BusinessMirror November 27, 2025

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

national government logged a “bad” kind of budget surplus in October, as both revenue collection and spending declined due to cautious spending by the state—a response to the massive outcry over alleged corruption in flood control projects.

THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has acquired two new freeze orders on assets of government officials linked to alleged corruption in flood control projects, bringing the total value of frozen assets to P11.7 billion.

AMLC reported on Wednesday that the latest orders cover an incumbent high-ranking official from an independent constitutional body and a former elected government official.

The newly frozen assets include 230 bank accounts, 15 insurance policies, two helicopters, and an airplane, with the air assets alone estimated to be worth around P3.9 billion.

According to the AMLC, the as-

sets are linked to possible violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” as well as Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code on “Malversation of Public Funds and Property.”

“The issuance of the freeze orders will enable AMLC to pursue a more extensive financial investigation to uncover any possible money laundering scheme linked to the flood control projects,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David said.

“The public can be assured that the AMLC will continue to pursue all possible legal remedies to ensure that those involved in the misuse of public funds are held accountable,” David added.

So far, the AMLC has frozen 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 vehicles, 178 real estate properties and 16 e-wallet accounts connected to the controversial flood

control projects. The total value of these assets stands at P11.7 billion and this is expected to increase as new orders take effect. With the freeze order in place, banks are now authorized to review their records, identify the balances in the affected accounts and report these findings to the AMLC. David said that the issuance of the freeze order sets the stage for filing civil and criminal charges, as well as for recovering any funds that may have been transferred before the order was implemented. The freeze directive may only be lifted if the owners of the accounts or assets file a motion seeking its reversal. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

ILIPINO consumers view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an opportunity, but majority of them doubt their ability to spot AI-driven threats such as deep fakes and scams, according to a report published by Appdome.

“In 2025, Filipinos view AI with optimism but lingering skepticism, demanding strong protections against threats like deepfakes and scams,” Appdome said in its report.

The cybersecurity mobile app said while 67.2 percent of Filipinos see AI as an opportunity, compared to 65.7 percent globally, 70 percent of Filipinos doubt or cannot verify protections against AI-driven threats. Meanwhile, 32.8 percent of Filipinos see AI as a threat, a ratio that is close to the 34.3 percent worldwide.

Alongside the confidence of Filipino consumers on AI, however, is their demand that mobile apps protect against AIdriven threats like deepfakes, bots, and impersonation.

In the Philippines, the Ap -

pdome report noted that 44.1 percent rated these protections “extremely important” and 27.3 percent very important, compared to 45 percent and 29.6 percent globally.

The report said that “alarmingly,” 12.7 percent of Filipinos, against the 11.3 percent globally, said they would not use an app at all if protections were missing.

As to the victims of AI-driven scams, the report divulged that 34.1 percent of respondents said they have been exposed to social engineering attacks or know someone who has, compared to the 28.1 percent above the global average.

“This isn’t just a statistic; it shows how AI-driven scams are hitting real people. For mobile brands, failing to protect users from these attacks means exposing them to financial loss, eroding trust, and driving users to abandon apps they no longer feel safe using,” the report underscored.

Appdome said this was the

WHILE the Philippines’s credit rating has not changed because of corruption-related protests, prolonged social unrest or slow economic activity could affect investor confidence and borrowing costs, according to analysts from Fitch Ratings.

An example of this is the Philippines posting a “sharp” economic slowdown in the third quarter, recording a real GDP growth of 4 percent year-on-year—below the government’s target of 5.5 to 6.5 percent. They attributed the sharp decline in public investment, which dropped by 26 percent year-onyear after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a crackdown on corruption in the wake of protests over a corruption

scandal involving abuses in flood prevention works.

“The direct impact on economic activity can be limited and temporary if political stability is swiftly restored and consumer and business confidence recover fully,” analysts said.

However, if protests and social tensions continue, they could drag on economic growth by undermining confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.

Investor confidence can falter amid political instability, leading to capital outflows, slower remittance inflows and supply-chain disruptions that hit exporters, according to the analysts.

Tourism revenues may also decline if foreign visitors are deterred, while residents and nonresident investors may move as -

sets abroad, pressuring exchange rates and foreign-currency reserves, they added.

Political unrest may also make fiscal consolidation more challenging, they said, as governments that face outbreaks of political unrest may become more reluctant to pursue fiscal consolidation.

“Major protests can serve as important catalysts for changes in governments’ fiscal policy approaches, but if social and political tensions persist over time, they can also have a negative influence on budgetary performance,” they added.

Moreover, the effects of political instability are amplified when it leads to prolonged uncertainty, government changes, or major shifts in institutional frameworks. Governance metrics in many

Asian emerging markets, particularly control of corruption, are weaker than peer medians, meaning political flare-ups and subsequent crackdowns can worsen political stability and accountability, analysts said. However, they said that sovereigns with greater buffers, such as lower debt or larger fiscal or foreign exchange reserves, generally exhibit greater resilience to bouts of social unrest, including protests that result in changes of government.

“Even so, the adverse effects of significant political instability can erode a sovereign’s rating headroom if its buffers are actually deployed, whether a sovereign is investment grade or high yield,” they added.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

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harvest, which could depress farmgate prices and hurt growers.

Meanwhile, BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said he ordered intensified market monitoring, noting that warehouse reports show low farmgate and wholesale prices. These are conditions that should not justify the steep spikes seen in retail markets, he said.

Panganiban also said that the BPI is coordinating with the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement Office (DAIE) and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) to continuously monitor the market to ensure stable supply, fair pricing, and food safety.

A.I. is an opportunity, but most pinoys fret…

Continued from A1

first year it asked about AI-driven threats. It added: As it pointed out that Filipinos view AI with optimism but lingering skepticism, it highlighted the importance of putting in place “visible, provable protections” which it said are now a business survival requirement for app makers.

Andrea E. San Juan

Comelec ends motu proprio probe of Escudero’s SOCE

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

THECommission on Elections has terminated its motu proprio investigation against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano, ruling out any liability over the P30-million campaign contribution made for the 2022 polls.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Commissioner Rey E. Bulay said the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) found no probable cause to charge Escudero and Lubiano for violating Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which bars candidates from receiving donations from natural and juridical persons with existing government contracts.

“Mr. Lubiano, according to the certification of the [Department of Public Works and Highways], is not a contractor on his own...What is prohibited is Centerways...It is not prohibited for a person acting as an

officer of the corporation,” he told reporters.

In a press conference in August, the former Senate president admitted that he received P30 million from Lubiano, and this contained in his statement of campaign contributions and expenses.

Lubiano later confirmed in a House hearing on flood control projects in September that he made the donation, but insisted that it was done “personally” and not through his firm.

Bulay noted that the commission could not interpret the law beyond what is written, as doing so would be outside its mandate.

He said the prohibition is clear: only natural and juridical persons who are government contractors fall under the ban, meaning the liability of a corporation is distinct from the liability of an individual employed by it.

PFAD, he added, cited Cali Realty Corporation v. Paz M. Enriquez, where the Supreme Court affirmed that corporations are separate legal entities from the natural persons composing them.

The commissioner also said the department looked for evidence linking Lubiano’s donation directly to Centerways but found none.

“The one who can interpret the law is the Supreme Court, not us. If our decision is questioned, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter,” he said.

Bulay, who serves as commissioner-in-charge for statements

of contributions and expenditures (SOCE), said the commission had no choice but to adopt PFAD’s recommendation because it is a motu proprio case and no one within the poll body opposed it.

“PFAD is Comelec, Comelec is PFAD...It no longer went to the en banc because there was no contrary opinion to PFAD’s decision...What I responded, when it was forwarded to me as commissioner-in-charge of the SOCE, was: return with no action with an instruction to promulgate,” he said.

As of writing, one complaint against Escudero and Lubiano remains pending before the Comelec law department.

The complaint, which raises the same issue, was filed by the sociocivic group “The Silent Majority” on November 14.

PHL’s effort to restart nuke tech devt gets IAEA…

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He also pointed out that the Philippines’ archipelagic geography makes it particularly suited for small modular reactors (SMRs), a new generation of compact, flexible nuclear systems that do not require full grid integration.

Grossi said the global circumstances and local readiness may allow the Philippines to commission its first operational nuclear power plant sooner than many expect.

“You may rest assured that the IAEA will accompany you...in what I am sure will be the commissioning of the first nuclear power plant in the Philippines in a very short time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Speaker Dy described the meeting with Grossi as a significant step in understanding how nuclear energy can help address the country’s longstanding power challenges.

“For many of us in the House, nuclear energy is an area where we want to deepen our knowledge and understanding. And I want to say this honestly and humbly: we need to come up with solutions to address the energy problems of our country,” the Speaker said.

Dy stressed that communities across the Philippines continue to face high electricity prices, supply shortages, and service interruptions.

“As someone who comes from the Northeastern part of Luzon, I see firsthand the same challenges faced across the Philippines. Power is insufficient. Power is expensive. And power is not always available when our people need it most. These realities limit growth, discourage investments, and burden ordinary families,” he

added.

The Speaker also reiterated the Philippines’s long-standing commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, noting that the Constitution’s explicit ban on nuclear weapons aligns firmly with the IAEA’s global mandate on non-proliferation.

Dy also welcomed the Marcos administration’s steps to strengthen nuclear regulation following the passage of the Philippine Nuclear Law, saying the House remains committed to energy policies grounded in safety, transparency, and long-term national benefit.

Grossi, who assumed office in 2019, is on his first official visit to the Philippines for the International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics): Scaling Solutions and Partnerships for Global Impact.

The Philippines is hosting the forum on November 25 and 26.

With headquarters in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA was established in 1957 within the United Nations system to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

The Philippines has been a member state of the IAEA since 1958.

Through its participation in various IAEA technical cooperation projects, the country has strengthened its capabilities and expertise in nuclear science and technology and contributed to the global exchange of knowledge and best practices on the peaceful applications of nuclear energy, nuclear safety, safeguards and security.

John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said the October budget surplus stems from delayed government spending under tighter controls following the corruption probe, rather than stronger fiscal health.

“This pattern is not ideal for the economy, especially with growth already slowing,” Rivera said.

According to Rivera, spending drops faster than revenues when agencies slow down project implementation or hold back on procurement.

10-month budget gap

TREASURY data further showed the government recorded a budget deficit of P1.106 trillion from January to October 2025, wider by 14.75 percent from P963.9 billion during the same period last year. The 10-month fiscal gap was underpinned by a 1.13-percent growth in revenues, the Treasury explained, amidst the non-recurrence of last year’s extraordinary non-tax receipts, matched with a modest 3.90 percent expansion in expenditures. The deficit also remains in line with the government’s fiscal consolidation goal at 70.83 percent of the revised full-year target of P1.56 trillion. Total revenues grew by 1.13 percent year-on-year to P3.808 trillion from P3.766 trillion. Tax revenues increased by 7.45 percent to P3.467 trillion as of end-October 2025, from P3.226 trillion in the same period a year ago.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raised P2.651 trillion, up by 9.55 percent year-on-year, while the BOC collected P784.6 billion, a 0.91-percent increase from last year.

Despite the marginal increase in BOC’s collections, the Treasury said this was partially offset by the recently instituted rice import ban, which led to the decline of duty collections from rice. Non-tax revenues, meanwhile, plunged by 36.71 percent to P341.3 billion from P539.3 billion last year. Meanwhile, expenditures rose by 3.90 percent year-on-year to P4.914 trillion from P4.729 trillion. The year-to-date primary expenditures, which comprised 85.28 percent of total disbursements, underlie a 2.45-percent increase over last year.

“The minimal growth in primary expenditures was affected by the contraction in infrastructure spending amid the ongoing probe on the DPWH’s flood control issues and review of project implementation,” the Treasury said. Meanwhile, interest payments accounted for the remaining 14.72 percent of the cumulative expenditures and increased by 13.24 percent from last year’s level.

‘Surplus to further slow down economic growth’ FORMER Socioeconomic and Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas told BusinessMirror the October surplus is “unplanned” and may further contribute to the real GDP growth slowdown in the third quarter.

“Many are expecting a continuing GDP slowdown arising from factors associated with the flood control problem,” Canlas said.

Rivera, for this part, said that if government spending does not pick up soon, it could further drag down construction activity, job creation and private sector confidence.

“The outlook depends on how quickly the national government can restore normal disbursement levels, resolve bottlenecks, and implement catch-up spending,” Rivera said.

“A stronger fiscal push in the coming months is crucial to support growth and signal that public investment is back on track,” he added. Unless the government is able to enforce measures to fight corruption, Lanzona said the budget surplus and the declining growth will continue in the coming months.

“We need to develop a new form of governance that limits the power of the central state to undertake economic policies and programs and allows more local government agencies to formulate investment strategies and economic growth in their respective localities,” Lanzona said. In this way, Lanzona said the ability of the central state to hijack the budget can be reduced.

ICI, DPWH recommend filing of plunder, graft, other charges against 8 ‘congtractors’

their term of office.

TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday filed another joint referral report before the Office of the Ombudsman with the recommendation to prosecute for criminal and administrative offenses eight former and incumbent congressmen for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects.

Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution states: “No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before any court of justice or before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall not intervene in any matter before any office of the Government for his pecuniary benefit or where he may be called upon to act on account of his office.”

the eight members of Congress. At a press briefing, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said they also submitted evidence to the Ombudsman which include the contracts awarded to the construction companies and records from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) linking the lawmakers to the construction companies.

Remulla said he expects more than 10 percent of the members of the House Representatives will be affected by the ongoing investigation into the flood control mess which may disrupt the lower chamber.

now, 77 people under fact-finding,” Remulla said.

In justifying his request, Remulla explained that when a person joins the government, he or she effectively surrenders the right to travel as they must obtain a travel authority before leaving the country, whether for personal or official capacity.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, ICI chairman called the eight legislators as “congtractors” whose families are said to own construction companies that allegedly secured contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He identified the congressmen and their construction companies as Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Elizaldy Co for FS Co. Builders Supply; Batangas Rep. Edwin Gardiola, for Newington Builders, Inc., Lourel Development Corporation, and S-Ang General Construction & Trading Inc; Rep. James Ang, Jr., for IBC International Builders Corporation and Alleneon Development Corporation; Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay, for JVN Construction and Trading; Rep. Augustina Pancho, for C.M. Pancho Construction Inc.; Rep. Francisco Matugas, for Boometrix Development Corp.; Rep. Noel Rivera, for Tarlac 3-G Construction & Development Corporation.

The ICI added that the legislators also violated laws against conflict of interest such as the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, among others.

Dizon said the joint reports recommends the filing of cases for violation of Republic Act 7080 or the Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder; violations of Section 3 b), (e) and (h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; violation of Article 2010 of the Revised Penal Code for direct bribery; violation RA 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Official for conflict of interest; violation of the provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act; and violation of Article 6, Section 14 of the Constitution.

“Actually, what I will do is talk to the Speaker about this, because I don’t want Congress to be disrupted. I have to talk to the Speaker because these things will hurt a lot,” Remulla said.

Aside from the eight lawmakers who were recommended for prosecution on Wednesday, Remulla said he expects at least 12 to 15 more lawmakers, who were evidently involved with construction companies, to be charged soon before the Ombudsman for conflict of interest.

“That’s why we are telling these people who are under investigation not to leave the country. It is something that is urgent for our country and that this power, this authority we’re using now to keep the people in the country,” he said.

Remulla insisted that it is within the power of the Ombudsman to direct an individual under investigation not to leave the country.

Reyes said the “congtractors” violated Article VI, Section 14 of the Constitution that barred members of Congress from having a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any government contract, franchise, or special privilege during

“These congressmen should not be engaging in private business activities that conflict with their official duties. They should not influence bids and awards. Members of Congress must not sway procurement processes, nor should they participate in or benefit from government contracts,” Reyes said.

The subject of the joint referral is the 1,300 infrastructure projects awarded from 2016 to 2024 to contractors that are related to

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the report will undergo evaluation and fact-finding to determine whether there is basis to conduct a preliminary investigation.

“The evaluation will take only hours, when we go through the documents and if we see them to be complete we can actually proceed with the PI [preliminary investigation] already but we just have to evaluate it,” Remulla said.

The vetting of evidence and documents by the ICI, according to Remulla, has helped the Ombudsman to speedily resolve the cases filed before it in connection with the flood control scandal.

Remulla seeks travel ban on 77 individuals REMULLA also disclosed that he had asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to issue a foreign travel restriction order (FTRO) against 77 individuals, including unnamed senators, congressmen and private individuals, who are under investigation in connection with the flood control scandal.

The 77 individuals are in addition to the 18 other persons, including Co, who were issued a hold departure order by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the graft and malversation charges filed against them by the Ombudsman.

“This afternoon, I just signed a letter to the Bureau of Immigration, a request for assistance, to hold in the country a list of, right

Charges filed soon PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos said eight lawmakers will soon be charged for their alleged involvement in flood control project anomalies.

This, after the ICI and DPWH recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the eight.

ICI announced the said lawmakers also served as contractors for their alleged involvement in 1,300 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.

“[The ICI will] submit its pieces of evidence to the Ombudsman and it will recommend [the filing of[ cases of plunder, anti-graft, bribery, and conflict of interest against the eight congressmen who

See “ICI,” A4

Lacson bares squid tactics of corrupt DPWH officials Malacañang to include BIR in corruption investigation

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo M. Lacson has flagged several “duplicate projects” of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2025, saying such could have been designed to “confuse and corrupt.”

In his interpellation of the DPWH’s budget for 2026 late Tuesday, Lacson noted these duplicates were under the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP), which he said were “significantly bloated every year” from 2023 to 2025.

“Why is this always bloated every year? And the increases are significant,” he wondered aloud, partly in Filipino. The Senate Finance committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsored the DPWH budget, replied that these increases are “mostly congressional.”

Lacson noted that the DPWH’s CSSP budget in 2024 showed it had an allotment of P174.088 billion in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2024, but this ballooned to P410.91 billion in the 2024 General Appropriations Act—a 136.08 percent increase.

For 2025, the CSSP budget ballooned from P221.499 billion in the NEP to P504.226 billion in the GAA—a 127.61 percent increase.

For 2026, the CSSP had P167.79 billion in the NEP and P234.236 billion in the House version of the budget bill—a 39.6-percent increase.

In addition, under the CSSP’s

budget, Lacson said he found that many projects under the Sustainable Infra Projects Alleviating Gaps (Sipag) had the same names as those under the Basic Infrastructure programs (BIP), although with different amounts.

For 2026, Sipag had P69.725 billion in the NEP for 2026, which increased to P111.03 billion in the House version of the budget bill, and P110.649 billion in the Senate version.

The BIP had P60.38 billion in the NEP for 2026, an amount that went up to P90.996 billion in the House version, and went down to P88.905 billion in the Senate version.

“We have to take a closer look at them because we may be giving double appropriations— different programs but the same projects,” Lacson pointed out.

Among the projects that Lacson said had “duplicate” allocations in the 2025 budget were:

n Construction of Brgy. San Jose-Brgy. Bandi Road Package 2 in barangay San Jose-barangay Bandi, Donsol, Sorsogon, with P39.433 million under Sipag and P150 million under BIP

n Road rehabilitation, Phases 1 and 2, in Umingan, Pangasinan (P125 million and P200 million respectively) under Sipag, and Phase 3 of “construction-rehabilitation” of roads in Umingan (P17 million) under BIP

n Construction of a road at barangay Guisican, Phase II, in Labo, Camarines Norte (P30 million) under Sipag and Phase I of a similarly named project

(P100 million) under BIP

n Rehabilitation of road, Phase 1 from barangay Naspi to barangay Abucay, Pilar, Sorsogon (P100 million) under Sipag, and construction of Naspi-Abucay Road in Pilar, Sorsogon, Phase 2 (P50 million) under BIP

“I hope this can be rectified. I can go on and on, there are many more projects. I hope [Public Works] Secretary [Vivencio] Dizon will take a look at all the project titles especially those exactly the same or in Phase 1, Phase 2,” Lacson said.

Gatchalian pointed out that in the case of projects with the same title and without technical description, the district engineer may have discretion of how and where to implement the projects.

But Gatchalian said that starting next year, the DPWH will collapse the two programs for the 2027 budget. Lacson maintained that this must be implemented immediately to avoid fund wastage.

Unprogrammed appropriations

LACSON, at the same time, called anew for a stop to the abuse of the unprogrammed appropriations in the budget. From 2023 to 2025, he said that P151.426 billion was spent for flood control projects under the unprogrammed appropriations, aside from the P1.006 trillion taken from the programmed appropriations.

This included P34 billion in unprogrammed appropriations under the 2023 budget; P107 billion under the 2024 budget;

and P9.7 billion under the 2025 budget.

Lacson cited a study by the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) showing that only 923 of some 9,800 flood control projects (9.4 percent) have no issues, while 29.9 percent are potentially ghost projects. 6,290 were flagged as chopchop or fragmented-duplicated in the same boundaries; while 5,423 were flagged as doppelgangers.

Reforms

GATCHALIAN said reforms are on the way with the cooperation of the DPWH. He said the DPWH will now include station numbers and technical descriptions for infrastructure projects instead of “Phase 1” or “Phase 2.”

Building projects will have building IDs with coordinates already he added.

“With you there and Secretary Vince at the helm of the DPWH, I think reforms are really underway and we fully trust Secretary Dizon and his team,” Lacson told Gatchalian.

Gatchalian thanked Lacson as well, saying Lacson started the reforms.

“All these reforms were actually started by you. I remember when, as a new senator, I would listen to you intently until the wee hours in interpellating the DPWH budget and you had been advocating this probably for decades already. So after decades, reforms are beginning to emerge at least in the Senate,” he replied to Lacson.

TBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Marcos administration will expand its investigation of corrupt practices the government to include the alleged extortion scheme at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) committed by unscrupulous officials using letter of authority (LOA).

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government will not tolerate any anomalies in the government.

“This cannot be ignored. Even if it is not about flood control projects, it needs to be investigated since it involves anomalies,” she said in Filipino.

“No one told me if that was the reason [for the removal of Lumagui from BIR],” Castro said in Filipino.

Earlier this month, Marcos named former Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin R. Mendoza as the new BIR commissioner. The Department of Finance shortly before the appointment of Mendoza said the bureau may miss its target P3.219-trillion revenue collection this year.

On Tuesday, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada claimed that only about 30 percent of the revenue collected by BIR using LOAs are remitted to the government, while the other 70 percent are pocketed by its unscrupulous revenue officers. LOAs enable BIR revenues officers to audit the tax returns of an individual or company. Ejercito claimed that of the projected P6-billion of revenues from the use of LOAs, only P2 billion was remitted to the government due to the money-making scheme of its erring revenue officers. When asked if the issue was the reason why the President decided to remove Romeo D. Lumagui as head of BIR, Castro said she currently has no information on the matter.

Police bags another accused in flood control project scam

By Rex Anthony Naval

ANOTHER accused in the flood-control project anomalies fell into the hands of the National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Tuesday afternoon.

PNP-CIDG operatives arrested Montrexis Tamayo, 47, married and former officer-in-charge of

the Department of Public Works and Highways Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Office planning and design division. Tamayo was arrested upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 in Pasay City aboard Emirates Airlines Flight UAE 332.

PHL seeks reelection to IMO Council

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Philippines is gunning for reelection to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, highlighting its commitment to seafarer safety, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation at the 34th IMO General Assembly.

“The Philippines stands ready to continue contributing to the IMO Council with vigor, responsibility, and vision. We pledge to continue giving voice to seafarers, to champion sustainability, and to uphold the principles of safety and inclusivity in global shipping,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs Villamor Ventura S. Plan said. Plan delivered the country’s statement on the second day of the assembly as part of its bid for

reelection under Category C for the 2026-2027 biennium.

He noted that the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) continues to strengthen seafarer competence to support a just transition in the maritime sector, including training in alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

Plan also raised concerns about the risks Filipino seamen face from geopolitical tensions, citing recent incidents in the Red Sea, and thanked IMO partners for their support to affected crews and families.

Plan also reported on the country’s participation in the review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, as well as efforts to modernize the shipbuilding and ship repair sector.

The Philippines remains among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.

In addition, Plan reported progress toward accession to the

Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling, while providing updates on domestic initiatives on ferry safety and the development of electric ferries.

On environmental protection, Plan said the Philippines expressed support for IMO initiatives on ballast water and biofouling management, marine litter reduction, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

Plan highlighted Marina’s digitalization efforts through the Marina Integrated Seafarers Management Online (Mismo) System and the Blockchain-Enabled Automated Certification (Best) System, which aim to provide secure and efficient processing of seafarer documentation.

“By strengthening these partnerships, together, through mutual trust, shared responsibility, and coordinated action, we can advance maritime safety, sustainability, resilience, and progress,” he said.

Tmap surge highlights need for more hotel rooms in Bacolod

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE recent Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (Tmap) in Bacolod City highlighted the need for the city to add more hotel keys, as reports of room shortages during the five-day event were made known.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that accommodation establishments near the Tmap venue—the Negros Occidental Provincial Capital Lagoon—such as Seda Capitol Central, L’Fisher Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, even Citadines Bacolod City five kilometers away, were fully booked during the fiveday event, which started on the eve of November 18.

But DOT Regional Director for Western Visayas Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said investments are now growing in expanding the city’s hospitality and convention sectors. In a Viber message, she told the BusinessMirror that “the hospitality industry is responding to the increasing demand for hotel keys and convention facilities.”

She said, for instance, Megaworld Corp. will be opening a 300room Kingsford Hotel targeted by 2028.

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“The arresting team informed him of the nature of the warrants, and the arrest was effected without incident,” the PNP CIDG report said.

More Mice events THE increasing Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) business in the city, such as Tmap, is also driving demand for more convention facilities.

Rodriguez said there are upcoming convention facilities such as the Bacolod Coliseum, with an estimated capacity of up to 11,450 persons for conventions; 7,800 for basketball games; and about 10,000 for large-scale events like concerts and boxing matches. It is scheduled for completion by yearend.

For another, the Bacolod Museum with an auditorium can accommodate up to 800 persons. “It was supposed to be completed this year but because of the recent typhoon and inclement weather, this has been pushed back to the firstsecond quarter of 2026,”she said. Bacolod also has an SMX Convention Center located at SM City Bacolod, with an 4,000-person capacity theater style, and over 2,000 for a banquet setup. It recently hosted the Department of Agriculture’s 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress attended by some 800 delegates from all the over the country.

‘Overwhelming’ slow food event

MORE than 2,000 delegates from 25 participating countries, even as

far as Italy and France, attended the Tmap.

Reena Gamboa, president of Slow Food Negros, shared that she found attendance at Tmap “overwhelming—someone sent me a photo yesterday from the top of a building and showed me the number of people that came in. I heard from our Foodways Exhibit that the students were so impressed and learned so much and enjoyed, and from listening to the slow food delegates. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

She noted that the event, which will be held in Bacolod every two year, “will bring more economy to the province. And that’s what we want. We want Negros [Island] and Bacolod City to be known for something else, not just commercial beaches, drinking, and eating. Now there is that consciousness that whenever you eat here, [you think of] ‘Who’s this farmer who planted this? How has it planted? Is it good, clean, and fair? Thank you farmer for growing this.’”

Gamboa oversees the popular Casa A. Gamboa in Silay City, which frequently receives visitors from here and abroad, who want a glimpse into the culinary and architectural heritage of the city, once dubbed the “Paris of Negros.” The dishes served at Casa A. Gamboa uses ingredients

and produce grown sustainably.

Tourists up 6.7%

HOSTED by the Philippines for the first time, TMAP is one of the world’s largest sustainable food gatherings attended by farmers, organic agriculture businesses, slow food enthusiasts and experts, and innovators from across Asia and the Pacific. (See, “Terra Madre in Aspac makes PHL debut,” in the BusinessMirror, Nov. 21, 2025.)

Last year, the city received 833,345 overnight tourist arrivals, up 6.71 percent from the arrivals in 2023. Of the total arrivals in 2024, domestic travelers accounted for 774,084, or almost 93 percent, while the rest were foreign visitors at 59,261. In 2023, domestic travelers reached 724,222, while foreign tourists numbered 56,694 (including Philippine passport holders residing abroad).

The top foreign markets last year were: the United States, China, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.

From January to August this year, total overnight arrivals in Bacolod reached 467,044, but the Bacolod City Tourism Office failed to provide the market breakdown and arrivals in the comparative period in 2024.

Osapeia abolition won’t affect tariff negotiations

MALACAÑANG said the looming abolition of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (Osapeia) will not stall ongoing trade and tariff negotiations with other countries.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the assurance after confirming that Osapeia will soon be dissolved after its previous head, Frederick D. Go, was appointed by President Marcos as the new of the Department of Finance (DOF) earlier this month vice Secretary Ralph Recto, who was appointed executive secretary.

“According to Secretary Go, it is the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] which handles the technical and substantial work with regard to trade agreements, so they say nothing will be affected,” Castro said.

Among the pending free trade agreements being negotiated by DTI are with the United Arab Emirates, European Union, and Canada.

It is also working to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and to bring

down US tariffs on Philippine goods.

Created by Marcos in 2023 through Executive Order 49, the Osapeia aims to ensure “effective integration, coordination and implementation of the various investment and economic policies and programs of the government.” Among the functions of its secretary is to provide the President with timely, relevant and strategic advice on matters and issues involving economic concerns.” Castro said the abolition of the Osapeia will take effect once the order is issued by the Chief Executive.

She also said the Go can continue to provide inputs to DTI in his capacity as Finance Secretary. Castro added that Marcos decided to abolish Osapeia to make government operations more efficient by removing redundancy.

“So, instead of having two more agencies where both Secretary Go is an expert, [the government] might as well dissolve [Osapeia] and let other agencies, especially DTI, to handle the technical and substantial work for that [trade negotiations],” she explained. Samuel P. Medenilla

Legislator pushes institutionalized reintegration framework for OFWs

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs is pushing for the swift passage of the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act, a landmark measure that institutionalizes the government’s first unified and comprehensive reintegration framework for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla of Agimat said the bill is a top priority of both the House of Representatives and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac). He emphasized that the measure consolidates fragmented programs across agencies into a single, coherent national policy that supports OFWs the moment they arrive back home.

like the Returnee-OFWs Management Information System (Romis) for job matching, profiling, and coordinated service delivery.

The bill strengthens Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) and Overseas Workers Offices (OWOs) to deliver on-site support, including for undocumented workers, and enables qualified OFWs to teach in colleges, universities, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) training centers as recognition of their expertise gained abroad. It further guarantees access to financial literacy programs, livelihood assistance, business start-up services, and government-backed micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME) loans.

“These are not mere programs—they are investments in the dignity and future of every Filipino who sacrificed years away from home,” Revilla said.

Tamayo was immediately taken to CIDG headquarters in Camp Brigadier General Rafael T. Crame Crame, Quezon City, for processing shortly after.

tion in preparation for the formal return to the issuing courts,” the PNP CIDG added.

“After arrest at Gate 114, [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] Naia Terminal 3, the subject was secured, escorted, and transported to CIDG National Headquarters, Camp Brig. Gen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, for processing, documentation, and proper disposi -

The former DPWH official and 15 other persons, including former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, are facing charges of graft and malversation of public funds in relation to the irregularities in flood control projects.

On Monday, officials reported

Continued from A3

own construction companies with projects at the DPWH,” the Chief Executive said.

ICI continues to conduct hearings and investigations for the filing of charges to other officials, personnel and members of the private sector involved in public works irregularities.

Malacañang earlier said it supports the livestreaming of the said hearings for transparency, however, it noted that the ICI may opt to conduct executive sessions.

Marcos also reported that the amount of assets frozen by the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC)

that Tamayo was in Jordan and he had signified his intention to surrender following the issuance of arrest warrants against him.

Tamayo’s arrest brought to nine the number of accused in the cases who were either arrested or have surrendered.

Tamayo was later taken to the Sandiganbayan where he and the other accused are facing charges.

in relation to the flood control projects mess has risen to P12 billion.

Of the said assets, he said, P4 billion came from Co alone. The said assets from the said lawmakers include 3,566 bank accounts; 198 insurance policies; 247 motor vehicles; 178 real properties; 16 e-wallet accounts; and air assets.

“This is just the beginning. More assets will be frozen so that people’s money will be returned to them. This is our promise that the money of the people will be given back to the people,” Marcos said in Filipino. He started releasing video messages in his social media page last week to give updates on the government’s ongoing efforts against flood control project anomalies. With Samuel P. Medenilla

Under the bill, all categories of returnees—land-based or sea-based, documented or undocumented, repatriated, distressed, displaced, retiring, or voluntarily returning—will be covered by a standardized reintegration system.

“Reintegration is the true test of government support. Many of our OFWs come home exhausted, stressed, sometimes even traumatized, and without a clear direction on where to begin,” Revilla said. “When they return to the country, that is when government support should be felt most strongly.” He emphasized that many returning OFWs face joblessness, debt, trauma, family strain, and disjointed government services which are conditions that push many to leave the country again, perpetuating the migration cycle.

Once enacted into law, it will provide clear pathways such as education and upskilling, psychosocial support, entrepreneurship, and local employment. It also establishes digital systems

Revilla said that the ultimate goal is to ensure that Filipinos migrate by choice, not because local conditions force them to. Citing global labor and migration studies, he noted that many OFWs return home only to confront underemployment or the lack of viable livelihood options.

“After years of sacrifice and separation, OFWs deserve more than salubong banners. They deserve a real pathway home—one that gives them stability, dignity, and opportunity,” he noted.

“Migration should one day be a choice, not an economic necessity,” he added.

Revilla noted that while similar versions of the measure had advanced in the past Congress, its passage stalled—a gap he intends to close.

During the recent deliberations, he urged agencies and lawmakers to finalize their inputs and assertively instructed the Committee Secretariat to merge six Balikbayan proposals into a single substitute bill to accelerate progress.

November 27,

Senator pushes 6-month phaseout of optical board

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday declared his support for the phasing out of the operations of the Optical Media Board (OMB), citing the obsolescence of the industry that it was originally tasked to regulate.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Finance committee said he is also willing to make a recommendation to the Executive department regarding the transition of the operations of the OMB to another agency, such as the Film Development Council, to ensure that its employees are not displaced by the agency’s eventual abolition.

“The times today have rendered the OMB totally obsolete. People do not watch compact discs [CD] anymore. Lahat ay live streaming platforms na . We just have to find the proper transition for the employees,” Gatchalian said.

“We can provide the agency with a winding-down budget good for three to six months and then we can put that budget to another agency which has a similar function,” he added.

The OMB’s tasks include licensing and registering legal optical media businesses, as well as investigating and cracking down on illegal operations. Butch Fernandez

Aadac cites Teves as Local Champion

STA. ROSA CITY, Laguna—In a significant recognition of her dedicated efforts against illegal drug use, Vice Mayor Phanie Teves of this city received a special citation as a Local Champion from the Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalition of the Philippines (Aadac) during their 8th National Conference.

This accolade highlights her leadership and commitment to fostering safer, healthier communities through proactive anti-drug initiatives.

As a public official, Teves has been at the forefront of local anti-drug campaigns, collaborating closely with government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Her work focuses on prevention, education, and support for rehabilitation—key pillars in addressing the complexities of drugrelated challenges.

Through community outreach programs, workshops, and policy advocacy, she has contributed to reducing drug abuse and its associated social problems.

The special recognition from Aadac not only acknowledges her exceptional contributions but also serves as an inspiration for other local government officials to intensify their efforts in combating drug proliferation. The Association, which brings together various stakeholders united against substance abuse, holds this annual conference to share best practices and foster cooperation across the nation.

The Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalition of the Philippines is a pivotal body that coordinates anti-drug initiatives at multiple levels, providing training, resources, and support to local governments and communities.

Receiving a Local Champion award from Aadac signals outstanding leadership in creating sustainable anti-drug programs that effectively address the root causes of drug abuse. Such recognition reflects not only personal dedication but also the tangible results of local actions— improved community awareness, stronger enforcement of laws, and the rehabilitation of affected individuals. Teves’s citation underscores the power of committed leadership in steering positive social change.

Teves’s achievement at the 8th Aadac National Conference exemplifies the crucial role of local governance in the nationwide fight against illegal drugs. Her recognition calls attention to the importance of continuous, communitybased efforts and innovative approaches to drug prevention and intervention. Moving forward, her example is likely to motivate other leaders to embrace proactive strategies, fostering a more resilient and drug-free Philippines.

A6 Thursday, November 27, 2025

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Trump says he’s sending his envoys to see Putin and Ukrainians after fine-tuning plan to end war

By Aamer Madhani, Isobel Koshiw & Konstantin Toropin

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Presi -

dent Donald Trump

said Tuesday his plan to end the war in Ukraine has been “fine-tuned” and he’s sending envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials. Trump suggested he could eventually meet with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but not until further progress has been made in negotiations. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening aboard Air Force One, Trump said resolving the war was difficult, and described what had been a 28-point plan as a work in progress. “That was not a plan—

it was a concept,” Trump said. Trump’s plan for ending the nearly four-year war emerged last week. It heavily favored Russia, prompting Zelenskyy to quickly engage with American negotiators. European leaders, fearing for their own future facing Russian aggression but apparently sidelined by Trump in drawing up the proposal, scrambled to steer the negotiations toward accommodating their concerns. Trump said he believed Witkoff would be meeting with Putin next week in Moscow, with his son-inlaw Jared Kushner potentially joining the meeting. “People are starting to realize it’s a good deal for both parties,” Trump said. The president played down the element of his plan that would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, suggesting that Russian forces were already likely to seize

the land they’re seeking.

“The way it’s going, if you look, it’s just moving in one direction,” Trump said. “So eventually that’s land that over the next couple of

months might be gotten by Russia anyway.”

At the center of Trump’s plan is the call on Ukraine to concede the entirety of its eastern Donbas

region, even though a vast swath of that land remains in Ukrainian control. Analysts at the independent Institute for the Study of War have estimated it would take several years for the Russian military to completely seize the territory, based on its current rate of advances.

Trump downplays transcript of Witkoff talks with Russian counterpart TRUMP made his comments after Driscoll held talks late Monday and throughout Tuesday with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to discuss the emerging proposal.

“The talks are going well and we remain optimistic,” Lt. Col. Jeff Tolbert, spokesman for the Army secretary, said in a statement. Witkoff, a real estate developer turned diplomat, has been Trump’s chief

interlocutor with Putin, while Driscoll, who is close to Vance, has stepped up his involvement in the administration’s peace push in recent days.

As the talks were taking place, Russia launched a wave of overnight attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with at least seven people killed in strikes that hit city buildings and energy infrastructure. A Ukrainian attack on southern Russia killed three people and damaged homes, authorities said.

Trump spoke to reporters after Bloomberg News published a transcript of an Oct. 14 call between Witkoff and Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov where Witkoff coached his counterpart on how Putin should handle a call with Trump.

A RESIDENTIAL building shows extensive damage following a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. AP/EVGENIY MALOLETKA

Pope Leo XIV embarks on delicate pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon amid Mideast tensions

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY—Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first foreign trip, a pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon that would be delicate under any circumstances but is even more fraught given Mideast tensions and the media glare that will document history’s first American pope on the road.

Leo is fulfilling a trip Pope Francis planned to make, to mark an important anniversary with the Orthodox church in Turkey. In Lebanon, he’ll try to boost a long-

suffering Christian community as well as Lebanese of all faiths who are still demanding justice over the 2020 Beirut port blast. Leo, who spent 12 years as supe -

rior of his Augustinian religious order and two decades as a missionary in Peru, says he loves to travel. And in recent weeks, he has shown both diplomatic and linguistic dexterity in answering questions on the fly from reporters.

The trip is being covered closely by US media, with all major US networks—ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox as well as CNN and the BBC—inside Leo’s travelling pool, following his speeches, homilies and prayers at a crucial moment in negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and maintain a cease-fire in Gaza.

Vatican correspondents plus Lebanese and Turkish media round out the papal press corps of about 80 journalists, with an ample waitlist of journalists who applied to be on the papal plane but were denied a seat because of limited space.

“Anytime the pope travels, it’s a big deal,” said Natalia Impera -

tori-Lee, associate professor of theology at Fordham University in New York.

But an American pope on his first foreign trip is an even bigger deal, she said, especially in the saturated American media ecosystem where Leo has emerged as something of a foil to the Trump administration and its crackdown on immigrants.

“He is still driving coverage here because of his engagement with one of the most important issues we’re facing, which is migration,” said Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. Because of that, “I think this trip will drive attention again to the peripheries and to the vulnerable.”

Significantly, Leo plans to deliver all his remarks in Turkey in English and English and French

in Lebanon, casting aside the Italian lingua franca of the Vatican in favor of languages that are more widely understood.

All eyes will be on Leo’s in-flight press conference Dec. 2 returning to Rome. Such impromptu encounters provided many of Francis’ headline-grabbing quips during his 12-year papacy, starting with his first in 2013 when he famously said “Who am I to judge” about a purportedly gay priest.

Leo has shown himself to be far more prudent and diplomatic than his predecessor. But “maybe he’ll do something crazy like a ‘Who am I to judge?’” said Imperatori-Lee.

An important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations

THE main impetus for traveling to Turkey, the first stop in the Nov. 27-Dec. 2 trip, is to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the

Council of Nicaea, Christianity’s first ecumenical council.

Leo will pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, at the site of the 325 AD gathering—today’s Iznik— and sign a joint declaration in a visible sign of Christian unity. Eastern and Western churches were united until the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope.

“We all understand that 1,000 years of division has inflicted a deep wound that cannot be healed easily,” Bartholomew told the respected Greek daily Kathimerini recently. “We have an obligation, however, to strive to heal that wound, mend the injuries, bridge the distances and restore unity.”

A8 Thursday, November 27, 2025

China’s pressure on Japan is a familiar tactic that could last for some time

By Ken Moritsugu And Ayaka Mcgill The Associated Press

BEIJING—Just days after China issued an advisory against traveling to Japan, the cancellations started.

About 3,000 Chinese visit Rie Takeda’s tearoom in an alley in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district every year. Some 200 have already canceled bookings for her tea ceremony class, as far ahead as January.

“I just hope the Chinese tourists return by Chinese New Year,” she said, referring to the major holiday period in February. Past experience suggests it may take longer than that.

China’s government is turning to a well-used playbook to express its displeasure with Japan for refusing to retract a statement by its new prime minister on the hotbutton issue of Taiwan.

As with its tariffs on Australian wines in 2020, and restrictions on Philippine banana imports in 2012, Beijing is using its economic clout to pressure Tokyo while also hurling a torrent of invective at its government. The only question is how far China will go and how long the measures will last.

“China’s countermeasures are all kept secret and will be rolled out one by one,” said Liu Jiangyong, an international relations professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

“Everything is possible, because this involves the core of the nation’s core interests.”

Disputes can drag on for more than a year

CHINA was angered by a statement of Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this month that its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule.

Japan is trying to keep the feud from escalating but has shown no sign of backing down. That dovetails with how some other governments have reacted to China’s pressure: Stick to their positions and endure the pain, allowing the disputes to fester for a year or more.

“The diplomatic challenge for both sides is that they have their own domestic audiences and so they don’t want to be perceived as backing down,” said Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of “Intimate Rivals,” a book on Japan-China relations.

With several countries, the disputes persisted until a political

change brought in a new leader unencumbered by the baggage of past statements.

Australia’s trade with China has gradually returned to normal since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s election in 2022—the last step was the reopening of the lobster market. Canada is the latest country to start repairing relations under new Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The travel advisory starts to bite IT’S not the first time Japan has faced China’s economic wrath. In 2012, protesters attacked Japanese businesses in China and boycotted their goods after a dispute erupted over a group of uninhabited islands that both countries claim. Group tours to Japan were canceled.

Based on what happened then, when Chinese visitors fell by onefourth, Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi has estimated the current travel advisory could cost Japan 1.8 trillion yen ($11.5 billion), knocking 0.3 percentage points off its already low annual economic growth.

Many group tours have been canceled again, hitting businesses that rely on them. Gamagori Hotel in central Japan’s Aichi prefecture said it had lost more than 2,000 guests. Nichu Syomu, a Japan-based tour company focusing on Chinese tourists, said 300 bookings have been canceled, describing the loss as comparable to 2012.

China had been on track this year to displace South Korea and

return to its pre-pandemic position as the top source of tourists to Japan. More than 8 million Chinese visited in the first 10 months of this year, or 23% of the total, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

“It’s a shame,” Nichu Syomu tour operator Nana Enomoto said, noting Chinese tourism was just recovering.

Some Chinese tourists cancel KYREN ZHU, who had never been to Japan, agonized over the decision. Her parents warned her against going. In the end, the accountant canceled a trip with a friend to see the fall foliage. Her friend went ahead and told her nothing unusual had happened.

“If I’d known, I probably would have just gone,” she said. “But it’s hard to say. The situation is really

beyond our control.”

Beijing resident Livia Du, who opened a ski lodge last year in northern Japan, received two cancellations—but they were quickly filled by other Chinese.

One customer told her that since China had taken a clear stance, he had to align with it.

Another works at a governmentowned company and said that staff had been instructed not to visit Japan in the near term.

Guests appear to be in waitand-see mode, said Du, who quit her job and invested more than 2 million yuan ($280,000) with her husband to build the lodge in Hokkaido. She was worried the situation could get worse.

China warns it may take further steps THE pressure appeared to extend

into other sectors last week. The Chinese release of two Japanese movies was suddenly postponed— the comedy “Cells at Work!” and the animated feature “Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers.” A comedy festival in Shanghai canceled shows by a Japanese entertainment company, while a book publishing editor said her boss had told her to suspend a project to import a Japanese comic book.

The prospects for seafood exports to China remained unclear, even after Tokyo denied news reports that Beijing had said it was reversing its decision to end a 2-year-old ban on Japanese seafood.

Japan has failed to provide the technical documentation needed to resume the exports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the reports.

China could also target its export of rare earths, which are vital to car production and other industries. Beijing found that the minerals were an American weak point when it restricted their export earlier this year.

“Japan should first retract its erroneous remarks and take concrete actions to maintain the political foundation of China-Japan relations,” Mao said last week. “Otherwise, China will have to take further measures.”

McGill reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer Fu Ting in Washington contributed to this report.

Kremlin confirms US envoy visit, denies seeing peace plan

By Illia Novikov & Sam Mcneil

SENIOR Kremlin official

Aconfirmed Wednesday that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow next week as efforts to find a consensus on ending the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine pick up speed.

But Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, insisted that Kremlin officials still have not seen a US peace proposal, even though representatives of the United States, Russia and Ukraine held talks in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.

“Contact is ongoing, including via telephone, but no one has yet sat down at a round table and

discussed this point-by-point. That hasn’t happened,” Ushakov told Russian state media.

Ukrainian officials didn’t confirm whether US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who in recent weeks has played a high-profile role in the peace efforts, would be in Kyiv in the coming days, as Trump indicated Tuesday.

Trump’s plan for ending the war became public last week, setting off a spate of diplomatic maneuvering. The initial version appeared heavily slanted toward Russian demands for halting its invasion of its neighbor. After weekend talks in Geneva between US and Ukrainian officials, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the plan could be “workable,” although key points remain unre -

solved. A Ukrainian official said Zelenskyy hoped to meet with Trump in coming days.

Witkoff’s role in the peace efforts came under a renewed spotlight Tuesday when a report indicated he coached Ushakov, the Putin aide, on how Russian leader should pitch Trump on the Ukraine peace plan.

Trump described Witkoff’s reported approach to the Russians in the call as “standard” negotiating procedure.

“He’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to his home in Florida on Tuesday night. “That’s what a dealmaker does.”

Russia’s grim war of attrition in Ukraine continued as a backdrop

to the diplomatic jockeying.

The southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia came under a large Russian drone attack overnight, damaging more than 50 residential buildings, including a university dormitory filled with people, the head of the regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov, said Wednesday. The attack injured at least 19 people, he said.

Russian air defenses, meanwhile, downed 33 Ukrainian drones overnight over various Russian regions and the Black Sea,

according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

European countries, who are alarmed by Russia’s aggression and see their own future at stake in negotiations over Ukraine, are fighting to make their voice heard in the talks as the United States takes the lead.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday that Europe wants the war to end as quickly as possible.

“But an agreement negotiated by great powers without the approval of the Ukrainians and without the approval of the Europeans won’t be a basis for a real, sustainable peace in Ukraine,” he told lawmakers in Berlin.

“Europe is not a plaything but a sovereign actor for its own interests and values,” he said.

The head of the European Union’s executive, Ursula Von der Leyen, was upbeat about recent developments, saying there is “an opportunity here to make real progress” toward peace.

McNeil reported from Brussels. Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

JAPAN’S new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo, on Oct. 21, 2025. AP/EUGENE HOSHIKO

RESCUE workers attempt to extinguish a fire in a residential building that was set ablaze following a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. AP/KATERYNA KLOCHKO

Ambitious plan to store CO2 beneath the North Sea set to start operations

By James Brooks The Associated Press

NORTH SEA, Denmark—

Appearing first as a dot on the horizon, the remote Nini oil field on Europe’s rugged North Sea slowly comes into view from a helicopter.

Used to extract fossil fuels, the field is now getting a second lease on life as a means of permanently storing planet-warming carbon dioxide beneath the seabed.

In a process that almost reverses oil extraction, chemical giant INEOS plans to inject liquefied CO2 deep down into depleted oil reservoirs, 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) beneath the seabed.

The Associated Press made a rare visit to the Siri platform, close to the unmanned Nini field, the

final stage in INEOS’ carbon capture and storage efforts, named Greensand Future.

When the project begins commercial operations next year, Greensand is expected to become the European Union’s first fully-operational offshore CO2 storage site.

Environmentalists say carbon capture and storage, also known as CCS, has a role to play in dealing with climate change but should not be used as an excuse by industries to avoid cutting emissions.

Future plans

MADS GADE , chief executive of INEOS Energy Europe, says it will initially begin storing 400,000 tons (363,000 metric tons) of CO2 per year, scaling up to as much as 8 million tons (7.3 million metric tons) annually by 2030.

“Denmark has the potential to actually store more than several hundred years of our own emissions,” says Gade. “We are able to create an industry where we can support Europe in actually storing a lot of the CO2 here.”

Greensand has struck deals with Danish biogas facilities to bury their captured carbon emissions into the Nini field’s depleted reservoirs.

A “CO2 terminal” that temporarily stores the liquefied gas is being built at the Port of Esbjerg, on the western coast of the Danish Jutland peninsula.

A purpose-built carrier vessel, dubbed “Carbon Destroyer 1,” is under construction in the Netherlands.

Climate solution

PROPONENTS of carbon capture technology say it is a climate solution because it can remove the greenhouse gas that is the biggest driver of climate change and bury it deep underground.

They note the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world’s top body of climate scientists, has said the technology is a tool in the fight against global warming.

The EU has proposed developing at least 250 million tons (227 million metric tons) of CO2 storage per year by 2040, as part of plans to reach “net zero” emissions by 2050.

Gade says carbon capture and storage is one of the best means of cutting emissions.

“We don’t want to deindustrialize Europe,” he said. “We want to have actually a few instruments to decarbonize instead.”

Experts at Denmark’s geological survey say Greensand sandstone rock is well-suited for storing the liquefied CO2. Almost a third of

the rock volume is made up of tiny cavities, said Niels Schovsbo, senior researcher at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

“We found that there (are) no reactions between the reservoir and the injected CO2. And we find that the seal rock on top of that has sufficient capacity to withhold the pressure that is induced when we are storing CO2 in the subsurface,” added Schovsbo.

“These two methods makes it a perfect site for storage right there.”

Limitations and criticism BUT while there are many carbon capture facilities around the world, the technology is far from scale, sometimes uses fossil fuel energy in its operations and captures just a tiny fraction of worldwide emissions.

The Greensand project aims to bury up to 8 million tons (7.3 million metric tons) of CO2 a year by 2030. The International Energy Agency says nearly 38 billion tons (34.5 billion metric tons) of CO2 were emitted globally last year.

Environmental campaigners say CCS has been used as an excuse by industries to delay cutting emissions.

“We could have CCS on those very few sectors where emissions are truly difficult or impossible to abate,” said Helene Hagel, head of climate and environmental policy at Greenpeace Denmark.

“But when you have all sectors in society almost saying, we need to just catch the emissions and store them instead of reducing emissions—that is the problem.”

While the chemical giant ramps up carbon storage efforts, it is also hoping to begin development at another previously unopened North Sea oil field.

“The footprint we deliver from importing energy against producing domestic or regional oil and gas is a lot more important for the transition instead of importing with a higher footprint,” said Gade, defending the company’s plans.

“We see a purpose in doing this for a period while we create a transition for Europe.”

DACA recipients being arrested despite deportation protection

By Valerie Gonzalez The Associated Press

CALLEN , Texas—Yaakub

MVijandre was preparing to go to work as a mechanic when six vehicles appeared outside his Dallas-area home. Federal agents jumped out, one pointed a weapon at him, and they took him into custody.

Vijandre is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obamaera program that has shielded hundreds of thousands of people from deportation since 2012 if they were brought to the United States as children and generally stayed out of trouble. The Trump administration said it targeted Vijandre over social media posts. The freelance videographer and pro-Palestinian activist described his early October arrest to his attorneys, who relayed the information to reporters. His arrest and several others this

year signal a change in how the US is handling DACA recipients as President Donald Trump’s administration reshapes immigration policy more broadly. The change comes as immigrants have face increased vetting, including of their social media, when they apply for visas, green cards, citizenship, or to request the release of their children from federal custody. The administration also has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. DACA was created to shield recipients, commonly referred to as “Dreamers,” from immigration arrests and deportation. It also allows them to legally work in the US. Recipients reapply every two years. Previously if their status was in jeopardy, they would receive a warning and would still have a chance to fight it before immigration officers detained them and began efforts to deport them.

In response to questions about any changes, Homeland Security Assistant

Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying that people “who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not automatically protected from deportations. DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country.” DACA recipients can lose status “for a number of reasons, including if they’ve committed a crime,” she said.

McLaughlin also claimed in a statement that Vijandre made social media posts “glorifying terrorism,” including one she said celebrated Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Qaida’s leader in Iraq who was killed in a US strike in 2006.

An attorney for Vijandre, Chris GodshallBennett, said Vijandre’s social media activity is “clearly” protected speech. He also said the government has not provided details about the specific posts in court documents.

Vijandre is among about 20 DACA recipients who have been arrested or

detained by immigration authorities since Trump took office in January, according to Home is Here, a campaign created by proDACA advocacy groups. The administration is seeking to end his DACA status, which could result in him being deported to the Philippines, a home he has not visited since his family came to the US in 2001, when he was 14.

DACA has faced legal challenges DACA survived the first Trump administration’s attempt to rescind the program when the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the administration did not take the proper steps to end it. There have been other attempts to end the program or place restrictions on recipients.

This year, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that would deny work permits for DACA recipients who live in Texas. The Trump administration recently presented its plans to a federal judge who

is determining how it will work.

The administration also has issued new restrictions on commercial driver’s licenses that would prevent DACA recipients and some other immigrants from getting them. Last year, 19 Republican states stripped DACA recipients’ access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. And the number of states where immigrant students can qualify for instate tuition has dwindled since the Justice Department began suing states this year.

“This administration might not be trying to end DACA altogether the way that they did the first time around, but they are chipping away at it,” said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, spokesperson for United We Dream, which is part of Home is Here, the coalition keeping track of public cases of DACA recipients who have been detained.

Marcos rejects ‘blackmail’ attempt by Co, vows passport cancellation

IBy Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

DO not negotiate with criminals. This was the pronouncement made by President Ferdinand Marcos after he rejected the attempt by the lawyer of former Ako Bicol Party list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co to “blackmail” him.

In a video message posted on his social media page last Wednesday, the Chief Executive claimed that the legal counsel “approached” him, who said Co will stop posting more videos if his passport will not be cancelled by the Department of

Foreign Affairs (DFA). “I do not negotiate with criminals. Even if you release a video of all your lies about destabilizing the government, I want you to know, Zaldy, your passport will still be canceled. You will no longer escape justice,” Marcos said in Filipino.

Co has posted at least seven videos in his social media account, where he accused Marcos and other government officials of being involved in the insertion of P100-billion worth of projects in the 2025 national budget.

He also claimed Marcos coordinated with former House Speaker

Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to collect P56-billion worth of kickbacks.

Among the former lawmaker’s recent claim was that House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III made a P50-billion insertion in the budget this year.

The Marcoses have denied the said allegations and they were baseless.

Last Wednesday, it was Co’s lawyer, Ruy Rondain, who belied the claim of Marcos that their camp offered concessions to prevent the passport cancellation of the former lawmaker.

“Completely untrue. I have not spoken with anyone from the government to negotiate the stoppage of the videos for the passport. As I have always maintained, I have no control over the release of the videos,” Rondain said.

Co has yet to return home after undergoing medical treatment in the United States. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the former lawmaker was spotted in Japan.

He currently has an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan in connection to the P289.5-million road dike project mess in Oriental Mindoro.

DepEd rolls out inclusive employment policy, addressing uneven opportunities

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

TO prevent the old problem of uneven access to opportunities and inconsistent implementation of workplace protections, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched its Inclusive Employment (IE) Policy, describing it as a turning point for the agency’s internal systems after years of fragmented approaches to diversity and non-discrimination across its offices. The policy (DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2025), unveiled in a gathering of government agencies, foreign partners, civil society groups, teachers, and employees, is aligned with the education agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to

Trump. . .

Continued from A6

Trump downplayed Witkoff’s reported approach as “a very standard form of negotiation.”

But US Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who has been critical of Trump’s approach to Ukraine, said the transcript showed Witkoff favors the Russians. “He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired,” Bacon said on social media.

Bloomberg said it reviewed a recording of the call, but did not say how it obtained access to the recording. The Associated Press has not independently verified the transcript.

Latest phase of the talks

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that peace efforts are gathering momentum and “are clearly at a crucial juncture.”

He spoke after senior US and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Sunday and a virtual “coalition of the willing” meeting of Ukraine’s European allies took place on Tuesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part in both gatherings.

“Negotiations are getting a new impetus. And we should seize this momentum,” he said during the video conference meeting of countries, led by France and the U.K., that

Pope. . .

Continued from A7

A chance to speak about Mideast peace THE visit will also offer Leo several occasions to speak about regional tensions overall, Catholic-Muslim relations and Christians’ dwindling presence in the Middle East. Clergy in the region say the Vatican’s strong support for Palestinians in Gaza during Israel’s war, first under Francis and now Leo, has bolstered the church’s credibility among ordinary Muslims.

modernize the teaching force and strengthen institutional culture.

In his keynote address, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said the policy is designed to affirm the agency’s responsibility to provide a safe, impartial, and dignified environment for more than a million teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide.

“ Kung itinuturo natin sa mga kabataan na ang respeto ay dapat pantay-pantay, dapat iyon din ang nararanasan ng bawat kawani sa DepEd. Wala at hindi magkakaroon ng puwang ang diskriminasyon sa ating mga opisina at paaralan. Panahon na para maramdaman ng bawat empleyado na may lugar sila, may boses sila, at may pagkakataon silang umunlad ,” Angara said during the

could help police any ceasefire with Russia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said of the talks: “I do think we are moving in a positive direction and indications today that in large part the majority of the text, (Zelenskyy) is indicating, can be accepted.”

Oleksandr Bevz, one of the Ukrainian delegates at the Geneva talks, however, cautioned that it was “very premature to say that something is agreed upon.”

In an interview with The Associated Press in Kyiv late Tuesday, he declined to discuss the specifics of any amendments to Trump’s plan, but said the US was aware that the strength of security guarantees for Ukraine would “define the sustainability of the deal” and was “the part making this deal real and enforceable.”

Bevz earlier told the AP that the number of points in the proposed settlement was reduced, but he denied reports that the 28-point US peace plan now consisted of 19 points.

“(The document) is going to continue to change. We can confirm that it was reduced to take out points not relating to Ukraine, to exclude duplicates and for editing purposes,” Bevz said, adding that some points relating solely to relations between Russia and the US were excluded.

Long road to peace

ZELENSKYY said late Monday that “the list of necessary steps to end the war can become workable.” He said he planned to discuss

“In a moment when many Western powers hesitated on the question of Gaza, Francis—and then Leo—was very strong. He didn’t go to Gaza but everything he could have said it seems he said,” said the Rev. Paolo Pugliese, superior of the Capuchin friars in Turkey. The regional conflicts have not abated, however: Israel fired an airstrike on Lebanon’s capital on Sunday that killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff and four others.

Security expected to be tight

THE strike only reinforced security concerns that often accompany pope trips. But organizers insisted Leo would be safe.

launch on Tuesday (Nov. 25).

Before the new framework, inclusion practices within DepEd varied widely by region and division.

The IE Policy consolidates these efforts into a single governance system, mandating equal opportunity standards in hiring, promotion, and daily office operations.

It also introduces clear accountability mechanisms, including annual inclusion reports from every governance level.

Stakeholders from the Australian Embassy, The Asia Foundation, Department of Social Welfare and Development - Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and women’s and labor organizations voiced support, noting that the shift brings DepEd’s HR culture closer to global inclusive standards.

“sensitive” outstanding issues with Trump.

Rustem Umerov, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy, posted on X on Tuesday that Zelenskyy hoped to finalize a deal with Trump “at the earliest suitable date in November.”

Russian officials have been reserved in their comments on the peace plan. Russian

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday that Moscow is in touch with US officials about peace efforts.

“We expect them to provide us with a version they consider an interim one in terms of completing the phase of coordinating this text with the Europeans and the Ukrainians,” Lavrov said.

European leaders have cautioned that the road to peace will be long.

‘Glass rained down’

RUSSIA fired 22 missiles of various types and more than 460 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. The strikes knocked out water, electricity and heat in parts of Kyiv. Images showed a large fire spreading in a nine-story residential building in Kyiv’s eastern Dniprovskyi district.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 20 people were wounded in Kyiv. The Russian Defense Ministry said it targeted military-industrial facilities and energy assets. The strikes were a response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian objects in Russia, the ministry said.

Liubov Petrivna, a 90-year-old resident of a damaged building in the Dniprovskyi

“It happened, but it doesn’t affect the places or where the pope is going,” said Bishop George Bacouni, archbishop of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Beirut.

The Vatican said no extra security measures had been taken, though spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to say whether Leo’s cars and popemobiles were bulletproofed.

Significantly, Leo will not visit Lebanon’s south, battered by last year’s war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the site of intensified Israeli strikes in recent weeks. Christians groups in southern

Marcos honors outstanding LGUs, DILG offices in SubayBAYANI Awards 2025

TO promote better implementation of infrastructure and public services, President Ferdinand Marcos has recognized local government units (LGU) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional offices, which have excelled in the delivery of the said initiatives.

The awarding ceremony of the winners of the SubayBAYANI Awards 2025 ceremony was held at the Manila Hotel last Wednesday.

“We now recognize local governments and several DILG Regional Offices that have chosen to govern and perform their duties efficiently, honestly, and with concern for their constituents,” Marcos said in Filipino during the event.

multi-purpose building; Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, for construction of a health station; Sumilao, Bukidnon, for the construction of a multi-purpose building at Barangay Kisolon; and Magpet, Cotabato, for the construction of Basak Water System Level III at Barangay Basak.

Another126 LGUs were also adjudged as Exemplars. As for the DILG Regional Offices categories, those which were recognized are from the National Capital Region (NCR), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII).

Marcos said among the criteria for the selection of the LGU winners is their implementation of infrastructure projects and garnering support from their constituents.

Civil society leaders welcomed the move as a long-overdue reform, particularly for employees who previously faced limited accommodations, stalled career progression, or bias due to disability, identity, religion, gender, age, or familial status.

Angara underscored that the new policy is not just symbolic but also operational, targeting a more consistent, accountable, and transparent workplace culture.

The initiative also coincides with the Senate’s approval of DepEd’s 2026 budget proposal–the highest in history—with significant increases in new teaching and non-teaching positions, resources that the department said will strengthen the implementation of the IE Policy.

district, told the AP that “absolutely everything” in her apartment was shattered by the strike and “glass rained down” on her.

Petrivna said that she didn’t believe in the peace plan now under discussion.

“No one will ever do anything about it,” she said. Russian President Vladimir Putin “won’t stop until he finishes us off.”

Large Ukrainian drone attack

THE overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s southern region of Krasnodar was “one of the longest and most massive” and wounded six people, Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev said.

Russian air defenses destroyed 249 Ukrainian drones overnight above various Russian regions and the occupied Crimean Peninsula, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday. Ukraine said that its drones and missiles struck an aviation repair plant and a drone production facility, as well as an oil refinery and an oil terminal.

It was the fourth-largest Ukrainian drone attack on Russia since the start of the war on Feb. 24, 2022, according to an AP tally.

Isobel Koshiw reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. John Leicester in Paris, Stephen McGrath in Leamington Spa, England, Chris Megerian in Washington and Josh Boak in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.

Lebanon had lobbied for the pope to visit the area and circulated a new petition just this week.

At most Leo might be bothered in Beirut by Israeli drones that fly overhead, organizers said.

A prayer at the port blast site THE highlight of the Lebanese visit comes on Leo’s last day, Dec. 2, when he spends time in silent prayer at the site of the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port blast.

The explosion tore through the Lebanese capital, killing at least 218 people, wounding more than 6,000 and devastating large swaths of Beirut. Sparked when hundreds of tons of ammonium

The nine top performing LGUs, which were recognized were Mountain Province, for the upgrading of Ampawilen-Sadanga Provincial Road; Aklan, for the rehabilitation and improvement of Balete-Arcanghel-OgsipCalamcan-Julita-Libacao Road (Phase 3); Zamboanga Sibugay, for the concreting of PangiGuitoan-GomotocMalagandis Provincial Road; Pasig City, for the major improvement at Mega Dialysis Compound; Science City of Muñoz, for the construction of a multi-purpose building; Also recognized were Victorias City, for the construction of a two-storey evacuation center and

“By properly following the plans, you have demonstrated your ability to deliver sound and quality infrastructure—whether it’s a simple multipurpose building or a large provincial road,” he said. He urged other public servants to emulate the example of the SubayBAYANI Awards 2025.

“High quality remains our standard. A government worthy of its people does not settle for mediocrity, does not cut corners, [and] does not waver. We strive for excellence because that is what our citizens deserve, and that is what our country deserves,” Marcos said. Samuel P. Medenilla

UP-MCC partnership: Remote areas get mobile access to patient records through e-MED system

RECORDS of patients can now be accessed on mobile phones even in remote areas.

This was made possible through Integrated Electronic Health Record System after the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) and Microcircuits Corporation (MCC) embarked on an important partnership that will revolutionize the delivery of primary care and Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines. Through the e-MED Primary Care Health Information System, medical workforce shortages in remote and doctorless areas may now be addressed by connecting patients and frontline health workers to medical specialists through teleconsultation and coordinated digital referrals.

“It enables a central doctor to coordinate real-time care with peripheral nurses and midwives,” explained Dr. Jose Rafael Marfori, co-inventor of e-MED alongside UP Professor Emeritus Dr. Antonio Miguel Dans, principal investigator and program leader of the research that created e-MED.

Through e-MED, barangay health station (BHS) staff can enter patient data and instantly route it to the city health office or rural health unit (RHU), allowing medical specialists

nitrate detonated in a warehouse, the blast caused billions of dollars in damage.

Lebanese citizens were enraged by the blast, which appeared to be the result of government negligence, coming on top of an economic crisis spurred by decades of corruption and financial crimes.

in another area to review patient records faster through telemedicine. The e-MED system has been deployed since 2021 in Bataan, La Union, Pasig City, and other locations in 11 regions with a total of over 300 facilities.

The e-MED currently enables data-driven management for over 4.4 million patients, including PhilHealth YAKAP beneficiaries. It continues to be guided by the partnership, even shaping its pricing structure to incentivize primary care staffing growth among clients.

“This unfolds in real-time...doubling as on-the-job training via feedback loops,” Dr. Dans said. With this development, patients receive doctor-level care at the local level, building trust and decongesting central clinics, while the system ensures only approved prescriptions can be dispensed by network laboratories and pharmacies. Aside from medical consultations, the e-MED system also tracks and bills patient transport, allowing ease in logistics in underserved areas.

Patient records can be routed to specialists, facilities, or departments with confidentiality.

“Like a phone with a directory

See “UP-MCC,” A11

But an investigation has repeatedly stalled, and five years on, no official has been convicted. There are hopes among Lebanese that Leo will demand accountability from Lebanon’s political class, and insist that there can be no peace without truth and justice. Such an appeal “could shake up our various political leaders, because we continue to live under the pressure of a social crisis, an economic crisis, in a country where the various leaders hear neither the cry of the poor, nor the cry of the unfortunate, nor the cry of citizens,” said Monsignor Cesar Essayan, apostolic vicar of Beirut for Latin rite Catholics. Another important moment will come when Leo meets with young Lebanese. He is expected to give them words of encouragement, amid the decades-long flight of Lebanese abroad, while also acknowledging their disillusionment over the failures of adults.

PHL illuminates malls, landmarks in orange for campaign to end violence against women

MALLS and icons across the Philippines, including the SM North EDSA Tunnel, were illuminated orange on 24 November to launch the global 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), an annual initiative to raise awareness about one of the country’s most pervasive social problems and the measures that are being implemented to address it.

Through a collaboration of United Nations Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares, select SM Malls will participate in the annual “Orange Your Icon” initiative of the Philippine Government, aiming to spark public interest, discourse and support for antiVAW advocacy efforts.

The Philippine illumination activities add the country’s lights to the “Orange the World” UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence Against Women campaign, which is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.2 that calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. Orange is the signature color of the global campaign, representing a future free from gender-based violence.

“Violence against women is one of the world’s most persistent human rights violations, which has sadly been normalized in many settings,” said United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral. “We must intensify our individual and joint efforts to shift the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate and rationalize gender-based violence to prevent such acts of abuse. The 18-Day Campaign puts the spotlight on this important issue so more people can better understand and address the many forms of violence brought about by gender inequality.”

Based on the 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, 18% of Filipino women aged 18 to 49 have experienced some form of physical, sexual or emotional violence at the hands of their partner. However, reporting of VAW cases is low—the Philippine National Police estimates that only 1 in every 10 VAW incidents is reported to authorities.

“We are here because we recognize that violence against women is not inevitable, and it is not acceptable - not now, and not ever in the future. Our gathering here tonight is a declaration that we will eventually end violence against women and we will never stop until we see the end of it,” said PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla. UN agencies in the Philippines and other development partners continue to support government-led efforts to address violence against women and girls, including the development of the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Women (NAP EVAW) 2025–2030, a multi-sectoral strategy aimed at eliminating VAW through stronger prevention, improved survivor services, and enhanced accountability.

“As we gather for the 18 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, we illuminate the road to healing. We are making a collective stand, refusing to let gender-based violence remain in the shadows,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte at the campaign kick-off event. Since 2021, Quezon City has assisted over 31,000 women through comprehensive monitoring of VAW cases, response through the Quezon City Protection Center

and Bahay Kanlungan shelter, and helplines and other points of contact that women can turn to for help.

To strengthen these vital government and multilateral initiatives, the private sector plays a key role in raising public awareness and creating safer environments.

“We are committed to helping eradicate violence against women, and SM Cares continues to champion the annual ‘18-Day Campaign to End VAW,’ together with the Philippine Commission on Women and the United Nations,” said Atty. Pearl Turley, Program Director of the SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers and SAVP for Corporate Compliance at SM Supermalls. “We will keep turning advocacy into action and ensuring our malls remain safe spaces. Ending VAW requires all of us.”

The global 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) will run in participating SM Malls across the country from 25 November to 12 December 2025.

18-day campaign to promote women’s rights, welfare THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has launched an 18-day campaign to end violence against women with a resounding call to build safer communities for women and girls in the agrarian reform sector.

Running from November 25 to December 12 under the national theme “United for a VAW-Free Philippines,” the campaign actively promotes awareness, prevention, and stronger institutional support systems to protect women from gender-based violence and abuse.

Women in the agriculture sector play an essential role in agriculture as they perform significant labor in food and cash crop production, livestock and even fisheries.

However, because of gender inequalities, women face systemic barriers like limited access to resources such as land, credit, and education, lower wages, and less decision-making power.

In general, women – and children - are often victims of violence – physical abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.

DAR Undersecretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan, Chairperson of the agency’s National Gender and Development (GAD) Executive Committee, and Assistant Secretary Vinci A. Beltran, Vice Chairperson, led the kickoff event, where employees pledged their commitment to end VAW and wore orange shirts as a symbol of solidarity and hope.

DAR also launched a Poetry Writing Contest and opened a series of advocacy activities, including VAWthemed film showings, a food festival, and “Daring Voices” forums designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and collective action.

In her keynote message, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, delivered on her behalf by DAR Director Agnes Mendoza, emphasized that addressing gender inequality strengthens protection mechanisms and empowers women to claim their rights. She called for sustained, systematic action that safeguards the full and equal human rights of women and children: “We need a long-term, systemic, and comprehensive approach that recognizes and protects women’s and children’s full and equal human rights.” Jonathan L. Mayuga

Visayan bloc and allies affirm support for Speaker Dy, dismissing coup rumors

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

RUMORS of a possible leadership coup at the House of Representatives were put to rest on Wednesday after a lawmaker affirmed that Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III continues to enjoy the overwhelming support and confidence of House members.

Speculation had circulated that former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo— an ally of Vice President Sara Duterte—was being positioned to

replace Dy. But Visayan Bloc leader and Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez categorically dismissed the possibility of a leadership change. Speaking to reporters following

the Visayan Bloc’s meeting with the Speaker, Benitez emphasized that the bloc’s engagement was meant to solidify its backing for Dy, not to entertain any leadership shift.

“It was a face-to-face meeting with the Speaker to discuss some concerns of bloc members on Tuesday. It is also an affirmation of the Visayan Bloc’s full support of Speaker Dy’s leadership,” Benitez said. The Visayan Bloc currently has 45 members.

Addressing the alleged coup plot, Benitez was firm: “Speaker Dy enjoys the trust and confidence of House members. Any attempt will be futile.”

Benitez also clarified that Arroyo, who previously served as speaker, is not involved in any move to unseat Dy.

“I personally had a chance to

talk to Congresswoman Arroyo, and she is supporting Speaker Dy,” he added. Benitez said there is no basis for talk of a coup, stressing that Dy’s leadership in the House remains secure.

Earlier, the 39-strong Northern Luzon Alliance in the House of Representatives also issued a manifesto declaring its “unequivocal support” for Dy as it highlighted the Speaker’s leadership, character, and steady hand in guiding the House of Representatives.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III of Ilocos Norte led the signing of the manifesto, together with Deputy Speakers Kristine Singson-Meehan of Ilocos Sur and Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union.

House approves ‘Walang Gutom Act’ to combat hunger, boost education

THE House Committee on Social Services on Wednesday approved the proposed Walang Gutom Act, which seeks to institutionalize the Walang Gutom Program as the government’s flagship food security initiative.

House Bill 4039, authored by Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda of Albay, aims to establish a permanent, nationwide system for delivering food assistance and integrating hunger prevention into the country’s social protection framework. Salceda said the program must be shielded from political interference, noting that institutionalizing it ensures continuity “regardless of political conflicts,” which he hopes the program will never face.

Salceda said hunger is not only an economic issue but also a matter

of governance, morality, and constitutional responsibility.

Salceda also traced the program’s origins to persistent civil society campaigns calling attention to widespread malnutrition—one of the biggest obstacles to improving learning outcomes in basic education.

The lawmaker stressed that institutionalizing the program is essential, especially as it addresses stunting and the Philippines’ low performance in assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the National Achievement Test. Improving child nutrition, he said, is key to boosting educational outcomes and long-term national productivity.

Under HB 4039, the Walang

Gutom Program will advance a comprehensive strategy to eradicate involuntary hunger by ensuring that no Filipino household suffers from food scarcity due to poverty or inadequate access. The measure seeks to modernize food assistance delivery through electronic benefit transfers, vouchers, and digital monitoring systems to improve accuracy, transparency, and accountability. It also incorporates nutrition-sensitive interventions aimed at reducing stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, thereby supporting long-term human capital development.

The program strengthens collaboration with farmers and fisherfolk by prioritizing locally produced goods in its food assistance system, helping boost domestic agriculture. Moreover, it links food support with livelihood and skills development initiatives offered by TESDA, DOLE, and DTI to help families move toward self-sufficiency. Finally, the bill reinforces partnerships with the education sector to combat child hunger and enhance school attendance and learning outcomes.

Sen. Bong Go sponsors budget of four government agencies

THE budget of four government agencies which Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sponsored hurdled Senate plenary debate and interpellations.

These agencies included Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRaCom).

As the ex-officio member of the MinDa’s Board of Directors representing the Senate, Go delivered a sponsorship speech defending the proposed 2026 budget of MinDa as the primary agency responsible for coordinating and integrating development efforts that will bring about accelerated socio-economic development of Mindanao.

Nararapat lamang na suportahan natin ang bawat hakbangin na makakatulong upang mapabilis ang pag-unlad ng ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao,” Go explained.

Continued from A10

of your network’s doctors, that you don’t need to memorize,” Dr. Marfori noted.

This operationalizes UHC’s ambition to build networked care, letting professionals collaborate seamlessly, potentially even remotely across provinces while sharing accurate records for in-person or virtual consultations.

Built as a flexible web platform for computers, tablets, and mobile phones, e-MED embodies the “one patient, one record” principle across primary care

Mindanao, according to Go, has suffered decades of injustice and inequity; thus, the government must continuously strive to bring about the much-needed reform and development in the Mindanao region.

Go then cited some of the s ignificant accomplishments of MinDa in recent years, such as the Mindanao Development Corridors and the Mindanao Peace and Development Program, which serves as a peace building and economic recovery assistance program.

Go, likewise, sponsored the proposed 2026 budgets of the PSC, GAB and PhilRaCom.

As Chairman of the Senate Sports Committee, Sen. Go strongly believes that investing in sports is essential to nurturing more worldclass Filipino athletes who will bring pride and honor to the Philippines.

“Our recent performance [referring to the 2024 Paris Olympics] solidified our country’s reputa -

teams, Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) pharmacies and diagnostic centers, and partner clinics/hospitals.

“It’s inherently UHC- and primary care-compatible,” Dr. Dans emphasized, adding that it tackles doctor shortages, transforming solo providers into integrated PCPNs and HCPNs.

These elements bridge gaps between primary care doctors and remote, doctorless areas, Nurse/ midwife teams, diagnostic/pharmacy support, with other medical specialists. e-MED originated in UP Manila’s Philippine Primary Care Studies (PPCS), a program funded by UP, DOH, and Phil -

tion as a major contender in international sporting events. This just also proves that government support is crucial to the success of Filipino athletes. Kapag nagtulungan po ang gobyerno at pribado, malayo po ang ating mararating ,” Go underscored.

On GAB, Go expressed support in regulating professional sports saying “it is important to ensure stringent processes in licensing professional athletes and physical safety in the conduct of professional sports.”

Meanwhile, on PhilRaCom, Go is confident that the government body will continue to “ensure that horse racing thrives as both a tradition of honor and a driver of national development” adding that horse racing is a source of government funding for social welfare programs and funding for sports.

“ Tandaan po natin, pera po ng taumbayan ito. At wala pong dapat na masyang ni piso,” Go reminded.

Health with a health system-wide scope that included information systems.

PPCS innovated from first principles, designing a system that mirrors patient journeys and team workflows in the Philippine context to fortify primary care.

On November 3, 2025, UP Manila and MCC signed an intellectual property commercialization agreement, enabling broader rollout to local and national governments.

“With this partnership, the potential benefits for healthcare—especially the indigent—are boundless. We aim for national reach,” said MCC President Rosendo Go.

Salceda described the proposal as “a food security bill, an economic productivity bill, and a human dignity bill,” emphasizing that food, nutrition, agriculture, livelihood, and education must be approached as an interconnected system. With the committee’s adoption of HB 4039, the measure now moves to the preparation of the committee report before heading to plenary debates. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

CIAC retains ISO certification following surveillance audit

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE—The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality service after passing its external surveillance audit with zero non-conformities, retaining its ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

The TÜV Rheinland Inc. audit held on 21 November 2025 reported zero nonconformities, eight positive observations, and only three opportunities for improvement, a strong sign that CIAC’s quality management system is running exactly as it should.

ISO 9001:2015 is one of the world’s most trusted standards for quality management, helping organizations deliver consistent, reliable, and customerfocused services.

CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar applauded the CIAC team for the achievement.

“CIAC’s adherence to the Quality Management System has again been proven by the recent audit, ensuring the delivery of quality service to our stakeholders,” he said. The assessment reviewed CIAC’s estate management and lease processing operations, confirming compliance with all legal and contractual requirements and validating that the organization is on track to achieve its goals.

Auditors also noted several positives, including CIAC’s awards and recognitions, operational improvements, active CSR programs, and the signing of new lease and development agreements that support the corporation’s long-term growth. As BCDA’s lead aviation and land development

Massive drop in infra spending threatens economic stability

THE recent decline in the country’s infrastructure spending by a staggering 42.6 percent in September 2025 raises critical alarms about the future of public works, economic growth, and governance. This drop not only highlights the immediate impacts of bureaucratic inefficiencies but also signals a deeper issue at the intersection of public confidence and fiscal responsibility. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Infraspend plunges 42.6% on DPWH fiasco,” November 24, 2025).

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), infrastructure outlays fell from P137.1 billion in September 2024 to P78.7 billion this year. This sharp contraction is alarming, especially in light of the government’s commitment to ramping up infrastructure development as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. The ongoing inspections and heightened scrutiny by oversight bodies such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit are ostensibly necessary to combat corruption and ensure fiscal responsibility. However, these measures have resulted in delayed disbursements, causing a bottleneck in the timely execution of critical projects.

The implications are significant. A 26.2 percent decline in public construction spending contributed to a mere 4 percent economic growth in the third quarter, falling short of the government’s expectations of 5.5 to 6.5 percent. While the legislative intent behind increased oversight is commendable, the consequence of stifling disbursement processes risks undermining the very economic stability these measures aim to safeguard.

The DBM’s optimism regarding the eventual normalization of capital expenditures towards year-end is cautiously welcome, but it begs the question: will the slowed processes and stringent checks be sustainably balanced with the need for timely project implementation? The initiatives taken—such as livestreamed bidding and enhanced data verification—provide a framework that promises to safeguard against corruption while aiming to accelerate project timelines. However, trust in these measures will depend on their transparent execution and tangible results.

Moreover, the freezing of bank accounts of certain DPWH offices due to ongoing investigations has hampered payment processing, placing further strain on the already faltering infrastructure agenda. While accountability is crucial, it is equally vital that this accountability does not become a barrier to progress. The lifting of the suspension on procurement activities is a step in the right direction, yet it is accompanied by a new set of stringent guidelines that may complicate rather than expedite project rollouts.

As the government seeks to maintain its social service commitments— allocating a significant portion of the P6.326-trillion budget to ensure that spending directly benefits the Filipino people—there is an urgent need for a recalibration of priorities. The increased budget for personnel and operating expenses illustrates a commitment to support the administrative backbone of the nation; however, neglecting infrastructure in this broader fiscal picture could have lasting repercussions.

Ultimately, the decline in infrastructure spending should serve not only as a wake-up call but also as an opportunity for re-evaluation. We cannot build a prosperous future on a foundation of corruption, but nor can we build it on a foundation paralyzed by the very mechanisms meant to protect it. It would do well for the government to demonstrate, urgently, that it can walk the tightrope—enforcing ruthless accountability within the DPWH and other agencies while simultaneously unleashing the productive power of infrastructure investment that the people desperately need. The country’s economic health and the public’s faith in effective governance depend on striking this delicate, but absolutely critical, balance.

BusinessMirror

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

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From online outrage to violence

CJohn Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

ALL me old fashioned, but there was a time when a person who wanted harm done to a public official kept it away from family entertainment platforms. There used to be a cultural line that most people respected. If they crossed it, they knew they were doing something shameful. Yet here we are in 2025, watching people turn malice into public content for anyone to scroll past.

Tyler Maxon Avalos, a 30-yearold American man, posted a TikTok video offering $45,000 for the assassination of United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. A Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit states that Avalos was charged on October 16, 2025 after uploading the post around October 9. The image showed Bondi with a crosshair on her forehead and text that read, “WANTED: Pam Bondi. REWARD: 45,000. DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD).” He added underneath, “Cough cough. When they do not serve us, then what?”

None of this was a moment of blind anger. Avalos picked the image, added the crosshair, wrote the threat, set a price, and released it to a massive audience. His criminal record shows a pattern that makes this choice unsurprising. He has a 2022 felony stalking conviction, a

2016 misdemeanor domestic assault in Minnesota, and a 2016 felony domestic battery case in Florida involving strangulation. This is a man who repeatedly chooses violence and intimidation.

The wider picture is more alarming. Serious threats against US federal judges more than doubled from 224 in 2021 to 457 in 2023 according to US Marshals Service data. Each number is a person who decided to send a threat because anger felt righteous.

Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis has noted that many threats now come from politically motivated individuals rather than people who are upset with the outcome of their individual court cases. That shift shows a culture where political fury is replacing personal grievance as the main driver of violent language.

Americans continue to act sur-

prised that toxic discourse produces toxic behavior. Treating political opponents as enemies and existential threats to democracy or civilization itself gives unstable people a sense that violence serves a moral cause.

The Philippines offers a useful comparison. In May 2024, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that red tagging, which labels people as communist or terrorist sympathizers, threatens basic rights to life, liberty, and security. The Court recognized that once someone is labeled, they become a potential target for vigilantes, paramilitary groups, or even state agents—a danger Justice Marvic Leonen has repeatedly warned about. Red tagging has preceded attacks on activists, journalists, and lawyers. Some cases appear coordinated. Others grow from a climate that treats accusations as a signal for action.

The Avalos case is not red tagging, but the structure is similar. Identify a target. Broadcast that the target deserves harm. Hope someone acts.

Politically extreme rhetoric makes this easier. A headline like, “What does Trump really have in common with Hitler” may be legal, but it deepens an atmosphere where dehumanization becomes routine. To a person on the edge, such framing can sound like permission.

The difference between a threat that stays rhetorical and one that becomes deadly often comes down to enforcement and culture. The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Avalos within days. In the

Philippines, people who are red tagged may wait years for protection. Speed matters, but it is not the whole answer. A society cannot enforce its way to stability. It needs people who restrain themselves without waiting for punishment.

Online policing will help, but it is not enough. Platforms should enforce clear rules. Schools should teach civic responsibility. Families should teach children that respect is not outdated, but the foundation of coexistence. Avalos typed his threat because he chose to. No platform forced him. Until individuals agree that such actions are shameful, not merely illegal, we can expect the algorithm to curate violence, the demagogue to command influence.

Civilization relies on people who govern themselves before they are governed by law. When citizens lose the ability to feel shame for threatening others, something essential weakens.

How do we create better citizens?

Perhaps the path has been the same all along. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” A child who never learns respect for others will grow into an adult who sees no need for it. A society filled with such adults should expect trouble.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Hassett emerges as frontrunner in Trump Fed chair audition

By Saleha Mohsin, Josh Wingrove, Nancy Cook & Joshua Green

WHITE House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is seen by advisers and allies of President Donald Trump as the frontrunner to be the next Federal Reserve chair, according to people familiar with the matter, as the search for a new central bank leader enters its final weeks.

With Hassett, Trump would have a close ally whom the president knows well and trusts installed at the independent central bank, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Hassett is seen as someone who would bring the president’s approach to interest-rate cutting to the Fed, which Trump has long wanted to control, some of the people said.

Still, Trump is known to make surprise personnel and policy decisions, meaning a nomination is not final until it’s made public, they said.  White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement said, “nobody actually knows what President Trump will do until he does it. Stay tuned!”

Hassett would say “yes” if asked to be Fed Chair, he said in an interview on Fox News. “I want to serve

my country and I want to serve my president. But you know, we’ll see how it goes. There are a lot of great candidates,” he said.

Fed chair and governor picks are historically the most direct way a president can influence the central bank. Trump nominated current Chair Jerome Powell during his first term. He came to regret the decision when Powell didn’t push for lower interest rates at the pace Trump wanted.

Hassett is seen as closely aligned with Trump’s view on the economy, including that interest rates need to be lowered further. He told Fox News on November 20 that he would “be cutting rates right now” if he were the chair of the Fed because “the data suggests that we should.” Hassett has also criticized the central bank for losing control of inflation in the

Fed chair and governor picks are historically the most direct way a president can influence the central bank. Trump nominated current Chair Jerome Powell during his first term. He came to regret the decision when Powell didn’t push for lower interest rates at the pace Trump wanted.

wake of the pandemic. Treasuries rallied, pushing the 10-year yield below 4 percent for the first time in a month on news that Hassett is a frontrunner for the post.

The Fed has repeatedly served as a punching bag for Trump, with the president lambasting Powell for being “too late” to cut borrowing costs and publicly musing about firing him. The president has also assailed renovations on the central bank’s campus and the White House is currently engaged in litigation over Trump’s attempted dismissal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook.

That’s put pressure on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the selection process for the next Fed chair, to carefully balance can-

didates who are in favor of slashing borrowing costs and have the trust of both the president and financial markets.

After being on hold for most of 2025, the Fed began lowering interest rates this fall, cutting its benchmark rate by 25 basis points in both September and October. But officials have grown increasingly divided over the outlook for inflation and the labor market, likely making a cut at their next meeting in December a close call.

Bessent told CNBC on Tuesday there’s a good chance Trump could announce his Fed chair selection within the next month, before the December 25 Christmas holiday. Trump himself has teased that he is close to making a selection. Trump on November 18 said, “I think I already know my choice,” without revealing whom he would select as chair. In September, Trump said that Hassett, along with ex-Fed official Kevin Warsh and current central bank governor Christopher Waller, were the top three candidates.

“President Trump saw in the first See “Hassett,” A13

Taiwan’s Lai vows extra $40 billion for defense against China

By Cindy Wang and Yian Lee

TAIWAN plans to spend an extra $40 billion on its defenses, President Lai Ching-te said in a commentary in the Washington Post, a long-telegraphed move he described as necessary to deter China from using force against the democracy.

The expenditure will be part of a supplementary defense budget the government will introduce to “not only fund significant new arms acquisitions from the United States, but also vastly enhance Taiwan’s asymmetrical capabilities,” Lai wrote on Tuesday. He avoided going into detail on where the money would come from.

“No country will be more determined in safeguarding Taiwan’s future than our own,” Lai said—a comment that follows President Donald Trump saying while campaigning last year that the self-governed archipelago “should pay” for US protection from Chinese military aggression.

Lai’s commentary comes as Taiwan sits front and center in a spat between Beijing and Tokyo that has drawn in the US. Japan’s Sanae Takaichi recently angered Beijing by becoming the first sitting prime minister in decades to publicly link a Taiwan Strait crisis to a potential deployment of troops from her nation.

In an hourlong phone call with Trump on Monday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping seized on the dispute with Japan to assert China’s sovereignty over Taiwan—and possibly shape US policy in its favor. Hours later Takaichi said that Trump had reached out to brief her on the conversation with Xi, and reaffirm ties with one of the US’s most important allies in Asia.

The commentary in the Washington Post marks the latest example of Lai turning to American media outlets to get his point across to the US. That’s difficult for leaders in Taiwan given China objects to nations it has official ties with having contact with Taipei.

Earlier this year, he wrote in a commentary for Bloomberg that his government was committed to cutting trade imbalances with the US by purchasing more American energy, agriculture and other industrial goods.

While campaigning in 2023, he pledged in the Wall Street Journal to maintain the status quo with China if elected, a stance intended to reas-

Hassett. . .

continued from A12

term how important it was to have people who understand his direction and priorities, especially in key positions like FBI director and Federal Reserve chair,” said Sean Spicer, who served as White House press secretary in Trump’s first term. “I can’t imagine him appointing someone he doesn’t have a strong personal relationship with to succeed Jerome Powell.”

Interview process

SINCE the summer, Bessent has run the selection process to replace Powell, interviewing nearly a dozen candidates that have now been whittled down to five contenders: Hassett, Warsh, Waller, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman and BlackRock Inc.’s Rick Rieder.  Bessent said interviews with those candidates will end this week.

A smaller subset of finalists will soon meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Vice President JD Vance. The Fed pick will also need to be confirmed by the Senate. The coalescing around Hassett comes as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Powell. Trump last week called the Fed chair “grossly incompetent,” saying he would love to fire Powell if it weren’t for people like Bessent urging him to hold off. He went on to say, in a joking tone,

Floods, fury, and the small republics of hope

AThe commentary in the Washington Post marks the latest example of Lai turning to American media outlets to get his point across to the US. That’s difficult for leaders in Taiwan given China objects to nations it has official ties with having contact with Taipei.

sure voters and the US that he can be trusted to handle a difficult relationship with Beijing.

Lai’s comments on extra defense spending effectively confirm a figure unveiled last month. Back then, Taiwanese lawmaker Wang Tingyu, chair of the foreign affairs and defense committee, said the special military budget could reach NT$1.3 trillion ($42.5 billion).

The extra defense funding is part of Lai’s push to raise military spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product by 2030 to counter China, which claims the self-governed archipelago as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under Beijing’s control someday, by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s special budgets supplement the regular annual spending plan, providing funding for emergencies or projects that require years to complete. In the past, Taiwan had used the money to buy weapons including fighter jets and missile systems.

Lai announced in October that Taiwan will speed up development of a comprehensive air defense system dubbed T-Dome that is expected to integrate domestically and US-made weapons.

The special budget proposal will likely face obstacles once Lai’s cabinet formally proposes it given it requires the approval of the legislature, which is controlled by the opposition. The main opposition party, the Kuomintang, favors developing closer ties with China, saying this would reduce cross-strait tensions. Bloomberg

that if Bessent doesn’t help secure lower interest rates, he’d also dismiss the Treasury chief. Despite the quip, Bessent remains in good standing with Trump, who has repeatedly said that he’s considered the Treasury chief as a contender to serve as Fed chair. Bessent says he likes his job at Treasury and doesn’t want to lead the central bank.

Neil Dutta of Renaissance Macro Research predicted that Hassett could have trouble corralling other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting Federal Open Market Committee to support his views.

“I don’t think Hassett will have an easy go of things next year if he’s chair,” he said. “He also looks like the one most easily bullied by Trump. Bessent less so.”

The next chair is likely to be named to a 14-year Fed governor term that opens on Feb. 1. The term that expires at that time is currently held by Stephen Miran, who is on unpaid leave from the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Powell’s term as chair of the central bank ends in May 2026, though he could remain on the board for two more years as a governor. Powell has not said whether he intends to step down from the board when his term as chair expires. If he did, that would provide the administration with another vacancy to fill next year. With assistance from Amara Omeokwe, Enda Curran and Malcolm Scott/ Bloomberg

By Pablo S. Trillana III Special to the BusinessMirror

CROSS the country, a strange quiet hangs over our streets: outside the Senate as hearings unfold, in churchyards where young people gather, at rallies where thousands hold placards against corruption and whisper, before the chants begin, Ano na ang mangyayari sa atin? The air feels heavy with anger.

The trigger, we are told, was corruption in flood-control projects: billions allocated, thousands of projects approved, and yet our towns still drown. The President spoke of big fish, there are Senate inquiries, new commissions, and Ombudsman cases; and now the so-called Second Trillion March on November 30, encouraged by many in the Catholic Church, is gathering force as a nationwide cry for accountability.

Beneath the headlines is a simpler, harsher truth: while the waters rose and families in river towns traveled to school and market by banca along what used to be streets, some of those entrusted with public funds were quietly enriching themselves. The social contract did not slowly erode; it snapped.

It would be easy to drown in the fury. It would also be easy to escape into pure spirituality and say, “This is all karma; the Earth is simply cleansing itself.” Both temptations are understandable. Neither is enough.

If we are to live through this time of floods and fury with our humanity intact, we must climb three ladders at once: fidelity to Spirit, fidelity to Truth, and fidelity to the Republic. Only then can we build what our his-

tory has long owed us: small, honest republics of hope in the middle of a wounded one.

The first ladder is fidelity to Spirit. Long before we had a Republic, we had a sense that life rests in a deeper Ground: Bathala, Diyos, Maykapal, Kabunian, the unnamed Presence that Rizal revered in his silent God of the forests and that Bonifacio invoked in his vows.

We are not only bodies competing for survival, but souls, little divines, waves of a great ocean of Being. In a time of scandals and storms, this is not a luxury but a discipline. The anger we feel is real; it comes from love betrayed. The task is not to deny it, but to root it and offer it back: I offer this anger as grief for those harmed; purify it, so that it becomes courage, not poison.

The second ladder is fidelity to Truth. Our old habit is to live with a fog of half-truths: lahat naman kurakot, ganito na iyan noon pa, at least may project. Rizal fought that fog with pen and scalpel. His warning still stands: There can be no tyrant where there are no slaves.

That is not an insult to the oppressed as much as a summons to our own buried dignity. Fidelity to truth today means understanding

how the schemes work, refusing to spread convenient lies, and insisting that facts be faced, not massaged.

It means explaining that every ghost project is not an abstraction but a missing dike, a broken pump, a flooded classroom, and teaching the young to ask without cynicism: Kung bilyones ang ginastos, nasaan ang ginhawa?

The third ladder is fidelity to the Republic. By Republic, we do not mean the official state with all its wounded institutions. We mean the original promise: that we will live as a community of free and responsible persons, governed by laws we respect because we helped shape them.

We invoke Bonifacio as the man of the bolo and the cry, but forget that he also dreamed of ordinary people governing themselves with dignity. His own verses still sting: “Aling pagibig pa ang hihigit kaya—pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?”

Love of country was not sentiment for him; it was the measure of one’s life. Fidelity to the Republic today means resisting both despair and shortcuts. Nations heal by long, patient work: cleaning up institutions, protecting honest public servants, forming consciences, and refusing to cheat just a little in our own circles. Which brings us to the only kind of Republic we can build with our bare hands: the small republics of hope. A small republic is a family that decides its children will never see their parents pay a bribe. It is a prayer community that not only prays for good leaders but discloses its own funds down to the last peso.

It is a teachers’ circle that forms stu-

dents to love their country not with slogans, but with skills, discipline, and integrity. It is a barangay where local groups track every project posted on the wall and ask, without fear, “Natapos ba ito?”

In a time when the old paradigm of empire, conquest, and control is cracking globally, we are invited into a different kind of power: stewardship instead of domination, empathy instead of fear.

The Earth itself seems to be reminding us: You cannot cheat the web of life and expect to live in peace. Our task is not to predict some golden age, but to align our small lives with its direction: toward compassion, honesty, and shared responsibility.

Perhaps the image for this new time is not a palace on a hill, but a woven mat on the floor: many strands, simple, strong, holding families, communities, and dreams together. On that banig of shared life, we can sit again as a people and remember who we are.

A better time will not arrive in one shining decree. It will arrive in the way we conduct tenders and teach children, in the way we march and the way we pray, in the choices we make when nobody is watching. And when that day comes, our children, standing in their own plazas, may feel something different in the air: not the strange quiet before a cry of anger, but the stillness before a song of gratitude. Between those two silences, we must choose.

Atty. Pablo

Private credit’s sketchy marks get warning shot from Wall Street’s top cop

By Sridhar Natarajan

WALL Street’s top prosecutor has a warning for privatemarket players getting creative with their numbers. Stark divergences in how competing firms value private assets in their portfolios are drawing increasing attention from market participants, academics—and, now, the Department of Justice, according to Jay Clayton, the head of its Manhattan outpost.

“There are definitely some areas of concern for me in private markets,” Clayton said in an interview. “People should know that the financial regulators and the department are looking at those.”

Private equity firms have faced increasing questions over the value of their portfolio companies as they hold onto assets for longer. Private credit, meanwhile, has swelled in recent years, as asset management giants unleashed billions of dollars in financing to corporations—filling the void as banks pulled back in an era of stiffer capital rules and low interest rates.

But the rush to offer credit has started to show cracks this year amid mounting competition, alleged frauds by borrowers and a growing body of evidence fueling concerns that funds use varying methods to assign values to the assets they hold. One recent academic paper referred to the apparent subjectivity of the numbers as “mark to myth.”

Clayton says what he won’t stand for is money managers cherry-picking prices that let them reap higher

fees at the expense of their clients. The public will “want to know that private marks, where there’s liquidity offered or an asset value-based fee to be paid, are good marks,” he said. “I expect we will have more to do in areas of our private markets.”

Clayton, 59, took over the DOJ’s office for the Southern District of New York after President Donald Trump announced shortly after last year’s election that he intended to make him the de facto sheriff of Wall Street. At the time, Clayton was chairman of Apollo Global Management Inc., one of the most dominant players in private markets. He previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term.

‘Vehicle to vehicle’

ONE area where authorities could point a finger is how fund managers value private assets when transferring them into another portfolio, such as a continuation vehicle. The popularity of those funds has exploded as a way for private equity managers to offer existing clients

opportunities to cash out their stakes even when underlying holdings prove difficult to sell.

An industry body representing fund clients has called the transactions “inherently conflicted” and pushed for clear guidelines in such deals. That hasn’t slowed down a boom in continuation vehicles, and they’ve increasingly appeared in private credit as well.

But such asset shuffles may be ripe for abuse, Clayton said.

An area “to watch out for is marks on assets with no trading when things are moved around from vehicle to vehicle,” he said.

“If someone is moving a position from Fund A to Fund B and if you can just name a price internally, the opportunity to pick a price that benefits the house over investors is pretty high.”

Recent bouts of stress in private credit have put a spotlight on the speed and degree to which investment firms adjust valuations, sometimes leaving significant gaps—especially on troubled holdings. Academics from Johns Hopkins University and University of California, Irvine released a study questioning whether private fund managers may be overestimating the prospect of fully recouping debts in their portfolios.

In response, the Managed Funds Association trade group offered an assurance: Private fund managers do “implement robust internal controls and board-approved pro -

cedures, supported by independent pricing experts.”  Clayton’s tenure atop the SDNY has coincided with a bumpy patch for credit markets, including the spectacular collapses of borrowers such as First Brands Group, which the Justice Department is investigating.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon soon warned that more “cockroaches” will probably emerge from the lending frenzy. Privatemarket executives who fired back included Blue Owl Capital Inc.’s Marc Lipschultz, who suggested Dimon look closer to his own bank for problems. Then last week, Blue Owl took the stage as it scrapped a planned merger of two of its private-credit funds.

Clayton cautioned that much of the market—investment-grade lending—probably isn’t at issue.

“It’s not all of private credit,” he said. “It’s not IG loans to well-functioning companies.” Apollo CEO Marc Rowan made a similar argument against broadbrushing private credit during an investor presentation on Monday, taking issue with the fixation on the riskiest sliver of the market. The advantage in many cases is that lenders can get more information from borrowers.

“You have total access to management,” he said. “It’s not opaque, it’s actually totally transparent.” Bloomberg

Malaysia PM Anwar’s aide resigns on hospital contract uproar

By Anuradha Raghu

ASENIOR aide to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has resigned after controversy over a letter that apparently sought to influence the award of a hospital contract, increasing pressure on the premier to show he’s doing more to address graft.

Anwar’s senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said in a post on X that he submitted his resignation on Tuesday to “defend” himself from attacks that could dam-

age the government’s image.

Anwar in a statement on Tuesday said that he had accepted the resignation, and also said Malaysia’s anti-graft agency was free to start an immediate probe over the allegations without any interference.

The accusations come as the prime minister prepares for Saturday’s election in Sabah, where 596 candidates are vying for 73 seats in the state legislative assembly.

The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), a coalition of six local parties, is contesting the election in

alliance with Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition, forming a pro-government bloc at the state level. While the partnership appears strong, Sabah elections are fluid and often hinge on personality-driven campaigns.

Shamsul allegedly issued a letter supporting contractors bidding for a hospital project in the southern state of Johor. The move drew criticism and calls for his dismissal, with former economy minister Rafizi Ramli urging Anwar to take firm action and calling for a probe by the country’s anti-graft agency.

Anwar confirmed in Parliament last week that his political secretary had issued the letter last year. The prime minister said he had reprimanded the aide involved and while he disagreed with issuance of the letter, it was “vague” and did not constitute an instruction.

An opposition lawmaker questioned the letter in which Anwar’s aide listed six contractors for the hospital project. The lawmaker said only two were qualified, the New Straits Times reported. With assistance from Ram Anand and Netty Ismail/Bloomberg

S. Trillana III is former chair of the National Historical Institute and book author.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

EXPLAIN SNAIL’S PACE IMPORTS OF RED ONIONS, BIZMEN TOLD

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE Bureau of Plant In-

Tdustry (BPI) has flagged the trickle of red onion imports in the country, which squeezed domestic supply and jacked up retail prices to over P300 per kilo.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered onion importers to explain why permits for red onion shipments were being used “far more slowly” than those for yellow onions, as this “discrepancy” contributed to the recent spike in prices of the allium.

He said vegetable vendors reported that the tight supply catapulted red onion prices to above P300 per kilo, which fueled consumer frustration ahead of the holiday season when demand tends to post an uptick.

“We want to know the status of those import permits—if they plan to use them. If not, we will cancel the permits and award them to other importers to ensure sufficient domestic supply, especially at this time of year,” Tiu Laurel said. He noted that cancelled import permits would be distributed to other importers, including the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), to fast-track onion importation

and ease supply tightness and lower prices.

Currently, the landed cost of red onions imported from China stands at P60 per kilo.

The DA earlier issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) covering 69,040 metric tons (MT) of red onions and 42,261 MT of yellow onions. Of this, the BPI has granted 1,202 SPSICs for red onions and 751 for yellow onions.

However, the agency noted that usage data showed a distinct lag for red onions.

For one, importers have used 443 permits covering 21,145 MT, mostly for yellow onions since August through November 20. Only 192 red onion SPSICs have been consumed, bringing in 12,824 MT since September until November 20.

This comes at a time when the country’s monthly consumption for red onions stands at 17,000 MT; and for yellow onions, 4,000 MT.

The DA then stressed that all import permits should be exhausted by January 15, 2026, which the agency set to prevent importers from hoarding clearances to influence supply.

It added that the timing would ensure that imported onions do not overlap with the domestic

BusinessMirror

PHL’s effort to restart nuke tech devt gets IAEA backing

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THEInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday expressed strong support for the Philippines’s renewed efforts to develop nuclear technologies, calling the country’s current momentum “a moment of promise” as it revisits nuclear energy to address climate change, energy security, and environmental threats.

Following a meeting with Speaker Faustino Dy III, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi underscored that the Philippines has long been a regional pioneer in nuclear development, noting that the country began constructing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) ahead of many major economies.

“The Philippines was a real pioneer...You were building a nuclear power plant before China had its first nuclear power plant,” Grossi said, noting that the global land-

scape has shifted, with nations now urgently seeking clean, reliable, and secure energy sources.

PBBM meets IAEA chief EARLIER , President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received Gross during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

Joining the President were Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec-

ARTA tells Pinoys: Demand change responsibly

AMID the current political turmoil, the country’s antired tape watchdog reminded Filipino citizens to demand transparency “responsibly.”

This, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said in a statement on Wednesday, as it expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decisions. “ARTA defers to the wisdom of the President and his leadership team in navigating the current challenges. Our faith in the Chief Executive is a manifestation of our oath of allegiance, not only to him as Head of State, but to the Flag, the Constitution and the sovereign power of the Filipino people,” ARTA said.

The anti-red tape watchdog reminded the public to address grievances through “lawful means,” meaning trusting that the courts, prosecution and law enforcement agencies are functioning. “In the end, the rule of law must reign supreme,” ARTA underscored.

ARTA told the government stakeholders: “Now is the time to elevate our services. Let us demonstrate that governance is not only business as usual, but business carried out with efficiency, accountability, and integrity.”

ARTA advised citizens to demand accountability and transparency responsibly, adding, “This is not the time for apathy, but for raising consciousness and strengthening our

democratic institutions.”

In an earlier interview, business leader Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. affirmed the business sector’s support for the Marcos administration despite corruption allegations hounding flood control projects.

Ortiz-Luis, concurrently the president of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said: “You know the business sector, we want stability (to the) economy and the citizenry so we support the administration.”

“We just ask that this problem be solved immediately. We don’t have

time to dilly-dally anymore, people are impatient,” added Ortiz-Luis.

In a separate interview, when OrtizLuis was sought for comment on calls for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resign, the business leader explained that the business community wants a “constitutional transition.”

“If there is a transition it should be proper, it should be constitutional. We are not seeking any unconstitutional change. We are willing to cooperate with the government. Let’s just solve this problem in order to restore confidence,” Ortiz-Luis said.

(See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/11/23/swift-convictionof-culprits-in-fcp-mess-to-reverse-slide/) Andrea E. San Juan

retary Raphael Lotilla, and Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA Evangelina Lourdes Bernas.

In his call on Dy, Grossi stressed that his visit to Manila extends far beyond conversations on nuclear power, underscoring the wide array of civilian applications of nuclear science already benefiting Filipino communities. He pointed to several initiatives led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), including the “Tech Plastic” project, which uses nuclear technology to detect and analyze microplastics as part of efforts to combat marine pollution.

He also highlighted radiation-assisted plastic recycling work at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, which he witnessed firsthand, noting that the technology allows for cleaner and more efficient reuse of waste plastics. Additionally, he emphasized the role of food irradiation in prolonging the shelf life of key agricultural products—such as rice and worldrenowned Philippine mangoes— while ensuring they are safe for export. Grossi further cited the lifesaving importance of radiotherapy in cancer treatment, supported by

the IAEA’s global “Rays of Hope” program, which aims to expand access to advanced cancer care technologies.

“These technologies directly solve real problems affecting Filipinos,” he said. “This is not science for science’s sake; these are solutions for the environment, for housing, for food security, and for health.” With climate pressures and rising geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supply, Grossi said nuclear power has reemerged as a critical part of the world’s energy strategy.

“For the first time, we talk simultaneously about climate change and energy security,” he noted. “People are understanding that nuclear power is part of the solution—not part of the problem.”

Grossi confirmed that IAEA experts are ready to assist the Philippines “in any evaluation, any study, any fresh look” at reviving the BNPP or pursuing other nuclear options. He welcomed the establishment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the country’s newly formed independent nuclear regulatory authority, calling it crucial for safe and credible nuclear operations.

Sari-sari stores using AI see 46% jump in overall

sales volume

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

SARI -SARI stores using Artificial Intelligence (AI) saw a 46-percent jump in overall sales volume, according to a report published by tech startup Packworks.

New findings from Packworks showed that AI is no longer a “distant concept” for micro enterprises. but is becoming a tool that directly supports day-to-day store management and sales performance for neighborhood stores.

As it analyzed more than 300 stores in its network over a two-week period following data collection in September 2025, Packworks said sari-sari stores recorded a 46-percent rise in daily gross merchandise value (GMV).

This increase, it noted, highlights “substantial” gains in overall store efficiency, resulting in a 17-percent rise in total sales for stores during the same period.

Moreover, Packworks said it found that stores that applied AI-driven recommendations earned higher revenue despite operating on 20-percent fewer active selling days—dropping from five to four days over two weeks.

“This indicates how AI can guide store owners in managing inventory, improving product mix, and planning demand more efficiently, enabling owners to maximize sales during their operating hours,” the tech startup said.

The insights come from Packworks’ analysis of sari-sari stores that accessed its Store Insighting Project (SIP) document, a personalized report that turns each store’s transaction history into actionable recommendations powered by AI.

“By reviewing pre- and postperformance across stores, Packworks quantified the impact of

engaging with the SIP document on business outcomes for its partner stores,” said Packworks. The tech startup noted that the analysis also showed that the increase in sales was driven by “underperforming” products identified by the AI tools, giving store owners insight into which stock to move to maintain operational efficiency.

Packworks said its AI-powered precision marketing tool was developed with DOST-PCIEERD’s Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, awarded in 2024 to support wider AI adoption in the country’s micro-retail sector. The company also partnered with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines) (STT GDC Philippines) to access its AI Synergy Lab to run large-scale machine learning models, and with Ateneo’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD) to build a comprehensive data warehouse and business intelligence tools.

Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said with AI, micro retailers can make smarter decisions that translate into higher sales and more efficient operations.

“Even at this early stage of adoption, we’ve recorded increased sales and enhanced operational efficiency from stores by using the AI tools we’ve developed with support from DOST and through our collaborations with STT GDC and Ateneo BUILD,” added Montiel.

For his part, Packworks CoFounder Hubert Yap said the startup’s mission is to “close the gap” by making AI practical, accessible, and useful for the smallest retailers.

“Our latest innovation highlights the immense potential of how technology, especially AI, and strategic partnerships can drive sustainable growth for neighborhood stores across the Philippines,” added Yap.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Verdant, Raslag’s JV unlikely to lessen competition–PCC

By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) announced last Wednesday it has cleared the off-grid wind joint venture between Verdant Philippines Alpha Pte. Ltd. (Verdant) and Raslag Corp.

Under the transaction, the Singapore-based holding firm Verdant will acquire shares in both Philippine Hybrid Energy Systems Inc. (Philippine Hybrid Energy) and PHESI Holdings Corp. (PHC), while Raslag will acquire shares in PHC. Through this deal, Verdant enters the Philippine renewable energy generation market, while Raslag ex-

pands its footprint into the off-grid wind power generation market, the PCC explained.

Verdant is a foreign holding company focused on renewable energy development while Raslag is a domestic firm engaged in the development and operation of utility-scale solar power plants serving on-grid customers, according to the regulator.

It further noted that Philippine Hybrid Energy holds wind energy service contracts with the Department of Energy (DOE) for the 16-megawatt Puerto Galera wind power project and the planned 10-megawatt Phase 2 expansion.

The company also owns a 7.306-megawatt battery energy storage system designed to support the wind projects, all located in the off-grid area of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

After conducting a Phase 1 review, the PCC’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office found no “horizontal overlaps or vertical relationships” among the joint venture partners and the acquired entities.

“As Raslag operates in the nationwide renewable energy generation market and Philippine Hybrid Energy operates exclusively in the off-grid renewable energy

generation market of Mindoro island, they participate in different markets and do not compete geographically,” PCC explained in its statement.

Hence, the Commission determined that the transaction is unlikely to result in a “substantial lessening” of competition.

“The presence of larger competitors and a fragmented supply landscape serve as sufficient competitive constraints on the parties’ operations post-transaction,” PCC said.

The competition watchdog said this review highlights PCC’s role in ensuring that infrastructure investment and market entry proceed without compromising competition.

“The Commission remains committed to safeguarding consumer welfare and promoting a level playing field,” it underscored.

‘Too small’ PXP to start exploration

PBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

ANGILINAN-led PXP Energy Corp. is ready to pour in “several million dollars” to jumpstart upstream exploration activities under three newly-awarded petroleum service contracts.

Together with partners, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded service contract (SC) 80, SC 81 in Sulu Sea and SC 86 Octon Block) in Northwest Palawan, to PXP.

The Sulu Sea blocks (SC 80 and SC 81) are jointly administered by the DOE and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through the latter’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy. SC 86, meanwhile, covers

Ayala Land bags ₧4.19B after selling Areit shares

AYALA Land Inc. revealed last Wednesday it sold an aggregate of 100 million common shares of Areit Inc., at a transaction price of P41.90 per share, equivalent to P4.19 billion, exclusive of fees and taxes. The placement agreement was made with UBS AG Singapore Branch, BPI Capital Corp. and Maybank Securities Pte. Ltd. Areit’s shares were last traded at P42.15 apiece. The sale of the offer shares is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Regulation Code, and was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Any future offer or sale of the offer shares by the buyers thereof in the Philippines is subject to the registration requirements of the SRC unless such offer or sale qualifies as an exempt transaction in accordance with the applicable requirements of the SRC. The proceeds from the block sale shall be settled on November 28, 2025, subject to the terms and conditions of the placement Agreement.

Spain’s Acciona Energía awarded power contract

ACCIONA Energía of Spain is expanding its presence in the Philippines with two more renewable energy (RE) projects that were included in the fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program of the Department of Energy (DOE).

the Octon Block in Northwest Palawan, an area adjacent to established producing oil fields.

“It requires a lot of money. It’s really for the big boys. We’re too small for them but we do our bit in terms of oil exploration,” PXP Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said adding that the company’s investment for the three SCs is “very small; several million dollars.”

SC 80 and SC 81 were awarded to a consortium composed of Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd., an Australian company; Sunda Energy Plc, registered in the United Kingdom; and, PXP and the Philodrill Corp. TAHE SC 86 consortium is composed of Philodrill, Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp., PXP and Forum Energy Philippines Corp.

These new contracts reinforce PXP’s strategic upstream position and align with the Philippine government’s efforts to boost domestic energy self-sufficiency. The company continues to maintain prudent operations across its portfolio and is preparing to participate in technical work programs committed to the government under these newly awarded blocks.

Pangilinan emphasized that patience is a virtue when it comes to petroleum exploration activities.

“That’s a long process so we have to be patient. It’s going to be a long process and probably complicated. We’re slowly learning about the business of oil exploration and development. It’s a very complex business,” he said.

Foodpanda to

Nonetheless, PXP remains focused on preserving liquidity and maintaining operational readiness while progressing early-phase technical assessments for SC 80 and SC 81, alongside further subsurface work and building on studies previously conducted by the former SC 6A Consortium in SC 86.

Despite the continuing force majeure over SC 72 and SC 75, PXP and Forum Energy Limited remain steadfast in their commitment to the long-term potential of these strategically important West Philippine Sea assets. Two additional service contracts located in the highly prolific Northwest Palawan Basin are currently under final review by the government and are expected to be awarded within the next few months.

lure users away from cash into digital payment

THE company that operates Foodpanda wants to push users of the online food and grocery platform to do away with paying cash and adopt digital options.

Daniel Jaramillo, managing director of Delivery Hero Philippines Inc., said this is because the use of digital payment in the country is not “as big as what we see in other countries across the Delivery Hero group.”

“And that’s something that we really want to push more and more right, and that’s also part of why we are doing this partnership. We want, not only to give more benefit to our customers, but also want to allow more customers to stop using cash

and using digital options, which is easier, simple and flawless,” Jaramillo added.

He was referring to the company’s partnership with the East West Banking Corp. and Visa Inc. to introduce a credit card.

East West CEO Jerry G. Ngo said the launch was timely as the “ber” months are very important in food consumption.

“We see how Filipino consumer spends so much of their of their available extra cash that they get at the end of the year, actually in food. So really we want to double down on this right and having a very large base array of ‘Foodpanda Pro’ users this will help us,” he said.

Ngo said the bank will “target as much (users) as we can, and we have a very ambitious target that we will go through it in stages,” he said.

The branded credit card offers a cash back of up to 10 percent on Foodpanda orders worth up to P4,000, or a cash return of P400, after which orders will continue to earn 3 percent. It also gives 1-percent cash back on all international spend and 0.3 percent on local transactions, with total monthly cap of P1,000. The said cash back will be credited to the user’s Pandapay wallet.

“This partnership brings together three brands that drive convenience, value and digital innovation,” Ngo said. VG Cabuag

The power firm announced last Wednesday that it was awarded by the DOE a 20-year power supply contract for the delivery of 281 megawatts (MW) of solar and wind capacities between 2026 and 2029.

The auction award is for Kalayaan-2 wind farm (101MW) in Laguna, which is under construction, and the Daanbantayan solar plant (180MWp) in Cebu, where construction will begin before the end of the year.

“The award gives long-term certainty for the energy these projects will produce, supporting the Philippines in reaching its renewable energy targets while delivering clean, reliable power to consumers,” read a statement issued by Acciona Energía.

In addition to these two projects, Acciona Energía has a pipeline of more than two gigawatts (GW) under development in the Philippines. The company recently reorganized its partnerships in Southeast Asia to strengthen its position in key markets, such as the Philippines and Thailand, where it holds substantial portfolios and plans to continue expanding in the coming years.

Acciona Energía has had a strong presence in the Philippines since

2016, primarily through its water and infrastructure divisions, delivering flagship projects such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and the Putatan II and Laguna Lake water treatment plants.

In addition, Acciona’s foundation, acciona.org, has been supporting rural and underserved communities in the country since 2021, bringing electricity services to areas that previously lacked access and had little prospect of connection to the electricity grid in the short term. Through collaborations with the Ayala Foundation and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development, acciona.org has so far reached around 3,500 households, small businesses and community centers.

Acciona Energía has 15.1GW of renewable energy and presence in 24 countries.

Early this month, the DOE reported 10,195.49 MW of total awarded capacity to 123 winning bidders under the GEA-4, representing a diverse mix of technologies including ground-mounted solar, roof-mounted solar, floating solar, “integrated renewable energy with energy storage systems” and onshore wind.

The DOE is requiring all winning bidders to submit key compliance documents, including affidavits of undertaking, performance bonds, system impact studies, and proof of financial obligations by December 6, 2025. Lenie Lectura

PHOTO FROM WWW.ACCIONA-ENERGIA.COM

BUSINESSMIRROR FILE PHOTO

AC Health to invest ₧200M to boost 12 Iloilo hospitals

By VG Cabuag @villygc

TAyala Land bags ₧4.19B after selling

Areit shares

in phases, guided by financial, operational and clinical key performance indicators to ensure service quality and sustainability, according to AC Health. AC Health President and CEO Paolo F. Borromeo said they are looking “forward to helping Iloilo build a more resilient and inclusive health network for Ilonggos.”

Through the partnership, dialysis patients will also benefit from standardized clinical protocols, expanded capacity, and more affordable treatment supported by PhilHealth coverage and provincial medical assistance programs.

families, and this partnership ensures they are equipped to meet the needs of patients with chronic kidney diseases. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan fully supports this collaboration with AC Health as it brings vital services closer to constituents, reduces financial and travel burdens, and reinforces our collective goal of building a healthier Iloilo,” Iloilo Vice-Governor Nathalie Ann F. Debuque said.

HE Iloilo provincial government has entered into a landmark public–private partnership with Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) and Healthway Medical Network Inc. to establish and operate dialysis centers across Iloilo’s hospitals. Continued from B1

Areit earlier said it will conduct its sixth property-for-share swap with its sponsor Ayala Land involving the acquisition of two shopping malls located in Metro Manila and Cebu.

According to AC Health, the company would invest some P200 million for the initiative, which will equip 12 district and provincial hospitals in Iloilo with dialysis centers. Each center will initially operate eight dialysis stations, the company added.

“By working with AC Health, we are bringing much-needed dialysis services directly to our district hospitals,” Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. said. Under the agreement, the provincial government will provide the space for the dialysis centers within hospital compounds.

AC Health will then fit out, equip, manage and operate the facilities in accordance with standards set by the Department of Health. The project will be implemented

Across the Iloilo province, over 50,000 residents need regular hemodialysis services. However, most of the province’s dialysis clinics are located in Iloilo City, forcing many patients from far-flung municipalities to travel long distances multiple times a week for treatment.

“Our district hospitals serve as the first point of care for many

Healthway Medical Network will provide patients access to advanced diagnostics, specialized care and other services, including kidneytransplant pathways.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that these dialysis centers operate to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our team is prepared to deliver the infrastructure, equipment, and day-to-day management needed to run these facilities sustainably,” Healthway President and CEO Jaime E. Ysmael said.

The company said its board approved a property-for-share swap transaction with Ayala Land and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Summerhill Commercial Ventures Corp.

Ayala Land and Summerhill will subscribe to 441.13 million primary common shares of Areit in exchange for Ayala Center Cebu, a flagship mall located in Cebu Business Park in Cebu City; and Ayala Malls Feliz along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig.

The aggregate value of the two

Banking&Finance

BSP Fin-Ed Stakeholder Congress

PURSUANT to the objectives of Republic Act 10922, which designates the second week of November as “Economic and Financial Literacy” (EFL) Week, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted this year’s “Financial Education Stakeholders Congress,” or “Fin-Ed Congress.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. delivered the keynote and talked about this year’s theme, “The Journey to Financial Success: Financial Learning That Connects, Transforms and Sustains.” The BSP Governor emphasized that “financial education is not just about saving, investment, or budgeting.”

“It is about helping people make financial choices for their future,” the central bank chief emphasized.

Event highlights

THE 2025 Fin-Ed Congress, an annual flagship financial education activity, was held on November 17 to November 18 at the Assembly Hall, BSP Complex in Malate, Manila.

Day 1 highlighted how financial learning can be engaging, inclusive and empowering for Filipinos. The day also featured a lively discussion with celebrities Alden Richards, Isabelle Daza and Iza Calzado; bringing a different dimension to the event. The first day set the tone with dynamic and relatable discussions on developing healthy money mindsets, overcoming financial barriers and making sustainable financial choices.

Day 2 focused on strengthening leadership and ensuring the sustainability of financial education programs with institutional partners. It featured the launch of the BSP’s new financial education initiatives and the recognition of financial education champions and advocacies for their programs.

Launch of new fin-ed initiatives

THE Congress launched the following Fin-Ed initiatives:

1. T he e-learning module on credit card essentials of the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP).

2. T he presentation of updates as well as the rollout of a strengthened “Protect Your Money” (PYM) campaign by the Financial Sector Forum-Consumer Protection and Education Committee.

3. New partnerships:

n Joint development of fin-ed programs with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines n Promotion of credit score and credit health education with TransUnion

Philippines n Enhancement of the financial literacy of employees and beneficiaries with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, in collaboration with the BDO Foundation Inc. n Financial inclusion and digital literacy leveraging on the digital infrastructure of the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program and the BSP E-Learning Academy.

2025 Fin-Ed Awards

THE BSP also recognized its institutional fin-ed partners for their continued collaboration in advancing financial literacy.

These included the BDO Foundation and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as “Exemplary” partners. , •

The “Innovative” partners included the following: the Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Credit Policy Council; the Department of Education; the Asian Development Bank; the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.; the Securities and Exchange Commission; and, the Insurance Commission.

The “Emerging” partners were: Department of Social Welfare and Development; the Department of Migrant Workers; the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; the Civil Service Commission; the Armed Forces of the Philippines; the Philippine National Police; the Bureau of Fire Protection; and, the BPI Foundation Inc.

Financial education for financial health

THE Congress delivered a strong message: that financial education carries a significant role for the future.

The importance of financial health, or the ability to manage current financial obligations, build resilience against financial shocks, achieve long-term goals and feel secure and in control of finances. The role at the central bank has evolved: from inclusion, to education, to protection. Together, these form the foundation of financial health.

The BMAP congratulates the BSP for a successful 2025 Fin-Ed Congress!

Eric Montelibano is a Consultant of Integrated Marketing and Communications at CSBank (Citystate Savings Bank) and the President of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP). He can be reached at erichmontelibano@gmail.com. The writer’s views and his written piece do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror and BMAP.

More biz groups rally behind BIR after field audits stopped

By Andrea San Juan

MORE business groups rallied behind the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and its suspension of audit operations, underscoring transparency and predictable audit procedures as vital to sustaining investor confidence.

Through a statement, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) lauded the halt to all field operations by the country’s primary revenue-generating agency. The Chamber emphasized that German businesses operating in the Philippines “consistently highlight” the importance of clear, stable, and well-interpreted tax rules, especially in areas that affect cross-border operations.

“We also note that recent discussions surrounding certain tax issuances have illustrated the need for consistent guidance and effective stakeholder consultations. Ensuring clarity in such matters will further support efforts to enhance tax administration and reduce uncertainty for both local and foreign investors,” added the group of German businesses operating in the Philippines.

The GPCCI said it stands ready to work with government partners in promoting reforms that “reinforce” good governance, strengthen investor trust, and enhance the Philippines’ competitiveness as a destina-

tion for trade and investment.

Makati Business Club

IN a separate statement, the Makati Business Club (MBC) also welcomed the BIR’s move to immediately suspend all pending Letters of Authority (LoAs) and Mission Orders (MOs).

“The business community has been complaining about the weaponization of these instruments to squeeze more money out of responsible and legitimate taxpayers, instead of targetting tax evaders,” the MBC noted.

The MBC divulged that a Technical Working Group has been recently formed to address issues like LoA, tax refunds as well as the ongoing digitization of the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) as well as their parent agency, the Department of Finance (DOF).

The business group also applaud the vision of BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza “of making tax administration predictable, evidence-based, technology-driven, and fair.”

The MBC noted that these systems are “meant to protect taxpayers while helping the Bureau perform its mandate efficiently.”

The MBC also noted that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has also suspended the issuance of LOAs.

The organization’s officials have met with Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno who, the MBC said, sought to know the concerns of the business community. The organization is also supporting Nepomuceno “in his efforts to reform the Bureau.”

The MBC said it “would be honored to collaborate” with these bureaus as well as their parent, the DOF, “to achieve real reform” towards the “overarching directive [by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] for an efficient and fair revenue collection.”

The MBC pointed out that fair revenue collection is a “key component” in improving the business environment to attract investors that will generate more jobs and jumpstart the economy.

Federation of Philippine Industries

THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) also hailed the move by Mendoza and Finance Secretary Frederick L. Go “to address systemic issues and develop a transparent, standardized and modernized audit framework.”

The FPI said the DOF and BIR’s objective of ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system that promotes compliance and fosters trust among taxpayers is “fully aligned” with Marcos’s plan to “stimulate growth, attract investment, and

generate sustainable employment opportunities.”

“Industries have long carried their share in driving national development,” FPI Chairman Elizabeth H. Lee said while pointing out that “Inconsistent practices have constrained their full potential.”

As such, Lee said a fair and transparent tax system can unlock that potential, safeguard taxpayer rights and build “lasting trust” for growth.

“A system anchored in clarity and fairness empowers industries to contribute more fully to national development and reassures investors that the Philippines is committed to transparency and accountability,” the FPI said in a separate statement.

Based on the statement published on the DOF’s website, Mendoza convened key units of the BIR to gain a “thorough understanding” of existing audit operations and to identify long-standing issues that have affected taxpayer experience and internal discipline.

“The suspension was issued after extensive internal consultations and was undertaken with the guidance and strategic oversight of [the] Finance Secretary [Go] to ensure full alignment with national priorities on good governance, taxpayer protection, and efficient revenue administration,” Mendoza said.

The BIR chief said this suspension is necessary to protect taxpayer rights, strengthen internal discipline, and ensure integrity of audit processes.

“We take every complaint seriously, and any misuse of authority, harassment, or irregularity has no place in the Bureau,” he added.

After crypto, stock trade to pop up in GoTyme app

the GoTyme application, Clarke said.

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

DIGITAL lender GoTyme Bank Corp. will soon offer local stock trading to its customers in the first quarter of 2026, as it expands its suite of investment products.

Speaking to reporters last Wednesday, GoTyme President and CEO Nathanial Clarke said the bank will roll out the stock trading feature in the first quarter of next year through a partnership with DragonFi Securities. This will enable GoTyme users to buy and manage local stocks through

The initiative follows the bank’s recent full rollout of crypto trading within the app, which was initially limited to a small group of users before being extended to its entire customer base.

“We always start with 1 percent of the customer base, and now 100 percent of the customer base can access crypto trading. And the next step is local stocks,” Clarke said.

Beyond providing more ways for its customers to grow their money, Clarke said GoTyme is also focused on expanding its lending products. Clarke said GoTyme seeks to grow

its loan book by 50 percent next year, as its lending grew to P6 billion from P3 billion this year.

On the customer front, GoTyme is targeting to continue growing its customer base by over 3 million new users per year, banking on its “fast, simple, beautiful” mobile application.

“It’s not a special feature. It just works every time, very quickly. Obviously, things like free InstaPay and higher savings rates help, but I think it’s critical that we continue to provide the best customer experience,” Clarke said.

Clarke said GoTyme’s monthly customer acquisition averages 250,000 to

300,000, and by the end of the year, this will reach 11 to 12 million.

“I said when we launched the bank, it’s going to take five years to reach 10 [million customers], but we’re going to do it in three and a half. We’re very happy with growth,” Clarke said. Moreover, GoTyme expects deposits in the bank to exceed P50 billion, while its revenues are projected to grow from around P100 million to P160 million next year. Clarke remains bullish about the bank’s growth, despite potential new digital bank entrants, citing unique distribution via kiosks and partnerships.

B4 Thursday, November 27, 2025

DA revises rules on MAV on pork to spur competition

TDA, SRA extend molasses exports ban till end-March

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE Department of Agricul -

ture (DA) has revised the rules on minimum access volume (MAV) for pork to spur competition and prevent monopoly.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco

Tiu Laurel Jr. said the revised MAV rules for pork form part of the agency’s bid to overhaul the trade measure, citing outdated guidelines for the system established decades ago.

He said the new rules on MAV have been “simplified,” but the policy on allocation would differ per commodity.

“For now, we’ve only changed [the allocation] for pork,” he said.

The DA chief said the revised MAV rules for pork will encourage competition and prevent a few entities from holding a lion’s share of the available allocation.

“The old system, where the annual MAV allocation was given to the largest importers, was wrong. If a handful control 70 percent of the MAV, it means they control the price,” Tiu Laurel said.

“As far as the traders are concerned—the ordinary importers, not processors—they need to have an equal number of MAV allocation, so they would compete. Competition

always brings down prices and keeps everyone honest.”

With this, the DA chief said 50 percent of the MAV for pork would be allocated to processors to prevent a spike in prices of processed meats.

“I’ll be giving a huge chunk of the MAV to processors so that prices of processed meats, especially those of pork, won’t increase. Maybe then we can ask them to further lower the price of pork products,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that the remaining quota would be split among importers and traders for 30 percent, along with the government for 20 percent.

The DA chief said Kadiwa would also be given a MAV allocation as a preventive measure, especially in case retail prices of fresh pork surge once again, as the domestic industry continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the African swine fever (ASF), leading to tight supply.

“The allocation for the government will most likely be allocated to traders who will join the program,” he said.

Tiu Laurel noted that the revised guidelines on MAV will be released by the end of November.

Meanwhile, he explained that the agency has requested the Office of the President to have a MAV plus for pork of 150,000 MT on standby, which the DA would activate if deemed

necessary.

Despite this, the DA chief noted that the agency would not increase the current MAV volume for pork, citing the current slide in farmgate prices of hogs.

“We can’t increase the MAV volume for pork because of the decline in farmgate prices. It’s not the right time,” Tiu Laurel said.

Earlier, the DA officially opened applications for MAV 2026 for pork, poultry meat, chipping potato, corn, coffee beans, and coffee extract.

The available allocations for MAV 2026 include 54,210 metric tons (MT) of pork, 23,490 MT of poultry meat, 60,000 MT of chipping potatoes, 1,457 MT of coffee beans, 216,940 MT of corn, and 37 MT of coffee extract.

In light of MAV’s revised policy set to be released next week, Tiu Laurel said he ordered the postponement of the distribution of allocations.

“It’s only an application, so it doesn’t mean the allocation will be given right away. I actually put the distribution [of MAV allocation] on hold, so I could check [the new rules] carefully.”

Imports made via the MAV scheme enjoy a lower tariff for shipments falling under the in-quota allocation compared to the out-quota allocation, which is slapped with a higher tariff rate.

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) extended the temporary ban on molasses imports until end-March next year to arrest the slide in millsite prices amid elevated domestic stockpiles.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona urged the SRA Board, led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., to extend the import freeze as local inventory remains ample for domestic use at around 250,000 metric tons (MT).

“Based on the recommendation of the SRA, and in the interest of our farmers and millers, Administrator Azcona and I have agreed to extend the moratorium on molasses imports until March 30, 2026—or further, depending on local stock levels,” Tiu Laurel said.

He noted that the government has the discretion to amend the temporary ban if deemed necessary, depending on the total molasses inventory.

Earlier, the SRA issued molasses order (MO) 1, which initially suspended the entry of imported molasses until year-end to prevent millsite prices from falling further.

The surge in molasses output in the previous million season, compounded by additional imported supply, pushed down farmgate prices of the raw sugar byproduct to around 8,400 per MT in early November, from

around P18,000 per MT in the same period of the previous year.

Azcona noted that milling operations for the current crop year began on October 1 on Negros Island, with molasses production reaching nearly 84,000 MT as of November 9.

Despite this, the SRA chief stressed that stock levels remain sufficient despite the temporary ban.

“The extension will help relieve our millers’ tanks of local stock and, hopefully, support better molasses prices,” Azcona said.

Support

THE Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Inc. (PSMA), whose membermills represent around 70 percent of the country’s total sugarcane milling capacity, expressed its support for the DA and SRA’s decision to extend MO 1 until the end of March 2026.

PSMA executive director Jesus Barrera said the extension would serve as a “critical” market-stabilizing measure.

“The initial moratorium period was insufficient to absorb the excessive imported stocks that flooded the supply chain prior to October. As Administrator Azcona correctly pointed out, an extension is not only warranted—it is necessary to rebalance the market,” Barrera said in a statement.

Despite local prices falling to reach parity with imported molasses, the PSMA said demand for

domestic output remained sluggish, indicating a saturated market and full inventories across traders and users.

The group stressed that molasses are a strategic byproduct of sugarcane milling, central to downstream industries such as bioethanol, feed manufacturing, food processing, and alcohol production.

“With milling operations ongoing and local stock levels still high, lifting the moratorium prematurely would place downward pressure on farmgate and mill gate values, undermining the viability of thousands of sugarcane farmers and mill workers nationwide.”

Furthermore, PSMA said it supports the SRA’s commitment to review inventory levels and adjust policy as market conditions evolve.

The group said ensuring priority utilization of locally produced molasses, particularly in bioethanol production, is crucial to sustaining farmer incomes, optimizing mill operations, and safeguarding national supply security.

“We commend Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel and Administrator Azcona for their decisive action and for listening to industry stakeholders. Extending the moratorium will help clear tanks, restore pricing fundamentals, and protect the broader value chain,” Barrera added. Ada Pelonia

A life renewed: From corporate exposure to agri-coop leader

SBy Joel C. Paredes

by Nonie G. Reyes

IMEON CUYSON has clearly demonstrated that hands-on farming can prolong an energetic life, even in his twilight years. At 86, Cuyson—known as Mang Sim to his fellow farmers in Jaen, Nueva Ecija— speaks from experience.

After choosing the life of a farmer, he now leads the farmers’ cooperative he organized following his retirement from the corporate world, just before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mang Sim has certainly witnessed the remarkable resilience of Filipino farmers. Yet, he laments a persistent truth: government policies ultimately determine the success or failure of the production cycle in this agriculturally dependent economy.

Despite these systemic challenges, he remains confident and unconcerned about traditional risks. He believes that modern innovations and new technologies are now readily available to significantly boost agricultural income and production.

This perception from a hands-on farmer is noteworthy, as Cuyson is not just a late bloomer who found agriculture as a mere retirement adventure. Perhaps he is one of the few farmers who have seen—and personally experienced—the corporate world and spent years dealing with multinational companies involved in crop research.

From UPLB to the Corporate World HAVING been raised singlehandedly with his siblings by his mother, a market vendor, Cuyson recalled that he took an agriculture course at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños (UPLB) simply because it had minimal tuition. He chose to major in chemistry because, as he put it, “it was easy for me.”

Like most UPLB graduates in the early sixties, he started in government as an employee of the Bureau of Soils (now the Bureau of Soils and Water Management under the Department of Agriculture). He showed his business management acumen when he was tapped to be the manager of the agency’s cooperative a year later.

“I really had no idea of what I wanted then, but slowly [in government] my love for agriculture developed,” he said.

This period was also when he became interested in finding out what truly ailed the farmers. Through his provincial trips, he first got a glimpse of the farmers’ plight. “That’s one reason for me to

venture into farming,” he said.

Cuyson soon accepted a better offer and joined Shell Philippines, where his first field assignment was in Negros, a largely agricultural but poor region dominated by landlords. It was there that he first had the experience of applying what he had learned.

“Knowing your soil is really very important. Number one, there are macronutrients and micronutrients, and it is important to trace the elements that the farmers need in their soil,” he explained.

Although Shell was then into chemical pesticides, he was already convinced that successful farming need not necessarily depend purely on chemicals, since there are biological needs for the soil. At that time, it was simply pest control, but through technological innovations, science has shown that agriculture stakeholders must focus on pesticide management.

“It’s always a combination. Don’t use chemical products if you can raise the same [biological] quality,” he noted.

Hands-on farmer and industry leader IN the early seventies, after two years of being assigned to London, Cuyson had enough resources to purchase his own farmland in Jaen, one of the laid-back, largely agricultural towns in Nueva Ecija.

While working as Shell’s agriculture chemicals manager, he started farming on the side, venturing into rice since his farm had irrigation. He still believes irrigation is important if the country is serious about rice productivity.

Cuyson would not consider himself a “remote control” farmer. After acquiring the land and tapping a caretaker, he would ensure he was based there every weekend, overseeing the process from soil preparation until harvest time. Actually,

it was then that Cuyson learned that the use of herbicides was more important than just pesticides in farming.

Cuyson took his optional retirement when he reached 50, taking a full-time career with the Crop Protection Association (CPAP) of the Philippines where he could expand his work with other farmers. When the organization was divided, with those involved in generic products retaining their members, Cuyson joined the research-based companies. These formed CropLife Philippines, where he became its executive director for nearly two decades.

It was there that he was convinced that to modernize agriculture in the country, innovations and new technologies—and companies effectively marketing their products—were not enough.

As an organization, he pushed the member companies into advocacy work. He ensured that farmers were not just offered corporate social responsibility, but were continuously assisted through advocacy and stewardship.

This effort ensured that private companies were not just marketing products but acting as partners of the farmers and advocates of agriculture modernization, considering their technology and research capabilities.

Full circle: Back to the farm

TO augment his income, Cuyson set up his own “balut” business right in the backyard of his house in Philam Village in Las Piñas, which he found “very profitable.” At first he raised ducks in his farm, but eventually found it more economical to purchase duck eggs in areas in Metro Manila.

He only turned it over to a friend when he decided it was time for him to live on the farm, personally till, and manage the soil as he was almost nearing the twilight of his years.

From the proceeds of the sale of his house, Cuyson bought several condominium units near Manila Bay to augment his income.

When he learned that there would be a lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he and his wife opted to permanently stay on the farm, along with their trusted family driver, his brother, and their families.

By that time, he had already expanded his farm to over 13 hectares. Aside from rice, the mango trees he had planted around the paddies were already fully grown. From the start, Cuyson said he had been practicing planting during both the wet and dry seasons.

Thanks to good irrigation in the area, he found farming more profitable during the dry season, where he averages about 120 cavans per hectare after 120 days. During the wet season, he said he and the and other farmers would be lucky to harvest around 80 cavans per hectare.

Unlike neighboring towns, Cuyson noticed that farmers in his area were hardly organized. He took the initiative to motivate them to form the Samahang Magsasaka ng Imbunia, which was later registered as an agricultural cooperative.

At first, he admitted it was really difficult to persuade the farmers, who were used to doing things their own way. He had to shell out his own money just to get the cooperative moving, starting with about 35 members. He provided a warehouse and an office for the cooperative, and through their engagement with the Department of Agriculture, they were able to secure agricultural equipment.

Their advantage was that they were always considered a “healthy cooperative,” having properly managed their finances despite being a small organization. That reputation was enough to convince the

government to continue supporting them through agricultural mechanization.

Through experience, Cuyson emphasized that farmers need to work collectively to modernize their practices with government support—not rely solely on subsidies. He pointed out that subsidies are often prone to red tape and irregularities, and can lead to problems with accountability.

Bearing dividend fruits

THE cooperative members will begin receiving dividends after five years, starting in March next year. Cuyson finds it fulfilling that all members have been able to increase their capital shares, with him at the helm of the organization.

In his association with fellow farmers, he was convinced by earlier studies showing that Filipino farmers have the advantage of higher yield per hectare compared to neighboring countries that have become selfsufficient in rice. The difference, he noted, is that the Philippines has fewer areas available for farming, especially when compared to Thailand.

Also through experience, Cuyson observed that rice farmers need not be considered poor. “The problem,” he said, “is how dependent you are on the rice crop. If you only have one or two hectares and a family of six children to support, then it’s really difficult.”

As a cooperative, their goal is to maximize crop diversification. To lead by example, Cuyson planted high-value crops and is preparing to develop a productive fishpond on over a hectare of his property. He utilized the topsoil from that area to enrich other productive parts of his farm.

However, Sim said his narrative should not be construed to mean that farming is easy to pursue, especially considering how climate change has been affecting

production. What he fears more are the human factors that dictate the fate of farmers.

What continues to ail the system

NOW that he has embraced rural life, he said he had to face the reality that political dynasties dominate local government. If the current patriarch is weak or abusive, the situation is not really good for farmers, whose only goal is to provide enough livelihood to sustain their families. He noted that the government’s modernization program is truly helping farmers, but changing policies are what hurt them most. For instance, the tariffication law led to a surge in rice importation, but later this year, the government further lowered tariffs. Now, imported grains are flooding the market, driving down the price of palay. With government support, they were once able to generate nearly P20 per kilo of palay, but now a farmer would be lucky to sell it for even half that price.

Realizing the problem, the government suspended rice importation for two months, but as Sim asked, “What will happen after that?” He feared that the problem is not solved because that is a short-term solution.

One farmer member even wondered if a P20 price for grains in the retail market was possible, even though Cuyson noted that it is being sold by the National Food Authority, which they believe has imported grains piled up in their warehouses. But again, the farmer member asked, “But is it really good rice that we can eat?”

“I think they should rethink that, although I’ve heard that the policies are being reviewed,” Cuyson said. Right now, he said that rice millers are in for a good profit with the lower prices of palay, while middlemen will always survive, even with marginal profit. What concerns Cuyson is how farmers can sustain their tilling of the land when they know they will be on the losing end. Still, Cuyson has no regrets choosing farm life. Even at his age, he finds fulfillment in a simple lifestyle, knowing how he and fellow farmers are contributing to food security—which, he said, is always the mantra of the government and should not fail them. His advice is for the government to ensure that it balances the welfare of consumers, who make up the majority of the population, but it should also look at how its policies will help the farmers.

Photos

(LEFT foto) Cuyson enjoys his twilight years in his Nueva Ecija farm, still active in guiding other farmers.

(RIGHT ) A farmer waits for a trader to buy his rice.

PHL defines Asean 2026 agenda: WPS/SCS COC, digital pact, FTAs

Story & photo by Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Philippines has outlined an ambitious agenda for its 2026 Asean chairship by prioritizing three flagship deliverables.

These cover a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea (WPS/SCS), the conclusion of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and progress on new free trade agreements (FTAs) with Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

As incoming Asean foreign ministerial chair, Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA) Maria Theresa P. Lazaro underscored the COC’s urgency: “Foreign ministers in 2023 already mandated that [it] should be finished within three years—technically, until July 2026.”

It could be recalled that the bloc and China first pledged to establish a COC in 2002, but negotiations have dragged on for over two decades.

The Philippines hopes to conclude talks during its watch, grounding the agreement in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to reduce risks of conflict amid escalating maritime confrontations.

Lazaro emphasized regional unity: “As chair, bilateral matters will be set aside… the issues of Asean should be first and foremost.”

One of the milestone issues in Asean–China negotiations is the legal character of the COC. For years, talks have stalled over whether the

agreement should be declaratory or binding.

The SFA underscored Manila’s position: “The Philippines, for one, is of the view that it should be legally binding.”

A binding COC would mark a significant step forward from the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the WPS/SCS, which has been criticized as being “toothless.” Member states remain divided— some wary of antagonizing China, with others pushing for stronger guarantees. The Philippines’ insistence reflects its reliance on UNCLOS and its experiences with maritime confrontations.

Digital integration and FTAs SLATED for signing in 2026, DEFA would be the world’s first region-wide digital economy pact, covering crossborder data flows, cybersecurity, e-payments, and paperless trading.

Lazaro expressed hopes to conclude related negotiations with the signing of the DEFA within 2026, given the projection that Asean’s digital economy will reach $2 trillion by 2030.

T he region already has a comprehensive FTA with Australia and New Zealand or AANZFTA, which was upgraded in 2025 to modernize trade rules and reduce barriers.

The Philippines will push for its full implementation, while advancing the region’s first-ever FTA with Canada.

Lazaro explained: “There will be negotiations for the first-ever Asean-Canada FTA, and an upgraded Asean-Korea FTA. [The one with] Australia-New Zealand is almost finished.”

She furthered that, “given the unpredictability of the [trade policy with the United States, Asean must boost intra-regional] trade and partnerships with other countries.”

Navigating regional fault lines THE Philippines’ chairship comes at a time of heightened strain: Myanmar’s crisis continues as its junta refuses to comply with the Asean Leaders’ Five-Point Consensus. Lazaro was recently appointed as Special Envoy to continue Malaysia’s groundwork.

Cambodia-Thailand border dispute: Despite a peace accord signed in 2025, clashes and landmine incidents have reignited tensions. The SFA remarked that “ceasefires, like any…around the world, are always fragile and have to be helped and assisted by all of us.”

WPS/SCS dispute: Ongoing confrontations risk undermining Asean’s credibility if consensus on the COC falters.

US tariff uncertainties: New reciprocal tariffs have recently hit regional exports, with garment and electronics sectors particularly vulnerable.

Asean Centrality: Analysts warn that great-power rivalry and internal divisions are eroding Asean’s central role in the Indo-Pacific. The SFA countered: “I never felt that there was a loss or even an erosion… we will continue to strengthen [it].”

Asean and the chairship role

FOUNDED in 1967, Asean today represents 11 member states with a combined population of over 662 million. Its mission is to promote peace, stability, and economic integration across Southeast Asia.

The Asean chair rotates annually among member states. The chair does not wield executive power, but plays a key role in setting the agenda, convening summits, facilitating consensus, and representing the region externally. Past chairs have left distinct imprints: Vietnam steered Asean through the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, while Indonesia in 2023 pushed climate commitments.

For the Philippines in 2026, the chairship is an opportunity to demonstrate Asean’s relevance amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry.

ECCP luncheon highlights policy, investment pathways toward low-carbon Phil. economy

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently hosted a luncheon meeting on climate change and decarbonization.

Organized through its Sustainability Committee, and with the support of NEO and Holcim, the meeting convened leaders from the European and Philippine business communities who discussed the “Low Carbon Investment Economy Bill” and its role in shaping the country’s sustainable economic future.

According to the chamber, the Philippines—as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world—faces climate-related shocks costing an estimated 3 percent of its annual gross domestic product, or GDP. Against this backdrop, the event highlighted the urgent need for the private sector to adopt net-zero strategies and invest in low-carbon solutions to ensure long-term economic resilience.

In her opening message, ECCP’s Sustainability Committee Co-Chair and NEO Co-Managing Director/Chief Sustainability Officer Gie Garcia highlighted the private sector’s vital role in advancing climate action: “For the Philippine private sector, embracing net-zero pathways is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a strategic move toward long-term economic stability and enhanced global competitiveness.” Garcia further reaffirmed that “the ECCP remains steadfast in its advocacy for sustainability. This luncheon is an opportunity to collectively discuss the progress we have made and explore the challenges ahead as we transition to a low-carbon economy.” Bill author AS principal author, Rep. Jose Manuel F. Alba of Bukidnon’s First District presented the Low Carbon Investment Economy Bill’s key provisions and its alignment with the Philippines’ commitments under the Paris Agreement of 2015—including the national target of 75-percent reduction in

greenhouse gas or GHG emissions by 2030 as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a policy framework for decarbonization plans and annual emissions caps. It also introduces a hybrid Carbon Pricing Mechanism which leverages market-based mechanisms such

Norway jumpstarts electric ferry sector

NORWAY is a global leader in electric mobility, as it pioneered zero-emission technology in transport with the first of its kind, fully electric commuter ferry MS Ampere in 2015.

It was followed by the first highspeed electric ferry, MS Medstraum in 2022 by Norwegian cluster organization Maritime Clean Tech.

The Philippines Association of Coastal and Inland Water Ferries Inc. (PACIFIC), IMP shipyard and Port Services Inc., alongside ZEM, have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the country’s prototype electric hybrid propulsion ferry.

The first Philippine electric ferry initiative was launched under the Transport: Advanced and Modular project or “TrAM,” which is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. This initiative aims to advance the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, while enhancing the bloc’s innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth. It meant to showcase the future of maritime transport in Europe, with Norway as the center of electric ferry transport.

electrification is not only feasible, but also highly effective.”

The Department of Transportation rolled out its first fully electric passenger ferry M/B Dalaray, which sailed across 26-kilometers and 13 stops across five cities along the Pasig River last October 6. The Pasig River Ferry runs across the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Taguig, then connects to the Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake corridor.

Several Norwegian companies joined the conference. These included Hyke on urban electric ferry design, Zinus on innovative charging solutions, Zeabuz on autonomous passenger ferry, Kongsberg International on integrated maritime solutions, Kongsberg Norcontrol for digital solutions for safer waters, Maritime Robotics on advancing autonomous surface and subsea operations, plus ZEM on maritime electrification. Innovation Norway and Penguin International also imparted the e-ferry experience of Norway and Singapore.

as carbon taxes, carbon offset programs, and emissions trading schemes to encourage sustained emission reductions.

In his keynote, Alba emphasized the urgent economic and environmental need to transition toward sustainable practices: “Decarbonization is the only sensible economic path moving forward,” as he underscored that the shift to cleaner energy sources is not only environmentally responsible, but also economically strategic.

He also highlighted the dynamic nature of the global economy and reminded the audience that “this is not a static market. This is the highest growth market in the world.”

Driving inclusivity

THE event also featured insights from representatives of the Embassy of Brazil. Second Secretary Igor da Motta Magalhães Carneiro emphasized sustainable business practices driving inclusive and resilient economic development.

Meanwhile, First Secretary Juan Oliveira Bomfim delivered a presentation on “The Road to COP 30: Turning Climate Commitments into Collective Action,” where he highlighted Brazil’s upcoming role in the conference and the shared responsibility of nations in translating climate pledges into tangible, collective outcomes.

Their perspectives reinforced the call for global cooperation and private-sector engagement in achieving a low-carbon future.

The luncheon meeting underscored the shared vision of the European and Philippine business communities in building a resilient, low-carbon economy, while positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable and inclusive growth.

“The future of maritime transport will depend on a smart combination of alternative fuels, energy efficiency measures, and shore power systems—especially when powered by renewable energy,” said Ambassador Christian Lyster. “Norway’s success story is impressive—with 111 ferry routes and around 180 electric ferries in operation, it is proven that

Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association of the Philippines also joined the discussions with insights on opportunities for inter-island operations in the future.

The first Philippines-Norway Electric Ferries Conference was organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the Philippine Ports Authority, together with Innovation Norway, Philippines-Norway Business Council, and Maritime Cleantech.

Denmark backs shipbuilding and repair industry revival

THE Danish Embassy has expressed its support for the revitalization of the Philippines’ shipbuilding and ship repair industry (SBSR) led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

During the launch of the SBSR initiative in Manila, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin presented Denmark’s long-standing leadership in the maritime industry and offered his country’s expertise to the Philippines.

“Together, we can build a future where the Philippines not only continues to excel in shipping, but also becomes a global hub for shipbuilding and repair,” Mellbin said.

Administrator Sonia Malaluan

of MARINA highlighted the importance of collaboration with foreign partners in making the Philippines not just a nation of seafarers, but also a nation of shipbuilders. Malaluan showcased the role of key industry players such as Tsuneishi, Austal, Dycast and Hyundai in driving economic growth and expanding the Philippines’ shipbuilding capacity.

“With global demand for shipbuilding on the rise, this initiative represents a crucial step toward securing the Philippines’ future as a key player in the global maritime economy,” she said.

A key part of the initiative is the SBSR bill, which seeks to modernize the industry, create more high-quality jobs and attract foreign investment. PNA/Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

SFA Maria Theresa P. Lazaro

AMBASSADOR Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke (from left), ECCP’s Sustainability Committee CoChair and Rep. Jose Manuel F. Alba FB: ECCP - EUROPEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

THE Embassy of Brazil’s First Secretary Juan Oliveira Bomfim FB: ECCP - EUROPEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

SECOND Secretary Igor da Motta Magalhães Carneiro FB: ECCP - EUROPEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

AMBASSADOR Franz-Michael Mellbin MARINA/PNA

THE Norwegian electric ferry delegation

Five Ways to Make Your Holidays and Finances Merry and Bright

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration. However, they can also be a significant source of financial stress as this is the time for spending on gifts and celebrations. For Filipinos, the festive mood kicks off as soon as the “Ber” months come in. The earlier the season begins, the longer your budget is at risk of being overspent.

Sun Life believes that the key to a stress-free holiday and financial security is early and smart preparation. Here are five practical ways to manage your finances for the season, so you can enjoy the festivities without the dreaded post-holiday debt.

1. Set a realistic holiday budget and track it closely. Before the festivities begin, determine how much you can comfortably spend without compromising your essential expenses or savings goals. Break down your budget into categories such as gifts, food, travel, and entertainment and monitor your spending as you go. Using a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app can help you stay accountable and avoid unpleasant financial surprises when the season ends.

2. Shop early, smart, and strategically. Impulse buys are the fastest way to exceed your budget. A strategic approach to shopping helps you get the most value for your money and stay on track. First, create a gift list with specific spending limits for each recipient, and stick to this list to avoid overspending. Second, leverage early sales. Holiday deals do not just happen right before Christmas, so

take advantage of major promotions that happen throughout the “Ber” months. Spreading your purchases out over a few months eases the financial burden on a single paycheck.

3. Focus on experiences over expensive gifts. The true spirit of the holidays lies in creating lasting memories, not accumulating material things. Shifting your focus on experiences can significantly reduce your financial load. You may opt to get creative with gifts by considering homemade or DIY gifts to add a personal touch to your presents.

Alternatively, you can plan a simple gift exchange, like Secret Santa, to limit the number of people you buy gifts for. For celebrations, plan affordable alternatives. Instead of catering, host a festive potluck where everyone contributes a dish.

4. Use cash or debit for holiday spending. Credit cards can be a great tool, but they make it easy to overspend and accrue high-interest debt that lingers into the New Year. Dedicate a portion of your savings specifically for your holiday budget. If you need to use a credit card, set a limit that you know you can realistically pay off in full when your bill arrives.

5. Save a portion of your bonus and protect your financial future.

The holidays often bring a special bonus, or the much-awaited 13th month pay. While it is tempting to spend it all immediately, this is a good opportunity to boost your long-term financial health. As a gift to yourself and your loved ones, consider a financial product that helps you save for the long term. For instance, Sun Life Save and Protect is a reliable protection and savings plan that helps safeguard your loved ones’ future and supports your journey towards achieving your life goals. This affordable plan provides up to 20x maximum insurance protection coverage and a money back guarantee benefit after 20 years.

Enjoying a debt-free holiday is all about having disciplined financial habits. With the peak of the holiday season fast approaching, take the time to reflect on your spending and set financial goals for the coming year. A Sun Life financial advisor can help you review your spending, analyze what to do differently next year, and assist with setting your short-term and longterm financial goals to secure a brighter future.

For more financial literacy tips and stories, visit www.sunlife.co/LifeGoals. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Cetaphil Launches Cica Range to Support Sensitive, Redness-Prone Skin

CETAPHIL, the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand trusted for over 75 years, proudly unveils its latest innovation: Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica, a new line specially formulated to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and restore the skin’s protective barrier.

With sensitive skin concerns on the rise due to environmental stressors, lifestyle factors, and increased awareness around skin health, the launch of the Cica range reinforces the brand’s commitment to developing dermatologist-backed solutions that are both gentle and effective.

The product was officially introduced at the Cetaphil National Healthy Skin Mission 2025, held at SM Makati, which brought together dermatologists, media, and key opinion leaders for an immersive educational experience. Attendees explored the science behind Cica (Centella Asiatica extract), a hero ingredient celebrated for its soothing and healing properties.

Apart from Cica are Pentavitin and Allantoin, setting it apart in the Philippine skincare market, which also helps deeply hydrate, repair, and protect redness-prone, sensitive skin, making it Cetaphil’s

Power Trio Blend, delivering instant soothing relief while working to reduce visible redness and protect the skin barrier for up to 24 hours.

Within days of the launch, social media was abuzz with glowing feedback. Early users reported visible improvements in skin condition and praised the product’s compatibility with their existing Cetaphil routines, especially when paired with the brand’s iconic Gentle Skin Cleanser.

The products included in the brand’s newest Cica line:

Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Restoring Serum – Instantly reduces visible skin redness for up to 8 hours and accelerates skin barrier recovery in three days

Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica Balancing Toner – Instantly soothes visible skin redness, hydrates skin for 24 hours, and protects the skin barrier for eight hours

Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica Calming

Face Cream – Reduces visible skin redness and repairs the skin barrier in three days

The new Cetaphil Soothing & Comforting Cica range is now available at leading drugstores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms nationwide.

Vincent Co’s Puregold celebrates successful 2025 by giving away P15M worth of prizes

RACKING up P7 billion in revenues in the last quarter of 2025, Vincent Co’s Puregold is sharing the bounty with its customers by creating life-changing moments of joy through the grand Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo promo. To date, Puregold’s loyal shoppers have won laptops, smartphones, tablets, free groceries, tindahan showcases, and more on its weekly draws. By the end, the company will have given away over P15 million worth of prizes to its most loyal customers.

The largesse is emblematic of the growth that Puregold President Vincent Co has generated through his leadership in the company. This year alone, Co opened more stores nationwide while pushing basket size and foot traffic. The result: more shoppers choosing to spend their hard-earned money at Puregold.

Co stresses the importance of acknowledging the role his steadfast customers play in the company’s success.

“Even with the economic challenges besetting many Filipino families, our customers and members continue to stand by us and help us sustain growth,” says Co.

“Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo is pure gratitude to our loyal customers. Together, we will ensure that Puregold remains a dependable shopping destination that brings convenience and value to every home and every tindahan.”

Now approaching its eighth weekly draw covering the period of November 17 to 23, Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo is stirring up excitement over its forthcoming major prizes that include Suzuki Smash motorcycles, brand-new BYD Sealion 6 SUVs, and several PhP 1 million cash prizes.

Customers only need to present a registered

receipt that meets a set minimum purchase amount.

By offering customers chances to score gadgets, grocery essentials, or P-Wallet credits, Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo’s weekly draws also turn everyday errands into opportunities to win big.

With its valued Filipino consumers at heart, Puregold celebrates the people who have been with the brand through every milestone. The loyal customer base Puregold has cultivated and sustained through the years now gets to share in the humble success of the retailer.

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @ puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Foundever® in the Philippines joins International Coastal Clean-up 2025

IN line with its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Foundever® in the Philippines participated in the recent International Coastal Clean-up 2025, with simultaneous activities at Central Park MOA Complex in Pasay City and Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

The dual-site initiative, conducted under the 3G (Go Green Goal) campaign of Foundever in the Philippines, mobilized associates across two key coastal areas to take meaningful environmental action. In Metro Manila, associates collected 206 kilograms of mixed trash that would have otherwise harmed marine life and coastal ecosystems, while in Palawan, 43 associates participated in hands-on environmental stewardship efforts.

“Environmental sustainability is more than just a corporate responsibility; it’s a collective commitment that requires active participation from every member of our organization. Through initiatives

A Filipino holiday favorite, now a cheesy Subway® sandwich

FOR Filipinos, Christmas is the time to share a plate of savory, sweet ham. This year, Subway® Philippines is giving that beloved tradition an irresistibly cheesy twist with the launch of the all-new Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub. Featuring sweet ham served with premium Smoked Gouda Cheese from the USA for a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy goodness, this limited-edition sub is available starting November 19, 2025, at all Subway® Philippines stores nationwide. In the latest flavorful step to bring USA cheeses into the hearts of local diners, Cheese from the USA has partnered with Subway® Philippines to offer Filipinos a premium cheese experience that feels elevated yet familiar, a perfect flavor to celebrate the season. Marrying tender slices of chicken and ham with a spread of tangy pineapple jam, all tucked

into Subway’s signature bread, the Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub is made more enjoyable with the addition of the melted, award-winning U.S. Smoked Gouda.

The U.S. Smoked Gouda, named Best of Class at the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest, adds richness and harmony to any dish. Renowned worldwide for its smooth, creamy texture and delicate smokiness, it is the perfect choice for Subway’s latest festive creation. Complemented by crisp vegetables, the Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub delivers a wellbalanced, satisfying and flavorful bite for both cozy meals and joyous celebrations.

The latest partnership by Cheese from the USA underscores its commitment to bringing the best of U.S. Dairy to Filipinos.

“The Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub brings together flavors that Filipinos already love,

especially the sweetness of holiday ham, reimagined as a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich,” said Benjamin Fong, Head of Culinary Innovation, APAC, Subway®. “We wanted to create something festive yet balanced. It’s indulgent, but still fresh and easy to enjoy.”

“Having Cheese from the USA featured in a sandwich that celebrates the warmth and generosity of the Filipino holiday season is truly special,” said Dali Ghazalay, Regional Director –Southeast Asia, USDEC SEA. “Food has always been at the heart of every Filipino celebration. We’re thrilled that USA Cheeses can now be part of that tradition.

Through this collaboration with Subway®, we hope to take more Filipinos through a discovery of how USA Cheeses can elevate any meal and bring friends and families together this festive period.”

Made in Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland, the Smoked Gouda embodies the craftsmanship and quality that Cheese from the USA is known for. It is produced with strict compliance to standards and regulations, that ensure safe, high-quality dairy every time. It is why chefs, restaurants, and food lovers around the world trust Cheeses from the USA. The launch of the Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub follows the success of the limited-edition Triple Cheese Steak Sub earlier this year, which featured the Shredded Mexican Blend from Joseph Farms. The Gouda Pineapple Ham Sub

or

like the International Coastal Cleanup, we’re empowering our associates to become environmental champions in their communities,” said Willy Lim, Vice President for HR, Marketing and Talent Acquisition of Philippines, China, and Malaysia for Foundever in the Philippines. This approach demonstrates how the company’s 3G campaign translates sustainability commitments into measurable environmental outcomes while fostering a culture of ecological responsibility among its workforce nationwide. Other sustainable initiatives include clean-up drives, tree planting activities, thrift bazaars, digitization of tools and processes, waste recycling and the e-waste bin initiative – all aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging employees to adopt sustainable living practices through direct participation in these conservation efforts.

“Seeing our teams across Metro Manila and Palawan come together for this cause shows the power of collective action. The waste we removed represents more than cleaner coastlines, but a stronger commitment to protecting our marine ecosystems for future generations,” added Lim. Foundever® in the Philippines stated that the campaign reinforces compliance with the Philippines› Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 by actively mobilizing employee participation in waste management efforts and promoting sustainable lifestyle choices across its operations.

Vincent Co’s Puregold is giving away P15 million worth of prizes after seeing a highly successful 3rd quarter in 2025.

Let’s start the holiday celebrations with generosity

THE Christmas lights are already up and the malls are alight with the biggest Christmas trees. Yet this year, many of us feel a quiet heaviness. With the rising cost of living and the grave political issues our country is facing, it can be hard to summon that carefree holiday joy. Mental health experts worldwide continue to document that periods of social change, economic pressure, and public anxiety directly heighten stress—impacting both adults and children. But perhaps this is precisely when generosity matters most. When the world feels uncertain and our daily routines are shaken, giving becomes our way of holding on to faith to restore meaning amid all our fears and anxieties.

For Filipinos, generosity has never been limited to material gifts. It is woven into daily life. This deeply rooted spirit of kindness is what Cadbury Dairy Milk celebrates this Christmas through its campaign “Celebrating Generosity.” The brand invites us to honor not only the grand gestures but also the quiet, everyday acts that make others feel seen. Whether we give food, time, or a simple smile, these moments create ripples of connection that can outlast even troubled times. One story that perfectly captures this is that of Eugene Dela Cruz, whose journey from hardship to hope became viral earlier this year. At just 12 years old, Eugene found himself homeless. Each peso he earned on the streets was a lifeline. But instead of giving up, he held on—to his determination, and to the kindness of strangers who believed in him. Through their help and his relentless spirit, Eugene gradually rebuilt his life. He juggled many jobs—from dance choreography to tutoring, and eventually earned a scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University. In 2025, he graduated with honors under the Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honors Program), specializing in Financial Economics with a minor in Decision Science. Eugene often says that while perseverance opened doors, generosity lit the way.

There was Erin, a high school friend who

Metro Nuvali unveils plans to become the central business district in CALABARZON

By Patrick Villanueva

SITUATED just about an hour south of Metro Manila is what is about to become a 200-hectare central business district in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon)— Metro Nuvali.

If you are familiar with places like BGC or Makati, this latest project from Ayala should pique some interest with you. Within the Metro Nuvali is a three-district blueprint that boasts connectivity, creativity and economics. Its Lakeside District is a 100-hectare reimagined destination for shopping, dining and leisure anchored by Ayala Malls Nuvali, where it is integrated with the lakeside, Seda Hotel, and future office towers. In their update, they plan to open nearly 50,000 sqm of new retail. The Central District, on the other hand, is its commercial and cultural core. With office towers and collaborative workspaces, complemented by a three-hectare Central Park, it will become the place where businesses and creativity cross paths. It is reported to be a 40-hectare place. Lastly, the Civic District would become the heart and home for its citizens. It would be the location of the Santa Rosa Civic Complex, a two-hectare development housing a Satellite City Hall, Convention Center, Hotel, and Command Center.

What’s even better in the area is that it plans to integrate a seamlessly connected ecosystem. Major road networks, public transportation links, and walkable green corridors would become the norm, making life easier for those staying in the place.

As for its connectivity with neighboring cities, Metro Nuvali would be expanded alongside the upcoming Carmona-Biñan Link Road that’s targeted for completion by 2028. This will connect Metro Nuvali to SLEX, CALAX, and the future CTBEX. Metro Nuvali would become a premier business location for the South, making it the “future” of CALABARZON. With the place potentially competing with the likes of BGC and Makati with its scale infrastructure, it would be no surprising to see the place become a hallmark of the future of the south.

encouraged him when things were hardest; JP, a dance teammate who made long nights bearable; and Kamille, a university administration officer whose daily “kamusta” reminded him he was not invisible.

These people remind us that generosity does not always look grand. Sometimes it’s a smile, a text that says “Kaya mo ’yan,” or a meal shared when you have just enough. It is in these small moments when hope begins again.

Cadbury’s campaign highlights Eugene’s story in a short film celebrating those who lift others quietly. “Generosity does not have to be in grand gestures,” says Allana Paz, Assistant Brand Manager of Cadbury. “Eugene’s journey shows that simple acts of kindness can change lives, and that’s what Cadbury stands for—to inspire everyone to pass on sweetness, one thoughtful gesture at a time”.

To make sharing even more special, Cadbury Dairy Milk now comes in a limited-edition Christmas sleeve where you can write a personal message to the “generous one” in your life. It’s a

small, tangible way to say thank you—to teachers, yayas, security guards, or friends.

As parents, we often teach generosity through gifts, but what our children truly remember are the gestures they witness. When they see us tip a driver fairly or thank a cashier sincerely, we are teaching them emotional generosity. Research worldwide, such as recent studies from the University of California and others, shows that children who regularly observe acts of parental kindness are significantly more likely to demonstrate empathy and community involvement themselves, with many studies noting marked increases in prosocial behaviors and resilience later in life. Modeling daily compassion shapes how our children respond to difficulties and helps them grow emotionally secure. Eugene himself reminds us that kindness multiplies. “Generosity is the force that keeps us going,” he said. “Talking to people or just lending an ear is a big help—you never know what others are going through. Even saying ‘You can do it!’

goes a long way.”

During difficult years, family rituals of giving become anchors. We can create new traditions— delivering food packs to barangay helpers, making gratitude notes for the household, donating to a local cause, or simply being more present at the dinner table. These moments restore our sense of control, offering hope and connection. It also helps us manage anxiety. While not a cure for worries, sharing genuine support, encouragement and time allows us to anchor ourselves in purpose.

Psychologists advise that helping others can build resilience and shift our mindset from fear to hope.

Eugene Dela Cruz’s story is not just a tale of triumph. It is a mirror of who we can all be when we choose kindness over fear. So, when you wrap a gift this year, remember to wrap it with intention.

Write a note. Say thank you. Offer your time.

The world may feel uncertain, but every act of generosity reminds us of that meaningful light which still shines brightly in our hearts.

BJORN, IKEA’s bear mascot, welcomes customers inside the Plan and Order Shop

By Dinna Chan Vasquez

of kitchen, bedroom and living room solutions; use interactive planning tools to design their dream spaces, and place orders for home delivery. Customers can browse and order from the full IKEA range of more than 8,500 articles, with items delivered directly to the store. There is no restaurant or any form of food. All products can be ordered online for free collection at the shop.

branch. The 500-sqm Plan and Order Shop is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It offers shoppers the chance to browse, plan, and order the full IKEA range without driving to the flagship store in Pasay. Here, customers can explore a curated selection

“This is a pick-up and planning hub. Customers can sit down with our design specialists at the consultation and planning zone. They can also shop and take away on the same day items in the curated displays,” said IKEA Philippines country retail manager Ricardo Pinheiro. Aside from furniture and houseware, IKEA also offers Christmas trees, ornaments, and festive décor for the holiday season.

The store opening was marked by a ceremonial tape-cutting led by Mayor Joy Belmonte,

Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Anna Ferry, Ayala Land SVP and Head of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel Ayala, and IKEA Philippines’ Pinheiro.

TriNoma serves the large residential markets of Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. Quezon City is also a gateway to the northern provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, and the rest of Central Luzon, with easy access via the North Luzon Expressway and Skyway 3. “Quezon City is the largest city in the Philippines with a population of 3.2 million. Many of IKEA’s customers in Pasay are actually from here,” said Belmonte. The IKEA Plan and Order Shop is a cashless shop. Only digital and cards payments are accepted. It is located on Level 1 (near Mary Grace Cafe), TriNoma Mall, North Avenue corner Edsa, Quezon City. Shoppers can also order online via IKEA Philippines’ website.

B8 | Thursday, NovemBer 27, 2025

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Miñoza turns back Bisera, gains semifinals

MARTINA MIÑOZA moved two giant steps closer to a career breakthrough after posting the tournament’s most jarring, 2&1, over defending champion Florence Bisera, 2&1, in Wednesday’s quarterfinals of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. The Country Club Match Play Invitational in Santa Rosa City.

T he final score didn’t reflect how dominant was Miñoza—long touted as one of Del Monte’s brightest rising stars—as she seized two of the first six holes and built a commanding four-up cushion.

Bisera—who turned back Mikha Fortuna, 2&1, to clinch the crown last year—mounted a late charge, trimming the deficit and threatening to flip the momentum, but Miñoza answered with poised to secure the victory on the 17th green. The result rattled pre-tournament projections and overshadowed Marvi Monsalve’s stunner over top seed Sarah Ababa in the first round of the head-to-head duels among the top performers of the 2025 Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Daniella Uy, meanwhile, needed every ounce of grit to fend off Monsalve in a seesaw showdown, carving out a nerve-shredding 1-up triumph to book a semifinals clash with Mafy Singson.

S ingson herself had to dig deep, leaning on back-to-back birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 to finally shake off Tiffany Lee before closing out a 3&1 decision.

Harmie Constantino displayed trademark steadiness to subdue No. 3 seed Chanelle Avaricio, 3&2, in a duel that featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings.

Yulo sets goal higher ahead of LA Olympics

By Josef Ramos

Constantino’s composure under fire made the difference, allowing her to secure a semis clash with Miñoza in what promises to be a fascinating contrast of styles.

With the P1.5-million season-ending crown and the P280,000 top purse at stake, all four semifinalists head into Thursday’s matches aware that the course demands cleverness, precision and emotional control.

In the red, hunt for gold

WITH all the uncertainty about who would constitute the final cast and what the team placings would be in the semifinals round of Season 88 men’s basketball, there was one thing that stood certain.

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors would be the first team out of the eight-team tournament.

The Red-and-White had succumbed to another 0-14 season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), a sad turn of events indeed for the Pamantasan ng Silangan. T his is the second time for UE to experience a winless season. In Season 84, the Red Warriors under Coach Jack Santiago went home winless under the bubble setting—not that its line-up was so-so—that UE team had Clint Escamis, Jojo

Harvey Pagsanjan and the Paranda

and

HPhilippines battles

Group A leader Argentina Thursday night raring to deliver a strong performance in its  last appearance at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the PhilSports Arena. Though already out of contention for the quarterfinals after opening losses to Poland (0-6) and Morocco (2-3), the gritty Filipina5 vow to go all out in the 8:30 p.m. duel with the unbeaten La Albiceleste as a treat for loyal supporters.

Que, Jahns stay on track for showdown

ANGELO QUE and Keanu Jahns stayed firmly on a marquee collision course after dispatching their respective rivals in contrasting fashions to lead a high-powered cast into the quarterfinals of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. The Country Club Match Play Invitational in Santa Rosa City on Wednesday.

T he top-seeded Que endured streaky stretches before finally finding his rhythm late to oust Ryan Monsalve, 2&1, and secure a mouthwatering duel with fellow multititled campaigner Clyde Mondilla in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

“Feeling much better but not 100 percent yet, getting better every day,” said Que, who had been unsure of even competing this week after withdrawing from last Friday’s final Philippine Golf Tour leg at Valley Golf due to a stomach ailment.

“It’s match play, so anybody has a chance,” he said, fully aware that his quarterfinal showdown with Mondilla

promises to be one of the tournament’s most compelling matchups. No. 2 seed Jahns, meanwhile, leaned on his power game and near-flawless iron play to oust Jhonnel Ababa with an authoritative 4&3 victory, earning him a blockbuster duel with five-time Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña.

“Nothing special,” Jahns said of his lopsided win. “I just tried to make pars to avoid penalty shots. If you ball’s in-play and with a decent short game, you’ll play well.”

Preparing to face Lascuña, the FilipinoGerman said he won’t be altering his approach.

“I will just go for pars. Bonus if I get birdies,” Jahns said. “Tony always has a very good short game, so it should be a good match.”

right track.

Now, UE shares the “distinction” of being a UAAP team with zero wins—alongside National University (Season 57), Adamson University (Seasons 63 and 64) and University of the Philippines (Seasons 70, 73 and 76).

“It’s the World Cup, they’re playing in their home country so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” Philippine coach Rafa Merino said in Spanish.

The Filipina5 came tantalizingly close to scoring a historic victory in the 16-nation showpiece backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation last Monday as Inday Tolentin and Cathrine

But lest you think UE is a pushover team, please be reminded that the Red Warriors are one of the most glorious teams in the league. To this day, no UAAP team has ever achieved what the UE has achieved during its heyday. It is the only team to have strung up an unbelievable seven consecutive championships in men’s basketball from 1965-66 to 1971-72.

The Red Warriors also own the longest streak of UAAP men’s basketball finals appearances at 16 straight from 1957 to 1972. The team also represented the Philippines in the 1967 Summer Universiade, a multi-sport event for university athletes in Tokyo, Japan.

UE has 18 UAAP men’s basketball championships to its name, thanks in large part to its legendary coach, the late Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan who was responsible for the string of championships and for discovering and developing equally legendary players like Robert “The Big J” Jaworski and Jimmy Mariano. Beyond the Dalupan era, UE also shone in the 80s with star players Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera. And who could ever deny that latter-day basketball stars like James Yap, Paul Lee, Bong Ravena, Jolly Escobar, Ronald Tubid, Niño Canaleta and Roy Sumang all came from UE.

Today, the Warriors are definitely starved for a title—one that they last won 40 years ago when Caidic and Codiñera and Coach Boysie Zamar were still suited up in Red and White.

struck early against Morocco. But it wasn’t meant to be as the Moroccans countered with three goals to turn the game around. The come-from-behind verdict enabled the reigning African titlists to tie Poland at second spot with three points on one win against one loss, making their 6 p.m. faceoff a winnertake-all for the last available ticket to the KO rounds.

World No. 6 Argentina clinched the first seat at six points with victories over Morocco (6-0) and Poland (3-2) ahead of its final group assignment against the home side. The 63rd-ranked Filipina5 are heavy underdogs but that won’t prevent them from fighting tooth and nail and trying to upset the South American powers.

“We have to try to give the best of ourselves, keep with our identity, keep with who we are,” Merino said. “There’s nothing extraordinary that we can do but we play the best way we can.”

AFTER making his debut in the Asian Youth Games,

UE came pretty close to winning one in Season 70 (2007-08) when it swept the elimination round—the first team to do so in the Final Four era. (That year, however, the “sweep clause” was used for the first time by the UAAP, so instead of winning the championship outright like the University of Santo Tomas did in 1993, UE automatically moved up to the Best of 3 Finals and waited for its opponent to win the other finals seat via a play-off. The finals series, however, took a long 21 days before it

CARLOS YULO (right) celebrates his brother Karl Eldrew Yulo’s bronze medal at the recent world junior championships.

MAFFY SINGSON deeps dig in her

Graversen

INDAY TOLENTIN and the Filipina5 don’t yield that easily to Nadia Lftah and the Moroccans in their match the other night. PFF PHOTO

KEANU JAHNS avoids risky shots and walks away with pars. NONIE REYES

SANCHO DEL ROSARIO strikes a pose at the recent Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. HOKA PHOTO

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness

Filipino families prioritize health, savings and daily nutrition–study

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor

ARECENT survey conducted on 1,515 families

showed that more than half of those surveyed could not cover a P10,000 hospital bill without borrowing money or relying on health insurance.

The study titled “The Filipino Family” reflected the grim reality on the profound health challenges facing Filipino families. Far from being a purely medical issue, the primary health hurdle is revealed to be a deep-seated crisis of financial security and a fundamental lack of trust in institutional support. “The fear of falling into debt due to a medical emergency is cited repeatedly as a major worry,” the study noted.

The study was conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, a global consulting firm that partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities.

As a result of the study, the so-called out of reach aspirations like moving into a dream home, starting a family business, or travelling abroad are usually sacrificed as families face the constant struggle to make ends meet. Moreover, savings for a higher value purchase like a car has to take a backseat to give way to handle health risks, illustrating how the fear of illness overrides even high-value purchases.

Top 3 priorities

ACCORDING to the study, the top three priorities for Filipino families are anchored on financial stability and basic needs:

n 70 percent of households cite being financially secure enough to absorb health scares as their biggest priority;

n 68 percent prioritize having a large savings fund; and

n 64 percent prioritize improving daily nutrition and food quality.

For the average Filipino household, BCG said health is not an abstract concept of wellness but a tangible, everpresent economic threat to their hard-earned stability.

According to the BCG study, achieving financial security to handle health emergencies and health scares ranks as the number one aspiration for Filipinos, with 58 percent of respondents citing it as a top priority. The study pointed out that it is not merely a wish for good health but it is a desperate need to build a financial fortress against the crippling costs of illness. The aspiration surpasses other critical life goals such

DOH reminds Pinoys to adopt 20-20-20 rule to protect the eyes

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

HOW important is the 20-20-20 rule in protecting the eyes?

While the majority of people use computers and cellphones for work and various daily activities, it may cause eye discomfort and vision problems.

The Department of Health (DOH) has advised that practicing the 20-20-20 rule where you rest every 20 minutes and look 20 meters away for 20 seconds, will reduce eye strain. No one wants to lose their eyesight, the DOH said,  so eye health is important as well as saving a person’s vision.

The DOH said that eye strain can cause headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye redness.

Tips to prevent eye strain

ACCORDING to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life, consider these tips to reduce or prevent eye strain:

Adjust the lighting. When watching television, it may be easier on your eyes if you keep the room softly lit.

Take breaks. When reading or doing close work, take occasional breaks and rest your eyes by looking away from the page, digital screen or task.

Limit screen time. This is especially important for children, who may not make the connection between extended viewing, eyestrain and the need to rest their eyes regularly.

Use artificial tears. Nonprescription artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dry eyes. Use them even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated and prevent a recurrence of symptoms.

Improve the air quality of your space. Some changes that may help prevent dry eyes include using a humidifier, adjusting the thermostat to reduce blowing air and avoiding smoke.

Choose the right eyewear for you. If you need glasses or contacts and work at a computer, consider investing in glasses or contact lenses designed specifically for computer work.

as starting a business, building a large savings fund, or owning a dream home. This positioning at the top of the national “dream list” immediately underscores the severity of the challenge.

Fragile financial safety net

THE study has illustrated coarse-grained detail on just how fragile the financial safety net is for many Filipino families.

The challenge is exacerbated as even minor medical expenses can trigger a financial catastrophe. This pervasive anxiety dictates daily spending, saving habits, and long-term planning, compelling families to prioritize immediate financial risk management over opportunities for growth or investment.

Despite government efforts to expand healthcare coverage, notably through programs like the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the BCG research points to a significant gap in public confidence.

Over 60 percent of Filipinos reported having some form of health plan, yet only 65 percent of those with coverage felt financially prepared for an emergency. The disconnect highlights a fundamental lack of trust in the system’s ability to provide genuine, comprehen -

sive protection from high-cost treatments. Self-sufficiency

AS a result, Filipinos are driven toward self-sufficiency. The high ranking of the desire to start one’s own business (56 percent) is directly intertwined with the need for health security. For many, entrepreneurship is not an end in itself but a vehicle to achieve the primary goal to generate a stable, independent source of income that can be mobilized to cover medical bills when the institutional system falls short.

This reliance on personal effort and the extended family—often utilizing informal saving mechanisms like the paluwagan system instead of formal financial institutions—is a clear manifestation of perceived institutional limitations.

The BCG study should serve as a powerful call to action for policymakers and private sector leaders. The health challenge in the Philippines is fundamentally a challenge of affordability and accessibility.

Moving forward requires a concerted, multi-sectoral approach which include:

n Reforming Healthcare Financing: The system must be streamlined to ensure that existing coverage translates into tangible, zero-balance services at the point of need, thus bridging the trust gap between citizens and public health institutions.

n Empowering Financial Resilience: Financial institutions need to develop accessible and affordable products that specifically address healthcare emergencies, moving beyond traditional insurance to offer flexible, high-trust mechanisms that resonate with the Filipino reality.

n Supporting Micro-Entrepreneurship: Since starting a business is seen as a path to health security, structural support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) must be strengthened, including better access to formal financing and reduced compliance costs.

Finally, the BCG study said the Filipino family’s asprtations indicate that the most critical health challenge is not a specific disease but the overwhelming anxiety of financial ruin caused by medical expenses. It said the Filipino family’s aim is to be resilient in these challenging times, where self-sufficiency is sought to protect the family from a system perceived as inadequate. For true national progress, the study said deep-seated fear must be addressed by ensuring that health security is a collective reality, not just an individual aspiration.

St. Luke’s Medical Center launches the Evelyn D. Ang-Dana Charity Ward

By Rory Visco | Contributor

THE stark reality of healthcare inequality in the Philippines, where distance, poverty, and scarce doctors block access to life-saving treatment, is being confronted head-on by St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC).

To expand its charity efforts and redefine them, St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. (SLMCFI) has officially opened the Evelyn D. Ang/Dāna Charity Ward: a completely free, 40-bed facility dedicated to serving the nation’s indigent patients. More than just a new unit, the facility embodies the transformative power of generosity, turning compassion into life-changing care.

From surgical missions to systemic change FOR years, St. Luke’s has worked tirelessly to bridge the urbanprovincial divide through its intensive surgical missions program, a vital initiative that targets areas with dangerously poor patient-doctor ratios.

In an interview with BusinessMirror, Dr. Benjamin Campomanes, Jr., SLMCFI President, spoke of the “depressing” reality, particularly in poor provinces, where a single doctor might visit a community only every two weeks, facing an “impossible” backlog of patients. These missions, which routinely treat 60 to 70 patients over a four or five-day event, highlight the sheer magnitude of the unaddressed medical needs outside of major cities.

While the missions remain crucial, the establishment of the new ward represents a strategic shift toward institutionalized, sustainable, and high-level care for the severely underserved. Admissions at the new facility began last November 10, 2025, marking a new chapter rooted in the Sanskrit word Dāna, which means “the practice of selfless giving.”

The decision to place the facility within the hospital’s core was a pragmatic one. An initial plan to build a brand-new hospital in a depressed province, such as in Tarlac or Pampanga, was shelved since ensuring the world-class St. Luke’s standard of care without the involvement of its specialized medical staff from Manila would be impossible. The strategic integration of this charity wing directly within the main St. Luke’s Quezon City building resolves this challenge.

Equitable care: zero cost, same quality

THE 40-bed facility is an extra wing that is fully woven into the hospital’s ecosystem so that charity patients receive the same standard of care, medical expertise, and modern facilities as private patients. This one-healthcare system approach extends to St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, where beds are also allotted for charity patients if needed.

Experts push PhilHealth to establish comprehensive Lung Cancer Package

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

HEALTH experts and patient advocates have reiterated urgent calls for the establishment of a comprehensive PhilHealth lung cancer benefit package, highlighting the numerous benefits this essential program would bring to Filipino patients and to the country.

Implementing this package is crucial because it would immediately provide substantial financial relief, reducing the enormous outof-pocket costs currently burdening patients and their families, especially since lung cancer remains the nation’s number one cancer killer.

Furthermore, a dedicated package for lung cancer is a smart economic investment, as treating cancer in its early stages is significantly cheaper than managing advanced disease, ultimately lowering the overall national economic burden.

“We have P1.6 million in the breast cancer package. But for lung cancer, I don’t think we have any yet. And if we will have one, we should include early detection, not just when you are already diagnosed with lung cancer because by that time it is already too late,” said Dr. Antonio Ramos, Thoracic and Vascular surgeon and president of the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.

Good investment

“A GOOD investment for the Philippines is early detection. The economic burden will be significantly lower because early treatment is cheaper and outcomes are better,” added Dr. Ramos.

During a recent Lung Cancer Awareness Month Media Round Table Discussion, Dr. Ramos was joined by Dr. Soon Sing Yang, consultant Cardiothoracic surgeon at the Sarawak Heart Center in Malaysia, and Emer Rojas, cancer survivor and president of the Lung Health Alliance of the Philippines (LungHAP).

“The same specialists, nurses, and clinical teams who serve private patients are also attending to charity patients,” assures Dr. Campomanes. “This guarantees the same standard of quality, compassion, and safety across every case. Because here at St. Luke’s, every patient matters.”

For the neediest patients referred to the Dana Ward—typically those who can afford 25 percent or less of their medical bill—services are provided entirely for free. This comprehensive coverage includes highly complex, high-cost procedures that were once unattainable for the poor, such as open-heart surgeries, organ transplants, and advanced cancer treatments. Dr. Campomanes guaranteed that patients in this program “will not shell out a single cent.”

Dr. Dennis Serrano, SLMC President and CEO, on the other hand, underscored the profound significance of this approach.

“The Evelyn D. Ang/Dāna Charity Ward represents the very heart of St. Luke’s mission: to bring world-class healthcare to every Filipino, regardless of background or circumstance. It’s also about giving dignity, equity, and hope to our patients in need.”

A sustainable model and a call to action AT present, SLMC is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative because it operates as a non-stock, non-profit entity, where there are no owners or stockholders demanding equity returns. This freedom allows SLMC to channel its revenue—derived from services provided to those who can afford them—back into serving the marginalized. Dr. Campomanes believes this generosity begets generosity, making the entire operation sustainable.

The new ward is a testament to this financial philosophy and the strong partnership with the family of Philip Ang and other generous donors. While SLMC already services about 4,000 charity patients annually, the new Dāna Ward is projected to aid an additional 2,000 to 3,000 inpatients and outpatients per year, demonstrating the program’s massive scaling potential. The funding is already available to sustain the program for at least the next five years, with a high probability of extension.

Dr. Campomanes views the ward not just as a facility but as a “movement of collective generosity,” aiming to be an example for all private hospitals in the country. By institutionalizing this support, St. Luke’s is challenging others to follow suit, proving that “excellence and compassion can coexist.”

As Dr. Serrano concludes, “Dāna reminds us that the true measure of healthcare is not just in the lives we save, but in the compassion we share.” With the official launch of the Evelyn D. Ang/ Dāna Charity Ward, SLMC is not just treating the sick; it is actively shaping a more compassionate, inclusive, and equitable future for Philippine healthcare, one act of selfless giving at a time.

to repeated courses of antibiotics, or incorrectly treated as TB.

“A patient might jump from GP to GP, they don’t have continuity of care within the same GP itself. To a GP, it might just be a new incident of a chest infection. It is only when they have represented themselves to the GP maybe numerous times, the GP might pick up that this is not just a simple chest infection,” said Dr. Soon.

When a patient experiences a recurring chest infection, Dr. Soon said the priority must be to investigate the underlying cause. This requires at least a chest X-ray, and if the results are suspicious, it should be immediately followed by a CT scan.

Dr. Ramos, however, pointed out that early lung cancer does not have any symptoms.

“That is the reason why you detect them late—when they finally feel something, it’s already advanced. Usually they have pleural fluid or difficulty breathing, or chest wall pain,” he continued.

“Unfortunately, early lung cancer has no symptoms. So what we can say is: if you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you have a loved one who smokes, ask them to stop.”

Risk factors

“THERE’S a rise in lung cancer among non-smokers, especially in female patients. The theory is whether there’s increased exposure to cooking fumes and so on. It hasn’t been proven yet, but there’s a rise in detection among non-smoker females,” said Dr. Soon.

United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, who serves as Chairperson of the Committee on Senior Citizens and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Health, was unable to attend the event but sent a message that was read to the attendees.

“We come together to acknowledge a harsh reality. Lung cancer continues to claim thousands of lives in the Philippines, often because detection comes too late. In 2022, It was the 7th most common cancer in our country, taking more than 20,000 lives,” said Magsaysay.

Not just a smoker’s disease MAGSAYSAY and all the speakers have underscored that lung cancer is not solely a smoker’s disease.

“Anyone can be affected. So we must ensure that the stigma never obstructs care, support, or compassion for patients and their families. Too often, cases are diagnosed late. Or misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, depriving people of timely and effective intervention,” added Magsaysay.

Rojas also stressed that the misconception of lung cancer as “only a smoker’s disease” is dangerous. Because of this notion, a majority of non-smokers may neglect to seek medical attention or regular check-ups.

Late diagnosis

DR. Soon explained that delayed patient presentation is common for two main reasons: patient inaction—where individuals ignore symptoms like a chronic cough, assuming it is benign or a smoker’s cough, and lack of awareness on the part of some doctors.

Even when patients consult a GP or general practitioner, the condition is often misdiagnosed and treated as a chest infection, leading

“So I think a lot of environmental factors are out there. Pollution, cooking fumes, and, if you have a relative—especially a first-degree relative—with lung cancer, your chances are elevated. Therefore, you should undergo lung cancer screening. If your sibling or parent has lung cancer, it is important that you get screened,” he added. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose CT scan, or LDCT. The CDC recommends lung cancer screening for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age.

Immunotherapy

DR. Ramos and Dr. Sun also discussed innovative therapies, particularly immunotherapy, which have brought about a huge transformation in lung cancer treatment over the last few years. While traditional methods relied solely on surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, modern approaches now include newer generations of targeted immunotherapy that are rapidly advancing the field.

These therapies make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Patients are surviving longer, living disease-free, or experiencing prolonged survival even while managing the disease.

However, a major barrier remains as these advanced therapies are expensive. The high cost means that access to this potentially lifesaving treatment is not feasible for every patient, highlighting the critical need for financial support mechanisms.

Dr. Ramos pointed out that it is important to prioritize three key actions. First, prevention, which is always the easiest route; second, early detection, which provides a higher chance of a cure; and third, establishing a mechanism that allows patients who require innovative therapy to benefit from these costly interventions.

“As mentioned, it is quite expensive and so maybe the government again can help with this treatment and they can have access programs for immunotherapy,” added Dr. Ramos.

Reducing tobacco taxes is a public health hazard–experts

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor

HEALTH experts cautioned that reducing tobacco taxes is a counterproductive policy, predicting it would both escalate smoking rates and fail to curb illegal smuggling.

“The results disprove the tobacco industry’s narrative that high taxes cause smuggling,” said Daffodil Santillan, AER lead researcher for the study by the Action for Economic Reforms (AER) and Economics for Health of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“The evidence shows the real issue is weak law enforcement and regulatory oversight, especially at ports and borders. Lowering tobacco taxes will only make cigarettes cheaper and Filipinos sicker,” Santillan pointed out.

The study emphasizes that tobacco excise tax rates, applied uniformly nationwide, cannot explain regional disparities in illicit trade. Instead, local political will, maritime governance, and enforcement intensity determine where illicit products thrive.

Surveys in eight cities

THE research was based on surveys of more than 1,000 sari-sari stores and an audit of over

7,500 cigarette packs in eight key cities—Dagupan, Navotas, Quezon City, Pasay, Batangas, Mega Cebu, Zamboanga, and General Santos.

The results found that due to weak enforcement and geographical location, Southern Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga and General Santos, has the highest prevalence of illicit tobacco trade. In Zamboanga City alone, nearly 80 percent of the packs were priced below applicable taxes, while up to 96 percent of inspected packs had fake or missing tax stamps. Meanwhile, the results show that the prevalence of illicit cigarette sales in Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila is low.

Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco, who spoke at the launch, underscored the importance of local government action. “During my term as Zamboanga City Mayor, I led an uncompromising campaign against smuggling in Zamboanga City, initiating investigations into Customs officials and over the disappearance of smuggled sugar and rice from warehouses, demanding full accountability,” Climaco said.

“As Regional Peace and Order Council Chair for two terms, I also coordinated with law enforcement agencies down to the Barangay and personally oversaw midnight operations and

confiscations, underscoring my firm resolve to protect the city from illicit trade and corruption.”

Repel proposals

AER urged the government to repel proposals to lower tobacco excise taxes, such as House Bill 11360, which was hastily passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with minimal deliberation and limited stakeholder consultation. AER also warned against House Bills 5207, 5212, and 5364, lowering taxes on vape and heated tobacco products.

The group warned that tax rollbacks will reverse a decade of health and fiscal progress.

Since 2012, tobacco tax reforms have reduced adult smoking prevalence from 29.7 percent in 2009 to 19.5 percent in 2021, a significant public health achievement, while significantly increasing revenue for health programs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the current tax system.

To address illicit trade and protect the gains of tobacco tax reform, AER recommends the following actions:

n Upgrading the current tax stamp system into a comprehensive, up-to-date track-andtrace system  with physical and digital markers, independent of the tobacco industry;

n Licensing all tobacco retailers, including sari-sari stores, to ensure compliance;

n Empowering the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to suspend or close violators;

n Tightening coordination among Customs, BIR, and local governments in enforcement hotspots; and

n Stem illicit trade at the source by strengthening cooperation, especially  with neighboring countries through multilateral and bilateral means.

“Tobacco tax reforms save lives and fund the healthcare of the most vulnerable Filipinos,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, at the launch. “It’s time to protect public health and public revenues through stronger enforcement. Lowering taxes at this point, when our economy is struggling and [the] government needs revenues, may not be a good idea.”

The full report, “Illicit Tobacco Trade in the Philippines: Findings from Sari-Sari Store Surveys and Empty Pack Audits,” was conducted by AER in partnership with Economics of Health of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Bureau of Internal Revenue validated the findings of the empty pack analysis.

Interior designer shifts to medical aesthetics, opens own skin clinic

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor

HARMAINE “SHAMIE” STA. ANA-LEE

Sa professional interior designer, has embarked on a fascinating career shift, trading blueprints and spatial design for medical aesthetics. As the owner of the recently opened aesthetic health clinic, SKN Med, Sta. Ana-Lee’s journey is a testament of embracing curiosity and a deeply rooted, though previously dormant, connection to the medical field.

“I grew up in a family of professionals—lawyers, doctors, and an executive, who built humble but enduring careers through service,” she says. “Being the youngest, I was never pressured to follow a set path, but I’ve always been curious about the medical field ever since I was a kid.”

The pivot was propelled by this lifelong curiosity, fueled by her family’s strong ties to medicine. Sta. Ana-Lee, an Interior Design graduate of the Philippine School of Interior Design & De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, has a mother who is a semi-retired Family Medicine physician specializing in Pediatrics in Caloocan. Her brother, a practitioner of Family & Community Medicine and Dementia Care at the family clinic, became her steady anchor.

“When I confessed my doubts about entering medical aesthetics, worried it might disrupt the clinic’s tradition, he was the first to encourage me,” she recalls. “His quiet support—rooted in both sibling love and professional wisdom— helped me take the leap.”

Transition

THE transition materialized when her mother, recognizing Sta. Ana-Lee’s interest offered her space within the established Sta. Ana Medical Clinic, a practice operational since the 1970s.

This generous offer provided the ideal foundation for SKN Med, allowing her to establish a modern aesthetic clinic alongside her family’s traditional medical practice.

Sta. Ana-Lee’s preparation for this career shift was anything but simple. She began with online exploration, enrolling in two initial courses through Harvard Online, studying for three to four months. While these provided theoretical knowledge, she quickly realized the need for practical application, as the Harvard certification alone would not allow her to practice in the Philippines.

This realization led her to enroll in local institutions in Manila, focusing on hands-on training with lasers, injectables, and other aesthetic procedures. Around the same time, she also

pursued a Doctorate in Aesthetic Medicine at the European Center for Accreditation, further deepening her understanding.

Mastery classes

SHE immersed herself in “mastery classes” and valued the real-world demonstrations conducted by practicing doctors.

Surprisingly, this entire exploration was conducted quietly. “I didn’t tell anyone I was going through hands-on training,” she admits, initially just “testing the waters” to see if this big shift felt right.

Her new clinic, SKN Med, a name she conceived while designing the logo—a simple abbreviation of “skin” incorporating a subtle syringe motif, is truly a collaborative family venture. Her

mother provides the physical space and funds the purchase of key aesthetic machines for what she jokingly calls a “donation, charity.” Her brother, the doctor, is also a vital guide, advising her on which aesthetic services to offer.

SKN Med, which opened last November 15, 2025, operates as a separate entity within the Sta. Ana Medical Clinic building. This creates a unique synergy where her family’s traditional medical practice complements her modern aesthetic and wellness services.

Strategically built team

STA. ANA-LEE has strategically built her team, hiring a consultant and partner who assists with protocols and business startup, and a practicing nurse. Her mother gave her timely advice to “start small,” emphasizing patience in recovery and a cautious budget stand, mindful of the Caloocan market’s lower-middle-income purchasing power.

The initial services include IV Drips, Slimming Shots, Hair Regrowth Procedure, Mesotherapy, and her own specialization, laser treatments, as she will be the one primarily operating the laser machine. Other procedures will be administered by her Aesthetic Doctor Partner specializing in threads, fillers, and Botox, working on a scheduled basis.

For Sta. Ana-Lee, the journey from interior designer to aesthetic health clinic owner, while a “big shift,” maintains a continuous aesthetic thread. Interior design focused on making spaces beautiful; her new role focuses on making people feel beautiful and well. Supported by a family legacy in medicine and armed with rigorous training, Sta. Ana-Lee is determined to leave her mark on the landscape of aesthetic wellness with SKN Med.

Students Defy Odds with ‘Deafy,’ an Award-Winning App for the Deaf Community

IN their senior year at Kapalong National High School in Davao del Norte, four students were quietly building an app that would change lives. Unknown to many of their friends and teachers, Jhydd Mahinay, Prince Eco Barlisan, Marvin Jhon Alegario, and Floyd Karlo Ganza were developing “Deafy,” a mobile application for the deaf community that made it to the Giga phase, the final round, of PLDT and Smart’s Innovation Generation Season 4 (InnoGen 4). “It was our first time joining an innovation competition,” said Mahinay. “Our group even submitted three proposals to boost our chances. We were ready to work on all of them if needed.”

In the end, it was “Deafy,” a mobile app that converts sign language to text and speech, and vice versa, in real time, that became the group’s ticket to InnoGen 4. “Our mentor suggested the project,” he added.

“She shared that it was difficult to converse with a hearing-impaired student because she didn’t know Filipino Sign Language.”

Once the excitement of qualifying sank in, pressure followed. Not only was it their first innovation competition, but none of them also knew how to code, an essential skill to have when the proposed solution is a smartphone application.

“I had to pick up programming right away, on top of everything else was juggling,” said Prince Eco Barlisan, the group’s programmer. “I signed up for free online bootcamps and watched countless YouTube tutorials. I grabbed every chance to learn. If it was free, I was on it.”

It was quite a feat in itself, considering that like most high schools in the Philippines, theirs does not offer any programming course. Still, the app was promising enough to carry the team to the final round but they knew they had to do more.

During a mentorship session, Ervir Cabiling, Senior Solutions Architect Supervisor at Smart’s Network Strategy & Transformation Office, suggested adding artificial intelligence (AI) to the system.

“We tried it and it was very helpful in detecting hand gestures,” said Mahinay. The team also added tutorial videos to help users learn sign language.

When the group finally revealed Deafy to their principal, the head of the school’s Special Needs Education (SNED) program and master teachers during beta testing, the reaction was awe. Deafy went on to impress judges at InnoGen 4’s Demo Day. It was so well put up that it bagged the top prize, “The Real MVP,” among senior high school entries. The award recognizes the most groundbreaking solution with lasting community impact, embodying this season’s theme of inclusivity, sustainability and scalability.

PHA Southern Tagalog supports DOT’s First-aid Kiosk Program

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Southern Tagalog Chapter has expressed their support for the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Firstaid Kiosk Program in key destinations, providing immediate medical assistance and emergency response to travelers and tourists.

The first batch of areas identified by the DOT were Boracay, La Union, Panglao, Bohol; Palawan and Puerto Galera. There are PHA chapters in all these places.   PHA STC said that integrating health and tourism ensures both residents and visitors are protected in times of emergency. One way is by propagating handsonly CPR and resurrecting CPR on Wheels & Wings (CWW).

Another edge of CALABARZON is that it has tertiary hospitals like Perpetual Help Medical Center – Biñan, De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmarinas, Cavite and Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, Lipa City, Batangas, which are PHAaccredited Cardiology Training Institutions.

The “Sharing Cardiology” culture of the PHA is very much alive in the region. PHA STC will continue the “Guru2.0” program which educates physicians from other specialties and family medicine doctors on how to assess cardiovascular disease.

New officers

MEANWHILE , the PHA STC formally inducted its new set of officers for 2025 to 2027 and new members in a ceremonial event recently that underscored the chapter’s renewed commitment to advancing cardiovascular health training and care, cardiac emergency preparedness, and  awareness among the public across the region.

The ceremony highlighted the STC’s priority projects for 2025 to 2027, led by the region-wide free Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training advocacy in barangays, towns, and cities toward a CPR-Ready CALABARZON-MIMAROPA. This initiative aligns with the national PHA-led CPR-Ready PH campaign, which seeks to bring CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to every Filipino home and city to put the Philippines on the CPR-Ready country map; and CWW, a joint advocacy partnership between the PHA and the Department of Tourism from 2016 to 2020.

The PHA said that this is a goal that resonates with the PHA Advocacy dream vision of “a CPR- and AED-ready nation just like its neighboring developed nations.”

PHA STC takes pride in the fact that CALABARZON-MIMAROPA teems with God-given and man-made attractions that play hosts to visitors at any given day, to name some -- Taal Volcano, Pagsanjan Falls, Villa Escudero, Pinto Art Museum, Masungi Georeserve, Enchanted Kingdom, Caleruega Church, and Regina Rica; the paradise-like resorts in Palawan and Puerto Galera.

Elder mentors

“Innovation Generation provides a platform for young innovators to create impactful, lasting tech-powered solutions for their communities,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Through lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions, the program helps future tech mavericks refine their ideas.”

Launched with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the fourth season of Innovation Generation was anchored on the theme “Innovation for All” which aims to empower persons with disabilities. InnoGen underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to meaningful innovation and to advancing UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By championing accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities, the program also supports the Philippines’ commitment to an inclusive and sustainable ASEAN future.

IN his inaugural speech, PHA-Southern Tagalog president Dr. Ray Albert Cabigan reminisced the trials he encountered before becoming a full pledged cardiologist, giving up not once but several times due to lack of funds to sustain his studies, but thankfully, always blessed with elder mentors who were generous in every sense of the word.

“Thank you for putting your trust and confidence in me and my fellow officers. I am honored to continue the hard work and dedication of our past leaders and officers who have shaped PHA STC to what it is today” he started.

Outgoing PHA STC president Dr. Marlon Patricio reported that under his watch, the chapter trained more than 900 BLS ACLS enrollees.

“As we move forward, we aim to continue to increase these numbers through collaboration with local/municipal health offices, hospitals, training institutes and NGOs with the goal of making every barangay CPR-ready,” Cabigan emphasized.

THE interiors of SKN Med

TIRTA SPA: BORACAY’S PREMIER SANCTUARY FOR HEALING, CALM, AND TRANSFORMATION

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

BORACAY—There is yet another reason to visit the island of Boracay. Beyond its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, a must-visit for the ultimate relaxation experience is Tirta Spa.

Tirta Spa is an award-winning luxury spa in Boracay, known for its tranquil atmosphere and wide range of treatments that blend Filipino culture with Asian influences, including Thai, Indonesian, Indian, and Middle Eastern styles. Construction of Tirta Spa began in 2005, and it officially opened its doors to customers in 2007.

En Calvert, Tirta Spa’s Founding Owner, Spa Director, and Sound Healing Master Teacher Trainer, shared that she chose to open Tirta Spa in Boracay because she “was captivated and enchanted by its powder-white sand and pristine shoreline,” adding that she was “one of those people who fell in love instantly.”

“Looking back, I feel that witnessing Boracay in its most virgin, untouched state was one of the greatest blessings of my life. That magical experience planted the seed for what would someday become Tirta Spa,” she said. Early exposure

CALVERT explained that her desire to open a spa was rooted in her early exposure to massage and “hilot.” This dream strengthened even more after she experienced her first spa treatment in Manila.

“I believe the art of massage has been in my blood since the earliest stage of my life. Growing up, my lola had her own personal physiotherapist and a ‘manghihilot’ who would regularly visit our home to give traditional hilot treatments to everyone in the family, even the children. Healing touch was a normal part of our daily life, and those moments became my first silent lessons in nurturing, intuition, and compassion,” she shared.

“As I grew older and experienced my first spa treatment in Manila, something awakened in me. It felt familiar—like coming home to a calling I had known all along. From that moment, a dream began to take shape: that one day I would create my own healing sanc-

Other accolades include Best Unique Experience Spa Philippines, Best Luxury Day Spa in Southern Asia, and Best Luxury Healing Spa in Southern Asia.

“And if I may humbly share, we are proud to be the only spa in the Philippines to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame by TripAdvisor, a testament to the trust, love, and exceptional experiences our guests generously acknowledge,” Calvert said. In addition to massages, Tirta Spa now offers Sound Healing and Vibration Therapy using Himalayan/Tibetan Singing Bowls. According to Calvert, the spa’s sound healing therapies use high-frequency instruments to harmonize the mind, calm the emotions, and restore the body’s natural vibratory state.

“The sound waves gently massage the internal organs, relax the muscles, rejuvenate the cells, and help release deeply stored emotional or energetic tension,” she explained.

tuary, a massage clinic where people could feel the same warmth, comfort, and deep restoration I experienced in my childhood,” she added.

What makes Tirta Spa stand out from other spas in Boracay is that clients do not simply receive a massage—they undergo a sacred healing ritual performed by therapists personally trained by Calvert. She describes the experience as a “divine experience unique to Tirta Spa.”

“Our greatest advantage is the depth of intention behind every treatment. Each service is more than a massage; it is a sacred healing ritual. Behind the scenes, I personally train and guide every therapist with a strong foundation in spiritual principles, energycleansing techniques, and mindful practice. This ensures that every touch carries purpose, clarity, and healing energy,” Calvert explained.

Deeper inner connection SHE added that clients “do not simply feel relaxed; they experience a deeper inner connection, emotional release, and a sense of spiritual realignment that stays with them long after the session is over.”

“Tirta Spa stands apart because we do not focus only on luxury; we focus

on true transformation. Here, every treatment is a journey of renewal, balance, and peace. It is not just a service. It is a divine experience unique to Tirta Spa,” Calvert said. According to Calvert, the services at Tirta Spa are thoughtfully crafted to support the needs of every guest. The Head-to-Toe Tirta Signature Massage is the most sought-after treatment. The spa also offers Couples Retreat packages and exclusive Gentleman’s Spa services. Complementing its services is Tirta

Spa’s design, inspired by Calvert’s deep admiration for Southeast Asian culture, architecture, and sacred spaces.

“I envisioned a sanctuary that reflects the richness of Filipino artistry, harmoniously blended with subtle influences from India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Every structure, detail, and texture within the spa was personally conceptualized and designed to evoke serenity, spirituality, and timeless elegance,” she said.

“The goal was to create a healing sanctuary where guests feel trans -

ported—a place that celebrates Asian heritage while honoring the natural beauty and peaceful energy of Boracay,” she added.

Numerous recognitions, awards THANKS to its personalized and unique suite of services, Tirta Spa has received numerous recognitions since its opening. These include being named Best Luxury Spa in Asia. This year, 2025, marks Tirta Spa’s achievement as a 10-time winner at the World Luxury Awards.

Deep experience CALVERT speaks from deep experience. She is an Energy Healing Practitioner and a Sound Healing Master Teacher Trainer specializing in Sound Healing and Tuning Fork Therapy.

“My formal Sound Healing Teachers Training was completed in Goa, India, as well as at a revered ashram school in Rishikesh located at the foothills of the Himalayas, one of the world’s spiritual centers for yoga, meditation, and vibrational healing,” she said.

“In addition to sound healing, I am also a certified practitioner of Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Psychology, Pranic Crystal Healing, Aromatherapy, Hypnotherapy, and Reiki, which enrich the depth and energy quality of every healing ritual we perform at Tirta Spa,” she added.

As for who will benefit from Sound Healing and Vibration Therapy, Calvert said this is for anyone seeking deep relaxation, mental clarity, emotional balance, and energetic reset.

“The service benefits individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional heaviness; those suffering from fatigue or burnout; and clients who want to realign their energy and restore vitality,” she said.

“In short, this will benefit anyone who is open to holistic, non-invasive healing that works on the mind, body, and spirit. Since the vibrations penetrate the body at a cellular level, sound healing supports overall wellness— physically, emotionally, and energetically,” she added.

Manila branch

FOR those who want to try Tirta Spa’s services but cannot travel to Boracay, Calvert has good news: she is planning to open a city spa in Manila very soon.

“People living in urban areas carry a different kind of stress—mental, emotional, and energetic—and they are very much in need of our healing touch. My vision is to create a sanctuary in the heart of Manila where guests can escape the noise, reconnect with themselves, and experience the same deep, spiritual healing that Tirta Spa has long been known for in Boracay,” Calvert said.

She also plans to expand the spa’s sound healing and vibration therapy programs by continuing to train practitioners under the Tirta Spa Sound Healing Academy, ensuring that these sacred practices are passed on “with authenticity and heart.”

“I also envision developing more specialized healing retreats and immersive therapy experiences that support overall wellness and transformation,” she said.

“Ultimately, my mission is to share this sacred work with more people—locally and internationally—and to uplift the Philippines through world-class holistic healing rooted in compassion, spirituality, and genuine intention,” Calvert added.

TIRTA Spa is a multi-awarded spa based in Boracay.

THE façade of Tirta Spa

THE interior of the villa where therapies take place.

Filipino Neuroscientist Shares Groundbreaking Neurogenetics Program to Combat Early-Onset Stroke

DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology

(DOST) Balik Scientist Dr. Kristine Joyce L. Porto, an Adult Neurologist and expert in Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, highlighted her work on a pioneering neurogenetics program at Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). The program aims to translate advanced genetic research into direct patient care, particularly targeting the alarming rise of early-onset stroke among Filipinos.

During the 11th Balik Scientist Program Convention, Dr. Porto shared her story, a powerful testament to personal commitment and national service. “This isn›t just a study. It is a personal commitment,” she said. “This is the beginning of a pathway for Filipino patients to access genomics here at home.”

The initiative was born from a clinical encounter early in Dr. Porto’s career, involving a young father who suffered a fatal stroke that might have been prevented with existing genetic information. The experience ignited her lifelong mission to harness genetics not just to explain disease, but to prevent tragedy.

Bringing Best Science Home

UPON her return to QMMC as a Balik Scientist, Dr. Porto analyzed patient data and discovered

a disturbing trend: Filipinos are experiencing strokes at increasingly younger ages. This finding led QMMC to propose its firstever DOST-funded research project, the EarlyOnset Stroke Study, which has since received approval in principle paving the way for establishing the first Neurogenetics Laboratory within a Department of Health hospital, ensuring that research findings directly benefit Filipino patients, bringing advanced, personalized medicine closer to home.

A Call for Commitment

DR. Porto concluded her address with a passionate call to action, framing her journey as a commitment not just to return, but to stay. She called on fellow scientists to remain in the Philippines and on leaders to create an environ -

ment where they can thrive.

She closed by invoking the motto of her lab in Japan: Non sibi, sed omnibus—not for oneself, but for all. “I dream of a country where research does not end in papers, but in patients’ lives, where access to personalized and advanced medicine is possible even for the poorest of the poor.”

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized that the Balik Scientist Program em -

bodies the Department’s advocacy of “Agham na ramdam,” science that is felt by the people. “The Philippines ranked 50th among 139 economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, and this progress is driven by Filipino scientists and researchers who bring their global expertise home,” he said.

Convention

ON October 3, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honored returning Filipino experts during the 11th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention held at Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, with the theme, “Balik Scientists in Action: Real-World Impact, Powered by Filipino Minds.”

The convention gathered Balik Scientists, host institutions, government partners, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of returning Filipino scientists who continue to advance national development in health, agriculture, aquatic, natural resources, industry, energy, and emerging technologies.

Established in 1975 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11035, the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) encourages Filipino experts abroad to return and share their expertise for national development. DOST implements the BSP through its sectoral councils—the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

Mary Mediatrix Medical Center signs Strategic Partnership with Mount Elizabeth Hospital to

TO expand healthcare access across southern Luzon and foster the development of medical technologies and treatments, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center (Mediatrix) has signed a partnership agreement with Singapore-based Mount Elizabeth Hospital under the IHH Healthcare Medical Affiliate Program (MAP).

Life After Diagnosis: TGP, PCEDM Empower Filipinos to Live Better with Diabetes

SO what happens when you are diagnosed with diabetes?

Will this be life changing? Will it be difficult?

These are the questions many Filipinos face upon learning they have diabetes, a chronic condition that, when unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications.

A growing health concern among Filipinos

ACCORDING to the Department of Health (DOH), around 4.3 million Filipinos are currently living with diabetes, making it one of the top causes of death in the country. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetes causes approximately 1.5 million deaths each year, with the Western Pacific Region, where the Philippines belongs, seeing a steady rise in prevalence.

These “scary” numbers reflect a harsh reality: while diabetes is common, it doesn’t have to control one’s life. With proper education, timely consultation, and the right treatment, Filipinos can live long, full lives even after diagnosis.

Living Better, Not Just Longer

DIABETES experts from the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) remind the public that diabetes management is possible through simple, consistent habits anchored on their long-standing IWAS:

4Dapat Diabetes Campaign advocacy:

n Ikonsulta sa doktor

n Wastong pagkain

n Aktibong pamumuhay

n Sapat at angkop na gamot

These four steps emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, proper nutrition, physical activity, and adherence to doctor-prescribed medication, principles that can drastically im -

prove quality of life after a diabetes diagnosis.

Partners in Advocacy

TO make credible diabetes education more accessible to Filipinos, The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) has partnered with PCEDM through a formal Memorandum of Agreement signed by TGP Deputy General Manager Aileen Natividad and PCEDM President Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay.

The partnership seeks to strengthen nationwide efforts in diabetes awareness, prevention, and management by combining TGP’s extensive retail and community network with PCEDM’s medical expertise.

“This partnership reinforces our mission to make healthcare more accessible and reliable for every Filipino. By working hand-in-hand with PCEDM’s advocacies and medical expertise, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action when it comes to diabetes prevention,” said Natividad.

“Through this collaboration, we want Filipinos to know that life after a diabetes diagnosis is still full of hope and possibilities—with the right care, education, and support,” shared Dr. Tan-Tin Hay.

Empowering Communities Nationwide

UNDER this collaboration, both organizations will roll out advocacy initiatives across digital, in-store, and on-ground platforms—including expert-led talks and community health engagements.

TGP will lead the implementation of advocacy content while augmenting the dissemination of PCEDM’s social media contents.

The campaign will begin this World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2025, encouraging Filipinos to take charge of their health and embrace a more proactive, informed approach to living with diabetes.

The memorandum of agreement establishes a framework for exchanging medical expertise through conferences, implementing advanced medical technologies, and facilitating patient referrals between institutions. Additionally, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center’s staff will have access to specialized training programs at Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles Hospitals in Singapore to enhance their skills in specific procedures, ultimately improving operational efficiency and patient care.

“This partnership elevates Mediatrix to international standards of practice, ensuring that patients from Batangas and the rest of Southern Luzon receive world-class care and improved health outcomes,” said Christo Rey Taño, Corporate Affairs Director.

The IHH Healthcare Medical Affiliate Program (MAP) is a strategic initiative designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and the adoption of best practices among partner hospitals and healthcare systems. Its purpose is to establish a network of like-minded hospitals within the region to raise overall standards of care and deliver the best outcomes to patients.

Focus areas include healthcare innovation, clinical education, leadership and management development, and performance benchmarking. Through CME (Continuing Medical Education) programs, conferences, seminars, and international exchange programs for medical staff and administrators, the MAP allows partner institutions to leverage each other’s strengths.

In his speech, IHH Healthcare Singapore Country Manager Vincent Lai said that the

program seeks to unite primary hospitals that share a common vision: enhancing medical care standards and delivering better patient outcomes through collaboration.

“I look forward to a successful partnership with the doctors in the Philippines to deliver a world-class level of treatment, bringing new hope to patients and their loved ones,” said Lai.

Known for its excellence in medical service and patient care, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center is a leading provincial institution specializing in cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and neurology. The partnership with Mount Elizabeth will strengthen Mary Mediatrix Medical Center’s position as the region’s go-to referral center.

“This tie-up with IHH allows for another avenue for referral for this hospital. It will give hope to patients that whatever is not available here in the Philippines, we can now access outside in Singapore with ease. It gives them peace of mind that in any disease that’s very advanced, they have a chance to get a second opinion from one of the best hospitals in the world,” said Mary Mediatrix Medical Center President and CEO Jose Ronaldo De Los Santos.

Through shared knowledge, advanced technology, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, the Mary Mediatrix Medical CenterMount Elizabeth partnership is setting a new standard for healthcare excellence in southern Luzon. By uniting expertise across borders, both institutions are committed to raising the bar for medical excellence and ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care possible.

For patients, this partnership means access to better quality care through improved standards and specialized training at their local hospital. For medical professionals, it opens opportunities for international training, clinical exposure, and exchange programs through their affiliation with IHH Healthcare.

Smart shopping allows Filipinos to fight, take control of diabetes

By Rory Visco Contributor

EVERY day, hordes of Filipinos go to the grocery with one thing in mind: what meal to cook for the family. Many may have mastered this chore but for those with diabetes or trying to prevent it, the grocery is more than a place to buy food. This constant battleground is where small but smart everyday decisions can determine their health outcomes. And as many experts emphasize, blood sugar control most often starts not in the clinic but in making smart food choices. It may seem overwhelming since managing diabetes is a daily commitment, but it doesn’t have to be. Many believe that intentional grocery shopping is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to achieve balance.

Careful planning

IDEALLY, every trip to the grocery starts with a well-thought-out weekly meal plan to help prevent impulsive buys of sugary drinks or processed snacks. Dishes with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats support stable blood sugar throughout the day. For those who juggle work, family concerns, and rising food prices, planning also helps reduce waste and keeps meals consistent. Inside the grocery, it is recommended to start with fresh produce like affordable local vegetables packed with nutrients. Malunggay, kangkong, and okra remain excellent fiber-rich options that help regulate glucose levels. For grains, brown rice, red rice, and adlai have lower glycemic index (GI) values versus polished white rice to prevent blood sugar spikes. Low-GI foods digest slowly and help prevent abrupt glucose spikes. Meanwhile, leafy greens, legumes, oats, beans, and unsweetened dairy support gentle energy release throughout the day. Plant-based proteins like tofu and mung beans (monggo) are easy choices that can pair well with Filipino dishes. For healthy snacking, unsweetened yogurt, whole-grain crackers, dried fruits, or even nuts offer energy without the sugar overload. For beverages, consider replacing sugary drinks, where a single serving is enough to raise blood glucose significantly, with water, which is still the best choice. However, those who crave flavor can try salabat (ginger tea), water infused with lemon or cucumber, or unsweetened teas. Even black coffee works, of course with minimal or no sugar and cream.

Read the label

NUTRITION labels are often ignored by grocery shoppers so experts advise a careful reading of them when buying packaged goods. The focus should be on total carbohydrates, fiber, and added sugars. Portion sizes are equally important, as many items contain more than one serving per pack. Consumers should also watch out certain “buzzwords” like “low-fat,” “diet,” or “sugar-free” since they may still contain refined starches, artificial sweeteners, or calories that can affect blood sugar. Shoppers are also advised not to be easily swayed by captivating packaging styles and health claims that appear prominently on labels. Experts contend that the best defense is reading the full ingredient list and understanding exactly what’s inside a product. When buying food, balance is often emphasized. It is not about eliminating food groups but about choosing smarter sources of carbohydrates, more fiber, and maintaining portion control.

Small steps to lasting wellness DIABETES management is a shared journey, where each intentional choice strengthens longterm habits that protect one’s health. Shoppers are advised to start small and stay consistent. For variety, one or two items in the shopping cart can be replaced each week. Over time, small decisions can add up to create a big impact on blood sugar and overall well-being.

“By making informed, intentional choices, you’re not just filling your cart—you’re investing in your health,” explains Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, Abbott’s head of medical affairs in the Philippines. “From the grocery aisle to the dining table, selecting foods rich in protein, fiber and low glycemic index carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar and sustain energy. Start small, stay consistent, and let your next grocery run be the first step toward a healthier, more empowered you.” In the end, shopping smart is not about restriction but about empowerment. Every grocery trip should focus on building resilience, nurturing the body, and guarding the heart. And for many Filipinos, the first step toward better diabetes control may be as simple as reaching for the right items on the shelf.

DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Kristine Joyce L. Porto leads a study translating advanced genetics into patient care to address the rising cases of early-onset stroke among Filipinos.