By Vito Barcelo
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it plans to reduce the spending authority of its district and regional engineers to curb
corruption. According to Public works Secretary Vince Dizon, the new spending limits aim to centralize approval of higher-value infrastructure projects
Resorts closed • Churches vacated
• Schools shut
By Cherrie Anne Villahermosa
THE provincial government yesterday ordered the tourism industry to suspend operations, and the Archdiocese directed all churches and Catholic schools to remain shut following the “doublet earthquake” that struck off Manay town on Friday.
In an executive order, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang ordered all tourism and hospitality-related establishments located along coastal areas to suspend operations until safety assessments can be made.
“Tourism establishments located along the coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to aftershocks, ground instability, and potential secondary hazards such as landslides and tsunamis,” his order stated.
HARASSMENT. Screengrab from footage released yesterday by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a China Coast Guard vessel with an activated water cannon making a dangerous approach against the BRP Datu Pagbuaya of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Philippine Coast Guard
By Rex Espiritu
A CHINESE ship yesterday “deliberately rammed” a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel that was providing cover for Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
PH, US, Canada conduct
In a statement, PCG Spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship struck the stern of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but leaving all crew members unharmed. The civilian ship and two other BFAR vessels were anchored in the
By Rio N. Araja
THE House Committee on Public Accounts has urged the Commission on Audit (COA) to look into alleged misuse of P6.4 billion of 2024 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for the
4 killed, 7 hurt in truck crash in Lucena
By Vince Lopez
FOUR people were killed and seven others were injured after a truck plowed through 11 vehicles and three houses along Barangay Isabang, Maharlika Highway in Lucena City, Quezon province, on Saturday night.
According to a report from the Quezon Provincial Police Office, the number of fatalities rose by midday Sunday.
The victims were identified as the truck driver, known only as “William,” 34, a resident of Daraga, Albay; “Mark Oliver,” a resident of one of the damaged houses; “Sherwin,” 41, a tricycle driver; and his passen-
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under former Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.
In a statement, the committee said the COA must scrutinize the accelerated disbursement of approximately P1.5 billion per month when Ebrahim
served as both Chief Minister and President of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). The case was said to range from political favoritism to potential kickbacks and would require specialized
left) with OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan
Hans Leo Cacdac (rightmost) and Philippine Ambassador to the UK
Jr. (second from right) present a certificate of recognition to an OFW based in London (center). Story on A2. Liza Marcos / Facebook
THE Department of Education (DepEd) released an advisory on Sunday enforcing strictly online classes and suspending in-person activities in all public schools across Metro Manila for two days, October 13 and 14, over
the rising cases of flu and the threats of recent earthquakes. The DepEd ordered all public
By Vince Lopez
FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos paid tribute to Filipino nurses working for the National Health Service (NHS) and community leaders in the United Kingdom at a recent gathering in London.
In an Instagram post, Mrs. Marcos described as as “a night of pride and gratitude” a dinner event she attended to honor the contributions of overseas Filipino health workers, who have been pillars of strength and kindness to the
under the DPWH central office, ensuring oversight and uniform technical evaluation before contracts are awarded
The limits were previously P50 million for district engineers and P150 million for regional directors, but Dizon said the ceilings would be “substantially reduced” under the forthcoming department order.
The DPWH is working on finalizing the new guidelines, which are expected to be released soon, he said. Dizon also said the move aims to restore trust in public works by ensuring that every peso spent on infrastructure is properly accounted for and truly benefitted the public.
T he agency is considering the recommendation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is investigating the flood control irregularities involving DPWH officials, public contractors, and certain politicians.
The DPWH is studying how to implement the reform without affecting workflow at the regional and district levels. “It’s not that easy because DPWH is very decentralized,” Dizon said. “But we believe the central office can absorb the added responsibility to ensure accountability”.
The new spending limits are part of the DPWH’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in its operations, Dizon said.
“By centralizing approval for higher-value projects, the agency aims to reduce the risk of corruption and ensure that projects are implemented efficiently and effectively,” he said.
UK’s healthcare system.
“A night of pride and gratitude as we honored our amazing nurses and community leaders in the UK,” the First Lady captioned her post with positive emojis.
She said the event served as an opportunity to recognize the important role Filipino nurses play in promoting the Philippines’ reputation abroad through professionalism and empathy.
“You led with courage. You cared with compassion. You served with heart,” the First Lady said. “Each of you carries the Filipino spirit — strong, kind, and full of grace,” she added.
Mrs. Marcos visited London over the weekend to participate in the launching of the ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ for UK-based OFWs, which is a project of the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Under this program, government services are delivered straight to Filipinos living and working in London such as membership renewals, eCARD printing, health checks, legal consultations, and welfare assistance, according to the First Lady.
“It’s always a joy to give back—even in small ways—to the Filipinos who give so much of themselves for their families and for our country,” Mrs. Marcos said.
thorities,” it added.
Tourism businesses were told that they can only resume operations upon certification of structural integrity and a safety clearance issued by the Municipal Engineering Office.
Establishments were warned of administrative sanctions, including temporary closure and revocation of permits, if they fail to comply with the order.
The provincial government stated that the twin earthquakes damaged infrastructure, posing a great risk to public safety.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), a total of 655 tourism workers were affected primarily by the temporary closure of establishments and cancellations of bookings.
This includes boatmen, resort staff, and related service workers.
In a statement, the DOT said it continues to monitor developments in Davao Region, advising tourists “to remain vigilant and observe all safety advisories issued by PHIVOLCS, local government units, and disaster response authorities.”
conduct school-wide disinfection of classrooms and facilities, inspect the structural integrity of buildings, and implement other measures aimed at reinforcing public safety.
According to DepEd-NCR, influenza-like illnesses have affected students and school personnel, prompting the region-wide cancellation of onsite classes for Monday and Tuesday next week.
“During this period, schools shall implement Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM), either synchronous or asynchronous, as provided under DepEd Order No. 54 s. 2012, to avoid disruption of learning,” DepEd-NCR said in its advisory.
DepEd NCR Director Jocelyn Andaya reminded schools to strengthen health and safety practices and to coordinate with division engineers and local government units for inspection and mitigation activities.
Private schools were also “highly encouraged” to observe and conduct the same measures, although several private schools have suspended onsite classes in the past week for health reasons.
“Aftershocks may still occur in the coming days. Visitors are strongly reminded to avoid entering damaged or restricted areas until cleared by au-
The latest report from DOT Region XI shows no casualties or stranded tourists, but several tourism establishments in Davao Oriental sustained structural damage, the DOT noted.
Meanwhile, all buildings managed by the Catholic Church were ordered vacated until authorities declare them structurally sound.
In a circular issued Saturday, Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati stressed that safety must remain the top priority following reports of significant damage to several church and school structures across the diocese.
“I am directing all the parish priests and parish administrators, especially those that were badly hit by the earthquake, not to use the church buildings until we receive clearance from the competent and designated team from the province, city, or municipal office declaring that the buildings are safe,” he wrote.
The directive also covers all Catholic schools in the diocese, with administrators instructed to ensure that classrooms and other facilities are properly inspected before resuming classes and activities.
“Let us keep safety as our priority,” Apigo said.
While church buildings remain closed,
the bishop authorized parish priests and administrators to decide where to celebrate Masses “in a dignified manner,” reminding the faithful that the Eucharist strengthens them amid trials.
As this developed, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib sought aid from the national government in repairing damaged schools.
He made the request when Cabinet secretaries Vince Dizon (Department of Public Works and Highways), Rex Gatchalian (Department of Social Welfare and Development), and Sonny Angara (Department of Education) visited the province to assess the earthquakes’ effects.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Leo Tereso Magno was also present during the meeting, which took place after an inspection of damaged infrastructure.
According to both Dizon and Angara, there are available disaster response funds that the national government can tap to assist Davao del Norte in its post-disaster activities.
The DepEd chief noted, however, that Davao del Norte took far less damage than Davao City and Davao Oriental.
“The (structural) damages here (in Davao del Norte) are minor compared to Davao City and Davao Oriental,” Angara told the Manila Standard.
territorial waters off Pag-asa Island to protect Filipino fishermen there when they “faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers” from the CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels. Tarriela recounted that the incident happened at 8:15 a.m., when the CCG vessels “approached dangerously close” and fired their high-pressure water cannons, posing a “clear threat against the BFAR vessels.”
He said the situation took a turn for the worse at approximately 9:15 a.m. when the CCG chip with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya.
Three minutes later, the same CCG ship rammed the stern of the Philippine vessel, the PCG officer added.
“Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG and BFAR remain resolute. We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen,” said Tarriela.
Meanwhile, China had its own version of the story, painting itself as the victim of harassment.
In an online statement, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said the incident occurred after a Philippine vessel entered waters near Sandy Cay, and “ignored repeated stern warnings from the Chinese side, and dangerously approached” the Chinese ship.
“Full responsibility lies with the Philippine side,” he added.
However, photos and videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed a China Coast Guard vessel, with its activated water cannon, pursuing a Philippine ship.
Sunday’s incident is the latest in a string of recent flare-ups between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea, a busy waterway through which more than 60 percent of global maritime trade passes.
Last month, the Philippine government said one person was injured when a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard vessel shattered a window on the bridge of another fisheries bureau ship, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, near the Beijing-controlled Scarborough Shoal.
And in August, a Chinese navy vessel collided with one from its own coast guard while chasing a Philippine patrol boat near the same shoal. (with AFP)
Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) reaffirmed the Philippines’ “unassailable sovereignty” over its entire national territory, including the WPS, and called China’s sweeping maritime claims “baseless” and “self-serving.”
“Let there be no mistake. The territory of the Republic of the Philippines is not a matter of negotiation or reinterpretation. It is an indivisible whole, defined by incontrovertible historical facts and enshrined in international law,” DND said in a statement.
The DND also cited the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the 1900 Treaty of Washington as the foundational documents that established Philippine territorial integrity, including maritime features such as Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and the Kalayaan Island Group (part of the Spratly Islands).
It dismissed Beijing’s assertion that the Philippines is a “late claimant” as “unadulterated fiction, self-serving and lamely designed to legitimize its expansionist agenda.” With AFP
ger, “Roldan,” 37, both residents of Lucena City. “Sherwin” and “Roldan” died on the spot.
forensic investigation beyond standard audit procedures.
A directive, detailed in Committee Report No. 1502, followed a congressional investigation that uncovered an alleged systematic scheme to redirect public funds.
Police said the ten-wheeler truck driven by William was traveling at high speed when he lost control of the vehicle while crossing the Lucena Welcome Circle in Barangay Isabang at around 11:20 p.m. on October 11. The truck rammed 11 vehicles—10
The probe is expected to focus on whether the unprecedented rate of disbursement complied with government accounting and auditing rules, particularly the timing ahead of the 2025 elections.
A House inquiry found that P6.4 billion was released by Ebrahim in a four-month period preceding the supposed first BARMM parliamentary election in May 2025, with funds
cars and a sports utility vehicle—parked outside roadside establishments and residential garages, as well as a tricycle.
Three of the vehicles caught fire after the collision, which also damaged a news cab of a local radio station. The truck then crashed into
flowing exclusively to local government units and barangays aligned with the ruling UBJP.
Lawmakers noted that the opposition-led LGUs did not receive any funding, while some favored barangays and UBJP received allocations as high as P25 million. They outlined a comprehensive forensic mission for COA to verify the validity of funded projects, trace
three nearby houses. Rescuers brought all the victims to a nearby hospital, but four were declared dead on arrival. The fourth fatality was initially found beneath the debris of his house, which was destroyed by the outof-control truck.
financial flows to identify any irregular transactions, and examine procurement and disbursement processes to establish if there was a commission of plunder, graft, and malversation of public funds.
The panel stressed that BARMM’s fiscal autonomy must not compromise adherence to national standards of accountability and proper governance.
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Sunday denied that he was proposing lighter jail terms for contractors involved in anomalous flood control projects.
He clarified that the “80 percent” figure he mentioned was merely an example of how much the government could recover if plea bargaining were applied to corruption cases.
“What matters is that the government must recover public funds lost to anomalous projects, not only through restitution but also through appropriate imprisonment,” Lacson said. He explained that plea bargaining allows an accused to admit guilt in exchange for a lesser sentence, subject to approval by prosecutors and the court.
Lacson said his proposal combines restitution—repayment of stolen funds—and retribution, or appropriate jail time for those convicted. He earlier cited findings by the AFP, PNP, and DPWH showing 421 ghost flood control projects among 8,000 inspected from 2023 to 2025, representing about five percent of all projects worth P629 billion.
If convicted contractors and officials return 80 percent of their illegal gains, the government could recover at least P26 billion, he said, adding that further recoveries could come from similar irregular projects. “Everything depends on the political will of agencies like the ICI, Ombudsman, DOJ, and judiciary. The President can lead this effort,” Lacson added. Ram Superable
BATAAN 2nd District Rep. Abet Garcia congratulated the leaders and people of Bataan as the province emerged as the fastest-growing economy in Central Luzon in 2024.
The province recorded an impressive 9.3% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“Congratulations to all of us because Bataan has been recognized as the fastest-growing province in terms of GDP,” Garcia said. “This shows our collective efforts to achieve sustained development and strengthen our position as the industrial powerhouse of Region 3.” PSA data showed that all economies in Central Luzon expanded in 2024 compared to 2023. Bataan topped the list with a 9.3% growth rate, followed by Tarlac with 7.6%, Bulacan with 7%, and Angeles City with 6.9%. The four areas grew faster than the regional economic expansion rate of 6.5%, underscoring Bataan’s key role in driving growth across the region. Butch Gunio
NCRPO showcases skills in challenge
IN line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize emergency response systems, the Philippine National Police conducted the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) Challenge 2025, participated in by the five police districts under the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). The challenge aimed to enhance the operational capability of field units in handling Unified 911 calls through integrated communication platforms and drone-based situational awareness. Participants demonstrated competence in using handheld radios, digital tools, body cameras, and drone feeds for real-time decision-making. Teams displayed discipline, precision, and tactical proficiency throughout the simulated exercises, reflecting NCRPO’s commitment to operational excellence. Manila Police District emerged as champion, followed by Eastern and Northern Police Districts. PNP Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lauded participants for their skill and teamwork, emphasizing that “the heart of EMPO is about what you do when you arrive at the scene—how you assess, plan, and act decisively to protect life and uphold the law.” Vince Lopez
Noveleta unveils new recovery facility
NOVELETA, Cavite—A new Material Recovery Station (MRS) was launched in Barangay San Rafael 3, marking a milestone in Noveleta’s solid waste management program.
The groundbreaking was held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Sitio Tabing Dagat, T.I.P. Mayor Davey Chua, Vice Mayor Dino Chua, the municipal council, MENRO head Leah Balen, Barangay Captain Elvis Estores, and representatives from #BetterWithWater led the ceremony and time capsule lowering. Chua emphasized that maintaining a clean and organized community reflects shared responsibility among residents. He also announced that the municipality will shoulder waste collection costs to ensure the service remains free and accessible. The project highlights the town’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Dennis Abrina
OVER. A 127-year-old Philippine ag is set to be turned over to the provincial government of Antique by its current owner.
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Francis Pangilinan on Sunday urged Malacañang to issue an executive order setting a floor price for palay, or unmilled rice, in all government purchases.
He said the move would fully implement the Sagip Saka Act, or Republic Act No. 11321, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation amid persistently low farmgate prices.
“When palay is bought at only eight to ten pesos per kilo while the production cost is fourteen to fifteen pesos, no amount of aid can make up for the losses,” he said.
Pangilinan stressed that farmers deserve fairness, not charity, and that setting a floor price would level the playing field for those feeding the nation.
He issued the statement after Nueva Ecija farmer Danilo Bolos told a House hearing that rice farmers need higher buying prices, not more cash assistance. Bolos said repeated financial aid only reinforces the perception that farmers are beggars rather than essential food producers.
According to Pangilinan, a government order establishing a minimum palay price would show that the administration listens to and values farmers’ concerns. “They need a fair price for the fruits of their labor. That’s why we’ve long been calling for a floor price—to give those who feed us a fair chance to compete,” he said.
By Fraye Cedrick S. Anona
ILOILO CITY — Air travel just got smoother for passengers flying out of Iloilo International Airport after authorities removed the initial security screening checkpoint, a key reform ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to modernize airport operations nationwide.
The new setup, implemented on October 10, follows a directive from Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez to eliminate redundant inspections and ease congestion while maintaining strict safety standards. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Ret. Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario said the change aligns Philip-
pine airports with global standards. “This reform enhances passenger convenience without compromising safety. It’s a step toward smarter, globally competitive airports,” Del Rosario said. As part of the modernization effort, authorities also reopened the Employees’ Entrance to improve personnel movement and overall terminal security.
Philippine Textile Council, holds its annual exhibit featuring wearables made from Philippine plants and other native materials to preserve, promote, and enhance the country’s textile industry.
By Rio N. Araja
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order against the driver of a Lexus SUV involved in a viral traffic altercation in Quezon City.
Newly appointed LTO chief Markus Lacanilao directed the driver of the Lexus LX570 bearing a “10” protocol plate and using blinkers to explain the confrontation and alleged slapping of a multicab driver.
Lacanilao also tasked Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante to conduct a full investigation into possible violations of traffic and registration laws.
CAAP Area Center Western Visayas Acting Manager Engr. Eusebio Monserate Jr. said the reforms simplify airport processes while keeping safety at the core. Officials assured passengers that despite the removal of the first checkpoint, Iloilo International Airport remains compliant with international aviation standards.
The “10” plate number is reserved for appellate court justices, tax court magistrates, Sandiganbayan justices, and the Solicitor General. Reports and videos identified the passenger as Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso. The incident showed Alfonso’s driver and aide confronting and allegedly slapping the Isuzu multicab driver. LTO said the driver must appear before the agency to explain why his license should not be suspended or revoked.
Lacanilao vowed to enforce all laws “without fear or favor.” “The use of blinkers, sirens, and protocol plates is strictly regulated. We will not tolerate misuse of these privileges, especially by public officials,” he said. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Alfonso had apologized to the motorist and dismissed his driver, but the LTO stressed that apologies do not exempt violators from accountability.
2025
DHSUD donates tents to quake-hit Cebu towns
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has sent modular shelter units (MSUs) for the earthquake victims in three hardest-hit areas in Cebu.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the tents would served as temporary shelters for families who were displaced by the magnitude 6.9 tremor that hit Cebu last Sept. 30, including those who still refused to return to their homes due to aftershocks.
The tents were allocated for Daan Bantayan, San Remegio and Medellin towns, the hardest hit areas, in the Bayanihan Villages that were ordered established by President Marcos Jr. Several MSUs were already installed on Sunday in identified area for the Bayanihan Village in San Remigio. Rio N. Araja
Cops capture fugitive wanted for murder
THE long arm of the law finally caught up with a man wanted for murder and has been a fugitive over the past six years.
The suspect, identified by his aliases Batista and Nonoy, was captured in Rapu-Rapu, Albay on Saturday, Oct. 11, ending intense police surveillance on his movements.
He was wanted for the capital offense of murder and was the object of an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Gregorio Sampaga of Malolos City, Bulacan, on Feb. 6, 2019. “This arrest is a clear result of the whole-of-government approach directed by the President. We are relentless in ensuring that fugitives who attempt to evade justice will be tracked down and arrested wherever they hide,” said acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Vince Lopez
Firm launches digital learning for SMEs
BAGUIO City—Small and micro enterprises (SMEs) in Baguio City and Benguet took a bold step toward digitalization as Grab Philippines rolled out its digital learning caravan here on Friday, Oct. 10. The session gathered together local merchants using the Grab platform for food, retail, and services.
The participants were introduced to mobile-first digital tools and practical training designed to help them grow their businesses online.
The caravan was part of Grab Asenso, the company’s “Digital Diskarte Program” aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of MSMEs outside Metro Manila. Dave Leprozo
By Rex Espiritu
TRILATERAL high-intensity maritime drills under the larger Exercise SAMASAMA (Together) 2025, unfolded at the West Philippine Sea, manifesting growing multinational defense cooperation and seamless interoperability in regional waters.
The Naval Task Group 44.1, composed of the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS117), BRP Lolinato ToOng (PG902), along with the United States’ USS Cincinnati (LCS20), and Canada’s HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432), and air assets NH441
and NH43 carried out complex naval maneuvers on Saturday within the Western Naval Command’s (WNC) area of responsibility, covering Palawan and the Kalayaan Island Group.
The joint fleet conducted a full range of advanced tactical operations, including replenishment-at-sea ap-
proaches, photo exercises, air defense drills, combined anti-submarine operations, and screen exercises — all designed to strengthen coordination and enhance combat readiness in joint maritime defense scenarios.
According to the WNC, the successful conduct of the exercises reaffirmed its role as a strategic hub for regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise SAMASAMA, an annual multilateral training led by the Philippines and the United States with partner nations, serves as a key platform for enhancing collective defense capabilities and promoting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation amid growing security challenges in regional waters.
By Vince Lopez
recruiting 5,639 new cops to fill ’25 quota Cardinal Tagle takes over as titular bishop of Albano
By Vito Barcelo
CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle offi-
cially assumed on Saturday his role as the titular bishop of the diocese of Albano in Italy, representing a vital milestone in his religious journey, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Cardinal Tagle was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the new titular bishop of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano on May 24, 2025, succeeding the Pope himself who previously held the title.
The CBCP said the Diocese of Albano is one of seven suburbicarian sees historically associated with cardinal bishops, the highest-ranking order within the College of Cardinals.
“While the title is conferred on a cardinal, the diocese continues to have its own
resident bishop and administration,” the CBCP said.
The ceremony at the Albano Cathedral, according to the Pontificio Collegio Filippino (PCF), was presided by diocesan bishop Vincenzo Viva and attended by local clergy and lay faithfuls.
Tagle was accompanied by a large group of Filipinos, including members of his family, residents of the PCF, and members of the Filipino community in Italy. Two other cardinals, three bishops, and about a hundred priests concelebrated the Mass.
The event carried double significance due to a recent Filipino ecclesiastical anniversary and a notable date in the Church calendar.
PCF rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston said the ties between the Filipino college and the Diocese of Albano date back to the college’s foundation.
Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced the start of recruitment for new personnel to meet its 2025 Attrition Quota. A total of 5,639 slots were allotted for the 17 Police Regional Offices (PROs) nationwide. Additionally, several National Support Units (NSUs) were also given a total of 900 recruitment quotas.
port Service (200), and the Special Action Force (70). Acting PBP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said that the recruitment forms part of the organization’s continuing effort to ensure a responsive and professional police service
Nartatez said. Nartatez extended an invitation to aspiring police officers.
“We encourage patriotic and servicedriven Filipinos to join the PNP. If you have the heart to serve and protect, now is the time to be part of our organization,” he said.
Nartatez said the recruitment process is completely free of charge, warning against individuals who may attempt to solicit money or offer assistance in exchange for entry into the PNP.
18 solons file bill creating 28-km Bicol-Samar span
A GROUP of congressmen from Eastern Visayas led by House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan has filed a bill calling for the construction of either an undersea tunnel or a bridge across the San Bernardino Strait designed to provide a faster and direct link between mainland Luzon and the Visayan Region.
Bill No. 4589 seeks to establish a 28-kilometer overland crossing between the provinces of Sorsogon and Northern Samar.
“This is an investment in national economic integration and long-term growth,” Libanan said in a statement.
“A fixed link—whether a tunnel or a bridge—will cut travel time, guarantee year-round mobility even during storms, and unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment,” he added.
“Imagine being able to drive seamlessly from Metro Manila to Samar and Leyte without having to queue for a ferry. This will completely change the way people travel, move goods, and connect across our islands,” Libanan said. The other authors of the bill are Representatives Niko Raul Daza (Northern Samar, First District), Edwin Marino Ongchuan (Northern Samar, Second District), Stephen James Tan (Samar, First District), Reynolds Michael Tan (Samar, Second District), Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Eastern Samar, Lone District), Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte, First District), Christopherson Yap (Southern Leyte, Second District), Gerardo Espina Jr.(Biliran, Lone District); Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Leyte, First District),Lolita Javier (Leyte, Second District), Anna Victoria Tuazon (Leyte, Third District), Richard Gomez (Leyte, Fourth District), Carl Nicolas Cari (Leyte, Fifth District), Andrew Julian Romualdez (Tingog), Jude Acidre (Tingog), Yedda Marie Romualdez (Tingog), and Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps).
perpetrators. That is the order of the day. But will it cure the endemic malaise of corruption? It will not. The corrupt and their dynastic heirs will just lie low for a while, until they re-invent their methods, manipulate the system, mangle the budget once again, and steal more.
Chel Diokno rightly asks his colleagues to do away with unprogrammed appropriations? Did the HoR listen? They may take slimmer cuts of pork, but no pork? No elbow room for “projects” that line their hungry pockets? No way, Jose. Will speedy prosecution and speedy conviction, courtesy of a suddenly energized Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan justices mollify the angry public?
Yes it might, depending on how high it goes. But will the corruption in the three branches of government stop?
It’s the system that cultivates bad governance in all its manifestations --- entrenched political dynasties to flags of convenience that masquerade as political parties, to regulatory capture by a few oligarchs who control the economy and “own” these political parties, and a social order where the greedy few profit much while the many are kept on hand-to-mouth existence.
It’s the system, stupid.
Which is why an increasing number of people, especially among the youth, are desperately yearning for a reset. The center will not hold for as long as it is cocooned in the present constitutional order.
Whether change is wrought by a new president or by revolutionary short-cut, transition will require a change in the political system.
To this I propose, as I have written about in past columns, the following:
Maintain a presidential form where the president and vice-president are elected by the people at large. The public will not readily accept a form of government where they will be denied the right to elect the head of government.
Perhaps as the electorate matures and the political culture improves, we can transition to a parliamentary set-up, but for now, with dynastic politics and oligarchic elites entrenched, a strong president is needed.
Let us revert to a two-party system where conventions decide on their candidates, the better to defeat dynastic entrenchment and winnow the misfits out of political office.
Without prohibiting other parties to spring, the two major parties must have access to public funding of electoral campaigns, from subsidizing poll inspectors, to allowing tax subsidies for free party advertising on media, so that candidates for elected office need not secure millions or billions from vested interests.
The Senate must be elected by regional vote to ensure fair representation and a better share in the national budget for poorer regions, thus distributing growth potential.
If we elect two senators per region, given the present 18 administrative regions, we will have a Senate of 36 members. Always, there will be two senators to represent deprived Cordillera, Regions 2, 4B and 8, 9, 12, Caraga and BARMM regions, instead of so many from NCR, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
Abolish the party list system and instead define the truly marginalized sectors in the Constitution, representatives of which would be appointed by the president subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
Thus, voters will choose a president and vice-president through one vote, two senators, and a congressman in one election every six years.
The corrupt and their dynastic heirs will just lie low for a while, until they re-invent their methods, manipulate the system, mangle the budget once again, and steal more
In the mid-terms, also for a term of six years, they vote for local officials, using a similar tandem voting where governors and mayors have their “vice’s” elected as a team. We should rationalize the number of barangays, making them more representative of population and territory, instead of the present anomaly where Manila for instance has 897 barangays while a larger Quezon City has only 142 and Cebu just 84.
In time, to simplify local government decision-making, we can abolish the provincial boards by making the municipal mayors constitute the provincial legislature, and the barangay captains the city and municipal legislative bodies. Before this drastic transition to lesser elective positions, we can reduce the number of said provincial board members and city councilors.
The less we spend on elections and maintain so many elected officials, the better. That will mean more budgetary support for teachers, health workers, and peacekeeping forces.
Spend more on frontline services, on civil servants who work more, and not on elected officials whose output is more talk.
This should be the long-term solution, along with teaching the right civic and moral values from childhood, which will take some time to produce the desired effects.
Realistically, we cannot trust present leadership to initiate constitutional change and governance reset. So where do we go from here?
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to reclaim and even surpass the Philippines’ former heights in literacy, putting educational development at the center of his administration’s agenda.
In a recent podcast, he reminded listeners, “Remember when we were the best English speakers in Asia? We had the highest literacy rate in Asia. Let’s get back there. We need to get back there.”
He also underscored that a society cannot succeed without being “well-educated,” and promised to work tirelessly toward enhancing educational outcomes across the archipelago.
This vision is more than a return to rankings—it’s a forward-looking commitment to build a nation where every Filipino has the skills, understanding, and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world. At its heart is a simple but urgent challenge: how to transform basic literacy into true functional literacy that enables citizens to think critically, apply knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to society.
The 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) shows that nine in ten Filipinos aged five and above can read and write. That’s a strong foundation—one that covers about 93 million individuals.
But only 70.8 percent of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 can comprehend and apply what they read. That’s the measure of functional literacy, and it’s where our biggest opportunity for growth lies.
The President’s long-term goal—that
IT TURNS out that the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the evening of Sept. 30 in Bogo, Cebu, which was felt in many other areas around it, was just the beginning.
Over the next few days, other tremors were felt in many places in the country.
On Friday, Oct. 10, a doublet earthquake struck off Manay, Davao Oriental: a magnitude 7.4 at 9:43 a.m., and a magnitude 6.8 at 7:12 that evening.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says doublet earthquakes are distinct or different earthquakes occuring in almost the same area “with two (or more) main shocks that have slight difference in magnitude..”
The two earthquakes resulted from movements of the Philippine Trench.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, a magnitude 5.0 quake struck Cabanga, Zambales at 5:32 in the afternoon. PHIVOLCS says the quake had a depth of 100 kilometers.
And then, at 10:32 that night, a 6.0 quake hit off Cagwait, Surigao del Sur – another tectonic movement some 24 kilometers deep.
Thousands of aftershocks have been recorded and felt as a result of these quakes.
every Filipino family have at least one college or TESDA graduate by the end of his term—reframes education as a tool for both social mobility and national competitiveness.
It’s also a recognition that human capital is, as he put it, our “greatest resource.” And like all resources, it requires sustained investment, attention, and collaboration to develop.
Critical thinking, digital skills, and adaptability are central to this new vision
Since the pandemic, learning recovery has become an even more critical priority. Across the country, early grade learners continue to grapple with gaps in reading comprehension and numeracy.
The Department of Education, under Secretary Sonny Angara, has taken steps to recalibrate the K–12 curriculum to reduce overload and sharpen focus on essential skills. Improving teacher training, supporting their welfare, and upgrading learning environments—especially through better digital connectivity—are all part of the ongoing reform agenda.
These efforts are aimed at preparing learners not just for school tests, but for real-world challenges.
Some people have been ascribing a more-than-scientific significance to the string of earthquakes. This is heaven’s way of punishing the Philippines, they say, because of the avarice and shamelessness of our public officials. Others read the quakes as disapproval of the actions and decisions of those in power.
But what kind of compassionate, merciful Supreme Being will punish the hap-
Critical thinking, digital skills, and adaptability are central to this new vision.
At the same time, the administration is working to elevate technical-vocational education, recognizing that many Filipinos can thrive in high-demand, skills-based careers that align with evolving industry needs.
The government’s push to raise education quality across all regions is a serious undertaking. But it’s also clear that success depends on a broader coalition.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the education system remains innovative, inclusive, and responsive to national needs.
To that end, the principle of complementarity—as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution—is gaining momentum. Education stakeholders like the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) have amplified their role in supporting national education goals.
Speaking during PACU’s recent general assembly, PEAC Executive Director Dr.
less many for the sins of a greedy few?
If we go by this logic, we may as well also remember that disgraced televangelist and self-proclaimed son of god to just yell at the top of his lungs to make the shaking stop.
There is no need to see these earthquakes for more than they actually are. But there is an urgency to act on the things that are within our control
There is no need to see things for more than they actually are. But there is an urgency to act on the things that are within our control. We have always known that our country lies on a part of the globe that is vulnerable to geological events. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common, and anticipating their occurrence is always wiser than wishing they would not happen. In the same way, we are just by a vast ocean from where weather systems originate; such weather systems
Rhodora Angela Fernandez Ferrer recently reiterated their support for the proposed Complementarity in Education bill, calling attention to the urgent need to address enrollment declines, resource constraints, and teacher migration in private institutions.
Among the key proposals of education policy experts are expanding Education Service Contracting (ESC) grants for early learners, adjusting funding levels to reflect current realities, and prioritizing congested areas in the allocation of slots.
These are practical, scalable solutions designed to support private institutions while easing the burden on public schools. PACU, for its part, continues to build capacity among member institutions through seminars on digital transformation, AI integration, mental health, and succession planning.
The group is also strengthening partnerships with DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and various industry players to align education outcomes with real-world expectations. Its president, Marco Alfredo Benitez, emphasizes that fully implementing the
are made even more intense, frequent, and erratic by the warming of our planet. These are things that are beyond our reach.
But there remain areas on which we can act.
On the individual and family level, we could prepare ourselves for emergencies by knowing beforehand what to do in case such disasters strike. The go-bag – a set of items that include basic needs we would need in case we need to leave our homes temporarily – is a concrete manifestation of this.
It is difficult to stay calm and not panic during an emergency, but prior knowledge and planned arrangements, such as where family members could converge amid chaos, would help us make better decisions.
On a larger scale, the onus lies on the government, both on the local and national levels. They are the ones making disaster preparedness decisions. They are the ones approving the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. They are the ones supposed to periodically monitor these structures’ soundness.
Alas, we have been seeing how their greed has greatly compromised the people’s benefit and safety. Citizens should assert control: we should remain vigilant, follow investigations to their rightful conclusion, hold these officials accountable for their actions. And, most importantly, never vote for them again. It’s all science and common sense. While we cannot do anything about the science, we can come to our senses and hold ourselves steady even as the ground shakes underneath our feet.
constitutional mandate for public-private complementarity will be key to making the entire system more robust and futureready.
Public-private collaboration brings more than additional resources—it brings dynamism. When the private sector contributes to curriculum design, teacher development, and technological innovation, it sharpens the system’s ability to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Achieving a well-educated, literate society is a shared national mission. It cannot rest on government shoulders alone. Parents, educators, communities, and industries all have a stake in making sure that every Filipino child—whether in a major city or a rural barangay—has access to quality education.
As President Marcos said, the Philippines once led Asia in literacy. The goal today is not merely to return to that distinction, but to transform the daily lives of empowered, educated Filipinos who can read, reason, and rise.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025
Cuba denies Ukraine war participation
HAVANA – Cuba on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) denied US assertions that it is involved in the military conflict in Ukraine or had sent soldiers there.
Cuba “rejects the false accusations that the United States government is spreading about Cuba’s alleged involvement in the military conflict in Ukraine,” a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
It said 26 Cubans had been sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to 14 years for mercenary activity since Sept. 2023, when reports circulated of Cubans being sent to the front in Ukraine.
“We’re aware of reports that Cuban nationals are fighting alongside Russian troops in the Russia-Ukraine war,” a US State Department spokesperson told AFP earlier this week.
“The Cuban regime has failed to protect its citizens from being used as pawns in the Russia-Ukraine war.”
In May, a Ukrainian government initiative that encourages enemy combatants to surrender asserted that it had data on more than 1,000 Cuban mercenaries recruited by Russia since early 2023. AFP
Flooding disrupts air, road travel on Ibiza
GAZA CITY – Hamas will begin releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Monday morning, a top official from the Palestinian militant group told AFP, before US President Donald Trump chairs an international summit in Egypt on his peace plan for the region.
As part of the deal’s first phase, Hamas, whose deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 sparked the conflict, will free the captives, 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
“According to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed,” Hamas official Osama Hamdan told AFP in an interview Saturday.
All operations at Ibiza airport were halted for more than an hour while the runway was cleaned, with 24 of 295 flights cancelled, according to operator Aena. On the neighbouring island of Mallorca, 19 of 942 planned flights were canceled. Vehicles were slowly ploughing through murky floodwater in Ibiza and neighboring Formentera against a backdrop of a dark sky, thunder and lightning, with some drivers requiring rescue, according to videos on social media. AFP
Australia’s Qantas: Stolen data leaked online
SYDNEY – Australian airline Qantas said Sunday that data from 5.7 million customers stolen in a major cyberattack in July had been leaked online.
“Qantas is one of a number of companies globally that has had data released by cyber criminals following the airline’s cyber incident in early July, where customer data was stolen via a third party platform,” the company said in a statement.
Qantas said in July that hackers had targeted one of its customer contact centers, breaching a computer system used by a third party. They secured access to sensitive information such as customer names, email addresses, phone numbers and birthdays, the blue-chip Australian company said.
On Sunday, Qantas said that data had been leaked and that “with the help of specialist cyber security experts, we are investigating what data was part of the release”. AFP
‘Heavy clashes’ at tense border, say Taliban
KABUL – Afghanistan’s Taliban forces launched armed reprisals against Pakistani soldiers along the shared border on Saturday, accusing Islamabad of carrying out air strikes on its soil, senior officials from several provinces said Saturday. On Thursday, two explosions were heard in the Afghan capital and another in the southeast of the country. The following day, the Taliban-run defense ministry blamed the attacks on Pakistan, accusing its neighbor of violating its sovereignty.
“In retaliation for air strikes carried out by the Pakistani army on Kabul,” Taliban forces are engaged “in heavy clashes against Pakistani security forces in various areas” along the border, the Afghan military said in a statement. Later, Taliban defense ministry spokesman Enayat Khowarazm told AFP the “successful” operations had ended at midnight. But he warned: “If the opposing side violates Afghanistan’s territory again, our armed forces are ready to defend their territory and will respond firmly.”
Islamabad did not confirm that it was behind Thursday’s attacks, but called on Kabul “to stop harbouring the Pakistani Taliban on its soil.”
The TTP, trained in combat in Afghanistan and claiming to share the same ideology as the Afghan Taliban, is accused by Islamabad of having killed hundreds of its soldiers since 2021.
Taliban officials from Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Helmand provinces -- all located on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan -- confirmed that clashes were ongoing. AFP
Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will then chair a summit of more than 20 countries in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday afternoon, the Egyptian presidency announced.
The meeting will aim “to end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability”, it said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he will attend, as has Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his counterparts from Italy and Spain, Giorgia Miloni and Pedro Sanchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. There was no immediate word on whether Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be there while Hamas said it would not take part as it had “acted principally through... Qatari and Egyptian mediators” during talks, Hamas political bureau member Hossam Badran said. Despite the apparent breakthrough, mediators still have the tricky task of securing a longer-term political solution that will see Hamas hand in weapons and step aside from governing Gaza. Badran said the second phase of
NO MORE GHOST TOWN. Israel has agreed to a truce plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, and on Oct. 10 (weekend in
Palestinians. Women display placards during a gathering at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Oct. 11. The UN’s humanitarian office says Israel has allowed agencies to start transporting 170,000 tonnes of aid into Gaza if the ceasefire holds. AFP
‘Taste
PARIS – A new restaurant opened its doors in Paris during the weekend, founded by a Palestinian from Gaza and a Franco-Israeli, aiming to promote reconciliation through food.
The Palestinian, French and Israeli flags fly from the ceiling of “Sababa, the Taste of Peace”, where the first customers packed in to eat hummus, falafel or Gazan salad.
Radjaa Aboudagga and his team have been toiling since 6:00 am to create the Middle Eastern dishes for families and friends of all ages seated on mats or at tables.
“Everything is handmade,” said Aboudagga, a Franco-Palestinian originally from the Gaza Strip, in the restaurant’s crowded kitchen, as he prepares “manakish,” a flatbread topped with cheese, ground beef and herbs.
The restaurant, which will be open four nights a week until June next year, was conceived with Franco-Israeli Edgar Laloum, in partnership with the “Nous reconcilier” (We Reconcile) group.
“I’m happy about this day because it comes at a time when there is finally hope there too,” said Laloum as Aboudagga looked on, referring to the expected
CHICAGO – One minute Maria was selling tamales from her food cart in Chicago’s West Side. The next, her son told AFP, she was bundled into a van, the latest victim of President Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigrants.
Maria’s family was left to pick up the pieces, removing her cart, food containers and umbrella before launching a frantic search for the Mexican-born mother of seven who has lived in the United States for two decades, albeit undocumented.
By Saturday morning, 24 hours after her arrest, her family had still learned “nothing” about her status from US Immigration and Customs Enforcemnt the federal agency conducting aggressive raids in and around the nation’s third largest city.
“It could be days, it could be months,
it could be years, or we may never see her again,” Eduardo Santoyo, 22, said of his mother.
Maria’s detention in broad daylight -- witnesses posted video online -- fit a recent pattern: Agents swoop in without warning, snatch an unsuspecting resident and drive off, with relatives left to panic over the fate of their loved ones.
“What are we going to tell my sister?” Santayo asked, refering to his mother’s youngest child, who is only six years old.
Anguish colored the faces of Maria’s son and another daughter, age 16, as they stepped in to continue running the tamale cart in the very spot where their mother was taken into custody.
This week saw scores of immigration detentions in Chicago, many of which only came to light after witnesses posted footage of the arrests on social media.
Trump’s plan “contains many complexities and difficulties” while one Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said disarming was “out of the question.”
Under the Trump plan, as Israel conducts a phased withdrawal from Gaza’s cities, it will be replaced by a multi-national force from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, coordinated by a US-led command centre in Israel.
On Saturday, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner visited Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were again on the move, returning to their devastated homes. AFP
At least 41 dead in Mexico floods after heavy rains
TENANGO DE DORIA, Mexico –Floods caused by torrential rains have killed at least 41 people in Mexico in recent days and left behind a trail of destruction, the government said Saturday. Mexico’s civil defense authorities reported intense rainfall in 31 of 32 states, causing rivers to overflow, flooding entire villages, triggering landslides and collapsing roads and bridges.
The central state of Hidalgo has been among the worst-affected areas, with authorities there reporting at least 22 dead, 1,000 homes damaged and 90 communities inaccessible to rescuers, the federal security secretariat said. It said that neighboring Puebla state had at least nine dead.
Around 80,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather in Puebla alone, the state government said. Floods have killed five people in the eastern state of Veracruz and one in Queretaro state, in central Mexico, officials said.
return of Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Laloum, who lived for 30 years in Jerusalem, said the restaurant’s menu is made of “dishes that Israelis and Palestinians eat in the same way”.
“The two peoples, Palestinian and Israeli, have the same customs, the same dreams, the same tears and the same sadness,” added Aboudagga.
“We share the same land, we all have to live together on it,” he added, welcoming the decision of the French government and others to recognise a state of Palestine. AFP
“We are deploying members and teams from the Mexican government to open roads and assist communities,” wrote President Claudia Sheinbaum on X. She added that thousands of troops as well as boats, planes and helicopters have been deployed to assist the rescue efforts. The military will help distribute aid in affected areas, with more than 10,000 troops deployed, along with rescue equipment and vehicles.
Shelters were open for those displaced from their homes.
The main disaster area has been Sierra Madre Oriental, a mountain range that runs parallel to the Gulf of Mexico coast. It is dotted by small communities, many of which were blocked off on Friday.
An AFP team in Tulancingo, a city in Hidalgo state, saw roads leading into the mountains closed off due to landslides and collapses. AFP
E. Ukraine stronghold evacuates families as Russian soldiers near
KRAMATORSK, Ukraine – When authorities ordered the evacuation of families and children from parts of Kramatorsk in east Ukraine, 34-yearold mother of two Angela Bolonz was initially shocked.
The city in the eastern Donetsk region has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance for over a decade, battling a brief takeover by pro-Russia separatists in 2014 and resisting capture since Russia invaded in 2022. But with Moscow advancing to less than 20 kilometers from Kramatorsk and launching regular drone attacks, residents like Angela are grappling with the once unthinkable: that their city -like so many others in the east -- could become unlivable.
“When the evacuation was announced,
people started leaving,” Angela said in a quiet voice, fixing her eyes on a heap of plastic bags filled with her possessions. Russia controls almost 80 percent of the Donetsk region and has been inching towards the city for months, hoping to take it over and sweep through Ukraine’s vast plains. Angela -- together with her daughters aged five and 10 -- decided to evacuate after Russia started flying explosive drones near their home, some of which set fire to cars. On October 5, one drone guided by a thread of optical fiber several-dozenkilometers-long struck a vehicle in the center of Kramatorsk, a first for the city. While the streets in the center of Kramatorsk were calm, tensions on its outskirts were palpable. AFP
By Peter Atencio
THE undermanned College of St. Benilde Blazers found stability in the steady hands of Raffy Celis — a player known for his versatility and toughness in the paint.
The 6-foot-3 Celis, a transferee from the Ateneo Blue Eagles, stepped up as a leader in the absence of five sidelined teammates, guiding the Blazers to a hardfought 73-65 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Sunday. Celis, a small forward molded under the system of Tab Baldwin, delivered key baskets and finished with 20 points to help CSB stay atop Group B in the 101st NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
“I thought Celis was huge, and Justin Sanchez made plays,” said Blazers coach Charles Tiu. “But defensively, we were soft. Credit to JRU — they’re a good team.”
The 22-year-old Celis took charge midway through the second quarter, scoring a putback and a triple during a crucial stretch that gave the Blazers a 42-34 halftime lead.
CSB continued to miss the services of Allen Liwag, Gab Cometa, Joshua Cajucom, Ernest Daja, and Jericho Jalalon, all sidelined by flu.
Celis then made his presence felt again in the final period, scoring eight points, including a dagger basket that pushed the Blazers ahead by 10, 73-63, to seal the win.
The Heavy Bombers, who dropped to third in Group B with a 2-2 record, were led by Sean Salvador’s 13 points. Meanwhile, in the juniors’ division, Prince Mallorca helped the JRU Light Bombers escape with a 66-64 win over the La Salle Greenhills Greenies.
JRU surged ahead, 66-61, with 1:02 left, before the Greenies faltered — managing only three free throws while committing two turnovers and missing three shots down the stretch.
DANIELLA Uy returns to familiar territory this week, hoping to rekindle the magic that brought her a memorable two-shot triumph at the ICTSI Del Monte Championship two years ago.
With both course familiarity and a championship pedigree on her side, the Taiwan tour campaigner is not just looking to score a repeat beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 14) – she’s determined to redeem herself from a disappointing finish in the last leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Coming off a strong thirdplace finish in Bacolod, Uy had entered the Negros Occidental stop with momentum and high expectations. But a jittery opening-round 74 stalled her title push early. Though she recovered with a solid 70 in the second round, another 74 in the final round saw her settle for sixth – a result that fell short of her own standards.
Now back at Del Monte Golf Club, where her precision and poise previously earned her the top prize in 2023, Uy is out to rediscover her best form. However, the road to another victory promises to be steep, as a formidable field packed with proven winners and in-form challengers stands in her way.
Leading that charge is Florence Bisera, who has emerged as one of the hottest players on tour. After a come-from-behind victory at Marapara, Bisera took her winning ways abroad, clinching a breakthrough win at the Thai LPGA Masters last month. With her confidence at an all-time high, the Davaoeña ace looms as the biggest threat to Uy’s repeat bid. Adding to the intensity are Mafy Singson and Chanelle Avaricio – both former LPGT leg champions hungry to bounce back from sub-par showings in Negros. Their experience, firepower and hunger for redemption all but guarantee a tightly contested battle at the mountain-top layout.
The P1 million event, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., also sees a strong showing from Mindanao-based talents. Martina Miñoza, Velinda Castil, Pamela Mariano and amateur standout Zero Plete aim to cash in on their local knowledge in pursuit of a breakthrough performance. Their familiarity with the elevation changes and tight fairways of Del Monte could prove to be a key advantage.
The tournament, a 54-hole test of shot-making and mental resilience, also kicks off a three-tournament Mindanao swing. With Order of Merit points up for grabs, frontrunners are eager to strengthen their positions ahead of the season-ending Match Play Championship next month at The Country Club.
Following Del Monte, the tour heads to the Apo Golf Classic in Davao from Oct. 21-24,
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman
Patrick Gregorio is set to introduce another landmark initiative barely a hundred days into his tenure, unveiling plans to include national youth athletes in the agency’s financial support system.
Under the proposed National Youth Grassroots Development Program, thousands of promising athletes from the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa will be encouraged to take part.
The initiative aims to make it easier for top young performers to pursue their athletic dreams and transition to higher levels of competition.
Gregorio said that preparations are underway for a national youth grassroots development program that will identify and include deserving young athletes in the national youth pool — granting them financial allowances, funding, and opportunities to compete in international tournaments.
“The President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) told me that he wants to see a national youth grassroots development program. This is a presidential campaign and a national priority,” said Gregorio, who served as guest of honor at the 5th Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) Siklab Youth Sports Awards held Saturday at the Diamond Hotel in Malate, Manila.
The Siklab Awards, a joint initiative of Nickel Asia Corporation, Icon Sports Foundation, and the media group covering the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC),
recognizes outstanding achievements of young Filipino athletes in various sports disciplines.
Gregorio urged National Sports Associations (NSAs) to begin identifying promising youth athletes who may qualify for inclusion in the PSC’s expanded support system.
“For the longest time, only elite athletes have received allowances and support from the PSC,” Gregorio noted. “We want to change that by helping the next generation — the future of Philippine sports.”
The PSC chief also highlighted another innovation under his administration: the launch of a digital platform called “Elite Link”, designed to streamline coordination between the agency and Filipino athletes nationwide.
“That’s why a few days ago, we launched the Elite Link app,” he added. “We want to make sure athletes can easily connect with us, and I promise to introduce more firsts to develop world-class athletes who will make the country proud.”
A total of 72 youth awardees were honored during the ceremony organized by the POC–PSC–PPC Media Group. With reports from Peter Atencio
AFTER two championships, three Finals appearances, and a long 75-game season, Chot Reyes now gets the icing on the cake.
The TNT mentor is set to receive a record-extending seventh Coach of the Year award from the PBA Press Corps as it holds the 31st edition of its Awards Night on Monday (Oct. 13) at the Novotel Manila.
Reyes, 62, unanimously got the nod of the men and women who regularly cover the PBA beat over San Miguel Beer counterpart Leo Austria in winning the coveted Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan Trophy.
Top sports patron and TNT team owner Manny V. Pangilinan shares the spotlight with his coach as he will be honored with the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award.
The 79-year-old business tycoon also serves as the special guest of honor and speaker of the annual event.
Reyes, the former Gilas Pilipinas
coach, guided the Tropang 5G to three straight Finals appearances in Season 49 and won the championships of the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s
Cup, respectively. But he was foiled in his attempt to score a first grand slam in the last 11 years when TNT lost against San Miguel in the Philippine Cup title series.
Nonetheless, his 48-27 (win-loss) record marked the best for the season, while the total 75 games that he coached is tied for the most since Tim Cone steered Alaska to a grand slam in 1996.
Reyes was the first ever recipient of the award named after the acknowledged ‘Maestro’ of Philippine coaching, back in 1993 and repeated in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, and 2021.
Family and relatives of the late Dalupan will be attending the affair to personally hand out the award.
Other awardees include Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero (Defensive Player of the Year), Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of TNT (Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year), San Miguel’s Don Trollano (Mr. Quality Minutes), and Arvin Tolentino of Northport (Scoring Champion).
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025
RIERA
RANDY
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
THE Philippine curling team went unbeaten in a pre-Olympic qualification event at the Curl Aberdeen in Scotland over the weekend to move tantalizingly close to qualifying for the 2026 Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics in February.
The 2025 Asian Winter Games gold medal-winning team of heritage athletes Marc Pfister, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter and alternate Alan Frei automatically advanced to the Olympic Qualification 2025 event in Kelowna, British
Columbia, in Canada from December 6 to 19.
The top two teams in Kelowna will qualify for the Winter Olympics set from February 4 to 22.
“We’re so happy to announce that our Philippine men’s curling team is
just a doorstep away from making it to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.
The same team beat South Korea, 5-3, in the men’s team final in Harbin last February for a historic first gold medal for the Philippines in any winter sports games.
In Aberdeen, the Pfister and company went unblemished with victories Pfister Denmark, 7-4; Chinese Taipei, 10-0; New Zealand, 6-5; Australia, 9 (7)-4; and Poland, 7-2.
NATIONAL University Nazareth School is on the verge of a first-round sweep after a dominant 77-56 victory over De La Salle Zobel in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday morning at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Sophomore guard David Sabareza continued his impressive run, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half, along with five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. The redemption-seeking Bullpups—who finished fourth in Season 87—remain atop the eightteam field with an unblemished 6-0 record heading into their final firstround outing.
Standing in NUNS’ way of a firstround sweep is Ateneo de Manila University, a team still reeling from a narrow defeat to Season 87 runnerup University of Santo Tomas, on Saturday, October 18, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“They performed really well in Scotland and we are proud of them. We expect them to advance, and we are calling the entire nation for support and prayers,” Tolentino said. “We are also hoping that the PSC [Philippine Sports Commission] supports their campaign.” Ten countries—120 quotas or 60 in each of the men’s and women’s categories—plus host Italy will qualify for the Winter Olympics.
Men’s teams from Czechia, Poland, and New Zealand and Germany and Australia’s women’s squads also made the qualifiers in Canada.
TOP seeds AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez opened their title campaigns in emphatic fashion, setting the tone for what could be a blockbuster showdown in the inaugural Gentry National Tennis Open Championship at the Colegio San Agustin courts in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, over the weekend. Lim, the tournament’s No. 1 seed and a consistent powerhouse in local tennis, made quick work of Patrick Paumar, scoring a ruthless 6-0, 6-0 victory. The recent PCA Open champion barely gave his opponent room to breathe as he stormed into the second round, where he will face Richard Bautista, who advanced via walkover against Philippe Coteron. Not to be outdone, second seed Olivarez delivered an equally dominant 6-0, 6-0 drubbing of Kian Sanchez. The 2024 national team mainstay will next meet John Christopher Sonsona, who rallied past Carlos Austria, 4-6,
6-2, 6-2, in the lower half of the 64-player draw.
The blue-ribbon tournament, boasting a record-breaking P2 million total prize fund, including P300,000 for the men’s singles champion, has attracted some of the country’s finest and hungriest talents — making this opening edition one of the most competitive in recent memory.
While many are already anticipating another Lim–Olivarez final, a rivalry that has defined numerous local Open events, several rising stars and battle-tested veterans have shown early signs they’re ready to challenge the favorites.
Among those advancing with impressive wins were John Benedict Aguilar, who turned back Hilbert San Jose, 6-4, 6-2, and John Kendrick Bona, who dispatched Nash Agustines, 6-4, 6-1. Ronard Joven blanked
Sammie Quiño, 6-1, 6-0, while Nilo Ledama overwhelmed Kean Enriquez, 6-2, 6-0.
Also moving forward with convincing victories were Loucas Fernandez, Alexis Acabo, Elvin Geluz, Charles Kinaadman, Kenzo Brodeth, and Eric Jay Tangub, underscoring the depth and balance of the field.
In particular, Kinaadman’s 6-0, 6-0 rout of John Rey Moreno and Brodeth’s 6-1, 6-3 win over Jose Bernardo served notice of their potential to mount deep runs — and possibly disrupt the projected Lim–Olivarez championship clash.
Rounding out the list of early winners were Allyson Cabanilla, John Jeric Accion, Tanakorn Srirat, Miguel Iglupas, Patrick Tierro, Jeremiah Latorre, Martin Libao, Jarell Edangga, Eury Dice Gaspar, Ariel Cabaral, RJ dela Fuente, Jovanie Pilares, Craig Pantino, Klyde Lagarde, Al-Zayeed Baid, Gabriel Gurria, Evan Bacalso, and Jude Ceniza.
“Kung ano yung preparation namin every game, ganon pa rin. Mapa-mahina or mapalakas, parepareho lang naman kasi if you take for granted yung every team, hindi lang yung mga bata ang bababa ang laro, pero kami rin bababa rin ang level of coaching. Kailangan yung intensity and competitiveness inside the practice dapat nandoon pa rin,” Bullpups head coach Leo Pujante said. Dean Tria and Malian center Moussa Diakite sparked a strong 2512 opening period, then carried the momentum into the second quarter to give NUNS a comfortable 16-point, 40-24 lead at halftime.
That strong start proved crucial as the Bullpups weathered the Junior Archers’ furious 15-3 third-quarter rally—powered by Jullian Pangan, Ice Purugganan, Jose Asis, and John Mindanao—which cut the deficit to 51-41.
TEN-MAN De La Salle University eased to a 3–1 victory over a gritty Adamson University side to extend its strong run of form in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
After suffering an opening-day loss to the University of Santo Tomas, the Green Booters are now on a four-match unbeaten streak. They leapfrogged archrival Ateneo de Manila University to climb to second in the standings with eight points and a plus-2 goal difference.
“We prepared for this,” said head coach Richard Leyble. “We trained, we planned, and the most important thing is that the players followed the plan.
“We will continue learning and improving every day, especially during training, so we can prepare against other opponents. What’s important is that we remain focused,” the first-year Green Booters head coach added.
Neil Estampador broke the deadlock early with a stunning long-range strike that caught Adamson keeper Shane Salarda off guard in the 13th minute.
The Soaring Falcons immediately respond-
ed, with winger Golike Doko firing in the equalizer just a minute later to make it 1–1.
John Gaverza quickly restored La Salle’s advantage in the 17th minute, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net to regain the lead. James Sibla later sealed the victory for the Green Booters with a well-placed finish in the 68th minute, skillfully evading Salarda to secure the win.
However, Sibla’s night ended prematurely when he was sent off in the 80th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a hard foul on Adamson’s Kim Cabuag following a heated exchange between the two.
Adamson pushed hard to narrow the deficit, with Marlon Dasig nearly converting a header in the 84th minute. But La Salle goalkeeper Edcel Lauron stood firm, making a crucial save to preserve the win.
La Salle will aim to keep its momentum going when it faces defending champion Far Eastern University in its final first-round match on Sunday at 4 p.m., still at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Adamson, meanwhile, wrapped up the first round in sixth place with four points and a minus-6 goal difference.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leads a visit to Batanes, one of the northernmost provinces of the Philippines, to launch vital support to local farming and fishing communities.
DOE endorses 3 more oil and gas exploration for President’s approval $600 million 12 P15
Cornerstone investors’ target
Number of cornerstone investors Acquisition price per share
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed three more petroleum service contracts (PSCs) to the Office of the President and is evaluating another three for approval, reflecting the strong investor interest in the country’s oil and gas sector.
This follows the signing last week by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of eight new PSCs covering exploration areas across the Sulu Sea, Cagayan, Cebu, Northwest Palawan, East Palawan and Central Luzon. The eight awarded PSCs represent a potential investment commitment of around $207 million over a seven-year exploration period.
DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said over the weekend that the department is pleased with the results, noting the strong interest.
Sales said of the three contracts under evaluation at the Office of the President, two are for hydrogen exploration and development, while one is for oil and gas development and production.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
ORNERSTONE investors in Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s upcoming initial public offering (IPO) could acquire between $500 million and $600 million worth of shares, according to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chairman Manuel Pangilinan.
Pangilinan, whose MPIC is the majority owner of Maynilad, also confirmed that the company is aiming for an IPO price of P15 apiece, lower than the P20 maximum offer price indicated in its earlier prospectus.
“Yes, that is what we’re aiming for,” Pangilinan said in a recent interview on the sidelines of a forum.
When asked if he was expecting more investors to join the current lineup, he said: “Okay with the current.”
The Maynilad IPO, set to be the biggest listing in the local market
since instant noodle giant Monde Nissin’s in 2021, has so far secured 12 cornerstone investors.
Two lead cornerstone investors are the International Finance Corp. (IFC), which committed to acquire $100 million worth of Maynilad shares at P15, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is seeking board approval to invest $145 million in the water utility firm.
The remaining ten cornerstone investors include six international firms and four domestic entities.
The DOE is also evaluating two applications for hydrogen and one for oil and gas at the department level. Officials said the DOE has received continuing interest and queries for hydrogen exploration and development.
It said of the eight PSCs awarded last week, PSC Nos. 83 and 84 were both for native hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, awarded to US firm Koloma Inc. SC 83 covers 126,645 hectares, while SC 84 covers 85,082 hectares.
PSC Nos. 80 and 81, in the southern Sulu Sea, were awarded to a consortium composed of Australian firm Triangle Energy (Global) Limited; Sunda Energy Plc of the United Kingdom; and local firms PXP Energy Corporation and The Philodrill Corporation.
SC 80 covers about 780,000 hectares, while SC 81 spans about 532,000 hectares. These are co-managed by the DOE and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM-MENRE).
Power spot market rates to stay below P4 for per kWh
THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), operator of the nation’s electricity spot market, expects average rates across the three grids to remain below P4 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the rest of 2025. IEMOP president Robinson Descanzo said in a speech at the 2nd Philippine Future Energy and Grid 2025 conference that ample supply and low demand are expected to keep average prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) low for the remainder of the year.
For the Luzon grid, the anticipated average price is estimated at P3.57 per kWh. Descanzo noted that average Luzon supply is projected at 15,019 megawatts (MW), with average demand expected to be 9,972 MW for the rest of 2025. The estimated average price for electricity in the Visayas grid is P3.71 per kWh. The grid is forecasted to have an average supply of 2,637 MW and an average demand of 2,064 MW. Meanwhile, Mindanao’s average electricity price is estimated at P3.52
per kWh, suggesting relatively lower prices compared to Luzon and Visayas, primarily due to Mindanao’s surplus capacity, which often allows it to export power to Visayas. The grid’s outlook remains promising, with an expected average supply of 4,055 MW and an average demand of 2,101 MW.
Descanzo said Luzon is expected to retain sufficient capacity to meet its 2030 demand levels due to significant committed additions. By 2030, assuming all committed and auctioned capacities are delivered and with an average system demand of 18,165 MW, the renewable energy (RE) share is projected to increase to 36.56 percent, surpassing the national target of 35 percent. In 2025, the current RE share at the system-wide level is at 25.68 percent. With the rise in variable renewable energy (VRE) penetration from 6.29 percent to 26.06 percent, the share of baseload generation is expected to decline from 76.36 percent to 64.91 percent. Alena Mae S. Flores
The international cornerstone investors are Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (acting through its Mobilising Capital through Listed Products (MOBILIST)), Maven Investment Partners Ltd.Hong Kong Branch, Maybank Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Robeco Switzerland Ltd. and QRT Master FundTorus Fund SP.
The domestic cornerstone investors are BDO Capital, BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company and Security Banking Corp.-Trust and Asset Management Group.
Maynilad is also set to start an international roadshow to institutional investors. The final price for the IPO will be set on Oct. 20, 2025. The offer period will run from Oct. 23 to 29, 2025, with the shares scheduled for listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Nov. 7, 2025.
Malaysian coffee chain
eyes P400-m PH expansion
OLDTOWN White Coffee, a Malaysian beverage company, plans to invest P400 million in its network expansion in the Mindanao and Visayas regions over the next five years, its Philippine licensee, the Del Mundo Group, said.
This follows the opening of its eleventh outlet in Zamboanga City on Oct. 3, 2025.
The investment will cover the opening of 20 OldTown White Coffee outlets, with 10 planned for Mindanao and 10 for the Visayas, according to the Del Mundo Group.
OldTown White Coffee, a wellknown Halal brand originating in Ipoh, Malaysia, teamed up with the Del Mundo Group for its regional expansion in the Philippines.
It operates more than 200 outlets in Malaysia and also has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Its first Philippine outlet opened in May 2023 in Caloocan City.
“We are optimistic about our continued expansion in Visayas and Mindanao, especially in Zamboanga, which we see as a growing hub for business and tourism,” said Nelson del Mundo, chief executive of Del Mundo Group.
“The strong local economy, combined with the region’s rich culture and emerging consumer market, makes it an ideal location for our brands to thrive. We believe that bringing our trusted restaurant concepts here will not only create jobs and opportunities for local communities but also contribute to the area’s vibrant dining landscape.”
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has approved the P30 billion preferred shares offering of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
The SMC preferred shares offering will have a base offer of 266.666 million shares with an oversubscription of up to 133.333 million shares to be sold at P75 apiece.
The preferred shares will be issued in up to three subseries: the three-year Series 2S (SMC2S), which will carry a dividend rate of 6.9650 percent; the
five-year Series 2T (SMC2T), with 7.2560 percent; and the seven-year Series 2U (SMC2U), with 7.5360 percent.
The conglomerate has engaged nine banks as joint lead underwriters and book runners for the offering: BDO Capital and Investments Corp., Bank of Commerce, PNB Capital Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp.,
China Bank Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., RCBC Capital Corp. and Security Bank Capital Investments Corp.
SMC will use the proceeds from this fund-raising activity to refinance existing short-term loans, which were used to redeem Series 2-F preferred shares and to partly redeem the Series 2-J and Series 2-K preferred shares.
SMC said it will also make additional investments in the infrastructure business, including Manila International Airport and other related projects in Bulacan and tollways projects.
The offer period will be from Oct. 13-17, 2025. The preferred shares will be listed on the local bourse on Oct. 24, 2025.
The company’s core net income increased 9 percent in the first half of the year to P36.7 billion, driven by gains across its food, beverage, infrastructure and power businesses.
Reported net income, which includes extraordinary gains, surged 391 percent to P66.8 billion from P13.6 billion in the same period last year. This growth was boosted by one-time gains from a valuation uplift on its 33 percent residual investment in the Ilijan power facility and Excellent Energy Resources Inc. facilities, as well as foreign exchange gains.
First-half revenues, however, declined 9 percent to P718.2 billion, mainly because of the deconsolidation of the Ilijan and Excellent Energy Resources assets and softer crude prices affecting the fuel and oil segment. These declines were partially offset by stronger results from the food, spirits and infrastructure businesses.
SHARE prices are expected to remain in a bearish mode this week amid renewed concerns over a looming global trade war as the U.S. threatened to impose higher tariffs against China. Analysts said continued concerns over corruption in the government also continue to weigh on market sentiment.
“Bearish sentiment is expected to linger, fueled by concerns over the Philippines’ corruption issues and its impact on our economic growth outlook,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.
While there could be opportunities for bargain hunting as the market remains undervalued, Tantiangco said the local bourse may still move with a downward bias.
Investors are also expected to monitor the movement of the local currency against the dollar.
“A further depreciation for the peso is expected to drag the local bourse,” he said.
Chart-wise, the market’s major support is seen at the 6,000 level. Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index declined 1.16 percent to close at 6,037.79, while the broader all shares index slipped by 0.74 percent to 3,658.44.
Value turnover improved to P8.34 billion, up from the previous week’s average of P6.14 billion.
Foreign selling slowed down to P917 million from the previous week’s selling of P4.23 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria
How important is environmental awareness in management and organizations?
A RECENT study by the Stockholm Resilience Centre shows that seven out of nine planetary boundaries are now breached. These include climate change, biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows, novel entities, and ocean acidification.
Basically, this means that we are damaging our planet’s ecological systems more than ever, and that this will, as environmental scientists have been saying for years, conclusively lead to catastrophic consequences on life itself. In one of my management and organization lectures, one of the reflection questions I require my students to answer is: How important is it for managers to acquire a basic understanding of how the Earth’s ecological systems work? The question was taken from our management textbook, which covers the importance of financial, social, and ecological well-being.
The question is highly appropriate, given the current state of the world’s affairs today. While most of us are engrossed with the social issues in our respective countries, from anti-immigration sentiments in USA, Germany, and Japan, down to the immense corruption scandals in Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines, we are forgetting one of the
We clearly need more managers to understand how the Earth’s ecological systems work.
bigger issues that threaten human life itself: environmental collapse.
The answer to the question, at least from my perspective, is straightforward. Due to the current state of the world today, we clearly need more managers to understand how the Earth’s ecological systems work. This should be done not just as a form of appreciation, but as a starting point to collectively influence decision-making within organizations, most especially at the executive and board levels.
Meanwhile, my students say that managers need to understand the Earth’s ecological systems because sustainable business practices are now closely tied to profit, and not doing so would ultimately harm the business’ financial bottom line. In informal terms: a burning planet is bad for business.
For us in the developing world, it might seem like a pipe dream trying to address these environmental issues. We are, after all, handicapped for generations by many social and economic issues. Needless to say, we are at a very limited capacity when it comes to protecting our environment. Some would also argue that we have the famous Filipino resilience anyway, so we “should not be worried”.
But these things should not be an excuse for
inaction. One aspect we have to remember is that managers are not just found in revenuegenerating organizations, but in all forms of organizations.
Whether you are a manager or have a management-related role in a business, church, government building, or police station, there is value in learning about the importance of the environment (e.g., proper waste disposal, energy-efficient usage of equipment and appliances, and conscious water consumption, to name a few). These actions help add up to a bigger whole, enabling sustainable impact at scale.
These small actions also appear great on paper and sustainability reports, but it should not just end there. The leaders of organizations also have a responsibility to understand and act on environmental issues, because only then can we have a larger scale impact.
Pope Leo XIV himself, the leader of the entire Catholic Church, made his first major statement on climate change: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that he created for the benefit of all and for future generations, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters — what will be our answer, my dear friends?”
Climate change and all the other planetary boundaries are not foreign events. In the Philippines, we experience this on a regular basis, especially during the typhoon season. We need voices from leaders like Pope Leo XIV who understand what’s at stake, and leaders who acknowledge the fact that we are now at a point where it is getting harder and harder to restore what is already lost. By doing so, we will know how to move forward without making so many blind and uncalculated promises. When someone asks if the environment is an important consideration in organizations, I hope our collective answer to that is yes, it is, without reservation.
Ian Benedict R. Mia is a part-time lecturer at the Department of Management and Organization of De La Salle University (DLSU). He works full-time as a Sustainability Researcher at one of the top ESG Ratings firms globally. He can be reached at ianbrmia@gmail.com.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
By Thony Rose Lesaca
BAD loans held by Philippine banks edged up in August 2025, with disruptions from a series of typhoons since July affecting borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the gross nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio increased to 3.50 percent in August from 3.40 percent in July. However, this was lower than the 3.59 percent recorded in August 2024.
The value of gross non-performing loans climbed to P550.1 billion in August from P512.70 billion a year earlier, and
was also higher than the P535.45 billion posted in July.
The increase was largely due to weatherrelated disruptions brought by typhoons, which lessened the number of working days and reduced the profits of businesses and individuals, according to Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort.
This likely reduced borrowers’ ability to pay their loans, he said.
“This is on top of the slower global and local economic due to Trump’s higher tariffs, protectionist measures and the resulting trade wars that reduced global trade, investments, employment and other business activities, thereby reducing the ability to pay by some borrowers and fundamentally leading to some pick up in NPLs or NPL ratio,” Ricafort said in a Viber message.
Ricafort noted that these risk factors are offset by lower interest rates, with BSP rates at 4.75 percent and Fed rates at 4.25 percent, which reduce the financing costs of various borrowers.
“[This] would improve their ability to service their loans amid possible Fed and BSP rate cuts in the coming months,” he said.
The banking sector’s total loan portfolio expanded to P15.71 trillion in August 2025 from P14.3 trillion in the previous year, but was lower than the P15.77 trillion recorded in July.
Past due loans increased to P693.08 billion in August from P631.42 billion in the same month a year ago.
NPLs refer to loans that have not been repaid by borrowers for 90 days past their due date, which differs from general past due loans.
NTC: Mega Manila should start
TV reception, Mega Manila shall serve as the initial phase for the national ASO.”
The NTC also said that TV networks assigned in the VHF band have been providing simultaneous broadcasts (simulcasts) of analog and digital TV services for more than eight years. Darwin G. Amojelar
CENTURY Properties
Group Inc. (CPGI)
is reinforcing its presence in Central Luzon with the launch of Azure North Townvillas, an exclusive house-and-lot development nestled within the 7.8-hectare Azure North Estate in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The new project, which follows the recent launch of The Resort Residences at Azure North, reflects the company’s strategic shift toward premium, low-density residential offerings outside Metro Manila, tapping into Pampanga’s rising demand for upscale living spaces.
“Azure North Townvillas aligns with Pampanga’s consistent progress in terms of infrastructure and competitive workforce,” said
Marco Antonio, president and chief executive of CPGI.
“It forms a part of our strategy to offer premium horizontal developments, supporting our longterm vision of creating value for stakeholders and keeping pace with the evolving needs of Filipino families,” he said. Growing region Pampanga continues to rise as a residential and economic hub, thanks
to its accessibility via North Luzon Expressway, proximity to Clark and Subic and growing demand from both investors and homebuyers.
According to Colliers Philippines, San Fernando holds one of the largest residential stocks outside Metro Manila, making it a strategic location for Century Properties’ latest offering.
Azure North Townvillas will offer 49 limited units of 3- and 4-story homes with lot sizes ranging from 69 to 133 square meters and up to five bedrooms.
The development is expected to generate P1.3 billion in sales for the company.
Market response
Since its announcement, the Azure North Townvillas project has quickly attracted attention from buyers.
“We are pleased with how the market has responded positively to our pivot in Azure North as 70 percent of the entire inventory of Azure North Townvillas has been sold,” said Jennifer Dela Cruz, senior vice president for sales and
PROFRIENDS (Property Company of Friends, Inc.), one of the country’s fastest-growing developers, continues to drive growth in Cavite’s residential market with the recent topping-off of Westwind, a low-rise residential development in Lancaster New City.
The project is part of Profriends’ vision to create complete, connected communities where families can live, work, and thrive.
“This milestone is not just about the structural completion of a building,” said Profriends President Kathleen Choa. “It represents our commitment to progress, innovation, and the evolving lifestyle of Filipino families.”
“Westwind is not just about building structures; it’s about building communities,” Choa added. “The topping-off of the first building brings us closer to realizing our vision of a complete and connected township where Filipino families can truly live, learn, move, work, play, and pray in one thriving environment.”
Westwind is located within Lancaster New City,
PH1 World Developers (PH1WD) has taken a major step toward delivering future-ready and sustainable homes with its Northscapes San Jose del Monte development, which recently received preliminary EDGE advanced certifications for all three of its residential unit types. This marks a significant milestone for PH1WD, as Northscapes becomes the first energy-efficient community in San Jose del Monte, setting a new standard for
Profriends’ flagship township, which brings schools, workplaces, leisure areas, churches, and even a dedicated transport system together in one accessible location.
The community offers studio, one-bedroom, and twobedroom units, some with balconies, designed for comfort and flexibility.
environmentally conscious residential projects in Bulacan.
“It has always been PH1 World Developers’ vision to deliver a first-world living experience to Filipinos, and having all three unit offerings of Northscapes San Jose del Monte receive EDGE Advanced Certifications is proof that we’re drawing closer to turning that vision into reality,” said Gigi Alcantara, president of PH1 World Developers. The three certified unit types—Elia
(single-attached), Salana (end-unit townhouse), and Alba (middle-unit townhouse)—were found to deliver over 80 percent energy savings, and more than 4o percent water savings
These figures, verified by the Philippine Green Building Initiative, demonstrate how each home is engineered to be cost-efficient, eco-conscious, and sustainable, without compromising comfort.
Built-in features such as SolarSave Energy Panels, ResiShade Tinted Windows, and TropiCool Insulated Walls help manage indoor temperatures and reduce the need for airconditioning, cutting utility bills and lowering the home’s carbon footprint.
Northscapes also integrates green solutions across the entire development. These include solar-powered streetlights, dree e-shuttle services to key city destinations, 39 percent dedicated open space, promoting wellness and environmental balance and amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, active park, and jogging path
With these innovations, residents are expected to save up to ₱80,000 annually on utilities and transportation.
corporate growth.
The Townvillas are designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from growing families looking for a long-term home, to investors seeking high-growth provincial opportunities.
The Townvillas feature a distinct beach-inspired architectural design. Residents will also enjoy lifetime access to Azure North’s existing and upcoming amenities, including manmade beach lagoon, wave pool and clubhouse (already part of Phase 1), future waterpark with slides and laypark with a basketball court, kids’ playground, and pet park
Looking ahead
Century Properties sees Azure North Townvillas as a reflection of the company’s commitment to modern, resort-style living beyond Metro Manila, in a region that is rapidly growing in value.
With thoughtfully designed homes, robust security and access to oneof-a-kind amenities, Azure North Townvillas is poised to become a cornerstone of premium living in Pampanga—one that blends longterm investment potential with a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation. Jenniffer B. Austria
PHINMA Properties, the property development arm of the PHINMA Group, is betting big on Bacolod with the launch of Saludad, its first master-planned township outside Metro Manila. This 21-hectare development marks the company’s evolution from building homes to shaping communities.
“Bacolod has always been a city with untapped potential,” said Raphael B. Felix, president and chief executive of PHINMA Properties. “We see in Bacolod the right mix of strong population growth, a rising middle class, quality of life that appeals to both locals and returnees, and opportunities in sectors like education and hospitality. For us, Saludad is not just a project. It’s an investment in Bacolod’s future.” The company’s expansion from residential developments in Metro Manila to master-planned communities in emerging cities, is driven by the synergy of the PHINMA Group. With PHINMA Education, PHINMA Construction Materials, and PHINMA Hospitality contributing their expertise. Saludad is envisioned not merely as a residential address, but as a holistic community where families can learn, work, grow, and thrive. The township was co-created with JEPP Real Estate Co., a Bacolod-based firm and master-planned by award-winning architect Royal Pineda. This collaboration grounds Saludad in Bacolod’s culture and identity while elevating it through world-class design and innovation.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
KAPUSO Mo, Jessica Soho’s (KMJS)
special series Katakot-Takot na Kurakot has become the latest viral topic online, drawing nationwide attention for its hard-hitting look into corruption and government anomalies.
The line “Hindi pala baha ang magpapalubog sa ating bayan, kundi kasakiman,” delivered by veteran journalist Jessica Soho, resonated with viewers, fueling conversations about accountability and public service.
Since its television premiere on Aug. 24, the investigative report has amassed more than 92 million views across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The first episode alone surpassed 14 million views on YouTube, making it KMJS’s most-watched segment online this year.
Many credited the series for raising public
awareness that helped inspire the recent “Trillion People March,” a nationwide call for transparency and reform.
Alongside its TV success, KMJS continues to strengthen its digital presence.
The newly launched KMJS Podcast has exceeded 105 million views across social media platforms, including 68 million on Facebook, 22 million on TikTok, and nearly 15 million on YouTube.
The podcast features extended interviews by Soho with public figures such as Baguio
City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig
City Mayor Vico Sotto, Senator Panfilo Lacson, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon
Representative Kiko Barzaga, former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, and former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza. Viewers praised Soho’s
calm but incisive questioning style that drew candid insights from guests.
The popularity of the Kurakot series and the KMJS Podcast underscores Filipinos’ growing appetite for credible and in-depth journalism.
Earlier this month, KMJS was named National Winner for Best Infotainment Programme at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards for its “Inside the Crocodile Cage” episode. Its “Kidneys for Sale” story was also shortlisted in the Investigative Documentary category at the 2025 AIB Awards in London.
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho airs Sundays at 8:20 p.m. on GMA 7, with full episodes and extended interviews available on Facebook and the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.
THE less than three-minute trailer of Cathy GarciaSampana’s Meet, Greet & Bye, shown for the first time at the Dolphy Theater, left everyone in the venue emotional, some even in tears, after getting a first look at Star Cinema’s latest family drama.
Right after the unveiling of the teaser, the cast members were seen onstage with tears forming in their eyes. The host then asked audience members what they thought about the film’s premise, and most admitted they could easily relate to the story, saying they had once been in the same situation as the characters.
Meet, Greet & Bye tells the story of the Facundo family and explores love, laughter, togetherness, and pain. The film stars Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano
Opening in cinemas nationwide and in some international territories beginning Nov. 12, the newest offering from Star Cinema follows Mama Baby (Soriano), a mother who faces cancer anew but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of recovery. Her four children, Tupe (Pascual), Brad (Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos), and Geri (Mariano) join forces to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out.
During the film’s media conference, Soriano, who’s returning to Star Cinema
after her 2007 film A Love Story, expressed pride in the project.
Umikot na agad yung utak ko when they gave the casting, and I asked, ‘So, kailan ang shooting?’,” she said. “Sana yung mensahe umabot sa manonood natin. It will give so much importance to the people you love in your life.”
Pascual, who is also doing his first Star Cinema project after eight years, described the film as painfully relatable.
Oscar-winning
ACTRESS Diane Keaton, known for her Oscar-winning performance in 1977’s Annie Hall and her role in The Godfather films, has died at age 79. Details were not immediately available, and Keaton’s loved ones have asked for privacy, a family spokesperson told People, which said the actress died Saturday in California. Keaton was a frequent collaborator of director Woody Allen, portraying the titular character in Annie Hall, the charming girlfriend of Allen’s comic Alvy Singer.
“It was really hard to do because, I don’t want to say personally, but it hits close to home, especially for Filipino families. It’s something we have to face inevitably, no matter who we lose, as long as he’s part of the family,” he said.
Juan Karlos agreed, saying, “Especially with what I personally went through in life, it’s also way too close.”
According to writers Jumbo Albano and Patrick Valencia, the story was inspired by the
universal fear of losing a parent.
“What really pushed us to tell this story is that this is our love letter to our parents, the same way kung paano siya naging love letter din ni Direk [Cathy] sa kanyang mga anak,” Albano noted.
“It’s a universal fear for everyone to lose yung mahal nila sa buhay, so yun ang naging focus namin while writing this story na sana maraming tao ang maka-relate. Gusto naming ikwento ‘to kasi kwento natin itong lahat,” added Valencia.
The film also garnered Oscars for best picture, best director, and best original screenplay, cementing Keaton’s place as one of the industry’s top actresses and an offbeat style icon as well. The actress made her mark costarring in eight Allen movies, from Play It Again, Sam (1972) to Manhattan (1979) and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). In The Godfather films, she played Kay Adams, the girlfriend and eventual wife of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone. Apart from the Allen cannon, fans adored her portrayal as Steve Martin’s wife in the 1991 comedy Father of the Bride, as the nervous and doting couple plan an extravagant wedding for their daughter. Late in her career, Keaton starred
in two movies about aging women: Book Club (2018), with its message that love has no age, and Poms (2019), the story of a terminally ill woman who moves to a retirement community to die but winds up forming a cheerleading squad. A BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, Keaton scored Oscar nominations three other times for best actress, for Reds, Marvin’s Room, and Something’s Gotta Give The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences paid tribute to Diane Keaton, saying, “Some actors play emotions. Diane Keaton lived inside them.
Honored with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 2017, Keaton was described as “unconventional, iconoclastic, and left-of-center.”
Her First Wives Club co-stars also remembered her warmly. Bette Midler called her “a complete original,” while Goldie Hawn said she “left us with a trail of fairy dust.” Actress Andie MacDowell, who worked with Keaton on Unstrung Hero (1995), said she felt “heartbroken” over her passing. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on Jan. 5, 1946, she never married but raised two children, Dexter and Duke. In a 2019 interview, Keaton said aging brought clarity: “What have you got to lose? You face it, we talk about it.” AFP
By Jasper Valdez
RUFA Mae Quinto is back to doing what she loves— making people laugh. The actress-comedienne is one of the celebrity performers in the new season of Your Face Sounds Familiar, marking her first major TV comeback after years of focusing on family life.
“I went through a lot of problems,” she said during the show’s mediacon on October 1 at ABS-CBN. “That’s why I told myself I want to do something that makes me happy and makes others happy too.”
For almost a decade, Rufa Mae took a step back from showbiz to raise her daughter and build a home away from the limelight. Now that her child is older, she said it finally feels right to perform again.
“It’s been around ten years since my career slowed down because I became a mom,” she shared. “Now that my daughter’s eight and more independent, I can finally work fulltime again.”
The Booba star said joining Your Face Sounds Familiar helped her ease back into performing. After years of comedy cameos and short appearances, she welcomed the challenge of singing and dancing on stage again.
“It’s not easy,” she admitted, laughing. “I’m not used to performing in heels, singing, and moving under the spotlight anymore. But this show trained me again. I
even have a voice coach now!”
Rufa Mae said her goal isn’t to win but to enjoy every moment of being back in front of the camera. “I just want to enjoy it,” she said. “I’m not after the championship. I just want to
learn and be happy.”
She also spoke openly about going through low moments in recent years, but true to her style, she found a way to turn it into humor.
“I’m depressed, but it’s okay because there’s freedom of the press,”
she joked, earning laughs from the audience. Behind the punchlines, however, she revealed that performing again has helped her regain her sense of joy and confidence. “Doing this show makes me happy because it makes other people happy,” she said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted—to bring laughter.”
She also thanked ABS-CBN for giving her a warm welcome, saying Your Face Sounds Familiar feels like a fresh start. “This is my first time
By Jasper Valdez
KAPUSO star Will Ashley is ending the year on a high note after earning not one but two entries in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The actor, who attended the festival’s lineup announcement, took to Instagram to share his excitement.
“Only a crazy dream until you do it! Magkita-kita po tayo sa Pasko para sa MMFF!” he wrote. Will also shared how surreal the moment felt, expressing deep gratitude to his supporters.
“Isa lamang itong pangarap dati. Who would’ve thought na sa unang MMFF, dalawa na malapit sa puso kong pelikula ang mapapasama dito! Patuloy po natin suportahan ang pelikulang Pilipino!” he said. Will stars in two festival entries: Bar Boys: After School and Love You So Bad. The latter marks his first on-screen pairing with Bianca De Vera and Dustin Yu under
the direction of Mae Cruz-Alviar. Meanwhile, Bar Boys: After School features a new cast lineup that includes Klarisse De Guzman, Emilio Daez, Sassa Gurl, Royce Cabrera, Bryce Eusebio, Therese Malvar, and Glaiza De Castro Bar Boys: After School and Love You So Bad join I’m Perfect and UnMarry as the films that complete the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival lineup of official entries. The announcement was made on Oct. 8 at the University of Makati. In July, the MMFF revealed its first four official entries: Call Me Mother, starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre; Reconnect, featuring Gerald Anderson, Carmina Villarroel, Zoren Legaspi, Gloria Diaz, and Alexa Miro; Manila’s Finest, top-billed by Piolo Pascual; and Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, starring Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Carla Abellana, Kaila Estrada, JM Ibarra, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, and Dustin Yu.
joining a contest like this, and it’s not easy,” she said. “But I feel like I’ve found a new family here.”
Rufa Mae said joining the show also reminded her not to take herself too seriously. Every rehearsal, she added, brought back the same excitement she felt when she was just starting—no pressure, just pure enjoyment of the craft.
“No matter what I do, my voice won’t sound like the champions,” she quipped. “But it’s okay, I’ll still give it my all.”
GRAMMY-WINNING singer-songwriter Bryan Adams is set to perform in Manila as part of the Asia leg of his Roll With The Punches tour on Jan. 31, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The concert, presented by Wilbros Live, will mark Adams’ return to the Philippines. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 18 at noon via SMTickets.com and all SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Adams, whose career spans nearly four decades, has topped charts in more than 40 countries and earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, American Music Awards, and multiple nominations for the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. He is also a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Known for his energetic performances and distinct vocals, Adams is behind timeless hits such as “Summer of ’69,” “Heaven,” “Straight from the Heart,” “Cuts Like a Knife,” “Run to You,” “Please Forgive Me,” “All for Love,” “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman,” “I Finally Found Someone,” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”
In 2018, Adams co-wrote songs for Pretty Woman: The Musical and released his 16th studio album, So Happy It Hurts, in 2022. He later re-recorded some of his biggest songs for the 2023 double album Classics and issued a threealbum box set from his residency at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
In August 2024, he launched his own label, Bad Records, debuting with a limited edition seven-inch vinyl, digital single, and video featuring “Rock and Roll Hell” and “War Machine.”
The Roll With The Punches world tour began in May 2025, coinciding with the release of his latest album of the same name.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
DISNEY has long been a source of joy for people of all ages, turning ordinary days into moments of wonder. Whether it’s watching beloved characters come to life, singing along to timeless songs, or strolling through the park’s storybook settings, Disney makes every visit magical, especially this holiday season.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is set to light up the holidays with its biggest Christmas celebration yet as part of its year-long 20th anniversary festivities.
Running from Nov. 14, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, the event titled A Disney Christmas will feature new performances, festive parades, themed experiences, and appearances from beloved Disney characters, including Mickey and Friends, the Arendelle royals from Frozen, and Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia Among the highlights is the anniversary-
exclusive concert show “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!”, the largest-ever “Friendtastic!” parade, and the nighttime spectacle “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky.” Guests can also experience Disney Christmas Live in Concert! starting Nov. 22, with performances by Santa Goofy, the Hong Kong Children’s Choir, and Cantopop artists Jay Fung, YT Chau, and Alfred Hui. A special New Year’s Eve Countdown Party will cap off the festivities on Dec. 31, featuring fireworks, pyrotechnics, and drone effects over the Castle of Magical Dreams.
The World of Frozen area will host an expanded Arendellian holiday celebration, where visitors can meet Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff
amid snow-capped decorations and shimmering ice sculptures. Meanwhile, Toy Story Land and Fantasyland will introduce new seasonal looks, including holiday outfits for Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, and Christmas touches at Cinderella Carousel and Ye Olde Christmas Market. Guests can enjoy added perks through the “Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket,” which allows a second-day visit for an additional HK$100 on top of a regular ticket. Hotel guests can also avail of the “2 Nights Plus Special” offer with up to 30 percent off when booking two or more consecutive nights. For more details, visit hongkongdisneyland. com
NOT too long ago, the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and OneKlik Events staged another opportunity for local residents to make their travel dreams come true… at a bargain!
The three-day Travel Sale Expo (TSE) reeled off at SM Megamall with 201 booths offering affordable travel-related deals, attracting approximately 50,000 visitors and customers to the venue.
Now on its third year, TSE has become a favorite of those who plan on traveling around the country or to other parts of the world within their hard-earned budget. Travel trade practitioners, business travelers, holidaymakers, incentive and convention planners, government officers, and SME entrepreneurs filled the venue throughout its weekend run. There were also quite a number of customers for halal businesses, which were prominently featured during the Expo.
On hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon was a bevy of foreign diplomats, aside, of course, from Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TSE Chairperson Michelle Taylan. There were Guam Senator Shelley Calvo, Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain, Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, and Taiwan Head of Mission Wallace M.G. Chow
During her keynote address, Tourism Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of tourism as a driver of livelihoods and a source of national pride, underscoring how the industry continues to uplift Filipino communities and small businesses.
Secretary Frasco also read the congratulatory message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to
the Expo participants, who were “showcasing their exceptional tourist destinations and other products and services, potentially becoming a catalyst for many to discover what the world has to offer.” The President also emphasized that “through our collective efforts, we will achieve a more vibrant and rewarding tourism industry in this era of a Bagong Pilipinas.”
What made the Travel Sale Expo even more interesting and different from other travel expos was the various youth-oriented events that drew in the Gen Z crowd and their creativity. There was the “Love The Philippines” Dance Competition, which was won by the National University Dance Company.
Another interesting highlight of the event was the Cosplay Competition, which was won by a certain Danilo Relent, who dressed up perfectly as Ironman. Of course, what would a Filipino celebration be without some musical talent display? The featured singer and television personality is Darren Espanto
For those involved in the travel and tourism industry, the Expo also featured some businessto-business sessions, product updates, and miniconferences discussing the latest travel trends, among others that kept the industry’s stakeholders busy throughout the event’s three-day run.
I was impressed to see some very colorful booths, like those of Indonesia Tourism, Taiwan, Batanes, the Malaysian Embassy, and many others. Airlines had a heyday selling heavily
discounted fares, which was why droves of customers were seen milling around the booths of United Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Saudia Airlines, AirAsia, and Sunlight Air. As early as now, the indefatigable Michelle Taylan, TSE’s chairperson, is gearing up for next year’s fourth edition, which she stressed will be even bigger than the recently concluded one. Information on the Expo’s