Australia.
By Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz
THE country’s tennis sensation Alexandra Eala faces off against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in her Wimbledon debut tomorrow as the country’s leaders cheered her on despite her heart-breaking loss in the Eastbourne Open women’s singles finals.
The 20-year old Eala however has risen to no. 56 in the live rankings of the Women’s
NO REST FOR TENNIS PHENOM EALA SPORTS / A8
Tennis Association (WTA) despite losing 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10) on Saturday to Maya Joint of
By Rio N. Araja
In his message on X, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said: “We’re already so proud, Alex. Just play your game and enjoy every moment. The whole Philippines is behind you. LABAN!”
First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos also cheered Eala on.
“You may not have taken the
By Pot Chavez
THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says could turn into a supertyphoon.
As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, PA
FISHERMEN in Taal Lake, notably those catching “tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis), an endemic species of fish there, are seeing declining sales after news got out that the sprawling body of water has served as a dumping area for murder victims.
GASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Ba
TBy Vince Lopez
PHE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
OPE Leo XIV has called on governments to focus on dismantling criminal organizations that profit from drug trafficking, instead of punishing the mostly poor addicts, who either end up in prison or wind up dead in the streets.
The Pontiff announced this position during an audience with anti-drug campaigners at the Apostolic Palace courtyard in Vatican City as the world marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In a report published by the Catholic News Agency, Pope Leo rebuked drug policies that target the poor while powerful traffickers go unpunished.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
“It is easier to fight their victims. Too often, in the name of security, war has been waged and is waged against the poor, filling the prisons with those who are only the last link in a chain of death.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
THE businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.
questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.
By Darwin Amojelar
Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both
Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.
In an interview, Laurel town Mayor Lyndon Bruce, who leads a coastal municipality in the fringes of the freshwater lake, lamented that poor fish sales began shortly after the case of over 100 missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) reignited in the headlines.
“The missing sabungeros issue is currently dominating the news. Of course, people are thinking negative thoughts, and are hesitating about buying fish [caught in Taal Lake],” he said in Filipino.
The town chief said that the
buyan Islands. “’Julian’ is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 24-36 hours as it moves towards Batanes and/or Babuyan Islands. With the current trend in its intensification, the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out,” PAGASA said in its advisory. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that a total of 1.9 million family food packs worth P1.48 billion, other food items worth P276 million, and non-food items (NFIs) worth P919 million were already prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the cenIn Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
By Rex Espiritu
have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
Philippine Navy debunkedment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend.
Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -
THE Davao City residence of former President Rodrigo Duterte is now up for sale. This was confirmed over the weekend by Duterte’s commonlaw wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Veronica. In an interview, she said that the house has remained vacant and unused for some time.
Avanceña explained that she finds it painful to enter the home alone, as no member of the Duterte family currently resides there.
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.
By Rio N. Araja
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.
By Pot Chavez
A
“It hurts every time I go inside. I was the only one going there. There were four helpers, but the master was not around. We abandoned it after what happened,” she said.
A POSSIBLE Low pressure area (LPA) is expected to move closer to Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, the state weather bureau advised on Sunday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) attributed potential rains next week to this weather system and the prevailing southwest monsoon (habagat).
Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord
fects of the LPA and habagat will bring cloudy skies with scaterred rainshowers and thunderstorms across Visayas, Mindanao, Mimaropa, Bicol and Quezon until Monday. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, meanwhile, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms. From Tuesday to Friday, the LPA is forecast to move northwestward toward the eastern section of Northern Luzon.
In a decision penned by presiding judge Liwliwa HidalgoBucu, the Manila RTC Branch 34 ruled that Guo is a Chinese national, known by the name Guo Hua Ping, and was therefore not qualified to hold a public office. Guo has been dismissed as mayor after she was linked in the 2024 Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) scandal and overwhelming evidence of her real identity came to light during previous congressional hearings.
“As alleged therein, the instant Petition was prepared upon discovery of the wealth of evidence
liter for all PUVs,” she said in an interview.
Garin said the initiative is a significant relief for drivers, as the government cannot regulate fuel prices under existing laws.
“That’s a big help because we could not control the prices much. The law says we should not control the prices. So we ask for help from the oil companies,” she told DZBB.
Garin noted that aside from the PUV discounts, fuel companies also offer various promotions and loyalty programs that provide savings to private motorists.
Pump prices were raised twice last week, following a series of consecutive increases—five weeks for gasoline, three weeks for diesel, and two weeks for kerosene. On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, prices per liter rose by P1.75 for gasoline, P2.60 for diesel, and P2.40 for kerosene. The same price hikes took effect again on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
According to the DOE, fuel retailers agreed to implement the increases on a staggered schedule to ease the impact of potential major adjustments on consumers.
The surge in fuel prices was driven by tensions between Israel and Iran, which have threatened global shipping routes. However, motorists may expect some relief this week, with a possible rollback of up to P2 per liter.
“Based on our calculations, prices would indeed go down on Tuesday,” Garin said.
She explained that the Philippines imports both diesel and gasoline, making local prices highly dependent on international market movements.
“We don’t have our own source. We import everything,” she said, emphasizing that a long-term solution would be to develop domestic energy resources.
Garin added that fluctuations in fuel prices sometimes benefit consumers and at other times favor oil companies. “Sometimes the consumer loses. Sometimes the oil company loses. It depends on the situation,” she said.
win today, but your heart, grit and sportsmanship spoke louder than any score. You fought with everything you had – and for that, we are so incredibly proud,” she said.
Araneta-Marcos said Eala inspired a new generation of Filipinas to “dream big and play even bigger.”
“You played with so much heart, courage and grace –and while the score didn’t go
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decline in fish sales is also being felt by fishermen based in other coastal towns of Taal Lake.
However, Bruce argued that there is no longer any reason to be appalled by the fish currently being caught in the lake because the alleged crimes supposedly happened over four years ago, and any decomposing remains would no longer pose a health risk today.
“I have been saying, if this really happened, it was way back in 2020 or 2021,” he added.
Aside from tawilis, which comes from Taal exclusively, the lake is also a major source of cultured fish, such as tilapia and bangus (milk fish), supplying Metro Manila and the CALA
BARZON region.
Last week, outgoing Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas told Manila Standard reports that Taal Lake has served as a disposal area for human cadavers came
Court...
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proving that respondent Guo Hua Ping is the real ‘Alice Leal Guo’ and that she is a Chinese national,” the decision said.
“Wherefore, in view of all
our way, your spirit lit up the court. Thank you for showing us what true sportsmanship is like and for inspiring every young to chase big dreams,” she said.
The First Lady added: “Mabuhay ka, Alex! We’re so proud of you!”
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also praised Eala, calling her run to the Eastbourne finals a moment that “stirred the soul of a nation.”
He hailed Eala as a symbol of national pride and perseverance, saying her performance
as a big surprise to him.
He pointed out that in 2021, when the “missing sabungeros” were supposed to have been thrown in the volcanic lake, the provincial government was preoccupied with other concerns, the most pressing of which was the COVID-19 pandemic.
For his part, Cuenca Mayor Alexander Magpantay shared that it is improbable for its coastal barangays to be a site for the said activity due to its geographical location.
“Our barangay is far behind Mt. Maculot, so before bringing it to us, it will be taken to another [town] first… I think it will be difficult for them to drop or place it in our coastal barangay because of our location,” he said in Filipino.
With an area of 23,420 hectares, Taal Lake, the third largest lake in the Philippines, is surrounded by the towns of Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Balete, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Mataasnakahoy, Lipa City, Tanauan City, Santa Teresita, Talisay, and Laurel.
the foregoing, the instant Petition for Quo Warranto is GRANTED.”
This means that her proclamation as mayor in the 2022 elections was deemed void.
“Respondent Guo Hua Ping a.k.a. Alice Leal Guo is found
Those who hold the chain in their hands, on the other hand, manage to have influence and impunity,” he said last week.
The Pope’s remarks came almost synchronously to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to a “bloodless” war on drugs.
He touted his leadership’s new strategy focused on prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement, without the killings that marked the previous administration.
“It has been described as a bloodless war on drugs. And this is what we are aiming for,” Mr. Marcos said during his visit to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on June 24.
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the arrest of two high-value individuals and seizure of P700million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as ‘shabu,’ during a weekend drug bust in Plaridel, Bulacan.
In a statement, PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates said the suspects—a 55-year-old Chinese and a 40-year-old Filipino—were arrested in Barangay Bulihan, Plaridel, on Saturday.
The anti-drug agents confiscated approximately 103 kilograms of shabu and other evidence. The suspects were brought to the PNP-DEG Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region office for documentation and proper disposition, and the seized drugs will be turned over to the forensic group for laboratory examination.
Quilates emphasized that antidrug operatives are told to continue upholding the highest standards of the service and avoid unnecessary violence.
“We do not kill people who are just suspected of having anything to do with drugs. We are handling the drug problem differently,” he said.
represented more than just an individual achievement, it was a collective victory for the country.
“Alex Eala has done more than just play the game – she has made history and stirred the soul of a nation,” he said.
“As the first Filipino to reach a WTA Tour final, Alex has brought the Philippines to the global stage of tennis,” he added.
“Beyond records and rankings, what she gave us was something even more powerful: hope, pride, and the
Avanceña also cited security concerns raised by their legal team, who advised them to install surveillance cameras throughout the property, even in private spaces like the bedroom.
This recommendation, she said, made her uneasy and led to her decision to stop residing there.
For her part, Veronica addressed the situation in a Facebook post, writing: “For sale Duterte family house,” followed by a house emoji and three crying emojis.
Duterte’s children by his first wife — Representative Paolo, Davao City Mayor Sebastian, and Vice President Sara Duterte — have not issued statements on the property’s proposed sale. Details such as the asking price and potential buyers have not yet been disclosed.
The decision to put the house on the market comes amid the
DISQUALIFIED from and is hereby adjudged guilty of usurping and exercising the Office of the Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Accordingly, she is hereby OUSTED and altogether EXCLUDED therefrom,” the decision read.
promise of a brighter future for Philippine sports,” the Speaker said.
“She fought with heart, grace, and courage – holding four championship points in a final that electrified the world,” he said.
“Alex Eala may have lost a match – but she won a nation’s heart,” he said.
“She reminded us that the Filipino spirit is bold, relentless and destined for greatness. Mabuhay ka, Alex. The entire nation stands proud because of you,” he said.
former leader’s uncertain future.
To recall, Duterte has been held at the ICC detention facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, since March, facing charges of crimes against humanity over an anti-drug campaign that allegedly left thousands dead. His legal team filed a motion on June 12 seeking temporary release to an undisclosed country, citing humanitarian concerns and insisting the 80-year-old posed no flight risk.
At least two countries, Australia and Belgium, have declared their unwillingness to host Duterte.
Meanwhile, the prosecution and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims are both urging the ICC to keep Duterte behind bars, citing potential threats to witnesses and the judicial process. Under the ICC, crimes against humanity can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years, or exceptional cases, life imprisonment.
The quo warranto petition was filed by then SolicitorGeneral Menardo Guevarra on behalf of the state to nullify her election as mayor. She was removed as mayor by the Ombudsman over her alleged involvement in the POGOs.
By Ram Superable
Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Cebu and Siquijor, currently in Iran, sought repatriation assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) due to escalating tensions with Israel, the agency reported.
The workers’ families filed requests with OWWA’s Central Visayas office, as confirmed by officer Christina Marie Vistal, since Siquijor falls under Region 7’s jurisdiction due to the absence of an OWWA office in the newly created Negros Island Region.
Only 22 OFWs from Central Visayas—including 13 from Cebu and two from Siquijor—are in Iran, a small fraction of the 1,200 Filipinos there compared to 30,000 in Israel, OWWA-Central Visayas data showed.
Over the weekend, six other OFWs—five shrimp hatchery technicians and one Dubai-based domestic worker who traveled to Iran with her employer—arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced.
The Philippine Embassy in Tehran, led by Ambassador Roberto Manalo, coordinated their return with DMW and OWWA, with officials including OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan welcoming them.
Gideon Pacamalan, a shrimp hatchery technician from Misamis Oriental, thanked the government for his safe return after nearly 25 years in Iran, where he earned a good salary but chose to leave due to regional unrest.
RENEWAL OF SERVICE. Speaker Ferdinand. Martin G. Romualdez takes his oath of office as Representative of the 1st District of Leyte before Court of Appeals Justice Bautista ‘Butch’ Corpin, Jr. during a simple ceremony held yesterday at the historic Price Mansion in Tacloban City. Witnessing the event are his sons, Tingog Partylist Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez (right) and Tacloban City Councilor Ferdinand Martin ‘Marty’ Romualdez, Jr. (2nd from right). Ver Noveno
By Rio N. Araja
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured funding support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s special clinics for military veterans and those in active service nationwide, citing “healthcare should always be within their reach.”
Romualdez emphasized that the country’s war veterans deserve the highest quality of service from the government, especially in their twilight years.
He issued the statement after President Marcos launched a pilot site for the Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) Clinic at Fernando Air
Base in Lipa City, Batangas last Friday.
“The valor of our veterans and soldiers can never be fully repaid. But in recognition of their invaluable contributions to our nation, we in the House of Representatives, in support of President Marcos’ program, will work to ensure healthcare services, treatments, and medicines are always within their reach,” Romualdez said. A program of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), the VALOR Clinic is designed to meet the healthcare needs of underserved veterans, retired soldiers and their families, particularly in areas outside of Metro Manila.
Romualdez committed to personally ensuring that initiatives to deliver primary healthcare services to veterans and retirees would be adequately funded under the annual General Appropriations Act.
“With the incoming 20th Congress poised to deliberate on the Executive branch’s National Expenditure Program for 2026, we will make sure that the establishment of more Valor Clinics in underserved areas receives ample support in the national budget,” he said.
Romualdez echoed the President’s position that the welfare of veterans, retirees and active-duty soldiers must remain a government priority.
THE National Food Authority (NFA) is considering capping its purchase of unmilled rice, or palay, from farmers at 100 bags per planting season.
“We have been trying to analyze the situation on how we can provide better service to more farmers,” NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said.
Under the current arrangement, some farmers who own more than one hectare of land can sell over 100 bags of rice to the agency. “Why don’t we limit it?
Let’s make it 100 so that instead of just one farmer benefiting, two or three will benefit,” Lacson explained in an interview.
To promote transparency, the NFA has issued a directive requiring that tables be set up in its warehouses so farmers can review the details of each transaction.
Earlier, the agency called on lawmakers to support a proposed bill that would restore its regulatory and market intervention powers—authorities that officials say are crucial for stabilizing rice prices, protecting farmers, and ensuring national food security.
Lacson said restoring these powers would enable the NFA to fulfill its original mandate of keeping rice affordable for both producers and consumers.
Under the current setup, he noted, the agency has limited ability to release rice stocks quickly to help control price spikes. “With market intervention restored, the agency would be able to act more decisively,” he said. The NFA will also disclose lists of farmers and the volume of palay they sold, based on monthly reports from field offices. These records will be posted on bulletin boards in warehouses and offices, as well as on the agency’s official Facebook page, with the farmers’ consent. “We will also post their names so there is counter-checking. They can say that these are legitimate farmers,” Lacson added.
By Vito Barcelo
ABISHOP from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a warning to Catholic faithful against individuals who are unlawfully taking on priestly roles and performing sacraments without proper ordination.
In a circular issued June 25, Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus expressed serious concern over what he described as “grave irregularities”
MAKATI City Mayor Abby Binay on Sunday said the city’s current standing as a financially stable, transparent, and fiscally responsible local government providing exemplary services to its citizens must be sustained.
“For the past nine years, we took bold steps to revolutionize public service and deliver groundbreaking benefits to our constituents while ensuring that every peso of taxpayers’ money is accounted for,” the mayor said in a statement.
Binay said her emphasis on service innovation, transparency and strict adherence to government auditing rules has earned the trust of Makati’s taxpayers.
“The city’s stable revenue growth has been crucial to the successful attainment of our short to long-term goals over the last nine years,” she said.
“We are grateful to our taxpayers, especially the business community, for their unwavering support and trust in my administration. It has been an honor and privilege to have you as our partners in securing a better future for our city and its people,” the mayor added.
Binay said Makati was able to exceed its revenue targets every year without raising taxes.
Recognized by the Department of Finance (DOF) as the leading city for fiscal autonomy, Makati’s local revenues consistently increased year after year, even during the pandemic.
within the diocese. In a circular, it said that there are people who have been carrying out important Catholic liturgi -
cal ceremonies—such as baptism, the Eucharist, marriage, and blessings—without having the proper ordination as priests.
Citing Church law, Evangelista pointed out that sacraments and liturgical ceremonies performed by those who are not authorized are “not just illicit but also invalid.”
He called on parishes, local government units, schools, funeral homes, businesses, and other organizations to stay alert and make sure that only properly ordained clergy are the ones per-
forming these sacred ceremonies.
“To avoid these incidents, it is best to visit the nearest Catholic parish office for appointments, schedules, and further inquiries,” he added. The Imus diocese covers the entire province of Cavite and is home to over 3.5 million Catholics in over 85 parishes. The faithful are encouraged to report suspicious activity to diocesan authorities to help preserve the integrity of the sacraments and safeguard the community’s spiritual well-being.
NCRPO cops arrest church burglars in QC
THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) swiftly responded to a robbery report, arriving within two minutes to arrest three suspects who ransacked a church construction site in Barangay Bungad, Quezon City. At around 7:05 a.m., a distress call was placed to 911 after church personnel reviewed CCTV footage showing individuals breaking into the construction area along West Avenue. The suspects were seen stealing copper tubes from the airconditioning system.
A tricycle was spotted nearby, believed to be the group’s getaway vehicle. NCRPO Regional Director MGen. Anthony Aberin said a mobile unit was dispatched and arrived on the scene by 7:07 a.m. Aberin praised the rapid deployment, describing it as proof of NCRPO’s commitment to realtime coordination and swift action in line with the vision of PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III. Vince Lopez
PAF hails Pres. Marcos for continued support
THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) has expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his assurance of continued support to the country’s air military forces.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the President’s words would serve as a strong inspiration for the ranks to stay dedicated to their mandate.
During a visit to Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Marcos emphasized his administration’s commitment to the welfare, operational readiness, and mission success of PAF personnel.
He also highlighted the complex and often dangerous nature of military service, assuring troops that the government would continue to provide modern equipment, training, and health facilities for them and their families. Rex Espiritu Team Kaabag wins big in Lapu-Lapu City TEAM Kaabag has solidified its political dominance in Lapu-Lapu City after all its candidates were officially sworn into office during a ceremony at the Hoops Dome. Mayor-elect Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan and Congressmanelect Junard “Ahong” Chan led the team’s slate, taking their oaths before Executive Judge Nelson Leyco.
The ceremony began with a holy mass and was followed by the formal oath-taking of Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy and 11 incumbent city councilors.
Only one newcomer, former Canjulao Barangay Captain Rufo Bering, joins the city council as the sole non-incumbent among the 12 top vote-getters. Alan Tangcawan
By Rex Espiritu
PHILIPPINE Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido led a high-level delegation visit to champion joint civil-military development initiatives and foster stronger ties with government agencies and partner nations in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi on June 24 to June 25, 2025, with their quest to make
the said provinces globally competitive. The multi-sectoral mission aims to strengthen diplomatic, educational, and economic partnerships while showcasing the region’s extraordinary progress in transitioning “from terrorism to tourism.”
Galido was accompanied by key Army staff, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and a multi-national delegation composed of foreign ambassadors from Brunei, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam along with Foreign Armed Forces Attachés (FAFA) from Vietnam, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Turkey in the Sulu visit on June 24.
“This visit is a celebration of peace
and potential. We are witnessing the tangible results of sustained peace efforts, with communities now embracing development, education, and tourism as their new frontiers,” Galido said. Once considered strongholds of insurgency, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi now emerge as models of resilience, growth, and cultural pride.
By Rio N. Araja
THE National Housing Authority and Department of Agriculture have tied up to kick off their first Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) at an NHA livelihood training facility in Valenzuela City.
Upon the directive of NHA General Manager Joeben Tai, Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano led the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs and Kadiwa program head Genevieve Velicaria-Gueverra and NHA National Capital Region-North Sector Office Manager Jovita Panopio last June 24 in Northville 1, Barangay Bignay. Feliciano echoed the NHA’s support for the programs of the Marcos Jr. administration and
its goal of achieving food accessibility, especially for the masses, for the delivery of the Masagang Bagong Pilipinas.
“To providing homes is important but true community development goes beyond housing. It must also include sustainable food systems, livelihood opportunities, and even aspects of economic stability,” he said. Close to 1,000 individuals took the opportunity to purchase agri-commodities, including rice priced at P20 per kilo for vulnerable sectors, such as persons with disability, solo parents and senior citizens, and P35 per kilo and above rice for all.
On March 20, the NHA and DA forged a memorandum of understanding for their partnership to establish KNP events across the former’s resettlement projects.
neighbor and ease of travel, this alone will not guarantee a hefty increase in visitor arrivals from Taiwan.
To begin with, we ought to deconstruct the data about Taiwanese visitor arrivals, according to purpose of visit and age. We will discover that many of the visitors came here either for employment in Taiwanese-owned companies or regular business visits to the ecozones where their capital was invested. We also need to study the market by age and destination preferences. Our tourism promotions have been generally focused on sun, sand and sea, which is alright because we have extremely beautiful islands with enticing white sands that bask in the tropical sun.
This partly explains why our travel peak season coincides with the relatively colder months from November till February, when the bitter cold in temperate climes, whether European, Asian or North American, contrasts with our warm waters, clear skies and plenty of sunlight, providing pleasant escape from their winter.
But we fail to consider the school breaks for the young, who also want to escape from the sweltering summer heat in their countries. With climate change and global warming, the Philippines ought to find a niche market here, because while this may be monsoon season for Luzon, in Mindanao and parts of the Visayas, there is little rain at this time.
We can promote mountain climbing and hiking as well as white-water rafting in Mindanao, with Bukidnon, Davao and other southern provinces packaged in a multiactivity tour, complete with accompanying security personnel, just to neutralize unfair peace and order perceptions.
Northern Luzon can provide good travel packages for Taiwanese visitors, especially the young.
There are sand dunes in Ilocos Norte which are non-existent in Taiwan, side by side with the calm waters of Lingayen Gulf and the surfing waves of San Juan in La Union and Pagudpud.
Visiting the Cordillera mountain range from Ilocos Sur or Baguio City would also be attractive for Taiwanese youth who love mountain climbing.
The point is to match our many destinations with the preferences of specific target markets, and not be singularly focused on sand and sea. Even food tours featuring our regional cuisine can be promoted.
Pilgrimage tours in the only predominantly Catholic country in Southeast Asia can be an attraction.
We have a surfeit of age-old churches which would appeal to the Christian community in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan who may be tired of comparing the Buddhist
or Taoist shrines in their native countries to those of Thailand.
Our creative industries may likewise be promoted, be it music, the arts, and fashion, where Filipinos excel.
I recall that when we sponsored the first Asian showing of Ms. Saigon featuring our inimitable Lea Salonga, thousands from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan came just to witness the world-class performance at the Cultural Center.
(This writer, together with now Sen. JV Ejercito, and a private sector group that included Atty. Bingbong Medialdea and the late businessman Arben Santos among others, produced the Ms. Saigon event in the year 2000 through our purely private-sector sponsored foundation).
The point is to match our many destinations with the preferences of specific target markets
Sports events from dragon boat races, target shooting, diving and other less-popular sports to basketball-crazy Filipinos will attract many Taiwanese visitors as well. These may be sponsored by public-private partnerships.
The other industry that we must seriously look into, other than the mere grant of Special Retirement Visas to foreigners by our Philippine Retirement Authority, is putting up retirement havens for seniors in the country.
This will take some doing, to include having good health facilities that are easily accessible in the target areas, to which the private medical sector may be enticed with enough assurance of government support, including low interest loans from government-owned banks.
Japan, Taiwan and other countries are strained by social security costs from an aging population which is un-supported by low contributions from a declining young work force. Imagine retirement havens with fruit, vegetable and flower farms side by side with leisure activities in our countryside, providing employment to many Filipinos while transferring technology and best practices to our farmers.
There are so many things that could be done other than the mere grant of 14-day visa free travel privileges, but we need to get our acts together, with purposive and creative leadership.
All these will however need to address the major factors of accessibility, affordability and security which currently bedevil our attraction as a tourist destination.
The booming data economy — are we ready?
AS THE digital economy reshapes the global landscape, data has emerged not just as a commodity, but as a strategic national asset. Across Southeast Asia, countries are rapidly responding to this reality—laying down legal, economic, and technological foundations that treat data as a strategic asset that must be regulated similarly to critical infrastructure.
The Philippines, however, risks being left behind.
With the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 placing digitalization at the cent er of the country’s long-term vision, now is the time to match ambition with decisive action. Among the most urgent imperatives is the need to align our data governance framework with international norms by adopting a clear, robust, globally compatible law on data sovereignty and localization.
The global surge in AI, fintech, cloud computing, and e-governance has fueled explosive growth in data generation and storage. This has turned data centers into essential infrastructure—powering everything from enterprise platforms to public health systems.
Industry analysts at Onyx Strategic Insights project that Southeast Asia’s data center market will reach US$14.41 billion by 2029, up from US$11.67 billion in 2025.
Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand have enacted data localization laws mandating storage of certain sensitive data within their borders—attracting billions in infrastructure investment.
The Philippines, by contrast, maintains a permissive approach to data residency.
Our Data Privacy Act which encourages accountability in data transfers was never designed as a mandate to drive domestic development of data centers. Without a clear policy signal, the Philippines risks being passed over by global tech investors.
Yet this policy gap presents a window of opportunity—one that, if seized with foresight, could position the Philippines as a leader in responsible, innovation-driven digital governance.
The global surge in AI, fintech, cloud computing, and e-governance has fueled explosive growth in data generation and storage
A well-crafted localization law can stimulate demand for domestic infrastructure— data centers, cloud hubs, and high-speed networks—supporting public and private digital initiatives.
It also enables emerging technologies like AI and IoT to function optimally. Localized data reduces latency and improves performance for users.
Clarity in data residency rules would benefit regulated sectors like finance, health,
Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format that looks
a
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resembles
giant human fist bump, the symbol of the Duterte movement, with ragged fly wings. The fist looks like it is dipped in excrement and is filthy. Smaller flies are flying around it.
ILIPINOS take great pride with the success of our athletes on the international stage. They become news headlines, become trending topics on social media, and are greeted with prizes and incentives when they come home.
Their stories of struggle and perseverance are told, in the hopes of inspiring the youth to channel their energy and passion into something productive.
It is tennis star Alexandra Eala’s turn to be recognized these days. The 20-year-old bowed out of the Eastbourne Open Final this weekend but put up an admirable fight, already making her the most successful Filipino tennis player in history. Eala became the first Filipino to reach the Women’s Tennis Association 250 singles final.
Numerous officials have taken note of Eala’s performance. The First Couple used their social media platforms to show their support for the tennis player. “Tuloy ang laban, Alex! ...That alone is already a victory for our country and for the millions of Filipinos who stand proudly behind you. You’ve made us all proud! Keep going, your best is yet to come,” said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
“You may not have taken the win today, but your heart, grit and sportsmanship spoke louder than any score. You fought with everything you had – and
and logistics, where data sensitivity, compliance standards, and service reliability are paramount. It enables risk mitigation and long-term planning—two key conditions for sustained foreign investment.
Localization also strengthens national resilience. In the face of cyber threats and geopolitical risks, keeping sensitive data on Philippine soil protects service continuity and strengthens digital sovereignty.
To operationalize this, government data must be classified—what is highly sensitive, what is above-sensitive, and what can be managed by distributed global cloud systems like those of dominant hyperscalers: Microsoft (Azure), Amazon (AWS), Meta (Facebook), Apple, and Alphabet (Google Cloud). This ensures cost efficiency while preserving control.
Importantly, we must not wall ourselves off from the global ecosystem. Hyperscalers bring cutting-edge tech and global reach. The most resilient model is hybrid.
The policy environment should invite partnerships with world-class providers
for that, we are so incredibly proud,” said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
How many more talented, gritty, hardworking athletes could the Philippines produce if the government provided consistent and organized support for them?
For her part, former Senator and incoming Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima saw “more than just tennis; I witnessed a young woman standing her ground with everything she had. At just 20 years old, she has already mastered the quiet art of rising after every stumble, of giving her all to a fight no matter how heavy the odds.”
while asserting Philippine standards. We don’t just want data centers—we want intelligent infrastructure that scales and protects. At the same time, concerns from fintech, trade, and BPO sectors must be acknowledged. These industries rely on seamless cross-border data flows.
A rigid localization mandate could increase costs, create compliance conflicts abroad, and limit access to global cloud tools. This would hurt competitiveness.
Other countries have found middle ground.
According to the industry analysts, Malaysia and Thailand implement sectoral or consent-based rules, balancing control and flexibility. Singapore, a digital hub, embraces open flows under strong governance and invests in cybersecurity. These models show that sovereignty and integration are not mutually exclusive.
A strong localization framework can also spur local job creation—in cybersecurity,
When she bowed out of the final, Eala said: “This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character.”
She has been fortunate to have the complete backing – financial support included – of her family as she trained from a young age to be a tennis star. One wonders, however, how many more talented, gritty, hardworking athletes could the Philippines produce if the government provided consistent and organized support for those who are starting out in their respective fields, especially if they do not have privileged backgrounds?
Athletic success is not measured in terms of a single victory or a single event. It is, rather, an accumulation of years of dedication and hard work, even financial resourcefulness enabling athletes to keep practicing despite the scarcity of funds or the persistence of other personal challenges. There is no doubt that young Filipinos do not lack grit and determination in their chosen fields, but whether or not they continue could well be decided by the amount and quality of support that they get not only from their families or communities, but their government. May our government not only share in the glory of our athletes’ success but have a steady, direct hand in shaping their form and longevity.
cloud management, and data analytics— while nurturing a Philippine data services ecosystem.
It creates opportunities for local startups to compete and collaborate, reducing dependence on foreign technology monopolies and stimulating grassroots innovation.
Finally, the Philippines stands to capture more of the regional cloud boom.
Published reports predict that our data center market—valued at US$633 million in 2024—is projected to triple by 2030. Smart policies can turn this into a longterm growth engine. We already have the building blocks: a young digital-native population, expanding broadband, and a digital governance agenda.
But these must be anchored in a forwardlooking legal framework—one that secures our digital future while embracing the flexibility, dynamism and the quickening pace that define digital innovation. The window is still open—but not for long.
DESPITE CEASEFIRE. Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on Nabatieh in southern Lebanon during the weekend, when three including a woman were killed and 25 other people wounded in an Israeli strike in the country’s south, despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it had ‘identified rehabilitation attempts made by Hezbollah beforehand and struck terror infrastructure sites in the area.’ Hezbollah group leader, Naim Qassem, said in a televised speech during the weekend the ‘ongoing aggression’ by Israel ‘must not be allowed to continue.’
AFP
NEW YORK—The world’s most advanced AI models are exhibiting troubling new behaviors - lying, scheming, and even threatening their creators to achieve their goals.
In one particularly jarring example, under threat of being unplugged, Anthropic’s latest creation Claude 4 lashed back by blackmailing an engineer and threatened to reveal an extramarital affair.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT-creator OpenAI’s o1 tried to download itself onto external servers and denied it when caught red-handed.
These episodes highlight a sobering reality: more than two years after ChatGPT shook the world, AI researchers still don’t fully understand
how their own creations work.
Yet the race to deploy increasingly powerful models continues at breakneck speed.
This deceptive behavior appears linked to the emergence of “reasoning” models -AI systems that work through problems step-by-step rather than generating instant responses.
According to Simon Goldstein, a professor at the University of Hong Kong, these newer models are particularly prone to such troubling outbursts.
“O1 was the first large model where we saw this kind of behavior,” explained Marius Hobbhahn, head of Apollo Research, which specializes in testing major AI systems. AFP
BEIRUT—Israeli strikes killed three people in southern Lebanon during the weekend despite a ceasefire in force there, authorities said, with Iran-backed Hezbollah suggesting its patience for the “ongoing aggression” was wearing thin.
The Lebanese health ministry said an “Israeli enemy” drone strike on a car in Kunin, south Lebanon, killed one man and wounded another person.
The Israeli military said the strike “eliminated the terrorist Hassan Muhammad Hammoudi”, who it said was responsible for anti-tank missile attacks on Israeli territory during the recent war.
France imposes smoking ban on beaches
PARIS—Anyone who lights up on a beach or in a public park in France
will be breaking the law from Sunday under new rules aimed at protecting children from the dangers of passive smoking.
Bus shelters and areas in the immediate vicinity of libraries, swimming pools and schools will also be affected by the ban, which is coming into force one day after its publication in the official government gazette on Saturday.
The rule is being imposed one week before the beginning of the school holidays in France in a clear bid to immediately protect children from smoke on the beach.
However, to the disappointment of some anti-tobacco activists, the ban does not cover the terraces of bars and restaurants where many French still happily light up.
They are also unhappy that the ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes.
The rules had initially been expected to come into force on Tuesday after a previous announcement by the health ministry but the publication in the official gazette means this has now been brought forward to Sunday. People should also not smoke within a 10 metres radius of schools, swimming pools, libraries and other places that hurt minors.
The health ministry said it would announce the minimum distance for smoking in these areas in the coming days as well as reveal the sign used to designate such areas.
Violators of the ban could face a fine of 135 euros ($160) up to a maximum of 700 euros. However the health ministry is expecting an initial grace period as the new rules are explained. AFP
In a second statement later on Saturday, the health ministry said a strike on a motorcycle in Mahrouna, near Tyre, resulted in “two martyrs and wounded one person”, with one of the dead a woman.
The Israeli military said it carried out a strike Saturday that “eliminated the terrorist Abbas Al-Hassan Wahbi in the area of Mahrouna in
southern Lebanon.
The IDF statement said Wahbi was a Hezbollah intelligence official “involved in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah and weapons transfers.”
“These activities constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” it said.
The attacks came a day after Lebanon blamed Israel for strikes that killed a woman and wounded 25 others.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the woman was killed in an Israeli drone strike on an apartment in the city of Nabatiyeh.
But Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on social media that the army “did not target any civilian
building”, attributing the death to a Hezbollah rocket set off by an Israeli strike.
The Israeli military said it had “identified rehabilitation attempts made by Hezbollah beforehand and struck terror infrastructure sites in the area”.
Adraee said the civilian building
“was hit by a rocket that was inside the (fire and defense array) site and launched and exploded as a result of the strike”.
Israel has repeatedly bombed its northern neighbor despite the November ceasefire aimed at ending over a year of hostilities with Hezbollah.
The group’s leader, Naim Qassem,
said in a televised speech on Saturday that the “ongoing aggression” by Israel “must not be allowed to continue.” “The (Lebanese) state must exert pressure, and it must fulfil all of its duties,” he said, insisting Hezbollah had held up its end of the ceasefire bargain.
“Do you imagine we will remain silent forever? No. Everything has its limits.”
Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters back north of the Litani river, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, leaving the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers as the only armed parties in the region. AFP
BELGRADE, Serbia—Around
140,000 protesters rallied in Belgrade, the largest turnout in recent months, as student-led demonstrations mount pressure on the populist government to call early elections.
The rally was the largest in several months of student-led actions, which began in November after the roof of a train station collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people -- a tragedy widely blamed on entrenched corruption.
Earlier on Saturday, a sea of protesters filled Belgrade’s largest square and poured into several surrounding streets.
The Independent Protest Monitor, Archive of Public Gatherings, estimated the crowd size at around 140,000, significantly higher than the police estimate of 36,000.
“We want elections!” the crowd chanted, waving Serbian flags and hold-
ing banners bearing the names of cities and towns from around the country. For more than half a year, students have blockaded universities and organized large demonstrations around the country, demanding a transparent investigation into the deaths.
But in contrast with previous gatherings, which have remained peaceful, clashes erupted between demonstrators and riot police.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades as protesters hurled flares at rows of police in several clashes following the huge gathering in Serbia’s capital.
AFP journalists witnessed at least two people being taken into custody and local media reported multiple arrests.
Frustrated by government inaction over the tragedy, students have been calling for elections since May. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC—UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Iran likely will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium “in a matter of months,” despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks, CBS News said Saturday.
Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13, saying it was aimed at keeping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon—an ambition the Islamic republic has consistently denied.
SMOKING BAN.
This photograph shows a packet of cigarettes on a beach in Saint-Nic, western France, the other day. From July 1, 2025 smoking will be banned on beaches as France brings in a smoking ban for all outdoor places that can be frequented by children. ‘Tobacco must disappear where there are children,’ said France’s Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarities and Families Catherine in an interview published by the regional Ouest-France daily on its website. AFP
The United States subsequently bombed three key facilities used for Tehran’s atomic program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the extent of the damage to the nuclear sites is “serious,” but the details are unknown. US President Donald Trump insisted Iran’s nuclear program had been set back “decades.”
But Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said “some is still standing.”
“They can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few
cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that,” Grossi said Friday, according to a transcript of the interview released Saturday.
Another key question is whether Iran was able to relocate some or all of its estimated 408.6-kilo (900-pound) stockpile of highly enriched uranium before the attacks.
The uranium in question is enriched to 60 percent -- above levels for civilian usage but still below weapons grade. That material, if further refined, would theoretically be
WASHINGTON, DC—US senators on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) began debating Donald Trump’s “big beautiful” spending bill, a hugely divisive proposal that would deliver key parts of the US president’s domestic agenda while making massive cuts to social welfare programs. Trump is hoping to seal his legacy with the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which would extend his expiring first-term tax cuts at a cost of $4.5 trillion and beef up border security. But Republicans eyeing 2026 midterm congressional elections
sufficient to produce more than nine nuclear bombs.
Grossi admitted to CBS: “We don’t know where this material could be.”
“So some could have been destroyed as part of the attack, but some could have been moved. So there has to be at some point a clarification,” he said in the interview.
For now, Iranian lawmakers voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA and Tehran rejected Grossi’s request for a visit to the damaged sites, especially Fordo, the main uranium enrichment facility. AFP
By Rex Espiritu
THE Navotas City government has warned its residents to be vigilant against flash floods amid reports that several areas were inundated following the collapse of a river wall due to high tide.
In a social media update, the city government said that as of 12:00 p.m., multiple areas went underwater, among them M. Naval and P. Gabriel streets in District 1, E. Tuazon in District 2, Everlasting, Capt. Cruz, E. Rodriguez and Doña Aurora streets in District 2 Tanza 1. The local government assured the residents that the Bombastik Pumping Stations remained operational, even as repairs are ongoing at the Tangos-Tanza navigational gate.
In a separate advisory, the local government reported that M. Naval Street, in front of Navotas City Hospital, is currently impassable for small vehicles due to the flooding.
Motorcycles and electric bikes traveling from C4 Road to Barangay Tangos were advised to take A. Santiago St. where counterflow traffic was temporarily allowed.
Motorists were also cautioned about heavy traffic along Gov. Pascual St. due to the surge of vehicles. Reports revealed that in Barangay San Jose, a three-meter wall collapsed due to high tide, causing significant damage to one house and affecting five others. Additionally, local officials noted that the floodwaters breached a sandbag wall, further exacerbating the situation.
‘BELL OF HOPE’ RETURNS TO TAAL. Preparations are underway for the return of a 159-yearold church bell to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas from the parish of Sto. Niño of Marauoy, Lipa City.’Our old bell that dates back to 1866 will arrive. This will be the beginning of our new devotion to the bell of hope where the devotees who will pray will also have the opportunity to ring the bell with every prayer they will offer to our beloved mother, the Blessed Virgin of Caysasay,’ shrine official Samuel Lascano said, quoting their rector.
By Minerva Newman
CEBU City—The Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas (Region VII) has served 32,445 beneficiaries from Cebu and Negros Oriental as of May 2025.
The program has reached out to 18,826 people in Negros Oriental and 13,619 in Cebu.
According to Leah Quintana, DSWD regional information Officer, the DSWD continues to strengthen and enhance the fight against hunger through the “Walang
Gutom 2027: Food Stamp” under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program that aims to link community-based organizations (CBOs) to institutional markets.
“The program beneficiaries were identified through the Listahanan 3 Da-
tabase of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, focusing on Filipino families earning P8,739 or less per month and who are not part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps),” Quintana said.
Through strong collaboration between EPAHP and the Walang Gutom Program, 20 CBOs are currently participating in the program, including local farmers and producers who directly supply food items to the beneficiaries, Quintana said.
The number of beneficiaries that the retailers can serve depends on their supply capacity, Quintana said. At present, there are 73 local government units
By Itchie Cabayan
MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna congratulated Manila officials and employees for passing a human resource efficiency evaluation program with flying colors. The commendations came on the heels of a three-day Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in HR Management (PRIME-HRM) where city officials and personnel logged 100-percent rating in all assessment areas. Among those given the citations by the mayor were city personnel officer Miguelita Alonzo, City the city council headed by secretary Luch Gempis Jr., the PRIME-HRM working team headed by chief administrative officer Rosemarie Quiambao, and all city employees who took part in the program.
(LGUs) implementing the “Walang Gutom” program in the region, 48 of them in Cebu and 25 in Negros Oriental. The regional DSWD office has already engaged with 102 accredited partner-retailers across Cebu and Negros Oriental with 40 of them based in Cebu and 62 in Negros Oriental. These retailers serve Walang Gutom Program beneficiaries in the two provinces to ensure consistent access to nutritious food for indigent families; and reinforcing the government’s commitment to attain food security and inclusive development across the country, Quintana added.
FLOODS in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon have left an estimated P23-million worth of damage to agriculture, according to the city government.
A report from the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) team showed that at least 729 hectares of rice and corn farms went underwater. Authorities noted that these figures may still change as ground validation and inspections were still going on.
The RDANA report also indicated damage to four houses and over 1,000 families from seven barangays in the Basakan District were dislocated by the floods. Rex Espiritu
By Roy Tomandao
BINAN City—The newly elected officials of Biñan City have formally assumed their posts following a mass oath-taking ceremony held June 27 at the Alonte Sports Arena. before Senate President Francis Escudero.
The incoming new set of municipal officials consisted of Mayor Angelo Alonte, Vice Mayor Jonalina Reyes, twelve city councillors, and barangay chairpersons.
In his remarks, Escudero urged the new city officials to always uphold truth, justice, freedom, and peace in performing their respective duties and responsibilities. Mayor Alonte thanked his constituents for their continued support, outlining his commitment to enhancing programs in education, health, and sports. He also vowed to prioritize initiatives preserving Biñan's cultural heritage and expanding social services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the LGBTQ+ community.
PRIME-HRM is a mechanism to support the attainment of the Civil Service Commission’s vision of becoming a Center of Excellence for Human Resource and Organization Development. The initiative also entails greater engagement, not just for the human resource management officer, but also for the officials and the rank-and-file employees of the agency concerned.
She said that the city government registered 100-percent rating for level 2 in Recruitment, Selection and Placement, Learning and Development, Performance Management, and Rewards and Recognition.
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Metro Manila has observed the Road Safety Month with seminars, motorcade and law enforcement drives to align with the Department of Transportation’s theme “Drive to Protect: Safe Streets, Safe Children.” LTO regional director Roque Verzosa, along with assistant regional director Dennis Barrion, spearheaded the start of the week-long observance of the Road Safety Month on the last week of May with a motorcade through major roads in Metro Manila to raise public awareness on road safety.
On May 20, at least 35 Move It riders participated in a motorcycle seminar under Republic Acts 10054, 8750 and 10666.
Last May 21, staff from the Philippine General Hospital also attended a road safety training, while Navy personnel completed a theoretical driving course under the LTO-on-Wheels program, with student permit applications also being facilitated. Rio N. Araja
THE Bataan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed an ordinance launching the Bataan Model OFW Family of the Year Award to recognize exemplary Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) families.
Outgoing board member Tony Roman, author of the measure, said the award honors families who showed strength, unity, and community involvement despite the challenges of overseas employment.
Each year, one land-based and one sea-based OFW family will be chosen to represent Bataan in the regional search.
Winners will receive plaques, cash prizes, and full provincial support. Butch Gunio
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
HIS confidence soaring, composure steadied, and mindset laser-focused, Alexis Nailga is all geared up for another title run in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series, which resumes tomorrow (Tuesday, July 1) at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro.
“It’s a great feeling scoring back-toback wins and learning how to play composed,” said the 15-year-old standout after edging fellow Bukidnon bet Clement Ordeneza in a thrilling homegrown showdown at Del Monte last Friday. Nailga’s three-stroke triumph came on the heels of his dominant victory at the Mactan leg of the Visayas Series last month, boosting him to the top of the leaderboard with 30 points in the race for slots in the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals slated Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club. Under the structured JPGT format, the top four players from each division after the seven-leg regional series will qualify for the Vis-Min squad, which will square off against the Luzon Series’ best in the Finals.
But Nailga remains wary of the growing challenge from rivals such as Ordeneza, last week’s third placer Armand Copok, and contenders Martin Lu, Enrico Rosales, Fawzi Espinosa, Eric Jeon and Santi Asuncion.
Also looking to bounce back is Mhark Fernando III, son and namesake of the former national champion and pro campaigner, who aims to improve on his fifth-place finish at Del Monte. Fernando hopes to find his rhythm and make the necessary adjustments in the 54-hole event tournament.
But Nailga is not just targeting a third straight victory but is also determined to clinch a berth in the North vs. South Junior Finals.
By Peter Atencio
PHILIPPINE pride Alexandra Eala will reach a new high in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings this week, just in time for her Wimbledon debut on July 1 against its defending champion Barbora Krejčíková.
The 20-year-old Eala is now at no.
56 in the WTA live rankings after she battled fellow rising star Maya Joint to four championship points before the Australian eventually won, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10), on Saturday in the Eastbourne Open women’s singles finals in Great Britain.
Eala’s ranking, who was at no. 74
last week, was aiming to become the first Filipino winner of a WTA Tour event.
“In the end, the week was really great. Even though the final hurts a lot, because it was so close, and I had my opportunities, things happen like this,” said an emotional Eala, as she reflected on her campaign over the
THE appointment of Patrick “Pató”
Gregorio is more than a breath of fresh air for Philippine sports, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“Our gratitude to our beloved President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.],” said Tolentino on Sunday, a day after news of Gregorio’s appointment spread like wild fire with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirming the appointment to Malacañang reporters on Saturday.
“The POC and PSC can now move forward—a brighter sports community that works harmoniously,” Tolentino said. “Mabuhay ang sports ng Pilipinas!” Gregorio replaced Richard Bachmann to become the third chairman of the government’s sports arm—the first was former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Noli Eala— during President Marcos Jr.’s term.
He’s the 13th chairman of the agency that was established in 1990 through Republic Act 6847. Tolentino and Gregorio have gone a long way together in Philippine sports—Tolentino in chess, shooting, muay and cycling before becoming president of the POC and Gregorio in basketball, boxing and basketball, before heading the rowing association.
In 2018, Tolentino was chairman and Gregorio was secretary-general of the POC and only last year, Tolentino named Gregorio chef de mission of the Paris Olympics after Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla was recalled to attend to pressing matters in the country. And only last April, Tolentino, the PhilCycling president, and Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH, collaborated for the very successful “Great Revival” of the Tour of Luzon.”
“Finally, unity,” Tolentino said.
past week. During the game, the 19-year-old Joint engaged Eala in one of the longest matches in the WTA, after they were done in two hours and 26 minutes.
Joint went home with prize money totalling $51,330, to go with 250 points, while Eala pocketed $30,380 (around P1.719 million) for her effort, plus 163 points.
“She [Joint] played well when she needed to. Tennis is like that, you can’t have two winners, and I think both of us really fought to the end,” added Eala, who now gets ready for her next event, the Wimbledon Open. Standing in her way right on the first day is 17th seed Krejcikova, who is aiming to defend the title she
LONDON — British number one Emma
Raducanu refused to be drawn on rumours of a relationship with French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz as the duo gear up for a doubles partnership at the US Open.
Raducanu and Alcaraz practiced together at Wimbledon on Friday as part of a sponsors commitment and will play alongside each other at Flushing Meadows in September in the mixed doubles.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz revealed last week he had made the request to play with Raducanu, who shot to fame when she won the US Open in 2021.
“We’re just good friends,” said a smiling Raducanu when asked about speculation that the two are dating.
“It was fun yesterday. We were both on court with Evian. We were just getting some volley practicing ahead of New York.
“I’m really happy obviously to be playing with him. Yeah, we had a good time yester-
day.” In contrast to Alcaraz’s meteoric rise since making his major breakthrough at the US Open three years ago, Raducanu has struggled to shine under the spotlight since becoming a household name.
The 22-year-old has never progressed beyond the fourth round of the Grand Slam since winning in New York and has been battling a back injury heading into Wimbledon.
“Truthfully I don’t expect much from myself this year. I know I’ve just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment,” added Raducanu, who faces fellow Briton Mimi Xu in the first round.
“I know there’s not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon. You get it once a year and for a finite amount of time.
“I’m just looking forward to going out there and feeling the surroundings and the atmosphere.” AFP
secured last year against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
The 29-year-old Czech’s path to the 2024 championship included victories over Grand Slam winners Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) and Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before ultimately defeating Paolini in a hard-fought final, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.
A former world No. 2 in 2022, Krejcikova, boasts two Grand Slam singles’ titles, with her other major win coming at the 2021 French Open. With her earnings, Eala also moved up to no. 56 in the WTA’s list of prize money leaders for the month, with total earnings of $561,212 this year, which is around P31.770 million.
PASIG in Metro Manila and Victorias in Negros Occidental will play host to the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025. The tournament, which will provide a global platform for players to showcase their skills in futsal, will be held November 21 to December 7. FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines made this announcement over the weekend as they revealed the tournament’s host cities.
“We are extremely proud of this milestone and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the local governments of Pasig City and Victorias City for their invaluable support inproviding a truly unforgettable experience for the participating teams, the fans and the Filipino community,” said John Anthony Gutierrez, president of the Philippine Football Federation.
Tournament officials made their final decision after visiting the facilities. FIFA representatives evaluated the infrastructure, accessibility and accommodation capacity, with Pasig City and Victorias City getting the nod for their proven track record for successfully hosting sports and cultural events.
“We are confident that, in collaboration with both Host Cities, we will deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards in terms of facilities and services and offers the players and fans a top-class experience,” said Jaime Yarza, FIFA Director of Tournaments. In line with FIFA’s long-term goals for the development of futsal and the promotion of women’s football, the existence of active grassroots programs was another key factor in host city selection process. Peter Atencio
P37.4 billion 1.66 billion 30%
Expected size of Maynilad’s IPO Common shares to be sold
Expected public float of Maynilad
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Maynilad chairman Manuel Pangilinan said in a recent interview the investors had “signified a significant amount to be invested,” prompting the company to delay the IPO from its initial target of July.
He did not provide additional information about the potential investors, who have requested more time to complete internal approvals.
Pangilinan said the tensions in the Middle East also factored into Maynilad’s decision to move the IPO no later than October this year.
Maynilad could set a firmer price range for the IPO once it finalizes a deal with these cornerstone investors, Pangilinan said.
Amando Tetangco Jr.: Banker beyond compare
By Jimmy L. Montejo
AMANDO Maglalang Tetangco Jr., chairman of SM Investments Corp., is more prominently known as the third governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Born Nov. 14, 1952, he has the rare distinction of having served as BSP governor for two consecutive six-year terms under two Philippine presidents — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. He was a distinguished career central banker for more than four decades, beginning March 25, 1974.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Maynilad’s maiden share offering earlier this month.
Under the plan, Maynilad will sell up to 1.66 billion common shares priced at P20 apiece, with an overallotment option for another 249 million shares and a preferential offer of up to 24.904 million shares.
The company expects the listing to occur on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) under the trading symbol “MYNLD.”
Proceeds from the IPO will fund Maynilad’s capital expenditures and for
In April 2021, he was elected vice chairman and independent director of SM Prime.
At present, he sits as a director of Manila Hotel and Toyota Motor Philippines, and is a trustee of St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation and the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity. He is also a member of the international advisory board of the Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan, and the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Simply put, he has a dizzying list of executive portfolios both in the Philippines and abroad.
He was the country’s representative to the ASEAN Central Bank Forum; the Executives’ Meeting of East Asia and Pacific Central Banks; the South East Asia Central Banks; the South East Asia, New Zealand and Australia; and the Center for Latin American Monetary Studies.
He was governor for the Philippines at the International Monetary Fund and the alternate governor at the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. At the Bank for International Settlements, he was chair of the Meeting of Small Open Economies.
Tetangco was also an independent director of Converge ICT Solutions Inc., Shell Pilipinas Corp., Belle Corp. and CIBI Information Inc.
He chaired various international committees, notably the BIS Asian Consultative Council; the Financial Stability Board Regional Consultative Group for Asia; and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion Steering Committee.
Tetangco graduated top of his class from Ateneo de Manila University with an AB Economics degree and completed his Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (Development Economics) from the University of Wisconsin in the United States as a BSP scholar.
As a financial manager, Tetangco believed that having so much money on hand has its own setbacks.
In a speech, he expressed his conviction that “the rationale espoused by the US Federal Reserve is that making money so cheap would force more businesses to borrow, and hopefully use these funds to expand operations, hire more people and encourage growthinducing consumption.”
He recalled that by 2011, dollars “merrily flowed into the Philippines, partly encouraged by the government’s promise to spend the funds for a massive infrastructure build-up.”
“But the Philippine economy was not structurally ready to absorb all these inflows,” Tetangco noted. “Since these funds were not being used productively, they could be inflationary, and we don’t want that,” he added.
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has released a draft circular outlining a framework for integrating nuclear energy into the Philippines’ power generation mix to implement the clean energy scenario (CES) under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.
The CES envisions a more diverse energy mix, with nuclear energy entering in phases. The plan targets 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,600 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
The DOE said a well-defined framework is crucial to attract investor interest in the first nuclear power generation facility and ensure its smooth integration into the power grid. Under the draft policy, the first
commercially-developed and operated nuclear power plant in the Philippines will be designated a “pioneer project.”
This classification aims to provide a favorable and competitive environment to encourage further development in the country’s energy sector.
“The pioneer NPP shall be considered a baseload plant and shall be granted priority dispatch, in coordination with the DOE and the system operator, regardless of the nuclear technology to be considered for development,” the draft circular says. The circular suggests that the commercial operation of a nuclear power plant, when optimally blended with the generation costs of distribution utilities (DUs), could effectively lower electricity rates. Alena Mae S. Flores
general corporate purposes.
Under its concession agreement with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Maynilad is required to offer at least 30 percent of its shares to the public on or before January 2027.
Maynilad tapped BPI Capital Corp., Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) Pte. and UBS AG Singapore Branch as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offer.
The company, which provides water services in the west zone of Metro Manila, is owned by Metro Pacific Investments Corp., DMCI Holdings of the Consunji Group and Japan’s Marubeni Corp.
Earlier this month, Maynilad secured approval for a 10-year extension of its revised concession agreement. The Economy and Development Council (EDC) approved the MWSS’s request to extend the concession to Jan. 21, 2047.
By Alena
kWh in May. Bohol Light customers will experience a P0.75-per-kWh cut, lowering the residential electricity rate from P11.07 per kWh in May to P10.32 per kWh. This translates into P150 in savings each month for households using 200 kWh. PHI attributed the total reduction of P1.91 across the three distribution utilities to favorable economic factors, notably lower costs in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and decreased transmission charges. For May, the national average WESM price decreased by 15.3 percent month-on-month to P4.52 per kWh, with Visayas averaging P4.52 per kWh.
PH stocks likely to trade sideways this week amid global worries
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE share prices are expected to move sideways with an upward bias this week as global markets remain sensitive to shocks, according to online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com.
While immediate tensions in the Middle East have slightly de-escalated, investors remain wary about the vulnerability of global supply chains. Investors are also concerned about the U.S. Federal Reserve’s next monetary policy move amid current economic conditions.
“The Fed now faces an even more complex decision, with aggressive calls for rate cuts from the White House contrasting with the Fed’s measured stance since Q1,” 2TradeAsia.com said. “Our view remains conservative: while some markets are pricing in a July cut, a prudent assessment of tariff-induced inflationary pressures requires more time and data.”
Domestically, investors will continue to monitor the inflation rate, especially after recent oil price hikes attributed to the Israel-Iran attacks. However, an impending stock transaction tax cut, effective July 1, and the upcoming initial public offerings of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Hann Holdings Inc. are expected to inject a much-needed boost to market liquidity and investor activity.
For the week, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi)’s immediate support is 6,300, while resistance is 6,500-6,550.
Last week, the PSEi jumped 1.08 percent to close at 6,408.27, while the broader All Shares Index rose 0.84 percent to 3,792.06. Average daily value traded amounted to P5.8 billion, down from the previous week’s average of P7.35 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers for the week, with outflows reaching P1.16 billion.
By Othel V. Campos
CENTURY Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) announced it will reduce the price of its sardine products by P1 per can, effective July 1, 2025.
The company said the move aims to alleviate financial pressure on Filipino consumers.
“In our small way, Ligo and 555 want to support consumers during these challenging times,” said Ronald Agoncillo, CPFI vice president and general manager.
“By maximizing efficiencies across the value chain and aligning with our stakeholders, we’re able to offer greater value without compromising product quality.”
CPFI sells hundreds of millions of sardine cans annually under its 555 and Ligo brands. The price adjustment is part of the company’s stated commitment to consumer welfare, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.
Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability, the company recently earned recognition at the 2025 Tambuli Awards.
The company’s Sustenido Bulan program, a community-based initiative focused on responsible sardine fishing in Bulan, Sorsogon, was awarded Gold for Inclusive Growth and Silver for Environmental Care in the Corporate Purpose-Driven Impact category.
The program has resulted in a 10 percent reduction in fish rejection rates, which has decreased waste and increased incomes for over 200 smallholder fisherfolk.
It has also generated more than 850 local jobs and supported the production of over 65 million additional servings of sardine products.
CPFI, through the RSPo Foundation, also expanded its Kain Po feeding program to Bulan, providing nutritious meals to more than 1,000 children.
“These Tambuli Awards embody the values we uphold,” said Gregory Banzon, CPFI executive vice president and chief operating officer.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto and newly appointed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis Lim are accelerating the implementation of key reform initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business and deepening the capital market.
The SEC, under the supervision of the Department of Finance (DOF), is mandated to protect investors, ensure fair and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation by registering corporations and securities, supervising market participants, and enforcing securities laws.
Recto met with Lim on June 23, 2025, to advance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippine capital markets and facilitate the smooth entry of investments into the country. Among the SEC’s top priorities is the efficient implementation of the
recently enacted Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA), a landmark reform designed to broaden investor participation and reduce friction in market transactions.
The SEC is also tightening oversight of crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to protect consumers from systemic risks, ensure regulatory compliance and promote trust in emerging digital financial ecosystems. Meanwhile, the new SEC leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to the proper implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act.
To complement this, the SEC is developing a real-time application tracking system to enhance transparency and reduce the need for client follow-ups.
THE Iloilo provincial government is considering a partnership with water service providers, potentially with Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.’s (AIC) water subsidiary, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., for its P70 million rural water systems program.
The project aims to address widespread water access gaps across the province, Provincial Administrator
Raul Banias said during the Water Dialogue 2025 held June 19, 2025.
Banias said the provincial government is open to private sector partnerships, noting that nearly half of Iloilo’s households still lack access to clean water. This prompted the allocation of P70 million for
GCASH has expanded its partnership with SendWave, aiming to provide a faster, more secure and accessible remittance solution for Filipinos abroad.
The 2025 collaboration introduces new cash-in features, expanded services to more countries and enhanced financial accessibility for overseas Filipinos worldwide.
As an official partner of GCash, Filipinos overseas can now use SendWave to remit directly to a Philippine mobile number (+63), ensuring their families receive financial support instantly.
SendWave also enables Filipinos abroad to cash in to their own GCash Overseas accounts using their U.S., U.K., or Canada mobile numbers, making digital finance more accessible from virtually anywhere. SendWave has established a strong
water infrastructure in underserved areas.
Apo Agua presented its Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) as a potential model for replication in Iloilo.
The project, developed in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD), supplies 300 million liters of potable water daily to more than 1 million residents. It sources water from the Tamugan River and integrates water treatment with renewable hydropower.
“This is not just innovation; this is governance,” said AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao.
presence in multiple remittance corridors worldwide, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain and Germany.
Back in the Philippines, GCash users can conveniently access funds through 339,000 cash-in and cash-out outlets across the country.
The GCash app also provides users with access to a savings account, investment options and financial management tools to help them grow and manage their wealth, all within a single platform.
“This partnership between SendWave and GCash gives OFWs [Overseas Filipino Workers] the ability to send fast, secure, and hasslefree remittances to their families in the Philippines,” said Paul Albano, GCash International general manager. Darwin G. Amojelar
SATELLITE DONATION. CoinEx Charity turns over to Aningway-Sacatihan Elementary and High School in Sitio Gala, Subic, Zambales a Starlink satellite internet system to bridge the digital divide in remote communities. The event was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Education, local government units, and CoinEx Charity. Also in attendance were Janjo Khonghun, chief of staff of Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, and Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, who both reaffirmed their commitment to improving education access for underserved communities. Roy Tomandao
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. pushes for urgent water infra development & investments during the Western Visayas at Water Dialogue 2025 held on June 19, 2025. Joining the event are (from left) Iloilo Business Club (IBC) president Emil Diez, AIC president & chief executive Cosette Canilao, Department of Economy, Planning and Development Region VI director Arecio Casing, Jr., and IBC vice president Ma. Luisa Segovia.
“It’s a model that can work not just in Davao, but in Iloilo, and beyond. We must avoid dependency on any single provider. Redundancy builds resilience, and diversity improves quality and ensures the highest service to the communities.”
She emphasized that the DCBWSP follows a structure where bulk water production and distribution are separated, with Apo Agua handling the former and DCWD managing the latter. This governance model, she stressed, minimizes conflicts of interest, improves accountability and ensures performance transparency.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas,
2
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ABOITIZ Power Corp., through its subsidiaries, plans to build two solar projects in Ilocos Norte with a combined capacity of 538.48 megawatts and a 614.754 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, at a project cost exceeding P34.5 billion. In separate submissions to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, North Luzon Green Power Inc. proposed constructing and operating a 187.044 MWdc solar project in Barangay Talingaan, Laoag City.
The Talingaan-Laoag solar project will also include a 276.954 MWh BESS to support the intermittency and variability of solar energy. It will cover 114.4391 hectares.
The P15.9 billion project will require about 1,500 workers (skilled and non-skilled) during the peak construction phase and an average of 200 workers during normal days. Project operations will employ 90 workers.
Construction of the Talingaan-Laoag solar project is targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with energization aimed for the first quarter of 2028.
Meanwhile, Northern Sun Power Inc. plans to construct a 351.436 MW solar project in barangays Bimmanga and Paguludan-Salindeg in Currimao. This project will also include a 337.8 MWh BESS to support the intermittency and variability of solar energy.
It will occupy 244.0723 hectares and will require about 2,000 workers (skilled and non-skilled) during the peak construction phase and an average of 250 workers during normal days.
who also spoke at the forum, stressed the urgency of expanding water infrastructure in the region.
“We need water, not tomorrow, we need it yesterday,” Treñas said. “I believe that through our partnership with the private sector, we are investing in a long-term solution for a water-secure future.”
Organized by the Iloilo Business Club in partnership with the Regional Development Council VI and copresented by AIC, Water Dialogue 2025 brought together national and local leaders, industry players and civil society to explore integrated solutions for water security in Western Visayas.Othel V. Campos
By Othel V. Campos
AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel
Jr. is banking on science and innovation to drive higher farm productivity, reduce dependence on imports and empower smallholder farmers.
Speaking at the June 26 inauguration of the newly-rehabilitated tissue culture laboratory and biocontrol agents’ facility at the Bureau of Plant Industry’s (BPI) National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center in Los Baños, Tiu Laurel called the upgrades “a solid step toward long-term food security.”
“First and foremost, this will help
provide our farmers with free, highquality, and disease-free planting materials, Although I find the facility a bit small, I’ll find a way to increase its budget for expansion by 2026,” he said.
The upgraded laboratory now supports mass propagation of banana, ube, garlic, white potato and other high-value crops using disease-free cultures.
It aims to boost farm yields and ensure a stable supply chain through the distribution of healthy planting materials to local farmers.
Tiu Laurel also cited the urgency of cutting the country’s import dependency, particularly for garlic and ginger, 95 percent of which is currently imported.
“Even halving that importation would be a major win, Ube is something we can proudly call our own. When it comes to ube-based products, I think we’re among the best in the world,” he said.
The upgraded biocontrol agents’ facility, funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), will enhance pest and disease management using natural methods, helping promote chemical-free and climate-resilient farming practices.
The DA also opened a Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet at the center, where they monitored the sale of rice at P20 per kilogram.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to fast-track the implementation of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP) — a flagship infrastructure that aims to improve connectivity, especially in key areas of Davao Region in Mindanao. On June 27, 2025, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain led an extensive inspection of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass to assess progress and ensure momentum is sustained across its five on-going contract packages. With 60.50-percent accomplishment, Contract Package I-1 (Sta. 12+800 to Sta. 23+500) is one of the most advanced segments of the project. It involves the construction of a 7.9-kilometer four-lane road and includes major structures such as twin two-lane tunnels stretching 2.3 kilometers, three pairs of bridges and two underpasses and two overpasses.
CONFERENCE participation consistently enriches academic and professional perspectives. This was underscored by the recent Asia Academy of Management Special Conference held in Bangkok from June 18 to 20, 2025. The event drew over 200 participants from across Asia, as well as non-Asian nations who converged to present their research papers under the aegis of this prestigious management association.
My participation also offered a deeper understanding of Thailand’s leading educational institutions. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), a public university exclusively offering postgraduate courses, was established to equip government officials and personnel with advanced skills. NIDA Business School functions as a government think-tank, with professors and research supervisors from top global universities. Both its MBA and PhD programs hold the highly coveted accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Additionally, it holds a powerful alumni network exceeding 20,000.
In contrast, the Sasin Business School attained global recognition in 2010 with its MBA program notably ranking 43rd in the Times Higher Education in 2019.
It is particularly striking to witness Thailand, which once sent many of its citizens to the Philippines for higher education, now stand tall with its exemplary educational programs and graduates. Home-grown Thai alumni are evidently well-prepared to lead public and private sectors.
Another institution that captured my attention was the Institute of Science Tokyo, where an Indonesian colleague works. It is a product of the merger between the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University which then reinforces their research capabilities on global issues such as climate change and infectious diseases. As a research-driven institution with robust industry links, companies frequently rely on the university for Research and Development, rather than establishing their own. The Tokyo Institute of Technology was ranked 195th in the most recent World University Rankings.
The dynamics observed in these top-ranking universities offer insights into strategies for empowering human capital and fostering national development. A reflexive question arises: What are we, in the Philippines, doing to emulate this investment in education and our people?
The Philippine President has acknowledged an increased number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) appearing in world rankings, while simultaneously noting that they still lag behind their counterparts in other countries. He has pledged a comprehensive and all-encompassing strategy to reverse this trend. In response, the CHED declared in 2024 its commitment to developing a roadmap aimed at improving the performance of local HEIs in world rankings.
This prompts further questions: What specific components will this national strategy entail? When and how will it be rolled out to achieve tangible impact?
Drawing from the experiences of other nations and scholarly research, I propose the following action items:
1. Multi-Sectoral Participation: While the DepEd and CHED lead the education roadmap for basic and tertiary education, a genuine stakeholder approach is indispensable. Program development, from conceptualization to implementation and evaluation, must integrate the perspectives of K-12 teachers,
Well-crafted policies will only yield desired outcomes if effectively executed.
university professors, parents, youth, industry partners, and relevant government agencies. Diverse perspectives will most likely ensure a realistic, implementable strategy and foster crucial buy-in from all sectors.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum and Policies: Strengthening HEI education must commence at the foundational level. Our curriculum, spanning from Kindergarten through Grade 12 to tertiary degrees, should be comprehensively revamped. The ultimate goal must be to develop not only technical competencies but also civic and moral values, preparing individuals not merely for employment but for significant contributions to national development.
3. Training of Instructors and Implementers: Well-crafted policies will only yield desired outcomes if effectively executed. There is a need to train instructors who can expertly deliver the curriculum, as well as administrators who will ensure that students consistently meet defined learning outcomes before progressing to the next educational level.
4. Collaboration within a Community: It is beneficial to propose localized goals that feed into broader regional and national objectives. Basic education schools, vocationaltechnical schools, colleges, and universities within a specific city or province can collaboratively address local manpower needs or pressing social challenges.
5. Public and Consistent Messaging: To awaken national awareness and galvanize collective contribution to solutions, a constant and clear communication strategy is essential. The use of traditional media, social media, and word-of-mouth will solidify the government’s commitment and embed consciousness within the citizenry.
6. International Benchmarking: International accreditation and benchmarking with programs in neighboring countries will provide an objective assessment and clear direction on areas where we need to intensify efforts to meet international standards.
Standing alongside our progressive Asian neighbors illuminates what we may be lacking, what is achievable, and what we are compelled to do. While managing the educational crisis may appear overwhelmingly challenging, it is undeniably essential for cultivating an educated and skilled populace, and for developing conscientious leaders who will shape the nation’s future.
Dr. Maria Adiel H. Aguiling is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Management and Organization at De La Salle University, Manila. She can be reached at maria.adiel. aguiling@dlsu.edu.ph
The perspectives shared in this piece are solely the author’s and do not necessarily represent the official views of De La Salle University, its faculty, or its administration.
THE Center for Community Transformation (CCT) Group of Ministries, a nationwide movement that includes microfinance among its services, announced the appointment of Sandra Togonon as its new president. The organization also conferred the title of president emeritus on Ruth Callanta, CCT’s founder and longserving president.
Togonon’s appointment was approved by the CCT Inc. board of trustees following a comprehensive search. The board, CCT’s highest decision-making body, also designated Callanta as president emeritus, granting her a lifetime advisory position.
This move recognizes her key role as founder, her decades of service as president and her visionary leadership that drove CCT’s growth.
Togonon, a seasoned human resources practitioner, has been involved with CCT since its early days, helping develop the Career Options for Post-Employment (COPE) program for retrenched workers.
The initiative laid crucial groundwork for the broader CCT movement. Most recently, in 2024, she led a nationwide organizational assessment and strategic planning process that engaged the CCT leadership council, board, and staff.
“We have recognized the immense value of her wisdom, experience, and institutional memory, and we look forward to her immeasurable role as a source of guidance and counsel to the incoming president Togonon and to the ministries of CCT as a whole,” said CCT board chairman Bertram Lim.
Callanta reflected on the transition. “We praise and thank God for His abiding presence and transformative power since the birth of CCT until this very day. After 34 years, I am transitioning to a new role. There is no retirement in ministry—only a change of assignment. Let us lift Sandy in our prayers and give her our full support as she leads us into opening new chapters for the CCT Group of Ministries,” she said.
From a single organization born in faith to a collective of 23 Christ-centered ministries, the CCT Group of Ministries has served vulnerable and marginalized communities across the Philippines for over three decades.
With microfinance as a primary entry point, CCT has established a strong community presence, reaching an estimated 1.4 million lives. It serves micro-entrepreneurs, street-dwelling individuals and families, children and youth, fisherfolk, farmers, tribal people, company-based and blue-collar workers, informal workers, pastors, Christian development workers, and the broader community.
CCT has been recognized by five Philippine presidents: Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Most recently, CCT received the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partner on Enhancing Management and Labor Capacities award for its work among the tribes in Malungon, Sarangani.
Founded in 1991, CCT is a movement of Christian development organizations working among the poor in the Philippines. It has a robust national presence with 140 offices across 16 regions, 56 cities, 38 provinces, and 56 municipalities.
CENTURY Properties Group (CPG), the real estate company controlled by the Antonio family, is preparing for significant growth in the coming years as it continues to finance affordable and premium residential projects across the Philippines.
Over the next two years, the company’s first-home residential group, PHirst, plans to launch about 10 new residential projects. These include its first development in Mindanao, scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
The expansion is part of CPG’s strategy to reach more Filipino families, particularly in regions benefiting from improved infrastructure and increasing housing demand.
“PHirst continues to benefit from an undersupplied market, with sustained demand from first-time homebuyers,” CPG president and chief executive Marco Antonio said.
“The company is committed to making homeownership more accessible for Filipinos, particularly in emerging provinces and regional hubs that are benefiting from improved infrastructure,” he said.
SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers, was honored with six major awards at the 15th Asian Excellence Awards held by Corporate Governance Asia on June 27 in Hong Kong. The recognition affirms SM Prime’s leadership in advancing environmental sustainability, sound corporate governance and strong investor engagement in the region.
Among the accolades received were the Sustainable Asia Award, Best Environmental Responsibility and Best Investor Relations Company – Philippines. These awards reflect SM Prime’s integrated approach to climate resilience and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to corporate honors, SM Prime’s leadership team was individually recognized for excellence in governance and capital market engagement. President Jeffrey C. Lim was named Asia’s Best Chief Executive Officer for Investor Relations, while John Nai Peng C. Ong was recognized as Asia’s Best Chief Finance Officer for Investor Relations and Compliance Officer. Alex D. Pomento was also awarded Best Inves-
From left: Jericho P. Go, senior
senior vice president and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts BU GM; Bomboy Lim, general manager Robinsons Movieworld, LA Montes, assistant vice president Business Development Robinsons Destination Estates; Kerwin S. Tan, chief financial officer; Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, president and chief executive officer; Cora Ang Ley, senior vice president and head of corporate land acquistion; Fatima Olaguer HR head; Faraday D. Go excutive vice president and Robinsons Malls BU GM; Jay de la Cuadra, assistant vice president Business Development, and Chad Sotelo senior vice president and BU GM RLC Residences
tor Relations Professional.
“These recognitions reflect our continued focus on sustainability, transparency and long-term value creation,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime. “We are committed to developing resilient communities while upholding strong corporate governance and aligning our growth with the evolving expectations of our stakeholders.”
Now in its 15th year, the Asian Excellence Awards honors companies and executives across Asia who demonstrate exemplary performance in governance, business ethics, environmental responsibility, and investor engagement. This year’s theme, “The Role of Asian Corporations on Climate Neutrality,” highlights the growing urgency for credible, ESG-driven leadership in the region.
SM Prime’s strong showing at this year’s awards underscores its role as a key contributor to sustainable urban development in the Philippines—anchoring growth in climate-aligned innovation, inclusive stakeholder value and good governance practices.
PHirst brand
PHirst has already made a substantial impact, having completed 15,000 homes and turned over 10,000 units to Filipino first-time homebuyers. As a result, CPG’s first-home residential business reported a 34% revenue growth in 2024, reaching 9.9 billion Philippine pesos ($168 million) and accounting for 68% of total sales.
“Looking ahead, PHirst plans to launch around 10 projects over
the next two years, including its first development in Mindanao set for the third quarter of 2025,” Antonio said.
The new Mindanao project signals CPG’s commitment to building communities beyond Luzon, aligning with its “Twin Engine Strategy.” This strategy focuses on expanding both affordable housing through PHirst and premium developments through Century Properties.
Central Luzon with new mid-rise buildings and townvillas in Azure North, San Fernando, Pampanga. These developments leverage improved connectivity in the region due to completed government infrastructure projects.
For 2025, CPG allocated P10 billion out of its P12 billion programmed capital spending to finance the expansion of the PHirst brand.
Under the PHirst brand, CPG is slated to launch new projects covering 100 hectares of land and 10,000 residential units, with a projected sales value of P25 billion. CPG is also ex- panding in
“This expansion coincides with rapid infrastructure development in Central and North Luzon... We are confident that the project will play a key role in driving regional progress in Pampanga and across Central Luzon,” Antonio said.
Financial stability
While maintaining aggressive expansion plans, CPG also ensures continued financial stability, targeting at least 15 percent to 20 percent growth over the next three to five years.
“We will employ prudent debt management principles, and would want the maximum debt-to-EBITDA of no more than 5x, with the rest of the growth being financed by internal cash flow from operations,” CPG chief finance officer Carlo Antonio said.
CPG also increased its dividend policy from 10 percent to 20 percent of its consolidated net income from the preceding year. It further declared an additional 5 percent special cash dividend for 2025.
With its strong financial position, disciplined debt management, and clear growth strategy, CPG is poised to widen its reach across the country. As the company approaches its 40th anniversary, it remains focused on creating vibrant communities and delivering quality homes that meet the evolving needs of Filipino families. Jenniffer B. Austria
AYALA Land Inc (ALI) has officially unveiled the redevelopment of Dela Rosa Gardens, a 2,600-square-meter green space in the heart of the Makati Central Business District (CBD), as part of its broader efforts to create a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly city.
The revitalized park is strategically located near other green spaces such as Ayala Triangle Gardens, Legazpi Active Park, and Washington SyCip Park,. The redevelopment is a key component of the city’s “Emerald Network”, — a long-term plan to connect Makati’s parks and open spaces through walkable, shaded pathways and eco-friendly corridors.
Designed to support passive cooling and reduce urban heat, the park features elevated walkways and is integrated into the city’s growing network of pedestrian infrastructure. It also emphasizes low-impact mobility, offering safe and accessible routes to nearby landmarks, including MRT stations, Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, as well as major office towers like BPI Tower.
standing commitment to sustainability. From energyefficient buildings and water conservation systems to waste management and native plant prioritization, Ayala Land integrates eco-conscious practices into every layer of development,” the property firm said.
The project is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2028. It will serve as a hub for both weekday activity and weekend recreation, positioned close to cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions.
A new Ayala Land Premier residential development is also expected to rise near the park, further reinforcing the area’s vision of integrated and sustainable urban living.
Dela Rosa Gardens joins a growing list of green spaces that have been enhanced by ALI in recent years. These spaces are frequently used for community events such as Art Fair Philippines, Art in the Park, weekend markets, and Car-Free Sundays.
The redevelopment of Dela Rosa Gardens is part of ALI’s broader strategy to promote livability and sustainability within the country’s financial capital.
“This isn’t just about aesthetics. The Dela Rosa Gardens reflects Ayala Land’s long-
ROBINSONS Land Corporation’s (RLC)
flagship destination estate, Bridgetowne, got a heroic visit as Superman himself swooped in for an epic two-day fan event
On June 18 and 19, the mixed-use development in Pasig and Quezon City transformed into a superhero hotspot, welcoming thousands of excited fans for “Superman: Look Up”, the only Southeast Asian stop for DC Studios’ upcoming Superman film.
The celebration started with a dazzling drone and projection show that lit up the night sky with amazing visuals: Superman soaring through the air, Krypto the Superdog wagging his tail, and the iconic “S” shield shining bright. All eyes then turned to The Victor, Bridgetowne’s 60-meter-tall public art
sculpture, as it proudly displayed the Superman logo glowing on its chest— turning the massive figure into a beacon of strength and hope.
The next day, fans gathered again at the Bridgetowne Open Grounds for a record-breaking moment: the largest human Superman “S” formation ever in the Philippines! Thousands of fans, many dressed as Superman, joined together under The Victor’s raised fist, showing their love for the iconic hero. But the biggest thrill of all came when the stars of the movie made a surprise appearance! Superman himself, David Corenswet, along with Lois Lane actress Rachel Brosnahan, director James Gunn, and producer Peter Safran met their Filipino fans and shared in the excitement.
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero
GAMING has come a long way. What began as simple entertainment has transformed into a colossal industry, blurring lines between casual play, competitive esports, and even forms of digital gambling.
While offering unprecedented engagement and fun, this evolution highlights a crucial concept: responsible gaming. It’s no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessary mindset for anyone who wants to enjoy the thrill of the game without falling prey to its potential pitfalls.
Remember when gaming or gambling meant a trip to a casino or dropping by the “peryahan” to place a bet on a color game? As internet speeds improved and technology advanced, so did gaming, which found a platform online. It began with card games like Poker and Blackjack becoming available on mobile phones, allowing users to play with other players from across the globe to win the pot composed of in-game currency. Eventually, online gaming platforms required more tangible assets, leading people to use their money to play. After all, who wouldn’t want to bet against the odds, especially if they think it’s in their favor?
This constant evolution, driven by technological leaps, has made gaming more accessible, diverse, and engaging. But with this increased accessibility and sophistication comes
a heightened need for awareness and caution.
Understanding the pitfalls of gaming
The ease with which one can access online casinos contributes to the dangers they pose. Unlike traditional casinos with closing hours and physical barriers, online platforms are open 24/7, inviting continuous play. This anonymity can make it harder for individuals to self-regulate, leading to a compulsive need to gamble despite negative consequences. Financial risks are perhaps the most immediate concern; every bet carries the possibility of loss, and the excitement of potential wins can quickly lead to chasing losses, accumulating debt, and even bankruptcy.
Beyond financial ruin, problem gambling can manifest as severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt. Social isolation often follows, as individuals pull away from friends and family, prioritizing gambling over relationships. In extreme cases, it can even lead to legal problems as some resort to illegal activities to fund their habit.
The World Health Organization recognizes “gambling disorder” as
a serious condition, highlighting impaired control over gambling, increased priority given to it over other life interests, and continuation despite negative consequences. The ease of access to online platforms only exacerbates these risks, making it possible to gamble anytime, anywhere, sometimes even in regions where traditional gambling is prohibited.
Being responsible gamers
In this rapidly expanding digital playground, responsible gaming isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical framework for safeguarding individuals and fostering a healthier gaming ecosystem. It’s about ensuring that gaming remains a source of entertainment instead of leading down a path to detriment. Responsible gaming can empower
individuals to make informed choices and maintain control. In the meantime, it can also help businesses in the industry build trust and ensure sustainability. Operators prioritizing responsible gaming are ethical and reliable, fostering a safer environment that benefits everyone. This includes robust age verification, transparent game odds, and clear information about the risks involved.
Moreover, it’s paramount to educate the public, especially younger demographics, about the inherent risks of gaming, especially with traditional games and gambling increasingly blurring the lines with features like in-game purchases and randomized reward systems.
So, how can individuals navigate this exciting yet potentially hazardous landscape responsibly?
Firstly, set strict limits – and stick to them. This is the cornerstone of responsible gaming. Before you even log on, decide on a budget you are comfortable losing and consider it entertainment money, just like you would for a movie or a concert. Crucially, never gamble with money intended for necessities like rent or food. In addition to financial limits, set time limits. Decide how long you will play per session or week, and use alarms or built-in platform tools to remind you when your time is up. Many online casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, and session time limits directly within their settings –utilize these features.
Secondly, understand the games you’re playing. Don’t jump into a game without knowing its rules and odds. The excitement of big wins can be alluring, but understanding the probability of outcomes can help manage expectations and prevent impulsive decisions. Remember that games are designed to have a house edge, meaning over time, the casino will always have an advantage. Thirdly, recognize and manage your emotions. Gambling can be an emotional rollercoaster. The thrill of a win can lead to overconfidence, while losses can trigger frustration, anxiety, and the dangerous urge to “chase losses” by betting more to try and win back what’s gone. If you find yourself feeling stressed, upset, or desperate, step away. Take a break, cool down, and re-evaluate. Gambling should never be a coping mechanism for stress or boredom.
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Angelica Villanueva and Jasper Valdez
THE stars came out in full force for the 53rd Box Office Entertainment Awards, held on June 28 at the CPR Auditorium in Makati City, as the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation honored the top achievers in Philippine film, television, and music.
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards were named Phenomenal Box-Office Queen and King of Philippine Cinema, respectively, for their roles in Hello, Love, Again , the box-office sequel to their 2019 hit Hello, Love, Goodbye . The film also won Best Ensemble Acting for Movies.
Also in film, Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual shared the Film Actor of the Year title, while Marian Rivera was named Film Actress of the Year. Supporting acting honors went to Ruru Madrid and Joross Gamboa as Movie Supporting Actors of the Year, and Nadine Lustre as Movie Supporting Actress of the Year.
For television, Jericho Rosales and Jodi Sta. Maria were recognized as Primetime TV Drama Actor and Actress of the Year, respectively, while Richard Yap and Jillian Ward won for Daytime TV Drama. John Estrada and Janine Gutierrez took home TV Supporting Actor and Actress of the Year. The box office body also honored new and rising stars. Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano were named Prince and Princess of Philippine Entertainment. Siblings Andres and Atasha Muhlach were awarded Most Promising Male and Female Stars, while Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings were recognized as the Most Promising Love Team of Philippine Entertainment.
By Chong Ardivilla
For the love team category, Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino won Most Popular Love Team of Philippine Entertainment following their
ELIO (2025, directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina) suffers under the weight of expectations attached to Pixar. For a generation, Pixar films, in partnership with Walt Disney, have steered computer-generated animation to its dizzying heights. Elio recently opened globally, becoming Pixar’s worstperforming film to date, which is baffling because Elio is a solid animation wonder that carries Pixar’s trademark heartstrings-tugging family story.
Some industry watchdogs argue that Elio underperformed at the box office because it was released in the wake of the live-action films How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo and Stitch. This is a shame because Elio is something the film industry needs: original storytelling, compelling characters, fantastic animation, and millions of dollars supporting imagination rather than regurgitating intellectual property. Some online nimrods have been tearing down the recent Pixar offering with the phrase “go woke, go broke,” accusing the animation company of pandering to the left. This disparages Pixar’s and Disney’s efforts to promote diversity. It’s yet another example of smug ignorance aimed at silencing non-white stories and creators. Elio revolves around an orphaned Latino boy who becomes an army brat (how more American can you get?) through his aunt, who yearns to be an astronaut but gives up that dream to care for her nephew. Elio seeks companionship from outer space because he feels he does not belong on Earth.
The alienation and isolation experienced by a young
and
in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? and My Love Will Make You Disappear Seasoned artists were also honored,
boy are tragic. However, this unfolds into a story that essentially demonstrates the principle of “water seeks its level,” when Elio is taken into an alien, multi-species, intelligent, intergalactic conglomeration. The group is a magnificent bestiary of floating, colorful, and whimsical intelligent creatures. Elio feels at home. The story takes a turn when this colorful group must contend with—and take a stand against—another intelligent life form focused on strength and violence.
What Elio offers is the idea that even a modest nerd hobby can be a powerful force if pursued for the greater good. Yet it also tells a genuinely heartwarming story about family, acceptance, and working through differences. That is something you cannot take away from Pixar. This may be the lowestperforming animated film in its history, but that does not diminish the great message it conveys: family issues and growing pains are, literally, universal. In 1997, the movie Contact (directed by Robert Zemeckis) featured the lead character, a scientist portrayed by Jodie Foster, encountering outer space for the first time. She breathlessly describes the magnificence: “They should have sent a poet.”
After watching Elio, you will see the poetic, sublime beauty of alien life through the magic of the hardworking, underappreciated, yet truly magnificent animators and visual artists who drew inspiration from their childhood. Yes, Elio is indeed visually tremendous. Be in awe of what childlike wonder can see.
You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@ gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social
stood out as they bagged both Concert of the Year and Recording/Streaming/ Concert Performing Group of the Year. OPM icons Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez were named Male and Female Concert Performers of the Year, while TJ Monterde was recognized as Recording/Streaming Artist of the Year.
Among the most-watched programs, 24 Oras was named Popular TV Program for News and Public Affairs. Other winners included FPJ’s Batang Quiapo (Primetime Drama), Abot Kamay na Pangarap (Daytime Drama), Family Feud (Talent Search/ Game Show), and ASAP (Musical Variety Noontime/Primetime). In hosting, Robi Domingo and Anne Curtis were awarded Male and Female TV Hosts of the Year, respectively.
For creative achievements, the Most Popular Film Producer award went to ABS-CBN Studios and GMA Pictures. Cathy GarciaSampana was named Most Popular Film Director, while Carmi Raymundo, Crystal Hazel San Miguel , and Olive Lamasan received recognition as Most Popular Screenwriters. Lavender Fields won Best Ensemble Acting for Television, while child actor Raphael Landicho was named Most Popular Child Performer.
and
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Jimmy Santos (Bert Marcelo Award), Tirso Cruz III (Corazon Samaniego Award), and Homer Flores (George Canseco Award). Posthumous recognition as entertainment icons was also given to Nora Aunor, Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, Hajji Alejandro, and Ricky Davao Special citations for outstanding contributions were awarded to Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (Outstanding Government Service Award), Rhea Anicoche-Tan (Outstanding Businesswoman Award), and Virginia Rodriguez (Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year). The awards night will be televised on July 13 at 10:30 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel and streamed via iWantTFC.
THOUSANDS of fans gathered in Seoul on Saturday to celebrate the final Squid Game season, ending a global Netflix hit that is seen as a symbol of South Korea’s cultural clout. The third and final season was released Friday, concluding the series that sees desperate people compete in deadly versions of traditional children’s games for a massive cash prize.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he had “poured everything” into the series, which launched nearly four years ago. Fans gathered near Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, led by marchers
By Nickie Wang
Philippines
reaffirmed its commitment to workplace inclusion by sharing the experiences of LGBTQ+ employees and holding companywide activities for Pride Month under its ongoing “Love Ko All, Welcome All” campaign.
The fast food chain said it continues to provide a safe and supportive environment where all employees—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—can thrive personally and professionally. Several LGBTQ+ employees from various stores shared how the company helped them feel accepted and empowered in the workplace.
Rachelle David, 42, a restaurant general manager at McDonald’s Karuhatan, said she found a sense of belonging the moment she joined the company after working in the BPO industry.
“I wasn’t sure if I could be myself,” David said. “But the moment I stepped in, something shifted. It felt like home. I felt safe just being me.”
David, who is also active in environmental advocacy, said McDonald’s gave her space to grow and gain confidence in expressing her identity. “It’s a space where I felt seen and started feeling proud of who I am.”
Yober Leonardo, 34, who serves as People/ Training Coordinator and QA Partner, said the support he received early in his career gave him a strong sense of belonging.
“Everyone was welcoming and patient. What I love most about being here is the atmosphere,” he said. “I feel accomplished and truly able to be myself.”
Mark Jason Armintia, 39, now a restaurant general manager at McDonald’s Nueno, worked as a guest relations officer in Kuwait before
FOREST Lake Development Inc.
reported record-breaking sales of over P3.8 billion in 2024 during its 11th National Sales Convention held April 24–25 at Dusit Thani Mactan, Cebu. The two-day event gathered over 480 participants, including sales leaders, agents, executives, investors, and bank partners.
The memorial care provider highlighted its recent national expansion, the rollout of its Libre Burol program across Central and North Luzon and the Visayas, and the opening of a chapel in Iloilo. The company also expanded to new markets in Zamboanga North and Kidapawan.
“This convention marks a year of strategic growth—not only with record-breaking sales, but in operations that continue to align with the evolving needs of Filipino families,” said Forest Lake president and CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos III
He credited the company’s sales teams and partners for sustaining
joining the company. He said being treated fairly and given equal opportunities at McDonald’s has allowed him to grow in his role.
“Because of the acknowledgment I feel in McDonald’s, I give it back through excellent service to customers,” he said.
For this year’s Pride Month, McDonald’s organized a series of events across the country, including transforming its McKinley West branch in Taguig into a rainbow-themed store, a
tradition started in 2023.
On June 27, the company held its “Love Ko All Employee Day,” with stores and offices nationwide celebrating diversity with games and learning sessions. Speakers from Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride and the Philippine Commission on Women
were invited to discuss topics such as SOGIESC, workplace allyship, and safe spaces.
McDonald’s also took part in major Pride events in Quezon City, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City, joining the Pride Marches in Quezon City for the second year and making its debut in Cebu. The brand used these appearances to reach out to members of the LGBTQ+ community who may be considering a career with McDonald’s.
In addition to internal initiatives, McDonald’s offered a Pride-themed McFloat deal on its app, available in flavors like cotton candy, grape, and raspberry.
The company said the “Love Ko All” message goes beyond marketing and reflects its everyday reality as an employer that values inclusion.
“Working at McDonald’s brings out the best in me,” said Armintia. “It increases my productivity, boosts my job satisfaction, and helps me grow with the company.” David added, “I don’t need to pretend to fit in. At McDonald’s, I was accepted for who I really am.”
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
THE Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), a governmentowned and controlled corporation, was created through Executive Order 1037, signed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., on July 4, 1985. Its mandate is to develop and promote the Philippines as a haven for foreign retirees, towards accelerating our country’s social and economic development, strengthening our foreign exchange position, and providing the best quality of life for foreign retirees.
It was not until 1987, two years after its creation, that PRA started accepting foreign retirees. Since then, our country has taken in a total of 81,530 retirees from 150 countries. The top seven nationalities are those from the People’s Republic of China (PROC), South Korea, India, USA, Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong, in that order. Historical and family affiliations explain the large number of retirees we receive from PROC, India, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Many South Koreans choose to retire here
so their children can enroll in our schools to learn English.
A large number of the American retirees we have are former Filipinos who have become U.S. citizens but have chosen to retire in their homeland. The top three retiree locations in the country are Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Pampanga, because their preferred residential areas are those near hospitals, shopping malls, and golf courses, in that order. What I like most about my job as head of this agency is being able to interact with these foreign retirees and hear directly from them why they chose to spend the rest of their golden years here in our country. I chat with them after I administer their Oath of Commitment when they receive their Special Resident Retiree’s Visa
worth of personal belongings tax-free, and we provide free assistance for their transactions with other government agencies. We also provide them access to PhilHealth benefits and privileges.
our country over other beautiful countries in Asia is a source of pride for us Filipinos and my PRA team. The top reasons for their choice certainly pay tribute to our culture. Our friendly people and welcoming attitude make them feel at home right away. These, coupled with our proficiency in
(SRRV), and during our countrywide
“We C.A.R.E.” events—the acronym standing for “We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience.” Hearing their reasons for choosing
PLDT Home flew five subscribers and their companions to Seoul for an immersive “Squid Game” experience, in a first-of-its-kind partnership between a Philippine telecommunications firm and Netflix. The three-day, all-expenses-paid trip included content creators and K-culture influencers Happee Sy Go, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar, who joined
Since not all local establishments give them the usual 20 percent senior citizen discount because they are foreigners, we at PRA have recruited our own set of lifestyle establishments that offer them that discount upon presentation of their SRRV Identification Cards. These establishments include hotels, resorts, restaurants, wellness centers, spas, hospitals, and many others. The list even includes a law firm that gives them free legal advice and, eventually, a discount on legal services. Also on the list is a car distributorship that offers a discount on brand-new cars and on the servicing of old vehicles. But what the foreign retirees are especially happy with is our newly signed collaboration with a company that allows portability of their foreign medical insurance to 200 hospitals across the country, including major institutions such as Asian Hospital, St. Luke’s, Makati Med, The Medical City, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, ManilaMed, and others. These and many more keep our country’s retirement industry abuzz with activities throughout the year. We continue working to provide more benefits for these foreign retirees, aware of the competition from our neighboring Asian countries, which are just as attractive as ours. Although we know the magic of our Filipino culture makes the difference, we strive to give them many more reasons to love living in the Philippines. PRA is here to ensure they enjoy the much-desired il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing, which is what retirement is all about. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
the winners in touring popular Korean landmarks and taking part in Squid Game: The Experience, an interactive attraction based on the hit Netflix series. The activity was held ahead of the upcoming release of the show’s final season and was part of a campaign launched by PLDT Home in April. The company said the promotion aligns with its efforts to expand entertainment offerings beyond
