BusinessMirror August 23, 2025

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A broader look at today’s business

ASIA CUTS RATES STEEPLY AS TARIFFS HIT GROWTH

CENTRAL banks in Asia have started cutting interest rates more aggressively than expected, and others may join the fray in the coming months, as they seek to counter the drag on growth from President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

The shift emerged this week, as Indonesia and New Zealand surprised markets with their dovish tilts, underscoring how policymakers are bolstering their defenses against the US trade war. Attention turns to South Korea and the Philippines next week for any hints of softening. While such moves would typically pressure their currencies against the dollar, raising inflation worries, further easing expected from the Federal Reserve next month would offer some relief. Focus is now on whether Chair

Jerome Powell will reinforce those predictions in his remarks Friday at the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole gathering. A softer US dollar has allowed most Asian currencies to strengthen against the greenback this year.

“The clear prescription is to ease monetary policy” outside the US, Nathan Sheets, chief economist at Citigroup Inc., wrote in a note this week, adding that impact of tariffs will be a drag on wages and prices.

Growth across Asia is expected to slow into the second half of the

year, now that Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are in effect and the boost from export front-loading fades.

Morgan Stanley economists, who calculate the US tariff rate for Asia has climbed to 25 percent from just 5 percent at the start of the year, expect a wave of cuts. They project a further 125-basis-points rate reduction for the Philippines through 2026, and 50-basis-point cuts for South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia and Taiwan.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand this week highlighted that the weaker demand will hurt wages and soften prices, and signaled more cuts ahead than markets had initially priced in. Bank Indonesia’s surprise cut prompted Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. to see a lower terminal rate for the current easing cycle, while Citigroup Inc. moved up its next cut expectation.

The shift in expectations is also showing up in financial markets, with three-month swaps in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines all declining in August—an indica-

tion of mounting dovish wagers. In the Philippines, the swap market is signaling nearly 40 basis points of cuts in the coming six months, compared with just 10 basis points of easing seen in June. Traders are betting the RBNZ will soften by 43 basis points over that time horizon, compared with 33 basis points in June.

Asian economies showed surprising resilience in the first half of the year, as trade negotiations kept optimism alive and a rush of shipments to beat the looming tariffs propped up exports. But a payback is approaching with higher levies in force, according to Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., which warned that Thailand and Vietnam are likely to be affected the most in Southeast Asia.

“In terms of policy responses, we expect central banks to continue to do the heavy lifting through policy rate cuts while the fiscal support remains more targeted,” OCBC economists led by Lavanya Venkateswaran wrote in a note this week. “The fortunes from frontloading are likely to come to an end and weigh on export growth.”

PHL casino firm Hann delays IPO, citing a weak market

PHILIPPINE casino operator Hann Holdings Inc. has postponed its initial public offering originally scheduled for September, Chief Executive Officer Dae Sik Han said, as global uncertainties keep the nation’s stock market among the region’s worst performers. Hann was planning to raise up to P11.8 billion ($207 million) by selling 500 million common shares at up to P23.60 apiece. There is an option to sell 50 million more secondary shares, the company has said in its prospectus. The offer period had been planned for September 9 to 15, with listing set for September 23. The deferment was due to prevailing market conditions and sentiment, according to people familiar with the matter. Hann still intends to do an IPO when conditions are more favorable, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing information that isn’t public.

The Philippines’ benchmark stock index has fallen nearly 4

percent year-to-date, bucking the 16.3-percent gain of the MSCI AC Asia Pacific index. CEO Han affirmed that the postponement was because of existing market conditions. The company operates Hann Casino Resort located in Clark Freeport Zone, a former US military base turned business and tourism hub north of the Philippine capital. The proceeds from the share sale were allotted for Hann Reserve, a 450-hectare luxury estate that will include an 18-hole golf course, international hotel brands and luxury villas. Given the current market, a

postponement of the IPO “seems the best option for Hann,” said Alfred Benjamin Garcia, research head at AP Securities. “I can only assume that the bookbuilding is not going well and there’s not enough demand to get them the valuation they want.”

Hann isn’t the only Philippine company to push back its IPO timetable this year. Utility firm Maynilad Water Services Inc. has also moved its IPO to October from July to accommodate potential cornerstone investors. The Philippines has only seen one IPO so far this year, that of fuel trader Top Line Business De -

velopment Corp., which raised the equivalent of around $13 million. Brick-and-mortar casinos in the Philippines are facing lower revenues amid slower foreign tourist arrivals, including high rollers and a boom in online gaming.

Gross gaming revenues from integrated casino resorts fell 11 percent to P44.1 billion in the second quarter, while those from electronic games surged 92 percent to P59.3 billion, data from the gaming regulator show. But the nation has put in place some curbs on access to online gaming amid growing concerns over addiction.

RIVATE tourism stakeholders generated some P152 billion in actual sales from foreign and local travel buyers in 2024.

This was disclosed by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), at the recent first hearing of the Senate Committee on Tourism, which is chaired by Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito. Of the total sales last year of 159 respondents, 15 percent or some P23 billion were attributed to their participation in TPB-led travel trade shows here and abroad. Actual sales generated last year were higher than the reported P11-billion sales leads reported earlier by the TPB. The bulk of last year’s sales leads, at P918 million, were accounted for by global travel fairs like ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles later explained to the BusinessMirror that the actual sales reported by tourism stakeholders were accumulated “from previous years. So even the sales leads of 2024, we will see actual sales of that in the next few years also. Although we also see some sales leads in 2024 came in last year.”

DOT-Osec budget use ‘unsatisfactory’

PRIVATE travel sellers in the Philippines who usually participate especially in international travel trade shows have explained that it may take one to two years before they see the actual fruits of their selling meetings with potential foreign buyers, Many of the latter now see the country as a “new” destination, after their clients have

By Swati Pandey & Claire Jiao Bloomberg
TARIFF HANGOVER Shipping containers sit at the Manila North Harbor on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The Philippines, once boosted by frontloaded exports ahead of US tariffs, now faces slowing trade momentum as the impact of higher levies drags on growth and central banks across Asia cut rates. AP/AARON FAVILA
IN this November 6, 2024, file photo, former Greece Tourism Minister and current Member of the Hellenic Parliament Haris Theoharis visits the Philippine Stand at the World Travel Market in London, meeting briefly with Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. STELLA ARNALDO

Australian and Philippine defense chiefs meet as disputes simmer over the South China Sea

AUSTRALIA’S

and his Philippine counterpart were meeting in Manila on Friday for talks spotlighting their concern over Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea, where Filipino forces were on alert after China deployed a larger number of coast guard forces closer to Manila’s military ship outpost in a fiercely disputed atoll.

Australian Defense Minister

Richard Marles is visiting while Australian forces engage in their largest combat exercises with the Philippine military, involving more than 3,600 military personnel in live-fire drills and battle maneuvers. Marles has been invited to witness a mock amphibious beach assault by Australian and Filipino naval forces over the weekend in a western Philippine town facing the South China Sea, Philippine military officials said. After their meeting, Marles and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will sign a joint statement of intent to further boost defense cooperation and affirm “their resolve to enhance interoperability, collective deterrence and long-term military readiness ... to promote regional security and stability," according to Philippine defense officials. The exercises called Alon, Tagalog for wave, will showcase Australia’s growing firepower. The drills will involve an Australian guided-missile navy destroyer, F/A-18 supersonic fighter jets, a C-130 troop and cargo aircraft, Javelin anti-tank weapons and special forces sniper weapons. China has raised alarm over such combat exercises in or near the disputed waters, which it claims almost in its entirety, but where the United States and its treaty allies, Australia and the Philippines, have staged joint naval patrols and drills with other countries to boost deterrence against threats to freedom of navigation and overflight.

China’s military have separately confronted US, Australian and Philippine ships and aircraft in alarmingly close calls to assert what Beijing calls its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the strategic waterway, a key global trade route, sparking fear of a larger conflict that may involve Ameri-

can forces and their allies in what has long been regarded as an Asian flashpoint.

New faceoff at Second Thomas Shoal

THE large combat drills between Australia and the Philippines, from August 15 to 29, coincide with a new territorial faceoff between Chinese and Philippine forces in the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine navy deliberately grounded a warship in 1999 at the shoal to serve as its territorial outpost. China deployed ships keeping continuous watch at the shoal after Manila refused its demand to withdraw the BRP Sierra Madre

The Philippine military said Thursday night that China has deployed several coast guard and suspected militia ships, along with a swarm of speedboats, some fitted with high-caliber machine guns and backed by a helicopter and a drone, closer to the grounded warship. A Chinese boat came as close

as 50 meters (164 feet) to the Sierra Madre, and two boatloads of Filipino forces were deployed from the ship to prevent the Chinese from coming closer.

Chinese officials did not immediately comment on the Philippine military statement. A Philippine security official said the Chinese actions at Second Thomas shoal were being closely moni

tored by the US military through aerial surveillance. The Philippine official did not elaborate and spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

“This is concerning because of the surge in their actions and number,” Philippine navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Trinidad told The Associated Press by telephone. “We have a contingency plan in case this escalates.”

“Amidst all these coercive and aggressive actions, the guidance from the commander in chief is very clear: We will not back down

from any threat against our territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Trinidad said without elaborating when asked how the Philippine military would respond.

One of the five Chinese coast guard ships at the scene used its water cannon without any target in an apparent drill, and smaller boats were seen dropping a net across an entrance to the shallows of the shoal where Philippine ships have passed in the past to deliver supplies to the Sierra Madre, Trinidad said.

“China coast guard vessels have been seen conducting maneuvers and drills involving the use of water cannons at sea while a number of smaller craft such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats were also deployed inside the shoal,” the Philippine military said in a statement. “Some of the Chinese coast guard’s fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served weapons.” Incident at Scarborough Shoal THE new faceoff in the Second Thomas Shoal came after an accidental collision between Chinese ships August 11 in another disputed fishing atoll, the Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese navy and coast guard ships that collided were trying to block a Philippine coast guard ship from sailing closer to the shoal. The collision smashed the Chinese coast guard ship’s bow area and may have seriously injured or thrown overboard a number of Chinese personnel seen standing on the deck shortly before the crash, Philippine officials said, based on coast guard video. Chinese officials have refused to comment on the collision.

The Philippine coast guard ship, which narrowly missed being hit by the Chinese navy ship, offered by two-way radio to provide medical help but the Chinese coast guard did not respond, the Philippine coast guard said.

Tourism stakeholders sold ₧152B...

Continued from A1

already exhausted visiting other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam. (See, “WTM opens new markets for PHL sellers, but cost an issue,” in the BusinessMirror, Nov. 11, 2024.)

As this developed, the DOT received an overall “satisfactory” rating of 3.2 out of a possible perfect score of 5, from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). In its Annual Agency Performance Review for 2024, DBM gave the DOT-Office of Secretary (Osec) an “unsatisfactory” rating of 2.89, without any explanation.

The Intramuros Administration recorded the highest “very satisfactory” rating of 4.48 among all DOT main sub-agencies, while the National Parks and Development Committee was rated 3.38 (“satis-

factory”) and Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving was rated the lowest at 2.06 (“unsatisfactory”).

In a news briefing on Tuesday, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said she will talk to the heads of the agencies with unsatisfactory ratings to map out how they can catch up and boost their absorptive capacities. “Absorptive capacity” refers to the ability of a government agency to use the funds disbursed to them at a given period.

6.98M arrivals from 13 markets UNDER the National Expenditure Program (NEP) 2026, the DOT is asking for a total budget of P3.65 billion, 5-percent less than the P3.84 billion allocated under the General Appropriations Act of 2025. DOT-Osec alone has asked

for some P3.14 billion, almost unchanged from this year’s budget, despite the unsatisfactory rating the office received from the DBM. (See, “DOT, attached agencies to defend lower ’26 budget,” in the BusinessMirror, Aug. 20, 2025.) While attached to the DOT, the TPB is actually a governmentowned and -controlled corporation, whose funds are automatically appropriated from 25 percent of the national government’s share of gaming proceeds, and 25 percent of collections from international airports and seaports. All these constitute the Tourism Promotions Fund, which is mandated by Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act 2009). This year, the TPB received a P40-million subsidy under the GAA, on top of its P1.32-billion automatic allocation from the TPF. Under the NEP 2026, the TPB has been allocated P1.34 billion with a target to attract some 6.98 million tourists from its 13 key markets abroad. Target receipts from these markets next year are P1.07 billion, slightly less than its P1.1-billion target this year. TPB’s key markets are South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. Last year, 4.57 million foreign tourists arrived from these markets, exceeding the TPB’s 3-million target committed under GAA 2024. This year, the TPB aims to attract 6.3 million visitor arrivals from these markets.

PHILIPPINE Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, right, shakes hands with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles prior to their meeting at a hotel in Makati, Philippines, on Friday, August 22, 2025. AP/AARON FAVILA

Palace revives iconic Love Bus, pilots free rides in Cebu, Davao

AVAO

has started reviving the iconic Love Bus of the 1970s and it is being applied to major cities as a free bus ride, starting with its introduction on Friday to Cebu and this city as pilot areas.

It would be an addition also to the bus system that the Marcos administration has assured for Davao City, the lone urban center that will go all out for modern buses as the main mass transport system to replace the aging jeepney.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led the roadshow to the iconic blue-painted bus with the same red-colored heart formed by the word Love Bus in both Cebu and Davao.

Dizon said the Love Bus network will be free to commuters during the morning and early evening rush hours “to help the cities ease the traffic burden.” “It’s a direct subsidy to commuters, it’s a direct assistance to them, money is not lost.”

“It’s a big help, especially that in the case of Davao City, for example, where I read that commuters, mostly students were stranded after a heavy downpour,” he told reporters at the mock-up terminal outside the Mintal Elementary School west of downtown, where Chinese contractors built prototypes of three designs of sheltered terminals for the city’s Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP).

Dizon said 16 buses have been fielded to this city, eight each to the downtown-Lasang north route and to the UM-Matina-MintalCalinan northwest route. Eleven were fielded in Cebu. “The number of Love buses depends on the need of the city but the President has ordered that it be implemented in the major

places in the country.”

Pangandaman said the administration has requested P1.3 billion for the Love Bus project and Malacanang is ready to allocate more to sustain the Love Bus as a free ride to commuters.

For this city’s bus system as the main mass transport, Dizon has assured people of the administration’s renewed commitment to comply with the required government counterpart of P20 billion, from the total project cost of P76 billion.

“We admit that the modern bus system for Davao City has been delayed for two years, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but right now, due to the order of the President to speed all projects, we already have achieved 60 percent of right of way acquisition since March this year when we started,” he said.

The Department of Transportation has targeted to complete acquisition this year.

The Davao Bus project spans a combined length of 672 kilometers of road system, one of the largest cities in the world, and the largest in the country, with an integrated bus network for its main public transit. It requires the construction of five depots, there sheltered terminals, a driving school and mix of 380 electric and 720 Euro-V compliant buses operating with an intelligent transport system and automated fare collection.

In its full operation, the DPTMP will cover 29 routes, 1,056 bus stops and designed to serve up to 800,000 passengers daily. Davao City will be the first in the country to use the bus system.

An engineer of a Chinese company with 30 years of operation in the Philippines told BusinessMirror that it was contacted as contractor for the construction of these facilities for a period of more than one year.

3 groups vying for private operation of Davao airport

DAVAO CITY—Three conglomerates have already filed their proposals to operate the Davao International Airport under the public, private partnership, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Friday.

He said the conglomerate led by Filinvest has submitted recently its “unsolicited proposal to develop, operate and maintain the Davao airport,” making it the third conglomerate to vie for the airport management.

The other two were the Gokongwei group and the Changi Airport of Singapore.

“The two Filipino conglomerates have their respective foreign partners,” he added.

“I believe it is about time because among our major international gateways, Davao is the only one that is not being run by the private sector unlike Naia, Clark and Mactan,” he said.

“We are confident that the proposals would be approved this year,” he added. Manuel T. Cayon

Risa pushes ₧1,500 monthly social pension for seniors

SEN. Risa Hontiveros is pushing for the passage of one of her priority bills that will provide all senior citizens with a P1,500 monthly social pension to augment their daily living expenses. This comes as the Senate Committee on Social Justice and Rural Development held its first hearing on Senate Bill No. 215 or the Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Act authored by Hontiveros, which seeks to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

“Dumaramiangmgapangangailanganng mgalolo’tlolanatinhabangsilaaytumatanda, lalonapagdatingsakanilangkalusugan.Pero maramisakanila,hindinakayangbumiling kanilanggamot.Kayangaminsan,maspinipili nilang gumastos para sa pagkain, tubig, o kuryentekaysasagamot,”Hontiveros said. [The needs of our elderly are increasing as they grow older, especially when it comes to

See “Pension,” A4

PHL adjusts floor wage for migrant domestic workers

TO enhance the protection of Filipino domestic workers abroad and encourage them to regularize their employment status, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will implement wide-scale policy reforms including raising the monthly minimum wage of the sector to US$500.

This comes almost two decades since the Philippine government implemented its 18-year old Household Service Workers (HSW) Reform Package in 2007, which set the minimum wage at US$400 and provided other measures to safeguard the welfare of domestic workers abroad.

In a press briefing in Makati on Friday, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said the new reforms were a result of their six-month stakeholder consultations and in response to the recommendations of lawmakers and President Ferdinand Marcos on how their agency should improve its services, especially for HSWs.

Foremost of the reforms, he said, was the US$100 minimum wage hike for HSWs recommended by the Philippine recruitment agencies (PRA).

“So we have to consider the base or floor level and the expenses of OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] in their respective countries of origin at a rate that will be common or acceptable to all stakeholders

all around the world,” Cacdac said, partly in Filipino.

“The new wage floor reflects the recognition of domestic work as work of equal value deserving of fair compensation,” he added.

The DMW chief stressed that HSWs can still receive more than US$500 from their respective employers.

Cacdac said they also plan to release higher minimum wage rates for HSWs, who will be able to get additional skills training and qualifications.

The Coalition of Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Domestic and Service Workers (CLADs), which proposed the minimum wage hike, said the increase is expected to benefit the estimated 2 million HSWs worldwide.

Better health, employer matching HSWs will also soon be given the opportunity to undertake free annual medical checkups in their host countries.

DMW tapped a private health

clinic in Dubai to pilot the annual medical check-up scheme arrangement for domestic workers this month.

Cacdac said initially the medical checkup will be on a voluntary basis, but he said they eventually make it mandatory for HSWs once they are able to hire medical retainers and medical entities to conduct it.

He said they will make use of their Agarang Kalinga sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund to pay for the said program.

DMW will also soon require PRAs to strictly implement a know-your-employer scheme, which aims to better match HSWs with their potential employers.

“There shall be mandatory video conferencing between the prospective domestic worker and employer conducted before contract finalization,” he said.

Monitoring app ANOTHER major policy reform, Cacdac said, will be the launch of their Kamusta Kabayan Digital Welfare Monitoring System to allow HSWs to report their whereabouts and status abroad in real time through regular digital check ins, phone calls, messaging platforms, and emails from personnel of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Dedicated welfare officers will engage with the HSWs to provide them timely referrals to timely legal medical, psychosocial, financial, or reintegration assistance as needed.

DMW Undersecretary for Finance and Internal Management Dominique R. Tutay said they piloted the app two to three months ago in Kuwait and Israel, which covered 20,000 participants.

PHLPost opens more Kadiwa ng Pangulo

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has opened 45 Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to deliver affordable food and essential goods to Filipino families through the government’s flagship initiative.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo, a program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to ensure food security, generate jobs, and reduce poverty by offering basic commodities at lower prices. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), PHLPost has provided its post office network as strategic

She said the app has already gone through the necessary vulnerability testing, allowing them to push through with its rollout.

“So they can now register and download the app so they can receive emails and be registered [by OWWA],” Tutay said.   Domestic workers are still considered among the most vulnerable among OFWs, and are often subject to abuses from their employers, thus requiring aid from the government and their PRAs.

Encouraged documentation

CACDAC said he will come out with a new advisory informing PRAs and employers of the four new policies, which will apply to vacationing and newly hired HSWs.

He said the new policies will take effect after a 60-day transition period.

“So all recruitment agencies and providers, those providers, principals, and migrant workers’ offices are directed to comply with the provisions of this advisory, again, to be signed today [22 August 2025],” he said.

The new advisory will augment DMW’s existing initiatives to empower HSWs, which includes upskilling and career mobility, implementation of stricter standards for recruitment agency accommodation facilities, and the rights-based approach for hiring.

DMW hopes the extensive benefits from their new advisory will encourage Filipino HSWs, who worked abroad through irregular channels, to become documented in their host country.

“This is actually a measure that will also supposedly enhance documentation of workers,” Cacdac said.

stores nationwide

venues for the rollout of the program. At participating post offices, families can buy P20-per-kilo rice, with each store selling around 30 kaban or 1,500 kilograms of NFA rice every week to meet consumer demand. Alongside rice, Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets also offer vegetables, meat, fish, and other agricultural products at prices significantly lower than commercial markets by removing middlemen and linking farmers directly to buyers. One of the busiest outlets is located at

See “Kadiwa,” A4

AFP reports bigger Chinese presence in Ayungin Shoal

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday night announced that Chinese presence in Ayungin Shoal (also known as Second Thomas Shoal) has increased per their maritime domain awareness (MDA) monitoring as of August 20. Standing watch over Ayungin Shoal is the Navy transport ship, the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57).

“In total, five China Coast Guard [CCG] vessels were present, sup -

ported by 11 RHIBs/fast boats and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels. Aerial assets were also monitored during the deployment, including one rotary aircraft and one unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV],” it added.

CCG vessels, the AFP said, were also seen conducting maneuvers and drills involving the use of water cannons at sea.

“Some of the CCG’s fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served

weapons,” it added.

The AFP said that its MDA activities form part of its continuing monitoring and reporting on developments in the West Philippine Sea as it remains committed to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and protecting Filipino troops stationed in the area.

On Wednesday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 85, urging the Executive Branch to exert legal and diplomatic pressure upon the Chinese Government to cease all ecologically

destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea and to pay reparations for damage already done.

In justifying the resolution, Hontiveros reported the Philippine Navy record showing that Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea had reached a record high in 2024. In all, 251 vessels were recorded, broken down into: 28 Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 16 People’s Liberation Army Naval ships, 204 maritime militia boats and three Chinese research/ exploration vessels.

HK govt files raps vs 6 Pinoy illegal workers

ONG KONG authori -

Hties have formally filed charges against six Filipinos who engaged in unapproved employment, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In an interview with reporters on Friday, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac disclosed the Filipinos, who entered Hong Kong as tourists, are

health. Many of them can no longer afford to buy medicine. That’s why sometimes, they choose to spend for food, water or electricity instead of medicine.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development revealed during the Senate hearing that under current laws, the social pension for senior citizens is just P1,000 per month and is limited to indigents.

“Matagalnangnakapakosa P1,000 ang social pension para sa mga seniors at hindi pa lahat sa kanila nakakakuha nito.Perolahatnamannglolo’tlolanatin kailangang tulungan sa gastusin, lalo na’t patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mgagamotatbilihin,”Hontiveros said. She added, “Each time our grandparents mark their birthdays, we pray for their good health and long life. Let’s all work together to pass the universal social pension for seniors so we can fulfill our wish for them.”

now facing cases for unapproved or unauthorized employment, illegal practice of trade or profession, and overstaying.

“But as of end of the day yesterday, charges have been filed against all six, which means they will have to go through the process of investigation by the necessary authorities in Hong Kong,” he said.

“So they cannot go home immediately,” he added.

DMW and the Philippine Consulate General have already provided legal aid to the six Filipinos.

“A visitation will happen as I understand the lawyers will visit them as early as today,” Cacdac said.

The six were arrested on 17 August 2025 in a rented flat, where there were dental services, which were allegedly being rendered illegally.

If they are found to be guilty,

the OFWs may face imprisonment and fines.

Cacdac assured that aside from the legal aid to the affected OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) will also extend assistance to their families.

The DMW chief advised other overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to only engage in work which is allowed by their visas, so they can avoid sanctions from their host country.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger visits Philippine Red Cross

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the first female President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), during her visit to the PRC Headquarters in Manila.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon, together with the Board of Governors, management, staff, and volunteers, hosted the visit, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the ICRC and PRC in protecting lives, upholding international humanitarian law (IHL), and serving the most vulnerable.

In her message, President Spoljaric paid tribute to Red Cross volunteers, calling them the “frontrunners of humanitarian action.”

“The people risking their lives are the volunteers of the national societies—very often young people who believe in the Red Cross and Red Crescent, who believe in doing good and being part of something bigger. Their service is the heart of our Movement,” she said.

Chairman Gordon, principal author of the Philippine law on International Humanitarian Law (RA 9851), praised President Spoljaric’s historic leadership:

the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio, which continues to attract both producers and consumers because of the affordable prices and convenient location.

Postmaster General and CEO Maximo Sta. Maria III emphasized that the collaboration of the PHLPost and DA highlights the government’s collective effort to make affordable food accessible to all.

Temporary surrender of Quiboloy

to US to help all of his

SEN. Risa Hontiveros on Friday backed the temporary surrender of fallen pastor Apollo Quiboloy to the United States government, even as both of Manila’s Departments of Foreign Affairs and of Justice have denied formally receiving an extradition request.

In a statement, Hontiveros said, “The Philippines has a clear legal basis to temporarily surrender Apollo Quiboloy to the United States —and ample justification to do the same.”

She cited Article 11, paragraph 1 of the PHL-US Extradition Treaty, which she said states that “even if he has a case here in the Philippines, he can still be brought to America to face charges there, and after his trial there, he can be brought back to the country to answer for his crimes here.”

victims–Risa

Quiboloy, noted the senator, “has victims in the United States who have waited too long for justice. Hindi rin tama na patagalin pa ang kanilang laban [It is also not right to further prolong their struggle for justice]. If we continue to delay, we are denying them their right to be heard. In the Philippines, “it is clear he will try to use his wealth and influence to avoid liability. He, through his followers, has tried to intimidate witnesses. Even during the Senate hearing, he imposed so many conditions just to avoid attending the hearing.” By allowing temporary surrender, Hotiveros added, “we uphold justice on both sides. The Philippines is assured the cases we have against him will remain, and at the same time we can help the victims in America.” Butch Fernandez

Lacson refutes DPWH chief’s claim that Bulacan ghost projects an ‘isolated case’

SEN. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Friday demolished the claim of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan that the ghost flood control projects in Bulacan’s first engineering district are an isolated case.

Lacson said that in looking into the greed and corruption behind several defective and ghost flood control projects, he had his staff conduct case studies not only in Bulacan but also in Mindoro and other areas.

The senator stressed that now is the time for the DPWH to conduct a full internal audit of its projects, starting with the flood control projects.

sa Pangulo website in reporting defective and ghost projects.

Meanwhile, Lacson also called out Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan, who denied involvement in a damaged flood control project that Lacson flagged in his Aug. 20 speech.

“Why showcase flood control projects as part of your accomplishment report, then disown them once they become controversial?” was Lacson’s reply to Panaligan.

“When you say it is an isolated case, it sounds like a defense mechanism. It suggests you don’t intend to conduct a full-scale and comprehensive investigation. And I expected that, so I had my teams check projects in other areas,” he said in Filipino in an interview on True FM, when asked about the matter.

“I expected that ‘isolated case’ line and I can say this is not an isolated case. That is why we conducted case studies in Pampanga, Northern Luzon and other areas, just to debunk the claims that Bulacan is an isolated case,” he added.

He was referring to reports quoting Bonoan as saying that based on reports from those who validated the projects, it was only in Bulacan’s first engineering district that they found information about some of these ghost projects.

CHAIRMAN Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman, welcomes ICRC president Egger to the Philippine Red Cross headquarters. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“At her age, she has accomplished so much—representing her country, serving in the United Nations, and now leading one of the world’s most important humanitarian institutions. Her leadership is a golden opportunity for the Red Cross Movement.”

He further emphasized that neutrality must

Under the arrangement, PHLPost provides space and logistical support to house the Kadiwa outlets, while DA oversees product sourcing and ensures that essential commodities are delivered fresh and regularly. To better serve the public, Kadiwa stores operate every Friday, with some areas adopting specific schedules to accommodate the needs of their communities.

never be mistaken for silence or submission, but rather a firm stand for humanity:

“Neutrality is not weakness. It is assertion—assertion that we stand for suffering humanity, that we must inspire by our actions, and that we use humanitarian diplomacy to alleviate human suffering.”

Several pop-up stores have already been established across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, further expanding the reach of the program and ensuring that affordable essentials are not limited to major urban centers.

By hosting the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in its post offices, PHLPost not only brings essential services closer to the public but also strengthens its role as a partner in nation-building, providing relief to families affected by rising food costs while empowering farmers with direct access to consumers.

Lacson, in his privilege speech last Aug. 20, provided details of tainted and ghost flood control projects not just in Bulacan but also in Pampanga, La Union and Oriental Mindoro, among others.

Asked if it was possible that the DPWH head office was not privy to all the information because of the “syndicates” there, Lacson said it is still Bonoan’s responsibility to act on them.

“He may not be made aware of it, but it is still his responsibility. Now is the time to audit everything, at least when it comes to flood control projects,” he said. Lacson expressed hope that the fraud audit being conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) will be “comprehensive and extensive enough” so the public can see how their taxes were spent.

“The allocation of funds for projects in an area should be based on the needs and priorities of the constituents. So I hope it will come out in the audit,” he said.

In the meantime, he encouraged the public and the media anew to use the Sumbong

“First, he showcased the projects, then denied involvement in them. I cannot reconcile why he said such projects were funded by his office or were his initiative - but now that there’s a controversy, he denies involvement in it,” Lacson said in Filipino in a radio interview Thursday evening. In his privilege speech Wednesday, Lacson cited a “congressional representative” showcasing his midterm accomplishment report, where he listed flood control and river protection initiatives as funded by his office. Panaligan claimed the projects were already in the National Expenditure Program, and that he did not propose them.Lacson said there may be others like Panaligan in showcasing similar projects, but they either did not post them on social media, or may have had their posts or billboards removed. He advised Panaligan and other district representatives to keep an eye on the implementation of projects in their districts even if they are not the proponents, lest they become controversial for being substandard or ghost projects.

“If they have projects in their districts even if they are not the proponent, they should keep an eye on them. There’s nothing wrong in being blessed with projects, but make sure they are not substandard, defective, or ghost projects,” he said.

As for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Lacson advised it to be “equitable” instead of giving certain districts favorable treatment - and to rein in its corrupt district engineers.

Meanwhile, Lacson urged Malacanang to expand its “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website to cover not just flood control projects but also other infrastructure projects, citing its immense help in tracking down tainted flood control projects.

Lacson, likewise, reiterated his call for transparency in both houses of Congress, especially in naming on the floor the proponents of insertions, realignments and other amendments to the budget bill, to put it on record.

Make

Time BusinessMirror Our

it easy for your doctor to treat you

AS we advance in years, we seniors get to spend more and more time with our doctors. I go to my primary doctor every six months. My wife scrupulously sees her cardiologist every three months, sometimes even before that.

At least an hour or so is spent waiting at the ante room before the doctor’s secretary calls us. But when we get to see our doctor finally, he barely has time for us. Understandably, he has a long line of patients to see for the day.

As a regular patient, I’ve noted little annoyances that make the doctor’s job of treating his patients more difficult. What irritates me most is when a senior patient goes inside the doctor’s room unprepared, without the test results or-

change in the color of your urine or feces. My wife even takes pictures of urine color or feces if there’s something strange about it. Don’t be squeamish. The more graphic the better for your doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis.

2. Listen to your doctor. Visit your doctor regularly and be prepared with your latest diagnostic test results. Use your medical diary and notes as memory aid. Follow his/her advice. Don’t stop or lessen your medicines without consulting him. Yes, you can get information online but that doesn’t make you smarter than your doctor. He knows best.

3. Be an honest story teller.

If you have time, tell him briefly about your worries, your problems at the moment, your uncommon

dered by the doctor. One time my wife’s doctor got pissed because a stubborn old fool thought he knew better; he stopped taking his medicines because he already felt better and to make it worse, he was arguing with the doctor. These little occurrences add unnecessary time normally allotted for each patient.

Yet, when it’s my wife’s turn, she usually spends no more than 15 minutes max with her cardiologist. Why? Because she makes it easy for her doctor to diagnose her ailment, if ever. In fact, on a slow day, the doctor even chit-chats with her, spending a little more time with her than usual.

If there is an ideal patient, that would be my wife. What separates her from the usual senior patients with similar health issues is her meticulous way of making it easy for her doctor to help maintain her health condition or treat her when necessary. Whenever she comes for her regular check-ups (quarterly), she comes fully prepared, ready with her personal medical file inside a plastic envelope, like a college student going to a thesis presentation.

Let me share some of her practices, which could guide you in enhancing your relationship with your own physician.

1. Listen to your body. To help your doctor, keep all your prescriptions and medical records intact in properly labeled folders for easy reference. Take weekly BP readings and write them down on a notebook, systolic, diastolic, pulse rate, and day and hour it was taken. If you experience sudden diarrhea, take note of the color and texture of your stool. If possible, collect a sample for a fecal analysis. Keep a personal medical pocket diary. In short hand, note down every single pain or physical discomfort that you suspect may not be normal. Such as palpitations. Or

New digital senior citizens ID to simplify access for elderly

MANILA—The Philippine government officially launched the new digital National Senior Citizen ID (NSCID), integrated into the platform eGovPH app, that is expected to benefit some 12 million elderly in the country.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led the launch at The Manila Hotel on August 15, 2025.

“Today, this is a realization and a reality of what we really wish for our senior citizens. We are talking about the launching of a senior citizen ID,” NCSC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Mary Jean Loreche said in her opening speech.

“To have that digitalized senior citizen ID is actually more than just an ID. It is actually a symbol where all senior citizens are not left behind. This ID proves that accessing our government services is easy and fast so that you all feel that you are loved by our government,” she added.

Seamless integration

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said

the NSCID will be integrated into the eGovPH super app, the government’s central digital platform that offers a wide array of services—accessible anytime, anywhere.

He said that to date, about 8.4 million Filipinos have registered for the national ID. Of this number, about 1.2 million are elderly.

For senior citizens who are already registered with the national ID system (PhilSys), the digital version of the senior citizen ID will appear automatically upon reaching age 60, eliminating redundant paperwork and the need to physically visit multiple offices, he said.

Challenges

LORECHE said to address challenges on Internet connectivity and technical knowledge, especially among the elderly, the NCSC will come up with a nationwide information campaign

and digital literacy training.

She added that information officers will be deployed in various local government units to assist those who want to download the app and access it

“The first thing we will do is for the NCSC, together with the DICT, to conduct trainings. And then, together with the private sector and the academe, we will also have areas where we can actually help them, you know, register themselves via our help,” Loreche said.

Meanwhile, in terms of Internet connectivity, Aguda assured the public that the DICT is working on the issue.

“The app is good, right? But the

question is, what about the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. That’s why the DICT, the President also ordered, if we automate, it should reach Batanes, Tawi-Tawi. So we are rolling out connectivity, so the free Wi-Fi, how many have we laid out. So give us that until the end of next year, there will be no corner of the Philippines where you cannot use a cellphone and cannot use the app,” Aguda said.

The NCSC said that by integrating the NSCID into the eGovPH app., the government reinforces its commitment to building a more accessible, inclusive, and digitally empowered nation, where no citizen, regardless of age, is left behind. PNA

Senate eyes expanded social protection for aging population

Mor abnormal aberrations in your body. These could help your doctor get a more wholistic picture of what causes your palpitations, your fluctuations in your blood pressure, the changes in your bowel, frequent nocturnal urination, sudden twitching of your legs, and more.

If you can’t afford the treatments, tell your doctor. The one thing you must never do is lie to your doctor and give her what you think she wants to hear so she wouldn’t require you to undergo more diagnostic tests.

3. Be medically literate or informed.

You have an obligation to level up your medical knowledge. That way you can understand her diagnosis and the medical jargon. Most doctors forget they are talking to ordinary lay people, some don’t like or don’t have time to explain medical terms. He would appreciate it if the patient can easily pick up what he’s saying. Sometimes even a doctor needs a sounding board and if you’re medically literate, you can give him ideas about what’s ailing you, using medical terms. But never act like you’re smarter.

Just as a patient needs to listen to his body, a good doctor must listen well before prescribing. His greatest weapon is not his surgical skills or his ability to detect a disease immediately, but his questioning of patients and listening to what they say. Through repeated conversations, he is able to find not only the best treatment but also even help them change their way of life for the better.

Getting the health care that is best for you depends on the close, dynamic partnership between you and your doctor. Anticipate his needs. Don’t waste his time. Show and tell what he needs to know. The more you tell, the better he can listen to your body. By doing so, you make it easy for your doctor to help you heal yourself.

ANILA—The Senate on Wednesday opened deliberations on proposals to expand social protection for senior citizens, with senators warning that the country must prepare for an elderly population projected to nearly triple in the next two decades.

During the hearing of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, lawmakers cited the urgent need to amend the Senior Citizens Act and strengthen programs that serve as lifelines for the elderly.

“Our senior citizens rely heavily on social protection programs for their daily survival and well-being,” Tulfo said, pointing to delays, inconsistencies, and exclusions in the implementation of the current social pension.

Data from the committee showed the elderly population is expected to grow from 7.6 million in 2015 to 22.6 million by 2045.

The senators noted that while the existing P500 monthly pension helps indigent seniors, many remain excluded and the amount is insufficient to cover food and medicine.

Several bills were presented, including proposals to grant a universal social pension of up to P1,500, provide a P1,000 subsidy for maintenance medicines, simplify access to medical and burial aid, and penalize discriminatory practices in the distribution of government assistance.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, in her manifestation, pushed for free maintenance medicines and vitamins for the elderly.

“Not all of our senior citizens can

3,396 indigent senior citizens receive social pension in Legazpi City T

LEGAZPI CITY—Indigent senior citizens here have received their social pension amounting to a total of P20.3 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a report on Tuesday, DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio said 3,396 beneficiaries of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program in Legazpi City received their stipends for both the first and second quarters during a scheduled payout earlier this week.

“Each beneficiary is entitled to a monthly stipend of P1,000, which is distributed through their respective Local Government Units following the Transfer of Fund (TOF) implementation guidelines established by the DSWD,” he said.

The City Government of Legazpi, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, facilitated the distribution of social pensions across the 70 barangays.

The SPISC is a program for indigent senior citizens who do not have pension, income or regular family assistance to meet their basic needs. PNA

114-year-old retired doctor, Japan’s oldest, carried 2021 Olympic Torch

OKYO—Shigeko Kagawa, a 114-year-old retired physician from Nara Prefecture, has become Japan’s oldest living person, following the death of 114-year-old Miyoko Hiroyasu, according to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Kagawa, a symbol of Japan’s extraordinary longevity, graduated from medical school before World War II, served at a hospital in Osaka during the war, and later ran her family’s clinic as an obstetrician and gynecologist. She retired at 86.

At 109, Kagawa became one of the oldest torchbearers in Olympic history during the Tokyo 2021 torch relay.

“I don’t have any,” Kagawa told TOS News in 2023 when asked about the secret to her longevity.

“I just play every day. My energy is my greatest asset. I go where I want, eat what I want and do what I want. I’m free and independent.”

Her predecessor as Japan’s oldest person led a similarly active life. Born in 1911, Hiroyasu studied art in Tokyo, taught in Hiroshima Prefecture and raised three children. She died in a nursing home in Oita Prefecture, where she spent her days reading newspapers, sketching and playing card games.

“I am grateful to be healthy,” she said on her 113th birthday.

Despite an overall population decline, Japan’s elderly population continues to grow. As of September 1, 2024, a record 36 million people—29 percent of the population—were aged 65 or older, the highest proportion of seniors in the world. Those aged 80 and above now make up 10 percent of the population, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. There are 95,119 centenarians across the country. AP

Editor: Angel R. Calso
THE National Commission of Senior Citizens and the Department of Information and Communications Technology launch the Digital National Senior Citizens ID at The Manila Hotel on August 15, 2025. The ID, to be integrated into the
THE National Commission of Senior Citizens distributes cash gifts to eligible beneficiaries under the expanded centenarian act at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila on August 7, 2025. The Senate on August 20, opened deliberations on proposals

BusinessMirror

Decoding Oatside’s success in Asia-Pacific

OAT milk brand Oatside is probably one of the biggest pandemic success stories in Southeast Asia. Founded by Benedict Lim out of Singapore in 2022, Oatside’s revenues nearly doubled to S$100 million (around $78million) from S$53.8 million (around $41.95) from 2023 on the strength of growth in its Asia-Pacific markets.

The oat milk brand is present in 15 countries in Asia, including Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Oatside is the first full-stack oat milk producer in Asia, meaning the brand owns its entire production process from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing and packaging.

There is no doubt that much of Oatside’s success is because of the brand’s relatability to the coffeedrinking and matcha-loving Gen Z crowd and young millennials.

On its social media platforms, Oatside shares memes and posts that aren’t always funny but are always relatable. The brand’s bear mascot delivers the messages with a special spot for Bearisms, which are “words of wisdom” for the young. Some examples of Bearisms are, “Adulting is just endlessly saying ‘after this week things should calm down a little’ until you die” and “Personally I think I am worth every headache I give.”

The Oatside packaging is not your usual milk carton. It’s quirky and irreverent but works for its target market.

The Oatside flavors include Barista Blend, Chocolate, Chocolate Malt, Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Protein Chocolate, and Protein Vanilla. Oatside also released a Matcha flavor, which isn’t available in the Philippines yet.  These flavors are enjoyed by coffee-drinkers and non-coffee drinkers alike. Lim said he tried and tested over 50 types of oat milk before perfecting the creamy, smooth and malty milk that Oatside is known for.

Another factor for Oatside’s success is the growing vegan population in the region and the realization of many that a large portion of Asian people are lactoseintolerant. Oatside also claims to be low-fat and GMOand allergen-free.

TARGET TO

THE Philippines is on track to create 8 million digital jobs by 2028, and a recent event showed how that goal is becoming a reality. The recently concluded HL Accelerator summit brought over 1,500 Filipino freelancers and tech professionals together with international employers—the first time HighLevel, a global CRM platform, fully sponsored a communityled event in Asia.

Pacific oat milk market is the world’s fastest-growing regional segment, with market size seen to reach $791.9 million by 2030. Another reason for Oatside’s dominant market share is the pricing. From the beginning, pricing has been competitive.

Oatside has lowered its suggested retail prices by as much as 25 percent to make it more accessible to Filipinos. Consumers can now get the 1L Barista Blend at P120 SRP, and the 200mL Original variant at

stores. The price drop has taken effect across all major retailers nationwide.

“The oat milk category in the past has had relatively higher prices. As we have scaled over the last three years, we’ve worked hard to find efficiencies through our supply chain and we are passing these savings on to consumers as part of our mission to

CONTINUED ON A7

BY 2028;

The event also had strong support from the government, with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) serving as a co-organizer. An official from DICT, Atty. Leandro Angelo Aguirre, stated that the summit “furthers our roadmap for 8 million digital jobs by 2028.”

The event, organized by Filipino company HL Accelerator, was more of a job fair than a conference. It featured live hiring sessions where American, British and Australian agencies interviewed candidates for remote roles, often with salaries significantly higher than local standards. The summit’s co-founder Jaycee “Cece” Tan emphasized, “We’re not just training people for jobs that might exist someday...We’re connecting them with employers who are hiring right now.” The summit also celebrated HL Pilipinas, a Filipino-led HighLevel community that’s one of the largest in the world. HighLevel and other sponsors, including LevelUp Marketplace and HL Pro Tools, recognized the Philippines as a top source for digital talent.

FIRM BULLISH ON LOCAL TALENT ROG Xbox Ally handhelds launch date revealed

The event highlighted the Philippines’ growing role in the global digital economy. As more companies adopt remote work, the Philippines, with its high English proficiency and adaptable workforce, is positioned to become a major player in the digital workforce.

Meanwhile, British cybersecurity firm NCC Group, which recently celebrated its 25th year in the country, reiterated its confidence in Filipino talent.

NCC Group senior vice president Mirei Magallona expressed the firm’s continued commitment to local talent.

“Our goals are to continue to attract and develop experts, keep our talent engaged, challenged, and aligned with the future of the industry, while building a strong culture of leadership to support our growing community,” she said.

ONE of the most anticipated pieces of hardware from this gaming company is soon to be available for gamers. Xbox, together with Asus, is set to release the new handheld devices to compete against the Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Switch.

The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will bring access to your favorite games from Xbox, Battle. net, and other leading PC storefronts in the palm of your hand. Xbox and Asus unveiled that the device will soon be available for purchase on October 16, but will only be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, China (Xbox Ally X only), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

It will also be fully released in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand on a later date.

Built to play anywhere, the new handheld devices boast powerful performance with AMD processors, using AMD Ryzen A for Xbox Ally and AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor for the Xbox Ally X. Players can also play natively via the cloud or via Remote Play from their Xbox console. To add, it has a dedicated Xbox button that opens the enhanced Game Bar overlay.

Lastly, the new handheld devices give the Xbox full screen experience, giving new modifications that minimize background activity and reduce nonessential tasks to maximize its resources solely for gaming activities.

Group to stand at the forefront of cyber resilience, continuously innovating and striving for excellence to create a more secure digital future,” said NCC Group CEO Mike Maddison.

True to its commitment to continuous innovation, NCC Group recently launched a new suite of Digital Identity Services that can help organizations manage and protect their digital assets. It is the latest addition to NCC Group’s suite of solutions powered by its professionals all over the world, including the Filipino workforce.

Magallona said the company’s push for local talent development comes at a time when local firms plan to invest in their tech capabilities.

According to Forrester’s  Asia Pacific Tech Market, tech spending in the Philippines is expected to increase by 9.4 percent in 2025, with artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security among the key drivers of investments. Meanwhile, the 2025 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index also indicated that nine in 10 Filipino companies are partly using AI technologies such as GenAI in threat intelligence. While roughly half of them have expressed willingness to fully automate their systems, the other half cite trust and effectiveness of the technology among their concerns. PHL

“Over the past 25 years, countless colleagues have chosen NCC Group as the place to make a difference. It is through their collective expertise that enabled NCC

story.

■ DIVE DEEPER WITH UNDERWATER 4K VIDEO: Take the shot where most phones stop. Rated IP66, IP68, and IP69, this OPPO lets you record 4K videos underwater. Use Underwater Mode for stable, clear footage during freshwater trips and pool sessions.

■ GET CLOSER WITHOUT LOSING QUALITY WITH TELEPHOTO POWER: Sometimes the best moments happen from a distance. The device features a 50MP telephoto lens with a dedicated flash that lets you zoom in closer without sacrificing detail, even in low light. From concerts to cityscapes, every capture is sharp and vibrant.

■ CREATE WITHOUT LIMITS, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: From creators building their next reel to everyday users saving life’s milestones, the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G unlocks new possibilities with smooth performance, durable design, and creator-focused AI. It’s a phone that keeps up with your lifestyle and elevates your storytelling. Find the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G in all authorized OPPO Brand Stores and official OPPO online stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

23, 2025
Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
BENEDICT LIM, founder and CEO of Oatside

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DITO, VIBERRAKUTEN PARTNER TO ENABLE NEXTLEVEL DIGITAL LIFESTYLES

STAYING connected just got a major glow-up with DITO Telecommunity’s global telco partnership with Rakuten Viber, one of the world’s most loved communication platforms. This milestone brings a more exciting, seamless, lifestyle-driven way to keep the conversations alive, whether you’re catching up with friends, sharing your latest snaps with family, running daily errands, or even chasing new business opportunities.

To celebrate this groundbreaking partnership, starting August 15 the DITO SIM Starter Pack (P39) comes with: free data for Viber (1GB access daily)—chat, call, and share without eating into your main data; up to 25GB total data for all your online activities; unlimited texts to all networks; unlimited DITO-to-DITO video calls, unlimited DITO-to-DITO mobile calls + 100 minutes to other networks; all valid for 5 days From quick updates with friends to hours-long video calls with loved ones, DITO and Rakuten Viber are bridging distances and making connections more vibrant for Filipinos.

“We are among the most social and connected people in the world. The partnership between DITO and Viber marks the innovative commitment of both companies to make daily connections faster, easier, and more enjoyable. New subscribers who purchase the DITO SIM Starter Pack can access Viber for free for five days. With this team-up, we’re not just offering data—we’re making conversations come alive by allowing our users to stay in touch with their loved ones anytime, anywhere,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO’s chief revenue officer.

As part of this global tie-up, Viber users on DITO can look forward to an exclusive Viber Plus and Viber Dating promo, offering even more ways to connect, meet and engage with people who matter most while continuously enjoying free data for Viber.

“With the Philippines as a major Viber market, we welcome the partnership with DITO to empower Filipinos with affordable access to quality calls, chats, business tools, and even online dating through our app,” said David Tse, senior director, Asia Pacific for Rakuten Viber. “This team-up makes perfect sense to help deliver many Viber features that benefit Filipinos—from connectivity to security—and push toward a smarter digital lifestyle.”

The Viber partnership represents another bold step in DITO’s mission to empower Filipino connectivity. Aligned with its “Kaya DITO” campaign, this collaboration ensures Filipinos can pursue their digital aspirations anytime, anywhere.

The DITO SIM Starter Pack is available from official retailers and online channels, including Lazada, TikTok Shop, Shopee, and DITO eShop.

Oatside...

CONTINUED FROM A6

make oat milk a staple in more households,” said Lim.

“We are happy that Filipinos love Oatside. Our oat milk is now available at over 7,000 doors including coffee shops, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food stores in the Philippines. With the price reduction, we hope to make Oatside even more accessible for Filipinos,” said Mario Dagdag, country manager for the Philippines, Oatside.

BusinessMirror

Nubia Music Pro: Pocketsized concert experience

BEFORE Apple and Android ushered in the smartphone era, there was a time when phones weren’t judged by how many apps they could run, but by how loud they could play your favorite tracks.

Nokia’s XpressMusic, Sony Ericsson’s Walkman series, and Motorola’s ROKR—those devices defined the golden age of music phones.

The original nubia Music tried to rekindle that flame with its unapologetically loud and quirky design, and it worked as a fun throwback. But nostalgia can only carry you so far. This year, the nubia Music Pro arrives as a more confident sequel, cranking up the volume while tightening the overall experience. It’s sharper, sturdier, and built with today’s budget-conscious music lovers in mind.

At just P4,299, the nubia Music Pro isn’t pretending to be a flagship killer. It isn’t loaded with fancy camera tricks or gaming specs. Instead, it doubles down on what made those old music phones so beloved—loud, immersive sound , and features that make listening (and sharing) fun again.

VINYL VIBES, DIGITAL SOUL

THE nubia Music Pro blasts its identity from the moment you flip it over. The back panel is dominated by a vinyl record-inspired finish with concentric grooves that immediately call back to the golden age of analog sound. At its heart, the glowing LED ring doubles as the main speaker, giving the phone the playful vibe of a record player crossed with a portable jukebox.

Our review unit came in the Pop Art colorway, which retains the same comic panel-inspired pattern as the original. But this time it has a bolder mashup of yellow, blue and red that looks like it leapt straight out of a gallery wall. It’s cheeky, geometric, and designed to demand attention.

The Melody Wave finish brings music to life with a vibrant spectrum of colors that flow like equalizer bars across the back. Every shade represents rhythm and motion, making the phone instantly stand out while staying true to its identity as a music-first device.

Adding even more personality is the AI Melody Breathing Light, a 7-color LED ring that glows and moves with you. It pulses with your playlist, reacts to notifications, or simply keeps a steady rhythm like the phone’s heartbeat. It may sound like a gimmick, but in practice it’s surprisingly captivating, giving the device a sense of animation and presence.

In hand, the nubia Music Pro feels solid, coming in at 202 grams and 8.2mm thick. It carries more heft than the typical entry-level phone, but that weight adds confidence. It’s the kind of design that makes you either grin or raise an eyebrow—but in an era of cookie-cutter devices, at least it makes you feel something.

DISPLAY: SMOOTH BUT SOFT

FLIP to the front and you’re greeted by a 6.7-inch HD+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate—a spec that’s almost unheard of at this price point. Scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or your social feeds feels buttery smooth, with animations gliding seamlessly and even casual games benefiting from the extra fluidity. The trade-off lies in resolution. At 1600 × 720, you’re capped at 720p. For short-form content like TikTok or YouTube, that’s perfectly serviceable since most clips are optimized for mobile screens. But if you’re settling in for a K-drama marathon or the latest Netflix original, the lack of sharpness becomes noticeable. It’s not blurry, but it doesn’t have that razorsharp definition either—it falls into a softer, gentler territory. But once the speakers kick in, the borders fade into the background. After all, this phone was built to be heard more than stared at.

SOUND: LOUD AND PROUD

HERE’S where the nubia Music Pro turns up the volume—literally and figuratively. While most phones settle for a single, downward-firing speaker, this one comes armed with a 2.1-channel setup featuring three SmartPA full-range speakers. Nubia claims it’s six times louder than your standard smartphone, and the claim isn’t marketing smoke. This thing roars. We’re talking up to 95 decibels— about as loud as a motorbike engine revving past you or a small Bluetooth speaker cranked to the max. Not “background noise while you study” loud. We’re talking “your neighbors will notice” loud. But volume alone isn’t the headline. Thanks to DTS:X Ultra surround sound, the audio has actual depth and separation, pushing tracks into a wider, more immersive soundstage. Fire up a live concert recording and you’ll swear you’re in the crowd. Plug in compatible headphones and the Head-Tracked Spatial Audio takes it a step further—tilt or turn your head and the soundscape shifts naturally, wrapping your music around you in full 3D.

Nubia also leaned into the whole “music phone” identity with a bunch of quirky but surprisingly fun extras. There’s BT Loudspeaker Mode, which lets the Music Pro double as a Bluetooth speaker for other devices. FM Loudspeaker Playback works without internet or earphones—perfect for catching morning shows while making breakfast, a nostalgic throwback to the radio days. Then there’s the AI Melody Breathing Light, a built-in visualizer that pulses in sync with your beats, giving you a mini-lightshow with every track.

And if that wasn’t enough, Tap-to-Share makes music swapping feel almost magical. Just tap the NFC tag on the back of one Music Pro against another and you can beam your currently playing song or media straight across.

Now, it’s not flawless. The sound profile is a bit extreme—at full blast, it rattles the ears and fills a room, but dip below 30 percent and it’s barely there, making it an all-or-nothing experience. Push it too hard and distortion creeps in as well. Still, for a sub-P5,000 device, that’s absurdly impressive. You’re getting a phone that doesn’t just play music—it throws the party.

UNDER THE HOOD: TUNES OVER SPEED INSIDE, the phone runs on a Unisoc T7200 octa-core chip, paired with 4GB RAM plus 4GB extended RAM and 128GB of storage. It’s a slight upgrade from its predecessor, and for everyday tasks—messaging, browsing, Spotify streaming, watching YouTube—it holds its own. Light games like “Mobile Legends” or “Call of Duty: Mobile” are playable on medium settings. Push it harder with heavy 3D games, and you’ll feel the lag. But again, this isn’t a gaming phone. It runs on MyOS 14, which feels straightforward

but there’s no word on how many updates we can expect.

CAMERAS: JUST ENOUGH NOW, if you’re expecting the camera system to match the showmanship of the speakers, temper those expectations. The nubia Music Pro leans on simplicity—equipped with a 50 MP AI rear camera (f/1.8) and a modest 5 MP front shooter.

In bright daylight, photos are decent enough for social media: colors are acceptable, and detail is sharp enough for casual use. But that’s about it. Indoors or at night, things fall apart. Noise creeps in, details blur, and the dynamic range is limited.

Videos max out at 1080p/30fps—perfectly serviceable for TikTok clips or Instagram stories, but not the kind of output you’d want for vlogs or cinematic projects.

At the end of the day, the cameras are functional, not phenomenal. They’re here to capture life as it happens, not to push artistic boundaries—and that’s perfectly fine, because snapping award-winning shots was never part of the nubia Music Pro’s pitch. What does bug me, though, is the lack of a native gallery app. Being forced into using Google Photos feels clunky, especially since I am testing multiple devices. I just want a clean, straightforward way to view and edit my photos.

BATTERY LIFE: LONG DAYS, SLOW NIGHTS

INSIDE is a 5,000mAh battery that can comfortably stretch beyond a day of mixed use—music streaming, casual browsing, and constant messaging. Even when you’re leaning heavily on those external speakers, it still manages to push through a full day before calling it quits. The catch? Charging tops out at 10W. That means filling it from empty takes a couple of hours, which feels painfully slow if you’ve been spoiled by today’s 30W, 65W, or even faster chargers. The only real solution is the old-school routine: plug it in overnight and wake up topped up. In 2025, though, that charging speed feels a little prehistoric.

FINAL WORD: The nubia Music Pro knows exactly what it wants to be: a music-first device that just happens to make calls and run apps. With its oversized speakers, it even attempts to double as a Bluetooth speaker replacement. And while it nails the “loud” part, the sound quality itself could still use some polish. But here’s the thing: not every phone needs to chase specs or sophistication. Sometimes, it’s about being the loudest in the room—and on that front, the Nubia Music Pro absolutely delivers. At P4,299, this isn’t the phone you pick for cuttingedge hardware. It’s the one you grab for the thrill of carrying a pocket-sized party. And maybe that’s the reminder the budget

DAVID TSE, senior director, Asia Pacific for Rakuten Viber (left), and Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO’s chief revenue officer.

EDCOM 2 recommends ending shifting schedule in primary school

THE Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has suggested putting a halt into the shifting schedules for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

The recommendation came after the Senate Basic Education Committee’s first hearing in the 20th Congress, which focused on addressing the 165,000-classroom backlog nationwide.

The shortage has forced thousands of schools to adopt double or triple shifts, limiting learning time for young pupils, many of whom are still dependent learners.

Baguio school is AsPac & Oceania’s ‘healthiest’

Senator Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino who is the EDCOM 2 cochair and the Senate’s Basic Education chairperson said the shortage figures exclude dilapidated or overcrowded classrooms, including those built in the 1960s now condemned or used as evacuation centers.

“Our consultations with teachers and parents consistently show that children struggle to learn in overcrowded, dilapidated spaces,”

Due to the shortage in classrooms, the EDCOM 2 also urged the Department of Education to tap local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to speed up and cut costs in classroom construction.

Aquino said.

The solon pushed Senate Bill 121, or the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, authorizing LGUs and private entities to build classrooms with national government-funding support.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian

who is EDCOM 2 commissioner backed the measure, citing his experience as Valenzuela City mayor where “counterparting” programs allowed simultaneous construction by the national government, LGUs, and private organizations. Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA

Iriga City’s biggest private school has higher enrollment, 100% passing in recent board exams—and it’s nonprofit

THE University of Saint Anthony (USANT)—one of the largest private learning institutions in the Bicol region—has almost doubled its enrollment in the last five years, posted a 100-percent passing rate in six board examinations since 2023, and currently supports 1,442 scholars, among many other feats—all while operating as a nonprofit school.

USANT president Atty. Emmanuel SD. Ortega said the 58.6-percent hike in enrollment since 2021 is the highest increase the nonstock, nonprofit school has recorded since his grandfather Dr. Santiago G. Ortega, and fellow professionals established St. Anthony’s Academy, its original name, 78 years ago as a “night school for working students.”

The student population at the university—which offers Montessori grade school, junior and senior high school, college and postgraduate education, including its topnotch nursing, accountancy, and maritime courses—has grown steadily since School Year (SY) 2021-2022 when Ortega assumed the school’s presidency. There were 9,707 students in the academic year 2024-2025, which is 10-percent higher from the previous period, and close to half (4,165) are basic education (grade school to senior high school) students. As enrollment is still ongoing for SY 2025-2026, basic education enrollment has increased by 5.9 percent and college by 6.9 percent, compared to the preceding year.

Iriga City’s 23 other private grade and high schools have a combined population of 4,638 students, with USANT’s share of 47.3 percent near -

ly equaling this figure. Asked about the drivers of the university’s success, Atty. Ortega attributed this to its purpose: “Whatever profits we generate are reinvested to the school for its improvement: better facilities, stronger programs and most importantly, the growth and development of our faculty—everything that will contribute to the elevated level of our delivery of education.”

The school official also attributed USANT’s notable performance to its sound fiscal responsibility and superb budget management of its board of trustees.

Academic excellence TODAY, USANT is known for its “academic rigor, community engagement, and values-driven education.”

For one, the school is ranked among the five leading accountancy schools nationwide in 2023 based on the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination results for institutions with at least five but fewer than 10 examinees, with its graduates consistently surpassing

the national passing averages. Last year, its elementary and secondary education graduates posted multiple 100-percent passing rates. Its graduates of Criminology in 2023, Guidance Counseling in 2024, and Nursing this year also registered similar outstanding results.

Meanwhile, the school has received the third-highest accreditation level from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation or PACUCOA for its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Elementary Education courses, grade school and junior high school levels.

It also had the second-highest accreditation level for its bachelor degrees in Nursing and Criminology, as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology. The same accreditation level has also been bestowed to its Graduate School programs: Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Science in Criminology, Master of Arts

in Nursing, and Master in Business Administration.

Other degrees being offered by USANT are Bachelor of Science degrees in Office Administration, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Technology, and Secondary Education. Bachelor of Arts degrees are in Communication Arts, English, as well as Library and Information Science.

USANT is the only private school in the region accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students, and the only private higher education institution offering a non-conventional Bachelor of Science in Criminology program under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency Program.

It is also one of only two maritime schools in the entire Rinconada district, making it the top choice for the city’s aspiring seafarers. Its Bachelor of Science programs in Marine Transportation and BS Marine Engineering BSMARE have achieved impressive deployment rates in the last three years—averaging 86.33 percent for BSMT and 95.33 percent for BSMARE—well above the 80 percent standard set by the Commission on Higher Education and the Maritime Industry Authority or CHED-MARINA. The majority of graduates are deployed in domestic vessels.

For Atty Ortega, “the heart of education is the power to break barriers and dismantle limiting beliefs. It gives students and their families the confidence to believe that they can achieve more—that no dream is too far, and no goal is out of reach.”

Instructure’s Asia hub to hasten regional growth, global learning ecosystem expansion

LEADING edtech ecosystem and maker of Canvas learning management system (LMS) Instructure has launched its Asia hub with the opening of a new Philippine office. This milestone supports Instructure’s mission to build a globally connected, future-ready edtech ecosystem. It aims to anticipate the evolving needs of educators and learners. The investment in Asia reflects the company’s commitment to supporting educators and learners worldwide. With millions of users across 19 countries in the region, Instructure aims to use technology to meaningfully amplify human potential at every stage of learning.

Located in Quezon City, the new office enhances Instructure’s ability

to deliver region-specific services to its growing customer base, while strengthening Canvas’s global 24/7 support model for educators and institutions.

This move is central to Instructure’s global expansion, with Asia positioned as a primary growth market. Additionally, technological advancements in education are driving rapid evolution and making education more accessible than ever across Asia. Most notably, Instructure recently launched IgniteAI—its next big leap in secure, in-context artificial intelligence for education—delivering a future - ready ecosystem that helps learners thrive in a highly dynamic and changing world.

“We are establishing a formal presence in the Philippines to better

serve the unique needs of our growing customer base,” said CEO Steve Daly. “Our commitment is to anticipate the emerging needs of our customers within Asia and to build educational tools that enhance, accelerate and elevate human potential everywhere.”

Asia Pacific managing director Harrison Kelly shared that the company has seen strong momentum across the region, with consistent double-digit growth among institutions leading digital transformation and embracing a culture of lifelong learning.

“While Canvas entered the Asian market almost a decade ago, the education sector has matured significantly,” said Kelly. “With groundbreaking AI innovations now embedded in Canvas LMS, we’re expanding

the ways we partner with institutions across the region. Many…are looking to advance their offerings to support lifelong learning and empower learners to meet the demands of local and international employers.”

As part of its regional expansion, Instructure has created almost 200 employment opportunities for local talent across various functions, strengthening its position as a longterm partner in the region’s education ecosystem.

Several institutions spanning the Asia Pacific region—including toprated universities in the Philippines such as Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas—have adopted and integrated Instructure’s flagship product Canvas LMS.

THE Happy Hollow National High School (NHS)—a Baguio City-based school—was adjudged as the “Healthiest School” among 15 other contenders from the Asia-Pacific and Oceania which included Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

The school’s Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C., or Offering Resources of Growing Agri-product and Nutrition in Community flagship program bagged the AIA Outstanding Healthy Eating Award 2025 with a $15,000 (about P840,000) prize.

The initiative promotes healthy eating, organic agriculture, and waste reduction while training students in sustainable food production.

The award recognizes schools across Asia that demonstrate outstanding innovation in promoting healthy lifestyles, active living, and environmental responsibility.

Happy Hollow NHS is cited as a farm school by the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2024. The latter praised the school for winning the award, calling its organic farming initiative “a strong example of how schools can advance President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s campaign for food security and sustainability.”

Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. has trained 168 Grade 12 students in organic agriculture production to grow mustard greens or mustasa using organic methods and recycled materials.

“We have this to teach students [on] how to live happier and healthier,”

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said in Filipino that Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. is proof that schools, parents and the community can revive the agricultural tradition, and together develop the health and future of Filipino children. He added that the project serves as an inspiration to achieve the goal of making schools as partners in enabling the food security agenda of the president.

DepEd said the initiative not only reduced malnutrition rates, as indicated by body mass index (BMI) data, but also boosted student engagement, developed practical skills, and strengthened the community’s culture of sustainability.

Realized through Republic Act 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act, the farm-school model traces its roots to the vision of the late senator Edgardo J. Angara—father of the current DepEd chief.

Under the leadership of the younger Angara, there are now 156 farm schools across eight regions providing agricultural training, technical skills, and entrepreneurship education. He said that in farm schools, aside from farming, the new generation is being molded in agriculture and business. According to him, if the youth are knowledgeable in food production, technology and trade, communities will have a better future, and the country’s food security will be more certain.

Teacher Aries Busacay said. Through this initiative, he added that “students mentor younger batches, with support from barangay officials, nutritionists, and parents in activities such as backyard gardening, feeding programs using school-grown produce, workshops on planting and harvesting, and nutrition seminars on sustainable meal planning.” Busacay also shared that students also prepare for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s National Certificate II accreditation to improve future employment prospects.

On

33rd year,

Virlanie

is keen on further uplifting, educating vulnerable Pinoy kids

WITH more than 22,000 young lives touched, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization Virlanie Foundation Inc. marked its 33rd anniversary with a celebration that honored its legacy of service and reaffirmed its mission of supporting vulnerable Filipino children.

The event also coincided with the 75th birthday of its founder, French social worker Dominique Lemay, who established the foundation in 1992 to provide care, protection and opportunities to Metro Manila’s street children.

“For 33 years, we’ve seen how love, compassion, and consistent support can change lives,” said Lemay, who is more fondly known as “Kuya Dominique.” “Do small things [for Virlanie’s children]. I cannot do it alone but together, we can change lives.”

Since its founding, Virlanie has helped disadvantaged children through a range of programs focused on child protection, education, family reunification, and community empowerment. Today, the foundation continues to focus on sustainable solutions that aim to prevent the cycle of intergenerational poverty among marginalized families. The anniversary celebration included a Service Awarding Ceremony honoring long-serving staff members for their years of dedication to the foundation’s mission. Among those recognized was Ferdinand Cellona who is the Education Lead of Virlanie’s Street Program. He has been with the

foundation for two decades.

“Every child on the street has a story and a dream. For 20 years, I’ve walked beside them to remind them they are not forgotten. With Virlanie, we make sure no child is left behind,” said Cellona. “As street educators, our role is to be trusted kuyas and ates they can turn to. We listen, support them in finding solutions, help guide their decisions, and refer those who choose to leave street life to shelters and care facilities.”

One of Virlanie’s newest supporters Jakob Walland who has sponsored the education and development of 42 children, shared his perspective on the foundation’s work: “If a child gains an education or a skill, they can help themselves and their families. That is what Virlanie makes possible. Giving is easy for donors like me, but the real gift is the time, heart, and everyday effort that the foundation gives.”

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the work ahead,” Lemay said. “Our mission continues as thousands of children still face daily challenges without access to basic care and a safe home.”

Editor: Mike Policarpio
REPRESENTING Happy Hollow NHS's O.R.G.A.N.I.C. project team, Aries Busacay (center) accepts a plaque of recognition at the regional awarding ceremony in Danang, Vietnam, on July 3.
FOUNDER Dominique Lemay
USANT president Atty. Emmanuel SD. Ortega

Tourism

QUIET TREASURE NO MORE

Surigao del Sur sisterhood pact with San Juan seen to boost tourism

TANDAG City, Surigao del Sur—

With its fine white sand beaches, enchanting rivers, and scenic waterfalls, Surigao del Sur has long been a quiet treasure in Mindanao.

Now, through a sisterhood agreement with San Juan City in Metro Manila, the province is taking steps to bring its beauty and culture closer to the national spotlight.

Signed on Friday, August 15, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and the city government of Tandag formally entered into a sisterhood pact with San Juan City at the Capitol Complex in Tandag City—a partnership that both local governments envision to foster cooperation in tourism, culture, economy, and governance.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, in his speech during the event, emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and opening opportunities for promotion.

“Our goal is to learn from you. Our goal is to share with each other our best practices. Things that we can learn from each other. Things that we should do and also things that we should not do,” Zamora said. Zamora also proposed concrete ways to showcase Surigao del Sur’s products and destinations in the capital.

“I know we can help each other in terms of tourism. Your tourism sites, we can promote in San Juan and in Metro Manila… We will set up an area in Greenhills wherein you can showcase and offer your products to the people of Metro Manila,” he added.

He explained that the partnership also means creating consistent visibility for the province in San Juan’s trade and cultural calendar.

“Our sister provinces and our sister cities, the best way to do it is to promote your products, your tourism sites, your cities, your provinces, to the people of Metro Manila. So, that is something that we're excited to do,” he said.

Zamora pointed out that he visited parts of Surigao del Sur, particularly Carrascal and the group of islands in Britania, adding that he wants to visit Hinatuan’s Enchanted River and

Tinuy-an waterfalls after seeing the prepared tourism video presentation.

“I hope when the time comes, we can again visit to see and experience for ourselves the province’s tourist attractions,” he said.

Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel said the sisterhood is a good starting point to promote the province as a tourist destination in the Caraga region.

“If we can promote tourism and increase tourist arrivals, of course, there will be an economic boom in the province of Surigao del Sur. We are already experiencing it, but we intend to increase tourist arrivals even more. Hopefully, this will increase employment, increase revenues, not only for the province of Surigao del Sur, but also for our constituents,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel also noted that now is the right time to boost tourism in the province, as they have established peace and order in Surigao del Sur.

“The insurgency is gone, which was a very deterrent factor in the promotion of tourism,” he said.

Increasing Tourist Arrivals

DATA from the Surigao del Sur Provincial Tourism Office indicate that in 2023, the recorded tourist arrivals were approximately 161,209, and then increased by 39.81% in 2024, with 225,390 tourists visiting the province.

For the first three months of 2025, the province recorded 40,387 tourist arrivals, a 50.47% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, of 26,840 tourists.

The records also revealed that the bulk of visiting tourists in the province is those who just visit the tourism sites within the day from nearby neighboring provinces in Mindanao, which recorded 222,717 for the first quarter of 2024 and jumped to 71.30% for the first three months in 2025 with 381,535.

In 2024, the province recorded a

total of 1,711,495 same-day visitors with Hinatuan’s Enchanted River, Britania Islands in San Agustin, and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig among the top three most visited.

Moving Forward with Emerging Destinations

MARY VIL C. CHAN , Provincial Tourism Officer of Surigao del Sur, revealed that while the tourist arrival of the province has been increasing for several years, with their top three destinations of Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River, and Britania Islands, the provincial tourism office is now looking forward to increasing their top-tier destinations.

“Other destinations in the province, like the island destinations in the town of Barobo, the white sand beach in Cagwait, the Alameda farm tourism destination in San Agustin, the Kawa-kawa sa Awog in Bislig City, the surfing ground in Lanuza,” said Chan.

Chan explained that visitors want to experience areas where they can experience several tourism sites nearby, an example is the experience they have in the town of Hinatuan, where, after

BEAN THERE, LEARNED THAT A full-day journey through Davao’s coffee culture

We met members of the tribe led by Datu Lawrence Bayocboc, who shared how coffee has become an essential part of their daily lives and livelihood.

SOME of the best conversations I’ve had started with a cup of coffee. In Davao, had something even richer: the stories behind every cup. We met farmers who’ve been growing beans for years and witnessed how each step in the process carries a piece of their daily lives, their families, and their deep pride in the land. We also met some of the people putting Davao’s coffee on the map. I flew in from Manila via Cebu Pacific Air to Davao City, where I joined other participants who had arrived directly from Clark, Cebu, and Iloilo. The trip was organized by Cebu Pacific Air and Department of Tourism Region XI, with on-ground arrangements by Cybercribs Trips & Tours.

We were based at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, the perfect home base during our four-day trip, which also included a cacao tour. From there, we set out to explore farms, facilities, and shops.

Our seed-to-cup journey began at the Bagobo Tagabawa Coffee Nursery Farm, located in the hilly barangay of Catigan in the Toril District of Davao City.

The Bagobo Tagabawa are one of the 11 recognized tribes of Davao City, known for their deep-rooted traditions and strong connection to the highlands of Mount Apo.

Too often, we hear stories of Indigenous communities being left behind. It was heartening to see a community not only preserving its environment and ancestral lands but also building a more secure future through coffee farming.

After walking us through each step, they handed us our own seedlings. Side by side with the farmers, we knelt on the soil they’ve known all their lives and planted the beginnings of coffee trees.

From nursery to plantation, our next stop was Dubria’s Farm in Balutakay, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, where we met the incredible Marivic Dubria, widely known as the Coffee Queen of Davao.

Once a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, she is now internationally recognized for her award-winning Arabica beans grown on the lush slopes of Mount Apo. Today, she leads a cooperative and mentors other farmers. She is a living example of how women, when given the opportunity, don’t just rise but lift others with them.

After Dubria Coffee Farm, we went to Cof-

enjoying the waters of the Enchanted River, visitors can expand their visit and experience other nearby attractions in the town, such as island hopping, swimming with large fish, and fish feeding.

Chan added that the proximity of several tourism sites is a major factor in attracting visitors who do not stay overnight but simply want to experience specific areas that are close to each other and would only require a day to visit, which the province has several to offer.

The province is looking to expand and promote emerging destinations from other towns, such as the islands in Cantilan, Carrascal, Cagwait, and Tandag, the cold spring waters in Carmen, the white sand beaches in Lingig, and potential snorkeling and diving spots in Cagwait, and other in other towns.

“Aside from the nature-based offerings, the province has an amazing array of socio-cultural heritage sites with preserved old houses, historic buildings, and traditional products, such as those from the Agsam Weavers in Lanuza, the tribal bead makers in

fee for Peace Training Center in Kapatagan, Digos, to learn how coffee is cared for from harvest to cup and how it becomes a tool for empowerment, peacebuilding, and resilience among Indigenous communities.

Coffee for Peace was founded in 2006 during a land conflict between two groups in Mindanao. Instead of resorting to violence, they chose dialogue over a cup of coffee. That moment sparked a movement of peacemaking through coffee.

Coffee expert Gerome Sumagaysay guided us through the detailed process of preparing coffee cherries after harvest. We learned about the wet, dry, and honey methods and even got to try them ourselves.

We also met Alwin, a local farmer, who shared how coffee changed his life. “Dati, binabarat kami. Pero ngayon, na-le-level up na ang pamumuhay namin.” He recalled how they used to be underpaid, but things have

Madrid, and the Abaca fiber weaving in Tandag City,” added Chan.

Enhancing Tourism Services

IVONNIE DUMADAG , Regional Director, Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region, pointed out that the Province of Surigao del Sur, with its diverse tourism offerings, is one of the prime tourism destinations in the region.

“In support of the efforts of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur to further advance tourism in the province, the DOT Caraga Region has delivered 47 Industry Training Programs from Calendar Year (CY) 2022 up to the Second Semester of CY 2025,” said Dumadag.

Dumadag stated that through their partnership, about 2,827 tourism frontliners have benefited from various capacity-building programs and skills enhancement opportunities, which have helped improve the delivery of tourism services across the province.

“In line with the department’s goal of enhancing the overall tourist experience, we have intensified efforts

changed. Today, their beans are valued for their quality, and their way of life is steadily improving.

Jen Ramirez of Cybercribs Trips and Tours emphasized that it’s not just the farmers who benefit. Even the tourism sector is feeling the impact.

One of our tour guides, Snappy Lindo, shared that he used to feel a kind of trauma around coffee because, growing up, they would often just have “coffee water” with rice. But after being part of this tour, he has developed a new appreciation and is now planning to start his own coffee cart business.

Before heading back to Davao City, we stopped by the Regional Coffee Innovation Center at Davao del Sur State College in Digos, the first of its kind in Mindanao. With interactive displays, the center celebrates the region’s growing role in the global coffee community. It also supports farmers through

to raise the standards of our tourism enterprises through accreditation, ensuring quality service and facilities for our visitors. Through our convergence with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the DOT-Caraga has also supported and endorsed vital tourism infrastructure programs in Surigao del Sur, particularly the improvement and opening of roads leading to key destinations,” Dumadag added.

Dumadag expressed optimism on the construction of the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the province, which will be built in the Municipality of Cagwait, with approved funding support from Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). The facility, when finished, is set to offer a wide array of amenities for our tourists, such as a coffee shop, a local souvenir selling area, and services such as charging stations, comfort rooms, and shower rooms. DOT Caraga is optimistic that the province’s tourist destination sites will continue to grow and evolve with better services as they expect more tourist arrivals in the years to come.

hands-on training and it has a built-in sensory lab, where beans are graded to determine whether they meet commercial or specialty standards. It also leads research to improve coffee processing and production, all while promoting sustainable practices. We ended the day at FROG Kaffee Arena in Davao City, where the entire coffee story comes together.

FROG Kappee, which stands for Fresh Roast Of Great Kappee, is recognized as a pioneer of Third Wave Specialty Coffee in the city. It champions ethically sourced beans, precision roasting, and brewing methods that bring out each cup’s distinct flavor profile. It is a café, roastery, supplier of both local and international beans, coffee equipment hub, and a training and consultancy center. To cap the day, we joined a session of social cupping, which is a relaxed and interactive version of professional coffee tasting meant for learning, sharing, and enjoying coffee together. We explored single-origin beans from across the Davao Region and gained a deeper appreciation for the journey behind every brew.

We quite literally got a whiff of singleorigin beans from the Davao Region. It was a sensory introduction to cupping, and many of us, myself included, ended up favoring Robusta. No surprise there, since I’ve always preferred Robusta. Our visit ended with a taste of some of Davao’s best and most innovative blends. Thanks to the stories, insights, and the passion of those who made this journey possible, I came away with a heart

Story & photos by Kelly Austria
THE Bagobo Tagabawa community
A TOURIST takes a photo as tourism staff feed the large fish, one of the main highlights when visiting the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
DIFFERENT species of large fish gather at the underwater tunnel opening at the Enchanted River in Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur.
A PICTURESQUE aerial view showcasing a part of the Britania Group of Islands and islets in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.
AN aerial view of the majestic Tinuy-an Falls, which shows off the flow of the cascading multi-tier waterfalls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
GEROME SUMAGAYSAY of Coffee for Peace
Coffee Queen, Marivic Dubria

A10 Saturday, August 23, 2025

Gaza City declared in famine as humanitarian crisis deepens amid ongoing conflict, restrictions on aid

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip—

The world’s leading authority on food crises said Friday the Gaza Strip’s largest city is gripped by famine, and that it is likely to spread across the territory without a ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said famine is occurring in Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and that it could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month.

The IPC determination comes after months of warnings by aid groups that Israel’s restrictions of food and other aid into Gaza, and its military offensive, were causing high levels of starvation

among Palestinian civilians, particularly children.

Gaza City offensive could exacerbate hunger

THE grim milestone—the first time the IPC has confirmed a famine in the Middle East—is sure to ramp up international pressure on Israel, which has been in a brutal war with Hamas since the militant group’s October 7, 2023, attack. Israel says it plans to escalate the war soon by seizing Gaza City and other Hamas strongholds, which experts say will exacerbate the hunger crisis.

The IPC said hunger has been driven by fighting and the blockade of aid, and magnified by widespread displacement and the collapse of food production in Gaza, pushing hunger to life-threatening levels across the entire territory after 22 months of war.

More than half a million people in Gaza, about a quarter of the population, face catastrophic levels of hunger, and many are at risk of dying from malnutrition-related causes, the IPC report said. Last month, the IPC said the “worstcase scenario of famine” was unfolding in Gaza, but stopped short of an official determination.

Israel disputes report of famine

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied there is hunger in Gaza, calling reports of starvation “lies” promoted by Hamas. After the publication of images of emaciated children in Gaza and reports of hunger-related deaths, Israel announced measures to let more humanitarian aid in. Yet the U.N. and Palestinians in Gaza say what’s entering is far below what’s needed.

The Israeli military agency in charge of transferring aid to the

territory rejected the report Friday, calling it “false and biased.” The agency, known as COGAT, rejected the claim that there was famine in Gaza and said that significant steps had been taken to expand the amount of aid entering the strip in recent weeks.

In a post on social media, Israel’s ministry of foreign affairs also rejected the findings, saying the IPC report was “based on Hamas lies.” It said that more than 100,000 trucks of aid have entered Gaza since the start of the war, including a massive influx in recent weeks with staple foods.

“A rapidly increasing number of people, especially young children, are dying preventable deaths from starvation and disease because Israel made starvation a core part of its campaign to control the strip,” said Chris Newton, an analyst for the International Crisis Group. Israel’s plan to escalate the war

in Gaza City weeks after a warning that famine was beginning there demonstrates how “intentional the famine is and how Israel wields starvation,” he said.

Netanyahu says more military pressure is needed to achieve Israel’s goals of freeing the hostages held by Hamas and eliminating the militant group altogether.

How a famine is determined

FORMAL famine determinations are rare. The IPC has previously determined famines in Somalia in 2011, South Sudan in 2017 and 2020, and parts of Sudan’s western Darfur region last year.

The IPC says a famine exists in an area when all three of the following conditions are confirmed:

At least 20% of households have an extreme lack of food, or are essentially starving. At least 30% of children 6 months to 5 years old suffer from acute malnutrition or

wasting, meaning they’re too thin for their height. And at least two people, or four children under 5, per 10,000 are dying daily due to starvation or the interaction of malnutrition and disease.

Israel’s offensive and its restrictions on access to Gaza have made collecting data difficult.

The data analyzed between July 1 and Aug. 15 showed clear evidence that thresholds for starvation and acute malnutrition have been reached. Gathering data for mortality has been harder, but the IPC said it is reasonable to conclude from the evidence that the necessary threshold has likely been reached.

The IPC warned that a third of Gaza’s population could face catastrophic levels of hunger by the end of September, and that this is probably an undercount.

US Air Force, Navy seek $1 billion to start production of advanced Lockheed missile

ONTHS after Pakistan

Mused a Chinese-made ultra-long-range missile to shoot down Indian fighters, US Air Force and Navy funding requests show they may soon get their own advanced weapon after eight years of development: the Lockheed Martin Corp. AIM-260. The service branches have asked for nearly $1 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, which starts October 1, to begin producing the classified system, according to budget documents and a service statement.

The Air Force, which is leading development of the AIM-260, or Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, requested $368 million for firsttime production, plus $300 million in a separate annual “Unfunded Priorities List” the military services submit to congressional defense committees. The Navy has

asked for $301 million.

Analysts at Melius Research said last year the missile could become a $30 billion program depending on how many missiles are produced—a much-needed boon for Lockheed Martin on the heels of a second-quarter earnings report that flagged $1.6 billion in charges and a potential $4.6 billion tax accounting liability.

Minimizing its losses while ramping up manufacturing on the new, long-range weapon is pivotal for Lockheed. The F-35 fighter, the defense giant’s largest source of revenue, is at peak production rates and the company has lost out on several high-profile programs, most recently the stealthy F-47 fighter jet to Boeing Co.

“Profitable growth at MFC is extremely important for Lockheed Martin,” Melius analyst Scott Mikus said of the company’s missiles and fire control division.

“It is Lockheed’s highest-margin segment and should be its fast -

est-growing segment due to the strong domestic and international demand.”

“The key will be can they limit or avoid future charges on the classified missile program, which is believed to be the AIM-260,” he added.

When it is eventually fielded— the Air Force won’t say when— the weapon will become the most advanced US air-to-air missile, a role long held by increasingly sophisticated versions of the RTX Inc, AIM-120 AMRAAM, which was introduced in 1993. The Air Force declined to say what developments gave the service confidence to move into production now.

Air-launched weapons that can shoot down planes at extreme ranges came into the spotlight in May, when Pakistani jets used Chinesemade PL-15 missiles to down Indian aircraft more than 100 miles away without risking return fire, experts say. MBDA’s Meteor, which has similar capabilities, has been available

for nearly a decade but not used in combat.

“Our potential adversaries have witnessed our ability to provide air superiority and US competitors have evolved in response,” the Air Force said in a statement. “An air-to-air missile capable of defeating advanced threat systems is essential to maintaining US air superiority.”

In last year’s annual report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon said the Chinese air force had likely declared the PL-17 air-to-air missile operational in 2023, saying the PL-15 follow-on “is believed to be able to strike targets from 400 kilometers (248 miles).”

The new US missile “will have increased range over existing airto-air weapons and will be effective in a variety of threat scenarios,” the Air Force said. A Ukrainian Air Force spokesman said in 2023 that the AIM-120 model supplied to his country has a range of about 100 miles.

The weapon would add to Lockheed Martin’s line of US-fielded missiles, including the latest model Patriot interceptor, the THAAD system, and LRASM anti-ship and JASSM cruise missiles. A Lockheed Martin spokesman declined to comment about the program, referring questions to the Air Force.

The AIM-260 is designed to fit in the internal weapons bays of the F-22 and F-35 fighters, but the Air Force said it would also be integrated with F-16 and F-15 jets. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Brown told a Senate Armed Services committee panel in March 2023 the missile also might be installed on the service’s new unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which is now in test flights.

Over the past 15 years, the Air Force, Navy and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency—which explores novel weapons technology—have spent more than $350 million on rocket motors, warhead

development and a program called TR3. This program investigated advances in propulsion, advanced networking, guidance and control algorithms, engine power and “thermal management, and packaging and interfaces for carriage” on  5th generation fighters, the Air Force said. The service branch declined to disclose the production contract details, including whether the company would share cost overruns.

Lockheed Martin first received the classified development contract for the missile in August 2017. Two years later, then-Air Force Weapons Program Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Anthony Genatempo said the service hoped to field the missile by 2022. This week, the Air Force declined to say when the AIM-260 would be operational, saying each service branch would use “specific criteria” to determine that. Bloomberg News

Ukrainian startup develops long-range drones and missiles to strike deep behind enemy lines

HEN a Ukrainian-made drone attacked an ammunition depot in Russia last September, it showcased Kyiv’s determination to strike deep behind enemy lines and the prowess of its defense industry.

The moment was especially gratifying for the woman in charge of manufacturing the drones that flew more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) to carry out this mission. For months after, Russia no longer had the means to keep up devastating glide bomb attacks like the one that had just targeted her native city of Kharkiv.

“Fighting in the air is our only real asymmetric advantage on the battlefield at the moment. We don’t have as much manpower or money as they have,” said

Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point.

Terekh spoke as she surveyed dozens of “deep-strike drones” that had recently come off the assembly line and would soon be used by Ukrainian forces to attack arms depots, oil refineries and other targets vital to the Kremlin’s war machine and economy. Spurred by its existential fight against Russia—and limited military assistance from Western allies—Ukraine has fast become a global center for defense innovation. The goal is to match, if not outmuscle, Russia’s capabilities—and Fire Point is one of the companies leading the way.

The Associated Press was granted an exclusive look inside one of Fire Point’s dozens of covert factories. In a sprawling warehouse where rock music blared, executives showed off their signature FP-1 exploding drones that can travel up

to 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). They also touted publicly for the first time a cruise missile they are developing that is capable of traveling 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), and which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes will be mass-produced by the end of the year.

Even as US President Donald Trump presses for an end to the 3 1/2-year war— and dangles the prospect of US support for NATO-like security guarantees—Ukrainian defense officials say their country is determined to become more self-sufficient in deterring Russia.

“We believe our best guarantee is not relying on somebody’s will to protect us, but rather our ability to protect ourselves,” said Arsen Zhumadilov, the head of the country’s arms procurement agency.

Ukraine’s government is now purchasing about $10 billion of weapons annually from domestic manufacturers. The industry has the capacity to sell

triple that amount, officials say, and they believe sales to European allies could help it reach such potential in a matter of years.

Drone innovation grew out of necessity

LIKE most defense companies in Ukraine, Fire Point grew out of necessity after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite pleas from Ukrainian military officials, Western countries were unwilling to allow Kyiv to use their allies’ longer-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

That’s when a group of close friends, experts from various fields, set out to mass-produce inexpensive drones that could match the potency of Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russia was firing into Ukraine with devastating consequences.

The company’s founders spoke with AP on the condition of anonymity out of

concern for their safety and the security of their factories.

By pooling together knowledge from construction, game design and architecture, the company’s founders—who had no background in defense—came up with novel designs for drones that could fly further and strike with greater precision than most products already on the market.

Their long-range drones had another benefit: they did not need to take off from an air field.

When Terekh—an architect—was hired in the summer of 2023, she was given a goal of producing 30 drones per month.

Now the company makes roughly 100 per day, at a cost of $55,000 apiece.

The FP-1 looks more like a hastily made science project than something that would roll off the production lines of the world’s biggest defense contractors.

“We removed unneeded, flashy glittery stuff,” she said.

But the FP-1 has been extremely effective on the battlefield.

With a payload of explosives weighing 60 kilograms (132 pounds), it is responsible for 60% of strikes deep inside Russian territory, including hits on oil refineries and weapons depots, according to Terekh. These strikes have helped to slow Russia’s advance along the 1,000 kilometer-long (620 mile-long) front line in eastern Ukraine, where army units have reported a sharp decline in artillery fire.

“I think the best drones, or among the best, are Ukrainian drones,” said Claude Chenuil, a former French military official who now works for a trade group that focuses on defense. “When the war in Ukraine ends, they will flood the market.”

The Associated Press journalist Dmytro Zhyhinas contributed to this report.

Top European diplomat says Putin is setting ‘a trap’ by demanding Ukraine concessions

THE European Union’s foreign policy chief said Friday that the possibility of Ukraine ceding land to Russia as part of a peace deal to end their three-year war is “a trap” set by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian leader is demanding Ukrainian concessions in return for halting his army’s invasion but granting him those demands would amount to rewarding the country that started the fighting, Kaja Kallas said.

The recent talk about handing Putin concessions is “exactly the trap that Russia wants us to walk into,” Kallas said in an interview with the BBC.

continued to attack Ukraine and has raised objections to some key Ukrainian demands.

Establishing postwar Western security guarantees for Ukraine, which Kyiv insists are needed to deter another Russian attack, is under discussion by a variety of countries, Kallas said, noting that “it does sound like we are some way off in terms of pinning that down.”

Forces, Robert Brovdy, also known as Magyar.

The Druzhba pipeline starts in Russia and takes oil through Belarus and Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary. In Russia, a section of it goes through the Bryansk region and the Unecha district.

Former

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin acquitted of royal defamation charge

BANGKOK—Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin

Shinawatra was acquitted of a royal defamation charge by a court on Friday, in a case that could have sent him to prison for up to 15 years.

Ukraine fired HIMARS rockets and drones at the region in a combined attack, Bryansk regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said in a Telegram post.

“I mean, the discussion all about what Ukraine should give up, what the concessions that Ukraine is willing to (make), whereas we are forgetting that Russia has not made one single concession and they are the ones who are the aggressor here, they are the ones who are brutally attacking another country and killing people,” she said.

“Russia is just dragging feet. It’s clear that Russia does not want peace,” Kallas said. “President Trump has been repeatedly saying that the killing has to stop and Putin is just laughing, not stopping the killing, but increasing the killing.”

US-led peace efforts have struggled to get traction, despite US President Donald Trump discussing the war with Putin in Alaska last week before hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. Numerous details for a formal peace proposal need to be hammered out. Meanwhile, Russia has

Ukraine, meanwhile, has hit back at Russia with long-range weapons that are targeting infrastructure supporting Moscow’s war effort. It has hit oil refineries, among other targets, and Russian wholesale gasoline prices have reached record highs in recent days.

Ukrainian forces on Friday targeted the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia, hitting the Unecha oil pumping station in the Bryansk region, according to the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems

The pipeline supplies Hungary with more than half of its crude oil. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó wrote on Facebook on Friday that the Druzhba pipeline had been attacked “for the third time in a short time.”

“This is another attack on the energy security of our country. Another attempt to drag us into war,” the minister wrote.

Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has taken a combative stance toward both Kyiv and its EU backers while most EU countries have offered political, financial, and military support to Kyiv.

Orbán visited Moscow to meet with Putin last month in a rare trip to Russia by a European leader.

The 76-year-old Thaksin, smiling as he walked away from the courtroom, was the first to reveal the verdict, responding to journalists’ questions with the single word: “Dismissal.”

His lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, also confirmed the acquittal verdict, as did the Bangkok Criminal Court later in a news release.

The law on defaming the monarchy, an offense known as lese majeste, is punishable by three to 15 years in prison. It is among the harshest such laws globally and increasingly has been used in Thailand to punish government critics.

The legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights has said that since early 2020, more than 270 people—many of them student activists—have been charged with violating the law.

The court’s news release said it had found the witnesses and evidence were too weak to support conviction.

Thaksin was originally charged in 2016 over remarks he made a year earlier to journalists in South Korea. The case was not pursued at that time because he was in exile and the necessary legal procedures could not be completed.

The news release said the court

determined that the account of the interview presented by the prosecution was incomplete and lacked context, and a key point did not clearly refer specifically to then-King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It also said the court thought that witnesses in the case against Thaksin might have been motivated by political bias, because they have participated in political protests against him, leaving open the possibility they may have unfairly interpreted his words.

Thaksin’s opponents, who were generally staunch royalists, accused him of corruption, abuse of power and disrespecting thenKing Bhumibol, who died in 2016. Thaksin has always asserted that the cases against him were politically motivated.

When he was indicted last year, Thaksin’s freedom on bail was approved with the condition that he could not travel out of Thailand unless approved by court. His passport was confiscated.

Despite facing various prosecutions since leaving office, Thaksin has spent no time in prison. He was abroad in 2006 when a military coup ousted him. He briefly returned in 2008, only to return quickly to exile to avoid a possible prison term. He returned to Thailand in 2023 when the Pheu Thai political party that he is closely associated with came to power. He was sent to serve an eight-year prison term on charges related to corruption and abuse of power but was transferred immediately to a hospital on medical grounds.

China’s stock market woes fuel high savings rate, hinder economic growth

AT the heart of why consumers in China save so much and spend so little, and why Xi Jinping and Donald Trump will struggle to change that behavior even if they want to, lies the country’s stock market.

Even after a recent rally, Chinese indexes have only just returned to levels seen in the aftermath of a dramatic bubble burst a decade ago. Instead of incentivizing consumers to spend, poor equity returns have nudged them toward saving. A $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 Index a decade ago would now have more than tripled in value, while the same amount in China’s CSI 300 benchmark would’ve added just around $3,000.

Part of the reason, long-term China watchers say, is structural. Created 35 years ago as a way for state-owned enterprises to channel household savings into building roads, ports and factories, exchanges have lacked a strong focus on delivering returns to investors. That skew has spawned a host of problems from an oversupply of shares to questionable post-listing practices, which continue to weigh on the $11 trillion market. The country’s leaders are under pressure to fix this. President Xi is counting on domestic

Alex de Waal, author of “Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine” and executive director of the World Peace Foundation, said that had Israel allowed the IPC better access to collect data, a famine might have been determined months ago, which would have raised global awareness sooner.

“Sadly, it seems that it’s necessary for experts to shout ‘famine!’ before the world takes notice, by which time it is too late,” he said.

Israel has restricted aid to varying degrees throughout the war. In March, it cut off the entry of all goods, including fuel, food and medicine, to pressure Hamas to free hostages.

Israel eased those restrictions in May and says there’s currently no limit on how many aid trucks can enter Gaza. But it also pushed ahead with a new US-backed aid delivery system that requires

After six months in a hospital suite, he was granted a pardon and parole and set free. The decision to send him to a hospital instead of prison was widely questioned as to whether he was granted a special, undeserved privilege. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Of -

spending to reach the 5% economic growth goal, especially as a tariff war with the US heats up over the massive trade imbalance. At the same time, Beijing has reasons to keep prioritizing the market’s role as a source of capital: the country needs vast funding to nurture companies that underpin its tech ambitions—even if their profitability remains questionable.

“China’s capital market has long been a paradise for financiers and a hell for investors, although the new securities chief has made some improvements,” Liu Jipeng, a securities veteran who teaches at China University of Political Science and Law, said in an interview. “Regulators and exchanges are always consciously or unconsciously tilting toward the financing side of the business.”

The limits of China’s stock rally have again been evident this year. The CSI 300 has risen less than 7% despite a burst of optimism over AI, trailing benchmarks in the US and Europe. The underperformance — along with factors including an uncertain economic outlook— helps explain China’s extraordinarily high savings rate, which stands at 35% of disposable income.

Chen Long, who works in the asset management industry, has taken to social media platform Xiaohongshu to warn people

Palestinians to travel long distances and pass through Israeli military lines to get aid. The traditional, U.N.-led aid providers say deliveries have been hampered by Israeli military restrictions and incidents of looting, while criminals and hungry crowds overwhelm entering convoys.

Witnesses, health officials and the UN rights office say hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking aid from both providers, while Israel says it has only fired warning shots and that the toll is exaggerated.

A parent in Gaza City watches his children waste away ON the eve of the war, Gaza City was home to some 700,000 people, about the population of Washington.

Throughout the conflict, it has been the focus of regular Israeli bombardment and ground operations. Several neighborhoods have been almost completely destroyed. Hundreds of thousands fled under

fice Holders will rule next month in another case that puts him in jeopardy of imprisonment.

Since his return, Thaksin has maintained a high profile, traveling the country making public appearances and political observations that could upset the powerful conservative establishment that was behind his 2006 ouster. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who became prime minister last year, is also in hot

of the risks of chasing the recent rally.

“Many ordinary people come in thinking they could make money, but the majority of them end up poorer,” Chen said in an interview, adding that he has been investing since 2014. “State-owned companies primarily answer to the government rather than shareholders, while many private entrepreneurs have little regard for small investors.”

Over the past year, China’s top leadership has shown greater awareness of the stock market’s importance as a vehicle for wealth creation. That’s especially the case with an ongoing property slump and a fragmented social safety net, which exacerbates a sense of insecurity.

The Communist Party’s Politburo pledged to “stabilize housing and stock markets” in a December meeting—a rare expression of support for equities at the high-level gathering. The body also called for “increasing the attractiveness and inclusiveness of domestic capital markets” in July.

There is no quick fix to boosting household confidence “except for a stock market rebound,” said Hao Hong, chief investment officer at Lotus Asset Management Ltd. “This is a topic that we economists have been discussing in the closed door meetings in Beijing.’’

In some ways, the market’s malaise has

Israeli evacuation orders at the start of the war but many returned during a ceasefire earlier this year.

Doctors and nurses in Gaza in recent weeks have seen rising numbers of visibly malnourished patients.

Kirsty Blacka, an Australian emergency nurse who worked in Gaza City’s Al-Quds hospital through June, said emaciated men with no preexisting conditions were coming in looking like teenagers because they were starving. She said the lack of food has been compounded by contaminated water causing diarrhea and infections, and that diseases are harder to recover from when people are malnourished.

If Israel evacuates people from the city ahead of its new offensive, thousands will be too weak to leave, said Blacka. “Because of the starvation it will put extra strain on already depleted bodies and will lead to the death of many of the Palestinians,” she said.

Families in Gaza City say they’re watching their loved ones waste

water. She stands accused of failing to handle in an ethical manner a June 15 call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen in which they discussed tensions over territory claimed by both nations. The Constitutional Court suspended her from her duties on July 1 and next week will rule whether she will lose her prime minister position for breaching ethics laws. Thais have long been accustomed to sudden changes of government due

been decades in the making.

“The exchanges are motivated to fulfill the government’s call for increasing companies’ financing,” said Lian Ping, chairman of the China Chief Economist Forum, a think tank that advises the government. “But when it comes to protecting investors’ interests, there are few who are motivated to do it.”

An explosive growth in new listings made China the world’s biggest IPO market in 2022. Yet insufficient safeguards for shareholders and lax oversight of IPO frauds have led to share price crashes and delistings—what retail investors refer to as “stepping on a land mine.”

Take Beijing Zuojiang Technology, which listed in 2019. The company said in a 2023 statement that its product was modeled after Nvidia’s BlueField-2 DPU. The company warned in January the following year that it was at risk of being delisted, citing an investigation for disclosure violations. It was subsequently removed from the Shenzhen bourse.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission didn’t immediately reply to a fax seeking comment.

Recent years have seen greater efforts to screen poor-quality IPOs and crack down on financial fraud. There’s also a push to reduce additional stock issuances by listed companies and share sales by major stakeholders, while

away.

Yousef Sbeteh’s two teenage children were injured by shrapnel during an Israeli airstrike in June and have spent the last two months in the hospital. While there, they’ve both lost weight because there hasn’t been enough food, he said, adding that he can’t afford to buy more because prices at markets have soared. Doctors say the teenagers had no preexisting conditions.

His 15-year-old daughter Aya lost nearly 20 kilograms (44 pounds), or about 30% of her body weight, according to her doctors. Her 17-year-old brother Ahmad has lost about 15 kilograms (33 pounds). The lack of nutritional supplements and healthy food is slowing their recovery, doctors say.

“Doctors say she needs protein, meat and fish,” Sbeteh said while sitting beside his frail daughter. “But I can’t provide that now.”

Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Sally Abou AlJoud contributed from Beirut, Lebanon.

to military coups, numbering more than a dozen since the 1930s. But in the past two decades, they have increasingly seen such changes imposed by the courts, which have ousted four prime ministers and dissolved three election-winning political parties, often on narrow technical grounds. In most cases, the targets were viewed as challengers to the traditional royalist establishment, whose most powerful defenders are the army and the courts.

encouraging more corporate profit to be passed on to investors.

There has been visible progress. Initial public offerings shrank to nearly a third of 2023 levels last year. Shanghai and Shenzhen-listed companies handed out a combined 2.4 trillion yuan ($334 billion) in cash dividends for 2024, up 9% from the previous year, according to state media.

“The regulations and overall requirements after IPO have become stricter, in terms of reliability, transparency, or information disclosure,” said Ding Wenjie, investment strategist at China Asset Management Co. Reforms, however, have fallen short of transforming the market into one that prioritizes investor returns.

Even with the rise in share buybacks, CSI 300 companies spent only 0.2% of their market value on repurchasing shares in 2024, far less than the nearly 2% spent by S&P 500 firms, according to calculations by Bloomberg.

That’s an inevitable move to secure capital for firms that are vital to China’s battle against the US for supremacy in AI, semiconductor and robotics, but also signals that authorities may again be putting funding needs ahead of investor protection. Fast-tracking more firms to list without tackling the core problems of corporate credibility will “just add volume without restoring investor trust,’’ said Hebe Chen, an analyst at Vantage Markets in Melbourne.

Stock exchange officials have been actively reaching out to investment banks and encouraging companies to file for IPOs, according to people familiar with the matter. Some high-quality tech applicants could get access to so-called “green channels” for a faster review and approval process, the people said.

“The entire regulatory environments are still not up to the task of delivering the best out of those companies,” said Dong Chen, chief Asia strategist at Pictet Wealth Management. It requires a more comprehensive improvement of the institutional environment “to provide the right incentives’’ for companies to deliver values to their shareholders, he said. With assistance from Zheng Li, Kelly Li, Mengchen Lu, Boyi Yu and Julie Chien/Bloomberg

The recent policy push to attract more tech listings is also a worrying sign for some investors. Regulators are resuming the listing of unprofitable companies on the STAR board, dubbed China’s Nasdaq, while allowing them for the first time for the Shenzhen-based ChiNext board—which is earmarked for growth enterprises. IPOs so far this year have increased by nearly 30% from the same period in 2024.

Tunisia missing ace gets tested by Alas

TUNISIA will be without an ace but still has a stacked deck for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The 11-time African champions, without star player Wassim Ben Tara, will have a chance to show their mettle right on opening day against the home squad Alas Pilipinas on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the Tunisians’ top scorer in the Tokyo Olympics out of the squad, focus will be on outside hitter Hamza Nagga and opposite hitter Elyes Karamosli as they seek a strong start in the elite 32-team tournament.

The world No. 42 squad will be eager to perform well after an early exit from the 2022 world championship and finishing a dismal fifth in the African Championship, but it could be a tricky match against an upset-conscious Alas Pilipinas squad feeding off the energy of the home crowd.

Alas Pilipinas, meanwhile, plans to trim its 21-man pool down to 14 at the last possible moment.

The pool led by Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo is in Portugal for the last leg of a training camp that had stops in Morocco and Romania.

The Philippines-Tunisia match is at 7:30 p.m. after the opening ceremony featuring the K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Karencitta at the SM MOA Arena. Tickets for the 17-day meet are available via the official website https:// www.philippineswch2025.com/

An interesting subplot in the opening-day showdown is the duel of Italian tacticians—with Camillo Placi, who had served as deputy for Russia when it bagged bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, facing off with Alas Pilipinas head coach Angiolino Frigoni, who was an assistant on two world championship-winning Italian squads.

Pool A also has world No. 13 Iran and 23rd-ranked Egypt, who face off on September 14 in the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by its president Ramon

ALEXANDRA EALA faces 14th

seed Clara Tauson of Denmark in a match between former junior Grand Slam champions on opening day of the US Open on Sunday in New York.

The world No. 70 Eala, winner at Flushing Meadows in the 2022 US Open junior girls’ singles, has not seen action since the first round of the National Bank Open in Montreal but has been confirmed for her US Open debut. Eala, 20, bowed to Czech star Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6—a left shoulder injury forced her to miss the next two tournaments.

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek won the Cincinnati Open last week and the

AGROSS sales of P72,059,676 in the MetroTurf Thoroughbred championship series that coincided with the Dr. Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial Festival of 17 races was recorded as one of the biggest sales in all stakes races in 2025. Star jockey Mark Alvarez extended the unblemished record of Morally (Mo town-Street rally by Hardspun)— owned by GR Gaerlan and traind by Ernesto Roxas—by dominating the Prince Cup Stakes in one minute and 23 seconds (13’21’22 26) over 1,400 meters.

Varatti (Into Mischief-Artemis by Empire Maker), meanwhile, and jockey Jeff Zarate gifted owner James Rabano and trainer Ramon Nartea the second leg crown of the King’s Gold Cup also, interestingly, in 1:23 (13’21’22’26’) over the same distance.

James Richardson, chief executive officer of ThoroughBid—England’s leading thoroughbred auction house— attended both  stakes races  and pledged to bring European racing and technology to the Philippines. He also committed his company would host an annual auction sale of European horses in the country  in order to enhance the quality of our thoroughbred racehorse bloodstocks.

In order to supplement the traditional  horseracing in the county today,  Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. president and CEO Atty. Narciso

“Tats” Suzara, who is also chief of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

The MOA Arena also hosts Pool D featuring world No. 6 US, No. 10 Cuba, No. 28 Portugal and No. 46 Colombia; Pool E, which has No. 7 and VNL runnerup Slovenia, No. 8 Germany, 15th-ranked Bulgaria and No. 29 Chile; and Pool H with No. 3 Brazil, 12th-ranked Serbia, No. 21 Czechia and 25th-ranked China. Action at the Araneta Coliseum fires off on September 13 with world No. 1 and Volleyball Nations League champion Poland squaring off with 22nd-ranked Romania, while the other Pool B match pits No. 19 Netherlands and No. 20 Qatar.

Pool C, which has world No. 4 France, ninth-ranked Argentina, No. 18 Finland and 26th-ranked South Korea, also plays at the Araneta Coliseum starting on September 14.

The Big Dome also hosts Pool F featuring VNL runner-up and world No. 2 Italy, 14th-ranked Ukraine, No. 17 Belgium and No. 88 Algeria; and Pool G of crowd darling No. 5 Japan, 11thranked Canada, No. 16 Turkiye and 75th-ranked Libya in the world event backed by PNVF Official Partners PLDT, Mwell, Meralco, Rebisco, Akari, Nuvali, PNVF official suppliers Asics, Senoh, official ball Mikasa, official television partner Cignal, Honda and BMW, and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Super League stint big boost for USC, USPF ahead of Cesafi

UNIVERSITY of San Carlos (USC) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) are hitting two birds with one stone with their participation in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg.

Not only will they get a rare chance to test their mettle against two Manilabased squads in their backyard, but it will also allow them to gauge their level of preparedness heading into the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 next month.

Lady Warriors head coach Grace Antigua wants to take advantage of USC’s second straight stint in the tournament—backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea— to learn and gain valuable experience for her squad in its buildup to defend its CESAFI crown.

“This tournament is really a good opportunity for us, especially with CESAFI starting this September, facing

Adamson University and Ateneo, the big teams from Manila, will be advantageous for us,” said Antigua during Friday’s press launch at the Shakey’s Cabahug branch here.

USC played the Shaina Nituraled Lady Falcons late Friday at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

Bukidnon eyed as new boxing training center

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has identified an ideal training hub where national boxers can prepare for major international competitions—Bukidnon.

Monterrey Open will end before the US Open starts.

The 22-year-old Clara Tauson, champion of the 2019 Australian Open junior girls event, ruled the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland in January and is now ranked No. 15 in the Women’s Tennis Association.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face potential difficult American opponents when they begin their quest for another US Open title.

Venus Williams, meanwhile, returns to the event at age 45 against No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova, a past French Open finalist who has reached the semifinals in New York the past two years. That was one of the early highlight matches after the draws were

Morales, Richardson and Philippine Racing Commission chair Reli de Leon started exploring the possibilities of introducing quarter race horses soon.

Quarter race horse is a concept that will feature matches between two thoroughbreds in a new racing genre to be called  as Red and White races.

“This is a new development in our sport of horseracing that will bring more appeal and excitement to the general public,” Morales said. “It is also expected that the Red and White match up races and international

conducted Thursday for the men’s and women’s singles tournaments.

Those begin Sunday, a day earlier than in the past, and a pair of recent US Open champions could be tested early.

Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, starts against Reilly Opelka. Opelka, a former top-20 player before injuries, is 6-foot-11 with a powerful serve that he rode to the fourth round in New York in 2021.

caliber stakes races  and will bring in more tourists to the country.”

After the Triple crown series of the Prince Cup and the Kings Gold Cup for thoroughbreds from America, Morales aired another unique idea of establishing a similar championship series for race horses from Europe and Australia.

The third and final leg of the Prince Cup and King’s Gold Cup series will be held at the Metro Turf in Malvar, Batangas, on September  14 with guaranteed prize money of P12 million—P6 million per stakes race.

The Lady Warriors will face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday before rekindling their rivalry against CESAFI Season 24 Finals victims on Sunday.

USC defeated the Lady Panthers in four sets in the winner-take-all CESAFI championship showdown.     The Lady Panthers are using the competitionas an added exposure for their rebuilding squad.

On Thursday, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio agreed with Senator Miguel Zubiri and the local government of Bukidnon to transform the newly built Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex into a breeding ground for world-class boxing talent.

“I’m very happy to be here. Thumbs up to the development of your province and city—such beautiful facilities,” said Gregorio during his visit to the sprawling 13-hectare complex in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. “I’ve seen many training centers around the world, and this is truly world-class.” Zubiri, the driving force behind the landmark development in Northern Mindanao, personally toured Gregorio around the facility which features a 15,000-seat stadium, an eight-lane track and field oval, a football field and an aquatics center with an Olympic-size swimming pool and diving pool. Among the key amenities is a 3,000-seat gymnasium designed for basketball, badminton and martial arts, along with four tennis courts, an open field for outdoor events, an auditorium for cultural performances and a museum.

Joining the tour were Bukidnon Governor O’Neil Roque and Malaybalay City Mayor Warren Pabillaran, who both expressed support for Gregorio’s proposal to designate the complex as one of several regional training centers across the country.

by a commanding 15-point performance in Round 2 at Caliraya Springs. She also secured a runner-up finish in the opening leg at Royal Northwoods for an impressive campaign that has earned her an early ticket to the grand finals.

Organized by Pilipinas Golf

Tournaments Inc. in partnership with the Philippine Golf Foundation, the four-round tour aims to reshape the landscape of collegiate golf by providing a competitive yet developmentdriven platform for student-athletes transitioning from junior golf.

“We’ll support your regional training centers—that’s our commitment in the Senate. Mayor Warren and Governor O’Neil are here with us,” Zubiri said. “We are one Bukidnon, so rest assured you’ll have our full support. We’re proud to host the boxing team.” He added that the track and field oval will soon be opened to the public, mirroring PSC’s initiative at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and Philsports in Pasig City where citizens can use the facilities free of charge.

“The PSC’s role goes beyond supporting national athletes. If we work harder and collaborate with LGUs, we can develop regional training centers,” said Gregorio, referring to a directive from the Office of the President to establish national and regional hubs outside Metro Manila.

The final leg at Eastridge will be crucial in determining the qualifiers for the grand finals set September 23 to 25 at Splendido Taal Golf Club.

Only players who competed in at least two preliminary legs and earned ranking points will be eligible, while the top eight teams, and ties, in both men’s and ladies’ divisions will also advance.

Manhit holds a slim edge in the individual race, trailed by Ateneo-1’s Simi Tinio with 18 points, while Lua, who won the pre-season event at Sherwood Hills and dominated Round 1 at Royal Northwoods, is tied for third with Tan at 15 points.

Despite sitting out the last two rounds due to health reasons, Lua is expected to return in top form and spearhead La Salle-1’s charge.

But Lua won’t be alone in the title chase with other heavy hitters in contention including teammates Janine Yusay and Stacey Chua, Ateneo-1’s Monique Mendoza and Andrea Joson, College of Saint Benilde’s Natasha Bantug and UP-1’a Katrisse Datoc.

“We mapped out all potential training centers nationwide and presented them to the President. We aim to develop these within 12 to 18 months. Why are we doing this? In Zamboanga, for example, there are 300 young weightlifters—it’s their focus sport, and they’re winning in international competitions,” he explained.

“We promised the President that we would develop regional training centers, provided we receive support from the government and LGUs, with each LGU adopting a specific sport they wish to promote,” Gregorio added. Also present was national boxing coach Elmer Pamisa, who trains at least 60 boxers in the boxing hotbed of Cagayan

MORALLY owner GR Gaerlan lifts the Prince Cup trophy in front of Philippine Racing Commission chair Reli de Leon, jockey Mark Alvarez, trainer Ernesto Roxas and ThoroughBid CEO James Richardson.
ALEXANDRA EALA hopes to find her rhythm quickly after skipping tune-up tournaments.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio and Sen. Miguel Zubirri discuss plans for the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex.
General Santos City, and even Davao,” Gregorio said.
Kyla tries, Kyla misses Kyla Atienza looks sorry for herself but it doesn’t matter in the end as Creamline escapes with a thrilling 17-25, 25-17, 22-25,
THE Visayas leg of the Super League, the second of three stops, features Ateneo, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, University of San Carlos and Adamson.

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BusinessMirror August 23, 2025 by BusinessMirror - Issuu