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The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered power generation companies (gencos) to triple their mandatory contributions to host communities starting next year.

In a circular signed last week but only made available yesterday, the DOE increased the required allocation under the Energy Regulation (ER) 1-94 program to P0.03 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power sales.

This represents a 200-percent increase from the current P0.01 per kWh contribution made by gencos and energy resource developers to their host communities and local government units (LGUs).

‘We are shifting our approach to focus on empowering people and giving them a greater stake in our country’s energy growth,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Effective January 2026, P0.025 per kWh will be directed to host communities to support initiatives in livelihood development, environmental protection, health care and education.

The remaining P0.005 per kWh allocation, meanwhile, will fund electrification projects through distribution utilities to connect households requiring electric service.

The policy also permits the funds to be used to lower the host communities’ power rates, either voluntarily through a resolution passed by the LGUs or mandatorily if they remain unused for two years.

‘By reinvesting the benefits of power generation back into local areas, we are building shared prosperity and a stronger foundation for a sustainable future,’ Garin said.

According to the DOE, hosting a 100-megawatt conventional power plant could generate financial benefits of around P21 million annually, while a 100-MW solar plant could bring in P5.5 million. This is assuming that both plants operate at their maximum capacity.

Given higher contributions from gencos, the DOE expects a threefold increase in community investments, which could translate to stronger local economies and more livelihood opportunities.

Amid corruption concerns, the DOE has assured the public that the funds will be managed transparently and regularly audited in coordination with the Commission on Audit.

DOE data showed that 683 LGUs benefited from the ER 1-94 program as of December 2024.

‘This is a partnership built on trust and shared progress, ensuring that every community truly benefits from the energy that powers our nation,’ Garin said.

Swedish furniture company IKEA opened a “plan and order” shop in Quezon City, making its products more accessible to clients in the northern part of Mega Manila.

Located at the Trinoma mall, the 500 square-meter space is one of the first of its kind in all of Southeast Asia, as well as among the world’s smallest IKEAs.

Customers can book appointments with planning specialists or use on-hand self-service tools to design solutions.

Immediate takeaway products are already available at the store while bigger purchases can either be delivered, collected, or picked up at a collection point.

“We’re making it easier to turn your dreams into a reality,” said the store’s manager Gelo Gacad at its launch last October 23. “Everything you need is now within reach.”

Gacad also touted the new store as the first of its kind to do purely cashless transactions while country manager Ricardo Pinheiro assured customers could search from IKEA’s full 8,500-article catalog.

Pinheiro even noted that most Philippine customers resided in Quezon City but unfortunately quipped that IKEA’s popular meatballs would not be available at the new store.

Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte praised the Swedish Embassy, headed by her excellency Anna Ferry, as a close partner of the city especially towards inclusivity and sustainability efforts.

She recalled having furniture from IKEA growing up and even until her married life with husband and Lazada Philippines head Raymond Alimurung, joking that it was easier to fly to Hong Kong than visit the main IKEA branch in Pasay because of the traffic.

“Hindi kayo nagkamali magbukas in the biggest city in Metro Manila,” Belmonte said, calling IKEA one of the most democratic brands she knew as it was available to all sectors.

Belmote expressed hope that IKEA would one day open a warehouse in Quezon City to better organize logistics and offered her office’s assistance in making it happen.

The first IKEA branch in the Philippines opened in the Mall of Asia Complex back in 2021 and remains the biggest in the world.

Addressing one’s sexual health shouldn’t be something to be shy about, rather one to be given attention to for more well-rounded living.

Philstar.com visited Brovage Clinic, a new men’s health clinic in Bonifacio Global City, to speak with owner Dr. Frederick Mendiola – a sexual medicine specialist and Minimally Invasive Urologist – about the importance of sexual health.

Dr. Mendiola explained his clinic mostly specializes in sexual dysfunction in men like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, uneven testosterone levels and problems with desire or libido.

“I’m a urologist, so I know that there are a lot of people suffering from [sexual dysfunction], and most of them do not really seek consult. It’s sort of a taboo sa society natin,” Dr. Mendiola admitted.

He pointed out that around 85% of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction will not seek consultation because of shyness and machismo, stigma that stems from tradition and the Philippines being a mostly Catholic nation.

The doctor acknowledged that another reason why men do not address sexual health is the lack of spaces to do so, reiterating that many want to preserve the macho image they have of themselves.

With the help of media platforms, social media and other health advocates, his clinic wants to educate the public about sex and its importance in people’s lives.

Dr. Mendiola pointed out that sex gives longevity as it prevents long-lasting or long-term illnesses, on top of it being made pleasurable for human beings thus adding to quality of life.

Related: New men’s clinic seeks to end sexual health stigma

Multidisciplinary approach

Brovage Clinic focuses on the preventive side when it comes to longevity by studying the micronutrients, nutritional status, proteins, and microbiome of a patient.

Doing so alongside genetic testing allows doctors to know predisposition of the patient to acquire several diseases, therefore suggesting solutions like intravenous or IV therapy, nutrition, and other treatment modalities.

Dr. Mendiola told Philstar.com that approaching sexual dysfunction is multidisciplinary, with psychological factors playing a part as much as the biological.

These psychological factors include stress, problems within the family or at work, and a history of childhood abuse, all of which can have an effect on sexual function.

One example the doctor gave is performance anxiety resulting from erection problems leading to doubts in future sexual activities.

Another significant element is the social aspect, the relationship and intimacy between partners.

“Kahit na okay yung function mo biologically [and] you don’t have a psychological problem, kung hindi kayo compatible ng partner at hindi nagsasabay ang sexual urge, that’s also a problem,” Dr. Mendiola explained.

As such, his clinic follows a biopsychosocial model in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.

Testosterone levels

Brovage Clinic also offers testosterone replacement therapy, not just for transmen seeking to increase their testosterone levels but even older men who are beginning to feel the decline.

“In men, once you’ve reached 40 years old, magde-decline na yung testosterone level by 1% per year,” Dr. Mendiola said, adding that others’ deplete faster, which is why it’s important to have it checked.

The doctor explained to Philstar.com that testosterone isn’t only for libido and sexual function, but as a male sex hormone it controls the brain and has effect on the skin, bones, fats and muscles.

He noted a time two decades ago while still a resident that testosterone replacement wasn’t observed because of prostate cancer concerns, although recent data have shown there is no effect.

“There’s no danger in giving testosterone replacement in patients in males, huwag lang yung talagang meron nang diagnosis ng prostate cancer na hindi na-treat,” Dr. Mendiola added.

While the machines and treatment options needed for sexual health can be costly, the doctor expressed hope more people would be able to access such remedies.

“Eventually, pag dumami na nang dumami ang ganitong clinics, and then of course by law of supply and demand, bababa na rin yung pricing ng gamot at machines, and hopefully maging available to the mass market,” Dr. Mendiola ended.

The San Juan Knights repeated over the Pasay Voyagers, 77-66, on Wednesday and advanced to the semifinal round of the North Division of the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Unlike their scrambling 94-89 double overtime victory in Game 1 on October 15, however, the Knights controlled Game 2 almost throughout, allowing the Voyagers to taste the lead for only 19 seconds at 8-9.

By halftime, the third-ranked Knights were ahead, 37-27, and were never seriously challenged by the Voyagers, who finished the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two division tournament at No. 6.

Raul Soyud and Dexter Maiquez submitted double-doubles for the 2019 champion Knights, with the 6-foot-5 Soyud posting 17 points and 13 rebounds on top of two assists and two blocks, and the 6-foot-3 Maiquez tallying 15 points and 12 rebounds to go with two assists and two steals.

AC Soberano supported with 10 points plus two steals, followed by Orlan Wamar with nine points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, and Royce Alforque and Aldrech Ramos with eight points each.

The Voyagers drew 23 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks from Christian Fajarito; 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Cyrus Tabi; nine points plus three rebounds from Jasper Salenga; and five points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two assists from Marc Sangco.

Pasay struggled from afar, sinking only 2-of-24 triple attempts for a horrendous 8.3%, while San Juan fared a little better, drilling in 7-of-24 attempts for 29.2%.

The Voyagers were further hampered by 16 turnovers against 12 for the Knights, and accounted for only seven steals against 13 for the Knights, who’ll be facing the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the best-of-three semifinal round.

The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards rallied, then thwarted the Pangasinan Heatwaves, 82-72, in the first game to forge a sudden-death in their similar quarterfinal series.

Pangasinan stunned Nueva Ecija, 86-85, in the opener of the best-of-three affair at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City on October 15.

Trailing, 36-23, following three straight triples by Vic Manuel, Nueva Ecija clawed to within 44-45 at halftime and moved ahead, 65-64, after the third quarter.

The Rice Vanguards, behind Will McAloney and Rob Celiz, took control in the last period, pulling away at 78-67 before coasting to the victory that kept their bid of regaining the crown they held in 2022 going.

McAloney posted 24 points and nine rebounds to earn Best Player honors over Celiz, who tallied 12 points, 11 rebounds and four assists; Billy Robles, who notched 13 points plus four rebounds; Ryan Costelo, who finished with 10 points and three assists; and John Wilson, who contributed 11 rebounds and seven points.

The Heatwaves got 13 points, five rebounds and two assists from Hesed Gabo; 11 points and seven rebounds from Manuel; and eight points plus two rebounds from Alyn Bulanadi.

Nueva Ecija missed the services of Top Gun Jaycee Marcelino, but his twin brother Jayvee chipped in six points, four rebounds and four assists.

The MPBL playoffs continue at the Ynares Center Montalban on Thursday, with games pitting Batangas against Zamboanga at 6 p.m., and Binan against Rizal at 8 p.m.

A heartbreaking display of neglect and a violation of human dignity. That is how I would describe the recent rescue of 17 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from an unregistered ‘care facility’ in Maramag, Bukidnon in a story that has shocked the nation.

These vulnerable individuals were discovered in appalling conditions: photos show some were lying on filthy, worn-out mattresses, one disturbingly placed beside a toilet. The common bathroom was a picture of decay with moss-covered surfaces from years of grime and jagged steel jutting out from unfinished walls, posing serious safety hazards. One report described the facility’s odor as an ‘unbearable stench,’ a smell so foul that nearby residents had long complained.

The incident, which made headlines here and abroad, exposes the systemic neglect of our most vulnerable citizens and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the unregistered care facility lacked professional caregivers, medical personnel, safety standards and even basic sanitation.

This wasn’t just mismanagement; it was a clear abuse of the helpless.

What makes this incident more infuriating is that families of residents were charged five to six thousand pesos a month for expected accommodation and care, according to news reports. Yet the photos revealed the horrid conditions of the elderly and PWDs in the facility. Moreover, the fact that the facility managed to operate for years, even reported as an ‘open secret,’ oblivious from government regulators, highlights a glaring failure of oversight and accountability.

An investigation should be launched to determine why the facility managed to operate for years without immediate government intervention and the operators of the facility should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.

As Senior Citizens Party-List Rep. Rodolfo ‘Ompong’ Ordanes said, this incident should serve as a wake-up call to our government. Senior citizens and PWDs deserve to live a life with dignity and care, not neglect.

How many more ‘care facilities’ are operating in the shadows at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens?

The government must act swiftly to strengthen the licensing and monitoring mechanisms for care facilities in the country to enforce the necessary standards and ensure that only legitimate ones are allowed to operate. Regular inspections, surprise audits and community reporting systems must be strictly implemented to ensure that care facilities adhere to standards.

Second, the government needs to invest in geriatric care and public elderly care facilities to provide senior citizens with proper health care and allow them to age Z from B1

with dignity. Geriatric care must be included in the broader health agenda of the country to ensure that senior citizens have access to specialized healthcare. This includes equipping public hospitals and barangay health centers with senior-friendly facilities and equipment.

Third, the government must professionalize caregiving by incentivizing training programs, providing certifications and ensuring that caregivers are properly compensated. Caregivers must be recognized as health care workers, not domestic helpers.

Lastly, we must shift our mindset. Elderly care is not just a moral duty of the family, it is a societal responsibility. Aging should not be treated as a burden or a curse, but as a natural phase of life that every Filipino deserves to experience with compassion and respect.

While there have been significant improvements in social benefits for senior citizens in recent years, much more needs to be done. I call on our lawmakers to pass the Comprehensive Welfare and National Health Program for Senior Citizens Act to help promote the welfare of the elderly.

Growing old in the Philippines should be embraced, not feared. I always say that it is a privilege to grow old and should be viewed as a dignified chapter in life and one that deserves honor, care and respect. Senior citizens have spent decades contributing to the nation’s growth. In return, they deserve more than mere survival. They deserve to live their remaining years in safety, with respect and compassion, and free from neglect.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council has frozen P5.2 billion worth of assets tied to public works officials and contractors implicated in the corruption scandal of anomalous flood control projects.

During the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Thursday, October 23, the AMLC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced closer coordination in sharing information for a comprehensive financial review of transactions involving DPWH officials and contractors.

Part of the agreement is to streamline freeze order requests involved in the infrastructure projects being investigated by the DPWH.

AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said assets under six Court of Appeals freeze orders already total P5.2 billion, with the figure expected to rise as more properties and bank accounts are valued.

‘Right now as of this morning, it is already valued at P5.2 billion and we’re still waiting for other bank returns and valuation of other properties that were frozen by the six freeze orders,’ he said.

David, however, refrained from disclosing the names of public officials and contractors whose assets have already been frozen. All he said was they included DPWH employees, contractors and ‘their cohorts.’ He did not mention any lawmaker.

The first freeze order issued in September involved 26 individuals named in the first petition that the DPWH filed before the Ombudsman. These included former district engineer and assistant district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya.

Around the same time, then Justice Secretary Boying Remulla said the freeze orders also extended to lawmakers, including Sens. Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as Rep. Elizaldy Co.

By October 21, however, the Department of Justice clarified during a Senate budget hearing that none of the freeze orders had involved any politicians.

Asked whether the AMLC had found red flags in the transactions of implicated officials, David said investigators are still conducting bank inquiries, with around 2,000 accounts already frozen.

‘Malalaman natin just after the bank inquiry. Our investigators will submit a report and malalaman natin kung marami na ang na-withdraw,’ he said.

(We will find out after the bank inquiry. Our investigators will submit a report and we’ll find out whether they are withdrawing large sums of money.)

The AMLC is examining deposits and withdrawals made since President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. announced an investigation into flood control projects during his fourth State of the Nation Address.

As for the flow of cash, David said the council is looking into all possible forms of money laundering linked to corruption, bribery, malversation or plunder. Beyond bank transactions, the investigation will also cover property acquisitions.

For cash hidden in residential homes and hideouts, he said the AMLC is coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation and DOJ to determine how the government could seize pocketed funds.

In September, the DPWH sought to freeze vehicles worth nearly P500 million belonging to individuals linked to the anomalous flood control projects, most of whom were agency officials.

The AMLC is also tracking foreign-based assets while the investigations are ongoing.

Time to get into the swing of things in the biggest golf event on local soil in decades.

Major winners, PGA Tour titlists, Asian Tour victors, homegrown and foreign aces with compelling storylines and strong motivation to succeed launch their bid in the $2-million International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus today at the Sta. Elena Golf Club.

Right smack in the action is top local bet Miguel Tabuena, who tees off from No. 1 with American two-time major champion and former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson and South African major winner Louis Oosthuizen in a dream flight at 11:40 a.m.

‘This is what I have been dreaming of – to play in my home country with the best players,’ said Tabuena of his pairing with Johnson, winner of the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters Tournament, and Oosthuizen, titlist in the 2010 The Open Championship.

This marquee group is expected to draw a large crowd that’s raring to see Tabuena go toe-to-toe with the decorated golfers at his ‘home club.’

‘You always want to perform well in your home country, but still, you have to treat it like any other event,’ said Tabuena while downplaying his perceived advantage on the Robert Trent Jones-designed course.

‘These guys are major winners, and they’ll adapt to anything, right? So I guess course knowledge isn’t such a big factor this week. But you know, I’m going to give it my best shot and keep that Philippine flag on top of the leaderboard.’

There are several other big names worth following as they strut their stuff at the layout that winds through natural lakes, rolling fairways and native trees with views of Mt. Makiling and the Sierra Madre.

Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters titlist, is out to carry over his triumph at LIV Golf Dallas and runner-up finish at the International Series Macau. The 46th-ranked American goes up against Dean Burmester and John Catlin at 11:30 a.m.

South African Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters conqueror, faces Wade Ormsby and Jinichiro Kozuma at 11:50 a.m.

Joining Tabuena in carrying Pinoys’ fight are Angelo Que, Justin Quiban, Aidric Chan, Sean Ramos, Keanu Jahns, Carl Corpus, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Enrico Gallardo and amateur Perry Bucay.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has two main functions – jail the corrupt and reform the government budget process to curb if not stop massive corruption.

To jail the corrupt, the government has deployed its awesome legal and retribution machinery – the Department of Justice, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Ombudsman. Backing them up are the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Harnessed with singlemindedness, the full panoply of powers of these agencies should strike fear in the heart and soul of the most corrupt species of Filipinos that ever lived. These people include the nation’s most prominent and powerful politicians, the greediest of contractors, the most vicious of the state’s engineers, auditors and other professionals, including the lowliest of cashiers.

This is battle royale of historic proportions, the defining moment of the Bongbong Marcos Jr. (BBM) presidency. It has no precedent.

Chair Justice Andres Reyes Jr. sees ICI’s job as a fight on behalf of the poor. Every peso of taxpayers’ money pocketed by the corrupt is a peso of product or service due the poor – food, jobs, housing, classrooms, medicine, health care, farm-to-market roads.

This is a War Against Corruption (WAC). Wasakin Ang Corrupt (WAC). ‘Wag Abuso ang Corrupt (WAC). It’s WAC – Wherewithal Against Corruption.

WAC is the ultimate fight for inclusion. Bring down the corrupt high and mighty, society’s degenerate and despicable elite. Uplift and empower the people.

‘The Filipino people suffer most when resources that should strengthen public institutions and services are wasted on projects of doubtful necessity and integrity,’ says ICI chief Reyes in his Oct. 6, 2025 letter to House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III.

‘The Commission underscores that unchecked insertions – particularly in flood control and similar projects – divert precious funds away from vital priorities such as salaries and benefits of government employees, hospitals, health care and other essential programs,’ Reyes writes Dy.

The ICI wants from the Speaker four things: 1) the House copy of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2020 to 2025 submitted by the Department of Budget and Management; 2) the House copy/version of the NEP for 2020 to 2025 transmitted to the bicameral committee; 3) the list of items removed from the NEP and programs added to the General Appropriations Acts (GAAs) for those years and 4) the list of proponents for the projects added to the GAA of 2020 to 2025.

ICI wants to know the congressmen who inserted or created funds in the budget, in the guise of projects, only for these funds to be waylaid by corruption.

On Sept. 29, 2025, the ICI wrote Senate President Tito Sotto asking for six reform measures in budgeting:

First, all deliberations of the bicameral conference committee (bicameral committee) must be properly documented. At present, there are no minutes, transcripts of stenographic notes or recordings that explain how agreements are reached. This absence of record-keeping undermines transparency and fosters speculation. We recommend that proceedings be officially transcribed, recorded and archived, with summaries made accessible to the public as part of the legislative record.

Second, all insertions or amendments to the budget should be substantiated by complete documentation. Projects must be supported by technical descriptions, feasibility studies and endorsements from the relevant local government unit and department secretary. Reliance on concept papers or vague project outlines should no longer be permitted, as this practice erodes integrity and allows questionable projects to be funded without proper review.

Third, clear safeguards must be established to prevent conflicts of interest among legislators.

Says ICI: ‘Several members of Congress, or their relatives, are engaged in contracting and construction businesses that actively participate in public biddings. This creates a risk of self-dealing and misuse of budgetary power. Congress should adopt strict rules requiring disclosure of business interests, cross-checking these disclosures against awarded contracts and prohibiting legislators from inserting projects that directly or indirectly benefit their firms or families.’

Fourth, each insertion must carry a transparent audit trail. The legislator or committee who proposed the amendment, the supporting documents submitted and the officials who approved its inclusion should be clearly identified. This ensures responsibility can be assigned in cases of misuse.

Fifth, the rules on approval authority within the bicameral committee must be clarified and codified. It must be made explicit whether amendments require collective approval, the signatures of all bicameral committee members or the concurrence of specific chairs. No insertion should be considered valid unless accompanied by proper documentation and the approval of the committee as a whole.

Sixth, to reinforce accountability, the final General Appropriations Act should be accompanied by an online disclosure of all amendments, their proponents and the justifications submitted. Moreover, an independent audit of bicameral committee insertions should be undertaken by the Commission on Audit or a designated oversight body within six months after enactment, with results made public.

The ICI wrote President Marcos Jr. suggesting that henceforth, ‘all DPWH transactions amounting to more than 30 million, whether made through wire transfers or telegraphic notes, are simultaneously furnished to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).’

All DPWH contracts P30 million and above, including contracts relating to the conception, design and implementation of infrastructure projects, should likewise be furnished to the BIR.

BIR can thus directly monitor significant financial flows in DPWH projects to ensure:

1. Greater transparency and accountability in the disbursement of large public funds;

2. Enhanced discovery and analysis of financial data and financial artifacts relevant to tax administration and

3. Improved efficiency in revenue collection, with more reliable detection of taxable events and alignment of fiscal records.

BIR participation creates a robust system of fiscal oversight, closes existing monitoring gaps and reinforces the administration’s broader campaign against corruption and misuse of public resources.

How can we unite, act and resist together in order to defend gender equality and the rights of women and girls? This will be the guiding question of the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policy, which France will host on Oct. 22-23, 2025. This conference will bring together ministers of foreign affairs from all regions of the world, representatives of international organizations, public development banks, as well as civil society, research bodies and philanthropic foundations.

Since 2019, France has pursued a feminist foreign policy, making gender equality and women’s rights a cross-cutting priority of its external action in the fields of development, democratic governance, peace and security and humanitarian action, amongst others. Yet feminist foreign policy is not just lofty ideals; it follows through with concrete public policies and strong partnerships.

France and its partners are actively promoting women’s and girls’ rights.

France has made gender equality and defending women’s and girls’ rights a strategic and geopolitical priority in order to build just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies. Research shows that the participation of women in negotiation processes increases the likelihood that a process be sustainable by 35 percent. Similarly, policies that effectively mainstream gender equality make it possible to combat global warming more effectively, to stimulate growth and to strengthen the resilience of societies.

On March 7, 2025, France presented its International Strategy for a Feminist Foreign Policy. A central tenet of this strategy is the defense of rights and sexual and reproductive health. New priorities have been established, placing gender equality at the heart of France’s response to contemporary global challenges, including crises and conflicts, climate change, health, international finance, digital technology and artificial intelligence.

As part of its feminist foreign policy, France is implementing a number of flagship initiatives, including the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF), launched in 2020 to help more than 1,400 organizations in 75 countries. Another example is the Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online, created in 2024. As the first of its kind, it offers an international platform for exchanging ideas and serves as an incubator for projects to fight gender-based violence in the digital environment.

For as long as gender inequalities persist, there is much to be done.

Despite these initiatives and the progress made by the international community, much remains to be done. According to UN Women, at the current pace of change it would take close to 300 years to achieve real gender equality in the world.

Still today, gender inequalities persist, and in some cases are worsening. Conflict-related sexual violence rose by 50 percent from 2022 to 2023. In far too many countries, millions of women are denied the fundamental right to bodily autonomy: 193 million women only have access to abortion when their lives are in danger and 142 million have no access to abortion under any circumstances. Wherever crises are shaking the foundations of society – in Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan – it is women’s rights that are the first to suffer.

A high-level conference to reaffirm our shared determination and collective ambition.

In an international context marked by a significant decline in dedicated funding and the rise of anti-rights movements, the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policy will reaffirm our common determination to defend and promote women’s rights and gender equality, and accept no regression. Together, we will keep moving forward.

Mirror conferences strengthening dialogue between France and the Philippines.

In parallel with conferences taking place in France on Oct. 22-23, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia is organizing two mirror events in Manila. The first one on Oct. 22 will be hosted by the embassy for the launch of the adolescent pregnancy prevention project led by the non-governmental organization Médecins du Monde. The event will bring together representatives from the Departments of Health and Education, researchers as well as members of international organizations and civil society for a panel discussion.

On Oct. 23, a more political event will focus on Feminist Foreign Policy, featuring several ambassadors and the guest of honor, Delia Albert, former secretary of foreign affairs of the Philippines. This diplomatic and political dialogue aims to foster reflexion and advocacy on contemporary issues related to promoting women’s rights and international action.

Cebu 5th District Representative Vincent Franco ‘Duke’ Frasco has renewed his proposal for the construction of a secondary airport in Cebu, preferably in Sogod town of northern Cebu, saying the recent earthquake exposed the province’s vulnerability and highlighted the urgent need for an alternative gateway.

In an interview on Wednesday (October 22), Frasco said the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that recently struck northern Cebu served as a ‘wake-up call’ for local leaders to prioritize disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and economic development.

Frasco said the envisioned facility would serve as a backup to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in the event it becomes inoperable due to natural disasters or emergencies. He said Cebu’s dependence on MCIA makes the province susceptible to isolation if the facility becomes inoperable.

‘Our plan for Cebu is to put up a secondary airport here. If something were to happen to our existing airport, for example, if the epicenter of the recent quake were in Mactan, we would have no way for planes to land. How would we get the help and aid that we need?’ said Frasco.

The congressman emphasized that other major cities around the world maintain secondary airports to ensure continuity of operations in times of crisis. ‘Cebu should have one too,’ he stressed.

Frasco cited international examples such as New York, London, and Tokyo – all of which have more than one major airport to support mobility, tourism, and economic activity.

Frasco also drew comparisons closer to home, noting that Metro Manila has four major air facilities – Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and new airports under construction in Bulacan and Cavite.

For Cebu, Frasco envisions the municipality of Sogod in the province’s north as the ideal site for the proposed secondary airport.

He said Sogod, strategically located about 50 kilometers from Cebu City, can be easily accessed through major routes, including the Marcelo Fernan Bridge that connects Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City.

The town also offers wide tracts of land suitable for development and is near major infrastructure projects like the upcoming Cebu International Container Port in Consolacion.

Frasco believes the proposed airport would not only serve as a crucial backup to MCIA during emergencies but also spark growth and investment in northern Cebu.

‘Hopefully, once it materializes, it will not only mitigate risks if something happens to our existing airport but also open up the economy in Northern Cebu, providing new opportunities for our people in Sogod and even in the Fourth District,’ he added.

Frasco said he had previously filed the proposal in the last Congress and intends to refile it in the 20th Congress. The next step, he added, is to coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to secure funding for a feasibility study.

He acknowledged that the project would take time to materialize but stressed that groundwork should begin now. ‘It’s important that the discussion starts now. If ever there’s potential partners or funding from the national, we should be ready for implementation,’ the congressman noted.

While funding and partnerships remain key challenges, Frasco said discussions with the DOTr are expected to begin soon to initiate a feasibility study for the project.

‘The first step is to talk to the DOTr. Maybe we can secure funding for the feasibility study of this airport project. From there, we can create a more accurate timeline for the construction,’ he said.

The congressman expressed optimism that the proposed secondary airport would bring lasting benefits to Cebu Province and the entire Central Visayas region.

‘I truly believe this will be good for Cebu. It’s something that needs to be started, something that needs to be talked about. If potential partners and national funding become available, we are ready,’ Frasco further said

Pam reaction: ‘Ridiculous’

cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro however dismissed the idea, calling it ‘ridiculous.’

‘Naa pa gani wa nabayran diha sa airport sa Camotes, unya maghimo nasad siya sa Sogod. Ridiculous,’ Baricuatro said, referring to the unresolved payment issues involving the Camotes Airport project.

In response, Frasco hit back, saying the governor’s reaction reflects a mindset ‘limited by politics rather than vision.’

‘The Governor of Cebu’s reaction, calling the idea of a secondary international airport for Cebu ‘RIDICULOUS’ without even studying the proposal, is expected from someone whose mindset is limited by politics rather than vision,’ Frasco said.

Frasco appealed to Baricuatro to set aside political differences until the end of her term in 2028 and join him in prioritizing Cebu’s welfare.

‘I appeal that you set aside politics until 2028 and not allow your political affiliations or loyalties to dictate your actions,’ he furthered.