ANOTHER reduction in the country’s key policy rate is “possible” in the December rate-setting meeting of the Monetary Board, according to its Chairman Eli M. Remolona Jr.
On the sidelines of the BSP’s 2025 FinEd Congress on Tuesday, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the BSP, could deliver a rate cut on December 11.
“I would say it’s possible. Pwede naman,” Remolona told reporters, when asked if a rate cut is likely considering the slower-than-ex-
pected economic expansion in the third quarter of the year.
In terms of how big the Monetary Board’s cut on the key policy rate could be, Remolona said it could only be up to 25 basis points. “This is not a hard-landing scenario.”
Should the Monetary Board cut interest rates, this will bring down the total number of rate cuts to 200 basis points since the easing cycle began in August 2024.
The key policy rate currently stands at 4.75 percent, after the Monetary Board reduced the policy rate by 25 basis points last October 2025.
After the economy grew by 4 percent in the third quarter, its
slowest pace in four years, the Monetary Board is now expected to lower interest rates to cushion the slowdown and support economic recovery.
“We have to figure out whether the slowdown is from the demand side or the supply side. If it’s the supply side, we won’t be able to do anything,” Remolona said.
Meanwhile, the BSP is also assessing if the large banks’ reserve ratio requirement (RRR) could be reduced.
“We’re still thinking about it. It’s still 5 percent,” Remolona said. “We are still adjusting the liquidity in the system—whether it’s sufficient or excessive. Because if you
lower the reserve requirement, liquidity will increase.”
Earlier, Remolona said that the RRR remains high at 5 percent and expressed his vote to bring it down to zero, similar to the United States. The BSP reduced the RRR for universal and commercial banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions, by 200 basis points to 5 percent effective March 28, 2025. Furthermore, Remolona said the BSP is “not worried” about the peso touching the P59 level recently, as it intervenes in the foreign exchange market “just a little” to keep things orderly.
PHL AGRI EXPORTS
NEW TARIFF EXEMPTIONS
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
over USD 1 billion in shipments and delivering crucial relief to Filipino farmers and exporters.
On November 14, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order expanding exemptions under reciprocal tariffs. The measure applies to agricultural products not locally produced in the US, benefiting countries like the Philippines that rely heavily on export-driven rural economies.
“This is a significant win for the Philippines,” said Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. “We’ve been working to ease the impact of the 19 percent tariff imposed earlier this year.” What PHL products are now tariff-free THE latest exemptions cover a wide range of high-value agricultural goods: Copra oil, coconut water, and desiccated coconuts • Processed pineapples and fruit juices Processed bananas and dried tropical fruits Dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen R ice wafer products
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE estimated overall damage from typhoons Tino and Uwan surged to over P4 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday. In a statement, the DA said its latest estimates showed the storms caused farm damage worth P4.13 billion and wiped out around 19.2 million metric tons (MMT) of production across 43,882 hectares. This affected crops, coconut farms, livestock and poultry, fisheries, agricultural infrastructure, and machinery.
As such, the DA said over 65,000 farmers across 14 regions are set to receive indemnification checks worth P571 million from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) as compensation for farm damage brought by typhoons Tino and Uwan.
PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said that about 65,176 insured farmers from 14 regions were affected by the two typhoons as of November 11. Most of the farmers cultivate rice, corn, and high-value crops.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this forms part of the government’s assistance package to help producers recover swiftly.
He added that wider crop insurance coverage is becoming increasingly critical as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
“Hopefully, more of our agricultural stakeholders can be covered by the PCIC so the sector can better cope with disasters,” Tiu Laurel said. The DA said initial assessments indicate losses of around P147.3 million for rice, P55.6 million for corn, and P224.3 million for high-value crops.
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) is open to fully privatizating seven of its properties, among which is the once-popular Paoay Golf Course and Mt. Data Hotel.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Tieza Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mark T. Lapid said, “For the properties that we own, that are titled to us, we are definitely open to outright sale, not only for joint venture. But for those that are not
titled to us, joint venture is one of our modes [of public-private partnership].”
Other properties that are available for outright sale include: the Balacad Property in Laoag, Ilocos Norte (123,387 square meters); Kang Irag Golf Course in Cebu (945,413 sqm); Agoo Aplaya Hotel in La Union (35,000 sq m); San Fabian Bagong Lipunan Lodge in Pangasinan (57,935 sq m); and a Baguio lot. No further information was available for the latter.
The Paoay Golf Course is a 77-hectare property in Ilocos Norte, with an 18-hole golf
course. Tourists from Japan, South Korea, and mainland China used to golf there, but since chartered flights to the Laoag International Airport were halted, visitors have dwindled. The golf course is currently being rehabilitated by Tieza.
The 22-room Mt. Data Hotel (77,060 sq m) is located in Bauko, Mountain Province and is of historic importance, having been the venue of the signing of the peace agreement in September 1986 between the first Aquino administraiton and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.
Tieza is a government corporation tasked to build tourism infrastructure and ecozone. Chaired by the tourism secretary, Tieza is also now the primary investment body from which tourism businesses can avail of tax incentives for their projects.
Boracay drainage project AS this developed, Tieza will be retaking control of the Boracay drainage project after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) failed to complete its portion due to cost overruns.
Meanwhile, Recto said the economy will only expand by 4.7 percent to 4.8 percent in the fourth quarter, below the government’s target.
“What we will miss is the growth rate, unfortunately. But moving forward, everything will be upside. Because we’ve already seen where the problems are,” Recto added.
Recto: Deficit will be as target this year
THE country’s deficit level, however, will be as target at P1.561 trillion this year, according to Recto.
“Whatever our deficit target is for the year, including the debt, we’re not borrowing more than that,” the outgoing Finance chief said.
Although the government failed to meet its revenue target in the third quarter, given the slowdown in economic growth, Recto said expenses will be reduced to still meet the deficit target.
“We’re not reducing capital outlay,” Recto cleared, but reducing the supplies, materials, as well as travel expenses will help lessen the costs for the government.
The government’s revenue collection reached P3.366 trillion as of end-September this year, up by 2.24 percent from P3.292 trillion a year ago. This makes up 74.46 percent of the government’s full-year revenue target of P4.520 trillion.
THEFederation of Philippine Industries (FPI) expressed support on Tuesday for the latest Cabinet changes following the resignation of key officials linked to allegations surrounding flood control projects.
In a statement, FPI said it welcomed the appointment of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto as Executive Secretary and the designation of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go as the new Finance Secretary.
“These transitions come at a crucial time for policy coherence, fiscal stability, and investor confidence. FPI affirms its support for continuity and coordination across government agencies to sustain economic momentum,” FPI said.
The Palace earlier confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman out of “delicadeza”
This comes after former House appropriations chairperson Elizaldy S. Co publicly claimed last week that the President ordered the inclusion of P100 billion in projects in the 2025 budget.
Co alleged that the supposed directive was relayed through Pangandaman and was later affirmed by officials within the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office.
One of them—Adrian Bersamin, a relative of the former Executive Secretary—also resigned.
Malacañang has denied Co’s allegation, but said the officials opted to step down to allow the matter to be
addressed without compromising the integrity of their offices.
However, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday that Adriaan Bersamin was told to resign, and did not do so voluntarily, after it was discovered that he and Education Usec Trigyv Olayvar had misrepresented to then party-list Rep. Zaldy Co., that it was President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who wanted Co to cause the insertion of P11 billion in insertions in the 2025 national budget.
Lacson said this alleged misrepresentation was revealed by resigned Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Meanwhile, FPI said Recto’s experience in fiscal management could help ensure coherence across Cabinet operations, while
Go’s background in investment and economic affairs may support ongoing efforts to retain investor interest.
The group also backed the appointment of Charlito Martin R. Mendoza as commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Mendoza previously oversaw the Revenue Operations Group at the Department of Finance.
FPI said it stands ready to work with the new officials to push for “transparent policy, digitalization, and fair compliance,” which are “vital to restoring business confidence.”
“FPI remains committed to constructive engagement that supports inclusive industrial development and strengthens public trust,” the group also said. With a report by Butch Fernandez
Urban output climbs to
₧9.78-T–PSA
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
HIGHLY urbanized cities (HUCs) generated an estimated P9.78 trillion in total economic output in 2024, according to new figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The latest Provincial Product Accounts results showed that HUCs accounted for 44 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Manila joined Quezon City and Makati in the group of HUCs posting trillion-peso economies, with Quezon City contributing the largest share to the national GDP at 6 percent. It was followed by Makati with 5.4 percent and Manila with 4.7 percent.
Rounding out the 10 biggest contributors were Taguig at 3 percent; Davao City, 2.6 percent; Pasig, 2.3 percent; Parañaque, 1.65 percent; Pasay, 1.61 percent; Cebu
City, 1.5 percent; and Mandaluyong, 1.4 percent. Together, these cities made up 30.5 percent of national output. In terms of growth, Puerto Princesa posted the strongest annual expansion at 9.8 percent. It was followed by Iligan at 8.8 percent; Butuan, 8.7 percent; Tacloban, 8.2 percent; and Davao City, 7.9 percent.
The next five cities with the fastest increases were Bacolod at 7.7 percent; Makati, 7.35 percent; Malabon, 7.27 percent; Iloilo City, 7.1 percent; and Cebu City, 7 percent.
All HUCs recorded growth in 2024 compared with the previous year, with every city in the top ten outpacing the 5.7-percent national GDP growth rate.
The PSA said the compilation of Provincial Product Accounts had been carried out across all regions starting 2024.
The system was formally adopted in 2025 following the approval of a PSA Board resolution.
Frozen tuna fillets
Confectionery goods
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), coconutbased products alone account for 60 percent of these exports. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque called coconuts the “star” of Philippine agricultural exports.
Additional products no longer subject to US tariffs include coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and fertilizers.
Trade impact, export data
• In 2024, the Philippines exported USD 14.57 billion worth of goods to the US A gricultural exports made up USD 1.03 billion of that total Electronic products, includ-
ing semiconductors, accounted for USD 5.79 billion and remain tariff-exempt Combined, 46.77 percent of total Philippine exports to the US are now free from reciprocal tariffs
The US remains the Philippines’s third-largest trading partner, top export market, and a major source of investment and technology. Bilateral trade reached USD 20.3 billion in 2024, with a USD 4 billion surplus favoring the Philippines.
Go said the government will continue negotiations to lower tariffs on other Philippine exports such as garments, travel accessories, leather goods, and furniture.
Strategic Outlook: Asean ‘26 and beyond
SECRETARY Roque emphasized that the exemptions strengthen economic security and reflect constructive engagement with Washington ahead of the Philippines’s Asean Chairship in 2026.
In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Tieza Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller said in Filipino, “The portion of DPWH, amounting to P175 million, they said the plan was changed. There were two alleys that were left, one of which was at D’Mall. The remaining portions total some 740 meters.” He added that Aklan 2nd District Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores has already requested for additional funding for the project, “so it’s now under study. We’re doing our estimates.” Oller projected the cost will be about P100 million as “one of the pumping houses had already deteriorated so we will have to replace it, because the saltwater eats into the machines. So we have to change these machines as well.”
The new funding will still have to be approved by the Tieza Board of Directors, he said, and “hopefully, the project will be awarded by March,” he said. “We won’t transfer the funds and project anymore to them [DPWH]; we’ll be the one to do it, since the right-of-way issues have already been addressed,” he asserted. DPWH was supposed to secure the ROW in privately-owned areas, where the drainage system will pass, which is the reason this portion of the project was transferred to them.
Phase 1 of the two-phase, fourstage drainage expansion project in Boracay was completed by Tieza in 2014 at a cost of P91.8 million. Phase 2 had a budget of P1 billion and was supposed to have been completed by Tieza in the third quarter of 2019. It was delayed anew and was supposed to have been finished by December 2021. Phase 2 includes the construction of Pumping Station 4, sea outfall pipeline, upgrade of the main road drainage, interior drainage, among others.
Meanwhile, FedEx noted that European businesses are drawn to APAC due to strategic prospects, comprehensive logistics solutions, and favorable trade agreements.
“While there is strong enthusiasm by APAC and Europe SMEs to expand cross-border trade, they are also aware of the challenges ahead.” Among the challenges were regulatory shifts, complex customs procedures and global market volatility. To overcome these challenges, the firm said SMEs are looking for solutions, such as digital tools to improve supply chain visibility, streamline shipping, and reduce delivery times. They also seek greater customs expertise to navigate shifting regulations, avoid delays, and manage costs effectively.
“At FedEx, we are committed to fueling this momentum by delivering reliable logistics, intuitive digital tools, and adaptive trade expertise that help businesses navigate shifting regulations and thrive in the dynamic Asia-Europe corridor,” Espinosa added.
Bicol region recorded the highest number of claimants at 10,958, with potential payouts estimated at P119.4 million, according to the agency.
Bernabe noted that regional PCIC teams would extend assistance on the field and expedite claims processing to prevent cash-flow disruptions for affected farmers.
“We have issued strict instructions to our regional staff to continue assisting farmers and speed up the processing of their damage claims,” he said.
“By keeping these products competitive in the US market, the exemption helps protect livelihoods, preserve jobs, and create opportunities for communities that rely heavily on exports,” Roque said. or expand trade with Europe in the next 12 to 24 months.
‘ARE we cutting off our nose to spite our face?” That’s more or less the message of concern two senators raised on Tuesday, as they warned that nonstop destabilization talks and inflammatory but unsubstantiated “revelations” may be hurting an economy already reeling from global headwinds and serial natural calamities.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian sounded the alarm, saying that ongoing destabilization talks are wreaking havoc on the economy, as evidenced by a weak peso, a slump in the stock market, and declining foreign direct investments (FDI).
“Iyong simpleng usapan lang ng destabilisasyon, hindi na maganda para sa atin. Ngayon nakikita nating mahina ang piso kontra dolyar, ang stock market pababa. Sino pang mamumuhunan sa atin kung ganyan ang sitwasyon?” asked Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
[The simple talk of destabilization is not doing us good. Now we see the peso weakening against the dollar, and the stock market sliding. Who would want to invest in us if this is our situation?].
He stressed that negative sentiment does not just impact investor confidence; it also dampens domestic consumption. “A big part of the economy is household consumption, almost 60 to 70 percent. If the people’s sentiment is are not good, their spending is also impacted.”
Gatchalian added that slower government spending amid con -
troversies involving projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways has also adversely affected economic expansion, resulting in a disappointing 4-percent growth in the third quarter of the year.
Aside from the weak currency and sluggish equities market, FDI continues to decline, sliding 40.5 percenty to $494 million in August, mainly due to lower investments in debt instruments.
Lacson laments Imee’s claims
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo M. Lacson at the same time described described as “un-Filipino” the accusations of drug use thrown by Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios Marcos against her brother President Marcos at a religious gathering on Monday.
Lacson said that while siblings may have disagreements, the Filipino way is to resolve them inside the home, and not before hundreds of thousands of people in a public gathering.
“That was very un-Filipino. We have seen siblings quarrel but they confine it inside the home... But to bring your conflict in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the Luneta, to me that’s unacceptable as a Filipino. We Filipinos are not like that,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in a radio interview.
“I am disappointed with Senator Marcos’ action. She could have done this in another forum, but not to make accusations whether true or not in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” he added.
He was referring to Senator Marcos’ accusation during the Iglesia ni
Cristo rally in Manila Monday evening that her brother, the President, and members of his family, were into drugs.
When asked what could be the motive behind her actions, Lacson said there is no other motive but politics.
“Politics, nothing else. Why discredit your own brother in front of hundreds of thousands of people?,” he said.
No plans to file charges
MALACAÑANG said the First Family currently has no plans to file charges against Senator Marcos, who earlier claimed that the President and the First Lady have used illegal drugs.
“As of now, we do not have any plan of making any legal action against her,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
She said that the President has authorized her to issue a statement on the matter during their recent conversation.
At the anti-corruption demonstration of INC on Monday night, the elder sister of the President claimed that her brother and the First Lady were illegal drug users.
The lawmaker also urged the President to take a hair follicle drug test if he wants to disprove her claims.
Castro, said the Senator’s accusations were baseless citing that the President was even able to donate a kidney to his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
“How can someone who is not healthy donate a kidney,” the Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said in Filipino.
Castro questioned the timing, as well as, the intention of Senator Marcos for making such accusations against the President, while not talking about the controversies related to Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing fund misuse allegations.
Senator Marcos has voiced her support for the Vice President, who is at odds with the President.
“We can clearly see who she is protecting. You can clearly see that she wants to destroy the [reputation of the] President, but the one she is protecting is the one who has the issue of corruption, the Vice President,” Castro said.
Castro also stressed the Chief Executive will not give in on the calls of the senator for the President to undertake a hair follicle test since it was proven false before citing Marcos’ cocaine test at St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) yielded a negative result in 2021.
“I will repeat, over and over again, the President is clean and the President will not give in to any incitement: incitement by destabilizers, incitement by obstructionists who will do nothing but give conditions, give orders to the President even if it is no longer in line with his work,” Castro said.
The Palace official said the concerned government agencies can look into the statements of the lawmaker to determine if it is a form of destabilization as claimed by some political analysts.
“Let us first check all the facts and the statements that she made. And it’s up to the DOJ, maybe Ombudsman if they will make any initiative to end this matter,” Castro said. With Samuel Medenilla and PNA
Unicef: Uwan disrupts lives of 1.7-M children
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
MORE than 1.7 million children were adversely affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) that hit the Philippines on November 9, humanitarian agencies reported.
The typhoon, the 21st to strike the country in 2025 and the strongest this year, swept across 16 regions, affecting communities still recovering from earlier typhoons and earthquakes.
“Children and their families are barely climbing out of one crisis before another strikes, pushing them back to zero,”
Unicef Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim said. “As the world experiences more frequent and intense climate shocks, the most vulnerable children should not have to pay the highest price.”
Government data indicate that more than 5.17 million people were affected nationwide, specifically families and children in the hardest-hit areas.
More than 15,000 classrooms were damaged to varying degrees and over 900 public schools were converted into evacuation centers, according to their data.
Unicef has started conducting joint assessments with government agencies to identify urgent
needs in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, education and protection.
Relief supplies are being prepared from strategic storage points in Manila and Cotabato for immediate distribution, Unicef added. Moreover, emergency cash support of US$540,000 is being prepared for vulnerable households in Catanduanes, one of the provinces severely damaged by the storm. The group said that assistance may be expanded based on ongoing needs assessments and social protection mechanisms.
Even before Uwan, relief efforts had reached approximately
6,000 households in areas including Cebu, Davao Oriental, and the Dinagat Islands, due to earlier storms and earthquakes that struck in October.
The estimate of affected children was calculated using population projections for 2025, together with the latest government disaster monitoring reports as of November 12.
For the past four years, the Philippines has consistently ranked among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, facing increasingly severe storms and floods intensified by climate change, according to this year’s World Risk Report.
Speaker to Co: Come home, face allegations
SDepEd exec resigns over flood-control anomalies
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
ADEPARTMENT of Education official who has been linked to the the flood control project anomalies has resigned.
Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar submitted his resignation to the Palace, DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis E. Legaspi, said. In September, Olaivar went on leave of absence from DepEd after his name was mentioned during the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee hearing on the anomalies on flood control projects.
Olaivar was tagged by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as among officials who asked him to submit a list of projects for funding. Alayvar was at the time allegedly with the Palace.
Olaivar denied the allegation.
“I deny the allegations made and want to state clearly that I welcome any investigation regarding this matter,” Olaivar said. He assured that he is “ready and will fully cooperate with any and all proceedings.”
Good results
THE investigation into the flood control project mess kickstarted by President Marcos has achieved good results in just a span of three months, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out that the cases filed and the sacking of involved offi -
cials tagged in the flood control issue alone are commendable feats.
“Ngayon, three months palang marami nang nagawa nakaraang six years wala—maniwala tayo sa Pangulo [Three months into the probe, a lot has been achieved, compared to six years under the previous administration where there was none— let’s believe in the President),” she said.
Castro said Marcos’ efforts led to the filing of charges against more than a dozen officials and contractors in the flood control scandal.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, she added, is also eyeing to file cases against three senators and others linked to the issue.
“In just three months may i-aauction pang mga sasakyan sa November 20, marami nang na -freeze na assets, marami nang natanggal sa trabaho, in three months nagawa iyan [More cars will be auctioned, many assets had been frozen and many were sacked, these are all achieved within a span of three months],” she added.
Since the president’s last State of the Nation Address, Malacañang initiated a nationwide audit and investigation, and opened the Sumbong sa Pangulo website to receive public reports.
On Sept. 11, Marcos created the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to look into corruption allegations hounding government-led flood control projects.
See “Flood,” A7
SC junks dela Rosa’s plea vs
Ombudsman
TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Supreme Court (SC) has denied the “very urgent” motion filed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa seeking to compel Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to submit a copy of the supposed arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with his alleged role in the bloody anti-illegal drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Dela Rosa’s motion was denied by the Court during its regular en banc session on Tuesday.
In his manifestation, Dela Rosa told the Court that aside from the alleged ICC warrant of arrest, he has received reports that the international tribunal has allegedly issued a diffusion order against him on November 9, 2025. A diffusion request directs Philippine authorities to locate and arrest the person named therein with a view to extradition, subject to national legal procedures and treaty obligations. While he has already sent official communications to the DOJ and the DFA seeking confirmation of the ICC-issued arrest warrant, Dela Rosa said the two agencies have yet to respond to his letters.
PEAKER Faustino Dy III on Tuesday called on resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co to come home and face the allegations against him in connection with the alleged corruption in flood control projects.
and pin the blame on others.
In a statement, Dy said it is not enough for Co to just release a video from abroad to exonerate himself
“Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat mas mabigat din ang paninindigan. Kailangan niyang humarap, manumpa, at magharap ng ebidensiya sa mga awtoridad tulad ng ICI [Independent Commission on Infrastructure]. [If the accusations are serious, the affirmation should be stronger. He needs to appear before authorities, like the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, take an oath, and present evidence],” Dy said.
He said he is also willing to coordinate with concerned government agencies to provide Co with protection while he is giving his testimony.
Dy said the first thing he did when he assumed the Speakership was to cancel Co’s travel authority so that he would return immediately and face the allegations against him.
He also coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs for the
cancellation of Co’s passport.
The former chairman of the House Appropriations committee, however, remains abroad, coming out with only a video, he said.
“Samantala, lahat ng kongresistang may kailangang ipaliwanag ay kusang-loob na humarap at nakipagtulungan sa ICI [Meanwhile, all Congress lawmakers who needed to explain voluntarily, cooperated with the ICI]. They are all willing to cooperate and work with the ICI to explain their side. Hindi po ito ginawa ni dating Representative Co [Co did not do this],” Dy said.
“Ito ang malinaw na pagkakaiba: habang ang iba ay harapang nagbigay-linaw, si dating Representative Co ay umiwas. Sa halip na makatulong sa paglilinaw, lalo niyang dinaragdagan ang pagkalito ng publiko [This is the clear difference: while
See “Co,” A6
However, the Court ordered the government to comment on de Rosa’s very urgent manifestation filed through his lawyer Israelito Torreon seeking to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to submit within 72 hours, written certifications confirming whether or not an ICC-related warrant, note verbale or communication has been received, transmitted or processed through official channels.
The Court gave the concerned government agencies a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice to file their comments.
Dela Rosa filed the manifestation on November 13, 2025 after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that he has it “on good authority” that the ICC has already issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa. Remulla claimed that he has a copy of the supposed arrest warrant it on his mobile phone.
The SC did not explain why it denied dela Rosa’s plea to compel Remula to produce the alleged ICC warrant.
The SC has yet to act on the senator’s plea to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a writ of preliminary injunction or both to enjoin government officials and law enforcement authorities from facilitating or implementing any warrant, red notice or surrender request, issued by the ICC. Meanwhile, the camp of Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, daughter of the former President, yesterday filed an urgent motion with the SC seeking the immediate resolution of her petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus which seeks to facilitate the immediate return of her father to the country from The Hague, the Netherlands, where he is currently being detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for pending trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Veronica lamented the Court’s inaction on her petition which was filed last March 12 or eight months ago.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Senator seeks urgent release of rice tariff guidelines
SAYING
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
that rice farmers should not be made to wait, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said on Tuesday that rice tariff-setting guidelines and the unreleased P13 billion from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund “should not be lost in the bureaucracy.”
“Our economic managers promised that the new rice tariff-setting guidelines will be released first week of December. The deadline is nearing,” said Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate’s Agriculture committee.
“Huwag naman nang ma -delay iyan dahil bawat araw ng delay, nagdudulot ng anxiety sa ating mga magpapalay. Naghahanda na sila para sa susunod na anihan sa Pebrero-Marso. Deserve ng ating magpapalay ang kaliwanagan ng
transparency.”
[Please let’s not delay this further. Every day of delay brings them anxiety. They are preparing for the next harvest in February-March. They deserve some transparency].
“The changes in world rice prices are real-time, so I hope our adjustments in tariff are also real time. Or near real-time,” he added.
The non-release of P13 billion from the Rcef also worries him,
Public told to be on alert vs online scams this Yuletide
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Tuesday reminded the public to be on alert against online scams as the Christmas Season fast approaches.
Nartatez issued the warning after the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported that a total of 3,941 online scam cases have already been recorded from January 1 to November 13.
the others have been forthcoming, Co has been evasive. Instead of helping clear the issues, he is adding to the confusion of the public],” he added.
Dy said he is one with the public in their quest for truth.
“Sa ating mga kababayan: Nauunawaan ko ang pangamba at pagod na dulot ng magulong impormasyon. Naiintindihan namin kayo. Ang hinihingi lamang ninyo ay katotohanan at iyon din ang hinihingi namin [To our countrymen, I understand your anxiety and frustration due to disinformation. We understand you. You are only after the truth and that is what we also seek],” he said.
“Kaya ito po ang aking panawagan kay dating Representative Co: Umuwi po kayo at harapin ninyo ang taumbayan [That is why this is my call to former Rep. Co: come home and face the public],” Dy said. PNA
The most common scams include online selling scams (1,630 cases), investment-task scams (589), vishing (431), hijacked profile-ID scams (326), and loanlending scams (251). Other schemes reported involve accommodation and travel scams (135), smishing (113), fake bookings (99), phishing (108), e-wallet fraud (79), romancelove scams (50), employment/ seminar scams (40), debit/credit card fraud (50), parcel-package
scams (27), and fake receipt or legit buyer scams (13).
“We urge everyone to doublecheck online sellers, avoid clicking unverified links, and never share one-time passwords [OTP] or banking details with anyone,” Nartatez said.
Scammers are actively spreading fake promo links, bogus parcel delivery alerts, phishing messages, and fraudulent online investment schemes designed to steal personal information and
hard-earned money, he said.
Nartatez also advised the public to transact only with verified online stores and to be cautious of offers that seem “too good to be true.”
Parcel notifications should always be confirmed through official courier apps or websites, and online banking accounts should be secured with two-factor authentication. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately.
Rex Anthony Naval
Access gaps still hamper teleconsultations
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
FLUCTUATING internet signals, missed appointments and limited access to free medicines remain the most persistent barriers to teleconsultations, a recent study from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City on digital healthcare in remote Philippine communities has found.
The study, conducted by Pia Regina Fatima C. Zamora, Jimuel Celeste Jr., Roselle Leah Rivera, John Paul Petrola, Raphael Nelo Aguila, Jake Ledesma, Miles Kaye Ermoso and project leader Romulo de Castro, noted that the quality of a consultation continues to hinge largely on internet stability, which weakens during bad weather and often interrupts sessions between patients and physicians.
The researchers also noted that scheduled online appointments are often skipped, with families
prioritizing work and household responsibilities.
Further, access to medicines remains another hurdle, as many patients choose to delay or avoid consultations if they know that prescribed treatments will not be available for free afterward.
The team also reported that telehealth remains particularly valuable for non-ambulatory patients, with community health coordinators visiting homes and setting up devices to allow them to consult with doctors.
These findings come from the Atipan Project, launched in November 2021 to bring digital healthcare support to underserved communities.
Inspired by the Hiligaynon word meaning “to take care of,” the project provides free teleconsultations, training for community health coordinators and basic medication and supplies.
From May 2022 to July 2023,
the project registered 5,691 patients through the UnEMR Tele system and completed 4,874 initial and follow-up consultations. Most patients were children, followed by older adults, with women and girls accounting for the majority of those seeking care.
The most common diagnoses included upper respiratory infections, community-acquired pneumonia and hypertension.
This reflected in the top prescribed medicines, which ranged from symptomatic treatments to antibiotics and anti-hypertensive drugs.
Currently funded by foreign agencies, the project is preparing for expansions and new digitalhealth tools.
The research team said the model could support the rollout of the Universal Health Care Act by giving far-flung communities a more reliable entry point into the health system.
Tobacco harm reduction could save millions by 2060, WHO veterans say
FORMER directors of the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging major reforms to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), arguing that the adoption of a tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy could save more than 100 million lives globally by 2060. Published in a new report, the call proposes a major “reset” in global tobacco policy to embrace innovation and low-risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Authors including former WHO Policy Research function director Tikki Pang and Derek Yach, a central figure in shaping the WHO’s tobacco framework in the 1990s, together with economist Chris Snowdon of the Institute for Economic Affairs and Peter Beckett, co-founder of Clearing the Air, warned that failure to act will lead to decades of severe health and economic strain for low- and middle-income countries.
The report estimates that if 20 percent of the world’s smokers shift to low-risk alternatives within the next 10 to 15 years, smoking-related deaths could be reduced by half by 2060. Across 23 countries studied, over 14 million additional premature deaths could be avoided compared to outcomes under current policies.
especially for the funds pertaining to the purchase of seeds, since the planting season has begun.
The planting season runs September to February, with peak planting November to December in Visayas and Mindanao, and December to January in Luzon.
“Delayed seeds mean missed planting windows, lower yields, and lost income.”
“Because the government failed to release funds on time, mechanization, hauling trucks, drying
facilities, and training for 18,000 farmers are all on hold. This is not a technical delay—this is a blow to productivity and food security,” said the senator. We therefore call on the Departments of Agriculture (DA), of Finance (DOF) and of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev); and the Department of Budget and Management to release the full P13 billion Rcef balance, with priority for seedlings, before planting windows close.
Who finances election campaigns? And WHY?
By Henry J. Schumacher
AS voters in Chile prepared to head to the polls on Sunday, and those in the Netherlands reflect on their recent election, both have at least some insight into who is financing the campaigns seeking their support—and the business or foreign interests that may stand behind them.
Unfortunately, in most countries, voters are left in the dark about who finances election campaigns.
A new research released last week, shows that of 117 countries reviewed across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 70 percent have no system for publishing political finance information online.
The global research is equally troubling: in 109 of 157 countries, citizens go to the polls without the same opportunity Chileans and the Dutch have—to know who funds the campaigns vying for their votes. Only seven countries in Asia and the Pacific, 13 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 28 in Europe, and one in Africa make such information publicly available online. Obviously, the Philippines is not doing that.
Where political money flows unseen, democracy ultimately suffers. Hidden donors tilt elections, buy influence and corrode public trust.
Yet, that research also reveals the picture isn’t uniformly bleak. Some governments are proving that transparency is achievable even with modest means—from South Africa’s searchable donation portal to Costa Rica’s open dataset of nearly 100,000 political donations dating back to 2006. Without shared standards and international pressure, however, these isolated advances will remain exceptions rather than the rule.
Fortunately, there is an upcoming opportunity to turn scattered progress into global momentum.
Next month, 15-19 December, governments that have ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (Uncac)—the world’s only universal anticorruption treaty—will meet in Doha for its 11th Conference of the States Parties. For the first time in 22 years, they will consider a dedicated resolution on transparency in political finance, an initiative led by Norway, Albania, Ghana and Mongolia.
This is a crucial opportunity to renew a global commitment to ensure voters everywhere can see who funds those seeking to represent them. In an era of dark
money and disinformation, it is a once-ina-generation chance to bring sunlight to the machinery of democracy. Before that debate begins in Doha, another global stage will test the resolve of governments to uphold integrity.
Last week, the world gathered in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30)—a critical moment in the fight against the climate crisis. Yet past COPs, including last year’s, have seen fossil fuel interests deeply embedded in negotiations: more than 1,700 lobbyists attended last year, with hundreds accredited as official delegates. Such influence undermines ambition and erodes public trust.
Transparency International is calling on governments, the UNFCCC Secretariat, and the COP30 Presidency to adopt binding disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, exclude fossil fuel representatives from national delegations, and protect civil society participation. Integrity, public oversight and accountability must guide climate diplomacy if COP30 is to deliver meaningful action.
As host, Brazil had a unique opportunity to set a new global standard—ensuring climate decisions serve the public interest, not polluters. Yet its recent approval of oil drilling in the Amazon is a stark warning that this opportunity could instead become a blueprint for backtracking—exactly what the world cannot afford if it hopes for real progress on climate.
The same forces that buy politicians’ loyalty bankroll delay on climate—and they thrive in the shadows. The fight for clean elections and the fight for a livable planet are part of the same struggle: to make power transparent, accountable and answerable to the public it serves. In conclusion, where political money flows unseen, democracy suffers. Hidden donors tilt elections, buy influence and corrode public trust. Let this be changed in the Philippines also! I would be interested in your feedback; please contact me at hjschumacher59@ gmail.com.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Ombudsman files first flood-control related case vs Co, kin, DPWH execs
TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Ombudsman on Tuesday filed its first case before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the anomalous flood-control projects of the government with resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co as one of the respondents.
Aside from Co, also charged were former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region IV-B and the board of directors of Sunwest Corporation, the construction company linked to the family of Co.
They were specifically charged with one count of malversation of
Rally
public funds through falsification of public documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 17 (4) of the Revised Penal Code and two counts of graft for violation of Section 3 ( e ) and 3 (h) of Republic Act o. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Ombudsman spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano said because the amount allegedly malversed exceeds P8.8 million, and in line with the law and jurisprudence, the panel of Ombudsman prosecutors has recommended no bail for the malversation charge.
“After two months of investigation, gathering of evidence, sifting through testimonies of witnesses, the
Office of the Ombudsman announce today that we have issued a resolution finding probable cause to file criminal charges with serious irregularities uncovered in a major flood control project in Oriental Mindoro,” Assistant Ombudsman Clavano announced at a press briefing.
The case stemmed from the investigation report and recommendation submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) before the Ombudsman on September 29, 2025 which covers the P289.5 million anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The project involves the construction of a road dike along Mag-
didn’t need 3 days to achieve goal–INC
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) said its “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” no longer needed the full three days to accomplish its objective, noting that the first two days had already generated enough attention to deliver its call for good governance.
The statement comes after the group announced late Monday that the rally would wrap up after its second day.
INC Spokesperson Brother Edwil Zabala said the momentum and public engagement from the first two days made it clear that their message had already reached a wide audience.
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday reminded employers that workers who resigned or were terminated are still entitled to receive their proportionate 13th month pay.
DOLE–Bureau of Working Conditions
Director IV Alvin Curada said the benefit applies even if the worker is no longer connected with the company, as long as they rendered work within the current calendar year.
“An employee’s termination or resignation is not a reason to lose their entitlement to 13th month pay. If you resigned, for example in August, you will still receive
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Trusted officials
CASTRO reiterated that the investigation has resulted in some economic impact since it led to the temporary postponement of some flood control projects as they undergo vetting. Some business groups have also expressed concern over the alleged theft of billions of pesos from the government. It also caused some Cabinet members to resign to give way to the investigation of their offices. Among them were Executive
“Taking into consideration the speed and extent of media coverage, both local and international, that the rally generated, it did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability, transparency, and peace,” Zabala said in a statement.
He added that the second day saw even more INC members converge at the Quirino Grandstand to demonstrate their unity.
“This is in answer to the call of the Church Administration to lend our voices to the growing public clamor for government to decisively address the massive corruption that has already affected the country’s economy and
your proportionate pay. They will simply compute what you earned up to your date of separation, then divide it by 12,” Curada said, mostly in Filipino.
Under Presidential Decree No. 851, private sector employers must provide 13th month pay to all rank-and-file workers regardless of position, designation, or employment status.
T he benefit must not be less than onetwelfth of the total basic salary earned within the year.
For those in the private sector, Curada clarified that the 13th month pay provision does not apply.
He said government employees are not
Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. Despite their resignation, Castro said both officials continue to enjoy the trust of the President.
“Even though ES Lucas Bersamin and Secretary Mina resigned, the President still has confidence in them,” Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang last Tuesday.
She made the clarification when asked if the President’s decision to accept the resignations of both officials was a sign that he has doubts on their integrity. Their resignation came after former
Asawang Tubig River. Prior to this, an inspection was conducted by Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon and Oriental Mindoro Gov. Bonz Dolor on September 9, 2025.
During the inspection, it was observed that the materials used were substandard which resulted in public losses in the estimated amount of more than P63 million.
The commission also noted apparent deficiencies in documentation supporting progress billings.
It noted that several payments were approved despite missing records and in some instances, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings.
international standing,” he added.
The spokesperson also reiterated that the INC’s stand has been consistent from the start: they oppose any moves that are against the Constitution.
“From the very start, we have stressed that we are against moves that are against the Constitution. We started peacefully and we ended peacefully,” he said.
According to the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, around 650,000 people joined the first day of the protest on Sunday.
The Manila Police District reported that attendance on Monday peaked at 600,000 around 6 p.m., before settling at 550,000 by the end of the program at 8 p.m.
covered because they follow a separate compensation scheme, where they receive a year-end bonus and a cash gift instead of 13th month pay.
“ Those working in the personal service of another are also not covered. Those whose pay is purely commission-based are not covered either,” Curada also said.
He added that DOLE has already begun reminding employers to release the mandated benefit on or before December 24.
Under the Labor Code, companies that fail to comply may face administrative sanctions, including possible suspension or cancellation of their business permits.
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representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co accused Marcos of of inserting P100-billion worth of projects in the 2025 budget.
Aside from two officials, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) undersecretary Adrian A. Bersamin and Olaivar also resigned for their alleged involvement in the flood control project scandal.
“These findings point to a scheme that resulted in unwarranted benefits, technical falsification, and the misuse of public funds,” Clavano said.
With the filing of charges against Co, the government is expected to move for the cancellation of his passport soon.
Co, who previously served as chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations committee, left the country last July to undergo medical treatment in the United States but has refused to return since then.
Instead, he released a series of video statements last week accusing former Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos of receiving
kickbacks from flood control projects undertaken by the through the 2025 budget insertions. He also confirmed the statement made by his former aide, former marine Orly Guteza, before the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee about delivering cash in kickbacks to Malacañang and the residence of Romualdez in Forbes Park, Makati City. Co also claimed that Marcos received P25 billion, representing 25 percent in “SOP” or kickbacks from the P100 billion in insertions. In the said video, Co showed photos of several suitcases purportedly containing cash intended for Marcos and Romualdez.
Group to regulators: Potentially harmful sand play products endanger children
ALOCAL waste and pollution watchdog urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to analyze colored sand play products being sold in the market after the regulatory authorities in Australia and New Zealand announced separate product recalls due to potential asbestos contamination. E xposure to asbestos, a hazardous chemical, can cause serious long-term health problems. “In the interest of children’s safety, we urge the FDA to conduct an immediate analysis of play sand products being sold in toy
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Globally, integrating THR, improved cessation support, and early disease detection could prevent more than three million deaths per year, the authors said.
“Our findings suggest that embracing harm reduction alongside conventional measures could roughly double the lives saved compared to current policies alone. Across the 23 countries analyzed, over 14 million additional premature deaths could be averted by 2060. Extrapolated worldwide, over 100 million lives could be saved - preventing over 3 million deaths a year,” the report said.
“With the exception of vaccines, there are no other health interventions that can achieve such massive and affordable health gains,” it added.
The former WHO directors urged governments to show courage by
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara, who was also accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, but he has opted to remain in his post.
“If Secretary Angara believes that he is clean and has nothing to worry about, he does not need to submit his resignation,” Castro said. With Sam Medenilla and PNA
stores and assure the public that such products do not pose potential asbestos exposure,” Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition, said in a statement.
“Pending the conduct of asbestos analysis, we appeal to toy stores, including those online, to temporarily stop the sale of children’s play sands until such time their manufacturers, importers, or distributors have made available verifiable certificates of analysis confirming their products are free of any asbestos,” she said.
challenging entrenched views at the 11th FCTC’s Conference of the Parties in Geneva, where they foresee proposals for stricter regulation of safer nicotine products.
“Low and middle-income countries face decades of immense health and economic strain if urgent measures are not taken,” they said. “It is in this sobering context that we believe COP11 must confront a pressing reality: harm reduction for tobacco is not a theoretical debate but a proven strategy with lifesaving outcomes.”
They cited the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden as examples where the rise of vaping, heated tobacco, or smokeless tobacco such as snus has driven smoking rates down rapidly.
“Heated tobacco product use has surged in Japan, South Korea, Italy, Poland, and Germany…vaping has fast gained ground in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and Romania, where cigarette prevalence is falling rapidly as millions transition to lowerrisk alternatives,” they said.
The government needs to assure the Filipino people, especially the parents and their children, and the schools catering to very young students, that play sand products available in the market are asbestos-free in accordance with the law,” she further said.
DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-02, or the Chemical Control Order for Asbestos, bans “all forms of asbestos in toys,” among
They added that Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland have some of the world’s lowest rates of smoking and tobacco-related cancers due to widespread use of snus and nicotine pouches.
“These countries demonstrate that human behavior can be redirected in safer ways when consumers are presented with viable alternatives,” they said. In contrast, male smoking rates in countries like Indonesia, China, Egypt, and Jordan remain above 45 percent.
The report stressed that scientific societies and journals must recognize their ethical responsibility to ensure healthcare professionals understand the benefits of harm reduction.
“Uninformed or misinformed clinicians remain a key barrier to adoption,” they said. They also noted that public health once embraced needle exchanges and opioid substitution therapy, and now must apply the same pragmatism to nicotine.
Marie Carisa ‘Cai’ Ordinario, award-winning journalist and educator: 45
By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas
OVER bottles of beer, Marie Carisa
Ordinario pondered upon a long list of people to interview. She was gearing up for an explanatory piece that a team formed by the B usiness M irror was working on.
It was about how unscrupulous entities used farmers’ organizations and cooperatives to import millions and millions worth of rice. That time, August of 2019, the Philippine government had just liberalized the rice trade regime.
By September, the list of 14 people trimmed down to five. By October, all names were crossed. The story got published on October 31st (seehttps://businessmirror. com.ph/2019/10/31/pre-and-postrice-trade-liberalization-law-bigtraders-gaming-farmer-groups/) spooking those actors worming their way into the loopholes of Philippine rice policy.
A year after, the government barred farmers’ organizations and cooperatives from importing rice, a regulation that remains in effect until today.
That story, Ordinario says, is one of the most memorable stories she has written as a journalist. “Butinairaosnatin[Good thing we pulled this story through],” she told this author in November of 2019.
This snippet of a reporter’s tale speaks of a mid-aged Filipino journalist’s dedication to display hard work and critical thinking in news reportage. This mantra is then passed on to young journalists through classroom instruction.
Ordinario, an educator and awardwinning journalist who covered the Philippine economy for more than two decades, died on Monday evening (Nov. 17) after battling cancer. She was 45. She is survived by her parents— Camilo Ordinario (father) and Susan U. Ordinario (mother)—as well as her sibling Marie Camille Joson.
Nothing beats hard work
“ CAI ,” as what most business and economic journalists call her, arrives at coverage at
least an hour before they begin. It is not hard to spot her chinky eyes and bubbly demeanor, with a black backpack in tow.
“Anong storya? (What’s the story?)” she asks, while raising her eyebrows and grinning ear-to-ear, as if teasing you that she already has one. It’s the iskupera in her. She was the economic journalist’s journalist: ever-present, always throwing spot-on questions.
And her questions? These queries vary, from the mundane of “did you have your lunch already, sir?” to the technicalities of the economy. All her questions proved valuable to the story she is chasing.
The living testament to her daily grind is her best buddy of more than a decade: a silver Sony digital voice recorder, with visible dents and scratches on the recording and stop buttons. That device witnessed the countless stories of consumers, farmers, economists, ranking officials—all visible actors contributing to Philippine economic growth.
Ordinario earned her journalism degree
from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and her Master of Communication degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman). She started her doctoral studies (PhD in Philippine Studies) in 2023 at UP Diliman, but this was disrupted by her bout with cancer.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in 2002, she began her journalism career with The Manila Times as a lifestyle and eventually a business reporter, covering the capital markets. Five years after, she transferred to BusinessMirror where she stayed until 2012 as a macroeconomy reporter.
She left the B usiness M irror to join Rappler, covering general business assignments but only from August 2012 until May 2013. In June of 2013, she returned to BusinessMirror, covering macroeconomy, housing, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Ordinario’s 23-year journalism career was nothing short of illustrious. Multiple national and international award-giving
bodies recognized her excellent reportage on statistics, macroeconomy, finance and agriculture. By 2025, she had won more than 20 awards.
She also earned respectable international fellowships, including the East West Center’s Jefferson Fellowship, World Trade Organization’s seminar for journalists, and the US Department of State’s International Visitor’s Leadership Program.
There is a saying that a journalist is just as good as her last story. Ordinario believes it. For her, it’s all hard work.
“I believe that we are not defined by our achievements kaya tuloy lang ang trabaho (that’s why work goes on),” she wrote in a Facebook post in 2016 when she was adjudged the Best Reporter for Macroeconomy during the annual Economic Journalists’ Association of the Philippines (EJAP) awards.
Ordinario has written over 6,200 articles for the B usiness M irror since 2012, based on the news outlet’s website.
The ‘tita’ leader ORDINARIO never described herself as a leader. But she never declined any longform pieces in collaboration with other colleagues. She just wanted to be the ate or the tita.
To her, the story is the thing, whether she does it alone or co-authored with others.
But little did she know that, yes, she was a colleague to most, but she was a mentor to some. She was the best team player that anyone could ever ask for in doing a story.
Seniority is just a label, she once told us, while doing another long-form journalism piece. She will be the first to volunteer to interview sources, analyze the data and comfort anxious reporters who had just begun their careers.
Once, a colleague, Elijah Felice Rosales, who was covering trade back then for B usiness M irror , went to the newsroom and shared with us what he learned from his coverage. “Alam ba ninyo na nag-e-export tayo ng pustiso? (Did you know that we export dentures?)”
“Ate Cai” and I were shocked. And then we laughed, laughing so hard that she cried. Ordinario shared to our editors what Elijah had just told us; they were shocked, too. But then came the unexpected.
“Do a story. Do a story about it. Explain the quirky exports and imports of the country,” Dennis Estopace, BusinessMirror’s senior editor, said in 2019. Ordinario led us in scouring and analyzing over five pages of A3-sized papers looking for “quirky” trade. (see https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2019/04/05/ from-condoms-to-false-teeth-phltrade-in-quirky-goods-bites-wide-intoglobal-market/)
Three years later, Ordinario will find herself leading a group of people—not looking for quirky—but of stability and growth. In 2022, she became the president of EJAP, the country’s premier organization of business and economic journalists. Ordinario steered the organization to grow post-pandemic by holding various fora, activities for members and holding seminars for students, among others.
Ms. Cai, Teacher Cai BEYOND her accolades, Ordinario was an educator. She started as a part-time lecturer at UP Diliman in 2016 and taught at the state university until 2021. There she handled courses such as journalism principles, beat reporting and business journalism. By 2021, she returned home to her alma mater, UST, to teach. She served as a part-time instructor at UST handling undergraduate courses like macroeconomic indicators and graduate courses such as data journalism until her untimely passing.
Ordinario’s students call her “Ms. Cai.” And even at her lowest point, “Ms. Cai” looked beyond the future, not of herself but of the craft that she dedicated her life to.
“Her last message to me was: Ingatan mo sarili mo. Kailangan ka pa ng mga bata [Take care of yourself. The students need you],” recalls Alexis Douglas Romero, a reporter and Ordinario’s co-faculty member at UST.
Nations hit by natural disasters tell ministers at UN climate talks to act
By Seth Borenstein, Anton L. Delgado & Melina Walling
BThe
Associated Press
ELEM , Brazil—Battered by last month’s ferocious climate-fueled hurricane, Jamaica joined other small island nations and impoverished countries at Monday’s United Nations climate talks to implore the rest of the world to stop talking and start acting. Their message: Our lives are on the line.
As high-level ministers from governments around the world took over negotiations at the conference called COP30, vulnerable nations lined up to say how important it is for countries to cut emissions. They said the world’s current climate plans aren’t strong enough to keep warming below the 1.5 degree Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. In addition, they renewed a
longstanding call for rich nations to do more financially to help poor countries deal with warming.
“Hurricane Melissa changed the life of every Jamaican in less than 24 hours,” said Matthew Samuda, the country’s economic growth minister. The Category 5 hurricane that hit three weeks ago caused almost $10 billion in damage and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. He called it evidence of “the new phase of climate change.”
“We did not create this crisis, but we refuse to stand as victims,” Samuda said. “We call on the global community, especially major emitters, to honor their commitments and safeguard the 1.5 degree threshold for Jamaica. This is survival. It’s about our people and their right to a safe and prosperous future.”
Armando Rodriguez Batista, Cuba’s environment and science minister, noted his country was flooded by Melissa.
“Tomorrow it will be too late to do what
we had to do a long time ago,” he said.
Speakers lament slow progress OTHER nations reiterated the life-or-death nature of stepping up the fight to cut emissions, calling it “a moral duty” and saying climate damage is their day-today reality.
“I sit on the roof of the house all night, looking at the neighbors, thinking whether or not the water will swallow us all,” Romanian Environment Minister Diana-Anda Buzoianu said, reading the words of a victim of this year’s floods in her country.
“Promises alone will not hold back the rising seas,” Seychelles Environment and Climate Minister Flavien Philomel Joubert said.
A ruling earlier this year by the International Court of Justice that climate change is a planetary existential problem that must be fixed is “leverage” that small island countries will use to speed up
climate-fighting efforts at COP30, said Tuvalu Attorney-General Laingane Italeli Talia.
That ruling shows that “the 1.5 target is not just a political aspiration, but a legal obligation informed by the best available science,” Tuvalu Environment and Climate Minister Maina Vakafua Talia said as thunder from a passing storm reverberated through the hall.
“We are seeing the 1.5 target disappear before our eyes,” Talia said, adding that for small islands “it is the line between our survival and loss.”
But stronger climate plans and saving 1.5 is important for the whole world, not just small islands, he added.
COP30, more heavily fortified after a pair of demonstrations disrupted the main venue in the first week, kicked off its second week with foreign and other ministers stepping in for the lower-level negotiators who handled it earlier. They have far more power and leeway to make
tough political decisions, and UN Climate Executive Secretary Simon Stiell told them to use it.
“The spirit is there, but the speed is not,” Stiell said. “The pace of change in the real economy has not been matched by the pace of progress in these negotiating rooms. As climate disasters wrecked millions of lives and hammer every economy, pushing up prices for food and other basic needs, we all know what’s at stake.”
Other speakers also urged quicker action. The time for promises is over,” Brazil Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said. “Each additional fraction of a degree of global warming represents lives at risk, greater inequality and greater losses for those who contributed least to the problem.”
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said recent disasters show how much needs to be done.
“The climate crisis is unrelenting,” she said. “We saw this when Hurricane Melissa barreled into the Caribbean two weeks ago. We saw it again last week at the Philippines...near back-to-back typhoons.”
‘Our existence is at stake’ ADDING to the pressure, late Sunday the Brazilian presidency of the talks issued a five-page summary on how to proceed on several sticky issues. Those include pressing nations to do more in their new emissions-
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cutting plans, handling of trade disputes and barriers involving climate and the need to deliver on last year’s $300 billion annual pledge for climate financial aid to poor nations. Those difficult issues weren’t part of the original agenda nor the COP30 presidency’s plans, but several countries pushed for them.
Several countries—especially small island nations—have asked that the talks address the inadequacy of the emissionscutting plans submitted by 116 nations so far this year. Collectively, the plans come nowhere close to cutting heat-trapping gases enough to prevent breeching the 1.5-degrees Celsius warming limit since the 1800s.
That issue may get combined with a call for a plan for phasing out fossil fuels—coal, oil and natural gas, the chief cause of climate change. That phaseout was agreed to after much debate at U.N. climate talks two years ago, but last year, little happened on the issue. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva earlier this month raised the issue anew.
“Our very existence is at stake,” Mauritius Foreign Affairs Minister Dhananjay Ramful said. “A decade after the promises of the Paris Agreement, despite our good intentions, we realized that we have not done enough.... Our planet demands action now.”
CAI ORDINARIO (second from right) together with her former UST journalism students turned business journalism colleagues. From left to right Ada Pelonia (BusinessMirror), Bless Ogerio (BusinessMirror), Reine Alberto (BusinessMirror), Ordinario and Katherine Chan (BusinessWorld) CAI ORDINARIO'S INSTAGRAM
CAI
ORDINARIO’S beloved digital voice recorders. CAI ORDINARIO'S INSTAGRAM
Marcos visits Albay to assess ‘Uwan’s’ impact and boost rehabilitation efforts
AS the province of Albay continues to reel from the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), President Ferdinand Marcos visited the province to determine how the national government can assist in the rehabilitation efforts of its local government.
The Chief Executive convened a situation briefing with Cabinet members, national and local government officials in Albay last Tuesday to discuss the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan in Albay, which is currently under state of calamity, including heavy damages to its infrastructures and agriculture sector.
They also discussed how to sustain relief and rehabilitation efforts in the province.
“The assistance included the emergency cash transfer provided by the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] worth P10,263, and family, hygiene and kitchen kits to each of the 141 families whose houses were totally damaged,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.
Prior to the briefing, the Chief Executive inspected the CararayanNaga Elementary School (CNES) in
the town of Tiwi in Albay.
Seven of the school’s classrooms sustained an estimated P3.5-million worth of major damage, while eight other classrooms had minor damage estimated at P392,000.
CNES’ three water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities were also destroyed, while 200 learning resources and 50 desks were damaged.
To accommodate the 157 affected CNES learners out of its total 917 enrolled students, the school implemented a class-shift scheme.
While the President visited the school, the Department of Education (DepEd) distributed learning materials to the affected students.
For its part, the Office of the President donated a Starlink satellite internet unit and 343 school bags and snacks to the affected students.
As of Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Super Typhoon Uwan killed 26 people and affected 7.4 million people nationwide. It caused over P2.27 billion worth of damages to infrastructures and resulted in P2.11 billion losses to agriculture. Samuel P. Medenilla
Sen. Bam to DepEd: Prioritize repair, construction of classrooms damaged by typhoons and quakes
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
SENATOR Bam Aquino has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize the immediate repair and construction of classrooms damaged by recent typhoons and earthquakes to help ensure the continuity of safe and quality learning for students.
The DepEd reported that the recent earthquakes have affected around 5,000 schools across several regions, mostly in Central Visayas, Davao Region, and the Negros Island Region. In addition, more than 5,000 classrooms sustained various damages from Typhoons Tino and Uwan in different parts of the country.
“Kailangang agarang maisaayos ang ating silid-aralan para ligtas na maipagpatuloy ng ating mga estudyante ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Aquino said, adding that schools in heavily damaged areas must be prioritized.
Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, also urged DepEd to work closely with local government units (LGUs) to hasten the repair and construction of classrooms so students can return to school as soon as possible.
Mahalaga ang pagtutulungan ng DepEd at mga lokal na pamahalaan para mapabilis ang pagkukumpuni ng mga paaralan at matiyak na maayos, ligtas, at matibay ang mga silid na babalikan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” he said.
Aquino recently attended the 1st Infanta Education Summit and inspected damaged classrooms at Binulasan Integrated School in Infanta, Quezon.
Based on data from local officials, he noted that in Infanta alone, around 1,000 classrooms were damaged, while the entire province of Quezon still lacks about 3,400 classrooms.
Aquino said the Senate approved an increase in the budget for classroom construction - from P13 billion to P68 billion enough
DENR’s ‘restrictive’ FOI manual challenged in Supreme Court
A- to build 26,000 to 30,000 classrooms.
“Ang susi na lang po dito: masigurado natin na ang perang iyan, hindi mapunta kung saan-saan. Mapunta po sa mga lugar na makakagawa ng classroom nang mabilis at sa tamang presyo,” he added.
Aquino also recently sponsored his Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which seeks to address the massive 165,000-classroom backlog in public schools and strengthen transparency and accountability in classroom construction.
Unang-una, popondohan natin ang paggawa ng classroom. Pangalawa, hindi na po DPWH ang gagawa ng karamihan ng classroom. Ang gagawa po nito, mga LGU na. Ibig sabihin niyan, iyong pera na nakalaan sa national, diretso po iyan sa LGU,” Aquino explained.
Iyan po, gagamitin ng mga mayor kasama ng local school boards para gumawa ng classroom agad-agad at sabay-sabay. Kung isang ahensiya lang ang gagawa ng classroom sa ating bansa, siguro talaga hindi natin matatapos iyan. Pero kung ang bawat mayor, bawat governor, bawat lugar sabay-sabay gumagawa at napopondohan ng national government, may tsansa tayong masara ang classroom gap,” he added.
Twenty-two senators signed Committee Report No. 6 for Senate Bill 1482, while Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Bong Go, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Pia Cayetano, Sherwin Gatchalian, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Mark Villar, and Jinggoy Estrada cosponsored the measure.
Senators Imee Marcos, Camille Villar, Raffy Tulfo, Legarda, Villanueva, Estrada, and Gatchalian co-authored the proposed measure. Aside from his fellow Sen. Aquino’s measure also received strong support from 800 local officials, including governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, board members, and other leaders.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
PETITION was filed on Tuesday before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to declare as unconstitutional the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) Freedom of Information Manual for being “restrictive.”
In a 38-page petition filed by Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center Inc. (LRCI), a legal research and policy development institution, and Marbel, South Cotabato Bishop Cerilou Casicas, the petitions also asked the Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to enjoin the DENR from implementing its freedom of information manual.
The petitioners said the respondents should be compelled to allow public access to the environmental impact statements (EIS) and all other related information filed in the process of application for an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) before the DENR. Named as respondents in the petition were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and DENR Secretary Raphael Pepertuo “Popo” Lotilla.
“The prevailing restrictions of the DENR FOI Manual practically bar access to, much less scrutinize, environmental information
of 447 major environmentally critical projects that have been issued Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) by the DENR. DENR’s repeated denials of our FOI requests over potentially destructive and anomalous environmentally critical projects that the concerned public has a right to hold accountable are clearly a grave abuse of discretion,” lawyer Rolly Francis Peoro, Direct Legal Services Coordinator of LRC, said.
This includes data on the environmental impacts of 69 heavy industries projects, 173 resource extractive industries, and 169 infrastructure projects scattered across the country, among others.
As to the EIS of pending applications for ECC, the petitioners said these are likewise inaccessible due to the DENR FOI Manual.
The petitioners argued that the issuance and continuing implementation of DENR FOI Manual constitute grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction as it violates the Filipinos’ rights to information on matters of public concern, right to a balanced and healthful ecology, right to health, and the right to be consulted and participate at all levels of decision-making.
The petition was filed after the DENR denied LRC’s request for copies of environmental impact
statements (EIS) and other environmental information in connection with the reported ghost flood control and dredging projects and controversial large-scale mines.
The petitioners are also looking into the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, a 26,501-hectare largescale mining project in South Cotabato province that is one of the largest underdeveloped coppergold deposits in the world.
“The Tampakan mine would probably alter river systems coursing through four different provinces in Mindanao and require the clearing of old-growth forests. As it would directly affect thousands, if not millions, of Filipinos, the public certainly has the right to know the terms granted to the mining company in its Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement,” the petitioners said.
The petitioners told the Court that they were denied access to environmental information numerous times by the DENR.
“Request for copies of EIS, mining data, and even that of flood control projects were consistently denied by DENR,” the petitioners noted.
The DENR, according to the petitioners, provided a list of 27 exceptions for the grant of the request information which include any data provided by mining companies in their application for ECC
Manufacturing revenue hits ₧7.36T, PSA reports
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE country’s manufacturing sector posted P7.36 trillion in total revenue in 2022, according to the final results of the 2022 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI).
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that it rose sharply from the previous year despite a smaller number of operating establishments, and that the industry receipts grew 34.5 percent from the P5.47 trillion recorded in 2021.
Total expenses also increased to P6.41 trillion, up 31 percent year on year.
Industry activity continued to be driven by key subsectors. Manufacturers of electronic components accounted for the largest share of revenue at P829.25
billion, followed by producers of refined petroleum products at P637.13 billion.
The other food products group ranked third with P468.67 billion. These same industries also posted the highest spending levels.
Across regions, Calabarzon remained the manufacturing hub, generating P3.21 trillion in revenue, or nearly 44 percent of the national total. Expenses in the region reached P2.93 trillion.
Central Luzon came in second with P1.45 trillion, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the lowest figures at P5.67 billion in revenue and P4.84 billion in expenses.
The sector’s growth unfolded alongside a decline in the number of active establishments. The survey counted 23,571 manufacturing firms in 2022, down 6.8
percent from 2021. Even with fewer companies, employment in the industry rose to 1.20 million, up 2.5 percent.
Nearly all workers (99.3 percent) were paid employees, with the rest made up of working owners and unpaid labor.
Total compensation for the sector reached P390.51 billion, translating to an average annual pay of P327,210 per employee. This is 5.4 percent higher than the previous year’s average ofP310,460.
The PSA also reported a revenue-to-expense ratio of 1.15, indicating that manufacturers earned P1.15 for every peso spent in 2022, slightly higher than the ratio of 1.12 posted in 2021.
The ASPBI, one of the PSA’s designated statistical activities, provides yearly data on the structure, performance, and trends of enterprises in the formal economy.
MMDA and Jollibee launch waste-to-rewards program
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has partnered Jollibee Foods Corporation for a Plastic Waste Recovery and Rewards Program aimed at strengthening community engagement in waste collection and disposal, exchanging every seven kilograms of plastic trash for a P100 gift certificate.
The MMDA said that the collaboration is envisioned to increase household and barangay engagement in proper segregation and collection of plastic waste by incentivizing them with the help of the private sector.
Through this initiative, residents are more empowered to collect and segregate waste, starting from their homes, with barangays having organized systems and the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) serving as the collection point.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the collaboration strengthens MMDA and the Jollibee Group’s shared commitment to environmental management, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
The collaboration is, likewise, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which aims to expand waste minimization activities to
improve environmental quality.
“This collaboration between the MMDA and Jollibee Group is a testament to what can be achieved when the government and the private sector unite with a common purpose,” he said during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement held at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City.
Through the Plastic Waste Recovery and Rewards Program, Artes added, they are promoting responsible solid waste management and directly inspiring households and barangays to take active roles in protecting precious waterways and diverting waste from landfills.
Artes also expressed gratitude to Jollibee Group for its commitment to community support and government-led waste management initiatives as part of its sustainability agenda.
“By providing motivational gift certificates as rewards and mobilizing accredited recycling partners for proper plastic processing, the Jollibee Group provides support for government-led waste management initiatives to expand their existing environmental efforts,” he added.
Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Head,
Jollibee Brand Global Joseph Tanbuntiong likewise underscored the important role of collective action in caring for the people and the environment, which is aligned with the company’s global sustainability agenda ‘Joy For Tomorrow’
“By partnering with the MMDA and our recycling partner, Greencycle, we’re helping ensure that plastic waste collected from our communities is properly processed, recycled, and given new life. It is one way we can contribute to cleaner waterways, safer neighborhoods, and a more sustainable future for Metro Manila,” he said.
“Our partnership is an example of collective action, demonstrating that lasting progress happens when government, business, and communities collaborate to bring their strengths together toward a common purpose and shared goal,” Tanbuntiong added. Every one kilogram of plastic waste collected will earn the participant 10 points. Each participant will be given a Barangay Reward Card, which will contain a record of their cumulative points. For every 70 points accumulated in the card, participants may redeem a P100 Jollibee gift certificate.
Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
and documents submitted in support of their mining applications.
“Specifically, the text and implementation of the DENR FOI Manual is so restrictive that it actually bars any access to information in relation to environmental impact statements, any data in the course of applying for an Environmental Compliance Certificate [ECC], documents submitted in support of mining applications, and even environmental information regarding anomalous flood control project,” the petition read. The petitioners insisted that the Constitution grants the right to information on matters of public concern.
“With the blanket restrictions imposed by the DENR FOI Manual, petitioners and any Filipino citizen are practically denied their constitutionally guaranteed right to access information,” the petitioners stressed.
“As the Philippines confronts the worsening climate crisis, transparency in environmental governance has increasingly become a matter of public right and interest. Without transparency in the EIS process, the people’s right to criticize and participate in environmentally critical projects, such as those in mining or development in environmentally critical areas, would be compromised,” they added.
DAR engages Ilocos Sur’s youth to sustain gains of agrarian reform
TO ensure that the principles of agrarian reform continue to flourish in the hands of future leaders, the Department of Agrarian Reform held a stakeholders’ engagement with the youth at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) – Sta. Maria Campus. The activity brought together students, faculty members, and DAR officials for a full-day learning experience that empowered the youth with a deeper understanding of agrarian reform and its crucial role in national progress. ISPSC–S ta. Maria Campus Director Jeanno Manzano, ISPSC President Dr. Mario Obrero, and DAR Director III/ Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Vic Ines emphasized the value of youth involvement in sustaining agrarian reform gains and supporting the growth of rural communities. Throughout the engagement, students learned about DAR’s core programs through a series of informative lectures. These sessions highlighted the agency’s mission, the Land Tenure Security Program (LTSP), and Project SPLIT, which accelerates the parcelization of collective lands for individual titling. Discussions on the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program (AJDP) and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development and Sustainability Programs (ARBDSP) also equipped participants with a clearer understanding of land tenure, agrarian justice, and available support services for beneficiaries.
To make the learning experience more dynamic, students participated in the Darcade Quiz Game, where they applied their newly gained knowledge in an interactive and enjoyable format. Ines r eaffirmed DAR Ilocos Sur’s commitment to making agrarian reform education accessible to the youth—preparing them to champion land tenure security, community empowerment, and sustainable rural development. Jonathan L. Mayuga.
Triple PHL disasters: A call for intensified international action
THE Philippines has long lived with the reality of natural disasters, but the past weeks have pushed the nation into an unprecedented humanitarian emergency. A powerful Cebu earthquake, fol lowed in rapid succession by Typhoon Tino and the dev astating Super Typhoon Uwan, has left millions displaced, hundreds dead, and entire provinces scrambling to sur vive. The scale, speed, and overlap of these calamities form a perfect storm that even a disaster‑hardened country could not have fully prepared for.
Yet amid the wreckage, the Philippines has shown remarkable resilience. The government’s preemptive evacuations—moving 1.5 million people out of harm’s way before Uwan’s landfall—stand as one of the most effective disaster responses in recent memory. UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral’s praise was not an exaggeration: thousands of Filipino lives were saved because swift action prevailed over complacency.
But resilience and preparedness, though admirable, cannot mask the harsh truth: the need is overwhelming, and the support is still insufficient.
The international community has stepped forward with pledges amount ing to P447.5 million. Nations big and small—from New Zealand to China, the United States to the European Union—have offered funds, supplies, and logistical support. UNICEF has mobilized life‑saving interventions for chil dren, mothers, and displaced families, while UN agencies have prepositioned essential goods for hundreds of thousands.
Most significantly, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cres cent Societies has launched a global appeal worth P1.34 billion to aid nearly 285,000 people with shelter, health services, WASH systems, and livelihood recovery. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “‘Extraordinary’ crisis spurs IFRC plea for PHL,” November 15, 2025).
But even the IFRC admits the painful reality: funding remains inadequate. Without stronger international backing, vital aid may stall at a moment when Filipinos need it most.
This is not simply another chapter in the country’s long history with ty phoons. It is a cascading humanitarian disaster—earthquake damage layered atop successive cyclones, communities repeatedly displaced, infrastructure repeatedly crippled, and local resources stretched to breaking point.
The world cannot treat this as routine. Climate‑driven catastrophes are escalating, and the Philippines—situated along the typhoon belt and the Pa cific Ring of Fire—bears their brunt with increasing severity. If global leaders recognize climate justice not as rhetoric but as responsibility, then now is the time to act decisively.
What is needed is not only emergency aid, but long‑term investment in climate adaptation, resilient housing, and sustainable infrastructure. The Philippines has demonstrated that preparation saves lives; the international community must now demonstrate that compassion saves nations.
In this moment of shared humanity—when 480,000 Filipinos remain in evacuation centers, when children’s futures are disrupted, when livelihoods lie in ruins—the world must stand not just in solidarity, but in sustained support. The international community has mobilized, but it has not yet mobilized enough. We must bridge the funding gap immediately. Lives saved by evacua tion now depend on aid delivered. Let us ensure that the story of these triple disasters becomes not one of overwhelming loss, but ultimately, the resilience of people rising to meet an unprecedented challenge. Now is the time for in tensified action.
Resilient infrastructure
TTHE BUILDER
HE Philippines by its geographic nature is visited by several typhoons yearly. Storms develop above the equatorial line and travel westward, with the Philippines among the first to expe rience their fury, along with Taiwan and Japan.
Typhoons can cause significant damage to property, crops, and live stock, depending on their severity. They often cause deaths and untold miseries to the affected population.
But disasters can be mitigated and deaths avoided by early warning systems. Natural and resilient infra structure can also temper disasters.
Here in the Philippines, we are still fortunate that we have moun tain ranges, like the Sierra Madre in the eastern part of Luzon, that can slow down the intensity of typhoons.
Our mountain ranges act as bar riers to violent typhoons. Preserv ing the Sierra Madre mountain range that stretches over 540 ki lometers from Rizal province and Quezon to Cagayan, and reforest ing it will fortify the first line of defense in Luzon.
Perhaps, now is the right time that we take serious efforts to con serve and manage the Sierra Madre mountain range. President Ferdi nand Marcos Jr. called attention to the deforestation in Sierra Madre,
which he saw during an aerial inspec tion over Marikina and Antipolo to assess the ecological damage of Ty phoon Enteng last year.
Without these natural walls, the Philippines would have suffered greater damage during the on slaught of Typhoon Uwan last week.
About 4.6 million people across multiple regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were displaced due to widespread flooding, landslides and storm surges when Uwan lashed the country.
One disruptive effect of typhoons is floods. Inundations, especially in heavily populated areas like Metro Manila, are disastrous and cost the government a lot of money in terms of rebuilding and relocation. Floods disrupt education, displace families and can result in the loss of lives.
We don’t necessarily need costly mega dams to control floods. Simple infrastructure like dikes in the prov inces and proper maintenance of our waterways greatly reduce flooding events.
HINA’S broad fiscal spending slumped in October by the most since at least 2021, crippling a key driver of investment and economic growth.
The combined expenditure in Chi na’s two main budgets—the general public account and the government managed fund book—tumbled 19 percent in October from a year earlier to 2.37 trillion yuan ($334 billion), according to Bloomberg calculations based on data released by the Minis try of Finance on Monday.
It was the steepest slide since com parable data started in early 2021, while the value of money spent was the least since July 2023. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said its proprietary “augmented fiscal deficit” metric narrowed last month, indicating that budget policy “turned less supportive of growth.”
The plunge reflects an evolution of government policies and underlines waning fiscal support for the world’s second largest economy, which lost steam across the board last month.
Investment, a large part of which is driven by budget expenditure, posted an unprecedented decline in October, adding to a drag from sluggish consumption and weaker foreign demand.
The “data suggest that the mean ingful deceleration in government spending growth, together with a larger portion of incremental spending being spent on repaying corporate arrears—rather than in vestment projects—may have sig nificantly weighed on headline fixed asset investment growth,” Goldman economists including Lisheng Wang wrote in a note. Infrastructure related spending under the general public budget, in cluding outlays on transportation, water conservation and urban and rural community affairs, fell al most 26 percent on year last month
Our mountain ranges act as barriers to violent typhoons. Preserving the Sierra Madre mountain range that stretches over 540 kilometers from Rizal province and Quezon to Cagayan, and reforesting it will fortify the first line of defense in Luzon.
I, thus, totally agree with the lat est directive of President Marcos to reduce flooding in Metro Manila and nearby towns.
The Chief Executive last week led the launch of Oplan Kontra Baha, a massive clearing and cleaning operation targeting heavily silted and trash choked waterways across Greater Metro Manila to reduce chronic flooding in the capital region and nearby provinces by at least 60 percent.
There is no magic formula in this initiative. Waterways in Met ro Manila and other parts of the Philippines are often clogged by debris and plastic wastes, resulting in overflows that flood minor and major streets—and homes and es tablishments.
The program, officially titled Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, will run for about nine months, or until July next year.
President Marcos correctly noted that flooding is mainly caused by siltation and garbage that accumu late and cluster together, and im pede the natural flow of rivers and waterways.
The “data suggest that the meaningful deceleration in government spending growth, together with a larger portion of incremental spending being spent on repaying corporate arrears—rather than investment projects—may have significantly weighed on headline fixed-asset investment growth,” Goldman economists including Lisheng Wang wrote in a note.
to 361.6 billion yuan, according to Bloomberg calculations based on the Ministry of Finance numbers.
The contraction in budget spend ing also indicates that fresh stimu lus added since late September will likely take time to trickle through the economy. The 500 billion yuan in new policy financing tools to spur investment was only fully deployed by the end of last month, the govern ment has said.
The government seeks to expand Oplan Kontra Baha beyond Metro Manila to flood prone areas in Bu lacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
The flooding solution is a no brainer. Our waterways are clogged because of irresponsible dump ing of wastes. Desilting, keeping pumping stations operational and protecting watersheds are also resiliency measures that fight cli mate change.
The answer to flooding, however, will require a whole of nation ap proach. The partnership between the national government, local gov ernment units and the private sec tor is crucial.
Metro Manila is not the only region that suffers from perennial flooding during the rainy season. Cebu, Bacolod, Roxas City, Bulacan and Pampanga, among others, suffer a similar fate.
Oplan Kontra Baha, per Metro politan Manila Development Author ity Chairman Romando Artes, aims to clean 142.4 kilometers of rivers, streams, and estuaries and 333.15 kilometers of drainage systems throughout Metro Manila. Declogging our waterways is one practical solution that makes us re silient to climate change. Protecting the Sierra Madre mountain range that shields many areas of the Philip pines from the full wrath of storms is equally critical.
For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar.
Another 500 billion yuan in spe cial local government bond quota was announced in mid O ctober, but only 40 percent of it was meant for qualified provinces to invest in projects. The move suggests Chi nese authorities are leaning toward containing debt risks now that Beijing’s growth target of around 5 percent for this year looks safely within reach.
“The government may continue to direct more resources toward local government debt resolution by year end, rather than investment. In early 2026, it will probably allocate part of the 2026 local government special bond quota ahead of the March Na tional People’s Congress to frontload project spending,” said Bloomberg economists Eric Zhu, Chang Shu and David Qu. The additional bond quota, which Beijing has said is also meant for re ducing off balance sheet borrowing by local governments and repaying arrears owed to companies, came See “China,” A11
Mark Villar
Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol: An
Asean+China answer
By Guoliang Yang
AT a time when unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, how can today’s world—and our region in particular— foster greater certainty and momentum for development?
Asean and China have jointly provided an answer.
On October 28, 2025, the two sides signed the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—a new milestone in Asean-China cooperation, and more importantly, a strong reaffirmation of their shared commitment to an open and inclusive world economy at a moment when solidarity and collaboration are most needed.
The ACFTA represents both a hard-earned achievement and a milestone of great significance for Asean-China trade relations.
Negotiations for the ACFTA began in 2002, and its Version 1.0 was fully implemented in 2010. The subsequent Version 2.0, launched in 2015, enabled the free trade area to realize zero tariffs on over 90 percent of traded goods, reducing China’s average tariff on Asean products from 9.8 percent to just 0.1 percent. Benefiting from these policy dividends, China has remained Asean’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and the Philippines’ largest trading partner and source of imports for nine consecutive years. In the first three quarters of 2025, Asean-China trade reached RMB 5.57 trillion (approximately US$785 billion), marking a year-on-year increase of 9.6 percent and accounting for 16.6 percent of China’s total foreign trade. Despite global uncertainties, Asean continues to stand as China’s top trading partner, underscoring the resilience and vitality of their economic partnership.
Negotiations for the Version 3.0 upgrade commenced in November 2022 and were successfully concluded in May 2025. The newly signed Protocol encompasses nine major areas aimed at fostering broader, deeper, and more forward-looking cooperation. Notably, the upgraded FTA extends beyond traditional trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, addressing a wide range of emerging fields such as the digital economy, the green economy, and industrial and supply chains. By further removing institutional barriers, the Protocol establishes higher-level frameworks that will advance regional cooperation from the flow of production factors toward institutional integration. It also places greater emphasis on micro, small, and medium-sized
on top of another 2.8 trillion yuan of notes previously earmarked this year to trim debt.
“Policymakers seem pleased about economic growth in 2025 and believe announced stimulus should allow them to hit this year’s target,” said Michelle Lam, Greater China economist at Societe Generale SA. Therefore, “markets are looking forward to fiscal support in 2026,” she said.
enterprises (MSMEs), thereby contributing to a more resilient Asean-China industrial and supply chain and further deepening regional economic integration. ACFTA Protocol will be seen as a “stabilizer” for global free trade. At a time when the world is facing significant uncertainties, the signing of the Protocol carries profound importance:
First, the signing of the Protocol demonstrates concrete action in support of multilateralism and free trade at a time when certain unilateral tariff measures have disrupted the international economic and trade system, adversely affecting many economies, including the Philippines and other Asean member states. It represents the shared commitment of Asean and China to promoting stability and certainty in regional and global economic development.
Second, the Protocol marks a new milestone in deepening regional economic integration. It signifies that Asean-China FTA cooperation will extend from traditional areas to a broader range of emerging fields. China, which accounts for around 30 percent of global manufacturing value added and has served as the world’s largest manufacturing base for 15 consecutive years, will join hands with Asean—an increasingly dynamic manufacturing hub—to further strengthen and complement regional industrial and supply chains. This cooperation will help the region respond effectively to attempts at decoupling and supply chain disruptions.
Third, the Protocol will also give strong impetus to the building of an Asean-China community with a shared future. China and Asean are close neighbors with a combined population of over two billion. In 2024, their collective GDP exceeded $22 trillion, representing about one-fifth of the global total. The more turbulent the world becomes, the more precious Asean-China unity proves to be. By working together, the two sides are building an AseanChina community with a shared future—one that will ensure the region remains a sea of stability, a land of opportunity, and a home of harmony.
Guoliang Yang is the Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines.
Beyond
‘Dito
Manong
Hsa Bayan ni Juan’: Remembering
Johnny, a statesman and a friend
MAKE SENSE
OW can I express my feelings about the passing of a man I worked alongside for 26 years, someone who helped bring life and meaning to our weekly radio-TV program, Dito sa Bayan ni Juan? Perhaps the most fitting tribute is to echo his own words from eight years ago, spoken during my 75th birthday. I will never forget when Manong Johnny stood up—not just to speak about me, but also to honor my wife Evelyn and my children. His kind words will forever remain in my heart: “Kung ikuwento ko ang mga ginawa namin ni Mang Jess sa anti-smuggling at fight against illicit trade, abutin tayo dito ng magdamag.” Likewise, I could spend all day talking about Manong Johnny’s kindness and generosity, and it still wouldn’t be enough time.
My first encounter with Manong Johnny was during a tumultuous period in 1973. At the time, I was leading the Baguio Oil marketing group, facing a global shortage of fats and oils that drove up coconut product prices in the world market. Typically, the Philippines consumed around 20 percent of its coconut oil production, but a significant portion was being exported. This led to a nationwide shortage of cooking oil.
Facing a national emergency over a coconut oil shortage, the government intervened. Coconut oil had vanished from local shelves because it was under price control and therefore producers are exporting the product because of good price and they don’t want to violate the price control law and lose money.
The government’s response was swift and serious. Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile summoned the leaders of the coconut oil industry to a meeting at the military headquarters of Camp Crame. I was there representing Baguio Oil, while also serving as President of the Coconut Oil Refiners Association (CORA). That first meeting was a dead end; we failed to agree on anything. Agriculture Undersecretary Jose Drilon, who attended the meeting with us, expressed the seriousness of the situation and suggested that we convene at his office to explore potential solutions. He subsequently invited me and five other industry leaders for an immediate discussion.
During our meeting with Drilon, we said that since 80 percent of the country’s coconut products are ex-
ported, this will allow producers to subsidize locally sold coconut oil products. This subsidy could serve as an incentive for local manufacturers to boost their sales of coconut-based products in the domestic market. Out of the six participants in that meeting with Drilon, I am the only one remaining today, as I was just 32 years old at the time.
The birth of ‘Coco Levy’ AT that time, there were a variety of opinions expressed. I had no knowledge of what happened next after our meeting with Drilon. However, it’s possible that Undersecretary Drilon shared our proposed solutions to the cooking oil crisis with other high-ranking officials. Following our meeting at Drilon’s office, then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 276, which established the Coconut Consumers Stabilization Fund (CCSF). This decree imposed a fee of P15 per 100 kilos of copra on each initial sale. The collection amount varied based on needs and would cease after one year or once the crisis resolved. The aim was to subsidize the price gap between domestic and international markets.
A few days after the meeting at Camp Crame, Baguio Oil’s plant in San Juan caught fire. That night, as the factory was engulfed in flames, I received a call from Col. Pacifico Lopez de Leon, who leads the Prime Commodity Operations Center at Camp Crame. I feared I might be taken into custody. Upon my arrival, I was informed that someone
wanted to speak with me—it was Minister Enrile. He asked, “What happened, Jess? What caused the fire?” Relieved to be out of danger, I explained to him that the filling lines were unharmed and only the refinery was affected. This meant Baguio Oil just needed a supply of coconut oil for packaging. Enrile immediately instructed Col. De Leon to convene a meeting with all refiners at Camp Crame.
Enrile informed the oil refiners that Baguio Oil got burned but its filling lines were intact, “so you better deliver coconut oil to Baguio Oil and avert any impression of shortage.”
Someone said: “We also have our filling lines; we can supply the market.”
But Enrile answered: “Gentlemen, I don’t want anybody to take advantage of the misfortune of one company.”
Baguio Oil was able to resume its operations. Enrile’s refusal to allow anyone to exploit the misfortunes of others speaks highly of his character.
Two decades as co-hosts of a Radio-TV program MANONG Johnny and I didn’t start as an original broadcasting duo. I had a radio show called “Kalampagin Natin” on DZXL at 6 a.m. nearly 30 years ago. Following my program, Manong Johnny and the late Senator Juan Flavier aired their show, “Juan on Juan,” at 7 a.m. However, after a while, Flavier left the program, and “Juan on Juan” was discontinued.
Around that time, I received an offer from DZEC-AM, owned by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. With Manong Johnny no longer hosting a show, I invited him to join me as a co-host. He accepted, and that’s how “Dito sa Bayan ni Juan” was created. Unfortunately, when he was elected senator, DZEC informed me of their policy against allowing politicians to host shows on their station. As a result, we moved to Sonshine Media Network International, which welcomed us to their radio and TV platforms.
As my co-host, I’ve witnessed the various facets of Manong Johnny’s character. While he can be strict, he is fundamentally a good person. He detests seeing others taken advantage of and has a strong disdain for exploiters and incompetents.
As the former chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries, I’ve received numerous complaints from stakeholders in the coconut
industry regarding an influx of imported palm olein in the market. This allegedly smuggled oil is being sold locally as cooking oil. Records from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Bureau of Customs indicate that millions of kilograms of palm olein have entered the country as additives for animal feeds but are instead being rerouted to grocery stores for cooking oil. The BAI is responsible for issuing sanitary and phytosanitary certificates for these imports.
In our television program “Dito sa Bayan ni Juan” on the SMNI News Channel, we interviewed the BAI Director (he was later sacked), who acknowledged the increase in palm oil imports. Unfortunately, he couldn’t confirm whether the feed millers are utilizing these imports, which led Manong Johnny to voice his frustration, saying, “So you’re useless, you don’t know anything.” That statement clearly indicates that Manong Johnny h as a strong dislike for inept individuals.
The practice of misdeclaring palm oil imports as animal feed additives presents a significant threat to the Philippine economy, resulting in a “triple whammy” of negative consequences: Firstly, the government suffers significant revenue losses amounting to billions of pesos. Secondly, the influx of palm olein creates unfair competition for locally produced coconut oil, potentially devastating the coconut industry. Thirdly, the decline of the coconut industry could lead to the loss of millions of jobs as coconut farmers cease production and coconut oil mills are forced to close. Overall, the palm olein issue poses a significant threat to the Philippine economy. We believe that our exposé prompted President Marcos to halt palm olein imports, ultimately benefiting our coconut industry.
On Thursday, November 13, we said goodbye to Manong Johnny, who passed away at the age of 101. The Philippines lost a remarkable Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, but for me, it feels like I’ve lost not just a co-host, but a deeply cherished friend and a mentor.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the Chairman Emeritus of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.
Fear of sanctions stymies Russia-to-China oil flows for now
By Rong Wei Neo & Serene Cheong
EXPANDING sanctions on Chinese ports and refiners are choking flows of Russian and Iranian oil to the world’s No. 1 importer, although emerging workarounds suggest the slowdown may be fleeting.
of a game-changer.”
For the first 10 months of the year, the broad government expenditure totaled 30.7 trillion yuan, with its growth rate slowing to 5.2 percent.
The combined government income edged up 0.2 percent to 22.1 trillion yuan, even with land sales in January-October down 6.5 percent on year. That left the broad budget deficit at 8.6 trillion yuan, over 20% more than during the same period last year. The “recent apparent reluctance in government spending may partly reflect policymakers’ intention to save more easing space for deploying early next year, to ensure stability in growth and employment,” Goldman’s economists said. Bloomberg
China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an has pledged to set the budget deficit as a percentage of gross domestic product—as well as the scale of government borrowing— at “reasonable” levels over the next five years as part of efforts to support economic growth, the official Xinhua News Agency reported last week. Fiscal resources will be allocated to focus on supporting development in areas ranging from technology and education to social security, agriculture and environmental protection, he said, envisaging stronger coordination with monetary, industrial and regional policies.
The big state-owned processors have paused purchases of ESPO, the crude that makes up the bulk of China’s imports from Russia, following US sanctions on producers Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC. Washington’s targeting of the Rizhao oil terminal, which handled about a 10th of China’s crude imports, is also crimping Iranian flows.
And some private refiners, which are typically more risktolerant when it comes to buying sensitive oil, are also avoiding the grade from Russia’s Far East. Their caution comes after the European Union and the UK’s blacklisting of Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., a so-called teapot that was a major buyer of Russian oil.
Taken together, all of this has created an unusual level of trepidation in the market.
The increased fear is what sets the latest US measures apart from previous Western curbs, according to Vandana Hari, founder of Singapore-based analysis firm Vanda Insights. “US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil could be a little bit
The nervousness among Chinese buyers comes as Indian refiners also scale back their purchases of Russian oil, showing that Western efforts to deprive the Kremlin of funds for its war in Ukraine are finally having an impact. However, the resilience of already-blacklisted ports, like Dongjiakou in Shandong province, suggests there could be a resurgence in flows without strict scrutiny and enforcement.
Chinese imports of seaborne Russian crude may drop by 500,000 to 800,000 barrels a day this month, or as much as twothirds from normal levels, according to an estimate by industry analytics firm Rystad Energy AS. Inflows from Iran, meanwhile, could fall by 200,000 to 400,000 barrels a day, or as much as 30 percent.
There’s a growing glut of sensitive oil that’s struggling to find a home, said Emma Li, lead China market analyst at ship-tracking and intelligence firm Vortexa Ltd. China’s private refiners, or teapots, are running short of import quotas to bring in barrels, and
The increased fear is what sets the latest US measures apart from previous Western curbs, according to Vandana Hari, founder of Singapore-based analysis firm Vanda Insights. “US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil could be a little bit of a game-changer.”
sellers are desperate to get rid of them, which is pushing down prices, she said.
Chinese imports of Iranian oil, which Rizhao is a key gateway for, remain subdued after the port was sanctioned in October for its links to the Persian Gulf producer. Already-high stockpiles in Shandong and a lack of oil-import quotas among private refiners are also damping demand for those barrels, according to Vortexa.
That’s seen the amount of Iranian crude being stored at sea rise to almost 48 million barrels at the end of last week, the most in more than two years, according to Kpler. Around 40 percent of this oil is in the Singapore Strait, and a similar proportion is in the Yellow and South China Seas, the data intelligence firm said.
There’s now an overhang of ESPO, which is being offered at a $4 a barrel discount to benchmark prices for delivered sales to China, according to traders. That’s up
from a 50 cent-gap at the end of October.
Those kinds of prices could be too tempting for some Chinese refiners, which may resort to the timeworn method of turning off transponders and doing ship-toship to mask the origin of the crude they are buying.
Dongjiakou port is also emerging as a conduit for sensitive crudes. It was sanctioned by the US in August, raising risks for any traders, shipowners and financiers found to be involved in using it. However, after a brief curtailment of flows, it’s now handling major volumes of Iranian crude again, suggesting that opportunity still outweighs the potential costs for some buyers.
The current lull in purchases of Russian and Iranian oil may also be partially down to a scarcity of import quota for private refiners as the end of the year approaches. This may them to ask the government for more.
Even if additional quotas are granted, some Chinese refiners will likely adopt a “wait-and-see approach” to Russian purchases, to see how strictly the sanctions are enforced, said Jianan Sun, an analyst at industry consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. “Time will be needed to firm up new procurement channels and supply chains.” Bloomberg
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
2nd Front Page
BusinessMirror
FEDEX NOTES SURGE IN TRADE BETWEEN EUROPE, ASPAC SME
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
THE Federal Express Cor poration (FedEx), one of the world’s largest ex press transportation firms, re ported a surge in European trade among small and medium enter prises (SMEs) in the Asia Pacific, including the Philippines.
The FedEx survey, which ex amined trade lane trends be tween Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, polled 850 SMEs across 13 APAC markets and over 1,200 SMEs across nine Europe an markets in September 2025.
The survey explored business sentiment, readiness, and chal lenges for cross‑border expansion among APAC firms expanding into Europe and European firms exploring opportunities in APAC.
FedEx noted that 76 percent of respondents reported in creased export volumes over the past year. The United Kingdom with 42 percent, Germany with 40 percent, and France with 38 percent emerged as the top three markets driving business growth. Furthermore, confidence was equally strong among European SMEs, with 87 percent of busi nesses shifting their balance of trade toward APAC or maintain
ing current levels. Among the top growth mar kets over the next two years were China, Japan, and South Korea.
The FedEx noted that the re ciprocal optimism among SMEs reflected broader market dy namics, with the Asia–Europe trade lane recording 30 consecu tive months of growth as of Au gust 2025.
“The strong confidence among Philippine SMEs in expanding trade with Europe is a clear sig nal of the country’s growing role in global commerce,” FedEx Phil ippines managing director Mari beth Espinosa said.
“As international trade dynam ics evolve, local businesses are seizing new opportunities beyond borders,” Espinosa added.
Main drivers
ACCORDING to FedEx, the growth in Asia Eu rope trade was driven by several key factors.
For one, 68 percent of re spondents attributed growth in APAC to strong consumer de mand in Europe, improved price competitiveness for Asian prod ucts and services, and strategic expansion opportunities.
Furthermore, 85 percent of APAC businesses plan to begin
Serious cleanups may yet restore investor trust: Arsi
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
DESPITE
a looming downward revision to this year’s economic growth target, economic managers are holding on to a 6-percent growth goal for next year, banking on governance cleanups to restore trust among the public and investors.
On the sidelines of the Senate ple nary debates on next year’s national budget last Monday, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Bali sacan told reporters that the govern ment is still sticking to its 6 to 7 percent growth target for 2026 to 2028.
“I think we can go on with that. Because, as we have been saying, we have to learn the lessons that we have learned from this year to ensure that they won’t recur next year,” Balisacan said.
A clean up in governance and mechanisms, particularly in project
planning, implementation and moni toring, will make the system more ef ficient, according to Balisacan.
“I think 6 to 7 [percent] should be doable next year. But of course, that as sumes that we can really address the is sues that have faced us and confronted us,” the country’s chief economist said. Balisacan said the economy can still hit a 6 percent growth in the medium term to catch up with its neighbors in the region.
“The potential of the economy is 6 to 7 percent. So if you are grow ing below that, you are underutiliz ing your capacity. You should grow
and go back to that growth as soon as we can because otherwise, we won’t achieve the ‘AmBisyon Natin 2040,’” Balisacan added.
Balisacan was the architect of the “AmBisyon Natin 2040” when he served as Chief Economist at the tailend of the Benigno S. Aquino III administration. By 2040, the Phil ippines is envisioned to become a high income country.
Meanwhile, outgoing Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto is also expecting that the economy will expand by 5 to 6 percent next year, lower than the Cabinet level Devel opment Budget and Coordination Committee’s target.
“Realistically, for next year, [the growth] will be from 5 to 6 [per cent] because we’re coming from a low base. And then it will take some time, maybe a quarter, before we can go back to a regular growth rate,” Recto told reporters.
The country’s fundamentals, Recto assured, are “okay,” and by showing accountability, the trust and confidence of consumers and businessmen will be regained.
DBCC targets to be revised DESPITE their optimism, the coun
The officers and staff of BusinessMirror announce with deep sadness the passing of their beloved and esteemed co-worker, the award-winning journalist and teacher
try’s economic managers will meet and review their macroeconomic targets.
“There’s going to be a DBCC meet ing to talk about the changes,” Bali sacan said, noting that the GDP tar get for this year is “quite likely” to be revised.
“Our concern is to ensure that we can mobilize all the resources that have been programmed for the year that are not included in the anoma lous projects,” Balisacan said. The DBCC is composed of the principals of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DOF, DepDev, as well as the Office of the President and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The role of the DBCC is primarily to review and approve the macroeco nomic targets, revenue projections, borrowing level, aggregate budget level and expenditure priorities and recommend to the Cabinet and the President of the consolidated public sector financial position and the na tional government fiscal program. Still, Balisacan remains optimis tic that the economy will grow at least 5 percent in the fourth quarter this year.
See “Cleanups,” A2
MARIE CARISA ‘CAI’ U. ORDINARIO
July 17, 1980- November 17, 2025
She is survived by her parents, Camilo Ordinario (father) and Susan U. Ordinario (mother), and her sibling Marie Camille O. Joson.
Her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and her Master of Communication degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) served her well, as she went on to produce some of the best examples of business journalism – winning dozens of awards on data reporting, coverage of the macroeconomy, and agriculture reporting, for which she became a Hall of Famer in the Brightleaf Journalism Awards.
The awards notwithstanding, the most important trophies in “Ate Cai’s” heart are embodied in the admiration and gratitude of countless aspiring young journalists whom she mentored in and out of the newsroom.
Her legacy lives on.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Manila Water prexy, ex-DOE usec to lead Prime Infra’s gas business
November 19, 2025
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
AFORMER undersecretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) and current Manila Water Company Inc. (Manila Water) president will lead the new gas unit of Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. (Prime Infra).
Jose Victor Emmanuel “Jocot” A.
de Dios will assume the role as president and CEO of Prime CoreGen— the newly-created subsidiary managing Prime Infra’s recently acquired gas assets, effective January 1, 2026. He will retire from Manila Water in the same capacity on December 31, 2025, with the company’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for International Business Roberto Jose “Boj” R. Locsin taking over the role. De Dios brings extensive experience in the local energy sector. From 2001 to 2004, he was DOE’s undersecretary under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where he established the Natural Gas Office. He later chaired the Philippine National Oil CompanyExploration Corp. and led Australian oil exploration company Nido
Petroleum Ltd. Prior to joining the Prime Infra group, he was CEO of GE Philippines where he managed businesses spanning power generation, industrial solutions, and aviation.
Meanwhile, in his role as Manila Water’s CAO and COO for its International Business, Locsin oversees corporate administration and drives the company’s global expansion strategy across the globe. He has been engaged with Manila Water since Prime Infra’s entry as a shareholder, leading systems implementation, operational expenses rationalization, and operational performance initiatives while helping embed a stronger performance-driven culture.
Before joining Manila Water, Locsin was CEO of Philippine Growth Terminals under global ports operator International Container Termi-
nal Services Inc. or ICTSI, where he led operations for Subic and Cagayan de Oro ports.
Supporting national development
“THESE strategic leadership changes ensure we have the right team in place to drive growth across our water and gas portfolio,” said Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci. “Our focus remains on running strong operations and delivering essential infrastructure that support the country’s development.”
Prime Energy has recently acquired a majority stake in First Gen Corp.’s (FGen) gas subsidiaries. The P50-billion transaction gives Prime Infra control of four gas-fired plants: Santa Rita (1,000 megawatts), San Lorenzo (500 MW), San Gabriel (450 MW), and Avion (97 MW), along with the proposed 1,200-MW Santa Maria plant and the offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
With the financial close last Monday, Prime Infra now owns a 60-percent controlling stake of the gas plants, while FGen retains 40-percent ownership of these gas assets.
Moreover, Prime Infra now controls 60 percent of the offshore LNG terminal, with 20 percent owned by FGen, and the rest by Japan’s Tokyo Gas.
All gas plants and the LNG plant will be housed under the newly-created Prime CoreGen.
Synergies in the sector
WITH its expanded portfolio, Prime Infra is aligning leadership to strengthen growth initiatives and sustain operational excellence across its businesses, including Manila Water and the newly acquired gas operations.
Lucci also highlighted the synergy of the gas assets with Prime Infra subsidiary Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. which is the operator of the Malampaya deep-water gas-to-power project—the country’s only indigenous gas field. Together with the Malampaya consortium, Prime Energy is undertaking Phase 4 drilling and exploration to maximize the country’s indigenous gas resources.
“With this transaction, our Prime Infra assets are now fully connected across the energy value chain: from upstream, [midstream, up to] downstream,” Lucci said.
Smart employs robotic tech to boost network coverage
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
MART COMMUNICATIONS
SINC. has piloted the deployment of remote-controlled robotic arms in its cell site towers, enabling real-time antenna adjustments to improve network coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
COO and network head of Smart’s parent company PLDT Inc. Menardo G. Jimenez said the new technology is called the Optical Compass and Robot Arm (OCRA) system, which allows operators to remotely move antennas without requiring physical site visits.
He explained that OCRA ad -
dresses the “long-standing” inefficiencies in traditional wireless setups where antenna adjustments are costly and time-consuming.
Smart recently launched the proof of concept in partnership with OCRA manufacturer HUMAX Networks and system integrator Telkha. The pilot test involved installing OCRA in an existing cell site to serve a hospital in San Juan City, and a nearby high-rise condominium.
“At PLDT and Smart, we view innovation as a cornerstone of nationbuilding,” Jimenez said. “By leading the adoption of advanced technologies like OCRA, we are shaping a future where every Filipino has access to reliable, high-quality connectivity, wherever they are.”
He noted that results from the pilot showed significant improvements in signal strength, quality, and speed across both locations.
Smart paired OCRA with the Vega high-gain antenna, which was previously tested in Dipaculao, Aurora Province.
The system also allowed Smart to dynamically shift antenna coverage based on usage peaks throughout the day, ensuring more efficient use of network resources.
“Enabling remote antenna adjustments also reduces the need for physical site visits and helps telcos avoid unnecessary base station installations, saving time and expense,” said Smart’s Head of Network Strategy and Transformation Office Radames
Zalameda. “These efficiencies allow [us to reinvest in expanding and enhancing our] network, ultimately benefiting consumers.”
Me anwhile, HUMAX Networks CEO Lee Seung-jae said the technology helps reduce operational and capital expenditures, while addressing challenges in disaster recovery, accessibility, and safety.
“As a leading provider of innovative network solutions designed for precision, optimization, and operational efficiency, HUMAX Networks—through advanced OCRA—addresses critical operator challenges in disaster recovery, accessibility, and safety while delivering significant [cost savings],” Lee said.
SM Prime set to complete Iloilo mall redevelopment
SHOPPING mall operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. on Tuesday said it is on track to complete the P2.3-billion redevelopment of SM City Iloilo by the first quarter next year.
The project is also expected to boost foot traffic and reinforce the mall’s multigenerational appeal, according to the company.
National University’s (NU) Iloilo campus, which will be located inside the complex, will open by 2027.
SM Prime said the redevelopment is in line with its broader push to transform its commercial properties into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth.
The investment includes the addition of more than 7,900 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) for the mall, and over 23,670 sq. m. for the NU campus, upgraded mall interiors, motion sensor escalators, an expanded skylight, and a multilevel car park at the North Block.
It will also feature improved connectivity to the adjacent SM Strata— the tallest towers in Western Visayas and home to many information technology-business process outsourcing companies.
“SM City Iloilo has been central to
our growth and to the Ilonggo community,” SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said. “This investment will help drive domestic tourism; strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises; and unlock the city’s full potential.”
Opened in 1999 at the height of the Asian Financial Crisis, SM City Iloilo was the eighth mall built by SM Prime. A series of expansions between 2009 and 2016 grew its GLA from 71,979 sq. m. to 106,307 sq. m. The introduction of new concepts—many of them firsts in the city such as Game Park, Fantasy World, Decathlon, TGI Friday’s, and Chili’s—is set to further strengthen SM City Iloilo’s position as the region’s leading retail and lifestyle destination.
“Sustainability is also a key part of this redevelopment,” Lim said. “We are integrating eco-efficient features, [which include] rooftop solar panels and advanced daylighting systems as part of our broader commitment to building a greener, more energy-efficient property portfolio.”
Once completed, SM City Iloilo will feature expanded retail and dining offerings, welcoming new brands and lifestyle destinations that will further cement its position as the premier lifestyle mall in Western Visayas.
Salesforce opens Manila HQ to maximize local AI, CRM skills
MAJOR artificial intelligence and customer relations management (CRM) solutions provider Salesforce on Tuesday announced the opening of its Manila headquarters that will capitalize on the country’s growing AI ecosystem as it invests in developing the local workforce’s skills.
Salesforce Philippines’ Regional Vice President and Country Manager Abraham Cuevas said their strategic expansion into the country aims to support the growth of Filipino businesses and help them transform into “agentic enterprises,” or firms that are heavily AI-driven.
The new office will be located in Ayala Triangle Gardens-Tower 2, bringing Salesforce’s team closer to customers and partners in the market and enabling it to tap local talent.
EcoSolar Energy obtains environmental compliance for BESS project in Capiz
ECOSOLAR Energy Corp. (ESEC), a unit of Yuchengcoled PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), has secured an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for its 20-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) project located in Panitan, Capiz. The ECC vested ESEC with the clearance and the related responsibilities for an environmentally compliant development of the said BESS plant, which includes an associated electro-mechanical equipment and civil works. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau Region 6
(EMB-R6) office issued the ECC.
“We thank DENR-EMB R6 for this ECC approval which follows other predevelopment milestones achieved, such as the local government units’ endorsements in April and June 2025, and the system impact study approval by the National Grid Corporation of the
Philippines in October 2025,” said PGEC Assistant Vice President Yrel V. Ventura. “All these bring us closer to constructing and operating our Panitan BESS project by [the fourth quarter of 2026 to support stability of the Panay sub-grid and hence, added energy security for [communities in the island.]” Lenie Lectura
In a press briefing, Cuevas said the entry of Salesforce in the Philippines comes at a crucial moment as AI is projected to fuel significant economic growth in the market, with productivity and cost benefits amounting to P2.8 trillion, or about $50.7 billion, by 2030. He pointed out that AI offers a way for the Philippines to evolve from a service-oriented economy into a knowledge-driven innovation hub by enhancing productivity and unleashing human potential.
“The Philippines is a dynamic and incredibly important market for Salesforce, and our expansion here underscores our deep commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation journey,” said Cuevas. “With our new office in the
Philippines, we are better positioned to empower Filipino businesses to transform into agentic enterprises, while also supporting the local ecosystem by equipping Filipino workers with the critical AI skills needed for the future economy.”
"Salesforce's expansion is a strong boost to our digital economy. Opening a new office in Manila affirms the Philippines’ position as a growing hub for technology and innovation,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque in a press statement. “Their pledge to train 12,000 Filipinos in Al and CRM skills supports our goal of building a futureready workforce, and helps our businesses stay competitive in the fastadvancing digital landscape.”
Cuevas confirmed that Agentforce for Service and Employee Agent is now also available in Tagalog—a significant step for the agentic era in the Philippines. This allows local businesses to accelerate their digital transformation, while delivering superior customer experiences and efficient business operations.
Salesforce already serves as a trusted digital advisor for Philippines customers of all sizes. Leading businesses such as Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Meralco, Philippine Airlines, and PLDT are using Salesforce CRM and AI technologies to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency and unlock new revenue streams. Industry innovators such as Maxicare use Agentforce to automate requests, reduce manual workload and enhance customer experience. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes
By VG Cabuag @villygc
BUSINESSMIRROR FILE PHOTO
BUSINESSMIRROR FILE PHOTO
DE DIOS MWFI
It’s
what you do over the long haul
SUCCESS in sales leadership is never achieved overnight. It’s a daily pursuit—continuous push towards an expanding goal called growth. The intensity does not wane because genuine sales leaders can effectively leverage through a network of businesses and other sales leaders. But the real key is on what you do over the long haul. Here are three things that can help you succeed as a sales leader.
Respect people
IN my humble opinion, respect is a core value that has farreaching effects. In fact, it is the basic element in establishing rapport and healthy social interactions. This is so because it builds feelings of trust, safety and well-being. Currently, in a society where entitlement is becoming a norm, it reached a point where respect somehow became a commodity that people require, demand and pursue. This is the outcome of too much “self-focus.” How can you show respect for others when all your attention is focused on how others should respect you? What we truly need is real respect—as sales leaders, we sincerely show regard for other people’s abilities and worth by valuing their feelings and their views (but not necessarily taking their stance), and accepting them on equal basis. In other words, we treat everyone with kindness and humility. At the end of the day, remember the golden rule of respect: treat others the way you want to be treated.
Connect the dots AS a child, I looked forward to Sunday newspapers because of the comic strips and various types of puzzles. But what I liked most was connecting the dots. Little did I know that such childhood fascination will eventually lead to a deeper understanding of interrelatedness of things—a strategic mindset that connects seemingly unrelated endeavors to form a cohesive and sustainable plan for growth. You see, multiple-faceted connections
Quezon
City
Tcan certainly amplify opportunities and growth. But as Steve Jobs puts it, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” You need a clear long-term vision of where you want to be in order to craft a plausible plan for the long haul, then plan backwards from the end goal to mini-goals that will catapult you upwards. And by the way, to effectively connect the dots, you must be on the lookout for dots! American singer and song writer said it best—“Collecting the dots. The connecting them. And then sharing the connections with those around you. This is how a creative human works. Collecting, connecting, sharing.”
Be consistent in showing up THERE’S a popular quote from Woody Allen that says “80% of success is just showing up.” I personally ascribe to this. Often times, I had to reluctantly push myself away from my comfort zone in order to showup. Showing up is a sign of respect and the means by which you connect the dots. And once you show up, you also gain respect and opens various opportunities for growth. But how do you increase your probability for success? By being consistent in showing up! Consistency forms your habits and lifestyle. It also builds your reputation that allows others to trust and depend on you. After all, “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit” (Aristotle).
You can do it, God bless!
Alexey Rola Cajilig is the Founder, President & CEO of ARCWAY Consultancy Inc., and Senior Vice President & COO of EM-CORE DOTNET Inc. He is a Sales Leadership Coach, Strategic Sales Operations Consultant, Christian Motivational Speaker, Human Ecologist and Author of Life is a Classroom, The Effective Seller, Solving the Sales Puzzle and Practical Market Intelligence. He is also the creator of ARCH Styles, a behavioral and personality assessment & discovery tool. If you have questions and suggestions, you may connect with him at https://www.facebook.com/ coachlexey and at https://www.linkedin. com/in/alexey-rola-cajilig.
Cocopan: Bakery chain built on comfort, community, and accessible prices
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
THREE years ago, Gino Rodriguez and Keenan Ugarte met at a popular café to devise a plan for offering high-quality bread and pastries at affordable prices. Later, Brice Godfried and Carlo Fernando joined their efforts, and together their ideas converged to create Cocopan—a rapidly growing bakery chain committed to becoming the country’s favorite neighborhood bakery by providing accessible breads, pastries, and coffee.
“An ensaymada priced at P150 in a high-end bakery raised the question of whether high-quality, delicious bread could be made more affordable for the average Filipino without sacrificing quality. This sparked the idea of establishing a new type of neighborhood bakery. While we didn’t have grand ambitions, we felt a responsibility to provide this market with a superior option,” Ugarte, the chief financial officer of Cocopan, tells BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview.
Ugarte, a grandnephew of Philippine football legend Sebastian Ugarte, reflects on how the founding team recognized the potential in the market. Filipinos have a deep love for bread, yet many of the most enticing flavors were priced out of reach. Simultaneously, Ugarte points out that the mass market was underserved, with bakeries frequently providing subpar products, uninspired operations, and inadequate service.
The Cocopan team’s vision became clear: to reinvent the neighborhood bakery by enhancing quality, elevating the customer experience, and ensuring prices remain accessible for everyday Filipinos. “We didn’t need to overanalyze the market to recognize the vast potential of the bread business in the Philippines,” says Ugarte.
Background of the founders
THE four founders combined their diverse expertise in finance, retail, food, and operations. Ugarte contributed his experience in investment banking and coffee trading, while Fernando brought a robust background in retail acquired from a prominent petroleum company and
Awards Seven Startups
his family’s businesses. Godfried, active in the retail sector, had explored the feasibility of a bakery venture. Meanwhile, Fernando brought hands-on experience from running traditional neighborhood bakeries. Together, their combined expertise helped shape Cocopan’s model.
Before proceeding, the team conducted a market study to validate the business’s viability. The results confirmed that there was an opportunity for a new entrant in the neighborhood bakery space—one that could enhance both the product and the customer experience, appealing to a younger and broader audience. With this conviction, the founders aligned on their mission and named the venture “Cocopan”.
Cocopan reimagines the Filipino on-the-go bakery experience by providing affordable breads, coffee, and pastries designed for young, working-class Filipinos. According to Ugarte, Cocopan distinguishes itself from traditional neighborhood bakeries through its selection of freshly baked breads featuring exciting flavors, a vibrant and modern store atmosphere, and friendly, consistent service—all at accessible prices.
Cocopan’s value proposition lies in delivering the comfort of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee daily, with high-quality products priced for every Filipino. As a customer-centric business, Cocopan is conveniently located at every corner, making it a familiar spot for experiencing fresh, comforting, and exciting flavors, coupled with a warm welcome and satisfying moments.
“We are the comforting reward for your labor and the delicious boost you need to carry on with your day,” says Ugarte.
The early years
LIKE any fledgling business, Cocopan faced three primary challenges during its rapid growth and scaling: establishing a semi-automated bread factory (commissary), managing service delivery, and controlling costs in the midst of this expansion.
Ugarte notes that Cocopan sees these difficulties as opportunities for growth, with each challenge acting as a catalyst for improvement and the discovery of better operating methods. This perspective has led to new business opportunities and “frontiers.”
These “pains” were crucial learning experiences that strengthened the company’s “moat” and generated new ideas for the future.
Current stage
COCOPAN owns all its stores, and the investments in these have already been recovered. Looking ahead, Ugarte says Cocopan plans to expand into B2B and selectively offer dealerships (franchises). “Maintaining control over product quality is important to us, so baking will be kept centralized,” he says.
Cocopan reinvests its earnings back into the business to foster longterm growth. While it has achieved most of its initial goals, it will continue to allocate all earnings toward further expansion, creating new expectations for returns. The company is currently in the growth stage. It lives by its purpose to create daily moments of comfort—by providing freshly baked breads and freshly brewed coffee, accessible just around the corner.
“We are growing at a pace that ensures long-term success. Every decision we make is guided by its lasting impact, not by the short-term appeal of rapid scaling or chasing hypergrowth funding. We know this is a solid business that takes time to build. Our vision is to establish Cocopan as the number one brand in our category by 2030 and beyond, a legacy business
that can be passed on to the next generation,” he explains. Cocopan currently operates 105 branches that are company-owned.
While Cocopan still offers Filipino classics such as pan de coco and Spanish bread, Ugarte says it is constantly evolving to meet the taste of a younger generation of bread-lovers. The goal is to democratize fresh and exciting flavors for the everyday Filipino. This led us to offer products such as glazed donuts, coffee buns, blueberry muffins and cinnamon rolls,” Ugarte says. For beverages, Ugarte says they will focus on simple yet flavorful options that can be prepared consistently and served quickly. While coffee remains their popular choice, they also offer matcha, lemonades, and other refreshing coolers to suit a variety of tastes.
“In a nutshell, our goal is to offer exciting flavors that customers truly enjoy, favorites made even better without compromising affordability. We aim to satisfy with consistent quality, and delight by making comfort an everyday luxury within reach,” Ugarte explains.
“With us, customers have a reliable “comfort around the corner” they can count on for their daily fix, and happily share with friends and loved ones.”
Franchising
UGARTE states that the company is entering the franchising business through a Company Owned, Dealer Operated model. In this arrangement, Cocopan owns and constructs the store while a dealer is assigned to manage its operations. The goal is to establish 50 Cocopan stores, carefully selecting partners capable of operating 5 to 10 stores within specific geographical areas. This initiative is currently in development, with plans for an upcoming rollout. For further details, please check hello@cocopan.ph
with ₧1M each at the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day
cial launch under the Invest with QC campaign.
“Innovation is not just about technology—it is about empathy, service, and equity,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Through Startup QC, we are proving that governance and innovation can work hand in hand, that a local government can be both visionary and inclusive.”
To further strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the City is also finalizing the Business Investment and Trade Incentives for Startups (BITIS) Ordinance, which will provide fiscal incentives and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to scale and succeed. The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) will spearhead its offi -
HE Quezon City Government recognized seven outstanding startups with P1 million equity-free grants each during the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day. The event gathered founders, investors, and policymakers in celebration of the city’s growing reputation as the country’s innovation and startup capital. Out of nine (9) finalists, seven (7) startups were chosen for their innovative, scalable, and socially attuned solutions. Launched under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Startup QC Program empowers earlystage startups through funding, mentorship, and access to a vibrant innovation network—driving inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and digital transformation across the city.
Empowering startups that reflect the nation’s needs
THIS year’s Cohort 4 grantees represent key industries that mirror the evolving needs of Filipino communities — from clean energy and human resource development to recreation, health innovation, and digital transformation.
n Briyo—Builds modular, bamboo-based wind and hydro turbines for off-grid communities (Sustainable Energy)
n Hireable—AI-powered freelance hiring and KPI matching platform (Human Resource Technology)
n Kazam On-Demand Services—Flexible online marketplace
for part-time household help (Human Resource Technology)
n Laro—Sports and recreation booking and community app (Sports and Recreation Technology)
n Agapai—AI-powered developmental screening tool for parents (Health Technology
n Soolok—Streamlines foreclosure data and home acquisition within 45 days (Property Technology)
n Xamun.AI—AI platform that converts business requirements into applications in weeks (Information Technology)
Emerging Themes: Startups that Address Real Needs
This year’s Cohort 4 grantees show how startups in Quezon City are responding to real challenges
faced by Filipinos. Hireable and Kazam On-Demand Services reflect changes in work today, from hybrid jobs to the gig economy, providing flexible income opportunities and fair access to employment for freelancers and informal workers.
Agapai, a health-focused AI tool, supports parents in monitori ng their children’s developmental milestones, promoting early intervention even outside formal healthcare settings. While it is not a diagnostic tool, it aligns with Quezon City’s goal of inclusive support for all children, including those with disabilities.
Together, these startups show that innovation in Quezon City is practical, socially aware, and designed to improve lives while con -
tributing to broader conversations on sustainability and technology. Fostering an Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem BEYOND financial support, the Startup QC Program provides capacity-building, mentorship, and access to investors and potential clients. Each cohort strengthens Quezon City’s role as an active enabler of entrepreneurship, bridging startups with industries and creating a sustainable innovation pipeline that benefits the wider economy. By investing in its innovation ecosystem, Quezon City ensures that startups not only survive but thrive, becoming vital contributors to national development and social progress.
Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug
Editor: Dennis D. Estopace
Govt raises ₧35B from twin T-Bond offers amid jitters
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE government raised a total of P35 billion from its twin offering of Treasury bonds (T-bonds) despite contrasting movements in yields as investors continued to price in expectations of lower interest rates.
On Tuesday, the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee made a full award for its tender of 7-year and 20-year T-bonds. Combined bids for the two tenors totaled P107.604 billion, or three times the P35-billion programmed amount for the tender.
The Treasury awarded the full P20 billion worth of 7-year T-bonds, as demand reached P70.744 billion, or 3.5 oversubscribed.
Due to the strong demand, the tender saw yields averaging at 5.740 percent. This is lower by 5.8 basis points from the previous auction’s
5.798 percent and the comparable Philippine Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) of 5.723 percent.
The debt papers fetched rates between 6.483 percent and 6.65 percent. With a remaining life of six years and eight months, its coupon rate stood at 6.750 percent.
According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, the recent volatility in the local stock market drove investors toward government securities.
This comes after the country’s gross domestic product grew by 4
The cost of trouble
BEING able to quantify or at least estimate the cost of getting in trouble for doing something or as a result of not doing something, is as beneficial as knowing the prices in a restaurant in deciding what to order. For most normal people it will affect your decision on what to do or not do. Trouble will manifest itself when something goes wrong in basic ways; financial, time, physical and psychological.
The financial cost of getting into trouble is normally quantifiable but not all the time. For example, traffic violations for speeding, illegal parking, not wearing a seat belt and so on have published rates and depending on your financial status, the cost may be insignificant so they are willing to get in trouble for what they consider as trivial. However, certain violations may incur both financial penalties as well as criminal liability, such as the non-payment of SSS contributions. While there are people who can afford to pay financial penalties, fewer people would be willing to risk incarceration.
Time cost is another consequence of getting into trouble. This is where th tradeoff in the time you save with the trouble it will cost you comes into play. Taking an express flight might be more expensive than one with a stop over but many people will be willing to pay that difference to make the trip faster. However, there could be situations such as the filing of permits and licenses that are done in haste to save time, and end up having to be refiled to make corrections and complete the documentation in the first filing. This is where the principle “do it right the first time” may be applicable when you think about the time it will cost you to redo work that was not done right.
Physical cost for getting into trouble can cover a wide range.
Getting a sun burn for staying out in the sun too long or not wearing sun block is not as bad as losing a toe for not using safety shoes. However, it could get worse: not knowing how to operate heavy equipment properly can cost you your life or that of the other people in the area. Reckless, ignorant and psychotic people may not be aware of the physical costs of their action or inaction. Sometimes workers get compensated for the physical risks they take in the form of
percent in the third quarter, while inflation remained low at 1.7 percent in October.
“[This] could still support future local policy rate cuts; amid recent political noise that could slow down some government spending, especially on infrastructure,” Ricafort said.
Meanwhile, the Treasury also fully awarded the 20-year T-bonds with a remaining term of 18 years and five months.
The 20-year T-bonds’ average rate slightly rose by 0.3 basis points to 6.424 percent from the previous 6.421 percent yield for the debt paper with the same tenor.
The investors’ average asking rate for the government security was higher than the 6.372 percent comparable secondary market benchmark level.
Yields of the T-bonds ranged from 6.325 percent to 6.450 percent.
The tender was also oversubscribed by more than double as total bids reached P36.860 billion.
While demand for the 20-year T-bonds remained healthy, Ricafort said the market is hesitant on longerend tenors amid the peso hovering at near record highs recently.
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hazard pay, night shift differential, special allowances, medical reimbursement and insurance. Psychological costs come in the form of mental health issues, feeling depressed, low self-esteem and may require professional help. Doing work that many people view as demeaning or stereotyping of certain careers, professions, nationalities and race. Discrimination of all sorts due to educational background, poverty, language, disability and so on, have a longlasting negative effect on the less privileged members of society which sometimes keeps them in trouble and unable to get out of this vicious cycle of staying at the bottom.
There are certain events that may lead to trouble, causing multiple effects, such as a decision to leave, separate or divorce your spouse. There could be physical abuse from the spouse who refuses to accept your decision. Certainly, there will be financial repercussions due to the division of assets and claims on who owns what. The psychological impact of ending a family is never easy on all parties involved, including the children. Time will also be spent on legal proceedings, discussions with other family members on both sides and all the explanations that need to be made with friends, office mates and even neighbors. Sometimes, when couples consider all the cost this trouble will create, a decision is made to just maintain the status quo and live with an uneasy truce.
The views and comments of Dr. George S. Chua are his own and not of the newspaper or FINEX. The author was 2016 FINEX President and a life member, 2010 to 2020 Federation of Philippine Industries President, an active entrepreneur in fintech, broadcast, media, telecommunications, and properties. Dr. Chua is a Fellow at Institute of Corporate Directors, a Professorial Lecturer 2 at the University of the Philippines Diliman and BGC Campus and Vice Chairman of the Market Governance Board of the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation. Comments may be sent to georgechuaph@yahoo.com or gschua@up.edu.ph
“[This is] also amid relatively higher long-end bond yields in some developed countries worldwide in recent weeks/months amid concerns over long-term inflation if the Fed becomes more aggressive in cutting rates in the coming months, as urged by Trump recently,” Ricafort added. #
This month, the Treasury successfully raised its target borrowing of P70 billion from the tender of T-bonds.
The Treasury will hold its last Treasury bills (T-bills) auction for the month next week, offering a total of P22 billion across the 91-, 182- and 364-day tenors.
For December, the Treasury plans to borrow P101 billion from the domestic market through the auction of P66 billion T-bills and P35 billion T-bonds.
For the whole year, the national government plans to borrow P2.6 trillion, in favor of domestic sources. So far, it has raised P2.394 trillion as of end-September.
The government’s outstanding debt climbed to P17.468 trillion as of end-August, up by 12.3 percent from P15.550 trillion during the same period a year ago.
Ueda signals: BOJ still on rate hike path after PM meet
GBy Toru Fujioka
OVERNOR Kazuo Ueda told Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that the Bank of Japan is in the process of slowly dialing back its easing support for the economy, signaling his unshaken intention to carefully raise rates.
“The mechanism for inflation and wages to grow together is recovering,” Ueda told reporters Tuesday after his first bilateral meeting with the premier. “Given this, I told the prime minister that we are in the process of making gradual adjustments to the degree of monetary easing.”
The two met at a time when investors are seeking clarity over Takaichi’s stance on monetary policy and await details of an economic package expected to be unveiled this week. Given Takaichi’s past reputation of being against rate hikes, market participants were closely watching what messaging emerges from the pair’s meeting.
Stocks and government bonds have tumbled this week, with benchmark 10-year yields touching a 17-year high. The yen weakened past the key psychological threshold of 155 per dollar Tuesday and touched a record low of 180 against the euro.
“We of course discussed foreign exchange rates,” Ueda said while adding that it’s desirable for currencies to move stably while reflecting fundamentals. “We will closely monitor its impacts on the economy while closely cooperating with the government.”
The yen was trading around 155 against the dollar shortly after Ueda’s remarks. It hit 155.38 earlier Tuesday, the weakest level since January, partly due to market speculation that a BOJ rate hike might be delayed.
“Ueda probably had to send a fresh reminder that the BOJ continues to look at hiking rates given the rapid fall in the yen,” said Kento Minami, an economist at Daiwa Securities. “Takaichi shouldn’t have a problem with doing that as a weak yen may bring more inflation that will hit households.”
The BOJ will make appropriate policy decisions based
‘Allocable’ is the new pork barrel, says Lacson
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Tuesday revealed that “Allocable” is the new pork barrel after scrutinizing documents related to the 2025 national budget, which he described as “corrupt to the core.” Lacson said the “allocables” were in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and the presence of this category allows the funding of projects before they are identified.
“ Why does the funding come first before the projects are identified? Shouldn’t the projects be identified first before funding is allocated for them?” Lacson, a veteran sleuth and watchdog of the national budget, said partly in Filipino, in his interpellation of the 2026 budget bill.
“Shouldn’t there be items from the regional development council before the funding? In this case, the funding came first before the identification of projects in the NEP).”
“It’s just now that I heard of allocables. An allocable is equivalent to pork barrel because it allows items to be funded before they are identified,” he added in a mix of Filipino and English an interview on True FM.
He said their initial scrutiny showed that in the 2025 national budget, the House leadership got P143.5 billion in allocables. Party lists also had allocables, he said.
Also, he noted “non-legislators” got allocables as well, with at least one official from the Executive department getting P8.3 billion. Even former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan got allocables in the 2025 budget, he said.
on data, Ueda said. The central bank delivers its next policy decision on December 19.
By refraining from publicly commenting on her meeting with Ueda for now, Takaichi has avoided further fueling some market views that she’s putting pressure on the BOJ to slow its pace of rate hikes. Had she made any explicit comments against the BOJ’s current path, she could have invited a weaker yen, adding to inflationary pressures via higher import costs. Prime ministers rarely comment after similar meetings with BOJ governors.
Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party suffered two losses in key national elections in the last 13 months due in part to voter frustration over soaring costs of living. Takaichi has vowed to help households with utility subsidies and cuts to the gasoline tax.
Japan’s key inflation gauge has risen at or above the BOJ’s target for three and a half years. In a Bloomberg survey last month, about half of 50 economists said they expected the policy rate to be raised from 0.5 percent on Dec. 19. Almost all of them predicted a move no later than January.
The Takaichi-Ueda gathering took place a day after a government report showed that Japan’s economy contracted 1.8 percent on an annualized basis over the summer, the first decline in six quarters. Economists said that while the actual state of the economy isn’t as bleak as the headline figures indicated, the report will likely encourage Takaichi to pursue an ambitious fiscal stimulus plan.
Fiscal risks have become a key topic among global investors as seen in the UK last week. Earlier Tuesday a group of ruling Liberal Democratic Party members formally urged Takaichi to compile a stimulus package that greatly exceeds her predecessor’s plan a year ago.
The International Monetary Fund estimates that Japan’s gross public debt will be equivalent to 229.6 percent of the economy this year, the highest among developed economies. With assistance from Akemi Terukina/Bloomberg
by the regional development councils that amounted to P10 trillion for 2026.
“We’re talking of the NEP, the President’s Budget. Yet, the insertions are already there even before it is transmitted to Congress,” he said.
“The 2025 budget is corrupt to the core. I have been in the Senate for so long, but this is the first time I saw corruption hounding the budget process from start to finish. If this were a marathon, the corruption begins when the starting pistol is fired but the corruption continues even after everyone crosses the finish line,” he added.
Lacson said he would bring this before the plenary so economic managers and fellow lawmakers would see how corrupt the 2025 budget has become.
“In crafting the 2026 budget, when I interpellate, I review the budgets of the previous three years. This time I could not establish a pattern because the corruption in the 2025 budget was unprecedented,” he said.
“Some people just don’t know when to stop. Now that the anomalies are coming out, those in government must realize that everything comes to an end. Sooner or later, if not the next year or after three years, if you do it habitually, it will catch up with you,” he added.
Still, Lacson said he is confident the “allocables” will not be part of the 2026 budget, which he said could be “the most transparent national budget.” This includes removing the unprogrammed appropriations except for foreign-assisted projects, he said.
Asked if the DPWH was not the only agency that got allocables, Lacson said there were other agencies “outside the DPWH” that got them.
In contrast, he said the Development Budget Coordination Committee, in vetting projects for inclusion in the NEP, had to vet and trim the requests for properly planned projects proposed
Meanwhile, Lacson appealed to the public to sustain their anger over the corruption behind anomalous flood control projects, but also to be patient with the due process that he said should lead to the logical conclusion - prosecution, conviction and jail - against those involved. He said he has talked to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, and Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon, and noted their sincerity in ensuring this logical conclusion.
“We must remain patient yet vigilant. Let’s not lose our focus,” he said.
Google Pay debuts in PHL, Apple Pay could be next
AFTER Google Pay’s debut in the Philippines to make contactless payments more accessible, Apple Pay could be the next by early 2025, according to the FinTech Alliance.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Google Pay launch on Tuesday, FinTech Alliance founding chairman Lito M. Villanueva said that Apple Pay could be rolled out early next year.
“The good thing is that BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) gave the green light for both entities to operate in the Philippines,” Villanueva said, adding that Google Pay was the first one to be launched in the country since 80 percent of Filipinos use Android.
The launch of Apple Pay is “imminent,” according to Visa Head of Product & Solutions for Regional Southeast Asia, Poojyata Khattar.
“We either start with one, or the other follows. The goal is that every consumer, doesn’t have to be specific to a device, has the ability to tap and pay,” she added.
This development comes after mobile payment provider Google Pay was officially launched in the Philippines, hosted by Visa, which provides the tokenization of cards.
The service is now available in the Philippines through China Banking Corp., East West Banking Corp., GCash, GoTyme Bank Corp., Maya Bank Inc., Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines, Wise Philippines and Zed Financial PH Inc.
Google Pay can be linked to an existing debit or credit card and e-money accounts to make contactless payments.
“Google’s vision of the payments world is to make money movements easy and convenient, whether you want to do it online or whether you want to do it offline,” Google Pay Asia-Pacific Strategic Partnerships Lead TG Ramakrishnan said during the launch. BSP Deputy Governor Memento E.
Tangonan, who heads the Payments and Currency Management Sector, said Google Pay will contribute towards enhancing digital payment experience and convert more non-users and lightusers to go digital.
“This adds the convenient and secure option...this adds the convenient and secure option, this included,” Tangonan said.
Digital payments provider Visa hosted the launch of Google Pay in the Philippines, gathering over 200 leaders from banking, finance and tech. In Southeast Asia, Google Pay transactions in Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and now in the Philippines, are enabled by Visa’s tokenization technology.
Tokens are used to create seamless and secure payment experiences for businesses, as each time a Visa card is added to Google Pay, the actual card number is replaced with a unique digital token.
This token is stored securely on the device and is used, alongside a cryptogram, to authorize each payment without sharing the cardholder’s real account information with merchants, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud.
“By extending this secure, convenient way to pay across shops, public transport, and tourist destinations, we make it easier for visitors to spend, empower local merchants to embrace digital payments, and support the Philippines’ vision of a cash-lite economy, driving stronger tourism and greater financial inclusion,” Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, said.
Visa said it has issued more than 10 billion tokens
George S. Chua
Image
Grab FanFaves 2025 recognizes top foodie-voted food items that define cravings satisfied
TOUTED as Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, Grab is once again celebrating the flavors that shape the Filipino appetite with Grab FanFaves 2025, the annual honors roll that spotlights the country’s mostordered, most-craved, and most-loved dishes and drinks.
What makes FanFaves uniquely Filipino is its voting system. Every order on the Grab app from August 15 to September 30, 2025 counts as a vote, turning everyday cravings into a nationwide food election. This year, millions of orders determined which dishes rose to the top—and which brands have become true icons in the daily lives of Filipino diners.
As a special treat, 30 top voters got a one-year supply of the winning menu items, rewarding the fans whose cravings helped crown this year’s champions.
A CELEBRATION OF FOOD CULTURE
BEYOND recognizing top-performing restaurants, FanFaves underscores how active participation and smart engagement on Grab translate to real business outcomes.
Merchants who capitalized on platform tools such as GrabAds capabilities, Spotlight Campaigns, and strategic product bundling saw stronger order momentum and repeat purchases throughout the voting period. This year’s winners—from big-name chains to rising regional favorites—reflect how data-led discoverability and an engaged user base can meaningfully elevate a brand’s connection with consumers.
MEET THE GRAB FANFAVES 2025 WINNERS
THESE dishes and brands have earned their place as this year’s most beloved cravings across national, sponsored, and regional categories—each one now carrying the Mark of Deliciousness, Grab’s seal of fanapproved food excellence.
These include Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Caramia Cakes & Gelato, McDonald’s, Popeyes Chicken, BOK Korean Fried Chicken, 24/7 Super Healthy, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, Burger Beast, Conti’s, Angel’s Pizza, Seoul Chicken House, Zhenbao Hotpot, and Greenwich.
The FanFaves Awards Night on November 19, 2025, will mark another milestone in Grab’s ongoing commitment to recognizing culinary creativity and fan loyalty across the country.
For more information about Grab FanFaves 2025, visit the official Grab FanFaves website at www. grabfanfaves.com, or Grab Philippines at www.grab.com/ ph/.
Alone but not lonely
AS an introvert, I find joy in spending time alone. There is a quiet kind of peace hidden in solitude, a peace many people overlook because they are too distracted by the belief that being alone always leads to loneliness.
In a world overflowing with constant noise, fast conversations, and endless ways to stay connected, the simple act of sitting with your own thoughts can feel unfamiliar. Yet learning to enjoy your own company can become one of the most refreshing and empowering gifts you give yourself. Solitude is not about shutting out the world. It is about creating a gentle pause that allows your mind and spirit to breathe, to reset, and to remember that your presence is enough.
Think about the last time you were alone without checking your phone or filling the silence with music or videos. Many people feel uneasy when the distractions are gone because silence exposes emotions that often stay tucked away. However, solitude can become a space where you rediscover interests that were pushed aside or emotions that need acknowledgment.
It can be a time when you feel grounded again. Imagine sipping a cup of coffee in the morning without rushing. The simple act of observing the light coming through the window or hearing the soft hum of the world waking up can bring a surprising sense of calm and clarity. Moments like these help
you appreciate the present in a deeper and more meaningful way.
A helpful mindset shift is to stop thinking of solitude as a void. Instead, see it as a gentle pause to enrich your life. When you stop trying to avoid being alone, you begin to understand yourself better. For example, you may discover that you enjoy drawing, writing, cooking simple meals, taking slow walks, or even rearranging your space to make it feel more comfortable. These small activities turn your alone time into something enjoyable and even nourishing rather than something to escape from.
One practical way to embrace solitude is to schedule small quiet moments during the day. These moments do not need to be long or dramatic to make an impact. A few minutes of mindful breathing, a short stretch, writing down your thoughts, or looking out the window without any agenda can help train your mind to feel at ease in stillness. Another approach is to try what some people call a personal date. You choose an activity you enjoy and do it on your own. It could be eating at a café, visiting a museum, taking a slow walk around your neighborhood, or watching a movie at home. At first it may feel unusual, but as you do it more often, you may realize that you feel more free, more relaxed, and more in tune with what you genuinely enjoy.
It also helps to disconnect from the idea that your worth is tied to being surrounded by people. Many feel pressure to appear busy or social because they believe that solitude means something is missing. In reality, people who are comfortable being alone often build healthier relationships because they do not rely on others for constant validation. They are more present and more engaged when they choose to spend time with friends and loved ones because they are not filling a void. They are simply sharing energy and connection by choice.
Another way to enjoy solitude is to create a personal ritual that signals rest and reflection. For
Filipina paper whiz new board member of Movable Book Society
US-BASED non-profit organization The Movable Book Society (MBS), comprised of pop-up book artists, producers and collectors, inducted Filipino artistentrepreneur Amy Lopez Nayve as its youngest and lone international board member during its recent biennial conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
As the first Filipino paper engineer to gain international recognition for her work, 29-year-old Nayve’s mission is to pioneer the Philippine paper engineering industry and inspire the next generation of paper engineers.
She is part of the 2024 SHE Fellowship, a prestigious eight-month leadership and crowdfunding program by think tank Sasakawa Peace Foundation and community platform The Spark Project. She bagged the Trailblazing Creative Disruptor prize at the Benilde Alumni Technopreneur Awards.
During the MBS conference, Nayve facilitated the Make-and-Take Workshop, wherein she designed a passport-sized Tiny Travel Guide to St. Louis which conference-goers may assemble into their own popup book. It came with a stamp collection of landmarks and food, a collaborative project among 24 artists from The Fold—20 of whom are Filipinos.
In an intimate lecture, Nayve recalled the backlash she received for introducing herself as a paper engineer during her first public workshop. Then, she did not have any published works yet. One message
read: “Do not call yourself a paper engineer if you cannot back it up.”
“I showed this to my mom. She said: ‘Do not listen, she is just pumapapel’,” she shared. “In Filipino, pumapapel refers to someone who is trying to make herself look important.”
In 2018, MBS recognized her Popfolio, a pop-up portfolio of all the creative pieces she created as an Industrial Design student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). One mechanism in the book, which Nayve called “an accidental innovation”, caught the attention of the global organization and earned her an Honorable Mention for the Emerging Paper Engineer Prize.
“I never heard from that gatekeeper again,” Nayve stated. “It would turn out to be almost prophetic because at its core, ‘pumapapel’ is about stepping into places where others think you do not belong, and I have been pumapapel all over the place—in so many ways for the past seven years.” Nayve founded the nation’s first studio specializing in paper engineering, aptly called Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio.
“How do you build a business in a country where your industry does not even exist? I had no business background, no network, no wealth. But I had something much better—‘delulu,’” she stated. Being “delulu”—a slang for someone who has beliefs that are not based in reality—allowed Nayve to trust in herself “so hard” that other people stared to believe in her.
instance, you might set aside time at night to read a few pages of a book, light a candle, or write in a journal. Rituals add a feeling of intention to your alone time and give you something to look forward to. When repeated, these moments become comforting and familiar. They create a gentle rhythm that helps you unwind and reconnect with yourself even on busy days.
Nature can also be a powerful companion.
Spending time outdoors, even in small doses, can soothe the mind. A walk in the park, sitting under a tree, listening to birdsong, or simply observing the sky can make solitude feel nurturing instead of empty. Nature has a way of reminding you that stillness is natural and that you too deserve moments of quiet. When you let yourself slow down, you begin to see details that are usually missed such as the color of leaves, the movement of clouds, or the sound of wind against branches. Of course, there will be times when solitude feels heavy. It is normal. Emotional waves come and go, and sometimes being alone can make those waves feel stronger. The goal is not to avoid these feelings but to understand them. When you learn to sit with your emotions without fear, they lose their power to overwhelm you. If the heaviness becomes too strong, reaching out to a trusted person is a sign of strength, not weakness. Solitude does not mean isolation. It is about balance and knowing when you need support. Ultimately, learning to enjoy solitude is an act of self-respect. It teaches you that your thoughts, feelings and needs matter. It helps you build resilience, clarity, and emotional maturity. When you embrace your own company, you move through life with a little more confidence and a lot more peace. Solitude becomes not a space of loneliness but one where you recharge, reflect and grow. It is a reminder that you are whole even when you are on your own and that your own presence can be a source of comfort and joy.
“Others could not imagine what pop-ups could be beyond greeting cards and kids’ crafts. So I decided to bet on advertising,” she explained. “I said yes to every opportunity to conduct workshops, school talks, and panel discussions to news features—anywhere someone would listen.”
Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio now has completed a total of 184 projects, from the first-of-itskind pop-up menu for Bar.Flora, a Quezon City-based gin and tea bar, to a giant eight-foot-tall pop-up play space for Mind Museum which teaches children about science. Likewise included was a partnership with illustrated books publisher Nextquisite Publishing UK for a carousel book series together with illustrator Qian Ling.
Presently, Nayve has conducted over 30 workshops, and continues to facilitate guest talks, mentorship calls, and consultations for students who are developing pop-up books for thesis and capstone projects. The National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has likewise sent her, alongside other artists, to equip teachers from underserved communities with artistic skills they can share with their pupils. “If you ask me now what is pumapapel,” she said, “my reply would be that pumapapel is speaking up for others and letting their voices be heard. It is stepping into spaces to make room for more people—embracing your role and shining the spotlight on those who stand with you.”
Maxicare Group ushers in the start of a unified era of complete care
Marking the start of a new era in the healthcare industry, the Philippines’ leading HMO, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, along with Maxicare Clinics and Maxicare Insurance, is now synergizing a fully integrated health and wellness ecosystem under one group: the Maxicare Group. This reinforces the company’s commitment to continue delivering complete care that is simple and accessible for individuals, families, and companies nationwide.
As a trailblazer in the healthcare industry, Maxicare Group’s consistent innovation in its products and services affirms its commitment to advocating for Filipinos’ healthcare needs. The start of synergizing the health plans, clinics, and insurance aligns with their mission of delivering quality healthcare to the public and, at the same time, helping them secure their finances, being with
THE Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, advocated for holistic, responsible personalization practices in the digital marketing landscape during its hosting of the 10th Digital Congress (DigiCon) last October 16 to 17, 2025 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.
Themed “The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,” the biggest digital marketing conference in the Philippines gathered over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, and media, to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in customer engagement.
Delegates gained valuable industry knowledge and experience during the two-day event through five focused tracks: Innovation (AI), Intelligence (Data Science), Immersive (Retail and Activations), Impact (Brand Building), and Integration (Business Transformation).
This year’s edition of DigiCon featured a series of talks and discussions centered on the most relevant topics and issues in the digital landscape, including hyperindividualized customer experiences, responsible data practices and ethical AI use, content creation and curation, brand-building, and future-proofing businesses.
About 71 percent of consumers expect personalization, and high-growth companies generate 40 percent more revenue from it. In today’s AI-driven world, brands leverage this opportunity to create engaging, relevant customer experiences by analyzing data and predicting behavior, underscoring its critical role in meeting expectations and driving growth.
In his keynote speech, global emerging technologies expert Dex Hunter-Torricke highlighted the fast-evolving digital landscape and how it’s pushing the industry to keep up with exponentially rising customer expectations.
them at every stage of their lives.
Alongside this, Maxicare Group also unveiled its refreshed logo, a symbol of its renewed purpose and forwardlooking vision. The Maxicare Group logo represents its mission as a health maintenance organization focused on care and well-being. The use of royal blue reflects trust, professionalism, and stability, which are essential values in the healthcare industry.
At the center of the logo, the letter “X” is creatively formed as a human figure, symbolizing vitality, life, and the people Maxicare Group serves. This new design choice underscores the brand’s human and customer-centric approach and its commitment to supporting every individual’s health journey with compassion and reliability.
biggest AI labs in the world believe that we’re going to end up in the future with so-called Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a human-level intelligence in AI that is much, much cleverer and capable of far more applications than anything you see right now. We’re entering an era now where AI, as it gets more and more intelligent, opens up the possibilities of hyper-personalization, something that is vastly more bespoke and customized to the needs of every single one of our customers, communities, and stakeholders,” said Hunter-Torricke, who served as a communications executive at Facebook and SpaceX.
DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla noted the importance of trust and consent as primary currencies in building a respectful, value-driven customer experience.
“Personalization has been democratized. Everyone, from big brands to small businesses and entrepreneurs, now has access to tools once reserved for the few. However, just because we can personalize, doesn’t mean we always should. Consent, privacy, ethics, and trust are the currencies of modern marketing. People don’t just want relevance, but they want respect. Let’s use personalization not just because we can, but because it truly adds value,” said Fontanilla.
More than a rebrand, this synergy strengthens the Group’s promise to synergize every Filipino’s health and wellness needs from proactive and preventive care to financial security. Members also get seamless access to quality healthcare from a growing network of nationwide Maxicare Primary Care Clinics, over 22,000 physicians, and more than 1,000 hospitals and partner facilities.
“Uniting our health plans, clinics, and insurance under the Maxicare Group is just the first step to make healthcare simpler, accessible, and tailor-fit for every Filipino, enabling them to live their best lives,” said Raymond Hernandez, Chief Customer Officer of Maxicare Group. Ready for smarter healthcare? Visit www.maxicare.com.ph or follow Maxicare on Facebook and Instagram to get started.
“The next decade is going to be the most challenging moment in history. There are transformations now building on the last wave of technology that are far greater, faster, and more interconnected than ever that we are all installing right now. In fact, over time, many of the leaders in the DMAP calls for industry-wide responsible customer data, AI use for personalization at
This year, DigiCon 2025 delegates had the opportunity to earn program certifications upon completing the program tracks in partnership with the Certified Digital Marketer (CDM). This initiative aligns with DMAP’s mission
to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.
“The future is connected and powered by AI, but its success hinges on our collective commitment to responsible practices. DigiCon 2025 has not only charted the course toward hyper-personalization but has equipped our industry with the ethical compass needed to navigate it. The conversations started here will ensure DMAP and the whole digital marketing ecosystem remain at the forefront of digital excellence,” said DMAP President Miko David.
DigiCon 2025 is sponsored by DoubleVerify, Hit Productions, Petal Ads by Huawei, Unilever Philippines, Dailymotion, GCash for Business: Partner Solutions, m360 and AdSpark, McDonald’s, Meltwater, Near Creative, Pancake, TikTok, UnionBank of the Philippines, Yazle, Gigil Metama, Google, Inquiro Inc., Investing in Women, Pureprofile, Senco Link Technologies Inc., and Rakuten Viber.
Esteemed media outlets AGC Power Holdings Corp., Cignal TV, GMA 7, MBC Media Group, Rappler, The New Channel, Inquirer, Outcomm, The Pod Network, The RJ Ledesma Podcast, ZBNI, adobo Magazine, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, CoinGeek, DiscoverMNL, DOOH, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com served as media partners.
Meanwhile, Certified Digital Marketer, Uniquecorn Strategies, Devant, Eastern Communications, Havas Ortega, IDEASXMACHINA Hakuhodo, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Meta, Plan B, Sinematika, Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, Creative Collective - Lennon Group, Tony &, and Leron Leron Sinta, a11y media, QR Tiger, Slash by Mineski, Jack ‘n Jill and Granny Goose, APC Events, Arsysmedia, Futech Innovations, Devant, Future Proof PH, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World Resorts, One Asia, Chivas Regal, and Enchanted Kingdom served as the event partners with support from L’Oréal Philippines.
To learn more about DigiCon 2025, you may visit https:// www.digicon.com.ph or email conference@dmap.com.ph.
Cooling Innovations Bring Comfort, Protection, Style to Filipino Homes
WHEN it comes to your family’s comfort and safety, Hanabishi Appliances is a brand you can always trust. Staying true to its commitment of creating practical household solutions, it has launched new cooling solutions: the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans.
“Like all the products we manufacture, the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans are designed with Filipino families in mind. We want to make your everyday living less stressful and more enjoyable at home,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Appliances.
The Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans are available in two variants: a desk fan and a stand fan, and are perfect for both modern home spaces as well as kids’ rooms and nurseries. They have safetyfirst features like mesh fan grills and thermal fuse-protected motors for worry-free use. These fans come in three fun colors: blue, pink, and grey, and are durable and dependable with features like
Audit
Alden Richards; Annie Villasotto,
Corporate Secretary.
McDonald’s Philippines opens 52nd Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center
FOR over two decades, McDonald’s Philippines Founder and Chairman Dr. George T. Yang has quietly been building more than just restaurants; he has been building futures.
Through Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines (RMHC), Dr. Yang champions early childhood care and development by establishing Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers in underserved communities. Each center provides a safe space for 90 to 100 children aged two to four every school year to learn, play, and grow.
The newly inaugurated 52nd Bahay Bulilit in Biñan, Laguna personally gifted by Dr. Yang to the city’s young learners is more than another milestone; it’s a testament to Dr. Yang’s unwavering belief that education is every child’s first step toward a better life. Each Bahay Bulilit stands as a gift of hope, a safe, nurturing space where young learners can discover their potential, guided by teachers and volunteers who share Dr. Yang’s vision of empowering the next generation through learning, compassion, and opportunity.
With 52 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers now operating across the country, RMHC is able to support the foundations of learning for over 5,000 children every year.
Located in Barangay Poblacion, the Bahay Bulilit in Biñan was officially turned over to the City Government on October 24, 2025, led by McDonald’s Philippines Founder and Chairman Dr. George T. Yang together with the McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC teams. The Biñan local government was represented by Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte, joined by Barangay Captain Lloyd Castelltort and other city and barangay officials.
“It takes a community to raise a child, and I’m thankful that the people and leaders of Biñan share our belief in giving more children a chance to thrive through education,” said Dr. Yang. “My hope is that this Bahay Bulilit becomes a safe and happy place where learning begins and dreams take root.”
Education experts have long been highlighting just how critical it is to address every child’s development needs between birth to age five. During this time, children need to have their cognitive,
physical, emotional, and social development needs holistically addressed, through access to quality early education, proper nutrition and health care, responsible caregiving, and the provision of a safe and secure environment.
Yet, across many communities, access to quality early education and safe learning spaces remains limited. Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers help bridge this gap by providing children with an environment that supports their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth during these critical years.
Dr. Yang added: “A strong start in life can make all the difference. When we nurture children early, we help build not just brighter futures for them, but a stronger future for the country.”
Among Bahay Bulilit Biñan’s features are a dedicated learning area, a reading nook, and hygiene facilities. The center is also well-stocked with books and other learning materials. After the turnover, the learning center will be managed by the City Social Work and Development Office and will offer free early childhood education to 90 to 100 children every school year.
“Dr. George Yang’s vision began with a simple belief, that every child deserves the chance to learn and dream,” said Atty. Deng De Guzman, McDonald’s Director for Legal and RMHC Corporate Secretary, “His commitment continues to inspire the entire McDonald’s Philippines to support RMHC in building more Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers and bring this vision to more communities across the country.”
The ceremonial turnover of Bahay Bulilit Biñan was also attended by people from the community. To celebrate the occasion, daycare students were treated to a storytelling session with Ronald McDonald and a special McDonald’s meal. For more information on RMHC’s programs and how you can help, visit its official website rmhc.org.ph and the online donation portal at rmhc.org.ph/donate/. For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @ mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X.
TP in the Philippines Reaffirms Partnership with Philippine
three-speed control, oscillation function, and industrial body build for long-lasting use.
The Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans not only cool rooms but also help keep mosquitoes away with their heat-activated mosquito repellent pads. Also available in desk fan and stand fan variants, they are a great stylish and practical addition to any space inside the home.
Perfect for the country’s tropical climate, these innovative fans deliver powerful airflow while ensuring safety with their thermal fuse-protected motors. They are also equipped with three-speed control and tilt and oscillation functions.
“With the Holidays just around the corner, these new fans make the perfect gift for families and new homeowners. They are simple, yet meaningful ways to show you care,” Ong-Chua said.
Visit https://myhanabishi.com/ to learn more about the Hanabishi Baby Shield Fans and Hanabishi Mosquito Repel Fans. Follow Hanabishi’s official social media accounts to stay updated on its latest products, events, and promotions.
IN its continuing mission to make a positive impact, TP in the Philippines, through its Citizen of the World (COTW) program, recently turned over a donation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support ongoing disaster relief and humanitarian efforts nationwide following the recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Miranda Collard, CEO of TP in the Americas; Anish Mukker, Chief Executive Officer of TP.AI and COO of TP in India and TP in the Philippines; Rahul Jolly, CEO of TP in the Philippines; and Jeffrey Johnson, Chief People Officer of TP in the Philippines and President of Citizen of the World Foundation. Representing the Philippine Red Cross were Richard Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General.
During his message of support, Johnson underscored TP’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian partnership and
volunteerism through Citizen of the World, sharing that “our people continue to drive meaningful change through compassion in action — from disaster relief to community programs across the country.”
In response, Gordon expressed appreciation for TP’s continuous support, noting that the company’s consistent contributions over the years have made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos.
Following the donation handover, TP leaders joined a symbolic packing activity, preparing relief kits to be distributed by the Philippine Red Cross to families in need. For more than a decade, TP in the Philippines has supported the Philippine Red Cross through monetary aid, volunteer initiatives, and blood donation drives nationwide. This enduring partnership continues to embody the spirit of
and
The newest Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit is a personal gift to the people of Biñan, Laguna from McDonald’s Philippines and Founder Dr. George T. Yang (sixth from left), and the entire community has come together for a celebration. Joining Dr. Yang are (from left) City Councilors Elvis L. Bedia, Ingrid L. Almeda, and Titus V. Bautista; Barangay Captain Lloyd Castelltort; Biñan Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte; McDonald’s celebrity endorser
McDonald’s PHL Director for General Accounting and Internal
and RMHC Board Member; Jenny Hartigan-Go, RMHC Board Member; and Deng de Guzman, McDonald’s Director for Legal and RMHC
Hanabishi’s Latest
Hanabishi
Editor: Tet Andolong
BusinessMirror
Perfect timing for Equinix to enter PHL market, says IDC
DBy Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
IGITAL infrastructure company
Equinix just entered the Philippine market at the right time as it recently inaugurated its Cavite data center facilities last October 22, 2025.
The event highlighted three milestones for Equinix—completion of acquisition of three Philippine High Performance Data Centers, MN1, MN2, MN3 from local technology solutions provider, Total Information Management (TIM); the introduction to the Philippine market of Equinix Fabric, Equinix Fabric Cloud Router and Equinix Internet Access; and the expansion of Equinix Southeast Asia digital infrastructure capability and ecosystem reach.
Melvie Espejo, Research Director on Sustainable Strategies and Technologies at IDC Asia/Pacific, said the think tank has been monitoring the signs that indicate there is a second wave of digital transformation slowly taking hold. These signs include uptick in enterprise cloud adoption and a momentum towards greater AI adoption.
In 2019, 9 out of 10 large companies in the Philippines are in a traditional on-prem IT environment. A situation that was perpetuated by low DX among enterprises, low digital literacy, and lack of policy guidance or regulatory clarity on cloud technology and data use at that time. AI was largely a technology known as machine learning and used in banks, manufacturing and ICT firms. In 2025 this shifted.
Based on two IDC syndicated surveys, as of first half of 2025, more than 50
percentof companies in the Philippines are on cloud (e.g. public, private, hybrid), 44 percent are on traditional on-prem IT environments. In addition, 7 out of 10 of large enterprises in the Philippines have introduced a limited number of Generative AI enhanced applications and services. These GenAI projects are happening in more sectors in the Philippines, such as healthcare, education, hospitality, industrials, energy, alongside higher adoption in financial services, ICT and manufacturing, a sign of growing AI adoption among enterprises.
The Philippines’ second wave of digital transformation (DX) is largely driven by updates in Philippine regulations and policies designed to encourage technology investments, especially in areas of digital infrastructure; the need to stay competitive that incentivized digitalization of both private sector (businesses) and public sector (government services); and enterprise curiosity on the added business value from AI.
“The Philippines is in a second wave DX, an era of rapid digitalization that focuses on expansion, resiliency and security. Equinix’s foundational infrastructure capabilities alongside its ability to adjust connections depending on workloads within minutes rather than days or weeks, are
aligned with user-requirements in this transformative environment,” Espejo explained.
She pointed out that the acquisition of TIM’s data centers is in line with Equinix’s global business model of Metro Edge, placing digital infrastructure in a strategic position to end-users as possible thus allowing low latency services. Low latency is characterized by minimal delay for data to travel from one point in a system and back. Moreover, low latency in digital transformation is vital because it enables rapid responsiveness of technology (no lags) and real-time data visibility—two ingredients essential for such economic activities, such as financial trading (e.g. stock market, treasury), financial transactions (e.g. transfer of funds), and many more.
Espejo said low latency digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for organizations to extract maximum
business value from AI. It also enables sustainability adoption in organizations because it supports better decarbonization execution due to the real-time extraction of data from a company’s emissions hotspots, enables integration of electric vehicles in company fleets and the transition
PHL property starting to turn a corner
First of two parts M
ETRO Manila property market is now seeing positive signs for office and condominium segments. Note that both sector were severely affected by the pandemic and exodus of offshore gaming firms from China. The good news is that as developers temper new office and condominium launches in the capital region, demand is starting to recover and this should avert further erosion of office rents and property prices. Overall, property firms should remain cautious, especially with tempering economic growth and still elevated mortgage rates despite aggressive policy rate cuts from the centra bank. While there are opportunities, some uncertainties still linger.
Office market shows real recovery
WITHIN the first nine months of 2025, the Metro Manila office market surpassed its full year net demand projections, driven by sustained momentum in office transactions and easing of space surrenders post-POGO exit. Vacancy rates eased in the third quarter, supported by notable preleasing activity in newly completed buildings. Demand also picked up in
areas outside the capital, particularly in Cebu, which recorded higher transaction volumes compared to nearly all Metro Manila submarkets.
In light of these positive developments, Colliers revises its year-end net take-up and vacancy forecasts while maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook in the months ahead as economic, regulatory and environmental headwinds persist. Colliers recommends that developers innovate their offerings, especially in locations where vacancy is tightening. Occupiers are also encouraged to look beyond traditional leases in their real estate strategy and explore asset-light options such as
seat leasing and managed solutions.
As of end-9M 2025, Metro Manila office transactions reached 674,900 sq meters (7.3 million sq feet), up 11 percent YOY and already 90 percent of the transactions closed in FY 2024.
Fort Bonifacio, Ortigas CBD, C5 Corridor and Makati CBD led , covering nearly two-thirds of the total office deals. Among the notable transactions were spaces taken up by Commission on Appointments in Fort Bonifacio, Fusion CX in Mandaluyong, 2GO in the Bay Area and Intouch CX in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, office transactions in areas outside the capital region (AONCR) grew, recording 210,000 sq metres (2.3 million sq feet) of closed deals, up 14 percent YOY. Cebu accounted for more than half of the total deals, followed by Pampanga and Iloilo. Among the notable deals recorded were transactions from IBEX Global, NAC Global, TaskUs, Optum and Concentrix. These firms occupied spaces in Bohol, Pampanga, Davao, Cavite and Cebu.
Metro Manila mid-income condo market roars back
THE Metro Manila pre-selling condominium market has pulled a surprise
—recording an increase in net take up for two consecutive quarters. The sustained decline in back outs indicates that the decent net demand in Q2 was not a blip, and that buyers are responding positively to the attractive ready-for-occupancy (RFO) promos and discounts being extended by property firms.
Interestingly, the affordable to mid-income price segments (P2.5 million to P12 million per unit) accounted for more than 90 percent of net take up in 9M 2025. It’s important to note that this affordable to mid-income sweet spot is starting to rebound as this is the price range (P2.5 million to P7 million) that greatly appeals among Filipinos working abroad and local employees. These segments also accounted for about 80 percent of condominium completion in Metro Manila from 2016 to 2024.
With improving net take up in the pre-selling market (projects under construction and RFO units), it’s crucial for developers to constantly be on the look out for parcels of developable land especially along the peripheries of major business districts where land is still relatively cheap and new residential developments can cater to the affordable to mid-income segments.
The mid-income condominium market, which saw dampened demand due to the exodus of POGO companies and elevated mortgage rates, is finally starting to turn a corner. The strong take up for mid-income condominium units in 9M2025 should significantly help lift the Metro Manila residential market. This impressive data YTD only proves that developers’ innovative and attractive RFO promos in Metro Manila are working. The fourth quarter of each year is traditionally a strong period and this should enable the market to post a strong finish this 2025.
to renewable energy minigrids.
It also champions sustainability as it introduced the first sustainability-first data center operations model⸺ especially appropriate for the Philippines where water and energy resources are constrained. It follows an innovative sustainability-first
framework in its datacenter operations. Equinix pioneerd committing to climate neutrality across global operations and supply chain by 2030. Over the past several years, Equinix has invested significantly in sourcing sustainable power and deploying green infrastructure.
“The immediate value that Equinix brings to the Philippine market is its global business model. This is a tech company that has a digital infrastructure to connect local businesses to a global ecosystem of network, cloud and AI services providers, which means Philippine companies can scale operations faster and cheaper. Also because Equinix adheres to rigorous sustainability standards in its data centers, companies looking to integrate more AI into their business can be reassured that they are doing so on top of a sustainable digital infrastructure,” said Espejo.
PHINMA CoHo: Private sector plays crucial role in addressing PHL housing gap
BUSINESSES are integral in the multi-sectoral push to provide affordable homes for Filipinos amid the country’s massive housing backlog that affects millions of families, said PHINMA Corporation’s community housing segment on Monday.
“The private sector can influence policies and foster partnerships that make housing more accessible, particularly for low-income workers, through collaboration with the academe, government agencies, and civil society,” PHINMA Community Housing (CoHo) President and CEO Luis Oquiñena stated.
He emphasized the importance of adopting a “street-level” view for property developers to better understand the aspirations, lifestyles, and limitations of the marginalized families and communities they aim to serve.
“It’s not just about building houses–it’s about creating homes these families can call their own,” said Mr. Oquiñena. “At the heart of this is really the community…building the community that will support the needs and the lifestyle of the working family.
This is how we want to build the heart of PHINMA Community Housing.” At the policy front, he also suggested improving access and financing for homes by making loan takeout easier for buyers; accelerating and modernizing housing development by streamlining permits, adopting sustainable
low-cost technologies; and increasing government investment in affordable, climate-resilient housing.
Last October, PHINMA CoHo organized a policy forum fostering a dialogue among representatives from the public, private, and development sectors. Among Oquiñena’s fellow forum speakers were PHINMA Corp. Chairman and CEO Ramon del Rosario, Jr., UA&P Center for Research and Communication President Dr. Stan Padojinog, and Pag-IBIG Fund Department Manager Carl Siy. Mr. del Rosario said PHINMA hopes to address the “very pressing” need for affordable housing by building homes for the underserved markets.
“Business should also be a force for good. Our society is faced with so many problems, and so many of those problems can be better addressed if the business community puts its resources together…to try and address those issues. We’re trying to do that in education, and we’ve made some headway there, but today we would like to explore how we can do housing for the underserved in a meaningful way, and hopefully, in a scaled-up way,” said Mr. del Rosario during the forum. PHINMA CoHo will have its Ceremonial
INAUGURATION of Equinix Philippines Operations. Kathy Lee, Vice President for APAC Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix; Secretary Henry Aguda, Department of Information and Communications Technology; Cyrus Adaggra, President for Asia-Pacific, Equinix; Undersecretary Angela Ignacio of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.
PHINMA CoHo President & CEO Luis Oquiñena
PHINMA Corp. Chairman & CEO Ramon del Rosario Jr.
Clyde & Angelo show in 1st round at Valley
Sports BusinessMirror
LYDE MONDILLA—
Csporting a fresh new look and an even sharper game—surged to the top of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Valley Golf Challenge with a masterful seven-under 67 alongside Angelo Que at the Valley Golf Club on Tuesday.
It was the type of opening salvo expected from two of the Philippine Golf Tour’s (PGT) most accomplished players as they entered the P2-million season-ending championship from different trajectories but with the same fierce hunger to win.
But giving chase was Carl Corpus with a 69 in a tie with Jhonnel Ababa and Korean Taewon Ha at third.
Anthony Fernando and Albin Engino matched 70s to pace the dark horses aiming to make a breakthrough in the PGT’s culminating event.
Sean Ramos, fresh off a Taiwan stint, posted a 71 to join a packed group at eighth that included Atsushi Ueda, Junichi Katayama, Fidel Concepcion, Aidric Chan, Ferdie Aunzo, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and amateur Bobe Salahog.
Recent South Pacific leg champion Jeffren Lumbo endured a roller-coaster round for a 72 and a share of 17th alongside Randy Garalde, Jay Bayron, Arnold Villacencio, Rupert Zaragosa and Ryan Monsalve.
Thunderbelles skin Chameleons, stay in contention for No. 1 spot
ZUS Coffee roared back with purpose and resumed its charge for the top seed in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals with a 25-13, 25-21, 25-21 sweep of Nxled at the Ynares CenterMontalban in Rizal on Tuesday. Needing just 78 minutes of controlled dominance, the Thunderbelles not only strengthened their bid for a more favorable knockout matchup but also sent a clear, emphatic message—to be counted among the league’s true title contenders.
A nna DeBeer finished with 16 points, while AC Miner delivered 15 points and Chinnie Arroyo and Kate Santiago added 10 and nine points, respectively.
“I t was a good win for us—just to get some confidence back after our last game,” DeBeer said. “We came in, worked hard, and we’re getting ready for the quarterfinals.” M iner called the bounce-back victory “great.”
“I ’m very happy for the team,”
she said. “It’s really great. Now we’re heading into the quarterfinals with a lot more confidence.” The Thunderbelles outclassed the Chameleons in all scoring fronts—49 attack points to 36, six blocks to four, and three aces to two.
It was a performance sharp enough to restore their rhythm, rebuild momentum and regain confidence ahead of what promises to be a chaotic, four-game knockout quarterfinal round on Monday. Setter Cloanne Mondonedo also tuned up for the bigger battles ahead with 23 excellent sets—nearly doubling the output of her counterpart Jaja Maraguinot, who tallied 13. S antiago also held her own defensively with nine excellent digs and eight receptions, while DeBeer anchored the floor with 11 excellent digs, allowing Mondonedo to orchestrate the offense smoothly throughout the abbreviated contest. Nxled, meanwhile, wrapped up its forgettable campaign with an 0-8 record, winning just five sets all tournament long.
M ars Pucay, Dino Villanueva, Tae Soo Kim and John Michael Uy checked in with 73s.
But the day belonged to two of the tour’s seasoned warriors.
For Mondilla, whose season has lacked a breakthrough win, this week offers a final shot at redemption and for Que, it’s a chance to lock up his first-ever Order of Merit crown.
Mondilla played with both flair and focus, and yes—with freshly dyed gray hair.
The season’s about to end so a change of aura for me,” said Mondilla insisting the new look was more for fun than superstition.
The former Philippine Open champion’s season had been uneven—a rough 28th in Bacolod, a strong runnerup finish in Negros Occidental, a joint fifth at Del Monte and a spirited rally to third at South Pacific.
The flashes were there, but the full, complete round had eluded him—until Tuesday and at the rain-softened South Course, the pieces finally clicked.
Starting on the back nine, Mondilla carved out a four-under 32, highlighted by a brilliant three-birdie run from No. 15 under lift-clean-and-place rules.
He shifted to higher gear on the front and after a slip on No. 1, his power game ignited, yielding a chip-in eagle on the par5 fifth and birdies on the next two holes.
But his putting deserted him late, leading to costly three-putts on the final
two greens for a 35-32 finish.
S tanding in his path was Que, who almost on cue posted the kind of start that could power not only a run at the title but also a decisive strike for the elusive OOM crown.
His five-under card may not guarantee the trophy, let alone the season-long title, but it was a declaration of intent from the threetime Asian Tour winner.
“I’ve been playing well for the past four weeks, and I think I drove it and putted well today,” Que said. “I missed four greens but pretty much got up-anddown, making just one bogey.”
His near-flawless round under preferred lies puts him firmly on track for a third leg victory—and perhaps that long-awaited validation as one of the Tour’s true kings.
He added that he’s more than happy to continue his strong run of form.
I t also helps that he’s competing on one of the country’s true “thinking” courses.
“This course has been one of my favorites since my jungolf days. I like the challenge here—you have to think, not just hit your shots. You need to know where to miss, how to position your shots, and when to be aggressive or when not to be,” added Que, who launched his title bid with a 25-foot birdie putt on No. 1 and followed it up with a 10-footer.
Lopez, Castillo, Bonilla lead PSA Cup golf winners
Bisera, whose sharpened short game could prove decisive. “I’ve been working a lot on my short game. I’ll continue to trust the process and see which parts of my game need more attention.” Mul ti-titled Princess Superal, the inaugural Asia Pacific Up champion in 2022, looks to reassert her overseas presence.
“My mindset is to stay patient and committed to every shot, trusting the process and the work I’ve put in. I just want to stay present and focused,” Superal said. “Consistency will be key—especially at the Lily Golf Course. My ball-striking has improved a lot, so hitting more greens and minimizing mistakes around the course will be essential.”
C hanelle Avaricio, reinvigorated by two LPGT titles this season, is taking a measured but
gaudy, if not silly, display of what they had decades back, of what was left of their stuff of 20 or so years ago. It won’t deteriorate into a fakery of ring savvy as that’s a given template already—since both, obviously, are way
SPORTSWRITERS, sports officials and guests pose for posterity after the tournament at the Manila Southwoods’s Legends course. PSA PHOTO
ANNA DEBEER—in action against Nxled’s May Ann Nuique and Jaja Maraguinot—says the victory brings back her ZUS Cofee teammates’ confidence. PVL IMAGES
