Manila Standard - 2025 October 8 - Wednesday

Remulla is new Ombudsman

Vows to sort out corruption ‘firestorm’ of flood control funds mess

By Charles Dantes, Pot Chavez and Ram Superable

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, Malacañang announced on Tuesday.

Undersecretary Fredderick Vida will serve as acting chief of the DOJ, Remulla said.

Remulla,

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged local government officials to help combat corruption and rebuild public trust in government institutions.

Meanwhile, Malacañang

By Vito Barcelo

Sotto names 5 potential Blue Ribbon head DFA

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asserted the Philippines’ “incontrovertible” sovereignty over the Spratlys (Kalayaan Island Group) and the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) in the West Philippine Sea as it again criticized misinformation circulating over the features.

Without dropping names, the DFA said certain states had been alluding in recent occasions to what they erroneously think is the extent of Philippine territory.

“The Philippines underscores that its sovereignty over its archipelago and other territories, including Bajo de Masinloc and the high-tide features of the

By Ram Superable

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III yesterday named five senators who could potentially succeed Sen. Ping Lacson as Senate Blue Ribbon chief: Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Francis

Kalayaan Island Group, is incontrovertible and firmly founded on international law, legal principles, effective control, and recognition through international treaties and agreements,” it said.

“Some countries have been articulating an erroneous opinion that intentionally

Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros.

Sotto said the majority bloc would hold a caucus to discuss Lacson’s resignation and decide on the committee’s new leadership. He noted that Lacson’s recommendation for a successor would carry signifi-

cant weight in the selection process. Tulfo and Ejercito however have declined the possibility of replacing Lacson. Tulfo said he was honored to be considered but would rather focus on his existing roles leading the committees

NEW LGU OFFICERS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the oath-taking of the new officers of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang Palace, Manila. Taking their oaths before the President were LCP President San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier M. Zamora, LMP President Echague, Isabela Mayor Faustino A. Dy V, LMP President Emeritus Rep. Joseph Sto. Niño B. Bernos, and LCP National Vice Chairperson Roxas City Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas. PCO

MASSKARA. It is the Masskara Festival month in Bacolod City. Masskara literally means many faces. It was coined by Ely Santiago, a painter, cartoonist, and cultural artist who depicted in his art works the many faces of Negrenses beset with various crises in the 1970s. Originally, the masks reflected the people’s grief over the loss of their numerous loved ones when, in 1979, Negros Navigation’s luxury liner MS Don Juan collided with a tanker. Edwin Ombion

Isko to ‘make Manila great again’

AYOR Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso vowed to “make Manila great again” as he reported key accomplishments in his first 100 days in office, including the collection of over ₱160 million in contractors’ tax and expanded delivery of essential city services.

Speaking at the first “Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel” media forum at the Rizal Park Hotel, Moreno said the city government is working to bring quality public services to residents—from free medical care and education to housing programs, efficient garbage collection, and allowances for teachers and senior citizens.

“I assure everyone that there is now a functioning government in Manila.

on Labor, Migrant Workers, and Public Services.

“I’m very flattered that my name is being considered... however, if offered to me, I will humbly decline,” he said.

Ejercito likewise said he knew his limitations and believed there were other senators more capable of handling the powerful oversight panel.

Lacson stepped down as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday amid the panel’s ongoing investigation into alleged massive corruption in flood control projects.

In a letter to Sotto, Lacson said several senators had expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the inquiry, which reportedly implicated some lawmakers.

He also said some colleagues accused him of singling out senators while sparing members of the House of Representatives involved in the alleged budget anomalies.

Sotto said he tried to persuade Lacson to stay in his post days before the resignation became official.

He described the letter as a firm notice of leave rather than a request for permission, indicating Lacson’s final decision to step down.

Despite resigning as chair, Lacson remains a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee, according to Sotto. The Blue Ribbon Committee, one of the Senate’s most influential panels, handles investigations on corruption and government accountability.

The Senate is expected to announce Lacson’s replacement after the majority caucus scheduled for Wednesday.

While not perfect, we are doing everything we can to improve people’s lives.

I will leave it to my fellow Manileños to judge our performance,” Moreno said during the event sponsored by PAGCOR. Moreno, who served as Manila’s 27th mayor from 2019 to 2022 before winning another term in the May 2025 elections, said the city successfully collected ₱160 million in contractors’ tax from various

flood control projects.

The Tondo-born mayor, who turns 51 on October 21, said the city has also provided ₱58 million in subsidies to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and ₱25 million in allowances for nearly 11,000 teaching and nonteaching personnel. The local government is likewise preparing to distribute financial aid to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.

“The hard work and perseverance of the City Government of Manila are finally bearing fruit,” Moreno said.

The actor-turned-politician also reiterated that he has no plans to seek higher office in 2028, stressing that he

“I think that we can rely on the people of the Philippines to help government in advocating, in enforcing a lifestyle check,” he said.

“The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists. There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,” the PCO said.

“His (Remulla) decades of service as a legislator, governor, and lawyer have earned him broad respect for his integrity and commitment to public service.”

Remulla on Tuesday said his top priority as Ombudsman would be looking into the flood control anomalies.

He said his office will also study a committee report filed by the House of Representatives on the issue of confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte.

He, however, underscored that Ombudsman will not be weaponzed against any political party or politician.

“When I became DOJ secretary, I first removed the weaponization of the law. And it will not be weaponized -- I will make sure of that,” he told justice reporters in an interview.

“Transparency and accountability -that’s what the people are looking for. I think the people want to know. They want to know what the Ombudsman is doing, so we will explain to them what we are doing. We will let them see that there is justice here.”

“We want to speed up the process. We already know what’s happening, so we must move faster,” he added.

In a previous interview, Remulla said should he be appointed Ombudsman, he would allow access to government officials’ statements of assets and liabilities (SALN) as long as it will not be used to harass them.

“We can provide the SALN as long as there are proper safeguards,” he said.

As for proposals to expand lifestyle checks on government workers, Remulla said he will be “guided by public sentiment.”

“Our country is facing many challenges. We are all dismayed over reports of irregularities that we see in the government,” the President said in Filipino in remarks at the oathtaking rites.

The Chief Executive stressed that his administration remains firm in upholding integrity and good governance.

“Our aspirations are clear in Bagong Pilipinas. There is no room for corruption and deceit,” he added. “We must take responsibility to eradicate this abhorrent culture of corruption that poisons public trust and robs us of a better future.”

Drawing from his own experience as a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos said he understands the challenges of local governance, and urged local officials to remain steadfast in their duty to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“Let us continue to do the work that changes millions of lives. Be testaments that public service can still be honest and hopeful,” he said.

The President recently ordered an intensified crackdown on corruption following revelations of alleged kickbacks in multi-billion-peso flood control projects involving collusions between public officials and private contractors.

Marcos has created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged irregularities in the implementation of flood control and related projects over the past decade, and to recommend appropriate charges against those found liable.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the President. does not support moves to amend the Charter at this time.

(DSWD) sent more than 203,000 family food packs (FFPS) as the agency’s “first wave” of augmentation support to 12 local government units (LGUs) hit by the temblor.

This developed as the NDRRMC reported that agricultural damage caused by Tropical Cyclone “Paolo” has reached ₱105.39 million.

The tremor, with epicenter placed near Bogo City, caused significant damage to

Remulla bested six other candidates in the JBC shortlist -- Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan, retired SC associate justice Mario Lopez, Sandiganbayan 4th Division head Michael Frederick Musngi, Philippine Competition Commission head Michael Aguinaldo, and PHLPost head Stephen Cruz.

Remulla was able to secure his clearance to be in the shortlist despite the criminal and administrative cases filed against him by Senator Imee Marcos and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

The cases stemmed from Remulla’s role in giving the greenlight on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte to face crimes against humanity for murder before the International Criminal Court.

At the Upper House, Senator Marcos lamented Remulla’s appointment might target the Vice President.

“Why will you appoint someone who is questionable? It is very clear he is a politico,” Marcos said in a chance interview.

“I think they have laid our their plan -- If the impeachment against the VP does not prosper, they will go straight to the Ombudsman,” she added.

Another member of the so-called Duterte bloc, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta questioned the JBC decision to include Remulla in the shortlist despite pending complaints.

During yesterday’s confirmation hearing of retired Supreme Court Justice Jose Catral Mendoza as JBC member, Marcoleta cited previous rules that automatically disqualified applicants facing any pending cases.

The senator expressed concern that the JBC revised its rules by implementing the disqualification provision only to complaints classified as “serious or grave,” effectively giving members discretion to decide which cases merit consideration.

At the House of Representatives,

homes, schools, and public infrastructure in several municipalities.

As of the latest count from NDRRMC, 611,624 individuals in 221 barangays were reported affected, with local government units continuing to assess the extent of damage and displaced families.

Authorities said 39,806 structures sustained partial to total damage, while widespread power interruptions and road blockages hampered early response operations in several towns.

Authorities gave assurance that recurrent aftershocks pose no signifi-

remains focused on serving as mayor.

“I am deeply grateful to the people of Manila for giving me a second chance to serve,” he said, also thanking his family for their continued support.

Veteran journalists Raymond Burgos and Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez moderated the event, organized by the Association of Philippine Journalists–Samahang Plaridel, now led by president Evelyn Quiroz. Founded in 2002, Samahang Plaridel counts among its founding members media luminaries such as Max Soliven, Adrian Cristobal, Neil Cruz, Crispulo Icban, Rod Reyes, Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, Jullie Yap Daza, and Rollie Estabillo.

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said Remulla must be loyal to the people.

“Now more than ever, we need a true Tanodbayan—an Ombudsman who is loyal to the people, not to the one who appointed him. This remains to be seen with the newly appointed Ombudsman Boying Remulla, who must prove his independence,” she said.

Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said:

“His appointment is an important addition to the country’s accountability mechanisms, particularly in bringing to justice the perpetrators of corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects — whoever they may be, and whenever these acts may have been committed.”

Remulla, who headed the DOJ since June 2022, succeeded former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term ended on July 27.

Before assuming his new post, Remulla served as the 59th secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) since June 2022.

The PCO noted that during Remulla’s tenure, the DOJ advanced major reforms to modernize the justice system, decongest prisons, accelerate case resolution, and expand access to legal services.

Remulla’s appointment comes amid mounting corruption concerns over the implementation of government infrastructure projects, particularly flood control programs, which have drawn scrutiny from both the public and lawmakers.

PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Remulla went through a “very stringent” selection process.

Gomez expressed confidence that Remulla would be “very impartial” when he assumes the Ombudsman post.

“As I said, there’s a vetting process, which is provided for by our Constitution and our laws. And he went through that very rigorous process, selection process, which started with the JBC,” he said.

“At the end of the day, after the President receives the recommendation of the JBC, it is still the decision of the President after he receives the shortlist.” With Rio Araja

cant threats, but nevertheless urged the public to remain cautious and follow safety advisories. The death toll from the quake stood at 72, with 559 reported injured

“As of Sunday, we have released 203,708 as initial aid to the LGUs affected by the earthquake. In just 5 days, our Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) has produced and dispatched food packs to immediately respond to the needs of our affected communities,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said in a statement.

Garcia said the new names emerged from the poll body’s review of 55 contractors identified as donors during the 2022 national elections.

“Based on initial reports, there are around six other senators who were recipients. But we cannot yet reveal who they are until our investigation is complete,” Garcia said in an interview.

“We owe it to the public to be transparent. Campaign contributions should never be used as a backdoor to government contracts,” he added.

He said Comelec is now coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to verify whether the companies that contributed were engaged in governmentfunded infrastructure or supply contracts at the time of the donations.

Garcia clarified though that not every donation from contractors inherently breaches election regulations.

Although Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits individuals or organizations with current government contracts from contributing to candidates, companies that function exclusively in the private sector—like real estate developers, glass manufacturers, or providers of non-governmental projects—are not automatically included.

“There are contractors that only build subdivisions or commercial spaces. If they are not engaged in any government project or bidding, then they fall outside the legal prohibition,” he said.

He said the investigation aims to draw a clear line between legitimate private donations and those that could constitute undue influence or conflict of interest.

Garcia said Comelec expects to release its official findings once the DPWH completes its validation process.

“We believe that for peace to exist, it is necessary to continue investigating that widespread distrust, and to do so with transparency and without bias or cover-up,” he added.

In an appearance on Net 25’s Sa Ganang Mamamayan segment, Zabala said the INC is calmly observing the current situation in the Philippines and hopes for peace and justice in the country. “We have seen the steps taken by the government to find out the root of the reported anomalies in the said projects,” he said, urging the Senate to continue its investigation, which it suspended on Oct. 4.

Meanwhile, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said Tuesday that the commission remains committed to finding the truth and will “not allow

any whitewashing” in its ongoing probe. “That’s why it is very crucial that the commission carefully untangles this web of corruption. This is not a simple modus,” he said in a message to reporters. Hosaka added that the ICI is verifying all evidence and testimonies it receives, cautioning that some information “might be false and possibly given to mislead the investigation and even the public for whatever agenda by some people.” He said the ICI may also expand its investigation into alleged infrastructure corruption to include the heads of the Land Transportation Office and the Bureau of Customs in connection with the alleged smuggled luxury cars of the Discaya couple. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm in his directive for a transparent and independent investigation into the so-called

“ghost” flood control projects—programs that were funded but never constructed.

“The President established the ICI precisely to have an independent investigation, broad but independent, into questionable flood control projects and infrastructure programs,” Castro said during a Palace briefing. “He does not want any cover-up. That’s exactly what he’s against,” she added. Her remarks came amid heightened public scrutiny of the government’s handling of the corruption scandal and renewed calls from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to protect the integrity of the investigations.

In a statement, the CBCP warned that “any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up.” The bishops also opposed attempts to preempt or derail the probes through backroom deals, leadership reshuffles, or selective justice.

misreads certain treaties upon which the extent of Philippine territory is partly based,” the Department added.

The DFA pointed out that the Treaties of Paris and Washington, along with other agreements, including the 1930 United States-Great Britain Treaty, “clearly and firmly state the extent of Philippine territory as well as their meaning derived from the concrete and consistent demonstrations of sovereign authority and jurisdiction exercised by the Philippines over its territory through the centuries.”

“The 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions of the Philippines, taken together, are clear on the legal bases and extent of the Philippine national territory,” it said.

“The Philippines will continue to remain vigilant against attempts to misinform the general public. It will continue to assert and preserve its territorial integrity, and strongly uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in accordance with international law,” the DFA added.

Last Oct. 2, Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela said many discredited propagandists have attempted to use the Treaty of Paris as a definitive boundary that excludes areas such as the Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratlys.

“According to this view, the Philippines has no legitimate basis for claims beyond those treaty lines. This interpretation is both historically and legally inaccurate,” he said.

However, Castro emphasized that the Senate and the ICI are free to conduct their inquiries without interference from the executive branch. “Whatever the Senate decides in its investigation is no longer within the President’s purview,” she said.

“We do not know what processes the Senate will follow, but that doesn’t mean that if they do not conduct their own investigation and leave it to the ICI, there will automatically be a cover-up,” she added.

Asked about public calls for transparency amid the ICI’s decision to hold closeddoor proceedings, Castro said Malacañang supports openness but will not dictate how the commission should operate.

“Of course, the President wants everything to be transparent, but we cannot dictate how the ICI will proceed. If they hear the public clamor for open hearings, it will be up to them to decide. They have the right to determine their own process,” Castro said.

IN BRIEF

Solons urge stronger actions on Myanmar

LAWMAKERS in the House of Representatives on Tuesday filed a resolution urging the executive branch, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs, to take bolder initiatives within ASEAN to address the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

House Resolution No. 342, filed by Representatives Leila de Lima, Bienvenido Abante, Arlene Bag-ao, Chel Diokno, Sarah Jane Elago, Cielo Krisel Lagman, Rufus Rodriguez, and several others, calls for regional action to restore democracy, justice, and stability in Myanmar.

The measure cites the Philippines’ obligations under international law to promote and protect human rights and uphold humanitarian principles that respect the dignity and worth of every person.

Rio N. Araja

PDEA seizes P1.17b illegal drugs in a week

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported on Tuesday the confiscation of ₱1.17 billion worth of illegal drugs in nationwide operations conducted from September 26 to October 3.

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the success reflects strong coordination among law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach against illegal drugs.

In 64 operations, authorities arrested 87 suspects and seized 165.9 kilograms of shabu, 96 ecstasy tablets, 17 kilograms of marijuana kush, 180 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 95,500 marijuana plants. Rio N. Araja

BI probes dual citizenship vs. businessman’s son

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched an investigation into Johnson Cai Chen, also known as Johnson Chua Sy, son of detained businessman Johnny Sy, for allegedly holding both Chinese and Filipino passports.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency is verifying Cai Chen’s records to determine if he committed fraud or violated citizenship laws. “Dual identities are red flags,” Viado said, adding that fraudulent claims will be dealt with “swiftly and firmly.”

Investigators are reviewing Cai Chen’s birth certificate, passport, and other documents related to naturalization or repatriation. If found to have falsely claimed Filipino citizenship, he may face penalties, including deportation.

Vito Barcelo

DICT eyes blockchain system to boost budget transparency

By Charles Dantes

THE Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT) is preparing to launch a prototype blockchain platform aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the national budget, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to leverage emerging technologies in government processes.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said on Tuesday that a minimum viable product (MVP) of the system could be presented to Congress and the Senate as early as next week to demonstrate

how blockchain can track government spending and reduce opportunities for the misuse of public funds.

“Blockchain is very feasible for this purpose. We already have the lo -

cal expertise and technical capacity to develop and deploy it,” Aguda said in a Palace briefing. “Our goal is to present a working prototype to lawmakers so they can evaluate its potential before we proceed to full implementation,” he added. Aguda described the initiative as part of a broader effort to digitize government systems and ensure that public funds are used efficiently. He said blockchain, the same technology that powers cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, offers built-in security features that make it difficult to tamper with records.

“It’s not impossible to hack, but it’s significantly more secure than many oth-

Outdated projects dropped as DND recalibrates priorities

By Ram Superable

THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday presented its proposed ₱295.18-billion budget for 2026 before the Senate Finance Subcommittee E, highlighting a strategic shift toward archipelagic defense, territorial protection, and maritime domain awareness.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the agency is refining the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization frame -

work to prioritize essential capabilities under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Basing System.

He said the DND plans to repeal outdated provisions of the modernization program to allow more flexible financing and project management.

Some previously approved projects will no longer proceed because they have become obsolete or financially impractical. “A horizon with a fixed amount doesn’t make sense and doesn’t make

good project management either. That is why we’re asking for the repeal on a project-by-project basis,” Teodoro said.

The defense chief noted that the current five-year timeline for implementing large defense acquisitions is inefficient, given the long lifespan of military assets. He proposed syndicated loan arrangements to spread amortization costs over two decades, aligning payments with asset longevity.

“Why should we pay everything

in five years when the life of the asset will be about 20 or 25 years?” he said.

Teodoro said this approach would allow the Philippines to negotiate better terms with foreign suppliers and multilateral institutions, potentially lowering interest rates.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who presided over the hearing, cautioned that repealing the existing modernization law should not mean disregarding valuable lessons learned from its implementation.

CHR: Magna Carta for responsible AI

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday recommended the creation of a foundational Magna Carta for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the consolidation of other AI-related measures in Congress.

“Such legislation must be rooted in human rights principles, transparency, multi-stakeholder participation, and alignment with international standards,” it said.

“By placing human rights at the core of AI regulation, the Philippines can build a future where technological innovation advances hand in hand with democratic values and human dignity,” the CHR stated.

The commission vowed to remain

steadfast in safeguarding the rights of all Filipinos, including those in the digital sphere. It fully supports initiatives that harness AI for public good while emphasizing the need to uphold dignity, freedom, equality, and other fundamental rights.

As AI technologies increasingly shape daily life, the CHR stressed that their development and use must be anchored in democratic principles, ethical considerations, and international human rights standards.

To prevent discriminatory or privacy-invasive practices, the CHR called for legal frameworks that strike a balance between regulation and innovation, saying a human rights–based approach to AI governance ensures that technological progress does not undermine people’s rights.

er technologies we use today,” he added.

The DICT chief said funding for the platform is expected to come primarily from private sector partners and foreign grants rather than taxpayer money. At least two international groups have expressed interest in providing financial support, he added. “Industry and the private sector are ready to help fund this because it benefits everyone,” Aguda said. He also addressed concerns about due process and privacy in the rollout of a new “block list monitoring dashboard,” which aims to automate the takedown of illegal websites. He assured the public that legal safeguards remain in place.

PAGASA declares end of southwest monsoon season

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday officially declared the termination of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season, which brings warm, moist winds from the southwest and rains over the western parts of the country from May to September.

This also signals the end of the rainy season over western Luzon and Visayas.

“Recent observations indicate that the Southwest Monsoon has been weakening during the past few weeks,” PAGASA said in a press release.

“Moreover, a gradual change in the country’s weather pattern has been observed due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Forecast models also show this trend in the coming days,” it added.

The country is now transitioning to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan), characterized by cool winds from the northeast that bring rains to the eastern part of the country.

The state weather bureau said it would declare the onset of Amihan in the coming weeks and will continue to monitor weather and climate conditions, advising the public and concerned agencies to keep track of relevant updates regularly.

COASTAL UPLIFT. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says last week’s magnitude 6.9 quake in northern Cebu caused a coastal uplift in Barangay Nailon, Bogo City, following the movement of the newly discovered Bogo Bay Fault.

BENGUET BUST. Police seize over P10 million worth of dried marijuana at a checkpoint in Kibungan, Benguet. A follow-up investigation and pursuit operation are underway to identify and arrest the suspects. Dave Leprozo

OPINION

Systemic reform, not snap polls

CAN the call to hold snap elections in the wake of a deepening credibility crisis gather enough traction?

We don’t think so.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposed radical solution—the resignation of all national officials and snap elections, with a ban on incumbents seeking reelection—will in effect stop popular demand for accountability of erring officials involved in a flurry of scandals and trigger a mad dash for lucrative public office by those just waiting in the wings to grab a share of the spoils for themselves.

As public trust in institutions erodes, the senator’s proposal raises urgent questions: Can snap elections restore legitimacy? Or do they risk becoming a superficial reset that leaves structural decay untouched?

It cannot be denied that public confidence in government is at historic lows. The flood control scandal, characterized by padded contracts, political interference, and elite impunity, has become a symbol of everything wrong with current governance.

Let’s make it very clear: snap elections are not a cure for systemic decay. They may offer catharsis, but without deeper institutional reform, they risk becoming a reset button for the same broken machinery.

While the flood control controversy has led to high-profile resignations, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Chiz Escudero, the deep fissures in the country’s system of governance have amplified public outrage and reinforced perceptions of elite impunity. It has been pointed out time and again that our democracy is in peril.

Part of the reason for this is that political dynasties continue to dominate Philippine governance, with families recycling power across generations.

This concentration of influence undermines democratic competition, marginalizes reformist voices, and perpetuates patronage-based politics.

Despite government claims of economic growth, poverty and inequality remain entrenched.

The state’s failure to deliver basic services, particularly in disaster-prone and underserved regions, has fueled disillusionment. The credibility crisis is not just political; it is moral and institutional.

Amid all this, how should we evaluate the snap election proposal?

Will it lead to democratic renewal or democratic risk?

Snap elections, historically used in parliamentary systems to resolve political deadlocks, are not Constitutionally provided for in the Philippine presidential system.

Cayetano’s proposal, while symbolically powerful, lacks a legal mechanism for implementation. Without Constitutional amendments or mass resignations, it remains a rhetorical gesture.

Snap elections will not dismantle elite capture or guarantee accountability.

They might simply reshuffle the same dynastic deck under a different banner.

Moreover, excluding all incumbents from running raises concerns about disenfranchisement. While intended to prevent recycled leadership, it may violate the democratic principle of free candidacy and voter choice.

The snap polls proposal offers political catharsis and a dramatic rupture from the status quo.

Snap elections may offer catharsis, but without deeper institutional reform, they risk becoming a reset button for the same broken machinery

But without institutional safeguards, it risks reproducing the same power structures under new names. Elections alone cannot dismantle elite capture or ensure accountability.

True democratic renewal requires more than electoral turnover. It demands a number of substantive reforms.

One, campaign finance reform to curb oligarchic influence.

Two, creation of independent oversight bodies with prosecutorial teeth.

Three, civic education and youth empowerment to build a reformist electorate.

And four, participatory budgeting and citizen audits to institutionalize transparency.

Instead of a blanket reset, we should pursue a multi-pronged reform agenda.

All these could offer a more sustainable path to legitimacy rooted in democratic participation, not just electoral frenzy and spectacle.

While the call for snap elections reflects a deep frustration with systemic dysfunction and the impetus for a clean slate is understandable, democratic renewal cannot be achieved through shortcuts.

The nation needs not just new leaders, but new rules, new institutions, and a new civic culture.

Reform must be deep, deliberate, and participatory, anchored in the belief that legitimacy is earned, not through another political spectacle, but through sustained accountability.

We need new leaders committed to the rule of law and a better future for our nation.

In the final analysis, snap elections will not save this nation from division and decay, but systemic reform will.

Let’s not settle for a clean slate; let’s build instead a better foundation for a new Philippines where we can have political stability, consistent economic growth and social concord in the years ahead.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

A national metanoia

IN RECENT weeks, the call for accountability and transparency has grown louder. You hear it everywhere—from social media to community halls—people are saying, “Tama na ang korapsyon.”

It feels like a national consensus is building: corruption has to end. But while the “what” seems clear, the “how,” “when,” and “who” are still vague. What exactly needs to change? How should we do it? And who will start?

Let’s be real. We’ve seen this cycle before. A scandal erupts, leaders are blamed, people are replaced, and yet somehow,

EDITORIAL

Make the ICI hearings public

MUCH hope accompanied the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure on Sept. 11. At that time, revelations on the flood control projects of the government were just surfacing, and the call of the President for complicit officials to have some shame (“Mahiya naman kayo!”) resonated with the people. It was, after all, the season for storms in the Philippines, and the ultimate failure of flood control projects were much seen – and felt -by families and communities.

A month hence, and after several hearings at both the House and Representatives and the Senate, after an indignation rally on Sept. 21 and several university walkouts, the people are angrier than ever.

We realized that this is far more scandalous than the Priority Development Assistance Fund from 12 years ago, in terms of the amount of taxpayers’ money involved. Through the hearings, streamed online, we became aware of just how deeply corruption is entrenched in our society, across geographic areas, bureaucratic levels, and project types.

The question, it appears, is no longer who among our officials are corrupt, but who are not.

But there will be no more congressional hearings, after numerous accusations, hurt reactions, counter accusations, dubious claims, and

when you see things differently, and that change shakes you to your core. It’s hard. It’s humbling. But it’s also the kind of transformation that makes real change possible.

If we want true and lasting change in our country, we need three things: selfchange, sustained-change, and systemchange.

things stay the same. If we think the solution is simply to remove corrupt people and replace them with new ones, without fixing the culture that allows corruption to thrive, then history tells us—we’re just setting the stage for the next round of disappointment. What we need isn’t just a change in leadership. We need a deeper kind of change— an internal shift that transforms the way we think, act, and live.

The ancient Greeks had a word for this kind of deep transformation: metanoia. It’s not just about regret or saying sorry. It means a total change of heart. A radical shift in mindset. A moment

It feels like a national consensus is building: corruption has to end

First, self-change. We can’t expect our country to be honest if we, in our own daily lives, are not.

Corruption doesn’t begin in government halls—it starts with small compromises.

Bribing a traffic enforcer. Faking receipts. Jumping in line because you “know someone inside.”

These little things, when added up,

We cannot find answers and establish trust without transparency

protestation. The House wrapped up its own probe, turning over whatever it had to the ICI. Over at the Upper House, the first senator who presided over the Blue Ribbon Committee was ousted, and the one who replaced him – widely regarded to be doing a good job, perhaps too good – quit over the weekend in exasperation. Some of Senator Panfilo Lacson’s fellow senators have reportedly expressed “disappointment” at his handling of the probe.

create the very culture we say we hate.

So maybe it’s time we stop pointing fingers and start asking ourselves: am I doing my part to be honest, fair, and accountable?

Second, sustained-change. Change isn’t something that happens overnight or during election season. It’s a daily choice. It’s choosing integrity in little moments. It’s raising kids who value honesty. It’s holding ourselves and our leaders accountable—not just when it’s trending, but all the time.

If we want real change, we have to keep showing up, even when it’s hard, even when no one is watching.

Third, system-change. Let’s face it—some of our institutions are outdated, broken, or even designed to protect the status quo.

If we’re serious about ending corruption, we have to be brave enough to ask the hard questions: Is our political system still working?

Does our Constitution need updating? Are our laws really protecting ordinary Filipinos, or just a few powerful ones?

Which now leaves this sordid mess on the sole hands of the ICI.

The commission, not without any controversies of its own regarding its composition and its malleability, has been conducting its own hearings, inviting most of the same personalities that have been present in the congressional probe.

The people cannot help feeling as though they have been left in the dark.

The congressional hearings may have been a circus, but at least we were able to follow where the probe was leading, what areas were being looked into, which names were being dragged. We were able to hear not only what the personalities were saying, but observe how they were conducting themselves. We gleaned much from the answers, yes, but also the questions that were asked and the manner in which these questions were raised. We were able to gauge the soundness of the questions and the bias or impartiality of the investigators.

The ICI says it will keep its probe behind closed doors because it does not want a trial by publicity. We ask: why refuse to shed light altogether? Those insisting on their innocence must be afforded the opportunity to establish the truth of their claims. A public investigation will also eliminate whatever doubts there may be on the objectiveness of the supposedly independent body. We cannot find answers and establish trust without transparency.

This isn’t about tearing things down—it’s about building something better, something fairer, something that truly works for the people. Now, I get it—change can be scary. It’s uncomfortable. It makes us face parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore. But sometimes, discomfort is the first sign that growth is on the way. And maybe, just maybe, all the frustration we’re feeling as a nation right now is actually the beginning of something good.

Maybe this is our wake-up call—not just to fix the system, but to change who we are as a people. Because we are a nation that’s tired of corruption, a people willing to start again, and a country ready to shape a future that isn’t just wished for—but built, one honest act at a time. And if we’re lucky—if we’re brave enough—this moment might just be the start of something beautiful: a national metanoia. Because real change doesn’t just start from the top—it starts in the heart, and it begins with us.

Israel marks Oct. 7 as talks held to end war

ERUSALEM—Israel marks the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Tuesday, as Hamas and Israeli negotiators hold indirect talks to end the twoyear war in Gaza under a US-proposed peace plan. CHICAGOPresident Donald Trump

Two years ago to the day, at the close of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Hamas-led militants launched a massive assault on Israel, making it the deadliest day in the country’s history.

Palestinian fighters breached the Gaza-Israel border, storming southern Israeli communities and a desert music festival with gunfire, rockets and grenades.

The attack killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also took 251 people hostage into Gaza, of whom 47 remain captive, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead. Memorial events were scheduled in Israel on Tuesday to mark the anniversary.

Dozens of relatives and friends of those killed at the Nova music festival lit candles and held a minute’s silence at the site of the attack in southern Israel, where militants killed more than 370 people and seized dozens of hostages.

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was killed at the festival with her fiance Moshe Shuva, told AFP the day was a “black” date for her family.

“Now it’s two years. And I’m here to be with her, because this is the last time that she was alive,” the 57-yearold mother said at the site of the attack, adding she felt “that right now she’s with me here”.

Another ceremony was due in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where weekly rallies have kept up calls for the captives’ release.

A state-organized commemoration is planned for Oct. 16 after the ongoing Sukkot holidays.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza by air, land and sea has killed at least 67,160 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, fi gures

the United Nations considers credible.

Their data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that over half of the dead are women and children.

Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, with homes, hospitals, schools and water networks in ruins.

Hundreds of thousands of homeless Gazans now shelter in overcrowded camps and open areas with little access to food, water or sanitation.

“We have lost everything in this war, our homes, family members, friends, neighbors,” said Hanan Mohammed, 36, who is displaced from her home in Jabalia.

“I can’t wait for a ceasefire to be announced and for this endless bloodshed and death to stop... there is nothing left but destruction.”

After two years of war, 72 percent of the Israeli public said they were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the war, according to a recent survey by the Institute for National Security Studies. AFP

Trump says may invoke Insurrection Act to deploy more troops

more troops into Democratic-led US cities,

his rhetoric as his attempts to mobilize the military face legal challenges. The Republican leader openly mulled use of the Insurrection Act after a federal judge in Oregon temporarily halted a National Guard

TO : Heads of Departments, Bureaus and Offices

whose proposals as evaluated is the most advantageous to the government. The Provincial Government of Rizal assumes no obligation to compensate/indemnify the bidder for any expense/loss that may be incurred in the preparation of the bids, nor does it guarantee that an award will be made. For more information, prospective bidders may visit the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Rizal Provincial Government, Ynares Center Complex, Antipolo City or call telephone no. 8256-3000 during office hours and look for Ma. Teresa E. Lasquety, Provincial Treasurer (Sgd.) ATTY. ERICA T. GATAN Vice-Chairperson Committee on Awards Rizal Provincial Government List of Properties for Disposal NO. LOCATION TD#/TCT#AREA

1 Brgy. Concepcion, Baras, Rizal18-BA-001-017097,163 sq.m. P 50.00/sq.m. or P 358,150.00

2 Brgy. Concepcion, Baras, Rizal18-BA-001-0171010,050 sq.m. P 50.00/sq.m.

3 Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Cainta, Rizal

Rizal18-TY-002-005971,897 sq.m. P 3,700.00/sq.m. or P 7,018,900.00 6Beverly Hills, Taytay, Rizal18-TY-002-007721,474 sq.m. P 3,700.00/sq.m.

of the different audit actions and other Orders and

the Commission to the persons concerned/liable. This is to guarantee that the constitutional requirement of due process is strictly observed. However, the audit clusters/sectors of this Commission have raised concerns on the difficulty of meeting the directive of COA Circular No. 2021-013 on the required timeframe for the service of the Commission’s various audit actions, orders and decisions, including the accomplishment of Affidavit of Service as proof of service. Considering that the actual failure to meet the required calendar days is due to causes beyond the control of the audit clusters/sectors, the penalty provision under Item 5.0 of the COA Circular should be removed. Moreover, Paragraph 3, Item 4.6 of the COA Circular vests upon the Commission Proper (CP) the power to decide on the proper treatment of unserved Notice of Disallowance/Charge (ND/C), Notice of Finality

deployment in Portland, while another judge in Illinois allowed a similar move to proceed for now in Chicago.

Both cities have seen surges of federal agents as part of Trump’s mass deportation drive, prompting protests outside immigration processing facilities.

“We have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it I would do that,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure I would do that.”

Illinois officials had filed suit seeking to block the deployment in Chicago, but Judge April Perry, an appointee of Trump’s Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, declined to issue an immediate temporary restraining order.

She scheduled a full hearing on the matter for Thursday and asked the government to inform the court to provide more information.

The debate mushroomed after it became known that Republican-led Texas was planning to send 200 of its federalized National Guard troops to Illinois, a move that infuriated Democratic Governor JB Pritzker.

“They should stay the hell out of Illinois,” said Pritzker. He also accused federal immigration agents conducting raids in Chicago of “thuggery,” using “excessive force,” and illegally detaining US citizens. AFP

Director concerned - for the unserved NFDs issued by the CD/RD/Office Director, or by the auditors; COEs or other COA Orders or Decisions issued by the CD/RD/Office Director concerned; and for the unserved NDs/NCs, NFDs, and COEs issued by the Special Audit Teams and Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office

b) The Director of the Prosecution and Litigation Office, Legal Services Sector - for the unserved COEs issued by the General Counsel c) The Commission Secretary (ComSec) - for the unserved COA Decisions

Japan’s Takaichi eyes bigger coalition

TOKYO—Japan’s incoming new prime minister Sanae Takaichi has approached an opposition party with a view to expanding the governing coalition to give it a working majority in parliament, reports said Tuesday.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its longstanding junior partner Komeito have been in a minority in the lower and upper chambers since recent elections, making it hard to pass legislation.

The conservative Takaichi, 64, became president of the LDP on Saturday and is expected to become Japan’s first woman prime minister next week, replacing Shigeru Ishiba.

Takaichi the next day met Yuichiro Tamaki, who heads the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), with a view to expanding the coalition, the Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun dailies reported.

Takaichi and Tamaki have in the past both put forward similar policies such as aggressive fiscal spending and tax cuts to boost the economy, as well as tougher rules around foreign workers. AFP

France PM in e ort to save Cabinet

PARIS—France’s outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was on Tuesday due to start a last-ditch effort to rally cross-party support for a cabinet lineup to pull his country out of political deadlock.

President Emmanuel Macron tasked Lecornu, 39, with forming a government in early September after parliament toppled his predecessor over an unpopular austerity budget.

Lecornu unveiled a new cabinet on Sunday evening but it immediately drew criticism for containing many of the same faces from the previous government, and Lecornu resigned on Monday morning.

But in a twist, Lecornu had by Monday evening accepted Macron’s request that he spend two days trying to salvage his administration. AFP

Ati-atihan eyed as ‘mother’ of PH festivals

By Jun N. Aguirre

KALIBO, Aklan—The municipal government of Kalibo, Aklan, is poised to institutionalize its Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival as the “mother of Philippine festivals” with the revival of event’s authentic tradition.

Kalibo tourism chief Rhea Rose Meren said this initiative was developed with strategic planning in collaboration with the National Culture and Arts Council.

The workshop’s result was presented on Monday afternoon during the final meeting for the preparation of the opening salvo of the Ati-Atihan festival.

Earlier, Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro announced that this year’s Ati-atihan opening salvo would be held on Oct. 8-11.

Meren said the kick-off rites signal the official start of a series of preparations for the annual Ati-atihan Festival in January 2026.

“Among the recommendations made by the NCCA is the institutionalization of practices such as the snake dancing, putting of soot all over the body of the participating tribal groups, the diana practice where a bell would be rang at 4:00 am during the feast day as a reminder to the public of the celebration,” Meren said.

These practices will be integrated through an ordinance to ensure sustainable practices in the future.

“We want to safeguard our tradition for the preservation of practices, transmission by educating these practices to the younger generation, collaboration for unity and development of the festival,” Meren said.

DENR padlocks 3 illegal resorts at UMRBPL

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has enforced closure order on three resorts that had illegally operated inside the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).

Under the direction of DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement Norlito Eneran, Region IV-CALABARZON executive director Nilo Tamoria and Rizal provincial environment and natural resources officer Ramil Limpiada dispatched a composite team to execute the closure order.

The team was led by Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service director Reuel Sorilla and UMRBPL protected area superintendent Grace Malabanan.

The team padlocked the main gate of Danum Baker Resort, and reinforced its closure with a chain and an official “CLOSED” poster.

On the other hand, the team found the common entrance to Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis already locked and unattended.

Nonetheless, closure posters for both establishments were posted on the gate itself.

The three establishments were among nine resorts within the protected landscape previously issued with cease-and-desist order or a showcause order.

The DENR confirmed that six other establishments have already complied with the closure orders and had ceased operations.

Gov’t bans settlement on Bogo Bay faultline

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to ensure the safety and security of communities along the Bogo Bay Fault in northern Cebu.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the assurance following a recommendation of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to prevent the construction of permanent structures within a five-meter radius from either side of the fault trace.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has directed the PNP to strengthen disaster preparedness, reduce disaster risks, and protect vulnerable communities.

“I have directed our regional and local police units, particularly in Central Visayas, to immediately coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management councils and implement proactive safety measures. Our police stations in Bogo City and neighboring areas have been tasked to assist in information dissemination, patrol vulnerable communities, and help local authorities enforce safety perimeters within the 5-meter zone of avoidance,” Nartatez said.

Construction and settlement or living near or on the fault line which may tremble in the event of an earthquake, are prohibited in the five-meter zone of avoidance.

To ensure coordination and effective response, the PNP is also coordinating with Philvolcs and other government agencies in conducting community mapping, evacuation planning, and implementing safety measures in the

five-meter buffer zone.

Nartatez also ordered the deployment of mobile patrols in areas considered high-risk to prevent illegal construction, monitor compliance with safety regulations, and maintain peace and order in areas under lockdown.

“Our role is to provide security, maintain public order during any evacuation or clearing operations, and support the enforcement of the recommended safety buffer,” he said.

The police have also been directed to remain visible in affected barangays, guide residents, and assist in local risk communication campaigns to prevent panic and misinformation.

“Disasters may test our strength, but they also reveal our unity. The PNP will always be where duty calls, protecting every Filipino family and proving that true service means standing firm, especially when the ground beneath us shakes,” Nartatez said.

SAMA-SAMA TOGETHER. The Philippine Navy, through the Western Naval Command, formally opens Exercise

SAMA-SAMA 2025 at Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon, with Rear Admiral Vincent Sibala welcoming Rear Admiral Thomas Shultz, commander of the United States Expeditionary Strike Group 7, along with representatives of other participating countries. Navy photo

PH, Ireland deepen defense partnership

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines and Ireland on Monday strengthened further their defense partnership during in a meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Irish ambassador to the Philippines Emma Hickey to discuss ways to enhance defense and security cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, Teodoro and Hickey exchanged views on defense priorities, capacity-building initiatives, and other areas of mutual interest.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense ties and supporting efforts toward regional and global stability.

The Philippines and Ireland maintained long-standing diplomatic ties anchored on shared values, mutual respect, and a common pursuit of peace and stability.

Ireland, through its Global Ireland Programme, continues to expand its international partnerships, including strengthened engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Philippines and Ireland share long-standing diplomatic ties built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to global peace and stability,” the DND said.

IN BRIEF

‘Expressions crucial in deaf language’ ADVOCATES have raised concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in sign language interpretation and communication technologies, saying the tools are still wanting in conveying the emotional and expressive depth essential to deaf communication. During a seminar workshop of deaf awareness at the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Shaquille De Guzman, a deaf media development specialist, said while AI can assist in research and writing, it cannot replace the human connection and facial expressions that are central to sign language.

“AI would be able to help us in our research, or like in writing. But, for example, if it’s used in sign language, that doesn’t really match our communication needs. So, it’s really crucial for us to have an interpreter, because it’s clearer to us,” De Guzman said through an interpreter during the celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages and Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Day. Rex Espiritu LTO waives fines on late renewals

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that the validity of motor vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses that expired at the end of September has been extended until Oct. 15 in view of lost working days due to recent calamities.

In a statement, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said he has issued a memorandum to all regional directors and district office heads advising them about the extension. Mendoza gave assurance there will be no penalties to be charged to the motor vehicle owners and driver’s license holders.

“This is in consideration of the cancellations of government work caused by heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, typhoons ‘Nando,’ ‘Opong’ and ‘Paulo’, and the devastating earthquake that struck Cebu,” he said. Rio N. Araja

AFAB gains honor for HRM excellence

THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) has commended the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) as a model of excellence in the government’s human resource management.

This developed as an honor was bestowed by CSC Regional Office No. III to AFAB through its Human Resource Division for outstanding implementation of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM). In celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, AFAB received the Bronze Level Award under the PRIME-HRM program. The Maturity Level II –Bronze Award marked a milestone for Freeport authority for its dedication to establishing efficient, transparent, and meritbased human resource systems. Butch Gunio

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL.

Kalibo, Aklan, deemed the seat of the Ati-atihan festivals across the country, is poised to make the event the ‘mother’ of all Philippine festivities. Jun N. Aguirre

Teodoro Jr. and Irish ambassador to Manila Emma Hickey affirm closer defense partnership during their meeting at Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon City. DND photo

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst.

PH kurash team bags 7 medals in East-Southeast Asian tourney

By AD Dacanay

THE Philippine Kurash National Team delivered a stellar performance at the recent East and South East Asian Kurash Championship in Taipei, collecting a total of seven medals — three golds, three silvers, and one bronze — in a remarkable showing that underscored the country’s growing strength in the traditional martial art.

en Aclopen, Myrina Alih Ladjahasan, and Margaret Fajardo, who each took home silver medals after hard-fought bouts against some of Asia’s best. Nick Gabriel Ligero rounded out the team’s success with a bronze medal finish.

The national team’s strong showing in New Taipei City was the result of months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork under the guidance of the Kurash Philippines Federation, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

less mainstream combat sports.

The federation also expressed gratitude to the PSC for its consistent support, which has enabled Filipino kurashkas to train and compete at a higher level.

Meanwhile, team members Ryan Benavidez, Ryan Donor, and Jessa Jamaquio were also recognized for their spirited participation and contributions to the national squad’s campaign.

Ateneo stakes unbeaten record against UP

ATENEO de Manila University stakes its unbeaten record and aims to surpass last year’s four-win output when it faces defending champion University of the Philippines, today (Wednesday) in the UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles are in for a tough test against the Fighting Maroons, who have won two straight games after starting the season with back-toback losses.

Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin is bracing for a rugged 5 p.m. clash, especially after UP’s impressive comeback against previously undefeated National University last Saturday.

The Fighting Maroons rallied from 22 points down to beat the Bulldogs, 66-59, with coach Goldwin Monteverde engineering their first winning streak of the season.

“They’re a really, really good team. But, you know, NU really had them on the ropes,” Baldwin said. “It’s going to be, you know, two teams that UP fighting to get back into where they know that they belong, back into the top four and top four contention, and us trying to hold on to a really outstanding start to the season. So both teams are playing for a lot, but I think that’s pretty much always the case early in the season.”

The Blue Eagles had a short turnaround following a tough game last weekend, where they squandered a 33-point second-half lead but still held on for an 81-74 victory over De La Salle in the rivalry matchup.

Ateneo faces a challenging threegame stretch, with its next outing against University of Santo Tomas at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday to close the swing.

Leading the charge for Kurash Pilipinas were Jackielou Escarpe, Renzo Miguel Cazenas, and George Angelo Baclagan, each striking gold in their respective weight categories to highlight the Philippines’ dominant campaign in the regional meet.

Adding to the medal tally were Hel-

PSC officials commended the athletes and coaches for their dedication, emphasizing that the achievement serves as a testament to the Philippines’ steady rise in

Kurash, a traditional form of wrestling that originated in Uzbekistan, has been gaining popularity in the Philippines, with national athletes making steady progress in both regional and international competitions.

Bacudio’s designs to drape Team Philippines at Thailand SEA Games

THE 1,600-athlete strong Philippine delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand will be marching with pride and nationalism in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony on December 9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

“Our athletes and officials will be clad in elegant and nationalistic parade uniforms crafted by no less than renowned designer Avel Bacudio,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. “Any if not all of Avel’s designs are always dedicated and reflective of our country.” Athletes, according to Tolentino, will wear red parade uniforms while officials and coaches will be clad in blue— both intricately designed and bearing the Philippine flag on the left chest and the POC logo on the right.

Bacudio is First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos’s favorite designer—he held

shows featuring his sports collections in Malacañang during sendoff ceremonies for national teams.

Tolentino said the POC is amazed and appreciative of Bacudio’s choice of fabric that combines piña, bamboo,

water lily, abaca and saluyot fibers put together by weavers from Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Ilocos, Abra, La Union, Aklan and Bacolod.

“The collection represents every island of the Philippines. They are new, but they have history,” Bacudio said in a recent Mega Asia article that featured his Alas ng Pilipinas design and his Gintong Sinag, a sports luxe collection that paid tribute to the country’s athletes.

Also incorporated in the parade uniforms are the yellow and white colors of the country’s colors, Tolentino said.

Filipino athletes will compete in all 50 sports programmed by Thailand in the SEA Games that will be played in three sites—Bangkok as main hub with 32 sports plus three demonstration sports in 48 venues, Chonburi with 17 sports and one demonstration sports in 21 venues and Songkhla with nine sports and 10 venues.

PSC launches ‘Elite Link’ app to boost sports talent discovery

By Peter Atencio

IDENTIFYING talented athletes at the grassroots level has just gotten better.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has introduced a new digital tool designed to revolutionize the way the country scouts and develops young athletes. Through the launch of the Elite Link app, the PSC aims to efficiently connect deserving Filipino athletes with national coaches, sports organizations, brands, and talent scouts.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio announced the initiative during the app’s official launch on Monday at Solaire, Parañaque City.

“The athletes are about to register. In the next 20 days, we will see them in the app,” Gregorio said. With the help of this platform, the government agency hopes to streamline the scouting process, nurture promising athletes, and provide a clearer pathway from grassroots programs to elite competitions. The Elite Link app serves as a centralized digital hub — functioning as a talent database, recruitment platform, and networking channel — aimed at modernizing athlete identification and development in the Philippines.

Gregorio said the launch comes at a crucial time, coinciding with major upcoming competitions such as the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships

in October and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year. Also present during the launch was Olympian and Elite Link Senior Advisor Akiko ThomsonGuevarra, who expressed her optimism about the project’s potential impact.

“Becoming an athlete takes discipline, resilience, and heart. But talent alone is never enough,” Thomson-Guevarra said.

She added that Elite Link could be a gamechanger, providing athletes with the exposure, resources, and opportunities they need to reach higher levels of competition.

In the long run, PSC officials envision the Elite Link app as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that will connect athletes nationwide, empower sports development programs, and strengthen the country’s talent pipeline toward international success.

“It’s the same approach, regardless of who we’re playing. Ateneo is also the only remaining team unbeaten. But for us, it does not matter if it’s Ateneo or another team, we have time to prepare. We’re going to give them a fight and hopefully by Wednesday, everyone will be healthy and ready to go,” UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon said. Earlier in the day, NU takes on skidding Adamson University in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser.

The Bulldogs, tied with the Growling Tigers in second place at 3-1, aim to rebound after last Saturday’s loss, when the Fighting Maroons erased a 13-point deficit with a 22-2 run.

Wushu World, Asian meets coming to PH

THE Wushu Federation of the Philippines is hitting two birds with one stone.

The country is set to host two major wushu events in back-to-back fashion – the World Wushu Championships and the Asian Wushu Championships in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Officials of the association led by its president Freddie Jalasco and secretary general Julian Camacho made the announcement on Tuesday in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. World Wushu Championships silver medal winner Carlos Baylon Jr. was with Jalasco and Camacho in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/ PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus. Camacho bared that since the country is hosting the world meet in 2027, the Wushu Federation of Asia suggested for the Philippines to stage the Asian counterpart of the tournament as well a year after.

“Kinausap ako ng Wushe Federation of Asia, sabi nila since mag-host naman kayo ng 2027 World Championships, baka puwede na kayo mag host next year ng Asian Championships. So back-to-back ito. Sabi ko, OK,” Camacho said in the public sports program.

“Since nandiyan na rin naman lahat ng equipment (taolu carpet, sanda ring, scoring machine), we can make use of that with only a few months apart (of the two hosting).” But focus will be on the World Championship first, according to Jalasco, as the Philippines is eyeing a P500 million budget to mount the event featuring 80 countries and more than 2,000 participants competing in both the taolu and sanda events.

The Philippine Kurash officials and athletes proudly display their hard-earned medals

Athletes will be wearing the red parade uniforms while coaches and officials will be in blue. POC Photo

Sports officials led by PSC chairman Pato Gregorio vouch for the great benefits of using the Elite Link.

Filipino at No. 37. Forbes noted that over 94 million Filipinos have used GCash, the popular and fast-growing fintech app. After an investment from Japan’s largest lender, MUFG, GCash’s valuation rose to 5 billion last year, and Sazon is now preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could raise as much as 1.5 billion.

World Bank maintains 2025 growth forecast for PH at 5.3%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

growth for East Asia and the Pacific at 4.8 percent this year, a slight decrease from 5.0 percent in 2024. Vietnam is projected to lead regional growth at 6.6 percent, followed by Mongolia at 5.9 percent and the Philippines at 5.3 percent.

The Philippines is projected to record similar or slightly higher growth in 2026 than in 2025, with a modest global recovery offsetting the impact of higher tariffs, the report said. The update projects regional

The bank’s October East Asia and Pacific Economic Update indicated that robust domestic demand, led by easing inflation, lower interest rates and strong labor markets, would sustain growth in the Philippines. The report also cited public infrastructure investment that is expected to exceed 5 percent of GDP and private investment spurred by reforms.

The report, however, highlighted a “jobs paradox” across the region, with relatively strong economic growth alongside insufficient creation of quality jobs.

“The region faces a jobs paradox— relatively strong economic growth alongside insufficient creation of quality jobs,” said World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific Carlos Felipe Jaramillo.

Meralco warns of higher October power generation charges on weak peso

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS of Manila

Electric

Co. (Meralco) are facing higher power generation charges this month due to the depreciation of the peso, which could be offset by lower prices in the electricity spot market, the utility said.

“While we are still waiting for some billings from our suppliers to finalize the October electricity rate, indications point to a possible increase in the generation charge this month,” Meralco vice president Joe Zaldarriaga said.

“This is due to the depreciation of the peso which affects costs of our suppliers that are mostly dollardenominated,” he said.

Meralco is hoping this would be tempered by lower charges at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) as reported by the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP).

IEMOP reported that average spot market prices in Luzon declined by P1.19 per kilowatt-hour to P2.57 per kWh in September from P3.76 per kWh in August due to higher power supply margins.

Zaldarriaga said the company would announce the overall rate adjustment once all billings have been received and verified.

Meanwhile, Meralco reported a 0.4-percent decline in its consolidated energy sales volume in the first nine months to 40,719 gigawatt-hours from 40,872 GWh in the same period last year.

“Depressed residential consumption remains to be the biggest contributor to the decline, amplified by the erratic weather observed in third quarter with the transition of El Nino to La Nina,” Meralco senior vice president and

chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said.

“Impact to commercial sales is less pronounced, but still affected by the reeling impact of lower tourism and real estate occupancy,” said Geluz. He said that industrial sales are seen posting a modest increase supported by steady demand in cement and steel.

Meralco revised in July its 2025 sales volume growth forecast to a range of 1 percent to 2 percent from an earlier projection of 4 percent to 4.5 percent, following a less than 1-percent sales increase in the first half of the year.

$108.8 billion $107.1 billion $112.7 billion GIR as of endSeptember 2025 GIR as of endAugust 2025 GIR as of endSeptember 2024

DOTr deploys new tunnel boring machine BSP: Foreign reserves rose to $108.8b in September

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T HE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) said Tuesday the third tunnel boring machine (TBM) was deployed at the Camp Aguinaldo Station to speed up the construction of the P488.5billion Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). The launch aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the completion of MMSP for the immediate benefit of commuters, it said. DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez

the DOTr will not stop the projects,” said Lopez.

“The President said we need to speed up our projects because mass transit is really the

THE Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) rose to $108.8 billion as of end-September 2025 from $107.1 billion in August, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Tuesday.

The latest figure, however, was lower than the record $112.7 billion in reserves logged in September 2024.

Preliminary data from the BSP showed that the month-on-month increase in GIR was mainly due to higher global gold prices, the bank’s investment income and the national government’s foreign currency deposits with the BSP.

The GIR consists of foreigndenominated securities, foreign exchange and other assets including gold, which help the country finance its imports and foreign debt obligations.

It can also help stabilize the country’s currency and provide a buffer against external economic shocks.

The BSP said the latest GIR level continues to provide a robust external liquidity buffer worth 7.3 months of imports of goods, service payments and primary income.

By convention, GIR is considered adequate if it can finance at least three months’ worth of the country’s imports and services payments. It can also cover about 3.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity. Meanwhile, the net international reserves increased from $107.1 billion as of end-August 2025 to $108.8 billion as of end-September 2025, the BSP said. Thony Rose Lesaca

with

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Del Monte eyes $600-m private placement

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DEL Monte Pacific Ltd (DMPL) is considering raising between $500 million and $600 million through a private placement at its profitable subsidiary, Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI), as part of a move to slash its debt load and address a capital deficit.

The canned fruit maker’s plan follows a hefty $703.4 million in impairment losses for the fiscal year ended April 2025 related to the discontinuation of its U.S. business, which led to a net loss of $796.4 million for the parent company.

The private placement is the “first tranche of equity raising being contemplated,” which the company expects would lower its debt-to-EBITDA ratio from seven times to around four to five times, according to the minutes of its annual general meeting held on Sept. 29, which were disclosed on the stock exchange on Tuesday.

The company is also evaluating asset disposals to raise funds and is working with lenders to explore options to reduce financing costs.

Del Monte Pacific is still expected to maintain a controlling interest in DMPI, which has been its growth engine. However, the planned equity raising will result in share dilution, and the final size of the offering has not yet been determined.

DMPI achieved a 14-percent increase in its fiscal year 2025 sales to P44.2 billion, led by a 22-percent jump in international sales from exports of fresh pineapple and packaged products.

DMPL’s US-based subsidiary, Del Monte Foods Holdings Ld. Inc. (DMHFL), filed for bankruptcy in the US in July after the parent booked the significant impairment losses.

Excluding the US operations, Del Monte Pacific’s net income reached $48.9 million in fiscal year 2025, a turnaround from the $24.8-million net loss recorded in fiscal year 2024. Revenues rose to $789.4 million from $710.8 million.

The $796.4-million net loss recorded by the parent company for fiscal year 2025 was wider than the $129.2 million net loss it recorded the previous year.

DMPI’s domestic sales grew 6 percent to P21.4 billion, while international revenues expanded by 22 percent to P19.5 billion.

MacroAsia unit building P2-b Iloilo water supply project

A MAJORITY-owned subsidiary of MacroAsia Properties Development Corp. (MAPDC) has begun construction on a P2-billion water supply project in Iloilo, the company said Tuesday.

The project, which aims to meet the growing demand for potable water in the province, is being led by MAPDC-controlled Boracay Tubi System Inc. (BTSI) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, New Earth Water System Inc. (NEWS).

The initial phase includes the construction of a water treatment facility in Barangay Bongco, Pototan, Iloilo, with a starting capacity of 37.5 million liters per day (MLD), expandable to 50 MLD.

NEWS will also build the necessary transmission lines and a pipeline distribution network to deliver treated water to off-takers in Iloilo City and surrounding municipalities, the company said.

“Water is the lifeblood of Iloilo’s growth, and shortages must not become a barrier to progress. This facility will not only close the immediate supply gap, but will also provide Iloilo with resilient and sustainable water infrastructure for the future,” said NEWS chairman Eduardo Luis Luy.

The company expects to complete the project within two years.

NEWS holds the necessary water rights and permits in Iloilo, including a certificate of public convenience (CPC), allowing it to supply, treat and distribute potable water to Iloilo City and the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Oton, Leganes, Cabatuan, Maasin and San Miguel.

NEWS is a water infrastructure developer focused on delivering sustainable and innovative water solutions in the Philippines.

It is a wholly owned subsidiary of BTSI, which has been majorityowned by MAPDC since December 2016.

MAPDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MacroAsia Corp., holds investments in economic zones and various water ventures serving communities outside Metro Manila. Jenniffer B. Austria

PH stocks rally as inflation stays low; peso gains

THE Philippine stock market rebounded Tuesday as the September inflation rate came in within the government’s target.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped 85.51 points, or 1.39 percent, to 6,083.83, while the broader all shares index climbed 29.27 points, or 0.80 percent, to 3,673.22.

The peso also strengthened to 58.1 to the U.S. dollar Tuesday from 58.35 on Monday.

The Philippines’ headline inflation rate increased to 1.7 percent in September 2025 from 1.5 percent in August, driven by higher costs for transport and food. The September figure brought the national average inflation from January to September 2025 to 1.7 percent.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said the market sentiment was boosted by the 1.7 percent September inflation rate, which he described as benign.

“The favorable inflation figure supports the country’s consumer outlook and raises the possibility of further easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” Tantiangco said. Likewise, investors looked for bargains after Monday’s decline. All sectors ended higher, led by financials, which surged by 2.23 percent, and property, which advanced by 1.49 percent.

Gainers edged decliners 97 to 92. However, value turnover remained thin at P4.19 billion, below the year-to-date average of P5.93 billion. Foreign investors were still net sellers, with outflows at P218.1 million.

Universal Robina Corp. emerged as the day’s top gainer, increasing by 5.23 percent to P74.50, while Puregold Price

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES. InLife executive chairperson Nina Aguas (fifth from left) and president and chief executive Raoul Littaua (center) spearhead the company’s sustainability initiatives. Joining them are: (from left) InLife chief sustainability officer Noel Perdigon, InLife Foundation deputy executive director Tere Melad, chief human resources officer Rozana Pecson, InLife Foundation executive director Ana Soriano, and head of rewards, services and technology Frederick Dioso. InLife received two awards at the recently held ESGBusiness Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PH-EU MEETING.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (left) reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a culture of integrity across all levels of bureaucracy during the 5th Philippines-European Union (EU) Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights held on Oct. 6, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. With Pangandaman is European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro.

Over 68m Filipinos widely use social media—survey

actions or online banking. The National Capital Region (NCR) recorded the highest rate of internet usage for social media at 88.9 percent, while the Zamboanga Peninsula saw the lowest rate at 67.8 percent. While internet use for social media surged, television remained the most widely accessed audio/visual platform in 2024, with an 82.3 percent exposure rate among those aged 10 to 64. Video streaming came in second at 66.5 percent, followed by music streaming at 63.5 percent. Traditional platforms saw an overall decrease in exposure rates compared to the previous FLEMMS round. Radio recorded the lowest exposure among audio/visual platforms at 52.9 percent.

September inflation quickened to 1.7%

By Thony Rose Lesaca and Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines’ headline inflation rate increased to 1.7 percent in September 2025 from 1.5 percent in August on the back of higher costs for transport and food, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday.

The September figure brought the national average inflation from January to September 2025 to 1.7 percent. In September 2024, the inflation rate

Experts cite need to update eyecare guidelines

HEALTHCARE leaders, government officials, patient advocates and international partners are calling for the creation of updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for eye diseases in the Philippines to address the growing burden of vision-related illnesses.

The call, made at a high-level roundtable, underscores the need for clear, standardized guidelines to integrate sight-saving retinal care into the national health benefit package.

The multi-stakeholder group, which included the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), medical societies like the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP) and global partners, said that sight saving should be a shared mission.

They cited the immediate need to develop CPGs for retinal diseases such as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD).

“Access challenges for innovative medicines for retinal disease continue to be a big challenge here. And there are no updated clinical practice guidelines or approved newer medicines in the Philippine national formulary,” said Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines Hans-Christian Brumann at the event, organized by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland, in partnership with Roche (Philippines) Inc. (Roche).

was 1.9 percent. The inflation outturn settled within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) month-ahead

percent to 2.3 percent.

The BSP said inflation expectations remain well-anchored, but higher rice tariffs and rising global food prices could raise supply-side pressures over the policy horizon. It added that higher electricity rates could also be offset by expectations of subdued global oil prices due to a stable production outlook.

“The Monetary Board observed that domestic demand has held firm. However, the impact of US policies

TRAINING INSTITUTION. Petron Corp. is accredited by the Department of Energy (DOE) as an official training institution in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector. This makes Petron the first oil company to receive such distinction, highlighting its commitment to upholding industry standards and ensuring consumer safety. Shown are (from left) Ramon Cruz of Petron LPG Technical Services; Denard Calapatia of Petron LPG-Operations; Mia Delos Reyes, Petron assistant vice president for corporate affairs; Robert Cardinales, of the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau; German Crisostomo Jr. of Petron LPG Business Group); Virgilio Centeno, Petron vice president for industrial sales; Rino Abad, director of DOE-OIMB; Jet Guerrero of Petron R&D Training Group; Jessol Salvo of DOE-OIMB; Jason Quiwa of Petron Sales Training Group; and Loralai Capistrano of DOE-OIMB.

UNILEVER Philippines has transitioned its operations to 100percent geothermal power to reduce operational emissions as part of its Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) and broader net-zero ambition.

The company, an inaugural member of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), is accelerating its commitment to manage climate risk and strengthen resilience through this action and engagement with its value chain partners.

The shift to renewable energy, completed in 2020, fulfills a key action area in the company’s sciencebased roadmap to reduce greenhouse

gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and value chain, said Unilever Sustainability Lead for the Philippines and Greater Asia Rondell Torres.

“That was the benefit of early action,” said Torres.

“In 2020, we fully fulfilled a key action in our Climate Transition Action Plan by completing the shift to renewable grid electricity for our operations. But then the next question was: What about our value chain?” he said.

Unilever Philippines has teamed up with First Gen Corp., a leader in renewable energy solutions, since 2017. The agreement allows

on global trade and investment continue to weigh on global economic activity. This could temper the outlook for the Philippine economy,” the BSP said.

Focused measures to manage the supply and prices of key staples, particularly rice, sugar and corn are helping shield the poorest Filipino households from the brunt of higher living costs, according to the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Francisco

P. Tiu Laurel Jr., however, acknowledged the strain of adverse weather on food production and incomes.

“We have ordered the importation of certain vegetables and fish to augment local supplies and keep prices stable. Even while imposing a rice import ban, extended through year’s end, we maintained the maximum suggested retail price and have increased the availability of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P20 rice program in calamity-hit areas,” he said.

Romblon electric co-op urges ERC to suspend higher rates

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ROMBLON Electric Cooperative (ROMELCO) asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to suspend and reverse the implementation of “significantly higher” electricity rates set to begin next month for commercial and industrial customers. ROMELCO, in a statement, called for the rate hike’s reversal, citing that the province is still recovering from a recent typhoon and that the rate increase represents a heavy burden on the people of Romblon and the wider MIMAROPA region.

The ERC, in a decision issued on Sept. 23, 2025, granted the National Power Corp. (NPC) an interim relief to increase the subsidized approved generation rate (SAGR) for Small Power Utility Group (SPUG) areas.

First Gen’s subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC), to supply 10 megawatts of geothermal power to seven production and distribution sites owned and operated by Unilever Philippines across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.

Unilever Philippines is now supporting its value chain partners to make a similar transition, helping them partner with First Gen for access to one hundred percent renewable grid electricity using geothermal power.

“We’re building on this momentum. The appetite for investments in renewable energy is growing, which is heartening. That’s what the private

The approved rate hike will be implemented over two years, involving P0.9282 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the first year for a new SAGR rate of P8.3182 per kWh and P0.9282 per kWh in the second year for a new SAGR rate of P9.2464 per kWh.

ROMELCO said the two-year increase totals P1.8564 per kWh. Added to earlier SAGR levels that rose from P5.6404 per kWh to P7.3900 per kWh in March 2024, the cumulative increase now stands at P3.6060 per kWh, it said.

The electric cooperative said the new increase is set to take effect in November and noted that while the current decision is for commercial and industrial customers, a second round could be for residential customers.

sector is looking for: strong supply at a cost-effective price,” Torres said. Since launching CTAP in 2021, Unilever has achieved significant reductions in operational emissions and has laid strong foundations to decarbonize its value chain. The plan identifies 10 key action areas, including a Supplier Climate Program, logistics and operations and regenerative agriculture.

Complementing the infrastructurelevel effort, Unilever is advancing its GHG reduction across its value chain by engaging with over 300 suppliers to understand and track their emissions under its Climate Supplier Program. Alena Mae S. Flores

Helping Paw: Volunteer K-9 group joins Cebu search and rescue

Alfonso,

ON the evening of September 30, 2025, Cebu was struck by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that claimed lives, caused billions in damages, and left families without homes or food.

Amid the rubble and grief, heroes have emerged in many forms, from first responders and volunteers to the Metro Manila Dogs Association (MMDA) K-9 Corps.

These four-legged rescuers and their handlers traveled to Bogo City to lend their strength in the ongoing relief operations, offering not just their skills, but a much-needed “helping paw.”

Among them is Ghost, a German Shepherd who has already been deployed three times in her career. Ghost

first served in Batangas City during a landslide, then in Tagaytay, and now in Bogo City alongside her handler, Ms. Sheryl Impacis.

Together, they embody the quiet yet undeniable impact of service: searching, supporting, and standing beside communities in their darkest hours.

Before making their way to Bogo, the MMDA K9 Corps paused briefly at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.

As a pet-inclusive hotel, Savoy welcomed the team and their canine

PANDERA, a proud homegrown bakery and café in Malolos, recently concluded a meaningful partnership with the City of Malolos Integrated School – Sto. Rosario SPED Center, under the school’s BRIDGE CAFÉ in-school immersion program.

The collaboration as part of their 1st year Anniversary celebration, which ran from September 16 to October 15, 2025, gave special needs learners the opportunity to experience real-life café operations—right within their school campus—Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 2 PM of the month of September until October.

Throughout the program, the team of Pandera Bakeshop & Cafe trained and mentored participating students in: Basic bread-making and kitchen skills; Coffee shop operations and barista tasks; Customer service and essential workplace values.

“Being part of this initiative was an eye-opening and fulfilling experience,” said Jennifer Villanueva the owner of Pandera. “We saw our learners grow

in confidence, pick-up practical skills, and truly shine. The whole experience reminded us of why community partnerships like this are so important,” she added.

“This collaborative program was designed to: Equip learners with practical, lifelong skills; Build their confidence and independence; Foster inclusion through hands-on learning and exposure to real work environments,” -said Michael Martin Reyes, SPET III Transition Program Teacher.

As a community-centered business, Pandera was proud to be part of a program that not only brewed coffee—but also brewed hope, skills, and brighter futures for young individuals with unique learning needs.

Pandera extends heartfelt thanks to the SPED educators, parents, and most especially the students who made this partnership so impactful. The team remains committed to continuing initiatives that promote inclusion, empowerment, and learning beyond the classroom.

partners with care, offering them a safe space to rest and recharge. It was a small act, but one that reinforced a greater cause.

Even the quietest forms of support can help prepare those on the frontlines to keep going.

“While our pet policy usually welcomes only small and medium dogs, we made an exception for Ghost and the MMDA K-9 Corps because of the extraordinary circumstances. It was a small way for us at Savoy Hotel Mactan to be of help, and we are grateful to have been able to provide them with a place to rest before continuing their important work in the community,” Josef Chiongbian, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, said.

Ghost, along with her handler and fellow volunteers, made their way to ground zero to aid in the search for survivors. Since 2016, the MMDA K-9 Corps has trained hundreds of dogs to respond in times of crisis, preparing them and their handlers for the toughest of emergencies.

Over the years, the group has volunteered in numerous search and rescue operations, standing ready whenever communities need them most.

Now that Cebu’s search and rescue operations have concluded, stories like Ghost’s remind us that courage takes many forms. Sometimes it is seen in the bravery of first responders, sometimes in the resilience of survivors, and sometimes, in the loyalty of a dog’s helping paw.

By Erica Claire Martin and Marianne Venice Sebua

ALFONSO, Cavite is quickly gaining attention as a top destination for families, friends, and travelers seeking one-of-akind experiences near Manila.

The town offers a mix of whimsical, natural, and educational attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages.

One popular spot is The Gingerbread House in Barangay Palumlum. Inspired by the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, this candythemed park features gingerbread-style cottages, colorful candy displays, and yearround Christmas lights. Visitors can participate in a hands-on gingerbread biscuitmaking activity, perfect for kids and adults alike. The park is open daily, with entrance fees ranging from ₱150 to ₱200.

“Gusto naming maramdaman ng mga bisita na para silang pumasok sa isang kwento,” says one staff. “Pinakagusto ng mga pamilya ang paggawa ng gingerbread biscuits simple pero nakakabuo ng masayang alaala.”

For those craving fresh produce and a relaxing farm atmosphere, Queens Strawberry Farm offers a refreshing getaway. Visitors can pick strawberries directly from vertical gardens during the harvest season, November to April. The farm also has an A-frame restaurant serving meals made from fresh ingredients, including strawberry-based dishes and desserts.

“Ang kaibahan namin ay hindi lang basta kumakain ng strawberries ang mga bisita, sila mismo ang nag-aani,” said the farm staff. “Hands-on experience ito na nagpapakita kung paano napupunta mula sa hardin hanggang sa mesa ang pagkain.” The farm welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, with a minimal ₱50 entrance fee. Adventure seekers and nature lovers will enjoy Reptiland Adventure, a theme park featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a mini zoo with real reptiles and other animals. The park also offers various activities like ATV rides, ziplining, and pottery sessions.

It operates daily with affordable entrance fees, making it an educational and fun option for families. “Gusto naming matuto ang mga bata habang. “Kapag nakikita nila nang malapitan ang mga reptiles at dinosaur exhibits, mas lalo silang nagiging curious tungkol sa science at kalikasan.” Together, these attractions make Alfonso a growing destination for those looking to enjoy nature, culture, and fun all in one place.

Lex Bear makes heartfelt debut at Luxent Hotel

LUXENT Hotel proudly unveiled Lex Bear, its new official mascot and brand ambassador, during the Lex Bear Launch: #LexMoment held on October 2, 2025, at the Lush Bar & Lounge.

The launch event gathered media friends, cpntent creators, corporate partners, families and content creators for an afternoon filled with fun and heartwarming surprises.

The program opened with a warm welcome from Melanie Siy-Pagkalinawan, General Manager of Luxent Hotel. The audience then enjoyed a storytelling moment led by Sharon Deanne Guerrero, Director of Sales & Marketing, who shared how Lex Bear came to life as a symbol of warmth and joyful connection.

Guests cheered as Lex Bear made his grand entrance during a flash mob performance from Luxent Hotel team, officially marking his debut. The reveal was followed by interactive photo sessions with media partners, content creators and families, and a fun-filled “Pop & Paws Challenge” game that brought laughter

IN celebration of its 20th anniversary, Enderun Colleges turned the streets of McKinley Hill into a hub of energy, movement, and music with the Enderun@20 Fun Run and Community Festival held on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Drawing close to 1,700 runners, the event brought together students, alumni, faculty, partners, and guests for a morning of purposeful celebration. Participants

to both kids and adults alike.

To conclude the afternoon, Marketing & Communications Manager Kaint Jhon Interior delivered the closing message, expressing gratitude to all attendees, partners, and sponsors who made the launch possible. The celebration continued over a delightful dinner at the Garden Café, where guests enjoyed the signature buffet and had more photo opportunities with Lex

raced through 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM routes before crossing the finish line into a full-blown community festival on the Enderun campus. The day featured a bustling food fair, exciting raffle and giveaways worth over ₱2 million, and live performances from top Filipino artists. Headlining the music stage was Olongapo-based OPM band Sunkissed Lola, joined by music acts Syd Hartha, Demi,

MMDA K-9 Corps back at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown following Bogo City rescue mission together with General Manager Josef Chiongbian, Associate Director for Safety and Security VisMin Lan Lago, and RAPID Ambulance Cebu President Rafael Enriquez.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

OCTOBER 8, 2025 ANGELICA

SHOWBIZ

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ,

Barbie Forteza lends support to Cebu quake survivors

KAPUSO actress Barbie Forteza has donated P100,000 to Save the Children Philippines to support relief operations for families affected by the recent earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu.

The magnitude 6.9 quake, which struck on September 30, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of aid. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, with local government units and humanitarian groups working together to assist survivors.

Save the Children Philippines is providing food packs, drinking water,

household and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support to help children and families recover from the disaster.

Forteza, who serves as one of the organization’s ambassadors, said she remains committed to ensuring children receive proper care and protection, especially during crises.

“ Sigurado akong hindi ito ang buhay na pinapangarap nila ,” Forteza said, referring to the young survivors. Gusto nilang malayang makapaglaro, makapag-aral, at maka-uwi sa maayos na tahanan… dapat mas pangalagaan ang mga kabataan at siguraduhing sila ay may pag-asa at magandang

Precious Paula Nicole slays in ‘Lip Sync Assassin’

FILIPINO drag star Precious Paula Nicole has elevated local drag to new heights after clinching Best Lead Performance for Lip Sync Assassin at the CinePride Film Festival in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The film, directed by Jon Galvez, also earned him the Best Director award.

Nicole later received a Special Citation for Best Performance at the Sinag Maynila 2025 Awards Night, further cementing her rise as one of the country’s most celebrated drag artists.

The duo returned to Manila to share their victory through a press conference and special screening of Lip Sync Assassin follows Sampaguita, a drag queen who moonlights as a contract assassin to support her daughter and ill mother.

Speaking with Entertainment during the special screening, Galvez said he had Nicole in mind while writing the role.

“From the start, I knew Precious would bring Sampaguita to life. The character needed heart, someone willing to give everything for family, and Precious has always done that,” he said, adding that he had long admired Nicole’s work since

Precious Paula Nicole talks to the press about her award-winning perfomance in ‘Lip Sync Assassin’

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

weeks before receiving the offer, said the opportunity felt destined. “I believe in manifestation. It’s

and his collaboration

kinabukasan .”

Natalia Tabal , Save the Children Philippines’ director for fundraising and marketing, expressed gratitude for the actress’s timely donation.

“Her generosity reminds us that everyone has a role in ensuring children’s rights to protection and education, even in the most difficult times,” Tabal said.

Earlier this year, GMA Network and Save the Children Philippines formed a partnership to advance the rights of Filipino children, naming Forteza and actor David Licauco as ambassadors to help amplify children’s voices and encourage public support for their welfare.

ask the universe what more I can give. I’ll never refuse what’s meant for me.” Nicole added that the win serves as a reminder of how far drag artists can go. “Maybe someday, we’ll win awards abroad again. We’re not just drag artists — we’re artists, truly. There are no limits to what we can do.”

The film also stars Star Magic’s Argel Saycon and drag favorite Hana Beshie. Galvez described the story as a “breadwinner tale” inspired by his experiences as an overseas Filipino worker in Singapore.

NATIONAL Artist for Music Ryan

Cayabyab, fondly known as “Mr. C,” will headline the MaestroClass Concert Series at Rockwell’s newly opened Proscenium Theater in Makati from Nov. 14 to 16. The concert marks the first major musical event at the 780-seat venue, which opened in September with The Bodyguard: The Musical. Praised for its natural acoustics and elegant design, the Proscenium Theater is positioning itself as one of Metro Manila’s premier cultural destinations. Cayabyab will be joined by some of the country’s most celebrated performers, including Concert King Martin Nievera Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, and the Ryan

to be permanently housed in a Philippine theater—to be played by Cayabyab himself. The MaestroClass Concert Series offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience Cayabyab’s artistry up close. More than just a concert, it invites music lovers to listen, learn, and connect with the country’s living music legend.

Tickets go on sale Oct. 11 via TicketWorld, with prices starting at P8,000. For updates, follow Proscenium Theater on Facebook and Instagram.

and

Metro Manila until the end of September as part of Sinag Malaya 2025. The CinePride Film Festival, held from Sept. 11 to 14 in Los

Director Jon Galvez discusses the making of the film

with Precious Paula Nicole

Precious Paula Nicole with director Jon Galvez show off the trophy from CinePride Film Festival in Los Angeles

Drag artist Precious Paula Nicole (left) and director Jon Galvez reunite in Manila to celebrate their CinePride Film Festival victories for ‘Lip Sync Assassin’

Lip Sync Assassin was screened at select cinemas across

Angeles, celebrates LGBT stories through film debuts, workshops,

panel discussions. This year’s lineup featured drag legends BenDeLaCreme, Monét X Change, and Jinkx Monsoon

By Nickie Wang

TWENTY-four-year-old Filipino designer Hannah Barrera will make her international debut at Fashion Graduate Italia in Milan later this month, becoming the first representative from the Philippines to join the annual event showcasing top fashion graduates from around the world.

Fashion Graduate Italia, organized by Piattaforma Sistema Formativo Moda, has been highlighting Italy’s emerging fashion talent since 2008.

The event, held at Base Milano in the city’s Tortona cultural district, features runway shows and exhibitions from graduating students of leading fashion schools. Since 2022, it has expanded to include graduates from Europe, the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and South America.

Barrera, who graduated magna cum laude from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program last March, was selected by Piattaforma FGI to participate in this year’s showcase running from Oct. 26 to 30.

“This is a significant honor for both our institution and our student, as it provides an international platform to showcase Filipino creativity and innovation in fashion design,” said Ionica Abrahan

Lim, chairperson of the Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising Program. “Her presence at Fashion Graduate Italia will allow her to engage with global peers, expand her professional horizons, and bring back valuable knowledge and exposure.”

Barrera comes from a long line of fashion designers beginning with her greatgrandmother, Marina Reyes Antonio, wife of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio. Her grandmother, Malu Veloso, is a noted bridal designer, while her aunt Letlet Veloso and mother Vicky Veloso-Barrera have also made their mark in the industry.

Drawing from her family’s legacy, Barrera focuses on haute

Young designer to debut at Fashion Graduate Italia in Milan

NEW Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy unveiled his first sumptuous collection on Monday in front of a crowd of admirers and stars sitting beneath giant glowing planets during Paris Fashion Week.

Ahead of the most-anticipated show of the Spring-Summer 2026 season, some had wondered how much the 41-year-old would dare change the classic designs of the French house.

Despite the galaxy-themed decoration in the spectacular Grand Palais exhibition space, Blazy eschewed a big bang design revolution, opting instead for modern yet bold tweaks to Chanel’s tweeds, blouses, and suits.

Gently mixing in masculine looks in the boxy jackets and shirts, alongside statement jewels and stunning long eveningwear in white silk or vibrant red, Blazy harked back to founder Coco Chanel, who took inspiration from her boyfriends’ wardrobes.

“What we asked him to do is to take us elsewhere, to move the brand on,” Chanel’s fashion business head, Bruno Pavlovsky, told reporters.

Lauding Blazy’s “discreet” personality and his willingness to listen to colleagues, Pavlovsky said the former Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein designer had plunged into founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s story since joining.

“What’s great is that he continued playing

couture and fabric craftsmanship, using local materials such as silk, piña, abaca, and cotton. She paints her own gowns, creates fabric embellishments, and applies self-taught fabric manipulation techniques inspired by art and nature.

Her capsule graduating collection, which she will present in Milan, represents a “bouquet of flowers” offered to her future self — a symbol of self-worth and artistic affirmation.

The fashion show will be livestreamed from Milan, with details on schedule and viewing channels to be announced soon.

As the first Filipino to take part in Fashion Graduate Italia, Barrera’s participation is seen as a breakthrough for young Filipino designers seeking international recognition.

THIS is not the time to be a fence-sitter.

Filipinos are riled up online over the latest spate of plunder, impunity, and systemic corruption enabled by rotten institutions and dynasties. While the prevailing mudslinging is not helpful, the most effective weapon remains a well-informed argument—tied to receipts (evidence and history)—not the usual trollish name-calling. Yet I encountered something worse than a troll: that smug posture claiming everybody is in the wrong, that we all act like we’re in a cult.

This collapses both sides into one, pretending to be wisdom when it’s really laziness. It’s not the “smart and intellectual” take that the vapid, self-satisfied cynic thinks it

But these are not times for

These are times to take sides.

I call this smarmy, childish approach “Antagonistic Apathy.” It is a brattish posture of disengagement disguised as critique, where individuals claim that “all sides are equally bad” or “everything is corrupt.” Yet in this odious declaration, they hold everyone hostage—not to open space for solutions but to collapse complexity into resignation. This stance performs opposition without imagination, producing noise without alternatives. It masquerades as neutrality but is, in truth, a kind of whining—an

indulgent refusal to commit to possible change. It’s like Eeyore, but louder, more irritating, and never constructive.

This attitude is normal for teenagers drunk on hormones who think they know it all. I’ve seen this. I’ve rolled my eyes at this. I’ve shrugged it off. But these are not times for detachment. These are times to take sides.

The accusation that everybody is corrupt is a lazy shorthand that disregards context and history. And this is exactly what authoritarians want: weak, performatively disillusioned spectators enamored with their own cynicism.

Saying that all are equally abhorrent is not heroic; it’s pessimism on crack. It pretends to be above it all, yet it directly benefits the violent plunderers. It is inebriated with irony, devoid of rigor, and helps perpetuate the very cycles of plunder and violence it claims to disdain—because it is too cool to confront monsters.

Antagonistic apathy is performative coolness, like a half-baked Diogenes who mocks everyone while proposing nothing. At least the real Diogenes was clear: for all his displeasure, his provocations had ethical purpose. Diogenes poked all sides not out of boredom but out of moral engagement. His cynicism sought the “honest man,” not to condemn humanity as hopeless, but to remind us to resist corruption and live truthfully.

Grow a spine. Pick a side.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social.

Matthieu Blazy reaches for the stars in Chanel debut

jeans.

Early reviews were upbeat, with Harrods fashion chief Simon Longland calling Blazy’s debut “nothing short of a masterclass.”

Privately owned Chanel remains the world’s second-largest luxury fashion brand by sales. Blazy was appointed Chanel’s

Blazy’s appointment comes amid a wave of new creative leads at major fashion houses, signaling a generational shift in the industry.

Jonathan Anderson , 41, made his Dior women’s debut on Wednesday, while Italy’s Pierpaolo Piccioli set a fresh tone at Balenciaga after replacing Demna, who moved to Gucci. Chanel’s president Bruno Pavlovsky told WWD the simultaneous reshuffles highlight an

Designer Matthieu Blazy takes a bow after unveiling his first collection for Chanel during Paris Fashion Week with the design principles, those principles that are so distinctive and important for the brand. But at the same time, he allowed himself freedom, the freedom we need,” Pavlovsky explained.

The front row featured stars including Penelope Cruz, Kendall Jenner, and Pedro Pascal , alongside new Chanel ambassadors Nicole Kidman and The Bear actress Ayo Edebiri

Kidman, known for her red-carpet glamour, opted for a simple white shirt and wide-leg

One of Hannah Barrera’s haute couture creations inspired by art and nature, part of her capsule collection for Fashion Graduate Italia

Hannah Barrera (right) with her mother Vicky Veloso-Barrera

By Angelica Villanueva

WHAT began nearly four decades ago as a modest gathering of artisans has blossomed into a national tradition. Last week, the Negros Trade Fair returned to Manila for its 39th year, opening at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, under the theme “Himbon,” a Hiligaynon word meaning “to gather.”

For many, the relocation to SM Aura is not just a change of venue but a symbolic return. The Negros Trade Fair last partnered with SM in the mid-1990s, when it was still modest in scale but already brimming with promise. Nearly 40 years later, it has grown into a national institution that nurtures

Aside from being a marketplace, it is a homecoming that honors heritage while showcasing the enduring creativity of the Negrense people.

The six-day event, running through Sept. 28, brings together 139 exhibitors across food, fashion, furniture, gifts and décor, natural and organic products, and tourism. From heirloom delicacies like piaya and inasal to handwoven textiles and export-quality furnishings, the showcase reflects both tradition and innovation.

“This is more than just the opening of a fair. It is a celebration of memory, heritage, and identity. That same entrepreneurial spirit and artistry that filled the Mega Trade Hall of SM Megamall nearly two decades ago is alive today—stronger and bolder,” said Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing of SM Supermalls.

micro, small, and medium enterprises while championing Filipino craftsmanship on a larger stage.

“Himbon perfectly captures this partnership. It stands for a union of heritage and modernity, of community and opportunity,” San Agustin added. Mary Ann Colmenares chairperson of this year’s fair, highlighted the deeper meaning

behind the gathering.

“Many may perceive this event as merely six days of shopping. However, it represents so much more. Each product tells the story of a community, a livelihood, and a heritage that transcends business.

Himbon is our gift—a tapestry woven with the narratives of our people, their craftsmanship, and their aspirations,” Colmenares shared. SM Supermalls president Steven Tan emphasized the company’s role in

Negros heritage, artistry showcased in vibrant Manila display

to weave and fold them.

Looking back, I didn’t fully understand the significance of what we were doing. Making palaspas wasn’t just a fun craft; it was a form of puni, a traditional folk art popular in Bulacan. I realize now that those moments were more than just a fun learning activity—they were about passing down something deeply rooted in our culture.

Even before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, puni had already been part of Filipino culture. Similar to Japanese origami, puni is a Bulacan Tagalog term that means decorating something using leaf fronds. The most commonly used material is buri, but other leaves such as coconut, pandan, and sasa are also utilized.

To make puni, the leaves are stripped, folded, plaited, braided, and woven into different everyday items. In the olden days, people used coconut leaves to create food containers, glasses, or bowls.

The puso of Cebu—boiled rice placed inside intricately woven coconut leaves—is another example of puni. The patupat of Pangasinan also uses puni to make a rice delicacy cooked in sugar cane. Suman sa ibos is wrapped using puni art as well.

Learn more about puni art in the latest episode of NLEX’s Humans of the North, where Jonnah Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Punique Handicrafts, talks about this traditional art. As a puni advocate, Garcia has revitalized the ancient craft while building a thriving social enterprise.

Inspired by her mother-in-law’s craftsmanship, she empowers women artisans in Malolos by teaching them this traditional skill and transforming their creations into contemporary accessories for the global market.

In the same episode, another traditional art from Bulacan called

sustaining the fair’s legacy.

“For nearly four decades, the Negros Trade Fair has been a proud showcase of Negrense heritage, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We are deeply grateful to be part of this journey, providing a bigger stage for MSMEs and artisans to share their world-class talents and products with even more people,” said Tan.

The opening ceremony drew provincial officials, diplomats, business leaders, and a crowd of eager shoppers. The turnout reflected the enduring pull of Negrense culture in the capital. What began in 1985 with just 30 vendors has evolved into a showcase spanning 2,500 square meters— the largest in the fair’s history. Organizers say the fair is more than a marketplace: it is a platform for progress, collaboration, and pride in Filipino creativity.

the elegance of modern haute couture. Three extraordinary individuals share their stories of passion and craftsmanship that reflect the province’s enduring legacy.

The NLEX Humans of the North series goes beyond the usual travelogue. It uncovers authentic stories that reveal the true heart of a place—its people. More than just showcasing destinations, the series reinforces a powerful message: the most memorable part of any journey isn’t the road itself, but the people you encounter along the way.

Every road trip holds a human story. The incredible journeys of Jonnah, Jeff, and Manny not only inspire travelers but also shine a light on the immense talent, resilience, and spirit of the Filipino people.

Discover their stories and more by following @ NLEXLakbayNorte on Facebook and Instagram.

Lee Into the heart of Bulacan through its master artisans

Fashion and jewelry designer Manny Halasan upholds Bulacan’s tradition of fine metalwork through his pageant crowns and haute couture creations

Punique Handicrafts founder Jonnah Garcia revitalizes the traditional art of puni while empowering Bulacan women artisans

Artworks inspired by Filipino life and culture showcase the vibrant artistry of Negrense creators

A shopper browses handwoven garments and locally made crafts at the 39th Negros Trade Fair

Locally crafted furniture and home décor pieces reflect the fusion of tradition and innovation at this year’s fair

Hand-painted abanicos add color to the fair’s display of artisanal Negrense products