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VOL. XL • NO. 198 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026 •

I N S I D E

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A 4-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS: ECONOMIC HEROES

Heavy ‘habagat’ rains to drench Luzon today

T FERDINAND MARCOS JR.’S

PAGASA: Up to 200mm of rain over 10 provinces expected By Rex Espiritu, Rio N. Araja, Vince Lopez, and Katrina Manubay

ENACING rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” are expected to continue today as the state weather bureau said at least 10 provinces can expect rainfall of up to 200 millimeters on Monday, while 50 to 100 millimeters of rain was forecast in Metro Manila and several provinces in northern, central and southern Luzon.

MALACAÑANG on Sunday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. amid criticism over his attendance at a family gathering while parts of the country were dealing with flooding and heavy rains. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos remained focused on the situation and continued to direct government agencies to respond to the needs of affected communities. “The President is the President wherever he may be. Spending some time with his family does not mean that his duties or the operations of the government stop,” Castro said in a message to reporters. “Amid the heavy rains, he continues to monitor the situation and give directives to government agencies to

Raided steel factories entry points for Chinese illegals — AFP

By Rex Espiritu THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said steel factories recently raided by law enforcers might have been used as entry points for Chinese nationals seeking to illegally enter and stay in the country. Meanwhile, a retired US Navy intelligence officer warned that China could seek to occupy Scarborough Shoal by the end of the decade after laying political, economic and legal groundwork for possible coercive action in the disputed South China Sea.

OVERFLOW. Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet continues to release water as of 7 p.m. yesterday. The province was under orange rainfall warning (intense) the entire day. Rains have persisted since Aug. 1. Inset shows PAGASA’s forecast of heavy rainfall today until tomorrow. At bottom left, Apalit police use rubber boats to evacuate residents trapped in a subdivision by rising floodwaters. Liza T. Agoot: (Screenshot from video of Brian Dalilis),PAGASA, PNP Apalit Municipal Police Station.

REMEMBERING DEL PILAR. Officers of

DPWH stops illegal Laguna de Bay reclamation DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has issued a cease-and-desist order against projects linked to the alleged unauthorized reclamation of a portion

By Katrina Manubay

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

By Vito Barcelo

Palace defends PBBM over time spent with family

of Laguna de Bay in Taguig City. Dizon said the order was issued on Aug. 20 following instructions from the Office of the President through the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). “We already issued the cease-anddesist order,” Dizon said, adding that

the PRA is under the Office of the President. The move came amid questions over whether several governmentfunded projects in the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake complied with

the Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel, Inc., led by Chairman and Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo and President Evelyn Quiroz pay tribute to Marcelo H. Del Pilar, ‘Father of Philippine Journalism’, during the wreathlaying ceremony at his monument in Ermita, Manila to mark Del Pilar’s 176th birth anniversary and Press Freedom Day. Related story on A3.

No credible witness vs. Ex-Speaker, says lawyer Fajardo By Maricel V. Cruz

HONORING EALA. The image of Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala adorns

the floor of the well-known Tenement Basketball court in Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City. The artwork pays tribute to Eala following her historic rise to No. 18 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings — the highest ranking ever achieved by a Filipino tennis player. Manny Palmero

THE camp of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has insisted that the Ombudsman has no reason to file a case against the lawmaker in connection with the flood control scam because there is no credible witness against him. “We see no grounds for this; therefore, our prayer—our request to the Office of the Ombudsman—is for this to be dismissed, for the complaint against former Speaker Romualdez to be junked,” lawyer Ade Fajardo said.

Jenny Barzaga wins seat vacated by son

By Vito Barcelo

Cavite 4th District Rep. Jenny Barzaga

FORMER Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer "Jenny" Barzaga was proclaimed the winner of the Cavite 4th District special congressional election after receiving 201,893 votes, replacing her son, Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga Jr., who was expelled from the House of Representatives. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the District Board of Canvassers officially proclaimed Barzaga at 3:30 a.m. Sunday at the City of Dasmariñas

NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

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Heavy... From A1

warned of continued heavy rainfall caused by the habagat, especially over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The weather bureau said additional heavy rainfall was expected through Sept. 2 in parts of northern Luzon and Central Luzon, with residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas urged to remain vigilant. Metro Manila recorded around 186 mm of rainfall in 23 hours from 9 a.m. on August 29 to 8 a.m. on August 30 amid rains brought by the southwest monsoon, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Sunday. Citing data from the DOST-PAGASA Science Garden Station in Quezon City, the MMDA said the rainfall total was recorded over the 23-hour period. More than 400 areas in four regions were already flooded as the habagat continued to batter Luzon, prompting the government to order preemptive evacuations while search and rescue operations continued in areas hit by landslides and other weather-related incidents. Tropical depression 'Pilandok' Amid the continuing rains, PAGASA announced that tropical depression “Pilandok” had become the fifth cyclone to form in August. Pilandok maintained its strength while moving slowly northwestward

Raided... From A1

“It is a possible point of entry for undocumented Chinese nationals who could spread around and cause grave threats to national security,” said Navy reservist and AFP spokesman for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said on the Saturday News Forum. Authorities recently swooped down on the Sanjia Steel Corp. in Misamis Oriental over reports that the facility was substandard. They found 69 Chinese workers in the plant, many of whom are undocumented. The Sanjia firm was one of five steel plants raided by the Presidential

Palace... From A1

ensure the safety of our fellow citizens and provide immediate assistance,” she added. Castro said the President was closely monitoring the situation, including the condition of affected communities and residents. “The President is always focused on the situation. He is monitoring the condition of our fellow citizens and the towns affected,” Castro said. The statement came after videos circulated online showing Mr. Marcos attending a party for First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Aug. 26. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticized Mr.

DPWH... From A1

required permits, consultations and coordination with concerned agencies. Dizon said concerned stakeholders, including the Taguig City government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and PRA, have been called to discuss the matter. The projects came under scrutiny after Sen. Panfilo Lacson called for an investigation into developments in the Taguig portion of Laguna Lake that reportedly began in late 2025.

over the sea east of extreme Northern Luzon Sunday afternoon. Its center was estimated at 1,180 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon. The tropical depression had maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. PAGASA said Pilandok was unlikely to make landfall and would remain far from the Philippine landmass. It was forecast to remain a tropical depression before weakening into a remnant low over the Philippine Sea south of the southern islands of Japan on Tuesday. Most areas in Luzon have been receiving PAGASA’s orange or red rainfall alerts over the past week. A red rainfall alert means more than 30 mm of rain within an hour or over 65 mm in 3 hours, with serious, widespread flooding expected. An orange alert, meanwhile, means rains of 15 to 30 mm per hour. Flooding in this case is threatening, as water may rise quickly, PAGASA explained. Local governments may order pre‑emptive evacuation in flood‑prone communities, and residents urged to evacuate immediately if instructed or if water levels begin rising, the weather bureau added. Serious flooding in 4 regions The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Sunday that serious flooding affected the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the National Capital Region.

OCD Deputy Administrator for Operations Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said almost 100 road sections and 13 bridges remained inaccessible because of the extreme weather, while 3,158 houses had been damaged. “The main problem we’re facing is the bridge in Tarlac, because two bridges have already been affected, and they have been completely cut off, requiring motorists to use alternative routes,” Alejandro said. Clearing operations on affected roads were ongoing, although flooding in Metro Manila had generally subsided by Sunday morning, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Landslides were also reported in Zambales and along portions of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. “When conditions improved for about two days last week, the DPWH and LGUs immediately conducted clearing operations,” Alejandro said. “When the monsoon rains intensified again, we received new reports. Yesterday (Saturday), there was a landslide in Subic, Zambales, and even along SCTEX,” he added. Two men were killed and two others injured after the landslide struck a warehouse area at the Tipo High Tech Park along Tipo Road in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday morning, according to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority corporate affairs manager Armie Llamas. In Tarlac City, search and rescue operations continued Sunday for four

passengers of a multipurpose vehicle that fell into a river after the collapse of Agana Bridge on Saturday, the Philippine Air Force said. In Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard evacuated 17 people from Barangay Lipay in Santa Cruz on Saturday because of flooding caused by continuous rainfall. 8.1 million people affected The combined weather disturbances have affected about 8.1 million people, or 2.3 million families, across the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula, as well as Calabarzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Metro Manila and Mimaropa, the OCD said. The water level of Laguna de Bay also breached its critical level on Saturday because of heavy rains from the habagat and a low-pressure area. The Laguna Lake Development Authority said the lake reached 12.58 meters at 3 p.m., exceeding its critical high mark of 12.50 meters. The OCD said 523 evacuation centers were operating, sheltering about 43,500 people from 13,500 families. Infrastructure damage was estimated at P6.16 billion, while agricultural losses reached about P2.32 billion. Government assistance to affected communities totaled P1.69 billion. As of Aug. 29, fatalities from the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng and the Habagat had reached 32, with 19 people injured. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation, with the AFP providing additional support. Trinidad said the Misamis Oriental steel factory was located near a Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation Industrial Authority, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site, the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the Laguindingan International Airport. He likened it to how Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators were placed near critical government infrastructure. According to Trinidad, around 500 steel plants were closed in China over substandard materials and some of them relocated to the Philippines.

Scarborough shoal "final link" Capt. Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Center near Pearl Harbor, said China’s growing military, coast guard and maritime militia presence around Scarborough shoal suggests Beijing views the feature as the “final link” in its expanding network of positions across the South China Sea. Speaking at an online forum organized by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS), Schuster said he does not expect China to immediately launch a military operation to seize Scarborough Shoal. However, he warned that Beijing could instead employ coercive tactics to pressure

the Philippines into allowing Chinese construction in the area. Rather than an outright military takeover, Schuster said Beijing could initially employ so-called gray-zone tactics to force Manila to submit to Chinese construction or other activities around the shoal. He said China's expanding surveillance network, including radar systems, aircraft, Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia boats, could eventually give Beijing a significant advantage in monitoring activity across the South China Sea. “It's very clear that China hopes to maintain a surveillance advantage over the South China Sea so that should they decide to control it, they can," he said.

Marcos’ presence at the gatherings, citing flooding in Pampanga and Bulacan and questioning the administration’s response to the worsening situation. Earlier in the week, Mr. Marcos ordered government agencies to pursue immediate and long-term measures to address recurring flooding in Central Luzon. Officials reported that more than 3.5 million people in the region had been affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, and recent tropical cyclones. On Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that about 8 million people in 10 regions had been affected by the severe weather.

Jenny... Arena following the completion of the canvassing of votes. Barzaga defeated four other candidates in the special election, which was held to fill the vacant congressional seat after the House expelled Francisco Barzaga Jr. in June for disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House Code of Conduct. Official election results showed Barzaga garnered 201,893 votes. Her closest rival, former Vice Mayor Raul Rex Mangubat, received 30,361 votes, followed by Jacinto Frani Jr. with 24,350

votes, Marvin Dupal-Ag with 1,184 votes, and Lysander Ordenes with 561 votes. The special election recorded a voter turnout of 57.75 percent, with 258,361 of the district's 447,387 registered voters casting their ballots. The turnout exceeded the 50 percent participation target earlier set by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia. The special election was generally peaceful, with election officials reporting no major incidents that affected the overall conduct of the voting and canvassing. Barzaga is expected to assume the congressional seat for Cavite's 4th District after completing the required post-proclamation procedures.

Lacson said the Taguig City government allegedly failed to coordinate with concerned agencies and comply with required procedures. A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) report dated October 2025 had earlier flagged flood-control projects in the area. One project in Barangay Lower Bicutan listed Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. as the contractor and had a cost of P94.05 million under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. At the Lakeshore Complex reclamation site, a signboard identified a P49.9-million multipurpose building

project. Another project at an adjacent reclamation site was described as the “improvement of Laguna Lakeshore area.” It also listed Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. as the contractor, with a project cost of P94.07 million. Two other projects involved the rehabilitation of flood-mitigation structures at Phase 4 and Phase 5. Both listed Dahl Construction Corp. as the contractor, with costs of P141.85 million each. The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) said the Taguig City government did not coordinate with the agency on the projects.

LLDA General Manager Leopoldo Parumog said public consultation and the necessary certificates must be secured before construction can begin in the area. The developments have raised questions over whether projects presented as flood-control or lakeshore improvements also involved reclamation activities that require additional government clearances. The cease-and-desist order effectively puts the projects on hold while concerned agencies assess their compliance with environmental, reclamation and other regulatory requirements.

No... From A1

He noted that a total of 32 purported witnesses, including star witness Orly Guteza, have withdrawn their accusations against Romualdez. These are all former security personnel of exAko Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is subject of an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan for alleged involvement in the flood control scam, he said. “There is no credible witness, because numerous witnesses have come forward stating that

From A1

no such delivery of a suitcase took place. These individuals all belong to the same group—they are the drivers, security personnel, and administrative aides of former Congressman Zaldy Co,” Fajardo asserted. He pointed out that no witness directly linked Romualdez to the flood control scam and alleged kickbacks delivery. “Even Secretary—former Secretary—(Manuel) Bonoan did not speak about this; he did not link Romualdez to the flood control scam. There was no such testimony,” the lawyer said. “There is also no district engineer or assistant district engineer or any personnel on

the ground, because no one is associated with any particular project regarding flood control that did not happen or was not done or interfered with by former Speaker Romualdez,” he added. Likewise, he said there was also no contractor who implicated the Leyte lawmaker. Fajardo said he read reports that the Ombudsman had announced it had 28 new witnesses against the Leyte lawmaker. “That was the statement made by the Office of the Ombudsman last week. But up to now, we have not seen, read, or learned who these 28 witnesses are," he added.

ordered government agencies to respond swiftly to the needs of communities affected by the continuing rains and flooding. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos had been monitoring the situation and directing agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of affected residents. Preemptive evacuations urged Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government strongly urged local government units to enforce preemptive and, when necessary, forced evacuations in floodand landslide-prone areas. It directed LGUs to immediately relocate residents in high-risk areas to designated evacuation centers or other safe locations and prioritize vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities. For landslide-prone communities, the DILG directed local authorities to monitor ground cracks and unusual movements and undertake preemptive evacuations. The DILG also called for heightened vigilance in lahar hazard zones around Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano. Thousands of Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel have been deployed to evacuation centers and flood-affected communities. “Fellow Filipinos, if we know that we are in an area that easily floods, let us take the initiative to evacuate. This is also for your safety,” the DILG said.

Rally vs. Bulacan flooding to push through today, say organizers By Orlan Mauricio A RALLY against flooding and alleged corruption in flood-control projects in Bulacan will push through today despite continuing rains, organizers said. The rally, dubbed “Kilos Bulacan: Laban sa Baha, Korapsyon at Reklamasyon,” will start at 7 a.m. at the Malolos City Amphitheater, where protesters from the province’s six districts will converge before marching to Freedom Park in front of the Provincial Capitol. They will join other rallyists coming from the historic Barasoain Church. The organizers said the rally is a “People Power” version of Bulakenyos’ call for the immediate filing of cases against local officials allegedly remiss in their duties, contributing to billions of pesos in questionable flood-control projects. Various groups in the coalition are also calling for an immediate Senate inquiry into the alleged involvement of major contractors with ties to congressmen and local officials who may have conflicts of interest in securing multibillionpeso Department of Public Works and Highways contracts, including alleged ghost projects that they said have worsened flooding in Bulacan. “Flooding has only gotten worse. Instead of easing the suffering of Bulakenyos, the situation has worsened, with the towns of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Bulakan, Balagtas, Marilao, Paombong, Meycauayan, Bocaue and Malolos almost submerged,” said convenor Archie San Miguel. The group said flood-control projects lacked integrated planning and adequate coordination with local government units, while flawed designs and construction have disrupted existing waterways instead of protecting communities from flooding.

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Bishop tells parents not to ‘outsource’ raising children

SUNDAY TRADE.

Elderly women sell their handcrafted wares along St. Mary’s Church in Sagada, Mountain Province, on Sunday. Dave Leprozo

By Vito Barcelo AN official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded parents not to leave the responsibility of raising their children to others, stressing that the values learned at home remain with them for life. Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines said parents should remain their children’s first teachers, especially in faith and moral values, because early lessons help shape their character. “Do not give to other people the task of forming the children. What comes first will always be remembered,” Florencio said. The bishop made the appeal after presiding over a Mass wedding for 17 couples from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–National Capital Region at the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul Parish in Quezon City on Aug. 27. Florencio said families are the foundation of society and that problems within the home can eventually affect communities, making it important for parents to guide their children from an early age. He urged parents to teach good values at home, saying proper moral formation can help children develop good character and may prevent violence and other problems among the youth. The bishop also encouraged the newly married couples to build strong families by teaching their children to pray, honor God and live according to the Christian faith, saying parents have a mission to raise children with faith and values.

QC turns open spaces to flood control assets By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City is turning open spaces into flood-control infrastructure, with the newly inaugurated Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) Open Field and the Quezon City Hall lagoon serving as facilities for absorbing and storing excess rainwater during the rainy season. “Flood control is not only about building bigger and harder infrastructure. It is also about creating more spaces that can hold, absorb, and manage water before it overwhelms our communities,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. “These projects are part of the city’s continuing investment in the QC Drainage Master Plan—to protect residents and businesses, reduce flooding, and make our city safer and more climateresilient,” she added. The 12,000-square-meter QMC Open Field serves as a venue for sports, recreation, glamping and community activities while also incorporating flood-control features. At its center are a retention pond, detention tank and basin designed to collect excess floodwater from the park and portions of the adjacent Elliptical Road. The facilities can store up to 1,119.5 cubic meters of water, equivalent to approximately 5,597 commonly used blue drums, helping reduce the volume and speed of stormwater flowing into surrounding drainage systems.

‘Press freedom continues to face challenges in PH’ By Rio Araja and Katrina Manubay

he Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday said that “press freedom in the Philippines continues to face serious challenges,” citing the 114th ranking in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which highlights its “volatile media landscape.” “The lack of accountability for crimes against media workers perpetuates a dangerous cycle of impunity. The CHR thus urges the State to prioritize swift justice for victims and their families,” it appealed. The CHR raised serious concern that red-tagging and other forms of intimidation threaten journalists and the public’s

right to information. It reminded the public of the Supreme Court ruling against such actions. Based on its National Inquiry on Red-Tagging, the CHR found journalists and media practitioners among those frequently targeted, particularly for reporting stories deemed critical of government programs and policies. The commission recommended legislation penalizing redtagging as a distinct offense. Beyond protection mechanisms, laws and policies must foster an environment where journalism can flourish without fear of criminalization or undue restriction, the CHR said, reiterating its support for the decriminalization of libel and cyberlibel. The commission urged lawmakers to review these proposals with stakeholders and adopt a human rights-based approach that protects legitimate expression and press freedom while addressing the roots of disinformation. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists and promoting a safe environment for media practitioners as the country observes National Press Freedom Day.

SIMULATION.

The Philippine National Police conducts a simulation exercise involving the installation of metal barricades and razor wire along roads leading to the Malacañang Complex in preparation for National Heroes Day activities on August 31. Major roads, including the Legarda and Ayala bridges, are temporarily blocked during the exercise. Norman Cruz

PH conveys prayers for King Harald V THE Philippine government expressed its condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Norway on Saturday night following the death of King Harald V at age 89. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recognized Harald’s 35 years of service as Norway’s monarch, saying his legacy of “progress,” “peace,” and “prosperity” would continue to inspire the Norwegian people. The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila also announced that it will open a Book of Condolences to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 1. In a statement on Friday, Aug. 28, the Office of the Prime Minister announced the passing of the continent’s oldest reigning monarch. The late king’s son, Haakon, succeeded him to the throne and on Saturday addressed Norwegians for the first time, paying tribute to his father. The new regent said it had been “deeply moving to see all the people, candles, messages and flowers” filling up the Palace Square. Flags flew at half-mast as scores of Norwegians continued to flock to the palace, adding flowers to those already on the ground after more than 20,000 people paid their respects Friday. Katrina Manubay and AFP

Taguig cops arrest No. 1 most wanted TAGUIG City Police Station chief Col. Julius Añonuevo on Sunday reported that they successfully arrested the station’s Top 1 Most Wanted Person for September 2026 during an operation in Barangay New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, on Saturday night. Taguig Substation-7 cops identified the accused as alias “Jeric,” 25, unemployed and a resident of Barangay New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City. At about 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 29, operatives executed the warrant of arrest for murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code along Apple Street, Phase 3. The warrant was issued on Sept. 17, 2025, by Regional Trial Court Branch 266 in Taguig City, with no bail recommended. Operating officers used an Alternative Recording Device (ARD) during the service of the warrant in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines. Vince Lopez

PAOCC, UNODC team up vs. crime

De Lima urges DENR to suspend mangrove earth-balling

NEW PRESS CORPS OFFICERS. The Camanava Press Corps elects its 20262027 officers at the Caloocan City Police Headquarters on Saturday. Shown are Auditor Andrew Rabulan of Manila Standard (left), Vice President Edd Reyes of People’s Journal, Secretary Merly Iral of Remate Online, President Ismael Santos of Bulgar, Chairman of the Board Vick Aquino of Hataw, Comelec officer Jojo Sicat of the National Press Club, Treasurer Richard Mesa of People’s Balita, and directors Freddie Ng of Radyo Agila, Jovy Lucero of Agila ng Bayan, James Paragas of Metro Daily News, Edgar Rabulan of Remate, and Ludwig Lechadors of Metro Daily News.

IN BRIEF

MAMAMAYANG Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to suspend the earthballing and relocation of mangroves. “We understand that there is a technical working group (TWG) that was recently created regarding the earth-balling of mangroves. I am wondering why that memorandum was issued at all, even before consultations, or even before the creation of the TWG, or a scientific study. What exactly is the survival rate?” she questioned. Earth-balling is defined as the practice of digging up a tree with its surrounding soil to form a compact, circular mass, which is then protected during transport to a new location. During the recent House budget briefing on the DENR’s proposed 2027 budget, De Lima asked about the status of the agency’s

Oct. 8, 2025 memorandum providing interim operational guidance and conditions on the earth-balling and relocation of mangroves in exceptional circumstances. “All of these things should have been confirmed or verified first before allowing the issuance of this memorandum. Yes, it is considered interim operational guidance, but is it really interim, or is it now a de facto policy to allow earth-balling of mangroves for flagship infrastructure?” she challenged. DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said that amid numerous requests for permits for earth-balling for government projects, the agency deemed it appropriate at the time, under the sustainable development approach it was following, to issue interim guidelines through a memorandum specifying certain methods or guidelines to be followed. Rio N. Araja

THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is strengthening cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to disrupt organized criminal networks involved in human trafficking, online scams and other cyber-enabled crimes operating across Southeast Asia. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. and representatives of the UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific on Aug. 25 at Camp Crame in Quezon City. The UNODC delegation was led by Seong Jae Shin and Dylan Hartnett. The meeting focused on strengthening international coordination against organized crime groups that exploit victims through human trafficking, fraudulent online schemes and other technology-enabled criminal activities. The PAOCC said closer cooperation with international counterparts is crucial as criminal networks increasingly operate across borders, making intelligencesharing and coordinated law enforcement action essential to dismantling their operations. Charles Dantes

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‘Sloppy’ LPMDEO official sacked IN BRIEF C

By Vito Barcelo

PH, Indonesian armies hold joint military drills

EPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has relieved the chief of maintenance of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office (LPMDEO) over alleged sloppy performance of duties.

THE Philippine Army and Indonesian Army have launched a joint training exercise in Zamboanga del Sur aimed at strengthening interoperability and operational readiness between the two forces. The Philippine Army, through its 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, and the Indonesian Army, or Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), began PHILINDO STRIKE VI at Camp Cesar L. Sang-an in Labangan on Aug. 27. The activity, which runs until Aug. 30, involves 39 Philippine Army personnel and 15 Indonesian Army soldiers. The participating troops are training in various war games and combinedarms mission planning through tabletop exercises and command post drills. Rex Espiritu

240 4Ps beneficiaries given ownership deeds THE government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program has ended three decades of uncertainty for needy families, offering happiness and a more dignified living conditions to 240 residents of Barangay Fortune, Marikina City. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, along with the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), recently awarded the transfer certificates of title (TCTs) to the beneficiaries under the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP). Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling spearheaded the awarding ceremony together with Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr. and SHFC president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa. The beneficiaries, belonging to three homeowners’ associations — Solid Santan HOA, Inc., Samahang Pinagkaisang Maralita ng Santan HOA Inc. and Juancho Pacheco HOA Inc. — received their titles under the ECMP, a modality under the Expanded 4PH. Rio N. Araja

Bus firm told to shed light on fire on board THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned the operator of a passenger bus that caught fire while traveling along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) last August 28. Acting LTFRB chief Greg Pua Jr. said the show cause order (SCO) issued to Alps Bus Inc. demands an explanation as to what really happened as he emphasized that the incident compromised the safety of the passengers. “This is an unfortunate incident that compromised the safety of not only the passengers but also the other road users,” he said. “Just like everyone, we also want to know what really happened and the investigation that we will conduct will focus on whether or not there are lapses on the part of the bus company,” he added. Rio N. Araja

RESOURCE EXPLOITATION VS. ENVIRONMENT PRESERVATION. A people’s barricade to stop a mining operation in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya leads to physical confrontation when the police intervened, resulting in the arrest of 11 protesters. Cooler heads prevailed following the arrival of Gov. Jose Gambito. Jessica M. Bacud

The punitive action came amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen accountability and discipline within the DPWH and ensure that government personnel provide prompt and efficient public service. Sacked was chief engineer Loreto Baleña Jr. who allegedly failed to comply with instructions to conduct an inventory of his office’s equipment, documents and other official records, complete and sign all pending documents and deliverables, and formally turn over all records and other items under his custody to the appropriate office. The relief of Baleña was part of the DPWH’s broader effort to enforce accountability among its personnel and ensure that public works officials perform their responsibilities efficiently, particularly during emergencies and disasters. Dizon has emphasized the need for discipline and accountability in the agency to ensure that government services are delivered promptly and responsibly to the public. The LPMDEO is responsible for public works and infrastructure concerns in Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, including road maintenance and flood-control projects. Recent DPWH procurement records showed that the district has ongoing flood-control projects in both cities, underscoring the importance of timely maintenance and disaster response in the area.

11 arrested as police break up clash over mining operations By Jessica M. Bacud KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya - A clash here between personnel of a mining firm and environment advocates turned ugly prompting the police to intervene, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals. The physical confrontation broke out Friday afternoon when workers of North Luzon Mineral Resources Corp. (NLMRC) personnel attempted to enter an exploration and drilling site, but were blocked by residents from Pacquet, Dine, and Catarawan who had formed a

barricade along a municipal road. Gov. Jose Gambito intervened and ordered the immediate de-escalation of the situation to prevent further violence and ensure that no one gets hurt. Police Capt. Lloyd Guillermo clarified that the arrest was a police response to a 911 call, not an escort assistance for the company. “We only responded to a call for assistance. We do not control when these incidents happen. The PNP remains neutral and does not take sides,” Guillermo said.

Lawyer Fidel Santos, counsel for the anti-mining advocates, said a dialogue could have prevented the clash. “I had asked the police to wait so I could speak with the protesters and attempt to mediate the dispute,” Santos said. Two protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation. The 11 arrested, including residents from Pacquet, Dine and Catarawan, may face charges of grave coercion and disobedience to a person in authority. Following the incident, the Sangguniang Bayan, led by Vice Mayor

Alberto Bumolo, brokered a dialogue with the anti-mining group and NLMRC personnel. The parties agreed to temporarily prevent the company’s personnel, equipment and supplies from entering the exploration site while negotiations were going on. The Sangguniang Bayan of Kasibu is expected to meet early next week with representatives of both groups. Gambito’s directive to prioritize dialogue over force paved the way for the temporary agreement, ending the standoff.

Two broadcast reporters clash in legal battle over online posts By Gwyneth Nolasco A FORMER broadcast reporter has filed a cyberlibel complaint against alleged spreaders of fake news and blind items on social media against him. Nico Waje, an erstwhile reporter of GMA News, lodged the case at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Friday, Aug. 28, against the unnamed respondents, supported by evidence such as published articles and posts on social media. Waje claimed that his career was affected by the initial complaint filed against him, prompting him to fight back by filing his own counter-complaint to clear his name. “Career-wise, I was deeply affected. But right now, at least we have to start from somewhere, even if we begin from

zero,” Waje said. He also vowed to continue confronting the challenges, emphasizing the need to protect his family’s name. “There is no choice but to face everything head-on. And right now, the most important is my family. I value my family’s reputation,” Waje stressed. Former GMA colleague Athena Imperial earlier filed a complaint against Waje for alleged acts of lasciviousness sexual harassment. Waje’s counsel, Leo Lalusis asserted that accusation of sexual molestation against his client had been dismissed some weeks ago. Lalusis declined to disclose the names of the individuals allegedly involved in the complaint. Lalusis also said that the respondents who conspired to spread the allegations against Waje would be summoned.

SINKHOLE. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 7 warns against imminent danger posed by limestone sinkhole in Barangay Guadalupe, Bogo City which the agency says is growing larger. MGB-7 photo

MGB flags expanding sinkhole in Bogo City village By Minerva Newman

LTO COMES TO ILAGAN CITY. Ilagan City is bound to have its own district branch of the Land Transportation Office following the signing of a usufruct agreement with the local government unit under Mayor Jose Marie Diaz. Jessica M. Bacud

CEBU City — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 7 has warned of imminent danger posed by an expanding sinkhole in Sitio Indilicio, Bogo City, Cebu, calling it a “high-risk ground collapse area” and urged local officials to enforce a 20-meter no-entry buffer zone. The declaration came after field surveys showed that the ground opening continues to widen, with sections of its rim collapsing into an expanding underground cavity and rumbling sounds detected during the inspection. In a Geohazard Threat Advisory dat-

ed Aug. 24, MGB-7 regional director Al Emil Berador told Bogo City Mayor Maria Cielo Martinez that the sinkhole in Purok Libog 1, Barangay Guadalupe, continues to grow and is located above a water-bearing subsurface cavity. MGB-7 personnel conducted the assessment on Aug. 22 and 23 after residents reported a ground depression on Aug. 20. The bureau classified the formation as a “cover-collapse sinkhole.” The hole now measures about 15 meters by 25 meters, expanded by about two meters in just one day between Aug. 22 and 23, according to the advisory. Drone and visual surveys indicated

that the collapse formed above a cavity about 15 meters below the ground surface, extending in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction. “The sinkhole is still progressing, with sections of the rim occasionally giving way and collapsing into the cavity below,” the advisory stated. Geologists also reported hearing rumbling sounds during the inspection, which they said indicated ongoing subsurface collapse. The nearest house is only 18 meters from the sinkhole’s rim. Affected residents have been briefed and advised to evacuate during heavy rains.

OPINION

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

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EDITORIAL

Under a darkening sky

Let it all hang out AMERICAN country music is not my thing. But Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers have given us musical gems that are quite memorable. One of my favorite songs, “I Will Always Love You,” sung by Whitney Houston in the box office hit movie, “The Bodyguard” was written by Dolly Parton who died recently at age 80. I requested a daughter to have it sung during her wedding ceremony. She did, but had the singer render the Italian version “L’amore sei tu” which was so beautiful. As this is still a time when the ghosts linger after their feast day last Thursday, my Taiwanese feng shui friend tells me to write something nice, at least until August folds into September morn. I remember a warm summer night at a bar in Santa Barbara in the nineties where we slept over to break a long drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, while the TV monitor showed Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers jamming. While Dolly was singing to the accompaniment of Kenny’s guitar and the band, Rogers approached the microphone and said “Let it all hang, Baby.” We laughed at the remark which we then thought was a naughty line about Dolly’s famous frontal anatomy. But asking ChatGPT if this was the title of a Rogers or Parton song, I found out that a little-known band called The Hombres (I never heard of them) wrote and sang the Southern rock ditty with that title in 1967. I find it appropriate to use the song as a political statement for the times we live in. For in the government of Bongbong with Boying as Ombudsman, we the people should all demand --- “Let it all hang out.” It cannot be letting Jinggoy hang, or Marcoleta, Defensor et al warming their days in a Payatas jail, while many go scot-free, suspectedly, upon orders of the powers that hold sway in this land of selective justice, where borrowing Senator Erwin Tulfo’s contribution to legal maxim, “bend the law” is acceptable. Robert Bernardo of the DPWH testified that he himself, as in “mismo,” drove to Bacoor and delivered boxes of cold cash to his compadre twice over, Bong Revilla. The cash was supposedly Bong’s huge cut from the proceeds of a Bulacan flood control project. The same Bernardo testified that the cash delivered to a building owned by Jinggoy Estrada in San Juan was received by a “driver,” not by the senator. Did USec Bernardo ask the driver

to sign an acknowledgment receipt, and did Jinggoy give the driver a letter of authority? Yet, Bong is granted bail by the Sandiganbayan (which Boying in fairness questions), while Jinggoy has been detained in Payatas for three months now, and counting, because he has not been arraigned for a charge where the change of hands does not point to him personally.

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Why can’t they all be charged? And why hasn’t Jinggoy been arraigned yet? Because the Ombudsman wants co-accused former DPWH head honcho Manny Bonoan to be a state witness, while trying to press him to “let it all hang out.” So meanwhile, Jinggoy must stew, and the Senate trial goes on without him, and Marcoleta besides. What about Adrian Bersamin? Or Trygve Olaivar? Or Amenah Pangandaman? Why can’t they be charged so they could let it all hang out as well? Adrian has resigned along with Trygve, but it seems this government wants the public to forget they ever existed. Meanwhile, Amenah has been recycled, from DBM to Amanah Bank, maybe at the suggestion of some playful guy in the Palace who thinks the rhyme in her name and new position is perfect, so dangerous secrets are not hung out, the real dirt and dirty kept from the harsh rays of sunlight in the public mind. And as if in Divine synchronicity, the heavens have kept the sun out for the last three weeks and counting. On the few days when the sun peeps, its rays are unable to dry the floods out. The volume released by incessant rains that DPWH projects cannot control keep reminding the public of how miserable their daily lives have become because some wise guys with no conscience looted the public till at their expense. So when will our honorable Ombudsman, the courageous Boying, let it all hang out? Or will the ball of justice just be dribbled until he is appointed to the Supreme Court, as reliable sources tell us, when my townmate Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo retires come November?

In war-split Myanmar, ‘spirit consorts’ commune across divide TAUNGBYONE, MYANMAR — As monsoon rains pound the heartlands of war-fractured Myanmar, “spirit consorts” gather to renew their vows with a pantheon of gods hailed for their powers to protect and destroy. Drinking, dancing and swooning, the dazzling mediums communed with the 111 divine ghosts of ancient Burmese folk religion at Taungbyone Festival this week. “If you truly believe in them, they do come to you,” said 35-year-old “spirit consort” Shwe Moe Thae Kyaw Kyaw. “The deeper you believe in them, the more your wishes will be fulfilled.” In recent years, Myanmar’s civil war encroached on the riotous celebrations that draw dozens of practitioners from across the nation to the northern cusp of the central city of Mandalay. But the frontlines are further away now, providing breathing space for an event many consider an unofficial Pride celebration in a country where homosexuality is criminalized. Most of the mystics are transgender women or other marginalized LGBTQ minorities, placed center stage in Taungbyone as thousands pay tribute to the powerful revered spirits they claim to embody. Under the watch of stiff-mannered pro-government militias who still label the region a “black zone” marked by war, their all-colourful shamanic rituals are suffused with camp energy. Drowning in gold jewellery, faces iridescent with make-up, they spiral in trances to feverish crescendos. Boozy crowds hoot and lob roses, tucking wadded cash donations into the mediums’ clothing and lit cigarettes in their lipsticked mouths as the spirits take hold.

“When they come to me, I feel particularly at peace and calm,” said Shwe Moe Thae Kyaw Kyaw. “At that moment, things work very smoothly.” ‘A way back’ Their self-declared partners are Burmese Nats: the ghosts of apocryphal ancient humans and spirits representing natural elements. Stemming from animist belief, they are still worshipped in tandem with the majority Buddhist faith which arrived later in Myanmar.

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They renew their vows with a pantheon of gods hailed for their powers to protect and destroy. They are considered akin to Christian saints, albeit with vengeful instincts if their needs go unmet. Nat kadaws -- meaning “spirit consorts” or mediums -- are their ambassadors in the physical realm. Nats are said to sway affairs as personal as the sale of a second-hand car or as sweeping as the civil war afflicting Myanmar’s 50 million citizens. “We lost everything: friends, home, a future,” lamented one 35-year-old festival attendee, speaking anonymously for security reasons. “I lost my way, that’s why I came here -- to find a way back,” he said. The war was triggered by the military’s 2021 coup ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

HE government’s weather bureau, PAGASA, recently issued a seemingly routine forecast: cloudy skies with scattered rain showers across Metro Manila and large swaths of Luzon. In isolation, such an update sounds like typical tropical weather. Today, however, these routine advisories can no longer be met with complacency. They must be received with a sense of deep apprehension and urgent warning. The reality on the ground justifies this anxiety. Just recently, Central Luzon and parts of the national capital region and surrounding areas were submerged, disrupting businesses and swallowing vital agricultural lands. The rice-rich Central Luzon region barely had time to drain before the next wave of grey skies rolled in. This relentless cycle of saturation means that even minor, scattered rains now pose an immediate threat of flash floods and landslides. Our communities are living on the edge, where a single afternoon downpour can escalate into a local-

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This erratic weather pattern is no longer just a bad week of rain but an unmistakable fingerprint of global climate change. This is no longer just a bad week of rain but an unmistakable fingerprint of global climate change. The phenomenon is actively reshaping the Philippine climate, turn-

INFLATION is often discussed through percentages, indices and economic forecasts. At home, it is measured differently: fewer eggs in the basket, a smaller serving of chicken, or pork reserved for special occasions. For families already stretching every peso, food inflation changes what meals they can and cannot serve. This is why corn tariffs deserve the attention of ordinary consumers. Corn may not appear regularly on every family’s shopping list, but it is a major ingredient in animal feed. According to the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), feed accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the cost of producing poultry and swine, while corn makes up 50 to 60 percent of feed formulations. When corn becomes more expensive or less available, the cost pressure moves through the supply chain for chicken, pork and eggs. The FEF has petitioned the Tariff Commission to reduce the tariff on corn imported beyond the Minimum Access Volume from 15 percent to 5 percent, matching the rate applied within the quota. The Commission opened its investigation in June and held a public hearing on Aug. 5. Though technical, the question reaches the public market, the sari-sari store, the carinderia and the family dining table. The proposal merits serious consideration. FEF maintains that domestic production remains insufficient to meet the feed industry’s requirements. Once the lower-tariff quota is exhausted, additional corn needed by feed manufacturers becomes more expensive because of a government-imposed charge. That cost does not stop at the border. It passes from feed manufacturers to poultry and livestock producers, processors, traders and retailers, ultimately adding to the burden carried by consumers. Food policy cannot seek to hold down the price of chicken and pork while making a principal feed input unnecessarily expensive. A corn tariff may support local growers, but it can

also raise costs for feed manufacturers, poultry growers and hog raisers. Protecting one segment should not weaken the rest of the agricultural chain. This is also an issue of competitiveness. Filipino livestock producers already contend with electricity, transport, financing, animal health management, and logistics costs. If they must also pay substantially more for feed than competitors abroad, imported meat and poultry can become relatively more attractive in the domestic market. Protecting one group of farmers could make it harder for other Filipino producers to compete. We should remain realistic. Cutting the tariff by 10 percentage points will

not automatically produce an equivalent reduction in retail food prices. Government must monitor whether access to lower-cost corn leads to stronger competition, more stable supply and reasonable price movements downstream. Tariff reform should benefit families and producers, not merely improve the margins of a few businesses. The concerns of Filipino corn farmers are legitimate. Many face costly fertilizer and seeds, inadequate mechanization, poor drying and storage facilities, post-harvest losses and expensive transport. Asking them to compete without correcting these disadvantages would be neither fair nor sustainable. But tariffs alone cannot make local

corn more productive. Keeping feed expensive forces millions of consumers and downstream producers to pay more while leaving the structural weaknesses of corn farming unresolved. The responsible course is to combine predictable access to imports with direct, measurable support for local production. Government should invest in better seeds, mechanization, postharvest facilities, affordable financing, extension services and reliable market access. Import revenues should be transparently accounted for and directed toward programs that demonstrably raise farmers’ yields and incomes. Timing is equally important. Government should not wait for a seasonal supply gap to become a feed-cost crisis. When verified domestic supply is insufficient or local corn is not competitively priced, imports must be available before shortages push costs higher. When local corn is sufficient and competitively priced, producers should have every incentive to buy locally. Seasonal importation can help stabilize the market without making the country unnecessarily dependent on foreign supply. The malnutrition data make further delay irresponsible. The latest DOSTFood and Nutrition Research Institute findings report that 23.6 percent of Filipino children under five are stunted. Affordable protein alone will not solve malnutrition, but making eggs, chicken and pork less affordable will only deepen the problem. The policy direction should be practical: import when there is a genuine supply gap, source locally when corn is competitive, and invest continuously in strengthening Philippine production. We cannot make feed more expensive and then wonder why poultry and livestock products cost more. Agricultural policy succeeds only when farmers can earn sustainably, producers can remain viable and competitive, and families can afford the food they need.

Long-simmering insurgencies waged by ethnic minority armies boiled over, while new pro-democracy guerillas mobilized to challenge the military takeover. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have died violently across all sides since the coup, according to ACLED, an organization monitoring media reports of conflict. The war’s proximity saw the festival drastically scaled back in 2024 and again in 2025, a year that also brought a magnitude-7.7 earthquake which killed nearly 4,000 people, mostly in Mandalay. But grievances always promise to be addressed come festival time, said

Tin Tin Aye, a vendor hawking woven plant headdresses worn by many attendees. “Everyone prays for whatever they desire,” said the 50-year-old. “No matter how upset they are, they feel joyful when they arrive.” Spiritual medicine While fighting is more distant from Mandalay now, many Nats still have poignant wartime significance. There are king Nats representing moral order, warrior Nats honored for their valor or loyalty, and guardian Nats to protect the home. Taungbyone Festival centers celebrations of two brother spirits thought to linger on locally after their execution by

a king for failing to donate bricks to a pagoda he planned. But there is also Min Kyawzwa, the guardian of drunkards and gamblers, feted by followers with donations of bottles of alcoholic spirits warmed tepid by the monsoon heat. Medium Win Hlaing is often asked to link devotees with the spirit. With his blessing, those who don’t have their prayers answered at Taungbyone Festival may still find an escape from the vagaries of Myanmar. “I connect people and Nats according to their needs,” said 65-year-old Win Hlaing. “Nats are like medicines, they each have their own power.” AFP

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The responsible course is to combine predictable access to imports with direct, measurable support for local production.

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Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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MEMBER

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The tariff behind the grocery bill

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ized disaster. We must confront this unsettling truth behind these erratic weather patterns.

ing predictable monsoon seasons into volatile, high stakes crises. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to more intense and unpredictable rainfall. For a vulnerable archipelago like the Philippines, where 118 million people live, this translates to an existential threat. The state of continuing vigilance is properly exhausting but necessary. Government agencies must shift from a posture of mere monitoring to aggressive, proactive climate adaptation. Infrastructure must be retrofitted for extreme hydraulics, and disaster response plans must always assume the worst-case scenario. For the public, a forecast of “scattered rains” must now be treated as a call to prepare, secure households, and remain vigilant. The clouds over Luzon are a stark reminder that the climate crisis is not a future threat -- it is happening right now outside our windows.

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WORLD

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

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Missing in Nepal disaster now over 3,000 B

EIJING — Chinese rescuers near the Tibet border port that was hit by a deadly mudslide were “moved to a safe location” Sunday, after a new lake was formed by a landslide, state media reported.

TOUGH TASK. Rescue officers and paramilitary police of the Shigatse Detachment of the Tibet Armed Police Corps, in coordination with heavy machinery, carry out search and rescue and dredging work along one side of the river at the disaster site in Gyirong County, Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region, on August 29. AFP

IN BRIEF Pacific heads meet in Palau amid China-Taiwan strain Some migrants ready to leave east Germany QUEDLINBURG, Germany -- As a farright regional election victory looms in an ex-communist eastern German state, many migrants are readying to pack their bags, fearful of the AfD party’s threatened “deportation and remigration offensive”. A week from now, the anti-immigration, Islamophobic and Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party is expected to score a historic win in the small state of Saxony-Anhalt, with hopes of taking its first-ever governing majority. It is an ominous scenario for Syria-born cardiologist Ayman Alyoussef, head physician in a clinic in the picturesque town of Quedlinburg, who voiced a common sentiment: “I fear that hatred of foreigners will spread.” Alyoussef, who arrived in the country in 2014 and is now a German citizen, said he has been welcomed by patients and colleagues but sometimes faces hostility on the streets, as do his wife and daughter who wear Muslim headscarves. AFP

KOROR, Palau — Pacific island leaders will tackle transnational drug crime as they meet in Palau from Monday for a summit where tensions between Taiwan and China risk overshadowing regional priorities like climate change. Palau, this year’s host of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, is among three members holding diplomatic ties with Taiwan and not China, a large creditor to many island states. China, Taiwan and the United States are among the aid partners invited to the forum, although not the leaders’ meeting. Beijing has protested Taiwan’s invitation. On Sunday, Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung cut the ribbon with Palau President Surangel Whipps at a ceremony handing over a fleet of electric buses donated by Taipei.

China retaliated against Lin’s arrival in Palau by declaring the tourism-dependent island an “unsafe” place for travellers, Whipps later told reporters. Chinese tourists are the largest group of visitors to Palau, data shows. The US Embassy issued a statement accusing China of attempting to “weaponize tourism to coerce Palau”. “The Pacific is our home, not a theatre for geopolitical competition,” Whipps said in an interview on Sunday. Tensions between the Pacific’s partners should not detract from island priorities of action on renewable energy, drug crime, food security and climate change, which had real impact on lives, he urged. Island populations are struggling with rising fuel and food costs caused by the

Middle East war. Transnational policing Around 110 police drawn from various Pacific islands will provide security at the forum, the first large-scale demonstration of Pacific-wide cooperation on policing. Australia, the biggest forum member and aid donor, has led efforts for the Pacific to provide its own security, arguing there is no need for China to have police in Kiribati and the Solomons. Whipps said the Pacific leaders would seek to build on policing ties to tackle drug crime. Fiji, a major transport hub for the Pacific, is experiencing the world’s fastest HIV outbreak, driven by what health authorities say is risky injecting of methamphetamine. AFP

North Korea defense minister dismissed SEOUL -- North Korea’s defense minister has been dismissed as part of a reshuffle of the country’s military leadership, state media reported Sunday. The “structural reorganization plans” were decided during a meeting on Saturday led by Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. No Kwang Chol was not only dismissed as defense minister but also demoted in the ruling party leadership to “first vicedirector of the Munitions Industry Department,” KCNA said. Kim Song Gi, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, was named as the new defense minister. Another senior official, defense advisor Pak Jong Chon, was given the position of vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and named to the ruling party’s Political Bureau. AFP

Venezuela: ‘Sovereignty’ retained in US oil deal CARACAS -- Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez assured the public Saturday that Venezuela retains control of its oil under a new agreement that allows the United States significant access to it. The United States will have majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s proven reserves in what President Donald Trump described Friday as “the biggest oil deal in world history.” “One thing must be absolutely clear: Venezuela retains ownership and sovereignty over its resources,” Rodriguez said in a speech on state television. The agreement with the United States aims to turn “cold, inert” resources underground to “a source of social and economic well-being for the people of Venezuela,” she said. Caracas says the deal involves $100 billion in private investment aimed at revitalizing the industry in a country with the world’s largest proven oil reserves. AFP

HONEYMOON OVER. Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham holds a pint of beer during a visit to the Hare Inn in Harlow, east of London with the Chancellor John Healy (center) on July 23, 2026. Burnham has enjoyed a honeymoon first month as UK leader, but the hard trade-offs involved in governing are about to get real for the prime minister as parliament returns from its summer break in the coming days. AFP

“On the evening of Aug 29, monitoring drones deployed in the area detected a landslide on a mountainside 2.8 kilometers downstream from the Purepuqiang Tsangpo barrier lake,” the state broadcaster said, referring to a drained lake that had in previous days threatened rescue operations. “The landslide formed a new barrier and a new barrier lake is now forming,” CCTV said, adding that rescue personnel near the Gyirong border port had been moved to safer areas. This developed as rescuers in Nepal and China battled Sunday through leg-sucking mud and the threat of rising floodwaters to find thousands missing after a deadly wall of water and debris swept through the Himalayas, engulfing entire villages. Latest figures from both countries put the number of missing at 3,044 , with a further 750 confirmed deaths -- and reports of some bodies possibly swept downstream as far away as India. The disaster, which struck the ChinaNepal border Wednesday morning, was caused by a glacial collapse, sending a wall of water and debris downstream, the US Geological Survey said. Nepali army troops and engineers were working on Sunday to rescue workers believed trapped in a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric site after they successfully inserted a pipe into the passage. They have “started sending air through the small opening”, Nepali Home Minister Sudan Gurung said in a statement. But efforts were hampered on Sunday by rains and rising river waters, with Nepal’s disaster authorities urging rescue teams to “exercise caution”. In an area home to vast energy infrastructure projects, Nepal’s disaster authority listed 933 hydropower workers among the missing. China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday that experts had said “a glacier on the southern slope of Lirung Peak in Nepal” fractured, triggering an ice-rock avalanche. AFP

Popular UK PM Burnham facing tests after break LONDON — Andy Burnham has enjoyed a honeymoon first month as United Kingdom leader, but the hard trade-offs involved in governing are about to get real for the prime minister as parliament returns from its summer break in the coming days. Since succeeding Keir Starmer on July 20, Burnham has pleased voters with several low-cost sweeteners, including cutting electricity bills and bus fares, while burnishing his casual man-of-thepeople vibes. He has poured pints of beer with his finance minister, played guitar in Ukraine, and kept up a prolific output of slick social media videos during a self-styled “listening tour” of Britain. Projecting a sunnier outlook than the straitlaced Starmer, and benefiting from the woes besetting hard-right rival Nigel Farage, Burnham has sparked a poll bounce for his ruling Labour Party. A YouGov survey published on August 18 found that 46 percent of Britons view him favorably, up 12 percentage points from when he first arrived at Downing Street. AFP

NASA sends flagship Roman telescope for cosmic mapping WASHINGTON – The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration is preparing to launch its new flagship space telescope on Sunday, embarking on a multi-year mission to create an unprecedented map of the cosmos and shed light on some of the biggest mysteries in physics. Designed to take a panoramic view of the vast reaches of space, the Roman Space Telescope “will help unlock the secrets of the universe,” US President Donald Trump said Friday during a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas. Standing over 12 meters (39 feet) tall, the state-of-the-art observatory is scheduled to launch from Florida at 7:26 am (1126 GMT) aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Developed over more than a decade at a cost topping $4 billion, the telescope is named after pioneering US astronomer Nan-

cy Grace Roman, who became known as the “Mother of Hubble,” another of NASA’s flagship telescopes. While Hubble revealed that the universe is expanding faster than previously thought, Roman will seek to answer some of the other unsolved mysteries, including those of dark matter and dark energy. “Roman will give the Earth a new atlas of the universe,” NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said in April when he unveiled the project to the press. - Studying the invisible With a field of view more than 100 times larger than Hubble’s -- and significantly wider than James Webb’s -- Roman will survey vast swaths of the sky from a vantage point 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from Earth, which it will take about 100 days to reach. AFP

JAPAN’S PROBLEM TOO. A flooded intersection is seen after heavy rains in Fukui, central Japan on August 30, 2026. AFP

SPORTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

Nazario-Garcia duo rules WR Bughouse Open BUBU Chacha’s Jem Garcia and Marc Christian Nazario showed resiliency as they beat Benilde Blazers’ John Laurence Donguines and Daniel Baylosis in the deciding Game Three to capture the WR Bughouse Chess Open crown at the MICE Center in Quezon City over the weekend. Garcia, an International Master who will be part of the Philippine squad wading into next month’s World Chess Olympiad battle in Uzbekistan, and Nazario overcame a stinging defeat in the title opener and came back to seize Game Two and the do-or-die duel to snare the crown and the P100,000 purse. The pair, who decided to team up at the last minute, also overcame a faulty and slow start after dropping two straight matches that started after falling to Donguines and Baylosis in the second round. They used those defeats as motivation and won their last five matches to make it to the quarterfinals, won another one in the semis and eventually served early conquerors Donguines and Baylosis a dish best served cold—vengeance—in snatching the title. Metaboys’ Samson Lim III and Jerich Cajeras, who finished first after the qualification round, blanked DCSK’s Noel dela Cruz and Timothy John So Kua in two outings to finish third place in this one-day meet backed by WR Chess’ Wadim Rosenstein, the PSC, Quezon City and the NCFP. More than 100 participants battled through eight grueling rounds for the eight seats to the playoff stage.

PRU POP RUN. With the weather on their side, thousands of runners gather at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati on Sunday for the PRU POP (Promise of Protection) Run, turning the streets into a vibrant celebration of movement, community and protection. The fun run featured four race categories, led by the special 30K race – a milestone distance created to mark PRU Life UK’s 30 years of making a promise of protection in the Philippines. Gracing the event are (from left, front row) Terry Robles, Crystal Quartz District Manager; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and CEO; Teri Rombaoa, Lazurite District Manager; Miguel Reyes, Ace Summit Life Insurance Agency District Manager; and Kathryn Cajucom, Pru Life UK Vice President and Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Hovland seizes lead, McIlroy surges at Tour Championship L

OS ANGELES—Viktor Hovland opened a one-shot lead at the PGA Tour Championship on Saturday as Rory McIlroy surged back into contention in the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Shown here are (from left) Marc Nazario, NCFP president Butch Pichay, Jem Garcia and NCFP sec-gen GM Jayson Gonzales.

Hrgovic wins heavyweight IBF world title LONDON—Filip Hrgovic of Croatia beat Britain’s Moses Itauma via a ninth-round stoppage to win the vacant IBF world heavyweight title in a thrilling contest at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday. Itauma, bidding to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion after Mike Tyson, was on top during the fight’s early stages but had to be carried from the ring on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Facing the toughest test of his 15-fight professional career against an experienced Olympic medal winner, the 21-year-old Itauma tired against an opponent with a granite chin. Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel in the ninth round, but by that time referee Howard Foster had stopped the fight in Hrgovic’s favour as the Croat won the International Boxing Federation version of the world heavyweight title vacated by Oleksandr Usyk. It was Itauma’s first time beyond the sixth round, and at one point in the ninth he looked as if he was about to topple. “I don’t know from where I got energy in that (ninth) round,” said the 34-yearold Hrgovic, almost as spent physically as his beaten opponent. “It was really not my strength. It was Holy Spirit. He gave me strength in this camp to endure everything, to have (the) best camp of my life, he put me in touch with this great coach Abel Sanchez.” Hrgovic saluted the courageous Itauma by adding: “I’m the present, and he’s definitely (the) future. He’s an amazing fighter. He’s one of a kind. He’s the best I’ve been in a ring with, but he needed more experience. “I felt the pace of the fight. I knew I was losing rounds, but I knew that I had that pace in my favour. He was gassing out.” Itauma landed with several straight left hands early on and Hrgovic was given a standing eight count in the second after being caught with a right hook. Itauma’s uppercut at the end of the fifth round had home fans in a partisan crowd standing in appreciation. AFP

Playing with a black ribbon on his cap to mourn the passing of King Harald, Norway’s Hovland made four birdies on the final six holes to finish 15-under par, one clear of Ryan Gerard. With a $10 million top prize at stake, world number one Scottie Scheffler was among a quartet on 12-under par, while McIlroy finished a further two shots back after a superb seven-under-par 63

-- the day’s joint lowest round. Hovland had briefly pulled clear of overnight co-leader Gerard with a birdie on three, but bogeyed the next hole and spent most of Saturday trailing the American. Gerard made birdies on six, seven and 12 for a two-stroke advantage, before the Norwegian began his charge with a curling downhill putt on 13. Hovland, the 2023 Tour Championship winner, followed that

up with more birdies on 15, 17 and 18. “I was close on the putts man,” “When I’ve given myself an he said. opportunity, I’ve taken it. And here “It’s challenging to hole we are -- after 54 holes, we’re in a putts. I’ll just keep giving good spot,” he said. myself the looks, and hopefully “If I can keep hitting they’ll drop tomorrow,” fairways and give myself Scheffler added. a few more looks, I think Scheffler was joined on I’m pretty deadly with 12-under by Adam Scott, that putter,” Hovland Ludvig Aberg and Chris added. Gotterup. Despite being tied Australia’s Scott third, Scheffler cut a -- the oldest player in frustrated figure missing the field at 46 -- is also Victor Hovland AFP several good birdie putts, but seeking his second Tour scored a bogey-free 66. Championship win, a full His expletive-laden rant had to two decades since his maiden victory be muted by broadcasters after one at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, attempt broke unexpectedly on 13. Georgia. AFP

Basketball stars Parker, Jackson inspire PH kids to dream big By Peter Atencio INSIDE a cavernous hallway in Makati City, fourtime NBA champion Tony Parker carried a basketball for an hour around noon on Saturday as he watched and helped guide more than three dozen kids dribble, run, and shoot balls in a makeshift court. Heavy rains that flooded many streets outside that morning, and most of the afternoon, did not discourage the teens from dreaming big and learning skills under the watchful eyes of Parker and another visiting player, Lauren Jackson, a seven-time Women’s National Basketball League player. “I wanted to get better when I was a 12-year-old, and to be a professional basketball player sometime in my life, like learn how to do those moves, and how do you do this. Back then, we didn’t have social media. So we have to wake up early, and train, do one-on-ones, watch games and videos. At first, we had Michael Jordan tapes, and I became a big student of the game,” Parker told his awestruck students, right before the hour-long Jr. NBA clinic began at the SPACE at the fifth level of One Ayala in Makati City. Parker was in the country for this weekend’s NBA

Tony Parker (middle) and Lauren Jackson (right) meet kids during a Jr. NBA clinichon Saturday.

House Philippines activities with Jackson, together with Jason Kidd, considered one of the greatest

point guards of all time in the league, just like the 6’2”Parker. The 44-year-old Parker, now a coach for a professional team Asvel back in his home country in France, believes that with the passion and love of Filipinos for the game of basketball in the country, it will just be a matter of time before a local talent emerges and shines in the world stage. “I think they should keep dreaming big. You know, the rest of the world, everybody is improving, and I think it’s just a matter of time that we have a super guard from the Philippines,” said Parker. Jackson, on the other hand, took note of the rise of women’s basketball in the country and the enthusiasm that many female players showed at the clinic. “I think it’s so important for young girls to be able to see those players playing in their national league, obviously watching the WNBA, the WNBL in Australia, but being able to see that their dreams are totally achievable,” said Jackson. During her time as a player, Jackson led the Canberra Capitals to six of seven WNBL championships. She held all the MVP trophies, including one when the Southside Flyers took the crown in 2024.

HONOR Magic V6 Golf Cup tees off with star-studded lineup GLOBAL AI devices provider HONOR Philippines brought together some of the country’s most recognizable personalities and golf enthusiasts for the inaugural HONOR Magic V6 Golf Cup on August 24, marking the launch of its latest flagship foldable with a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and action on the course. The event got underway with Marvin Agustin, Malupiton, Marvi Monsalve, and Pareng G taking the first tee, setting the pace for a lively day on the green. Joining them throughout the tournament were GP Reyes, James Ryan Lam, Jesse Guerrero, Justin Pitt, Malvin Castro, Mr. Biceps, Pareng Cholo, Pareng Hayb, Patrick 69, Patricia Hizon, Tito Calvin, and Vince Hizon, alongside other golf enthusiasts who came together for the inaugural event. Standout Performances on the Course The tournament also saw players deliver standout performances across the different divisions. Jesse Guerrero led Individual Division 1 with a score of 74 while also securing the Longest Drive award with an impressive 266-yard drive. Dante Felizarta claimed Indi-

Vince Hizon captures a moment with pro golfer Justin Ryan Lam, Marvi Monsalve, and his wife, Patricia Hizon, using the HONOR Magic V6.

Golf personalities and enthusiasts come together during the first-ever HONOR Magic V6 Golf Cup, including (from left) Jane Walker, Marvin Agustin, Justin Pitt, GP Reyes, Pareng Hayb, Pareng G, Jake Soriano, and Anthony Bautista.

vidual Division 2 with 82, while Henson See topped Individual Division 3 with 81 and Jeremy Tiu won Individual Division 4 with 88. In the Ladies Division, Patricia Hizon emerged as the winner with a score of 87. The Team Champion title went to Josh Fabella, Dante Felizarta, Carlo Gonzales, and Mike Medina, who finished with a score of 67. Meanwhile, Carlo Gonzales took home the Nearest Pin award with a 76cm finish, while Edwin Rollon received the Most Honest Award. The Magic V6 Takes Center Stage As the event’s presenter, the HONOR Magic V6 was integrated into the day’s activities, giving guests and players an opportunity to experience the flagship foldable firsthand in an active setting. “The HONOR Magic V6 is built for those who value performance, precision, and the ability to go beyond expectations—qualities that are also reflected in the game of golf,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “Through the first-ever HONOR Magic V6 Golf Cup, we wanted to bring these qualities to life while giving our guests an opportunity to experience our latest flagship in a fun and engaging environment.”

SPORTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

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

Djokovic seeks record 25th Grand Slam title NEW YORK—Since Novak Djokovic last lifted the US Open trophy in 2023 to tie Margaret Court with a 24th Grand Slam title, the Serbian superstar has relentlessly pursued record-breaking number 25. That so-far futile quest hasn’t made the 39-year-old immune to the pleasures of the lesser milestones he’s piling up along the way. Djokovic is poised for his 20th US Open appearance, a mark that only three other men -- Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Feliciano Lopez -have achieved. “I’m very proud of that,” Djokovic said Saturday as he prepared to take on Argentina’s Mariano Navone on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday. “Obviously longevity was always one of the goals when I was younger, trying to have long career, trying to have more shots at Grand Slams, and stay healthy long enough so that I can perform for as many years as possible,” Djokovic said. But it’s not just about surviving, and with world number one Jannik Sinner sidelined by a knee injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz something of an unknown quantity as he returns from a four-month injury absence, Djokovic could find his path to a 25th major crown eased somewhat. Djokovic has had 11 chances to break the Grand Slam record, reaching two finals and half a dozen other semifinals since equalling Court’s mark. He went toe-to-toe with Sinner in a five-set semi-final win in Australia this year before falling to Alcaraz in the final and after a third-round exit at Roland Garros went down to eventual champion Sinner in the semis at Wimbledon. After pulling out of the Montreal Masters, Djokovic struggled in his Cincinnati opener, where he acknowledged the heat and humidity made whatever physical problems he was battling worse. “I don’t like early losses anywhere, to be honest, but it gave me time to be preparing for US Open in a most adequate way,” Djokovic said. AFP

6 teams start Premier Volley League grind Games Monday (Araneta Coliseum) 1:30 p.m. – EST Cola vs PLDT 4 p.m. – Nxled vs Creamline 6:30 p.m. – Ho Chi Minh vs Farm Fresh

SIX teams. Eight days. One crown. In a tournament where there is barely enough time to catch a breath between matches, the race for the Premier Volleyball League Invitational crown will be as much a test of endurance, recovery and composure as it is of talent and firepower. Defending champion PLDT kicks off its title-retention drive against dangerous EST Cola of Thailand, multi-titled Creamline tests the mettle of a star-studded Nxled side, while Farm Fresh takes on Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam in an explosive triple-header that fires off the Invitational at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday (Aug. 31). With six playdates squeezed into just eight days, the tournament is shaping up as a virtual sprint to the championship. Favorites cannot afford a slow start, much less a dip in form, as limited recovery time places a heavy premium on sharp execution and stamina. “Parang nangyari na sa atin ito nung first PVL na tuloy-tuloy yung laro. So it’s just siguro ang mahalaga is paano talaga makakarecover in the first game, second game, yung mga susunod,” said Creamline middle blocker Sachi Minowa (Jaja Santiago). For Minowa, who knows firsthand the demands of playing in Japan’s highly competitive league, the challenge is not simply surviving one match but finding enough energy to be ready for the next. Minowa scored six points in Creamline’s three-set romp over Galeries Tower at the close of the PVL On Tour in Negros Occidental last week, offering a glimpse of what her imposing presence in the middle could mean for a Cool Smashers side determined to regain the Invitational crown.

Eala draws on year of growth as historic US Open run starts By Jeremiah Sevilla

LEXANDRA “Alex” Eala is leaning on the experience she gained over the past year as she seeks to spark a historic run in the US Open 2026.

The Filipina tennis star has made significant strides since her second-round exit at last year’s US Open, marking new milestones for Philippine tennis and reaching a career-high No. 18 in the WTA rankings while going up against the world’s best players. “I think I’ve experienced so much growth in the past year and so many milestones in my career. I think there are so many lessons, particularly in terms of getting to work closely with so many amazing tennis players,” Eala said during the press conference ahead of her highly anticipated campaign as the No. 17 seed

in the final Grand Slam of the year. “I’ve gotten to experience more of their work ethic, obviously being in this environment a lot more. I’ve gotten to compete against the best of the best a lot more frequently,” added the 21-year-old. Eala is set to begin her US Open campaign against familiar foe Mary Stoiana in the first round (Round of 128) on Wednesday, September 2, at 8:40 a.m. (Philippine time) at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York. The highest-ranked Southeast Asian woman tennister holds the edge in their head-to-head matchup, having swept the No. 122 American, 7-5, 6-2, back in their 2024 ITF 1000 Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge Round of 16 encounter. Eala heads into the North American hard-court Grand Slam with fiery momentum after breaking into the world’s top 20. Following a historic fourth-round finish at Wimbledon, Eala captured her first Tour-level trophy in the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open, where she beat top-10 players Elina Svitolina and Jessica Pegula, as well as four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines competes against Iva Jovic of the United States during the Stars of the Open at Fan Week as part of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

Osaka during her title run. The Pinay lefty ace then cruised to the fourth round of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto before making the third round of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open. Eala also competed in the US Open mixed doubles alongside ATP world No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime, falling to the husband-and-wife duo of Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the opening round. Eala wrapped up her preparations with an exhibition match against American No. 14 Iva Jovic in the “Stars of the Open” event before a packed crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Stoiana, for her part, will be eager to make a strong impression in her Grand Slam main-draw debut after surviving three rounds of qualifying. The 23-year-old American began her qualifying campaign with a 6-4, 6-3 sweep over France’s Harmony Tan, then edged out Britain’s Katie Swan, 6(5)-7, 6-3, 6-3, and China’s Yue Yuan, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, to earn her main draw spot. Stoiana has also enjoyed an impressive season, climbing from No. 223 in the world at the start of the year to a career-best No. 122.

Emotional Federer inducted into tennis Hall of Fame NEW YORK—A tearful Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, describing his formal entrance into the sport’s pantheon as one of the “greatest honors of my life.” The 45-year-old 20-time Grand Slam singles champion was frequently overcome with emotion as he addressed a crowd bristling with tennis royalty at a ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island. The Swiss legend, who retired from tennis in 2022, paid tribute to the opponents, officials, fans, family and friends who had shared his career during a lengthy address that unfolded as a love letter to the sport. “This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Federer said. “They call this the Hall of Fame, but fame was never the goal. “My goal was to spend my life doing something I love... with people who I love it as much as I do.” In a light-hearted preamble, the eight-time Wimbledon champion totted up his career in some of his lesserknown statistical milestones. “Not the obvious stats like the number of majors or number of weeks at number one,” Federer said. “I’m

Swiss former tennis player Roger Federer accepts his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island. AFP

talking about the numbers that really paint a picture. Between 1998 and when I first went on the ATP tour, and when I retired in 2022, I wore more than 5,000 headbands. That’s more than (Bjorn) Borg and (John) McEnroe combined.

“And if you think that’s impressive, I wore probably over 7000 pairs of socks. That’s probably twice as many as most of my opponents, because I doubled them up. “But really, there’s no way to measure what it means to be here.

It’s hard to put it into words,” Federer said, reflecting on his journey from being a 13-year-old ballboy at an ATP tournament in Basel to the pinnacle of tennis. “I really want to thank every ball kid who ever stood through my matches or all our matches, for that matter, for hours on end,” Federer said. “I see you. I thank you. I was you.” Federer had to wipe away tears as he name-checked his idol Stefan Edberg, other tennis stars, family and support staff who had inspired him throughout his career. “I need tissues and sunglasses and everything to protect me right now,” he joked. “This is such a mess.” “It’s been an incredible journey,” Federer said. “For me, the International Tennis Hall of Fame provides a great opportunity to look back, but also to look ahead,” he added. “As you can tell, I’m still writing my love letter to tennis. My time as a player is done, but tennis will always stand at the intersection of everything I care most about: my family, our friendships, the past 40 years, the future we’re building. Tennis for me is responsible for it all.” AFP

Philippine Futsal’s future breaks new ground in San Juan SAN Juan City, long known for its compact urban landscape, has found a new way to embrace the beautiful game. Without the luxury of sprawling football pitches, the city is turning its wooden indoor gymnasiums spread across the barangays into fertile ground for futsal, or indoor football. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City Government of San Juan and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) formally launched the city’s first-ever Futsal Developmental Program, opening doors for thousands of young San Juaneños to discover and develop their potential in the sport. Leading the ceremony were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez, who together turned over futsal goals and balls to jumpstart the grassroots initiative. The PSC donated 20 sets of goals and 120 futsal balls, ensuring that all 21 barangays of San Juan will benefit from the program. ``This is what we want: LGUs collaborating with PSC and the NSA. Stronger partnerships mean stronger programs.

Leading the ceremony were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (right), PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio (center) and PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez.

Kung tumataya ang PSC, gusto namin tumaya din ang LGU. Mas stronger ang collaboration kapag ganyan ang usapan,” said chairman Gregorio. `` My vision is to establish dedicated sports clubs for every sport, in close

collaboration with local government units and the Department of Education,’’ added Gregorio. The launch drew 125 kids who participated in clinics and friendly competitions, guided by Rafa Merino Rodri-

guez, Head Coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team. “We don’t have land for football fields, but we have plenty of wooden basketball courts spread across 17 barangays. With the help of the PSC and PFF, we can now transform these spaces into futsal venues,’’ said Mayor Zamora, emphasizing the city’s unique advantage. ``This is our first futsal program, and we are excited for the youth and even adults who love football,” added Zamora. This milestone comes on the heels of the Philippines’ successful hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last November, an event that earned the PFF dual honors at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards: National Sports Association of the Year and International Event of the Year. “This is the pilot program to make futsal popular and get more kids to play the beautiful game. Thanks to Mayor Francis for embracing this initiative, and to Chairman Pato of PSC for making it possible. We hope other cities will follow San Juan’s lead,” said Gutierrez.

BUSINESS

Softer August inflation seen By Thony Rose Lesaca

NFLATION rate is expected to moderate in August 2026, but will likely remain above target on higher oil prices and monsoonrelated supply disruptions, economists said over the weekend. Inflation eased to 6.2 percent in July from 6.4 percent in June amid slower price growth in transport and education services. Core inflation also eased to 4.2 percent from 4.4 percent in the previous month. Four of six economists pegged August inflation at 6.1 percent, citing price pressures from selected food items, domestic fuel costs and peso depreciation. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the major catalysts for inflation include the consecutive rains that happened from late July to early August, which likely led to some

agricultural damage and temporary supply chain disruptions that may have pushed food costs and the prices of other basic goods higher. Ricafort said the other factors include higher domestic fuel prices amid an elusive US-Iran deal as well as the peso’s decline to a new record low that could lead to increased import costs. Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said rice remained the main source of price pressures in August. He noted that monsoon-related supply disruptions, higher oil prices and peso depreciation likely provided

additional inflationary pressures during the month. “Looking ahead, food supply conditions, energy prices, and exchange rate movements remain the key risks to the inflation outlook,” Asuncion said in a Viber message. Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said selected food items such as vegetables and fish, and pump prices likely kept the consumer price index near 6 percent. “This should explain why [the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] had to hike on Aug. 27 even if growth remains a serious concern. Inflation will likely remain a challenge for the rest of the year and BSP may have to keep its tightening bias,” Neri said. Meanwhile, Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas said the potential moderation to 6.1 percent is a welcome development, which suggests that earlier monetary tightening and improving supply conditions are gradually gaining traction.

DA updates El Niño plans 4 economists’ forecast to ensure food security 6.2%

6.1%

Actual inflation in July

6.4%

Actual inflation in June

DOTr fast-tracks airport upgrades to cut airfares By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking the expansion and upgrade of major airports nationwide to accommodate larger aircraft, increase passenger capacity and help bring down airfares. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the department is prioritizing runway extensions, particularly at airports where longer runways would allow airlines to operate larger aircraft capable of carrying more passengers. “As a matter of policy, for our new airports, we have set a minimum runway length of 2,100 meters. This ensures the runway is ready to handle large aircraft. After all, larger aircraft generally lead to lower airfares,” Lopez said. One of the projects nearing completion is the expansion of Busuanga Airport in Coron, Palawan, a key gateway to one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. The DOTr is targeting completion of its 2,100-meter runway by the first quarter of 2027. The airport’s passenger terminal is also set for a major expansion. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) deputy director-general Danjun Lucas said the new terminal will increase seating capacity from 300 to 1,500 passengers. Lopez has directed the CAAP to construct a modular passenger terminal building next year, which officials said would provide a faster and more cost-effective way of expanding airport capacity. “We are utilizing a new innovation here—what we call a modular terminal building. It is modular in terms of construction, yet well-built, durable, environmentally friendly, more costeffective and, indeed, easier to construct,” Lucas said.

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) led by Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, meets on Aug. 26, 2026 to review and discuss proposed projects submitted by various government agencies. One of them is a proposed project by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aimed at strengthening the capabilities of technical-vocational graduates, making it easier for them to find jobs and giving them broader access to quality training.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered its agencies to continuously update their El Niño response plans as new weather, crop, water and market data become available, following a warning from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that the weather phenomenon could add to inflationary pressures. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the directive aims to limit the impact of drought on food security, supply and prices as global rice markets remain vulnerable to weather disruptions and trade restrictions. “The lessons we learned from the powerful El Niño episode that ended in mid-2024 should help us respond better to the climate challenge we now face,” Tiu Laurel said. He said the DA is pursuing both immediate assistance for affected producers and preemptive measures to secure food supplies before weather disruptions result in shortages and higher prices. The BSP raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points Thursday as a preemptive measure against persistent inflation and left the door open to further monetary action should price pressures continue. The previous El Niño episode showed how weather shocks and trade restrictions can quickly drive up rice prices. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said its all rice price index rose 21 percent in 2023 amid concerns over El Niño’s impact on production and India’s export curbs, including its July 2023 ban on non-basmati white rice. The DA said a new drought could squeeze domestic supplies as global rice markets remain vulnerable to weather shocks and trade disruptions.

DOE readies coal transition policy involving 5,000 MW of new capacity By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) is set to release a coal transition policy covering 3,000 to 5,000 megawatts of capacity from coal power plants that are exempt from the coal moratorium but have yet to be built, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said. “There’s a coal transition policy that’s set to be released. Because you see, our coal plants being damaged, then derated, they can’t be 100 percent. So because of that, we need to build those that are not covered by the moratorium,” said Guevara. Guevara said the plants are exempt from the coal moratorium imposed in December 2020 but have not moved forward with construction. “They are not covered, but they are not building. Some are obedient— they have started to build—but others have not yet,” she said.

PH prepares for exit from DCTS scheme

THE Philippines is preparing for its eventual exit from the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) by pursuing additional free trade agreements and diversifying export markets, a trade official said. Under DCTS policy, a country graduates from the scheme only after the World Bank classifies it as an upper-middle-income country for three consecutive years. Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTIEMB) director Bianca Sykimte said negotiating more free trade agreements will help prepare exporters for the eventual withdrawal of DCTS preferences. “Part of the strategy is, again, to negotiate FTAs with our trading partners,” Sykimte said. Sykimte said market diversification will also remain a priority, noting that more than 60 percent of Philippine exports go to markets where the country already enjoys preferential access through free trade agreements and other trade arrangements. The DTI is also working with the UK government to improve how Philippine exporters use the DCTS while the preferences remain available. Sykimte said Philippine and UK officials are discussing the scheme’s utilization and identifying sectors where exporters are making limited use of available trade preferences. Othel V. Campos

Annual housing output lags target A PROPERTY developers’ group is pushing Congress to overhaul the country’s balanced housing requirement, adding that the two-decade-old policy has failed to ease a widening housing backlog as annual production falls behind government targets. Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. president Noel Cariño said the industry wants lawmakers to amend Section 18 of the Balanced Housing Development Program under Republic Act No. 10884 and replace it with what he called a more responsive, realistic and progressive mechanism. “We don’t want it erased. We want it replaced for a better provision in Section 18,” Cariño said. The balanced housing requirement obliges developers of certain resi-

Guevara said the DOE has conducted consultations with the industry on the coal transition plan, which delayed the policy’s issuance from its original June target. “Basically, we have to fulfill our NDCs [nationally determined contributions]. We have to fulfill our RE [renewable energy] targets. But at the same time, over and above is energy security. At the end of the day, we cannot have brownouts,” said Guevara. “The most [severe] penalty is termination of contract because you did not build based on your contract,” Guevara said. Guevara said the coal power plants will now be required to submit a work plan. The DOE previously announced that the country’s coal moratorium policy remains in effect and will not be lifted, despite calls to allow the development of new coal-fired power plants.

IN BRIEF dential projects to contribute to socialized housing, either by building units themselves or through other compliance options. Cariño said the policy has failed to produce enough homes despite being in place for years, even as the country’s housing shortage continues to widen. “Our backlog is scary. All the programs related to the balanced housing, Section 18, are not working. It’s a failure,” he said. Housing production this year is expected to remain below 200,000 units, less than half the government’s annual target of 500,000 units, according to Cariño. The government had initially aimed for 1 million housing starts a year before lowering that target. Othel V. Campos

Globe Telecom ramps up 5G expansion

GLOBE Telecom Inc. is accelerating its 5G network expansion nationwide as the Ayala-led telco ramps up infrastructure spending to meet rising demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity. Globe invested P26.3 billion in capital expenditures in the first half of 2026, up 39 percent from the same period last year. About 91 percent of the company’s total capital expenditures during the period went to data-related investments, aimed at expanding network capacity, improving service quality and supporting the country’s growing appetite for mobile and digital services. Outdoor 5G population coverage has surpassed 98 percent across Metro Manila and key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, Globe said, extending next-generation mobile connectivity to a broader share of the population. The company has also expanded its 5G footprint beyond major urban centers, reaching at least 80 percent population coverage in non-key cities nationwide. The broader rollout is designed to extend access to faster and more capable mobile networks as data consumption continues to grow outside the country’s largest metropolitan areas. Globe Telecom president and chief executive Carl Cruz said the investments go beyond capacity building. “Globe’s continued investments in network infrastructure are about more than expanding capacity, they are about delivering a better everyday experience for our customers and ensuring that more Filipinos can benefit from reliable, high-quality connectivity,” Cruz said. Darwin G. Amojelar

CAMSUR UPTOWN. Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (standing, second from left), Rep. Luigi Villafuerte, Anthony Horibata, Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, Miguel Villafuerte and other guests make a flash Camsur sign during the launching of Camsur Uptown at the Shangri La Hotel, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Aug. 28, 2026. A 200-hectare master-planned smart global city rising in Pili, the project is envisioned to promote sustainable growth, investment, tourism and economic opportunities in the province. Joseph Muego

Gov’t secures Roblox pledges to strengthen child safety online THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the Philippines has secured a series of commitments from Roblox aimed at strengthening child safety online, including enhanced age verification measures, faster cooperation with law enforcement and improved detection of harmful content. The measures will give authorities more direct channels for verification, investigations and coordination when addressing online harms involving Filipino users, the DICT said. It said the government and Roblox will also explore convening an industry roundtable with stakeholders to identify additional measures and best practices for protecting children online. Roblox officials cited the company’s growing presence in the Philippines, where it already employs around 300 Filipinos. The company expressed optimism about expanding its Philippine workforce further as it continues to grow its operations in the region.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the commitments represent an important step toward improving platform accountability and government response capabilities but emphasized that online child protection requires sustained cooperation across the digital ecosystem. “These are concrete commitments. Now, the focus is on implementation,” Aguda said. He said the government’s engagement with digital platforms will continue beyond Roblox. “We are taking a platform-byplatform approach. Roblox is one step. We are also looking at other platforms where children and young people spend their time online,” Aguda said. The DICT is expected to engage Discord next as part of the government’s broader child online safety initiative. The move follows growing concerns globally regarding online grooming, harmful content and the use of private digital communities by individuals seeking to exploit minors. Darwin G. Amojelar

BUSINESS

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks seen trading sideways with upward bias this week

BDO’S AWARD.

BDO Unibank’s BDO Kabayan Facebook page wins an award of merit in the social media category at the Philippine Quill Awards for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes its campaign, ‘Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs’ which provides financial guidance and keeps overseas Filipinos connected to their families back home.

SHARE prices are expected to trade sideways with an upward bias during the shortened trading week on possible bargain hunting following last week’s steep decline. Still, analysts expect any market uptick to be limited as investors remain cautious.

AUB shareholders approve capital increase to P72.5b By Jenniffer B. Austria

Philstocks Financial Inc. said the market remains in bearish territory after the benchmark index fell below the 6,000 support level. However, with the market reaching oversold levels, Philstocks said a brief rebound is possible before another round of downward movement. “This week, we may see a technical bounce driven by bargain hunting,” Philstocks said. “The medium-term outlook is still bearish, however, given the weakening economic outlook.” Last week, the index recorded its steepest weekly drop of the year as confidence in the Philippine economy weakened following growth forecast downgrades, policy tightening by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and a weakening peso. “At its closing last week, the local market stood at a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.6x, below the last fiveyear average of 14.4x and the regional average of 16.2x,” Philstocks said. “This implies that the bourse is at bargain levels, setting it up for a possible bounce in the short run.” The BSP raised its key policy rate by another 25 basis points last week to curb stubborn inflation. However, higher borrowing costs could further temper domestic economic growth, which slowed to 2.3 percent in the second quarter. The peso also slid to a record low, breaching 62 against the US dollar. “Taking all of these into consideration, investors are advised to remain cautious,” Philstocks said.

HAREHOLDERS of Asia United Bank Corp. approved a 393 percent increase in the bank’s authorized capital stock to P72.5 billion from P14.7 billion to strengthen its balance sheet and support longterm expansion.

During a special stockholders meeting Friday, shareholders also approved a proposed 100 percent stock dividend. The record and payment dates for the stock dividend will be determined and announced after the bank secures

required regulatory approvals. The capital increase comes as AUB continues to post growth in earnings and lending. The bank reported a net income of P6.19 billion in the first half of 2026.

Operating income rose 10.1 percent year-over-year to P12.32 billion, while net interest income increased 14.9 percent to P10.11 billion. Loans and receivables grew 10 percent to P281 billion. “The approval of our capital expansion marks a pivotal moment for AUB,” AUB chairman Abraham Co said. “Supported by our strong financial results, low cost of funds, and robust asset quality, we are laying the groundwork for sustained, long-term profitability.” The higher authorized capital will

give AUB greater capacity to support organic expansion—including its commercial and consumer lending businesses—as well as investments in its digital platforms. These include HelloMoney, the bank’s e-wallet, and AUB PayMate, its cross-border payment system. AUB president Manuel Gomez said the bank is also expanding its digital ecosystem to capture new growth opportunities while maintaining a focus on sustainable profitability. Shares of AUB closed 1.2 percent higher last week at P50.60.

M&T Consultants wins WOMANi award

London-based Cambridge IFA presents the Philippines’ M&T Consultants with the international WOMANi Award, an honor celebrating women leaders in Islamic finance and the halal economy. Co-founders Mohammad Zidni Marohombsar and Hamodi Lao Tiboron are joined by Philippine vice consul to Kuala Lumpur Patricia Anne Laggui and Embassy attaché Clarissa Marie Villamor during the ceremony. Nash Maulana

By Nash B. Maulana LONDON-BASED intelligence house Cambridge IFA presented Philippine consultancy firm M&T Consultants, Islamic Co. with the international WOMANi Award, an honor celebrating women leaders in Islamic finance and the halal economy. M&T Consultants is a Philippinebased advisory and capacity development firm specializing in Islamic finance. Cambridge IFA evaluates business data, macroeconomic indicators, and market trends across the global financial services industry. The WOMANi Award is part of a global program established by Cambridge IFA to recognize women leaders in Islamic business and finance. M&T Consultants co-founders Mohammad Zidni Marohombsar and

Hamodi Lao Tiboron attended the ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside Philippine Vice Consul Patricia Anne Laggui and Embassy Attaché Clarissa Marie Villamor. The firm said the diplomatic presence demonstrated strong support as M&T works to advance Islamic finance, women’s economic participation, and inclusive development in the Philippines. During the event, Cambridge IFA released its official WOMANi Report, which lists the 500 most influential women in Islamic business, finance, and the halal economy. Among those featured is Arifa A. Ala of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, who was previously recognized as a WOMANi Five-Star Alumni and Influencer. Her inclusion highlights Philippine leadership in financial inclusion and Islamic banking.

Still, you answered the call small in stature but immense in conviction, calls out those who failed to answer when they were needed. The force of that moment is not only in the words, but in the principle behind them: when the need was clear, who stood up? That scene sends chills because it speaks to something larger than fiction. It reminds us that membership in a house, a team, a department, or an organization is not merely transactional. It is not solely about receiving a paycheck, occupying a title, or staying safely within the boundaries of a written job description. It is also about the covenant we quietly entered when we joined. When we chose to send our resumes or CVs to an organization, we presented Career Opportunity at SKYWORTH (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Job Description not only our skills, but also our (1 Vacancy) + Develop and carry out plans and strategies for the company. willingness to contribute. We + Help the company achieve its goals and Name of foreign nationals objectives. offered our ability, judgment, intending to apply for the + Assist with overseeing daily operations and position: prioritizing agendas to boost output. discipline, and motivation to Name: GUANG, Zhiwei Qualification Address: Makati City + Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in any related add value to something larger Nationality: Chinese PROC field. Intended period of + At least 2 years of experience in the related field. than ourselves. We joined employment: 2 years + Professional proficiency in any foreign language other than English because we believed, at least in ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR Job Description some way, that we could help + Assist the Financial Director with financial policies (1 Vacancy) and strategies. + Manage daily finance operations and records. the organization move forward. Name of foreign nationals + Identify, manage, and prevent potential financial intending to apply for the risks. This is why it can be position: Qualification Name: ZHANG, Kemeng + Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in any related disheartening when, after some Address: Makati City field. Nationality: Chinese PROC + At least 2 years of experience in the related field. time, the response to a new task Intended period of + Professional proficiency in any foreign language employment: 2 years other than English becomes, “This was not part of SKYWORTH (PHILIPPINES) CORP. the deal,” or “This is not what Unit 2302 Antel 2000 Corporate Application may be sent to: Center, #121 Valero Street, Ellen Joy Laurian I signed up for.” To be fair, Salcedo Village, Makati 0917-534-8502 / ellen.skyworth@yahoo.com Trading/ Wholesaling hesitation is understandable. SKYWORTH (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for the There are responsibilities we position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment – Central do not expect. There are roles Office located at Muralla Wing, cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Central Office. for which we feel unprepared. Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able, and willing to perform the services for which There are tasks that seem far the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection at the Department of Labor and Employment – Central Office located at Muralla Wing, cor. General Luna St., from our training, comfort Intramuros, Manila, after this publication Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – Central Office if you have any zone, or interest. It is normal to information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

TODAY, I would like to recognize the individuals who accept the challenges placed before Manila them, even when the resources are limited, the Standard TODAY knowledge is incomplete, or the interest is not immediately there. I salute those who choose to serve when the organization needs them. I know it can be overwhelming. It can be anxiety laden. It can even be confusing. At some point, one may quietly ask, “How did I end up here?” Yet one thing remains clear: they did not refuse the call. There is a scene from Game of Thrones that has always stayed with me. Lady Mormont,

—“—

Regardless of how difficult the task may be, you will come out of it with new experiences, knowledge, and competencies that can contribute to your own growth. feel uncertain when unfamiliar work is placed before us. It is also reasonable to ask for clarity, support, time, and guidance. But perhaps we must also remember that organizations do not operate in ideal conditions. Resources are not always abundant. People are not always available. Needs do not always appear neatly within existing structures. In a volatile and demanding environment, managers are often required to reassess, reorganize, and reallocate available resources so that the organization can continue to deliver value. This may mean that people are asked to take on new assignments. It may mean stepping into roles that were not originally imagined. It may mean learning while doing, contributing while uncertain, and serving even when the path is not entirely clear. This is not an argument for overwork, nor is it a defense of poor planning. Organizations must still provide reasonable support, fair expectations, and proper recognition. People should not be made to carry burdens endlessly simply because they are willing. Service should not be confused with exploitation. But there is also dignity in rising to the occasion.

There is value in saying yes when the CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK organization genuinely needs help. There is maturity in understanding that our professional worth is not limited to what we already know how to do but also includes what we are willing to learn for the good of the whole. Perhaps this is one of the quieter measures of organizational commitment: not blind obedience, not martyrdom, and not the erasure of personal boundaries, but the willingness to ask, “How can I help?” when the need is real. So, to those who accepted tasks they did not expect, roles they did not initially seek, and responsibilities that stretched their patience and confidence, this is for you. You may be in the midst of anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion. Know that your contribution is valued. Regardless of how difficult the task may be, you will come out of it with new experiences, knowledge, and competencies that can contribute to your own growth. This salute is for you. Know that you are valued, and that your contribution, even when not loudly recognized, will ultimately be felt. You may have been anxious. You may have doubted yourself. You may have wondered why the responsibility found its way to your desk. But still, you answered. And that matters. Dr. Miguel Paolo L. Paredes, a 2024 National Academy of Science & Technology awardee, specializes in creativity, design, advertising, sustainable consumption, and business. He is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing & Advertising at De La Salle University’s Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business.

REAL ESTATE

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor

DMCI Homes bets on leisure, MICE with San Juan resort

AN JUAN, Batangas is gaining ground as a leisure and meetings destination, and property developer DMCI Homes is positioning its upcoming Solmera Beach Park Resort to capture the growing demand.

Set to open in February 2027, the beach park resort will combine accommodations, recreation, dining and events facilities within DMCI Homes’ 7.5-hectare Solmera Coast beachfront estate. The project is designed to cater to both leisure travelers and organized groups, supporting the municipality’s emerging meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market. The resort is part of DMCI Homes’ broader push into the leisure and hospitality business, extending its experience in resort-inspired residential developments into full-scale destinations. The company has established DMCI Hospitality and Leisure Inc., operating under the DMCI Resorts brand, to manage its leisure properties. For San Juan, the development comes as the province benefits from its coastal attractions and accessibility from Metro Manila. Beach getaway Solmera Beach Park Resort is being designed around the idea of bringing leisure and business events together. Its convention facilities will include a main function hall, complemented by a veranda and additional venues in the Kartika and Bumi buildings. Roof deck venues, landscaped lawns and open-air spaces will provide more options for meetings, receptions and social gatherings. The resort will also offer studio units and oneand two-bedroom suites for individuals, families and groups. A pool complex spanning more than 4,000 square meters will include a lap pool, kiddie pool and pool pavilion. Guests will also have access to elevated amenities at the Matahari Building. Dining will form another part of the development, with an all-day restaurant, specialty restaurant, roof deck restaurant, lobby bar, snack bar and food kiosks planned across the property. Spa and wellness facilities will also be available.

Beyond leisure, the resort is designed to accommodate a range of gatherings, from corporate functions and conferences to training programs and celebrations. Hospitality business The San Juan project also serves as the starting point for DMCI Homes’ new hospitality arm. DMCI Resorts will operate the hotel and resort components of properties under the DMCI Homes Leisure Residences brand, allowing the developer to build dedicated expertise in hospitality operations alongside its established residential development business. DMCI Homes president Alfredo Austria said the company’s immediate priority was to establish the systems and personnel needed to deliver consistent service across its leisure developments. The company is tapping experienced hospitality professionals to handle day-to-day operations and build service standards for the new business. Aside from Solmera Beach Park Resort, DMCI Homes is also developing Moncello Crest, an eco-agri resort condotel in Tuba, Benguet, while another nature park project is planned in Calamba, Laguna. Austria said the company’s expansion into leisure represents an extension of its resortinspired approach—this time moving from creating residential communities with vacationstyle amenities to operating destinations where hospitality, recreation and events form the core offering. At Solmera Beach Park Resort, the goal is to make the property more than a weekend beach destination: a place where families can spend time together, companies can hold events, and local businesses can benefit from a growing flow of visitors. Jenniffer B. Austria

Aboitiz expands industry-led education at LIMA Estate ABOITIZ Economic Estates is incorporating industry-based learning into LIMA Estate to build a pipeline of future employees for companies operating within the estate. Through the planned Batangas State University–LIMA Campus, students will gain exposure to industry needs and workplace practices, helping prepare them for careers in the manufacturing and technology sectors.

The interim campus welcomed nearly 800 first-year engineering students and marks the first operational phase of the planned 10-hectare Batangas State University–LIMA Campus. The campus is envisioned as the Philippines’ first learning hub for industry-based learning, bringing engineering education closer to companies and their workforce requirements. The model allows industry to participate in preparing future engineers through curriculum alignment, professional placements and skills development. This gives students greater exposure to the technologies, skills and workplace practices they are likely to encounter after graduation.

Cebu’s hablon heritage inspires CLI’s latest condo project

Alto Ranudo

CEBU’S hablon weaving heritage is finding its way into modern residential design through Cebu Landmasters Inc.’s (CLI) newest residential development in Cebu City. Located along V. Ranudo Street, the 20-story Alto Ranudo will have 389 studio and one-bedroom units, as well as commercial spaces and amenities. CLI drew from the textures, layers and patterns of hablon weaving in designing the building’s facade. These elements are reflected in its breathable facade treatments, curved ledges and patterned panels. Alto Ranudo will rise beside Calle 104, CLI’s sold-out development built around the adaptive reuse of the Garcia-Escaño Mansion. Residents will have pedestrian access to the development’s retail strip, while hospitals, schools, shopping centers and other key destinations are nearby. “Alto Ranudo is our take on how Cebu’s heritage can live on in a modern setting,” CLI president and chief executive Jose Franco Soberano said. “As we design a residence that feels distinctly Cebuano while responding to how people want to live in the city today, we remain focused on developments that cater to local preferences and create lasting value for our customers and shareholders,” he added. The project will have a fitness gym, adult and children’s pools, yoga area, zen garden, co-working space, lounges and function rooms. It will also have play areas for children and pets. Podium parking, four passenger elevators, full backup power, 24hour security and CLI property management services are also planned. The project also marks the start of CLI’s second-half residential launch pipeline. Alto Ranudo is the first of 11 projects that the developer plans to launch in the coming months, with more than 5,600 units and an estimated P25 billion in sales value across key markets in the Visayas and Mindanao. The new launches will replenish CLI’s residential inventory after the company recorded a 95-percent sell-out rate across its residential portfolio. “Strong take-up across our portfolio gives us confidence to bring fresh inventory into markets where we continue to see genuine housing demand,” Soberano said. Alto Ranudo is the first residential project under CLIMAC Ventures Inc., CLI’s joint venture with Martinez Agricultural Corp.

For Aboitiz Economic Estates, the campus is part of Talent Edge, its workforce capability framework covering academe, workforce, upskilling and engagement. “Industrial competitiveness increasingly depends not only on infrastructure and investment capacity, but on whether companies can access the skills they need as technologies and production requirements evolve,” Aboitiz Economic Estates and Aboitiz Land president and chief executive Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa said. “The Batangas State University–LIMA Campus is one way we are responding to that challenge by bringing education closer to industry and building a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline for the businesses and communities growing alongside LIMA Estate,” he added. Located in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, LIMA Estate is a 1,100-hectare PEZA-registered special economic zone hosting more than 200 companies and about 75,000 workers. Its concentration of manufacturing and business activity provides students with opportunities to learn more about industrial operations, technologies, workplace practices and career opportunities. Batangas State University president Tirso A. Ronquillo said the campus would give engineering students an environment where they can develop practical skills and understand professional expectations.

LIFE

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

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

Nakiki-‘Fiesta In America’

FEW months ago, a Mercury Rising friend told me Bob Zozobrado about “Fiesta In America” (FIA), which is advertised as the biggest indoor Filipino cultural and business event on the US East Coast. Seeing it as an opportunity to promote my agency’s (Philippine Retirement Authority) retirement visa to attendees who might be thinking of spending the rest of their golden years here in our country, I immediately did thorough research on the event.

When what I read showed the event as Pete de la Fuente represented Consul Genhaving a lot of potential, I immediately eral Senen Mangalile. booked our participation. Department of Tourism attaché and Fiesta In America, conceptualized director Junjun Jorda-Apo was also and managed by US-based Filipino PR present and delivered her congratulatory wiz Fernando “Nanding” Mendez, has message during the opening ceremony. booths showcasing Filipino products and So was Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer services, food stalls, family activities, and Adan T. Olaso, who traveled halfway travel deals. across the world, together with his tourThe venue is the American Dream Mall in ism team, to promote the city through an East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 29-yearinteresting PowerPoint presentation. He old event’s live music, dance numbers, and even regaled the audience with a lively performances by show business celebrities and energetic song number, just like a add to its attraction typical rock artist! for the thousands Of course, I also YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE who visit the venue. had the chance on In fact, what got me stage to tell the A good wife always forgives her convinced to take crowd about the benhusband when SHE’S wrong. part in this event is efits of our country’s – Barack Obama its registered foot retirement visa and traffic, which reachits interesting intricaes up to 60,000+ every day. cies. In fact, right after my talk, hundreds of During the opening ceremony, governFilAms and Americans married to Filipinos ment leaders from New Jersey joined Filipitrooped to our booth, which was positioned no diplomatic and tourism officials in welright beside the stage for maximum expocoming the humongous crowd. Jersey City sure. They inquired about the possibilities councilman-at-large Rolando Lavarro Jr. and practicalities of making the Philippines presented a congratulatory Proclamation to their retirement home and were pleased to FIA president and CEO Mendez. Bergenknow how easy the application process for field, New Jersey Mayor Arvin Amatorio’s our SRRV (Special Resident Retirees Visa) congratulatory message was delivered by is. In fact, it is this ease in the application his representative. Philippine Vice-Consul process that won for our country the recog-

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon were (from left) FIA President Nanding Mendez, Mary Joy Olaso, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, the author, and Philippine Vice-Consul Pete de la Fuente

International travelers increasingly rely on mobile connectivity for navigation, bookings, communication and other essentials throughout their trips. (AI-generated image)

Travelers can now roam all year without the usual roaming scramble SMART Communications Inc. has introduced ROAM+, an annual roaming wallet for Smart Infinity members that provides international mobile data for use across multiple trips within a 365-day period. Under ROAM+, members receive between 6GB and 40GB of international roaming data, depending on their Infinity Plan. The allocation is credited at the start of the contract year and can be used on overseas trips without securing a separate roaming package for each journey. Members retain their primary Smart number, receive roaming charges through one bill, and can check their remaining ROAM+ data through the Smart App. Infinity Plan 3500 comes with 6GB of roaming data, while Infinity Plan 5000 includes 20GB. Infinity Plan 8000 offers 30GB, and Infinity Plan 9500 comes with 40GB. ROAM+ is available alongside other Infinity benefits, including Worldwide

Concierge Services, airport lounge access, access to the Infinity Collection, dedicated Relationship Manager support, and priority assistance at Smart Stores. “Connectivity is the one thing you shouldn’t have to think about while traveling. With ROAM+, Infinity Plans just got better, giving our members added convenience and a more seamless connectivity experience that is ready before the journey, throughout the trip, and for the next one,” said Tina Montinola, head of Smart Infinity. Lloyd R. Manaloto, first vice president and OIC of Smart, described ROAM+ as a move from trip-based roaming arrangements to an annual allocation that can be used whenever needed. International mobile connectivity allows travelers to use maps, access travel information, book accommodations and transportation, translate languages, and stay in touch while overseas.

The elegant Terno is made of recycled materials and was part of San Diegobased designer Elsie Clavin’s creative Eco-Couture Collection

Tourism attaché and director Junjun Jorda-Apo (2nd from right) joins the PRA booth

nition of being the Number One Retirement Destination in the World, as proclaimed by the London-based Expat Retirement Index. Fashion provided another visual high point during the event. San Diego-based designer Elsie Borreros Clavin presented her imaginative Eco-Couture Collection, transforming recycled materials into striking designs inspired by culture, nature, and movement. The fashion show was among the event’s standout attractions, demonstrating how Filipino creativity can be playful, resourceful, and theatrical at the same time. It was also nice to see children having their own little corner where they could immerse themselves in Filipino arts and crafts, giving them a hands-on way to engage with Filipino culture, while their parents were busy exploring the exhibits and stage performances. The familyfriendly space added another dimension to

the weekend by making cultural participation something children could create and experience for themselves. Of course, the crowd went wild when ABS-CBN talent Sam Milby appeared on stage to perform several musical numbers. Shrieks were heard when he came down from the stage and sang much closer to his excited fans. It was a scene like any typical Filipino concert here in the country. There were many other singers, bands, dancers, and cultural groups throughout the weekend, creating a steady mix of songs and dances that Filipinos excel in. There was even a rondalla, some rap performers, and line dancing by some energetic members of the audience. Sunday at the Expo started with Holy Mass, followed by a Santacruzan participated in by Filipino matrons in their attractive long gowns, complete with an escort and a floral arch for each “Reyna.”

FIA President Nanding Mendez (right) was also the Hermano Mayor of the Santacruzan and is shown with a little ‘Reyna,’ a Vietnamese adopted by Filipino parents

Sam Milby performs for the Filipino-American crowd at the opening day of ‘Fiesta In America’

After all, no “Fiesta” in the Philippines can ever be complete without a “Reyna,” and this one had more than a dozen. A fitting finale to this landmark weekend event was the performance of Sounds Of Manila, a New Jersey-based group, longtime members of the Fiesta in America family, and advocates for Original Pilipino Music in the United States. Their “Manila Sound” songs got everybody in the audience singing along. And I could see some teary-eyed, probably longing for home and their loved ones in the Philippines. Looking at them, I could almost feel what they probably must have had in their hearts at that moment…the desire to be with family spelled out in the thought… “There’s no place like home!” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

‘Duol ra diay ang Palawan’ The Philippines’ last frontier takes tourism pitch to Cebu PALAWAN is taking its tourism game to Cebu this October, putting its beaches, resorts, and cultural treasures within reach of a major Visayas market. The Palawan World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2026 will run from Oct. 23 to 25 at Ayala Center Cebu, the first time in 11 years that the province is holding the event outside Metro Manila. Organized by the provincial government and the Palawan Tourism Council (PTC), the expo carries the theme “Beyond Paradise: Connecting Islands, Creating Opportunities.” Palawan recorded 2.13 million visitor arrivals in 2025, generating P65.51 billion in tourism receipts and visitor spending. Foreign travelers accounted for 48 percent of arrivals. “Tourism and agriculture are what keep this province running, so we have to keep bringing Palawan to where the market is,” Governor Amy Roa Alvarez said at a press conference. PTC president Rey Felix “Rix” Rafols

said the campaign also aims to introduce travelers to Palawan’s people, history, and cultural heritage. Mactan-Cebu International Airport handled 11.6 million passengers in 2025, while Central Visayas recorded about 6.9 million tourist arrivals. Cebu has direct flights to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Busuanga, the gateway to Coron. The campaign’s Cebuano tagline, “Duol ra diay ang Palawan,” means “Palawan is nearer than you think.” The expo will feature consumer sales, business meetings, and a tourism investment forum, with organizers targeting 8,000 visitors, 60 buyer companies, 250 business appointments, and P25 million in bookings. Palawan has also promoted its tourism offerings in South Korea, Germany, and other markets. The provincial government has hired a Manila-based company to develop a new brand campaign, expected to launch next year.

Puerto Princesa’s Underground River is one of Palawan’s best-known natural attractions and a key draw for travelers to the province

Palawan Gov. Amy Roa Alvarez highlights tourism growth and infrastructure plans as the province seeks to attract more travelers from Cebu and neighboring areas Alvarez said tourism infrastructure must keep pace with demand. The province is discussing with the Department of Transportation plans to extend the runway and build a new terminal in Coron, with completion expected in the second half of 2027. She also expects more flights into Palawan in November and December, giving travelers more options and potentially lowering travel costs.

PTC president Rey Felix ‘Rix’Rafols shares that the campaign also aims to introduce travelers to Palawan’s people, history, and cultural heritage

By Elena Christine Cancio

OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS: ECONOMIC HEROES

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

advertise@manilastandard.net

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

F THE ordinary Filipino is asked, they’d probably say that the country’s new upper-middle-income status will matter only if it leads to something more concrete: steadier income, better skills, stronger savings, and businesses that can survive beyond day-to-day pressure.

From growth to security: Building lasting gains for OFWs, Filipino families The Philippines’ move to uppermiddle-income economy status in July 2026 marks an important national milestone, but the more practical question is how that growth can reach households, returning overseas Filipino workers, local entrepreneurs, and workers still looking for more stable opportunities. That is where reintegration programs, savings platforms, skills training, and enterprise support come in. These programs do not define the milestone on their own, but they form part of the support system that can help turn economic growth into longterm security for Filipino families. Where overseas Filipino workers fit in The country’s overseas workforce sits closer to the center of the UMIC

story than the classification alone suggests. Government agencies already run programs meant to convert income earned abroad into longer-term stability rather than short-term spending. The Depar tment of Migrant Workers handles overseas employment, worker protection, recruitment, and reintegration, while OWWA’s reintegration program offers returning workers financial literacy training, skills training, and livelihood assistance, plus scholarships worth up to P60,000 a year for the dependents of OFWs. SSS extends coverage for sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral expenses, and involuntary unemployment to qualified OFWs, alongside a voluntary provident fund for retirement savings.

Pag-IBIG’s regular savings program and its five-year MP2 facility let members build savings and earn dividends, while the Fund separately offers housing and short-term loans, turning remittance income into assets rather than only covering immediate needs. Skills training is the other half. TESDA’s scholarship programs target priority industries and key employment generators, and in 2026 the agency launched an AI Readiness Training Program in prompting, data collection and annotation, and data analytics expected to benefit 3,273 learners nationwide from April to December 2026. The goal is to make sure income earned abroad contributes to something more durable than remittances alone.

Building the other half of the economy The same logic extends to small business. DTI’s Negosyo Centers serve as local access points for business registration, financing facilitation, trade promotion, and product development, while DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program helps small firms adopt technology to improve productivity, product quality, and competitiveness. For workers between jobs, DOLE’s TUPAD program offers temporary wage employment, alongside an Integrated Livelihood Program that provides livelihood assistance. None of these define UMIC status on their own, they’re the connective tissue meant to turn a national statistic into household-level stability.

A higher benchmark, not a destination None of these programs can single-handedly guarantee that every Filipino feels the benefits of a higher income classification. But together, they represent the scaffolding the World Bank says the next stage of development requires jobs that are not just many but also productive, and a workforce equipped for an economy that increasingly rewards specialized skills over routine labor. The World Bank ’s modeling suggests that comprehensive reforms could bring poverty down to 2.9 percent and grow the secure middle class to 55 percent of the population by 2040. UMIC status offers a stronger platform for that future. It is not, on its own, the future itself.

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OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS: ECONOMIC HEROES What does going upper-middle-income mean for Filipinos? By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

OR many Filipinos, the phrase “uppermiddle-income country” may sound like something meant for economists, investors, or government officials.

Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange empowers Filipinos to make better financial decisions FINANCIAL planning is no longer simply about saving, budgeting, a n d i nve s t i n g. A s Fi l i p i n o s increasingly earn, send, receive, and spend money across borders, understanding foreign exchange is becoming an important part of making smarter financial decisions. For Filipinos navigating these crossborder financial needs, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange provides access to foreign currencies and competitive exchange rates. This is particularly relevant to millions of Filipino families whose finances are connected to overseas work. The Department of Migrant Workers recorded 1.58 million overseas Filipino workers and seafarers deployed as of June 2025, underscoring the scale of Filipinos whose livelihoods extend beyond the country. For these families, managing money does not end when an OFW earns abroad. The value of that income can also depend on how it is converted into pesos and how much reaches the household. Changes in exchange rates can affect the amount received, making foreign exchange a practical consideration alongside saving, budgeting, and remittances. Being financially prepared means understanding not only how much money is coming in and going out, but also how its value can change between currencies. For OFWs and their families, knowing how exchange rates work and making informed decisions about when and where to convert currency can help them get more value from money they have worked hard to earn. “Financial empowerment means giving Filipinos the knowledge and the right financial solutions to make better decisions at every stage of their financial journey. As more Filipinos earn and transact across borders, foreign exchange should become part of the conversation around managing money because it directly affects the value of their money,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

It can be easy to wonder what a new classification has to do with everyday life, especially when families are still budgeting for groceries, tuition, rent, transportation, and other rising expenses. Yet the Philippines’ transition to uppermiddle-income country (UMIC) status is more than a change in an economic label. It is a reflection of how much the country’s economy has grown over the past decades, while also setting a higher bar for what Filipinos should expect from that growth. In July 2026, the World Bank classified the Philippines as an upper-middleincome economy after the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita reached approximately US$4,850, exceeding the US$4,636 threshold for the category. The achievement marked the Philippines’ move out of the lower-middle-income classification it had held for decades. The World Bank’s August 2026 Philippines Economic Update described the milestone as the result of sustained economic expansion and rising living standards, with the country recording average annual growth of 5.8 percent from 2021 to 2025. On to the next chapter Achieving an UMIC status can be understood as a marker of how far the Philippine economy has come and, perhaps more importantly, a sign of what it needs to do next. The country’s challenge is no longer simply to grow. It is to make that growth translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, greater productivity and more secure households. The World Bank has described UMIC status as a potential launchpad for the Philippines’ future, noting that the country can use the milestone to strengthen investor confidence, create productive jobs and move closer to becoming a predominantly middle-class society. Services are likely to remain important as the economy develops, particularly in areas such as information technology and

business process management, finance, logistics, retail, tourism, education, healthcare, and professional services. At the same time, higher-income status creates pressure to expand opportunities beyond relatively low-productivity work. It is one of the most important issues surrounding the country’s next stage of development. The World Bank’s 2025 Philippines Country Growth and Jobs Report found that three out of four jobs created over the previous period were in non-tradable sectors, meaning industries that are less exposed to international competition. The report also noted that export competitiveness had weakened and that technology adoption remained constrained by skills shortages. For Filipino workers, this means that the future of employment may increasingly depend not only on having a job, but on having the skills needed for jobs that generate greater value. A key player for the future Technology will be a major part of that transition. Artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and other digital technologies are changing how companies operate around the world. The Philippines, already known for its large services workforce, has an opportunity to move further up the value chain rather than relying primarily on labor-intensive services. This could mean greater demand for workers who can combine technical k nowledge with communication, problem-solving, and industry expertise. A finance professional who understands data analytics, a designer who can work with emerging digital tools, an engineer familiar with automation, or a healthcare worker capable of navigating digital health systems could find themselves better positioned in an economy that increasingly rewards specialized skills.

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

Overseas work as a long-term opportunity For overseas Filipino workers, the DMW is important to that equation. The agency provides services connected to overseas employment, worker protection, recruitment, and reintegration. Its PreEmployment and Government Placement Bureau also provides information on government-to-government vacancies, the Korea Employment Permit System, and job opportunities abroad. OWWA’s reintegration program is designed to help returning workers transition back into Philippine society and make better use of the economic gains from overseas employment. Its services include financial literacy, skills training, and livelihood assistance. OWWA also supports the education of OFW dependents. Its Education for Development Scholarship Program, for example, can provide qualified scholars with up to P60,000 per school year for a four- or five-year baccalaureate course. These programs matter because overseas employment can become more than a source of remittances. With education, training, and reintegration support, the income and experience gained abroad can contribute to a family’s longer-term financial stability and productivity. Protecting workers inside the country Meanwhile, for Filipino workers, the SSS provides financial protection. Its benefits cover sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral expenses, and

LEXUS MA Turning the Philippines’ UMIC status into opportunities

Making those decisions is not always straightforward. Exchange rates move, currency needs differ, and the right choice can depend on whether money is being sent home, set aside for a trip, or used for an international transaction. This is where a trusted foreign exchange provider can make a difference. As Xchange Xperts, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange offers access to foreign currencies, competitive exchange rates, and a nationwide network, making foreign exchange more accessible to Filipinos looking to make informed decisions about their money. Adding to this convenience is Click & Collect, which allows customers to reserve their preferred foreign currency online and pick it up at a selected Cebuana Lhuillier branch. The service combines digital convenience with in-branch access, helping customers prepare their currency needs in advance. The need extends beyond remittances. Filipinos traveling overseas also need to consider how much to convert, when to exchange pesos, and how currency movements can affect spending power. With 29.1 million international passengers passing through Philippine airports in 2025, foreign currency is becoming a familiar part of preparing for expenses abroad. “Foreign exchange can seem like a simple transaction, but for many Filipinos, it is connected to something much bigger, their livelihood, their family’s financial needs, their business, or their plans abroad. Our role is to make that decision easier to understand and more accessible so Filipinos can approach every currency exchange with greater confidence,” said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. The bigger shift is in how Filipinos think about financial preparedness. Saving, budgeting, and investing remain essential. But for people whose financial lives increasingly cross borders, understanding the value of money in different currencies belongs in the same conversation. Ultimately, smarter money management means seeing the full picture and understanding what can influence money’s value. For Filipinos earning overseas, supporting families through remittances, or preparing for a trip abroad, foreign exchange is another financial consideration to navigate wisely, with the right knowledge and an Xchange Xpert by their side.

THE World Bank officially classified the Philippines as an upper-middle-income economy effective July 1, 2026, after the country’s 2025 Atlas gross national income per capita reached about $4,850, surpassing the category’s threshold. The milestone reflects years of economic growth, but it also raises expectations for how that growth translates into opportunities and greater economic security for Filipinos. For Filipinos, the Philippines’ new classification as an upper-middle-income country may sound like an achievement for economists, policymakers, and business leaders. But behind the numbers and economic reports is a more practical question: How can ordinary Filipinos actually feel the benefits of a growing economy? However, the answer does not rest on economic growth alone. As the country moves into a new income category, Filipinos’ ability to find decent work, develop new skills, build savings, own homes, protect their families from financial shocks, and create sustainable livelihoods will become increasingly impor tant. G over nment agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW ), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), among others, already operate programs that address many of these needs.

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involuntary unemployment. For covered OFWs, these protections also apply subject to qualifying conditions. This safety net matters when illness, job loss, disability, or family emergencies threaten household finances. SSS programs give members support during difficult periods while helping them prepare for retirement. The SSS Pension Booster, its voluntary provident fund, also gives members an additional savings mechanism for retirement. The program is designed to provide members with another way to build savings alongside their regular SSS coverage. Building savings and access to housing Economic progress is likewise tied to having a home and savings for unexpected expenses. This is where the Pag-IBIG Fund plays a significant role. Pag-IBIG’s regular savings program allows members to accumulate savings and earn annual dividends, while the Modified Pag-IBIG II, or MP2, program provides eligible members with an additional five-year savings facility. The Fund also offers housing and shortterm loans, including calamity loans for qualified members. For families, these mechanisms can help turn income into assets and provide financial options when emergencies arise. That is particularly important as economic growth creates opportunities but does not automatically remove household vulnerabilities. Gearing Filipinos for high-value jobs Skills development is another crucial piece of the picture. TESDA’s scholarship and training programs provide Filipinos with technical and vocational skills connected to employment and industry needs. Its Training for Work Scholarship Program targets priority industries and key employment generators, while the Special Training for Employment Program provides communitybased training intended to promote employment, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. TESDA is also responding to changes in the labor market. In 2026, it launched an AI Readiness Training Program offering courses in AI prompting, data collection

and annotation, and data analytics. The program is expected to benefit 3,273 learners nationwide from April to December 2026. For Filipino workers, access to relevant training can improve employability and open opportunities in emerging industries. Developing a workforce capable of meeting changing industry demands is also essential to sustaining economic growth. Other government programs focus on helping Filipinos earn income when regular employment is unavailable. The Department of Labor and Employment, fo r i n s t a n ce, i m p l e m e nt s Tu l o n g Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers, or TUPAD, which provides temporary wage employment to qualified beneficiaries. DOLE also implements the Integrated Livelihood Program, which provides livelihood assistance. Growth should create pathways from temporary assistance into stable employment, skills development, or selfemployment. In this sense, government assistance can serve not only as a safety net during difficult periods but also as a bridge toward greater economic participation. Helping Filipino enterprises grow T h e D e p a r t m e n t o f Tr a d e a n d Industry supports micro, small, and medium enterprises through programs that provide business advice, financing facilitation, mentoring, market access, and support. Its Negosyo Centers serve as local access points for business development services, helping entrepreneurs with business registration, financing facilitation, trade promotion, and product development. The Department of Science and Technology complements these efforts through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, which helps MSMEs acquire or adopt technology to improve productivity, product quality, and competitiveness. For entrepreneurs, such support can help transform a small livelihood into a more productive enterprise. Stronger MSMEs can, in turn, create jobs and contribute to economic activity in local communities.

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A higher-income economy raises the bar for Filipino workers By Antonio Gabriel P. Gombio

N July 1, the World Bank officially recognized the Philippines as an uppermiddle-income country (UMIC) after the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita reached 4,850 US dollars.

Surpassing the lower threshold of 4,636 U.S. dollars, the economic milestone has put an end to nearly four decades of being classified as a lower-middle-income economy. According to Zafer Mustafaoğlu, World Bank Division Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, prioritizing reforms that lower the cost of running a business, restoring investor confidence, and creating more and better jobs for Filipinos are required to maintain the UMIC status. The classification provides opportunities for businesses to boost economic performance by capitalizing in higher production to stay competitive in the local market. For QUICKSTEPS Solutions, the accounting firm has invested in technology and artificial intelligence to improve business operations. “We leverage on the available tools for tracking our operations, clients, and accounting records instead of relying on the traditional manual processes,” managing partner Mark Asido said. The economic classification also attracts foreign investors as the country’s global prestige elevates—perceiving less risks, more confidence, and a growing consumer base. The company sees the status as a positive indicator of economic growth in the country. “However, this will also mean that the salary we provide to our staff will increase proportionally, while the fees we charge to our foreign clients will remain the same as the UMIC status remains isolated within the Philippines,” Asido said.

With an increase in average income, companies now demand newer skill sets from job seekers and entry-level applicants in a growing economy. Technical knowledge is highly valued as employment criteria shifts in a business landscape that relies on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost economic growth and performance. “This in turn, increases the overall base requirement for employees to be at least technology-literate, which generally leads to higher salary demands from employees,” Asido added. In preparation for high-value jobs, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provides a Training for Work Scholarship Program that aims to equip Filipinos with the necessary skills for industries with increased job demands. The government agency also offers over 30 free courses on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and AI to gear up citizens for a business landscape driven by technology. A total of 3,273 learners nationwide are expected to benefit from the AI Readiness Training Program launched by TESDA from April to December 2026.

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The shift will not necessarily make traditional occupations disappear. Rather, many jobs are likely to change in character. Workers may find that technology handles repetitive tasks while people are expected to manage more complex decisions, customer relationships, creative work, and specialized responsibilities. The ability to learn continuously could therefore become just as important as the degree printed on a diploma. For younger Filipinos entering the workforce, this could make lifelong learning an increasingly practical necessity. The most valuable career advantage may not simply be what a worker knows today, but how quickly that worker can adapt when an industry changes. Helping Filipinos grow beyond The new UMIC status can be supported in various ways. Among them is creating jobs that are not only plentiful but productive and adequately paid. It means making it easier for workers to move from informal or low-productivity employment into better opportunities and giving young Filipinos access to education and training that match the jobs employers actually need. It also requires ensuring that women, workers outside major urban centers, and people from lower-income households can participate in the economy.

The World Bank’s 2026 assessment emphasizes precisely this challenge. Its modeling suggests that comprehensive reforms focused on growth, job creation, equity, and resilience could reduce poverty to 2.9 percent and increase the secure middle-class share of the population to 55 percent by 2040. Ultimately, UMIC status is less about what Filipinos can immediately buy and more about what the Philippine economy is capable of building. But the next chapter is more demanding. The Philippines cannot simply assume that the momentum that brought it to upper-middle-income status will automatically carry it to high-income status. Technology is changing the workplace, global competition is intensifying and climate shocks continue to threaten businesses and households. For ordinary Filipinos, the real measure of UMIC status will therefore be found far beyond an international economic classification. It will be seen when a graduate can find a productive job without having to leave the country, when a small business can expand beyond its local community, when a family can afford to invest in education without sacrificing basic needs, and when an unexpected illness, disaster, or job loss does not immediately erase years of financial progress.

Bank with PNB, wherever you are in the world BEING away from home shouldn’t mean being far from the financial services you need. Whether you’re building your savings, working toward a dream, or sending support to loved ones back home, Philippine National Bank (PNB) offers banking and remittance solutions designed to serve Global Filipinos wherever life takes them. Keep your hard-earned money secure Building your savings can start even while you’re overseas. PNB offices abroad can assist clients with applications to open an OFW Savings Account and other eligible Philippine-based deposit accounts, making it easier to begin banking with PNB from abroad. In addition, select overseas offices in Japan, New York, Singapore, and the United Kingdom offer local currency deposit accounts, allowing clients to conveniently save, manage, and grow their funds in the currency of their country of residence. For clients in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, PNB also offers Mobile Account Facilitation (MAF), which enables eligible customers to open an account through PNB Digital. Finance the goals that matter to you Whether you’re planning to own a home in the Philippines or need additional funds for other important expenses, PNB offers loan options for eligible customers overseas. These include the Own a Philippine Home Loan (OPHL) in the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom and the Middle East; the Pangarap Loan in Hong Kong and Singapore; and PNB Japan’s All-Purpose Assistance Now Loan. These offerings give

Global Filipinos more ways to turn their plans into reality. Send money home with ease Supporting loved ones back home is made more convenient with PNB’s range of remittance channels. Depending on your location, you can send money to the Philippines through PNB overseas branches and offices; digital channels such as web, phone, email money transfer, and mobile app services; or PNB’s network of remittance agents and partner institutions—giving you flexible options wherever you are. Back home, beneficiaries can receive funds through credit to a PNB account, another Philippine bank account or e-wallet, cash pick-up, or door-to-door delivery, subject to the availability of each service. More ways to support loved ones back home Beyond sending money, PNB also enables Global Filipinos to manage payments in the Philippines through PNB Overseas Bills Payment. Customers can conveniently pay SSS and Pag-IBIG contributions, utility bills, loan payments, and purchase e-vouchers from abroad, helping them stay connected to their financial commitments and loved ones back home. Banking that stays with you Whatever financial goal you’re working toward, PNB brings together banking, lending, and remittance solutions designed to help you stay connected to the people and plans that matter most. From building your savings and investing in your future to supporting loved ones back home, PNB is here for every Global Filipino, wherever your dreams may lead—Every Step Together.