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Subsidies provided by the national government to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) declined in January to August.

Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that subsidies to state-run firms plunged by 19.27 percent to P70.251 billion as of end-August from P87.025 billion in the same period a year ago.

The budgetary support was extended to 39 GOCCs to fund their operations not supported by corporate revenues or to finance their specific programs or projects.

During the eight-month period, major non-financial government corporations received 54.71 percent of the total, or P38.434 billion, while other government corporations obtained 44.56 percent, or P31.308 billion.

The remaining 0.72 percent, or P509 million, went to government financial institutions.

Based on the data, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) obtained the highest amount of subsidies during the eight-month period at P24.528 billion.

NIA was followed by the National Food Authority (NFA) with P8.682 billion in subsidies and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (Psalm) with P8 billion.

Other top subsidy recipients were the Philippine Reclamation Authority (P4.433 billion), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) (P4.282 billion) and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P1.967 billion).

For the month of August alone, government subsidies to GOCCs amounted to P8.018 billion, also down by 11.89 percent from P9.1 billion in the same month last year.

Cornering the highest amount of government subsidies handed out during the month was still NIA, which got P3.427 billion.

This was followed by the PCIC with P2.032 billion, NFA (P750 million), International Broadcasting Corporation (P337 million) and National Electrification Administration (P200 million).

Next year, subsidies for GOCCs are pegged at P149.654 billion. This is higher by 17.4 percent from this year’s allotment of P127.428 billion.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will finally receive subsidies next year after being stripped off of financial support this year.

To recall, the bicameral conference committee directed PhilHealth to use its surplus funds instead of allotting subsidies for the agency this year.

PHilHealth’s proposed subsidy for next year stands at P53.262 billion, which will fund the annual insurance premiums of indigent beneficiaries.

Jeeno Thitikul came from four shots down with five holes to play to force a playoff with Minami Katsu, before producing another extraordinary shot on the fifth playoff hole to claim the LPGA Shanghai and become the first two-time LPGA tournament winner of the season on Sunday.

Top-ranked Thitikul’s 63 was the round of the day and included seven birdies and an eagle. The Thai player’s 24-under 264 closed what had appeared to be a comfortable margin for overnight leader Katsu of Japan, who had started the day two shots ahead and extended that to four after the 13th.

But the Thai player reeled that in with birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th, before an incredible eagle with the ball bouncing along the mottled 17th green of Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai to draw level.

Katsu (65) could only respond with a birdie of her own at the 17th, but had another birdie chance on the final hole to claw back the victory only for the ball to slide past the hole and forcing the playoff.

Pars through the first four playoff holes, rotated between the 18th and the 10th, included Katsu having two birdie putts to win only to narrowly miss the hole on both.

On the fifth playoff hole the deadlock was broken as a brilliant approach by Thitikul placed the ball three feet away, while Katsu’s second shot fell short of the green at the par-4 18th.

Katsu’s chip for birdie was impressive but missed, leaving Thitikul a simple birdie putt to close out a remarkable victory nearly two years after losing in an epic nine-hole playoff to Celine Boutier at the LPGA Malaysia.

From disappointment to delight

It was Thitikul’s second win of the season after claiming the Mizuho Americas Open in May and helped ease the disappointment of her inexplicable four-putt meltdown on the final hole at the Kroger Queen City Championship last month.

‘What happened on the last event (was) definitely still in my mind, but like to be able to prove myself again this tournament, which is . like a dream come true and you know, I’m not carrying a thing on my shoulder,’ she said.

Minjee Lee, who won her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship in June, shot 68 on Sunday for a 19-under 269 as her challenge faded through the middle part of the round for a third-place finish.

Jenny Bae of the United States had a round of 69 and finished in a tie for fourth with Miyu Yamashita (67) of Japan and Somi Lee (69) of South Korea at 17-under 271.

Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China carded a final round of 68 to finish in a tie for 26th.

The Shanghai event is the first of five tournaments in Asia. There are two weeks in South Korea, including the International Crown team event, and other tournaments in Malaysia and Japan.

The Department of Education -National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) on Sunday announced that all face-to-face classes in public schools are suspended on October 13-14, 2025, in light of the increasing incidence of influenza-like illnesses among learners and personnel and the recent series of earthquakes affecting various parts of the country.

In an advisory signed by DepEd-NCR Regional Director and concurrent Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Dr. Jocelyn Andaya, it stated that disinfection, sanitation, and building inspection will be conducted while classes are suspended.

‘The Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) issues this advisory to ensure the continuity of learning while prioritizing the health, safety, and structural security of all public schools,’ the advisory read.

During this period, schools shall implement Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADM), either synchronous or asynchronous, as provided under DepEd Order No. 54, s. 2012, to avoid disruption of learning.

All schools are directed to utilize the suspension period to:

a. Conduct cleaning and disinfection of classrooms and common areas;

b. Carry out structural and safety inspections of school buildings and facilities;

c. Prepare for the facilitation or implementation of drills on earthquake preparedness and other emergency protocols; and

d. Reinforce health and safety practices among learners, personnel, and parents.

Furthermore, this advisory reinforces DepEd Memorandum OUOPS-2025-06294, emphasizing earthquake preparedness and response procedures, including coordination with Division Engineers and Local Government Units (LGUs) for inspection and mitigation actions.

Private schools are also highly encouraged to observe and conduct these measures.

Global cocoa prices would fall from previous record-highs on the back of a projected rebound in production, an international research firm said.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently revised downward its cocoa price forecast for 2025 to $8,200 per metric ton (MT) from $8,500 per MT due to easing bullish sentiment in the market.

‘Part of this has been driven by technical adjustments from an overbullish market, but the main drivers have been improving expectations regarding supply as well as signs that demand destruction in the face of elevated prices is happening.’

Such a pivot in market sentiment was due to projections that cocoa output in West Africa, a cocoa powerhouse, would replenish global inventories, the research firm said.

‘We forecast that production of cocoa globally in 2024/25 will increase by 8 percent year-on-year, driven mainly by an improvement in harvests in West Africa.’

BMI noted that better weather conditions and improvement in farmgate prices in cocoa-producing countries in the region would help buoy output.

‘In West Africa, we believe that improved weather conditions will be favorable for cocoa production, and we also flag the recent increase in farmgate prices in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as an upside risk for production.’

It added that investments poured into cocoa production outside West Africa due to the spike in prices would also bolster yield.

‘Outside of West Africa, we believe that higher prices over the past few years have driven increased investment in cocoa production in Latin America and Asia,’ BMI said.

‘While cocoa trees require five years between planting and production, and we will therefore see the effects of new trees becoming productive over the medium term, growing investment will boost yields from existing cocoa trees through improved input use and agronomic practices.’

Despite this, BMI noted global consumption would drop by 4.3 percent year-on-year in 2024/25, which would result in a return to a market surplus following three consecutive deficits.

‘The most recent data from cocoa grindings is evidence of the fact that, although this has taken longer than the market had expected, demand destruction in the face of elevated prices is occurring.’

The research firm noted that data from grindings in the second quarter pointed to a 9.4 percent year-on-year decline on a global level.

The largest decrease was recorded in Asia at 16.3 percent due to chocolate being less of a staple in the region compared to Europe and the United States, it added.

‘Elevated prices are driving companies to use alternative ingredients to cocoa beans and cocoa butter or decrease the amount of cocoa in their products.’

BMI also flagged the EU Commission’s intention to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to January 2026.

‘On one hand, this delay is a downside risk for prices as it reduces the possibilities of some cocoa being unable to enter the market due to non-compliance,’ the firm said.

‘On the other hand, we note that chocolate manufacturers such as Barry Callebaut, as well as environmental groups, have voiced concern about this because many have already invested significant resources to comply with the regulation, and this would increase uncertainty in the market.’

An exhibit coordinator admires the intricate piña textile at the 15th Likhang HABI Market Fair, held at Level 5, SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City.

Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, the three-day event celebrated Filipino craftsmanship and culture through more than 80 exhibitors showcasing locally woven fabrics and artisan products from across the country.

Highlights included live weaving demonstrations, the ‘Kwentong Kultura’ lectures, and the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving and Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving competitions-underscoring thecountry’s rich textile heritage and the artistry of its weaving communities.

PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc. has committed to conserve, protect and enhance the biodiversity and coastal resources of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with government agencies. In the MOU with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE), the Razon-led firm said it will fully support the clean energy transition while protecting and enhancing the natural resources in the VIP. Prime Infra also vowed to leverage existing biodiversity research and development programs and commit to the joint responsible stewardship, sustainable access and use of the VIP’s coastal and marine resources.

With the agreement, ‘we are joining hands with partners to protect what is often called the ‘center of the center’ of marine shore fish biodiversity of the world,’ read a statement issued by Prime Infra.

The VIP is a national asset whose protection is vital not just for our environment, but for the livelihoods and well-being of our people,’ Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci said.

The MOU also recognizes Prime Infra Foundation and Prime Energy’s ‘ridge-to-reef’ approach and employing of innovative technology and science-based methods for marine and terrestrial conservation within the VIP.

The VIP, which spans the provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, is highly prioritized for protection and conservation by virtue of Executive Order 578. The strait is subject to the conduct of the ‘Protected Areas Suitability Assessment’ by the Biodiversity Management Bureau under the National Integrated Protected Areas System, or Republic Act (RA) 7586, as amended by RA 11038.

DENR Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla said the agreement is an affirmation that environmental stewardship and economic development must go together, highlighting that protecting the VIP is a responsibility shared not just nationally, but globally.

‘This partnership commits us to concrete actions for conservation, habitat, restoration, sustainable resource use and community engagement,’ Lotilla said. ‘Therefore, we send a clear message that industry and government can unite to safeguard our natural heritage for present and future generations.’

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the DOE is fully supportive with initiatives that align with energy development with environmental protection while ensuring that the transition to cleaner sources remains both responsible and sustainable.

Prime Infra also recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation with the DENR, committing P6.225 million in support of the agency’s watershed instrumentation program.

The agreement enables the DENR to procure necessary sensors, instruments, calibration, and fencing, as well as, installing an automated weather station in the Upper Marikina River watershed to implement the watershed program.

The Philippines’ most trusted and preferred housing brand continues to shape the homebuying landscape in the Visayas and Mindanao through milestone celebrations that honor both the heritage and the hope of homeownership.

In Iloilo, Savannah marks its silver anniversary as the heart of Georgia, while in Davao, Camella commemorates three decades of community building-together underscoring a golden legacy of lifescapes designed for Filipino families.

Savannah’s silver celebration

Savannah’s silver anniversary, themed ‘My Heart, My Home, My Savannah,’ is a commemoration of time and a tribute to the thousands of families who have made Savannah a place to call home.

‘My Home’ speaks to the safety and sense of belonging that Savannah has provided its residents throughout the years, while ‘My Heart’ reflects the emotional ties nurtured and the memories that have been woven into the daily fabric of community life. ‘My Savannah’ represents the pride of being part of something enduring, where every resident embodies a way of life that continues to flourish through every household.

Savannah kicked off a month-long series of events that brought together homeowners, business partners, and community friends. The festivities began with a Fun Run that promoted fitness, complemented by a Food Truck Assembly, a Medical Mission, and a Zumba session that filled the grounds with movement.

The Family Day highlighted the joy of homegrown traditions, featuring Laro ng Lahi games; the Paws Club, which ensured furry companions shared in the fun; and a Movie and Camping Night that offered time together. Concluding with the Savannah Fiesta, the anniversary activities include a Holy Mass, followed by a Food Fest with live band performances. The celebration closed with a meaningful tree planting activity named ‘Little Hands, Big Trees.’ The activities during the silver anniversary of Savannah reflected the values that have always defined the residential development: health and heritage, community spirit, and cultural pride.

Fortifying excellence

Savannah has been offering Spanish Mediterranean-inspired homes, lifestyle amenities, and a secure environment that promotes convenience and connectivity. The neighborhood of Savannah has consistently set the standard for modern living and has established itself as the premier residential development in Iloilo.

The natural beauty of Savannah, enhanced by greenways and leisure hubs, fosters a sense of well-being. Every home is designed to strike a balance between form and function, creating dynamic living spaces that cater to the diverse needs of its residents. Complementing these residences is a suite of amenities that spans lifestyle, leisure, and everyday essentials, enriching the rhythm of daily life.

The proud residential component of Georgia by Vista Estates, touted as Iloilo’s biggest lifestyle destination, has recently been recognized by PropertyGuru with the Highly Commended Award for Best Township Development 2025. Savannah was also hailed as the Best Mixed-Use Development in Visayas and Mindanao by Lamudi, The Outlook 2023: Philippine Real Estate Awards.

Thirty Years, A Thousand Everyday Wins in Davao

Camella has journeyed with every Davaoeño in fulfilling the lifelong dream of homeownership, welcoming families across the fastest-growing cities and flourishing corridors of the region. From the urban heart of Davao City to the sprawling hubs in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental, its neighborhoods offer well-planned living spaces of comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Now in its 30th year in Davao Region, Camella renews its promise to keep family and community life at the core of innovation and progress, building a legacy of value for generations to come.

Camella’s residential developments are envisioned as more than a neighborhood-it is a lifescape: a place designed around how people live, learn, and aspire. For three decades, Camella has expanded into nearly a dozen locations across the Davao Region, offering homes that cater to first-time buyers and multigenerational households.

The neighborhoods of Camella are designed with a strong sense of place. Facilities, including clubhouses, swimming pools, sports courts, and jogging paths, promote well-being, foster friendships, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Such community-centric planning promotes active lifestyles and social ties, resulting in healthier, engaged neighborhoods that drive long-term property value.

The Camella Forever Homes are built for modern living, featuring efficient layouts, natural light, ample ventilation, and room to grow-made attainable through flexible financing options and long-term property management. Families can step onto the real estate market sooner, redirect resources toward education or business, and enjoy the compounded benefits of well-maintained communities.

Thirty Years in Davao: A Milestone and a Mandate

The scale, equity, and track record of Camella in the Davao Region translate to strong confidence among homebuyers and investors. Its homes are planned with an eye to future connectivity, neighboring projects, and regional growth. Homes become springboards for opportunity as families gain access to better financing terms, can move up or expand their portfolios, and pass on tangible assets to the next generation: turning the address of today into an advantage tomorrow.

The commitment of Camella is to keep building lifescapes that honor how Filipino families live in the present-and how they hope to live tomorrow-so that every hope becomes a home, every cluster a community, and every investment a lasting legacy.

THE push to scrap unprogrammed appropriations from the 2026 national budget gained more momentum as Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo M. Lacson threw his full support behind the bid of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Finance committee chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

Lacson said that he will add his voice to the Senate’s stand if the Senate and House contingents meet on the matter at the bicameral conference committee.

‘Our agreement was that there will be no unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 budget, but we will allow funding for foreign-assisted projects that are necessary. Funds in the unprogrammed appropriations for other purposes will be removed,’ he said in a mix of English and Filipino, in a radio interview.

Lacson’s remarks followed reports indicating the House of Representatives had rejected a proposal to slash the P250-billion unprogrammed appropriations when it completed its amendments to the 2026 General Appropriations bill on Friday.

House Appropriations committee chairperson Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing was quoted in reports as saying the government cannot afford to scrap contingent funding for foreign-assisted projects.

The Executive had also been quite firm on this stand, as initial reports indicated that funding for foreign-assisted projects cannot be withheld as this could imperil official development assistance (ODA) for critical programs.

Should the Senate and House maintain their conflicting stands, Lacson said the Senate will have on its side the Filipinos outraged by the corruption that was manifested in anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.

Earlier, Lacson and his staff had confirmed the existence of flood control projects using unprogrammed funds in the budget.

‘We may have to confront this issue in the bicam. If I become a member of the Senate contingent to the bicam, I will add my voice to that of Senator Gatchalian, along with the voices of Filipinos who are outraged over corruption,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Lacson pushed anew for self-restraint among lawmakers in making amendments to the budget bill, and for introducing institutional amendments rather than individual ones for infrastructure projects that do not stem from consultations with the local governments concerned.

PCO has infra project?

GATCHALIAN has flagged an infrastructure project for the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) which the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was contracted to do.

Gatchalian cited the 2024 Commission on Audit (COA) Report that the then Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) contracted the DPWH in 2019 to build the Government Communication Academy in Bukidnon (Phase II) worth P45.7 million. COA’s 2020-2023 report listed a similar project with a different amount-P79 million. The facility has no budget allocation for 2026, as funds have already been allotted for the completion of the remaining 10 percent of construction.

‘Why does PCO have a communications office in Bukidnon?’ Gatchalian asked. The PCO explained that the project, initiated under the Benigno Aquino III administration, was originally intended as a training center for communication offices under Malacañang and its attached agencies.

‘We’ve already spent P124 million, and the project is 90 percent complete. If we don’t finish this, it becomes a white elephant,’ said Gatchalian.

The PCO reported to the Senate plans are afoot to transfer the facility to the Northern Bukidnon State College once completed.

Presidential communications officials of the Aquino III administration headed by then Secretaries Herminio Coloma and Ricky Carandang have yet to issue statements.

DESCRIBING it as ‘long overdue,’ an assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed strong support for Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s plan to restore public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of all government officials, including those of President Marcos former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos described the Ombudsman’s initiative as ‘a historic step toward ending secrecy, fighting corruption, and restoring the people’s faith in government,’ emphasizing that public trust can only be rebuilt through openness.

SALNs of public officials were closed to public access by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a

Duterte appointee

‘Public office is a public trust. The people have the right to know how their officials manage their wealth and live up to the ethical standards set by law,’ Santos said. ‘I fully support Ombudsman Remulla’s initiative to reverse the restrictive 2020 policy that limited public access to SALNs.’

The 2020 memorandum issued by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires required public officials’ consent before releasing their SALNs-a rule widely criticized for shielding officials from scrutiny.

Santos noted that Remulla’s move upholds Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandates that SALNs be open to public inspection and copying upon reasonable request.

‘Transparency tools like the SALN system are essential in deterring corruption and rebuilding public trust in institutions,’ Santos said. ‘The government should not hide behind the excuse of data privacy when it comes to accountability. As long as safeguards are in place, there is no reason why the people should be kept in the dark.’

Santos also expressed support for Remulla’s vow to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying, ‘That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Office of the Ombudsman-no sacred cows, just the truth and the law.’

‘That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Office of the Ombudsman,’ Santos said. ‘No sacred cows-just the truth and the law. I look forward to working with Ombudsman Remulla in strengthening institutional integrity and ending impunity in public service.’

Remulla earlier said the SALNs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte may be among those accessible to the public starting next week. He also indicated openness to releasing SALNs dating back to 2016.

Remember how everyone turned kind, compassionate, and respectful during the pandemic years? For many of us, the loss of some kin, friends, and associates to Covid-19 brought out our humanity. We became more patient, more gentle, more benevolent towards each other, and even gave way to people who were not necessarily older or disabled. And we simply practiced good manners.

Fast forward to 2025 when the dark memories of the pandemic seem to have receded too fast. Today, we’re back to the normal cycle of work, attending events, concerts, and social engagements. We’re interacting again for both official and personal reasons. Unfortunately, we have noted that people don’t seem to be as kind and respectful anymore. Every day, headlines and news stories scream about massive corruption in the government and the angry masses are calling for justice and accountability. With civil unrest a potential threat to our stability, we are indeed facing a grim and negative present and future.

What’s going on? Why are people lashing out with hatred and aggression? Can we not turn to more constructive means of coping with these turbulent times?

This seems to have influenced even workplace practices, with some employees backsliding to old bad habits. Can we, as communicators or practitioners of public relations, do something about this before problems become unmanageable?

Let me cite a few day-to-day situations where we could, at the very least, try to practice basic good business manners during meetings-both in the office and from home.

Don’t be too ‘share-happy’ with seemingly ‘hot’ posts or information that you have not fact-checked.

I frequently get the same posts from several people who enthusiastically send these to their chat groups, without checking for accuracy. They know full well that their posts would just circulate among different sets of friends or cliques. This not only takes up so much space and time; it can also be extremely annoying especially when one finds out that it’s an old rehashed post or worse, downright fake! Sobriety and self-control are virtues to be called on here. Don’t add to the misinformation and disinformation that are neither helpful nor productive.

Decide early: Should it be an online or face-to-face meeting?

When calling for meetings, please consider the following factors in deciding on the place, the date and time, and the venue or method of meeting. Can your subject be discussed online or by phone? Be considerate of the parties’ time and availability by using online options like Zoom or other apps. Do not compel them to come to your office from halfway across Metro Manila, such as from Makati to Quezon City, or from BGC to Alabang, only to tell them something that you could have relayed over the phone. Metro Manila traffic, especially on major thoroughfares like Edsa, can be severely stressful. It is probably best to just meet online-it’s faster and more efficient.

Face-to-face meetings are, of course, reserved for long important discussions where the personal exchange of ideas is vital to decision making, especially when signing documents or turning over of data is involved.

Be on time for both online and face-to-face meetings; it’s rude to make everyone wait.

When an online meeting has been set, participants should fix their connectivity, Wi-Fi issues, and workstation earlier-and be ready to log in at least 5 or 10 minutes before the designated time. The online method is meant to be convenient for everyone so it’s counter-productive to be late.

The same rule applies to face-to-face meetings. Given the challenges of inclement weather and unexpected delays, we should aim to reach our destination at least 30 minutes before the appointment. That should give one sufficient time to find the venue, settle down, and set up one’s notes or laptop.

Be prepared with an agenda that should be known to all.

There is nothing more disconcerting than failure to prepare for a status report. The host of the meeting must thus be ready to tackle an agenda that was shared earlier so that whoever is assigned to present or discuss their topics can be prepared.

Before you call anyone on their mobile phone, please text or send a message to ask if you can call.

The professional way of communicating is to seek permission to call before punching someone’s numbers. You may be in a rush but texting first shows respect for their time and availability. A short line to say ‘May I call you for a few minutes?’ will be most appreciated. Please make sure you stick to your purpose for calling because the person you are talking to may have other items on his time schedule.

Be sensitive to others’ opinions.

If you must do ‘small talk’ before meetings, avoid discussing controversial topics or expressing strong opinions about certain issues that your clients or other meeting participants might have opposing views to.

During both formal and informal meetings, avoid breaking the ice by starting a conversation about the latest online chatter or the latest scandal in government. This may not sit well with everyone present. If the meeting has no formal agenda, and the participants are your close friends, some ‘maritess’ banter may be fine and even adds to the fun. But with fake news proliferating online these days, avoid sharing information that you are not sure about. Some carelessly uttered statements could lead to unpleasant disagreements. It’s best to keep exchanges light, especially if a business agenda is set for discussion in the meeting.