increasingly in question in a world facing three degrees of global warming. Insurers would no longer be able to offer protection against these risks because the expected losses could not be financed by affordable premiums,” it said.
This is why the insurance industry should redouble its efforts by not only increasing investments in sustainable and adaptive technologies but also adjusting its business model.
“Insurers need to broaden their value proposition: away from a simple product logic fixated on financial compensation, towards comprehensive solutions for risk reduction and avoidance [risk consultancy], supporting clients‘ adaptation, mitigation and resilience measures,” Allianz said.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. AP PHOTO AARON FAVILA
Timor Immigration arrests Arnie Teves
over of Teves.
IBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
MMIGRATION authorities in Timor-Leste on Tuesday night arrested fugitive former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing murder and other criminal charges in the Philippines.
Teves’ lawyer in the Philippines, Ferdinand Topacio, said the former legislator was taken from his residence in the capital city of Dili together with his Timor Leste counsel, Joao Serra by immigration police at around 8 p.m. (Dili time).
Topacio said Serra was manhandled by the police during the operation. He added that Teves and Serra are currently detained at the compound of the Ministry of the Interior.
“No warrant or any written authority was shown to Mr. Teves and Dr. Serra as to the cause of detention,” Topacio said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is monitoring the events in Timor-Leste and would issue a statement soon.
In his Facebook account, Teves’ son Axl posted a video of his father being arrested inside his residence by several men believed to be immigration officers. Axl then posted another video of his father together with his counsel, appealing to TimorLeste’s President and Prime Minister about their situation, saying that they being held against their will at the immigration building.
“We do not approve of this, and we do not want my father to be flown out of Timor-Leste because he has already won in the court that he can stay in Timor-Leste, and he cannot be extradited,” he added.
Return to PHL feared AXL said they believe that his father
might be flown out of TimorLeste on Wednesday, citing information that a private aircraft landed in Timor-Leste at around 7:00 p.m. or an hour prior to his father’s arrest.
“Then at 8:00 p.m., immigration officers arrived at his residence and picked him up. They just picked him up without documents, without warrants or any form of legal documents,” he said.
“They just came in forcefully, they took him out forcefully, and right now, as we speak, he is still in the immigration building in Timor-Leste being held illegally by immigration officers…also surrounded by Timorese police,” he added.
It can be recalled that in March, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal granted the plea of Teves to junk the Philippine government’s request for his extradition to face trial for the 2023 killing of Gov. Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental and several others, which he allegedly masterminded.
Aside from the Degamo et al murder case, Teves is also facing trial for the killing of three individuals from March to June 2019 in Negros Oriental, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violations of the Law on Explosives following the discovery of high
Lawmaker seeks suspension of odd-even scheme on Edsa
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
APARTY-LIST lawmaker
has filed a resolution
urging the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to suspend the implementation of the odd-even vehicle coding scheme on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue until a comprehensive socio-economic assessment is conducted.
In House Resolution 2294, Agri Rep. Wilbert Lee asked for a comprehensive socio-economic assessment, development of alternative route plans, and broad stakeholder consultations to craft a more holistic and sustainable traffic solution during rehabilitation works on Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
Lee acknowledged the importance of reducing vehicular congestion but stressed that implementing the odd-even scheme without addressing the shortcomings of public transportation and
without clear alternative route plans would unfairly burden commuters, private vehicle owners, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“It is imperative for the MMDA to ensure that an efficient, safe, and widely accessible public transportation system is in place before implementing such schemes that limit mobility options for the public,” Lee said.
He warned that the odd-even coding scheme could bring serious socio-economic consequences—disrupting commutes, livelihoods, and essential errands— thereby reducing both the productivity and mobility of citizens.
“This policy must be backed by proper data, planning, and consultations. It cannot be implemented hastily,” Lee added.
“Without a well-functioning public transportation system and clear alternatives, this scheme only adds confusion and undue burden to many Filipinos who
Brawner: What coup?
By Rex Anthony Naval
GEN. Romeo Brawner Jr., Armed Forces chief of staff, on Wednesday assured the public that military personnel will not engage in a a coup d’état under his watch.
In a statement, Brawner also said Armed Forces (AFP) personnel are committed to the Constitution and the chain of command.
“As long as I serve as Chief of Staff, no coup shall happen. Not on my watch. We will not be shaken by rumor, nor outmaneuvered by noise,” Brawner stressed.
The AFP chief of staff, issued the statement following claims suggesting that there is internal unrest within the military. Likewise, Brawner underscored the military’s professionalism and its ongoing pursuit of reform, accountability, and internal discipline.
already suffer from the country’s transportation woes.”
Lee also raised concerns that the policy might push some households to buy an extra car just to avoid the coding restriction±a move that would only worsen traffic congestion and pollution over time, repeating mistakes from past traffic policies.
He said the policy is inherently unfair to many sectors: workers who rely on their vehicles for daily commutes, entrepreneurs who use them for business, and even car owners who might happen to own two vehicles, both with plate numbers restricted on the same days.
He emphasized the need for MMDA to learn from the experiences of previous traffic interventions in Metro Manila, which often failed owing to lack of data-driven planning, absence of impact assessments, and limited consultation.
See “Ncap,” A4
caliber weapons and ammunition in his family’s compound.
The Anti-Terrorism Council has also tagged him as a terrorist resulting in the cancellation of his passport and freezing of bank accounts.
DOJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV in a statement said the Justice department said it is “ready to arrange the transfer of custody” once it gets clarification on Teves’ arrest from the TimorLeste officials.
“While we welcome the recent pronouncements from TimorLeste indicating a renewed position that Mr. Teves should not remain in their territory, we await their action—whether he would simply be deported for being an undocumented foreigner or extradited forthwith pursuant to our pending application,” the DOJ said.
“We emphasize that the Philippine government has not been furnished with any legal or official document on the matter,” the statement issued on Wednesday morning said.
DOJ ready to work with Timor authorities
THE DOJ said it is ready to work closely with the appropriate authorities in Timor-Leste in connection with the possible turn-
Topacio, meanwhile, said that the government’s extradition request was already denied in March.
“The basis for the denial are three. Number one, that there is great danger to his life and safety. Number two, that he may be forced to undergo torture and other inhuman punishment. And number three, he may undergo proceedings that could result in injustice against him,” Topacio said in mixed Filipino and English.
Though they are seeking to prevent his return to the country, Topacio said the Teves camp is prepared in case his client is brought back to the Philippines.
“We have always been prepared. What will happen if he is repatriated is that the courts where there are pending charges against him will acquire jurisdiction over him, and then we will defend him as his defense attorneys to the best of our ability,” Topacio said.
“And we are confident that with the recantations of all the witnesses against him that the government has a very weak case. So we are ready anytime,” he added.
Degamo widow: Significant step TEVES’ arrest by immigration authorities in Timor-Leste is a “significant step toward justice,” said
Degamo. Teves’ detention was due to his status as an illegal alien—lacking a valid Philippine passport—and the existence of an international alert issued by Interpol. Teves also faces a standing arrest warrant from the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) over his alleged role in the March 2023 Pamplona massacre, where Governor Degamo and nine others were killed.
“This arrest is a significant step toward justice, not only for our family, but for the people of Negros Oriental and the entire nation who were shaken by the horrific footage of my husband and 9 others being mercilessly gunned down on March 4, 2023,” Degamo said. “For over two years, our call has been clear and unwavering—those responsible must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide.”
Degamo emphasized that the arrest reaffirms the power of international cooperation and the rule of law, expressing hope that “proper legal proceedings will now follow to bring lasting peace to our province and long-overdue justice for my beloved Roel.”
With Jovee Marie N.
Brawner also emphasized that he has full full confidence in the integrity, patriotism, and professionalism of all AFP personnel.
“Isolated grievances do not define the AFP—our collective commitment to service does,” the AFP chief said. He also reminded those who continue to stir discord and disinformation of the broader consequences of undermining institutions built to serve and protect the public.
“To those who persist in creating instability, I offer this not as a rebuke, but as a reminder: Do not sow doubt among the very ranks that safeguard our democracy. Do not attempt to influence or mislead soldiers
“Let me reassure our countrymen that the AFP remains strong, professional, and firmly loyal to the chain of command. We are a disciplined institution, grounded in respect for the Constitution, civilian authority, and the rule of law,” he said.
who serve quietly, honorably, and with steadfast loyalty to our Constitution and our country,” Brawner said.
He added that frustration is not a license to target the country’s protectors.
“Attacking the Armed Forces with baseless narratives only threatens to weaken an institution that exists to defend us all,” Brawner explained.
He further called for discernment when approaching sensitive topics concerning public institutions and national security, urging citizens to differentiate genuine concerns from baseless speculations.
“Let us not be adversaries in the same nation we all claim to love. Let us be better stewards of our words, platforms, and influence, because patriotism is not measured by how loudly we speak, but by how wisely we choose unity over division, and nation-building over disruption,” he also said.
Negros Oriental Rep.-elect Janice Degamo, widow of slain Governor Roel
dela Cruz
‘PHL grappling with digital crime epidemic’
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Philippines is grappling with what an expert is calling a “digital crime epidemic,” as unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges become a financial platform for kidnappings, human trafficking, cyber scams, and organized criminal syndicates.
Reyner M. Villaseñor, cochairman of the Information and Communication Technology Committee of the European
Chamber of Commerce (ECCP), raised alarm over the unchecked operations of unlicensed crypto platforms that have become
central to the underground economy in the country.
He said these entities are operating beyond the reach of local regulators and are enabling the movement of millions in illicit funds with near-total anonymity.
“Criminal syndicates are exploiting regulatory gaps to carry out diverse illegal activities, using unlicensed and unregulated cryptocurrency platforms as their tools,” Villaseñor said on Tuesday.
Citing data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, he revealed that Filipinos lost an estimated P460 billion to online scams in 2024—equivalent to 1.9 percent of the country’s GDP.
Meanwhile, figures from the Bangko Sentral (BSP) show a 212-percent year-on-year surge in
cybercrime-related losses among regulated financial institutions, amounting to P5.82 billion.
“These numbers paint a grim picture: The Philippines is now in the midst of a digitally enabled crime epidemic—one that calls for immediate public vigilance, private sector safeguards, and proactive regulatory intervention and law enforcement action,” Villaseñor said.
He cited the case of businessman Anson Que, whose P200million ransom payment was laundered through cryptocurrency to obscure its digital trail, illustrating how bad actors exploit platforms lacking robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols.
Villaseñor noted that some unlicensed platforms even of -
SBMA building multi-modal transport hub in Subic
By Henry Empeño
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Proj -
ects to support a multi-modal transportation center in this free port are underway, as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) sets its sights to woo more trade and investments here with its vision for a green port city.
In a forum that updated investors with agency initiatives to flex Subic’s logistics capabilities, SBMA officials led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño cited various port expansion projects with a total budget of US$878.7 million, as well as a shore power connection project (SPCP) worth P250 million, as among the priorities set by the Subic agency in the next three years. Aliño pointed out that after SBMA enhanced Subic’s logistics
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“MMDA must carefully study such a proposal and suspend the implementation of the odd-even scheme until they finish conducting thorough consultations with transport and road safety experts, commuters, workers, and other stakeholders in order to develop more equitable, comprehensive, and sustainable traffic management strategies,” the solon pointed out.
Ncap
facilities with automated systems to streamline cargo movement and enhance efficiency, it has now begun procurement for the SPCP, which would reduce air pollution from berthed ships by 95 percent.
He added that the P233-million state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) launched in February last year has “significantly improved safety and operational efficiency” in tracking vessels in Subic Bay. The SBMA has also adopted use of the Automated System for Customs Data (Asycuda), Electronic Transit Admission Permit System (Etaps), and Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS) to improve service efficiency in the port of Subic.
Subic, which already boasts of a modern 600,000-TEU container terminal, also sets to refurbish and further develop the 15 piers
and wharves built here during the American period, officials said. Plans include integration of the Subic port with the Luzon Economic Corridor via railway.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said the SBMA port development program includes the construction of a third container terminal with a capacity of 300,000 TEUs, estimated at US$359 million.
Smaller projects, meanwhile, include a multipurpose terminal at the Redondo Peninsula, at US$162 million; a multipurpose terminal in Lower Mau, for bulk and breakbulk cargoes, at US$182 million; and a dedicated cruise terminal to boost tourism, with an investment of P10.2 billion.
On the shore power project, which is expected to boost Subic’s carbon-neutral bid, Yambao said
that Phase 1 development, which would focus on the New Container Terminal, is set to start in 2026 with a budget of P100 million, while Phase 2 covering the Naval Supply Depot and Ship Repair Facility would be implemented in 2027 to 2028, with a budget of P150 million.
Recently, Aliño welcomed into Subic BYD Philippines, which opened its newest branch here on May 19.
He said the opening of a franchise for China’s leading electric vehicle maker further solidifies the agency’s predisposition for green technology.
Aliño also welcomed into Subic this month Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Ultray Delgado, who brought with him the Spanish company Matalyset, founded in 2008, and engaged in metal working.
fer advanced obfuscation tools such as coin mixers and privacy tokens—features that make criminal fund flows virtually untraceable.
He warned that local authorities are being hamstrung by the refusal of foreign-based crypto exchanges to cooperate with legal investigations, claiming that this effectively protected criminal activities under the guise of offshore data privacy protections.
“Despite repeated warnings and sanctions—including cease-anddesist orders and access blocking from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)— many of these exchanges remain active and accessible in the country,” he added.
“This systemic weakness creates a safe haven for foreign
syndicates,” he warned. “The Philippines is no longer just a victim—it is rapidly becoming a launchpad for global organized crime.” He urged a coordinated crackdown from agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the BSP. Among the measures he proposed: deplatforming unauthorized crypto apps, enforcing ISPlevel access blocks, deploying sophisticated cybercrime detection tools, and launching a national digital literacy campaign.
He noted that “unless decisive action is taken, the country faces the risk of institutionalizing lawlessness in its digital infrastructure.”
Marcos confident Asean can weather US tariffs
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
PRESIDENT Marcos said he is confident that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) can weather the negative economic impact of the United States (US) reciprocal tariffs by boosting internal trade among its members.
Marcos made the remark in a media interview at the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday evening.
“The economies of the Asean members remain vibrant. So what we can do is say that if others are having difficulty, let’s just talk first [with one another],” he said partly in Filipino.
last April to correct the alleged “unfair trading practices” by some countries. He then announced a 90-day postponement on tariff rates, which are over 10 percent on all countries except for China.
Marcos said the prevailing tariff war between the US and China will also have a significant impact on Asean since both countries have significant trade relations with the regional bloc.
“We’re very worried because China is the biggest economic driver in the region. And, of course, we watch very closely what is happening to the economy in China because it affects all of us,” he said. Once the deferment lapses by July, it will raise the reciprocal tariffs for all countries. In the case of the Philippines, its existing 10 percent reciprocal tariff will be raised to 17 percent.
1-RIDER Rep. Rodge Gutierrez has filed a separate resolution calling for a congressional inquiry into the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (Ncap), citing multiple unresolved concerns that continue to confuse and frustrate motorists—especially motorcycle riders.
in effective implementation, disproportionately affecting riders and everyday motorists. It should be noted that the policy was previously halted by a Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO).
The Ncap, which uses camera systems to automatically enforce traffic rules, has come under fire for issues like unclear guidelines on vehicle ownership transfers, inconsistent application, and lack of clear road signage. These flaws have led to unfair penalties and delays
Gutierrez emphasized the need to address these concerns before proceeding with Ncap.
“The intention behind Ncap is commendable, but the lifting of the TRO does not cure the existing problems. Its current implementation is flawed and unfairly impacts our motorists. We need clear road signages, transparent ownership transfer processes, and a system
that respects due process to ensure fairness,” he said. Gutierrez is also calling for a delay in the policy’s implementation until the MMDA can prove it is ready.
“Our initial talks with the Land Transportation Office seem to confirm our concerns that the systems in place are not ready. We cannot allow a system meant to promote road safety to create more problems for our citizens.
I am calling for a delay in Ncap’s implementation until the MMDA can demonstrate its readiness and address these critical issues,” Gutierrez added.
Last Monday, the President called for updating the ASEAN Trade and Goods Agreement (Atiga), which aims to further increase trade within the regional bloc by further removing existing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The measure, he said, will help ensure the resilient economic environment of Asean through trade integration.
In an economic brief in 2023, Asean reported that its trade value reach US$3.8 trillion, which made it the fourth largest trader in the world.
US President Donald Trump imposed additional duties which ranged from 10 percent to as high as 125 percent on imported goods
Marcos said even if the US decides to scrap its new tariff regime amid the appeal of its trading partners, he said the policy is expected to have lasting effects. Some groups like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the reciprocal tariff will cause global financial stability risks.
“The structure of world trade is completely different now from what it was before. The conclusion also that we arrived at is that we have to depend more on each other, on Asean,” he said disclosing what the regional bloc’s leaders discussed about the US-imposed tariffs,” he said.
Tesda okays ₧80 million scholarships, training of child development workers
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
HE Technical Education
TSkills Development Authority (Tesda) Board has officially approved the National
Certification (NC) III for Child Development Workers (CDWs) to professionalize the early childhood education workforce and improve the quality of Early Childhood Care and Development for Filipino children.
“This is a recognition of the critical role that CDWs play in shaping the lives of our youngest learners,” said Tesda chief and former legislative Education Commission 2 Commissioner Francisco Benitez.
“With the NC III for ECCD, parents and guardians can be confident that our CDWs will gain the competencies needed to help children aged 0-4 in their holistic development.”
This approval aligns with the recently enacted RA 12199 or the ECCD System Act which mandates enhanced training and qualifications, higher compensation, and continuing professional development for Child Development Workers and Child Development Teachers (CDTs).
The new NC III for Early Childhood Care and Development Services also comes after the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (Edcom 2) findings highlighting the need for more
support for CDWs and CDTs. According to Edcom 2’s Year One Report, 16.8 percent or 11,414 of CDWs across the country have only completed high school. Moreover, 89 percent of CDWs remain in non-permanent positions, and earn an average monthly salary of just around P5,000 leaving them without job security or access to regular benefits.
In its Year Two Report, the Commission advocated for “fixing the foundations” of the education system: nutrition in the early years, access to early childhood education, and literacy in Kindergarten to Grade 3, or Key Stage 1. The new NC III also follows EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s successful endorsement for an P80M allocation in the 2025 national budget for its creation. Under the newly-approved Tesda NC, CDWs will undergo standardized training and assessment in line with Tesda’s Training
Regulations for Early Childhood Education. The new training regulations also cover managing child development center operations, conducting assessments on progress and development of children, and the implementation of the early childhood care and development curriculum.
“We have more than 68,000 CDWs nationwide, many of whom have not been given the tools, training, or compensation that will help them effectively perform their duties.
“This certification is a crucial step toward their professionalization, which will improve both the delivery and quality of ECCD programs and services,” said Edcom 2 Co-chairperson Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, also an Edcom 2 Co-chairperson, echoed the sentiment: “We cannot solve the learning crisis without first strengthening its foundation—and
Child Development Workers (CDWs) are at the frontlines. The newly approved Tesda NC III is a key step in investing in their skills, dignity, and future by providing standardized training in early childhood education, center management, and child development. This initiative strengthens the quality of care and education provided to young children and reinforces the critical role of CDWs in early learning and development.”
To complement the rollout of the new NC III program, Tesda has launched its Regional Lead Trainers’ Development Program, an initiative aimed at building a pool of qualified trainers at the regional level who can facilitate training programs, particularly for new training regulations. The program is set to conclude on May 28, 2025. In addition, Regional Lead Trainers will undergo a two-week industry immersion for further training.
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Thursday, May 29, 2025 A5
Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian crowd at Gaza aid hub, killing 1 and wounding 48
DBy Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy & Jamey Keaten
The Associated Press
EIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—At
least one Palestinian was killed and 48 others wounded when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd overrunning a new aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip set up by an Israeli and US-backed foundation, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Wednesday.
Crowds of Palestinians broke through the fences around the distribution site on Tuesday, and an Associated Press journalist heard Israeli tank and gun fire, and saw a military helicopter firing flares.
Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, had earlier told reporters in Geneva that 47 people were wounded, mostly by gunfire.
In a separate development, Israel said it had carried out airstrikes Wednesday on the international airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, after Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired several missiles at the country in recent days, without causing casualties. The Israeli military said it destroyed aircraft used by the rebels. Israel last struck the airport in Sanaa on May 6, destroying the airport’s terminal and leaving its runway riddled with craters. Some flights resumed to Sanaa on May 17.
Chaos at new aid hub
THE distribution hub outside Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah was opened the day before by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been slated by Israel to take over aid operations.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations have rejected the new system, saying it won’t be able to meet the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million people and allows Israel to use food as a weapon to control the population. They have also warned of the risk of friction between Israeli troops and people seeking supplies.
Palestinians have become desperate for food after nearly three months of Israeli border closures pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
Israel says it helped establish the new aid mechanism to prevent Hamas from siphoning off supplies, but it has provided no evidence of systematic diversion and UN agencies say they have mechanisms in place to prevent it.
GHF says it has established four hubs, two of which have begun operating. They are guarded by private security contractors and have chainlink fences channeling Palestinians into a what resemble military bases surrounded by large sand berms.
GHF said its military contractors had not fired on the crowd but “fell back” before resuming operations.
Israeli forces are stationed nearby in what Israel refers to as the Morag corridor, a military zone separating the southern city of Rafah—which is now mostly uninhabited—from the rest of the territory.
The UN and other humanitarian groups have refused to participate in GHF’s system, saying it violates humanitarian principles. They say it can be used by Israel to forcibly displace the population by requiring them to move near the few distribution hubs or else face starvation, a violation of international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that “there was some loss of control momentarily” at the distribution point, adding that “happily, we brought it under control.”
He repeated that Israel plans to move Gaza’s entire population to a “sterile zone” at the southern end of the territory while troops fight Hamas elsewhere.
Throughout the war, the UN and other aid groups have conducted a massive operation distributing food, medicine and other supplies to wherever Palestinians are located. Israel says GHF will replace that network, but the past week has allowed a trickle of aid to enter Gaza for the UN to distribute.
Israel says it destroyed the Houthis’ last plane
ISRAELI Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes on Wednesday destroyed the last plane used by the Houthis, while the rebel-run al-Masirah TV said they had targeted a plane from the country’s flagship carrier Yemenia.
According to FlightRadar24, Yemenia had a total of four aircraft registered.
The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in Gaza in solidarity with Palestinians, raising their profile at home and internationally as the last member of Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” capable of launching regular attacks on Israel.
The Houthi missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel’s missile defense systems, causing casualties and damage. Israel has frequently struck back against the rebels in Yemen, especially around the vital Hodeida port.
Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to strike as long as the Houthis continued launching missiles towards Israel. “Whoever doesn’t understand it by force—will understand it by more force,” he said.
The war in Gaza began when Hamasled militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Hamas still holds 58 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive. Most of the rest were released in ceasefire deals or other agreements.
Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered dozens of bodies.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead but does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.
Magdy reported from Cairo and Keaten from Geneva. Melanie Lidman in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed to this report.
PALESTINIANS carry boxes containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA
EU officials race against time to secure trade deal with Trump amid looming tariff threats
By David Mchugh & Paul Wiseman AP Business Writers
FRANKFURT, Germany—Top officials at the European Union’s executive commission says they’re pushing hard for a trade deal with the Trump administration to avoid a 50% tariff on imported goods. Trump had threatened to impose the tariffs on June 1, but has pushed back the deadline to July 9, repeating an oft-used tactic in his trade war.
European negotiators are contending with Trump’s ever-changing and unpredictable tariff threats, but “still, they have to come up with something to hopefully pacify him,” said Bruce Stokes, visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
Stokes also sees more at play than just a disagreement over trade deficits. Trump’s threats “are rooted in frustration with the EU that has little to do with trade,’’ Stokes said. “He doesn’t like the EU. He doesn’t like Germany.”
What exactly does Trump want? What can Europe offer? Here are the key areas where the two side are squaring off.
Buy our stuff OVER and over, Trump has bemoaned the fact that Europe sells more things to Americans than it buys from Americans. The difference, or the trade deficit in goods, last year was 157 billion euros ($178 billion). But Europe says that when it comes to services—particularly digital services like online advertising and cloud computing—the US sells more than it buys and that lowers the overall trade deficit to 48 billion euros, which is only about 3% of total trade. The European Commission says that means trade is “balanced.”
One way to shift the trade in goods would be for Europe to buy
more liquefied natural gas by ship from the US. To do so, the EU could cut off the remaining imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG. The commission is preparing legislation to force an end to those purchases -- last year, some 19% of imports—by the end of 2027.
That would push European private companies to look for other sources of gas such as the US. However, the shift away from Russia is already in motion and that “has obviously not been enough to satisfy,” said Laurent Ruseckas, a natural gas markets expert at S&P Global Commodities Insights Research.
The commission doesn’t buy gas itself but can use “moral suasion” to convince companies to turn to US suppliers in coming years but “this is no silver bullet and nothing that can yield immediate results,” said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy analyst at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels.
Europe could buy more from US defense contractors as part of its effort to deter further aggression from Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, says Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank. If European countries did increase their overall defense spending— another of Trump’s demands— their voters are likely to insist that the purchases go to defense contractors in Europe, not America, said Stokes of the German Marshall Fund. One way around that political obstacle would be for US
defense companies to build factories in Europe, but “that would take time,’’ he said.
The EU could also reduce its 10% tax on foreign cars— one of Trump’s long-standing grievances against Europe. “The United States is not going to export that many cars to Europe anyway ... The Germans would be most resistant, but I don’t think they’re terribly worried about competition from America,’’ said Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. “That would be a symbolic victory for the president.’’
A beef over beef
THE US has long complained about European regulations on food and agricultural products that keep out hormone-raised beef and chickens washed with chlorine. But experts aren’t expecting EU trade negotiators to offer any concessions at the bargaining table.
“The EU is unwilling to capitulate,” said Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “The EU has repeatedly said it will not change its sanitary rules, its rules on (genetically modified) crops, its rules on chlorinated chickens, things that have been longtime irritants for the US.’’
Backing down on those issues, she said, would mean that “the US gets to set food safety (standards) for Europe.’’
Value-added tax
ONE of Trump’s pet peeves has been the value-added taxes used by European governments, a tax he says is a burden on US companies. Economists say this kind of tax, used by some 170 countries, is trade-neutral because it applies equally to imports and exports. A value-added tax, or VAT, is paid by the end purchaser at the cash register but differs from sales taxes in that it is calculated at each stage of the production process. In both cases, VAT and sales tax, imports and exports get the same treatment. The US is an outlier in that it doesn’t use VAT. There’s little chance countries will change their tax systems for Trump and the EU has ruled it out.
Negotiating strategy
TRUMP’S approach to negotiations has involved threats of astronomical tariffs - up to 145% in the case of China - before striking a deal for far lower levels. In any case, however, the White House has taken the stance that it won’t go below a 10% baseline. The threat of 50% for the EU is so high it means “an effective trade embargo,” said Brzeski, since it would impose costs that would make it unprofitable to import goods or mean charging consumers prices so high the goods would be uncompetitive. Because the knottiest issues dividing the EU and US—food safety
standards, the VAT, regulation of tech companies—are so difficult “it is impossible to imagine them being resolved by the deadline,’’ Alden said. “Possibly what you could have—and Trump has shown he is willing to do this—is a very small deal’’ like the one he announced May 8 with the United Kingdom.
Economists Oliver Rakau and Nicola Nobile of Oxford Economics wrote in a commentary Monday that if imposed, the 50% tariffs would reduce the collective economy of the 20 countries that use the euro currency by up to 1% next year and slash business investment by more than 6%.
The EU has offered the US a “zero for zero” outcome in which tariffs would be removed on both sides industrial goods including autos. Trump has dismissed that but EU officials have said it’s still on the table.
Lovely of the Peterson Institute sees the threats and bluster as Trump’s way of negotiating. “In the short run, I don’t think 50% is going to be our reality.’’
But she says Trump’s strategy adds to the uncertainty around US policy that is paralyzing business. “It suggests that the US is an unreliable trading partner, that it operates on whim and not on rule of law,’’ Lovely said. “Friend or foe, you’re not going to be treated well by this administration.’’
Wiseman contributed to this report from Washington.
NPR sues Trump administration over executive order to slash federal funding to public media
By David Bauder AP Media Writer
NEW YORK— National Public Radio and three of its local stations sued
President Donald Trump on Tuesday, arguing that his executive order cutting funding to the 246-station network violates their free speech and relies on an authority that he does not have.
Earlier this month, Trump instructed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal agencies to cease funding for NPR and PBS, either directly or indirectly. The president and his supporters argue their news reporting promotes liberal bias and shouldn’t be supported by taxpayers.
Retaliation is Trump’s plain purpose, the lawsuit argues. It was filed in federal court in Washington by NPR and three Colorado entities—Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE, Inc., chosen to show the system’s diversity in urban and rural areas.
“By basing its directives on the substance of NPR’s programming, the executive order seeks to force NPR to adapt its journalistic standards and editorial choices to the preferences of the government if it is to continue to receive federal funding,” Katherine Maher, NPR’s CEO, said Tuesday. Lawsuit says Trump is targeting a private nonprofit corporation
THE lawsuit alleges that Trump is acting to contravene the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private nonprofit corporation set up to distribute federal funding to NPR and PBS, which is intended to insulate the system from political interference. Congress has appropriated $535 million yearly to CPB for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
In response to the lawsuit, White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said that CPB “is creating media to support a particular political party on the taxpayers’ dime,” so Trump was exercising his authority under the law. “The president was elected with a mandate to ensure efficient use of
taxpayer dollars, and he will continue to use his lawful authority to achieve that objective,” Fields said.
Trump hasn’t hidden his feelings about NPR, calling it a “liberal disinformation machine” in an April social media post.
The court fight seemed preordained, given that the heads of NPR and PBS both reacted to Trump’s move earlier this month with statements that they believed it was illegal. The absence of PBS from Tuesday’s filing indicates the two systems will challenge this separately; PBS has not yet gone to court, but is likely to soon.
“PBS is considering every option, including taking legal action, to allow our organization to continue to provide
essential programming and services to member stations and all Americans,” PBS spokesman Jeremy Gaines said Tuesday.
Trump is in other legal disputes with news organizations
THE president’s attempts to dismantle government-run news sources like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty have also sparked court fights.
The administration has battled with the press on several fronts. The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC, CBS and NBC News. The Associated Press also went to court after the administration restricted access to certain events in response to the organization’s decision not to rename the Gulf of Mexico as Trump decreed.
The lawsuit says 11% of Aspen Public Radio’s budget is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It is 6% for the Colorado Public Radio, a network of 19 stations, and 19% of KUTE’s budget. That station was founded in 1976 by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
NPR notes that the order attempts to prohibit individual stations in NPR’s system from using any federal money to buy NPR programming, like “All Things Considered,” the most listenedto afternoon radio news program in the country, its early counterpart “Morning Edition” and cultural programming like the Tiny Desk concerts. The order “directly interferes with editorial independence by requiring them to seek programming elsewhere,” the lawsuit said.
NPR says it also provides infrastructure services to hundreds of public radio stations and without it, their coverage area would shrink. It also provides the backbone for emergency alert systems across the country.
“Public broadcasting is an irreplaceable foundation of American civic life,” Maher said. “At its best, it reflects our nation back to itself in all our complexity, contradictions and commonalities and connects our communities across differences and divides.”
Trump administration orders federal agencies to cancel $100 million in contracts with Harvard
By Darlene Superville, Collin Binkley & Leah Willingham The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—The Trump administration asked federal agencies Tuesday to cancel contracts with Harvard University worth about $100 million, intensifying the president’s clash with the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university.
The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administration’s demands for changes to several of its policies.
A letter sent Tuesday from the General Services Administration, which oversees contracting and real estate for the federal government, directed agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate arrangements.
The New York Times first reported on the letter.
President Donald Trump has railed against Harvard, calling it a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. The school filed a lawsuit April 21 over the administration’s calls for changes to the university’s leadership, governance and admissions policies. Since then, the administration has slashed the school’s federal funding, moved to cut off enrollment of international students and threatened its taxexempt status.
Contracts include scientific research, executive training THE administration has identified about 30 contracts across nine agencies to be reviewed for cancellation, according to an administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly and provided details on the condition of anonymity.
The contracts total roughly $100 million, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations.
The contracts include executive training for Department of Homeland Security officials, research on health outcomes related to energy drinks and a contract for graduate student research services.
Agencies with contracts that are deemed critical are being directed not to halt them immediately, but to devise a plan to transition to a vendor other than Harvard.
The letter applies only to federal contracts with Harvard and not its remaining research grants.
Trump threatens to give Harvard’s funding to trade schools
Trump laid into Harvard on social media over the weekend, threatening to cut an additional $3 billion in federal grants and give it to trade schools across the United States. He did not explain which grants he was referring to or how they could be reallocated.
The president also accused Harvard of refusing to release the names of its foreign students. In a new line of attack, he argued that students’ home countries pay nothing toward their education and that some of the countries are “not at all friendly to the United States.”
International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but Harvard offers its own aid to foreign and domestic students alike.
“We are still waiting for the Foreign Student Lists from Harvard so that we can determine, after a ridiculous expenditure of BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, how many radicalized lunatics, troublemakers all, should not be let back into our Country,” Trump said on social media.
It was not clear exactly what the president was referring to. The federal government already has access to visa information and other records on foreign students at Harvard and other universities.
The Department of Homeland Security has demanded that Harvard turn over a trove of files related to its foreign students, including disciplinary records and records related to “dangerous or violent activity.”
Harvard says it complied, but the agency said its response fell
short and moved to revoke the university’s ability to enroll foreign students. A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the move after Harvard sued.
Harvard rallies against Trump administration TRUMP administration officials have said some of Harvard’s international students are promoting antisemitism on campus. But the ban on international students has “nothing to do with combating antisemitism,” said Jacob Miller, a former president of Harvard Hillel, who is graduating this week with math and economics concentrations.
“Antisemitism is a real problem. It’s a problem at Harvard. It’s a problem in our country,” Miller said Tuesday at a rally outside Harvard Yard. “These policies will
do nothing to combat this age-old hatred. Instead, they are designed to divide us.... The Jewish community rejects this administration’s narrative. We will not allow our identities to be invoked to destroy Harvard.”
Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made changes to its governance over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism. He said Harvard would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation.
Harvard’s international students await further court rulings to find out whether they can enroll in summer or fall classes. Some say they’re discussing backup plans.
The government’s ban would not apply to students graduating this week, such as Jemma Liu, a
Chinese student who studied landscape architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
“I hope the situation will resolve,” she said Tuesday. “We’ll have to see what happens next. But I do feel a privilege that I can actually graduate tomorrow.”
“What the international students are caught in right now is just a limbo,” said Leo Gerdén, a graduating senior from Sweden. Other nations respond
JAPAN’S government said Tuesday that it’s looking for ways to help Harvard’s foreign students. Education Minister Toshiko Abe told reporters she planned to ask Japanese universities to compile measures to support international students.
The University of Tokyo, Japan’s top school, is considering temporarily accepting some Harvard students hit by the Trump sanctions.
Universities in other countries have made similar moves, including two in Hong Kong that recently extended invitations to Harvard students.
On Harvard’s campus, law student Carson Durdel said he was proud of the university for standing up to Trump. He said intellectual independence has historically made the United States strong.
“It’s the reason we are like a beacon for the rest of the world,” he said. “I think that undermining those things, cutting those things is not only a bad shortterm view but a horrendous long-term view.”
The Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
RYAN ENOS, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against
President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. AP/LEAH WILLINGHAM
US Senator Duckworth visits Taiwan to discuss regional security and trade
By Christopher Bodeen The Associated Press
TAIPEI, Taiwan—Strongly pro-Taiwan US Sen. Tammy Duckworth is visiting the selfgoverning island democracy to discuss regional security and relations with the US.
Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, will hold a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations during her visit Wednesday and Thursday, said the American Institute in Taiwan, which acts as the de-facto American embassy in Taiwan in lieu of formal diplomatic relations.
Trade, investment and “other significant issues of mutual interest” also are on the schedule, the institute said.
“The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to its partnership with Taiwan and reaffirms our shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” the institute said.
China routinely protests such visits, which it views as a violation of US commitments.
Duckworth and her staff are the second US congressional delegation to visit Taiwan in as many days, demonstrating concerns in Washington over the island’s security in the face of Chinese threats to invade, as well as its importance as a trade partner, particularly as the producer of 90% of the world’s
most advanced computer chips.
Taiwan also faces 32% tariffs under the Trump administration, a figure the government in Taiwan is attempting to negotiate to a lower level without angering sectors such as agriculture that fear lower tariffs could open their markets to heightened competition from abroad.
Duckworth is visiting at the same time as Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, the governor of Guam, the US Pacific territory that would almost certainly be a key player in any Chinese military moves against Taiwan.
Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949 and Beijing still considers the island its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. China refuses all contact with the government of President Lai Ching-te, whom China brands as a separatist, and seeks to maximize diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.
While China sends military aircraft, ships and spy balloons near Taiwan as part of a campaign of daily harassment, special attention has been given this week to the
location of the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier, whose hull was bought from Ukraine and then fitted out by China more than a decade ago. China has two aircraft carriers including the Liaoning, a third undergoing sea trials and a fourth under construction.
“What I can tell you is that the activities of the Chinese warship in the relevant waters are fully in line with international law and the basic norms of international relations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Col. Hu Chung-hua of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry’s’ intelligence department told reporters Wednesday that the carrier was currently in waters southeast of Taiwan and has been under close surveillance by Taiwan’s monitoring stations since leaving its home port in China.
There are concerns the carrier might stage military drills close to Taiwan that could be a further step toward a blockade, an act the US would be required to respond to under its own laws. While the US
provides much of Taiwan’s hightech military hardware, the law is unclear whether it would send forces to aid Taiwan in the event of a conflict.
Hu said the ministry would not comment on the possibility of drills near Taiwan, but considers all options while monitoring the Chinese military.
The ministry “anticipates the enemy as broadly as possible and defends against the enemy strictly. We also carefully evaluate and act accordingly,” Hu said.
China is considered a master of “grey-zone encounters” that bring tensions just to the point of breaking out into open conflict.
Col. Su Tong-wei of the ministry’s operation of planning said the armed forces were constantly evaluating threat levels to consider whether to “activate a response center, or to increase our defense readiness to perform an immediate readiness drill.”
“We will also react accordingly to safeguard national security,” Su said.
Syria reunited as Turkey and Saudi Arabia mend ties after Assad’s fall
By Abby Sewell The Associated Press
BEIRUT—Sunni regional powerhouses
Turkey and Saudi Arabia have had a complicated and often contentious relationship over the years. But their ties warmed significantly after Bashar Assad was toppled in neighboring Syria in a lightning rebel offensive in December.
Since then, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have worked to stabilize the new government in Damascus and usher Syria back into the international fold.
It was no surprise then that the first trips abroad that Syria’s insurgent-leaderturned-President Ahmad al-Sharaa made were to the kingdom’s capital of Riyadh and Ankara, Turkey’s capital.
That new Turkey-Saudi amiability was on display during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East earlier this month, when he held a surprise meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in the room, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined the meeting by phone.
When Trump announced he was lifting sanctions imposed on Syria, he credited both the crown prince and Erdogan with persuading him to make the move.
Roots of a rocky relationship
THERE have been “both regional and ideological reasons” for the Turkey-Saudi rivalry in the past, according to Sinem Cengiz, a Turkish researcher at Qatar University’s Gulf Studies Center.
Both countries enjoy the status of so-called “middle powers”—states that are influential globally but lack the clout of great powers—which has “fueled competition for regional dominance,” she said.
The two also have different approaches to political Islam. Turkey has backed the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Arab Islamist movement that Saudi Arabia considers a terror organization, as do several other Middle East countries.
After the 2011 Arab Spring swept across the region, Turkey openly supported the popular uprisings while the kingdom remained circumspect. However, both Ankara and Riyadh backed anti-Assad factions in Syria’s 13-year civil war.
When Saudi Arabia and Qatar, another wealthy Gulf Arab state, had a diplomatic blowup in 2017, Turkey sided with Qatar.
The lowest point in relations came in 2018 when a Saudi hit squad killed Jamal Khashoggi—a Saudi citizen and US resident who wrote critically about the Saudi government for The Washington Post—at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.
Turkish officials—who had access to audio recordings from inside the consulate—alleged that Khashoggi was killed in a premeditated operation by Saudi agents and dismembered with a bone saw.
Prince Mohammed acknowledged the killing came under his watch but denied he ordered it, though US intelligence agencies believe that he did.
How did Assad’s fall improve relations?
ANALYSTS say Assad’s fall and the new reality in Syria intensified a thaw that was already underway between the two major US allies.
Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi political scientist and nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Middle East Center think tank,
says it was an impetus that “significantly transformed Turkey-Saudi relations.” Their interests aligned in a post-Assad Syria, so the two shifted “from rivalry to pragmatic cooperation,” Alghannam said. Ankara and Riyadh shared concerns about Iran’s outsized influence in Syria under Assad—which disappeared with Assad’s ouster—and the two now want to ensure Tehran’ doesn’t stage a comeback, he added.
They also had their own security concerns in Syria—Turkey because of its long unstable border with Syria and Turkish insurgent Kurdish groups that have sought safe havens with Syrian Kurds. For its part, the kingdom has worried about the smuggling of the highly addictive Captagon in the region, an amphetaminelike stimulant that had been a main source of revenue for Assad.
“Their mutual need to counter Iran, manage Syria’s instability, and shape a Sunni-led government (post-Assad) has fostered a partnership,” Alghannam said. Riyadh and Ankara have also recently established a united front to counterbalance Israel, which has been suspicious of al-Sharaa, once a leader of a formerly alQaida-linked militant group.
Since Assad’s fall, Israel has launched airstrikes, seized a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone inside Syria and threatened to invade to protect the Druze religious minority after Druze factions clashed with the new Syrian security forces under al-Sharaa.
Joint Saudi-Turkey lobbying helped persuade Trump despite opposition in Israel—Washington’s strongest ally in the region—to lift the US sanctions on Syria, “in the interest of avoiding any new destabilization,” Cengiz said.
Today, Saudi Arabia and Turkey believe that like Iran did in the past, “Israel is playing a similarly disruptive role in Syria,” she added.
Will the cooperation last?
WITH the lifting of Western sanctions paving the way for lucrative reconstruction deals and other investments in the new Syria, analysts say the Riyadh-Ankara alignment is likely to continue.
Cengiz said that neither Riyadh nor Ankara can dominate in Syria, so “to maximize their respective interests, both Turkey and Saudi Arabia will need to continue finding ways to work together for a ‘win-win’ outcome.”
Alghannam noted other signs of warming relations, including the revival earlier this month of the long-dormant Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council, a body charged with promoting cooperation across political, military, intelligence and economic sectors.
There will be arms sales, he said, pointing to Saudi interests in Turkish drones, as well as “joint reconstruction efforts in Syria.”
While their rivalry could still resurface, “the trend toward Turkey-Saudi cooperation is likely to persist,” he concluded.
Salem El Yami, a former Saudi foreign ministry official and political analyst, said Syria’s new leaders will have “a significant role to play” in balancing ties with allies rather than playing them off against each other.
“If Saudi-Turkish coordination succeeds in Syria...it can be expected to contribute to Syria’s stability and, consequently, to the state of calm and stability in the region,” he said.
IN this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President William Lai Chingte, right, meets with Rep. Bruce Westerman, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. TAIWAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE VIA AP
Get ready for several years of killer heat, top weather forecasters warn
By Seth Borenstein AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON—Get ready for several years of even more recordbreaking heat that pushes Earth to more deadly, fiery and uncomfortable extremes, two of the world’s top weather agencies forecast.
There’s an 80% chance the world will break another annual temperature record in the next five years, and it’s even more probable that the world will again exceed the international temperature threshold set 10 years ago, according to a five-year forecast released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office.
“Higher global mean temperatures may sound abstract, but it translates in real life to a higher chance of extreme weather: stronger hurricanes, stronger precipitation, droughts,” said Cornell University climate scientist Natalie Mahowald, who wasn’t part of the calculations but said they made sense. “So higher global mean temperatures translate to more lives lost.”
With every tenth of a degree the world warms from human-caused climate change “we will experience higher frequency and more extreme events (particularly heat waves but also droughts, floods, fires and human-reinforced hurricanes/typhoons),” emailed Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. He was not part of the research.
And for the first time there’s a chance—albeit slight—that before the end of the decade, the world’s annual temperature will shoot past the Paris climate accord goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) and hit a more alarming 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of heating since the mid-1800s, the two agencies said. There’s an 86% chance that one of the next five years will pass 1.5 degrees and a 70% chance that the five years as a whole will average more than that global milestone, they figured.
The projections come from more than 200 forecasts using computer simulations run by 10 global centers of scientists.
Ten years ago, the same teams figured there was a similar remote chance—about 1%—that one of the upcoming years would exceed that critical 1.5-degree threshold and then it happened last year. This year, a 2-degree Celsius above pre-industrial year enters the equation in a similar manner, something UK Met Office longer term predictions chief Adam Scaife and science scientist Leon Hermanson called “shocking.”
“It’s not something anyone wants to see, but that’s what the science is telling us,” Hermanson said. Two degrees of warming is the secondary threshold, the one considered less likely to break, set by the 2015 Paris agreement.
Technically, even though 2024 was 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, the Paris climate agreement’s threshold is for a 20-year time period, so it has
not been exceeded. Factoring in the past 10 years and forecasting the next 10 years, the world is now probably about 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter since the mid 1800s, World Meteorological Organization climate services director Chris Hewitt estimated.
“With the next five years forecast to be more than 1.5C warmer than preindustrial levels on average, this will put more people than ever at risk of severe heat waves, bringing more deaths and severe health impacts unless people can be better protected from the effects of heat. Also, we can expect more severe wildfires as the hotter atmosphere dries out the landscape,” said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at the UK Met Office and a professor at the University of Exeter.
Ice in the Arctic—which will
continue to warm 3.5 times faster than the rest of the world—will melt and seas will rise faster, Hewitt said. What tends to happen is that global temperatures rise like riding on an escalator, with temporary and natural El Nino weather cycles acting like jumps up or down on that escalator, scientists said. But lately, after each jump from an El Nino, which adds warming to the globe, the planet doesn’t go back down much, if at all.
“Record temperatures immediately become the new normal,” said Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
US measles cases level off, but health experts warn of continued risk amid global outbreaks Think. . .
By Devi Shastri AP Health Writer
THE
US saw a small increase in measles cases last week, an indicator that outbreaks are slowing down, though exposures at a busy airport in Colorado and a Shakira concert in New Jersey are keeping public health experts on their toes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that there are 1,046 confirmed measles cases, up 22 from last week. Texas, where the nation’s biggest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring, reported one additional case on Tuesday for a total of 729. There are three other major outbreaks in North America. One in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 1,795 cases from mid-October through May 20, an increase of 173 cases in a week. Another in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 538 as of Thursday. And the Mexican
state of Chihuahua had 1,578 measles cases and three deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.
Since the outbreak in the southwest US began, two elementary school-aged children in the epicenter in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles. All were unvaccinated.
But that outbreak, which affects Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, appeared to be “leveling off” last week, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention incident manager Dr. Manisha Patel said on May 15. But she noted that it’s still “travel season” and there is “a lot of global measles activity right now.”
Other states with active outbreaks— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases—include Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Indiana’s outbreak was declared over this week.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the US since 2000. Here’s what else you need to know about measles in the US.
How many measles cases are there in Texas?
THERE are a total of 729 cases across 34 counties, most of them in West Texas, state health officials said Friday.
One more person was hospitalized, for 94 total throughout the outbreak.
State health officials estimated less than 1% of cases—fewer than 10—are actively infectious. Fifty-six percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, under vaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 408 cases since late January—just over 1.7% of the county’s residents.
The April 3 death in Texas was an 8-yearold child, according to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” An unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February; Kennedy said the child was 6.
How many measles cases are there in New Mexico?
NEW MEXICO added one new case since Friday for a total of 79.
Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two and Chaves and Curry counties have one each. An unvaccinated adult died of measles-
related illness March 6. The person did not seek medical care.
How many cases are there in Oklahoma?
OKLAHOMA held steady Monday with a total of 14 confirmed and three probable cases. The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.
How many cases are there in Kansas?
Kansas has a total of 58 cases across 10 counties in the southwestern part of the state, with two hospitalizations. All but two of the cases are connected, and most of the cases are in Gray County.
How many cases are there in Indiana?
ALL of Indiana’s cases—eight—were in Allen County in the northeast part of the state. The county health department said the cases had no known link to other outbreaks, and there’ve been no new cases since April 21, leading county officials to declare the outbreak over.
How many cases are there in Michigan?
Michigan has eight confirmed cases of measles, with an outbreak of four connected cases in Montcalm County in the western part of the state that health officials say is tied to the Ontario outbreak.
How many cases are there in Montana?
MONTANA has 11 measles cases as of Monday. Nine of those, including a new one confirmed Friday, are in Gallatin County—Montana’s first measles cases in 35 years. Flathead and Hill counties also have one case each.
Health officials said there is no known local spread of measles, but did note the outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian
provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
How many cases are there in North Dakota?
NORTH DAKOTA , which hadn’t seen measles since 2011, is up to 23 cases as of Monday. One person has been hospitalized, and all of the people with confirmed cases were not vaccinated.
There are 13 cases in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border, and seven cases in Cass County on the eastern side of the state. Grand Forks County also has three cases.
How many cases are there in Ohio?
OHIO remained steady Thursday at 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents.
The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 20—14 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors.
Allen, Cuyahoga, Holmes and Defiance counties have one case each.
How many cases are there in Pennsylvania?
PENNSYLVANIA has 15 cases overall in 2025 as of May 16, including international travelrelated cases in Montgomery County and one in Philadelphia. The outbreak of eight measles cases in Erie County in far northwest Pennsylvania has remained steady since it began in mid-April.
How many cases are there in Tennessee?
TENNESSEE had six measles cases as of early May. Health department spokesman Bill Christian said all cases are the middle part of the state, and that “at least three of these cases are linked to each other” but declined to specify further. The state also did not say whether the cases were linked to other outbreaks or when Tennessee’s outbreak started.
Continued from A14 passport renewals and other logistics) for Chinese outbound travel have largely eased. However, weaker-than-expected prospects for the Chinese economy—notwithstanding some improvement in late 2024—have seen an increase in uncertainty and weakened sentiment among Chinese households. This tempers some of the impetus for outbound travel relative to (cheaper and easier) domestic travel,” said the think tank.
Tariffs to weaken travel sentiment
WHILE Tourism Economics sees a strong recovery for APAC, there are downside risks. “Expectations for global macroeconomic variables that are typically key tourism drivers suggest a deterioration in recent months (like softening labor markets and wage growth likely to continue to decline). Uncertainty has also increased, alongside the beginnings of a global trade war and ongoing political tensions in various countries.” Washington’s decision to impose tariffs on imports from China and its other major markets will cause economic uncertainty, and thus, weaken global traveler sentiment.
“Under these assumptions, APAC inbound travel would be 8-percent weaker than our baseline projections in both 2025 and 2026 and arrivals would be only 1-percent higher than 2019 levels in 2025. In this scenario, Chinese outbound travel would also recover more slowly (due to slower economic growth in China), impacting the outlook for APAC destinations.”
In the long term, inbound travel volumes are seen growing more than 2019 levels across the region, driven by India’s and China’s expanding middle class. “As more citizens in the world’s two most populous nations gain disposable income, demand for international travel—especially to short- and medium-haul destinations within APAC—will rise significantly, consistent with the trend observed for many developed economies in prior decades. Improved air connectivity, and expected easing of visa restrictions, and growing demand for experiential and 'authentic' travel among tourists will further fuel the region’s long-term growth.”
Comelec en banc decision: No evidence to disqualify Tulfos from public office
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Commission on Elections
T(Comelec) has dismissed the second disqualification case filed against members of the Tulfo family, this time at the en banc level, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia confirmed on Wednesday.
The motion for reconsideration stemmed from a previously dismissed case at the divi -
sion level and was similarly denied by the en banc due to lack of evidence. “It was denied due to lack of evidence on the issue of citizenship and, at the same time, because of procedural technicalities,” Garcia said in an interview.
In SPA No. 25-017, the Comelec en banc affirmed the earlier decision of the division, citing the petitioner’s failure to attach proof that Senator-elect Erwin T. Tulfo is not a Filipino citizen.
“Accordingly, even when assessed on substantive grounds, the petition is utterly devoid of merit and warrants outright denial. The allegations therein are not only unsupported by law but are alzo unsubstantiated by any credible or admissible evidence,” the en banc decision read.
Chairman Garcia inhibited from participating in the en banc deliberation of the case.
Filed in February, the petition by Quezon
City congressional candidate Atty. Virgilio R. Garcia challenged the candidacies of five members of the Tulfo family, citing alleged violations of the constitutional ban on political dynasties.
According to the petitioner, Senatorelect Erwin T. Tulfo, Congresswoman-elect Jocelyn P. Tulfo, Congressman-elect Ralph Wendel P. Tulfo, Turismo party-list nominee Wanda T. Teo, and senatorial candidate Ben T. Tulfo are all closely related to incumbent
‘Atin Ito Coalition’ declares successful holding of first sea concert in WPS
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM & Rex Anthony Naval
HE
T“Atin Ito Coalition” on Wednesday declared a success its completion of the first-ever sea concert held in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), marking another historic milestone in its ongoing civilian missions, despite earlier concern that the vessel bearing the campaigners was being “shadowed” by China Coast Guard (CCG).
Besides the concert, a hallmark of the campaign was the distribution of supplies to fishermen stationed on Pag-Asa island in the WPS.
“Through innovative and peaceful means, the coalition continues to normalize civilian activities in the area, asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights and territorial integrity,” it said in a statement coinciding with National Flag Day.
“Mission accomplished! This is a moment of triumph not just for our mission, but for every Filipino who dreams of peace and justice in our seas. We made history today by holding the very first sea concert deep in the West Philippine Sea, just two nautical miles from Pag-asa Island. Despite being shadowed by Chinese marine vessels, we stood our ground. Our artists sang not just to entertain, but to resist, to unite, and to inspire,” said Rafaela “Paeng” David, Atin Ito co-convenor and president of Akbayan Party.
“This concert is more than a musical event.
Marcos. . .
Continued from A1
of the 46th Asean Summit, has initiated efforts to achieve the cease-fire to allow humanitarian aid to come in.
A civil war broke out after its military successfully took over its government in a coup in February 2021.
Efforts by the Asean to stop the bloodshed through its fivc-point consensus, which involves an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, designation of special envoy to Myanmar for mediation, humanitarian aid, and for the said envoy to engage all parties
It is a reminder that art, music, and culture are potent tools of resistance. Through music, we forged solidarity across nations and declared to the world that our seas must be zones of peace, not arenas of conflict,” David added.
‘Flotilla of Filipino fishing boats’
AS the M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, carrying Atin Ito volunteers and artists, approached Pag-asa Island, it was warmly greeted by a flotilla of small Filipino fishing boats in a show of unity and solidarity. Due to rainfall, the concert was held inside the vessel, on the bridge overlooking Pag-asa Island, with artists delivering their music amid the tense shadowing presence of Chinese vessels.
The sea concert featured powerful performances from Filipino rap collective Morobeats, South Korean pop group I:Mond, P-pop sensation Hori7on, and regional artists Kai Mata (Indonesia) and Viona (Malaysia).
The event served as the culminating cultural highlight of Atin Ito’s third civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea, following a sunset send-off concert held days earlier near El Nido, Palawan.
To mark this year’s National Flag Day, Atin Ito also held a symbolic flag-raising ceremony on board the ship, honoring the Philippine flag just a short distance from Pag-asa Island. The moment served as a solemn and patriotic assertion of the nation’s presence in its own waters.
Beyond the cultural component, the civilian mission also delivered vital support
has yet to yield any results.
Marcos said he is working with Malaysia to come out with a long-term solution on the Myanmar crisis through the coordination of efforts by their respective special envoys.
“So, I proposed to PM Anwar, which he agreed with, is that let us come to an agreement that since I am the Chairman for next year, that we should look—do not limit— you should not limit yourself to making commitments or entering into agreements that may last beyond your chairmanship,” he explained.
“Because so long as you and I agree, you PM Anwar and me, we agree on the principle of what you are committing to for Asean and
to fisherfolk stationed in Pag-asa. “We successfully distributed 22 containers of fuel, 10 liters each, to our fishermen. This may seem small, but in these contested waters, every drop is a declaration of support, and every delivery is an act of courage,” David said.
For his part, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President and Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio Dela Torre expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers, artists, crew, and co-organizers who made the mission possible.
“Humahanga kami sa dedikasyon at tapang ng bawat isa. We knew the challenges when we set sail, but we moved forward because we believe that our cause is just. Together, we showed that even against powerful forces, the collective will of the Filipino people is stronger.”
Formed in 2023, Atin Ito is a broad civil society coalition composed of organizations, such as the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), Akbayan Party, PAKISAMA, the New Masinloc Fishermen Association, PKSK, Akbayan Youth, and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), among others.
The coalition is widely recognized for organizing the only direct civilian-led resupply missions to the West Philippine Sea—first near Ayungin Shoal in December 2023, and later near Panatag Shoal in May 2024.
PCG ships
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday afternoon announced that its two ships,
for with Myanmar. And even if it continues beyond your chairmanship, we will pick it up when we become chairman and we will build on that,” he added.
The final phase of Asean intervention
the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) have successfully escorted the “Atin Ito” civilian mission into the vicinity of Pag-asa Island.
“As of 3 p.m. today [Wednesday], the PCG announces that BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua have successfully completed their primary mission of escorting the Atin Ito convoy from El Nido Port to the vicinity off Pag-asa Island, Palawan,” it added.
As of this time, the T/S Kapitan Felix Oca is anchored approximately 4.5 nautical miles northeast of Pag-asa Island.
“The PCG remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the civilians participating in the civil society-led concert in the area,” the PCG said.
It added that this vigilance is particularly important due to the presence of three China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels nearby.
“CCG 5103 is located 1.72 nautical miles West of Pagasa Island, while CCG 21559 is also 2 nautical miles away from the anchored M/V Kapitan [Felix] Oca. Additionally, CCG 3306 is maintaining a distance of 4.6 nautical miles from Pag-asa,” the PCG said.
Furthermore, there are currently 22 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels anchored at Pag-asa Cay 2, Cay 3, and Cay 4, approximately 1.5 nautical miles off the starboard bow of BRP Melchora Aquino.
“The PCG continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign and Filipino civilians attending the ‘Atin Ito’ concert,” it added.
on the crisis, Marcos said, is to identify and repatriate the refugees of Myanmar, who fled to its surrounding countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia to avoid the fighting.
Senator Raffy Tulfo. He argued that their simultaneous bids for public office fall within the prohibited “first or second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity” and violate Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees equal access to public service and prohibits political dynasties as defined by law.
Aside from the dynasty issue, the petitioner also questioned the citizenship
qualifications of Erwin Tulfo, who has previously faced legal challenges related to his US citizenship. The case was first dismissed by the Comelec Second Division in March for being “insufficient in form.”
The en banc resolution becomes final and executory five days after receipt by the parties.
During that period, the petitioner may still elevate the case to the Supreme Court.
Rebuilding Edsa: A chance to create a more inclusive transport system
THE long-awaited overhaul of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa), Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare, is set to commence on June 13. Spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation, this two-year project aims to address the chronic problem of potholes and deteriorating road conditions by reconstructing Edsa’s pavement with reinforced concrete. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Edsa rehab starts Jun 13; DPWH, DOTr in tandem,” May 26, 2025).
This initiative, under the banner of President Marcos’s “Build Better More” program, is a much-needed intervention. Edsa has struggled for decades with insufficient infrastructure to handle daily vehicle volume, leading to persistent traffic jams, road damage, and public frustration. The planned segmentby-segment approach, starting from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, and the concurrent efforts to maintain traffic flow through measures like the odd-even scheme, additional bus units for the Edsa Busway, and increased MRT trips, show a commendable commitment to balancing infrastructure development with commuter convenience.
The MMDA’s introduction of the 24/7 odd-even traffic scheme along Edsa is a bold move expected to reduce vehicle volume by 40 percent. This, combined with temporary toll-free access to Skyway Stage 3 and restrictions on trucks and provincial buses during daytime hours, signals a commitment to mitigating the inevitable traffic disruptions during construction.
Yet, the effectiveness of these measures hinges on strict enforcement and public cooperation. The month-long odd-even dry run without penalties serves as a useful information campaign, but sooner or later, sanctions will be necessary to instill discipline. Moreover, alternate routes must be cleared of obstructions, and the public must be encouraged to switch to public transportation options, which means these services must be reliable, safe, and efficient.
Transport advocacy groups like Move As One Coalition have rightly emphasized that the project must prioritize pedestrians and commuters. The current pedestrian infrastructure on Edsa—marked by narrow sidewalks, steep ramps, and poorly designed footbridges—is inadequate and unsafe. The disproportionate road space allocated to private vehicles, which constitute only 6 percent of users, must be recalibrated in favor of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport.
Transport Secretary Vince Dizon’s promise to implement real pedestrian walkways is encouraging. However, these commitments must be translated into concrete action plans with clear timelines.
It would do well for the government to seize this moment to align the Edsa Rebuild with the Philippine Development Plan’s vision of a people-first mobility system. Public consultations, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring will be critical to achieving this goal.
The Edsa Rebuild is a welcome and necessary investment in the country’s infrastructure future. Its success could ease traffic woes, improve road safety, and enhance the quality of life for millions of commuters. However, the project’s true legacy will be determined not just by the sturdiness of its concrete, but by how well it integrates inclusive mobility, effective traffic management, and pedestrian-friendly design.
If the government can rise to these challenges and deliver on both infrastructure and human-centered transport reforms, Metro Manila will finally take a giant step towards a more sustainable and livable urban future.
BusinessMirror
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Current account deficit sinks PSEi hopes
BJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
ACK on May 15, 2025, I warned that the Philippine Stock Exchange is stuck in the mud thanks to a nasty Balance of Payments (BOP). Last week with Mimi Ong on ANC’s Market Edge, I laid it out plainly: the PSEi will not hit 8,000 or 9,000 anytime soon. Why? A Current Account Deficit that just will not quit, choking the market like a bad cough you cannot shake.
For nearly five years, the PSEi has been spinning its wheels, trapped in a measly 10 percent range. That stagnation is unheard of since the exchange’s formal inception in 1992. This dreary performance tracks the Philippines’ Current Account (CA), which has bled investor confidence like a slow leak in a balloon.
As the PSEi wallowed going into its five-year stupor, the Philippines plunged into a CA deficit of historic proportions, bleeding red ink like never before both in scale and persistence. Since 2018, more money flows out for imports than comes in from exports and overseas cash like remittances.
To grasp the PSE’s depression, consider and break down the economic undercurrents. The BOP counts all the cash—goods, services, capital—moving between the Philippines and the world. If more money leaves than comes in, like it has since 2018, the CA deficit acts like a flat tire, keeping the PSEi stuck without being able to gain traction and upside momentum, draining hope of a PSEi breakout anytime soon.
This deficit emerged under the Duterte administration, but you can blame the Arabs or the Russians or whomever, as the deficit was driven partly by global oil prices going nuts.
From $36 per barrel in January 2016,
crude oil surged to $82 by October 2018, inflating Philippine import costs. This shift ended a 13-year CA surplus (2003 through 2015), with the deficit reaching 2.6 percent of GDP in 2018. This economic strain is the background for the PSE’s prolonged stagnation.
The PSEi’s peak in January 2018, its highest historic monthly close, coincided with the onset of The Deficit—a correlation too stark to dismiss. Since then, except for a brief recess in 2020, the deficit has persisted, ballooning to 3.8 percent of gross domestic product in 2024. This economic problem has imprisoned the PSEi, confining it to a listless range and dimming hopes for a robust rally without a reversal in the nation’s money flow fortunes.
The Philippines from 2021 to 2024 is a saga of economic ambition clashing with global realities, and it is not a pretty story. A widening trade gap, soaring commodity prices, sluggish exports, infrastructure splurges, and a fading service trade surplus have conspired to keep the nation’s ledger in the red. Add in robust consumer demand, pricier debt servicing, stingy foreign investment, a weakening peso (until recently), and supply chain chaos, and you have a
recipe for a financial headache that refuses to quit.
The trade gap is the big bad wolf here. Imports are outrunning exports like a Mercedes blowing past a Kia. Filipinos went on a post-pandemic shopping binge, and “Build, Build, Build” projects—eating five to six percent of GDP yearly—sent the trade deficit to a fat $17.8 billion in 2022, barely dipping to $17.5 billion in 2024. Noble? Sure. But it is a cash bonfire, importing steel faster than we export electronic goods and remittances/BPO money comes in. The Philippines is not doomed, but it is dancing on the cliff. The government’s infrastructure dreams and consumer exuberance are admirable, yet they come at a cost. Without stronger exports, more foreign investment, or a miraculous drop in global commodity prices, the current account deficit will keep haunting the economy like an unwanted guest at a fiesta. Maybe an interest rate reduction will loosen the stock market. Until then, time to tighten the belt—or at least stop buying so many imported belts.
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.
China plans commodities overhaul to attract global investors
CHINA is on the cusp of its biggest move yet to open up its vast commodities markets, after the Shanghai Futures Exchange unveiled an internationalization plan to streamline access for overseas investors.
The country’s biggest raw materials bourse is soliciting views on a proposal to let participants post foreign exchange as collateral for yuandenominated trades, according to a statement on Tuesday. Restrictions on foreigners and their capital are an oft-cited reason for China’s failure to punch its weight in international markets.
The much-anticipated move would serve a number of purposes, including China’s long-held ambition to more directly influence the price of the imported commodities on which its economy relies. It would also help burnish the yuan’s appeal as an international currency to rival the dollar in financial markets.
SHFE, set up in 1999 and run by China’s government, offers trading in contracts from copper and steel to gold, crude oil and petrochemicals. The country is the world’s largest buyer of raw materials, but benchmark pricing for key commodities is usually set elsewhere, including New York and London for oil, London for base metals and Singapore for iron ore.
“It’s time for yuan pricing to go global,” said Tiger Shi, managing
partner at BANDS Financial Ltd., who has been involved in China’s commodities markets for more than two decades.
Earlier, more modest moves to open up commodities futures have had limited success. The Shanghai International Energy Exchange, a SHFE unit, has offered yuan-denominated copper to overseas participants since 2020, and a crude-oil contract since 2018, but neither has made much of a dent in the dominance of international exchanges. The Dalian Commodity Exchange opened up iron ore futures in 2018, and that has found more traction as a benchmark.
The latest plan appears to go much further, by proposing sweeping changes to ease participation across 18 of SHFE’s domestic contracts. The exchange will overhaul rules on market access, trading, settlement, risk control and delivery to “systematically internationalize” trading, SHFE said. It has asked for public feedback by June 4.
“This is welcome news,” said Zheng Jia, head of trading at Shanghai Soochow Jiuying Investment Management Co. “It will attract more diversified participants and boost liquidity, and will also connect Chi-
nese prices more closely with overseas prices.”
Price setting
THE proposals would serve the country’s broader opening-up strategy, while helping Shanghai to develop as an international financial center and enhancing China’s influence over global commodities pricing, SHFE said. Chinese authorities have pledged to expand cross-border financial services in Shanghai, the nation’s premier commercial hub. A plan released in April vowed to help international investors become more deeply involved in trading platforms, and included a push to expand yuandenominated pricing at the Shanghai Gold Exchange.
“The future direction is to develop the yuan into a trade financing currency, or a funding currency,” said Tommy Xie, head of Asia macro research at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. “An important function of any trade financing currency is the pricing of commodities.”
Shi at BANDS Financial said he expects nickel to be the first contract that SHFE opens up under its new proposals. He said the bourse’s plan will complement other steps to bridge the gap between China’s commodities markets and the rest of the world’s.
The London Metal Exchange— owned by Hong Kong Exchanges &
Clearing Ltd.— is poised to add warehouses in Hong Kong to its global network. That’s aimed at giving businesses in mainland China an easier way to ship metal to the exchange, especially at times of market stress and major dislocations between Chinese and international prices.
On the wire
PRICES of a key Chinese steel product used in construction were at their lowest since 2017 as the world’s biggest market for the metal grappled with a massive glut. An explosion has rocked a chemical plant in China’s Shandong province, killing five and leaving six people missing, China Central Television reported. The dollar’s extended slide has prompted China’s central bank to change tack in managing its currency, as it pivots from supporting the yuan to guarding against the risk of a rapid appreciation. Glencore Plc has been buying Russian copper on the London Metal Exchange and plans to deliver it into China, in a trade that highlights a squeeze on supplies in the world’s largest copper consumer. A massive tax-and-spending bill passed by the House of Representatives last week marks the culmination of nearly two decades of efforts to decisively wean the US off cheap Chinese solar panels. With
US poised to get golden share in US Steel-Nippon Steel deal
By Joe Deaux & Josh Wingrove
THE US government is poised to receive a so-called golden share in United States Steel Corp. as a condition for approving Nippon Steel Corp.’s proposed acquisition of the American company.
The plan, which would give the government de facto veto rights on certain company decisions and appointments, is part of ongoing talks between authorities and the companies, according to people familiar with the matter. On Friday, President Donald Trump announced a “partnership” that included $14 billion in new investments, but provided few additional details.
Still unclear are the scope of such veto powers and what the administration has decided regarding the existing $14.1 billion takeover proposal. The deal put forward to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US and to the President included the original $55-per-share acquisition along with extra investment, two people familiar with the matter said.
The golden share—reported earlier by Nikkei—is set to be included as part of the national security agreement that’s typically drawn up to reflect conditional Cfius approvals, some of the people said, asking not to be identified as talks continue. It’s not clear whether the powers would amount to an equity stake or simply mitigation powers.
This mechanism, which allows the owner to outvote other shareholders in certain circumstances, is a rarity in the US, where the government does not typically hold stakes in listed companies. But golden shares have been used elsewhere, including in Italy, Brazil and the UK—often to preserve state control over key decisions at privatized or strategic companies.
It’s latest twist in a takeover saga that has lasted nearly a year and a half, leaving both companies in a lengthy limbo. Trump intends to hold a rally in Pittsburgh Friday to tout the deal as a victory for his tariffs and American workers, although people familiar said all parties are still hashing out details. A White House spokesman declined to detail the matter. “The President looks forward to returning to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday to celebrate American Steel and American Jobs,” spokesman Kush Desai said. Senator Dave McCormick, a Pennsylvania Republican and Trump ally, confirmed some of the details to CNBC in an interview aired Tuesday, including $2.4 billion to be invested in the Mon Valley plant. He cast the arrangement as essentially a done deal, as Trump’s announcement last week did, though the White House has so far stopped short of explicitly committing publicly to approving the sale through Cfius.
“The control structure is going to be somewhat unique,” McCormick said. “It’ll be a US CEO, a US majority board, and then there’ll be a golden share, which will essentially require US government approval of a number of the board members, and that’ll allow the United States to ensure production levels aren’t cut and things like that.”
Nippon Steel had pressed to seal
the deal that would give it full control, even as Trump publicly said US Steel should never be foreign-owned. McCormick acknowledged that Nippon Steel would have board members and that US Steel would “be part of their overall corporate structure.” The arrangement, which was proposed by the Japanese firm, allows the US to “essentially have our cake and eat it too,” the Senator said.
Both companies declined to comment, as did the US Treasury Department. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also declined to comment on the golden share plan. Even with a deal, procedurally Trump would have to overturn former President Joe Biden’s decision to block the merger on national security grounds. Details remain sparse, with investors still unclear how an additional $14 billion investment would be allocated.
“The rhetoric around a ‘golden share’ sounds flashy, but what’s likely on the table is a traditional Cfius agreement that gives the government approval rights over actions like offshoring or shutting down production lines,” said Jim Secreto, former Counselor for Investment Security at the Treasury Department under the Biden administration.
Trump’s social media post Friday offered US Steel shareholders the most positive news since the firm announced in December 2023 that it would sell itself to Nippon Steel in an all-cash $55-per-share deal.
Shares closed at the highest price in 14 years on Friday after Trump’s post. They rose 2 percent to $53.04 on Tuesday, just shy of Nippon Steel’s $55-a-share cash offer.
Nippon Steel shares, which rose initially this week, have since pared gains and were down by 1 percent early afternoon in Tokyo.
Analysts at SMBC Nikko said that the deal, as currently seen, was an improvement on their worst-case scenario—but came with constraints for Nippon Steel.
“We think the arrangement in question would make it difficult to restructure in response to a market downturn,” analysts Atsushi Yamaguchi and Takuya Maeda wrote. “In any case, the need for large-scale investment and capex will likely temporarily erode Nippon Steel’s financial position and make equity financing more likely.”
Others were more blunt.
“This is precisely what we had feared, with Nippon Steel likely to be handcuffed in terms of making any moves that may impact the jobs of US Steel Union workers. It will be limited to only boosting capacity,” said Amir Anvarzadeh, Japan equity strategist at Asymmetric Advisors Pte. “I’m sure the Japanese firm hopes that these restrictions will be lifted in the future, under a more normal US administration.” With assistance from Kana Nishizawa, Alice French and Andrew Janes/Bloomberg
Elon Musk must face suit over power as Trump aide, judge says
By Zoe Tillman
ELON MUSK will have to face a lawsuit that claims the billionaire wielded illegal power by orchestrating President Donald Trump’s dramatic cuts in federal government jobs and spending, a judge ruled.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Tuesday denied a request by the Justice Department to toss the case filed by Democratic state attorneys general against Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. But she dismissed a claim against Trump, saying courts can’t limit the actions of a president performing his official duties.
Chutkan ruled the 14-state coalition presented specific enough allegations and preliminary evidence to proceed with claims that Musk was granted the same authority as Trump’s Senate-confirmed cabinet. While Musk has been the public face of DOGE, he’s denied he holds a formal position or has any authority to direct agencies to carry out the president’s cost-cutting agenda. Musk said last month he’ll significantly scale back his DOGE work to be “super focused” on his businesses, including Tesla Inc. and SpaceX.
The judge found that the Trump administration had adopted a “perverse reading” of the US Constitution’s system of checks and balances and appeared “to sanction unlimited executive power.”
“Under this reasoning, the Presi-
dent could authorize an individual to act as a Prime Minister who vetoes, amends, or adopts legislation enacted by Congress, as an Ultimate Justice who unilaterally overrules any decision by the Supreme Court, as a King who exercises preeminent authority over the entire nation, or allow a foreign leader to direct American armed forces,” Chutkan wrote.
“We will keep fighting Elon Musk and DOGE to ensure the Trump administration follows the law,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Musk and his US DOGE Service have faced a slew of legal challenges since Trump took office in January.
In addition to questioning the role of Musk and his DOGE-affiliated staff, some suits are seeking to block their access to agency systems and records that contain vast troves of Americans’ financial and personal information.
While rulings to deny motions to dismiss normally can’t be appealed, the Justice Department could argue for an exception because the case
presents significant questions about presidential power and interpreting the US Constitution.
The lawsuit accuses Musk of violating the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, which limits high-level decisions about US agency operations and personnel to officials who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The states argued Trump “bypassed” Congress and “unilaterally granted massive, unchecked executive authority to Elon Musk and DOGE to destabilize the government.”
In court papers, the Democratic officials highlighted public statements Trump made about putting Musk in charge and Musk’s comments appearing to take ownership of moves to shutter USAID and carry out a barrage of federal funding cuts, among other things. They argued that he wasn’t simply making recommendations to Senate-confirmed agency heads, but rather was “compelling” and “directing” them to act or “overruling” decisions they’d made.
No ‘formal power’
IN urging Chutkan to dismiss the case, Justice Department lawyers argued that even if they conceded Musk had “massive” or even “decisive” influence over US domestic policy, he didn’t have the “formal power to act.”
As long as a Senate-confirmed official “takes formal responsibility” for decisions that Musk recommended, there couldn’t be a constitutional
violation, the government said. Chutkan wrote that Musk’s title of “special government employee” might be his “formal classification” but “not necessarily the position he holds.” She said the government had unsuccessfully tried to “minimize” Musk’s role and that the states put forward enough evidence at this stage that he was directing the actions of DOGE-affiliated staff at 17 federal agencies.
The government argued the states lacked standing to file the suit because they couldn’t prove they faced imminent and concrete injuries from Musk and DOGE’s efforts to carry out Trump’s directive to identify waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.
But Chutkan again concluded that the states put forward enough evidence for now that their government offices and public institutions were affected by cuts to federal funding and programs that they allege Musk spearheaded. The attorneys general also argued that DOGE staff “created a substantial risk of cybersecurity breaches” by improperly getting access to “sensitive” state data.
Chutkan’s decision comes after the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit in March paused her earlier ruling allowing the state attorneys general to demand records and information from Musk and the US DOGE Service. The appeals court had delayed that fight until Chutkan ruled on whether to let the case go forward. Bloomberg
Thaksin-backed coalition risks fracturing in Thai budget vote
By Patpicha Tanakasempipat
THAI Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s less than oneyear-old government faces its biggest test yet, with feuding between the two biggest coalition parties threatening the national budget.
The fate of the $113 billion spending plan lies in the hands of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, the second-largest group in an alliance that commands a nearly twothirds majority in the legislature. Bhumjaithai has been quarreling with the biggest coalition party Pheu Thai of Paetongtarn and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The two groups have clashed over issues including changes to the military-drafted constitution, the legal status of cannabis and a plan to open casinos. Both parties are jostling for influence and the spoils of power, though the budget debate is unlikely to bring down the government, according to Napon Jatusripitak, acting coordinator of the Thailand Studies Program at ISEASYusof Ishak Institute.
“It’s essentially a game of chicken,” Napon said. “But the real cost of all this falls on the Thai public, who are made to bear the consequences of this power struggle through policy paralysis, stalled reforms, and the systematic weaponization of state institutions as instruments of partisan warfare that leaves a dangerous precedent.”
Paetongtarn and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who heads Bhumjaithai, have both pub -
licly denied any irreconcilable differences. And Bhumjaithai this week said it would support the budget.
But close aides to both leaders have been trading barbs. A budget defeat wouldn’t necessarily force the premier to quit, but it would signal she had lost the confidence of parliament and spook investors in a country with a history of truncated administrations.
There will be “dire political consequences if Bhumjaithai did not support the government’s spending plans,” according to Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank Thai Pcl.
The threat of a 36 percent tariff on exports to the US has already triggered deep cuts to the nation’s growth outlook. An exodus of foreign investors from Thai stocks has led to a net outflow of about $4 billion in the past year.
Investors see the budget as key, especially with the central bank signaling limited room for rate cuts. Tourism growth is moderating and exports are forecast to grow just 1.8 percent.
The parties are not fighting, said Chanin Rungtanakiat, a deputy Pheu Thai spokesman, noting that differences are normal for a multi-party coalition with varying agendas and support bases.
The genesis of the bickering lies in the formation of the current alliance, which denied power to the winner of the 2023 election—the reformist People’s Party. The coalition came about through a deal between proroyalist and conservative groups with Thaksin. That let the former leader to return from a 15-year exile, with his family-controlled Pheu Thai party forming a government with a clutch of promilitary and conservative parties.
Bhumjaithai will not deliberately derail the bill in the first reading, said party spokeswoman Nan Boontida Somchai. “Rumors of our conflicts are not true,” she said.
The genesis of the bickering lies in the formation of the current alliance, which denied power to the winner of the 2023 election—the reformist People’s Party. The coalition came about through a deal between pro-royalist and conservative groups with Thaksin. That let the former leader to return from a 15-year exile, with his family-controlled Pheu Thai party forming a government with a clutch of pro-military and conservative parties.
The first leader of the uneasy alliance was ousted for an ethical breach, after which Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn took over. While Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai have moved beyond their wrangling over cannabis and the constitution, disputes over plans for casinos and a widening probe into
UK envoy urges transatlantic tech alliance, cites China threat
By Ryan Chua
THE US and its allies across the Atlantic must forge a technology partnership and win the artificial intelligence race even as China makes steady advances, the UK’s envoy in Washington said. Ambassador Peter Mandelson warned of the consequences if China continues to get ahead in AI and other key technologies.
“They will be able to do things which cascade down not just to their own country but everyone else’s across the world,” Mandelson said at an event hosted by the Atlantic
Council in Washington on Tuesday. “There is nothing I fear more in this world than China winning the race for technological dominance.”
When asked about the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said her nation “advocates an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for AI development that is beneficial to all and makes sure that all countries can access the benefits.”
Before being appointed ambassador, Lord Mandelson had criticized the Conservative-led government for mismanaging ties with China
and called for a thaw in relations. He is a founder of Global Counsel, a firm that’s become one of the most influential advisory groups in the UK and has been expanding its coverage of China.
The Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been pursuing closer ties with Beijing despite unease in Washington and other UK allies.
Mandelson said UK-China relations are unlikely to return to where they were a decade ago.
“We’re not going to back to the ‘Golden Era’ of Cameron,” he said, referring to former Prime Minister
The ambassador called for a “reboot” of the trans-Atlantic alliance not only in technology but also defense, pointing to the war in Ukraine as a “brutal wake-up call.” He said European defense needs to step up and become less dependent on the US.
David Cameron, whose government hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015 in a visit hailed as a breakthrough in ties. Since then, London’s relationship
with Beijing has deteriorated over a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its suºpport for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and alleged cyberattacks and spying operations in the UK.
Mandelson also cautioned the European Union to be “much more skeptical” about building closer ties with China, even as the two sides step up their engagement to push back against the Trump administration’s tariffs.
The ambassador called for a “reboot” of the trans-Atlantic alliance not only in technology but also defense, pointing to the war in
the alleged rigging of last year’s Senate election has seen them resort to proxy legal challenges.
Clash of ambitions AND Thaksin’s not-so-subtle role in shaping government policies and his bid to position Pheu Thai as the dominant party are clashing with Anutin’s own ambitions of one day becoming prime minister. Anutin, whose family controlled a major developer, enjoys the backing of the pro-royalist, conservative establishment who have wielded clout since Thailand ceased to be an absolute monarchy in 1932.
The Shinawatra family needs Anutin and his party at the moment, with both Paetongtarn and Thaksin facing several legal cases.
“Anutin may hope that Paetongtarn is ousted by one of the many legal challenges launched against her by other conservative opponents and he can then secure the top job himself,” said Peter Mumford, Southeast Asia Practice Head at Eurasia Group.
“But if she is taken down, Thaksin may withdraw Pheu Thai from the coalition rather than support Anutin as prime minister, precipitating a political crisis.”
For now, the two parties are stuck with each other in a “frenemies” dynamic, Mumford said.
The immediate need in the budget debate is to avoid policy paralysis, said ISEAS-Yusof Ishak’s Napon.
“With the country stuck in political limbo and lacking a coherent economic response, it will miss a critical window to steady the ship to weather the storm,” Napon said. Bloomberg
Ukraine as a “brutal wake-up call.” He said European defense needs to step up and become less dependent on the US.
Nato leaders are expected to sign off on a new defense spending goal during their summit in The Hague next month, with President Donald Trump demanding an increase to 5% of GDP.
“We have lived in a fantasy created by the US security guarantee, complacent that a friendly heavyweight across the water would be always there when the going gets tough,” he said. With assistance from Dan Murtaugh/Bloomberg
Thursday, May 29, 2025
BusinessMirror
‘PHL must work with Asean to boost bargaining power’
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THEPhilippines must work well with Asean countries to strengthen its regional bargaining power amid the ongoing supply chain shifts in the global arena due to the tariffs imposed by Washington, according to Trade experts.
“I’d like to emphasize the need for us to work closely together and strongly collaborate with Asean. This is important, particularly in terms of strengthening our regional bargaining power, in terms of harmonizing the rules of origin, addressing trade deflection and industrial crowding,” Rafaelita Aldaba, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Research Fellow and former Trade Undersecretary said at a forum on “Trade Wars and the Evolving Post-Globalization International Trading Order” on Tuesday. Aldaba underscored the importance of strengthening ties with the country’s neighbors in Asean amid
the foreseen import surges, and industrial crowding due to the rift between China and US, among others, amid the ongoing uncertainty brought by Washington’s trade policy.
“Whenever you negotiate with huge countries like the US, if you’re a small country of course relatively it’s a bit challenging as compared, of course, [to a situation where] if we can be part of a bigger group that can be negotiating for the entire Asean bloc, for example, and then negotiate with the US although I’m not sure if US will be open to that because what we’re seeing is the negotiations are bilateral,” Aldaba explained to the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of
stakeholders see continuity of DOE programs under Lotilla
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
POWER industry stakeholders have expressed their support for outgoing energy secretary
Raphael Lotilla and are optimistic that there will be continuity and completion of agency’s plans and programs.
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said Lotilla is a “very competent public servant.”
“I think Secretary Lotilla has laid out his own plans and there should be good ones. I doubt whether the successor will deviate much from what is laid out...I doubt the successor would make substantial changes, I think,” Pangilinan said after the company’s stockholders’ meeting the other day.
Malacañang announced last week that Lotilla will be transferring to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In the meantime, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin has been designated as Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
Meralco Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho is looking forward to continue working with Garin, particularly in pursuing nuclear energy. “Hopefully. she’s on top of the nuclear agenda. though we have not discuss it yet, but we think that will be on top of their agenda,” he said.
Also, Aperocho is hoping that the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, better known as the PhilATOM bill, will be passed soon.
The House of Representatives has already approved the bill on its third and final reading. However, the legislative measure was still undergoing Senate deliberations.
“In the opening of the next Congress, we hope that it will be a top priority of the Senate,” he said.
Lotilla had said that the country’s push for nuclear is meant to diversify the country’s energy sources to ensure a more stable and secure energy supply. “Even in the nuclear energy sector, a stronger regulatory framework is needed, clearly defining the allocation of risks between
government and the private sector,” Lotilla earlier said.
The power generation arm of Meralco, meanwhile, said Lotilla’s transfer to DENR is a “unique opportunity.”
“Sec. Popo has been such a steady presence at the DOE, especially during this time where big changes are happening in our sector. His leadership and policy insight will definitely be missed.
That said, his move to the DENR is a unique opportunity. It’s a chance to bridge energy and environmental goals even more closely—something we really need as we push forward with the energy transition. Regulatory alignment is key, and I’m hopeful that under his leadership, we’ll see stronger synergies across the board,” said Meralco PowerGen Corp. President Emmanuel Rubio via text message.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said Garin’s appointment as OIC was meant to ensure continuity in policy implementation in the energy sector where decisions, she pointed out, have long-term implications. “We remain hopeful and will fully support efforts to make sure that this is realized,” she said in an interview.
ACEN Corp. President Eric Francia also agreed that Lotilla’s experience will be “very helpful” given the interdependences between the two departments.
Former DOE Undersecretary Jay Layug, who now leads the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc. (DREAM), said Lotill will be a great asset to the DENR.
“We are very grateful to Secretary ‘Popo’ during his term especially for his programs on renewables and transition to clean energy. While we are sad to see him leave, we are certain that he will be DENR’s gain. We wish Secretary Popo well in his next journey and are ready to provide full support to Secretary Sharon Garin who has been a great ally of the energy sector,” said Layug.
the forum.
For his part, Manuel Teehankee, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the World Trade Organization (WTO), echoed Aldaba’s sentiment, as he underscored that Asean Trade remains the “key” to continued growth and efficiency gains.
“The Philippine government is preparing for assuming the Asean chairmanship in 2026. I cannot overemphasize the essential value of this policy for the Philippines within the Asean family of nations, there is an enduring bond of community grounded on the Asean Charter and its founding principles of mutual respect, effective cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes,” added Teehankee.
The country’s permanent representative to the WTO explained that the said charter is “not premised on purely economic or commercial benefits and profit.”
Instead, he said it rests on effective cooperation that works towards building the Asean community through People-to-People contact, shared values, economic and business cooperation while “keeping true to the Asean motto of Unity in Diversity.”
“Asean Centrality keeps us close to home and our region, and at its core, a more stable and resilient economic integration policy within the Asean
region,” added Teehankee.
Just last Monday, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) Executive Vice President Senen Perlada underscored the importance of using the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as the Philippines’s “offensive strategy” against Trump economics.
RCEP is a free trade agreement between the 10 Asean Member States as well as five of its major trading partners—Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.
Perlada said: “The uncertainty in America is answered for by the certainty of a rules-based trade regime, for example, in RCEP and the other FTAs that we have.”
He explained that US accounts for 15 percent of the Philippines’s exports while Asean is “not far behind.”
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Export Marketing Bureau
Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte confirmed to the BusinessMirror that Asean accounts for 15 percent of the Philippines’s total exports.
Hence, Perlada underscored: “All of these things we really have to realign. This is more long-term. FTA is rulesbased, there is a timeframe. Trumponomics is what? 4 years? So we have to look longer term.”
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Philippines should work harder at hastening industrialization which could create high-value and high-paying jobs, according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Research Fellow and former Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba.
At a forum on Tuesday, Aldaba explained that while the services sector has been the “vital source” of value-added and employment in the Philippine economy for many decades now, the manufacturing sector has been “stagnant.”
“In fact, we have been de-industrializing prematurely and...where will our people go?
Naturally, it’s the services sector that absorb entrants to the labor force as well as those that are moving out from the low- productivity as well as agricultural sector,” Aldaba said. With this, she emphasized the need to “take a look at the composition of the entire services sector,” which is primarily driven by Wholesale and Retail including the Repair of Cars and Motorcycles.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the Services sector posted a 6.3-percent growth in the first quarter of 2025. Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, which grew by 6.4 percent, had the highest contribution to Services’ growth.
This was followed by Financial and insurance activities and Transportation and storage, with growth rates of 7.2 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively, PSA noted.
“The growth in Trade was mainly driven by
Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles,
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
FOREIGN visitor arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region are projected to finally rebound to prepandemic levels this year, with Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India leading the recovery. In its Travel Outlook for Asia Pacific (APAC) for 2025, Tourism Economics, a unit of London-based think tank Oxford Economics said, “Inbound tourism to APAC is poised for continued strong growth, with international travel volumes projected to surpass 2019 levels in 2025.
This marks a significant rebound from the pandemic, as the region is expected to see the strongest yearon-year increase in inbound visitor nights of all regions in 2025. Recovery to prepandemic inbound visit numbers this year will be shared by the majority of countries, with particularly strong outlooks for Japan [+31 percent], South Korea [+20 percent], Indonesia [+16 percent], and India [+17 percent].” Countries which won’t be setting new records for inbound visits this year relative to 2019, however, are “Taiwan [-14 percent], China [-7 percent], and the Philippines [-1
percent].” Still, Tourism Economics predicts arrivals in the Philippines to reach some 8.22 million, just one-percent lower
(DOT) showed international travelers in the Philippines slipped for the second time in the first four months of 2025, versus the same period in 2024. (See, “Tourist arrivals still sluggish at 2.1M in JanuaryApril ’25,” in the BusinessMirror,
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Ayala preferred share offer secures SEC green light
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the P20-billion preferred shares offering of Ayala Corp., proceeds of which will be used to pay its short-term bank loans.
In its en banc meeting, the agency approved the registration statement of Ayala covering the re-issuance of 5 million preferred B shares, with an overallotment option of up to 5 million shares.
Ayala will offer the preferred shares at P2,000 apiece. Assuming the overallotment option is fully subscribed, the conglomerate could net up to P19.86 billion from the offer.
Proceeds will be used to repay its short-term bank loans, for general corporate purposes and capital expenditures.
The offer shares are expected
to be re-issued and listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on June 18, according to the latest timeline submitted to the SEC.
Trading is expected to start on the same date, the company said. Ayala has picked BPI Capital Corp., BDO Capital Corp., Chinabank Capital Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners for the offer.
The conglomerate said its attrib -
utable income for the first quarter fell 4 percent to P12.59 billion from the previous year’s P13.07 billion, which included one-off items it had the previous year.
Revenues fell 8 percent to P40.15 billion from the previous year’s P43.7 billion, mainly on Globe Telecom Inc.’s weak performance.
“We are seeing strong starts from our banking, real estate and fintech businesses. Our telco and energy businesses have some catching up to do. Our smaller, newer companies are turning the corner. We are constructive on the year,” Ayala President and CEO Cezar P. Consing said.
Charging stations
MEANWHILE , Ayala’s subsidiaries, AC Mobility and property developer Ayala Land Inc., will expand its charging stations for electric vehicles to 700 by the end of the year from the current 90.
To reach this goal, the company will have to build an average of three charging stations per day.
The company said 100 of the modern charging stations will be built in Makati. The stations can
Cebu Pacific, flyadeal seal lease deal
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific has entered into a strategic partnership with Saudi lowcost carrier flyadeal, marking its first foray into wet-leasing aircraft to a foreign airline. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed Tuesday, Cebu Pacific will wet-lease two Airbus A320s to flyadeal for deployment during Saudi Arabia’s summer travel season.
“With Cebu Pacific’s growing fleet, we seek to maximize the potential of our increased capacity through all months of the year. The utilization of our capacity by other carriers during our lean season is a way of achieving that,” Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs said.
A wet lease is an arrangement where an airline provides another carrier with an aircraft along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance— collectively known as ACMI. It’s commonly used to address seasonal demand, temporary fleet shortages, or new route launches.
“This partnership with flyadeal highlights Cebu Pacific’s growing capability to support international carriers through wet leasing and broader operational collaboration. It diversifies our revenue streams and further expands Cebu Pacific’s presence beyond the Asia Pacific region,” Szucs said.
Conversely, Cebu Pacific is exploring the option of leasing flyadeal aircraft during Southeast Asia’s winter peak, enabling both carriers to balance fleet deployment and manage seasonal demand more efficiently.
Steven Greenway, the CEO of flyadeal, said the negotiations began earlier this year, after he visited Manila to learn about Cebu Pacific’s Airbus A330-900neo operations.
“This was the starting point for wide-ranging commercial discussions covering a broad range of areas including more immediate needs of wet-leasing aircraft for flyadeal’s busy upcoming summer season. A win, win situation all round to bring in Cebu Pacific aircraft during our peak period and vice versa for Mike and his team to explore taking our
Sfully charge EVs in 15 minutes.
Ayala on Tuesday unveiled its 70th charging station in Makati, located at the carpark of the Corinthian Plaza in Legazpi Village, Makati.
“With a total of 70 charge points and 16 locations strategically located across key commercial, business, and residential areas, Makati will not only house the most extensive EV charging network in the country but will also be home to the first-ever super-fast chargers in the Philippines,” the company said.
Ayala Land said it will roll out six more charging stations in the coming weeks, which will include sites such as Circuit Makati, Legazpi Carpark, Makati Sports Club, Leviste Street Parking, One Legazpi Park, Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, and the Yuchengco Centre.
The EV charging stations are housed at prime locations within the estate, including business hubs, retail centers, and key thoroughfares, ensuring accessibility and convenience, Christopher B. Maglanoc, senior vice president and group head of Ayala Land Estates, said.
HOPPING mall operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. will open its first mall in Ilocos Norte, Laoag on May 30, marking the company’s 88th shopping mall in the Philippines and its latest push into high-growth regional corridors.
SM City Laoag is located along Airport Road, just minutes from the city center and near Laoag International Airport.
It is surrounded by established commercial zones and growing residential developments, the mall is poised to become a new urban anchor for Northern Luzon.
The three-level complex offers over 51,000 square meters of gross leasable space. It opens with 90 percent of its space already leaseawarded and is expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs for Ilokanos across retail, operations and support services.
“The opening of SM City Laoag reinforces our commitment to bring modern, accessible and communityoriented retail experiences to underserved but fast-growing areas,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said. “We’re excited to support the region’s economic momentum.”
Ilocos Norte posted an 8.6-percent economic growth rate in 2024, the fastest among provinces in Region I. The growth was driven by gains in services, accommodation and transport.
SM City Laoag features mix of establishments, including its department store, supermarket, cinema, Ace Hardware, Pet Express, Miniso and BDO.
Retail and lifestyle brands include Levi’s, Columbia, Adidas, Watsons and Parfois. The mall will also host global and local dining concepts such as TGI Fridays, Vikings, Marugame Udon, Café Amian and Milk Pot. It also built a central open-air park called “Dap-ayan,” named after the Ilokano word for gathering place. The facility will serve as a community space for events and leisure.
SM Prime is also studying a complementary hotel development in Laoag to tap into the area’s growing tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) potential, expanding its footprint beyond retail in Northern Luzon.
The company said it will spend some P500 billion over the next five years to expand its property footprint in the country and upgrade the existing ones.
“Our approach is deliberate and forward-looking. Every project is meant to improve how Filipinos live, work and connect,” Lim said. In the near term, over 316,000 square meters of new gross floor area will be added across SM Prime’s shopping mall portfolio. It will also redevelop more than 309,000 square meters of existing mall space. VG Cabuag
aircraft for their winter peak later this year.”
The agreement comes as Cebu Pacific aggressively grows its fleet and operations. The airline currently flies to 63 destinations across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and is set to receive up to 152 A321neo aircraft, following a landmark $24-billion deal signed last year with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.
Cebu Air Inc., the parent company
of Cebu Pacific, reported a steep decline in net income for the year 2024, as higher operational costs weighed on the airline’s bottom line despite a boost in revenues.
Based on a disclosure to the stock exchange last March, the company’s net income nosedived to P2.64 billion from P8.34 billion in 2023, as the airline continues to face the challenges of rising expenses in a recovering market.
Banking&Finance
Next Gen Money: Polymer banknotes are taking over
WHEN the first Philippine polymer banknote series was released in December, we were excited to get our hands on the limited quantities circulated. The new series—1000, 500, 100, 50peso denominations—showcases the country’s rich biodiversity in design featuring the different symbols of national pride in our banknotes and coins promotes appreciation of the Filipino identity.
If you feel bad about the removal of heroes, historical figures and natural wonders from Philippine money, don’t fret because the paper bills will remain legal tender and continue to cocirculate with the new polymer series. If you’re also wondering why 200peso and 20-peso are not included in the new batch, it is because of low public usage of these denominations, according to the BSP. The 200-peso paper banknote, however, remains a legal tender while the 20-peso banknote has been removed from circulation since 2021 after the introduction of its coin counterpart.
Smarter. Cleaner. Stronger. POLYMER banknotes are taking over because they boast advanced security features, further reducing counterfeiting risk. Usually, when designing new banknote series, security takes precedence over design but we commend the BSP for producing a series that marry both features.
While polymer notes are harder to counterfeit, they are not completely counterfeit-proof. We’ve seen fake bills that look real at a glance. The fact is, there is no currency in the world that is completely counterfeit-proof, but polymer notes are far more secure than traditional paper bills.
Polymer banknotes have smoother surfaces making them cleaner, less prone to damage, stain and dirt. Studies also show that polymer bills are more durable with a lifespan of 7.5 years compared to 1.5 years with paper money. Suffice to say that they are good for the environment with proven lower percentage of global warming potential (GWP) than paper bills by 38.4 percent, based on a BSPcommissioned study.
Public misconception AT first, perhaps due to the beauti-
FINANCIAL technology (fintech) firm First Digital Finance Corp. (FDFC, doing business as “Billease”) has mandated the Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. to arrange an up to P5-billion maiden corporate notes facility. Security Bank Corp., the parent company of Security Bank Capital, is leading the financing with a P1.5-billion participation, FDFC’s May 22 statement read.
“This milestone will help fuel Billease’s expansion strategy and accelerate its mission of delivering accessible, inclusive, and affordable financial services across the Philippine archipelago. The enhanced funding capacity will also enable Billease to develop more innovative digital lending solutions for millions of Filipinos who remain underserved by traditional banking institutions, supporting the country’s broader financial inclusion goals,” the company said.
BSP orders screening of ‘nega’ media reports in KYC process
Tful and crisp appearance of the new banknotes, some users thought folded bills will not be accepted by merchants and establishments. The BSP quickly debunked this misconception.
But practical issues and cultural sentiments underscore the need for continuing public education, vigilance and awareness.
Usage challenges AS a user, I find polymer banknotes stiff, harder to fold and slippery; making them difficult to count or snug into a wallet. I’ve read that there’s also risk of fading over time.
T he biggest challenge for me is the dilemma of not wanting to spend them because they look and feel more like collectibles than everyday money. Months after the release of the polymer series, I still face this dilemma each time an ATM dispenses crisp bills. This is maybe a relatable experience for others too.
The flip side is that I get to rationalize my spending choices.
BSP changes
WE at the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) congratulate recently appointed BSP
Deputy Governor (DG) Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja who succeeded my cousin, Deputy Governor Francisco G. Dakila Jr., a highly respected economist who retired from the central bank in April. DG Zeno will head the monetary and economics sector, a key role in overseeing economic policy, liquidity management and maintaining external stability.
Another BSP pillar is due to retire later this year. Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier who heads the BSP financial supervision sector is set to vacate her post in July. She has been a strong ally of the BMAP for many years and her departure will be a huge loss to the banking industry
Mai Gacilo Sangalang is the immediate past president of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) and currently its director for Industry Relations, Banking Code and Financial Inclusion. Sangalang is the head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing of Standard Chartered Bank Philippines. She can be reached by e-mailing maigsangalang@yahoo.com. The writer’s views do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror and the BMAP.
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has released a memorandum requiring all BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) to incorporate Negative Media Report (NMR) screening in their customer due diligence (CDD), a key part of the “Know Your Customer” process.
In Memorandum M-2025-017 signed by Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, the BSP said NMR refers to published or televised adverse news, advisories, and/or reports on certain individuals and entities.
The BSP said monitoring NMRs and incorporating them in verifying customers’ identities, assessing their risk and monitoring their activities will complement the transactionmonitoring system and its processes.
“NMR related to possible money laundering (ML) predicate offenses, terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF) risks may trigger further review or look back on customers’ transactions and activities, particularly those subject of such NMRs,” the BSP document also stated.
As a result of this requirement, BSP said financial institutions must adopt policies and procedures in the conduct and handling of NMR
THE Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued the budgetary and disbursement guidelines for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) funds, mandating the automatic release of 10 percent of barangay general funds to youth councils.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla signed Joint Memorandum Circular 1, series of 2025, to update the guidelines on the appropriation, release, planning and budgeting process for the SK funds.
As such, 10 percent of the barangay’s general fund, earmarked annually for SK operations and youth development initiatives, must be au-
screening results.
These include updating the BSFI’s institutional risk assessment (IRA) by including newly-identified financial crime threats and emerging trends relevant to its products and services.
This may also include other relevant developments in anti-money laundering activities and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT) that may have an impact on a bank’s operations and affected controls, if any.
“As such, a BSFI shall consider all relevant risk factors, such as but not limited to, institutional level of exposure to the subjects of negative information/reports and/or those that may be engaged in illegal activities,” the BSP said.
The central bank also said policies will require financial institutions to keep an updated list of NMR sources and maintain a database of persons
and entities that have become subjects of these negative reports in the media.
The sources of NMRs include news articles, public registers, court/ congressional/ senate records, as well as published hearings and deliberations, among others.
The BSP has also made it incumbent on BFSIs to ascertain the credibility of the sources of these negative reports and use the same for the conduct of ongoing monitoring.
The BSP also said BSFIs much conduct “customer and transaction screening and scrubbing” efforts. NMR screening can be included during onboarding while scrubbing can be done during transaction monitoring.
“To ensure holistic investigation, screening and scrubbing shall extend to ultimate beneficial owners and authorized signatories of juridical customers, as well as related parties/ interests and counterparties involving material and significant transactions,” the BSP said.
This will require BSFIs to develop a framework that can be used to handle NMRs. The framework must define “material and significant” transactions based on the outstanding exposures; historical transactions; relevance and magnitude of NMRs; and presence of suspicious circumstances.
The BSP said BSFIs should conduct enhanced monitoring and transaction review for possible risk re-assessment, risk-based account management, and suspicious transactions and risk event
tomatically released and shall not be subject to any holdback imposed by the barangay for whatever purpose.
“The SK funds shall be deposited by the barangay in the current account of the SK not later than five working days after the crediting of the monthly National Tax Allotment share of the barangay,” the circular read.
The SK’s current account, bearing the name of the SK in a governmentowned bank, must be situated in or nearest to its area of jurisdiction, with the SK chairperson and the SK treasurer as the official signatories to operationalize its financial independence.
Failure to open a current bank account or the absence of elected SK officials will require barangays to transfer the 10-percent SK allo -
G“With this facility, we are poised to scale faster, introduce new products, and serve millions more Filipinos who deserve better financial options,” FDFC Chief Finance Officer John Garret J. Go was quoted in the statement as saying.
The arrangement features Security Bank Capital as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Security Bank as Noteholder. The lender’s Corporation’s Trust and Asset Management Group serves as the Facility Agent, Paying Agent, Registrar, and Security Trustee, according to FDFC.
“This comprehensive structure highlights the bank’s deep commitment to Billease’s long-term success since its early days in the fintech landscape.”
“Our support for Billease aligns with our mission to empower businesses and build communities sustainably by advancing financial inclusion in the country,” Security Bank Executive Vice
President John Cary L. Ong was quoted in the statement as saying.
“We look forward to leveraging Billease’s digital expertise to augment our ‘BetterBanking’ services for the mass market segment.”
Meanwhile, Security Bank announced its retail app was recently honored by in Singapore.
“The all-new Security Bank app enhances user experience with quicker access to account information, automatic account linking, and enhanced security features.
With an 89-percent customer satisfaction rating and 99.8-percent uptime, this cloud-based platform exemplifies efficiency and convenience, setting a new standard in digital banking solutions,” the awards organizers said.
To date, the app has over 866,600 active users and processed over 18.7 million transactions, proving that customers have embraced a fully digital banking experience, according to Security Bank.
CASH app operator GXChange Inc. announced the launch of free health and accident insurance up to P30,000, underwritten by FPG Insurance Co. Inc., for every prepaid load purchase.
A statement issued by GXChange last Wednesday read that eligible users will be provided free insurance when they purchase prepaid credits using the “Buy Load” service on the GCash app.
An accidental death coverage worth P10,000 can be automatically received by a user for every load purchase. This can be accumulated up to P30,000 when making up to three separate eligible load purchases.
In cases of hospitalization due to illness and accidents, users may also claim an income assistance amounting to P500 per day for up to five days. Additionally, they may receive a disablement benefit of up to P10,000, offering financial support for themselves or their beneficiaries during recovery.
“Beyond just financial assis -
reporting, if needed.
BSFIs should identify courses of action after an NMR investigation. These actions may include flagging the customer’s account for ongoing monitoring and periodic enhanced due diligence and “lookback” on relevant transactions especially those with attendant suspicious circumstances.
The BSP said these actions may also include the following: filing of suspicious transaction reports and risk event reports based on the results of investigation; account restriction; review of business relationship; or, termination of relationship, among others.
“BSFIs shall analyze the significance of NMRs and assess the impact of the possible operational, compliance, legal, concentration and reputational risks brought by clients subject of NMRs,” the BSP said. The memorandum said it is also essential for BSFIs to promptly escalate and report significant risks based on the results of NMR screening activity.
This should be accompanied by other matters related to countering money laundering and terrorist financing, such as inquiries and/ or freeze orders by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, to help the Board of Directors and senior management make an informed decision. This will ensure that these top officials of the institution are kept updated of key risks and typologies and that relevant AML/CTPF policies and procedures are reviewed and recalibrated on a regular basis.
youth councils
cated funds to a special trust fund supported by actual cash deposits.
As for the planning of the SK fund, a three-year rolling plan, known as the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP), must be formulated within three months from SK officials’ assumption of office.
The CBYDP will serve as the basis for the preparation of the “Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program,” or “Abyip,” containing the specific programs, projects and activities with corresponding project costs, including the necessary fund flows to approximate the reasonable timing in the release of funds.
The CBYDP and the ABYIP shall prioritize health, education, environment, global mobility, active citizenship, governance, social equity and
tance, this benefit ensures that users have funds to cover medical costs or compensate for lost income during recovery,” G-Xchange President and CEO Oscar Enrico A. Reyes Jr. said through the statement.
With the country’s insurance penetration growing in recent years but remaining below 2 percent, Reyes said they see an opportunity to protect more Filipinos as millions of users buy load through the app.
“GCash introduced this initiative in response to shifting user needs. With millions of Filipinos still hesitant to fully embrace digital transactions, they still rely on traditional offline methods,” read the statement. With free health insurance integrated into prepaid load transactions, the company believes its users can “enjoy more benefits when they go digital, making each purchase not just more convenient but also rewarding.”
This initiative reflects our commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Filipino,
inclusion, peace-building and security, human rights, gender equality and economic empowerment.
“The responsibility and accountability in the utilization and disbursement of SK funds shall rest upon the SK officials concerned,” the circular stated.
SK officials are likewise responsible for ensuring that the funds are used strictly in compliance with relevant budgeting, accounting and auditing standards, as well as the provisions of existing procurement laws and regulations. Barangay and SK officials who fail to comply with the provisions of circular may be held liable under Section 61 of Republic Act 7160, the amended RA 10742, and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
ensuring that even the simplest transactions, like buying prepaid load, come with the added security of health coverage at no extra cost, G-XChange Vice President Winsley Royce F. Bangit was quoted as saying in the statement.
A day before announcing its partnership with FPG, G-XChange also entered into an agreement with Helios (PH) Sustainable Energy Corp. Through a statement issued on May 27, G-XChange explained the firm is offering a financing package for those wanting to adopt solar energy without immediate financial strain.
By using the “GGives” feature of the app, customers no longer need to have a credit card or navigate the complexities of applying for a solar financing loan at a bank, according to the company.
“GGives eliminates typical financial barriers, making solar energy more accessible and easier for a wider audience by offering zero down payment,
and
B4
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Corn imports seen falling on low feed demand
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Philippines’ corn imports could be slashed by over a third this year as animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF) and bird flu are eroding demand for the feedstuff.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has projected that the country’s purchases of imported corn will reach 1.22 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025, 36.5 percent lower than the 1.92 MMT recorded in the previous year.
According to Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PhilMaize) President Romualdo Elvira Jr., the DA’s outlook could be attributed to lackluster demand for corn.
“[There’s] low demand for feeds. The swine and poultry population
are still in the process of recovering from ASF and avian influenza,” Elvira told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday.
‘Robust demand’
HOWEVER , the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted in its latest report that the Philippines will import 2 million metric tons (MMT) of corn next year due to brisk demand for food and animal feeds.
The USDA attributed the increase in the Philippines’s purchases of imported corn to the “robust demand supporting sustained growth.”
“Based on an evaluation of data from the Government of the Philippines, FSI [food, seed, and in -
dustrial] consumption of corn has been revised higher to 4.2 million tons for 2024/25 and 2025/26,” the international agency said in its report.
The USDA also projected that purchases of the key ingredient for animal feeds would reach 1.75 MMT this year.
Tight supply
BMI , a unit of Fitch Solutions, expects global corn consumption to reach 1.23 billion tons this year, a slight increase from the 1.22 billion tons recorded last year. It also projected that global output in the 2024/25 season will dip by 1.2 percent.
However, the international research firm noted that the
Govt keen on tapping imports for subsidized rice scheme
THE Department of Agri -
culture (DA) is mulling over the purchase of the country’s food staple from Asian countries, including Pakistan, to sustain the state’s subsidized rice program.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the government, through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), could import rice given the “limited” availability of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) buffer stock.
“If we expand beyond our current beneficiaries or increase the allocation per individual, there could be a possibility [that demand will surpass] the stocks of NFA,” De Mesa told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.
In the past, rice importations undertaken by the government, especially through the NFA, were sourced from neighboring Asean countries, particularly Vietnam. The DA official said the government may consider the purchase of the staple from India and Pakistan.
The government launched the P20 per kilo rice program this month as part of efforts to ensure stable prices and to free up NFA warehouses.
Unloading old stocks will give the food agency storage space for palay that it will purchase from local farmers at P18 to P24 per kilo. The NFA said such rates will enable farmers to realize “a fair return” on their investment in rice production pegged at P12 to P14 per kilo.
The program ultimately aims to benefit 15 million households or around 60 million Filipinos.
Meanwhile, De Mesa said the government has identified 120,000 minimum wage earners that will benefit from the P20 per kilo program.
The DA official noted that these additional beneficiaries could purchase up to 10 kilos of rice monthly under the program by June.
However, De Mesa said the agency has yet to finetune the
rules related to their access to the subsidized rice.
The DA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently agreed in principle to include minimum wage earners among the beneficiaries in the subsidized rice program.
Under the government’s initiative, the cheaper rice sold in Kadiwa sites was initially only available to vulnerable sectors.
uptick in demand coupled with a projected reduction in global output could shift the market to a “substantial” deficit of 18.7 MMT this year, from a production surplus of 4.9 MMT in the previous year.
“This shift is expected to provide upward support for corn prices in the coming months.”
As a further consequence, the BMI noted a steep decline in stock levels among major corn exporters.
Citing the USDA’s projection, the research firm said carryover stocks in the US for the upcoming 2025/26 season could fall by 16.9 percent year-on-year to 37.2 MMT.
This includes indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities who can purchase up to 30 kilos per month.
The DA is proposing a P10billion budget to sustain the P20 per kilo rice program in 2026. This proposed budget is double the current P5 billion from the Office of the President’s contingency fund. Ada Pelonia
‘Killer insect’ worries sugar planters in Negros Occidental
THE pest infestation plaguing Negros Occidental’s sugarcane fields could weigh on the country’s production of the sweetener if it is not controlled immediately, according to the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed).
Unifed President Manuel Lamata expressed concern over the first case of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in Negros Occidental, considered the country’s sugar bowl.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) noted that the RSSI, which could reduce sugar content by nearly 50 percent, has already infected farms in the southern part of the province.
Around 87 hectares have already been infested with RSSI, while a 12-hectare farm has reported a 70-percent infestation, the agency added.
Given this, Lamata urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to curb the infestation of RSSI in the province using pesticides.
“What we need is for the DA to send a team of field personnel
“We do have an infestation in Negros Island. We are very worried about this issue because uncontrolled, we could lose the whole crop. This is a killer insect,” Lamata told the BusinessMirror.
who have encountered this kind of pest and bring the proper pesticides to spray and eradicate the infestation.”
The National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños recently found at least five insecticides that could curb the infestation.
Based on their study, buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam have shown potential in controlling the spread.
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 for a second trial in a different location to further test the efficacy of the insecticides before receiving an emergencyuse permit from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), since “these insecticides are not yet registered for sugarcane.”
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, the FPA is awaiting the SRA’s application for an emergency use permit for the said insecticides.
“The insecticides were proven effective, but they’re not designed for sugarcane,” De Mesa told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday. Ada Pelonia
ON a recent weekday morning in downtown Chicago, chefs inside a test kitchen prepared a five-course meal featuring tostada verde with jalapeño gouda and trout on focaccia. The chefs usually cook these spreads to help customers of Sysco Corp., the largest
a Sysco culinary specialist who helped create and cook the test meal. But he said “there’s always alternatives.”
While little known to diners, Sysco is an industry giant and uniquely situated to influence menus. It supplies food to 400,000 establishments in the US, where it generates more than 70 percent of its roughly $80 billion in annual revenue. The company, whose customers include Wendy’s and Chipotle, runs more than 70 test kitchens in the US offering free help for customers. Sourcing more domestic products benefits Sysco, too, by reducing transportation costs and speeding delivery. The restaurant industry largely sources from the US, but some key ingredients are imported. The US relies on Mexican avocados and tomatoes. Almost all bananas come from countries like Guatemala and Ecuador. Up to 75 percent of seafood is imported. There’s not even enough US beef to meet all the demand. Total agriculture imports topped $200 billion last year.
Trump’s tariffs, which are set to drastically rise in July when a 90-day pause expires, have prompted US restaurants to look for help finding ingredient substitutes to keep a lid on costs. More than 40 percent of eateries surveyed by researcher Technomic have already shifted some sourcing to the US or countries with cheaper prices.
Minimizing the impact of the trade war has become a crucial move as profits come under increasing pressure, with the National Restaurant Association estimating that it’s 30 percent more expensive to run eateries now than in 2019. Tariffs would leave businesses no choice but to raise prices given already-tight margins of 3 percent to 5 percent, the group has said. Meanwhile, uncertainty around the effect of the duties on prices has prompted many diners to be more judicious about eating out.
In Chicago, Freeman and Jeff Creswell,
Sysco’s director of business specialists, are clad in black chef’s coats. They’ve whipped up a charcuterie board featuring Wisconsin gouda made by a Dutch immigrant, duck raised in Indiana and camembert aged near New York’s Finger Lakes.
“Let’s say I have a French person coming in” and the goal is to show them the camembert, Freeman said of the soft, creamy cheese first made in Normandy. “I won’t even tell them in advance that this isn’t from France.” Freeman recently convinced a Sysco customer who wanted to offer imported cured meats at a new restaurant to use salami from Salumi Chicago, a US-based producer that sources its meats from New York, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Texas.
“It’s not just an alternative,” Freeman said.
“This is a great space to highlight how great some of these products could be.”
“This significant drawdown in domestic stocks across key exporters is likely to heighten market sensitivity to harvest progressions and contribute to an elevated risk premium in global corn markets,” it said.
“As such, these dynamics are expected to continue underpinning global prices, reflecting increased vulnerability to supply disruptions and reinforcing the importance of monitoring developments in crucial production regions.”
Furthermore, Brazilian carryover stocks are forecast to plummet by 60.1 percent annually to 3 MMT, while the EU and Ukraine are also expected to enter the 2025/26 season with beginning stocks reduced by 8 percent and 30.9 percent, respectively.
FAO: Tackling water scarcity requires speed, scale and determination
THE world needs to act with speed, scale and determination to tackle the growing threat of water scarcity and climate shocks, the director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu, told the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference.
Qu was invited to deliver opening remarks at the conference in the Iraqi capital last May 24. Hosted by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, the conference offered FAO the chance to convene experts, policymakers, and partners to share knowledge and foster collaboration for sustainable water and agricultural development. Among those attending was the country’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani.
Across the world, FAO noted that water is under growing pressure from rising demand, intensifying droughts and competing interests.
The situation is particularly critical in Iraq, where water has an historical legacy. Mesopotamia--”the land between two rivers”--was the cradle of ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and the Babylonians. Today, water management systems like its canals and qanats underpin Iraq’s identity, celebrated in art, literature, and religious texts.
The country’s agriculture sector – and its food security - rely heavily on water, with over 90 percent of this precious resource used for irrigation, supporting staple crops like wheat, barley, rice, and date palms.
Without sustainable water management, Iraq risks losing up to 50 percent of its wheat and barley yields by 2050, increasing its reliance on volatile global markets. Moreover, disappearing water resources threaten to erase millennia-old traditions, displacing communities and cutting ties to historical landscapes. In the case of Iraq, preserving its water heritage means maintaining historical legacies and social cohesion.
The challenges posed by water scarcity affect not just Iraq, but much of the Middle East and many other regions around the world.
Tackling such challenges requires acting with “speed, scale and determination,” Qu said.
He said priority should be placed on ensuring that water technologies are affordable and accessible. Policy makers should also strengthen local capacity and empower farmers--especially youth and women. Finally, there’s a need to scaleup what works, from smart irrigation to sustainable energy through knowledge and training programs.
Water works “WATER is at the heart of agrifood systems – it sustains crops, feeds livestock, and supports millions of livelihoods. This is why FAO has elevated water as a strategic priority.” FAO in 2022 convened the Rome Water Dialogue, a platform where countries share practical solutions and successful experiences. In 2023, the FAO Ministerial Conference endorsed water as FAO’s Biennial theme for 2024-2025 – a recognition from Members of the important role of water. And this year, as FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, the organization will recognize innovative water solutions from around the world at the next Rome Water Dialogue, to be held during this year’s edition of the World Food Forum.
In the meantime, FAO has been carrying out a series of initiatives in Iraq and the Middle East through its WaPOR program--an open-access portal using remote sensing to help farmers use water more efficiently. Last year, for instance, FAO supported Iraq in securing a $39 million project cofinanced by the Green Climate Fund to modernize irrigation, strengthen Water User Associations, promote climateresilient agricultural practices and develop efficient and effective water and energy management policies. The WaPOR program is also active in Tunisia, where remote sensing tools are helping farmers schedule irrigation more precisely; in Egypt, where solar-powered irrigation is delivering affordable, sustainable water access; and in Morocco, where collective micro-irrigation systems are boosting water efficiency and crop quality.
Inside the test kitchens helping restaurants navigate the trade war
Many of the products Freeman and Creswell showcased are available through the company’s Home Grown Program, which includes a network of about 30 suppliers within 300 miles of the Chicagoland area. The initiative started around 2019 as “eat local” movements gained momentum. At the time, Trump’s first trade war was also upending food procurement.
Sysco’s push to find more domestic suppliers across its business intensified during the pandemic when global supply chains were disrupted. That effort has ramped up this year as Trump has reignited trade disputes, according to Chief Merchandising Officer Victoria Gutierrez. The firm’s US operations now import less than 10% of its goods.
“We see the strategic benefit in bringing supply chains closer to home because
you reduce exposure to disruption,” Gutierrez said, adding that the food is fresher and handled better when it’s sourced nearer to customers.
Sysco has rebounded from the pandemic when restaurants took a hit, but growth has recently slowed. In April, the Houstonbased company reduced its sales outlook as consumers cut back on dining out. Its shares are down roughly 6.5 percent this year, compared to about a 1-percent decline for the S&P 500 Index. Of course, some ingredients don’t have an obvious substitute in the US, including many tropical fruits, coffee and cocoa beans for chocolate. Plus, Trump’s vacillation on tariffs has held back Sysco customers from making swaps, according to Scott Ryan, a director of local sales at the company. Bloomberg News
PHOTO BY NONIE REYES
EU, Spain wrap-up
GOJUST-Human Rights project
with CHR; unveil new rights-based facilities in QC
THE European Union (EU) in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) have formally concluded their joint “Governance in Justice Programme [GOJUST II]: The Human Rights Project” in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
The event on May 16 marked the project’s achievements and collective efforts of human-rights defenders, local governments, civil society organizations and international partners toward a more rights-based justice system in the country.
It also marked the soft inauguration of several new CHR facilities located at its Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. These include the CHR In-House Shelter: a safe and dignified shelter for those at high risk of suffering human-rights violations, a MultiPurpose Safe Space which ensures privacy for gender-based violence victims when providing testimonies; a Human Rights Learning Center; and newly installed CHR-National Capital Region (NCR) and CHR-IVB (Southern Tagalog) offices.
Other than creating these new infrastructures in Metro Manila, the CHR also built six new regional offices in Regions 9, 4B, NCR, 4A and 11 with GOJUST’s support. These will allow the commission to expand access nationwide and improve on its capacity of providing quality attention to citi-
zens needing its services. Under GOJUST, the CHR has also boosted the promotion of human rights at the local level, working with 62 local government units in institutionalizing policies on human rights, gender and development, as well as gender equality and social inclusion or GESI.
EU and Spain’s support also allowed the CHR to train 294 investigators, lawyers, and security officers on human rights-based investigations, which have enabled the institution to successfully resolve 7,277 backlog cases and provide aid to 14,255 persons deprived of liberty or PDLs. As part of its detention-monitoring efforts under GOJUST, the CHR has made 2,672 visits to jails and other detention facilities including highly congested ones, and issued humanrights situation reports with recommendations, particularly on the conditions of women in detention.
In addition, with GOJUST’s support, the CHR has launched two digital platforms: The “Management Information System Monitor-
ing Outlet” or “MISMO” makes the CHR’s services more accessible by allowing citizens to file and track human rights violations complaints. Meanwhile, the “Places of Deprivation of Liberty Visitation Information System” allows the commission to assess detention conditions and support reform.
CHR chairperson Richard Paat Palpal-latoc emphasized the significance of the event: “This moment is not just an ending—it is a renewal of our promise to protect human rights through concrete action. With the support of GOJUST and our partners, we’ve been able to plant seeds for a stronger, more inclusive CHR. These new facilities are physical manifestations of that commitment.”
Ambassador of EU to the Philippines Massimo Santoro also remarked that he is “very proud to be able to say that we have accompanied the efforts of the current commission under the leadership of Chairman Palpal-Latoc. Today, as we have done for over 15 years, I would like to reaffirm our partnership with the [CHR].”
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Miguel Utray Delgado stated that “GOJUST II has been crucial in enhancing the capacity of the [CHR], safeguarding civil and political rights,
German med-tech, digital health firms explore local
GERMANY-BASED medical technology and digital-health innovators are actively eyeing the Philippines for strategic partnerships and business expansion.
The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in collaboration with the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP), the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., and the Healthcare Technology Association of the Philippines, hosted the German-Philippine Conference on Medical Technology and Digital Health early this month.
“Digital health and medical technology are powerful enablers for health-care transformation,” said GPCCI deputy executive director Charlotte Bandelow. “We are proud to [have provided a venue] where German innovation and Philippine health-care priorities can meet. We arranged around 50 business-tobusiness meetings to initiate concrete cooperation.”
Boosting 2-way bonds
THE conference was part of a broader Ger-
man business mission focused on fostering collaboration in the fields of medical
devices, diagnostics, health information technology (IT), and digital-health innovation. Around 70 stakeholders who included industry leaders, regulatory experts and public-sector representatives participated in high-level panel discussions, market briefings and targeted business matchmaking sessions.
The event also featured a keynote address by MDAP president Dr. Luis Ramon Rodriguez who spoke on the current landscape, emerging opportunities and strategic pathways for the medical device industry in the country. His presentation highlighted key investment prospects in digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) integration, as well as opportunities in original equipment manufacturing, assembly and local production.
Participating companies included 3di GmbH which specializes in custom-made cranial implants using PEEK, BIOVERIT® II, and titanium. Their patient-specific solutions are based on cranial tomography data and ensure fast production, high precision and digital-surgeon linkages. They also provide realistic practice dummy material for training.
The Bavarian Institute for Age- and Dementia-sensitive Architecture creates
preventing human-rights violations and making justice accessible to all, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society.”
As the GOJUST II project officially concluded, the CHR reaffirms its commitment to advancing a future where the rights of every Filipino are upheld, respected and realized through systems that serve, spaces that protect, and partnerships that endure.
Background
WITH a total grant of €19 million, or P1.1 billion, over a period of four years, EU’s GOJUST program aids the country’s efforts for Filipinos’ improved access to justice.
The first element of GOJUST works on justice reform with the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to develop more responsive and accountable justice services nationwide.
In addition, the program supports the CHR’s own initiatives to strengthen its capacity to implement the constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights in the country. This component is co-funded with the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation, contributing an added €1 million, or P59.47 million.
market
inclusive architecture for elderly and cognitively impaired individuals, offering research, consulting and workshops to enhance health-care and senior-care design.
Meanwhile, Clinaris GmbH delivers a digital hygiene and maintenance platform for medical devices and hospital rooms, optimizing workflows, compliance and resource use in real time. Fracto GERDES GBR provides s calable digital platforms for medical technology training, e-learning and compliance, supporting product onboarding, staff certification and regulatory alignment. INOSOLVE GmbH offers consulting and validation services in GxP or good practices, MDR and quality assurance for medical technology and pharmaceutical firms including audits, compliance strategies and staff training. Kimetec GmbH manufactures premium breast pumps and tourniquets for clinical and home use focusing on comfort, durability and regulatory compliance. Oehm und Rehbein GmbH or OR Technology supplies portable digital X-ray systems and AI-powered imaging software for hospitals, disaster response and mobile
opportunities EIGHT
diagnostics. VISUS Health IT GmbH offers medical data-management software, health-care content management and connectivity solutions tailored to radiology and hospital IT needs.
“We see tremendous potential for German companies to contribute to the Philippine health-care system, particularly in diagnostics, telehealth, and hospital technology,” said GPCCI president Marie Antoniette Mariano. “This mission reflects Germany’s [pledge] to building lasting partnerships in sectors with real impact.”
Key representatives from local hospitals, health-care distributors, government agencies, and technology providers attended the event and reinforced shared interests in driving health-care innovation and accessibility.
The conference was part of a week-long business delegation to the Philippines from May 5 to 9 that involved German small and medium enterprises in medical technology and digital health. GPCCI implemented the project in cooperation with the German Health Alliance under the “Market Access Program for SMEs” supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
SINCE MARAWI CONFLICT: Unresolved issues of displaced and missing people hamper lasting peace
THE path to lasting peace remains fragile in Marawi City in southern Philippines because of unresolved issues like prolonged displacement, limited support and lack of answers for families whose loved ones are still missing—eight years after the conflict started.
“It is disheartening to see so many families—around 8,200 people—living for eight years in inadequate conditions in shelters that were supposed to be temporary,” said Johannes Bruwer, who heads the Manila delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “They are now paying rent and yet, have irregular access to clean water, adding immense strain to their daily lives.”
Although the Philippine government has made significant efforts, such as the construction of public infrastructure in the most affected area and the creation of the Marawi Compensation Board, rebuilding their homes remains a distant dream for some families who claim that the compensation they received is not enough and for those who are burdened by the documentation required to receive their payouts.
The ICRC continues to urge the national, regional and local governments—especially its newly elected officials—to work together in hastening the rebuilding of the most affected area, while ensuring that basic services are provided to people in transitional shelters.
“Eight years is a long time; people have been displaced for far too long. For the residents, returning to their neighborhoods is a step toward normalcy and a necessary part of their healing,” Bruwer insisted. “Ensuring their full recovery is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also key to lasting peace.”
The ICRC has been helping the people of Marawi access clean water, especially in certain parts of the least-affected area where water is now available round-theclock. It is looking forward to government agencies completing the
remaining pipelines in Marawi’s water supply network.
Cases of missing people SINCE 2017, the ICRC has advocated for people whose lives were upended by the Marawi conflict, who include families of the missing. They still suffer from anguish and uncertainty of not knowing the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.
The obligation to prevent people from going missing and to account for those who are reported missing is enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols, to which the Philippines is a party.
Apart from the emotional burden, the difficulty of obtaining a legal document certifying the absence or presumed death of the missing person has been repeatedly raised as a major concern by their families. Resolving this persistent, systemic issue would allow families to access social benefits, pensions and property rights.
From 2017 to 2024, the ICRC has helped more than 400 families of missing people by providing mental health and psychosocial support and through livelihood initiatives. The ICRC has been supporting the Philippine National Police’s Forensic Group with technical advice, capacitybuilding and material support toward the identification of remains in the Maqbara and Dalipuga cemeteries.
“We urge Philippine authorities to provide answers as soon as possible to the families who have been patiently waiting; [they need to take] necessary steps to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing, as well as identify the remains that have been found,” Bruwer said. “By doing so, the government will help the families move toward healing and trust-building.” He added that, beyond just remembering the missing people of Marawi, “let us realize their families’ shared hope for more support and for closure, so that they can move forward with peace in their hearts.”
OFFICIALS from CHR and the embassies of EU and Republic of Spain at the project’s culminating event
Okada Manila Spa Wins Again at 2025 APSWC Awards
The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila has once again been recognized for its outstanding contribution to wellness excellence, securing the “Wellness Menu of the Year” award at the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC) Awards 2025. This back-to-back win reaffirms the spa’s position as a leader in crafting transformative, culturally rooted wellness journeys.
The Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) is a not-for-profit organization that connects and promotes the spa and wellness industry in the Asia Pacific region. The main criteria for “Wellness Menu of the Year” is a diverse range of spa and wellness services—delivered manually, mechanically, or technologically—that support physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing.
The Retreat Spa’s continued recognition reflects its steadfast dedication to blending traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques to elevate guest experience. This latest accolade adds to the spa’s growing list of distinctions, including its prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating, a global hallmark of exceptional service and world-class wellness experiences. A 3,000-square-meter wellness
sanctuary, The Retreat Spa offers a multi-sensory experience designed to rejuvenate the body and calm the mind. At its heart is the Wave Dream Meditation Chamber, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, which uses chromotherapy and the soothing rhythms of water and light to induce deep relaxation and mental clarity. Guests can also unwind at the Tonic Bar, which overlooks a lush spa garden and free-form pool. The bar features wellnessfocused refreshments, each under 350 calories, complementing the spa’s holistic approach to health and well-being.
The spa’s ten luxurious indoor suites and four outdoor spa casitas provide serene spaces for customized treatments. These
tranquil settings are ideal for signature therapies such as “Dance of Waves,” a graceful, flowing forearm massage that encourages full-body relaxation, and “Duyan,” a deep-tissue massage inspired by the Filipino art of hilot, designed to restore balance and release physical tension.
“Earning the ‘Wellness Menu of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year is a powerful testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Vikki Aquino, Executive Director, Wellness and Leisure, at Okada Manila. “We are proud to offer a wellness experience that is not only indulgent but deeply meaningful for the mind, body, and soul.”
Tala Philippines’ FinLit Program Wins in 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards
TALA was recognized at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for its impactful initiative in enhancing financial literacy in the Philippines. Its program “TALAkayan With Salve Duplito,” received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications.
The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 markets of the Asia-Pacific region. The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business
Metro
Traffic
SLKINSTATION proudly received the prestigious Gold Award for outstanding performance in delivering Profhilo skin booster treatments during the Neoasia Gala Awards held at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. The recognition highlights SkinStation’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction in the field of advanced skin care. Profhilo, known for its powerful skin hydration and bio-remodeling benefits, is one of the most sought-after anti-
Awards® for 23 years.
TALAkayan is a series of financial education workshops conducted by Tala Philippines with Empower and Transform (EAT). Through interactive sessions led by financial guru Salve Duplito, participants from various sectors were able to learn the basics of personal finance and money management, and acquire helpful tools they can use in improving their financial health. They also gained new understanding about financial services platforms and the benefits these can offer users.
“We are honored and proud to have TALAkayan recognized by the Stevie Awards. This program was created to strengthen financial education in the Philippines, especially for hardworking and deserving Filipinos who have limited access to financial services.,” said Missy Santos, Tala Philippines Marketing Director, who also spearheaded the initiative. “This award reaffirms our mission to serve the global majority and expand financial inclusion. As we evolve to become growth partners for Filipinos, we remain committed to empowering them, creating change and long-lasting impact on their financial journeys.””
The TALAkayan workshops were held in various locations in Metro Manila, Laguna, Quezon Province, Nueva Ecija, and Singapore. Each session was catered to the needs of its respective participant group including laborers, factory workers, jeepney drivers, BPO employees, farmers, microentrepreneurs, and OFWs among others.
Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 100 executives around the world acting as judges in February and March. Winners will be celebrated during a gala awards ceremony in Seoul, South Korea.
Getting Worse?
ET’S face it—living in Metro Manila often feels like you’re stuck in a traffic loop. With the average commute stretching over 45 minutes (and that’s on a good day), many young professionals are asking: Is there a better way to live in the city? Enter co-living—a new kind of urban setup that blends affordability, convenience, and community. And yes, it’s booming. Across Asia, co-living spaces are growing by more than 20 percent every year, with millennials and Gen Zs leading the charge. Over 40 percent of young adults in the Asia-Pacific are now looking for flexible living options. Why? Because the nine-to-five grind isn’t the only thing that’s changing—so is the idea of “home.”
In the Philippines, Ayala Land is taking this shift seriously. Their response? The CityFlats—a co-living concept that hits all the right notes for today’s mobile, ambitious, and community-driven generation. Think: modern, move-inready spaces in prime locations, where you’re minutes away from your work, your favorite café, or the next gig.
The CityFlats has four sites in Makati and BGC, each with its own vibe and appeal. Amorsolo is ideal for those who want quick access to the Makati CBD without the daily commuting headache. Sacred Heart offers a quieter, more residential feel—perfect for anyone craving a peaceful escape without
SM unveils new merch to support DENR’s ‘Save from Extinction’ campaign
SM is amplifying its commitment to wildlife conservation with the launch of a captivating new merchandise line dedicated to six of the Philippines’ most endangered species.
At the forefront of this initiative are plushies of the Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, pawikan, dugong, tamaraw, and pangolin—adorable symbols of hope carrying an urgent message: save them from extinction.
But there is more to this exciting campaign than cuddly toys from Toy Kingdom. SM has expanded its offerings to include chic new shirt designs from Kultura and a children’s apparel line from SM Fashion, inviting everyone—from eco-conscious advocates to young animal enthusiasts—to support the cause in style. Merchandise is available in select Kultura and Toy Kingdom branches: SM Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and SM Makati.
This initiative is a cornerstone of SM’s partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the “Save from Extinction” campaign that was launched in October 2024. Designed to raise awareness and generate much-needed funds to protect the six species vulnerable to extinction, the
campaign shines a spotlight on these species, which face critical threats to their survival due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
DENR has also partnered with wildlife conservation groups to safeguard these animals such as the Forest Foundation Philippines, Katala Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature–Philippines, D’Aboville Foundation, and the Zoological Society of London. Proceeds from every purchase in this collection will directly support the conservation programs of the DENR and its partner NGOs.
In addition to the merchandise, Banco De Oro (BDO) Unibank, Inc., a key partner in the campaign, is offering donation channels to make it even easier for the public to contribute. The public can easily make donations through BDO ATMs and branches nationwide, as well as through the BDO Online app. All collected funds will go to the partner NGOs dedicated to the conservation of these species.
The exclusive “Save from Extinction” merchandise is available at select SM malls. Turn compassion into action and join the fight to save endangered wildlife. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/ save-from-extinction.
The CityFlats Offers a Smarter Way with Co-Living Spaces
leaving the city grid. Circuit, on the other hand, pulses with creative energy, surrounded by art spaces and even hosting an artist-in-residence program. The CityFlats BGC is designed for those who want to be at the heart of it all, close to tech startups, coffee spots, fitness studios, and weekend markets. Each unit fits up to four people and comes furnished—no need to lug around a bed frame or closets. There are special units for PWDs on every floor, too. You can book short stays or settle in long-term. And unlike cookie-cutter rentals, The CityFlats makes space for community: movie nights, art jams, wellness workshops, and real connections beyond the Wi-Fi. And if you’re based outside the capital—good news. Ayala Land has expanded the co-living lifestyle to Cebu I.T. Park, with a 14-story hub featuring 396 co-living rooms and 70 hostel units. Another location is set to open soon at Cebu Business Park. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about stylish spaces or cutting costs. The CityFlats is about taking back what matters most—your time, your energy, your city life. Whether you’re a young professional, student, creative, remote worker, or just someone fed up with spending hours in traffic, co-living at The CityFlats offers a smarter, more intentional way to live—and maybe even thrive—in the heart of it all.
The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila has once again secured the “Wellness Menu of the Year” award at the APSWC Awards 2025.
In the photo are TV host RJ Ledesma, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna Sy, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and the fashion show models featuring the “Save from Extinction” merch from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, among others.
The CityFlats Circuit Makati
Flores de Mayo: Celebrating May with flowers, festivals, and gratitude
EVERY May, the Philippines bursts into bloom not just with flowers, but with devotion, tradition and love. As a mother and columnist, I find this month particularly poignant, intertwining personal memories with cultural celebrations.
Flores de Mayo, meaning “Flowers of May,” is a cherished Filipino tradition introduced by Spanish missionaries. It traces its roots to the Spanish colonial period when missionaries introduced the practice of offering flowers to the Virgin Mary as part of Catholic devotion. The festival began in Bulacan in 1867, inspired by Mariano Sevilla’s translation of Spanish devotional literature. Over time, it blended with the Mexican-influenced Santa Cruz de Mayo, culminating in the Santacruzan—a grand procession reenacting Saint Helena’s legendary search for the Holy Cross. What began as a month-long Marian devotion has since become a uniquely Filipino celebration, deeply woven into our faith and history.
Throughout May, communities in Manila and key cities across the Philippines come alive with daily flower offerings, prayers, and vibrant processions. Young girls in white or floral dresses carry baskets of petals to the altar, singing hymns and praying the Rosary. The culmination, the Santacruzan, transforms streets into runways of beauty and faith, with “Reynas” (queens) in elaborate gowns parading under floral arches. In rural towns, these rituals are followed by shared snacks, games and community gatherings, reinforcing bonds and passing on traditions to the next generation. Even as some festivities grow more secular or tourist-oriented, their core remains rooted in gratitude, faith, and the Filipino love for celebration.
It made me think of the significance flowers play in a person’s life. They mark celebrations, express condolences, and symbolize various emotions. They are actually woven into the fabric of our most meaningful moments. Personally, flowers have always been my emotional compass. I grew up in my grandparents’ house surrounded by many local flowering plants like sampaguita, ylang-ylang, santan, gumamela; and fruit trees like macopa, santol and guava. Their colors and scents can instantly shift my mood—calming me with the gentle fragrance of
sampaguita, or invigorating me with the vibrant hues of the santan. In Filipino culture, certain flowers carry deep meanings: the sampaguita (our national flower) stands for purity and humility; the gumamela (hibiscus) symbolizes beauty and delicate strength; the ylang-ylang evokes romance and tranquility; the everlasting signifies undying love and remembrance; and the rose, in all its forms, is a universal emblem of passion and gratitude. In times of grief, a single bloom can offer solace. In moments of happiness, a bouquet can amplify our gratitude. I studied in Saint Jude until my early years of high school. Every Thursday was the busiest with all the devotees flocking to the parish. There were also numerous flower vendors where I would gladly use my saved cash to pick flowers that would represent the feelings I had that week. Then I would put them in our altar at home.
That’s why I was particularly intrigued and excited to attend launch of the Flower Festival 2025 at Robinsons Galleria Department Store. The festival kicked off with an exclusive media preview. Notable personalities, such as Robina Gokongwei, Robinsons
Retail chairman and JG Summit Holdings Inc. director, were present to admire the installations. The event transformed the store into a springtime garden, showcasing over 10,000 fresh blooms curated by renowned florist Tiger Lim from May 8 to 14. The vibrant displays created an immersive and Instagramworthy environment. Highlights included free flower arrangement workshops, where participants learned about floral art techniques. Shoppers were also able to take their portraits amid the floral installations, with complimentary photo prints available. Exclusive perks, like free drinks for early shoppers, added to the festive atmosphere. The festival aimed to elevate the traditional shopping experience, offering a multisensory journey that celebrated mothers and created memorable moments for families. As noted by Carmina Quizon, general manager of Robinsons Department Store, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment
Everybody can get leptospirosis—here’s how to avoid it
THESE days, it only takes a bit of rain to start a flood, a major inconvenience that ruins homes and properties, disrupts schools and businesses, and creates hours of standstill traffic jams.
Alarmingly, it triggers the rise of leptospirosis. A disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira, it’s spread from floodwater containing the urine of infected dogs, rats, and farm animals into the open wound, nose, mouth, eyes, or genitals of an unsuspecting person. If diagnosed and addressed early with antibiotics, leptospirosis resolves itself in about a week. Left untreated, the disease can progress to a host of complications, particularly on the kidneys.
“Once it enters the bloodstream, Leptospira targets the kidneys, causing their inflammation and affecting their function,” says Eladio Miguel M. Peñaranda Jr., MD, a nephrologist from leading health institution Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph).
“Damaged kidneys cannot process and filter waste, leading to a buildup of toxic material in the blood. Dialysis helps remove the waste when the kidneys cannot function properly.”
Despite government agencies’ repeated warnings to avoid swimming and wading in dirty floodwater, cases of leptospirosis spiked last year. According to the Department of Health, over 2,700 patients from the National Capital Region alone were diagnosed with the disease from January to October 2024, surpassing the epidemic threshold.
“It’s the great equalizer, as it exempts
no one,” Peñaranda points out.
“Even the healthiest and fittest of us can get it.” Still, you can avoid it—or recover faster when diagnosed—by keeping certain things in mind.
MakatiMed warns against exposing yourself to floodwater.
“Some commuters say they are forced to wade through floodwater to get to work or go home. If you must, wear protective gear like rubber boots,” Peñaranda advises.
“If you don’t have a choice, wash your feet, legs, hands, and face with soap and clean water. Apply an antiseptic on any cuts or wounds that you may have.”
Clothes and shoes that have been soaked in floodwater need to be detergentwashed and sun-dried to kill the bacteria.
It takes two to 14 days for signs of
leptospirosis to appear so monitor for symptoms.
“Among the classic symptoms are fever, headaches, vomiting, muscle pain in the calves and back, abdominal pain, red eyes, yellowish skin, and reduced or dark-colored urine,” explains Peñaranda.
See your doctor immediately as soon as these signs appear so treatment can begin. A blood and urine test can determine the presence of Leptospira in your system.
“While it’s true that anyone can get leptospirosis, having a strong immune system can help fight infection better,” says Peñaranda. “Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly. These healthy habits help stave off other diseases, too.”
In Chinese, my name means “double rose,” a symbol of abundance, love and resilience. This name has been a guiding light, reminding me to live with passion, to give generously, and to find beauty in every moment. Like the rose, I strive to bloom where I am planted, embracing both the thorns and the petals of life with gratitude.
Flowers, in all their forms, teach us to celebrate, to heal, and to hope. As we honor Flores de Mayo and all the traditions that come with it, may we continue to find inspiration in every petal, and may our lives, like the double rose, be filled with gratitude and boundless love. n
Jollibee brings back JolliKids Fun Camp for jolly summer of fun
KIDS are in for an exciting treat this summer with the return of the JolliKids Summer Fun Camp. This much-awaited program offers kids a unique chance to step into the shoes of a Jollibee crew member and experience the joy of learning through play and will be offered until June 14, 2025.
This year’s edition follows a joy-filled two-day format, with each daily session lasting three hours. For both days, they get to feel what it’s like to be a Jollibee store crew— learning how to take and serve Jollibee orders and share smiles with guests, experience making their own Jollibee favorites, celebrate their jolly achievements, and play and have fun with Jollibee.
The kids also get to wear the refreshed JolliKids apron and cap pairing, inspired by the new Jollibee crew uniform design. Participants will also receive their own booklet and sticker set, used to track their performance and reward them for doing a good job. The camp kicks off with a welcoming program followed by a quick store tour, allowing kids to get familiar with their surroundings. Afterwards, they begin their training.
The hands-on activities are packed with fun learning. Kids will gear up and dive into
Yum’s Factory, where they’ll become mini chefs making the Yumburgers. Kids also get to make their own Jolly Spaghetti at Hetty’s Kitchen, where they can add the signature meaty sauce and cheese that everyone loves.
Then, it’s off to Twirlie’s Dessert Corner, where they can twirl their way to make their Chocolate Sundae masterpiece.
Throughout both days, they’ll take turns manning the Busy Bees Stations, where they’ll handle tasks at the drive-thru booth and dinein counter. This gives them the opportunity to improve their communication and social skills while building confidence and teamwork with other kids.
To cap off the experience, participants will join the Level Up Ceremony—a special ceremony where they’re recognized for their efforts and get to celebrate with awards and a joyful dance session with Jollibee.
The JolliKids Fun Camp program’s registration is ongoing up to June 14 and is open to children aged 4 to 12 years old. With a registration fee of P620, each participant receives their apron and cap uniform, milestone stickers and booklet, meals, and all necessary activity materials.
To see the list of participating stores,
‘Fan-unfriendly’ this French Open
With dad John back, Haliburton powers Pacers closer to Finals
NDIANAPOLIS—Tyrese Halibur-
Iton finished with 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds without a turnover in a historic postseason performance to lead the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks, 130-121, on Tuesday night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
With his father, John, back in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Haliburton became the first player with such a stat line in the postseason since turnovers were first tracked in 1977-78 and he carried the Pacers within a victory of their second trip to the National Basketball Association Finals.
Nikola Jokic and Oscar Robertson are the only other players to post 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a playoff game.
Game 5 is Thursday in New York.
“I’ll look at that later and reflect on that at a different time. For me, it’s just about winning,” Haliburton said. “I wanted to prove I could respond when my back is against the wall, my team›s back is against the wall. I feel like we responded the right way.”
Pascal Siakam added 30 points while Haliburton had four steals in his second career postseason triple-double.
Obi Toppin’s three-pointer with 46 seconds left sealed it.
Jalen Brunson scored 31 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and OG Anunoby finished with 22 points. AP
More excitement, upgrade in Manila ‘Rock
Roll’ run
PTARIS—In all sports, there are advantages to being at home.
At the French Open tennis tournament, being a visitor playing against a French player can feel as though the whole world is against you.
The crowds don’t just cheer. They boo, they whistle, they make noise between serves, they hurl insults—and, at least once, even gum—at the locals’ opponents. hat sort of behavior is why the tournament organizers banned alcohol from the stands last year, a policy still in place.
S ome of the non-French athletes who deal with that sort of negativity in Paris, such as 19-year-old Jakub Mensík of the Czech Republic, who eliminated Alexandre Müller in front of a rowdy crowd at Court 14 on Tuesday, compare the high-intensity atmosphere to that of a soccer game.
Others choose stronger terms.
One player says French Open fans can be “disgusting.”
“D isgusting. Worst experience of my life,” was what Nicolás Jarry of Chile said this week when asked to think back to last year’s rowdy loss at Court Simonne-Mathieu to France’s Corentin Moutet, whose coach had implored the spectators to make life “hell” for Jarry after the two had a contentious meeting in Santiago earlier in the season.
Jarry blamed that on Moutet, saying that everything was calmer during his loss Monday to another Frenchman, Arthur Fils, whom the Chilean called a “good guy” and a “gentleman.”
“It’s a battle out there, you know. Sometimes, it’s not just a battle with the player,” said Novak Djokovic, who is scheduled to face the irrepressible Moutet in the second round Thursday. Expect an antagonistic atmosphere. Djokovic sure does.
Roland-Garros spectators can be “louder and more passionate.”
“ They’re going to have the crowd on their side. It’s nothing strange about it. It’s expected,” the 24time Grand Slam champion
“But it is true that here in France and in Paris, comparing to other Slams, the people are louder and more passionate and just give more
Big surprise in sumo Japan has a new sumo grand champion, or Yokozuna,
support, louder support, more energy to their player, which for some [opponents] can be annoying. It’s not the kind of ideal environment you want to be playing in, but you have to be ready for it.”
So much for the supposed silence usually found in a tennis are na. It all raises questions about where the line between support and incivility lies.
We’ve stepped up security,”
tournament director Amélie Mauresmo
a former No. 1 player, said before this year’s event, “and given chair umpires greater power to intervene and report unacceptable behavior in the stands.”
F or Mensík on Tuesday, the jeers began every time he hit the ball during the warmup ahead of his 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3 win over France’s Müller.
M ore arrived once play began, accompanying each of his 20 aces or just when he simply walked to check a ball mark—a routine part of claycourt tennis.
After taking the third set, Mensík gave the boo birds a little bit back, waving his right index finger as if it were a baton conducting an orchestra, a move he learned from Djokovic.
“Sometimes,” Mensík said of the crowd, “it is too far.”
S till, there are those who shrug it all off.
Some players say the rowdy crowds in Paris are just part of tennis.
That’s part of tennis, especially here. My opponent had her fans here; I have mine in Belgium. It’s normal,” said Elise Mertens, the 24th-seeded Belgian who was a semifinalist at the 2018 Australian Open and lost Tuesday to Lois Boisson of France at Court 14. “Fans were loud but not insulting. I didn’t feel any particular hostility.”
There are two sides to the loud backing French players receive.
It “makes you feel like you could reach for the stars,” said the highestranked French woman, Varvara Gracheva, who acknowledged that
Sand prior to Onosato, six of the previous seven yokozunas have been from Mongolia. AP
HE AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila— the global series of running events that combines fitness with entertainment—has gotten a major upgrade this year as Asics stepped in as presenting sponsor.
“ This alliance with Asics isn’t just a sponsorship— it’s an upgrade,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., organizer of the local leg of the global running event that will stage its fourth season on November 30.
G alura sealed the partnership with Sonak director Kabir Buxani and Diego Vergel de Dios and Attorney Santi Polido of Sunrise Events Inc.
T he Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series is no ordinary run—held in cities like Las Vegas, Madrid and Tokyo, it’s part concert, part race.
T he Manila edition captures the city’s vibrant spirit with live music stages, themed water stations,
Curious Cat Woman
WE are in a most interesting place this week. The In Between. That space in time when some things have ended and others are at the cusp of a dramatic start.
It’s like watching grass grow. Things are quiet on the surface, but beneath the earth, bright green blades of grass push mightily upwards.
This is where we stand now, waiting for the action to happen so we get the answers to our curiosities.
Personally, I am curious about three things. The fate of the Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference Finals. The Premiere Volleyball League (PVL) Draft. And Veejay Pre.
Let’s take the Pacers first. I am rooting for the Pacers. For a team with so much chutzpah, they have not yet
PATRICK TAMBALQUE carded a bogey-free 66 in rain-softened conditions to seize a commanding lead in the boys’ 15-18 division of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship on Wednesday in Cavinti, Laguna.
T he resumption of the Luzon series saw the Caliraya Springs Golf Club layout hit by overnight rain and gentle winds further challenged the young field.
But Tambalque, fresh off a victory at Sherwood Hills and returning after skipping the Splendido Taal leg, turned the par-72 course into his playground.
T he 16-year-old Learning Links Academy standout birdied three of his first five holes from the back nine, then repeated the feat on the front
TTimberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. In this group, the Hornets, Clips, Grizz, Wolves and Pels have not yet made it to an NBA Finals. But the Pacers have. In 2000 they were the Eastern Conference champions who faced Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal for the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Lakers won the series in six. And the Pacers have never been back in the Finals again. In 2004 they had a good chance to do so. They had a formidable core of Ron Artest, Jermaine O’Neal, Stephen
side, matching 33s under the liftclean-and-place rule. His stellar six-under card gave him a seven-stroke advantage over Zachary Villaroman and John Paul Agustin, who turned in 73s.
Kristoffer Nadales and Geoffrey Tan shared fourth at 75 in the 54-hole event, which stakes not only berths in the Elite Junior Finals but also World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
“P utting really carried my game— even long ones were dropping,” said Tambalque, who trains at Manila Southwoods and Riviera. “I didn’t expect this score because of the tough weather, but I’m happy with how I played. The key now is to stick to my process and not rush.”
In contrast, the girls’ 15-18 division featured a dramatic, see-saw battle.
HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is hosting the International Sports Facilities Management Conference and Tradeshow that opened Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. T he four-day conference on sports facilities management—which carries the theme “Elevating Sports Excellence through Sustainable and Safe World-Class Facilities”—is in line with the PSC’s progressive stand in sports development.
Levonne Talion, Rafa Anciano and Tiffany Bernardino exchanged leads under mid-morning drizzle. But Bernardino, despite a bogeybogey finish, emerged with the lead after an 84, one ahead of Talion and Anciano, who both closed with 85s after faltering over the final three holes.
“I t was a mixed round with lots of ups and downs, but my short game really helped me recover,” said the 14-year-old Bernardino, a Poveda College student. “I need to focus more on fairways, short game and better placements tomorrow [Thursday].” Chloe Rada carded an 89 and remained five strokes off the lead with two rounds left in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and launched by ICTSI in 2023 to discover and develop emerging talents.
Taras Mukovoz, a venue expert from the International Football Association (FIFA), is a lead speaker on venue management for large-scale sporting events and the best practices for management and operations. Experts from various private entities will also share their proficiency in technology, innovation and sustainability in managing sports facilities. The conference will also feature resource speakers from the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Office of Civil Defense-NDRRMC. Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Pia Cayetano are expected to grace the event which gathers more than 300 participants.
Jackson, Reggie Miller, Ben Wallace and Jamaal Tinsley—a monster squad. Artest was sixth place in the MVP race. But “Malice in The Palace” happened—that massive brawl between players and fans at the end of a Pacers-Detroit Pistons game, which was a rematch of the past year’s conference finals. The grudge was strong, emotions were high and when even the fans bought into the hate, the penalties were stiff for Indiana as Artest got so triggered he attacked the gallery. Jackson and O’Neal got into a free for all.
Artest was suspended 86 games (the record suspension in the NBA), Jackson 30 games and O’Neal, 15. But the team continued to perform well despite the suspensions, finishing 44-38 for the season. Had they been intact, could they have won a title?
These 2025 Pacers look good enough to dream a title into reality. This is a brilliant, strong team with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge. They’re fast, they’re tough on defense, they’re deep and versatile, and if their current 3-1 lead against the Knicks were to be the gauge, they may have a solid chance of making the finals for a second time and getting Mr. O’Brien on their side. Well, we’ll see.
I am also curious about where Volleyball Princess Bella Belen will land in the pro league. The hands-down choice for top draft pick, it’s very likely she will end up with Capital1 Solar, who holds the No. 1 pick.
But there are other possibilities. It’s Bella’s game though, so it’s possible she can still withdraw from the draft and choose to play for a foreign team in a foreign league. But there are just a few days left before the draft combine, so it’s most likely Bella will become a Capital1 Solar Spiker. The league can only get more interesting from there. L astly, what’s up, Pre? After so much drama
TYRESE HALIBURTON finishes with 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds without a turnover in a historic postseason performance. AP
ATHENA WINTER SERAPIO (left) and Zach Guico have learned the magic of the body language at an early age. ROY DOMINGO
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
DOH URGES PUBLIC TO GET CHECKED FOR THYROID
ISSUES
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
ARE you experiencing in -
creased heart rate? Are you feeling weak, lacking energy, having an unexplained weight changes, swelling or a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing or hoarseness, brittle or thinning hair, and dry, itchy skin? These are signs that you might have thyroid issues.
Ignoring thyroid problem is risky, the Department of Health (DOH) warned.
To help raise awareness about thyroid-related disorders, the DOH said that World Thyroid Day is observed every May 25th each year.
This global initiative aims to promote early detection of thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease. These are highly prevalent but neglected diseases in the Philippines.
Controls hormones
A BUTTERFLY-SHAPED gland in the neck, the thyroid is just above the collarbone. Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. It secretes hormones necessary for the body’s growth and development.
“If you exhibit symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction, it is better to contact a doctor,” the DOH said.
Iodine deficiency is the main cause of thyroid disorders such as endemic goiter and hypothyroidism.
According to the 2018 National Nutrition Survey, iodine deficiency still exists among the elderly, lactating mothers and pregnant women.
Severe health conditions
IF left untreated, hypothyroidism is associated with a wide range of mild to severe health conditions including among others heart disease, infertility, osteoporosis, depression, poor memory and concentration.
Moreover, an estimated nine million Filipinos suffer from goiter.
Thyroid disorders still affect a significant segment of Philippine society. These include how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats.
The DOH said that non-communicable diseases are not only limited to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, but also include neglected diseases like thyroid disorders relative to iodine deficiency.
Women are more prone THESE thyroid diseases affect women disproportionately, with women affected three times as much as men.
Likewise, according to the 2012 Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDes-1), the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities in the Philippines is prevalent in 8.53 percent among the adult population. The study revealed that almost one out of 10 Filipinos is affected by goiter.
People with goiter often have an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland which can lead to the appearance of a mass or swelling in the neck.
Processed food
TO prevent or manage thyroid conditions, the DOH said that processed foods and sugary drinks should be avoided.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be prioritized. Ensure adequate iodine intake through foods like seafood, dairy products, eggs, and iodized salt. While iodine is essential, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before supplementing, as excess iodine can exacerbate thyroid problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Health&Fitness
Family protection, preparedness top insurance priorities for Gen Y, Z—study
By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
PROACTIVE and familyoriented, young Filipinos are increasingly prioritizing family protection and emergency preparedness as key benefits when selecting insurance, according to a new market study.
Conducted by the Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) for PhilLife, the study titled “PhilLife Meter: Feeling the Insurance Pulse of Pinoy Gen Y and Z” captures the evolving priorities of young Filipinos when it comes to protection and planning. It also paints a clear picture of a new generation that’s intentional, family-first, and poised to proactively manage their future, especially when solutions are specifically designed to meet their unique circumstances.
“Contrary to a qualitative study released a few years back, young Filipinos now prioritize their health and families over investment growth,” said Dr. Fernando Paragas, PhilLife market study lead researcher.
“The changed priorities perhaps resulted from the effects of the pandemic. It’s no longer just about growing your money, but growing your peace of mind,” added Paragas.
Insurance perceptions and preferences
FINDINGS of the new market study were shared to the media and other guests during the recent “Live Smarter, Bolder, Fuller!” PFI Group Press Conference. Out of the 400 respondents, just over a majority (51 percent) were male and there was an even split between the age groups of 18 and 27 years old and 28 and 43 years old.
Over two-thirds of all respondents (69 percent) were already insured. Among the 276 respondents who currently have insurance, a strong majority (56 percent) were interested in increasing their coverage. Notably, 72 percent of those without insurance also indicated a desire to acquire it.
Among the insured respondents, 70 percent had life insurance and 68.5 percent had HMO. Almost a quarter (24 percent) had burial insurance and just over a tenth of respondents had education (17 percent), disability (14 percent), and home (12 percent) insurance.
Across all respondents, the primary perceived benefits of insurance were family protection (78 percent), maintaining the family’s standard of living (66 percent), peace of mind (65 percent), and ensuring financial stability (64 percent).
Important benefits
WHEN asked to identify the most important benefits of insurance, respondents consistently ranked ensuring financial stability and providing protection for the family at the top.
Covering potential losses, though not a top priority for the entire group, held significant importance for a specific segment of respondents.
Respondents overwhelmingly sought protection against health emergencies (77 percent) and accidents (76 percent). Roughly twothirds also desired coverage for loss of life (67 percent) and natural disasters (67 percent).
About six out of every ten respondents wanted protection against fire or property damage (61 percent), disability (60 percent), pandemics or health crises (59 percent), and loss of income or job (58 percent).
The fewer respondents prioritized protection against vehicle breakdown (35 percent), theft (40 percent), and terrorism (42 percent). A small segment of respondents, seven percent (30 individuals), either preferred none of the options or did not know.
Given a list of 11 insurance types, respondents preferred life the most, followed by home insurance and critical illness coverage. The least preferred were liability coverage, burial insurance, and travel insurance.
Among the 124 uninsured respondents, the primary barrier to getting coverage was not having enough money for insurance (67 percent). Other significant hurdles included other financial priorities (42 percent) and the perception that insurance benefits are too expensive (30 percent).
Smarter. Bolder. Fuller. IN response to the study’s findings, the PFI Group has launched an umbrella initiative for its four brands namely PhilLife, PhilCare, PhilPlans, and PhilFirst. Called “Smarter. Bolder. Fuller.” the project marks the first time these industry-leading brands are coming together for a campaign aimed at young Filipinos.
“As the PhilLife Meter study has revealed, young Filipinos are making serious life decisions earlier—whether it’s securing their family, investing in health, or planning for the future. We want to be their partner that understands them, protects them, and grows with them,” said PFI Group President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.
“The ‘Smarter. Bolder. Fuller.’ drive aims to meet today’s millennial Filipinos where they are in life and provide them with the tools to enable their needs, dreams, and aspirations for themselves and their families. It’s more than just a campaign—it’s a mindset. A declaration of who we are and who we want to be for every Filipino,” added Tanco.
A century of service FOUNDED in 1906, PhilFirst holds the distinction of being the country’s first insurance company, pioneering domestic non-life insurance plans for unforeseen events like natural disasters and personal accidents. This legacy paved the way for the PFI Group’s broader ecosystem of protection and security, encompassing other leading brands.
PhilHealth reminds public of benefit packages for thyroid diseases
THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) encouraged its members to consult a physician if they are experiencing bodily changes that could be symptoms of thyroid problems. The call coincided with the country’s celebration of World Thyroid Day on last May 25, 2025 which aims to address significant concerns surrounding thyroid disease that affects the endocrine system. According to the Philippine thyroid diseases study, the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities nationwide is at 8.3 percent. Latest data from the Philippine Cancer Registry showed that the annual incidence of thyroid cancer is higher in females (17.3 per 100,000) than males (7.3 per 100,000).
PhilLife secures families and dreams with life protection and savings plans, while PhilCare makes healthcare more accessible, proactive, and responsive. PhilPlans helps celebrate life’s milestones with its diverse offerings. These companies have consistently evolved, embracing digital technologies, offering prepaid options, and enhancing customer experience to meet the evolving needs of today’s digitally fluent and value-conscious Filipino market.
“Findings from the PhilLife study are more than just numbers, they are a call to action for businesses,” said PhilCare and PhilLife Chairman of the Board Monico Jacob.
Meanwhile, the five-year prevalence of thyroid cancer nationwide is estimated at 19,260 cases.
PhilHealth said it offers benefit packages for congenital hypothyroidism, chronic thyroiditis and disorder of the parathyroid gland with coverage ranging from P15,795 to P23,790. Coverage for surgical procedures like thyroid biopsy, partial thyroid lobectomy and thyroidectomy ranges from P15,639 to P90,675.
Members can avail of these benefit packages from all PhilHealth-accredited hospitals nationwide.
To ensure immediate use of their benefits, members are advised to bring their PhilHealth identification number and member data record. Ma. Teresa Montemayor, PNA
more relevant, and more feasible for the young generation,” said Tanco.
“Whether it’s an entrepreneur thinking of getting a healthcare plan, a millennial parent investing in their child’s future, or a creative freelancer wanting to protect his online assets, we want to be there for them every step of the way,” he also said.
The campaign comes on the heels of Tanco’s recent double wins at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards 2025. He won a Silver Stevie® Award for Most Innovative Leader of the Year for his leadership at PhilCare and the Gold Stevie® Award for Most Innovative Creative Person of the Year for his accomplishments at Comm&Sense.
The award-giving body is widely regarded as the region’s premier awards for business innovation.
Empowering the next generation RECOGNIZING the shift towards digital lifestyles and flexible work, the PFI Group’s campaign is strategically designed to cater to the needs of the modern Filipino, especially the growing segment of Gen Z and millennial workers.
“Through simplified insurance products, tech-enabled customer service, and value-driven financial planning, we are set to make protection more personal,
“Young Filipinos are telling us what they value: protection, preparedness, and purpose. Companies that listen to them won’t just earn their trust, they’ll earn their loyalty. At PFI Group, this is exactly the kind of insight that drives innovation,” he added.
Actress and TV personality Dianne Medina joins as brand advocate for the “Smarter. Bolder. Fuller.” campaign, helping to convey PFI Group’s unified message of empowering Filipinos to live smarter, bolder, and fuller lives.
“Everything that they offer, all of their services is actually backed up by research and of course they want to be able to reach out to more Filipino families and also to create more awareness again on how important it is to get insurance for your family. Securing your family is important. You want something that you can pass on to your children,” said Medina.
PHILLIFE and PhilCare Chairman of the Board Atty. Monico “Nick” Jacob (left) and Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco (right) welcome new PFI Group Brand Advocate Dianne
(center) during the partnership signing at the PFI Group Makati headquarters
Should men get the HPV vaccine too?
By Candy P. Dalizon | Contributor
HPV is not just a women’s health issue. While it is true that HPV or human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus, does cause the majority of cervical cancer cases in women, it can also cause a variety of cancers in men, too.
The virus is also responsible for a growing number of cancers in men as well as genital warts. Yet, despite the risks, boys and men are frequently overlooked in vaccination campaigns, making them the forgotten generation in HPV prevention. HPV is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have signs or symptoms.
The Gynecologic Oncology (GyneOnco) team at Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) pointed out that HPV vaccination protects boys and men from genital warts, penile cancer, anal cancer, and head and neck cancers, especially oropharyngeal cancer, which is on the rise globally.
Vaccinating boys helps stop the spread of the virus across all genders. As part of a comprehensive strategy, this supports herd immunity and re -
duces the virus’s prevalence in the general population.
HPV vaccination HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens between 11 and 12 years old, but it can be given as early as nine. Health experts emphasized that all preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer. Teens and young adults up to 26 years old who remain unvaccinated or did not finish the HPV vaccine series also need HPV vaccination. If the recommended dose is completed, data from various studies show that HPV vaccines offer long-lasting protection against HPV infection and therefore, from diseases caused by HPV infection. There are also studies that followed up those who received the vaccine for more than 10 years and have found no evidence of protection decreasing over time, according to the HCCH Gyne-Onco team. The team added that the use of no -
navalent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is recommended up to 45 years old for both men and women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nonavalent vaccines are among the six licensed HPV vaccines and can provide additional protection against HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 that can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva/vagina, penis, or throat.
Most people catch HPV soon after they become sexually active. But even if they have one strain of HPV, they can still benefit from the vaccine as it can protect them from other strains that they don’t have.
Cervical Cancer prevention, symptoms, and screening CERVICAL cancer is said to be the second most common cancer among women in the Philippines. Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination against HPV—which causes about 99 percent of all cervical cancers—and regular screening.
The current screening methods for cervical cancer are Pap smears, HPV DNA testing, Co-testing (Pap smear + HPV DNA testing), and VIA (Visual inspection with acetic acid). Since vaccines do not cover all the high-risk types of HPV, the Gyne-Onco team said one still needs to do regular screening for cervical cancer.
In the early stages, cervical cancer often has no signs or symptoms. This is why regular screening is crucial. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding which can occur after intercourse, between
Internationally-vetted Health Science, Nursing programs in
IF there is one field of study and practice that has impacted millions, especially in the past five years, it’s healthcare. As the healthcare sector nursed the world back to health during the pandemic, the urgency to strengthen the health system to build resilient communities became more apparent. Aside from adopting medical improvements, this primarily entails building a troop of competent medical professionals.
Based on the report “Ageing Well? Policies to Support Older Nurses at Work” published by the International Council of Nurses, International Centre on Nurse Migration, and CGFNS International, Inc., 10.6 million nurses are needed by 2030 to maintain efficient health services.
On top of nurses, recruitment platform Indeed stated that other medical professionals such as physicians, medical technologists, phlebotomists, physical therapists, radiologists, and pharmacists are in high demand this 2025 due to the growing aging population in the US.
To bridge this gap, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), has expanded its offerings to include new international-vetted Nursing, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy programs. These new programs round off the Colleges’ other Health Sciences offerings in Biology and Psychology, which are also conducted in collaboration with ASU, the most innovative school in the U.S.
Unlike other traditional college programs, Mapúa MCL’s Nursing and Health Sciences programs provide students access to learning materials from ASU content repositories, and
the heart of South Luzon
learning opportunities on Global Signature Courses (GSC) through the Cintana Network, an international network of universities that shares resources and expertise. Students who complete ASU masterclasses also earn badges for their e-portfolio.
Classes are conducted via FLUX (Flexible Learning Ubiquitous eXperience) or a combination of face-to-face and online learning to enhance students’ learning experience. Some courses also involve inter-school collaboration between the Cintana Alliance, Mapúa University, Mapúa MCL, and Mapúa MCM to let students gain insights and global perspectives alongside other learners.
“Our curriculum is built on a foundation of rigorous scientific inquiry. We apply principles to real-world health challenges. We emphasize practical application. Students are taught the art and science of patient care, developing essential skills in communication, assessment, and intervention. We bridge the gap between scientific discovery and compassionate care and nourish individuals dedicated to creating a healthier future for all,” said Mapúa MCL’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Maribel Songsong.
Songsong further explained that students have ample opportunities to explore the social, environmental, and behavioral health determinants and are trained to design and implement effective public health initiatives. Using the programs’ international-vetted curricula, students develop competencies that satisfy global industry standards and exceed the minimum requirements of the Commission on Higher Education. They also become adept at addressing health disparities, promoting wellness, and creating healthier communities.
Apart from the comprehensive lectures, discussions, and mentoring, learners’ competencies are honed through hands-on training, simulation activities, clinical internships, immersions, fieldwork, community engagement, workshops conducted by industry partners, and micro-credential courses. They are also given pre-employment seminars, training, and career fairs.
This holistic, learner-centered, and outcomes-based approach enables future health professionals to go beyond head knowledge by simultaneously sharpening much-needed future skills like creativity, critical thinking, innovation, leadership, digital literacy, selfmanagement, and interpersonal skills.
This approach is particularly evident in Mapúa MCL’s new undergraduate Nursing program powered by ASU. Through the collaboration with ASU and Cintana Alliance partner universities, nursing students gain an enriching educational experience that is at par with other leading overseas universities. Students benefit from ASU’s high-quality learning resources and course materials that are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, which are delivered through innovative learning models by ASU-trained Mapúa MCL faculty.
To complement their theoretical knowledge, they join various clinical rotations that expose them to diverse patients and medical conditions, as well as research collaborations with Cintana Alliance partner universities. Students receive regular mentoring, comprehensive career services, and mental health support to help them succeed academically. They also utilize technologically advanced global classrooms that enable virtual inter -
Siemens Healthineers has been recognized as one of Philippines’ Best Employers in 2025
Sis the only MedTech company to be listed among the winners.
periods, or after menopause; menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual; watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy or have a foul odor; pelvic pain or pain during intercourse; difficult or painful urination, and fatigue and weight loss (in advanced stages).
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, if you or a loved one experiences any of these, it is crucial to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Relatedly, to help you and your family stay healthy, HCCH is offering discounted vaccines until June 30, 2025. Get the HPV 4 (Gardasil) vaccine for only P2,871 or the HPV 9 (Gardasil 9) for P5,976. These prices include doctor screening and the administration fee. Vaccination against HPV is a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types. Available vaccines protect against the HPV types that cause the majority of cervical cancers (primarily types 16 and 18). Some vaccines also protect against other high-risk types and the types that cause genital warts (types 6 and 11). HPV vaccination before the onset of sexual activity provides the greatest protection.
When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, it can also protect unvaccinated individuals by reducing the overall spread of HPV.
For more information or to schedule your vaccination, please call (63-2) 7777 4673 | (63-2) 7777 HOPE or email hcch. executivecheckup@healthway.com.ph.
actions and collaborations with students from other partner institutions. Aspiring nurses and Health Sciences students also have numerous technologically advanced facilities and resources at their disposal. These include various computer software used in simulations and immersive learning environments, psychometric assessment tools to gauge competencies and support personal and professional development, interactive biotechnology learning tools like Biopac and Labster, and clinical and simulation facilities that mimic real healthcare scenarios in the Emergency Room or Intensive Care Unit. The school also has a central supply room with complete lab equipment for clinical skills training and employs generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to accelerate learning. Clinical rotations and practicums are also extensive for enrolled students. Psychology students currently have their practicum at five clinics: Sanatio Psychological Services, Sol Psychological Services, Exalt Psychological Clinic and Consultancy, Autism Society of the Philippines-Sta. Rosa, Laguna Chapter, and Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center. While nursing students have rotations at UniHealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center, Healthway Qualimed Hospital, and Cabuyao City Health Office. They can also opt for summer overseas training at Cintana partner universities with clinical facilities in Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the USA.
What we offer our Nursing and Health Sciences students are not just technical competencies that will help them start a career but a global foothold that can empower them to lead and make significant improvements in healthcare eventually. Through the real-life experiences, transformative learning, interschool collaboration, and professionalism our globally-focused curricula provide, we aim to mold the future leaders in health care,” added Songsong.
WOMEN can now access free cervical cancer screening through selected Southstar Drug branches and scheduled community screenings in Parañaque, Navotas, Manila, and Quezon City, as part of an expanding public health initiative to promote early detection and prevention.
Cervical cancer, a disease affecting the cervix, is both preventable and treatable when detected early. Despite this, it remains the second most common cancer among Filipino women, claiming the lives of an estimated 12 women every day.
As per the Department of Health (DOH) and World Health Organization, the measures to prevent cervical cancer are: (1) vaccination for girls aged nine to 14 and (2) screening for women aged 30 to 65. This initiative by the respective cities aligns with and contributes to the DOH’s National Cancer Control Program, which focuses on improving screening coverage and providing accessible and convenient cervical cancer-related information and services within communities.
Free screenings are now available at selected Southstar Drug branches on the following days and times:
n Southstar Drug Matalino, Quezon City—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
n Southstar Drug Robinsons Novaliches—Mondays to Wednesdays, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
n Southstar Drug Tondo Yuseco—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
n Southstar Drug Parañaque— Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
OUR Lady of Lourdes Hospital (Lourdes Hospital) has been named one of Asia’s Top Private Hospitals of 2025 by global news magazine Newsweek and global data firm Statista. Newsweek and Statista’s annual list identifies leading private hospitals across Asia based on their performance in high-demand procedures, including knee surgeries and replacements, hip and shoulder surgeries, and common eye procedures such as cataract and refractive surgeries.
The free screenings are led by the respective cities’ health offices, in partnership with the DOH and Jhpiego Philippines, through its Unitaid-funded Scale Up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary Prevention Strategy (SUCCESS) Project. The project uses highperformance HPV DNA testing through self-collection in selected Southstar Drug outlets to improve accessibility.
In addition, scheduled community-based screenings are being conducted by the Women Workers for Health Empowerment Network (WHEN), bringing these vital services closer to underserved communities. Women are encouraged to inquire at their nearest health centers for details on screening schedules in their area.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet access to screening remains a challenge for many women. This initiative aims to break down those barriers,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines.
The screenings are open to women aged 30 to 49 years old, especially those who have never been screened. No payment is required, and walk-ins are welcome during community events.
Screening days and hours may vary across participating Southstar Drug branches, and communitybased screenings are not available daily. Women are encouraged to check with their nearest Southstar Drug branch, local health centers, or follow their LGU’s official health page for the latest screening schedules.
Take charge of your health—get screened, stay safe.
Lourdes Hospital’s Head of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Wilfredo Pacheco, described the recognition as a proud milestone for both the department and the entire hospital.
“On behalf of our orthopedic team, this honor reflects the precision, skill, and heart we bring to every procedure. Being recognized for our knee surgery expertise affirms the quality of care we strive for and reminds us to keep advancing—so that every patient we serve receives nothing less than the best in orthopedic care.”
The annual Philippines’ Best Employer Brand Awards, organized by the Employer Branding Institute, celebrates companies that successfully integrate HR strategies with business transformation, foster talent, prioritize employee well-being, and champion diversity and sustainability. The awards are endorsed by CHRO Asia, a prominent body dedicated to advancing HR practices and talent management across the continent.
“This recognition is an embodiment of the values, culture, and purpose that we have in Siemens Healthineers as we continue to create a workplace where our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to innovate,” said Michael Schmermer, President and Managing Director of
Siemens Healthineers in the Philippines. “Being one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for 2025 is a testament to the passion and dedication of our incredible team who is the very core and soul of our company.” As one of this year’s winners, the recognition underscores the dedication that Siemens Healthineers has in fostering a diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace, where employees are empowered to thrive and contribute to the company’s innovative healthcare solutions as it makes healthcare more accessible to patients across the Philippines.
In the Philippines, Lourdes Hospital was among the recognized hospitals for its expertise in orthopedic care, with its knee surgery services earning praise for both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. The hospital’s Orthopedic Department is highly regarded for its knee surgery services. It offers inpatient and outpatient services for ACL repairs, total knee replacement surgeries, and knee arthroscopies that are performed by a skilled team of surgeons using advanced techniques and modern medical equipment.
Being named among Asia’s top private hospitals solidifies Lourdes Hospital’s reputation as a worldclass healthcare provider. As the hospital celebrates this achievement, it will continue to maintain its standard of excellence and raise the bar as a healthcare provider locally and internationally – guided by its Alagang Lourdes service culture: Alagang May Puso (Care with a Heart), Alagang Tapat (Care that is True), at Alagang Abot-Kaya
&Fitness
Collaboration, multi-faceted approach to be used to address obesity–expert
By Rory Visco Contributor
OBESITY has steadily emerged as a significant public health concern in the Philippines with increasing prevalence over the past decades. It used to be a concern among the high-income group but it has already affected a growing number of Filipinos across all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. During a recent stakeholder’s meeting on the epidemiological burden and cost of obesity in the Philippines (EpiCOb-PH), Dr. Madeleine de Rosas-Valera, Project Leader and Health Economist, former Undersecretary of Health, and former Senior Vice President for Health Finance Policy and Services Sector of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), said obesity has become a major health concern because more and more Filipinos, both adults and adolescents, are living with excess weight.
Prevalence, contributing factors, economic impact
ACCORDING to the 2023 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, around 17.3 percent of Filipino adults are overweight and 39.8 percent are obese (Asia-Pacific classification), while 12.9 percent of Filipinos ages five to 10 and 12.5 percent of Filipinos ages 10 to 19 are classified as either overweight or obese. Key factors, Dr. Valera said, include chang -
ing lifestyles where people move less and eat more calorie-dense foods and limited access to affordable, healthy food options. Urbanization has also led to more sedentary routines, lack of awareness of proper nutrition, and difficulty in integrating healthy habits into an individual’s demanding daily schedule.
“This high number of people at risk puts pressure on our healthcare system. It also hurts the country’s economic output because of the loss of productivity related to seeking care for obesity and related conditions. This shows that a significant portion of our population is at risk of serious health complications,” Dr. Valera said in an email interview with BusinessMirror.
Measuring economic impact of obesity
SHE said obesity poses issues far beyond just health; it also adds considerable financial consequences. She said it is estimated that two to seven percent of global healthcare costs are related to prevention and treatment of this condition, with up to 20 percent of the expenditure attributable to obesity.
“Comparable data for the Philippines may currently be lacking and the EpiCOb-PH study aims to fill this evidence gap. Treating obesity and its related diseases can be expensive. Beyond that, these may lead to reduced work productivity. Without proper measures of these costs, government programs and
healthcare funding will fall short, creating under-investment in more effective prevention and treatment.
By quantifying the economic impact, we can make a stronger case for policies and solutions that help people achieve and maintain a healthier weight,” Dr. Valera emphasized.
To assess the burden and cost of obesity, the study uses established burden of disease and “cost” models used globally, then adjustments are made to them to better apply to the Philippine context, she explained. “These models look at how obesity can lead to different diseases, measure how common or severe these illnesses are, how much perfectly healthy life is lost due to related disabilities [e.g., physical function], and estimate the healthcare costs [like hospital visits and medications) and productivity losses (like missed work].
The study, she said, will track the prevalence and incidence of obesity, like how many have it now and how many develop it over time; population-attributable fraction (PAF), which will tell how much certain diseases can be linked to obesity; disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to show much healthy life is lost due to disease; and direct and indirect costs like hospital bills and medications and lost work productivity, respectively.
To ensure accuracy, Dr. Valera said they will use national surveys, official government statistical registries, and available hospital records.
Data triangulation will also be performed whenever feasible, she said, to provide a better characterization of the underlying distribution of the variables in account of the uncertainties measured and inherent in the collection and estimation of such data. “Throughout the study, key stakeholders—like government health agencies, medical societies, and community organizations— will be involved to review and validate assumptions made about the data. These steps and collaborative approach help ensure that the study reflects real-world Filipino experiences.”
The study already started in March of this year, Dr. Valera said and is expected to finish before the year ends. During this period, various activities will be conducted to gather insights and validate preliminary findings. Some of the key deliverables expected to be completed are a technical report, fact sheets and infographics, white papers and policy briefs, plus a scientific manuscript for the academe.
Expectations about the study
THE study, Dr. Valera noted, is expected to “generate local evidence on the true impact of obesity in terms of burden, healthcare costs and lost productivity. This evidence can inform policy decisions, shape healthcare programs, and potentially steer budget allocation toward better prevention, treatment, and awareness campaigns.”
With concrete local data on how obesity affects the economy and people’s lives, policymakers and health professionals can now devise more targeted strategies to improve access to nutrition education, ensure healthier food options, create programs to encourage physical activity, develop sustainable financing solutions to fund programs on obesity-related care, and expand insurance coverage for obesityrelated care.
“The study can also guide lawmakers, the Department of Health, and local governments to invest in comprehensive obesity-prevention measures and management programs—from better school nutrition policies to subsidized weight management services.”
Collaboration among stakeholders is key, she said, using a multifaceted approach to address obesity. That’s why they are elated that Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) provides funding support, reflecting their commitment to finding solutions for obesity, one of their key focus areas. “Their involvement allows the study to tap resources that might otherwise be limited. However, the research is independently led and will involve many stakeholders to ensure that findings and recommendations benefit public health broadly. Findings and recommendations from the study will be guided solely by scientific evidence and public health priorities,” she concluded.
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM RECEIVES SPECIAL AWARD
THE Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) awarded Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. the prestigious Presidential Service Award during the Annual Convention Opening Ceremony on April 24, 2025, recognizing the company’s significant contribution to the Kidney Disease Management for Primary Care Physicians (KDM4PCP) program. This initiative provides primary care physicians with essential knowledge and the latest evidencebased guidelines to screen, assess risk, and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) early. A key highlight was the two-day pre-convention scientific session held on April 22-23, 2025, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. A KDM4PCP was also carried out in Zamboanga City as part of the recent World Kidney Day Celebration last March, focused on education and screening. This aims to further bridge healthcare gaps to underserved areas, empowering more healthcare professionals to deliver early and effective CKD care in communities that need it most.
As CKD continues to impact millions of Filipinos, Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to advancing healthcare through initiatives like KDM4PCP, focused on addressing the rising incidence of CKD and improving patient outcomes across the Philippines. To learn more about chronic kidney disease, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health. Learn more at www.boehringeringelheim.com
Asian Hospital Celebrates Its 23rd Anniversary
THE month of May was a vibrant and meaningful one for Asian Hospital and Medical Center as it marked its 23rd anniversary with a series of special events and activities.
Nurses Week 2025: Honoring Excellence, Compassion, and Teamwork
ASIAN Hospital kicked off its anniversary celebration with Nurses Week 2025, held from May 5 to 9 at the Main Lobby. The weeklong event honored the dedication and exceptional service of the hospital’s nursing professionals.
The celebration featured a variety of activities highlighting the vital role nurses play in delivering quality healthcare, fostering teamwork, and uplifting the hospital community.
Among the event highlights was the Battle of Brains, where the Critical Care Services team emerged as champions. The team was composed of Christine Joy B. Shea, Albert M. Calma, and Mark Christian Luis M. Delos Reyes.
The Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2025 pageant was also held, with Magie May Agno and Paul Angelo Ponce crowned as Ms. and Mr. Nursing 2025, respectively.
Another standout event was the Singing Nightingale 2025, where Patriciane Nicole Caringal from the General Nursing Unit won top honors.
Other activities included the Nursing Services Funfair, a day of games, booths, and team-building fun, and the Wellness Day for
Nurses, where staff enjoyed opportunities for rest, mindfulness, and self-care.
This year’s celebration was a powerful reminder of the compassion, strength, and unity that Asian Hospital nurses bring to their profession each day. It also served as a heartfelt moment of recognition and gratitude for their tireless efforts in delivering patient-centered care.
Employee Recognition Program
AS part of its anniversary celebration, Asian Hospital honored 135 Employee Awardees for their unwavering commitment and excellent service.
The Leadership Team, led by President and CEO Dr. Beaver Tamesis, was present to celebrate these outstanding individuals during the Employee Recognition Program held at Crimson Hotel Manila.
It was a special occasion to acknowledge the dedication and
excellence of team members who have served the hospital with heart throughout the years.
Patient Experience Celebration 2025
THE anniversary also provided an opportune time to celebrate the hospital’s patient experience journey.
The event was filled with meaningful moments. Opening remarks were delivered by Hennesy Lou Miranda, Director of Marketing and Patient Experience. This was followed by insights from Joyce Nazario, Head of Metro Pacific Health Patient Experience, on the hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance patient care.
The event also recognized the most commended units and topperforming teams of the quarter. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Anna Purisima Peñalosa, Director of Commercial Operations and Strategic Business Units. Asian Hospital’s leadership
team, new patient ambassadors, doctors, allied medical professionals, and employees joined the celebration.
After the program, employees and patients gathered at the lobby to enjoy refreshments and visit three interactive booths: one for health risk consultations, another featuring a mini-game promoting physical activity with personalized bags as prizes, and a third—a photo booth featuring Ate Rose, where guests could take pictures and share their personal stories about their Asian Hospital experience.
Dr. Mary Grace Lim Lecture—Annual Memorial Lecture on Patient Safety
THE 5th Dr. Mary Grace Lim Annual Memorial Lecture on Patient Safety was recently held in honor of Dr. Lim’s legacy and the hospital’s commitment to excellence in patient safety.
With the theme “From the Inside Out: Building Resilient Health
Care Teams for Safer Patient Care,” the event was organized by the Quality Management Group. Atty. Joey Torres, Director of Human Resources, gave the opening remarks.
Guest speakers included Dr. Elaine Angela Leynes, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and Jamielyn Villanueva, Assistant Manager of Labor Relations. Both shared valuable insights on the role of mental wellness and teamwork in fostering a safe and resilient healthcare environment.
Be Part of the Asian Charities Volunteers’ Circle ASIAN Hospital Charities Inc. (AHCI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Asian Hospital, recently launched a campaign to recruit volunteers for the Asian Charities Volunteer Program.
The Volunteer Engagement and Education Program is a core initiative that trains members to participate in various humanitarian and
benevolent activities organized or supported by AHCI. Volunteers will also receive skills training to support Community Health Initiative Program (CHIP) activities. To further inspire engagement, AHCI will implement a system of incentives and recognition for active members of the Volunteers’ Circle.
World Emergency Medicine Week ASIAN Hospital celebrated World Emergency Medicine Week from May 26 to 31, 2025, with a weeklong exhibit showcasing the importance of emergency care and life-saving interventions. As part of the celebration, the Department of Emergency Medicine conducted a lay forum titled “Summer Emergencies,” where participants learned how to prevent and respond to common summer-related medical situations. Speakers included Dr.
ASIAN Hospital celebrates World Emergency Medicine Week.
New law in place to push for early childhood care, education
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor
MANY Filipino children fail to achieve their potential due to inadequate early childhood care and development services, resulting in the failure to meet the goal of universal access for children. Furthermore, only 20 percent of children aged three to four were enrolled in pre-kindergarten in 2022, and merely 23 percent are benefitting from feeding programs.
In their paper titled “Behind the Slow Start: An Assessment of Early Childhood Care and Development in the Philippines,” Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Senior Research Fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and co-author of the study, noted the country also faces a supply side shortfall of around 33,000 daycare centers, way below the estimated 96,000 needed. There is also a huge lack of child development workers.
In response to the dire situation, legislators introduced a landmark law on early childhood care and education, driven by the PIDS research.
Close long-standing gaps
Signed into law on May 8, 2025, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, or Republic Act No. 12199, aims to close long-standing gaps in care, nutrition, and education for children from birth to age five.
“This legislation marks a crucial step in ensuring that every Filipino child has the support and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Dr. Ulep.
The study, produced in partnership with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), highlighted how gov -
ernance, funding, and other supply-side challenges have long stalled progress. National support for early childhood services has been largely reactive and often lacks incentives for local government units (LGUs) to invest in long-term solutions.
To address these issues, the ECCD System Act mandates the creation of dedicated ECCD offices in every province, city, and municipality, empowering LGUs as frontline implementers. Ulep said the law aims to strengthen governance, improve resource allocation, and ensure the delivery of comprehensive, quality services at the local level with a strengthened monitoring and evaluation system, through the inclusion of related indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance to recognize LGUs championing ECCD services.
Standardizing salaries
The law also emphasized the need for professionalizing and standardizing salaries for child development workers. Dr. Ulep and his co-author underscored the insufficient stock and varying compensation schemes and hiring arrangements of CDWs across LGUs.
It also enhances inter-agency coordination through the revitalized ECCD Council, promoting a holistic, multi-sectoral approach across health, nutrition, education, and social welfare sectors, an approach strongly advocated in the PIDS study.
Under the new law, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is tasked with building LGU capacity, monitoring their compliance with the ECCD system, and facilitating coordination among local bodies.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is tasked with promoting ECCD careers, supporting curriculum development, and facilitating the assessment and certification of service providers.
KAPWA KO MAHAL KO CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
FOLLOWING the declaration of Martial Law in the country in 1972, media was controlled by the so-called Marcos cronies and all radio and television stations ran government propaganda programs. Eventually networks were allowed to produce their own programs which were basically public affairs and public service.
On December 1, 1975, the television program Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko was aired on a prime time slot (6 pm to 7 pm) on GMA, the television station acquired by Menardo Jimenez, Felipe Gozon and Gilberto Duavit Sr. from its original owner.
“GMA decided to do a public health thing,” Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko founding host and Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation President Orlando “Orly” Mercado said. He added: “What happened was we had a clinic, people were lining up around GMA. Suddenly we had the opportunity to not only raise the level of consciousness with regards to diseases and how to prevent them. We had an opportunity to raise money also for the particular patients, they needed medicines.”
To date, Mercado remains a host of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko. He is also a journalist, broadcast executive and television personality who was one of the original hosts of the noontime show Lunch Date. He has served the country as Assemblyman, Senator (1987 to 1998) and Secretary of National Defense (1998 to 2001). He was the first Philippine ambassador (Permanent Representative) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Joining him were Rosa Rosal and Dr. Antonio Talusan as the first hosts of the program with the latter serving as the program’s first medical director.
Private donors
KAPWA Ko Mahal Ko’s goal was to tap private donors to help shoulder expensive medical and surgical procedures needed by indigent patients who were given the opportunity to go public with their stories. It was also a clinic-on-the-air and off-air as the airtime slot could not accommodate the number of patients seeking help.
The need for an organization to address issues on
operations such as records keeping, interviewing patients, among others gave birth to the Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation in 1976.
Despite being a non-entertainment program, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko had the audience because of its humaninterest subject. Mercado lamented that until now, “we are still addressing the basic issues, the cost of healthcare and what the people can do. There is still a need for public education with regards to health.” Addressing the medical problems of indigents is only part of a larger socioeconomic problem.
On the air clinic
IN its early years, there were doctors, screening, guidance, clinic on the air, clinic off the air. It was giving services that should be done in the health centers. With its limited resources, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko coordinated with like-minded organizations. It also promoted volunteerism.
One of the volunteers, Margo D. Mercado, is now Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation Executive Director. She is Mercado’s daughter.
“I had worked part-time and volunteered at the foundation at various times before taking over as ED,” she said. “I knew I wanted to help.”
She told her father about her decision to join the foundation. Mercado explained what public service is and that “it’s not done because you want to make money.” She joined as Executive Director before the pandemic.
According to Margo, the biggest challenge as Executive Director was how to balance everyday operations and being able to bring it to the vision of the future in spite of the lack of funds. She noted that corporations created their foundations.
Donation-based SHE said the foundation is purely donation-based. “We’re not a foundation or a CSR (corporate social responsibility) arm of an organization or corporation that funnels the money in.” It’s a challenge because Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko has to raise funds to operate and to distribute to
their beneficiaries. Despite the challenges, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko gladly helps. “Outside of the TV show we can still help,” she added.
Even before the term CSR became common, GMA was already practicing it. “To stay in television as a program for 50 years is almost impossible in television because after a while you’re marginal. Our existence is not based on viewership or the ability to sell that air time. We owe it to GMA. We have made a difference,” Mercado said.
Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko has since evolved. TALKING about the procedures on how to avail of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko assistance, Margo shared: “When the pandemic happened we incorporated the digital system. There’s a form that you can fill in on the website and then we ask the initial questions so that we can have an initial assessment. The social coordinator will then get back to the patient to guide them accordingly. The first line would always be patient navigation. All different agencies have various services but you have to go to them to find out.” The foundation gathers all the information, simply, and give them immediately to the patients concerned.
New segment
ONE of the programs of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is the Batang Kapwa or BK which was launched in 1989. It provides holistic support to children diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The program bridges the gap by providing financial and emotional support that empowers young patients and their families to endure the challenges of treatment.
Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko engages the younger generation including the young breed of artists in GMA. The format has been changed to include a segment Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko challenge where a rising star visits and interviews a patient or extends help to the patient. Now going into its 50th year, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is on its assessment year. “We’re not numbers based. We go all the way. We want them [patients] to get to a point where in they become productive members of society. That’s the direction we’re going with Kapwa towards the future,” Margo said.
Moms know best—and going green
is the best choice they’ve made
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
THIS month, as we honor the women who raise us, love us unconditionally, and guide us with wisdom and strength, we’re celebrating a very special kind of mom—the Green Mom. These are the moms who know that nurturing doesn’t stop at home. It extends t o the choices they make every day, for their families and for the planet. Because let’s face it: moms always know best. And today, many moms are realizing that one of the best decisions they’ve made is this: they’ve c hosen to go green. Green Moms are mindful. They ask questions. They read labels. They care about where things come from and what goes into the products they bring into their homes. And they believe that every small ecoconscious choice matters—because those choices shape not just their children’s present, but the world they’ll grow up in. Going green doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being purposeful. And for Green Moms, it often starts with everyday essentials—like baby care. Thankfully, Baby Company at SM Store understands what Green Moms are looking for. It’s a one-stop shop for moms who want the best for their babies and the planet. Take diapers, for example. Babies go through dozens of them e ach week, and that adds up. Rascals diapers are a game-changer for ecoconscious moms. Made with sustainably sourced, plant-based materials, t hey’re not only kind to the earth but also super absorbent and gentle on baby’s skin. For bath time and daily care, Pigeon baby products are a trusted c hoice. With over 90 percent natural-origin ingredients and dermatologically tested formulas, they’re p erfect for delicate skin. Plus, they’re enriched with nutrient-rich Argan, Olive, and Chamomile extracts to
soothe and protect your baby from head to toe.
And when it’s time to wash bottles and baby utensils, Cradle Bottle and Nipple Cleanser steps in. Free from harmful chemicals, this cleanser uses 100% natural-based ingredients and is proven to eliminate 99 p ercent of bacteria—making it both safe and effective.
Once your little one begins eating solids, nutrition becomes the next big priority. Only Organic baby food is a delicious and trustworthy option. Certified organic and nutritionistapproved, it’s free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and BPA packaging. Ingredients like spinach, mango, a pple, carrots, and broccoli make every spoonful a healthy choice.
To protect your baby from pesky mosquito bites, Tiny Buds Gone Away Anti-Mosquito Patch offers a natural solution with citronella and lemon eucalyptus. And if bites happen, Tiny Buds Scratch After Bite Soothing Gel provides gentle relief. What makes all of this even more meaningful is the intention behind it. Green Moms don’t just buy products—they make informed decisions. They’re teaching their children that caring for the environment s tarts at home, and that being kind to nature is just another way of being kind to others.
W hether you’re just beginning your green journey or you’ve been walking this path for a while, remember that every eco-friendly decision y ou make—no matter how small—is a step toward a better future. A future where clean air, safe products, a nd a thriving planet are all part of the legacy you leave behind. Because moms know best—and the best kind of love is one that protects both our children and the world t hey’ll inherit.
So here’s to the Green Moms. You’re not just raising the next generation— you’re also helping raise the standards for how we care for the earth.
