BusinessMirror June 25, 2026

‘Pinoys may not feel rebound soon’

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

signals

expected.

“Target is very important because it signals what the government is expecting the economy to be,” Oplas explained. “Lower growth means lower employment opportunities, lower income opportunities.”

She noted that while a 3.5-percent to 4.5-percent expansion is not the worst outcome, it still points to a slower recovery. “Expect the economy to move slow. While expectations improved, it is not a good picture for all of us,” Oplas said.

Further, she said that slower economic activity could help keep inflation from

come opportunities,” Oplas said in Filipino. She also warned that external shocks, such as fuel price increases that the country has limited control over, could pose a bigger risk under a weaker growth environment.

Oil firms will cut pump prices on

is due to lower employment and fewer in-

By Andrea E. San Juan

HIKINGinterest rates may be a “bitter pill to swallow” as it temporarily makes borrowing tougher, but it cures a worse disease: runaway inflation, which destroys the purchasing power of Filipino households, according to analysts.

“Bringing

“This

Other analysts echoed this sentiment, saying raising interest rates would benefit ordinary Filipinos as well as savers, importers, and businessmen.

Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, told this newspaper that while borrowing costs may rise in the near term, “savers benefit from higher deposit rates, and a more stable peso can help temper the cost of imports.”

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

FILIPINO households are getting smaller, with the average household size falling to 3.8 persons in 2024 from 4.1 persons in 2020, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The latest results of the 2024 Census of Population showed that the decline continues a long-term trend observed since 2010, even as the number of households across the country has continued to grow.

The PSA recorded 29.67 million households in 2024, up by 12.4 percent or 3.27 million from the 26.39 million households counted in 2020. Compared with 2015, the number of households increased by 29.1 percent, equivalent to an addi-

tional 6.69 million households.

Despite the rise in households, the country’s average household size has steadily decreased over the years, reflecting changes in family composition and living arrangements.

The household population reached 112.33 million persons in 2024, accounting for 99.6 percent of the Philippines’s total population.

This was 3.4 percent higher than the 108.67 million household population recorded in 2020 and 11.7 percent above the 100.57 million reported in 2015.

The remaining 0.4 percent of the population consisted of individuals living in institutional or collective quarters, including hospitals, orphanages, military camps and Filipinos assigned to Philippine embassies, consulates,

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

SOUTHEAST Asia is expected to remain one of the strongest sources of fertilizer demand growth in Asia, providing a bright spot for the regional market even as high production costs continue to weigh on farm profitability, according to a report by BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.

In its latest Asia Fertilizer Outlook, BMI said fertilizer consumption in several Southeast Asian economies is likely to expand over the long term, supported by steady gains in crop production and growing agricultural activity.

The outlook could also have implications for the Philippines, where rice, fruit, vegetable and plantation crop production remains heavily reliant on fertilizer inputs and is closely tied to broader trends in the region.

“We estimate that crop produc-

tion in the Southeast Asia region remained broadly healthy in 2023/24, as has been the case over recent seasons, with rice and palm oil output on a steady uptrend,” BMI said. The research firm identified Indonesia as one of the region’s strongest performers, while Vietnam is expected to lag due to constraints in agricultural expansion and what BMI described as excessive fertilizer application.

BMI also cited Cambodia and Myanmar as emerging growth markets, noting that fertilizer demand in both countries is rising from a relatively low base as agricultural output expands.

“We are particularly positive regarding long-term demand growth in Thailand, Indonesia and emerging agribusiness markets such as Cambodia and Myanmar, which are recording robust growth in crop output,” it said.

and missions abroad.

Among the country’s 18 administrative regions, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) posted the largest number of households at 4.82 million in 2024. It was followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 3.74 million households and Region III (Central Luzon) with 3.52 million.

Together, the three regions accounted for 40.7 percent of all households nationwide.

At the other end of the scale, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded the fewest households at 473,422.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) registered the largest average household size in the country at 4.9 persons.

Other regions that exceeded the national average of 3.8 persons per household were Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) with 4.2 persons, Region V (Bicol Region) with 4.1 persons, and Regions VIII (Eastern Visayas) and XIII (Caraga) with 4 persons each. Region X (Northern Mindanao), Region VI (Western Visayas) and the Mimaropa Region also posted averages above the national figure at 3.9 persons per household.

Meanwhile, Calabarzon and Region XI (Davao Region) recorded the smallest average household sizes at 3.5 persons each.

The figures were generated from the 2024 Census of Population, which the PSA conducted from July to September last year alongside the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

The 2024 population census was the country’s 16th census of population.

1st ASF vaccine seen to hit PHL markets in Q3–DA

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

THE Philippines expects the first commercially available African swine fever (ASF) vaccine to hit the market in the third quarter to manage outbreaks that have devastated the hog industry for years.

Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel V. De Mesa told reporters on Wednesday that the Vietnam-made AVAC live vaccines will soon be issued a commercial release certification from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Previously, the Food and Drug Administration certified vaccines, but after Republic Act 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, was enacted, the BAI now has jurisdiction over veterinary drugs, products, biologics and other animal health products and devices.

Fertilizer…

Continued from A1

Myanmar, in particular, has posted rapid growth in fertilizer imports in recent years.

“Once the commercial release certificate is issued, the vaccines can already be sold through outlets, such as biologics stores and veterinary shops,” De Mesa said.

“It will become commercially available, but only through outlets that are registered with BAI,” he added.

The development comes as the hog industry remains hounded by the deadly disease since 2019, despite showing resiliency among other agricultural sectors.

On the sidelines of the Livestock Philippines expo on Wednesday, National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed) President Chester Warren Tan told reporters that hog inventories have been increasing annually, particularly in Mindanao, where new industry players invest.

“We expect the industry to gradually recover in the coming years, although not yet to pre-ASF population

The report noted that rising agricultural production across Southeast Asia is expected to support demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are widely used in rice, fruit and vegetable cultivation.

Potash demand is also projected to increase as palm oil and sugar produc-

levels,” Tan said in the vernacular. The industry welcomes vaccines against ASF, as long as approved by the government, as producers have been awaiting directives on which brands to use.

Producers are not only awaiting the AVAC live vaccines, but also those produced by South Korea, among others, Tan added.

Despite looming concerns that the rainy season could trigger fresh ASF outbreaks, Tan said farmers have become more adept at managing the disease after years of dealing with the virus.

“Actually, industry players are prepared. We have been dealing with ASF for several years now, so we already know the precautionary measures that need to be taken,” Tan said. “ASF is currently under control, and farmers know how to manage and contain it.”

tion expands, given the crops’ higher nutrient requirements.

Despite the favorable outlook for Southeast Asia, BMI said fertilizer use across Asia as a whole is unlikely to post significant gains in the near term as farmers continue to grapple with elevated input costs.

“We do not expect a strong rise in fertilizer application in Asia as farm profitability remains pressured,” BMI said. “Overall, stillhigh input costs will restrict farm production and fertilizer use.”

Even so, the firm expects Asia to remain one of the world’s largest fertilizer-consuming regions over the long term due to its large agricultural base and growing food requirements.

Hormuz risks

BMI also warned that tensions in the Middle East could pose risks to global fertilizer supply chains, particularly if disruptions affect shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a key transit route not only for oil but also for fertilizer exports from major producing countries such as Qatar, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which together account for about onethird of global seaborne fertilizer

However, hog raisers continue to struggle with weak prices and high production costs.

Tan said farmgate prices currently range from P170 to P185 per kilo, below production costs estimated at P180 to P200, leaving the industry “operating at a loss.”

Feed prices have also gone through three rounds of increases in the past two months, he added, while local producers have experienced around five to six rounds of price declines for their products.

“We need to continue producing despite the difficulties. We remain optimistic that conditions will eventually improve,” Tan said.

Latest data from the BAI showed that seven provinces have active ASF cases: Pangasinan, Romblon, Albay, Northern Samar, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

shipments.

According to the latest World Bank Commodity Prices report released in June, global fertilizer prices declined by 4.6 percent during the month.

However, BMI said risks remain elevated following the escalation of the US-Iran conflict, which could prolong disruptions in fertilizer trade and logistics. Its analysts noted that global supply chains may not fully normalize until around the end of the third quarter of 2026, potentially narrowing the window for fertilizer deliveries ahead of key planting seasons.

“With an increasingly narrow window for fertilizer supply chain recovery ahead of upcoming planting cycles, risks to both fertilizer availability and affordability are increasing,” BMI said.

Among major agricultural markets, India was identified as facing the most immediate risks because it relies on fertilizer imports.

Still, BMI expects the impact on the global fertilizer industry to remain manageable if the conflict subsides as anticipated, limiting longer-term disruptions to supplies of nitrogen-based fertilizers and sulfur, a key ingredient used in both nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer production.

For ordinary Filipinos, rate hikes could mean “protecting purchasing power and earning better returns on savings,” according to Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co. “For businesses, it imposes discipline but ultimately creates a more stable backdrop for planning and investment,” Ravelas said.

Low rates carry ‘heavy side effects’ NERI explained further the importance of raising interest rates: “By removing the crutch of cheap money, it forces legislators and the executive to finally do their jobs to grow the economy.”

The BPI’s lead economist emphasized that relying on low rates carries “heavy side effects” like less affordable real estate or the proliferation of zombie companies.

“Central bank rate cuts cannot cure the real source of our economic misery,” added Neri. He further emphasized that what the economy needs are “legislative reforms that stop budget leakages like flood control kickbacks.”

“In fact, economic growth can still improve even if the BSP keeps raising interest rates—provided we cut out corruption and mobilize those saved funds directly into much-needed infrastructure,” added the BPI’s lead economist. When asked what should be considered a “normal” interest rate, Neri told the BusinessMirror : “Normal or neutral should be around 5 percent to 6 percent.”

Anything below or significantly higher than this range “has proven to be unsustainable.”

“If we see enough structural reforms, 4 percent could be normal but since very few reforms are in place, rates are only sustainable at much higher levels. ‘Normal’ can also be defined by historical averages,” added Neri.

Neri said the period 2008 to 2021 was an “abnormal period” for the Philippines, as he showed a table indicating that the average interest rate during this period was at 3.74 percent. The table showed, meanwhile, that the average interest rate in the Philippines in the 1980s was at 9.72 percent. In the 1990s, it was at 10.96 percent. From 1986 to 2007, the average interest rate was at 9.57 percent. From 2000 to 2025, he said it was at around 6.4 percent while the key interest rate from 2022 to present averaged at 5.25 percent.

At its monetary policy meeting on June 18, the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), decided to raise the BSP’s Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent. In delivering the quarter-point rate hike, the central bank explained that inflationary pressures remain strong.

Moreover, it noted that global oil and fertilizer prices remain elevated and continue to drive domestic fuel and food prices.

“Rising core inflation indicates broadening price pressures and second-round effects, including higher inflation expectations,” the BSP said in a statement.

Rate hike effect on local currency IN a radio interview, Alvin Ang, a professor of economics at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), said raising interest rates can strengthen the Philippine peso and hence, can help retain dollar-denominated investments.

NTA, which will be transferred to LGUs as required by the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.

However, Marcos opted to extend the devolution phase until 2028 due to the sheer scale and capacity requirements needed for the process.

DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon said the gov-

expenditures similar to the levels before the flood control scandal will catapult the economy back to where it was previously,” Lanzona said. However, he cautioned that relying on higher government spending could create additional inflation pressures amid existing supplyside constraints.

Based on the Department of Budget and Management’s latest national government disbursement performance report, government spending growth is expected to slow in the first half of 2026 due to the high base effect from last year’s large capital outlays. (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2026/04/08/government-spending-growth-seen-to-slowin-first-half-of-2026/)

“With higher inflation and with more intense supply-side constraints, this policy, which

ernment will start the devolution by next year.

“The National Government is working on the implementation of Executive Order No. 103, s. 2025, which mandates the phased implementation of full devolution of functions to LGUs starting 2027 for cities and in 2028 for provinces and municipalities,” De Leon said.

“Kung ang interest rate natin hindi gagalawin, yung mga dollars pupunta ‘yan kung saan mas mataas ang interest rate. Mas lalong hihina ang piso. So kung ang interest rate natin medyo itinaas na natin kumpara sa ibang bansa, ‘yung ibang may investment ng dollars dito, sasabihin ‘wag muna natin ilabas kasi mas mataas ang interest doon sa Pilipinas,” Ang said.

[If we don’t touch the interest rate, the dollars will go to where interest rates are higher. The peso will weaken further. So, if we slightly raise our interest rates comparable with other countries, those with dollar investments here will say, ‘let’s not pull them out yet because rates are higher in the Philippines’]. This, explained the Ateneo economics professor, is one way to shield the local currency from depreciating.

worked well before, will only lead to greater aggregate demand and even more inflation,” he said, adding that this could run counter to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) efforts to manage inflation expectations through monetary policy. Lanzona said that for consumers, the impact may not necessarily be an immediate improvement in living conditions.

“Actually, there may be no real growth at all,” he reiterated. “While the BSP is trying to curb inflationary expectations, the government spending will only fan more inflationary expectations.”

Even amid external and domestic pressures, Balisacan said the Philippines’s growth story remains intact, underpinned by reforms and continued investor confidence.

Analysts earlier explained to this newspaper that while the recent quarter-point rate hike delivered by BSP should have helped support the peso, they underscored that this recent policy decision has been “overpowered” by global forces such as higher oil prices, which fueled anew the demand for the safe-haven US dollar. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2026/06/22/phl-peso-slides-anew-to61-per-dollar-level/#:~:text=RENEWED%20 global%20risk%20aversion%20 which,per%2Ddollar%20level%20on%20 Monday.)

Overall, Asuncion said the move of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to raise the key policy rate “reflects a trade-off—short-term restraint to secure more stable and sustainable economic conditions in the future.” Ravelas, meanwhile, underscored: “The key takeaway: save more, manage debt carefully, and focus on efficiency because stability today sets the foundation for stronger growth tomorrow.”

House prosecutors seek ‘orderly, transparent, efficient’ Duterte impeachment trial

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

THE House of Representatives prosecutors on Wednesday filed a manifestation before the Senate Impeachment Court seeking the adoption of four additional pre-trial measures aimed at ensuring an orderly, transparent, and efficient trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

In a pleading titled “Manifestation with Proposal on Certain Additional Pre-Trial Matters,” House prosecutors described the four proposals as “practical measures to reduce procedural disputes” and keep the trial focused on evidence and witness testimony.

The prosecution panel also urged the court to allow the use of both Filipino and English during proceedings, require advance disclosure of witnesses, permit both public and private prosecutors to examine witnesses, and open a sealed Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) records box currently in the court’s custody.

The filing forms part of ongoing pre-trial proceedings ahead of the formal start of the trial on July 6.

They also expressed willingness to adopt the defense’s proposal re -

quiring parties to disclose intended witnesses at least three calendar days before their scheduled testimony. While noting that their witnesses’ and expected testimonies have already been outlined in their pre-trial brief, prosecutors said they are open to the measure to prevent delays and avoid claims of surprise during the trial.

T he panel further asked the court to authorize both public and private prosecutors to conduct witness examinations, including direct, cross, and re-direct questioning. They said the impeachment case involves complex issues—such as public finance, auditing, confidential funds, and banking records—that may require varied expertise. Allowing both groups to participate, they

argued, would ensure a more efficient presentation of evidence. They added they would not object if the same arrangement were extended to the defense.

Sealed BIR records

THE prosecution’s most significant proposal involves a sealed BIR records box submitted as part of the impeachment materials. They requested that the court open the box under supervision, conduct an inventory, and allow pre-marking of its contents before trial.

P rosecutors said both sides have identified BIR-related documents among their evidence, making it important to determine early what records are contained in the sealed package. They clarified that opening the box would not automatically make any document admissible, as questions on authenticity, relevance, and evidentiary value would still be resolved during the trial.

R ather, they said, conducting an inventory would promote transparency, prevent disputes over access, and allow both sides to prepare more effectively. All actions involving the records would remain under the Court’s supervision. Meanwhile, Manila Rep. and House prosecutor Joel Chua clarified that the prosecution’s proposed 62-day period for presenting its case represents the maximum time it may need—not the time it

intends to fully consume.

“ It does not mean that just because we are proposing 62 days, we will necessarily maximize it,” Chua said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

He explained that the proposed timeline is based on the volume of evidence and witnesses, including thousands of documents related to confidential funds.

“ You have seen how you would present 4,000 documents on a confidential fund if it’s only five days or only ten days, right?” Chua said.

C hua issued the clarification amid questions over why the prosecution requested 62 days while the defense sought only 30 days. He rejected claims that the timeline was meant to prolong proceedings or cause political harm.

H e added that the prosecution may not need to present all four Articles of Impeachment if the evidence already sufficiently establishes its case.

“ So there may come a point where, even if we have only presented two articles, the evidence is already very strong. We may no longer present the other articles,” he said.

A ccording to Chua, the prosecution requested the maximum allowable time because the trial schedule approved during pre-trial will form part of the pre-trial order, which serves as the roadmap for the proceedings.

‘Do not share videos, pictures of violent school incidents’

By Rex Anthony Naval

HE National Police (PNP)

TChief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Wednesday urged the public not to spread videos and photos related to recent violent school incidents in Tacloban City, and Cavite, as these can cause lasting harm to the victims, their families, and fellow students.

“ The reckless circulation of graphic videos depicting these school tragedies is not just a digital nuisance, it is a profound act of cruelty that re-victimizes survivors and forces grieving families to relive their worst nightmares repeatedly,” he said.

N artatez made this appeal even as the PNP continues to investigate the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22 and the separate stabbing incidents at Cavite National High School and Bethel Academy of General Trias in Cavite in the past week.

He said the appeal covers not only graphic videos but also photos and posts that reveal the identities of children involved in the incidents.

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is eyeing to plant three million trees during the celebration of Arbor Day on June 25.

I nstitutionalized in the Philippines under Republic Act 10176, Arbor Day is an annual holiday dedicated to planting, caring for, and celebrating trees. The celebration promotes environmental conservation and educates the public about the

He stressed that child protection and privacy standards must be respected throughout the investigation process.

We urge the public, especially content creators and social media users, to stop the cycle of trauma by deleting and refusing to share these videos, as your desire for online engagement should never come at the cost of human dignity or the sanctity of an ongoing police investigation,” Nartatez added.

He stressed that authorities are pursuing a response that protects victims while ensuring accountability for those involved. He also urged the public to show restraint and compassion while investigations remain ongoing.

Children caught in these incidents, especially the victims, deserve protection and support. They should not be subjected to public judgment, online harassment, or unnecessary exposure at a time when they and their families are already dealing with trauma,” Nartatez also said.

Likewise, he directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and other concerned units to monitor the

vital role trees play in cleaning the air, supporting wildlife, and mitigating climate change.

T he activity, in support of President Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen environmental protection, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable development, will be led by the DENR.

T he department said native and indigenous tree species, fruit-bearing trees, mangroves, and other suitable species will be planted in urban areas, public spaces, schools, forests, watersheds, and coastal communities in the

online spread of graphic content related to the incidents and coordinate with social media platforms for possible content removal or restriction.

L ocal police units were also instructed to conduct dialogues with school officials, parents, and student leaders on school safety and responsible social media use.

N artatez said the incidents should prompt a broader discussion on the responsibility of social media users and the need for a more humane response to children affected by violence.

We ask the public and the media to refrain from sharing identifying photos or personal details of the children involved. Let us respond with urgency, compassion, and respect for human rights. Protecting our children means protecting their dignity even in the most difficult circumstances,” he stressed.

Monitor video games

NARTATEZ said the PNP will work with the Cybercrime and Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) for intensified monitoring of video games and online applications that may expose minors to violent

behavior and safety risks.

T his  move comes as the police examine possible connections between the open-world gaming platform GoreBox and one of the minor suspects in the fatal shooting incident in Tacloban City that killed three students and injured 20 others.

As law enforcers, we also have the obligation to initiate measures that will protect all our kababayan particularly minors, from the harmful effects of exposure to online violence. And this is what we intend to do on this matter,” he added.

H e said the ACG will take the lead in the coordination not only with the CICC but also with other government agencies and stakeholders.

P olice records showed that GoreBox, an open-ended sandbox game featuring weapons, environments, and physics systems that allow users to create or destroy scenarios, has already been flagged and is under prohibition by concerned authorities.

THE National Maritime Council (NMC) has doubled down on the Philippines’ defense of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, declaring that the landmark ruling remains legally binding and continues to guide the country’s maritime policy nearly a decade after it was handed down.

B acking the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the NMC said the Philippines’ maritime rights are anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and reinforced by the 2016 award that invalidated key aspects of China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines’ position remains clear and consistent. Our maritime rights and entitlements are grounded in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [Unclo], and affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the council said.

The statement came a day after the DFA rejected assertions by the Chinese Embassy in Manila questioning the validity of the Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea that overlap with territories within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The NMC stressed that the award

THE growing convergence of drug trafficking and other transnational crimes calls for stronger parliamentary cooperation in Southeast Asia, a lawmaker said.

Bu kidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith T. Flores underscored this on Wednesday as he opened the Ninth Meeting of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (Aipacodd) in Manila.

Flores, who chairs the meeting, welcomed delegates from Asean member parliaments and emphasized the importance of this year’s discussions as the Philippines prepares to host the 47th Aipa General Assembly in November.

He said drug trafficking in the region continues to evolve and is increasingly intertwined with broader security challenges.

“ Your presence here today reflects our commitment to advance this year’s theme, ‘Strengthening Asean Parliamentary Cooperation to Respond to the Convergence of Drug Trafficking and Related Crimes,’” Flores said.

continues to provide legal clarity on the interpretation and application of Uncls, including the legal status of maritime features, the maritime entitlements of coastal states, and the invalidity of maritime claims that are inconsistent with the convention. A decade after its issuance, the Award continues to provide legal clarity on the interpretation and application of Unclos,” it said.

A s the Philippines prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of the ruling on July 12, the council underscored the award’s significance beyond the South China Sea dispute, describing it as a demonstration that international disputes can be addressed and resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

T he council also reiterated the country’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes while safeguarding its lawful maritime rights and interests.

“ Upholding the Arbitral Award is not an obstacle to constructive relations among nations; rather, it strengthens legal certainty, promotes responsible State behavior, and contributes to regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” it said.  Rex Anthony Naval with PNA

country’s 1,642 cities and towns.

Together with conservation partners and the local governments [LGUs], DENR’s nationwide effort will cover 1,538.11 hectares of land, contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and climate resilience,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.

T he activity on June 25 will mobilize over 188,000 participants from government agencies, LGUs, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and local communities, demon -

strating broad public support for environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Cu na will lead the tree-planting activity at the Gomburza National Monument on Padre Burgos Avenue in Manila.

A nchored on the theme “Luntiang Bukas,” this year]s celebration will highlight the role of every Filipino in creating greener, healthier, and more climateresilient communities through collective action.

RANKING Department of National Defense (DND) officials expressed gratitude to the South Korean government and its defense industry for their continued support of the ongoing Armed Forces (AFP) Modernization Program.

T his was emphasized during the 27th Philippines–Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation held in Mandaluyong City.

F ilipino and South Korean officials discussed advanced defense modernization, logistics cooperation, and defense industry development during the meeting.

D efense Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Rene Raoul Rommel D.C. Honasan,

“ The Philippines recognizes that the problem of illegal drugs has become increasingly transnational, adaptive, and technology-driven and that no nation can confront these challenges alone. These developments require our governments and institutions to adopt coordinated and forward-looking responses to safeguard regional stability and promote the welfare of our nations,” he said.

H e also highlighted the role of Aipacodd as a venue for Asean lawmakers to exchange best practices and strengthen regional cooperation.

“ This meeting provides an important platform for Asean parliamentarians to exchange best practices, strengthen regional cooperation, and reinforce the bonds of friendship among our nations. Through open discussion and mutual cooperation, we can develop policies that are both effective and humane-policies that protect our communities while upholding human dignity, public health, and the rule of law.”

T he Philippines currently holds the Aipa presidency and will host the 47th Aipa General Assembly in November 2026 under the theme “Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous, and People-Centered Asean.” The Aipacodd meeting is among the key preparatory activities leading to the Assembly.

Distinguished delegates, the problem of illegal drugs transcends national borders, undermines public safety, threatens the well-being of our peoples, and adversely affects all sectors of society. Across Southeast Asia, we continue to witness the alarming expansion of the methamphetamine market, the emergence of new synthetic substances, and the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods,” he added.  Flores stressed that no country can effectively address the problem on its own.

Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Philippine Head of Delegation, co-chaired the meeting with Defense Acquisition Program Administration (Dapa) Vice Minister Il Dong Kim of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The meeting follows the recent state Visit of South Korea President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines, during which defense cooperation was identified as a key area of bilateral collaboration, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. H onasan highlighted the growing strength of Philippines–ROK defense relations and underscored the importance of practical cooperation in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

Swedish companies optimistic on PHL but fret over corruption

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

SWEDISH companies operating in the Philippines remain optimistic about the country’s growth prospects, but concerns over corruption, regulatory issues and infrastructure gaps continue to weigh on business confidence, according to the latest Swedish-Philippine Business Climate Survey.

The survey showed that while direct exposure to corruption among Swedish firms remains limited, perceived risks remain high, particularly in dealings involving government agencies.

J ohan Lennefalk, Swedish Trade Commissioner to the Philippines, said the difference between direct and perceived exposure comes from how companies assess the overall business environment, even without personally experiencing corrupt practices.

L ennefalk also acknowledged that recent corruption issues in the Philippines, including controversies involving public infrastructure projects, may have affected business sentiment as companies become more cautious in making decisions.

People, of course, read that in the news also and feel that there is uncertainty,” he said.

He added that concerns over possible consequences of business decisions may slow down processes as companies become more careful before committing investments.

to qualified local partners.

F urther, Swedish companies have maintained a strong presence in the Philippines, with many companies operating in the country for decades while newer entrants have also expanded in recent years.

A round 70 Swedish companies are currently present across sectors such as retail, information technology and business process outsourcing, life sciences, machinery and industrial technology, mining, energy, defense, and digitalization.

relationships, stakeholder engagement, and sales capabilities.

The Swedish brand also remains an advantage, with around 80 percent of respondents saying it positively contributes to their business performance, particularly due to perceptions of quality, innovation, and reliability.

Napocor assures return to service of all Mindanao hydropower plants by August

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

TH owever, companies remain more cautious about the overall business environment compared with previous years due to regulatory inefficiencies and infrastructure constraints.

It could be that the company itself don’t have a proof of it, but that’s the feeling in the market,” Lennefalk told reporters on the sidelines of the report presentation in Makati City.

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ALAWMAKER has backed the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) call for the Villar Group to act promptly on a proposed right-of-way usage agreement (ROWUA), warning that further delays could derail the timely completion of the multibillion-peso LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.

L as Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos welcomed the DOTr’s decisive move, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to finally push the project forward.

The DOTr stressed the urgency of finalizing the agreement, noting that continued inaction from the Villar Group could further delay the construction of the planned Las Piñas

More

He said companies may also form perceptions based on industry experiences, market conversations or situations where they believe business decisions may not have been based solely on competitiveness. It could be a subtle feeling,” he added, noting that corruption concerns remain a broader challenge across Southeast Asia.

Despite these challenges, Swedish companies continue to view the Philippines as a strategic growth market, supported by long-term economic fundamentals, including a large and young consumer base and growth potential.

The survey showed that twothirds of Swedish companies in the Philippines plan to increase investments over the next 12 months, while four out of five respondents expect higher turnover this year compared with last year.

T he Business Climate Survey also found that Swedish companies consider the Philippine workforce and business culture as the country’s biggest strengths, followed by access

A mong the key areas identified for improvement were digitalization, infrastructure development, and reforms aimed at making it easier to conduct business.

Moreover, the survey noted that Swedish companies in the Philippines are more concentrated on sales, marketing, after-sales services, and customer support rather than manufacturing and research and development activities. Their competitiveness is largely driven by cost efficiency, customer

Meanwhile, sustainability continues to gain importance, although adoption remains gradual. Swedish firms reported strong compliance with human rights and labor standards, while industrial and consumer-facing companies observed increasing awareness of environmental considerations among customers.

However, sustainability has yet to become a major purchasing factor in the Philippine market, with companies saying adoption is still largely influenced by regulations and cost considerations.

T he Swedish-Philippine Business Climate Survey is conducted by Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in Manila to assess opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in markets worldwide.

T he latest Philippine edition gathered responses from 38 Swedish companies.

Lawmaker backs DOTr call for Villar Group to act on Rowua for LRT-1 extension project

Station, drive up project costs, and prolong setbacks in the long-delayed railway project.

It said the government has already exhausted efforts and maintained good faith coordination with landowners regarding the proposed station site at the intersection of C-5 Extension and Tramo Road.

The agency warned that any further delay in securing the agreement could force the government to revert to the previously approved 2022 station alignment—triggering another round

of redesigns, feasibility studies, and technical assessments that could extend the project timeline by at least two years.

T he LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, which has spanned five administrations—from Joseph Estrada to President Marcos – is seen as a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at easing travel between Metro Manila and Cavite.

Marcos earlier directed the DOTr to immediately resolve issues affecting the project’s construction and operations, instructing concerned

than 130K beneficiaries in CV get P.5 billion assistance from govt

By Carmel Pedroza

CEBU CITY—More than half a billion pesos in financial assistance and support programs have been extended to over 130,000 beneficiaries across Central Visayas as government agencies and local governments intensified efforts to cushion the impact of rising economic pressures linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Th e assistance package report, consolidated by the Department of Economy, Planning and Develop -

ment in Region 7 (DEPDev-7), was presented during the joint meeting of the Regional Uplift Committee (RUC) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) on Wednesday morning, highlighting ongoing interventions for transport workers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, tourism workers, and other vulnerable sectors.

D EPDev-7 Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro said that they have gathered reports from seven regional government agencies and three local government units that

have mobilized resources to provide relief and livelihood support to affected sectors.

A mong the national government agencies that disbursed the largest funding was the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7 (DSWD-7), whose assistance package amounted to P363.56 million. DSWD7 achieved an 86-percent utilization rate and benefited 72,722 transport drivers and OFWs.

Of the amount, more than P362 million was distributed through cash relief assistance to 72,495 transport sector drivers, while P1.135 million was released to 227 distressed OFWs.

N acario-Castro said DSWD’s implementation was supported by its Hapsay campaign, efficient payout systems, and technology-driven beneficiary tracking mechanisms.

T he Department of Labor and Employment (Dole)-7 disbursed 98 percent of its P25.81-million allocation, reaching 29,991 beneficiaries.

Th rough its Tupad Tuloy-Pasada program, Dole assisted 3,037 drivers and transport operators. It also implemented the P20-per-kilo rice initiative, benefiting 26,954 minimum wage earners across the region.

However, the agency noted challenges involving data management, supply chain delays, and documentation bottlenecks.

agencies to remove bottlenecks and ensure continuous implementation.

T he directive came after Santos raised concerns over delays, particularly the obstruction caused by the C-5 Quirino Flyover, which affects the alignment of the railway extension.

“ I thank Secretary Lopez for his immediate action on this matter.

This is a significant step toward resolving the issues that have stalled the LRT-1 Cavite Extension for years,” Santos said.

T he Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW7) also recorded an 88.5-percent to 100-percent utilization rate for its P16.25-million fund.

The agency deployed P12 million under its Aksyon Fund for medical assistance, burial aid, and emergency relief for distressed OFWs. Reintegration and livelihood initiatives were also implemented through various support programs for returning migrant workers.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)-7 completed 100 percent implementation of its Layag Program under the Department of Transportation’s response measures.

Marina also rolled out policy interventions that reduced shipping rate adjustments and temporarily eased compliance requirements to help maritime operators cope with rising costs.

T he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 continued monitoring prices and supply conditions while facilitating logistics and supply chain consultations. It also provided financing assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp).

The agency identified rising logistics costs, supply chain disruptions, and financing constraints as key concerns affecting businesses.

For its part, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)-7 has begun implementing skills training programs for OFWs using its P286,344 allocation, although training activities remain ongoing.

He emphasized that commuters in Las Piñas, Cavite, and nearby areas have long awaited a modern and efficient railway system.

“Our commuters should no longer suffer because of avoidable delays. We owe it to the public to ensure that this vital transport project is completed as soon as possible,” he added.

This project has been decades in the making. It is time for all stakeholders to work together and put the welfare of commuters above all else,” Santos said.

HE National Power Corporation (NPC) on Wednesday assured that Mindanao’s key hydropower assets, which have been offline owing to technical problems, will fully return to service in August. The state firm is the sole operator of the Agus and Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plants (APHPPs), which consists of seven runof-river hydroelectric power plants located in Southern and Central Mindanao with a combined installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW). However, only up to 700MW are operational owing to ageing infrastructure. NPC said the shutdowns, with some “planned, extended, and some emergency due to different technical reasons,” are expected to end by August 20, 2026. This timeline is projected to securely meet the region’s power demands.

Agus 1 (unit 1 & 2) and Pulangi 4 (unit 2) will be online on June 26, 2026; Pulangi 4 (unit 1) on June 30, Agus 6 (unit 4) on July 17, and Agus 5 (unit 1)—August 20. By August 20, our Agus and Pulangi plants will be in full operation, which will address all the necessary power needs and committed power needs,” NPC president Jericho Jonas Nograles said.

T he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) likewise extended its gratitude to NPC for “stepping up to keep the grid reliable” amid the “rising demand and several generating units being offline as scheduled.”

“ We sought assistance with the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric power plants [and] through your efforts, we successfully managed the 450 MW maximum export from Mindanao to the Visayas grid. We know this was no small feat...your exceptional coordination and technical expertise ensured that Agus and Pulangi power plants remain operational when they were needed the most,” NGCP stated in a written letter addressed to NPC.

Aside from ensuring technical maintenance of the complex, NPC’s Mindanao generation team has began implementing measures to sustain optimal generation in preparation for the worst-case scenarios in the duration of El Niño between June 2026 and early 2027.  In addition, the state firm has started preparations for its massive watershed rehabilitation in aid of improving hydrology for hydroelectric power plants it manages in Luzon and Mindanao.

Cebu extends P35-M assistance to earthquake-hit Mindanao areas

EBU CITY—The Cebu

Cprovincial government has extended P35 million in financial assistance to local governments in Mindanao affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region on June 8, with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro personally delivering the aid to beneficiaries on Tuesday.

B aricuatro flew to General Santos City and Sarangani province to personally hand over the assistance.

The largest allocations went to General Santos City and Sarangani province, which received P10 million each. The assistance was formally turned over to General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and Sarangani Gov. Ruel Pacquiao during separate ceremonies.

A dditional financial support was provided to other affected provinces.

So uth Cotabato received P5 million through Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office representative Rolly Doanne Aquino, while Davao del Sur was allotted P5 million, accepted by Provincial Administrator Herbert Gonzales.

D avao Occidental, likewise, received P5 million, represented by Provincial Administrator Brette Bautista and Board Member and Association of Barangay Chairmen

(ABC) President Bianca Ricci Bautista Navara.

D uring her visit, Baricuatro also met with local officials and representatives of the beneficiary local governments to discuss the status of rehabilitation efforts and the challenges faced by communities recovering from the powerful quake.

T he governor expressed confidence that affected areas would recover through cooperation and perseverance, noting that Cebu itself has experienced major disasters in the past and understands the difficulties of rebuilding damaged communities.

S he also conveyed Cebu’s gratitude to Mindanao residents and local governments that had previously extended assistance to the province during times of need.

A ccording to Baricuatro, the financial aid serves as a gesture of solidarity and appreciation.

The P35-million assistance forms part of Cebu’s broader response to the earthquake.

E arlier this month, the provincial government dispatched relief supplies to affected areas, including food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and a water tanker to support displaced families and communities struggling with disrupted basic services. Carmel Pedroza

SC voids GSIS rule on secondary beneficiaries

By Joel R. San Juan | @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court (SC) has barred the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) from excluding secondary beneficiaries from receiving survivorship benefits of deceased members who had at least three but less than 15 years of service.

In a 16-page ruling written by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, the Court Third Division held that the GSIS exceeded its authority when it issued Section 24.2.2 of the revised implementing rules (IRR) of Republic Act 8291 or The Government Service Insurance Act of 1997 (GSIS Act).

The SC held that the said rule is “ultra vires” or was issued beyond the GSIS’s rule-making authority since it contradicts Section 21 ( c ) of the RA 8291.

Section 21(c) provides that a secondary beneficiary is entitled to survivorship benefits provided that:

(l) there is no primary beneficiary; (2) the secondary beneficiary meets the dependency requisites under the law; (3) the member was in govermment service at the time of his or her death; and (4) the member has rendered at least three years of service.

T he Court pointed out that

PHL…

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As the AFP continues its modernization efforts, we appreciate the support of the Republic of Korea and the continued interest of Korean defense companies in supporting the AFP Modernization Program,” Honasan said.

T he JCM built on the outcomes of the 26th JCM held in Busan, South Korea in February 2025, which emphasized long-

DENR…

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T he Arbor Day celebration likewise supports the DENR’s Five Million Trees Program and the implementation of Local Government Unit Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs), advancing long-term efforts to restore ecosystems and expand green spaces throughout the country. To promote transparency and showcase nationwide participation, local activities will be documented through geo-tagged photographs and shared through a nationwide social media live relay, highlighting the scale of community involvement and environmental action across the archipelago.

O bserved every June 25 pursuant to Republic Act 10176, Philippine Arbor Day serves as a nationwide call to action for environmental protection, forest restoration, and sustainable development by encouraging government agencies, local governments, organizations, institutions, and individual citizens to participate in tree-growing activities.

Violent…

Section 24.2.2 of the Revised IRR imposes an additional requirement of least 15 years of creditable service.

R A 8291 defines primary beneficiaries as “the legal dependent spouse until he lor she remarries and the dependent children.”

O n the other hand, secondary beneficiaries are defined as “the dependent parents and, subject to the restrictions on dependent children, the legitimate descendants.”

“ Rather than faithfully implementing the enabling statute, it imposes additional requirements on secondary beneficiaries to qualify for survivorship benefits that are not required by law,” the SC said.

“Accordingly, Section 24.2.2 of the Revised IRR of Republic Act 8291 must be struck down for being ultra vires, insofar as it is inconsistent with the enabling statute,” it added.

term sustainment, lifecycle management of defense systems, logistics support, technology transfer, and defense industry cooperation.

I n this iteration, discussions focused on advancing sustainment and maintenance initiatives for existing defense platforms, strengthening logistics support mechanisms, enhancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, expanding technology and knowledge exchanges, and exploring opportunities for greater cooperation in defense industry

Beneficiaries…

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T he Department of Tourism (DOT)-7, in partnership with Dole, assisted 1,001 tourism workers affected by economic disruptions through targeted Tupad deployments and beneficiary profiling.

L ocal governments also rolled out substantial support measures.

T he Cebu Provincial Government reported that between 30 percent and 50 percent of its P485-million assistance fund has been utilized, benefiting more than 8,138 drivers, farmers, and vulnerable residents through programs such as Bigay Bigas sa Masa, Tabang Pangbiyahe, and the provincial rice assistance initiative.

T he province also highlighted reforms that reduced processing time for provincial financial assistance from three months to just 20 days, alongside efforts to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

I n Bohol, the City Government

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T he Court ruling stemmed from the denial of GSIS of the application for survivorship benefits filed by Petronilo B. Laroco following the death of his daughter, Cristie C. Laroco.

At the time of her death, Cristie was a government employee, particularly a teacher at Camp Crame Elementary School.

S he rendered a total of 13 years in government service and had paid premiums to GSIS for a period of 12 years.

T he GSIS denied Laroco’s application based on Section 24.2.2 of the IRR.

T he agency declared that Laroco was not qualified to receive survivorship benefits because he was not a primary beneficiary of Cristie.

I t ruled that as a secondary beneficiary, Laroco may only receive survivorship benefits if the deceased member had rendered at least 15 years of service in the government.

L aroco appealed the GSIS decision before the Court of Appeals which ruled against him in a decision issued on January 25, 2023.

T his prompted him to seek redress before the SC which ruled in his favor and set aside the CA decision.

T he Court affirmed Laroco’s argument that Section 24.2.2 of the IRR unlawfully amended the GSIS Act by removing the right of secondary beneficiaries to receive survivorship benefits under the conditions expressly

development and capability sustainment.

B oth sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in research and development, training and human resource development, supply chain resilience, infrastructure support, and other areas that contribute to long-term defense readiness and self-reliance.

S outh Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee SangHwa also attended the meeting, highlighting the continued growth of bilateral defense relations and

of Tagbilaran disbursed between 63.6 percent and 81.3 percent of its P56.35-million allocation, reaching some 27,000 households, drivers, and fishermen.

The City Government of Talisay in Cebu, likewise, completed 90 percent to 100 percent disbursement of its P5.997-million fund, assisting more than 429 farmers, fisherfolk, and local commuters.

T he assistance programs form part of the Central Visayas Regional Uplift Response Framework, which was formally adopted by the RUC to mitigate the effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict and related economic disruption.

D EPDev-7 Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña said the framework serves as the region’s roadmap for resilience during crises and economic shocks.

T he framework is anchored on four strategic pillars: saving lives, supporting affected and vulnerable sectors, ensuring affordable and reliable fuel and power, and keeping food and medicine prices within reach.

“ The framework aims to protect

on the connection between exposure to online violence of the minors to their behavior in the school and in the community.

This is the reason, according to him, why coordination with stakeholders, particularly from the academe and

recognized by the law.

T he SC stressed that although the GSIS had good intentions to address the “unequal situation” under the law, where the three-year government service requirement for survivorship benefit under Section 21 is unfair and disadvantageous to other members who are required to render at least 15 years of service before qualifying for pension, it cannot simply change the GSIS Act through a mere administrative issuance.

The SC added that the law already treats beneficiaries differently based on the members’ years of service.

It pointed out that under the law those who served at least 15 years receive survivorship pension, while those who served at least three but less than 15 years are entitled to a cash payment equivalent to 100 percent of their average monthly salary for each year of service for which contributions were paid.

By promulgating Section 24.2.2 of the IRR, the SC said the GSIS effectively assumed Congress’ lawmaking authority: If the GSIS genuinely believes that the provisions of the GSIS Act on survivorship benefits need to be amended, the SC said it should call the attention of the Congress.

T hus, the Court remanded Laroco’s case to the GSIS Committee on Claims for the computation of the benefits payable to Laroco.

the expanding opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

H onasan emphasized that the JCM serves as an important platform for translating strategic partnership into concrete initiatives that directly contribute to the modernization and operational readiness of the AFP.

“ These outcomes continue to serve as the foundation of our shared efforts to enhance defense capabilities and deepen cooperation between our two countries,” he concluded. Rex Anthony Naval

communities, sustain livelihoods, stabilize the regional economy, and strengthen our collective capacity to recover, adapt, and thrive,” Bretaña said.

S peaking before regional officials and development partners, Central Visayas RDC Chairperson and Cebu Gov, Pamela Baricuatro emphasized the importance of coordinated action in addressing inflationary pressures, livelihood risks, and global uncertainties.

Our people will not measure us by the number of meetings we hold, but by the quality of decisions we make and the results they feel in their daily lives—better services, safer communities, stronger livelihoods, and more sustainable growth,” Baricuatro said.

S he also called on government agencies, local governments, and development partners to align their programs and investments with the Central Visayas Regional Physical Framework for 2026-2050, which will guide long-term development planning and resilience-building efforts across the region.

advocacy groups, is important. “Advocacy groups and other stakeholders usually possess a plethora of research and study results on this particular subject matter—and they fully know what they are talking about,” Nartatez noted.

NBI set to file humantrafficking charges against Defensor over KTV bar operation

IRECTOR Melvin Matibag

Dof the National Bureau of Investigation said the agency is set to file a humantrafficking complaint against former Quezon City congressman Michael Defensor.

At a news conference, Matibag said the charges stemmed from the raid conducted by NBI operatives at the Chicago Family KTV in Pasig City last April where several women believed to be victims of sex trafficking were rescued.

M atibag said the complaint will be filed on Friday before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office following  several months of investigation which allegedly showed Defensor’s connection to the operations of the KTV and Bleu Hotel, where the women were allegedly being brought for trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The NBI earlier claimed that Bleu Hotel is owned by Zerrin Development Corporation, where Defensor’s wife Julie Rose and child Miguel Gabriel, were listed as president and treasurer, respectively.         Human-trafficking charges have already been filed before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office against Julie

and Miguel Gabriel.     J ulie has branded Matibag’s accusations “baseless” and “malicious.”

S he also tagged as “political attack” the filing of a case against them which left 1,000 employees jobless.

It appears that Mike Defensor was indeed involved in this matter,” Matibag said.   It was observed that the design, the original design of this compound, was changed to suit their plan, which was actually human trafficking,” he added.

The NBI presented to the media the blueprint of the Chicago KTV Bar and the adjoining Bleu Hotel to prove that the design of the compound was altered to allow human trafficking activities.    Defensor, in his video posted on Facebook, denied Matibag’s allegations, noting that building officials of the Pasig City government  approved the establishment’s building plan.

A side from Defensor, the NBI director said the bureau will file a crime of solicitation against Wack Wack Golf and Country Club president Lawrence Tan, who was allegedly among those caught during the raid. Joel R. San Juan

P97-B flows into Peza’s green push

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has approved more than P97 billion worth of investments from renewable energy and solar manufacturing firms as the agency ramps up efforts to position economic zones as hubs for green industries and sustainable manufacturing.

P eza Director General Tereso Panga said the agency has so far registered 21 renewable energy and solar-related enterprises, generating cumulative investments exceeding P97 billion and creating more than 1,300 jobs for Filipino workers.

The projects are already operational or in various stages of implementation within Peza-registered zones, covering not only solar manufacturing but also other renewable energy-related activities.

They are already up and running because they are already registered with us,” Panga told reporters on Wednesday on the sidelines of an energy forum event, noting that the investments span different segments of the renewable energy value chain.

Yet, the investment promotion agency said policy reforms alone would not be enough to achieve the country’s energy transition goals, stressing the need for wider deployment of clean energy technologies across industrial zones.

A s part of these efforts, Peza said that it is working with the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank to transform economic zones into smart, resilient and eco-industrial hubs.

T he agency has also partnered with key energy developers and utilities to expand renewable energy use within its zones.

A mong these projects are microgrid and distributed energy initiatives being supported by Meralco, as well as solar developments being undertaken by Upgrade Energy Philippines, including planned 10-megawatt facilities in the Cavite and Baguio City economic zones.

Peza is likewise collaborating with the Philippine National Oil Company on the development of industrial parks powered by

embedded renewable energy systems, which are intended to attract energy-intensive locators. Beyond energy projects, the agency is expanding sustainability reporting and environmental governance initiatives across its ecozones.

T he agency worked with the Global Reporting Initiative and the Switzerland Embassy in the Philippines to develop the Sustainability Reporting Guide for Exporters (SuRGE) and its digital platform, E-SuRGE, which was launched earlier this month.

I n addition, Peza has partnered with Zeroboard, a Japan-based sustainability technology company, to help locators measure and disclose greenhouse gas emissions through digital reporting tools.

T he agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance to accelerate energy conservation initiatives in economic zones through Energy Service Company projects and the adoption of ISO 50001 energy management systems.

Panga said investor interest in renewable energy and sustainabilitylinked projects remains strong, aided by the inclusion of green investments among the priority activities under the government’s Strategic Investment Priorities Plan.

“ We continue to see strong momentum in renewable energy and green investments in the Philippines,” he said in his speech.

A6 Thursday, June 25, 2026

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Dueling narratives threaten US-Iran nuclear deal as 60-day clock ticks

By Munir Ahmed, David Rising & Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

SLAMABAD—The US and Iran

Iwere in dispute Tuesday over whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites. As officials negotiated over how to permanently end the war in Iran, a separate plan emerged to break the shipping bottleneck through the Strait of Hormuz.

The disagreement over nuclear inspections came as Iran’s president met with Pakistani mediators and technical teams from the US and Iran continued talks in Switzerland.

A United Nations agency said Tuesday that a plan was underway to move stranded ships and their thousands of crew members through the strait—a vital passage for global energy supplies that Iran had blocked after the US and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, told reporters in Tehran that U.N. inspectors were not scheduled to examine nuclear sites bombed by the US last year, rejecting comments made a day before by US Vice President JD Vance.

President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that if Iran had not agreed to inspections, he would cut off talks with Tehran immediately. But he added there was no rush for those inspections to begin.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has not responded to requests for comment over its possible role. It has been in and out of Iran since Israel’s 12-day war in 2025, but has not been granted access to bombed enrichment sites targeted by the US.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes,

though it has highly enriched uranium that could be used to build atomic bombs, should it choose to do so, the IAEA has said.

The US and Iran agreed to a deal last week that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium, and waives US-backed sanctions on the country while giving each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements.

Plan to evacuate stranded seafarers through Strait of Hormuz

THE plan to evacuate 11,000 crew members stranded on ships is being done in cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal states in the region, the United States and the maritime industry, according to the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez.

“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations,” he said in a statement.

The organization said moving the ships will be done gradually to avoid any risk of collision.

A shipping insurance executive cheered the development. “That

discussed a range of issues, including regional peace and economic cooperation, according to a statement from the presidency in Islamabad.

It was the Iranian president’s first visit since the US and Israel launched war on Iran. He said during a news conference after their meeting that there was no mention of Iran’s missile program in the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran.

“If it was not for Iran’s missile capabilities, our country would have been plundered and destroyed,” Pezeshkian said, vowing to “never compromise or negotiate our missile capabilities.”

can only be good news for all concerned,” said Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics for Marsh in London.

But the uneasy ceasefire already has been tested by Iran saying it closed the strait again over fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Violence again broke out in Lebanon Tuesday.

The US has said that negotiators have discussed “mechanisms” to ensure that the strait remains open. Ship traffic is increasing but questions remain about who controls the passageway.

Data and analytics company Kpler confirmed 39 ships crossed through the strait Monday, after about 92 crossings between Friday and Sunday. Prior to the war, roughly 100 ships a day made the journey.

Two US aircraft carriers were continuing to operate in the Middle East, the US military’s Central Command said.

Iran’s president makes his first visit to Islamabad since the war started IRANIAN President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif afterward said he will attend the Tehran funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the war’s opening airstrikes.

Iran says negotiations focused on sanctions relief, nuclear issues and more AT the start of a 60-day window to reach a permanent deal to end the war, Iran and the US agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to address the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Iran said the talks in Switzerland led to the creation of negotiation groups focused on sanctions relief, nuclear issues, reconstruction, and monitoring, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

The report quoted Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister leading the talks there, as saying the countries also formed a way to discuss ships moving through Hormuz.

In southern Lebanon Tuesday, Israeli soldiers opened fire and killed two people. That followed two days of calm after a ceasefire brokered Saturday. Any renewal of heavy fighting could threaten

See “Nuclear,” A7

Ukraine says it hit a railway bridge to Crimea, seeking to isolate the Russian-held peninsula

By Illia Novikov The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—Ukraine said Tuesday its forces struck a railway bridge, a power plant and other key infrastructure targets in Crimea as Kyiv’s military seeks to isolate the vital Russian-held peninsula in the latest stage of the 4-year-old war.

The drone attacks added to the woes on the Black Sea peninsula, where Russian authorities have had to suspend gasoline sales to civilians as Ukraine has intensified its recent campaign to disrupt supply lines and the electrical grid at the height of the summer tourist season.

The peninsula was seized by force and illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range strikes has highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and put added pressure on the Kremlin while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt, Western analysts and officials say.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said last week that his forces are “isolating Crimea with drones.”

“It looks like in the nearest time, Crimea will become an island. This could lead to some very unexpected consequences for Russians,” Fedorov said on a blogger’s YouTube channel.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had been warned that Ukraine aimed to disrupt energy supplies and Russia’s tourism industry. He didn’t say who gave the warning.

Ukrainian drones “coming in a huge stream” seek to “destabilize” Russian society, Putin said.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Putin on Tuesday that officials were considering suspending diesel fuel exports to protect the country’s motorists, adding to ongoing bans on the export of jet fuel and gasoline, according to the Tass news agency. Novak also said scheduled maintenance at refineries had been postponed.

Ukraine also has hit targets near to the Kremlin in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city this month.

Parts of Crimea are without power

UKRAINE’S Defense Ministry said drones struck an oil storage depot at the Kerch thermal power plant in eastern Crimea, an electrical substation in the west, and a liquefied natural gas distribution station in Simferopol, the peninsula’s secondbiggest city.

In addition, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces said their units, working with what it said was the resistance movement in Crimea, destroyed a rail bridge over the North Crimean Canal near the village of Rozdolne.

The military described the span as a key logistics route used to supply Russian forces in southern Ukraine and said drones began hitting the structure late Sunday to Monday, collapsing part of it. A second strike early Tuesday targeted railway repair equipment deployed at the bridge and its remaining sections, it said on Telegram.

It was not possible to independently verify the Ukrainian claims, and Russian officials made no immediate comment.

Parts of Crimea were without power Tuesday, the area’s energy supplier said. But it attributed the outages to “technical malfunctions” in local electrical grids and said it expected power to be restored within 24 hours.

The diamond-shaped peninsula is important because of its naval bases and beaches, as well as its strategic location in the Black Sea. Russia has spent centuries fighting for it.

Russian-appointed officials in Crimea have appeared reluctant to discuss attacks on the peninsula, but new security measures suggest deepening tension.

See “Ukraine,” A7

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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the broader diplomatic talks, since Iran has demanded that a full truce in Lebanon be part of any comprehensive deal.

Israel occupies part of Lebanon and insists it must be able to attack militants launching attacks into northern Israel.

The Israeli military said troops fired at four Hezbollah members who were riding a bulldozer and a motorcycle and had entered a security zone and failed to stop despite warning shots. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the two men were killed next to a bulldozer clearing a road.

No Israeli airstrikes or shelling have been reported since Sunday and Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks in what has been the longest halt in the fighting since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war erupted in March.

Netanyahu raises new questions over fragile Lebanon ceasefire

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that his military still has “full freedom of action” in Lebanon to thwart any threats.

Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the US-Iran deal. Netanyahu has vowed

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Its Ministry of Sport on Tuesday canceled all sporting events, competitions, and training sessions for children through Sept. 1. It described the measures as “aimed solely at ensuring the safety of our children, athletes, and anyone who is involved with sport.”

On Monday, Gov. Sergei Aksyonov said that for security reasons, all summer camps in the region had stopped accepting children and new bookings until Sept. 1.

Successes against Russia boost Ukrainian morale

ON the front line in eastern Ukraine, where Russia’s war of attrition has made slow and costly advances since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has deployed cutting-edge drone technology to keep the enemy pinned down.

Meanwhile, its medium-range drones have also disrupted Russia’s supply lines to the front, and its long-range strikes have increasingly damaged Russian oil facilities that provide vital revenue for the Kremlin’s war effort.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said Monday its forces have hit more than 800,000 enemy targets with drones since the beginning of the year and that 95% of drones used by the armed forces are domestically produced.

The successes have boosted Ukrainian

to keep his forces in southern Lebanon until threats to Israel are eliminated. Hezbollah has refused to halt attacks unless Israel commits to withdrawing.

When asked about Netanyahu’s comments, Trump said “we’re going to take a look at it,” adding that the situation would “get solved.”

The main highway leading south from Beirut was jammed Tuesday with people displaced from southern Lebanon returning to their homes. Among them was Hawraa Nour El-Din, from the village of Khirbet Selm.

“We don’t want the negotiations done by the government,” she said. “We want Iran to negotiate on our behalf, and we are returning victorious, whether everyone likes it or not.”

In Washington, the State Department said a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks began on Tuesday with both political and security issues on the agenda.

Rising reported from Bangkok and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Josh Boak, Matthew Lee in Washington, Mae Anderson in New York, and Seung Min Kim in Reading, Pennsylvania contributed to this report.

confidence, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says sustained foreign support is locked in to help stop Russia. Officials have shown renewed vigor in talking about the war.

Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Andrii Melnyk said Monday that Kyiv remained ready for direct talks with Russia to achieve a “just and lasting peace” based on the U.N. Charter, but warned that Ukraine’s willingness to compromise was not open-ended.

Melnyk said at a U.N. Security Council meeting that a ceasefire along the current front line already represented a major concession and urged Russia to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territory.

He also said recent Ukrainian strikes had altered the dynamics of the war, adding: “This is just the beginning.”

Russia’s top diplomat says Moscow will defend Belarus

MEANWHILE , the Kremlin is ready to “ensure the security” of its neighbor and ally Belarus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday, days after Zelenskyy demanded that Belarus remove relay equipment on its territory that Kyiv said aided Russian drone attacks.

The relay stations are used for signal transmissions to Russian drones attacking Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy. Lavrov told the Russian news agency Interfax that Kyiv was trying to drag Belarus into the conflict. Moscow, in fact, had used Belarus territory to launch its invasion of Ukraine.

Rubio in UAE to ease Gulf allies’ fears over Iran pact

By Matthew Lee AP Diplomatic Writer

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in the United Arab Emirates on the first leg of a three-nation tour of Gulf countries aimed at easing their concerns about the result of an agreement intended to end the war with Iran.

Rubio arrived in Abu Dhabi late Tuesday following a two-day flurry of diplomatic activity between the US and Iran in Switzerland led by Vice President JD Vance that resulted in what Vance says is a significant agreement to end all hostilities in the region, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide sanctions relief with negotiations on its nuclear program to be concluded in 60 days.

In the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain—all nations that Iran hit with missiles and drones in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes—Rubio will be holding meetings starting Wednesday with leaders who, in some cases, have taken a harder line on Iran recently than has the Trump administration.

In brief comments to reporters on his arrival, Rubio said he would explain the benefits of the agreement to the skeptical Gulf states if it is implemented. He said that a proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran would not become a reality unless “its leadership makes a decision that they want to be a country instead of a revolutionary movement that exports terror.”

Another complaint is that the agreement does not cover Iran’s missile program, its support for proxies and pushes off the

nuclear question until later.

Rubio argued, however, that the memorandum of understanding signed last week calls for the “complete end of hostilities and conflicts in the region,” which he said will require Iran to halt its funding of proxies like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

“You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflicts in a region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq, and are participating in terrorism, like Hamas did, and like Hezbollah did,” Rubio said. “So, I do think it’s covered by the MOU, and it is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations.”

The Emiratis, in particular, have been at the forefront of calls for tough action notably to ensure the reopening of the

Strait of Hormuz. There have been conflicting accounts of what the Memorandum of Understanding signed last week will mean for the strait, which the rest of the world wants open free of charge for all shipping. The US has been firm on that point, but the Iranians are moving ahead with a scheme that could charge service fees for passage that many believe would amount to a toll. Rubio said under no circumstances would the US accept that.

“It’s an international waterway,” he said. “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is.”

“I don’t think we have anybody to convince around here in that regard. I think all the countries in this region would agree with us,” he said.

Fears grow for civilians as paramilitary group closes in on Sudan’s strategic city

CBy Fatma Khaled The Associated Press

AIRO—Paramilitary attacks on a strategic city of a half-million people in central Sudan have raised international alarm that another round of mass violence against civilians is being planned as the country’s war surges into its fourth year.

“We must not allow the horrors of El Fasher to be repeated in El Obeid,” a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement.

More than 6,000 people were killed in three days last year when the Rapid Support Forces seized el-Fasher in an attack that U.N. experts said bore the “hallmarks of genocide.”

The U.N. Security Council has said it is alarmed by reports of “substantial” reinforcements by the RSF around el-Obeid in North Kordofan. The United States, Britain and some other European countries have warned of “escalating atrocity risks.”

RSF deployments around el-Obeid suggest preparations for an offensive to retake it and whether the city ultimately falls depends on several factors, experts told The Associated Press.

The RSF didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

El-Obeid is a strategic battleground in Sudan

THE city on Sudan’s main east-west road leading to the Nile Valley and the capital, Khartoum, is strategic for Sudan’s army as it battles the RSF. The military broke more than yearlong siege on the city early last year.

The city has a sprawling air base and is home to an infantry division.

“El Obeid is important beyond even the strategic implications because it shows what happens when you have two forces that are highly depleted attempting to gain advantage on the other in high proximity,” said Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health.

The RSF wants to control the road to Khartoum, which Sudan’s military retook last year, and its sister city, Omdurman, placing them again under threat, creating “havoc for civilians” and making it hard for humanitarian agencies returning to the capital area, Raymond said.

Experts said an attack on el-Obeid would be different from the one on elFasher, which followed an 18-month siege and where many killings were ethnically motivated.

“This is not a genocidal move, it’s a tactical one,” Raymond said, warning of

possible reprisal killings for those who are seen as allied with the military if the RSF retakes el-Obeid.

The RSF can isolate el-Obeid from multiple directions, but sustaining a siege would cost the paramilitary significant manpower, vehicles and military equipment, said Ali Mahmoud Ali, Sudan researcher with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project, or ACLED.

If the paramilitary manages to take and hold the city, the situation there “could deteriorate rapidly,” he said.

Residents live under the daily threat of drone strikes OVER recent months, el-Obeid has been subjected to brutal drone strikes by the RSF that have destroyed civilian infrastructure including power facilities and neighborhoods. Drone attacks halso have targeted bridges and key supply routes into the city, according to the U.N.

Taghreed al-Rashid, a 35-year-old resident reached by phone, said she feels reassured by the presence of army forces but is increasingly fearful of drone attacks targeting residential neighborhoods and markets. She said a recent strike on a power facility sparked a water crisis which has led her to pay $5 per barrel of water.

“We’re committed to staying in the city

despite our ongoing hardships because forced displacement is a bigger struggle,” al-Rashid said.

The ongoing drone attacks have increased the civilian death toll in the Kordofan region. At least 2,670 people including combatants and civilians were killed in 2025, marking a 600% increase in drone-related deaths and an 81% increase in drone attacks compared to the previous year, ACLED found.

Another el-Obeid resident, Magdy Abdou, said he is able to go to mosques and markets without difficulty but worries about further drone strikes on infrastructure.

Seizing the city would provide the RSF with a base to launch drones at far closer range.

The recent attacks on infrastructure have left civilians with scarce food, fuel, water, health services and transportation, said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office.

“Many civilians are trapped. Those who are able to flee are doing so. The imminent offensive must be halted, and civilians enabled to safely leave the city,” she said.

The Associated Press writer Yassir Abdallah in Shendi, Sudan, contributed to this report.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Lawmakers push back against rush to lower age of criminal responsibility after school shooting

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM & Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

LAWMAKERS from both chambers are pushing back against the rush to amend the juvenile justice law as a quick response to the shocking school shooting in Tacloban, Leyte that killed three and injured several others.

Akbayan Party focused on Senator Robin Padilla, who was the first to push to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 10 in the wake of the Tacloban school shooting. Akbayan accused him of exploiting a tragedy to advance a misguided proposal. Also pushing back hard against the proposal to lower the age for responsibility from 15 to 12 or 10 years is the author of the juvenile justice law, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

Akbayan’s Rafaelita David said, “ Gusto ni Robin ikulong ang mga 10-year-old, pero ang 64-year-old na si Bato dela Rosa naakusadong mass murderer aypinatakas niya. Preso para sa mga bata, pero takas para kay Bato? Anong klaseng pag-iisip yan?” David said.

[Robin wants to jail 10-year-olds, but he helped a 64-year old senator Bato dela Rosa, an accused mass murderer, escape. Jail for children, but escape for Bato? What kind of mindset is that]

In David’s view, jailing children who are too young and who cannot fully grasp right from wrong is not rehabilitation. Speaking partly in Filipino, she wondered aloud how, “in Robin’s case, he was already of age when he was jailed, did he change? Didn’t he break the law again in helping Bato escape?” David added, “How much more children, whose minds are still developing?”

Padilla, who served time for illegal possession of firearms, was pardoned by former President Duterte and then ran for senator.

At dawn of May 14, he helped Dela Rosa, who had been evading a reported arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in connection with Duterte’s dirty war on drugs, flee from the Senate premises. Dela Rosa had earlier sought “protective custody” from the Alan Peter Cayetano leadership he had helped install by casting the crucial vote on May 11 when he surfaced just to support the coup, after being absent for six months with pay.

Akbayan stressed that Padilla’s proposal rests on a false premise. “Has Robin read the law? The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act holds minors who commit crimes, especially heinous ones, accountable. In fact, minors aged 15 and above may be held criminally liable if proven to have acted

‘Alagang

with discernment, while those below 15 can be deprived of liberty as they undergo intensive intervention and rehabilitation programs,” David said.

Akbayan said it stands with victims and their families, but warned against exploiting public grief to justify draconian policies that could make schools and communities more unsafe. “We are one with the call for justice and accountability. At the same time, we push for the full funding and implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act so effective intervention, mental health support, quality education, and social services are in place. Children must also be kept away from dangerous weapons such as firearms, and parents must be held equally accountable for ensuring proper care and supervision, to prevent violence before it happens.” David said.

Kiko rues disinformation

MEANWHILE , Sen. Pangilinan emphasized that disinformation and misleading narratives surrounding the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) have contributed to widespread misconceptions that children in conflict with the law are being encouraged to commit crimes.

Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, provides for the implementation of comprehensive national and local juvenile intervention programs for children in conflict with the law.

It does not, in any way, empower children to commit crimes, the senator said.

“And there is really accountability under the law. . . . Many are spreading disinformation or wrong information that when one is a murder there is zero liability,” Pangilinan stressed during a Facebook Live with Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council Executive Director Atty. Tricia Oco on Tuesday.

“In fact, sa ilalim ng batas pagka pinakawalan mo yung menor de edad na nagkasala ay ito ay kontra sa batas at pwedeng panagutan, kasuhan itong mga nagsasabi at pinakakawalan ang mga nagkasala,” he added.

The lawmaker’s remarks come a day after the so-called Tacloban shooting, wherein two minor children opened fire at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, leaving three students dead and 20 others injured.

The suspects—aged 14 and 15—are now in police custody.

But the incident caused massive public backlash on the role of the schools and the government in preventing such attacks from happening, as well as concerns about seeking accountability from minor children.

The senator explained that the law, passed in 2006 under the Arroyo administration, does not exempt minors from

Kongreso’: House

desk delivers ₧171M in real help to 3,592 families in just 50 days

should be efficient and compassionate.

IBy Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

N just 50 days since opening its doors, the House of Representatives’ Suporta sa Bayan Desk (SBD) has approved 3,592 assistance requests and released P171.5 million to Filipinos in need. According to the SBD accomplishment report covering March 18 to June 22, 2026, the desk processed a total of 3,738 requests—3,103 from walk-in clients and 635 endorsed by House Members. Of these, 96 percent, or 3,592 requests, were approved. On average, the SBD served 72 clients daily. Approved assistance reached P175.8 million, with P171.5 million already disbursed to beneficiaries.

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said the figures reflect more than just numbers, emphasizing the real impact on Filipino families.

“Every single one of those 3,592 approvals is a Filipino family that didn’t have to go home empty-handed, patients who can now afford their medicines, their dialysis, their operation,” Dy noted. He stressed that government services

punishment and that parents may also be held accountable.

Both Oco and Pangilinan said that the release of minor suspects also violates the law.

Oco, however, pointed out that while some states in the United States have 10 years old as the minimum age of criminal liability, this did not address the numerous school shootings that gripped the nation in recent years. The minimum age of criminal liability under the JJWA is 15.

Yung sinasabi niyo, sir, na misinformation tsaka disinformation, yun yung tandaan natin. Huwag na huwag nating bigyan ng mga maling impormasyon yung mga bata,” Oco said.

Nakukuhadinnilayansasocial media. Kasi marami din pong discussion sa social media na dito daw nakuha ng mga bata. Kasi hindi po talaga totoo yun. Hindi totoo yun na pag meron kayong ginawang kasalanan, sorry, pakakawalan lang kayo,” she added. She called on adults to be responsible in guiding children and providing them with the correct information.

Pangilinan said that under the law, families of victims and survivors of crimes must receive psychosocial counseling and financial assistance from the government, with the local government unit serving as the “frontliner” in such cases.

Under the JJWA, children who commit offenses undergo intervention, diversion, and rehabilitation programs designed to prevent repeat offenses and help them reintegrate into society.

The law also holds parents, guardians, and communities accountable for ensuring the welfare and proper guidance of minors.

Lacson: Juvenile justice law needs revisiting after shooting THE Philippine Juvenile Justice Law may need to be revisited in light of recent violent incidents involving minors, including the fatal shooting at a school in Tacloban City last Monday, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Wednesday.

Lacson said the law’s provisions on criminal liability deserve renewed public discussion where age should not automatically exempt offenders from accountability, as he cited the gruesome murder case of a two-year-old boy in England in 1993.

“Our Juvenile Justice Law may really need revisiting and further discussion.

The February 12, 1993 Liverpool, England case of 2-year-old James Patrick Bulger who was abducted and murdered by two 10-year-old boys may convince us to reconsider age as an automatic exemption from criminal liability. Discernment to be proven beyond reasonable doubt by state prosecutors as per the latest SC

ruling should be safeguard enough to serve justice to all concerned,” he said in a post on X.https://x.com/iampinglacson/ status/2069665276669661552

In February 1993, two 10-year-old boys abducted, tortured and murdered two-year-old James Patrick Bulger. The case drew international attention while the conviction of the two boys prompted discussions on how legal systems should balance accountability, public safety and the rehabilitation of young offenders.

Last Monday, at least three were killed and several were wounded after two male students aged 14 and 15 fired several gunshots in the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

One of them reportedly used a 9-mm pistol owned by his aunt, a police staff sergeant. The other used a cal-.38 revolver registered to a Cebu-based security agency where his grandfather supposedly worked.

Police investigators were quoted as saying the two planned the attack as early as May 1, and had discussed the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act while planning the shooting.

Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council Executive Director Tricia Clare Oco said the law contains mechanisms to hold minors accountable while ensuring their rehabilitation.

On the other hand, the Philippine Supreme Court had ruled that there is a different standard in determining a minor’s culpability for crimes, hence the need for guidelines to streamline the discernment determination process for crimes involving children in conflict with the law.

In its ruling, the high court said there is no presumption that a minor acts with discernment. It added the prosecution must specifically prove as a separate circumstance that the alleged crime was committed with discernment.

“For a minor at such an age to be criminally liable, the prosecution is burdened to prove beyond reasonable doubt, by direct or circumstantial evidence, that he or she acted with discernment,” it said.

https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-setsguidelines-in-determining-discernmentin-crimes-involving-children-in-conflictwith-the-law/

Resumed classes

AS authorities continue their investigation, 57 public schools under Schools Division of Tacloban City have resumed classes on Wednesday following the tragic shooting incident on June 22.

Classes within the division were suspended to provide time for emotional processing, while heavily affected schools like San Jose Central School and Manlurip

Elementary School have shifted to education in emergencies (EiE) modalities while maintaining a temporary suspension at San Jose National High School until June 26, 2026.

In immediate response to the tragedy, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Tacloban City has convened emergency security meetings with school leaders and spearheaded the mobilization of critical Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial support services for affected learners, parents, and personnel in partnership with various government agencies and civic organizations.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said the tragic shooting incident in Tacloban City has underscored the need to further strengthen the systems that protect and support learners both inside and outside school, emphasizing that preventing violence requires early intervention, and sustained engagement from families, communities, and government institutions.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said the incident serves as a sobering reminder that children and young people may face challenges and circumstances that require timely support long before they escalate into crises.

“The tragedy in Tacloban is a painful reminder that learner protection requires constant vigilance and shared commitment. While investigations will establish the facts surrounding this incident, we must also ask what more can be done to better support our learners and strengthen protective systems around them,” Angara said.

“This is a conversation that must involve not only schools, but families, communities, local governments, and all institutions entrusted with the welfare of children,” he added.

Angara acknowledged that learner safety cannot be viewed solely through the lens of physical security. Effective protection also requires strong child protection mechanisms, mental health and psychosocial support, anti-bullying interventions, family engagement, and accessible pathways for learners who may be experiencing difficulties to seek help.

Angara has ordered a school-level review of the implementation of the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, as well as existing learner protection mechanisms under the Child Protection Policy (DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012), anti-bullying measures pursuant to the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627), and school-based mental health and psychosocial support programs.

DOE expands solar partnership to 15 LGUs, aiming to slash govt electricity bills

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

“When people approach the government in need of assistance, they should not be made to struggle. What we want is faster, more efficient, and more humane service. That is the goal of the Suporta sa Bayan Desk,” he said.

“When we established the Suporta sa Bayan Desk, we said this House would be a House of the People — ‘Alagang Kongreso’ — and in 50 days, P171 million in real help was delivered to many of our kababayan who are in need. That is what public service looks like,” he added.

Launched on March 17, 2026 and beginning operations on March 18 under the leadership of Dy and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos of Ilocos Norte, the SBD serves as a one-stop facilitation center. It assists applicants in completing documentary requirements before their requests are endorsed to partner agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH).

THE Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Wednesday it has expanded its “Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings” (SSG-ERPB) initiative, with six additional Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement rooftop solar and energy-efficient retrofits in public buildings.

This partnership brings the total to 15 Metro Manila local governments working to lower electricity costs and improve the resilience of public facilities. The cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, as well as the Municipality of

Pateros, joined the cities of Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela.

Under the agreement, participating LGUs commit to implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in government buildings, including energy-efficient retrofits, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, and other energy-saving initiatives consistent with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

“This growing partnership reflects a simple but important reality: every peso saved through energy efficiency and solar power is a peso that can be invested back into better public services.

By reducing electricity costs in government facilities, our local governments can

Over 180,000 Panay fisherfolk affected by habagat, bracing for El Niño—group

OVER 180,000 fisherfolk in Panay Island are already reeling from the impacts of the southwest monsoon or habagat and are now bracing for the El Niño phenomenon, the regional chapter of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalalaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) in Panay said. Pamalakaya-Panay said in a statement that the overlapping weather and climate phenomenon “will bring devastating impacts” to the livelihood of small fisherfolk and coastal residents in the island’s four provinces. Nathaniel Bagaut, PamalakayaPanay spokesperson, said the overlapping of the southwest monsoon and El Nino is unique and would have a devastating effect on fishing communities.

He said fishers expect the impact of these twin weather conditions to last for four months. For small fishermen, he said it means four months of uncertainty, as well.

Pamalakaya has been urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to mobilize its calamity assistance fund to mitigate the impacts of Habagat to the fishing sector. The fishers’ group warned that the Habagat might affect the fisheries production in the second half of the year.

Also known in coastal communities as sigwada, small fisherfolk are forced to suspend fishing activities due to bigger-than-normal waves and strong winds, which usually last from June to September. Jonathan L. Mayuga

Ex-PCP

president Leachon seeks TRO against suspension order

DR. Anthony C. Leachon, a past president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and an independent health reform advocate, has filed a Petition for Certiorari with the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City. The petition seeks to halt the enforcement of a six-month suspension recently imposed on him by the organization. The petition, which includes an application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Writ of Preliminary Injunction, was filed on June 19.

direct more resources toward healthcare, education, social services, and other programs that directly improve the lives of their constituents,” said DOE Secretary Sharon Garin. To accelerate local solar projects and reduce power costs, the DOE, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), issued a circular streamlining net-metering applications, mandating rapid three-day electrical permit processing for LGUs.

The DOE said the growing partnership with LGUs serves as a model for cities and municipalities across the country, illustrating how energy efficiency and renewable energy can advance good governance, strengthen fiscal sustainability, and deliver benefits.

“Despite this painful chapter, I extend my respect to the PCP—an institution I once had the honor of leading—and to the thousands of internal medicine specialists who uphold the noble traditions of our profession,” Leachon said. He stressed that his legal action is not intended to undermine the institution, but rather to defend the principles of fairness, due process, and truth.

“The credibility of a physician’s voice is everything. When reputation is unfairly tarnished, the causes we fight for are weakened,” he added.

Leachon maintained that his statements in Congress, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, courts, and public forums were made in good faith and aimed at promoting accountability and protecting the constitutional right to health, particularly for underprivileged Filipinos.

“I remain calm and unafraid because my conscience is clear,” he said.

The former PCP president emphasized that at this stage in his life, his focus is no longer personal

Bicolano ARBs learn climate-smart rice farming

BY Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Department of Agrar -

ian Reform (DAR) and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) have spearheaded climate-smart rice farming training for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to reap higher yields and reduce production costs.

Twenty-eight members of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) underwent intensive training on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)—a proven method that enables farmers to harvest more rice while using less water, fewer seeds, and reduced chemical inputs.

The initiative, conducted under DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity and Support Project (CRFPSP), equips ARBs with practical tools to adapt to climate change while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods.

DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III emphasized that the program reflects the agency’s com -

1.6-M

mitment to empowering farmers with modern technologies and sustainable practices. “By investing in climate-smart farming, we are not only improving productivity but also ensuring that our ARBs can thrive despite the challenges of a changing environment,” he said.

Held at CBSUA Agriville in Pili, Camarines Sur, the training featured modules on SRI principles, alternative wetting and drying (AWD), drone-assisted rice farming, and other climate-resilient techniques. Farmers also participated in field demonstrations and benchmarking activities led by CBSUA experts, giving them handson experience in applying the methods directly to their fields. For ARBs, the impact is clear— lower input costs, higher yields, and stronger resilience against climate risks. By bridging knowledge and technology, DAR and CBSUA are helping farmers transform traditional practices into sustainable enterprises that contribute to food security, rural economic growth, and community resilience.

seedlings set for Arbor Day planting in Region III

By Henry Empeño

ASINLOC, Zambales

M— Some 1.6 million seedlings will be planted in simultaneous treeplanting activities across Central Luzon in observance of Arbor Day on Thursday, June 25.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3 said volunteers from various community organizations, schools, local government units, and national agencies will plant the seedlings in identified sites throughout the region.

Region III, which is composed of the provinces of Aurora, Battan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, has one of the largest forest covers in the country with almost 44 percent of its total area classified as forest land.

DENR-III Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the project is part of efforts by the national government to expand forest cover, rehabilitate degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and improve the condition of critical watersheds throughout the country.

“Every tree planted today is an investment in the future of Central Luzon,” Pablo said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Beyond increasing forest cover, these trees will help secure our watersheds, protect biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and soil erosion, and strengthen our communities against the growing threats posed by climate change,” he added.

Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually on June 25 under Presidential Proclamation No. 643, which institutionalized tree planting as a nationwide activity.

DENR-III said its sustained forest restoration efforts under the Enhanced National Greening Program has already resulted in the planting of more than 88.4 million seedlings in

DOLE releases ₧55-M aid to 15,000 transport workers as fuel swings persist

a statement.

Central Luzon since the start of the program in 2011.

The agency has also completed the reforestation of more than 138,000 hectares of denuded and degraded lands across the region in the last 15 years.

Pablo said the largescale tree-growing effort is expected to generate long-term environmental benefits by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving water availability, restoring wildlife habitats, and increasing the capacity of ecosystems to withstand extreme weather events.

Here in Zambales, the DENR set last April the rehabilitation of more than 74 hectares of degraded forestlands in San Marcelino and Subic towns under a new five-year partnership with the Gala Aeta Kulihig Association Inc. and the AP Renewable Energy Corp. (Aprec).

The partnership involves seedling production, tree planting, plantation maintenance, and site protection under an agreement combining private funding, community action, and government oversight.

Last Monday, June 22, Pablo and other DENR-III officials also inaugurated an arboretum here in Masinloc to help preserve native tree species and support biodiversity conservation.

Masinloc Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Donaver Guevarra said the 7,712-sqm botanical facility contains more than 300 native trees, including almaciga, agoho, bitaog, palosapis, molave, dao, kalantas, narra, ipil, Mindoro pine, ilang-ilang, lapnisan, red nato, kalumpit, arangen, banaba, toog, tindalo, tuai, taluto, and white lauan.

Pablo said the Masinloc arboretum will serve as a “living classroom” where the public can learn, appreciate nature, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

By Mary Jade Jadormio

MORE than 15,000 transport workers have received government assistance as fuel price volatility continues to affect earnings in the public transport sector.

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said 15,044 workers have benefited from over P55.3 million in aid under the TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program as of June 22.

The program provides temporary employment and income sup -

port to drivers and other transport workers affected by fuel cost fluctuations.

Fuel prices have seen periodic rollbacks, but drivers remain exposed to sudden increases that affect daily take-home income.

Dole said the intervention is part of its response to ongoing economic pressure in the transport sector.

The program began in April and continues to be rolled out in several regions.

It is implemented with the Department of Transportation and

the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Under the scheme, transport workers are assigned temporary community work and paid wages to offset income loss from fuel costs.

The assistance reflects continued instability in global oil prices and its direct impact on daily transport operations.

Dole said the program also helps maintain basic transport services in affected areas.

“Fuel price movements continue to affect the daily earnings of transport workers,” Dole said in

“The program provides immediate income support while workers face uncertain operating conditions,” it added. The rollout has also expanded to maritime transport workers in Dinagat Islands and other parts of Eastern Visayas.

The expansion shows that fuelrelated pressure is not limited to road transport.

However, this program remains a stopgap measure as fluctuating fuel prices continue to shape transport incomes.

DOLE, TESDA sign pact to guarantee jobs for tech-voc graduates

IBy Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

N a move to guarantee that every technical-vocational scholar moves directly from the classroom into either a stable job or a fully funded community enterprise, the DOLE and TESDA have officially synchronized their flagship programs. The alignment was formalized during the ceremonial signing of the Supplemental Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Wednesday.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have aligned their flagship programs following the ceremonial signing of the Supplemental Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on Wednesday.

Underscoring both agencies’ commitment to strengthening convergence in employment facilitation, livelihood support, and technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs, DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino and TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez led the signing of

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has recovered 7.71 million liters per day (MLD) of water in Caloocan City following the completion of seven major pipe replacement projects implemented in 2025.

In a statement, Maynilad said the P889-million infrastructure investment involved replacing 37.7 kilometers of aging, leakprone pipelines along key roads, including Amparo, Quisimbing, Camarin Road, Gen. San Miguel, Zapote, Quirino Highway, and T. Bugallon.

House Desk. . .

Continued from A8

For his part, Marcos said the 96 percent approval rate demonstrates Congress’ ability to serve as a frontline partner in delivering social services.

“A 96-percent approval rate is not just a statistic — it is a guarantee that when someone who needs help enters the doors of SBD, they leave with a fighting chance,” Marcos said.

gain but the legacy he leaves behind as a physician, educator, and public health advocate.

“My greatest concern is the legacy

the agreement.

“This strengthened effort alongside DOLE builds the seamless pathways we aim for Training to Trabaho. We want to make sure that Filipino learners and workers are not left on their own after training. Dapat bigyan natin sila ng gabay at daan papuntang trabaho,” Benitez said, emphasizing that the strengthened DOLETESDA partnership is designed to ensure that government interventions translate into real opportunities for Filipinos.

“Tech-voc offers the shortest runway to employment. Kaya naman sa TESDA, kayang kaya ang trabaho agad ,” he added.

Likewise, Tolentino, who also serves as Chair of the TESDA Board, made his first official visit to TESDA since his appointment as DOLE Secretary, marking a renewed engagement between the two agencies under his dual role.

The signing marks a significant step in strengthening institutional convergence between the two agencies, building on Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2024, which first established a unified framework for coordinating employment

With the upgraded pipelines now in operation, over 165,000 residents in Barangays 165, 178, 179, and 188, as well as Barangays 1, 4–9, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21, are benefiting from improved water pressure and a more reliable water supply through the additional water recovered from the upgraded network.

The newly-installed pipelines range from 75 millimeters to 300 millimeters in diameter in the secondary distribution system and up to 600 millimeters in diameter in the primary distribution system, helping strengthen the integrity

“The achievement of SBD in its first 50 days of operation underscores the solid commitment of the House of Representatives to making government aid faster, more compassionate, and more accessible to our people,” he added.

In its first month of operation in March, the SBD served 507 clients; 1,138 in April; 1,008 in May; and 939 during the first 22 days of June.

The bulk of approved requests, totaling 2,376, were processed through the Department of Health (DOH), while the remaining 1,216 were coursed through the Department

I leave behind — as a physician, as a teacher, as a public health advocate, and as a Filipino,” he said. Leachon also alluded to broader issues involving the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), saying that many Filipinos now understand what is at stake

facilitation, livelihood support, and TVET programs.

The newly signed Supplemental JMC enhances the operationalization of this partnership by introducing clearer systems and mechanisms designed to improve program delivery and ensure more efficient, coordinated, and targeted services for Filipino workers and communities.

A key feature of the agreement is the establishment of a structured referral pathway, or “graduation system,” that enables the seamless movement of beneficiaries across government programs. This system supports pathways toward sustainable employment or livelihood, such as transitioning TUPAD beneficiaries into TESDA scholarship programs and job placement opportunities, or advancing TESDA STEP graduates to DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The agreement also strengthens accountability through an Anti-Double Dipping Policy, which sets clear safeguards and verification processes to ensure that beneficiaries do not simultaneously avail of similar forms of assistance from both agencies,

and efficiency of the Caloocan water distribution network.

The projects form part of Maynilad’s continuing NonRevenue Water (NRW) Management Program, which aims to reduce system losses and maximize available water supply. The program includes the establishment of District Metered Areas (DMAs), advanced network diagnostics, active leak detection and repair, large-scale pipe replacement initiatives, and strict meter management.

“Pipe replacement is a critical part of our water loss reduction

of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Assistance covered a wide range of medical and social needs, including cash relief, medicines and laboratory tests, hospital bills, chemotherapy and chemotherapy medicines, dialysis and hemodialysis, implants and devices, surgical procedures, therapy, and funeral assistance.

The SBD does not replace existing agency services but serves as a dedicated pre-processing and coordination unit. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis from Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m.

following controversies that have affected public trust.

“History teaches us that every meaningful fight for truth comes at a price. If defending my name and principles requires me to stand alone, then so be it. But I do not believe I am alone,” he said.

thereby promoting fairness and optimal use of public resources.

To further support inclusive enterprise development, the Supplemental JMC introduces Community-Based Enterprise Groups, also known as “Tropa sa Negosyo at Trabaho,” which organizes groups of at least five individuals with complementary skills into collective enterprises aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market access.

In addition, DOLE and TESDA will implement a Data Sharing Framework through a shared digital registry that will enhance beneficiary tracking, eligibility validation, and joint monitoring and reporting, building on the existing data sharing agreement between the two agencies.

The strengthened DOLE-TESDA partnership underscores a shared commitment to building a more integrated, efficient, and responsive labor and skills ecosystem in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ agenda of empowering Filipino workers, expanding access to quality employment opportunities, and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

strategy because it allows us to recover more water from within the existing distribution system. These investments help improve service reliability for our customers while maximizing the use of available water supply,” said Maynilad President Ramoncito S. Fernandez. Maynilad continues to implement strategic infrastructure upgrades across its concession area to strengthen system resilience, reduce water losses, and ensure reliable water service for the communities it serves.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

to 4:00 p.m., or until the last person in line has been attended to. According to Dy, the House leadership intends to sustain and further improve the initiative to ensure more Filipinos can access government aid promptly.

“As long as there are Filipinos seeking assistance, the House will continue to find ways to serve them better. The Suporta sa Bayan Desk is proof that when government institutions work together, we can provide faster, more meaningful support to our people,” Dy said.

Reaffirming his commitment to medical ethics.

Leachon underscored that his primary duty remains with patients. “My oath is to the patient, not to power. To remain silent in the face of injustice is a betrayal of that oath,” he said. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Oversight overkill: How fighting graft is crippling growth

THE 45 percent crash in infrastructure spending—with outlays plummeting 45.6 percent to P189.3 billion in the first four months and 51.7 percent in April alone, per DBM data— marks the 10th straight monthly decline, revealing not merely a budget shortfall but a paralyzing crisis of confidence that endangers national progress. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Infraspend down 45% in 4 months sparks alarm,” June 22, 2026).

The official explanation—that longer “review procedures” and limited “progress billings” are to blame—rings hollow when we look at the context. This slowdown began in the second half of 2025, triggered by the explosive flood control corruption scandal that has since been described as the biggest to rock the country in decades. The subsequent tightening of oversight was a necessary reaction to a system where, allegedly, billions in public funds were funneled into ghost projects and overpriced contracts.

While the crackdown on corruption is a welcome and moral imperative, the resulting paralysis represents a failure of governance. The government cannot allow the cure to be worse than the disease. The “stringent validation procedures,” while understandable, have ground the machinery of public works to a halt. The damage is not just to roads and bridges, but to the economy itself.

John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, rightly points out that infrastructure is a “key driver” of economic growth. It creates jobs, stimulates private investment, and improves long-term productivity. Economists are warning that the prolonged slump has contributed to a “wait-and-see equilibrium,” where investors are reluctant to commit to a country perceived as unstable and unpredictable. The economy, which grew by a disappointing 4.4 percent in 2025, is now at risk of becoming a regional “underperformer.”

The consequences are concrete. The collapse in government construction — down by 31.5 percent—has dragged down the industry sector and weakened overall growth. As private investment remains weak and household spending is eroded by inflation, the nation cannot afford to lose its second major economic engine. The DBM has attempted to reassure the public, releasing P403.3 billion to the DPWH in May and promising a rebound in the second half of the year. But we must ask: at what cost?

A rebound driven by a frantic rush to disburse funds, without the proper safeguards, could easily recreate the very conditions that led to the corruption scandal in the first place. The goal must not be a return to the status quo ante. The goal must be a “build back better” strategy that prioritizes both speed and integrity.

Rushing to spend risks repeating the mistakes of the past, while moving too slowly forfeits the nation’s growth potential. The key to escaping this trap is institutional reform. As one analysis from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute suggests, the path forward requires more than just revamping disbursements; it requires erasing the modus operandi of inserting anomalous projects into the budget and, crucially, holding the perpetrators of past anomalies accountable.

Until the public and investors see that the corrupt are punished and the system is made transparent, “review procedures” will be seen as a convenient excuse, and infrastructure spending will be viewed not as a path to prosperity, but as a potential sinkhole for public funds.

The challenge for the government is to demonstrate that it can process payments with both diligence and dispatch. It must prove that the era of corruption is genuinely over by ensuring the projects being funded are legitimate, effective, and completed on time. This means investing in the capacity of the DPWH and other agencies to manage projects efficiently without compromising accountability.

The 45-percent plunge is a crisis. But it is also an opportunity to build a new foundation for public infrastructure—one built on the twin pillars of transparency and efficiency.

BusinessMirror

The other financial literacy

IJohn Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

N 1790, dying, Adam Smith asked his friends to burn most of his unpublished manuscripts. They did. What survived included The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, the same year the American colonies declared independence. One document is still reorganizing economies. The other is still being argued about in faculty lounges. Smith won.

No politician will ever teach you this, because it would require admitting what they have done is not working. There is a ceiling on what any individual can build inside an economy that is mismanaging its own prosperity. You can be the sharpest stock trader on the floor and still be limited by the stock market you are trading. This is that ceiling, explained.

There are two kinds of financial literacy. The kind that politicians want to teach in schools and seminars tells you how to open a bank account, buy life insurance, and ask for a discount in Divisoria. The kind Smith wrote about tells you why some countries accumulate wealth and others only consume it. The first is personal. The second is national, and it is the one nobody in government wants you to learn, because it does not flatter the teacher.

In his earlier book, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments,” Smith described

the type who most completely fails this second financial literacy. This is the “man of system,” an arrogant politician so in love with his own blueprint for society that he wants to rearrange citizens like pieces on a chessboard. He is not corrupt or lazy. He is intelligent, well-intentioned, and completely certain. He has studied the chessboard, identified the inefficiencies, and designed the correction. What he cannot accept is that human pieces move on their own: a rice trader in Mindanao, a remittance receiver in Pampanga, and a fund manager on Ayala Avenue, each solving their own equations without reference to the Grand Government Plan. He is, in Smith’s terms, nationally financially illiterate. He cannot read the one signal that matters, which is what millions of people do with their money when left alone to decide for themselves.

Smith reduced the entire problem

of national prosperity to three conditions, offered in a lecture in 1755. These are peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice. That was it. Not industrial policy. Not strategic sectors. Not sovereign wealth funds capitalized with borrowed money and managed by the same institutional culture that produced the problem they are meant to solve. Peace. Easy taxes. A tolerable administration of justice.

Smith called this sufficient to carry a state from the lowest barbarism to the highest degree of opulence.

The subsequent 250 years have not found a meaningful exception. A society with genuine national financial literacy would recognize these three conditions not as ideology but as arithmetic: the minimum viable structure for wealth to accumulate faster than it is extracted.

Countries that applied the formula grew: Singapore after 1965, post-Mao China, and India after 1991, when the License Raj’s permit system was finally dismantled. In India, that system had functioned for 40 years as a licensing cartel, in which a small number of politically connected business houses used the permit regime to keep foreign and domestic competitors out. The reform broke an oligarchic rent-seeking arrangement that had been mistaken for a nationalistic industrial policy.

The Philippines never had its 1991. It never had India’s growth that followed, either. Run the three conditions against the Philippine record and the diagnosis writes itself. Peace is approximate.

The southern conflict has drained investment confidence and public resources for five decades. Taxes are neither easy nor particularly productive; the system is layered enough so that compliance costs function as a secondary tax, which is one reason the informal economy remains so large. And the administration of justice, with ‘tolerability’ being Smith’s own deliberately modest standard, sits uneasily against a judiciary whose commercial case backlog is measured in years and a regulatory environment where the rules shift with every administration. The PSE reflects this arithmetic. A market listing fewer than 300 companies for an economy of 115 million people, anchored by conglomerates whose returns flow primarily from protected domestic franchises, is not a market failure in the technical sense. It is the correct market response to a system that rewards proximity to the dealer at the poker table more reliably than it rewards efficiency. Smith identified business collusion as a threat equal to government overreach and prescribed more competition as the cure, not more regulation. The Philippine instinct has historically been the reverse. Most of what Smith wrote was nearly burned. What survived is still the most accurate map of why some nations are rich, and most are not. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

New hedge funds are using AI bots to rival industry giants

AB.

Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon

V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

By Alice Atkins & Margaryta Kirakosian

DVANCES in artificial intelligence are leveling the field for fund managers, making it easier for boutique firms to compete with big macro and bond investors.

From digesting speeches in multiple languages and crunching global inflation numbers, to tracking company filings and the tone of investment committee discussions, AI is picking up much of the work once carried out by teams of analysts, according to five executives who have recently set up their own shops.

“Technology has changed the economics of building an investment firm,” said Dharmesh Maniyar, a machine-learning PhD who founded his second fund, MQT Asset Management, late last year. “AI allows a focused boutique organization like us to build powerful capabilities much earlier in our lifespan.”

Macro funds try to anticipate the impact of global economic and political shifts across markets rather than investing in discrete assets classes or sectors. Their strategies rely heavily

on analyzing huge volumes of data and text, work ideally suited to the large language models that have come a long way since Maniyar’s first firm folded.

“Macro markets have become more complex, more policy sensitive and faster moving, while the tools available to investment managers have improved dramatically,” said Maniyar, who previously managed money at Brevan Howard Asset Management and Tudor Investment Corp. Morgan Stanley Backs Tudor Alum Dharmesh Maniyar’s Hedge Fund

Five-person hedge fund Palinuro Capital, launched last year by Alfonso Peccatiello, aims to compete with desks of 20-50 people. It uses LLMs to parse speeches by central bankers from Hungary to South Korea, work that previously would have required regional specialists. “It’s effectively

like having a set of unbiased analysts for a portion of the cost,” Peccatiello said.

Small bond-focused funds like Osmosis NL face a similar data challenge. Research that once took weeks is completed in days, allowing the young firm to scale up rapidly with a team of just 15, according to Victor Verberk, chief executive and chief investment officer.

“A smaller company like Osmosis can now cover the entire universe,” Verberk said, adding that AI has allowed him to cut his three-year hiring plan by 25 percent. “The machine is never ill, it’s never on holiday, it’s always there.”

Increased competition

AI is already transforming whitecollar work across industries such as software, marketing, consulting and accounting. Banks are creating fewer entry-level roles and wealth managers are increasingly focused on their richest clients while bots take care of the rest.

In fund management, which has been using machine learning and algorithmic trading for decades, the

fast-evolving technology is being widely embraced. A survey of over 400 fixed-income investors by Barclays Plc in May found that half of long-only managers and the majority of hedge funds use AI every day, largely for research.

“This points to a market that is becoming more competitive, more democratized and faster-paced,” said Zornitsa Todorova, head of thematic FICC research at Barclays. In addition to transforming research, the new tools are helping with risk management and modeling. Palinuro leaned on an AI assistant during this year’s oil price shock to screen dollar and commodity options for the cheapest way to hedge, said Peccatiello.

At Alpha Curve Investments, an unconstrained bond fund launched in 2025 with just four people, Philippe Gougenheim and Pierre Ahlsell de Toulza asked Anthropic PBC’s Claude to estimate consumer price trends based on data from the US, Europe, Australia,

AI boom sees investors shift from Japan’s value to growth stocks

By Kentaro Tsutsumi

JAPANESE

equities, long regarded by global investors as a value market, are beginning to attract growth funds, as AI-linked firms power to the top of market-cap rankings, beating out the manufacturers and telecoms giants that dominated for decades.

“We have been raising our exposure to Japan based on the growth prospects of Japanese companies” under a strategy of investing in innovative firms globally, said Kei Takizawa, senior investment strategist at AllianceBernstein Japan. The nation’s firms are playing an increasingly critical role in building AI infrastructure, he added.  Investors had historically classified Japan’s equities as low-growth value stocks, due to the country’s sluggish economic growth and declining population. Global interest re-emerged after 2023, driven by Warren Buffett expanding holdings of trading house shares as well as by corporate governance reforms. Yet the market’s appeal was still largely rooted in its cheapness.

Now, the rising prominence of high-growth firms suggests a meaningful shift in the investment narrative.

While that could mean more investors worldwide funneling capital into the country’s stock market in the coming years, it also underscores the risk of a significant correction if the AI-driven trend reverses.

“We’re seeing a growing number of foreign investors who are interested in the growth potential of Japanese firms, something that was relatively rare in the past,” said Richard Kaye, co-head of Japan equity strategy at Comgest Asset Management. Such clients include overseas pension funds, he added.

The change is already obvious in Japan’s market-cap rankings. Memory-chip maker Kioxia Holdings Corp. overtook Toyota to become the largest company by market value for the first time this month. SoftBank Group Corp. also briefly surpassed Toyota, while other AIrelated names are emerging among the market’s leaders. This marks a dramatic transformation from a decade ago, when automakers and telecommunications giants occupied the top positions.

“The perception of Japan could shift from that of a market dominated by manufacturing-driven, cyclical stocks to one increasingly defined by growth stocks, led by AIdriven semiconductors,” said Jumpei Tanaka, head of investment strategy at Pictet Asset Management Japan Ltd. “That could prompt global investors to view Japan as a market that deserves a larger weighting in the AI trade, potentially attracting further capital inflows.”

Price-to-earnings ratios (PERs), which offer insight into investors’ growth expectations, also reflect

continued from A10

portfolio into short-dated inflation linked bonds.

Eric Lonergan, who oversees more than $1 billion of assets as head of Calibrate Management Ltd’s new Discretionary Macro Fund, said he uses AI to screen 100 global assets into 10 trade ideas, replacing work “legions of analysts” would have done in the past.

Rapid change

UNLIKE the bigger platforms, upstarts tend not to have legacy systems that complicate rollouts, allowing faster adoption. Verberk, who spent 16 years at Robeco running fixed income strategies, says it’s easier and cheaper for small firms to integrate new technology. His boutique uses just two core platforms: Microsoft Azure and Bloomberg.

“Given the speed with which AI

Londoners complain of ‘unbearable heat’ in city’s modern housing

Ithe changing dynamics. The forward 12-month PER of the “Core 30” megacap stocks in the Topix—firms with the largest market value and deepest liquidity—had long traded below those of other large-cap and small- to mid-cap shares.

In recent years, the mega-caps have been trading at a higher ratio and are continuing to pull ahead of their smaller rivals, indicating increasing investor confidence in the growth prospects of Japan’s leading firms.

The re-rating of Japanese equities has also spurred stocks to trade at around 17 times forward earnings, up from roughly 14 times a decade ago, and surpassing valuation levels in markets such as the UK and France.

The opportunities are not without caveats. As major AI-related stocks are prone to sharp price swings, volatility in the market is likely to increase. Among the Nikkei 225’s top 10 constituents, AI-linked firms account for more than 40 percent of the index weighting, according to Nikkei’s website.

Even so, Japan’s exposure to the AI theme remains far less concentrated than that of South Korea or Taiwan, where a handful of chip giants dominate the market. Some see Japanese equities as an attractive way to diversify away from US stocks while still benefiting from the global AI rally.

“Unlike South Korea and Taiwan, where investment options are limited, Japan offers 50 to 60 chiprelated firms alone,” said Comgest’s Kay. Many institutional investors, including large European pension funds, have yet to fully recognize the breadth of Japan’s AI-related investment universe, suggesting there is room for further capital inflows, he added.

Even traditional value investors with deep expertise in Japan are beginning to shift their views. First Eagle Investments recently added to its stake in a Japanese IT service company on expectations for domestic companies’ adoption of AI.

Christian Heck, New York-based deputy head of global value at the investment firm, said his fund is looking beyond its historic concentration on corporate governance reforms and improvements in capital efficiency.

“The conversations we’re having with Japanese companies now focus on where they’re deploying capital to grow,” he said.  With assistance from Momoka Yokoyama, Alice French and Aya Wagatsuma /Bloomberg

is changing, you need to be highly creative and experimental,” said Lonergan, a former portfolio manager at Eisler Capital and M&G Investments.

Still, bigger firms with deeper pockets are likely to continue to have an edge, according to Ben Conway, chief investment officer at Hawksmoor Investment Management Ltd. “That’s something we’re taking into consideration when selecting funds,” he said.

Maniyar acknowledges the advantages larger firms still have in terms of capital resources, distribution and breadth of coverage but says technology has made the “playing field more interesting.”

“The edge is how you integrate data research, AI portfolio construction, execution and risk into a coherent investment process,” he said. “Technology has definitely democratized the infrastructure, but not skill.” With assistance from Nishant Kumar /Bloomberg

By Olivia Rudgard

N Britain’s capital city, an architectural trend that started about two decades ago is now being linked to unbearable levels of indoor heat.

The culprit is box-style apartment buildings with sheer facades and huge windows, often only on one side so there’s no way to create a through-draft. And with temperatures this week set to rise to around 35C (95F), those living in such designs say they’re struggling to cope.

Alex Long, a 26-year-old video editor, lives in a three-bedroom apartment in a modern development in Bermondsey, south London. His living room has large south-facing windows that cover almost the entire length and height of one of the walls.

“Sunrise to sunset, our flat is being absolutely blasted by the sun at all times,” he says. He and his roommates avoid the living room in the summer, Long said.

“It’s just so hot and you can’t escape it,” he said. “It’s such an unbearable heat.”

The architectural style—sometimes referred to as New London Vernacular—has emerged as a particularly challenging design against the backdrop of rising temperatures.

Tom Dollard, an architect at Pollard Thomas Edwards and director of the Good Homes Alliance, an industry group, says that in some cases, “even a massive air conditioning unit” can’t help.

And even if air conditioning could be relied upon to fix the issue, the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said it expects the city’s residents to explore other options first. It worries that the added energy consumption of widespread AC use would raise greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to urban heat islands, as the hot air sucked out of buildings gets pushed onto city streets.

Back when New London Vernacular homes were first erected en masse across the capital, the idea was to get away from the perceived

shortcomings of earlier styles. The new aesthetic was all about drawing in light while still creating homes that echoed the city’s historic architecture.

A push for new homes by the city’s government while Boris Johnson was its mayor underpinned the trend. The Greater London Authority tried to create more and denser housing in tight urban sites, while building regulations intended to preserve energy and guarantee daylight meant “architects introduced larger windows,” says Judith Loesing, a director at London-based East Architecture. “That often leads to overheating without appropriate external shading in summer.”

Policymakers and academics are aware that change is needed to make Londoners’ lives more bearable in the age of climate change. The office of the Mayor of London is due to publish a report on Thursday that’s expected to lay out some of its plans for how to tackle urban heat.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said that with extreme heat “becoming more common because of climate change,” the mayor is working closely with other local authorities and emergency services to ensure the city is prepared.

Jon Winder, an historian at the University of Liverpool who’s been researching the issue, has just published his findings based on interviews with Londoners living in overheating homes. He says the feedback was sobering. Many interviewees say it can feel “life-threatening,” Winder said.

In one case, a family’s tripleglazed windows shattered in the heat, he said. They feel they can no longer use their living area or invite friends over “because the building was just too hot,” Winder said. And

The architectural style—sometimes referred to as New London Vernacular—has emerged as a particularly challenging design against the backdrop of rising temperatures. Tom Dollard, an architect at Pollard Thomas Edwards and director of the Good Homes Alliance, an industry group, says that in some cases, “even a massive air conditioning unit” can’t help.

for people who are less mobile due to disabilities or sickness, rising temperatures in such buildings can be downright dangerous, he said.

Dollard says especially if a building is southwest-facing, has an internal corridor behind it and communal heating, then “there’s nothing you can do to prevent that from overheating.”

Meanwhile, access to cooling remains sporadic across the country. Though adoption of AC units has doubled over the past three years, it’s still only installed in 7 percent of UK homes. Another 8 percent have portable units, which are cheaper to buy but less efficient and costl ier to run.

Regulations introduced in 2021 were supposed to address the issue of overheating in newly-built homes. But Dollard says he continues to identify problems. That’s because developers tend to skip measures such as shades or external shutters, which are simple but effective ways to protect tenants from heat, he said. With the UK experiencing a faster pace of warming than the global average, those living in the current stock of modern buildings with huge windows say they’re now worried about their ability to function.

Faiz Abbas, 31, a software engineer, says he’s struggled to sleep and work from home in his two-bed apartment in south London.

“It’s hard to concentrate. I don’t like to sweat at my desk,” he says.

Trump defends unfrozen Iran

funds as US Senate votes to end war

By Eltaf Najafizada & Omar Tamo

PRESIDENT Donald Trump said Iran will be able to use funds released from frozen accounts only to purchase food and medical supplies from the US, seeking to ease concerns about peace negotiations that both sides say are making progress.

Yet Trump’s comments were quickly disputed by Iran, the latest instance where both sides are making conflicting claims over key issues in their discussions, with the status of inspections now a case of he said-he said.

The back and forth on what was actually agreed to last week runs alongside growing domestic criticism of US conduct in the war.

The Republican-led Senate voted Tuesday to end the US war with Iran, in a rare symbolic rebuke of Trump. While the resolution is unlikely to force any changes in the administration’s strategy, it represents the latest sign that the president lacks domestic support for the effort.

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman said they’ll begin work on finding an agreement over the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, including the cost of managing transit in the key shipping lane.

Oil prices fell lower on Tuesday, with Brent declining to $76.88 a barrel. It’s down from a high of around $125 in late April and now approaching pre-war levels.

Trump said the billions of dollars of unlocked financing will go “into escrow, controlled by the USA” and will be used for the purchase of American-grown products such as corn, wheat and soybeans, Trump said in a social media post on Tuesday.

He added that Iran had agreed to

“highest level Nuclear inspections long into the future” in the parallel negotiation over Tehran’s atomic activities, a central part of the discussions to end the near four-month war and keep the critical Strait of Hormuz open.

After Trump’s post, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei disputed both notions, saying the funds would be used by his country “freely, in whatever manner it deems appropriate,” rather than being restricted to purchases from the US.

Baghaei also rejected Trump’s claims about nuclear inspections, saying “we have neither met with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency nor do we have any plans for the agency to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

Trump repeated his insistence that Iran had agreed—as both sides continue to frame the negotiations in ways aimed at their domestic audiences. “They’re wrong,” Trump told reporters when asked about Baghaei’s comments. “They know they’re wrong. They told us inside and we have it down, 100 percent inspections—and if they were right, I’d cancel the meetings right now.”

Trump’s comments underscore the US president’s defensiveness over the deal as it draws criticism, including from defense hawks in his own party.  His insistence that released funds

His building, which has floor-toceiling windows in the living room and was new when he bought it in 2019, has mechanical ventilation. But Abbas says it doesn’t reduce the temperature.

Joseph Dowling, a 47-year-old video-game developer who lives a few miles away in a similar development with his wife and baby daughter, said his family struggled after London temperatures breached 40C in 2022, a history-making moment for the city.

Once the temperature surpassed 27C or 28C, “the heat just wouldn’t leave,” he says. Both he and Abbas say they’ve since invested in air conditioning.

A part of the city that’s seen a proliferation of New London Vernacular design is the area around Olympic Park, where the UK hosted the 2012 games. A survey conducted by the London Legacy Development Corp. found that only 39 percent of people living in Chobham Manor, a complex of 880 flats and houses on the Olympic Park site that was fully completed in 2022, considered their homes comfortable in the summer.

Indoor temperatures regularly exceed 26C, and most bedrooms are too hot, according to the LLDC survey, which is due to be published next month (an earlier pilot study was made public last year). One resident said they had to sleep on the balcony during the summer in order to stay cool.

Esther Everett, director of placemaking at the LLDC, says future building designs need to take these experiences into account to avoid repeating the same construction mistakes.

The LLDC is now carrying out research, funded by the Mayor of London, to test whether external shading features like shutters and louvres can help solve the problem.

“We now know a lot more than we did, but as an industry, we’re still on a journey in terms of understanding overheating,” Everett said. Bloomberg

would go to US agricultural products could appeal to US farmers—a key political constituency for Trump and Republicans—who they will need to energize ahead of the November midterm elections, particularly in large swaths of the Midwest and South.

Some critics of the memorandum of understanding signed last week fear the Islamic Republic instead will use the money to rebuild its armed forces and continue to support militant groups such as Hezbollah.

Iran has insisted that $12 billion of its frozen finances are set to be released as part of ongoing talks, in two equal installments, according to a report by the Mehr news agency that cited Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The US is yet to confirm how much the Islamic Republic will get. Despite the backand-forth, Trump said talks were “going well,” echoing broadly optimistic comments from the various parties involved.

Plenty of other outstanding issues stand in the way of a firm deal, including over Israel’s conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel’s ongoing military presence in the south of the country has been cited by Iran as a breach of the agreement, jeopardizing the talks. Iranian officials have said the US is also responsible for Israeli violations of the ceasefire. A fifth round of USmediated talks between Israel and Lebanon is taking place in Washington Tuesday, according to the Israeli embassy in the city.

While many traders warn it will take months for oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the strait to return to normal, there are growing signs of abundant supplies in the near term, sending prices down. Iran said Tuesday the Strait of Hormuz is “fully” open to commercial shipping. Tehran’s ambassador in Geneva said and that large volumes of oil have transited the waterway in recent days, according to the semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency.

Exactly what “open” will look like remains unclear. Oman and Iran said they will begin talks on the future administration of the strait, including services to be provided and “costs associated with them in accordance with international standards,” according to a joint statement.  In talks in Switzerland since Sunday, the US and Iran have agreed to set up technical working groups to deal with issues such as unwinding sanctions on the Islamic Republic and curbing its enrichment of uranium. Vance and Iran’s lead negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, left Switzerland on Monday, though lower-level delegates are continuing discussions this week. With assistance from John

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio flew to the United Arab Emirates as the US seeks to reassure regional allies the interim agreement it signed last week is good for their security and economies. Rubio will also travel to Kuwait and Bahrain. The Strait of Hormuz is key to the discussions. Traffic through the vital waterway is increasing, pointing to growing confidence among shipowners and traders about sending vessels through as tensions ease.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

2nd Front

BusinessMirror

NO POULTRY FROM UNLICENSED POLISH FARMS ENTERING PHL

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

WARSAW, Poland—Polish producers assured Filipino importers that poultry from alleged unlicensed farms are not entering the Philippines, citing stringent food safety protocols.

This, after The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) released a report in March claiming that nearly half of the 2,000 mega poultry farms in Poland were operating without necessary environmental permits.

National Poultry Council President Dariusz Goszczyński acknowledged the investigative report and allayed potential concerns regarding their poultry output.

“There are many NGOs [non-governmental organizations] which like to highlight low standards of European production, although those standards are the highest in the world,” Goszczyński said in a conference here. He explained that each poultry raiser in Poland should fulfill all veterinary standards—including the environmental aspect—prior to starting their production, which are subject to the existing European Union (EU) regulations.

“So, everything from the beginning of production, delivery, and export must fulfill all the requirements regarding food safety, animal welfare, and environmental requirements,” Goszczyński said.

“All exported products to the Philippines must fulfill all Polish and European requirements,” he added.

For his part, Poland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Paweł Meyer outlined the procedures and bilaterally agreed health certificates between

the two nations to ensure food safety. “We are fully harmonized with the European regulations and uniform standards throughout the country. We have a very high export credibility and consumer protection,” Meyer said.

He noted that Polish authorities also require the traceability of commodities for trade, which tracks the product across the supply chain.

Poland is the third largest supplier of chicken meat, particularly mechanically deboned meat (MDM) shipments, to the Philippines.

After receiving a system accreditation from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2023, Poland has also secured a regionalization agreement with the Philippines for poultry, ensuring continued trade despite the presence of bird flu.

Under a regionalization agreement, the Philippines will restrict shipments of the commodity only from areas with active cases of bird flu instead of imposing a country-wide ban.

With this, Meyer expressed hope that poultry shipments to the Philippines would record a year-on-year growth in 2026.

“We’re very happy with the [volume of exports]. We see the potential, but further growth depends on our talks at the veterinary level as well as the result of the regionalization,” he said.

In 2025, the Philippines imported 540,522 metric tons (MT) of chicken meat, with Brazil accounting for 248,226 MT.

This was followed by the United States at 201,418 MT and Poland at 37,284 MT, based on the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data.

PBBM ensures ‘non-partisan’ distribution of ₧1.32-T NTA

By Samuel P. Medenilla

RESIDENT Ferdinand Mar -

Pcos Jr. will vow for the “nonpartisan” distribution of the hiked national tax allocations (NTA) for local government units (LGU), which will reach P1.32trillion for 2027, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) next month, as mandated by law.

This comes after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on Wednesday that the national government will start next devolving more of its services and facilities to offset the reduction of its share of the NTA, which will be absorbed by LGUs.

The allocated NTA for LGUs next year will be an increase of 11 percent or P129.32 billion from the current allocation of just P1.19 trillion. The increase is pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling of the Supreme Court.

The Mandanas-Garcia ruling states LGUs should get 40 percent of all government tax collections and not just internal revenue three years prior to 2024, when the High Court made the said decision.

“As a former local executive offi -

cial himself, the President sees and honors these as people’s entitlements. These are guaranteed plowbacks that will go from big cities to the remotest barangays,“ Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“That indexation is set in stone, beyond alteration. As such, they are in the nature of automatic appropriations,” he added.

Earlier this month, the DBM issued its Local Budget Memorandum No. 94 containing the guidelines for implementation of the new NTA allocation formula.

Under the new formula, which is based on population and land area, LGUs will get the following NTA allocations: 83 provinces will share among themselves P303.56 billion; 149 cities, P303.56 billion; 1,491 towns, P448.84 billion; and 41,912 barangays, P263.97 billion.

The bulk or over P990.68 billion will come from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, while the rest will come from the Bureau of Customs (P329 billion) and other agencies (P63.60 million).

The Office of the Executive Secretary highlighted that among the cities which received the largest NTA allocation this year is Davao City, with P10.1 billion.

‘Voluntary steel rules leave safety gap’

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

THE local steel industry is urging regu-

lators to fast-track the implementation of newly issued reinforcing steel standards, warning that lower-grade steel products will continue to circulate in the market until the rules become mandatory.

Ronald Magsajo, South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI) chairman and Asean Iron and Steel Council (AISC) president, said standards released by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) in May would help ensure that future construction projects use higher-grade seismic steel designed to perform better during earthquakes. However, the standards remain voluntary pending the issuance of a memorandum circular making compliance mandatory.

“We would appreciate if you can implement it. The sooner it’s implemented, the sooner we can make sure that we’re only using the higher grade,”

Magsajo said on the sidelines of the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday morning.

The industry leader said the updated standards are intended to eliminate the use of non-seismic-grade reinforcing bars in future construction projects, a move he described as particularly important for an earthquake-prone country like the Philippines.

“What we want is for the type of steel used in the Philippines to be seismic-grade,” he said.

Magsajo said some induction furnace (IF) facilities continue to produce non-seismic-grade steel bars, while newer steelmaking technologies are capable of removing more impurities and producing higher-quality materials.

He estimated that about 30 percent of the domestic rebar market is supplied by such facilities, largely serving hardware stores and smaller construction projects.

The steel executive clarified that major buildings and high-rise developments generally comply with engineering requirements and

already use higher-grade reinforcing steel. The concern, he said, lies in ensuring that all steel used in future construction meets updated safety standards.

According to Magsajo, the issuance of a memorandum circular would be only the first step. “Once the memorandum circular becomes mandatory, non-seismic grades will disappear,” he said. “The second step is to ensure that all remaining products comply with the standard.”

He added that the industry supports upgrading existing facilities to meet the new requirements, arguing that modernization would strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

“There is a transition plan. There is a way to upgrade. That’s what we want,” he said. “The long-term viability of these plants becomes more secure because they have already upgraded and are prepared for the future.”

Magsajo also played down concerns that stricter standards could significantly increase the cost of housing, infrastructure, and other

The allocation for Davao City is almost on a par with Quezon City’s P9.82 billion and higher than Manila’s P 6.09 billion. This amid claims by Davao Representative Paolo Z. Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte that Davao City got a zero budget in the last four years. In 2021, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 138 for the national government to devolve more of its functions, and by 2024 to make up for the reduction in its share of the

construction projects. “I don’t think so because the price difference is negligible,” he said. “It’s safety we’re talking about.”

He said the additional cost amounts to only around two to three pesos per kilogram of steel, a relatively small increase compared with the total cost of a building. “Would you rather pay two to three pesos more per kilo, or rebuild your house?” he said.

Beyond the standards themselves, Magsajo called for stronger enforcement against substandard steel products and said the industry is willing to assist government regulators in identifying possible violations.

He said manufacturers are prepared to work with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Task Force Kalasag, which was created to strengthen monitoring, enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication of trade and industry law violations.

“We’re more than willing to help,” Magsajo said. “Anytime they want our help, we’re willing to help out.”

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Hotel and Sales Marketing Association (HSMA) will be offering discounted accommodation rates under government’s “Discover More to Love” domestic travel campaign. Also joining the campaign are Cebu Pacific Airways (CEB) and Philippines Air Asia, and members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association and Philippine Tour Operators Association, according to officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

In a press briefing on Monday, HSMA President Loleth So said the group “is mobilizing its member hotels and resorts to offer special room rates through a nationwide ‘Book-and-Buy’ sale running from June 26 to November 30, 2026 via deals.hsma.org.ph,” she said, as the organization also announced its annual Virtus Awards.

Participating hotels will be in Manila, Makati and Bonifacio Global City; Pasay, Parañaque, and Alabang; Pasig and Quezon City; Cebu and Bohol; Boracay and Iloilo; Palawan and Davao; as well as Tagaytay, Batangas, Clark, and Baguio.

Travelers can expect “deeply discounted room rates” of 50-percent to 70-percent off published room rates,” she added.

Unified marketing portal

SO noted, “What makes this campaign exciting is that it gives Filipinos a reason to rediscover destinations close to home, while enjoying offers that are normally not available year-round. Whether it’s a city staycation, a beach escape, a mountain retreat, or a long weekend adventure, the campaign brings together a wide range of choices from HSMA member properties nationwide.”

Acting Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernardita Angara-Mathay has said the domestic travel campaign not just encourages more Filipinos to travel around the country, but also helps the hospitality sector lift its bookings especially during the lean season. (See, “DOT refreshes ‘Love the PHL’ drive for local travelers,” in the BusinessMirror, June 22, 2026.)

The sector has also been hit by cancelations from the government after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced energy conservation measures due to the Middle East tensions.

In a separate meeting with tourism stakeholders on Tuesday, the DOT offered a unified marketing portal for hotels, airlines, travel agencies and destination management compa-

nies (DMC). under the domestic campaign. The initiative will be officially launched on June 26, with the travel deals listed on the DOT website.

Stakeholders’ support PARTICIPATING companies can share their travel/tour packages as in the case of DMCs, affordable airline seats, and value hotel rates/ packages, on the DOT website. The traveler can then pick and choose what package she is interested in and when clicked on, the particular offer will open to the site of the specific company, which listed the package.

At the stakeholders’ meeting, CEB Marketing Director Michelle de Guzman said, “‘Discover More to Love’ resonates so strongly with us. It aligns closely with Cebu Pacific’s own campaign, ‘Discover Juan by Juan,’ which encourages travelers to fly to what moves them and experience the Philippines one destination at a time.” The airline flies to over 30 Philippine destinations, offering direct inter-island connectivity from its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, and Davao. It is currently promoting one-way airfares as low as P299 from Cebu to Boracay or Palawan. For his part, PTAA President Jaison P. Yang underscored the importance of collaboration among tourism stakeholders and encouraged everyone to continue promoting a deeper appreciation and love for the

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Shakey’s to close more stores

By VG Cabuag @villygc

SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures

Inc. said it will shutter more stores this year as the company has been hit hard by the war in the Middle East and the ongoing political turmoil at home.

Christopher Paulus Nicholas T. Po, the company’s chairman, said the company has already shut 15 to 20 stores this year, mostly PeriPeri restaurants, and will still close a few more towards the end of the year. The company started the year with 3,000 stores.

“That’s why when the question came up, when will profits come back to the same pace as in the past, we’re seeing this year as really a kind of restructuring year, a streamlining year,” Po said during a media briefing following the company’s stockholders’ meeting. He noted that the company’s price increases have been “quite measured.”

“If we look at the inflation numbers that came out the last

two months, you’re calling 6.5 percent, 7 percent, 6.87 percent, our price increases are significantly lower than that. In fact, in the low single-digits because we understand the need to provide our guests value,” he said.

“So, yes, there are price increases. Yes, we’re trying to improve our margins, but it’s going to be a combination of measured price increases, but also reducing our costs.”

Vicente L. Gregorio, the company’s president and CEO, said the current crisis has a “mega impact” on its restaurant operations, mainly on utilities and transport costs.

“We are focusing more on unlocking efficiencies from our ex -

ecution and restructuring and store rationalization. We see a lot of opportunities there where we could trim fat off so that we can come out leaner.”

He said the Shakey’s Pizza brand has fewer closures, compared with Peri-Peri, but it will also rationalize the operations of Potato Corner.

“For the restaurant business, there would be more for Peri-Peri. It’s a challenger brand. We’re up against a well-established brand there. The brand is still relatively new and very young compared to others out there. And they have more opportunities to streamline than we would have in Shakey’s,” Gregorio said.

On its emerging brands such as R&B Milk Tea and Project Pie, company officials said these brands may not grow as much as Potato Corner--a brand that it was able to export to the United

States, regarded as a tough market for food products.

“But right now, it’s just we’re leaving it as status quo. Keep it afloat. There’s been a couple of franchise applications, but we’re not putting much emphasis at the moment for these emerging brands. And we’re restructuring. So, we will have to also revisit this brand,” Gregorio said.

Po said the emerging brands are just small business of the company, about less than 2 percent of the total. “They’re not deadweight. They’re actually profitable.”

But in the case of R&B, he said there’s a current shift in the market as the milk tea category is now “fairly flat” as people moved on to coffee, other kinds of beverages, and other cooling beverages.

For Project Pie, it’s status quo, and it’s really going to be quite opportunistic, he said.

The brand, he said, has always been a flanker where it will only launch locations where it can’t open Shakey’s “for one reason or another, because we’re protecting a franchisee, or there’s a Shakey’s nearby, or the space is too small etc. That’s really the role of Project Pie.”

THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has initiated a competitive selection process (CSP) for 600 megawatts (MW) of baseload requirement.

Meralco’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for power supply agreements (PSAs) now calls on interested power generation companies to submit expressions of interest for this CSP by July 14. The pre-bid conference is scheduled on July 28 while the bid submission deadline is set on September 1.

The 15-year PSA that will result from this bidding is intended to cover the supply of the 300-MW capacity by February 26, 2028, which is set to increase by 300 MW by February 26, 2029, subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

This development comes after Meralco received the Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) to this CSP, following more than a year of thorough review by the agency. This CSP also forms part of Meralco’s latest DOE-approved and -accepted Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP).

The PSPP is Meralco’s plan for the acquisition of a variety

of demand-side and supply-side resources to cost-effectively meet the electricity needs of its customers. Meanwhile, a COC should be issued by the DOE prior to the conduct of a CSP.

Meralco said the competitive auction is meant to secure long-term PSAs, aiming to find the lowest-cost power sources to meet its customers’ needs. It is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of power suppliers. Also, Meralco said the CSP will be “technology-neutral” and all generation technologies that meet the technical and commercial requirements will be allowed to submit an offer, in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Invitation to Bid (ITB) and subject to the DOE’s Energy Mix Policy under Department Circular No. DC2026-02-0005. Consistent with the objectives of CSP policies, this will ensure that power supply requirements of Meralco are procured through open and competitive bidding based on least-cost parameters, which will be beneficial for customers in terms of rate and supply reliability. Lenie Lectura

Banking&Finance

Why cybersecurity scams spike during holidays

‘CLICK on the link NOW to get a P3,000 gift!”

Have you ever been scammed into clicking a link to get a voucher, cash reward, or 50-percent discount coupon?

It is unfortunate that the holiday season is one of the busiest periods for cybercriminals. All over the world, a surge in online scams, phishing attacks, fraudulent transactions, and identity theft attempts has been observed during major holidays and festive seasons.

Cybercriminals take advantage of changes in consumer behavior to exploit vulnerabilities and target unsuspecting victims when they least expect it. And with attacks sounding so real, consumers are easily victimized.

Triggered by urgency

CYBERSECURITY attacks are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly focused on understanding human psychology and behavior. Holiday scams are built around urgency and limited-time offers. Fake messages often contain phrases such as:

n “ Verify your account immediately.”

n Your bank account has been temporarily suspended.”

n “Claim your holiday reward now.”

n Limited-time sale ending today.”

n “ Your package delivery failed.” These messages always seem “official” and raise concerns among consumers, who expect promotional offers, travel updates, and deliveries, and are less likely to question suspicious messages. Attackers also exploit the “fear of missing out,” or “Fomo,” and the desire to resolve issues quickly during busy holiday periods.

Social engineering

SUCCESSFUL cyberattacks rely on social engineering rather than technical sophistication. During holidays, people tend to be more relaxed, distracted, and emotionally engaged.

Cybercriminals exploit these conditions by crafting messages that appear personal, or related to holiday celebrations.

These examples include:

n Bank account unavailability

n Credit card fraud

n Travel itinerary scams

n Fake hotel or airline confirmations

GLOBE Telecom Inc. announced last on Wednesday it has secured a P5-billion term loan facility with BDO Unibank Inc. to fund capital expenditures (capex), debt refinancing, and general corporate requirements.

The Ayala-led telco has set its capex at under $1 billion (P61.5 billion) for the year.

So far, it has spent about a fifth of the year’s capex, injecting about P12.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The figure is 51-percent higher than the previous year, largely driven by network expansion and capacity enhancements.

Of the total cash capex in the first quarter, approximately 91 percent went to data-related initiatives, underscoring the telco’s push to expand digital capacity and improve network

Moody’s flags BSP’s relief offer to banks, quasi-banks

Mn Fraudulent package tracking notifications

The context makes these messages appear more credible and increases the likelihood of user engagement.

Protect yourself

THERE are several practical steps to stay protected:

n Verify before you click. Always verify text messages, emails, and links before providing personal information or making payments. Better yet, do not click on unverified links that appear in text messages and emails.

n Use strong authentication. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on banking, email, and shopping accounts whenever possible.

n S hop through trusted platforms. Purchase only from reputable retailers and verify website addresses before entering payment information.

n Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Only use secure mobile networks or virtual private networks (VPNs) when accessing financial accounts.

n B eware of urgent requests. Scammers often pressure victims into acting quickly. Take time to verify suspicious communications.

Cybersecurity starts with awareness

CYBERSECURITY is a personal and business responsibility. Most scams succeed because they exploit trust, urgency, or lack of awareness rather than advanced technology. By staying informed, verifying information, and practicing good digital habits, individuals and organizations can greatly reduce their risk of becoming victims. The strongest cybersecurity tool isn’t software—it’s an informed and vigilant user. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, together with the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines and other agencies, has a communications program to help address cybersecurity scams. For more information, visit www. bmap.org.ph

Eric Montelibano is a Consultant of Integrated Marketing and Communications at CSBank (Citystate Savings Bank) and the Director for Memberships of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP). He can be reached at erichmontelibano@gmail.com. The writer’s views and his written piece do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror , CSBank, and the BMAP.

quality across the country. Globe’s capex accounts for 30 percent of service revenues during the period. The company’s total debt stood at P251.237 billion as of March 31, based on figures disclosed in its regulator filing.

Globe posted a 9 percent yearon-year increase in core net income to P4.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, thanks to sustained demand for mobile data and fiber broadband. Reported net income after tax, however, fell 20 percent to P5.6 billion from P7.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Globe’s consolidated gross service revenues grew 5 percent year-on-year to P42.0 billion.

The company neither disclosed the term of its agreement with BDO nor if the interest rate is fixed or floating. Lorenz S. Marasigan

By Andrea E. San Juan

OODY’S Ratings flagged the move of the Philippines’ central bank to allow banks to exclude from the computation of regulatory capital the paper losses on peso government securities resulting from market volatility.

“The move is credit negative because it aims to protect banks’ regulatory Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratios from significant decreases amid higher bond yields driven by soaring inflation,” the credit rating agency said.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the CET1 ratios of local banks declined in the first quarter of the year “because of unrealized losses on their investment securities following an increase in government bond yields.”

Moody’s Ratings issued its statement after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on June 19 granted temporary regulatory relief to banks and quasi-banks. According to the central bank, it expects the move would help cushion the impact of market volatility arising from the Middle East conflict.

This regulatory relief came in the form of BSP Memorandum 2026-

027, which noted that banks and quasi-banks may temporarily exclude from the computation of their regulatory capital certain unrealized losses, also known as paper losses, on peso government securities resulting from market volatility.

“The time-bound relief is aimed at preventing transitory market movements from unduly affecting the reported capital strength of banks and quasi-banks,” the BSP said in a statement it issued last Tuesday.

The BSP explained that unrealized losses refer to declines in the market value of securities that have not been sold but whose change in value is required to be reflected in the banks’ regulatory capital. The BSP added these are deducted from the CET 1, the highest-quality capital that a bank holds to absorb losses and a key component in computing the capital adequacy ratio.

According to the BSP, banks and quasi-banks availing themselves of the relief must continue to disclose all unrealized losses in financial reports to the BSP and in their financial statements.

The BSP said the measure shall be effective from April 1 to December 31, 2026. Beginning January 2027, however, t he central bank said the usual capital rules will again apply.

Moody’s Ratings said the regulatory relief was introduced after bond yields rose due to the impact of the Middle East conflict and key policy rate hikes.

“The 10-year government bond yields rose to a high of 7.8 percent in May, before easing to around 7 percent in June, but still above the 6 percent average in 2025,” the credit rating agency noted.

Moody’s Ratings further explained that the increase in government bond yields has added pressure on Philippine banks’ capital ratios as these lenders hold a “large number of long-duration government securities.”

Government securities accounted for around 30 percent of banks’ total assets, which is one of the highest in Asia, with around 40 percent of these securities held at [fair value through other comprehensive income] FVOCI as of March, the credit rating agency said. It added that the rest are booked in “held-to-collect” portfolios which are not “marked-to-market.”

As a result, Philippine banks re-

corded unrealized losses that are deducted from their CET1 ratios. According to Moody’s Ratings, the magnitude of unrealized losses ranged from 1.2 percent to 4.3 percent of CET1 capital in the first quarter, while the overall cumulative unrealized losses on CET1 capital ranged from 1.3 percent to 7.5 percent.

The credit rating agency noted that the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and the Security Bank Corp. “underperformed” because these banks had the largest proportion of FVOCI securities as a percentage of their total assets.

“While our bank methodology uses tangible common equity to riskweighted assets ratio (TCE ratio) as the primary capital metric, which does not incorporate unrealized gains and losses, regulatory capital ratios remain important because it is the binding regulatory constraint that governs banks’ capital distributions, growth and supervisory actions,” Moody’s Ratings noted. Moody’s Ratings recently revised its outlook for the Philippines’ banking system from “stable” to “negative” as it expects elevated inflation, combined with “markedly slower” public investment disbursement amid the ongoing flood-control probe, to further dampen credit demand and business sentiment. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/06/22/ outlook-for-banking-system-revised-to-negative/)

Market volatility lowers pre-need sector’s earnings

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

EIGHTENED market vola-

Htility forced a significant contraction in the preneed industry’s earnings in the first quarter, as investment in trust funds weakened, according to data released by the Insurance Commission (IC).

Based on figures from the regulator, pre-need companies suffered an 88.05-percent decline in net income from January to March this year, gaining only P140 million versus the P1.17 billion it recorded in the same period last year.

The IC pinned the precipitous plunge in earnings on the lower in-

TBy Andrea E. San Juan

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

(BSP) expects that users of digital banking services are now better protected from fraud and unauthorized account access as BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) implement more secure authentication measures.

The central bank issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon reminding BSFIs to replace SMS and email-based one-time password (OTP) with “stronger technology” on or before June 25.

These include biometric, behavioral, adaptive, or passwordless solutions under BSP Circular 1213, issued in May 2025, read the statement the BSP issued last Wednesday.

The central bank said the circular

come that industry players generated from trust funds.

“The decrease in investment earnings reflects the impact of global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which have affected financial markets and investment performance,” Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado was quoted in a statement as saying.

“Increased market volatility and inflationary pressures also contributed to the decline in the industry’s net income,” Regalado added.

The low earnings contrast with the quarter’s sale in the number of plans, which rose by 11.92 percent to 244,233 from the 218,218 plans sold by the industry in the same period a year ago.

covers banks and e-wallet operators that average more than P75 million of online transactions per month. The circular also includes most universal and commercial banks, all digital banks, and some cooperative, thrift, and rural banks.

It noted that “many are already implementing the enhancements in the leadup to the deadline.”

“The BSP is equally dedicated to promoting innovation in financial services as to protecting customers from new forms of fraud, including technologyenabled fraud,” BSP Deputy Governor Lyn I. Javier said.

“We are pleased that banks and ewallet operators are stepping up on both fronts,” Javier added.

According to the BSP, these BSFIs are required to apply more secure technology

Life and memorial plans accounted for 99.92 percent of total sales, while education and pension plans occupied only a miniscule portion of the sales.

Other key financial indicators also remained solid, with the industry’s first-quarter premium income growing by 12.31 percent to P6.53 billion from P5.82 billion in the comparable period from last year.

Total net worth also increased by 12.18 percent to P32.36 billion as of the first quarter, up from P28.84 billion in the same period last year.

Regalado attributed the growth to the 18.99-percent increase in retained earnings, which comprised 77.74 percent of the industry’s total net worth.

to transactions they consider high-risk.

“Risk is assessed based on factors such as payee profile, value of the transaction, customer behavior patterns, and nature of the product or service,” read the BSP’s statement.

The central bank said “high-risk” transactions may include activities such as enrollment in digital banking, transfers to third parties, online remittances, card payments, account maintenance, and changes to mobile numbers, email, login credentials, or devices.

“This highlights the industry’s strong earnings generation and solid financial position,” Regalado said. Meanwhile, total assets went up by 9.60 percent to P179.32 billion from P163.61 billion a year earlier. Investments in trust funds, accounting for 85.79 percent of total assets, jumped by 9.46 percent yearon-year.

Total liabilities, meanwhile, expanded by 9.05 percent to P146.96 billion after pre-need reserves increased by 9.32 percent.

“The continued growth in key financial indicators strengthens public confidence in the industry and positions it to support long-term financial security and serve future needs,” Regalado said.

“The circular likewise requires covered BSFIs to strengthen their fraud management systems to better detect and prevent unauthorized transactions,” the BSP said.

“These systems must be capable of flagging unusual or suspicious activities, including unusually rapid transactions and those involving new recipients or unrecognized devices,” added the central bank.

Meanwhile, for transactions assessed as lower risk, BSFIs may use less stringent authentication methods, such as OTPs sent via SMS, the BSP said. Transactions considered low risk, the BSP noted, may include payments to pre-registered recipients, and account inquiries. The BSP said, however, that noncovered institutions are not required to shift to stronger verification tools within the same transition period but underscored that they “must regularly assess the risks associated with their products and services to determine the appropriate measures for fraud prevention.”

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PHL to Egypt: Fertilizer for tuna, tropical fruits

By Mary Jade Jadormio

THE Philippines is banking on the expansion of its agricultural trade ties with Egypt to increase its sources of fertilizer and secure market access for its key farm products, such as tuna, papayas and pineapples.

The proposed meeting between the agriculture ministers of the Philippines and Egypt in late July are expected to advance discussions on fertilizer supply, market access, and new export opportunities.

component of farm productivity, making supply security an increasingly important policy objective.”

As Egypt is keen on Philippine tuna, the DA said it would help connect Egyptian buyers with relevant private-sector suppliers. “This is a win-win situation for Manila and Cairo, and we are optimistic about the outcome of these negotiations.”

Understanding continue to move forward.

The war in the Middle East sent fertilizer prices soaring due to tight supply, prompting the Philippines to look for other sources of the key farm input. The Gulf region is a critical supplier of fertilizers, especially urea, which is heavily reliant on natural gas.

The World Bank said in a report that international quotations for urea, a key farm input imported by the Philippines, nearly doubled in May.

“We see significant potential to expand agricultural cooperation with Egypt, not only in securing reliable fertilizer supplies for our farmers but also in creating new market opportunities for Philippine agricultural exports,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

supply arrangement with Philippine stakeholders, including Planters Products Inc.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said one of the most significant areas under discussion is fertilizer. Egypt is among the world’s major fertilizer producers and is currently exploring a long-term

Pest attacks more cane farms in Negros

THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said 13,797.59 hectares of sugarcane areas in the Negros Island Region were infested by the red-striped soft-scale insect.

SRA said the validated figures came from field inspections conducted by its technical and field personnel. Actual infestation levels could be higher as validation, monitoring, and coordination efforts continue.

The agency said reports placed the size of affected farms in Negros at 76,607 hectares. These areas account for 32.02 percent of the region’s 239,215.62-hectare planted sugarcane area for crop year 2025-2026.

Validated RSSI infestation in the region covered 5,258 farmers and 333 barangays.

Negros Occidental recorded the biggest affected area, with 12,332.56 hectares validated out of the 61,242 hectares reported affected. The province has 190,314.19 hectares planted with sugarcane.

Within Negros Occidental, the SRA validated that RSSI attacked 7,739.05 hectares in South Negros and 4,091.93 hectares in Central and North Negros.

Kabankalan City had the largest validated RSSI-affected area in the province at 3,066.69 hectares, affecting 838 farmers across 23 barangays. Other areas with notable validated infestations in Negros Occidental included Himamaylan with 753.59 hectares, Ilog with 847.68 hectares, and Silay City with 716.34 hectares.

Bago City recorded 645.15 hectares of validated affected areas, while La Castellana posted 618.55 hectares.

Negros Oriental, meanwhile, recorded 15,365.53 hectares of reported affected areas, with 1,465.03 hectares validated by SRA. The province has 48,901.43 hectares planted with sugarcane.

Among localities in Negros Oriental, Mabinay posted the highest validated affected area at 583.82 hectares, followed by Canlaon City with 304.40 hectares and Bayawan City with 188.90 hectares.

To manage the infestation, SRA said its continues its field validation, surveillance, and technical assistance in affected communities.

The agency also created an RSSI InterAgency Task Force with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Services, Department of the Interior and Local Government, provincial governments, local agriculture offices, and local government units.

Pest-control support was provided through SRA’s Quick Response to Pest Outbreak Project, where insecticides and intervention materials were distributed through Mill District Development Councils.

Additional insecticide assistance worth P9.2 million was released in December 2025 for pest management operations in the Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

SRA also distributed urea fertilizer assistance to affected sugarcane farmers.

In the Visayas, 36,000 bags were provided to 9,000 farmer beneficiaries, including 34,240 bags for 8,560 farmers in Negros Occidental and 1,760 bags for 440 farmers in Negros Oriental.

For 2026, the agency plans to distribute 20,580 bags of fertilizer to 5,145 farmer beneficiaries in the Visayas.

SRA deployed 228 units of multi-purpose 4-in-1 knapsack sprayers and personal protective equipment for spray workers, while four drone sprayers are available at the La Granja Agricultural Research Center for spraying operations in heavily infested areas. Mary Jade Jadormio

“Egyptian officials have committed to providing a list of fertilizer manufacturers capable of supplying the Philippine market, while the Department of Agriculture is conducting a feasibility

study to assess potential procurement opportunities.”

The discussions come as the Philippines seeks to broaden its sources of agricultural inputs, cut production costs, and reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions.

“Fertilizer remains a critical

Beyond tuna, the Philippines is promoting a broader basket of products, including bananas, mangoes, coconuts, durian, tobacco, pomelo, and dragon fruit. Egypt has likewise expressed interest in sourcing papaya and pineapple from the Philippines.

The DA said Philippine officials continue to push for approvals that would allow fresh bananas and mangoes to enter the Egyptian market, while negotiations on a pending Specific Commodity

Figures from the World Bank showed that global urea prices leaped by almost 97 percent to $770.5 per metric ton (MT) last month, from the $392 per MT recorded in May 2025.

Meanwhile, DAP prices continued to rally, averaging $769.5 per MT in May, 15 percent higher than $669.2 per MT in the same period last year.

SRA restricts imports of sugar-based ethanol feedstocks

THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has prohibited the importation of sugar-based feedstocks for bioethanol production unless specifically authorized by the National Biofuels Board (NBB), citing the need to protect local producers and align regulations with existing biofuels laws.

Under Sugar Order (SO) 4, Series of 2025-2026, the SRA amended Section 6 of SO 14, Series of 2008-09, which previously allowed the importation of feedstocks such as molasses, sugar, sugarcane, sugar syrups and other products derived from sugarcane and sugar for use in bioethanol manufacturing.

The amended provision indicates that the importation of feedstocks for bioethanol production will be prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the NBB.

The SRA said the amendment was necessary because existing biofuels laws do not permit the importation of feedstocks for bioethanol production.

“Neither the Biofuels Act of 2006 (RA 9367) nor the issuances relative to the said law allow the importation of ‘feedstock’ such as molasses, sugar (and) sugarcanes in the manufacture of bioethanol,” the order read.

The agency added that current regulations only allow the qualified importation of bioethanol

itself and not the raw materials used in producing it.

According to the SRA, allowing imported feedstocks could undermine the objectives of the Biofuels Act and affect the local sugar industry.

“The importation of ‘feedstock’ such as molasses and sugar/sugarcane for use in bioethanol production is contrary to the policy advanced under Section 2 of RA 9367, as the adverse effect thereof on the demand and price of locally produced molasses and sugar is detrimental to the welfare of the Filipino sugar farmers and the entire sugar industry,” the order read.

The agency also cited provisions of the Biofuels Act requiring the

use of locally sourced biofuels and noted that Department of Energy regulations define locally produced bioethanol as fuel derived from feedstocks “grown/planted, harvested, and processed in the Philippines.”

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the SRA Board, approved the order. The measure repeals or modifies previous sugar and molasses orders, circular letters and other SRA issuances that are inconsistent with the amended provision. The order will take effect three days after its filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the UP Law Center. Mary Jade Jadormio

Govt upgrades aquaculture hub in Lanao del Norte

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

THE government is renovating a fisheries research facility in Lanao del Norte to serve as a technology and business incubation hub for aquaculture stakeholders.

The Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC) has started the rehabilitation of its existing facilities for the establishment of an Aquaculture Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) Center under the Fishcore Marlin 2.2 Project.

The rehabilitation began last June 9, and the project will upgrade key facilities of the research center, including its training hall, two research ponds and a laboratory located in the auxiliary building.

Once completed, the facility will operate as an ABTI Center designed to support aquaculture innovation, technology transfer and enterprise development in the region.

Under the project, the center will provide technical assistance, training and technology support to fisherfolk, entrepreneurs and

other fisheries stakeholders, according to National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) Fishcore Marlin 2.2 Lead Joseph Christopher Rayos.

“The BFRDC will serve as an ABTI Center that will provide technology support, technical assistance, and training to fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the fisheries industry,” Rayos said.

For his part, BFRDC chief Casiano Choresca said the planned improvements will enhance the facility’s capacity

to conduct research activities, training programs and technology demonstrations that can be applied by aquaculture practitioners. Through the upgraded facility, BFRDC aims to create a platform where research outputs can be translated into practical solutions for fisheries producers and businesses in Lanao del Norte and nearby areas.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that total fisheries production reached 856,290 metric tons in the first quarter of 2026.

Indonesia plans to boost nickel output, fueling market selloff

INDONESIA is poised to allow a significant rise in nickel-mine production later this year, providing relief for local smelters while weighing on global prices of the battery metal.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has informed some miners that mid-year revisions will boost total mining quotas, known locally as RKABs, to 360 million tons for this year, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. That’s up from about 260 million tons issued in the first half. The plan to relax quotas may yet change and remains at the discretion of Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the people said. Miners are set to apply for increases in their RKABs at the start of next month. A spokesperson for the ministry didn’t respond to a request for comment. If approved, the move would

mark a sharp reversal from Indonesia’s tightening of nickel quotas at the start of the year, which triggered a major rise in prices on the London Metal Exchange. Since banning exports of raw ore in 2020, Indonesia’s share of global production has surged to about 60 percent, driven by tens of billions of dollars of investment by Chinese smelting firms.

Copper prices

COPPER and industrial metals largely held Tuesday’s slump as a stronger dollar and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance weighed on the demand outlook. Copper was slightly higher on the London Metal Exchange, after losing 2 percent on Tuesday as a bearish turn in equity markets weighed on sentiment. The likelihood of higher rates to counter inflation is a headwind for all risk assets, while a rising dollar compounds the im-

pact on commodities priced in the greenback.

New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh set a hawkish tone at his first rate-setting meeting last week, where policymakers signaled growing support for higher borrowing costs while leaving rates unchanged. The outlook jolted investors and offset the positive impact from an interim US-Iran peace deal that’s allowed commercial vessels to move in greater numbers through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Base metals trading is currently dominated by Fed monetary policy,” said Gao Ying, an analyst with Shuohe Asset Management Co. “There are hardly any speculative long positions in base metals at the moment.”

Mang Inasal expands off-premise services  as convenience reshapes consumer behavior

Convenience has become one of the biggest drivers of dining decisions today.

As Filipino consumers increasingly seek restaurantquality meals that fit their busy schedules, offpremise dining channels such as drive-thru, takeout, delivery, and mobile app ordering continue to gain importance across the quickservice restaurant industry.

Recognizing this shift, Mang Inasal is strengthening its off-premise business through expanded drive-thru operations and enhanced digital ordering capabilities, making its signature Ihaw-Sarap meals more accessible to Filipinos wherever they are.

“A major growth area for Mang Inasal is our off-premise business as consumer behavior continues to evolve toward convenience, mobility, and digital ordering,» Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro, shared.

To support this growing demand, Mang Inasal has invested in multiple customer access points, including drive-thru stores, self-order kiosks, takeout windows, digital payment systems, and the recently revamped Mang Inasal App. These initiatives build on the brand’s efforts to provide customers with more convenient ways to enjoy their favorite meals beyond the traditional dine-in experience.

Mang Inasal currently operates eight drivethru stores nationwide, offering customers another convenient way to enjoy its grilled favorites.

For Mang Inasal, its drive-thru expansion is not simply about opening more locations but about bringing the restaurant closer to customers and making its offerings more accessible.

At the same time, provincial markets and emerging cities remain key areas for growth.

“Provincial and emerging cities are an integral part of our network expansion efforts as we make accessible to more customers our Ihaw-Sarap meals and further reinforce our positioning as the country›s Grill Expert,» Castro added.

The continued expansion reflects Mang Inasal’s commitment to serving more Filipinos while adapting to changing dining habits and lifestyles.

One of the company’s key learnings in recent years has been the growing acceptance of grilled food in off-premise formats.

“Our customers have come to appreciate that the quality of Mang Inasal’s IhawSarap meals can be enjoyed both in-store and via takeout, drive-thru, and delivery,» said Castro.

This positive response has encouraged the brand to continue investing in convenience-led channels.

“That we are able to prove that even for grilled food, drive-thru can be a viable additional access point for our customers has inspired us to continually step up our efforts to enhance our customers’ Unli-Saya experience through this touchpoint,” Castro added.

Beyond individual meals, Mang Inasal also continues to promote sharing occasions through offerings such as Family Fiesta meals, allowing families and barkadas to enjoy the brand›s signature Unli-Saya experience wherever they choose to dine.

Alongside physical expansion, Mang Inasal continues to invest in digital innovation to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

The recently revamped Mang Inasal App offers fixed delivery fees with no surge pricing, exclusive promotions, personalized deals, and

app-exclusive freebies, making ordering more convenient and rewarding for customers.

The company also utilizes digital tools and artificial intelligence to support marketing initiatives, including content creation, trend monitoring, social listening, campaign optimization, and performance measurement.

“We focus on technologies that genuinely improve engagement, accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience rather than adopting trends for the sake of innovation alone,” Castro stressed.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Mang Inasal sees off-premise dining as an important growth driver for the future.

While dine-in remains a core part of the Mang Inasal experience, the brand continues to strengthen its omnichannel approach by providing customers with more ways to enjoy Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya—whether in-store, through takeout, via delivery, or at a drive-thru window.

By combining accessibility, digital innovation, and its well-loved grilled offerings, Mang Inasal remains focused on meeting customers where they are while continuing to serve the flavors they love.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit https://manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and UnliSaya updates!

Can empathy be the new standard in PHL healthcare? HI-Eisai believes so

HEALTHCARE, especially for critical illness, oftentimes feels transactional because of the burden it brings to the patient’s daily living domain, from the time of diagnosis until after hospital care. HI-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Inc. (HI-Eisai) is changing this perception by putting human connection at the core of its practice to restore trust and dignity throughout the care journey.

Such is the unique concept of Human Health Care (HHC) that HI- Eisai, a partnership between Japan’s Eisai Group and Yuchengco Group of Companies’ (YGC) House of Investments, has embraced not just as an internal philosophy, but as a binding corporate concept.

The uniqueness of HHC lies in the way it is rooted in understanding tacit knowledge surrounding patients’ and their families’ unspoken emotions of fear, anger, joy, and hope. According to Jonnahs Singian, HIEisai’s President and General Manager, the company is redefining what patient-centered care means in the

FILIPINOS tend to treat “masakit ang tiyan” as one simple problem with one go-to solution. But is it really that simple? A stomach ache can mean many things: kabag, pangangasim ng sikmura, constipation, or even cramps. Same stomach, different causes, so when it comes to getting over that belly pain, it’s never a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead of guessing, it helps to understand what your body is actually telling you. Think of your belly as a map. Each zone corresponds to different organs, so where it hurts can reveal just as much as how it feels. Read both right, and you’re not just guessing; you’ll actually get to the bottom of it.

Upper belly pain: Indigestion or something worse?

Philippines by placing human connection, dignity, and compassion at the heart of every interaction.

More than a corporate principle, HHC serves as the company’s guiding philosophy, shaping how it engages with patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, communities, and partners.

“HHC is about spending time with patients and their families, listening deeply, and understanding the burdens they carry,” shares Singian. “When you truly understand people’s lived realities, you create solutions that bring meaningful value not only to patients, but to everyone involved in their care journey.”

For HI-Eisai, healthcare is not limited to hospitals or clinics. It extends into the patient’s daily living domain — the spaces where families, caregivers, friends, healthcare workers, local government units, NGOs, volunteers, and corporate partners all play vital roles.

The emotional and financial strain of being critically ill often leave patients with guilt for being a burden to the family, and caregivers feeling isolated. HI-Eisai’s interactions with patients and their families reveal that the burden of disease can get too much to bear.

Dementia caregivers, for example, feel lonely taking care of their sick loved ones. On the other hand, the patients themselves often feel confused, frustrated, or embarrassed because of their fading memory.

“For many patients and caregivers, the greatest burden is not the illness itself, but the emotional strain that comes with it,” says Singian. “Fear, stigma, and uncertainty can

That’s not just a random stomachache; that’s usually hyperacidity or pangangasim ng sikmura. These are often felt above the navel, up to the chest area, and tend to show up after meals, especially after that extra spicy, oily, or that “promise, last na ‘to” moment.

This kind of discomfort is your digestive system reacting in real time. The usual suspects are indigestion, acid reflux, and kabag. Same upper belly zone, but different triggers. Manageable at first, but if the pain sticks around, worsens, or comes with red flags like vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss, that’s your cue to stop guessing and get it checked.

DepEd, Jhpiego equip teachers with new resource on HPV vaccination, cervical cancer prevention

THE Department of Education (DepEd) recently held a hybrid orientation and consultation with representatives from various central office bureaus and all 18 regional offices, including the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, on the use of a new cervical cancer prevention and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination resource booklet designed for teachers and education support personnel. The activity was conducted at the Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila in Pasig City.

The Bureau of Learner Support Services-School Health Division, in partnership with Jhpiego Philippines and with support from the HPV Vaccination Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) Consortium, led the development of the resource booklet, “Guro Laban sa Cervical Cancer.” This resource aims to equip educators with accurate and evidence-based information on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination.

The resource booklet will be made available as a selfpaced online learning supplementary material for teachers and education support personnel. It covers key information on both primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer, including HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and treatment options for precancerous lesions and early-stage cervical cancer.

The resource also provides information on available screening methods, including visual inspection with acetic acid, Pap smear testing, and HPV DNA testing, helping educators better understand the continuum of cervical cancer prevention and care.

“Teachers and education support personnel play a critical role in supporting parents and learners with accurate health information. Aside from health workers, they are among the most accessible and trusted sources of information for parents seeking guidance on HPV vaccination,” said Atty. Razzel Requesto, Director IV at the Bureau of Learner Support Services.

The resource was developed with technical recommendations from the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD), Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD), Bureau of Learning

Resources (BLR), Public Affairs Service (PAS), and the Employees Welfare Division (EWD) of the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD), with guidance from the Department of Health’s Health Promotion Bureau.

“This resource reflects the strength of collaboration between the education and health sectors. Together, we are helping ensure that teachers have the knowledge and tools to promote accurate information on HPV vaccination and protect the health of future generations,” Requesto added.

The annual School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program, jointly implemented by the DOH and DepEd, has been conducted since 2017. Prior to the implementation of SBI activities, ParentTeacher Association meetings are held to provide parents and guardians with relevant information regarding the program. These efforts complement the health education and promotion initiatives of the DOH and local government units, helping ensure the successful conduct of immunization activities in schools. By equipping teachers and education support personnel with the appropriate tools and knowledge, DepEd aims to strengthen consistent, evidence-based communication about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. The initiative also reinforces the education sector’s role in promoting healthy school environments and supporting efforts to reduce illness and deaths caused by vaccine-preventable cancers.

“The Guro Laban sa Cervical Cancer resource booklet gives teachers a practical reference for addressing questions on HPV vaccination and supporting health-promoting practices in schools,” said Dr. Lilibeth Gonzales, OIC Chief of the DepEd School Health Division.

“Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and increasing awareness about HPV vaccination is essential to protecting future generations. Through this partnership, we are helping ensure that teachers have the knowledge and tools to support informed decision-making among parents and learners,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines.

The science of sweat: Why halftime decides the second half

MOST soccer fans think of half-time as a break. But for Dr. Krissy Ladner, Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition Education at Herbalife, and a sports performance dietitian who works with elite athletes, it is the most important fueling window of the match.

deeply impact both patients and families.”

Through HHC initiatives and patient interactions, HI-Eisai aims to restore not only care, but also dignity. Patients and caregivers who have experienced HHC firsthand often describe feeling seen, heard, respected, and emotionally supported.

By fostering genuine human connection, HI-Eisai helps cultivate trust, reassurance, and renewed hope — elements that are just as important in healing as medicine itself.

For HI-Eisai, prioritizing people is not separate from business success ; it is foundational to it.

Singian emphasizes that patient satisfaction and meaningful societal impact come before revenue and profit, influencing how the company makes decisions and builds partnerships.

“Putting people first is not only the right thing to do — it is also sustainable,” he affirms. “It strengthens trust, deepens relationships, and creates an ecosystem where accessible healthcare and responsible business growth can coexist.”

By leveraging the strengths of different sectors, the company aims to make Human Health Care scalable, inclusive, and enduring.

“When organizations and communities move together with empathy, trust, and shared purpose, we build a healthcare ecosystem that is resilient and truly patientcentered,” Mr. Singian concludes. “That is the essence of Human Health Care — humanizing healthcare, together.”

to Functional Abdominal Cramping Pain (FACP). Think hilab, ipit, tusok, the kind of pain na namimilipit sa sakit, and it often comes and goes. FACP can appear on its own or with symptoms like pagtatae (diarrhea), constipation, or bloating. One minute you’re fine, the next you feel butterflies in your stomach and not the kilig kind. It’s not always triggered by food either. Stress, pressure, and kaba can also directly affect your gut.

At its core, this type of pain is tied to how your digestive system functions—factors like gut sensitivity, intestinal muscle movement, or even an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria can all play a role.

The science behind that view is striking. Athletes can lose anywhere from one to three liters of sweat per hour of training. A two percent drop in body weight from fluid loss is enough to measurably impair performance, leading to slower sprints, impaired dribbling, slower reaction times and an increase in perceived exertion. A four percent loss can have serious consequences and may require medical attention. For context, a 180-pound athlete hits the two percent threshold after losing less than four pounds of sweat. That is not much in a 90-minute match played in warm weather.

This is why the 15 minutes of halftime are not a break. They are a fueling window.

Sweat is not just water. It is made up of water and electrolytes, primarily sodium and chloride (together, salt), plus potassium, magnesium and calcium. Each of these minerals plays a specific role in keeping athletes on their feet and in the match. Sodium and chloride regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve signaling and muscle contraction. Potassium supports nutrient delivery, muscle and nerve function, and heart function. Magnesium is critical for muscle and nerve function and for bone health.

Calcium drives muscle contraction and nerve signaling. Lose enough of any of them and your body starts to send warning signs long before an athlete realizes something is wrong: muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, slower reaction time, dizziness, and, in serious cases, an irregular heartbeat.

This is also why plain water will not cut it for any session over an hour. Water replaces fluid volume, but it does not replace sodium. And sodium is what holds fluid in the body and helps pull it into your cells. A well-formulated sports drink beats plain water for longer, harder sessions because it delivers sugar for muscle and brain energy, sodium for fluid retention and electrolyte replacement, and flavor that encourages athletes to actually keep drinking. The halftime window breaks into three pieces:

What can be done

carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluid volume.

Carbohydrates: 30 to 60 grams of easy-to-digest simple carbs. This is roughly a sports drink plus a banana, a carbohydrate gel, or a small handful of energy chews. The goal is to top up the glycogen stores in the muscles that power high-intensity movements like sprinting and changing direction. Halftime carbs also refuel the brain and nervous system, which explains why players who

during the halftime window, and a rate of four to eight fluid ounces every 15 minutes across the full match. That rate is designed to minimize body weight change and help cool core temperature without overloading the stomach.

Two simple tests can help assess hydration status. First, weigh yourself before and after a long workout.

blows for halftime, do not think of it as a break. Think of it as the moment the second half is being decided — one sip at a time.

Upper belly acting up? That familiar flaring up or hapdi, uncomfortable bloating, or a sharp, gnawing pain?

Lower belly trouble: A passing Cramp or something more serious? If the pain hits around or below the navel, it may be linked

But if the pain becomes severe, one-sided, or comes with fever, nausea, or difficulty urinating, don’t brush it off. That’s your sign to get it checked.

This is where it gets practical. If it’s upper belly pain caused by acid, antacids can help calm the burn. If it’s lower belly cramps, that’s where antispasmodics like Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) come in to ease the tension. Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) is a naturally derived antispasmodic suitable for adults and children over six years old. It treats pain at the source, works as fast as 15 minutes, and provides all-day relief while helping reduce the intensity and frequency of lower belly pain episodes. For milder cases, Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) is recommended for light to moderate abdominal cramps, while Hyoscine N-Butylbromide Paracetamol (Buscopan Plus) is designed for more

severe cramping. The usual dose is one to two tablets, 3 times a day for not more than three days, or as prescribed by your doctor. Your body’s not being dramatic—it’s being specific. Masakit ang tiyan isn’t just one thing, and where the pain hits is a clue, not a coincidence. Go back to the map: upper or lower, hapdi or hilab—each one points to a different cause, and a different solution.

Read it right, and you can stop guessing and choose the right care—whether it’s for pangangasim ng sikmura, kabag, constipation, or cramping pain like FACP (where antispasmodics like Buscopan can help). Because at the end of the day, hindi lahat ng sakit ng tiyan pare-pareho—and your treatment shouldn’t be either. And when in doubt, it’s always best to consult your doctor. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. The pain map: Navigating upper vs. lower belly trouble Masakitangtiyan? Sure kabangtamaanggamotmodiyan?

South Luzon business leaders gather in Lipa for 35th SOLABC to drive regional growth innovation

More than 400 business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders from across South Luzon are set to converge in Lipa City on June 25 to 26, 2026 for the 35th South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC), a premier gathering aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening publicprivate partnerships, and advancing innovation across the region.

Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in partnership with host chamber PCCI-Lipa City, the twoday conference will be held at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Banay-Banay, Lipa City. Delegates from Regions IV-A, IV-B, and V will participate in discussions and initiatives designed to position South Luzon as a key driver of national economic development.

Carrying the theme “South Luzon Ascending: Taking Flight Through LIPA-D (Leadership, Innovation and Partnerships for Accelerated Development),” this year’s conference highlights the region’s commitment to building a futureready economy through stronger collaboration among business, government, and community stakeholders.

Leading the event are PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer and PCCI Chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar, joined by Hoover S. Picar, Chairman of the 35th SOLABC and PCCI South Luzon Area Vice President; May Andrea L. Katigbak, Co-Chair and PCCI Region IV-A Regional Governor; and Marites B. Jumarang, Conference Director and President of PCCILipa City.

The conference will open with keynote remarks from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership Service Nicasio A. Conti, while Lipa City Mayor Eric B. Africa will officially welcome delegates to the city.

Day One will feature the opening of a trade exhibit showcasing products and services from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), alongside exclusive site visits to the New Lipa City Hall and LIMA Estate for early registrants. Participants will also attend a series of capacity-building workshops aimed at enhancing business competitiveness and organizational leadership.

A major highlight of the opening day will be the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PCCI South Luzon and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), reinforcing efforts to improve ease of doing business and strengthen governmentbusiness collaboration.

The afternoon sessions will focus on empowering local chambers of commerce and industry (LCCIs) as strategic partners of local government units and national agencies. Discussions will center on expanding their role as catalysts for enterprise development and effective channels for programs that support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

On the second day, participants will engage in high-level plenary sessions aligned with the four pillars of the LIPA-D framework.

Under Leadership: Steering the Ascent,

ARTA Deputy Director General Undersecretary.

Juabilly P. Racho and industry leader Reginald Yu of the Philippines Paints & Coatings Association will discuss regulatory efficiency, good governance, and business leadership.

The Innovation: The Engine of Flight session will explore emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and commercialization opportunities, featuring DOST Assistant Secretary Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Metro Pacific Agri Ventures COO Toby Gatchalian, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines Executive Director Sherwin M. Pelayo, and Globe Business Head of Business Solutions Consulting, Data, Analytics, and AI Carlo Pagulayan.

For Partnerships: Collaborative WingSpan, speakers including Jolan Formalejo of Aboitiz Economic Estates and Professor Ronilo Balbieran of the Research, Education, and Institutional Foundation (REID) will share insights on strengthening public-private and multi-sector partnerships to support regional development.

Meanwhile, Accelerated Development: Reaching New Heights will spotlight investment opportunities and sustainable growth strategies, with presentations from Department of Energy Undersecretary Mylene C. Capongcol and Board of Investments Director Ernesto C. Delos Reyes Jr.

The conference will conclude with the presentation and adoption of business resolutions that reflect the collective priorities and recommendations of the South Luzon business community. These resolutions will serve as a roadmap for future initiatives and policy advocacy, reinforcing South Luzon’s readiness to achieve greater economic progress and competitiveness.

PCCI Area Vice President Hoover Picar said as South Luzon continues to emerge as one of the country’s most dynamic growth corridors, the 35th SOLABC provides a vital platform for leaders and stakeholders to forge partnerships, share innovative solutions, and chart a common path toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Citadines Salcedo Makati celebrates 12 years of modern living legacy

CITADINES Salcedo Makati marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 12 years of redefining serviced residence living in the country. As the first Citadines property in the Philippines, it set the standard for the brand when it opened its doors in 2014, paving the way for the continued growth of eight operating properties nationwide, with more developments in the pipeline.

On May 29, 2026, the property celebrated its 12th anniversary under the theme “12 Years, Where Legacy Lives.” The event honored the pioneering spirit that has shaped not only Citadines Salcedo Makati, but also the broader network of Citadines properties nationwide.

For Citadines Salcedo Makati, 12 symbolizes completeness, harmony, and cycles of renewal, a culmination of a meaningful journey and the beginning of a new chapter. The celebration draws inspiration from this meaning, marking the twelve cycles of harmony and renewal, where stars and signs align to usher in a new chapter for the property.

From being the first Citadines address in the Philippines to becoming the benchmark for design and hospitality excellence, this milestone reflects a legacy that has come full circle, yet continues to evolve and expand.

In line with evolving guest preferences, the property

unveiled enhanced suites and amenities, further elevating the living experience in one of Makati’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The refreshed rooms and amenities feature thoughtful upgrades—from new mattresses, pillows, and furnishings to enhanced lighting, fixtures, and in-room comforts, designed for a more seamless and elevated stay. The property is currently in the early stages of a full refurbishment project, so refreshed rooms are limited for now and subject to availability.

Each suite is thoughtfully designed with contemporary interiors accented by Filipino artistry. Framed works by local artists and distinctive elements such as Capiz finishes and carefully curated lighting fixtures create a space that is both modern and culturally grounded. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities designed for staycations, long stays, relaxation, and balance, including a self-service laundrette, a fitness center, and a 25-meter lap pool overlooking the Makati skyline.

Beyond business, the property is surrounded by a vibrant community known for its walkable, tree-lined streets and a curated selection of restaurants, cafés, and lifestyle destinations, offering guests a true live-workplay experience. Located within the Salcedo Village neighborhood, Citadines Salcedo Makati places guests at the heart of Makati’s central business district. It is within close proximity to major corporate hubs such as the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Tower, and Citibank Tower, making it a strategic choice for business travelers.

Aligned with The Ascott Limited Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, the property is 100 percent operating on renewable energy through its partnership with ACEN RES. During the event, the property team also unveiled its “Powered by Renewable Energy” badge awarded by ACEN RES, reflecting the team’s responsible and environmentally conscious operations.

Citadines Salcedo Makati also partnered with Gouache

for the specially crafted event giveaways made of discarded linens. With the upcycled coffee cup holders, the guests carry with them a piece of the property and the meaningful brand connection and commitment to sustainability.

Aligned with the Citadines’ brand signature, For the Love of Coffee, the property also collaborated with the Latitude Bean + Bar as the anniversary event’s official coffee partner. To drive Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) signups, and as an added perk, ASR members will enjoy an upsized cup on any drink at Latitude’s available branches: One Ayala Makati, SM Megamall, or in Malate, Manila, until December 31, 2026. Experience elevated comfort and discover your weekend city escape in the heart of Makati. Select Studio and One-Bedroom apartments have been newly enhanced as part of the property’s ongoing refurbishment, and are available on a limited basis. Guests wishing to stay in these upgraded spaces may coordinate availability through our Front Desk team. Alternatively, guests can enjoy our existing apartments, thoughtfully designed for modern comfort and a relaxing stay.

Weekend City Escape at Citadines Salcedo Makati

Studio - P4,500 nett

One-Bedroom Deluxe - P4,900 nett

Booking and Stay Period: Until end of September 2026 Promo code CSMWKND2026.

Inclusions: Complimentary set breakfast for two Early check-in at 11am and late checkout at 3pm *subject to availability

Use of recreational facilities, swimming pool, and fitness center

20 percent discount at Paradasia Royal Spa For inquiries and reservations, you may email frontoffice. csm@the-ascott.com, call +632 8863-9888, or visit Citadines Salcedo Makati’s page on www.discoverasr.com

519-room Hotel101-Davao to open on July 30, 2026

HHotel101-Davao is located in a 5,384

meter prime property at Eco West Drive, Davao City and about a one-minute walk to SM City Ecoland Davao. The facilities and amenities of Hotel101-Davao will include a concessionaire-operated all-day dining HBNB kitchen, a fitness gym, full-size swimming pool, function/ conference rooms, and a helipad.

DoubleDragon Corporation happens to be one of the very few companies that has not only positioned its diversified portfolio of hard assets spread out across the Philippines, but it also happens to be one of the very few companies that has organically developed a novel assetlight concept and highly unique business model in Hotel101 (HBnB) that is exportable to other continents globally.

The domestic and international expansion of Hotel101 are geared towards Hotel101 Global’s Vision of one million uniform Hotel101 rooms in 100 Countries mainly thru the licensing of its unique and novel HBNB business model that provides long term recurring revenue stream.

The 518-room Hotel101-Manila and the 606-room Hotel101-Fort in the Philippines continue to consistently operate at very high occupancy levels.

The opening of Hotel101-Madrid last March 2026 with record performance which underscores the accelerating momentum and exceptionally strong demand for Hotel101Madrid, the first Hotel101-branded property to operate outside the Philippines.

As recently disclosed, the record single-day performance at 100 percent occupancy at Hotel101-Madrid provides support for demonstrable, strong demand for the property and illustrates the property’s potential to generate substantial recurring revenues. This milestone revenue achieved today of more than €100,000 Euros for a single day is expected to translate to a highly sizable recurring hotel revenues annually, further validating the success of the company’s asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and its focus on long-term recurring revenue generation from the Hotel101 global portfolio.

DSWD, DTI strengthen partnership to create more livelihood opportunities for poor, vulnerable Pinoys

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a consultative dialogue on June 16, 2026, for the creation of more livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors through enhanced enterprise development interventions and expanded access to government support services.

During the meeting, both departments reviewed the implementation of their existing programs, assessed the gains of the DSWD-DTI KAIBIGAN partnership, and explored ways to improve further support for aspiring and existing micro entrepreneurs.

Director Marife Leon of the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) presented updates on DSWD’s flagship livelihood program, highlighting its role in helping disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities improve their socio-economic conditions through enterprise development and employment facilitation.

Assistant Director Susan Mae Salonga of the DTI’s Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) underscored the accomplishments of the KAIBIGAN initiative which provides SLP Associations (SLPAs) and its beneficiaries access to entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, product development support, and market linkage opportunities through various DTI programs.

According to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, strengthening the partnership is expected to provide more opportunities for vulnerable Filipinos to establish sustainable sources of income and improve their quality of life.

“Mahalagang hakbang po ang patuloy na collaboration ng DSWD at DTI para mas maraming mahihirap, vulnerable at marginalized na mga Pilipino ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagsimula o makapagpalago ng kanilang mga kabuhayan [The continued collaboration between DSWD and DTI is an important step so that more poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos have the opportunity to start or grow their livelihoods],” Dumlao on June 17.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na palawakin ang access ng mga Pilipino sa trabaho, kabuhayan, at iba pang oportunidad, patuloy na pinapalakas ng DSWD ang pakikipagtulungan nito sa

iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng mas matatag at pangmatagalang pinagkukunan ng kita [In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand Filipinos’ access to jobs, livelihoods, and other opportunities, DSWD continues to strengthen its collaboration with various government agencies to help our countrymen have more stable and long-term sources of income],” Dumlao added.

The DSWD spokesperson also noted that livelihood assistance becomes more effective when complemented by entrepreneurship development and market support.

“Hindi lamang po puhunan ang kailangan ng ating mga benepisyaryo. Mahalaga ring mabigyan sila ng entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, product development support, at access sa merkado upang maging mas matagumpay at sustainable ang kanilang mga livelihood projects [It is also important to provide them with entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, product development support, and market access to make their livelihood projects more successful and sustainable],” she pointed out

To further strengthen the partnership, the DSWD proposed extending the validity of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both agencies until December 31, 2029 and expanding its coverage to include DTI’s attached agencies and corporations.

These include the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), Small Business Corporation (SBC), Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Board of Investments (BOI), Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOP).

The proposed expansion is expected to provide SLP beneficiaries with broader access to specialized business development services, capacity-building programs, financing opportunities, product innovation support, and market promotion initiatives.

Through the DSWD and DTI’s continued partnership, more and more Filipinos continue to gain opportunities to improve their livelihoods, develop their entrepreneurial potential, and achieve greater economic stability. By expanding access to training, technical assistance, and market opportunities, the two agencies reaffirm their shared commitment to helping vulnerable sectors become self-reliant and active contributors to nation-building.

Stronger through play: Helping our children move, grow, and thrive

Tablea chocolate, sago’t gulamaninspired cocktails for the rainy season

AS PAGASA has declared the start of the rainy season, budding mixologists Joana Paguio and Katrina Vega recently introduced original concoctions which are ideal after-dinner drinks as the habagat continues to blow chilly weather.

“The sound of rain softly hitting the windows, a warm mug of cocoa, and a plate of biscuits shared at home,” she says, bring a “quiet sense of comfort.

This motivated the young talent to create “Warm Embrace,” a cocktail designed to feel like “cozy evening indoors.”

With a soothing whisky and homemade cocoa syrup combo, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Hospitality Management graduate reimagines the familiar cheer of the classic tableastyle tsokolate with the smooth, mellow depth from the liquor. Paguio, now the operations manager of the beach club Mr. Turtle in Siargao—and one soon to rise in Palawan—likewise encourages cocktail enthusiasts to elevate the drink with crushed graham crackers and torched marshmallows garnish.

For those who wish for a radiating yet relaxing drink, Katrina Vega’s “Pahingi Lima” makes for the go-to treat.

Inspired by the iconic sago’t gulaman, her innovative take blends banana arnibal (caramelized brown sugar) and sago (tapioca pearls) with melon cream float and an ounce of bourbon whiskey.

This brew was influenced by fond days from her younger years, when her parents would cater pancakes paired with five-peso palamig

When given the opportunity to represent her school in her debut bartending competition, the Benilde Hospitality and Luxury Management (HLM) student turned to these memories to come up a blend which encapsulated and showcased both her skills and her narratives.

“This cocktail is very special to me because it was the very first concept cocktail I created,” shares Vega, who now interns as a bartender at Great Wolf Lodge in Naples, Florida.

Warm Embrace by Joana Paguio

Ingredients:

60ml whisky, warmed 20ml cocoa syrup, warmed

45ml hot water

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 marshmallow, torched, for garnish

For the cocoa syrup:

20g cocoa powder

2g dark chocolate

40g white sugar

60g water

Procedure:

1.

2.

ONE of the most common concerns I hear from parents today is screen time.

Whether it is tablets, mobile phones, gaming consoles, or online videos, many moms and dads worry that their children are spending less time moving and more time sitting. As a parent myself, I understand this concern. Technology has become part of our children’s world. It is where they learn, connect, create and play. The challenge is not necessarily removing technology altogether, but helping our children find a healthy balance between their digital and physical worlds.

This is why I appreciate initiatives that encourage children to rediscover the joy of movement in ways that are relevant to how they live today. Recently, popular cheese spread brand Cheez Whiz brought this advocacy to life through the “Strong Kid Camp 2026”, an immersive experience designed to help Filipino children rediscover active play, supported by proper nutrition and confidence-building experiences.

The camp builds on the success of Cheez Whiz’s Strong Streamer Alliance. Recognizing that many children now spend a significant amount of their time in digital spaces, Cheez Whiz partnered with popular Minecraft creators to connect with children in a platform where they already imagine, build and play. Instead of positioning technology as the enemy, the initiative chose a different approach—meeting children where they are and using those platforms to inspire movement beyond the screen.

Through the Strong Streamer Alliance, children helped co-create a virtual playground inspired by adventure and active play. That same playground has now been transformed into a real-life experience through Strong Kid Camp 2026. I particularly appreciate this approach because it mirrors something many parents are learning today, which is that children need more opportunities to bring their imagination into the real world.

As shared by Adrian Manlapig, marketing head of Mondelez Philippines that is behind Cheez Whiz:

“Last year, we started the conversation through our For the Strength To Do More campaign. This year, we wanted to take that advocacy further by looking at things from a different perspective. Instead of

going against technology, we chose to work with it by meeting kids where they are today, in digital spaces where they naturally imagine, create and play. What started as a co-created virtual playground through the Strong Streamer Alliance has now come to life through the Strong Kid Camp, where children can experience active play in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.”

The advocacy does not stop with the camp itself. As part of its next phase, Cheez Whiz is exploring opportunities to support and enhance public playgrounds together with local partners in key communities. Between schoolwork, gadgets, extracurricular activities, and indoor routines, active play can sometimes become an afterthought. Yet research consistently shows that movement supports not only physical development but also emotional regulation, social skills, creativity and confidence.

At Strong Kid Camp 2026, children were encouraged to run, jump, balance, stretch, and navigate challenges through engaging activity stations. These were all presented as play activities, not exercise. Children are naturally wired to move. When movement becomes fun, they participate willingly.

The event also highlighted that active play and proper nutrition go hand in hand. As a source of calcium, Vitamins A and D, and phosphorus, Cheez Whiz can be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle that supports growing children as they stay active, learn and explore.

Whiz Nutrition Partner, “Proper nutrition plays a key role in supporting active children. Kids need energy for play, growth and learning, and the food they eat helps prepare their bodies for physical activity.” She added, “Parents should see food and movement as connected parts of child development. When children are properly nourished, they are better able to participate, build confidence, and enjoy active experiences. Together with regular physical activity, balanced nutrition helps support children as they grow and develop.”

Another aspect that resonated with me was the emphasis on confidence-building. Cheez Whiz Active Play Partner Nikko Huelgas shared, “Active play is important because it helps children build more than physical strength. It helps them develop confidence, discipline, coordination and healthier habits that they can carry as they grow.”

Andi Manzano, a mom of three, reflected, “My favorite part was watching [daughter] Amelia do things she wasn’t sure she could do at first. Once she tried, she kept wanting to go back and challenge herself again. It was really nice seeing that confidence build throughout the day. I think active play is so important because kids learn so much when they’re out there exploring, trying new things, and discovering what they’re capable of.”

As parents, perhaps that is what we want most— not simply stronger children, but little ones who are willing to try, explore, connect and grow.

ASTRONAUT ONE DAY, ARTIST THE NEXT: HOW TO HELP CHILDREN EXPLORE THE WORLD OF CAREERS

NEW YORK—When Angelina Rivera was a third grader, she wanted to be a scientist and was excited by bugs, rocks and everything in the natural world. But a family trip to visit relatives in Honduras changed her perspective. Police stopped her family’s car and aggressively questioned her father about a crime someone else committed the night before. The experience left Rivera, then 8, shaken but also realizing that people may be treated differently based on their appearance and location. Over time, that pivotal experience evolved into an interest in politics. After studying international relations in college, Rivera, now 22, works as an assistant at the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit. “The more I tried to explore different interests(,)...I found that it was hard for me to ignore that urge, that calling, to go into diplomacy,” she said.

Sometimes career paths follow a straight line, with early life ambitions setting us on a clear path to training or a degree and a specific profession. Just as often, circumstance, luck, exposure and a willingness to adapt to change influence what we do for a living.

Developmental psychologists and career counselors recommend exposing children to a wide variety of career paths at a young age. “It’s not so that they’ll pick a career, but that they will realize that there’s lots of opportunities and not limit themselves out of careers,” said Jennifer Curry, a Louisiana State University professor who researches career and college readiness.

Sometimes children assume they can’t work certain jobs because of their gender, race or background, Curry said.

“That’s what we’re trying to avoid, because kids do start limiting very young, like age 5,” she said.

Here’s what experts have to say about how to talk with kids about careers: n START YOUNG. Toddlers begin making sense of occupations while visiting a pediatrician’s office or waving to garbage truck crews. Encourage their curiosity by pointing out the people working at a post office or bakery, or appearing in books or on television. You can ask young children, “What jobs do you see? What kind of things do they do?” advised

Curry, who consults on career content for the PBS show Skillsville, which is geared toward children ages 4-8. Once kids identify different jobs in the community, they can try those roles while playing at home.

There are many occupations that children don’t learn about in early reader books, which frequently portray police officers, firefighters or doctors. After finding no children’s books about public relations, Curtis Sparrer wrote one, placing a 10-year-old at the center of the action. Sparrer, who co-founded a public relations agency, Bospar, wanted to help young readers avoid the confusion he felt growing up, when movies made him think being an actor meant flying around on spaceships. Before he found his niche in PR, he worked in television production but didn’t enjoy the late-night shifts.

“Once you figure out what you really liked and why you liked it, you can really zero in on your passion,” Sparrer said. Aside from topic interests, there are personality traits to consider. Children know from an early age whether they like to be around a lot of people or by themselves, whether they prefer using their hands or enjoy reading, according to Jobs for the Future CEO Maria Flynn.

“Very early you can start helping kids get a sense of what are they drawn to, and make that connection, how those skills and attributes show up in jobs,” said Flynn, whose nonprofit organization focus on education and workforce initiatives that advance economic opportunities.

n EXPLORING CAREERS THROUGH SCHOOL. Some US high schools offer elective courses in fields like marketing, computer science and health care. They also are again investing in vocational classes such as wood shop, welding and mechanics, which fell out of fashion as school systems came under criticism for not preparing enough students for college. Meanwhile, some middle schools are offering career exploration courses.

“Really help them see—at an earlier age, even in middle school—what is the apprenticeship option? How does that work?” Flynn said. “How does the pay work on things like that? What are different trade school options?”

Some young people have questioned the value of four-year degrees because of spiraling costs, student debt loads and difficulty finding jobs. Many want to be able to earn and learn at the same time, Flynn said.

“The public has really started to get the message about the benefits” and is seeing career and technical education as a viable option, said Catherine Imperatore, research and content director at the Association for Career and Technical Education, a nonprofit organization that advocates for careerreadiness initiatives.

Programs offering certificates in fields such as information technology and health care are providing another path to a stable job and decent salary, she said.

n PREPARING FOR A WORLD OF AI. In addition to exposing children to career routes through early conversations and school courses, experts recommend teaching children about artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping the world and work.

Employers are looking for people who can leverage AI to make their workplaces more efficient, but many employees don’t know how to comfortably use the technology, said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org, a nonprofit that works to expand K-12 access to computer science education.

Partovi encourages parents and teachers to help children learn about artificial intelligence at a young age. For example, they can speak with first and second graders about the benefits and drawbacks of self-driving cars, he said. Children also would benefit by learning to write computer programs, ideally when they’ve learned to read, although even preschoolers can learn some skills, Partovi said.

If parents are unfamiliar with AI, they can learn about it alongside their children while also encouraging enduring skills such as resiliency, curiosity, collaboration and teamwork, Flynn, of Jobs for the Future, said.

“We are living in an ever-changing world, and I think it’s important for kids at a young age to start getting used to the fact that things are moving and changing quickly,” Partovi said. “Teaching kids how to harness AI is going to be the most important thing after reading and writing.” AP

PHL volleyball crisis: POC suspends PNVF

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) during its Executive Board meeting early this week, POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Wednesday.

“ The suspension comes automatically from the international federation’s suspension of its national federation,” said Tolentino, who said the suspension was unanimously voted upon during the board meeting held at the Solaire Resort Hotel Monday in Parañaque City.

The International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB, suspended the PNVF effective last May 29, a decision imposed pursuant to Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations which are currently under investigation by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.

The FIVB sanction covers serious governance concerns and multiple alleged violations by the country’s volleyball governing body.

The Philippine Sports Commission suspended all funding options for the PNVF ahead of the FIVB sanction—a decision the government sports body hinged also on governance and noncompliance with its policy on granting financial assistance to national sports associations.

Despite the suspension, the PNVF exercised its political privilege of removing Tonyboy Liao as president

and replacing him with sportsmanbusinessman Frank Lao, along with the group’s other executive board members two weeks ago.

T hat exercise, however, is invalid, according to Tolentino, because of the existing FIVB suspension on the country. “ Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid—no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC,” Tolentino said.

W hile suspended, the PNVF cannot attend all POC functions, including the General Assembly.

P resent during the board meeting were secretary-general Atty. Wharton R. Chan, second vice president Rep. Richard Gomez, treasurer Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, auditor Jose Donaldo Caringal, Athletes Commission representative Jessie Khing Lacuna and board members Ferdinand Agustin, Leonora, Escollante, Alexander Sulit and Alvin Aguilar.

Tolentino said the POC is also awaiting the FIVB decision from the Ad Hoc Committee it formed to oversee the sport while the national federation is suspended.

The POC is expected to be the “caretaker” of volleyball while the suspension is in effect—the organization took over the affairs of the tennis and billiards associations when they were suspended by their respective international federations.

The tennis issue was resolved last year and so was billiards’ association and leadership crisis early this month.

Sy, secretary-general Suresh Gophi and sambo federation chief Paolo Tancontian. PSC PHOTO

NATIONAL sambo head coach Ace Larida is confident of the strong medal chances of the 40-member national team that will swing into action in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) starting Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

All of them are 100 percent physically and mentally prepared. We trained hard for the last six months since we knew that we were going to host the competition,” said Larida on the eve of the championships organized by the Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PFSI).

Philippine sambo will make history starting June 25. Our athletes prepared hard and are ready to do battle,” said federation chief Paolo Tancontian, who has been hands-on in the preparations of the meet sanctioned by the International Sambo Federation and the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania.

R eigning champions Sydney Sy and Aislyn Agnes Yap lead the hosts in the competition that drew close to 500 athletes from 22 countries in

Asia and Oceania.

Sy will defend her women’s +80kg sport sambo title and Yap the women’s -80kg combat sambo crown in the tournament held under the auspices of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee headed by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio.

Larida added that also looming as medal contenders are Jomary Torres, ranked No. 7 in the world, and will vie in the women’s -50kg  combat event and promising youth grappler Sophia Novino in the women’s -47kg youth category of the meet backed by Victory Liner.

Former Southeast Asian Games judo bronze medalist Carl Aneseta was delighted about making his international debut in the meet, vowing to give his utmost best in the men’s +98kg sports event of the four-day sambo showcase.

JAY BRYAN BARICUATRO won the men’s flyweight gold and Junmilardo Ogayre clinched the lightweight bronze medal in the European Cup Gold Grand Prix boxing championships held over the weekend at the Sports Hall Sluneta in Austin Nad Labem, Czechia. B aricuatro, a 21-year-old Cebuano, was tactical and aggressive in scoring a 5-0 victory over Bulgaria’s Ergynual Sebathin to rule the 50 kgs category, while Ogayre lost to India’s Sachin Sachin, 5-0, in the semifinals to settle for the 60 kgs bronze medal.

TI am glad Sir Paolo invited me to join this event. Sambo is similar to judo and we did some adjustments. I aim not to let him down,” said Aneseta, an Airman 2nd Class, of his fellow Davao City native.

Back from injury, Lascuña bids for Pinewoods title

AREJUVENATED Tony Lascuña is raring to chase his first victory of the season in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Pinewoods Challenge which unwraps Tuesday in Baguio City. I’m good now, ready for Pinewoods,” a confident Lascuña declared in Filipino. The multi-titled veteran chose to sit out last week’s Asian Development Tour event at Luisita, prioritizing rest to heal a nagging back injury. The nagging back tolled on Lascuña

The Baterbonia Legend

HE was “just a kid with big dreams.” A hometown hero who had touched the sky as the MVP of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He could have soared higher and touched more and higher skies that we could only imagine. But he died young. And all that glory now lives in the field of what-ifs and what couldhave-been.

R ene Baterbonia’s death and that of his teammate Divine Adili have been commented about, analyzed and speculated on by thousands of interested parties already, publicly and privately, online and offline. There is hardly anything more to add unless new information comes out from the various investigations going on about that tragic incident in Dipaculao, Aurora. But of the young basketball

from

at Caliraya Springs where he fell just one stroke short to Angelo Que in one of the wildest, most dramatic finishes in Philippine Golf Tour history. But the 55-year-old Lascuña kept his rhythm sharp and confidence intact with light training sessions focused primarily on precision range work at Manila Southwoods. Heading into the P2.5 million tournament—third leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour calendar— Lascuña is well aware of the threats ahead of him.

W hile Pinewoods Golf and Country Club will test every player’s resolve, Lascuña believes the high-altitude track plays directly into his strengths and unlike longer courses that reward brute strength and massive driving distance, Pinewoods is a thinking-man’s course.

Pinewoods suits me quite well, it doesn’t demand too much power, but strategy. Ball control and course management are absolute requirements,” said Lascuña, highlighting that tactical positioning will beat raw power next week.

Len Bias. Kobe

HIRTY-TWO teams have signed up for the Philippines’s first FootGolf Tournament, a landmark event organizers hope will serve as the launching pad for the sport’s rise into the local sporting mainstream.

R egistration remains open for the historic tournament scheduled on Sunday at the Graham Marsh-designed course of Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna.

O rganizers are targeting a full field of 40 teams for the milestone event with a double-barrel sequential tee-off set at 8 a.m. The inaugural competition is expected to showcase the sport’s broad appeal and inclusivity, drawing participants from established football clubs and school varsity programs across three divisions— Open, College and High School.

Heading the roster are the National University Ladies Football Club, University of the Philippines-Los Baños Mens Football Team, PEREF Southridge, Kampilan, Cherry Turf,

And closer to home, table tennis ace Ian Lariba. All died before their time. All became greater than life after they died.

In a way, in an ironic way, the fame they gained with their passing has made them much bigger than they were in life. Had they grown old, they will be well honored and remembered, yes. But maybe they will just be significant footnotes in history. But heroes who expire in the battlefield of life while hale, hearty and full of promise, they are not just remembered. They are loved and adored. They become immortal. Even if they are no longer with us, they live, they inspire, they launch a thousand ships of dreams and good deeds.

C hildren will aspire to be like them. Elders will hold them up as examples to emulate. New generations will still pay tribute to them.

I read somewhere that Rene Baterbonia’s life has a mystical aspect as well. Numerology buffs cite the coincidences in significant dates in his life. Born to this world on May 8, 2007, he left it on June 8, 2026. The number 8, say numerologists, is the number of infinity, karma and destiny. It is a recurring number in Rene’s life.

A ccording to one such numerology expert I read online (I’m sorry, I forgot to save his name) Rene was exactly 19 years old from May 2007 to June 2026. The numerologist calls this a “metonic cycle”—a period of almost exactly 19 years during

We are enormously proud of the gold and bronze medals from Jay Bryan Baricuatro and Junmilardo Ogayre,” Marcus Jarwin Manalo, president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday. A aron Jude Bado and Claudine Veloso, both bantamweight, however, failed to advance to the medal round.

“Aaron Jude unfortunately suffered a bad cut from a headbutt, he was a medal potential,” Manalo said. “Claudine also put up a good performance, so it was a good tournament for the team.” M analo said Czechia was the last international tournament for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games-bound boxers, who will participate in a two-phase training camp organized by Asian Boxing in Thailand from August 25 to September 8 and Japan from September 9 up to the start of the Asian Games on September 19. Josef Ramos

Baricuatro bags European Cup flyweight gold Caliraya footgolf tilt draws 32 squads

and Viloria.

Teams will consist of four players in a co-ed format with the best three scores counting toward the team total. Competitors will play nine for Juniors or 18 holes for high school, college and open division from designated tee boxes, aiming to complete the course in the fewest kicks possible.

Combining the precision and strategy of golf with the skill and flair of football, footgolf challenges players to kick a regulation football into a 21inch cup in as few shots as possible. Now, after gaining popularity across Europe, the Americas and other parts of Asia, the fast-growing sport is set to make its official Philippine debut. C aliraya Springs golf director Garry Viajante—a former collegiate football player—recognized the potential of the club’s expansive layout to accommodate the emerging sport.

which the Moon returns to the position it occupied during the person’s birth.

R ene’s “transition at the age of 19 symbolizes the ultimate spiritual full circle…The lunar energy that greeted him when he was born has returned to fetch and reclaim his energy. For those who believe in these symbols,” says the numerologist, “this

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness

We Hope Medical expands free chemo access through LGU partnerships

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

FOR many Filipinos battling cancer, the diagnosis is often followed by another daunting reality: the high cost of treatment and the long journeys required to access care.

Dr. John P. Aclan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of We Hope Medical Group, believes these barriers should not prevent patients from receiving life-saving treatment.

Through partnerships with local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and PhilHealth, the company has established a growing network of free chemotherapy centers across the country, bringing cancer care closer to underserved communities.

“We are giving hope to those that are hopeless, to those who feel that they are alone in their battles,” Aclan said in an interview. “We don’t discriminate whether you have money or you don’t have money. It’s really providing hope for those that are sick.”

Shift to cancer care

ACLAN , a businessman with more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience, said the company initially ventured into laboratory and dialysis services before shifting its focus to cancer care.

The passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act in 2019 and the subsequent government programs supporting cancer treatment highlighted a pressing need for accessible oncology services, particularly outside major urban centers.

“We decided to shift our focus in terms of LGU development when it comes to healthcare requirements,” Aclan said. “When the Department of Health released its administrative order in 2022, we said this is one important need that our constituents really require.”

The company spent three years studying the landscape and consolidating available government

DR . John P. Aclan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of We Hope Medical Group

programs and funding mechanisms before launching its chemotherapy initiative.

Access to cancer care

TODAY, We Hope Medical operates 85 chemotherapy centers nationwide and aims to increase that number to 100 by the end of the year.

“One hundred LGUs will now have cancer care access,” Aclan said. “This will be a very big help for our cancer patients that require treatment and require free treatment for that matter.”

The centers are spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including provinces and geographically isolated areas where specialized cancer services are often unavailable.

According to Aclan, many cancer patients in the past had little choice but to travel to Metro Manila or other major cities to receive treatment.

“The evolution of standalone chemotherapy centers enables the opening of cancer sites even outside the provinces,” he said. “We are able to bring the services right to the doorstep of our constituents in the farflung LGUs.”

Public, private collaboration THE model relies on a collaboration between the public and private sectors. Under the arrangement, We Hope Medical partners with local governments to establish chemotherapy centers while tapping available support

from national government programs and PhilHealth.

“We build chemo centers and partner with local government units at no cost to the LGU,” Aclan explained. “Then we provide the free chemotherapy services and work closely with the national government so such services can be funded.”

The initiative addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by cancer patients: affordability.

“The number one barrier is really cost,” Aclan said. “The cost of treatment is really cost-prohibitive. Not everyone has access to this.”

While advances in medicine have improved cancer outcomes, many patients continue to view the disease as a death sentence, he noted. The inability to afford treatment often worsens the situation.

Simple access TO simplify access, patients need only present a valid identification card and proof of PhilHealth membership. For those who are not yet enrolled, We Hope Medical works with local governments to facilitate PhilHealth registration.

The company serves both newly diagnosed patients and those already undergoing treatment. Referrals from local government units help identify residents who may benefit from the program.

Beyond treatment itself, We Hope

Medical has also integrated mental health support into its cancer care services.

Aclan said licensed psychologists are assigned to help patients cope with fear, anxiety, and the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis.

“Females are more courageous than males,” he said. “They face the problem head on. They really look at it and say, ‘I need treatment.’”

Psychological support

ACCORDING to Aclan, psychological support has helped encourage more male patients to seek treatment, improving participation rates among those who might otherwise delay care.

The company’s efforts have already benefited thousands of patients, many of whom have successfully completed their treatment regimens.

“We actually ring a bell inside our centers when they finish treatment,” Aclan said. “When you finish the treatment, that is a milestone.”

Looking ahead, We Hope Medical plans to expand beyond cancer care.

The company is developing additional healthcare initiatives, including free cataract surgery programs and autism centers, while continuing to strengthen partnerships with hospitals and specialists.

Private sector

ACLAN believes the private sector has a crucial role to play in helping government deliver healthcare services more effectively.

“We cannot just leave the government to do all of these services,” he said. “The private sector needs to help.”

Ultimately, he hopes the organization’s legacy will be a healthcare delivery system that better connects public and private resources for the benefit of Filipino patients.

“We aim to be the one that revolutionized the healthcare delivery system,” Aclan said. “The goal is to make healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and more efficient for every Filipino.”

EBy Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

LEVEN Philippine hospitals have earned spots in the prestigious “Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific 2026” rankings, published by Newsweek in partnership with global market research firm Statista.

The majority of these recognized institutions are concentrated within Metro Manila.

Quezon City leads the local contingent with four recognized facilities, namely Capitol Medical Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The remaining Metro Manila hospitals include Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa, Makati Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, The Medical City in Pasig, Fatima University Medical Center in Valenzuela, and St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City in Taguig. Rounding out the national list is The Medical City Clark, located in Pampanga.

Number one

SEVERAL Philippine hospitals achieved the distinction of ranking number one nationwide in various medical fields. St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City reinforced its position as a healthcare leader by ranking first in the Philippines across four major specialties: Cardiac Surgery, Oncology, Orthopedics, and Pediatrics. Meanwhile, St. Luke’s Medical Center–Quezon City claimed the top local spot in both Neurology and Neurosurgery.

This dedication to excellence and patient-centered care was also evident across other top-tier hospitals, such as Makati Medical Center, which ranked first in the country for Endocrinology and Gastroenterology while also earning notable citations in Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, and Pediatrics.

The Medical City in Pasig topped all other Philippine hospitals in Cardiology, while securing second place in Cardiac Surgery, Neurology, and Neurosurgery.

Public healthcare institutions also made a significant impact on the list. The

Lung Center of the Philippines, a specialized government hospital, ranked number one nationwide in Pulmonology, while the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, a government-owned specialized national health center under the Department of Health (DOH), was highly recognized for its excellence in Pediatrics.

Other notable mentions in the report include Capitol Medical Center for Endocrinology, Fatima University Medical Center for Gastroenterology, Manila Doctors Hospital for Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, and The Medical City Clark for Pediatrics.

The Newsweek and Statista ranking THE global landscape of specialized hospital care is evolving rapidly, driven by technological integration, clinical research, and an aging population. To help patients navigate this complex ecosystem, the Newsweek and Statista ranking identifies the leading medical institutions across ten key fields: Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, and Pulmonology.

Now in its fourth edition, the 2026 ranking covers premier hospitals across 11 countries, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

To reflect the growing sophistication of the region’s medical landscape, this year’s list expanded to recognize 925 premier hospitals and introduced two major updates. First, Gastroenterology was added as a brand-new discipline to better address the region’s diverse healthcare needs. Second, reflecting its rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure, Vietnam was officially included in the regional coverage for the first time.

From advanced oncology treatments and cutting-edge cardiac care to specialized pediatric services, the Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific 2026 stands as a definitive guide to the institutions leading medical innovation in the region.

Covid-19 vaccine study that was blocked from CDC journal is published elsewhere

NEW YORK (AP)—A study on Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness has finally been published after being blocked from a government health journal.

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

ITH adult vaccination rates

Wremaining low due to a lack of prioritization, healthcare leaders are calling on Filipinos to make immunization a routine part of their healthcare, emphasizing its role as one of the most cost-effective forms of preventive care. To help address barriers to uptake, biopharma company Sanofi Philippines and Healthway Medical Network (HMN), the clinics-and-hospitals arm of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), are working together to strengthen awareness and accessibility. The partnership leverages Healthway’s VaxHub, a network of dedicated vaccination hubs designed to make immunization more convenient.

“Sanofi and Ayala Health’s Healthway share the same objective: to raise awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases. Through Healthway’s extensive network, this partnership expands access channels so more Filipinos can get vaccinated,” said Vanessa Gomez, Head of Vaccines at Sanofi Philippines. Gomez added that routine vaccination should be a standard lifestyle choice to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be protected—particularly from influenza and other preventable illnesses. Ultimately, the partnership was conceived to deliver greater awareness and seamless healthcare access to Filipino patients. Seasonal illnesses AS the country enters the rainy season, cases of common vaccinepreventable diseases such as influenza and pneumonia are expected to rise, leading to increased healthcare utilization and hospitalization. For working-age Filipinos, who account for 65.7 percent of the country’s labor

force, the impact of these illnesses extends beyond health concerns, often resulting in missed workdays, productivity losses, and financial strain on households.

Despite these risks, studies show that 83 percent of Filipinos only become proactive about their health after falling ill, highlighting how preventive care is frequently overlooked. Helping more Filipinos adopt a proactive mindset is a core goal of the partnership. Gomez noted, “Our goal is to help more Filipinos understand that caring for their health should start before they get sick. Through our collaboration with Healthway Medical Network, we are helping bridge gaps in preventive care by meeting people where they already seek care and making vaccination a more accessible and convenient part of their healthcare journey.”

Turning awareness into action

THE collaboration was highlighted during a media walkthrough of the new VaxHub at the Healthway One Ayala Clinic, followed by a roundtable discussion titled “Access Within Reach: Bringing Adult Vaccination Closer to Filipinos.” During the panel, healthcare leaders discussed the importance of adult vaccination in protecting Filipinos against vaccinepreventable diseases.

While panelists noted that vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization, especially during peak respiratory seasons, they emphasized that awareness alone does not always lead to action. Even when people understand the benefits of vaccines, access and convenience remain significant barriers.

VaxHub addresses this by integrating vaccination into routine medical visits, allowing patients to receive recommended vaccines in the same set -

ting where they already receive care. By bringing these services closer to the patient, VaxHub helps turn awareness into action and supports a broader shift from treatment to prevention.

“At Healthway Medical Network, we believe that healthcare extends beyond treatment—it begins with prevention,” said Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Chief Health Officer of AC Health.

“Through VaxHub, we are making vaccination more visible, accessible, and convenient by integrating it into the routine healthcare visits Filipinos are already making. Together with Sanofi, we hope to help more Filipinos see vaccination not as an extra step, but as a natural part of caring for their health.”

Breaking down barriers

ACCESSIBILITY is further enhanced by the strategic location of Healthway Clinics within major shopping centers. Dr. Ho noted that because Filipinos frequently visit malls, placing these clinics there turns them into ideal, one-stop-shop access points within a multispecialty setting.

However, convenience is only part of the equation as public perception also plays a major role.

“And I think one of the big challenges with vaccination is that there’s a big misperception about vaccines. And there’s still a lot of hesitation coming from Filipinos when it comes to vaccination,” said Dr. Maria Carissa Alejandro, Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer of HMN.

“When somebody gets it, it really affects the entire family, not just the patient themselves, but everyone around them. And for us, that’s part of the reason why vaccines are so important. If you can prevent yourself from getting sick, prevent your family from having to deal with the impact of your sickness, then we should really be investing in that,” she continued.

To address these hesitation barr iers, Healthway is focusing heavily on public education while lowering costs. VaxHub has committed to offering vaccinations at affordable rates to encourage greater public uptake. By combining robust patient education with accessible healthcare touchpoints, Sanofi Philippines and Healthway Medical Network aim to help more Filipinos seamlessly incorporate immunization into their routine healthcare journeys.

The vaccine was found to be about 55 percent effective against Covid-19-associated hospitalizations, and reduced Covid-19-related trips to emergency departments and urgent care clinics by 50 percent, according to the study published Tuesday by JAMA Network Open.

The findings are not particularly surprising: Researchers have repeatedly found that Covid-19 vaccines work. But the paper drew public attention after Trump administration political appointees decided not to run it in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication.

False assumptions

THEY argued that the study’s design was too vulnerable to false assumptions that could produce flawed results. But many public health researchers maintain it’s a reliable design that’s been used for decades and offers the best way to understand how well a vaccine is working currently.

“It is critical that we continue to characterize and publish estimates of vaccine effectiveness in populations with changing immunity against evolving viral strains,” wrote Natalie Dean, an Emory University biostatistics expert, in a commentary that accompanied the study’s publication Tuesday.

The research originally was scheduled to be published this spring in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC’s flagship publication. It had been cleared by the agency’s Office of Science but was flagged by acting agency Director Jay Bhattacharya, said Althea Grant-Lenzy, the CDC’s chief science officer, in a recent interview.

His decision did not mean the paper would never be published, she said, but rather that the authors had to take time to address his concerns. The authors had the freedom to take the study instead to outside journals, she added.

Test-negative design

THE study approach, called “test-negative design,” looks at people who were admitted to hospitals or visited emergency rooms with respiratory illnesses. The researchers

checked whether patients were vaccinated and then calculated the odds of a positive Covid-19 test among vaccinated patients vs. those who were unvaccinated. Papers using that methodology have been published—after review by experts in the field—in a number of esteemed journals, including Pediatrics and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Bhattacharya has argued the methodology relies too heavily on assumptions and could produce results that were skewed by factors such as prior infections and how different groups of patients behave.

Proponents of the study design say the methodology is built to address differences related to who seeks care, and prior infection shouldn’t be much of an issue because so many Americans have already been infected by the coronavirus. They say no study design is perfect but that US Department of Health and Human Services officials haven’t proposed a realistic alternative for getting real-time estimates of how well vaccines are working.

Strength of the methodology EARLIER this month, the CDC held a forum to discuss the pros and cons of such studies. A panel of speakers at the front of a CDC auditorium included Dean and two others who mostly focused on the methodology’s strengths. But the panel also included one critic: Martin Kulldorff, a Swedish-born biostatistician who, along with Bhattacharya, was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last year appointed Kulldorff as head of a federal vaccine advisory committee before the biostatistician stepped down to become chief science officer at the HHS planning and evaluation office. Kulldorff argued that studies with that design can, but shouldn’t, include people with different diseases. He also questioned why longer-term studies weren’t used to evaluate Covid-19 vaccines.

“We were in a pandemic! That’s why!” one person called from the audience.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Business leaders urged to address obesity as workplace, economic challenge

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

HEALTHY workforce is increas -

Aingly becoming a business imperative, as obesity continues to impact employee productivity, attendance, and healthcare costs across the Philippines.

At the forum “Healthy Workforce, Stronger Business: Insights from the EpiCOb-PH Study,” organized by Novo Nordisk Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), experts revealed that obesity and overweight conditions affect an estimated 29 million Filipino adults and cost the Philippine economy approximately P1.9 trillion each year.

The event brought together business leaders, healthcare experts, and policymakers to discuss the growing impact of obesity on workforce productivity, healthcare costs, and long-term business performance, as well as strategies to address the burden of the disease.

Presented during the forum were the key findings from the Epidemiological Burden and Cost of Obesity in the Philippines (EpiCObPH) study, one of the most comprehensive assessments of obesity’s health and economic

impact in the country.

“The study shows that obesity and overweight are affecting an estimated 29 million Filipino adults, or about 41 percent of the adult population, and this number is projected to increase to 44.8 million by 2040,” said Dr. Madeleine Valera, principal investigator and primary author of the EpiCOb-PH study.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention, early intervention, and long-term management strategies to address the growing burden of obesity in the country.”

Beyond its impact on health, obesity also carries significant economic consequences for businesses and the broader economy.

“Obesity is not only a health issue but also an economic one,” said health economist Dr.

John Paul Caesar Delos Trinos. “Our analysis estimates a total economic burden of approximately P1.9 trillion annually, including P551 billion in direct medical costs and P1.17 trillion in productivity losses. These costs have significant implications for employers, healthcare systems, and the broader economy.”

Employee well-being

THE study found that productivity losses account for the largest share of obesity’s

economic burden, highlighting the disease’s impact on workforce participation and performance. Experts noted that obesity also contributes to rising rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, which can further increase healthcare costs and affect employee well-being.

“The impact of obesity extends beyond healthcare expenditures,” said biostatistician and mathematical modeler Dr. Robert Neil Leong. “It can affect workforce participation, increase absenteeism and presenteeism, and reduce overall productivity. As prevalence continues to rise, the effects will increasingly be felt across workplaces and communities.”

The forum also explored evidence-based approaches to obesity prevention and management, including workplace wellness initiatives and healthcare partnerships that can support employee health and improve long-term business outcomes.

“Advances in obesity care, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, are helping expand treatment options for patients. When combined with lifestyle interventions, these therapies can play an important role in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to

Filipino youth confirm e-cigarette marketing targets young consumers, study finds

ANEW focus group study has found that flavored e-cigarettes and youth-oriented marketing have fueled the growing popularity of vaping among Filipino adolescents since the passage of Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Bill, in 2022.

The findings come as vaping among Filipino adolescents surged from 7.5 percent in 2021 to nearly 40 percent in 2023, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Led by researchers from the Institute for Global Tobacco Control (IGTC) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the study involved 171 participants aged 13 to 20 from Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao. Through 24 focus group discussions, researchers examined how young people perceive e-cigarette products, packaging, flavors, and marketing.

Primary targets

PARTICIPANTS consistently said they believed young people were the primary targets of e-cigarette marketing, particularly through social media, celebrity endorsements, influencers, and online content.

“The sales target is young ones,” one participant said.

Another participant shared that vaping was introduced by friends who described it as “tasty” and

something that made users “look cool.”

Researchers found that sweet, fruity, and candy-like flavors were among the strongest factors attracting young people to try e-cigarettes and continue vaping.

Participants also said flavored products appeared less harmful and more appealing because of their pleasant smell and attractive packaging.

“It was very fragrant and makes you curious and want to buy one,” said a participant aged 16 to 17.

“That is why when I tried it, it hooked me.”

Graphic health warnings

THE study also found that graphic health warnings can discourage use, particularly among non-users and occasional users.

“Those pictures make you not want to use it anymore,” one participant said. “I will be like this when I smoke, so it is better to just stop.”

The findings come four years after the passage of the Vape Bill, which lowered the legal purchasing age for e-cigarettes from 21 to 18 and allowed flavors that had previously been restricted. The law also requires graphic health warnings on packaging, although implementation has been inconsistent.

“When the age to buy e-cigarettes was lowered and flavors were legalized, everyone knew what was coming next,” said Rizza Duro, national coordinator

of the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement. “It is not too late to turn this around, but we need to address the specific tactics driving youth interest.”

Need for stronger regulation

FOR Senator Pia Cayetano, the findings reinforce the need for stronger regulation.

“Our children and young people themselves are telling us that sweet and fruity flavors, along with attractive packaging, are what draw them in and make these products appear safer,” she said. “The banning of flavors must be a priority.”

Cayetano also called for stronger implementation and regular rotation of graphic health warnings to help curb youth vaping.

Researchers concluded that banning flavored ecigarettes, strictly enforcing restrictions on advertising and promotion, and raising the minimum purchasing age could help reduce youth access and exposure.

“Reducing youth exposure to all tobacco and nicotine products and marketing is central to protecting their health,” said Dr. Tuo-Yen Tseng, assistant scientist at IGTC and lead researcher of the study. “Policymakers can respond to aggressive marketing practices with evidence-based policies that prioritize the best interests of children, teenagers, and young adults.”

A sports dietitian’s pre-match fueling plan for soccer players at every level

EVER wondered how your favorite players can keep playing on the field for long periods?

If you have ever watched a soccer match and wondered what separates a player who looks sharp in the 89th minute from one who fades after 60, the answer is rarely raw fitness. More often, it is what that player ate, and when. The what and when aspects of food intake play a big role in how one’s body can keep playing on the field.

Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition Education for Herbalife, Dr. Krissy Ladner reveals how the most important conversations she’s had with professional soccer players are not about supplements or superfoods. They are about timing. With 15 percent of Filipinos engaging in active sports, the key to levelling up one’s game might just be in the timing of food intake. The three and a half hours before kickoff are what I call the countdown and they decide how a player feels, thinks and moves once the whistle goes.

The good news is that the same countdown works for any player, at any level, as long as you understand the principles behind it. Just like elite players, you can scale the following principles to your own game, whether it’s on a court, a field, or a track.

Three and a half hours before kickoff: the Hard Performance Plate

THIS is your last real meal before the match, and its job is to top off your energy stores. Muscles and the liver store carbohydrates as glycogen, and glycogen is the fuel your body reaches for first during high-intensity work like sprinting, jumping and changing direction. If those stores are low, you will feel it not just in your legs, but in your mood, your focus and your decisionmaking on the ball.  Pre-match meals are built as a Hard Performance Plate: half the plate carbohydrates, a quarter fruits and vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and 16 to 32 fluid ounces of fluids alongside it. Think rice or pasta with chicken and roasted vegetables, or a rice bowl with grilled fish and fruit on the side. Add the protein to help you feel satisfied and delay hunger d uring the match.

Skip anything high in fat or fiber this close to kickoff. They slow digestion and may cause stomach distress. Same for spicy or acidic foods, which can trigger indigestion or heartburn just when you need to be running at full tilt.

One hour before kickoff: the top-up  THIS is where a lot of players go wrong. They either eat too much and feel heavy, or they eat nothing and start the match with a dropping blood sugar level. The goal here is a small, easy-to-digest top-up: 30 to 60 grams of simple carbohydrates, some electrolytes and eight to 12 fluid ounces of fluids. A sports drink and a banana or a carbohydrate gel can do the job. So can a small granola bar and water.  Keep it familiar. If you have not eaten it in training, do not eat it before a match. This is not the time to be testing new foods.

The myth that will not die: carb-loading  AS much as Filipinos love rice, you do not need to carb-load the night before unless your competition runs longer than two to three hours. A 90-minute soccer match does not qualify. A Sunday morning pickup game definitely does not. The big pasta dinner the night before has become a ritual for a lot of recreational players, but for most people it is not doing what they think it is doing. Eat a normal, balanced dinner and focus on your fueling on match day.

See “Sports dietitian,” C4

obesity management,” said Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, Novo Nordisk Medical Manager for Clinical and Regulatory Affairs.

A panel discussion brought together experts from government, healthcare, research, and industry, including Dr. Marco Antonio S. Valeros, Medical Officer IV of the Department of Labor and Employment’s Bureau of Working Conditions; endocrinologist Dr. Queenie Villegas-Florencio of The Medical City; Dr. Valera; Dr. Leong; Dr. Delos Trinos; and Dr. Montefalcon. The panel discussed the implications of obesity on workforce health, productivity, healthcare utilization, and the role of employers in supporting prevention and treatment efforts.

The forum underscored the importance of coordinated action among businesses, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address obesity and support the long-term health and productivity of Filipino workers.

“Addressing obesity requires collaboration among employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “By working together to improve awareness and access to care, we can help build a healthier, more productive, and more resilient Filipino workforce.”

Parkway Cancer Centre launches new core values to mark its 20 years of cancer care

THIS year, Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) in Singapore celebrates its 20th anniversary of reshaping cancer care around the needs of patients and their families.

To mark this two-decade milestone, the center has introduced three renewed core pillars—Trust, Care, and Hope—to guide its next chapter of clinical excellence and holistic healing.

When PCC was founded in 2006, cancer care in Singapore was largely fragmented, which required patients to move from one specialist to another throughout their treatment journey.

Its founding physicians, Drs. Ang Peng Tiam, Khoo Kei Siong, Teo Cheng Peng and Lim Hong Liang, collaborated to establish a multidisciplinary, one-stop facility focused entirely on providing highly coordinated and individualized cancer care treatment to each patient.

Simple belief

IN a joint reflection, the founding team said, “When we started two decades ago, we didn’t have every answer mapped out, but we were guided by a simple belief: to care for every patient as they would their own family.”

“The last two decades have seen major advances in cancer treatment, leading to higher cure rates, enhanced disease control, and improved quality of life. With ongoing research, I am confident that we shall continue to see even better outcomes in the years ahead,” commented Dr. Ang, Medical Director.

The introduction of its three core values serves as both a reflection of its history and a promise for tomorrow:

Trust : Walking alongside patients to bring clarity, stability, and world-class medical expertise when life feels most uncertain. Cancer changes life but not our commitment to you.

Care:  Centering clinical attention on the whole person, not just the illness, by prioritizing emotional comfort, dignity, and deep compassion at every stage of treatment.

Hope:  Fueling the belief in what is possible through continuous medical innovation, clinical dedication, and relentless progress.

Comprehensive care

FROM  Dr Khoo, deputy medical director, “Trust continues to build as we take time to explain things clearly, honestly, and walk with them through uncertainties and difficult decisions.”

See “Parkway Cancer Centre,” C4

Filipinos are carrying the weight of everything at once–report

AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance, releases its latest edition of the Mind Health Report, a global study carried out in partnership with IPSOS, one of the world’s leading market research companies.

The 2026 report highlights the continuous deterioration of people’s psychological state, the rise in the use of artificial intelligence to consult about their mental health, and the responsibility of companies to support individuals.

Mental health worldwide continues to deteriorate: in 10 of the 16 countries in the study, mental health scores are at their lowest since the first survey wave in 2021. Of the total number surveyed, 46 percent say they are struggling or languishing. These results confirm a structural trend, driven by an accumulation of stress factors that are durably undermining psychological well-being.

The Philippines shows slight improvement in those classified as struggling, but a more persistent concern remains: that about 31 percent of Filipinos are still in a languishing state, amid persistent concerns around financial instability and rising social unrest.

Progress exists, but it is fragile and overshadowed by pressures that remain deeply embedded in everyday life. Among younger Filipinos, this weight is increasingly personal. While digital life remains constant and immersive, 72 percent of Filipino youth report feelings of loneliness or sadness.

For many, being online is less a choice than a condition of modern life. It is where conversations unfold, where news breaks, and where identity is continuously shaped. But it is also where pressure accumulates without pause.

Filipino youth now spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on screens, and 98 percent say this negatively affects their daily lives. The impact is not abstract. It shows up in disrupted sleep, fractured attention, and emotional overstimulation that lingers even after the screen is turned off.

Beyond fatigue, many also reported elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and poor well-being, leading to more frequent sick leaves. This suggests that emotional strain is no longer confined to digital spaces but is increasingly affecting performance in school and at work, as well as day-to-day functioning.

A double-edged development IN response, coping has become more adaptive and increasingly digital. As emotional pressures mount, more Filipinos are turning to AI-enabled tools for emotional guidance and everyday support. Regular AI usage for mental health management stands at 29 percent among Filipinos (higher than global average of 21 percent), predominantly among 18 to 34-year-olds. This regular engagement with AI is also notably higher among individuals who self-report a mind health condition. However, this reliance comes with risks: about a third (33 percent) reported having felt uneasy or concerned after receiving AI guidance. Worryingly, 25 percengt encountered that AI recommendations have led them to harmful behavior.

Another glaring discrepancy between the Philippines and the rest of the world is that the cost of mental health services remains the primary barrier to mind health support, unlike global trends where lack of awareness is more common. This widening gap between awareness and access reflects a clear reality that while many Filipinos recognize their mental health needs and are open to seeking support, taking action is still largely constrained by affordability and ease of access.

It is within this gap that more practical forms of support become especially relevant, helping individuals take small but meaningful steps toward better mental wellbeing within the realities of daily life. This is why AXA Philippines continues to expand access to mind health solutions designed for ever-evolving needs, including the Mind Health Self-Check tool, which helps individuals assess and monitor their mental wellbeing. It also offers health plans that include free mental health consultations, making professional support more accessible to customers, even coverage for select mental health conditions. These approaches reflect a broader shift toward integrating mental wellbeing into everyday health protection, with the aim of encouraging earlier action and supporting longer-term resilience.

For Ayman Kandil, President and CEO of AXA Philippines, the findings reveal a deeper shift in how Filipinos experience emotional pressure. “This year’s findings show that stress is no longer showing up one challenge at a time. Filipinos are carrying multiple pressures at once and still trying to keep up with school, work, and daily life. When emotional strain starts affecting how people function every day, support cannot wait for burnout or crisis. We need to make it easier for people to seek help early and nurture communities where mental well-being is treated as a shared responsibility,” said Kandil. In the end, this year’s AXA Mind Health Report underscores a simple but uncomfortable reality that Filipinos are not just stressed; they are managing multiple, overlapping pressures with limited space to recover in between. This reality calls for more accessible support, healthier coping environments, and stronger collective attention to mental wellbeing.

Fitness

QUEZON CITY GOV’T EXPANDS FIGHT AGAINST CHRONIC DISEASES WITH KIDNEY, LUNG SCREENING PROGRAMS

By Patrick Villanueva

RECOGNIZING the growing burden of chronic diseases among Filipinos, the Quezon City government is strengthening its preventive healthcare programs through partnerships aimed at improving early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The city recently joined forces with pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim to launch the “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa” initiative, a community-wide kidney screening program designed to help residents identify CKD before it progresses into a lifethreatening condition.

Often described as a “silent disease,” CKD develops gradually and usually shows no symptoms until its later stages, when kidney damage has become severe and irreversible. The disease can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Nephrologist Dr. Anthony Russell Villanueva noted that diabetes remains one of the leading causes of CKD, with as many as 40 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes also developing chronic kidney disease. Beyond

prevention and early intervention.

toms have already worsened. Through the program, healthcare workers will receive training on early identification of COPD, while residents will gain access to risk assessments, screenings, disease awareness campaigns, and referral pathways for treatment.

“Every healthy community is built not only by treating disease, but by preventing it,” Belmonte said during the launch of the initiative. “When we help one person breathe easier, provide for their family, and live a healthier life, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They strengthen the entire community.”

its health consequences, he said the disease places significant emotional and financial strain on patients and their families.

A major challenge in combating CKD is the lack of public awareness.

According to Dr. Grace Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, many individuals already have the disease without realizing it. Maraming tao, most likely may sakit na nito, pero hindi nila alam na meron na silang sakit na chronic kidney disease

[It’s most likely that a lot of people have chronic kidney disease but they

do not know it.] Ang goal is for everyone to learn more about kidney disease,” she said.

As part of the initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim donated seven urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) machines to Quezon City. These machines will be distributed across the city’s six districts to support early screening and detection efforts at the community level.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city is committed to addressing CKD through its healthcare and referral systems, including risk as -

sessments, early detection programs for non-communicable diseases, free diabetes maintenance medicines, and community health education campaigns.

“As the most populous city in the Philippines, the Quezon City government is committed to help address these problems. Under our own healthcare and referral system, we are acting swiftly to prevent the rise of CKD in our city,” Belmonte said.

The kidney screening initiative forms part of the city’s broader strategy to tackle chronic illnesses through

Earlier, the Quezon City government also partnered with AstraZeneca Philippines to launch the Juan Healthy Lung COPD Screening Program, which aims to improve the detection and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among residents.

COPD is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the Philippines, with an estimated one in 10 Filipinos aged 40 and above living with the disease. Despite its prevalence, many cases remain undiagnosed until symp -

For AstraZeneca Philippines Country President Lotis Ramin, early detection remains key to improving outcomes for people living with chronic respiratory diseases.

“Through the Juan Healthy Lung Program, we are focusing on early detection, better patient support and preventing complications so that patients live longer, healthier lives,” she said. Together, the two programs highlight Quezon City’s growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and community-based interventions, ensuring that diseases such as CKD and COPD are detected earlier, treated sooner, and managed more effectively before they lead to severe complications.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center champions innovation, prevention, and collaboration in healthcare delivery

ASIAN Hospital and Medical Center continues to strengthen its position as a leader in healthcare innovation, preventive medicine, and collaborative care through a series of initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for Filipinos.

From bringing life-saving health education directly to communities and launching a new specialty institute to expanding its network of healthcare partners, the hospital remains committed to delivering patientcentered care that addresses the evolving needs of patients.

Under the leadership of Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Carmen Nievera, Chief Medical Officer, Asian Hospital continues to advance programs that promote wellness, enhance specialized care, and strengthen healthcare delivery across communities.

Bringing Ate Rose, prevention closer to communities ASIAN Hospital and Medical Center, in partnership with the City Government of Carmona, recently conducted the Bawat Tibok Mahalaga Community Caravan, a heart attack and stroke awareness campaign designed to promote early detection and preventive healthcare among residents.

The initiative offered free health screenings and wellness assessments, including blood pressure monitoring, random blood sugar testing, body composition analysis, nutrition counseling, memory and stress screening, postural assessment, and osteoporosis screening. The program also featured educational sessions led by specialists from Asian Hospital.

Dr. Marc Louie Del Rosario, Head of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Interventional Cardiologist at the Asian Cardiovascular Institute, discussed heart attack prevention, while Dr. Jennifer Justice Manzano, Head of the Asian Brain Institute, emphasized the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.

“Para malaman kung ang isang pasyente ay posibleng nakararanas ng stroke, mahalagang tandaan at agad isagawa ang BE FAST,” Dr. Manzano said. “Bilang isang stroke neurologist, alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang oras sa ganitong sitwasyon—time is brain. Sa bawat minutong lumilipas habang nagsisimula ang stroke, mas maraming brain cells ang maaaring masira. Kaya’t huwag maghintay; magpatingin agad sa ospital.”

[To know if a patient is possibly experi -

encing a stroke, it is important to remember and immediately implement BE FAST,” Dr. Manzano said. “As a stroke neurologist, I know how important time is in this situation—time is brain. With every minute that passes while a stroke is starting, more brain cells can be damaged. So don’t wait; get to the hospital right away.”]

The caravan also featured a presentation from the Center for Physical Rehabilitation and was attended by Carmona City Mayor Dr. Dahlia Loyola, highlighting the shared commitment of both institutions to preventive healthcare and community wellness.

Advancing orthopedic and musculoskeletal care

ASIAN Hospital recently marked another milestone with the inauguration of the Asian Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Institute (AOMI), a new center dedicated to comprehensive musculoskeletal care and recovery. The inauguration was attended by Dr. Tamesis, Dr. Nievera, Dr. Rolando Angelo Ochoa, Chairman of AOMI, Dr. Eyna Peñalosa, Director of the Commercial Operations Group and Strategic Business Unit, and members of the hospital’s orthopedic team. Designed around multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care, AOMI brings together specialists who provide coordinated treatment for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients improve mobility, recover faster, and enhance their overall quality of life.

“AOMI brings together a multidisciplinary team under one roof to deliver complete, coordinated, and

ing Officer. Together with Asian Hospital’s leadership team, both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving healthcare access and establishing

were Dr. Samantha Quennie Wanasen Razon, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Rodolfo Sebastian Razon, Chief Operat-

Health&Fitness

Health coalition backs bills removing VAT on medicines, boosting public health spending

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor

THE Coalition for People’s Right to Health (CPRH) has endorsed two measures pending in the House of Representatives that seek to expand public healthcare funding and reduce the cost of medicines, describing them as key reforms toward a more accessible and equitable healthcare system.

In a statement, the group called for the immediate passage of House Bill No. 9563, which would require government spending on health services to reach at least five percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), and House Bill No. 9564, which seeks to remove the 12-percent valueadded tax (VAT) on all essential medicines and nutritional food products.

“We also urge the passage of the bill to remove the 12 percent valueadded tax (VAT) for all essential drugs, medicines, and nutritional foods,” the coalition said.

Both measures were principally filed by members of the Makabayan

bloc, including Representatives Antonio Tinio, Sarah Jane Elago, and Renee Louise Co.

Primary healthcare funding UNDER HB 9563, Congress would be required to appropriate health spending equivalent to at least five percent of GDP annually. Based on 2025 economic figures, this would translate to roughly P1.4 trillion for public health programs, including funding for the Department of Health, public hospitals, primary healthcare services, and other government health agencies.

The bill’s proponents said increased government investment is needed to reduce the financial burden on Filipino families. Data cited by the measure showed that households spent about P615.16 billion on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in 2024, accounting for 42.7 percent of the country’s total health expenditures.

According to CPRH, additional funding would help finance the hiring of more healthcare workers, strengthen public hospitals, expand primary

care services, and reduce patients’ dependence on private healthcare spending.

VAT exemption

MEANWHILE, HB 9564 seeks to exempt all essential medicines and FDAapproved nutritional food products from the 12-percent VAT.

Current tax exemptions cover medicines for specific conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, tuberculosis, mental illness, and kidney disease. Supporters of the measure argue that many commonly used products, including paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins, cough medicines, antacids, and nutritional supplements, remain subject to VAT, increasing healthcare costs for consumers.

Citing data from the Ibon Foundation, CPRH noted that while 2,263 medicines were VAT-exempt as of February 2026, these represented only a small portion of the more than 50,000 government-procured medicines recorded in previous years.

The coalition also pointed to studies showing that medicine prices in

the Philippines remain significantly higher than international reference prices, making access to treatment more difficult for many families.

Addresses supply, affordability

ACCORDING to CPRH, the two bills complement each other by addressing both the supply and affordability sides of healthcare. Increased public spending would improve access to government health services, while broader VAT exemptions would lower the direct cost of medicines and nutritional products for patients.

The group argued that stronger public investment in healthcare aligns with recommendations from international health organizations and could contribute to improved health outcomes, greater productivity, and reduced poverty.

“The people cannot wait any longer. Health is a right, not a privilege. We demand that these bills be passed into law without delay,” the coalition said.

As of June 2026, both measures remain pending before the House of Representatives.

St. Luke’s–Global City is first private hospital to achieve 5-Star Accreditation in DOH’s GSHF program

ST. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City (SLMC-GC) has officially become the first and only private hospital in the Philippines to receive the Department of Health’s (DOH) Green and Safe Health Facilities (GSHF) Accreditation, earning a flawless 5-star rating.

This landmark recognition solidifies St. Luke’s position not only as a leader in clinical excellence but also as the prime model for sustainable, eco-friendly healthcare operations.

“Healthcare is inherently tied to the environment. By ensuring our facilities operate sustainably, we aren’t just healing patients today; we are protecting the health of our communities for the future,” said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Setting a new benchmark for green healthcare THE GSHF program uses the Green Viability Assessment (GVA) Tool as its primary diagnostic, monitoring, and accreditation instrument. It is a rigorous national framework designed to evaluate healthcare facilities on their environmental footprint, climate resilience, and resource

efficiency. Achieving a 5-star rating requires meeting exceptionally high standards across multiple sustainability categories.

St. Luke’s–Global City secured its 5-star rating by demonstrating excellence in key operational areas: Governance, Water Efficiency, Sanitation and Hygiene, Healthcare Waste Management, Environmentally Resilient Health Facility, and Indoor Environment Quality.

Powered by renewable energy

A CORNERSTONE of this achievement is the hospital’s transition to 100 percent renewable electricity, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and proving that energy-intensive medical facilities can successfully transition to zero-emission power. This is complemented by hospital-wide energyefficient lighting systems and strict carbon-reduction strategies.

Beyond energy, St. Luke’s has seam -

TMC South Luzon offers rapid microbial identification technology for faster diagnosis

THE Medical City South Luzon (TMCSL) introduces MALDITOF Mass Spectrometry, becoming the first hospital in the region to offer this technology. MALDITOF gives physicians a faster, more precise tool for identifying bacteria and fungi, enabling earlier and more targeted treatment for patients with suspected infections. The service brings to Laguna a diagnostic capability previously available only in select tertiary centers in Metro Manila, making specialist-level infectious disease testing more accessible to patients in the region. Traditional microbial identification relies on culture and manual biochemical testing, which may require 24 to 72 hours or longer before yielding actionable results. MALDI-TOF, by contrast, uses a proteomic-based method that rapidly analyzes a microorganism’s protein profile and matches it to a reference database, allowing identification within minutes once a colony is available.

Reliable tool

MALDI-TOF has demonstrated over 90 to 95 percent accuracy for most clinically relevant bacteria and fungi, making it a reliable tool in routine clinical practice.

“We introduced MALDI-TOF to improve the speed and accuracy of identifying bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests,” said Dr. Michelle Anne M. Encinas-Latoy, Head of Microbiology at TMCSL. “This technology allows physicians to diagnose infections much faster than conventional methods, enabling earlier, more targeted treatment, which is especially critical for patients with sepsis and other life-threatening infections.”

MALDI-TOF is available for any patient

with a suspected bacterial or fungal infection, including those with sepsis and bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and hospital-acquired or device-related infections. It is especially valuable for critically ill patients and in settings managing multidrug-resistant organisms.

Strengthens antimicrobial stewardship

RAPID identification through MALDI-TOF supports earlier targeted antimicrobial therapy, reduces unnecessary use of broadspectrum antibiotics, and strengthens antimicrobial stewardship, with evidence linking faster diagnosis to shorter hospital stays, lower healthcare costs, and improved outcomes, particularly in sepsis.

MALDI -T OF is now available at TMCSL’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services.

HMO coverage is possible depending on plan benefits and medical necessity, and patients are encouraged to coordinate with their provider for LOA approval.

For more information, please contact (049)-303-3000 locals 82021, 82022, 7044, or 7045.

THE RISE OF THE ‘LUNCHTIME LIFT’ Why more Filipinos are turning to non-invasive aesthetic treatments

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

FOR years, cosmetic enhancement often came with a tradeoff: visible results in exchange for downtime, recovery, or invasive procedures.

Today, a growing number of Filipinos are looking for a different option—treatments that promise noticeable improvements without surgery, needles, or days spent recovering at home.

The trend has become so pronounced that aesthetic practitioners are increasingly referring to some procedures as “lunchtime treatments,” services that can be completed within minutes, allowing patients to return to work or daily activities immediately afterward.

The shift reflects changing consumer preferences. Rather than seeking dramatic transformations, many patients now prioritize subtle, natural-looking improvements that fit seamlessly into their schedules.

Non-invasive facial rejuvenation

THAT trend was a key topic during a recent gathering of dermatologists, aesthetic practitioners, and clinic owners in Makati City, where experts discussed the growing demand for non-invasive facial rejuvenation technologies.

and even those who have gone through rapid weight loss who need help toning up their face.”

Beyond convenience, experts noted a growing preference among patients for enhancements that preserve their natural appearance.

Refreshed appearance AS aesthetic treatments become more mainstream, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to appear refreshed rather than dramatically altered.

lessly integrated sustainability into patient care through community-driven partnerships. The hospital’s admission kits feature responsibly sourced, ecofriendly items crafted by local artisans and farmer groups, including handcrafted soaps, traditional Inabel woven blankets, and locally made slippers in biodegradable packaging.

A Legacy of innovation, care

WHILE St. Luke’s Medical Center has long been recognized for its stateof-the-art medical technology and world-class patient care, this 5-star GSHF accreditation proves that premium healthcare can, and should, go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.

As the first private hospital to flawlessly achieve this certification, St. Luke’s – Global City sets a vital precedent for the Philippine healthcare sector, proving that integrating green practices into complex hospital operations is both achievable and necessary.

With this milestone, St. Luke’s Medical Center reinforces its holistic vision of health: delivering worldclass medical outcomes while actively nurturing a healthier, greener planet.

Sports dietitian...

from C 2

If you are playing a tournament or multiple matches in a day, that changes the equation. But for a single 90-minute match, the countdown is what matters. Eating consistently daily is the best way to ensure that you have adequate carbohydrate stores.

Elite to everyday  EVEN if your matches or training happen only at weekends, the principles are the same whether you are starting for a pro club or playing a Sunday league match at the park. Your body runs on the same fuel. A weekend player’s plate will be smaller than a pro’s, but the foundation— carbs, protein, fruits and vegetables, fluids—is the same. The timing—three and a half hours out, then one hour out—is identical.

And the most important rule of all, the one every elite player I have worked with lives by, is the no-surprises rule: never try anything new on match day. Test your fueling plan in training. See how your stomach handles it. See how your legs feel in the 75th minute. Once you know what works, stick with it.

The 90 minutes belongs to the players. The 3.5 hours before belongs to you.

Among the technologies highlighted was EMFACE, a facial treatment developed by BTL Aesthetics, which combines High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) and synchronized radiofrequency technology to target facial muscles and skin tissue simultaneously.

According to the company, the treatment takes about 20 minutes and requires no recovery period, a characteristic increasingly valued by patients balancing work, family, and social commitments.

Muscle tone, skin quality

DERMATOLOGIST Dr. Jonathan Nevin Yu said the technology addresses both muscle tone and skin quality in a single session.

“Think of it as a facial workout and skin treatment happening at the same time,” Yu explained. “It combines two technologies that target both the skin and facial muscles in one treatment.”

The appeal of non-invasive procedures extends across age groups, according to dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Lisa Mangubat.

“The treatment can be literally for everyone,” she said. “It can be great for people in their 30s who want to stay ahead of aging, mature patients who want to help with age-related changes,

That message was echoed by actress Anne Curtis, who was introduced as the latest ambassador for EMFACE during the event.

“This partnership is special for me because EMFACE aligns with how I approach beauty—feeling confident, looking refreshed, and all the while still looking like myself,” Curtis said. The emphasis on natural-looking results reflects a broader shift within the aesthetics industry. While celebrity endorsements remain common, much of today’s marketing focuses less on transformation and more on maintenance, prevention, and self-care.

Technology-driven procedures

ACCORDING to BTL Aesthetics Philippines, EMFACE is now available in more than 27 clinics nationwide, reflecting the growing adoption of technology-driven aesthetic procedures. As the industry continues to evolve, convenience is emerging as one of its strongest selling points. Patients increasingly want treatments that fit into their lives rather than disrupt them.

In many ways, the rise of the “lunchtime lift” says less about vanity and more about modern lifestyles. For today’s consumers, aesthetic care is no longer simply about looking younger—it is about finding practical ways to look and feel their best without pressing pause on everyday life.

Dr. Ang emphasized, “We believe that cancer care could be and should be more comprehensive and above all, more human.”

Dr. Quek echoed this sentiment, saying “Care is about walking with the patient from diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. Over the years, I have had patients return to see me long after their treatment has ended, with their families, spouses, children, and even newborn babies. That is when we know we did not just treat cancer, we have touched lives.”

Essence of the mission

HOPE makes a huge difference in treatment outcome. Hope helps to motivate our patients, it energizes them and fires up their fighting spirit. We never give patients false hope. When hope is paired with trust, and care, it can become a powerful part of the healing journey,” shared Dr. Teo Cheng Peng, Haematology

Envoys&Expats

‘The best is still ahead of us’

The top British envoy to Manila reflects on UK’s 80 years of linkages with the Philippines, and opportunities for the future

AMBASSADOR Sarah Hulton returns to a country she first came to know earlier in her diplomatic career—one that, she says, has grown broader, deeper, and more dynamic with each passing decade.

From expanding trade and educational exchanges to collaboration on climate action, innovation, and security, the partnership between the United Kingdom and the Philippines has evolved into one of growing strategic importance, as both mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. This milestone year also coincides with a period of increasing engagement between London and Manila: Bilateral trade now stands at approximately £3.2 billion annually, while cooperation continues to expand across sectors ranging from renewable energy and maritime security to artificial intelligence (AI) governance and higher education. For Hulton, these developments reflect a relationship built on both shared interests and enduring trust. Yet beyond the numbers and policy initiatives, the ambassador believes the true strength of relations with the Philippines lies in its people. The vibrant Filipino community in the United Kingdom, educational exchanges, cultural connections, and

decades of personal and professional ties have created a partnership that extends well beyond government-togovernment engagement. In her first exclusive interview with Philippine media by way of Envoys&Expats, Hulton reflects on the significance of the King’s Birthday Party, the opportunities that lie ahead for bilateral relations, her return to the country after many years, and why she remains optimistic about the future. As both nations celebrate a milestone anniversary, her message is clear: there is much to celebrate— and the best is still to come.

ENVOYS&EXPATS: This year marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Looking back on those eight decades, what do you consider the most significant strengths of the UK-Philippines partnership today, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth in the years ahead?

AMBASSADOR

Eighty years is a wonderful milestone, and it’s a privilege to be back in the Philippines as ambassador during this anniversary year. The relationship has evolved since I was last posted here; it’s broader, deeper and more dynamic than ever, giving us a strong platform for the future. Our people to people ties are well-established and continue to develop through education, skills and cultural exchanges.

Bilateral trade is growing—now at around £3.2 billion a year, or about P 250 billion—and there are great opportunities to build on that in the years ahead. In our defense relationship working towards a “Status of Visiting Forces Agreement” will enable closer cooperation between our Armed Forces.

We do a lot of work together on energy, nature and climate change. We’re sharing our expertise and experience on offshore wind to help bolster energy security for the Philippines and deliver on the President’s renewable energy ambitions.

We also recognize the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change. That’s why we’ve supported the development of the National Adaptation Plan and creation of an investment platform for climate resilient agriculture. It’s been great to meet so many Filipinos dedicated to making progress in this area.

Since the first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in 2024, we’ve been working together to shape the global

standards and rules needed for the effective governance and safety of this powerful new technology.

The King’s Birthday Party remains one of the most anticipated events on the diplomatic calendar. Beyond the celebration itself, what role do occasions like these play in strengthening diplomatic, business, and cultural ties between nations?

The King’s Birthday Party is a celebration that brings together people from across the UK–Philippines relationship: from government leaders and business figures to artists, academics, civil society partners, Chevening alumni and UK’s long-standing friends. It was an absolute pleasure to host my first here this month.

But as well as celebrating, it offers the chance to make new connections, renew old acquaintances, spark new ideas and plant the seeds for future collaboration. And I hope it also gives us a chance to reflect on what we have achieved together in these diverse fields.

BusinessMirror has previously reported on expanding UK-Philippines cooperation in trade, education, climate action, innovation, and security. As ambassador, which of these areas do you believe holds the greatest potential to shape the next chapter of bilateral relations?

All these have an important role to play in shaping the next chapter of our relations. As I mentioned earlier,

bilateral trade has grown—by nearly 9 percent in the past year—that shows the confidence and momentum between our countries.

It’s been very promising to see the Philippines apply to the “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership,” or CPTPP, which is a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies, and accounting for 14 percent of the world’s gross domestic product in 2025. The UK was the first country to accede to the CPTPP, and we are very keen to see it expand further.

At the same time, climate and innovation present huge opportunities. The Philippines has incredible natural potential and a strong commitment to clean energy, especially in strengthening energy security.

The UK brings expertise in areas like offshore wind, and we’re already working together to support that transition. Initiatives like the “Adaptation Investment Platform,” which we launched with the Department of Finance, aim to mobilize up to £250 million by turning climate data into investable projects, particularly in agriculture.

On security, we work closely with the Philippines, particularly on defense, and I have already mentioned the ambition of a State of Visiting Forces Agreement. But we also work jointly on maritime security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. We have had two Royal Navy ship visits to the Philippines this year from

HMS Spey— one of two Royal Navy ships permanently deployed in the Indo-Pacific. The Royal Navy has continued to exercise our rights and freedoms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos in the South China Sea, autonomously and in multilateral activity, with our allies. Education is another area where the relationship really comes to life: It’s been a pleasure reconnecting with our alumni—many of whom I remember from my first posting here, particularly our Chevening group. The UK is home to many of the world’s leading universities; and through the British Council, we’re finding practical ways to bring that experience closer to Filipino students. Transnational Education allows students to earn a UK degree while studying partly or entirely in the Philippines, opening up high-quality education that is more accessible and flexible.

The greatest potential is probably in how these areas connect. Trade, education, climate, and innovation all reinforce each other. Security is the foundation of them all, giving the stability required for growth and investment in the Philippines. When we bring them together into a more integrated partnership, that’s when we really see impact.

UK Embassy celebrates King’s birthday and 80 years of diplomatic ties with PHL

THE

British Embassy hosted on June 9 the birthday celebration of His Majesty King Charles III and marked the 80th anniversary of United Kingdom-Philippines formal relations.

More than 500 guests from government, business, and civil society graced the event.

“This year is a special milestone: 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines,” Ambassador Sarah Hulton OBE said at the event. “This celebration is about both honoring that history and looking ahead to what we can build for the future.”

On the two countries’ cooperation, Hulton noted that “our focus is clear: We are committed to strengthening trade and economic growth, advancing meaningful action on cli-

mate, empowering women and girls, and promoting security.”

The past year has seen the bilateral relationship between the UK and the Philippines reach new milestones with two-way trade reaching a record £3.2 billion, according to the embassy.

It said that cooperation on climate and sustainable development continues to expand, while the UK is also supporting the Philippines in its clean energy transition to strengthen resilience.

Linkages on defense and security have likewise deepened with

negotiations on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement progressing, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen defense cooperation and support for a rulesbased system.

The UK is also working closely with the Philippines to advance the rights, safety and economic empowerment of women and girls.

mitment to further expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Dizon-De Vega stated that, “As we celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year, we do so with optimism and confidence in what the next 80 years may bring. Together, we will continue to invest in peace and stability in our communities, ensuring that women have a place at the table; [strengthening institutions and promoting good governance; and pursuing] future-ready prosperity through investments in education, energy, infrastructure, innovation, and climate resilience.”

Expanding cooperation DELIVERING remarks on behalf of the Philippine government, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega underscored the strength of UK-Philippines relations that were first formalized in 1946. She reaffirmed the latter’s com-

Phil. Emb.-London boosts backing for IMO, funds capacity-building for climate action

THE Philippines contributed an additional $60,000 to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for its technical cooperation and capacity-building programs on climate change, promotion of its “Women in Maritime” program, and South-South cooperation. Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., as the country’s permanent representative to the IMO, presented the donation to Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on May 18 at the IMO Headquarters in London. According to the embassy, the contribution underscores the Philippines’ continued commitment to strengthening multilateral maritime cooperation at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in key shipping routes. As global maritime trade faces heightened pressures, sustained support for the IMO’s capacity-building work is seen as vital in ensuring stability, resilience, and the continued safe and efficient flow of international shipping for the benefit of all.

Continuous support

THE donation was coursed through the Integrated Technical Cooperation Program of IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division to be used for the Implementation of the

Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Shipping and to the Technical Cooperation Committee. It will also be utilized to assist small island developing states and least developed countries as part of the Philippines’ support for fellow developing countries. Part of the contribution will likewise support the IMO’s Women in Maritime initiative. It seeks to expand opportunities for women in the maritime profession and promote greater gender inclusivity in an industry traditionally dominated by men, noting that more Filipina women are also entering the seafaring profession.

As a leading maritime nation and provider of seafarers, the Philippines continues to attach great importance to the IMO’s work in advancing maritime safety, maritime security, environmental protection, and sustainable shipping.

For the embassy, the country’s ongoing support for IMO initiatives reflects its commitment to bolstering international maritime cooperation and promoting high global standards that benefit the international shipping industry and Filipino seafarers alike.

Specialized agency AT the turnover, Locsin said that

“the Philippine government remains steadfast in championing the welfare and protection of all seafarers, especially Filipinos who make up a significant number of the profession and recognizes the importance of contributing to global efforts that enhance maritime governance, improve safety standards, and foster fair and inclusive opportunities across the maritime sector, especially for women, who want to work in this field.”

He added that “the Philippines, as a climate vulnerable country, supports all efforts that reduce GHG emissions. By helping the IMO, we are helping not only ourselves, but the entire global community in arresting the devastating effects of climate change that severely affects our own country.”

The IMO is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for maritime affairs, with a mandate to promote maritime safety, maritime security, and the protection of the marine environment.

The Philippines currently serves as a member of the 40-seat IMO Council, having been re-elected in November 2025 under Category C, which comprises “States with special interests in maritime transport or navigation.”

INSPIRING FILIPINAS CONGRATULATED

Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. warmly congratulated Marian Gureng (right) and Mary Vergara for being highly commended at the “InspirationALL Awards 2025/26” in the London Borough of Barnet. They were recognized for co-founding “Mum Club

in

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the importance of stronger support networks for mothers, highlighting the way the friendships and connections formed through initiatives like the club help build resilience and a sense of community.

People-to-people links remain a cornerstone of the relationship, with over 250,000 Filipinos living and working in the British Isles. This includes more than 35,000 nurses in the National Health Service who are making outstanding contributions to UK healthcare. Meanwhile, alumni of the UK’s prestigious Chevening scholarship program also continue to make positive contributions across

government, business, academia, and civil society in the Philippines.

June celebration

THE King’s Birthday Party is an annual celebration of the UK, recognizing its close and enduring friendship with the Philippines. It is celebrated by British Embassies and High Commissions around the world.

His Majesty The King’s Birthday falls on November 14, but his official birthday in 2026 is marked on June 13 with The King’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping The Colour). The tradition of celebrating the Monarch’s birthday was started by King George II in 1748—November was too cold for a celebratory parade; thus, birthday celebrations were tied to London’s annual Trooping the Colour military parade. In addition to his official and ceremonial duties in the UK and overseas, His Majesty has championed a wide range of causes relating to the environment and sustainable development, the arts, healthcare and education for decades.

‘The best is still ahead of us’

The top British envoy to Manila reflects on UK’s 80 years of linkages with the Philippines, and opportunities for the future

Continued from C1

The relationship between the UK and the Philippines has often been described as being driven not only by government-to-government engagement, but also by strong people-to-people connections. How important is the Filipino community in the UK— and the growing British presence in the country—in sustaining those ties?

People-to-people ties are definitely central to the UK-Philippines relationship. The Filipino community in the UK—around 250,000— has made an extraordinary contribution to British life. This includes 50,000 nurses and healthcare workers, with around 35,000 serving in the National Health Service. We also see more British nationals working and investing and building professional and business ties in the Philippines, while Filipino food, brands, and culture are increasingly familiar. I often highlight that we have a very popular Jollibee in Leicester Square!

Those connections give depth and understanding to our bilateral relationship as well as bringing a lot of joy and ambition for the future.

You were awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to British foreign policy. Has receiving that honor shaped the way you approach public service and diplomacy, particularly in leadership roles such as your current posting in Manila?

It was a great honor to receive the OBE, and I hope I’m always able to live up to it. We have a wonderful team here in Manila, and their commitment to our work is energizing and inspiring. In preparing to join them here, I was able to catch up with many of my predecessors who shared reflections from their time in Manila, and that has helped me reflect on the role and what I could bring to it.

Having first known the Philippines earlier in your diplomatic career and now returning as British ambassador, what changes have stood out to you the most? And what qualities

of the Filipino people have left the strongest impression on you through the years?

When I was first posted here, I lived in what is now the Bonifacio Global City, and I have been really struck by how that has grown, and how it is home to lots of well-known British brands like Lush, JD Sports, and Charles Tyrwhitt. But one of the most significant changes I always come back to is the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Bangsamoro peace process and the enormous progress since I was first here—it is a really significant achievement and great credit to the country.

Filipinos have a deep and warm affection for British music— from classic rock bands to contemporary artists. On a lighter note, do you have a favorite British band, singer, or musical act, and is there a particular song or album that has stayed with you through the years?

The Philippines was the first place I got to know karaoke—I even had my own “Magic Sing” when I was first here, but I’m afraid I still need a lot of practice.

I know there is a long-standing appreciation for British music here from The Beatles and One Direction, to artists like Dua Lipa and Olivia Dean. Coldplay and Ed Sheeran have performed in the Philippines, and I hope I’ll be able to see a British artist while I’m here.

I like lots of different types of music—most recently enjoying the show Chorus Line with one of my kids, and having the opportunity to see Gary Valenciano perform which was fantastic fun!

As the UK and the Philippines celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations, what message would you like to share with Filipinos about the future of the partnership between our two nations?

There is a lot to celebrate, and the best is still ahead of us! Eighty years is a milestone to be proud of, but what is most exciting is where we are going. We are partners in a great sense of the word: Working together on the challenges that matter most. Here’s to the next 80 years!

ARTS AND CULTURE

VIENNA HOSTS, MANILA CELEBRATES:

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 viewing party comes to Rizal Park

WHILE the Eurovision stage lit up in Vienna, Filipino audiences gathered in the wee hours of the morning and experienced Europe’s biggest music spectacle live, as it happened.

In celebration of this unique cultural connection, Manila joined Eurovision fans around the world through a special overnight-toearly-morning live viewing experi-

ence streamed directly from Vienna for free. The Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium transformed into a vibrant Eurovision zone and global celebration space last month for a

special overnight live viewing party streamed directly from Vienna. It brought Filipino fans into the heart of one of the world’s biggest music events in real time, as they experienced Eurovision’s thrill, spectacle, and energy with millions of viewers worldwide.

The Austrian Embassy Manila, in partnership with Pilipinas Calling and with the support of the National Parks Development Committee, proudly presented “Pinag-Isa ng Musika: The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Live Viewing Party” as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Austria–Philippine relations.

Recognized internationally as one of the world’s longest-running and most celebrated international music competitions, the Eurovision Song Contest has, for 70 years, united millions of viewers across Europe and beyond through live performances that celebrate cultural diversity, artistic expression, and international solidarity. Since its founding in 1956, the contest has grown into a worldwide phenomenon known for its spectacular staging, memorable performances, and message of unity under the slogan “United by Music.”

The 2026 edition of Eurovision carried special significance for both

Artist opens photo exhibit

NSTITUTO CERVANTES MA -

INILA'S Intramuros Exhibit Gallery is hosting a three-month photographic exhibition by renowned Spanish artist García de Marina.

Titled “Melodías del Pensamiento,” the exhibition brings together a curated selection of works that reinterpret everyday objects as poetic visual metaphors. De Marina is a Spanish conceptual photographer, whose work is defined by simplicity, precision, and a strong poetic undertone. He is known for creating minimalist compositions, using everyday objects or natural elements, which he arranges in unusual ways to evoke reflection and emotion. His practice focuses on the idea that meaning is not always found in complexity, but often in the subtle relationships between ordinary things when seen through a different lens. Through minimal yet intentional compositions, the exhibition invites visitors to slow down and engage with images that challenge ideas.

On opening day, the public was invited to attend a creative workshop conducted by the artist himself. It allowed participants to experience his approach firsthand by exploring how simplicity, composition, and imagination can be used to construct visual narratives that speak quietly, but powerfully.

A talk and the opening of his exhibit offered a rare chance to engage directly with de Marina and his creative world followed. It focused on his insights and artistic process: from the conceptual development of an idea to the careful staging of objects that form each photograph.

This exhibit is a project of the Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation or AECID, and Instituto Cervantes de Manila, with the Intramuros Administration.

Instituto Cervantes de Manila is at 385 Calle Real, Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros. For more information, visit its official website or Facebook page.

Spanish DJ conducts free electronic music masterclass

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed Spanish DJ and musician Pablo Bolívar recently set foot in Manila to share his craft with aspiring talents through an intimate masterclass that provided insight into his creative process, technical workflow, and the sonic philosophy behind his signature atmospheric sound.

A household name in the underground electronic music circuit, Bolívar pursued his studies in sound engineering at Barcelona’s Crash Institute and worked as an audio engineer. He also had a stint at Decoder Muzique, a prominent electronic music imprint in Spain, before releasing his iconic albums Anjanas and Recall.

The Santander-born sound engineer and prolific remixer, who made waves in deep house and techno soundscapes, is the founder of Seven Villas Music and

a co-founder of Avantroots Records and Pulshar. Titled “Crafting the Architecture of Sound: An Electronic Music Masterclass,” the event was a collaboration among the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation or AECID, and Instituto Cervantes. It was hosted by the Music Production Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Benilde Music Production Program

Chairperson Patrick Frias dubbed the event “an immersive dive into the mind of a distinguished figure in the field of electronic music.” He noted that electronic production connects traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology in the dynamic global music landscape.

“Electronic music is a universal language, and by facilitating this masterclass, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines is not only supporting the growth of the Philippine music scene but also nurturing a cross-cultural dialogue,” Frias explained. This cultural exchange promoted international artistic dialogue and fostered synergy between industry expertise and academic teaching.

During the exclusive session, Bolívar shared his own production perspectives and mentored local

student-producers from different universities and colleges. Students from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Christian University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and DLS-CSB joined the free session.

“The opportunity to engage with international expertise is invaluable,” Frias remarked. “It broadens their horizons, encouraging them to view music production not just as a hobby or a technical skill, but as a profession that contributes to the global cultural fabric.”

He added that, “as a global presence, Bolivar typically trades massive festival stages for the dark, immersive atmosphere of underground clubs, where he has curated sets in cultural hubs ranging from Berlin and New York City to Tokyo.”

Aside from the live screening, guests experienced exciting games, quizzes, karaoke, and a festive atmosphere celebrating cultural diversity and friendship, while providing opportunities for fans and newcomers alike to experience Eurovision together.

During the event, ABS-CBN officially announced that the Philippine representative for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be selected through a national final scheduled for August 2026.

Austria and the Philippines. Vienna earned the honor of hosting this year’s contest following the historic victory of Austrian-Filipino artist JJ Pietsch with the song Wasted Love. His triumph not only returned Eurovision to Austria, but also marked the first-ever Filipino winner in the competition’s history—a proud milestone of by both nations. This year also marked the Eurovision Song Contest Asia launch, which featured national selection shows across Asia, including the Philippines, that will culminate in a live grand final in Bangkok. This exciting development offers Filipino fans, European expatriates, tourists, and music lovers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most celebrated music competitions.

Filipino folk dance troupe fosters, uplifts Japan bilateral relations

AS Japan and the Philippines prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, a Tokyo-based Filipino folk dance troupe is uplifting Japanese audiences and bringing the two nations closer through the power of dance.

Inrayog Philippines traces its roots to hospitals and care facilities in Eastern Japan, where female Filipino staff began offering patients and residents free traditional dance performances.

What started in February 2010 as informal activities evolved into its present form when Susan Bernal, 60—former goodwill ambassador to Japan for the Philippine Department of Tourism—decided to form a group.

Having developed an affection for Japan during her tenure, she later moved to the country and now works as an assistant nurse in Tokyo.

Positive impact

AS the troupe’s leader and choreographer, Bernal said performing at hospitals and nursing homes has had a positive emotional impact on audiences.

The dances are “really enjoyed and appreciated,” she said, while recalling the faces of her patients and residents brightening during the troupe’s performances. Some audience members have even come to see the group’s shows elsewhere.

“I want Japanese audiences to feel the [Philippines’ vibe and cheerfulness with our dances],” said Bernal’s husband Ryoichi Suzuki, 58, who is a group member.

In addition to appearing at cultural and international events across the Kanto region, including Tokyo, the troupe continues to perform at members’ workplaces—including hospitals and nursing homes—with the goal of promoting Philippine heritage and strengthening ties between Japanese and Filipino people.

To sustain the group’s spirit of volunteerism, Bernal offers free dance lessons

at a community hall in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward on Sundays.

‘Movement with rhythm’ THEIR latest appearance was at the Philippine Expo 2026, held at Ueno Park in Tokyo’s Taito Ward. The troupe presented seven types of folk dances, including tinikling, in which performers rhythmically hop between two bamboo poles, inspired by the movements of tikling birds. The performance reflected the troupe’s name “Inrayog:” Tagalog for “movement with rhythm,” according to the group’s leader. The stage was surrounded by many Filipino and Japanese spectators, who clapped and cheered together. The initial members of Inrayog Philippines included Bernal, her husband, their three children, and close friends. Today, it has grown into a team of 29 members. Seven are Japanese, which include one of her patients. Looking ahead, Bernal said her biggest dream is to bring the group to the Cultural Center of the Philippines to promote Filipino arts and culture. She hopes to attract more members in the future to help achieve this goal. Yuka Moriyama/Jiji Press

The Philippines wins seat on Unesco’s heritage committee

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Philippines has secured a seat in a body of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) that oversees the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

The country was elected to the In tergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cul tural Heritage (IGC‑ICH) during the 11th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention at the Unesco headquarters.

The Philippines has been a State Party to Unesco’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangi ble Cultural Heritage for nearly two decades. Adopted in Paris, the treaty created the first binding international framework to protect living tradi tions, oral expressions, performing arts, rituals, festive events, and tra ditional craftsmanship. These include cultural traditions, traditional knowl

edge and skills, rituals and practices handed down through generations.

Within this framework, the coun try has successfully inscribed sev eral elements on the organization’s heritage lists, including Aklan’s piña handloom weaving, Tugging rituals and games, the Hudhud chants of the Ifugao, the “Darangen” epic of the Maranao, Buklog thanksgiving rituals of the Subanen, the artisanal sea salt Asin Tibuok of Bohol, and the School of Living Traditions.

In the election, the Philippines se cured 106 votes—68 percent of the 156 valid ballots cast—to become one of four new Asia‑Pacific members alongside Japan, Indonesia, and Cam

bodia. South Korea and Turkmenistan failed in their bid for a regional seat. Manila’s membership takes effect immediately and runs until 2030.

The IGC‑ICH provides guidance on best practices and makes recom mendations on preserving living heri tage. It also decides on nominations to Unesco’s heritage lists, including the “Representative List,” the “Urgent Safeguarding List,” and the “Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.”

As a committee member, the country has pledged to push ca pacity‑building programs for safe guarding heritage in disaster‑ and

climate‑vulnerable contexts, promote gender equality and disability inclu sion in cultural transmission, as well as foster dialogue on the impacts of migration and emerging technologies on heritage preservation.

Ambassador to France and Perma nent Delegate to Unesco Eduardo José A. de Vega said the election “demon strates how the world community of nations has always held our country in high esteem, especially with [regard to] our multicultural and multiethnic heritage, which has in effect made the Philippines a bridge between all peoples of the world.”

Japan envoy & minister attend the 2026 Intl. Private Partners’ Forum

AFrench envoy bats for climate resilience and student mobility

AMBASSADOR of France to the Philippines and Micro nesia Marie Fontanel led the sixth installment of the UST World Lenses with her talk “Across Oceans: France Philippines Coop eration.”

Fontanel’s talk focused on what unites France and the Philippines despite being separated by more than 10,000 kilometers. She also shared experiences as an ambas sador with the students.

The ambassador also shared insights on diplomatic priorities such as building stronger people to p eople ties, developing new ar eas of cooperation, and enhancing climate resilience especially as the two maritime nations approach 79 years of bilateral relations in July 2026.

She also positively noted the increasing number of Filipino stu dents taking education programs in France for a year or more, and vice versa, with more French students also choosing to take programs in the Philippines.

Foreign service veteran FONTANEL explained the Em bassy of France’s priorities toward strengthened bilateral relations, particularly in terms of defense and security, climate preparedness, as well as development in sustain able energy, food, and public trans portation.

She also highlighted the im portance of cooperation in terms of climate resilience. Aside from France and the Philippines both being maritime nations susceptible to climate disasters and high heat indices, she also reminded the par ticipants that the United Nations’ 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) in 2015, where the Paris Climate Agreement was signed, started in Manila.

“In February 2015, [our former president François Hollande made the first visit of a French leader to his Philippine counterpart Benigno S. Aquino III. Together,] they made the ‘Manila Call to Action on Cli mate Change.’ It was a call of two heads of states to all heads of states all over the world to gather in Paris at the end of 2015 for COP21 and the success of the conference is the Paris Agreement.”

Fontanel brings with her more than 20 years of experience in

public administration. Her most recent posts prior to the diplomatic mission in the Philippines include serving as health and solidarity ad visor to the Office of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron between 2017 and 2020, before being appointed ambassa dor and permanent representative of France to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg from 2020 to 2023. Educational engagements AFTER the open forum, where students asked about cultural ex change, diversity, and the process of becoming a diplomat, the embassy’s Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation Officer Claire Châles also shared more opportunities for international student mobil ity in France.

For almost 10 years now, the University of Santo Tomas has sustained academic partnerships with higher education institutions in France, namely the Université Catholique de Lille and Univer sité Catholique de Toulouse, while teachers from Alliance française de Manille provide French language lessons to students of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Man agement.

As Fontanel put it, “Diplomacy is about finding ways to better un derstand the country we are posted in, and making our country better known in order to be stronger to gether. That is what we are trying to achieve, and so occasions to con nect with you, to have these discus sions with you, are really precious.”

According to the university, the UST World Lenses Series, true to its title, is a space to see more clearly beyond borders and appre ciate dialogue, cooperation, and shared understanding, helping shape responsible global citizens. It is a joint initiative between the UST Office of International Rela tions and Programs alongside the Office of Public Affairs.

The IPPF serves as a venue for identifying opportunities, chal lenges, and gaps while fostering dialogue that informs policy direc tions, recommendations, practi cal solutions, and partnerships for concrete interventions. This year’s forum focused on the readiness of former conflict a ffected areas for economic investment.

As a reactor during the plenary

MBASSADOR Kazuya Endo and Minister for Economic Affairs YOKOTA Naobumi attended the 2026 International and Private Partners’ Forum (IPPF) on June 5, hosted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPA PRU). The forum was likewise graced by Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the OPAPRU, other high level of ficials from the national and local government, representatives of the business sector, members of the diplo matic community, and international organizations.

session on the potential of conflict a ffected areas as destinations for foreign and domestic investment, Yokota shared insights on investment opportunities, economic transforma tion, and sustainable development in the face of the unique concerns af fecting conflict affected areas in the Philippines.

Given Japan’s longstanding role as a development partner of the Phil ippines and its unwavering support for the Mindanao peace process, the minister also highlighted the

importance of strong collaboration among governments, development institutions, and the private sector in fostering sustainable economic opportunities in communities ad vancing peace.

According to its embassy, Japan remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the Philippines—as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations—together with interna tional partners to promote lasting peace and sustainable development.

UAE’s aid gives hope to families affected by quake—GenSan mayor

THE United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquake in southern Phil ippines drew praises from Mayor Lo relie Pacquiao of General Santos City. Pacquiao said the support “reflects [the Middle East country]’s deeply rooted humanitarian values and helps alleviate the suffering of affected families and children while meeting their essential needs.” The mayor’s remarks came dur ing a meeting with the UAE response team currently deployed in the Phil ippines to monitor the situation and support those affected by the recent temblor that struck parts of Mindanao.

According to her, “the UAE con sistently demonstrates its commit ment to offering assistance to those in need across the globe, standing by communities in times of hardship and disaster.”

The local chief executive added, “We highly value the UAE’s support for the people of the Philippines dur ing these difficult circumstances. [Its] humanitarian aid is not only about providing food, medicine, and basic necessities, but also about giving af fected families a sense of security and hope, while alleviating the suffering of children who endured difficult mo ments as a result of the earthquake and the fear, loss and damage it caused to homes and facilities.”

British Council launches grant to deepen UK-PHL artistic ties

THE British Council has of ficially launched this year’s cycle of its flagship “Connec tions Through Culture (CTC)” grants program. The initiative is designed to seed fund bilateral creative collabora tions, cross cultural exchanges, and long term institutional partnerships between creative practitioners in the United Kingdom and 35 participating countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

In a significant expansion for 2026, the program will expand to include two legacy British Council schemes: the “Biennials Connect Grants” for visual arts, and the “Archi tecture, Design and Fashion Biennials and Festivals Grants.” These form a single, streamlined funding platform supporting artistic expressions rang ing from visual arts and music to lit erature, performance, architecture, design, and film.

“At the heart of [our] mission is a belief that culture connects people in powerful and enduring ways,” said Country Director Lotus Post rado of the British Council Philip pines. “CTC creates opportunities for artists and creative practitioners from the UK and the Philippines to come together, share perspectives, and create new work. In doing so, it fosters lasting partnerships that

deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between our creative communities.”

Applications for the 2026 cycle are open to creative practitioners, cul tural professionals, artists, creative hubs, festivals, biennials, and organi zations. To be eligible, projects must demonstrate a meaningful collabora tion involving at least one UK based collaborator and one partner legally established in a participating nation.

To assist regional applicants in navigating the application criteria and developing highly competitive applications, the British Council will host a series of information sessions led by its in country arts managers. Funding amounts vary by location: Up to £15,000 for Bangladesh and Pakistan; up to £10,000 for Main land China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam; and up to £5,000 for Australia and New Zealand. Eligible activities include co cre ation, residencies, research and de velopment, collaborative exhibitions, and public programs. Applications for CTC will close on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 23:59 BST. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official 2026 applica tion toolkit and comprehensive FAQs prior to submission.