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PH1 World Developers Inc., the property development arm of Megawide Construction Corp., on Wednesday said it more than doubled its sales to P3.38 billion in January to September from the previous year’s P1.59 billion.

The level is already 94 percent of full year 2024’s sales, which might be breached before the end of October, the company said.

‘Our sales success is a reflection of how we approach development differently,’ Gigi Alcantara, PH1 president, said.

‘Yes, location is critical, and all our projects are strategically placed for accessibility and convenience. But beyond that, PH1 brings an extra touch-a vision to deliver a true first-world living experience to Filipinos, championing the mission of our parent company, Megawide.’

Despite market challenges, PH1 has already secured nearly P3.34 billion in reservation sales this year.

The company’s strong showing is largely driven by standout developments such as Lykke Kondo in Pasig and One Lancaster Park in Cavite.

Launched only in early 2025, Lykke Kondo has already crossed the P1-billion reservation mark, proving the strong demand for its innovative condo offering.

Meanwhile, One Lancaster Park continues to dominate, generating more than P2 billion in total sales since its first tower launch.

Its third tower, introduced earlier this year, already accounts for nearly P1 billion of that amount in reservations.

As of end-September, PH1 still has unbooked revenues of around P10.16 billion and outstanding inventory of more than P20 billion from its existing projects. These excludes developments to be launched soon.

With these healthy levels, PH1 is expected to become a more valuable contributor to Megawide’s consolidated revenue and net income generation starting next year, the company said.

PH1 said it is poised to exceed its 2024 performance by ‘a wide margin’ and contribute more significantly to Megawide’s consolidated performance for this year.

Megawide announced last Monday that it received the notice of award from the local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City to implement a P1.2-billion terminal project.

The Baguio City Integrated Terminal (BCIT) project will be implemented under a 40-year lease agreement with the LGU.

Initially targeted to serve seven southbound routes-including La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Cavite-the terminal is initially designed to accommodate 25,000 passengers daily, for both long haul and daily commuters.

The country has lost nearly 480,000 metric tons (MT) of palay supply so far this year after weather-related shocks, particularly typhoons, ravaged plantations.

Since January, the local rice sector has incurred 479,813 MT of palay losses as of October 22, based on the latest damage reports of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The southwest monsoon, along with tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, accounted for the majority of the production losses in the rice industry, pegged at 354,831 MT, according to the agency.

The DA’s latest bulletin on tropical cyclones Paolo and Ramil, which recently wreaked havoc on the country, destroyed 9,557 MT and 289 MT of rice, respectively.

Prior to this, the DA had already registered 115,136 MT in palay losses due to weather-related shocks, most of which came from typhoons.

The latest figures, however, were yet to breach the average annual palay output losses ranging from 500,000 MT to 600,000 MT, according to agriculture officials.

‘If you look at these losses incurred by the rice industry, it’s a mix of both partially and totally damaged crops,’ DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa told the BusinessMirror.

‘The partially damaged areas have a chance of recovery, meaning some of them can be harvested while others cannot.’

As such, the DA official assured the industry that palay output this year would not dip below the 2024 level, when reached 19.09 million metric tons (MMT), the lowest in four years.

De Mesa also said the agency remains optimistic that the country could reach its revised target of 20.3 MMT palay output in 2025, citing ‘improvements’ in the third quarter harvest.

The DA had scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 MMT due to torrential downpours, which is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

It added that erratic weather patterns could further lower expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

Earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that palay harvest may have grown by 18.1 percent to 3.93 MMT in the July to September period from 3.33 MMT in 2024. The third quarter is usually considered the lean season for rice.

However, the latest production estimate is 1.7 percent lower than the agency’s initial forecast of 4 MMT, the PSA said.

In the first semester of the year, the country’s palay harvest hit an all-time high of 9.077 MMT, indicating a 6.41 percent growth from the 8.53 MMT posted in the same period last year.

The last time unmilled rice production breached the 9-MMT mark in the first half of the year was in 2023, when it reached 9.026 MMT.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) is confident in its place as one of the country’s strongest drivers of the economy under the current policy direction of the Marcos administration.

This was stressed by COMP Chairman Michael Toledo, who predicted that mining could also contribute more to the country’s export earnings.

COMP represents the biggest players in the country’s mining industry.

Toledo’s confidence was strengthened by President Marcos’ presence during the kick-off ceremonies of the Mining Philippines 2025 Conference and Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Wednesday.

Marcos was accompanied by Environment and Natural Resource Secretary Raphael Lotilla and was welcomed by Toledo at the Conference’s venue, where he also checked some of the exhibits before delivering his keynote speech.

‘At a time of global uncertainty-with economic headwinds, geopolitical tensions, and the mounting effects of climate change-the Philippines needs another strong pillar of growth,’ Toledo said in his welcome remark.

‘Mining once accounted for over 20 percent of our export earnings, and with the right support, it can do so again-maybe even more. Our industry is resilient and adaptable. And if we continue to operate responsibly, sustainably, and transparently, mining can once again become one of the strongest drivers of our economy,’ he stressed.

Speaking on behalf of the mining industry’s big players under COMP, Toledo said the renewed sense of energy and momentum in the country is strongly felt.

‘In just the past few years, we’ve seen real progress-the lifting of the moratorium on new projects, the removal of the open-pit ban, the ongoing efforts to simplify the permitting process and, most recently, the passage of a new fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining.signed into law just last month by our most distinguished guest this morning,’ he said.

Toledo said such are not small steps, as they signal a real turning point in mining.

‘For years, we’ve said that responsible mining can be a partner in nation-building. Today, that belief is finally reflected in government policy and, we hope, in growing public understanding as we continue to earn the trust of our stakeholders,’ he said.

Nevertheless, Toledo said much more needs to be done, saying that the industry needs consistent rules, reliable infrastructure, and affordable energy, and better alignment between national and local policies, which he confidently said is recognized by the Marcos administration.

According to Toledo, getting it right can unlock billions in investments, create thousands of jobs, and uplift communities that need it most.

He expressed gratitude to Marcos for what he described as consistent support to the industry, citing the Philippines’ remarkable rise in the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, which now ranked 16th in Investment Attractiveness from 72nd in 2023, and 25th in Policy Perception from 79th spot.

These improvements in ranking, he said, show how steady reforms are paying off. It sends a clear message: the Philippines is open for responsible, quality investment.

‘As President Marcos has said, mining is not a problem to avoid but an opportunity to embrace: to advance clean energy, drive sustainable development, and promote inclusive growth, all while protecting the environment,’ he said.

Nearly 30,000 potential homebuyers are expected to attend the National Housing Expo as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Pag-IBIG Fund, key government shelter agencies, and private developers showcase housing opportunities at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on October 23 and 24.

The event serves as a showcase of the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. More than 100,000 brand-new homes will be on sale through the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan from the top 50 developers in the country, while over 30,000 Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets will be offered at discounts of up to 40 percent.

‘The National Housing Expo stands as a landmark initiative that unites and brings together the entire housing sector, both government agencies and private institutions alike, in fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that every Filipino family has access to affordable and decent housing,’ said DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling.

‘As part of our National Shelter Month activities this October, we are also holding regional housing fairs in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bacolod, Batangas, and General Santos. These events, along with this Expo in Metro Manila, form part of our nationwide push to bring the Expanded 4PH Program closer to Filipino families across the country,’ he added.

At the Expo, visitors will be able to browse exhibits of housing projects in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. A key feature that distinguishes the Expo is that potential homebuyers will be assessed for their Pag-IBIG Housing Loan entitlement based on their income, allowing them to identify which properties they can afford through the agency’s affordable loan programs. They will also be able to get direct assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund and attend scheduled learning sessions throughout the two-day event.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping more Filipino workers own homes through affordable and accessible financing. She said the Expo underscores the strong collaboration among housing agencies and the private sector in advancing President Marcos’ vision of inclusive and dignified housing for all.

‘Pag-IBIG Fund remains the largest home financier in the country. We continue to make homeownership easier and more affordable through our 3 percent interest rate for socialized housing under the Expanded 4PH Program. Just recently, we reduced our rate to only 4.5 percent per annum for properties worth up to ?1.8 million, available to the first 10,000 local workers and 1,000 overseas Filipino workers,’ Acosta said. ‘For those seeking ready-to-occupy homes with substantial discounts, the Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets Super Sale runs until December. Meanwhile, members planning to renovate their homes can avail of our Home Improvement Loan program, which offers up to ?300,000 in financing for repairs and upgrades. Pag-IBIG Fund stands ready to support every Filipino worker in their journey to homeownership. Backed by our strong financial position, we are committed to making affordable and dignified housing a reality for all,’ she added.

Registration for the National Housing Expo is ongoing at https://events.pagibigfund.gov.ph . Admission is free, and slots for Day 2 are still available.

A dozen local government units (LGUs) across the country received a timely boost in emergency health services after receiving brand-new ‘patient transport vehicles’ (PTVs) from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. last Tuesday.

The latest beneficiaries include the City of Navotas and the following municipalities: Calumpit (Bulacan); Baras (Rizal); New Bataan (Davao de Oro); Bugallon (Pangasinan); Toboso (Negros Occidental); Sultan Kudarat (Maguindanao del Norte); and, Burgos, Laoag, Bacarra, Sarrat and Pasuquin (Ilocos Norte).

A statement issued by the Pagcor read that each PTV comes fully equipped with a GPS navigation system, ambulance stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and first aid kit, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of patients to the nearest hospitals or healthcare facilities.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who led the turnover ceremony at the agency’s Corporate Office in Pasay City, underscored the vehicles’ critical role in saving lives, particularly in remote communities where disaster response is often hindered by mobility challenges.

‘These vehicles are not merely means of transport,’ Tengco was quoted in the statement as saying. ‘They are lifelines that can make the difference between life and death for those in need of urgent medical attention.’

New Bataan Mayor Mar Bianca Cualing-Brua welcomed the donation, noting its timeliness following the recent series of strong earthquakes that affected Visayas and Mindanao, read the statement.

‘When calamities strike, local governments rely on their own capacities and resources for emergency medical services. Donations like this are crucial,’ Cualing-Brua, who is also a lawyer, said. ‘We are truly grateful to Pagcor for choosing our town as a recipient of their PTV donation.’

Toboso Mayor Richard M. Jaojoco also expressed appreciation for the new emergency vehicle, highlighting the challenges of serving a far-flung municipality with limited access to hospitals.

‘This will be a huge help, especially for dialysis patients and anyone needing emergency care. We are far from major cities, so having this PTV is truly lifesaving,’ Jaojoco was quoted as saying in the statement.

Since February, the Pagcor has already distributed 142 PTVs to LGUs and partner agencies nationwide, including 70 units turned over to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office earlier this month.

THE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) has rolled out an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot in its bid to digitalize its systems to provide faster and smarter public services.

A statement issued by the state’s deposit insurer last Wednesday read that the ‘PDIC Online Assistant,’ or ‘Pola,’ is now accessible via the PDIC website and will soon be available on Facebook Messenger to expand its reach to more users.

The chatbot-a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users-is designed to provide clients and stakeholders with real-time, accurate and user-friendly assistance, allowing them to access information anytime and anywhere, read the statement.

According to the PDIC, the chatbot forms part of the GOCC’s ‘broader’ customer handling system, a centralized platform that streamlines how the agency manages queries, requests and complaints across multiple service channels.

”Pola’ is designed to enhance our ability to respond quickly, accurately, and efficiently to public inquiries-especially as we see a growing number of tech-savvy depositors, closed bank clients, and other stakeholders engaging with us online,’ PDIC and CEO President Roberto B. Tan said during the launch on October 14.

Tan assured the public that while PDIC is embracing digitalization, traditional service channels remain intact.

The PDIC Public Assistance Center will continue to cater to walk-in clients who prefer in-person assistance to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’ in the agency’s modernization efforts.

‘Regardless of the channel-online or face-to-face-our commitment remains the same: timely, accurate, and personalized service for every Filipino we serve,’ Tan added.

In her keynote message, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Assistant Commissioner Judith A. Dongallo-Chicano lauded the initiative, commending PDIC for leveraging technology to uphold the principle that public office is a public trust.

‘Puso sa serbisyo is that genuine desire to give efficient and effective service, that willingness to go the extra mile. This is demonstrated in all the mechanisms you have in place to provide a safety net for depositors,’ Chicano, a lawyer, added.

The PDIC said the launch of ‘Pola’ also came as the ‘Civil Service Month’ drew to a close, aligning with its broader efforts to improve service delivery through digital innovation.

‘We look forward to serving our clients better, faster and smarter-not just today, but for years to come,’ Tan added.

ZUS Coffee gets its first real litmus test not just for a strong positioning in Pool B in the second round of the preliminaries but more importantly to gain respect and recognition as it faces defending champion Creamline in a blockbuster Thursday offering of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

The Thunderbelles return to the court after a week off for a crucial 6:30 p.m. duel against the powerhouse Cool Smashers.

Fresh and brimming with confidence following impressive wins over Galeries and Chery Tiggo, ZUS Coffee is enjoying its finest start in its two-year PVL stint and the key would be reinforcement Anna DeBeer.

The former University of Louisville standout has blended seamlessly into coach Jerry Yee’s system-she dropped 37 points against the EV Crossovers and followed it up with 18 in a clinical rout of the Highrisers.

As she braces for a high-stakes duel with Creamline counterpart Coco Schwan and her deep supporting cast, DeBeer will need to summon every ounce of skill and composure.

‘We’re still a work in progress,’ said the soft-spoken Yee, known for his calm demeanor and no-frills approach. ‘There are still a lot of lapses we need to address. We’re waiting for the tougher teams – that’s when everything we’re working on will really come out.’

Creamline, smarting from a shock five-set loss to Akari in their opener, has since bounced back with dominant wins over Petro Gazz and Galeries Tower.

With momentum regained, the crowd favorites are determined to both extend their run and snap the Thunderbelles’ growing bubble.

Akari and Petro Gazz, meanwhile, square off in a pivotal 4 p.m. clash with both teams eyeing a strong position in the top 3 race.

The Chargers, bannered by import Annie Mitchem, are looking to sustain a fine start after back-to-back wins and the Angels (2-1), on the other hand, are eager to remain on track after falling to the Cool Smashers.

THE Sunshine Place, the senior hub under the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, recently celebrated 11 years of amazing student works and warm relationships with a cowboy theme. Sunshine Place is at 56 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel Air, Makati, Metro Manila.

There was lots of fun and dancing with D’Legends-the Aldeguer sisters Laly and Terri, Maribeth Bichara, and Mel Feliciano-as special guests. A powerhouse group of dance icons who lit up the floor from the 1970s to the 2000s, they brought energy, elegance, and unforgettable moves to the event.

Looking back and looking forward, the event also highlighted 11 things to celebrate at Sunshine Place:

Art is ageless. The Sunshine Place has art lessons for all ages and interests. There are Intermediate and Advanced Acrylic lessons for members, as well as Kids and Beginers Acrylic classes for their family. It’s not surprising to find members taking lessons with their children and grandchildren. There are also special workshops on

Porcelain Painting, Watercolor, and Fundamentals of Drawing.

It’s a place where you can find your voice. Gain more confidence with Speech Therapy lessons, and discover your inner voice with Music Therapy and, of course, Voice lessons.

The joy of dancing. You’ll be a dancing queen with classes on Social Ballroom and Tap Dancing-both beginners and advanced. There are also special workshops on Private Ballroom and Tap Dancing as well as Chair Dancing, Yeba Indak and Dekada lessons to keep you fit and fabulous.

The write stuff. It’s never too early-or late-to tell your story. The Sunshine Place has special workshops in Memoir Writing and Children’s Story Writing.

Fitness is fun. Members can enroll in One-on-One Fitness Training, and in home services for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Creative homeworks. Give your home a refresh with Ikebana arrangements through Ikebana Sogetsu classes. In 1927, when everybody believed Ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigara recognized Ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School. Now, anyone can enjoy Sogestsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere using any material. It will suit any kind of space, Japanese or Western, and enrich its atmosphere.

It’s a place for pampering. After lessons, members can avail of pampering at Footzone. It’s a to-go wellness destination for traditional foot reflexology and massage therapy; or get a new look at Vivify Salon, which offers professional haircuts, styling, coloring and treatments.

Great food, great get-togethers. Happy Garden Café by Bizu is a cozy garden-inspired café that serves healthy food, pastries, and refreshing drinks in a relaxing, nature-filled setting-perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a class. For those that love fresh blooms, Mira Le Fleur on the ground floor is a charming flower shop with custom arrangements and floral styling for all occasions.

Spirituality and solace. The chapel at the Roofdeck is a place where members and their loved ones can attend Mass on Fridays or hold their renewal of vows.

Warm relationships. Through shared interests and time together, members develop warm relationships with one another that keep them happy and healthy. They can also join in mahjong sessions, pilgrimage and cultural trips, and camaraderie is formed within the classes.

The spirit of sharing. For the past eight years, exhibits are for the benefit of a chosen institution. This year, proceeds went to the Josefheim Elderly Care Community run by the Josefheim Foundation.

Located in Pililla, Rizal, the Josefheim Elderly Care Community is a home for abandoned elderly. A non-profit organization, the community aims to provide love and care for the abandoned, forgotten, and marginalized members of the elderly community, addressing their special physical, emotional and spiritual needs. With that, it hopes to provide them with purpose, joy, comfort and peace in the twilight of their lives.

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III has reconstituted the House of Representatives’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) Review and Compliance Committee, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6713.

In a memorandum order dated October 20, 2025, Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand L. Hernandez was named Chairperson of the Committee. Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Romero Federico S. Quimbo were appointed vice chairpersons.

Other members include TGP Party-list Rep. Jose J. Teves Jr., Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Maria Cristina C. Angeles, Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo M. Barba, and Dinagat Islands Lone District Rep. Arlene J. Bag-ao.

The Committee’s Secretariat, composed of senior officials from the Legal Affairs, Legislative Operations, and Administrative Departments; the Office of the Secretary General; the Committee on Rules; the Records Management Service; and one representative from the Office of the Speaker, will provide technical and administrative support.

The memorandum, which takes effect immediately, states that ‘the Committee will continue to perform its mandate as contained in House Memorandum Order No. 17-42 [SPK] dated December 20, 2016, and in the Rules of Procedure in the Filing, Review, and Disclosure of, and Access to, the SALNs of Members, Officials, and Employees of the House of Representatives under Resolution No. 176 adopted on January 30, 2019.’

The reconstitution comes after Dy’s announcement last week that the House will review its rules on public disclosure of members’ SALNs to enhance transparency and accountability.

Also, on Wednesday, Dy released a copy of his SALN, declaring a net worth of P74.019 million and noting connections to four companies. He also listed 16 relatives who currently hold government positions.

Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), the top motorcycle manufacturer in the country, opened its 800th shop in the country through the newly inaugurated Transcycle in Bagac, Bataan, operated by Gentrade International Philippines Inc. (GIPI).

HPI said the new branch will be a ‘one-stop hub’ for the riding community in Bataan.

‘Spanning a 243-sqm floor area, the modern facility offers complete lineup, ranging from efficient automatic, cub, and business units to powerful sports bikes and innovative electric vehicles,’ it said in a statement.

The motorcycle manufacturer also noted that the store will have a ‘fully equipped service bay featuring special tools, Honda genuine parts, and highly trained mechanics.’

It said customers can ‘unwind’ in the dedicated lounge area with complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments while waiting for their preventive maintenance service.

Takeshi Kobayashi, HPI president, said the opening of the 800th Honda 3S Shop marks a ‘significant achievement,’ adding that Honda is committed to deliver mobility solutions that ‘uplift lives and empower Filipinos to achieve their dreams.’

Matthey Siy Cha, CEO of Transcycle said this new branch is more than just a building. ‘It’s a commitment to serve our customers better, to bring the Honda experience closer to the community, and to create opportunities for growth, both for our people and our city.’

Honda said the new Transcycle in Bagac is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.

The inauguration ceremony, held last October 16, was graced by the following officials: HPI’s Kobayashi; and General Manager for Sales Office 1 Hervic Villa.

Also representing Transcycle were Managing Directors Jose Siy Cha and Juanita Siy, and Mark Dioniso See, business development head of Transcycle.

In a statement on Tuesday, Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA) Marketing Committee Chairperson Toni Boi Acuesta said motorcycles remain a popular choice among Filipinos as this type of vehicle offers ‘affordable means of personal mobility, especially at a time when economic uncertainties have placed pressure on household budgets.’

Data from MDPPA showed there were 1,398,315 units of motorcycles sold in the nine-month period this year, up 12.8 percent from the 1,239,258 units sold in the same period last year (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/21/9-month-motorbike-sales-soar-as-budget-woes-bug-pinoys/).

Honda is one of the industry group’s members.