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PROSECUTION TO TRACE VP SARA’S DECLARED WEALTH

PESO RECOVERS TO P62.73 VS. $1

EALA NO. 3 SEED IN SINGAPORE OPEN

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BUSINESS / B2

SPORTS / A8

SUPREME COURT DIRECTS CONGRESS TO ENACT ANTI-DYNASTY LAW Fuel prices to soar by as much as P10/l By Alena Mae S. Flores and Charles Dantes

By Gwyneth Nolasco and Maricel V. Cruz THE Supreme Court (SC) en banc is requiring Congress to enact a law that prohibits political dynasties in accordance with Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution. In a decision penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC said Congress would commit grave abuse of discretion if it fails to enact the law within 39 years.

VOL. XL • NO. 215 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

CONSUMERS can expect another oil price hike of as much as P10 per liter next week due to the ongoing Middle East tensions, industry sources said. Meanwhile, Malacañang said it was awaiting a formal recommendation from the government’s economic managers before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decides whether to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. Based on this week’s first two days of the Mean of Platts Singapore, the benchmark pricing used by oil importers and foreign exchange averages for Sep. 14 to 15, diesel may go up by P9.50 to P10 per liter and gasoline Next page

Legal eagles back flexible impeach vote

‘Amici curiae’ split 3-1 over conviction vote

Puno, Davide, Panganiban align, Azcuna differs on rule By Maricel Cruz, Pot Chavez, and Ratziel San Juan

HREE retired Supreme Court chief justices told the Senate impeachment court Wednesday that the 16 votes currently required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte are not necessarily fixed, while retired SC Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna maintained that all 24 senators must be counted in determining the constitutionally required two-thirds vote.

By Pot Chavez LEGAL luminaries have expressed support for a flexible interpretation of the two-thirds voting requirement for conviction in an impeachment case, echoing the positions of several former Supreme Court chief justices who appeared as amici curiae before the Senate impeachment court. Rev. Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, dean of the San Beda University Graduate School of Law, said his position was aligned with those of retired Chief Justices Hilario Davide Jr., Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno on the issue. “I am happy that my position is aligned with that of CJ Davide, CJ Puno, CJ Panganiban,” Aquino told Manila Standard. Aquino, in his position paper submitted to

The four former magistrates were invited as amici curiae, or friends of the court, to provide independent legal guidance as the impeachment court reviews Presiding Officer Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s earlier ruling that 16 votes, or twothirds of the full 24-member Senate,

FRIENDS OF THE COURT. Retired Supreme Court Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban (right), Reynato Puno (center), along with retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna (left), offer their opinions on the constitutional voting threshold required in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Lino Santos

Rody appears for the first time at his ICC crimes vs. humanity trial ON TRIAL. Former President

Rodrigo Duterte seems to be in good spirits during his first appearance at his trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, in the Netherlands. AFP

FORMER Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court for the first time Wednesday, as he faces charges over his “war on drugs” that killed thousands. The 81-year-old had appeared by video link when he was first brought to the court in The Hague, but had since skipped hearings, with his defense team saying he

was too ill. Dressed in a dark suit and white shirt with no tie, the former president sat with his chin resting on his hands as proceedings opened. Judge Joanna Korner noted his appearance in court for the first time, and said he could leave the court at any time without seeking permission from the bench. But he stayed throughout the hearing,

which lasted one hour and 15 minutes, showing no emotion and seeming to follow proceedings through headphones. Duterte did not speak during the hearing but waved at the public gallery when the judge had left the courtroom at the end. He is the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individNext page

Ex-Speaker pleads not guilty, intends to seek bail—lawyers THE former Speaker of the House of Representatives pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan Third Division yesterday. The lawyers of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who appeared before the

FOR GOOD LUCK.

PROCLAIMED. BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, leader of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), and MILF chief and head of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) United Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim, are proclaimed winners in the elections for the Bangsamoro Parliament. Bangsamoro Government, Macacua FB page

BFP, UBJP win most seats in BARMM parliament By Vito Barcelo THE Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) led the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, winning 16 seats, followed by

the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) with 15 seats, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) canvass. The BARMM Grand Coalition captured eight seats, while the Raayat Democratic Party won one seat in the regional

parliamentary political party race. These four parties accounted for all 40 seats allocated to regional parliamentary political parties. The BARMM Parliament has 80 seats: 40 for regional parliamentary Next page

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. toasts for good luck the Japanese way at the groundbreaking ceremonies of the MMSP– NAIA Terminal 3 Station that would connect Taguig and Pasay cities. Story on A3. PCO

court seated in a wheelchair, said their client also intends to seek bail. “We confirm, we will file (a bail petition), Your Honor, which is why we want the pretrial to be Next page

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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‘Amici... From A1 are required to convict Duterte. Retired Chief Justices Hilario Davide Jr., Artemio Panganiban, and Reynato Puno said the threshold could change depending on which senators are legally qualified to participate and vote. Azcuna took the contrary position that the denominator must remain the entire sitting membership of the Senate. Davide, who could not personally appear because he was recovering from a medical procedure, submitted a legal memorandum saying the two-thirds requirement should be computed based on senators qualified to vote rather than automatically on all 24 senators. “Clearly then, the basis of computing the two-thirds must be the number of senators who are qualified to vote, not the 24 in the present Senate,” Davide said. He said senators who had resigned or been expelled, were incapacitated, were outside Philippine jurisdiction or whose whereabouts were unknown, as well as those prevented by legal restraints from exercising their functions, should not be included in the computation. Davide said the constitutional phrase “all the Members of the Senate” refers to living senators who are capable of exercising their powers and performing their duties and are not legally barred from doing so. Panganiban acknowledged that twothirds of the constitutionally prescribed 24-member Senate is mathematically 16 but said the calculation does not necessarily apply in every circumstance. “Therefore, 24 multiplied by twothirds is always 16 in the abstract. But not always in reality,” Panganiban said. “Reality sometimes, Your Honors, changes the denominator in mathematics,” he added.

He noted that the Constitution specifies a fraction—two-thirds—rather than an absolute number. “By using two-thirds, the number of votes to convict will have to move depending on certain factors,” Puno said. He favored a contextual and functional interpretation that would allow the impeachment court to determine whether senators who are dead, resigned, expelled or legally incapacitated should be counted. Puno also said the 1949 Supreme Court ruling in Avelino vs. Cuenco could provide guidance on determining which members should be counted, although he acknowledged that the case, which involved Senate quorum and a member beyond the chamber’s coercive jurisdiction, was not a perfect precedent for the impeachment issue. Azcuna disagreed, maintaining that the phrase “all the Members of the Senate” encompasses the entire sitting membership. “As long as they are members of the Senate, they constitute the denominator in computing the threshold of two-thirds. Because all means all,” Azcuna said. He argued that allowing the denominator to fluctuate depending on participation could weaken the supermajority safeguard in the impeachment process. “A threshold must be fixed, not variable. It must be determinable from the start,” Azcuna said. Azcuna said the two-thirds requirement was intended to require broad consensus for conviction rather than allow a temporary legislative majority to remove an impeachable official.

Different views on participating senator-judges

Panganiban said the two-thirds vote should be based on active participation in the impeachment proceedings, questioning whether senators who are abroad, in hiding, legally detained, sick or hospitalized and unable to examine evidence and hear testimony should still be allowed to cast a final vote. Puno likewise rejected a strictly literal reading that would make the 16vote threshold fixed and immutable.

The four former magistrates also differed on whether senator-judges who missed or did not substantially participate in the trial may still cast a final vote. Panganiban emphasized active participation and independent evaluation of the evidence, while Puno and Azcuna said senator-judges could evaluate the evidence through the trial record even without personally observing every witness. Davide said a senator-judge who never attended or performed any duties in the trial should be considered a nonparticipant, although failure to question witnesses alone would not establish nonparticipation. The threshold issue arose after Senator-Judge Erwin Tulfo sought clarifica-

Legal... From A1

Rody... From A1

‘Constitution specified a fraction’

the impeachment court, argued that the voting threshold may be adjusted based on senators who are absent or otherwise unable to participate in the proceedings. “An absent judge or a non-participant judge is not a judge and cannot in the name of all fairness and reason, judge,” the San Beda dean said. He said treating 16 votes as an immutable requirement could result in an unfair outcome if some senator-judges were unable to participate in the trial. Law lecturer and constitutionalist Michael Henry Yusingco, meanwhile, said the relevant constitutional provision should be interpreted in its entirety. “As per the verba legis rule, Article XI, Section 3(6) must be read in its entirety when understanding the conviction threshold. Reference to Article VI, Section 2 in interpreting the word ‘all’ is only secondary,” Yusingco said. Davide, who submitted a legal memorandum to the impeachment court, said the two-thirds requirement should be computed based on the number of senators legally qualified to vote rather than automatically using the full 24-member Senate. Panganiban likewise said constitutional interpretation should consider the intent and purpose of the provision and the circumstances in which it operates. Puno said the Constitution could have expressly stated that 16 votes were required for conviction if that had been the intent but instead prescribed “two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.” The impeachment court is scheduled to hear arguments from the prosecution and defense on the threshold issue on Sept. 23. Until the court rules otherwise, Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s ruling requiring 16 votes to convict remains in effect.

tion on who should be counted among “all the Members of the Senate” when some senator-judges are unable to participate in the proceedings. Escudero’s ruling requiring 16 votes remains in effect unless the impeachment court overturns it. The Senate is scheduled to hear oral arguments from the prosecution and defense on the issue on Sept. 23.

assessment of whether it is appropriate to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court and whether it is a justiciable issue. We will not go to the Supreme Court merely to cause trouble or delay the proceedings,” Poa said. He said the defense respected the opinions of all four former magistrates regardless of whether they supported its position.

Palace ‘not taking a position’

Prosecution taking ‘easier’ conviction threshold

Malacañang said Wednesday it would not take a position on the disputed threshold and would leave the matter to the Senate impeachment court. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration would not comment on whether the two-thirds requirement should be computed from all 24 senators or only those legally qualified to participate and vote. “We will not give any opinion or any judgment regarding that. We will allow the Senate to determine what, in their view, is appropriate,” Castro said. Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not interfere with the Senate’s determination. “Whatever the threshold will be, the President will not interfere in that matter,” she said.

VP open to elevating issues to SC

Vice President Duterte’s camp, meanwhile, said it was open to elevating issues arising from the impeachment proceedings to the Supreme Court if her constitutional rights are affected. Duterte’s trial spokesperson, Atty. Michael Poa, said the defense participated in the amici curiae hearing “ad cautelam,” or out of an abundance of caution, to protect the Vice President’s rights. Poa said any move to bring the matter before the Supreme Court would depend on whether the issue is justiciable and ripe for review, stressing that the defense would not seek judicial intervention merely to delay the trial. “Of course, there’s always that possibility. If we see that the rights of our client, who is the respondent, the vice president, are being affected, it is possible that we could elevate the matter to the Supreme Court. We are just covering our bases,” Poa said. He said the defense had not yet decided whether to seek Supreme Court intervention. “It depends on the situation and our

The House prosecution, meanwhile, is expected to take a position that would make the conviction threshold easier to reach as the Senate impeachment court determines which senators should be counted in computing the two-thirds requirement. House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said the constitutionally required two-thirds vote should not necessarily translate into a fixed number, citing the positions presented by most of the amici curiae. The disputed interpretation could affect the number of votes needed to convict Duterte. Until the impeachment court rules otherwise, however, Escudero’s 16-vote requirement based on the full 24-member Senate remains in effect. Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano cautioned against changing conviction rules during the ongoing impeachment trial, emphasizing that the requirement of two-thirds of the Senate for conviction should be upheld. Cayetano said changing the conviction requirement could set a dangerous precedent for future trials, affecting decisions for years to come. “This impeachment court’s decision and how we conduct ourselves and whether we follow the rules or not will determine our destiny not only in the next two years, 10 years, maybe in the next 40 years,” he said. Minority Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are currently absent from the chamber due to their detention related to separate non-bailable cases. Senator Loren Legarda is also under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman concerning a plunder complaint, while the location of Senator Bato dela Rosa remains uncertain following an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. With Ram Superable, Joel E. Zurbano, Katrina Manubay, and Charles Dantes

Ex-Speaker... From A1 completed,” lawyer Rachel Ann Pomoy told Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda. While a plunder is non-bailable, provisional liberty can be allowed if the evidence against the accused is not strong. Both the prosecution and defense teams were directed to pre-mark their evidence on Sept. 18, 21, 22, 23, 24. The court also denied the lawmaker’s motion for reconsideration for his transfer to a government hospital within Quezon City. Romualdez’s lawyer Jose Roy III told the court the New Quezon City Jail has no ECG machine needed to monitor the lawmaker’s medical condition. Miranda directed the BJMP to request funding from the Department of Budget and Management for an ECG machine to be used by inmates. The former Speaker has since been placed in the infirmary ward of the BJMP facility for medical monitoring. “Those are the recommendations of the PGH doctors... He has to be under medical supervision so an EKG once a week. There is a CPAP machine recommended to him but as of now he has refused, he doesn’t want to use it. He needs a hospital bed just in case there is an emergency,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. PGH medical director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi earlier told the Sandiganbayan that the lawmaker’s medical condition can be managed outside the hospital. But he said the former Speaker needs continued psychiatric treatment for major depressive disorder and anxiety. Based on his medical abstract from Cardinal Santos, Romualdez, who underwent angioplasty in October 2024, is suffering from “hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unstable angina, coronary artery disease, post percutaneous coronary intervention, cerebrovascular ischemic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and primary hypothyroidism.” The former Speaker earlier said he is prepared to face the charges against him “with confidence in the truth.” “I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed... I maintain my innocence.” “This is a difficult moment for me and my family. But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” Romualdez added.

uals for the world’s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his offensive against drug users and sellers. Korner has set November 30 as the start date of the trial, which could take months or even years. The only time Duterte had been seen since his arrest in March 2025 was an initial appearance via video, where he

Wednesday’s hearing was a “status hearing” for the parties and the judge to fix logistical details. Lawyers clashed over evidence filed by the prosecution, which they said was around 15,000 pieces but the defense put at more than 62,000 documents. “It’s quite enormous. It’s impossible,” said defense lawyer Peter Haynes. “We haven’t got a prayer of reading” such a mountain of documents before the trial starts, said Haynes. “The current state of the case is a mess. If I had a younger, healthier client, I would in-

vite you to put back the trial by six months... but I don’t,” said Duterte’s lawyer. Korner chided the prosecution for “wholesale dumping” of documents and urged the parties to work together to reduce the size of the case file. Relatives of some of those killed in the anti-drugs campaign welcomed Duterte’s appearance in court. Randy Delos Santos, 48, an uncle of Kian Delos Santos, a teenager killed by police in August 2017, when Duterte was president, told AFP: “Of course, we are very happy that he is now able to attend in person. “We hope that his being physically fit will help speed up the hearings,” Santos told AFP in Manila. With AFP

Fuel... From A1

down yet. The pressure on oil will not go down yet. So, I don’t think it will go up at the rate like before of P20, P30 increase. I don’t think that will happen, but it will still go up, maybe in smaller amounts. Pero there is no sign yet the prices will significantly go down,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said. The DOE said gasoline will increase by P5.68 per liter, diesel by P4.31 per

liter, and kerosene by P4.62 per liter effective Tuesday amid sustained increases in international oil prices. The DOE has also formally certified that the one-month average price of Dubai crude oil has reached the $80per barrel threshold required under the law for the government to consider suspending or reducing excise taxes on petroleum products.

political party representatives, 32 for district representatives, and eight for sectoral representatives. Party seats are distributed through proportional representation, with parties required to obtain at least 2.5 percent of the valid votes to qualify. The newly elected members are expected to play a key role in shaping the region’s policies and governance under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. As of 7 a.m. on Wednesday, the Comelec dashboard showed it received 5,175 of the 5,212 expected election returns, equivalent to 99.29 percent. The poll body had also received all 108 certificates of canvass from cities and municipalities, while one of six provincial or district certificates of canvass remained outstanding at the time. The results pave the way for the formation of the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament, which will eventually elect the BARMM chief minister from among its members.

The SC said Congress must heed its constitutional duty to implement the anti-political dynasty law with utmost urgency. It stated that Congress “must henceforth and with utmost urgency enact the appropriate anti-political dynasty law at the earliest opportunity.” Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution provides that “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” The SC held that Congress has the authority to define what constitutes a political dynasty and determine its scope. However, the framers of the Constitution agreed to “leave the definition of political dynasties” to Congress after failing to agree on which specific family relationships and public positions should be covered by the law. “Thus, Congress has discretion over how political dynasties should be de-

fined and prohibited, but not over whether to enact the law,” the SC said in a press release. The SC noted that no comprehensive anti-political dynasty law has been enacted due to “lack of interest, avoidance for convenience, or service of self-interest,” despite changes in the composition of Congress over the years. The court also stressed that Congress is not allowed to postpone its duty indefinitely even if the Constitution does not set a deadline for enacting the law. It said 39 years is beyond a reasonable period to carry out its constitutional command. The SC also ruled that the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act, the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, and the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code do not fully satisfy the constitutional command, noting that the prohibition cited in the Constitution broadly applies to “opportunities for public service and

not merely to narrow sectors.” The High Court granted the petition for mandamus, saying Congress’ failure to enact an anti-political dynasty law constitutes a refusal to perform a mandatory constitutional duty, clearly showing grave abuse of discretion and manifesting injustice. “The Constitution gives Congress no discretion on whether to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties. Its discretion is limited to determining what the law should contain. The specific definition, scope, and other provisions of the law remain for Congress to decide,” the SC said. However, the SC denied the petition against the Commission on Elections (Comelec), ruling that there is no existing law defining the prohibition. The Comelec therefore cannot disqualify candidates or cancel their certificates of candidacy on the ground that they belong to political dynasties.

by P4 to P4.50 per liter. The computation came as the Department of Energy warned of continuing oil hikes. “If you ask DOE, our best guess in how it is going, it might not be going

Supreme... From A1 Meanwhile, the leadership of the House of Representatives welcomed the SC’s reminder that Congress must enact an anti-political dynasty law defining what a political dynasty is and providing specific prohibitions “at the earliest possible time.” Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of the House committee on electoral reforms and suffrage, said Congress’ actions are consistent with the SC ruling on petitions seeking to compel Congress to pass a law on political dynasties. The court granted the consolidated petitions in G.R. Nos. 263934, 272370, and 279201 for certiorari and mandamus, challenging Congress’ prolonged failure to pass a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties.

seemed confused and tired, his speech barely audible.

’It’s impossible’

BFP,... From A1

NEWS

A3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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Prosecution to trace source of VP Sara’s declared wealth

House leads tributes for late ex-solon, Quirino Gov. Dax CUA

By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE prosecutors will trace the source of the P33.35-million increase in Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared net worth from 2021 to 2025 and determine whether legitimate income reflected in her tax records can account for it. Prosecution counsel and spokesperson lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr. stressed that an increase in wealth is not improper by itself, but said public officials must show where it came from. “Again, there is nothing wrong with an increase in wealth, but our public servants need to demonstrate that it came from legitimate sources,” Tolosa said at a press conference. Duterte reported a net worth of P65.31 million in her 2021 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), her last full year before becoming vice president in 2022. By the end of 2025, her declared net worth had reached P98.66 million, an increase of about P33.35 million. “So, we need to determine the source of this P33 million increase during this period and whether it was declared in her BIR filings,” Tolosa said. The prosecution plans to compare Duterte’s SALNs with records from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and other financial evidence as it seeks to determine whether her declared wealth is consistent with legitimate sources of income.

AT DAY’S END. A colorful sunset appears along the western skies of Baguio City yesterday, September 15, 2026, following a brief afternoon rainshower. Dave Leprozo

PBBM breaks ground for NAIA subway station By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the groundbreaking for the Metro Manila Subway’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 station, advancing construction of the country’s first underground railway toward one of its busiest transportation hubs. The project, under Contract Package 109, covers the construction of the underground NAIA Terminal 3 station and connecting tunnels between Taguig and Pasay.

According to the President, the development would provide a direct rail connection to the airport and help reduce travel time across Metro Manila. “From Quezon City to Taguig and

now toward our international airport, the Metro Manila Subway is steadily taking shape,” Mr. Marcos said during the groundbreaking ceremony at the NAIA Terminal 3 open parking area in Pasay City. Once fully operational, travel between Valenzuela and NAIA is expected to fall from about one-and-ahalf hours to 40 minutes. The chief executive said the airport station would give passengers a more efficient alternative to road travel as Metro Manila continues to struggle with congestion.

THE House of Representatives, led by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, on Wednesday joined the country in mourning the passing of former Quirino Lone District Rep. and incumbent Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua. “We remember Governor Dax for his years of dedicated public service and his commitment to the people of Quirino and to strengthening local governance in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region,” the House posted on social media. “We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones, especially his wife, Quirino Lone District Rep. Midy N. Cua, and to the people of Quirino whom he faithfully served. May he rest in peace,” it added. According to the chamber, Cua served his constituents during the 15th, 16th, and 17th Congresses. The House has since flown the Philippine flag at half-mast in honor of the late lawmaker The Speaker, who was “deeply saddened” by his colleague’s passing, issued his own statement. “For those of us who knew and worked with Dax, we mourn more than the loss of a leader. We mourn a colleague and a kailian whose commitment to public service touched so many lives... May you rest in eternal peace,” Dy said. Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito likewise paid tribute to his “very good friend.”

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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IN BRIEF PRC to soon release Social Workers test results THE Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Wednesday announced that the results of the September 2026 Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE) are “set to be released soon.” “The WAIT will finally be over soon!!!” the PRC posted on social media, adding, “Congratulations in advance, future RSWs (registered social workers)!” The announcement came amid rumors that the exam results would be released on Wednesday. The SWLE was conducted from September 9 to 11, covering subjects including human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies, and social work practice. Each subject carries a relative weight of 20 percent, according to the PRC.

Ilocos schools may opt for Saturday classes: DepEd DAGUPAN CITY—The school divisions’ management in Ilocos Region will decide whether Saturday classes or alternative learning modes are sufficient to make up for missed school days caused by calamities. This was according to Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos Region Director Dr. Estela Cariño in an interview on Wednesday. Cariño said school division superintendents, principals, and teachers would determine whether make-up classes are needed, noting that alternative learning modes may not be feasible in all areas. She cited Calasiao, Pangasinan, where flooding prevents schools from effectively implementing modular learning. Some schools may hold in-person make-up classes, while the number of make-up days will depend on each school’s needs. Parents may also choose to teach their children at home instead of allowing them to attend Saturday classes.

Army sends 5 teams for Yama Sakura THE Philippine Army sent five contingents to observe the Yama Sakura 91 command post exercise in Japan for the first time, an Army officer said. Army Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jose Regonay Jr. said the Philippine contingents observed the nineday exercise at Camp Asaka in Tokyo beginning September 2. “We were invited last year, but this is the first time we sent our contingent to observe,” Regonay said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo. Yama Sakura is an annual multilateral command post exercise hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 91st iteration involved around 700 US personnel, 5,200 Japanese troops, and 280 Australian Army personnel. Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, South Korea, and Thailand also participated. The exercise focuses on decision-making, command and control, staff integration, and strengthening coordination among participating forces. Rex Espiritu

DAILY COMMUTER WOES. Commuters navigate the daily rush to work and school amid a shortage of public transportation during peak hours along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Edd Castro

DepEd taps industry leaders to future-proof SHS graduates T By Gabriel Oliva

HE Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said it partnered with more than 170 leaders from various fields, including government, industry, and economic sectors, in an effort to prepare senior high school (SHS) students for emerging workforce trends.

In a statement, the department said it conducted a dialogue on global competitiveness and innovation with key decision-makers from several industries, including manufacturing, semiconductors, IT-BPM, creative industries, healthcare,

construction, automotive, energy, logistics, agribusiness, financial services, and tourism. “These industries collaborated to establish practical pathways, making Senior High School graduates immediately

PBBM vows support for Cordillera autonomy By Dexter A. See

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Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon inspects newly installed pumps at the Remedios Pumping Station and an underground water detention and catch basin under construction at Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate, Manila. Norman Cruz

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Army rejects CPP account of deaths in Agusan clash

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THE Philippine Army on Wednesday rejected the Communist Party of the Philippines–North Central Mindanao Region’s (CPP-NCMR) characterization of the four New People’s Army (NPA) members killed in a September 12 encounter in Agusan del Sur. In a statement, Army spokesperson Col. Louie G. Dema-ala said the CPP-NCMR’s account sought to glorify armed struggle despite what he described as decades of violence and loss of lives in Northern Mindanao. The statement came after the CPP-NCMR confirmed the deaths of four of its members, including Julia Cagadas-Lastimosa, whom it identified as “Ka Rida,” following an encounter in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The group described Cagadas-Lastimosa as a longtime cadre and NPA officer who had worked among youth, workers, the urban poor, and rural communities in North Central Mindanao. It also identified the three other fatalities as Rocha Mae Bihag, or “Ka Maki”; Tiloy Basahon, or “Ka Doydoy”; and Ringo Lindayo, or “Ka Kikoy.” The CPP-NCMR portrayed the four as revolutionary members who died for “national liberation and democracy.”

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job-ready,” DepEd said. perience structured joint training plans, According to the Education Departmentoring, and assessments from indusment, the initiative is in line with Presitry professionals. dent Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “By combining the Philippine Qualimandate to prepare the Filipino workfications Framework (PQF) with indusforce for a rapidly evolving economic try skills standards, the initiative aims landscape driven by factors such as techto bridge the labor market’s ‘missing nological advancements. middle,’ filling essential roles for skilled The department is currently revamptechnicians, technologists, and associate ing the SHS framework, reducing the professionals,” DepEd said. previous four tracks to two—Academic Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Technical-Professional (TechPro)— said the direction would ensure graduto provide learners with greater flexates enter the workforce with hands-on ibility in choosing their pathways while experience and real competencies, with incorporating industry-guided imindustry helping schools teach the skills CYAN MAGENTAwork YELLOW BLACK mersion options. the workforce needs. For students who choose the TechPro “We cannot build a future-ready econtrack, the department said the restructuromy with yesterday’s skills framework,” ing will give them opportunities to exAngara said.

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BAUKO, Mountain Province—September 16—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his all-out support for the Cordillera’s quest for regional autonomy on two separate occasions, following repeated calls from leaders and autonomy advocates for him to certify a pending bill seeking to establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). Engr. Andres Ngao-I, chairman of the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA), said the President expressed his administration’s support for Cordillera autonomy during the signing of the fulfillment agreement between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the CBA-Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army in Malacañang on September 1, 2026. The CBA official made the revelation during the recent celebration of the 40th anniversary of the historic Mount Data Peace Accord, where he claimed that the

President’s positive position on autonomy serves as motivation for Cordillerans to intensify their calls for the immediate enactment of House Bill (HB) 6981, which seeks to establish the autonomous region. The second time the President announced his support for the region’s quest for autonomy was during the celebration of the 109th birthday of the late strongman and former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in Batac, Ilocos Norte, on September 11, 2026, during a meeting with Cordillera leaders that included three congressmen and three governors. Baguio City Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan led the Cordillera delegation in attending the celebration and informing the President of their desire for his administration to support the renewed quest for autonomy. This elicited a positive response from the Chief Executive, which was witnessed by House Speaker Faustino Dy Jr. and Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

MALABON BEAUTY TITLISTS. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval poses with the Ginoo and Binibining Malabon 2026 winners and runners-up during the coronation ceremony at the Navotas Convention Center in Navotas City. Andrew Rabulan

OPINION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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EDITORIAL

Bond of brothers? INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla described former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’ close affinity to the president as more than just a first cousin. “He is like a younger brother to the president, who has no brother himself,” Remulla stated. Which is probably why in his penultimate State-of-the-Nation Address, PBbM said that though it pains him personally, justice must take its course. So last week, the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against Romualdez before the Sandiganbayan after months of public skepticism that the president’s first cousin could ever be charged in court. He stands accused of accumulating billions of untold wealth, his share from the proceeds of fund mis-allocation and manipulation by his former appropriations chairman, the now-invisible Elizaldy Co. “How could he not know what Zaldy wrought?” the Ombudsman posits. For all these happened under the supervision of the former Speaker, whose assigns received hundreds of maletas filled with dirty money, as stated by former bodyguards acting as delivery boys of Zaldy Co. And to prove that he must have indeed received such dirty money, the former Speaker was said to have engaged in a buying spree --- properties in Forbes Park, in New York, even Sotogrande in sunny Spain, including a 2 million dollar donation to Harvard, though these were assigned to dummy persons and dummy corporations. He was the second most powerful official in the country when he and the President were “like brothers.” Or third most powerful, if we are to believe rumors about who is the real power center in the palace. Now he is detained by orders of the Sandiganbayan though under hospital confinement, because the Ombudsman has found evidence strong enough to warrant conviction, arising from exposes on the provenance of funds for ghosts and disabled in flood control infrastructure. “He is the biggest fish of all,” declares the heir to the corruption-ridden Department of Public Works and Highways, as if to put “finis” to the crime of the century. Yet many doubt if Romualdez is the biggest fish. And because he “will not go down alone,” many doubt if the charges levelled against him will hold water before the Sandiganbayan, especially with Zaldy Co somewhere in the planet choosing to remain silent, for now. Recall how Navotas’ representative Toby Tiangco described a major, major

dressing down with him as sole witness. It was the first time he saw the President fuming with anger as he addressed the then Speaker. Why was he there, Tiangco thought, embarrassed to be a witness to a quarrel between his two cousins-in-law. But that may have been the precise reason he was there. PBbM wanted someone to tell the country that he dressed down the powerful Speaker he himself installed, the better to distance himself from an increasingly unpopular official. The President wanted anyone but himself to be the “biggest fish”.

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Isn’t it time to come out and speak your truth? Then again, one wonders: So the President knew that Martin and Zaldy were buying so many mansions in Forbes, so many airplanes and helicopters, yachts even. “How many more Ferraris do you want? How much more caviar do you have to eat?” Surely it was not Tiangco who gave the President that instant discovery? The President has prime access to intelligence reports, from national intelligence agencies including ISAFP and the NBI. Add to that the “marites” grapevine, as they move among the same social circles, n’e c’est pas? Why then did he not nip the corruption at the bud? Why did he not put a stop to it? Three years had passed in his administration, and he was blindsided? Tell that to the Marines, as the saying goes, and I don’t mean the whistleblowers who delivered maletas of “basura.” So how now, cousin Martin? What happened to the bond of “brothers”? Broken as that bond has been, isn’t it time to come out and speak your truth? “If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I’m telling everyone now, I will not go quietly and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people’s corruption,” said Romualdez then. Because if he chooses to suffer in silence and allow the system to dribble his fate, then people would think it’s just a “moro-moro.” What about family honor? What about the embarrassment that his family would carry forever, from his 90year old mother, to his wife and children? Speak now, for if you choose to be silent, not even your “pre-arranged” legal absolution will be ever believed.

In hydropowered Bhutan, solar starts to rise By Sara Hussein THIMPHU, BHUTAN — Engineer Rinzin Galley stands on a platform overlooking a former military shooting range on the edge of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, now home to a gleaming field of solar panels. With abundant waterways, Bhutan has long relied on hydroelectric power to meet its electricity needs and stay carbon negative -- absorbing more planet-warming gases than it emits. But demand is growing, and in winter, when rivers run low before the mountain melt arrives, Bhutan already relies on imported Indian electricity. Climate change is also threatening the future of the glaciers that feed those rivers, adding impetus to a push for energy diversification. “Solar projects are booming,” said Rinzin, senior engineer at Norion Renewable Energy. The company’s biggest project to date is the Dechencholing solar farm on former military land, with an installed capacity of 4.45 megawatts (MW). Dechencholing is one of several solar fields developed in recent years, including the country’s first mega project -- Sephu, with over 22 MW capacity. That is relatively modest, especially compared to the vast solar fields installed in neighbouring China. But it represents a new direction for Bhutan, where hydropower exports account for up to 15 percent of GDP, according to the World Bank. “Our plans are to develop about

5,000 megawatts,” said Chhewang Rinzin, managing director of Druk Green Power Corporation, the country’s generation utility. Bhutan can currently produce around 3,700 MW from hydro, but that capacity falls around 80 percent during the winter, he said.

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Rooftop solar is becoming common for government buildings and businesses, but the incentives for individual consumers are still slim. Winter demand has increased to 1,500 MW from 400 MW , creating a significant shortfall currently being met by electricity imports from India. Finding space Officials attribute part of the growing demand to a construction boom, but Bhutan has also bet on bitcoin mining to boost revenue. A planned special economic zone known as the Gelephu Mindfulness City is expected to host energy-hungry data centres. The problem was already clear back in 2008, when a goal of generating 10,000 MW from hydropower by 2020 was agreed. But the plan ran into a series of obstacles, including financing. “When you’re looking at construct-

HE first regular parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the most important test yet of whether the country’s long-running peace process can truly turn decades of armed struggle into a functioning democracy.

To understand the weight of this moment, we have to look back. Since the 1970s, Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao have been scarred by rebellion, counterinsurgency campaigns, clan wars, and even extremist violence. Around 150,000 people, both fighters and civilians alike, lost their lives in the broader conflict, while the region’s economic development fell far behind the rest of the country. The turning point came in 2014 with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. For the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which had fought the government for decades, this represented a dramatic shift: they gave up the demand for independence in exchange for meaningful autonomy within the Philippine Republic. In return, Manila promised to create a stronger autonomous region and begin a normalization process, including the decommissioning of MILF fighters. BARMM was officially estab-

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This election should be seen as a social contract. The political battle isn’t just about choosing another local government. Voters elected an 80-member parliament: 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives. That parliament will then select the region’s chief minister. It’s a system that looks very different from the presidential model used nationally, and it gives former rebels a chance to prove they can govern through competition, coalition-building, and accountability rather than through the

WHEN people get to their seventies or eighties, it is usually the period when the number of their friends and relatives starts to dwindle. It is the time in everyone’s life when the end is nearer than the beginning. And so it was with two members of the military and police retired community who were my good friends. In just a span of six days, two veteran officers who served honorably in the uniformed services passed away one after the other. It is sad losing them a bit early -- but such is life. Most of the uniformed retirees who entered the military service prior to the declaration of Martial Law are now in their advanced age. Fortunately, a number of them are still out there giving their best to serve the country while the rest are simply trying to continue enjoying retirement with friends and family. First to pass away last September 9 was Ret. PBrigGen Rudolfo Caisip after battling a debilitating illness for more than a decade. He and I entered the then Philippine Constabulary at the same time after graduating from college in the same year. He was from the Philippine College of Criminology and I was from a university in Baguio. We underwent the first PC Summer Cadre Training then had to go through another six months as a Probationary 2ndLts before being commissioned in the PC Reserve and eventually called to active duty as full-fledged PC officers. It would take another hurdle for both of us to be commissioned into the regular force of the AFP.

It was a long and tedious process which does not happen anymore. Rudy Caisip’s career trajectory went the traditional pattern which consisted of field and Headquarters assignments. He was also one of the few non-PMA graduates to be assigned in PMA as a Tactical Officer not to mention the obligatory training courses that one must attend to be promoted and qualify for certain assignments. In all the years that I have known him, never did I see him go to a padrino to get out from an assignment he did not like or ask help to secure a preferred assignment. He was a true professional whose service reputation was unblemished.

We served together for a couple of years in the same unit. I always remember him fondly. In retirement, we stayed in touch, often socializing by playing golf when we could. Since I do not live in the Metro area, I did not realize that his condition had deteriorated the past few months and was shocked when his passing was announced. The other good friend who passed away last Sunday was Ret MajGen Leo Alvez of the Philippine Army. He was a member of PMA Class of 1966. Although we belonged to different branches in the AFP and he was three years my senior, we nonetheless became very good friends over the years

through mutual military friends. But it all started when I was serving as Aide to a PC General and MajGen Alvez who was then a 1stLt, was the Administrative Officer to the late Lt General Rafael Ileto who was then the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP. The aide to LtGen Ileto who was a childhood friend was also another connection. Over the years, we would meet occasionally especially during the time when I served as Aide to the late PFVR. And in the last PMA Alumni Homecoming last March of this year where he received a special award, he called and invited me for lunch. He however, never mentioned any medical issue that he was confronting and was in fact telling me that he was enjoying his retirement life near a beach in Cebu where he has been based. No cause of death was given when his passing was posted on the chat group to which many military retirees like myself belong. Not too many people know that during EDSA 2, Gen Alvez played a very crucial role in the changeover of administration but never publicized what he did. It was he who convinced another senior officer to change sides and arranged for that individual to meet with a very important person from the protesting side which basically sealed the outcome. We lost two decent and honorable military professionals. Both Generals Rudy Caisip and Leo Alvez will be sorely missed by friends and family. May their souls Rest in eternal Peace.

ing 10,000 megawatts in hydropower capacity and each megawatt probably costs you about $1.5 million... for a small economy like ourselves, that’s quite difficult,” said Chhewang. Solutions have included liberalising foreign investment rules and increasing solar targets in the energy mix. The country now aims for 25,000 MW by 2040, with solar accounting for a fifth of that. But finding sufficient space for projects is challenging given Bhutan’s largely mountainous terrain. “When we do solar projects on the ground mount, it takes a huge amount of area to get certain capacity,” Norion’s Rinzin said. The country’s high altitudes, circuitous routes and roads frequently damaged by landslides pose further problems. Part of the push has involved training up a corps of solar engineers, in-

cluding through the De-suung royal skilling initiative. Norion has trained around 450 Desuung volunteers “to build in-house capacity in the country,” Rinzin said. Several dozen now work at Norion, which has a goal of installing 30 MW of solar by 2027, much of it on rooftops. Rooftop solar is now a common sight in Thimphu on government buildings and businesses, but the incentives for individual consumers are still slim. Electricity is comparatively cheap in Bhutan, and installing solar remains expensive. Rooftop solar Om Pradhan, a former minister and ambassador, had long advocated for solar in Bhutan, and was keen to install panels at home. “I thought that firstly it would benefit me personally, in the sense that my electricity bills would go down,” the

79-year-old former minister for trade and industries told AFP. “The second thing is that I’ve always been an advocate for solar power,” he said. But the 600,000 ngultrums ($6,300) it cost him to install the system remains far out of reach for most Bhutanese. “Many people calculate that if you put that money in the bank, the interest would pay your electricity bills,” he said. For now, Bhutan’s solar targets do not depend on rooftop installation. Energy demand is not the only driving factor. “We are quite aware that climate change will affect us, that the glaciers will keep receding,” said Chhewang of Druk Green Power. “So I think in the long-term, you will have to keep yourself open to other options.” AFP

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It is sad, but such is life.

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lished in 2019 to bring that peace agreement off the page and into political reality. This week’s election is the next decisive step in that journey.

barrel of the gun. That’s the real test here. Success won’t be measured by how many ex-MILF commanders win seats. It will be measured by whether they can accept defeat gracefully, respect institutions, negotiate with rivals, and deliver services to ordinary people in the region. We must caution, however, that the transition is far from complete. Roughly 14,000 MILF combatants and 2,450 weapons are still waiting to be decommissioned, after the group suspended disarmament over what it says are unmet government commitments. That’s a big red flag. Peace deals often falter not because the agreement itself was flawed, but because implementation stalls. If former fighters feel autonomy hasn’t brought the promised opportunities, dignity and security, the credibility of the peace process could be in serious jeopardy. This election, therefore, should be seen as a social contract. Bangsamoro leaders must show that autonomy can deliver real improvements in people’s lives, while the national government must prove it will honor the commitments that made autonomy possible in the first place.

Losing friends

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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Israel minister vows to ‘finish job’ in Gaza IN BRIEF J

ERUSALEM – Israel’s defense minister said Wednesday it was only a matter of time before the country resumes full-scale war in Gaza and moves to force out its two million Palestinians.

Macau’s 1st closed-door nat’l security trial held

MACAU – Macau was to start its first national security trial behind closed doors on Wednesday, in a case against a former pro-democracy lawmaker charged with subversion. The Chinese casino hub expanded the scope of national security laws in May 2023, and a new bill passed this year allows judges to hear national security cases behind closed doors. Au Kam San, a former Macau lawmaker who was detained in July 2025, was the first person to be arrested under the island’s new laws and the first to face a closed trial. The 69-year-old has been charged with “subversion of state power,” as well as building ties with foreign groups and media outlets that endanger China. Since Au’s arrest, details about the case have remained scarce. But Michael Polak, a London-based barrister representing Au, said holding the hearings in private would “be a sham process.” Prosecutors’ allegations appear to arise from Au’s “peaceful political activity, belief in democracy, and his regular meetings with the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau,” Polak’s group said earlier this year. AFP

News chopper crash in LA kills 3 – police LOS ANGELES – Three people were killed Tuesday in a fiery crash when a US news media helicopter covering a deadly bus crash came down in a Los Angeles neighborhood. Media in the city had scrambled to cover a deadly accident, after an SUV ploughed into a bus in the Chatsworth area, northwest of downtown, killing another three people and injuring many others in a city where news outlets routinely fly over large incidents. Reporters who were at the scene of the bus crash said there was a loud bang, with some saying they saw a helicopter come down around a block away, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Aerial footage showed a large fire that appeared to involve shipping containers and cars, and the wreckage of a helicopter, whose mangled tail and rotors could be seen in the flames. There was no immediate confirmation of the identity of those aboard the helicopter, but police confirmed early on it was a media chopper and the local NBC4 affiliate reported live that it was unable to make contact with its crew. Then, during sometimes emotional live coverage on NBC4, veteran news anchor Colleen Williams confirmed it was the local news station’s helicopter that crashed. AFP

SONG BIRDS. Zebra doves sit in cages during an annual bird singing competition for the Royal Trophy from Thai Princess Sirindhorn, in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. AFP

Saudi says Houthis target Mecca, warns of ‘red line’ oil exports as the wider Middle East war chokes off the Strait of Hormuz strategic shipping route. The Houthis swiftly rejected as a “lie” Riyadh’s report that it shot down a drone from the rebels heading towards the Saudi city of Mecca, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year. “The claims about targeting Mecca are a worn-out lie that has been used before and no longer fools anyone,” Hazem al-Assad from the Houthis’ politburo wrote on X. The Saudi coalition vowed retaliation, warning that the security of holy sites was a “red line.”

RIYADH—The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen’s Houthis accused the rebels on Wednesday of targeting Islam’s holy city Mecca, sparking outrage across the Muslim world and deepening the conflict roiling the region. Fresh fighting between the Iranbacked Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government has dragged in Riyadh, with the Houthis declaring a maritime blockade on the kingdom and targeting its ships in the Red Sea. Last week’s lightning offensive saw the group seize control of the entirety of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab alMandab Strait, a vital artery for Saudi

“The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims is a red line, and the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent measures against the Terrorist Houthi Militia,” the coalition said in a statement shared by spokesman Turki al-Maliki on X. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation – a bloc of 57 Muslim countries – condemned the “heinous” attack. Saudi Arabia had issued brief alerts on Tuesday over possible attacks in Mecca and across swathes of the kingdom’s south, which borders Yemen. AFP

Israel Katz, who is known for outspoken remarks, was responding to criticism from another right-wing contender ahead of October 27 elections. Katz said 70 percent of Gaza had already been emptied of its population in the Israeli offensive launched after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. He said that an October 2025 ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump had “supreme value for all Israelis” by leading to the return of remaining hostages and ensuring “a commitment by the United States” to disarming Hamas. “We all understand that this is not going to happen – and the IDF is prepared, once given the directive to eliminate Hamas, to finish the job so that we can also implement the migration plan,” Katz said in a statement, referring to the Israeli military. He said earlier this month that Israel was ready to remove Palestinians from Gaza by sea and land but was waiting for the United States, which he said was discussing where the two million people would go. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has denied any plan to “displace people out of Gaza against their will.” Katz had described the migration plan as voluntary, saying most Palestinians wanted to leave. Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been internally displaced and most of the territory lies in rubble after the war. The Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023 killed 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, the deadliest attack ever against Israel. Militants also took 251 hostages to Gaza. AFP

Kosovo’s former president faces war crimes verdict PRISTINA, Kosovo – The long-awaited verdict in the war crimes trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three senior ex-guerrilla leaders will be handed down in The Hague on Wednesday. After a three-year trial, judges will decide whether the men, all former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) figures, bear criminal responsibility for war crimes

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and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by KLA members during the 1998-1999 independence war with Serbia. Prosecutors have requested 45-year prison sentences for each. Thaci and the other former high-ranking guerrillas, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and Kadri Veseli, have all pleaded not guilty.

“I expect to be acquitted of every charge,” Thaci, the former KLA political leader, told a Kosovo outlet in late August. For many inside Kosovo, Thaci and the KLA are symbols of its independence movement. After the war, Thaci remained a central political figure and was instrumental in its 2008 declaration of independence.

Throughout the trial, images of the 58-year-old, who also served as prime minister, have regularly appeared on huge billboards around the country. “Our war was just, a war of liberation,” Prime Minister Albin Kurti said ahead of the verdict. “We believe and hope,” he added, “that the KLA leaders will return free to their country and to their families.” AFP

Career Opportunity in Hinduja Global Solutions Limited

Trackworks Specialist Position title: Technical Support Representative (Bilingual)

JOB DESCRIPTION ●

Vacancy/ies (3)

Supports railway track construction, installation, testing and commissioning, technical documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination. Ensures project activities are executed in compliance with operational standards, quality requirements, and project specifications.

Job Description:  

QUALIFICATION: • Bachelor degree in engineering, construction management, transportation or a related field. • 3–5 years of experience in railway operations, construction, training development, or a related role. • Strong knowledge of project coordination, documentation, and compliance procedures.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):  

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Colas Rail Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: Level 6 Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas cor. Makati Avenue Bel-Air 1209 City of Makati NCR, Fourth District Philippines Nature Of Business: Construction of roads, highways, bridges and railways.

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Robin Jean Arthur Larger Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: French

Complete address:

Intended period of employment: One ( 1 ) year/s

19th-21st Floor Bridgetowne Zeta Tower E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Ugong Norte District 3 , Quezon City 1110 Nature of business: to engage in customer contact service business and business process outsourcing

Name: Leonie Lum Ndikum Address: Las Piñas City Nationality: Cameroonian Intended period of employment: One (1) year Name: Jason Miakukila Kassango Address: Antipolo Nationality: Congolese Intended period of employment: One ( 1 ) year/s

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Company/ Employer

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited

Name: Andréas Warren Wojtowicz Address: Makati City Nationality: French Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) years

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may fi le an objection at Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal off enses committed by the foreign national.

Must have completed at least Senior High School/High School Native Speaker or Proficient in the French Language. Must have above-average communication skills in the respective language Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Andrea De Guzman Email address: andrea.deguzman@teamhgs.com

Application may be sent to colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Company/ Employer

Handles inbound calls on the first call, through the use of proactive customer service and call control techniques and proven troubleshooting procedures. Creates an exceptional experience for the customer by using professional customer service techniques, personalizing and focusing on adding value to the call

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office.

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila after this publication Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Career Opportunity in Telephilippines Incorporated

Senior Track Consultant Position title: Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Vacancy (1)

● Lead and support business initiatives by providing strategic recommendations, monitoring progress, and ensuring the successful delivery of assigned programs and objectives. Work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement, resolve operational challenges, and drive continuous business performance. QUALIFICATION: • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Communications, or a related field. • At least 3-5 years of experience in consulting, client services, account management, project coordination, or a related role. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate business needs and recommend solutions. Application may be sent to colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Company/ Employer Company Name: Colas Rail Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: Level 6 Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas cor. Makati Avenue Bel-Air 1209 City of Makati NCR, Fourth District Philippines Nature Of Business: Construction of roads, highways, bridges and railways.

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Lee, Leong Hong Address: Pampanga, Philippines Nationality: Malaysian Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) years

COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualifi ed to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may fi le an objection at Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal off enses committed by the foreign national.

Job Description: • • • •

Provides post-sale technical customer service to business or end-consumer customers via phone, online chat, or text. Responding to a high volume of low complexity technical inquiries. Providing responses to customer inquiries based on pre-determined scripts and other response guidance tools. Recommending alternative products or services as part of customer issue resolution.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • • • •

Strong technical customer service and post-sales support experience. Proficiency in troubleshooting, installation, activation, and technical issue resolution. Ability to provide product specifications, compatibility information, and technical guidance. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Rachel Majito-Cacabelos Email address: mobility@teleperformance.com

Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Priyanka Balkrishna Barve Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: Indian

Telephilippines Incorporated Complete address:

Intended period of employment: two (2) years

1st to 5th floors, Five West Campus, Le Grand Avenue Mckinley West, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Nature of business: a domestic corporation primarily engaged in contact center management, Telephilippines Incorporated hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned Bureau of Local Employment Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila after this publication. Please inform Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

TRADITIONAL DANCE. A kindergarten waits to perform the rapa’i geleng, a traditional Acehnese dance, during a cultural school’s exhibition in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House committee set to deliberate ‘Relief supplies on P10-b drone development plan on standby in 4 ASEAN states’ T By Maricel V. Cruz

HE House of Representatives Committee on National Defense is set to start hearings on the bill allocating P10 billion for the drone development programs of both the military and the police.

Deputy Majority Leader Luigi Villafuerte said the panel will soon deliberate on House Bill No. 1362, or the “National Defense Drone Act,” which mandates long-term investments for the acquisition of drones, and eventual

local manufacture of unmanned craft, training of Filipino drone operators and technicians, and grant of tax incentives to local drone developers. Villafuerte said HB 1362 proposes the establishment of the Philippine Un-

manned Aerial System Program (PUASP) and Strategic Defense Technology Transfer Program (SDTTP) for “the acquisition of surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, disaster-response and medical evacuation drones, and the establishment of a research and development program to enable the Philippines to eventually build its own UAS ecosystem.” “Our military, defense, and police establishments should have the wherewithal to acquire, deploy and integrate—and later on build our own— UAVs or drones, to strengthen the combat, surveillance, medivac, patrol

and disaster response, among others, of our military and police forces,” he said. Villafuerte said the proposed PUASP will “oversee the acquisition of drones, deployment of such unmanned vehicles, inter-agency usage protocols, data security compliance and training of drone operators and technicians.” The PUASP will likewise provide incentives for the military to pursue research and development activities with local universities and colleges as well as tech start-ups to spur the local manufacture and maintenance of drones, he added.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pre-positioned disaster relief supplies in four memberstates to speed up the mobilization of assistance when emergencies and disasters occur, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. OCD administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros said regional relief supplies have been on standby in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center). “We are establishing our regional warehouses through the AHA Center. They have already established warehouses here in the Philippines, in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia,” Cabreros said during a press briefing at the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) in Pasay City. The stockpiles are intended to bring emergency resources closer to disaster-affected communities and allow ASEAN member states to mobilize assistance more quickly while complementing their respective national response efforts. Cabreros described the AHA Center, which is based in Indonesia, as the “nerve center of ASEAN disaster management.” He said the regional warehouses are part of efforts to put into practice ASEAN’s “One ASEAN, One Response” approach, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.

IN BRIEF Nation marks Fish Conservation Week CLEANSING RITE. Emergency respondents gather around camp fire for a cleansing ceremony led by Lakay William Cherweg of Bontoc III,

Mountain Province following an accident that took place hours earlier in Sitio Jakap, Talubin town where a truck plunged into a ravine killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others. Dave Leprozo

Responders hold spiritual cleansing after fatal accident

NEW PAF CHOPPERS. THE Philippine Air Force acquires two new Bell 412EPX helicopters representing the second batch of air assets procured under its continuing modernization program. PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura presides over the blessing of the new choppers at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. PAF photo

BONTOC Mountain Province – Emergency responders here gathered at the Municipal Ato for a cleansing ritual following a road accident that left at least six people dead and 17 wounded. The tribal ceremony, ed by Lakay William Cherweg, was meant to give the responders a clear mind and emotional stability following the tragedy involving a cargo truck that plunged into a ravine last Tuesday in Sitio Jakap, Talubin, Bontoc. The ritual, steeped in local tradition, aimed to provide solace to the responders who witnessed the distressing events firsthand. By praying to God, the emergency responders sought to clear their minds and spirits, allowing them to overcome the trauma of the day’s occurrences. “Cleansing rituals are an essential practice for our community, especially in times of tragedy,” Cherweg said. “They help dispel lingering negative energy, stress, and the emotional weight that responders carry after confronting such devastating situations.”

DOT bucks sale of Botong painting to S’pore gallery, cites Heritage Law THE Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday called for the protection of Philippine artistic heritage as the agency rejected a plan to ship to Singapore the “Kalantiao at Lubluban,” a 1946 painting of national artist Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco. The painting, already deemed as a national treasure, had been the subject of a petition by Jaime Alfonso Larence Ponce de Leon of Leon Gallery, lodged at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to remove the piece’s presumption as an important cultural property. In his plea, De Leon asserted that the sale and transfer of Botong’s artwork to the National Gallery Singapore will “neither deplete its prevalence in the Philippines nor diminish its National Patrimony.”

In a statement, the DOT acknowledged the National Gallery Singapore’s interest to acquire the painting, but said “recognition can be pursued in ways that also preserve its meaningful access for the Filipino people.” “We therefore respectfully enjoin the Commission to consider the petition in light of the cultural significance of Kalantiao at Lubluban, the objectives of the National Cultural Heritage Act, and the importance of safeguarding the country’s artistic heritage for future generations,” the DOT said. “We also encourage consideration of arrangements that may support the painting’s continued presence in the Philippines while allowing it to participate in international exhibitions, scholarly exchanges, and other initiatives that promote Philippine art and culture abroad,” it added.

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) leads the observance of the 63rd Fish Conservation Week, highlighting the vital role of seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests in sustaining the country’s fisheries, coastal communities, and food supply. The opening ceremony, held at the Fisheries Building Complex in Quezon City, had for its theme “Lusay, Korales, at Bakawan: Yaman ng Karagatan, Masaganang Buhay ng Pamayanan.” The observance brings together government agencies, fisherfolk, stakeholders, development partners, and the public through activities that promote fisheries conservation, responsible resource use, environmental awareness, and community participation.

Sierra appointed head of military’s CHR dep’t THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has appointed Marites Sierra as the first director of its Civilian Human Resources (CHR). Sierra took her oath of office at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, administered by AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Edmundo Peralta. The AFP said Sierra brings nearly 25 years of government service to the position. Her appointment is part of the military’s efforts to strengthen the management of its civilian human resources and recognize CHR management as a leadership responsibility contributing to organizational effectiveness, professionalism and mission readiness, the AFP said. Rex Espiritu

UP, UNFPA join hands in demographic study

FEEDING PROGRAM. Mayor Luis Ferrer of General Trias City

spearheads a supplementary feeding program for some 55 wards of daycare centers in Barangay San Juan 1. Dennis Abrina

THE University of the Philippines Diliman and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have joined hands in boosting the country’s demographic research capabilities.. In a statement, the UNFP said the partnership with the UP Population Institute (UPPI) was built on the Philippines’ potential in using demographic data as the country goes through “major population changes.” “Under the partnership, UPPI will work with key government agencies to strengthen their ability to collect, understand and use population data,” the UNFPA said. Gabriel Oliva

SPORTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Sunrise Sprint brings speed to Damosa Land 5150 weekend SHORTER does not mean easier. That will be the message when the Sunrise Sprint hits the water, roads and streets of Samal Island in Davao del Norte on Sunday (Sept. 20), offering a fast-paced, high-energy test for newcomers, returning athletes and seasoned triathletes looking to sharpen their speed and race strategy. Featuring a 750-meter open-water swim, 20-km bike ride and 5-km run, the Sunrise Sprint packs the essential elements of triathlon into a compact but demanding format. More than simply a shorter race, the Sprint is designed to stand on its own – delivering its own blend of speed, pressure and competition while complementing the weekend’s centerpiece, the second Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon. The 5150 will feature the standard Olympic-distance challenge of a 1.5km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run, drawing another strong field to Samal. Together, the two events, organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., give athletes different ways to test themselves on the same triathlon weekend: the 5150 demanding endurance and consistency, while the Sunrise Sprint puts a premium on speed, efficiency and execution.

The Sprint is particularly suited to athletes making their first serious step into multisport racing, as well as those returning to competition after a break. For experienced competitors, its shorter format provides an opportunity to race aggressively and fine-tune transitions, pacing and strategy. A strong field is expected across several age-group categories, underscoring the growing depth of triathlon talent in the country. Leading the men’s individual Sprint field are Erwin Uy, John Carl Lim, Darius Lacorte, Ronald Berondo, Arnold de Chavez, Raymund Libre, Gio Ampog and John Ray Piedraverde.

UNITY CUP’S BEST. Top players of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup are shown during the tournament’s launch on Wednesday. They are Adamson’s Maria Ysabella Sapienza, Arellano University’s Keisha Alexa Abitira, Ateneo’s Donna Mae De Leon, St. Benilde’s Zen Basillo EAC’s Cara Dayanan, FEU’s Jazz Ellarina, JRU’s Patricia Del Pilar, Letran’s Leonilyn Padilla, Lyceum’s Roxie Dela Cruz, Mapua’s Juliana Estudio, NU’s Ara Panique, San Beda’s Angel Habacon, San Sebastian Recoletos’ Kleineross Abraham, Perpetual Help’s Caitlin Howard, Santo Tomas’ Nina Robles, UE’s Cheska Penol and UP’s Yesha Noceja. Roman Prospero

Eala no. 3 seed in Singapore By Jeremiah Sevilla

ILIPINA tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala is on track to rise to the No. 3 seed and get a first-round bye in the Singapore Tennis Open 2026 following the withdrawal of projected top seed and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States. Pegula announced through an Instagram story on Wednesday that she is pulling out of the WTA 500 tournament at the start of the Asian swing after a physically demanding campaign at the 2026 US Open. “I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from Singapore. After a long and physically demanding few weeks at the US Open, I’m just not quite ready to get back on court and compete at the level I expect from myself,” said Pegula, who reached the semifinals before losing to Aryna Sabalenka, 7-5, 6-2. “I was really looking forward to playing in Singapore and I hope I can come back in the future,” she added. Pegula’s withdrawal comes after world No. 13 Diana Shnaider and No. 15 Sorana Cirstea also pulled out of the Singapore tournament.

As a result, world No. 18 Eala is expected to move up from her initial No. 6 seeding to No. 3. The top four seeds are poised to receive first-round byes in the 28-player Singapore Open singles slated for September 21 to 27 at the OCBC Arena. Eala is scheduled to play in Singapore before representing the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Asiad tennis competition begins on September 27 and runs through October 3. The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) has confirmed that Eala will play in the continental meet regardless of the decision of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on its request for Eala’s exemption from possible penalties. Eala could face a US$10,000 fine and a zero-point penalty if she skips the

Alexandra Eala

mandatory WTA 1000 China Open, which overlaps with the Asian Games. Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and other government agencies to find a legal way to assist Eala should the WTA

impose the reported fine. PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and POC president Abraham Tolentino have also expressed support for Eala, while PHILTA continues to coordinate with the WTA over the exemption request.

Morris, Cruspero lead youth charge Altas battle Generals, seek 1st win in NCAA Season 102 in Siquijor netfest By Dennis Abrina MATTHEW Morris and Alexa Cruspero lead a deep and determined cast of young tennis hopefuls as the Governor’s Cup Juniors Tennis Championships get under way Thursday (Sept. 17) at the Capitol Tennis Courts here. Morris headlines the boys’ premier 18-and-under division, which also features Andrian Rodriguez, Hazer Malicay and Rafa Callao, while Cruspero braces for a spirited challenge from Mercy Pinili, Georgina Emperado, Zarephath Gabrielle, Princess Pampula and Winchell Ann Druey in the girls’ 18-and-U class. The Group 2 tournament, presented by Dunlop and staged under the Palawan Pawnshop nationwide talent-search, brings together one of the province’s strongest assemblies of junior players, with ranking points and age-group honors at stake. Cruspero is also entered in the girls’ 16-and-U division, where she will face Etha Seno, Jhaira Lanterna and Marypauren Balolong. Morris, meanwhile, is chasing a possible two-title haul in the boys’ 16-and-U category against Rodriguez, Xian Calagos and Prince Cantino. With entries swelling across the various age divisions, organizers are tapping additional playing venues in Larena and Ibabaw to accommodate the competition. The strong turnout reflects the growing interest in tennis among Siquijor’s young athletes, with the sport’s local following getting an added boost from the international breakthrough of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala.

THE Perpetual Help Altas shoot for their first victory in the NCAA Season 102 basketball tournament when they face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Thursday, September 17. The Altas opened their campaign with an 84-77 loss to last season’s finalist Letran Knights on Sunday, leaving coach Olsen Racela’s squad eager to break into the win column and avoid a second straight setback. The meeting also gives Perpetual Help a chance to renew its rivalry with EAC after the Altas defeated the Generals in the PinoyLiga Collegiate Cup 2026, where Racela’s team emerged as champions. “We need to win this match, so we don’t get bogged down in two consecutive losses. I know they can do it as a team effort,” Racela said. Racela will bank on veterans Gelo Gelsano, Shawn Orgo and JM Tulabut, along with sophomores JD Pagulayan and Mark “MGC” Gojo Cruz. Gelsano had a double-double of 11 points and 10

Perpetual’s Gelo Gelsano scores inside (Dennis Abrina)

rebounds, plus three assists and a steal, in the loss to Letran, while Pagulayan paced Perpetual with 18 points, including four triples. But Letran rookie Denzil Walker proved too much, scoring 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in just 17:58 minutes. The Junior Altas will also seek redemption after suffering a heartbreaking 82-81 loss to the Letran Squires on Tuesday. Coach Joph Cleopas’ Centennial Juniors champions mounted a late rally but fell short in the final seconds. UE transfer Brian Orca Jr. posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with three steals, while team captain Louie Rosales led all scorers with 21 points in 25 minutes and 41 seconds. Sizco Roquid added 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. The Junior Altas face the EAC Brigadiers at 10 a.m., followed by La Salle Green Hills against the LPU Junior Pirates-GenTri at noon. The Altas and Generals clash at 3 p.m., while the CSB Blazers and Lyceum Pirates meet in the 5 p.m. main game.

Tancontian gains Asiad momentum with Perth triumph By Randy M. Caluag

Chino Sy Tancontian (JudoCraft)

MULTI-AWARDED combat athlete Chino Sy Tancontian strengthened his preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by capturing the senior men’s −100-kilogram gold medal at the 2026 Perth International Judo Open in Australia. It was a masterful display of mat dominance by Tancontian, who delivered a dominant performance at the Gold Netball Centre in Jolimont, winning both of his matches by ippon. Tancontian needed only one minute to dispose of Western Australia’s Joseph White in his opening match before producing an even quicker victory in the final.

Tancontian defeated Northern Australia’s Kyle Mainey in just 30 seconds to complete a perfect campaign and secure the division title. The impressive outing provided the Davao City athlete with a timely confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games, where he will represent the Philippines in the same weight category. The Perth International Open is part of Judo Australia’s National Event Series and is the only leg staged on the country’s west coast. It draws leading competitors from Western Australia, other Australian states and overseas. Tancontian is no stranger to international competition, having represented the Philippines in judo, sambo and freestyle wrestling.

He also won a silver medal at the 2025 Oceania Judo Open on the Gold Coast before taking another step forward with his gold-medal performance in Perth. The Filipino standout said the victory gave him valuable momentum for the tougher challenge awaiting him in Japan. With two matches, two ippons and one gold medal, Tancontian showed the explosiveness and precision needed in a sport where a single mistake can immediately decide the outcome. His next target will be the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where he hopes to translate his dominant form in Perth into another podium finish for the Philippines.

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

8-month tourist arrivals hit 4.41m 30 companies show interest in T PH rail projects By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippines recorded 4.41 million international visitor arrivals from January to August 2026, up 0.78 percent from 4.38 million in the same period last year, according to the Department of Tourism’s newly launched Philippine Tourism Data Dashboard.

The United States led the country’s source markets with 926,575 arrivals, or 20.98 percent of the total, followed by South Korea with 744,732 arrivals, or 16.86 percent. The Department of Tourism

4.41 million Visitor arrivals in eight months of 2026

4.38 million Visitor arrivals in eight months of 2025

926,575 Arrivals from the US

said the open data platform gives the public real-time access to key tourism indicators, including visitor arrivals, outbound travel, tourism’s economic contribution and employment. Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said wider access to tourism data would help local governments, businesses and the public better understand the sector’s performance and opportunities. “Making this information available to the public is not just about transparency for its own sake. It is about giving our stakeholders, from local government units to tourism

businesses to ordinary Filipinos, the tools to understand how our industry is doing and where the opportunities are,” she said. Visitor arrival data on the dashboard dates back to 2010, while outbound traveler data covers 2023 to 2025. Users can track monthly arrival trends, compare annual performance and examine the country’s leading source markets, including monthly figures for the top 20 countries of origin. The dashboard compiles international visitor arrivals using eTravel records from the Department of Information and Communications

Technology and Bureau of Immigration records. The platform also tracks tourism direct gross value added, showing the sector’s contribution to the economy and its breakdown across industries such as accommodation, transport and food and beverage services. It measures tourism employment against total national employment as well. The dashboard provides a data dictionary and downloadable datasets. It forms part of the Department of Tourism’s activities for Philippine Tourist Promotion Month this September.

COMMITTED PARTNER.

Filinvest Land Inc. joins the growing list of the country’s top developers that signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pag-IBIG Fund in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH). Shown are (from left) Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Filinvest Land president Tristan Las Marias.

By Darwin G. Amojelar AROUND 30 local and international companies have expressed interest in supporting the government’s railway development program, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said. The companies participated in the DOTr’s 2-in-1 Market Engagement Conference at the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Mandaluyong City for the Institutional Capacity Strengthening: Project Delivery Support for Railway Projects (CDC-1) and the North-South Commuter Railway New Clark City Extension (NSCR-NCC-Ex) project’s Detailed Engineering Design and International Checking Engineer services. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said expanding the country’s rail network would improve regional connectivity and make it easier to move people and goods. “We are grateful to the companies showing interest in helping us further improve the rail sector to ensure more comfortable and faster travel for passengers,” Lopez said. “We need to increase the number of trains and enhance the capabilities of the people behind the project so it can be completed promptly,” he said. DOTr assistant secretary for railwaysinfrastructure and public-private partnerships Eduardo Danilo Macabulos said the high turnout of participants signals the private sector’s trust in the DOTr’s procurement process. “This demonstrates two things. First, there are many companies and consultants both in the Philippines and abroad ready to assist us in implementing these projects. Second, the private sector retains confidence in participating in our projects because they believe our procurement processes are transparent and fair and they trust the Department of Transportation’s capacity to carry forward the railway pipeline in the coming year,” Macabulos said.

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Mynt sees ample growth ahead of P92.3-b IPO M By Jenniffer B. Austria

YNT Inc., operator of financial technology platform GCash, still has significant room for growth after its planned P92.32 billion initial public offering, with opportunities to expand its range of digital financial products and services, according to a financial analyst. Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at consultancy firm Reyes Tacandong & Co., said Tuesday during a forum that Mynt remains in the early stages of development despite its dominant position in digital payments. “They’re already a wallet, very generic,” Ravelas said. “The only thing that they need to do is add more products to sell because they already have the ecosystem.” While GCash has more than 90 million registered users, only 49 million are active users. Ravelas said tapping non-active users and offering investment and other financial products as more Filipinos become financially literate provide room for growth. Over the long term, Ravelas said growth will depend on how consumers adapt to digitalization. “As we save more, as we move

into money, that builds trust,” Ravelas said. “The more trust we do on the typical GCash, the faster the transaction will go.” Mynt is in the final stages of securing regulatory approval to sell 9.23 billion common shares at an indicative maximum price of up to P10 each. The offering consists of 8.027 billion primary shares and 1.2 billion secondary shares to cover an oversubscription option. Proceeds from the primary shares will fund business expansion and the development of additional digital financial products. Ravelas likened investing in Mynt to buying a product whose value could appreciate over time. “GCash may be priced like fried chicken now, but it has the potential to become a Peking duck,” Ravelas said.

LEASE AGREEMENT. PNB Holdings Corp. and Giftaway formalize a five-year lease at PNB Makati Center. The agreement extends Giftaway’s occupancy at the Ayala Avenue property and was marked by a ceremonial signing attended by (from left) PHC chief financial officer Ponciano Carreon Jr., PHC president Karlu Say, Giftaway CEO Alvin Edward Tan, and Giftaway head of operations George Adrian Santos.

PSEi falls below 6,000 on market caution; peso recovers PHILIPPINE shares fell to a threemonth low Wednesday as investors turned cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. The peso, however, recovered to 62.739 to the U.S. dollar from 62.835 on Tuesday. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index hit a low of 5,888 before closing at 5,916, down 90.84 points, or 1.51 percent. The All Shares Index also fell 42.26 points, or 1.26 percent, to 3,300.26. “This close brings the index to a three-month low, with 5,900 now the near-term support,” AB Capital Securities said. “Macro headwinds remain the key overhang, with investors especially cautious ahead of the Fed decision

and commentary due tomorrow,” the brokerage added. All sector sub-indexes ended in the red except holding firms, which closed flat. The services sector was the biggest decliner, down 3.18 percent, while industrials fell 1.26 percent. Property dropped 0.89 percent, while mining and oil and financials slipped 0.83 percent and 0.70 percent, respectively. Value turnover reached P5.89 billion. Decliners outnumbered gainers, 139 to 54, while 58 issues were unchanged. Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows reaching nearly P1 billion. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 1.51 percent to P8.73, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. lagged at the bottom,

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC.

Career Opportunity in Amazon Operation Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI) Career Opportunity in Amazon OperationServices Services Philippines Philippines Inc

Position Investigation SpecialistI I Position title:title: Investigation Specialist Vacancy (1)

Vacancy (1)

Job Description:

Job Description: ➢

Provides prompt and efficient service to Amazon Sellers, including the appropriate escalation of Sellers’ issues in a contact center environment.

➢ Maintains a positive and professional demeanor, company in a positive light while effectively managing sensitive issues. Provides prompt and efficient service to Amazon always Sellers,portraying includingthethe appropriate escalation of Sellers’ issues in a contact center environment. ➢ Demonstrates excellent time-management skills and the ability to workthe independently using departmental resources,managing policies , and procedures. Maintains a positive and professional demeanor, always portraying company inwhile a positive light while effectively sensitive issues. ➢ Maintains acceptable performance metrics such as quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance . Demonstrates excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently while using departmental resources, policies , and procedures. ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement Maintains acceptable performance metrics such as quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance . suggestions Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement suggestions Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

➢ Interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly to both internal and external customers. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): ➢

➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related patterns.

➢ Problem-solving having demonstrated ability tocomplex recognizetransactional non-obvious issues patternscorrectly and analyze Interpersonal skills,skills, with the ability to communicate andproblems clearly tologically. both internal and external customers. ➢ Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting time management and organizational skills. patterns. Clear, crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related ➢ Proven ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising on customer experience and financial Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability to recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically. losses. Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting time management and organizational skills. Applications be sent to:made without compromising on customer experience and financial Proven ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where may decisions are Name of Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial losses. Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search

Company/ Employer

Applications may be sent to: foreign Quinial national intending to apply for the position Name of Company HR: Name IvankaofPatricia Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search

Company Name:

Name: Shulan Cai

Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

Address: City national intending to apply for the position NameManila of foreign

Complete address:

Nationality: Chinese

Company/ Employer

Company Name: Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia

Intended employment: two (2) years Name:period ShulanofCai

Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila,

Amazon Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) NCR,Operation 1300

Address: Manila City

Natureaddress: of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine Complete

Nationality: Chinese

laws. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Unit No. 2C, Flr.Certificate no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Drive, Mall Asia under SEC of Registration No. Ocean CS201722700. It is of authorized to provide services, including not limited to remote support Complex St.,support Zone 10, Barangay 076,but District 1, Pasay City,technical Metro Manila, IT development, customer support, customer care services, NCR,services, 1300 business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited to systems, hardware, software, operations, vendorunder management, Nature of business: AOSPI is afinancial corporation organized Philippine resources relating to the and back-office), other activities laws.and It ishuman registered with the Securities Exchangeand Commission (SEC) or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without undernecessary SEC Certificate of Registration No. CS201722700. It is authorized to engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet provide support services, including but not limited to remote technical support Service Provider.

Intended period of employment: two (2) years

Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: 10th 11th 12th 14th 15th Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business to Business IT

services, IT development, customer support, customer care services, Amazonprocess Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). declares that limited the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the business outsourcing, back-office support hereby (including but not services and job description for thisfinancial position. operations, The companyvendor has the management, intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit to systems, hardware, software, the Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila andwith human resources relating to the back-office), and other activities necessary or useful thereto, well as marketing support activities, without for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection Any Filipino jobseeker who isas competent, able and willing to perform the services engaging in retail trade, the practice6FofFirst a profession, orBF acting as an Internet at Bureau of Local Employment, Intramuros Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila, after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national Service Provider.

Key Accountabilities  People Management. Manages, motivates and develops a 565430658-v1\AP_DMS small team of service desk employees, ensuring that the service levels constantly improve and contribute to growth in new business.

issues on own operation and takes appropriate action. Is responsible for monitoring and controlling service desk activity.  Tools Mastery. Ensure adherence to agreed strategic toolset, emphasizing the need for improved deployment and usage. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): 1  Native Japanese language proficiency is required for this role (specific project).  Ability to communicate effectively with Japanesespeaking clients and stakeholders.  Experience working in a bilingual (English-Japanese) environment is highly desirable.  3-5 years of experience in service desk or technical support.  Experience in managing KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 Customer Relations. Establishes relationships with middle to senior level customers and a range of managers across Fujitsu to deliver and enhance their service. 565430658-v1\AP_DMS

 Risk Management. Establishes and manages risk for the team(s) technical skill levels and adequate resources to ensure that risks are mitigated and problems resolved, in relation to meeting service levels.

 Planning & Control. Resource allocation/scheduling to meet the demands of delivering a service managing changing priorities and issues. Uses strengths of team to achieve effective efficient delivery of service within SLA.

Applications may be sent to: Abegail Dy (abegail.dy@fujitsu.com)

Company/ Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company Name: Weserv Systems International, Inc. Name: Hidenari Onda Complete Address: 12/F Ayala Center Cebu Tower, Luz, City Address: Cebu City of Cebu (Capital), Cebu Nationality: Japanese Nature Of Business: Information and Communication Intended Period of Employment: One (1) Year Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in Weserv Systems International, Inc. Position Title: Bilingual Service Desk Expert Role Purpose: Service Desk Experts provide responsive, professional and competent technical 2nd line support of incidents. They influence and improve the quality of knowledge articles as well as support training activities within the desk environment. Key Accountabilities  Technical Capability. Works within a team as an established systems/product specialist (e.g. detailed knowledge of the configuration of interlinked systems, implementing technical changes, building software regimes and contributing technically to service development) to support end users.  Process. Follows established processes, releasing to the change control process verified, validated and documented enhancements to eliminate problems and proactively develop the service.  Project Work. Works within the team or under guidance from the project manager with implementation of technical designs to meet service delivery requirements within own area of responsibility.

 Business Awareness. Understands the requirements of the customer’s business, the scope of the contract and knows how issues impact the delivery of service. Recognizes and reports opportunities to team manager and other relevant parties for additional business.  Professional Development. Maintains awareness of technical and service developments, taking the initiative to extend own knowledge to learn about products, technologies and techniques to deliver enhanced service. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):  Higher to Native level of Japanese language proficiency (spoken and written) is required.  Proficient in English communication (verbal and written).  Minimum 1 year of experience in IT Service Desk or Technical Support roles.  Familiarity with ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Remedy).  Ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.  Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills Applications may be sent to: Abegail Dy (abegail.dy@fujitsu.com)

Company/ Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company Name: Weserv Systems International, Inc. Name: Fumiya Nara Complete Address: 12/F Ayala Center Cebu Tower, Luz, City Address: Cebu City of Cebu (Capital), Cebu Nationality: Japanese Nature Of Business: Information and Communication Intended Period of Employment: One (1) Year Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Vendor Relationship Management: Maintain strategic vendor relationships to facilitate open communications, understand changing technologies, and stay informed on industry trends. New Business Opportunities: Participate in opportunity review calls, facilitate site visits from potential clients, and stay updated through trade shows, industry events, and related activities. Business Reviews and Reporting: Host regular business reviews, communicate overall objectives through common reports (service and Operational Efficiency Reports), address customer, operational, and capacity needs, and lead weekly meetings with functional leaders and direct reports to discuss site operations and upcoming events.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Bachelor's Degree in a related field from a four-year college or university preferred, with a minimum of ten years of relevant experience, including two to four years of progressive management experience. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present information effectively to internal and external associates. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office. • Proven ability to organize and prioritize projects in a fastpaced, deadline-driven environment. • Demonstrated experience in mentoring, coaching, and directing teams. • Proactive with strong initiative and a focus on continuous improvement. • Exceptional attention to detail. • Strong customer service orientation and professionalism for both self and team. • Solid understanding of business operations and industry knowledge, with demonstrated business acumen. • Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex information effectively. Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_ MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Saurabh Krishnakumar Kulkarni Address: India Nationality: Indian Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years

Career Opportunity in Autobot Autoworks Inc.

Career Op

Prototype Technician

Marketin

Job Description:

Job Descrip

Nine (9) Vacancy

•

Qualification:

• • • • • •

Five (5) Va

Ensures product and repairs meet safety and quality standards. Knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical systems. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Detail-oriented with good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Physically fit and able to work in a workshop environment.

•

Qualificatio

• • •

Willing to work overtime or on flexible schedules when required. Applications may be sent to: OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Autobot Autoworks Inc.

Name: 1. He Jingxiang, 2. Ke Zhenzong, 3. Chen Tingting, 4. Luo Jianmin, 5. Fan Qi, 6. Shi Xing, 7. Wu Xiaolu, 8. Liu Jiali, 9. Yang Huanrong

Company Address: #65 Road 20, Project 8 Barangay Bahay Toro, District 2 Quezon City 1106

Address: 1,9. Pasay City 2-3,6-7. Manila City 4-5. Parañaque City 8. Quezon City Nationality: 1-9. Chinese

Nature of Business: Engaged In The Business Of Motor Vehicle Service And Maintenance.

Intended period of employment: 1-9 - Three 3(years)

Autobot Autoworks Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Company Service Co

Company 27 T. Sant Valenzuel

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Career Opportunity Weserv Systems International, Any Filipino jobseeker who in is competent, able and willing to perform theInc. services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila, after this publication. Position Title: Desk Teamand Manager  Business orientation. Anticipates thebyimpact of business Please inform the Service Department of Labor Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed the foreign national

The role holder leads, motivates and develops a team of service desk staff to ensure delivery of incident management to agreed levels of service.

Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila

Role Purpose:

Position Title: Senior Operations Manager Job Description: a) Revenue and Profitability Management: Drive revenue growth and profitability of programs, overseeing revenue, margins, billing, seat utilization, and retention. b) Training and Development: Ensure programs are supported by proficient training, staff development, and effective employee relations and recognition initiatives. c) Staff Management: Select, train, develop, and manage the performance of direct reports and their associates, planning and assigning work in alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements. d) Leadership and Policy Administration: Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports, ensuring consistent adherence to company policies and standards. Implement corrective actions to achieve operational performance goals. e) Client Service Level Management: Analyze and maintain all Client Service Level Agreements, implementing improvement plans where necessary. f) Contract Compliance: Ensure operations comply with active contracts. g) Client Relationship Oversight: Oversee and strengthen client relationships through open communication, understanding client perspectives and expectations, and monitoring satisfaction levels. h) Business Development Partnership: Collaborate with Business Development to leverage existing relationships and expand new business opportunities. i) Performance Reviews: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to assess individual and team performance, providing ongoing developmental support. j) Work Environment and Employee Engagement: Foster a positive work environment through active employee engagement, resolving employee relation issues professionally and promptly. k) Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage in crossfunctional meetings with operational support functions such as Training, HR, Quality, Workforce Management, and Talent Acquisition to define action plans for issue resolution and continuous improvement.

falling 5.01 percent to P16.70. Asian equity markets climbed on Wednesday as investors geared up for an expected interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve later in the day, with sentiment boosted by a drop in oil prices following their recent run-up. With inflation still running well above the central bank’s target and the Middle East crisis keeping crude above $100 a barrel, monetary policymakers are widely tipped to lift borrowing costs for the first time since 2023. That has dealt a heavy blow to a rally in global equities that saw several markets hit record highs in the first half of the year, and there is growing speculation that officials could announce another lift before the end of the year. Jenniffer B. Austria and AFP

Career Opportunity in Inc. Career in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, CareerOpportunity Opportunity in Autobot Autobot Autoworks Autoworks Inc. INC. 7. Partner with Business Development to expand Position Title: Professional I, Operations Prototype Technician Prototype Technician new business from clients. Support Nine (9) Nine (9) Vacancy Vacancy 8. Conduct one-on-ones with direct reports to Job Description: review performance and provide developmental 1.Job Maintain and grow revenue of program(s), Description: Job responsible Description: support. for profitability including • margins, Ensures product and meet and revenue, utilization, 9. Participate in cross-functional meetings to Ensures billing, productseat and repairs repairs meet safety safety and quality quality standards. standards. and retention. address operational challenges and drive Qualification: Qualification: continuous improvement. 2. Ensure the program has proficient training, Knowledge automotive mechanical and systems. Knowledge ofeffective automotive mechanical and electrical electrical systems. Experience, Professional Qualification (Education, staff•development, and of employee relation/recognition programs. License, Skills Certification, • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, Specialized Training): and schematics. 3. Select, train, develop, and manage • Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. performance of direct reports and their Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. associates. • Client relationship management • leadership Detail-oriented with problem-solving and skills. Detail-oriented with good good problem-solving and troubleshooting troubleshooting skills. 4. Provide and guidance to direct • Operational leadership and financial reports to ensure consistent administration management • Physically fit and able to work in aa workshop environment. Physically fit and able to work in workshop environment. of company policies and standards. • Coaching and team development • andWilling to or required. 5. Analyze maintain all overtime Client Service • schedules Expertisewhen in Service Level Agreements (SLAs) Willing to work work overtime or on on flexible flexible schedules when required. Level Agreements (SLAs); implement • Cross-functional collaboration and problemApplications be improvement plans as needed. solving Applications may may be sent sent to: to: 6. Oversee client relationships and monitor OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM OFFICIAL@AUTOBOTOFFROAD.COM client satisfaction. Applications may be sent to: Name of Company/Employer NamePH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply for for the the position position Company/Employer Company Company Name: Name: Autobot Autobot Autoworks Autoworks Company/ Employer Inc. Inc.

Name: Name: Name of foreign national intending 1. 3. Tingting, 1. He He Jingxiang, Jingxiang, 2. 2. Ke Ke Zhenzong, Zhenzong, 3. Chen Chen Tingting, 4. 4. Luo Luo Jianmin, Jianmin, to apply for the position 5. 5. Fan Fan Qi, Qi, 6. 6. Shi Shi Xing, Xing, 7. 7. Wu Wu Xiaolu, Xiaolu, 8. 8. Liu Liu Jiali, Jiali, 9. 9. Yang Yang Huanrong Huanrong Name: Trupti Rajkumar Wadhwa Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Company Address: Company Address: Address: Address:Address: Taguig City Inc. #65 20, 88 Barangay 1,9. City Manila Indian Complete 14/F to 25/F Bahay Ayala North #65 Road RoadAddress: 20, Project Project Barangay Bahay 1,9. Pasay PasayNationality: City 2-3,6-7. 2-3,6-7. Manila City City 4-5. 4-5. Parañaque Parañaque City City 8. 8. Quezon Quezon Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Exchange, Tower 2, 6798 cor. Toro, 22 Quezon City 1106 Toro, District District Quezon CityAyala 1106 Avenue City City Amorsolo and Salcedo Streets, Brgy. San Nationality: Lorenzo, Makati City Nationality: Nature of Business: Business to Business IT 1-9. 1-9. Chinese Chinese Company declares thatInthe above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform Nature ofhereby Business: Engaged The Intended period of employment: the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign Business Of Motor Vehicle Service And 1-9 Three 3(years) national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at th 6Maintenance. Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila. Autobot Autoworks Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor Career CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. andOpportunity Employmentin-TOYO National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Position Title: MECHANICAL SUPERVISOR Job Description:

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

 Managing and instructing the workers, setting their schedules, and monitoring their performance.  Handle / oversight of deployment of equipment and plant requirements of the project in accordance with the General Schedule and in coordination with all the Departments / Sections involved.  Keep equipment and plant retirement in excellent operating condition to meet the targeted daily, weekly and monthly production.  Oversight of electrical works and connection necessary for the implementation and completion of the work.

 Graduate of any business-related courses  Significant experience in a Marine Construction Industry.  Excellent written and communication skills. Preferably JLPT N1 passer and must be fluent in English and Japanese Language  With background working in an international and cross-cultural environment  More than 1-year relevant experience in a construction industry  Experience in Japanese construction firm

Applications may be sent to: Gina Andres - HR Supervisor Email Address: andres-gina@os.toyo-const.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the Company/ Employer position Company Name: Toyo Construction Co., Ltd. Name: Ayumu Ishikawa Complete Address: 3rd Floor, Planters Products Inc. Address: Quezon City Building, 109 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, Nationality: Japanese Makati City Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) Years Nature of Business: Construction Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Career Opportunity Opportunity in in Vehicle Vehicle Master Master Service Service Corp. Corp.

Marketing Marketing And And Sales Sales Consultant Consultant Five Five (5) (5) Vacancy Vacancy Job Job Description: Description:

•

Qualification: Qualification:

•

Intuition Intuition about about customer customer desires desires and and practical practical needs. needs. Applications Applications may may be be sent sent to: to: vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com Company/Employer Company/Employer

Name Name of of foreign foreign national national intending intending to to apply apply for for the the position position

Company Company Name: Name: Vehicle Vehicle Master Master Service Service Corp. Corp.

Name: Name: 1. 1. Gong Gong Mingzhang, Mingzhang, 2. 2. Huang Huang He, He, 3. 3. Liu Liu Guosheng, Guosheng, 4. 4. Zhao Zhao Xuan Xuan 5. 5. Lu Lu Quanyou Quanyou

Company Company Address: Address: 27 27 T. T. Santiago Santiago St., St., Canumay Canumay West West Valenzuela Valenzuela

Address: Address: 1. 1. Makati Makati City City 2. 2. Pasay Pasay City City 3-5. 3-5. Taguig Taguig City City

Nature Nature of of Business: Business: Repairs Repairs And And Maintenance Maintenance Of Of Motor Motor Vehicles Vehicles

Intended Intended period period of of employment: employment: 1-2,4. 1-2,4. Three Three 3(years), 3(years), 3,5. 3,5. Two Two 2(years) 2(years)

Nationality: Nationality: 1-5. 1-5. Chinese Chinese

Vehicle Vehicle Master Master Service Service Corp. Corp. hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

Career Opportunity in S & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc.

Service Technician Manager One (1) Vacancy Job Description:

•

Qualification:

• • •

Job Descrip

•

Qualificatio

Identify Identify effective effective marketing marketing campaigns campaigns that that will will reach reach targeted targeted audiences audiences effectively effectively and and efficiently. efficiently. Strong Strong knowledge knowledge of of sales sales and and persuasion persuasion techniques techniques coupled coupled with with excellent excellent knowledge knowledge of of the the products. products. Knowledge Knowledge of of data data analysis analysis and and market market research. research.

• •

One (1) Va

Manages and supervises technicians responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of construction equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other technical facilities used in construction projects. Experience in equipment maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. Strong leadership and supervisory skills. Good communication and problem-solving skills. Applications may be sent to: sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com

Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: S & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc.

Name: 1. Lei Chengbo

Company Address: 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Of Manila

Address: 1. Pasay City

Nature of Business: Construction

Intended period of employment: 1 - Three 3(years)

Nationality: 1. Chinese

S & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna..

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

• • •

Company Technolog

Company 12/F Time Ave.cor.ta Of Manila

Nature of

S & P Con national is company with the D muralla st

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Infrastructure should have no conflict with communities Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

MORE and more people lately are standing up against so-called development projects that threaten their way of life, livelihood and the environment. Indigenous peoples, farmers and residents, for one, have spoken out against the planned Pax Silica Project in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. Their concerns are simple but serious: What will happen to their communities, their livelihoods and the environment if the project pushes through? They did not back down even during a Senate face-off, standing their ground and making it clear that development should not come at the expense of communities that have long called these places home. And it is not happening in just one place. Across the country, communities are speaking up when projects threaten their homes, the natural resources they depend on, and the livelihoods they have built over generations. … clearing forests and Talim Island in Rizal province is an example. Residents there are mountains could worsen up in arms against the Talim Wind flooding and landslides. Power Project of Island Wind Energy Corp. (IWEC), a subsidiary of Singapore-based Vena Energy. Vena Energy was earlier involved in planning a large wind farm inside the protected Masungi Georeserve in Rizal. But strong opposition from residents and environmentalists eventually forced the company to shelve the project. This time, residents and various groups–Kasama sa Pangangalaga ng Isla Talim or Kapit sa Talim, Pamalakaya and Save Laguna Lake Movement–voiced their opposition through a manifesto and called for the protection of their island. They want the project stopped, warning that clearing forests and mountains could worsen flooding and landslides. Since construction activities began in the island’s mountainous areas in 2025, communities have experienced flooding, with several barangays bearing the brunt of the disaster, including Kinagatan, Binagoogan, Janosan, Pinagdilawan, Ginoong Sanay and Binitagan. Questions have been raised about whether the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted the project an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or not amid claims from residents that they were not properly consulted. A similar story played out in Samar, where concerned residents of Calbayog City and students of Northern Samar State University pushed back against another Vena Energy wind project over concerns that it could threaten the watershed that supplies their clean drinking water. Their sustained pressure eventually forced the developer to shelve its plans to build windmills and other structures inside the Calbayog Pan-as-Hayiban Protected Landscape. It was a hard-won victory—but the fight remains far from over. The local government has still allowed the company to build three windmills across villages in the districts of Tinambacan and Oquendo, which might affect the watershed and a waterfall in the area. For residents, that means staying vigilant, keeping watch over any attempt to destroy trees and crops that serve as the community’s main sources of livelihood. The Philippines certainly needs such development projects. We need more reliable and affordable sources of electricity, as called for by the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050, including the greater use of renewable energy. However, the development of renewable energy projects should improve people’s lives and not leave communities to pay the consequences shoddy planning and irrational execution. The infrastructure needed to fight climate change should also help repair the land beneath it. At a recent United Nations desertification conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, experts at a side-event examined how renewable energy expansion can co-exist with land protection and restoration, spotlighting examples from around the world. To name a few, a degraded mining land in South Africa has been repurposed for renewables, solar panels are being combined with vegetation, water harvesting and sandcontrol measures in China’s deserts and solar irrigation is helping farmers in India use the same land for food production and clean energy. “The real question is no longer whether renewable energy is going to expand or not. It is, and the question is whether it expands in ways that leaves landscapes, ecosystems and people better off than before,” said Julian Blanc, head of the Biodiversity and Land Branch at the UN Environment Program (UNEP). That means thinking about land before projects are built, Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s G20 Global Land Initiative, said. “When you place it at the right location, solar is the solution, not only for energy but also for ecological restoration, but in another situation, that may not be the case,” he said, emphasizing that context is critical, from Mongolian rangelands to Chinese deserts. Solar development can also require vegetation clearing, disturb wildlife or alter how water moves across the land and, in some circumstances, increase flood risk. However, the order in which projects are planned could be flipped before deciding where to build infrastructure, Thummarukudy said, suggesting the first step should examine the wider landscape–its biodiversity, water, communities, migration routes and exposure to floods or drought–instead of starting by selecting a site then studying its environmental impacts. Local communities and knowledge must also play a planning role because they may understand drought, flood or other risks that technical assessments miss, he added.

—“—

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BCDA, UK bank explore New Clark financing deals T

and other support for projects the studies find feasible and viable. The bank will then negotiate with BCDA the appropriate agreement and mode of collaboration. “Partnerships like this can help mobilize the capital needed to move viable projects forward. This can ease the financing burden on the government and our private sector partners, while allowing us to pursue more projects that can generate investments, create jobs, and strengthen our communities,” Bingcang said. Samson said the bank’s 154-year presence in the Philippines and its experience financing infrastructure, power, water and technology projects could support BCDA’s development plans. “Clark is well-positioned to contribute to the Philippines’ next phase of growth,” Samson said. He said the partnership aligns with BCDA’s mandate to commercialize former military bases to promote economic and social development. The 35,300-hectare Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone includes Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Aviation Capital, Clark International Airport and New Clark City. Developers are positioning it as an investment corridor covering industries such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aviation and logistics.

By Othel V. Campos

HE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Standard Chartered Bank Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Sept. 3 to explore financing and investment opportunities for sustainable development projects in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and New Clark City in Tarlac.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang and Standard Chartered Bank Philippines chief executive Michelangelo Kho Samson signed the agreement. The MOU covers joint studies on urban development and investment opportunities, knowledge sharing, quarterly discussions and feasibility assessments of potential projects. Standard Chartered may recommend financing solutions

DBM to disburse P401b in remaining 4 months Manila

Standard

TODAY

By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Marcos administration has P401.38 billion of the 2026 national budget left to disburse in the final four months of the year, after completing allotment releases in August, Department of Budget and Management data showed Tuesday. The government released P6.391 trillion of the P6.793-trillion national budget as of end-August, or 94.1 percent of total allotments issued for the year, the data showed. Releases under the 2026 General Appropriations Act totaled P3.989 trillion, leaving a balance of P401.24 billion. Government agencies and departments received the bulk of this amount at P3.471 trillion. The Department of Education received the largest share of budget releases during the eight-month period at P889.24 billion. The Department of Public Works and Highways followed with P527.67 billion, the Department of the Interior and Local Government with P299.19 billion, the Department of National Defense with P293.20 billion and the Department of Health with P288.53 billion.

Special purpose fund releases reached P518.52 billion in eight months, providing budgetary support to government corporations and local government units. These funds also supported the contingent fund, the miscellaneous personnel benefits fund, the national disaster risk reduction and management fund, the pension and gratuity fund and the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program. Automatic appropriations amounted to P2.158 trillion during the January-to-August period. Career Opportunity in Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines Position Title: Administration General Manager

 To prepare such financial reports, statements, certifications and other documents which may from time to time be required by government rules and other regulations and to submit the same to the proper government agencies; and  To exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as may be assigned to him by the President.

Job Description:  To manage and ensure smooth operation of the Administration Department;  To keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursement in the books of the corporation;  To have custody of and be responsible for all the funds, securities and bonds of the corporation;  To deposit in the name and to the credit of the Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, corporation, in such bank as may be designated from Skills Certification, Specialized Training): time to time by the Board of Directors, all the money’s  College graduate or higher form of studies funds, securities bonds and similar valuable effects  Japanese and English language proficient belonging to the corporation which may come under his  Has 10 years of working experience or more control;  Experience in handling Team preferably in  To render an annual statement showing the financial Japanese company setting condition of the corporation and such other financial reports as the Board of Director, or the president may Applications may be sent to: Lyka Revillosa from time to time require; (lyka.revillosa@sumitomocorp.com) Company/ Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company Name: Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines Name: Koeru Koketsu Complete Address: 35th Floor, AIA Tower, 8767 Paseo de Address: Makati City Roxas, Makati City Nationality: Japanese Nature Of Business: Wholesale and Retail Trade Intended Period of Employment: One (1) Year Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in JAPANESE HELP DESK INC. Position title: Medical Assistant Vacancy (4) Job Description: Responsible to arrange the consultation and assisting patient as needed at night time and holidays if you are on call duty. Qualifications: ● ● ●

Well-spoken in Japanese language. Japanese with good communication skills, customer-oriented, knowledgeable in medical terminologies, flexible, organized. At least 2 years of experience in healthcare-nurse/medical support & medical assistant, or equivalent. Application may be sent to: Email address: admin@j-helpdesk.com

Company/ Employer

Name of Foreign National Intending to Apply for the Position

Company Name: Japanese Help Desk Inc. Complete Address: S/LP-11 Medical Plaza Makati, 102 Amoroslo St. Cor. Dela Rosa, San Lorenzo, Makati City Nature of Business: Health and Social Work

JAPANESE HELP DESK INC.hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, Corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, Corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Career Opportunity in MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC.

Position title: General Manager Technical Department Vacancy (1) Job Description: a. The GM of technical group has the responsibility and authority to control overall functions of Technical Group, and to guide and instruct the members of Technical Group. b. He has the final decision for all significant work performed by the personnel of his own group that expressly govern shipboard technical processes. c. He shall be responsible for implementing following jobs: Technical & IT management of the vessels; i. ii. Short & long-term maintenance of the ship’s hull and equipment; iii. Technical upgrading and procuring relevant technical information’s & news for the vessels iv. Arranging and executing supplies of Bunkers, Spares and Consumables to vessels v. Planning and executing dry-dock repairs of vessels Monitoring & analysing technical reports from vessels vi. vii. Ensuring closing of all N/C (technical) within specified time including Root Cause Analysis where viii. ix. x. xi. xii.

required Safekeeping and management of certificates and survey reports (including copies) Proper planning and carrying out of maintenance, repairs and relevant surveys Technical Inspection of the ship as and when required He is also responsible for the record keeping of the record and documents pertaining to his group. Budget planning and preparation of Technical Group.

Qualifications: ● Minimum of 2 years related technical field, with substantial experience in marine technical management and vessel operations. ● The position requires demonstrated experience in vessel maintenance and repair, dry-docking, technical procurement, technical inspections, classification and statutory requirements, maintenance planning, technical reporting, budget preparation, and supervision of technical personnel. ● Strong leadership, decision-making, analytical, communication, and organizational skills are required. Application may be sent to: Email address: princess.galopo@meiji-group.com or bill.martinez@meiji-group.com Company/ Employer

Name of Foreign National Intending to Apply for the Position

Company Name: MMS Bulkship Management (Philippines), Inc. Complete Address: Room 302, MMS Bacoor Building Old Nia Road, Barangay Bayanan, Bacoor City, Cavite Nature of Business: Ship Management

Name:Kazuhiro Ikeda Address: Taguig City Nationality: Japanese Intended Period of Employment: two (2) years

MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BINONDO

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

By Michael Wong Ho

HE Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Information Office of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, in collaboration with the Western International Communication Organization, held “Chongqing Meets Manila: A Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration” on Sept. 12, 2026 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong said the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes reunion and cherishing loved ones. “It is also an important traditional celebration for the Filipino-Chinese community,” Zhou said. Zhou said the Philippines also celebrates numerous occasions that highlight family unity and convey hopes for a better future. He said the peoples of China and the Philippines share a strong cultural and emotional affinity, valuing kinship, friendship and the pursuit of a better life. He expressed hope that the event would promote greater mutual understanding and bring the two peoples closer together. Department of Tourism assistant secretary Maria Christina Aquino recognized the progress made in cultural and tourism exchanges between

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates cultural ties Chinese Embassy and Chongqing officials join Philippine tourism officials in Manila for a Mid-Autumn Festival event celebrating cultural and economic ties between China and the Philippines. Source: China Embassy fb page

China and the Philippines. “Culture and tourism serve as vital bridges that strengthen friendship between the two countries by fostering people-to-people exchanges, promoting industry growth and creating employment opportunities,” Aquino said. Chongqing Municipal Committee Publicity Department deputy director Wu Changfan highlighted the special connection between Chongqing and Manila. He said Chongqing has abundant resources in culture, tourism, education and industry, adding that the city has experienced

frequent economic and trade exchanges with the Philippines in recent years. Chongqing Daily News Group deputy editor-in-chief Zhang Hongmei presented the city’s appeal through the acronym “CHARM,” representing its culture, role as a hub, advanced industries and modernity. The celebration showcased Chongqing’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions and economic opportunities while providing a platform for deeper exchanges between the people of China and the Philippines.

Air Changan launches Manila–Yichang flights By Julie Ann Lope

FFCCCII hosts a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration for Filipino journalists on Sept. 10, with president Victor Lim tracing the tradition’s 3,000-year history.

FFCCCII hosts Mid-Autumn Festival for journalists By Julie Ann Lope THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), through its media committee, hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Sept. 10 at the Federation Building in Binondo, Manila, for journalists and members of the mainstream media. FFCCCII president Victor Lim said the Mid-Autumn Festival and the tradition of moon worship date back more than 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. He said the celebration originally served as a ritual for kings during the autumn season to give thanks for the harvest and

By Michael Wong Ho THE Federation of ASEAN Fujian Associations (FAFA) held its second annual conference on Sept. 11 at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque City, bringing together Fujian community leaders

honor the moon. According to legend, the moon is at its roundest and brightest during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Lim said the occasion “provides an opportunity for relatives and friends to reunite, express gratitude for the abundant autumn harvest and wish one another good fortune.” He also thanked mainstream media for reporting on FFCCCII’s various projects and for helping strengthen the organization’s connection with mainstream Philippine society. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno also attended the event and thanked the federation for its contributions to the city. from across Southeast Asia to strengthen ties and promote regional cooperation. The Federation of FilipinoChinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (FFCAP) hosted the event. FFCAP chairman Keeping Tiu

CHINESE carrier Air Changan on Sept. 15, 2026 launched its first direct, nonstop charter flights between Manila and Yichang, a business and tourism hub in China’s Hubei province. The service aims to test demand and determine whether regular flights between the two cities would be commercially viable. New NAIA Infra Corp., the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, welcomed the new route, saying direct flights to new destinations

will help expand NAIA’s international network and boost tourism and travel. “New connections like YichangManila give travelers more direct access to the Philippines and make it easier for new visitor markets to reach the country,” New NAIA Infra Corp. said. “We welcome Air Changan to NAIA and hope this initial service can help build demand for more flights and stronger connectivity between our two countries,” it said. The charter flights run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 22, with nine round trips scheduled every four to five days.

The service uses a 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, connecting NAIA Terminal 3 directly with Yichang for the first time. Flight 9H8383 departs Yichang at 2:25 p.m. and arrives in Manila at 5:45 p.m. The return flight, 9H8384, departs Manila at 6:45 p.m. and arrives in Yichang at 10:40 p.m.

Air Changan launches its first direct charter flights between Manila and Yichang, testing demand for regular service between the Philippines and China’s Hubei province.

ASEAN Fujian associations hold Paranaque confab said Fujian and ASEAN share close geographic, ancestral and commercial ties that provide a strong foundation for cooperation. He expressed hope that the annual gathering would unite overseas Chinese communities, foster closer relations among Fujian associations across ASEAN and promote regular exchanges in hometown camaraderie, cultural learning and economic

FAFA’s second annual conference in Parañaque City, hosted by FFCAP, draws Fujian community leaders from across ASEAN to strengthen ties, promote cooperation and support shared development among overseas Chinese associations.

collaboration. FAFA rotating chairman Dante Chua said the federation was founded on shared ancestral ties and continues to thrive through unity. He said FAFA’s mission is to serve the overseas Chinese community by strengthening cooperation among member associations, promoting resource sharing and maximizing their complementary strengths. Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Minister-Counsellor and Consul General Wang Wei highlighted the deep historical roots of friendship between China and the Philippines. She said overseas Chinese of Fujian origin who have established businesses, contributed to the social development of their countries of residence and remained emotionally connected to their homeland serve as an important bridge for people-topeople exchanges between China and ASEAN. Fujian Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese vice-chairman Qi Zhi said the organization seeks to strengthen bonds among fellow provincials, deepen cooperation and pursue shared development. FAFA inaugural chairman Lin

Fushan said the federation was established to break down regional barriers, consolidate the Fujian diaspora network across ASEAN and unite scattered efforts into a collective force. Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim called on Chinese communities across ASEAN to use the conference as a platform for communication, mutual assistance and cooperation. He also encouraged participants to leverage the unique strengths of the overseas Chinese community to promote regional economic and trade cooperation as well as people-topeople friendship. Thai Fujian Association vicepresident and Federation of Thai Fujian Associations vice-chairman Lin Lisheng said Thai Fujian organizations would make every effort to prepare for the next annual conference. “We look forward to the reunion of Fujian communities from across ASEAN and to the opportunity to work together in writing a new chapter for the overseas Chinese community,” he said.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

advertise@manilastandard.net

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Christmas arrives early in the Philippines By Alwyn Lukas Ferraz

HE spirit of Christmas has arrived early in the Philippines, as malls across the country begin decorating their establishments and preparing activities for the upcoming holiday season. As the “ber ” months begin, shopping centers are starting their 100-day countdown to Christmas with festive decorations, Christmasthemed displays, hanging lights, and holiday music filling their spaces. Some malls are also preparing special events and activities to welcome shoppers and families throughout the season. For a holiday that many countries traditionally celebrate for 12 days, the Philippines celebrates Christmas much longer.

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Christmas has always been a special time for me because it reminds me of home, family, and the joy of being together. —Robert Ancheta, an overseas accountant who has been based in Saudi Arabia

In the Philippines, September is widely regarded as the unofficial start of the Christmas season. The arrival of the “ber” months signals the beginning of Christmas preparations,

Malls across the country begin their 100-day countdown to Christmas as decorations, holiday activities, and festive displays welcome shoppers for the upcoming season.

with decorations, Christmas trees, caroling, and traditional holiday foods such as bibingka and puto bumbong becoming increasingly common across the country. The early arrival of the holiday season also prompts many working Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers, to start setting aside part of their income for gifts, food, and other Christmas preparations. “Christmas has always been a special time for me because it reminds me of home, family, and the joy of being together,” Robert Ancheta, an overseas accountant who has been based in Saudi Arabia for over three years, said. “Even though I am miles away from my family, I still feel the warmth of Christmas whenever I think about our traditions, sharing meals, giving gifts, and simply being together. That is what makes Christmas truly meaningful for me,” he added. The beginning of the Christmas season has also encouraged mall stores and retailers to put Christmas-themed products on display. From

Dozens of artificial pine Christmas trees are displayed along Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City, just 100 days before Christmas Day. The Philippines is widely recognized for celebrating one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons, with festivities beginning as early as the ‘ber’ months in September. Manny Palmero

decorations and gift ideas to holiday food and other seasonal items, shoppers can already find products designed for the upcoming festivities. Beyond shopping, malls are also preparing Christmas activities for their customers, including holiday performances, Christmas markets, treelighting ceremonies, photo opportunities, and other

family-oriented events. As the Philippines enters another long Christmas season, malls across the country are helping set the festive mood early. With decorations going up and activities being prepared, the 100-day countdown marks the beginning of one of the most anticipated times of the year for Filipinos.

SHOWBIZ Angelica Lopez

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

carries nation’s hopes and own story to Miss Grand International Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Angelica Lopez heads to Thailand aiming to build on the Philippines’ back-to-back Miss Grand International wins by CJ Opiaza and Emma Tiglao

NGELICA Lopez had plenty to smile about at her send-off press conference Tuesday night, but when she began talking about the road that brought her there, the emotions came rushing in. The 25-year-old dusky Palawan beauty is now in Thailand with a formidable assignment: help the Philippines chase an unprecedented third consecutive Miss Grand International crown. The competition runs from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10 in Thailand, where the country’s last two winners were crowned. CJ Opiaza claimed the title in 2024, followed by Emma Tiglao in 2025. Now, Lopez wears the Philippine sash, hoping to extend that winning streak to three. But the journey is about far more than a crown, according to Lopez. Speaking with Manila Standard Lifestyle at the Jojo Bragais Flagship Store in Quezon City, she shared her plans to make the most of the experience, from learning new skills to building connections. “I hope to learn new skills, especially from the organizers, since I also started my own business. The pageant is known as a platform for business, too, apart from being a platform for

women to showcase their beauty and brains, so I guess that’s a perfect opportunity for me to learn new skills.” It is a telling answer from a contestant who sees the pageant as a platform for growth and learning. Lopez has also embraced the demands and opportunities that come with the experience. “I’m just very happy. I haven’t had that kind of experience before, so it’s something new to me, I guess. And I’m also very grateful for all your support,” she told the attendees at the send-off press conference. Then came the more personal confession. “It hasn’t been easy. Just like what I said, I’m a breadwinner myself, and my mom is no longer here. But here I am, still fighting,” she admitted. Now, Lopez sees the opportunity to represent the Philippines as a chance to bring along the people who have supported her throughout the journey. “And now I’m going to be representing all of us at Miss Grand International. And I’m so happy because from being a little girl who felt like she was alone, now all of you are here supporting and loving me,” Lopez said.

Angelica Lopez (center) with fellow pageant winners Alexie Brooks (left) and Anne Diaz

At her Quezon City send-off, Angelica Lopez (left) poses for the cameras alongside Reina Filipinas president Jojo Bragais

That sense of connection also explains why she refuses to reinvent herself simply to win approval. “I want to be authentic because I don’t really want to pretend to be someone I’m not. And whoever you see now, Angelica Lopez, this is also who I am in person,” she explained. “I don’t really have to fake myself just to be loved by everybody else out there, even though I receive so much criticism and bashing online,” Lopez added. Instead, she hopes the international pageant will give her a larger platform to reach people who may see something of their own struggles in her story. “This is the best opportunity that I have right now to really touch the lives and hearts of so many people out there. This is me, this is Angelica. And I am this woman who really just wants to be a source of inspiration and hope to everybody out there,” she said, adding that her ambition extends beyond personal success. “One of the things that really motivates me is that I do things not only for my own benefit, but for the greater good of everyone else. I don’t only think about myself,” she noted. “I just really hope that everything I put into this journey will be fruitful, because this victory is attainable for all of us.” “For the three-peat, I think nothing is impossible. I promise that we will fight for it,” Lopez said.

Meet Jascel Valencia a.k.a. Nerdie of Junior New System

Filipino dance group Junior New System (JNS) performing on the AGT stage

Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

FOR every good group, there’s always the possibility that a particular member, one whose talent is versatile and impactfully drives the engine, will stand out. Jascel Valencia has shown early on that he can launch a music career on his own. This, while still serving as an important piece of the internationally recognized dance group Junior New System. The young man has the looks, the moves, and an edgy musical talent that makes him a self-sustaining force who can put out innovative recordings. That means overflowing creative juices, which he has extracted from hardships fought through hard work. Now that he is staying in the United States, Jascel’s promise levels up as plenty of opportunities open up here for a talented performer like him. This is certainly not bad for someone with humble beginnings in the streets of Manila. “I started dancing when I was 12 with my crew, and we’ve been together as Junior New System for more than 15 years now. Laro-laro lang nung una, hanggang tumibay ang brotherhood at pinalad kaming manalo in competitions abroad,” he shared. He was referring to a string of victories by JNS beginning in 2015 on Asia’s Got Talent in Singapore. The following year, they won at the WCOPA (World Championships of

Performing Arts), besting five other countries. Yet it was in America’s Got Talent Season 13 (staged in 2018) that they really broke through to a global audience, with the novelty of wearing red, six-inch-high heels defining their acrobatic allure. They earned praise from the ecstatic crowd and judges, particularly from Mel B of Spice Girls fame. Jascel’s solo career eventually kicked off in 2022 after he joined a reality TV show called Top Class: Rise to P-Pop Stardom, which aired on TV5. Under surveillance for three months, he won the challenge and officially became a breakout star from JNS, like Vhong Navarro of the then Street Boys, knocking on fame as a solo figure. So yes, Jascel has what it takes— the voice and charisma—to go as Nerdie, his christened singing self, who released a debut single called “Hiling” that same year. By 2024, he furthered his ambition with the release of the album Dekada, which opened with the classic-sounding “Isang Tulad Mo.” Last year, he proved himself to be consistently prolific, releasing one digital single after another, including the cutely titled “Tamporurut” and “Hard to Get,” which features the equally strong collaborator Bonskie. Asked about his musical influences, Jascel mentioned an

Junior New System brings its high-heeled dance act to ‘America’s Got Talent’after earlier wins in international competitions

interesting short list from the Philippine music scene. He mentioned the classic songwriting of APO Hiking Society, the aggressive pop rock of Kamikazee, the violin-inflected melancholia of Silent Sanctuary, and the empowering rap of Looney and Gloc-9. He absorbed their music well enough to develop his own songwriting. Jascel reminisced, “I grew up in Manila, with five brothers and two sisters. Mabuti at hindi huminto ang mga magulang namin sa pagsuporta sa pag-aaral namin at sa kung anong pangarap ng mga anak nila. Noong Grade 6 ako, pumasok na sa buhay ko ang dancing. Apat kami magkakapatid nasa Junior New System.” Jascel’s older brother Jevin was a member of the JNS predecessor, the New System, before the two joined forces with their brothers and friends to form the Junior New System under the management of Marcial Visda. By combining his passion for dance

Jascel Valencia builds his solo identity as Nerdie while continuing the discipline and stage experience he developed with Junior New System

and writing, Jascel began composing to express emotions and share stories to inspire others. Those truly dedicated will eventually be given the big break. He related, “Hindi namin inakala na ang pagsasayaw ang magdadala sa amin sa US. Very surreal ang feeling ko nung nakaapak na ako ng US. Sobrang grateful din na nandito ako, and I hope to sustain the momentum by pursuing my needs and wants as an artist.” Jascel, an ace dancer from Junior New System, is now in Los Angeles, California, where Hollywood is, where dreams are made by the ones who don’t give up, and where he continues to pursue his dreams through songwriting, recording, and live performances as Nerdie—not the bookish, shy boy in the class, but as a confident artist As Nerdie, dedicated to breaking Jascel Valencia stereotypes through pursues dancing, singing, and songwriting, recording, creating music. (For and live Jascel’s bookings, call performances in Mars Visda’s US Los Angeles after local phone at (310) years of dancing 213-4372.)

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Enna and Geo

turn everyday habits into lessons for the planet

C3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Ed Sheeran claims that show promoter and venue owners decided to remove Macklemore from North American tour

By Nickie Wang

EAVING appliances plugged in, wasting water, and overlooking small household habits may seem harmless, but Enna You Know! wants young Filipinos to see the bigger environmental picture.

‘Enna You Know!’ is a four-episode educational series on DepEd TV that follows teenager Enna and her brother Geo

The new four-episode educational series from Knowledge Channel follows curious teenager Enna, played by Zavinna Badena, as she encounters environmental concerns at home and in her community. When questions arise, she turns to her older brother Geo, played by Benedix Ramos, a field-based environmental scientist who breaks down the science and offers practical solutions. The series, which premiered on Sept. 16 on DepEd TV, is powered by Knowledge Channel. It is designed for Grades 9 and 10 students and tackles energy conservation, environmental sustainability, and climate action through the everyday experiences of two siblings.

Benedix Ramos plays the role of a field-based environmental scientist who breaks down the science and offers practical solutions

partners also turned over educational materials containing all four episodes to science teachers from the DepEd Schools Division Office of Rizal. Enna You Know! airs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday during the Grade 9 to 10 block, with replays at 10:40 p.m., on DepEd TV powered by Knowledge Channel. DepEd TV is available nationwide through digital free TV, direct-to-home satellite, and cable operators. Programming updates and video lessons are available through Knowledge Channel’s social media platforms and website.

Knowledge Channel and its partners bring Enna You Know! to students as part of an effort to make energy conservation and climate lessons easier to understand

Polio survivor Emiliano Santos overcomes physical challenges to become a visual artist and professor.

Educator and polio survivor inspires young minds POLIO survivor Emiliano Santos once dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But knowing his family could barely afford someone to help carry him around, he held on to his next dream: becoming an artist. Now 62, Emil is a visual artist and professor from the Cordillera Region who hopes his journey inspires aspiring creatives and those facing life’s challenges. His journey began at six, when a fever left him paralyzed from the waist down. Due to financial constraints, his mother, an elementary teacher, and father, a security guard, initially sought help from an albularyo and manghihilot. By the time they brought him to a doctor, the virus had affected his entire body, disrupting his growth and weakening his bones.

Rather than turning environmental lessons into a classroom lecture, Enna You Know! puts them into situations young viewers can recognize, encouraging eco-friendly habits at home and in their communities. The series was developed by Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) with Schneider Electric Foundation, Schneider Electric Philippines, Makesense Asia, and the Department of Education. It forms part of Project Shaping Energy, an initiative promoting energy literacy and sustainability education in public high schools. KCFI vice president Edric Calma sees the project as a long-term investment in young people’s understanding of science and the environment. “Ang investment po sa education, katulad ng mga ginawa nating video lessons na ito, ay makabuluhan at sustainable. Taun-taon, ilang mga bata ang matututo ng science nang maayos at magmamahal sa ating kalikasan dahil sa mga video na ito.” During the series launch, KCFI and its

The eldest of five siblings remained determined to study. Family, friends, and classmates took turns carrying him to school. When help was unavailable, he crawled past shallow creeks and rocky mountain paths. In high school, he stayed in a nearby dormitory and crawled up and down its stairs. His father eventually secured a house behind the campus and leased rooms to family friends’ children in exchange for helping Emil move around. His love for art opened another path. Inspired by a talented neighbor, he began drawing after discovering comics printed on old newspapers used to wrap tinapa. He would crawl beneath their house, read and copy the strips using pencils, ballpens, and paper from his mother’s bag.

‘Kamatis’ by visual artist and Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP) educator Emiliano Santos

“Dumating ‘yung time na kailangan na magsara nung pinapasukan kong sheltered workshop and I had to leave,” he recalled. “Gusto kong magpatuloy sa pag-aaral at ituloy ‘yung skills na natutunan ko.” An institution once turned him away, telling him, “hindi ka puwede dito kasi puro stairs.” At 25, unable to afford a full bachelor’s degree, Emil enrolled in a Studio Arts certificate course at the University of the Philippines Baguio. He received a scholarship and relied on friends to help him navigate the campus. He earned his certificate in 1994, then pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication at UP Diliman, graduating at 32. At 46, he earned an MA in Art Education from UP College of Education. He worked as a contractual graphic artist at UP Diliman while continuing to paint. His first solo exhibition, Nature and Art, at the Social Security System gallery in Quezon City gave him greater confidence in his work.

Ed Sheeran caught in Macklemore storm THE artist Finneas and three other supporting acts announced Tuesday they had quit Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after rapper Macklemore was dropped following pro-Palestinian comments during a performance. Sheeran denied involvement, writing on Instagram that Macklemore’s removal was “the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” He identified Messina Touring Group as the promoter and claimed venues had warned they would pull shows if Macklemore remained. Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine!” while opening for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten.” Finneas, who has publicly advocated for Palestinians, wrote Tuesday that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” “I stand with Palestine and its people.” Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga and Denmark’s Lukas Graham also announced their departures. Beoga cited “the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies,” while Rowe invoked Ireland’s history of “genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation.” “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide,” Rowe wrote. Sheeran maintained that his decision not to publicly discuss political issues did not mean he was indifferent. “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he wrote. Macklemore also maintained that Sheeran and his team were not responsible for his departure, claiming Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, had told Sheeran the rapper would not be allowed on stage. Kraft’s organization maintained that Gillette Stadium would “not provide a platform for hate speech.” Macklemore, known for “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” has long supported Palestinians. In 2024, he released “Hind’s Hall,” a tribute to Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl whose death drew international attention. AFP In 2011, a former batchmate invited him to apply to teach at Benilde. “Nung gumraduate ako ng college, gusto ko talaga magturo pero hindi ko inexpect na mangyayari,” he recalled. “Gusto ko talagang i-share ‘yung mga natutunan ko.” Benilde welcomed Emil as a practicing educator in the Design Foundation Department. He taught drawing fundamentals, art and color theories, and figure drawing. “I was really amazed because as a PWD, I was warmly welcomed,” he said. “The facilities, especially the restrooms, are PWD-friendly.” Now in his 15th year as a full-time faculty member, Emil brings patience and understanding to his students, believing that teaching is also about helping young people shape their future. “Kung masipag ka, may patience ka, magbubunga ‘yun ng beautiful things,” he said. A father of one, Emil continues to hone his skills and promote polio awareness, particularly among parents. “Ang kakulangan ko ay hindi naging hadlang para makamit ko ang pangarap ko at sana magsilbing inspirasyon ang kuwento ko para sa mga tao,” he said.

Emiliano Santos’ artpiece titled ‘Red and orange koi fish’

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Beyond the face

Target Pro expands its targeted-care approach to women’s hair and scalp needs

By Jasper Valdez

EN years of developing products for specific skin concerns have led Target Pro by Watsons to another area of personal care: women’s hair and scalp needs.

The brand marked its 10th anniversary with an activation at SM Makati on Sept. 10, highlighting its skincare portfolio while introducing FEMTechLab, its move into hair and scalp care. Katrine Salvador, senior brand manager of Watsons Philippines, said Target Pro has spent the past decade developing skincare around specific concerns while working to keep up with the changing beauty needs of Filipino consumers. Mary Aguado, brand manager of Watsons Philippines, said this approach starts with recognizing that skincare needs differ from person to person. “It really starts with understanding that each person’s skin is unique and different,” Aguado said during a panel discussion at the anniversary celebration. She said Target Pro works with partners from Japan and Hong Kong, drawing on their skincare expertise and technology to study current needs and develop products around them. Aguado added that helping consumers understand their options is just as important as introducing new ones. “Education is as important as the product itself. We make sure not to make skincare more confusing or overwhelm

Target Pro celebrates its 10th year by extending its care from skin concerns to women’s hair and scalp needs

The discussion at SM Makati also touched on how consumers navigate skincare recommendations online, where new products and routines can quickly gain attention. Dr. Vada So said consumers should weigh what is popular against what has credible support. “As consumers, we balance what’s new or what’s uso with what’s legitimate and what experts actually

The discussion focuses on how consumers can balance beauty trends with advice backed by experts

Guests at the anniversary activation take part in skin and scalp analysis designed to identify individual concerns

customers,” she added. FEMTechLab includes a shampoo, conditioner, and two scalp serums developed around concerns such as hair thinning, loss of density and volume, and premature graying. Aguado described the move as a natural extension of the brand’s work in skincare, noting that the scalp is also part of the skin. “With the skincare expertise we’ve built over the past 10 years, going into scalp and hair care felt like a natural step,” she said.

recommend,” So explained. Of the skincare habits commonly discussed online, she singled out regular sunscreen use as one she supports. She said sunscreen should remain part of a daily routine even during rainy or cloudy weather and advised consumers to research products and use good judgment when deciding what to try. So also acknowledged that seeing a doctor is not always immediately accessible to everyone. “Not everyone has the means to consult a doctor immediately. Even I,

The brand is leveraging its expertise to address specific hair concerns like thinning and premature graying

when I was a student, would try new skincare products myself,” she said. For Aguado, expanding into hair and scalp care follows the same thinking Target Pro has applied to skincare over the past decade: identify

Rolling out the red carpet for beauty

Beauty brands take part in the event with special activities, games, and product experiences for guests

By Angelica Villanueva RUSTAN’S Beauty Addict returned this September with a Hollywoodinspired celebration that turned a day of beauty shopping into an experience built around glamour, discovery and a little red-carpet fantasy. Now in its 14th year, the annual beauty event took on the theme “Spotlight,” borrowing visual cues from premieres, awards nights and high-fashion galas.

Claudia Barretto brings her own take on confidence and glamour to Beauty Addict campaign

Rustan’s extends the Beauty Addict celebration through September with member rewards, special offers, and online perks

Throughout the event, photo installations and interactive spaces extended the red-carpet theme beyond the main setup, while selected Rustan’s locations will carry a smaller Beauty Pop Up featuring campaign visuals, mirror photo moments, and special offers. Camille Co, Angelique Manto, and Claudia Barretto joined this year’s campaign, bringing their own takes on style, confidence, and contemporary glamour. Beyond the shopping floor, guests explored the Fragrance Library and Spotlight Lounge, caught a set by DJ Cian, and watched singer Maffy Soler Da Roza perform with her jazz band. Golden Pour, a collaboration with Philippine Wine Merchants, also served signature cocktails inspired by the occasion. Beauty brands staged their own activities throughout the day, from customized flower bouquets by La Prairie to Murad’s timed collectionmatching challenge and Acca Kappa’s spin-thewheel game.

While the main event wrapped on Sept. 11, several Beauty Addict promotions continue through the rest of the month. Members who spend at least P1,000 at Rustan’s Beauty Source from Sept. 12 to 30 can earn five times the regular Beauty Addict points. From Sept. 12 to 13, selected beauty products and services were offered at discounts of up to 50 percent, while qualifying members could receive vouchers, products, and other surprises through the Golden Envelope promotion. Weekend online beauty purchases in September come with complimentary shipping within Metro Manila, while members who spend at least P1,000 from Sept. 12 to 30 can earn five times the regular Beauty Addict points. The biggest reward stretches beyond Beauty Month. Through the Beauty Addict: LA Lights raffle, members receive one electronic raffle entry for every P5,000 spent at Rustan’s Beauty Source from Sept. 4 to Nov. 30. The top prize is a four-day, three-night trip for two to Los Angeles, complete with roundtrip business class flights and a stay at a five-star hotel.

a particular concern, understand what consumers need, and develop care around it. “As women evolve, their needs evolve too. So should the care,” she said.

Hot soup and broth can help soothe a sore throat, while the steam may offer temporary relief from nasal congestion

A COLD can arrive with an itchy or sore throat, mild headache, sneezing, body aches, and an overall feeling of being unwell. Then comes the stuffy nose, making your head feel heavy and breathing more difficult. Nasal congestion is often blamed on excess mucus, but according to Paulo Angelo D.C. Catindig, MD, an otorhinolaryngologist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), the blockage is part of the body’s immune response to a cold virus. “As the immune system releases white blood cells to fight the infection, the blood vessels in your nasal passages become inflamed and swell,” Catindig explains. “This narrows the airways, leaving little room for air and mucus to pass through. This results in the stuffiness you experience.” A common cold typically lasts seven to 10 days, but several remedies can provide temporary relief. Nasal inhalers containing camphor, menthol, and herbs can provide a cooling sensation when inhaled. Catindig notes, however, that they do not actually clear congestion. “It does not unclog the nose but rather gives a quick, temporary relief from the stuffiness,” he says. Steam inhalation may also help

Natural ways to unclog stuffy nose loosen thick mucus. Catindig advises placing boiled water in a stable bowl and leaning over it from about 12 inches away, with the eyes closed. The steam can soften trapped mucus and make breathing easier. Care should be taken to avoid burns. Hot soups and broths can soothe a sore throat, while their steam may help ease nasal congestion. Catindig also recommends adding a little spice, which may help thin mucus and encourage sinus drainage. Hot tea, particularly with peppermint or ginger, can also provide relief. Rest remains important during recovery. Most colds resolve on their own, but medical attention may be needed if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or come with fever, persistent sore throat, ear pain, or difficulty breathing. “Remember, this is just temporary,” Catindig says. “With these home remedies and a few days at home, you will be breathing better in no time.”