BusinessMirror September 19, 2026

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PSE APPROVES MYNT’S IPO, BIGGEST TO DATE T www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Saturday, September 19, 2026 Vol. 21 No. 340

P25.00 nationwide | 14 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By VG Cabuag

HE Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) on Friday approved the P92.32-billion initial public offering application of Mynt Inc., the parent company of e-wallet giant GCash, which would be the biggest IPO in the country to date.

The company is set to offer 8.03 billion primary and secondary common shares consisting of up to 1.61 billion primary shares and up to 6.42 billion secondary shares, with an overallotment option of up to 1.2 billion secondary common shares. It will list on the main board of the PSE under the trading symbol GCASH.

The shares will be sold at a price of up to P10 apiece during its October 6 to 12 offer period. The final offer price will be determined on October 1, after the company conducts its book building exercise. Its tentative listing date is on October 20. See “Mynt,” A2

SCHOOL SHOOTING LEAVES 3 DEAD In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Red Cross, Red Cross members arrive at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, Philippines, Friday, September 18, 2026. Three students, including the shooter, were killed and eight others wounded in a shooting at the school Friday afternoon, according to local officials and authorities. Banga Mayor Albert D. Palencia said the shooter was a Grade 9 student who died by suicide after the incident. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said authorities are investigating the student’s reported affiliation with a group called the “True Crime Community.” The Department of Education urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information as police continue investigating the incident. Story on A4. PHILIPPINE RED CROSS VIA AP

keeps US Strapped AirAsia takes unusual PHL tariff talks off Asean table step of offloading new planes By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

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HE Philippines is continuing to address its trade concerns with the United States through bilateral negotiations, rather than the broader Asean-US dialogue, as Manila awaits Washington’s assessment of measures it has adopted to address concerns on forced labor. The Section 301 issue is among the external trade pressures facing Asean economies, but Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the regional grouping’s response will focus on strengthening cooperation amid challenges that individual countries cannot address collectively.

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ DOJ Usec. Ian Dato assures students at anti-bullying seminar they can always turn to others, and protocols are in place, amid concern over persistently high incidents of bullying in school and on the internet

AIRASIA planes sit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang, Malaysia. The airline has sold six newly delivered Airbus A321neos since early 2025 as it faces higher fuel costs and mounting financial pressure. JOHN DOE | DREAMSTIME.COM

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IRASIA Group Bhd. has sold six newly delivered aircraft since the start of last year, including two in July, in an unusual about-face that points to the financial strain gripping the airline. The Malaysian low-cost carrier, which has received 10 factoryfresh Airbus SE 321neos since the start of 2025, sold half a dozen of them to lessor BBAM LLC, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of aircraft transactions tracked by the Cirium Fleet Analyzer database. They have since been purchased or leased by Vietnamese startup Sun PhuQuoc Airways, the data shows. While airlines regularly execute sale-and-leaseback deals on new planes to replace large upfront

purchase costs with regular lease payments, selling aircraft without ever having put them into service is uncommon. AirAsia’s disposal of the new-generation fuel-efficient jets come at a time that co-founder Tony Fernandes is seeking to modernize the fleet to combat higher fuel costs. “It’s unusual for a newly delivered aircraft in AirAsia’s livery to not enter service with only the ‘sale’ and no ‘leaseback,’” independent aviation capital markets analyst Andrew Light said. “Selling a newly delivered aircraft is probably the cleanest option, especially to maximize cash.” At a hastily-arranged press conference in Bangkok on Friday to address AirAsia’s financial health,

co-founder Fernandes offered various answers around the new plane delivery disposal. Fernandes said AirAsia had an orderbook of 500 planes but wasn’t going to “monetize” them to freeup liquidity because he wants new aircraft to expand the business. However, he said the newlydelivered planes were expensive to operate with high fuel prices and were passed over for someone else to operate. BBAM, Sun PhuQuoc Airways and its parent Sun Group, didn’t respond to requests for a response. The airline’s woes have mounted this year following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which sent oil and jet fuel prices surging. See “AirAsia,” A2

DOJ Undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman E. Dato presides at an Anti-Bullying Seminar at Bagong Tanyag Integrated School in Taguig City, September 4, 2026. “The [Section 301] measures that were implemented by the United States were not imposed on Asean as a whole, but individually on Asean member states.” — Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty

“The measures that were implemented by the United States were not imposed on Asean as a whole, but individually on Asean member states,” Gepty noted at a briefing on the 58th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Pasay City on Friday. “We are constantly engaging with our US partners to address that particular issue,” he added.

Text and photos by Francine M. Marquez

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ULLYING remains a pervasive problem in Filipino schools today. According to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data, almost half of Filipino 15-year-olds experienced bullying at least several times a month in 2025. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) noted that 47 percent of students in the See “Bullying,” A2

A STUDENT from Bagong Tanyag Integrated School in Taguig City receives her Student Anti-Bullying Kit during a seminar held in her school, September 4, 2026.

See “Tariff,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 62.7850 n JAPAN 0.4026 n UK 83.8996 n HK 8.0026 n CHINA 9.3625 n SINGAPORE 49.2354 n AUSTRALIA 44.6276 n EU 72.0897 n KOREA 0.0455 n SAUDI ARABIA 16.7190 Source: BSP (September 18, 2026)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Saturday, September 19, 2026

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ Continued from A1

Philippines reported being victims of at least one form of bullying a few times per month or more in 2025, more than twice the OECD average of 20 percent. This month, amid alarming reports of school violence across the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) said the reinforced learner protection protocols are formalized under Department Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), which is carried out in coordination with local government units (LGUs), law enforcement, and social welfare agencies. The multi-agency approach to a safe and peaceful space for schoolchildren was also the focus of the Department of Justice when it organized a Student Awareness Seminar on Anti-Bullying, led by Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman E. Dato at Bagong Tanyag Integrated School in Taguig City early this month. Around 100 students, along with faculty members and parents, attended the DOJ initiative that aims to unite students, educators, and the justice department to come together to raise awareness about bullying, encourage responsible action, and empower young people to help build a school environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard.

Information workshop

USEC. DATO gave a primer on bullying, defining it as the repeated act of hurting, teasing, and threatening another child to sow fear or

harm. He also cited the kinds of bullying (physical, verbal, social, cyber, and gender-based). He encouraged children not to be silenced by fear when they are bullied because they are protected by law. He advised bullied students to seek the help of a trusted older person—be it a parent, guardian, teacher, guidance counsellor, or school head. For online bullying, Dato told the students to report the incident to an elder and show the message and/or photos. He stressed that retaliation is not the solution, but encouraged students to follow the process of reporting the case to trusted school authorities and their parents. For students who witnessed bullying, he advised them to report the incident to a trusted elder. Help the victim if it is safe to do so and comfort the person. Don’t participate in harassing or humiliating the bullied student. “Let’s be kind and compassionate; it’s the only thing important to our fellow students and to our teachers. Nothing is diminished or wasted when we are kind,” Dato said. The seminar became even more engaging when Dato also answered concerns raised by the students.

Two-kilometer radius

HE cited DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 (titled Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment), which has stricter Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10627 (The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013). The new rule expanded the

school’s geographical mandate to a two-kilometer radius. “If the incident happened within a two-kilometer radius— such as at a nearby convenience store, internet cafe, or sidewalk— as long as it falls within the twokilometer perimeter, the school has the authority and the mandate to respond and apply disciplinary measures,” said Dato. However, he also said that rather than inflict harsh punishment on the bully, the latter must be made to understand the harmful effects of the action. Authorities also aim to look into the deeper, social and emotional reasons behind the aggression, and to help find positive solutions for the child to manage his emotions. “If you have committed a wrongdoing, the penalty isn’t punitive. You will be punished to straighten your path. It is what is called restorative or rehabilitative justice. That is the penalty; it is not meant to destroy a child’s future,” he noted.

Get help

SHOULD the bullying escalate, however, Dato said, the victim may file a complaint at the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) or, if there is no official DOJAC office in your area, victims may seek the help of the local prosecution office. The DOJAC takes “traumainformed, child-sensitive, and protective protocols” to ensure the safety of the victim, as well as a victim-centered approach. According to Dato, the names of the victim and family remain confidential throughout the process. The DOJAC can also help refer

victims to free legal counsel as well as refer victims and their families to DSWD for trauma counselling and psychosocial intervention.

School awareness

BESIDES Dato’s talk, students of Bagong Tanyag Integrated School were given certificates of attendance and a Student’s Anti-Bullying Kit, an informative guide on frequently asked questions about the topic. With a population of 5,644 students, from Kinder to Grade 10, and with 187 teachers, the school has almost zero incidents of bullying, said School Principal Donnabel Balantac. The school’s safe space is enhanced by various awareness talks organized by the administration on topics like Gender Development, Anti-bullying, Mental health, Discipline Orientation, and school policies. Students can also approach the Learner Formation Officer, Christian Quintas, for concerns. “Holding seminars outside of the classroom will increase the awareness of the learners about how to protect themselves. They must be well equipped with what is happening because of the many things that are taking place in our surroundings. “Actually, here in the school, we have a very minimal case of bullying, 0.01 percent only. The goal of the school is to sustain the almost zero case because we want to make the school a safe learning environment for our learners.” Balantac said teachers and parents are the first line of defense. Students should be made to feel that they are not alone and that they can always go to their parents and teachers for help. At the same time, the students also have a role in keeping their school bully-free. According to Balantac: “We are conducting seminars and trainings to inform and educate them. It’s not just to develop their knowledge but for them to know that they also have roles and responsibilities to keep their school safe for them. And we are campaigning that they should always be kind at all times,” she noted.

Pilot test

HOPEFULLY, the DOJ initiative could be conducted in other schools should there be a demand for a seminar, said Dato. “Initially, there’s really no plan to make this into a series. This was just a random initiative. But if we see that the need is really pressing in other areas, then we would have to do another workshop in other schools,” he noted. On the importance of creating an outreach activity for the youth, Dato told BusinessMirror, “The law has to reach the people. We cannot expect compliance unless there is the widest dissemination of the law and people understand what the law is. What are their rights under the law? What are their obligations under the law? “There is a need to go out, explain, and reach out to people, especially the stakeholders, the young people, especially because one finding from the recent [school shooting] incidents is that the determinative cause might be bullying. “We need to explain to the people who matter most what their rights are under the law. And in this case, minors. We need to explain to them in the language and in the setting where they’re most comfortable in what the law is,” noted Dato. To seek assistance from DOJAC, email dojac.doj.gov.ph. Or call 85212930 and 8526-3365.

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Mynt… AirAsia… Continued from A1

Continued from A1

“We welcome this highly anticipated IPO, which is poised to set the record as the largest public offering in PSE history. I hope this landmark listing will pave the way for more fintech and digital economy firms to go public and raise capital through the equities market,” PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said. “I am optimistic that this debut will drive strong market activity ahead of fourth quarter. Considering that the IPO subscription will also be made available through GStocks in the GCash app, we expect to see a significant uptick in new retail investors,” Monzon said.

Low-cost carriers can be harder hit than full-service airlines by rising fuel costs because they are harder to pass on to price-conscious passengers. AirAsia doesn’t hedge its fuel purchases, leaving it exposed to volatile swings in prices. Fuel expenses surged 58 percent in the second quarter, sparking the company’s largest quarterly loss in four years. Bloomberg reported this week that AirAsia is seeking to use collateral on a private-credit loan to pay lessors. In June, Bloomberg reported that the airline had fallen behind on payments to suppliers and asked for deferrals on at least a dozen planes. AirAsia had 954 million ringgit ($233 million) in cash and equivalents as of the end of June, one of the lowest balances among airlines tracked by Bloomberg globally. The shares fell as much as 6.9 percent on Friday, after tumbling 21 percent on Thursday amid mounting concerns about the company’s prospects. The stock has slumped more than 75 percent since the Iran war started at the end of February, making it the worst-performing stock in the 58-member Bloomberg World Airlines Index. Of the 239 Airbus planes in AirAsia’s fleet at the end of June, only 161 were operational, according to the company. The airline said it was returning 25 older aircraft this year to optimize its fleet, however, it has made no mention of the disposal of brand new planes. Cirium’s database shows Vietnam’s Sun PhuQuoc Airways has expanded to a fleet of 19 aircraft since its launch in November 2025. A total of 14 planes it has bought or leased have come directly from AirAsia. Cirium records don’t include AirAsia’s most recent July delivery, which is still in AirAsia’s possession but will be transferred to Sun PhuQuoc in October.

Where proceeds will go

PROCEEDS from the sale of its primary shares will be used by the company for digital financial services growth initiatives, product development and for general corporate purposes. After the offering, its public float would end up at 13.8 percent, below the minimum public float of 15 percent. Mynt’s offering is so large that it became the first company to secure IPO approval under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s revised, lower public float threshold for massive issuers. Under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11, Series of 2026 (MC 11)—the Minimum Public Ownership Rules for Issuers of Shares of Stock to be Listed on an Exchange—the new regulation permits a 12-percent public float rather than the standard 15 percent. Under MC 11, the SEC has the authority, pending a recommendation from the PSE, to reduce the public float requirement for companies expected to achieve an unusually large market capitalization upon listing. Based on registration data submitted to the SEC, Mynt’s projected initial market capitalization stands at P668.96 billion, easily exceeding the P200-billion minimum threshold stipulated by MC 11. Mynt has tapped BPI Capital Corp. and BDO Capital and Investment Corp. as domestic lead underwriters and joint bookrunners. The international joint bookrunners include Jefferies Singapore Limited, CLSA Limited, and HSBC's Singapore Branch. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley and Co. International PLC, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, and UBS AG Singapore Branch will act as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners. As of June 30, it recorded 41.5 million in monthly average user, or more than a third of the country’s population, according to data from Frost and Sullivan. GCash has four times the number of active users of its closest competitor, and ranked among the top three most-used apps nationwide across all categories as of March this year. GCash, however, still remains a huge e-wallet company, though experts say it has a huge potential. Analyst Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co., sees diversification driving further GCash parent Mynt Inc.’s growth into the next few years. “They’re already a wallet, very generic. The only thing that they need to do is add more products to sell. Because they already have the ecosystem,” Ravelas said. He said the company can become a Peking duck dish rather than a simple fried chicken that is widely available almost everywhere.

Bloomberg

Tariff… Continued from A1

Negotiations remain ongoing, he added, with the Philippines having already taken steps to address Washington’s concerns over forced labor in supply chains. Gepty cited the Joint Administrative Order issued in July by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Finance, which addresses the importation of products resulting from forced labor. “We are awaiting the evaluation of the United States Trade Representative on whether or not this will suffice as far as addressing their concern,” he said. The chief trade negotiator remains hopeful that the US will find the measures sufficient, noting that the country has continued to cooperate and engage with them throughout the discussions. Preparatory meetings for the Asean economic ministers’ meetings began on September 17, while the ministerial meetings are scheduled from September 19 to 22. More than 20 meetings and consultations will be held during the week involving Asean economic ministers, dialogue partners, international organizations and the private sector. Representatives from all 11 Asean member states and 13 dialogue partners—including the US, European Union, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom—are expected to participate. Gepty said the Philippines’ 19 Priority Economic Deliverables under its Asean chairship are intended to strengthen the region’s capacity to respond collectively to external pressures, rather than focus only on immediate challenges facing the bloc.

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Senator to DOE: Expedite rules on LPG cylinder swap By Butch Fernandez

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MEASURE that will allow consumers the option to swap cylinders in order to get the most affordable fuel is being pushed before the Department of Energy (DOE) as global oil prices continue to soar with the expanding conflict in oil facility hubs and routes in the Middle East. Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino has called on the DOE to immediately finalize the operational guidelines for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder swapping or Palit Tangke centers to allow consumers to find more affordable options and save

money for other expenses. In a letter to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Aquino sought an update on the proposed Joint Department Circular covering the operation of LPG cylinder swapping centers under Republic Act 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act. Enacted in October 2021, RA 11592 institutionalized the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program to promote safer LPG cylinders, protect consumers, and encourage greater competition in the LPG industry. See “LPG,” A12

Mayor to Cebu water district: Reduce non-revenue water rate By Carmel Pedroza

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EBU C I T Y— Cebu C it y Mayor Nestor Archival has d irected t he Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to bring down its nonrevenue water (NRW) rate as part of the city’s preparations for the possible impact of a super El Niño on water supply. During the Cebu City Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (CCDRRMC) ninth regular meeting early last week, Archival instructed the council secretariat to draft a resolution calling on MCWD to reduce its NRW rate from 29 percent to 27 percent. Non - re ve nue w ate r re fe rs to water that enters the distribution system but does not See “Cebu,” A12

Saturday, September 19, 2026

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Solons push speedy drafting of ube industry master plan

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By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

AWMAKERS are urging the 20th Congress to fast-track the development of a national ube industry master plan aimed at increasing production, strengthening local supply chains, and expanding the Philippines’ export potential for the globally sought-after purple yam.

T he g row ing inter nationa l demand for ube, according to Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Luigi Vincenzo Villafuerte, presents an opportunity for the Philippines to establish itself as a major source of ube and ube-derived products, particularly ube powder, similar to Japan’s success in developing matcha into a globally recognized export commodity. Luigi Villafuerte said a comprehensive roadmap covering ube

production, processing, marketing, and export development is needed as demand continues to increase in markets across Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The Villafuertes said ube’s increasing appeal in food, beverage, dessert, and specialty-product markets provides the country with an opportunity to establish itself as a leading supplier of purple yam products. To pursue this goal, lawmakers

filed House Bill 8814, which proposes the creation of a Philippine Ube Industry Council to establish standards, guide investments, and coordinate government agencies involved in ube development. The measure also seeks to establish a Ube Industry Development Fund to support farmer assistance programs, processing facility development, research and development, quality infrastructure, brand development, trademark registration, marketing, trade fair participation, and export promotion activities. The bill also aims to ensure that smallholder ube farmers and rural communities become primary beneficiaries through improved market access, fair pricing, technical assistance, stronger participation in domestic and international value chains, and preferential credit programs to be provided by the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines. Villafuertes said the proposed blueprint aims to establish the Philippines as a premier global source of ube and ube-derived

products by ensuring quality standards, geographic indication protection, and unified brand promotion. However, supply constraints may limit further growth of the Philippine ube industry amid increasing global demand for purple yam. The lawmakers cited a report by British research firm BMI, a subsidiary of credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, which identified challenges affecting the government’s ube industry expansion efforts, including supply shortages, limited farmland devoted to the crop, and slow farmer adoption. “Prolonged supply constraints, slower-than-expected expansion of domestic cultivation capacity, or the emergence of substitute ingredients that capture consumer attention could limit ube’s ability to sustain its current growth trajectory and transition from a trending f lavor into a permanently established global food category,” said BMI. See “Ube,” A12

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

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China Coast Guard rams Bfar ship on fuel subsidy mission D

No particular target in flood control investigations–NBI

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HE National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) on Friday condemned what it described as the China Coast Guard’s “dangerous actions” against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) vessel conducting a fuel subsidy mission for Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, the NTF-WPS said the incident occurred about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), when China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 repeatedly carried out hazardous maneuvers before “deliberately making contact” with BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) of the Bfar. “The BFAR vessel was engaged in a lawful civilian mission to support the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk when China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 repeatedly executed hazardous maneuvers before deliberately making contact with the Philippine vessel, causing damage and placing the lives of its civilian crew at risk,” the task force said. The NTF-WPS described the incident as a “reckless act” and a “serious breach” of the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colregs), the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed

the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ. “Such actions undermine safety of life at sea,” it added. The task force said the immediate deployment of Philippine Coast Guard assets to assist the Bfar vessel demonstrated the government’s commitment in protecting Filipino lives and ensuring the continuation of legitimate civilian operations in the country’s maritime zones. “We remain resolute in protecting the rights and welfare of our fisherfolk and ensuring that lawful government missions in the West Philippine Sea continue without intimidation or coercion,” the NTF-WPS said. It also called on Beijing to halt what it characterized as dangerous actions in Philippine waters. “The NTF-WPS calls on China to cease dangerous and unlawful actions that endanger lives at sea. We will continue to exercise our rights under international law with restraint, professionalism, and firm commitment to the security and dignity of the Filipino people,” it said.

However, the China Coast Guard (CCG) disputed the Philippine account of the incident and blamed the BFAR vessel for the collision. In a statement, CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue said the China Coast Guard vessel Sanzhou’ao was conducting what Beijing described as “rights-protection and l aw- enforcement operat ions” near Xianbin Jiao (Sabina Shoal) in the Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) when Philippine vessel 3015 allegedly ignored warnings and maneuvered toward the Chinese vessel. “ The Philippine vessel 3015, ignoring repeated solemn warni ngs f rom t he C h i nese side, deliberately altered its course and suddenly accelerated, cutting obliquely across the bow of the China Coast Guard vessel, resu lting in a col lision,” Jiang said. He asserted that the Philippine vessel’s actions “seriously violate international law and the basic norms of international relations” and threatened the safety of Chinese personnel. “The China Coast Guard vessel operated in a professional and standardized manner, reasonably and lawfully, and the responsibility of the collision rests entirely with the Philippine side,” Jiang said. The Chinese Coast Guard demanded that Manila “immediately stop all infringing and provocative acts” and said it would continue its law-enforcement operations in waters it claims are under China’s jurisdiction. T he PCG, meanwhi le, said severa l Chinese vessels were spotted during the recent distribution of fuel subsidy and food packs to Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

T he PCG spokesperson for WPS, Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela said the following Chinese ships were seen on Thursday in the area: one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship, three China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and three Chinese maritime militia vessels. Tarriela said the Chinese warship issued a radio challenge to the PCG’s Piper Navajo aircraft, which responded by asserting that it was conducting a lawful maritime patrol within Philippine maritime zones, in accordance with international law. “The continued presence of Chinese maritime forces in and around BDM, a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen, remains inconsistent with the 2016 Arbitral Award and the Unclos,” Tarriela said. Earlier, a Bfar ship ran aground at Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during a fuel subsidy distribution on Thursday. BR P Datu Magat Salamat was ref loated a f ter t he PCG sent t he BR P Malabr igo to a ssist, Ta r r iel a sa id. “Yesterday morning, while approaching a group of Filipino fishing vessels to position herself for the distribution of fuel to some 15 to 20 fishing boats, the vessel ran aground in the shallow waters of the shoal,” Tarriela said in a statement. “The fishing boats immediately attempted to assist and provided initial towing assistance, but the effort was unsuccessful due to the morning low tide and their limited pulling power,” it added. The Bfar vessel was at HasaHasa Shoal to deliver fuel subsidies to Filipino fishermen under the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda Program in the Kalayaan Island Group. With Rex Anthony Naval

3 killed, 8 wounded in SoCot school shooting By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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HREE students, including the shooter, were killed while eight others were wounded in a shooting incident, at the Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato on Friday afternoon. In a radio interview, Banga Mayor Albert D. Palencia said that the assailant, who shot himself after the incident, is a Grade 9 student of the school. Palencia said that the assailant even warned his two friends to go

home early for he will do something in the school after lunch. The firearm that the assailant used was owned by his parents, Palencia said. In another radio interview, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the assailant is a member of a group called True Crime Community. “Iniimbestigahan ng pulisya kung ano ba ito... Ang organisasyon na ito,” Tamayo said. Initial investigation by the Office of the of the Department of Education Regional Director of

Central Mindanao indicate that the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. when the assailant pulled out a caliber .45 pistol and fired at the victims. Police personnel are currently scouring the area, securing the scene, and conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident. Meanwhile, the DepEd expressed deepl concern appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information as authorities continue their investigation.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” the DepEd statement read. DepEd main office assured that it is closely coordinating with the Schools Division Office, Regional Office, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies to verify the circumstances and provide assistance. “We are also ready to provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected,” DepEd said.

IRECTOR Melvin Matibag of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday said government investigation on alleged anomalous floodcontrol projects is not aimed at particular targets. Matibag made the statement in response to the statement of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte who called on Matibag to investigate flood control projects outside of Davao City, including those in the district of Matibag’s wife, Laguna Rep. Anne Matibag. “He has to check his facts because actually, Davao is among the many na ito. Kita naman natin, marami na nga ang nakakulong nga yon, na hindi naman sa Davao nang galing. We have filed cases involving projects in Bulacan, Mindoro and there is an ongoing investigation in Pampanga, Tarlac, Cebu City,” Matibag told reporters. “So, Davao is one of the many. Lahat po ng merong ebidensya na dumarating sa amin, iimbestigahan po namin,” Matibag said. Matibag also said that D u t e r t e ’s r e s p o n s e i s a l s o

puzzling , consider ing that t he N BI d id not i s s u e a s u b p o e n a t o h i m or a ny ot he r l aw m a k e r for t h at m at t e r. “Hindi naman siya namin iniimbitahan. Ang inimbitahan namin and sinubpoena namin is the Regional Director, District Engineers, at saka iyong mga contractors. Wala naman ang pangalan niya doon,” Matibag said. “I don’t know why he is reacting. If he has information, he can come to us and volunteer it,” Matibag added. Matibag then said that the Davao lawmaker is free to file a complaint involving his wife if he has evidence of such allocation. “On my wife, I’m sure my wife is capable enough to answer allegations. If he, indeed, has evidence against my wife, I encourage him, as a law-abiding citizen, as a member of the House of Representatives, to file a complaint,” Matibag said. “Maybe not in the NBI because he might say I am unfair, but there are other government agencies he can go to,” Matibag added. Joel R. San Juan

UPLB institutionalizes Project Sarai

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OS BAÑOS, Laguna—The University of the Philippines (UP) has institutionalized the governmentfunded Project Sarai, which is aimed at expanding climate-smart agriculture and bolstering the resilience of local farmers nationwide. On Friday, UP-Los Baños launched the UPLB Center for Sarai (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry) to advance research, development, extensions, and public service initiatives. This, after the UP Board of Regents, the UP System’s highest governing body, approved on August 26 the institutionalization of Project Sarai, transitioning from an action-research program. Project Sarai was introduced in 2013 by an interdisciplinary group of scientists from UPLB, with support from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-Pcarrd). Decibel Eslava, dean of the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (Sesam), said the project moved from a “timebound” research program to an “enduring” public service institution. “Today, we give an institutional home to years of scientified work, partnerships, technologies, and commitment to Philippine agriculture,” she said in a presentation here. Eslava, who also serves as the Program

Leader of Sarai Centro (Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations), said the center will sustain the capabilities built within the system while making these more accessible to the farm sector. “The center’s mandate is to lead the development, integration, delivery, and institutionalization of science-based and digital decision support for Philippine agriculture,” she added. Eslava said the center will provide technical leadership and coordination, with government agencies and stakeholder partners urged to provide regional reach, validation, data, and pathways for adaptation. “As a whole, UPLB Sarai will strengthen UPLB’s role as the country’s lead institution for climate smart and precision agriculture,” she said. Ultimately, the project aims to transform Philippine agriculture and fisheries into a low-carbon, climate-resilient food system by 2050. “By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the Sarai Center aims to minimize climate risks and enhance the resilience of Philippine agriculture.” The Project Sarai formulates crop advisories targeted for nine crops, such as rice, corn, banana, coconut, coffee, cacao, sugarcane, soybean, and tomato. It is being implemented by UPLB together with 11 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and six national government agencies. Ada Pelonia

Build El Niño preparedness into 2027 budget, NIA told By Butch Fernandez

DFA verifying Russia’s ‘recruitment’ of 14 Pinoys in war vs Ukraine

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HE government is verifying reports that 14 Filipinos were reportedly recruited by Russia for its war against Ukraine, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday. In a statement, spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the DFA is aware of reports involving nationals who may have been enlisted in foreign armed forces and is coordinating closely with its foreign service posts. “The department’s priority is the safety and welfare of Filipinos,” she said. “Where appropriate, the Philippine Government remains ready to provide consular assistance consistent with Philippine law, international practice, and applicable regula-

tions of the host country,” she added. The DFA, meanwhile, told Filipino job seekers anew to take caution when accepting overseas employment offers and to verify the legitimacy of recruiters and employers, particularly where there may be a risk of recruitment into foreign armed forces. At a virtual press conference hosted by the European Union on Wednesday, Malaysia-based security consultancy Chasseur Group executive director Munira Mustaffa said 14 Filipinos have so far been reported recruited by Russia to fight in the war, citing data from the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Mustaffa said one was killed while another is a prisoner of war. PNA

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HE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) must ensure that preparations for the continuing El Niño phenomenon are built into its 2027 budget, particularly measures that will secure water supply for farmers and protect agricultural production from prolonged dry conditions, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, the Pangilinan sought answers from NIA officials on its proposed 2027 budget of P46.36 billion, 27 percent lower than its 2026 budget, during budget deliberations on Thursday, September 17. Pangilinan, in particular, raised concern that funding for irrigation systems took a 58 percent hit under the lowered appropriations. “Ilang buwan nang nagsasabi ang mga scientist sa Pagasa [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration], na dadating ang napakalakas na El Niño sa huling buwan ng 2026 hanggang sa unang anim na buwan ng 2027,” he said. See “NIA,” A12

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Confronting the global elderly care emergency By Jona C. redondo

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HE world is aging at an unprecedented rate, and societies are unprepared for the surge in demand for long-term care (LTC) and social support for older adults. By 2050, one in six people globally will be aged 65 or older, up from roughly one in 11 in recent years, according to United Nations projections. The number of people aged 80 and over is expected to triple. This demographic shift, combined with shrinking working-age populations, declining family caregiver availability, low pay and poor conditions in the care sector, and rising rates of disability and dementia, is creating a deepening crisis in social care for the elderly. Demand for formal and informal care is rising sharply while the supply of caregivers lags. Across OECD countries, the working-age population is projected to shrink by an average of 2 percent in the coming decade (and by more than 10 percent in several nations), even as LTC needs grow. Maintaining current ratios of care workers to older people would require adding about 13.5 million LTC workers across the OECD by around 2040—an increase of roughly 60 percent. Global health workforce projections already point to shortfalls of around 11 million health workers by 2030, with nursing and long-term care particularly strained. Unmet needs are already widespread: in many places, only about half of older people with severe limitations in daily activities receive formal care. Joanna Hofman, a senior research leader at Rand Europe, captures the essence of the problem: “We are all living longer. There are just more of us to take care of and not enough of us to do the caring.” Informal family care still fills much of the gap in many countries, but smaller families, greater geographic mobility, higher female workforce participation, and the physical and emotional toll on unpaid carers are eroding this support. Paid care work often features low wages, high turnover, physically demanding conditions, and limited career progression, deterring recruitment and retention.

Where the crisis will be most intense

EXPERTS and official projections consistently highlight several regions and countries as facing particularly acute pressures due to the speed and scale of aging, rapid declines in the workingage population, or underdeveloped formal care systems. Japan stands out as one of the most advanced cases of “super-aging.” Roughly one-third of the population is already 65 or older, and the elderly population is projected to peak in the 2040s. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has projected a need for about 2.72 million nursing care workers by 2040, implying a shortfall of around 570,000 if current trends continue. Some experts warn that hundreds of thousands—or potentially far more in extreme scenarios— could go without needed care. Dementia prevalence is also expected to rise sharply, with roughly one in seven seniors projected to have the condition by 2040. The combination of high care needs among the oldest-old and a contracting labor force makes Japan a leading example of intensity. South Korea faces similarly severe demographic headwinds. The country is projected to experience a shortfall of roughly 116,000 eldercare workers by 2028 and nearly one million additional caregivers needed by 2043, according to government estimates. Its working-age population is expected to shrink by more than 10% in the coming decade— one of the steeper declines among OECD nations, alongside Germany, Italy, and several Eastern European countries. Despite large numbers of people holding caregiver qualifications, poor wages and working conditions keep many out of the field, prompting debates over foreign labor recruitment. Europe, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe, is another hotspot. Projections indicate that by 2060 around 155 million Europeans (rough-

ly 30 percent of the population) will be 65 or older, with tens of millions expected to have disabilities affecting daily living—effectively doubling current caregiving needs in some estimates. OECD analyses flag countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic for especially sharp declines in the working-age population (over 10 percent). Care demand is projected to rise most in relative or absolute terms in parts of Southern and Eastern Europe. Informal and undeclared migrant labor already provides a large share of care in many European countries, but this model is fragile and often associated with poor conditions. China presents a crisis of enormous scale. The population aged 60 and over is already approaching 300 million and is projected to reach around 400 million by 2040. Longterm care demand is expected to increase substantially (one estimate suggests a 2.5-fold rise in needs between 2015 and 2050). Studies indicate a need for tens of millions of caregivers—figures such as more than 10–13 million or higher appear in various analyses—against a current formal workforce that is far smaller (hundreds of thousands of certified or registered workers in many reports). Rural areas and the rapid rise in dementia cases add further strain. Experts such as Zhao Litao (National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute) have noted that China is not yet well prepared, with a shrinking workforce facing dual pressures as taxpayers and potential carers. Wu Yushao of the China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Services has called for shifting more responsibility from families to society. Other high-income countries, including the United States, face significant shortages of geriatricians, nurses, and direct care workers, with millions of unfilled positions projected in coming decades and rising numbers of older adults with complex needs such as dementia. In lower- and middleincome settings more broadly, formal systems are often underdeveloped, leaving families to shoulder the bulk of care amid higher rates of disability at younger ages in some regions.

Drivers, consequences, and paths forward

THE crisis is driven by the collision of longer lifespans with fewer potential carers, underinvestment in the care workforce, and systems designed for earlier demographic realities. Costs are already high and rising; without better public support, many older people face poverty risks or forgo needed care. Unmet needs lead to poorer health outcomes, greater pressure on hospitals, family burnout (disproportionately affecting women), and economic losses from reduced labor force participation. Possible responses include improving pay, conditions, and career pathways for care workers to boost recruitment and retention; expanding training and immigration pathways where appropriate; investing in home- and community-based care preferred by most older people; supporting unpaid family carers with leave, benefits, and respite; greater use of technology and productivity tools; and better integration of health and social care. Some countries are experimenting with long-term care insurance expansions, foreign worker programs, and productivity reforms, but scale and urgency remain insufficient in most places. The crisis is not inevitable in its worst form. Demographic trends are largely predictable, giving societies time to act. Without sustained investment in people, systems, and policies that value care work, however, millions of older adults risk isolation, unmet needs, and diminished dignity in their later years— particularly in the countries where aging is fastest and caregiver supplies are tightest. The intensity of the challenge in places like Japan, South Korea, parts of Europe, and China underscores that this is both a global and a highly localized emergency requiring tailored, ambitious responses.

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, September 19, 2026 A5

DSWD: Any govt-issued ID valid for pension payout

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By Jose Cielito Reganit

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated on Thursday that indigent senior citizens may present any valid government-issued identification (ID) card when claiming their Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC), stressing that the National ID is not a mandatory requirement for the payout. “We would just like to clarify that the National ID is not the only ID accepted during the social pension payout. Our senior citizens may present any valid government-issued ID, such as their Senior Citizen ID, to receive their pension,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a news release. The clarification came after a social media post by a Filipino vlogger based in Australia went viral, with

more than 246,000 reactions and 52,000 comments as of writing. The post claimed that the DSWD was requiring indigent senior citizens to present their National ID before they could claim their monthly social pension. Dumlao said the DSWD only encourages senior citizens to secure their national ID to access other government services and assistance programs.

SENIOR citizens in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte receive their social pension at the Laoag City multipurpose hall in this undated photo. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said on September 17, 2026, that indigent senior citizens may present any valid government-issued identification card when claiming their social pension. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“We are simply encouraging senior citizens to get their National ID, as it will eventually be used by various government agencies as the primary ID to access government services,” she said. Dumlao also reminded senior citizens and their families to rely on official DSWD communication channels for accurate information regarding social pension payouts, requirements, schedules, and other social protection programs. The SPISC is a social protection program of the DSWD intended to

Why praying is good in late age

Albrecht Dürer—“Praying Hands,” 1508

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HERE is a famous painting that I love. It’s called “The Praying Hands” by the German artist Albrecht Dürer, whose fondest dream was to be an artist. He had a friend, an older man, who also had an ambition to be a painter. In their early years, the two of them struggled together to stay alive by selling their works. The older painter probably realized that Dürer was the more gifted and skilled artist so he proposed an arrangement – he would go out to work to earn for both of them while Dürer continued to paint. When they had saved enough funds from selling Dürer’s paintings, the friend said that he wanted to take up painting again. Alas, by that time, he could no longer do it. He had developed enlarged joints and twisted fingers, which made it impossible for him to hold a paintbrush. One day, Dürer saw his friend kneeling in prayer. He said, “I can never give back the skill in those hands, but I can show the world the feeling of love and gratitude which is in my heart for his noble deed.” He did it by painting those hands clasped in prayer. That work of art has inspired people all over the world and continues to serve as a touching homily on the virtues of sacrifice and gratitude. “Do you still pray?” One of my close friends suddenly asked me out of the blue. “Yes, I still pray,” I replied, but a little wary. The truth is I wasn’t ready or in the mood to explain. For one, I never really reflected on the question, which caught me off guard. I had a feeling that he was really fishing.

Then I turned the tables. “How about you, do you still pray?” My friend revealed that he was re-learning to pray the rosary. It was then that I sensed he was more interested in finding a reason or a justification to pray. He was mildly depressed about the current state of his life, having been abandoned by his wife while being estranged from his youngest son who was staying with him. I could understand he was seeking some sort of spiritual comfort. My friend is not alone. I’ve noted that more and more seniors I’ve known are becoming prayerful. Is it because being in retirement, they now have more time on their hands and want to devote the remaining years to the salvation of their souls? It’s turning out that for those at the end of life, idleness is the workshop of the Sacred and not of the devil. But it’s a good thing to reflect on. Praying. And from what I’ve learned it’s a healthful practice. In childhood, like most of those who went to Catholic schools, I learned to pray the Hail Mary, the Angelus, the Rosary, Guardian Angel prayer, and so forth. I even memorized some prayer-songs and chants in Latin, such as Salve Regina, Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia. But now in my septuagenarian years, my perspective on praying has evolved. I still recite some of the familiar prayers I learned in a grade school run by Benedictine nuns. They are embedded in my mind. However, they are now a means to an end or pegs for higher spirituality. Like the “om” mantra recited by Eastern mystics, they set the mood, so to speak, enabling me to calm my mind and slow down my pulse for what the late Trappist

monk Thomas Merton calls “our daily appointment with Mystery.” W hen I recite the Rosar y, which I still know by heart, I use the moments to contemplate mindfully on the virtues of humility and forgiveness, mystery of suffering, the continuity of life after death, and other deeper messages that spring from the “mysteries” of the rosary. Praying is a way to slow down and enter a space where you can listen more deeply to your life and recognize the Divine presence in the details of our everyday lives and be grateful for just being alive. From waking up to going to sleep, from eating and drinking to noticing beauty and natural wonders, praying is a way to say thank you — for breath, for food, for love, for life. You don’t have to be religious to benefit from praying. A ll you need is an open heart, a moment of quiet, and a willingness to engage. But here’s the good news about praying. O n e s t u d y, published in the Jour na l of Aging and Health, concludes that as people grow older, the more frequently they pray, the greater their sense of well-being. Scientific research has recently discovered praying doesn’t just provide spiritual benefits, it can also be one of the simplest, most powerful habits for improving mental health, especially in late age. There is an indication that praying protects our brain. How? Praying tends to lower stress and cortisol, which over the years can help protect brain regions like the hippocampus. It is actually a mental exercise, drawing on memory, language, and focus. For an older adult, this is hopeful. It means praying as a daily practice may be doing more

provide financial assistance to qualified indigent senior citizens who are 60 years old and above. It seeks to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of senior citizens who are frail, ill, or living with a disability and have no regular income or pension, or do not have sufficient support from their families. Under Republic Act 11916, or the “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens,” qualified indigent senior citizens are entitled to receive a social pension of P1,000 per month. PNA

for the mind than we realized. For many seniors already living with creeping dementia, prayer is often one of the last things to remain reachable, a source of calm and identity when so much else has slipped away. There are reports of people with advanced dementia who can no longer hold an ordinary conversation but can still recite a familiar prayer learned in childhood. Such experiences are not necessarily medical miracles, a neurologist says. They may reflect the durability of deeply learned and repeatedly practiced memories. I don’t want to go much into the science of it but the good thing that researchers have found out is that old people want their praying to be more personal, more private and an intimate direct relationship w ith a God Himself or a revered saint. Praying for them is spend ing time sharing their feelings, thoughts and dreams with Someone who loves them unconditionally. Indeed, like the good old apple a day, a prayer a day is good medicine. Let me end with a simple prayer, a keepsa ke, which sums up my life as an offering of gratitude, similar in tone to the “Praying Hands” painting of Albrecht Dürer. It was composed by my brother DOM Carlos, a Benedictine monk, who offered his life for the poor and downtrodden and became a Martial Law “desaparecido.” It was his “mi ultimo adios.” “Lord, my Tax-collector Here I am Your tax-payer Now it’s your turn To ask for the just tax Let me pay these Till the end of my life Daily piling up So that in the end I may pay You all…”

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Saturday, September 19, 2026 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Free TV’s fate is unclear as streaming platforms thrive

VISION EXPRESS BETS ON TECHNOLOGY TO RESHAPE OPTICAL RETAIL BY RIZAL RAOUL REYES

PHOTO BY PIOTR CICHOSZ ON UNSPLASH

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ICE GANDA recently signed a partnership agreement with MediaQuest Holdings Inc. for the comedian to churn out content that would help revive free TV. The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led MediaQuest Holdings’ businesses include TV5 and Cignal TV. Vice Ganda said network wars are over or should at least end because free TV is suffering from the shift to digital platforms. This is despite Philippine Statistic Authority data indicating that television remains a dominant mass media platform in the Philippines, with household and individual exposure historically ranging above 75 percent to over 90 percent depending on the demographic and region. “May iniinda ngayon yung industriya. So, yung mga may kakayahan, kailangang magsanib-puwersa talaga—ABS, GMA, TV5, and other platforms, di ba [The industry is suffering so everybody needs to join hands]?” said Vice Ganda. Free TV is indeed losing steam. On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, ABS-CBN announced the retrenchment of 200 of its employees. Industry observers say it is likely that other networks will also let go of some of its employees because of lower revenues from ads and dwindling viewership. This is despite the effort of networks to strengthen their digital presence and collaborations with streaming platforms. A report from Magnite, an American online advertising technology firm based in Los Angeles, California, stated that 77 million people in the Philippines stream video content. About 80 percent say they stream more today than a year ago, and 75 percent plan to try new services within the next 12 months. About 72 percent of streamers said they use connected TVs, often in shared spaces like the living room. On average, CTV viewers watch alongside four other people.

About 84 percent are more likely to engage with ads that match their interests, and 75 percent feel stronger connections to ads that reflect local culture and content. Seventy-one percent of Filipinos are likely to engage with an actionable ad (link/QR code) and are even more likely to take action if an ad appears across multiple screens. According to a 2025 Kantar study, YouTube is the No. 1 video streaming platform in the Philippines in terms of reach The study showed that 97 percent of Filipinos in rural Visayas and Mindanao have watched online TV programs on YouTube in the past month. The study also showed that the streaming platform is providing a 60-percent incremental reach beyond traditional linear TV. FlixPatrol, an international analytics website

that tracks daily streaming charts and popularity rankings for movies and TV shows worldwide, said there are close to 3 million Netflix subscribers in the Philippines. Viu, which has a free component, has nearly 1.8 million subscribers. In third spot is Disney+ with 789,600 subscribers. Even Korean dramas on streaming platforms are getting shorter and shorter. They mostly started with 16 episodes. Now, they are mostly down to 12 episodes. Is it because people are less patient in waiting for next episodes? Is it because they have shorter attention spans? What I’ve noticed is that in many households, only the older members watch free TV. Right now, free TV’s future is unclear (because people could start watching it again, who knows?). It means the future of Filipinos working in the industry is also in a precarious state and that is very bad news.

Grab boosts ride safety for teens with ‘Grab for Family’ feature THE leading superapp in Asia, Grab Philippines is giving Filipino teens greater independence while helping parents stay connected to their journeys with the introduction of Grab for Family. The feature enables teenagers aged 13 to 17 to book rides independently, while giving parents and guardians real-time visibility into their journeys and added safety controls throughout the trip. The growing use of Grab Family Accounts among Filipino households points to the increasing role of shared mobility in everyday family life, with sign-ups more than doubling over the past year. Once onboarded, family members take about 70 percent more rides in their first month—underscoring the importance of shared access in making everyday mobility more

convenient and more efficient for everyone under one roof. With Grab for Family, parents no longer have to choose between giving their teenagers greater freedom and staying informed about their journeys. Once a teen is linked to a Family Account, parents can receive real-time trip updates, follow rides on a live map, communicate with the teen and driver, and access additional safety tools throughout the trip. “Safety and peace of mind have always been important to how we serve families on Grab. We’re continuing to build on that by making it easier for parents to stay informed about their teens’ journeys, while giving teenagers the support and confidence to move around more

independently,” said Grab Philippines head of mobility CJ Lacsican. At the core of Grab for Family is real-time visibility. Through Live Ride Tracking, Trip Monitoring and automated trip notifications, parents can stay informed without having to repeatedly call or message their teens during a ride. Parents receive updates at key points of the journey, including when a driver is assigned, vehicle details are available, the passenger is picked up, the destination is reached and the trip is completed. A live map also allows parents to follow the ride as it happens. More information on Grab for Family is available through the app and the platform’s official website.

Trends and ReadyLinks partner to launch their Smart Integrated Resort Solution BY PATRICK VILLANUEVA DOWNTIMES in the hospitality industry can hassle not only the consumer but also create loss to the business. As such, Trends and ReadyLinks have partnered to launch a solution that aims to improve network connectivity and avoid downtime. In a hosted event on September 10 with the theme “Modernizing Networks Without Rebuilding Infrastructure: Smarter Connectivity for HighDemand Environments,” Trends and ReadyLinks introduced their Smart Integrated Resort Solution, an integrated technology that will modernize network capabilities for businesses in the hospitality industry. Integrated resorts are large, self-contained complexes that host casinos, dining, shopping, and convention facilities in one. As such, guests can stay,

play, and be entertained by visiting just one complex. However, downtime can cause delays in booking these complexes, as well as disruption of services. As such, business loss is inevitable, not to mention the brand loyalty that can be costlier for the business. “Disruption and downtime are crucial considerations in this approach, as an organization could lose up to USD15,000 a minute—that is the average in 2026 for the Global 2000, but the loss is much greater for integrated resorts, especially during peak operational windows,” said Trends’ Converged Access Infrastructure group head Mark Anthony Castillo. With that in mind, businesses in this industry are looking for improvements in visibility across properties, consistent connectivity in their network, simplifying management and operations, and future-proofing their technologies and services,

as well as the solution being cost-effective. “The underlying outcomes we’re trying to achieve for IR organizations, in this modernization thrust [with Smart Integrated Resort], is stronger connectivity, more manageable operations, and of course serviceability for future technologies, without the need for overhauls that clients may not be ready for currently,” said ReadyLinks CEO and chairman Larry Synstelien. “We’re glad we have found a strong partner in Trends for the implementation of this approach, which we have developed for the unique needs of the sector, zeroing in on their networks. With our technology, experience in this sector, along with the breadth of expertise of Trends, we’re confident we could attain these goals for our clients, while also achieving lower costs,” he added.

FOR Vision Express Philippines, technology is becoming more than an upgrade to the traditional eye examination. It is emerging as a key part of the company’s strategy to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive optical retail market. The company said it is combining artificial intelligence (AI), advanced diagnostics and personalized styling to transform the customer journey—from checking eye health to choosing eyewear. Its strategy is built around three key innovations: vision7, VisionPlus and the AI Styling Studio. Together, these technologies are designed to make eye care more personalized while giving consumers a more sophisticated retail experience. The centerpiece of the strategy is VisionPlus, an AI-powered retinal imaging assessment that expands the role of an optical store beyond conventional vision correction. “VisionPlus uses retinal imaging and artificial intelligence to identify indicators that may be associated with eye and systemic health conditions. Vision Express says the technology can help screen for signs associated with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as other health concerns,” the company said in a press statement. Vision Express has emphasized that the technology is a screening tool rather than a substitute for medical diagnosis. Nevertheless, the ability to provide customers with additional health information during an ordinary optical visit potentially changes how consumers perceive the value of an eye examination. The second pillar is vision7, the company’s comprehensive eye examination. Instead of treating every customer in exactly the same way, the examination is designed to consider factors such as age, lifestyle and individual visual requirements. This personalization is particularly relevant as consumers spend more time on digital devices and increasingly expect products and services to be tailored to their needs. But Vision Express is also applying technology on the retail side. Its AI Styling Studio uses facial-analysis technology to recommend eyewear based on individual characteristics and preferences. The system can analyze features such as face shape and skin tone and generate frame recommendations. At selected locations, customers can also virtually try on eyewear. For an industry where consumers can face hundreds of frame choices, the technology addresses a very practical retail problem: decision fatigue. Instead of simply presenting a large selection of products, Vision Express is attempting to use data and AI to narrow the choices and make the purchasing process more personalized. This convergence of healthcare and retail is central to the company’s positioning. Vision Express says it now operates more than 80 stores nationwide and identifies innovative optical technology as one of its key differentiators. The company is also investing in the physical store experience. Its flagship store at SM Mall of Asia, for instance, incorporates dedicated spaces for Vision7 and VisionPlus, alongside its eyewear retail environment. The broader strategy suggests that Vision Express is not competing solely on the number of stores or the brands it carries. It is seeking to compete on the experience and intelligence surrounding the purchase. The company’s technology push also extends to lenses. Vision Express offers lens technologies from brands including Shamir, Tokai and Opulens, with solutions designed around different visual requirements. For Vision Express, the business opportunity is clear: technology can make eye care more preventive, eyewear more personalized, and the retail experience more compelling. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare and consumer services, optical retailers that successfully combine clinical expertise with technology and personalization could gain an important competitive advantage.

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, September 19, 2026

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Redmi Note 17 Pro Max: Five days in Guizhou without a power bank I

F you have flown within China recently, you probably already know how strict airport security has become about power banks. Since June 28, 2025, mainland China has prohibited power banks without a visible China Compulsory Certification, or CCC, mark on domestic flights. International travelers connecting to a domestic flight must also pass through that security checkpoint. Seeing “Made in China” on the back does not make a power bank compliant. Unless the CCC logo is printed or engraved on the device, do not bother bringing it. This week, I traveled to Guizhou, China, for a fiveday work trip as part of a Philippine media delegation headed by former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, with our arrangements coordinated by Verde Creatives’ Bemz Benedito. I knew it was going to be very busy so before leaving, I went through what felt like 1,522 power banks at home and found only one bearing the required CCC mark: my Xiaomi magnetic power bank. The problem was its 5,000mAh capacity was barely enough for one meaningful iPhone recharge. Instead of buying another power bank, I brought the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G. Its 10,000mAh battery has twice the stated capacity of my compliant power bank. It also supports 27W wired reverse charging, allowing it to supply power to another phone, earbuds or another compatible device. But is it enough to get me through five days in Guizhou? ■ A different kind of Pro Max. Rising component costs have affected the prices and specifications of new devices. Manufacturers must decide which features to prioritize and which ones to scale back without driving customers elsewhere. For the first Pro Max in the Redmi Note family, Xiaomi prioritizes battery endurance, durability and longer ownership. The question is whether it made the right compromises around them. ■ Huge and heftier. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G weighs 229.5 grams and measures 8.65mm thick, although the Cloud Blush version is slightly thinner at 8.57mm. You feel that size and weight immediately, particularly when using it one-handed or holding it for an extended period. That is the cost of fitting a 10,000mAh battery inside a conventional-looking phone. The flat screen and sides make it feel secure in the hand, which mattered during crowded attractions and hurried photo stops. ■ Built for an unpredictable itinerary. Durability is the other half of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max story. Xiaomi cites a two-meter, 72-hour waterresistance test and TÜV SÜD certification, alongside

IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings under laboratory conditions. Those ratings are not an invitation to abuse the phone. Underwater Mode is limited to static freshwater at a maximum depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes and does not extend the official waterresistance rating. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Underneath it, the reinforced Redmi Titan Structure uses a strengthened motherboard, midframe and impact-absorbing cushioning. Xiaomi says this is the first smartphone to receive SGS threemeter drop-resistance certification. Xiaomi backs that durability pitch with a five-year free battery-replacement program, three-year screendamage protection, two-year back-cover protection and two-year liquid-damage protection. The company positions these services as its “No. 1 Protection” package, although buyers should check the eligibility requirements and claim limits for each benefit. I had no plans to test that claim on the Balinghe Bridge, but the phone did fall out of my pocket while we were rushing to catch the train to Congjiang. It also landed on a marble hotel floor after I forgot to zip my bag. The screen protector picked up a few scuffs, but the phone had no visible dents and continued working normally. ■ The 10,000mAh question. Xiaomi claims up to three days per charge and at least 80 percent battery capacity after 1,600 complete cycles, or roughly six years of typical use under simulated conditions. Guizhou was the real test. I used two other phones during the first two days, so the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max spent much of that time inside my bag. When I began using it more heavily, it still had 88 percent remaining despite being switched on for two days already Our third day was hectic. We traveled for more than an hour by high-speed train to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of China’s largest Dong minority settlements. Its dense wooden houses, drum towers, covered wind-and-rain bridges and narrow streets filled with colorful stores made it an ideal place to test both endurance and the camera during an extended day outdoors. Work trips push my phone usage beyond the usual calls, messages and social-media monitoring. I also use my phone for photography, video, interviews, navigation and translation while moving between destinations. Our activities ended after 10 pm that day. When we returned to the hotel, the phone still had 28 percent remaining after I had shot 838 photos and videos. Counting the two earlier days on standby, that result impressed me. Day four was packed again as we transferred to another village. This time, I used the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max as a power bank for my iPhone, which had been serving as a hotspot for my other devices and had not been fully charged. The phone supports up to 27W wired reverse charging. That is more useful than the trickle offered by many reverse wireless charging implementations because it can transfer power at a meaningful speed, provided you have the proper cable. After another day of heavy use, the Redmi still had more than 25 percent remaining. Xiaomi claims an 80-minute full charge and a day

of typical use from a 20-minute top-up. Using the bundled 100W charger, it took me about an hour and a half to charge the phone fully. ■ Display and entertainment. The Pro Max has a 6.83-inch 1.5K Amoled display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 3,500 nits. It also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The screen was particularly useful outdoors, where I relied on it for maps, translations and framing photos under bright daylight. Its size also suited videos during flights and long road transfers. The stereo speakers are fairly good and loud, with a claimed volume boost of up to 400 percent. ■ Performance for everyday travel. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 platform, paired with LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.1 storage on the 256GB and 512GB configurations. This is a capable midrange phone, and navigation, photography, social-media posting and switching among travel apps are its natural territory. During the trip, I noticed occasional stutters, and image processing was not always as snappy when I shot repeatedly. I did not encounter severe slowdowns, but buyers should not assume that the Pro Max name indicates flagship-level processing power. ■ Cameras for the trip. The rear camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. A 32-megapixel camera handles selfies, while both the rear and front cameras can record video at up to 4K at 30 frames per second. Megapixel count alone does not determine image quality, which makes the actual results more useful than the number printed on the camera module. Zhaoxing provided a demanding mix of dark wooden interiors, bright skies, intricate architecture, moving subjects and night scenes. The main camera handled landscapes, architecture, food, portraits and street scenes with a bright, warm look suited to immediate posting. Its limits appeared when I needed extra reach or shot several frames quickly. With no telephoto camera, distant details rely on digital cropping, while the 8-megapixel ultrawide gives up detail compared with the main camera. Still, the cameras are versatile. As long as you do not need extensive zoom, they should serve you well for everyday and travel photography. ■ Price and availability. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G is available in three Philippine configurations. The 8GB+256GB model is priced at ₱28,999. The Shopee-exclusive 12GB+256GB version costs ₱30,999, while the 16GB+512GB model is priced at ₱32,999. These early-bird prices are valid from September 15 to October 1, 2026. Depending on the model and applicable promotion, buyers may receive either a Redmi Watch 6 Active or Redmi Buds 8 Lite. ■ Can you survive five days without a power bank? I did, although I charged the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G once at the hotel after deliberately pushing it as hard as I could. Still, I never had to ration my camera use or search for an outlet while we were out. Its performance and cameras are capable rather than exceptional, but the enormous battery and added durability give this Pro Max a clear reason to exist.

HIDEO KOJIMA PARTNERS WITH XBOX AFTER FALLOUT WITH SONY ON DEVELOPING GAME PHYSINT

ONE man’s treasure becomes another man’s treasure? That’s the gist of the situation with the gaming legend Hideo Kojima’s new game “Physint,” making a partnership with Xbox after being dropped by Sony for its supposed PlayStation release. Two years ago, on February 1, PlayStation announced the development of Hideo Kojima’s return to an action-espionage adventure in Physint, which Head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst said in the video that he had been encouraging Kojima “to reinvent for years.” Fast forward to today, and Sony announced that this project fell apart, with Sony stepping away from Physint. A Bloomberg-trusted insider, in their article, revealed that Death Stranding’s low commercial performance, missed deadlines, overbudget, profitability, and exclusivity were the reasons cited as the deciding factors. “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to step away from collaborating with Kojima Productions on its project Physint,” the PlayStation tweet wrote. PlayStation added that their relationship with Kojima remains strong and hopes to collaborate with him on future projects. However, a tweet from Kojima 10 minutes later revealed otherwise, stating they had unexpectedly received a notice from PlayStation Studios about the cancellation of the project. “As confirmed earlier through our official channels, in mid-June of this year we unexpectedly received notice from PlayStation Studios that they would cancel the Physint project,” his tweet read. This led him to finding partners across the industry to keep the game alive, landing him a partnership with PlayStation’s rival and gaming giant Xbox. “We’re honored that Kojima-san has chosen Xbox to work with Kojima Productions on Physint. His ambition to challenge conventions reflects the kind of creativity we want to support at Xbox,” said Asha Sharma, Xbox CEO. Physint is not the only partnership that Kojima holds with Xbox, as both have been working on the development of OD, an upcoming horror game by the gaming legend. “This expands our relationship with Xbox beyond OD. As we move forward with the development of Physint, we remain committed to redefining the actionespionage genre for players around the world,” said Hideo Kojima. Xbox also announced that their relationship with the legendary game developer will go beyond games, as they, along with Kojima Productions, will collaborate on films and television shows. PATRICK VILLANUEVA

A8 Saturday, September 19, 2026

Education BusinessMirror

Editor: Mike Policarpio

DepEd seeks ₧976-B budget, plus ₧145-B funding for key programs

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) has proposed a P975.96-billion budget for 2027, along with a request for P145.19 billion in additional funding for “critical programs.” Education Secretar y Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara led the presentation before the House Committee on Appropriations for the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). I n a s t ate me nt , A n g a r a stressed the need to sustain “critical reforms” in the education sector while providing greater support to teachers and learners. “Our Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal builds on the reforms we have already started and focuses on key investments needed to further improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of basic education for every Filipino learner,” he said. Under the proposed NEP, the allocation for Personnel Services increased by 8.64 percent to P766.74 billion, covering salaries and career progression. Among the department’s “core thrusts” are P12.09 billion for promoting more than 135,000 teachers and school heads under the Expanded Career Progression system, or ECP; P17.31 billion for constructing 4,900 new classrooms; and P7.33 billion for repairing 11,100 classrooms. About P801.5 million is also proposed to hire 1,800 school counselor associates and 221 Schools Division Office counselors.

Meanwhile, the allocation for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses declined by 15.9 percent to P174.32 billion, while Capital Outlay fell by 67.49 percent to P32.34 billion. DepEd proposed P6.4 billion for textbooks and instructional materials, P10.81 billion for learning recovery under the Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization program, and P2.63 billion for Inclusive Education programs. For the School-Based Feeding Program, the department proposed P11.43 billion to support 3.69 million learners, covering all Kindergarten pupils and wasted or severely wasted learners from Grade 1 and above. It also proposed P38.12 billion to support 2.32 million private education voucher and subsidy grantees. The remaining P2.56 billion is divided among six attached agencies: These include P1.56 billion for the National Museum of the Philippines; P360.28 million for the Teacher Education Council; P258.48 million for the National Academy of Sports; P169.96 million for the National Book Development Board; P135.28 million for the Philippine High School for the Arts; and P76.01 million for the National Council

SEFI Executive Director Rayla Allertsen (second from left, onward) and President Ma. Clara “Kim” Acuña-Camacho, with Scholas Occurrentes International’s Manuel Dez Guistino (left) and Delfina Bejar

SECRETARY Sonny Angara presents the Department of Education’s proposed budget under the 2027 National Expenditure Program before the House Committee on Appropriations. DEPED PHILIPPINES/PNA

for Children’s Television.

Additional funding sought

ANGARA also sought additional funding for “critical programs” that remain unfunded under the 2027 NEP. “It’ll slow it down a little bit. But we are hoping for the restoration of some items,” he said in an interview, referring to the request for a supplemental budget. He added: “We have an appeal… With or without an item, we have to find it actually.” The education secretary was referring to P145.19 billion in additional funding sought for the DepEd and P1.74 billion for its attached agencies. Among the priority areas is the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program or AR AL, for which the department is seeking P15.98 billion to fund honoraria for teaching overload, training for DepEd tutors, compensation for external tutors, learning resources, the AR AL Summer Program, learning recovery and remedia-

tion consultations, and program management. The department is also seeking P50 million for the Bayang Bumabasa initiative. It is also requesting an additional P49.16 billion to hire 14,274 teachers and around 59,000 non-teaching personnel. Unfunded measures also include school safety and security, for which it proposes P8.68 billion. They include P5.05 billion for school security guards, P2.31 billion for metal detectors and scanners, and P1.5 billion for perimeter fences. Other areas covered by the supplementary funding request include classroom construction, repairs and rehabilitation; expansion of the SBFP; learner assistance and subsidies; health and mental health services; guidance programs; sports development; and expanded support for learners with special needs, Madrasah learners, Indigenous Peoples learners, and those in far-flung areas, among others. By Stephanie Sevillano/PNA

Design for wellness: DLS-CSB students take restorative ‘pause’ By Francine M. Marquez

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REATHING creates a space within—a quiet place to retreat from the noise of the outside world while the body calms down and the spirit settles. Interior designer Cecil P. Ravelas captured that still space where one can exhale and heal in her designed installation aptly titled “pause.” Made from salvaged wood from another project, recut and bent into a curved, dome-like structure, “Hinga” was originally presented at WorldBex earlier this year. “I have always been interested in how spaces influence how we feel, think, and move through the world,” Ravelas said. “I believe spaces carry energy, and they shape our inner state in ways we often do not immediately recognize.”

Deserved break

THE structure’s purpose resonated with institutions like the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), which reached out to her to make such a space accessible to its students. Enhanced with circular native mats and plain-weave cotton throw pillows spread outside the dome for sitting down, the installation is now mounted on the 12th floor of the college’s Gallery of the Design + Arts Campus. An invitation to take a break from study, work, and other daily concerns or worries, the project is part of DLS-CSB’s campaign for students’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being. To further

PHL’s Schools of Encounter Foundation Inc.: Fulfilling Pope Francis’ vision for education

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N 2001, then-archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio initiated an educational effort to bring together young people from different social, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The initiative would eventually develop into Scholas Occurrentes: an international educational movement associated with Pope Francis. The prelate considered young people as part of one family—that of the human race. It was no surprise that when he became the beloved pope, “Scholas” made its mark as a pontifical foundation, with a presence in more than 15 countries. As the Filipinos’ well-loved “Papa Francesco,” the departed pope still makes his presence felt in the country through “Scholas’” official Philippine partner foundation: the Schools of Encounter Foundation Inc. (SEFI). The foundation’s president Ma. Clara “Kim” Acuña-Camacho hosted a press briefing on September 16 to introduce her core team and discuss their initial efforts to bring SEFI to the Philippines. Camacho explained that the Scholas are actually “schools of meetings (escuelas de encuentro),” and that Pope Francis “badly” wanted the Philippines to be part of its global network. According to her, Scholas operates as one of the pope’s “most cherished educational endeavors.” She and her husband, former Finance and Energy Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho, met the late pontiff before he passed away to establish Scholas in the Philippines and bring his vision of education to the country. That served as the Camacho couple’s impetus to launch SEFI in early 2026. She said it was a “direct expression of his deepest educational hopes and love for the Filipino people.” According to Executive Director Rayla Allertsen, SEFI’s objective is unmistakable: “The Filipino youth needed to be seen, heard, and matter.”

Culture of encounter

VISITORS take a breather in the wellness space. DLS-CSB

engage students, it also includes a series of activities, including sound baths, meditations, and breathwork. At its recent opening, guests experienced design as a channel for healing and recovery. Broadcast journalist and wellness advocate Ces Drilon gave a talk on the therapeutic benefits of scents and led an energy-cleansing ritual using smudge sticks from her Provenciana line. Lei Sta. Maria conducted a sound-bath session, while Malou Araneta led a breathwork minisession.

Intentional reset

BEYOND the physical structure or exhibition, Ravelas hopes to push forward the idea of wellbeing spaces for offices, schools, and hospitality homes. “It’s a campaign to educate and remind everyone to take care of ourselves,” she said. “Part of that is advocacy, through the lectures and the PIID [or Philippine Institute of Interior Designers], so that the conversation on wellbeing becomes part of how designers are trained and how the profession thinks about space.”

In a hyperconnected world, “pause.” ser ves as an intentional reset before one faces the rhythms of everyday living. Rooted in Filipino concepts of hinga (breath), “maaliwalas” (a sense of openness), and “ginhawa” (comfort and ease), Ravelas’ installation asserts that sustainability extends beyond creating structures that endure. It is also about designing environments that care for the people who occupy them. “pause.” will be staged at DLSCSB’s Gallery of the Design + Arts Campus until September 30.

A MEMBER of SEFI’s core team, Argentinian Manuel Dez Guistino had the rare privilege of traveling with Pope Francis on his trips some 11 years ago. For Guistino, the most vital question for young people now is: “How are you?” “Nowadays, it’s not a good time for them,” he said. “Social media—despite being such—affects them a lot, and sometimes in a not-so-good way.” SEFI’s aim, and challenge, Guistino explained, is to invite as many of them as possible to be part of the change: “Our mission is to create spaces for young people from diverse backgrounds. Connections can change the world.” With that in mind, he shared that plans are underway to stage a five-day SEFI congress in Indonesia, with the theme of “AI and Humanity.” The Argentinian spoke about three languages: that of the “heart, mind, and heart,” for young people to become “better leaders, and better persons.” “Ultimately,” he remarked, “it’s all about interconnection.” Another member of the Scholas team in the country, Delfina Bejar works full-time with Scholas as a project

manager. Starting as a volunteer, she worked tirelessly to help curb incidents of suicide in the Argentinian village of San Antonio. “Scholas encouraged young members and gave them tools to create solutions and come up with initiatives,” Bejar told the group. “We created a form of cinema as their very own space to share [their thoughts and feelings], and be heard.” Bejar said the initiative was followed by a reduction in reported cases, eventually reaching zero.

‘Protagonists of change’ SEFI officials said they are scheduled to hold a formation for facilitators on September 19 and 20, comprising an equal number of Quezon City-based public and private schools, both Catholic and non-Catholic. As a progressive city local government unit, SEFI officials said the initiative has received support from Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte and the city’s Department of Education Schools Division Office. Stakeholders were urged to encourage student participants to consider the idea that “the person different from me matters.” To do so, they should accompany the young participants in their encounters and help initiate meaningful discussions during the gathering. “We should develop them and make them protagonists of change,” Allertsen said, believing Filipino youth should think about creating “communities in motion.” The SEFI official said they are currently in talks with Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines about future participation in their initiatives. They include establishing Scholas Clubs at the two universities and other schools. These clubs, she said, are already present in more than 20 countries, and SEFI would like the Philippines to join that expanding youth network to distill ideas. This will also give Filipino teachers a platform to connect with peers globally.

Possible national movement FOR his part, former secretary Camacho feels traditional Philippine education is designed to teach for livelihood. Still, it lacks aspects like dealing with confrontations and teaching young kids how to face issues and societal problems. He said this can result in teenagers living in their own microcosms, with limited opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to interact. The former secretary believes ample support from Scholas will bring various youth groups together, instill civicmindedness, and connect schools. “I do hope Scholas will become a national movement,” he remarked. Through SEFI, the educational vision associated with Pope Francis is beginning to take root in the Philippines. Its organizers hope that encounters among young people from different backgrounds will encourage greater understanding, strengthen connections, and help develop what they describe as “protagonists of change.” Story and photo by Mike Policarpio

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, September 19, 2026 A9

SARANGANI ‘PARADISE’ A wild mix of sea and mountain river adventures Story & photos by Arabelle Jimenez

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HERE are journeys that make you feel alive again. And Sarangani Province was exactly that—a wild mix of sea breeze, mountain rivers, adrenaline, food, friendship, culture, and enough laughter to power a place from the south. At the center of it all was beautiful Lemlunay Resort in Maasim (just 45 mins from the General Santos City Airport). Lemlunay translates to “paradise”, a perfect description. Perched dramatically along the coastline with a commanding view of Sarangani Bay, Lemlunay is not just a resort—it’s practically a kingdom by the sea. Widely regarded as the biggest and most luxurious beach resort in the province, the place instantly gives off that “vacation mode activated” vibe the moment you arrive. Massive crystal-clear infinity swimming pool? Check. Great restaurant with food choices that satisfy both hungry adventurers and picky vacationers? Double check. Family-friendly amenities? Absolutely. There’s basketball, mini golf, billiards, slides, and enough activities to keep kids and adults happily occupied. To cap it all, there is Casco Bar, which stocks the coldest, most refreshing beer in town. But what truly makes Lemlunay special is that it has become a hub for ocean adventure in Sarangani. It is home to South Point Divers—the province’s only first-class PADI-accredited dive shop. It is owned and operated by Paul Partridge. Alone, it already makes the resort a major destination for divers and underwater enthusiasts exploring the rich marine treasures of Region XII.

Mermaid transformation

AND speaking of underwater magic, the resort became the setting for one of the most colorful activities of the trip: mermaiding. Yes, mermaiding. Since 2013, I have been a pioneering mermaid instructor in the Philippines with the Boracay-based Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy (PMSA). I eventually adapted my own platform under the name Mermaid Arabelle with the International Mermaid Swimming Instructors Association (IMSIA), a Germany-based promermaid organization. If you want to book mermaid classes, just send me a message

MERMAID Arabelle teaching basic mermaiding to her students during the Dive SOX event.

VIEW of Sarangani Bay from Lemlunay Resort.

MERMAID Arabelle diving in Lemlunay reef’s clear waters.

through the Mermaid Arabelle Facebook and Instagram pages. Held at Lemlunay in Sarangani, a group of freedivers and aspiring “mermaid dreamers” took their first graceful splashes into the enchanting world of mermaiding. The activity was part of the DIVE SOX campaign by the Department of Tourism Region XII, headed by Regional Director Nelia R. Arina. Her support for experiential tourism continues to spotlight the unique adventures waiting in SOCCSKSARGEN. Watching grown adults transform into excited sea creatures was both fun and heartwarming. Some glided elegantly through the water like they belonged in an underwater fantasy movie. Either way, everyone came out smiling, laughing, and wanting another round. That’s the magic of experiences like this—they awaken the inner child while giving tourism a fresh, imaginative twist.

White-water Tubing in Maitum

BUT if you thought our adventure stopped at

mermaid tails and infinity-pool vibes, Sarangani had another surprise waiting, courtesy of our special local tour guides and good friends Gary and Lowella Perrett, together with their children Enzo, Leila, and friend Magda. About 45 minutes west of Lemlunay lies Maitum—now slowly earning the nickname “The New La Union” because of its growing adventure tourism scene and chill coastal energy. Hidden within this laid-back paradise is the icy, crystal-clear Pangi River, where we experienced one of the most unexpectedly fun activities of the trip: white water tubing. Our host for this adrenaline-filled escapade was GCamp, owned by the everwelcoming Rose Castro. From the moment we arrived, you could already feel that raw outdoor-adventure energy. No fancy gimmicks. No over-commercialized setup. Just nature, excitement, and pure fun. The journey itself already felt like an adventure movie. We rode on the back of a

THE laid-back Yabes Beach Resort in Maitum.

ARABELLE JIMENEZ enjoys white water tubing at the Pangi River in Maitum.

mini pickup truck upriver toward the dropoff point, holding on while the cool Sarangani air blasted our faces. From there, we walked through a quiet barangay and trekked roughly 100 meters down a trail leading to the river. Waiting for us were giant trucktire inner tubes rigged with netted seats and sturdy grab handles—simple, rugged, and absolutely ready for action. Our guides geared us up with helmets and life vests before sending us floating into the refreshing current of the Pangi River. For around an hour, we bounced, spun, drifted, and laughed our way through a thrilling 1.6-kilometer river run surrounded by giant boulders and lush jungle scenery. Some stretches were calm and relaxing. Others had playful rapids that sent our tubes ricocheting off rocks while everyone screamed and laughed like overgrown children escaping office deadlines. The water was unbelievably cold, crystal-clear, and clean enough to make you want to bottle it and sell it as luxury mountain spring water. After gulping

several mouthfuls of it, trust me, it’s safe and potable. Look, I’m still alive. It was a raw, authentic adventure at its finest. No filters needed. No fake thrills. Just nature doing what nature does best. The finale was equally unforgettable. After ending our tubing ride beneath a small bridge downstream, we hopped onto motorcycles piggyback-style for the ride back to GCamp—tired, soaked, slightly bruised, but ridiculously happy.

Picnic cottages at Yabes Beach Resort

SINCE every great adventure needs a little relaxation afterward, we also spent time at Yabes Beach Resort, another gem in Maitum, perfect for barkada outings, large family reunions, beach parties, and overnight escapes. With available cottages and a laid-back beachfront atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where stories get longer as the evening gets deeper and the grilled seafood keeps coming.

Before heading to the airport in General Santos for our evening flight back to Manila, the trip gave us an unforgettable gastronomy experience. Our final gastronomic stop was at the cozy and culturally immersive Tribu Kefi Cafe located inside Bila Boutique Hotel. The café instantly charms guests with its warm atmosphere, artistic interiors, and décor inspired by the rich culture of the T’boli tribe. We kicked things off with their addictive Tribu Nachos before warming the soul with Onuk Nelut, a comforting T’boli-inspired chicken soup that tasted like heritage in a bowl. Then came the heavy hitters: flavorful Tuna Salpicao showcasing GenSan’s worldfamous tuna, the rich and satisfying Ubi Lontok, the intriguingly dark and delicious Hitem Seafood Pasta, and the beautifully cooked Shrimp Tostado. Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted— blending local culture, modern presentation, and bold Mindanao flavors into one memorable dining experience. What made this entire journey special wasn’t just the destinations. It was the realization that Sarangani and GenSan still feel wonderfully authentic and safe. The experiences feel genuine. The people are warm. The adventures are real. And unlike overcrowded tourist hotspots, this side of Mindanao still lets you breathe, explore, eat, laugh, and connect without the chaos. From mermaid dreams in Lemlunay to icy river thrills in Maitum, and unforgettable T’boli-inspired cuisine in GenSan, SOCCSKSARGEN proved that some of the country’s best adventures are still hiding in plain sight—waiting for travelers willing to go beyond the usual postcards.

Keeping happy islanders Easy to access

Photos by Charo Logarta

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ITH due respect, this article has nothing to do with social media accounts with very similar name. Rather, this is a comparison of experiences and observations from island getaways within and outside the Philippines. As I was writing this though, posts about Bohol flooded my feed, notably, the drop in tourist arrivals and high costs of food, transportation, accommodation, and other travel-expenses. Over the years, the same topic has come and gone with only the destination changing. It used to be Siargao, Boracay, Camiguin and even Palawan that had travelers lamenting over high costs and how for the same budget, they could get more value traveling abroad. Can’t blame them. In past articles, I wrote about whether there was bang for tourist bucks in the Philippines, and how the country might be able to improve its value-for-tourist-money proposition. Recently, I went to Koh Samet on impulse. It’s a small island in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 220 kilometers south of Bangkok. While it was a very last-minute decision, it was very easy to make all the arrangements.

FROM the Bangkok, the airport rail connects to public transportation terminals with buses and coaches that get you to the Ban Phe Pier in about four to five hours. Alternatively, a taxi or a Grab from the airport gets you to the same pier in a little over two hours. Obviously, the latter is more expensive—at least THB2,200 (PHP4,200). The options are laid-out with a simple Google search. During the day, there’s a public ferry to Koh Samet at just THB70 (PHP133). The 45-minute ride was relatively pleasant. Once there, you pay a THB200 (PHP378) National Marine Park Entrance Fee (Koh Samet and the adjacent islands are part of a governmentprotected area); then get into a shared minibus (which looks and feels like a jeepney) to get to your accommodation.

THE Bellevue Resort is a luxury property located on Doljo Beach in Panglao.

THE first Robinsons Supermarket inPanglao Island opened last September 4 as part of a broader effort to bring modern retail closer to emerging growth centers across the country

THERE are many options depending on your comfort level and preferences, with prices ranging from as low as PHP800 to as high as PHP30,000 per night. I selected a mid-range, beachfront resort which cost roughly PHP9,400 per night. So, so worth it as I was ushered into a garden villa teeming with trees, flowers and herbs; birds fluttering and chirping. And the best part—the villa was right in front of a SECOND beach which was de facto exclusively for resort guests since there was no other way to get to it on foot. And—it came with a hearty, daily buffet breakfast and a pleasant, well-trained staff.

best describe the vacation vibe in Koh Samet. While I was there, I met several families from Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands vacationing with young children. The parents were so at ease letting their kids run around. “Town” was an easy seven-minute walk with the option to walk along the long stretch of fine, white sand on Sai Kaew Beach (with sand quality comparable to Boracay or Palawan); or on a paved road that was clearly made to accommodate heavy rainfall. There are many restaurants, groceries and even a couple of 7-eleven outlets. Bottomline, locals and tourists have options. You can splurge al fresco dining on the beach, or local Thai food, or street food grilled by the shore. On these three aspects, Koh Samet trumps Panglao Island beat.

Ease and peace

Panglao’s blessed beaches

Where to stay

“PANATAG” is the Filipino word that would

LIKE much of Bohol, Panglao’s beaches

and marine life are arguably among the best in this part of the world. Koh Samet’s attraction under the sea is far from what Panglao offers. Costly logistics—including the price of bringing basic goods and commodities to the island is indeed a concern. But for majority of tourists who have a relatively fixed vacation and leisure budget, costs matter. Value-for-money matters. And like locals, they need access to everyday essentials that are affordable, available, and convenient. Hopefully, the saga of almost-exorbitant meals will come to an end with the entry of the Robinsons Retail group in Panglao. This month, the group opened Robinsons Supermarket and Rose Pharmacy. While so-called big business retailers bring other concerns, for now, economies of scale carries the hope of goods being more accessible, affordable and available. Through Robinsons Supermarket, locals and tourists gain access to fresh produce, meats, seafood, pantry staples, wellness products, and household essentials at competitive prices. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, dive operators, and transient accommodations can stock-up on food ingredi-

SAI KAEW Beach is a kilometer-long stretch of fine, white sand beach on the eastern side of Koh Samet

ents or cleaning essentials in bulk, or buy the generic “house brands,” which could potentially lower their costs. Meanwhile, Rose Pharmacy provides convenient access to medicines, health products, and personal care essentials. In a way, this can be seen as support for the tourism ecosystem as operations of Robinsons Supermarket and Rose Pharmacy will help reduce fragmented sourcing while providing a more reliable and efficient supply of essential goods. Panglao is five times bigger than Koh Samet and arguably, a larger island will be harder to manage. But there are learnings that the smaller Koh Samet magnifies which tourist stakeholders in Panglao can consider.

Stakeholders, united

SET aside business competition or politics. Panglao needs a unified front where stakeholders manage the protected seascape; ensure the beaches are clean, walkable and accessible; and areas are zoned properly to avoid congestion. Protect the wildlife and marine life and uphold biodiversity.

Stop sticker shock

THERE are no cars on Koh Samet. To get

around, you need to take the public minibuses or rent your own scooter (or walk). Fares range from THB50 to THB200, depending on the destination. Fares are clearly indicated in designated public transport stops around the island. Locals argue that they need to increase their prices because tourism is seasonal. Why would the tourist have to pay extra for seasonality? It’s neither fair nor reasonable to charge extra for those days when there would be very low visitor arrivals.

No mega structures

PEOPLE take beach vacays to get away from the hustle and bustle. So why have buildings or massive concrete expansions? Keep access roads simple but sturdy; encourage walking or biking around the island. Find ways to dramatically reduce vehicular traffic in the resort areas. These are suggestions based on observation in Koh Samet. Perhaps these are already in place and maybe efforts to reverse negative perception are underway. One thing is for sure—Panglao and Bohol in general are beautiful destinations that do not deserve this bashing. It should be “Behold” and not “Budol” Bohol.

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

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A week after Houthis seized a Red Sea city, the Iranian-backed rebels eye the oil-rich east

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AIRO—It’s been a week since Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels stormed down the Red Sea coast, extending their reach to a key maritime chokepoint and threatening Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. The Houthis’ biggest land grab in years reignited Yemen’s 12-year civil war and pushed up global fuel prices. It also gave Iran another potential source of leverage as the United States has started to loosen Tehran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula. The Houthis are also firing at Saudi oil facilities and tankers. An attack on Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline, blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, added to an unfolding nightmare for the kingdom and rattled world markets. The rebel blitz has forced some 125,000 Yemenis to flee their homes. The civil war has killed over 150,000 people and at times pushed the country to the brink of famine. Now the rebels appear to be eyeing Yemen’s oil-rich east. So far, the only thing standing in their way is Yemen’s Saudibacked government and an array of forces that have fought one another as recently as January. Saudi Arabia’s most important ally, the U.S., appears to be sitting this one out.

The Houthis are fighting on several fronts

THE Houthis captured the important Red Sea port city of Mokha before taking several islands near the narrow Bab elMandeb strait, through which some 12% of world trade passes in peacetime. They are also just 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Djibouti, a small African nation hosting US and other military bases. The Houthis first swept down from their northern heartland in 2014, capturing the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen. Saudi Arabia intervened the following year, and fighting raged until a 2022 ceasefire. In recent days, there has been heavy fighting in and around Marib, a central city in an oil-rich province of the same name. Previous Houthi offensives have failed to capture the city, which also serves as a military hub for Saudi-backed forces. The Houthis also threaten the western city of Taiz, a front line for much of the conflict.

Tightening the noose on the world’s largest oil exporter

THE Houthis want Saudi Arabia to lift a long-running blockade on the territory they control. “It is Saudi Arabia that closed the Bab el-Mandeb strait to shipping traffic to and from Yemen and imposed an unjust blockade on the country,” Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau, told The Associated Press. The Saudis and their allies have long struggled to contain or deter the Houthis, and may be tempted to seek a diplomatic solution to halt the attacks. That might ultimately require U.S. concessions to Iran, the only country with leverage over the Houthis. The US, which bombed the Houthis under the Biden and Trump administrations, has shown no interest in getting involved this time around, and the Houthis appear keen to keep it that way. They say they are only attacking Saudi shipping.

Traffic has recovered in the Red Sea, for now

WINDWARD, a shipping firm, reported a dip in traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb from 35 daily transits before the Houthi advance to 25 after, but traffic has already recovered and climbed to 45 transits on Sunday. The Houthis could still expand their target bank beyond Saudi ships and tankers. During their self-styled blockade of Israel at the height of the war in Gaza, the Houthis attacked ships in the Red Sea with no known connection to that conflict. “At the moment, their focus is on Saudilinked shipping,” said Valentin d’Hauthuille, a Middle East analyst at ACLED, a conflict monitor. But they might “extend the criteria according to which vessels are assessed to be ‘Saudi-linked’ to increase pressure on both Saudi and the global economy.” See “Red Sea,” A13

Saturday, September 19, 2026 A11

Indonesia welcomes its first aircraft carrier, prompting debate over cost, military ambitions

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AKARTA, Indonesia—Indonesia welcomed its first aircraft carrier Friday, a former Italian warship that the government says will strengthen the archipelago nation’s maritime security and disaster response capabilities.

The 41-year-old former ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, with capacity for short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft and helicopters, was welcomed with a military ceremony upon its arrival at a naval base in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok seaport. Italy in March agreed to give the carrier, which was retired in 2024, to Indonesia in a move aimed at boosting Italy’s broader defense engagement with the Southeast Asian country. Italy is seeking deals on submarines and aircraft, and gifting the carrier to Indonesia also saves it the cost of decommissioning the ship. “We intend to use the ship primarily for military operations other than war, although it can also be deployed for combat missions if necessary,” Indonesian Navy chief Adm. Muhammad Ali told reporters after the ceremony. He said the carrier could serve the navy for another 15 to 20 years and could accommodate 14 helicopters or more, depending on their size. Indonesia will become the second country in Southeast Asia with an aircraft carrier. Thailand’s HTMS Chakri Naruebet was commissioned in 1997 after being procured from Spain along with carrier-capable AV-8S Matador jump jets. Ali said the carrier will be commissioned into the navy next week as the KRI Sriwijaya, honoring the Srivijaya empire, a maritime kingdom based in Sumatra that became one of Southeast Asia’s dominant naval and trading powers between the seventh and 13th centuries. Previously, the navy would name the carrier as KRI Gajah Mada. Defense development was one of the top priorities for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, as he has advocated an expansion of the military through the purchase of submarines, frigates, fighter jets, and missiles and

pushed for more defense cooperation with various countries. But the Garibaldi acquisition has raised questions about whether Indonesia needs an aircraft carrier at all and whether the government should be spending millions of dollars to refurbish and operate an aging warship. Indonesia’s Finance Ministry approved $450 million in financing for the aircraft carrier program in 2025. However, some lawmakers have warned the overall bill could be far higher. TB Hasanuddin, a member of Parliament’s Commission I, said the cost of retrofitting the carrier alone could reach 16 trillion rupiah (about $900 million).

Indonesia to convert the Garibaldi for handling disasters

UNLIKE major naval powers that use aircraft carriers to launch fighter jets far from home shores, Indonesia views the vessel as a mobile command center and support hub for helicopters, uncrewed aircraft and maritime operations across its thousands of islands. Speaking during a disaster management meeting early this month, Prabowo said the vessel would help authorities combat forest and peatland fires that regularly blanket parts of Southeast Asia with hazardous haze. “We will refurbish it and convert it into a carrier for helicopters and drones,” Prabowo said in a video briefing. “This will greatly help our disaster response.” He also outlined plans to operate drones from the ship and use it as a mobile platform that could be rapidly deployed to help in the event of natural disasters. Monsoon flooding, earthquakes and volcanic activity are common across Indonesia.

Caution over costs and operational challenges

OPERATING a carrier is extremely

costly, however, and experts have questioned whether Indonesia’s leadership has thought through whether one is necessary for the country’s defense or disaster-relief needs. The acquisition comes as Southeast Asia’s largest economy faces growing fiscal pressures. Prabowo’s government has been funding an ambitious free nutritious meals program and other costly initiatives while economists have warned about slowing growth, weaker state revenue and widening budget constraints, prompting closer scrutiny of major government spending projects. “The plan to acquire the Garibaldi must be based on genuine operational needs and our ability to operate it, rather than being driven by pride or other considerations,” said Muhammad Fauzan Malufti, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said policymakers must weigh not only the vessel’s acquisition and modernization costs, but also the navy’s ability to sustain its operations, including personnel, maintenance, fuel, weapons systems and supporting infrastructure. Fauzan said the government should be transparent about those considerations, particularly given the vessel’s age. He cited Thailand’s carrier as a cautionary example, saying it has spent much of its service life in port because of operational and budget constraints. “The bottom line is that this should not be forced. Otherwise, the benefits could be outweighed by the costs,” Fauzan said. “The money might be better spent on other priorities, such as increasing the number of frigates in the fleet.” Military analyst Khairul Fahmi of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies said aircraft carriers are not a priority for Indonesia, which is focused on preventing adversaries from operating freely in the country’s territorial waters. “Indonesia has a greater need for submarines, frigates and asymmetric weapons systems to protect its maritime sovereignty,” he said. But he added that if Indonesia is seeking to position itself as a major maritime nation, “an aircraft carrier can be both a symbol of national power and a multifunctional platform capable of supporting a wide range of military and nonmilitary missions.” AP

Asian shares mostly rise, cheered by a US rally and easing oil prices

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OKYO—Asian shares mostly rose in early Friday trading, getting a lift from a rally on Wall Street as well as declining oil prices. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 1.4% to 65,000.72 in afternoon trading after the Bank of Japan raised the benchmark interest rate to 1.25% from 1.0%, a 31-year high. The move had been widely figured in, coming after the Federal Reserve also raised its key rate this week. Pressures have been coming from the U.S. for Japan to raise rates because of concerns about the weakening yen. The nations intervened together recently to prop up the yen. But the efforts haven’t had a big impact. In currency trading, the US dollar rose to 157.23 Japanese yen from 155.95 yen. The euro cost $1.1484, up from $1.1480. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.7% to 6,893.98. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2% to 8,719.50. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up nearly 1.0% to 24,837.05, while

the Shanghai Composite added 0.9% to 3,909.81. Falling oil prices and easing pressure from the bond market helped Wall Street reverse many of its losses from the prior day. The S&P 500 jumped 1.1% for just its second rise in the last nine days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 316 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.7%. Wall Street stocks got a boost after the price for a barrel of Brent crude oil slid from the nearly $110 it reached earlier in the week on worries that the war with Iran will keep oil bottled up in the Middle East instead of going to customers worldwide. In Asian trading, Brent, the international standard, lost 1.27% to $103.49 a barrel. Benchmark US crude slid 0.93% to $100.96 a barrel. Brent is still more expensive than the $72 per barrel that it cost earlier this summer, but the recent drop helped pull yields lower in the bond market and removed some pressure on stocks. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.93% from 5.01%

late Wednesday. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised the short-term interest rate that it controls, the federal funds rate, by a quarter of a percentage point for its first hike in more than three years. Officials also signaled they may raise the federal funds rate one more time this year as they try to get high inflation in the US under control. The signals sent Wall Street on a roller coaster. Stocks initially remained higher for the day after the Fed made its announcement Wednesday. They then slid sharply before recovering a chunk of the losses before trading ended. On the upside for markets, the shift to higher interest rates built confidence that the Fed is committed to getting inflation back to its target of 2%. On the downside for markets, higher rates undercut prices for stocks and other investments. All told, the S&P 500 rose 85.95 points to 7,637.76. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 316.14 to 51,778.04, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 439.87 to 26,418.30. AP

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Japan’s central bank raises benchmark interest rate to 1.25 percent, the highest in 31 years

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OKYO—Japan’s central bank on Friday raised the benchmark interest rate to 1.25% from 1.0%, a 31-year-high.

The Bank of Japan has been trying to normalize monetary policy after decades of keeping interest rates near or below zero to try to encourage more borrowing and spending to counter deflation and pull Japan’s economy out of the doldrums. The rate increase in the uncollateralized overnight call rate, a short-term rate, was expected at the end of the two-day monetary policy board meeting and has widely figured into recent global markets. Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda said the decision was reached after

looking at various risks like the war in Iran, the expanding market demand for artificial intelligence and currency fluctuations. “ T he Japanese economy is continuing to recover gradually,” he told reporters, while noting inf lation was close to the targeted 2%. Analysts have said another increase was possible later this year or early next year. When asked about further hikes, Ueda stressed more time is needed to see if price increases stay stable, along with needing to monitor wage growth and other risk factors.

Two of the nine-member board dissented, expressing concerns about the strength of Japan’s economic growth, according to Ueda. The U.S. Federal Reserve also raised its key rate this week. The U.S. increase Wednesday, the first since 2023, was made in an effort to quell stubbornly high inflation. The US has also been pressuring Japan to raise rates because of concerns about the weakening yen. The nations intervened together recently to prop up the yen. Despite the Bank of Japan’s move, the US dollar grew stronger, momentarily reaching above 157 yen. It reached above 160 yen earlier this year. The Bank of Japan has set a target inflation rate of about 2%. Inflation is about that now in Japan, although some consumers complain that the recent surge in prices is too much, especially in gas and oil-related products.

“With crude oil prices remaining elevated, the Bank of Japan is expected to implement an additional rate hike sooner rather than later to limit the risk that consumer inflation exceeds the underlying inflation rate,” said Harumi Taguchi, an economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Higher rates may also weigh on the economy because of heavier borrowing costs for small and medium-sized enter prises, as well as higher mortgages, she added. Analysts are also worried about the aggressive public spending promised by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, such as tax cuts and aggressive defense investments, when public debt is already ballooning. Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose after the Bank of Japan decision was announced, edging up 1.4%. AP

Carney embraces EU associate membership proposal as Trump pushes Canada closer to Europe

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TRASBOURG, France—Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday embraced the prospect of his country becoming the European Union’s first associate member, saying closer ties with the continent would ensure no country could control Canada’s markets or undermine its sovereignty. Carney ’s speech to the European Parliament repeatedly extolled cooperation between Europe and Canada—but the relationship with the US, which has defined Canada’s economy for decades and has increasingly soured, hung over the address. Trump’s tariffs, demands for economic concessions, and repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state have pushed Ottawa to reduce its dependence on its neighbor and seek a far deeper economic, security and political relationship with Europe. Carney told the parliament that he welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal, unveiled

Wednesday, though he acknowledged that “associate membership” remains to be defined. He outlined what he was proposing: deeper integration across trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research and financial services to make both sides less vulnerable to economic and geopolitical pressure. He later told reporters he was not pursuing full membership of the EU. “We do not seek power to dominate others,” he said. “On the contrary, we are pursuing resilience so that no one can control our open markets, impair our sovereignty, threaten our territorial integrity, or undermine our freedoms, our democracies, our rule of law.” The prime minister received an ebullient welcome when he walked into the chamber in Strasbourg, France—with many lawmakers approaching him to shake his hand and ask for selfies—and a standing

ovation after he spoke. One parliamentarian had donned a Canadian hockey jersey.

Europe offers Canada another path

ON Wednesday, von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU’s first associate member—a status that does not currently exist in the bloc’s treaties and would have to be created. She said Europe wants to take its relationship with Canada to “the highest level possible.” Carney, sitting in the front row of the chamber, nodded and rose to embrace von der Leyen as lawmakers gave the proposal a standing ovation. Von der Leyen said Canada and the EU should move beyond their existing free trade agreement and create an “Alliance for the Future” encompassing a “common prosperity and economic security space.” Carney will host EU leaders for a summit in Montreal on Oct. 29-30, when the two sides are expected to discuss the proposed new relationship in more detail. Canada sends roughly 70% of its

NIA. . . Continued from A3

“Kaya hindi ngayon ang panahon para magtipid sa kanal, pumps, reservoir, communal irrigation, at pagkukumpuni ng irrigation systems. Walang accomplishment kung walang tubig na umaabot sa sakahan. At walang infrastructure kung hanggang papel lang ang proyekto. Lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng El Niño,” he added. The senator also said NIA must include provisions for farmers affected by the “unprecedented flooding” in Central Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Southern Luzon in recent months, driven by the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons. He also plans to press government agencies on the implementation of the

exports to the United States, making it highly exposed to Trump’s tariffs. Ottawa has retaliated and rejected demands that Carney says threaten Canadian sovereignty. Europe took a different path, shelving retaliation and accepting tariffs of up to 15% on most EU exports to the US.

Trump pushed back on the EU proposal

T R U M P suggested the proposed EU arrangement could be a “hostile act” and threatened heavy tariffs on Europe if he judged its intentions to be unfriendly— raising the stakes ahead of Carney’s speech. Asked about Trump’s comments, Carney said Canadians were united in rejecting outside attempts to dictate the country’s choices. “Canadians are united that nobody is going to tell us what language we speak. No one is going to dictate our culture or with whom we can strike agreements internationally,” Carney said. See “Carney,” A13

full public transparency portal he secured as a special provision in last year’s national budget. The portal is designed to strengthen transparenc y and accountabilit y by providing geotagged project information, government contracts and procurement documents, independent quality-testing results, and a publicly accessible dashboard. “Huwag nating hintayin na tamaan tayo ng El Niño bago tayo kumilos. Ayusin natin ang irigasyon ngayon. Siguraduhin nating napupunta ang pondo sa magsasaka ngayon. At tiyakin nating bawat proyektong ipinapangako ng gobyerno ay aktuwal na gumagana sa bukid ngayon,” Pangilinan stressed. “Gastusin ang budget nang may malinaw na resulta, malinaw na pananagutan, at tunay na pakinabang para sa magsasaka.”

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UBE. . . Continued from A3

According to BMI, the government’s restriction on fresh ube exports underscores the production challenges faced by the industry amid rising overseas demand. The Villafuertes said the proposed ube development blueprint should be fast-tracked amid Vietnam’s efforts to increase its own ube production, apparently with the goal of developing purple yam into another export commodity. “Current local production is estimated at a scanty 12,000 MT (metric tons), hence the need for concerted and more aggressive national efforts to dramatically boost domestic output of this traditional crop so we can cash in on the surging global demand for purple yam,” said Migz Villafuerte. Lawmakers said their national initiative builds on efforts in their home province, where the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Ordinance No. 040, Series of 2026, declaring ube as the province’s priority crop and establishing the CamSur Ube Development Program. The ordinance aims to “replicate—and even surpass—the

LPG. . . Continued from A3

With an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder currently costing around P1,031 to P1,536, depending on the brand and location, Aquino said consumers should be able to choose more affordable LPG from authorized sellers, as long as the cylinder meets safety requirements. “Malaking bagay sa isang pamilya o maliit na negosyo kung mapatutupad ang palit tangke at malaya silang makakapili kung saan mas mura ang LPG. Sa kasalukuyang presyo, umaabot sa mahigit P500 ang pagitan ng pinakamura at pinakamahal na presyo ng isang tangke,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. “Mas madaling makakapili ang consumers ng mas murang LPG mula sa authorized sellers, basta pasok sa safety requirements ang cylinder. Mahalaga ito lalo pa’t nagtaas na naman ang presyo ng LPG,” he explained. Aquino said the brand owner, and not the consumer, should shoulder the expense if the cylinder is old, damaged, or needs to be repaired. Aside from protecting consumers, he said the completion of the guidelines is important to industry stakeholders as it will facilitate the removal and improvement of unsafe or substandard cylinders in circulation. He added that the guidelines will provide industry participants with clear and uniform rules for exchanging, handling, and improving LPG cylinders across different brands. He requested the DOE to provide a

Cebu. . . Continued from A3

generate revenue, including water lost through leaks and other distributionrelated issues. Archival said reducing water losses is particularly important as the city prepares for the possibility of drier conditions that could affect dams and other water sources. The mayor also suggested that MCWD consider engaging a third-party contractor to address reported leaking pipes, saying repairs should be acted on more quickly rather than being handled solely through administrative processes. This directive was part of the discussions during the CCDRRMC meeting that covered the city’s disaster preparedness measures, including the latest weather situation and El Niño conditions, water supply concerns, and contingency planning for various hazards. The council discussed proposed contingency plans for earthquakes, typhoons, floods, rain-induced landslides and fires. It also took up the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) Probabilistic Seismic Hazard and Risk As-

success of Japan in transforming matcha into a superb export winner by assigning purple yam with preferential consideration in the agricultural support programs, technical assistance, extension services, enterprise development initiatives, and value chain investments of the provincial LGU.” The ordinance also created the “CamSur Ube” brand as the province’s official collective mark for ube, ube powder, and other ube byproducts produced in Camarines Sur under certified quality standards. It also identified the existing CamSur Fruits and Vegetables Facility in Pili as a potential anchor processing hub for ube powder production, subject to the necessary certifications and equipment upgrades. Camarines Sur is expanding its ube cultivation, processing, and marketing efforts amid growing global demand for the crop. Overseas sales of ube reached $3 million last year, while farmers in the province are planting the violet-purple tuber on an additional 1,000 hectares of land. Beyond provincial initiatives, the Villafuertes said the recent formation of United Ube PH Association Inc. further strengthens the call for a national ube development blueprint. written update before the agency’s budget hearing on Sept. 17 on the status of the proposed Joint Department Circular, including any remaining issues, consultations, or approvals needed before its issuance. He also asked Garin to provide the agency’s target date for the finalization and implementation of the guidelines. “We hope that the Department can facilitate the prompt completion of these guidelines so that the consumer protection and safety objectives of RA No. 11592 can be fully realized,” he said. Regasco, a liquefied petroleum gas company, thanked Aquino for his continuous support of the LPG industry and for advocating for the full implementation of RA 11592, “Patuloy kaming magtutulungan para sa isang mas ligtas, maayos, at tapat na industriya para sa taong-bayan [We will continue to cooperate for a safe, efficient and trustworthy industry for the sake of our people],” the company posted on Facebook. Aquino recently called for the immediate suspension of the collection of excise tax on petroleum products, noting that the price of Dubai crude oil has remained above $80 per barrel for more than 30 days. He said the President is empowered under Republic Act 12316 to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel when the average price of Dubai crude oil reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel for one month. As part of his efforts to bring down prices of oil and other goods, Aquino submitted Senate Bill No. 265 to remove the excise tax on petroleum products, and Senate Bill No. 2047 to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) from 12 percent to 10 percent on goods and services, including fuel. sessment of the Philippines, along with the proposed procurement of training dummies for Basic Life Support and automated external defibrillator training. Another item involved a request from the municipality of Glan, Sarangani, for financial assistance for residents affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The council also discussed consultancy services for Cebu City’s Local Climate Change Action Plan, with the proposed expense to be charged against disaster funds in coordination with the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office. The meeting followed the council’s 8th regular meeting on July 2, during w h i c h p ro p o s e d re h a b i l i t at i o n a n d recovery projects in Barangay Tabunan were discussed. Among the projects reviewed were slope protection works in Sitio Cantipla 2 and Sitio Proper, with a combined estimated cost of P32.89 million. The projects were proposed to address landslide risks in vulnerable portions of the barangay. The series of discussions comes as the city continues to prepare for weather- and climate-related hazards while strengthening its response capacity and protecting critical resources, including water supply.

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TheWorld

Saturday, September 19, 2026 A13

Russia votes in wartime parliamentary election set to secure the Kremlin’s power

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T’S a challenging time for Russia to hold a parliamentary election, even one whose outcome is all but assured. The economic and political climate has been seriously affected by 4½ years of full-fledged war with Ukraine. Swarms of enemy drones have inf licted massive damage on Russian oil refineries and logistical facilities. The public, which no longer sees the fighting as something distant, is increasingly nervous. United Russia, the main Kremlin party, is poised to keep its overwhelming grip on the State Duma alongside a few other parties aligned with President Vladimir Putin. Still, authorities have tightened control over the first wartime balloting for the lower chamber of parliament since the 2022 full-scale invasion. The Kremlin stifled even the slightest signs of dissent before three days of voting that began Friday in Russia’s Far East. The only party that dared to criticize the war was unceremoniously removed from the ballot, and a few anti-war politicians have been imprisoned or forced to flee abroad. For the first time, the election includes residents of four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed after the invasion. Ukraine has called the vote illegal. With the result predetermined and Putin’s political dominance under no immediate threat, analysts say the Kremlin sees the election as a key effort to mobilize public support for the war and legitimize its action. “Your choice and resolve will once again demonstrate that millions of people stand behind our fighters, that we are a united people, bound by shared values,

Carney. . . Continued from A12

Carney has rallied ‘middle powers’

CARNEY has repeatedly urged what he calls middle powers to resist economic coercion. At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, he warned that when countries negotiate alone with a dominant power, “we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered.” Trump rebuked him the next day. J o n a t h a n W i l k i n s o n , C a n a d a ’s ambassador-designate to the EU, said Ottawa wants “to get as close as we possibly can” to Europe while increasing

Red Sea. . . Continued from A11

There are signs of diplomacy, but the cost could be high

REGIONAL mediators have sprung into action, but a diplomatic agreement appears unlikely without some kind of breakthrough in the wider Iran war. Iran wants the US to lift a blockade and sanctions that have devastated its economy, while the US seeks the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a deal to roll back Tehran’s nuclear program. Neither side has shown any sign of budging since a preliminary agreement quickly crumbled over the summer. Last weekend, Oman hosted a meeting between US and Houthi representatives, a Houthi official and another individual familiar with the talks told the AP this week. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to brief the media. The US says it has been in “constant contact” with the Saudis, a close ally and the recipient of billions of dollars in American military assistance. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin

historical memory, and love for the Motherland,” Putin said in an address before the vote.

Economic damage mounts from summer attacks

A SUMMER marked by Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes brought the war home for millions of Russians. The attacks exacerbated problems for the economy, which has plunged into stagnation after an initial boost from massive military spending. The government raised taxes and increased domestic borrowing to keep the growing budget deficit under control. Strikes on Russian oil refineries sparked a severe fuel crisis that peaked in June, eased for a few weeks and then returned in August. Adding to the pain was a series of attacks on warehouses of online retailers Wildberries and Ozon. Hundreds of thousands of individual sellers lost their merchandise, sending a shock wave through the economy. All this dampened the public mood. Polls recorded a dip in Putin’s approval ratings, even though they remained high, with the independent Levada Center showing it at 76% in August, down from 87% in September 2025. Even some senior members of Russia’s elite openly expressed discontent. Andrei K lepach, chief economist of the state VEB.RF bank, w a r ned of possible i nter n a l turmoil. “We won’t win the competition in this war of attrition,” he said at

a seminar. “Our costs are mounting. I’m almost sure that we will come to face a social crisis.” K lepach was dismissed the day after his comments were published.

Putin doesn’t budge on his war goals

PUTIN acknowledged the attacks inflicted significant damage but insisted the economy can weather it. He said Ukraine had opened a “Pandora’s box,” inviting massive retaliation. Russia intensified attacks on Kyiv and other cities with missiles and new jet-powered drones, exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of defensive interceptors. Moscow also dramatically stepped up its barrage on Black Sea ports, disrupting Ukrainian exports of grain and other agricultural products, a key source of revenue. A mid the escalation, fears mounted that the Kremlin was mulling a massive mobilization. A pa r t i a l mobi l i z at ion of 3 0 0,0 0 0 reser v i st s i n 202 2 prompted hundreds of t housands of Russians to flee abroad, undermining domestic stability. Since then, the Kremlin has relied on volunteers to fight, offering comparatively high wages and other benefits. Military experts warned, however, that the flow of volunteers has ebbed while massive losses have continued. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly claims the Kremlin is considering a postelection mobilization, which Putin dismissed as “nonsense.” At a Sept. 5 Kremlin meeting with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and a subsequent call with President Donald Trump, Putin said Russia holds the upper hand on the battlefield, signaling he will keep his maximalist demands for striking a peace deal.

Anti-war forces silenced

Canada’s independence. While associate membership remains to be negotiated, Canada has already taken a major step. This year it became the first non-European country to join the EU’s 150-billion-euro ($173-billion) SAFE defense procurement program, giving Canadian companies access to joint procurement as Europe increases defense spending. The two sides have also discussed closer cooperation on energy, critical minerals, ar tificial intelligence and digital trade. Carney said any enhanced partnership with the EU would be debated in Canada’s Parliament and put to a final vote. “The policies and rhetoric of the Trump

administration are clearly pushing both Canada and the EU to imagine a world without strong U.S. leadership and to act accordingly,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, said Europeans have long regarded Canada as a country that understands the United States particularly well because of their deep economic and political ties. Carney’s willingness to resist Trump rather than quickly accept Washington’s demands has reinforced that perception, he said. “Carney’s shrewdness in dealing with Trump has captured Europe’s attention,” Wiseman said. AP

Salman recently visited Egypt, which has served as a regional mediator. A government official in Turkey, another potential mediator, said this week that it was in talks with Iran and the United Arab Emirates to try and lower tensions. The Houthi attacks are the first test of a new defense pact among Saudi Arabia, NATO member Turkey and nuclear power Pakistan. But officials from Turkey and Pakistan say they have not received a Saudi request for support.

because of the conflict and the Saudi-led blockade. The Houthis’ detention of U.N. and aid workers has hampered international assistance in the territories they control. Experts say the Houthis have struggled to pay civil servants, leading to some unrest, and have diverted much of their tax revenues to their military wing. The U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA, says only 20% of its humanitarian appeal for Yemen has been funded, and that “millions risk losing access to food, healthcare, nutrition, water and protection services.” “The needs are extremely high right now,” said Sara Ahmed, a supervisor with Doctors Without Borders in Mokha. Doctors are working under difficult conditions to keep essential services running despite hearing airstrikes, she said. Mahida Ahmed fled the fighting in Mokha and is now sheltering in a displacement camp in Aden, where the Saudi-backed government is headquartered. She said she left in a hurry, with her children but no belongings, while her husband is still stranded in Mokha. “This war has been completely devastating for us,” she said. AP

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is worsening

THE latest fighting has killed eight civilians and wounded another 32, according to the U.N. humanitarian office, which says an estimated 125,000 people have fled their homes. The Health Ministry in the Saudi-backed government says the Houthis have killed around 150 civilians since Sept. 3. Saudi Arabia said Thursday that debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed one person and wounded two others in the kingdom. Yemen was the poorest Arab country even before the civil war, and has experienced widespread hunger in recent years

IN July, the Central Election Commission cleared 11 parties for the parliamentary ballot, including Yabloko, the only one to openly criticize the war. Weeks later, however, the countr y’s Supreme Court removed Yabloko from the ballot. It was acting on an appeal from the nationalist Motherland party that called liberal Yabloko’s anti-war stance akin to seeking the violation of Russia’s territorial integrity. Kremlin-watchers described the move as an apparent sign of infighting between elements of the government who wanted a semblance of competition to increase voter turnout, and those who feared Yabloko’s presence could bring open criticism of the war and political instability. “The risks that the campaign would turn into a struggle for and against peace—that is, a dispute about the war—were quite high, and this clearly was not part of the plan,” said Tatyana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Maxim Kruglov, a deputy chairman of Yabloko and former member of Moscow’s city council, was convicted in June of spreading false information about the military and sentenced to seven years in prison. Last month, a court in the Pskov region convicted Yabloko member Lev Shlosberg of speaking out

against the war and sentenced him to over 11 years. Half of the Duma’s 450 seats are filled by approved parties and the other half by the winners of races in single-constituency races. Yabloko was banished from the party list voting. Then, authorities methodically barred individual Yabloko members from running in most of its single-constituency races for the Duma and regional legislatures. Libera l politician and war critic Boris Nadezhdin, who tried to challenge Putin in the 2024 presidential election, left Russia last month, fearing imprisonment after he was designated as a “foreign agent” and barred from seeking office.

The main Kremlin party is poised to retain dominance

UNITED Russia, which controls over two-thirds of the Duma’s seats, is set to maintain its dominance of the lower house despite public fatigue with the war and the worsening economy. Some Russian repor ts ind icate the Kremlin has slightly lowered its target for United Russia but expects it to retain full control of parliament. “United Russia may be allowed to slip a little … to bring its actual sort of declared results more in line with probably its real results,” said analyst Mark Galeotti, who

heads the Mayak Intelligence consultancy, adding that the Kremlin will ensure it “is still absolutely dominant within the Duma.” One aim of the elections is showing they are “legitimating rituals to give the impression that mass consensus is behind the Kremlin,” he said. Other members of the “systemic opposition”—the Communist Party, the Liberal-Democratic Party and A Just Russia Party, which all follow Putin’s course and strongly support the war—are expected to retain their parliamentary presence. While Ukraine’s attacks have fueled broad anxiety, they also could bring a demand for a tougher response against Kyiv, “as long as they don’t have to be involved in it,” Galeotti said in a podcast. Chris Weafer, CEO of the Macro-Advisory Ltd., said that while Ukraine’s attacks have affected public morale, there’s no immediate threat to the Kremlin’s political domination. “There has been a ‘rally around the flag’ anyway since the start of conflict and the opinion polls consistently show the very high level of support,” he said. While the results are predetermined, “the public narrative and particularly the turnout” is what’s important to the Kremlin to claim broad public support for its action, Weafer added. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

A14 Saturday, September 19, 2026

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

TEAM PHL MARCHES WITH GOLD IN SIGHT The Asian Games, by the numbers

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AGOYA, Japan—The Asian Games open Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, and are often identified as the second most important multisports event after the Summer Olympic Games. They date from the first edition in 1951 in New Delhi, India, and were last held in 2023 in Hangzhou, China. Those games were delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The previous games were in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and this is Japan’s third time as the host. Here’s a by-the numbers look at the Asian Games that run from Saturday through October 4.

1—A lone Italian cruise ship, the Costa

Serena, will function as a floating athletes villages with accommodation for up to 5,000 athletes and officials. Athletes will also be housed in hotels and in converted containers. The games will not offer a formal athletes village as organizers hope to save money after billions were spent on the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 after a year’s delay because of Covid-19.

3—Nagoya is Japan’s third largest metropolitan area behind Tokyo and Osaka. It’s an industrial city located in central Japan on the Pacific coast with a metro population of about 9.5 million. 43—This is the number sports to be

contested. Some are familiar Olympic disciplines. Others can be found only in the Asian Games. They include the team sports of kabaddi and sepaktakraw and martial arts like jiujitsu and a style of wrestling called kurash. Sports like teqball, padel and mixed marital arts have also been added. Of course, there are old standbys like track and field, swimming and soccer.

45—This is the number of countries and

regions participating. North Korea is sending about 100 athletes. That’s down from almost 200 in China three years ago. North Korea did not go to Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. The list runs from Afghanistan to Yemen. In addition, an Olympic Council of Asia refugee team is entered.

201—The number of gold medals China won

in 2023. It was followed by Japan with 52 and South Korea with 42. The next three were India (28), Uzbekistan (22) and Taiwan (19).

900—Host Japan is sending the most athletes with about 900. China, with 1.4 billion people, is sending 815 and Hong Kong, with a population of only 7.5 million, is sending about 580—an extraordinary number for such a small region. China’s delegation includes swimming prodigy Yu Zidi. As a 12-year-old last year at the swimming World Championships in Singapore, she finished fourth in all three of her individual races: 200- and 400-meter individual medley, and the 200 butterfly. She also earned bronze in a relay, though she did not swim in the final. 11,000+—The 2024 Paris Olympics fielded

about 10,700 athletes. The Asian Games will have more than 11,000. The Asian Games may not be as prestigious as the Summer Olympics, but they are larger in participation. Organizers have not been clear about exactly how many athletes are signed up. They say about 17,000 officials and more than 11,000 athletes are registered and have acknowledged numbers have soared above expectations in the last several months. Almost 12,000 athletes competed three years ago in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Nagoya seems likely to reach that level. A last-minute crunch to find enough rooms has also been reported. Hotel rooms in Japan are typically small and this has drawn scrutiny from some athlete groups. Basketball players, as often happens, have said the beds are too short. Imroze Ahmed, the head of the delegation from Bangladesh, acknowledged some problems but said they should be “settled” in a few days as the games get rolling. “You can’t blame anyone for this,” he said. “Such a big organization, big events.” AP

By Jun Lomibao

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AGOYA—Boxer Aira Villegas bears the Philippine colors with pride from her bronze medal at the Paris Olympics alongside weightlifter Albert Ian De los Santos in the parade of nations of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games. Villegas and De los Santos, a triple gold medalist and record breaker in the youth weightlifting worlds, head a 50-member delegation from the 446-athlete strong Team Philippines who will march with delegates from 49 other nations to highlight the ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. The Aichi-Nagoya edition marks only the second time that Japan is hosting the quadrennial games since 1994 with no less than Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino reiterating on Friday the doable target of eight gold medals. “We had four in Hangzhou [2023] and I believe we’ll get four this time,” said Tolentino who did the rounds the moment he arrived on Thursday for the games that, like in any other major multi-sport competitions, is

Twister strike Thailand’s Kuntatong Jutatip kicks the ball against Myanmar players during their women’s doubles Teqball quarterfinal match in the Asian Games in Nagoya. AP

getting a share of criticisms primarily on challenges involving the billeting of more than11,500 athletes. Tolentino’s confidence hinges on double Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carlo Yulo, Asian pole vault king EJ Obiena, tennis sensation Alex Eala and Olympic boxing medalists, besides Vil-

legas, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam. An Associated Press report said that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is attempting to quell complaints about lodging for athletes and officials at the Asian Games, which includes the use of converted wooden containers. The OCA said Friday that all

“17,000-plus athletes and officials” that registered by the entry deadline in July have been provided “gamesappropriate accommodation.” The games run through October 4 in and around the central city of Nagoya and feature at least 11,000 athletes, more than the Summer

Asiad officials defend using containers, cruise ship as lodging

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AGOYA, Japan—The Olympic Council of Asia is attempting to quell complaints about lodging for athletes and officials at the Asian Games, which includes the use of converted wooden containers. The OCA said Friday that all “17,000-plus athletes and officials” that registered by the entry deadline in July have been provided “gamesappropriate accommodation.” The games open officially on Saturday and run through October 4 in and around the central city of Nagoya, and feature at least 11,000 athletes, more than the Summer Olympics. They showcase 43 sports and 45 countries and regions. Japanese officials decided against building a dedicated athletes villages and opted for accommodations on a cruise ship, in hotel rooms and in temporary wood containers. Several countries have complained openly about the lodging, some

THE Italian cruise ship Costa Serena will house up to 5,000 officials and athletes. AP basketball players have said the beds are too short, and hundreds of athletes had to be evacuated last week after heavy rainfall in the region. “We don’t want to leave a white elephant after the games here,” Tayyab Ikram, deputy chairman of the Olympic

Council of Asia athletes commission, said Friday at a news conference. “So it was not easy discussions, but it was also not a compromise, because then we find a very unique kind of alternatives.” Cost saving is a major issue in Japan, which spent an estimated $13

billion to organize the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were delayed a year by the pandemic. A government audit office suggested the real costs were probably twice that high. The Italian cruise ship “Costa Serena” is docked at a port in Nagoya and will lodge up to 5,000 athletes and officials. Many athletes will be rotated in and out as events end and new events begin. Cruise ships have been used before a large international sports events. Part of the problem seemed to arise after the July deadline when late entries surfaced. In addition, new sports like Teqball, mixed martial arts and padel were added. “It’s very easy, you can insist on the athletes village,” said Husain Al Musallam, the director general of the Olympic Council of Asia. “And then you build the athletes village, you spend such amount of money, and then we need to see what’s going to happen after the games.” AP

Oops! Wrong Korean anthem

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AGOYA, Japan—South Korean field hockey players were perplexed Friday when the national anthem of North Korea was played—instead of their own—before a men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games. South Korean players looked on, unsure of how to respond. Many South Korean players stood at attention, some ran their hands through their hair, and some left their right hand over their heart as the music played.

Organizers quickly corrected the problem and played the correct anthem. South Korea won the match 5-0. The Asian Games open officially on Saturday. Some matches have been played before the official opening to accommodate a crowded schedule which features more than 11,000 athletes, more than the Summer Olympics. AP SOUTH Korean men’s field hockey players react as the North Korean national anthem is played. AP

Pinay woodpushers defeat Syria Gearing up for major events:

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (left) and Cebu Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee President and CEO Tats Suzara (right) meet with Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani during an OCA Executive Board meeting in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, a day before the opening of the 20th Asian Games. The Philippines will host the 2028 Asian Beach Games in Cebu and the first Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games next year.

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HE Philippine women’s team continued to show strong form as it overpowered Syria, 3.5-.5, Thursday night to remain unbeaten and on top in a heavy 44-nation logjam after two rounds of the 46th Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre. Mhage Sebastian, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Shania Mae Mendoza overpowered their respective foes on boards one, three and four while Ruelle Canino managed a draw with Manar Khalil on board two to keep the Filipinas in contention for a top 10 finish with four match points to show. The result came a day after the Nationals waylaid the Malawians, 4-0, in the opening round but it is expected to be tougher from here on for the former.

“The field is getting harder and harder each round,” said national team coach and National Chess Federation secretary-general GM Jayson Gonzales. Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman GM to date, has been unleashed after being rested in the first two rounds. Frayna, who just came from a pair of two national titles in Malolos, Bulacan and Alicia, Isabela, will have her hands full though as she is expected to clash with IM Szidonia Lazarne-Vajda on second board. Sebastian will continue to handle the top board after showing excellent form in the first two rounds while Fronda was taking on IM Davaademberel on board three and Shania Mae Mendoza clashing with WIM Kata Karaksonyi on board four.

Olympics. They showcase 43 sports and 45 countries and regions. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo also returned to the country where she won for the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal in Paris 202 and was one of the most illustrious member of the torch relay for the competitions that showcase 43 sports from 45 countries and regions in Asia. Tolentino’s target is aimed at matching the eight gold medals won when Japan hosted the games for the first time in 1958 in Tokyo. Japanese officials, according to the same AP report, decided against building a dedicated athletes villages and opted for accommodations on a cruise ship, in hotel rooms and in temporary wood containers. Several countries have complained openly about the lodging, some basketball players have said the beds are too short, and hundreds of athletes had to be evacuated last week after heavy rainfall in the region. The Italian cruise ship “Costa Serena” is docked at a port in Nagoya and will lodge up to 5,000 athletes and officials. Many athletes will be rotated in and out as events end and new events begin.

OBIENA

Obiena locked in on Asiad title defense By Josef T. Ramos

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WO-TIME Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is set to leave for Japan on Sunday to join the Philippine delegation to the Asian Games in Nagoya. The 30-year-old reigning Asiad pole vault champion arrived in Manila from Athens with physiotherapist Christian Ferdinandi on Tuesday and is now training at Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. “Great first few days of training here without fanfare upon my arrival. All focus on my training for my title defense before we fly to Tokyo on Sunday,” Obiena told the BusinessMirror on Friday. Obiena will link up with pole trainer Marcin Szczepanski in Tokyo on Sunday. Pole vault competition in Nagoya begins on September 29. Obiena won in the 2022 Hangzhou Asiad with a 6.0-meter vault. He placed fourth in the 2024 Paris Olympics while dealing with a spine injury. After struggling for more than a year, Obiena returned to form this season, winning nine events including the Golden Sand meet on August 18 in Poland where he cleared 5.91 meters. The former world No. 2 has slid to 11th but he is confident heading into this continental competition. Among the challengers to the crown are Huang Bokai of China, Seifeldin Abdelsalam of Qatar and Hussein Al Hizam of Saudi Arabia. “I feel good for the season. I am consistent jumping 5.80 meters. I believe in myself. I hope the weather is good so I can jump high, but I believe there will be challenges there. So, I must be ready,” Obiena added. Unlike in previous years, Obiena is not doing cross-training in gymnastics or tennis. “None at the moment. My full focus is on pole vault and nothing else,” the 2023 World Championships Athletics silver medalist said.