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Ambassador-at-Large and the Philippines’ Special Envoy for Trade Jose E.B. Antonio said the Philippines should focus on attracting investments from the world, particularly to grow the country’ IT-BPM (Information Technology- Business Process Management) industry, given its position as one of the country’s strongest growth sectors.

‘We should not center it towards America. We should center it to the whole world,’ Antonio said, stressing that ‘we should address our communications to the whole world who want to establish businesses.’

Antonio’s call for market diversification follows recent news on looming United States legislation that seeks to keep call centers in their territory. Antonio said his strategy is to promote the Philippines to diverse international markets beyond the US. Regional investment opportunities.

‘The Philippines has proven itself as a global leader in BPO and IT-BPM. With a highly skilled, adaptable, and service-oriented workforce, this industry represents one of our greatest advantages and assures investors of sustainable growth,’ Antonio said.

Ambassador Antonio’s focus is on the promotion of the Philippines as a premier investment destination to the global business community.

Beyond call centers: A diverse and evolving industry

Antonio highlighted that the IT-BPM sector has evolved far beyond its early image of contact centers. ‘Today, our IT-BPM professionals are not just handling customer service, they are engineers, illustrators, animators, game developers, financial analysts, and healthcare information specialists. This diversity reflects the depth of Filipino talent and the industry’s ability to move up the value chain,’ he said.

Guided by IBPAP’s Accelerate PH Roadmap 2028, the industry is now expanding into higher-value services such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, software and web development, animation and game design, healthcare information management, as well as financial and HR solutions. This broad spectrum of expertise demonstrates the Philippines’ ability to move with global digital trends and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner for enterprises worldwide.

A pillar of the Philippine economy

For over 20 years, the IT-BPM industry has been a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the sector contributes around 7.5% of the country’s GDP and employs over 1.7 million professionals nationwide. Industry projections show the sector reaching $42 billion in revenues and employing 1.97 million Filipinos by 2026.

In 2023 alone, the industry generated more than $35 billion in revenues, making it one of the top sources of foreign exchange for the country.

According to the Oxford Business Group, the Philippines has been the global leader in voice and call center services since 2010, surpassing other countries in this sector with leading global firms choosing to establish large-scale operations in cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao.

The rise of global capability centers

Antonio points to the rapid growth of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as a testament to the Philippines’ evolving role in the global services landscape. Global Capability Centers are strategic offshore hubs established by multinational corporations to handle core business operations, advanced analytics, research and development, and specialized services beyond traditional outsourcing.

‘The establishment and expansion of GCCs in our country demonstrates that multinational corporations see the Philippines not just as an outsourcing destination, but as a strategic hub for their core business operations,’ Antonio emphasized.

The numbers support this optimism. The Philippines currently hosts approximately 170 GCCs or offshore hubs of multinational corporations, up from 150 less than two years ago. These centers are attracting continued interest from markets including the United States, Australia, and Europe, particularly from banks and the healthcare sector.

‘What’s particularly encouraging is how these GCCs are expanding beyond Metro Manila, recognizing the exceptional talent we have throughout the country,’ Antonio noted. This geographic expansion reflects the depth of skilled professionals available across the Philippines, with GCCs now exploring provincial locations for their operations.

With the global GCC market projected to reach $155 billion by 2027, Antonio sees immense potential for the Philippines. Major firms like JPMorgan Chase exemplify this growth trajectory, increasing their workforce by thousands annually with another 10% increase projected for 2026.

Preparing for the future: Upskilling and innovation

As technology rapidly evolves and artificial intelligence continues to transform the global business landscape, the Philippine IT-BPM industry is positioning itself for the future through strategic upskilling and talent development. IBPAP, together with universities, training centers, and government agencies, is shaping educational programs to meet the evolving needs of the industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly skilled, globally competitive professionals ready to drive innovation and deliver world-class services.

‘The strength of the Filipino workforce lies not only in its skills but also in its adaptability,’ Antonio noted. ‘Our IT-BPM professionals are continuously upgrading their capabilities, which gives global investors confidence in the resilience and sustainability of this sector.’

Antonio emphasized that sustaining this momentum requires continued collaboration among industry, academe, and government, along with the establishment of regional hubs and equipping the workforce with digital fluency.

A clear advantage for investors

The IT-BPM industry embodies the qualities that make the Philippines an attractive investment destination: resilience, innovation, a young and educated workforce, and a strong partnership between government and industry stakeholders.

‘Investing in the Philippines means tapping into a sector that continues to expand, diversify, and deliver value to the world. We can be both: a world-class outsourcing hub and a GCC hub powering enterprise transformation,’ Antonio stated. ‘The IT-BPM industry is a backbone of our economy and a foundation for future growth.’

Antonio concluded with a vision for the sector: ‘The future of IT-BPM is not just an industry agenda, it is a national priority. Together, we can keep the Philippines at the heart of global services and continue attracting the world’s leading companies to invest in our remarkable talent and capabilities.’

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez visited on Monday a reported illegal bus terminal in a vacant lot in Pasay City and immediately ordered its closure during his inspection weeks ahead of Undas season.

Lopez also ordered the impounding of three buses from the terminal.

Aside from this, Lopez also asked the LTFRB to revoke the franchise of the bus operators.

‘They are considered colorum,’ Lopez said in a chance interview in a video posted by state-run PTV. ‘So we have to revoke their franchises of the operators.’

He also said that this terminal was already ordered closed by former Department of Transportation chief Vince Dizon, but it is still running.

Earlier, Lopez also inspected the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange as part of the preparations for Undas.

On Sunday, Lopez also inspected bus stations in Cubao.

During that time, Lopez also learned that some companies remain non-compliant with terminal and road safety standards.

Upon Lopez’s inspection, DOTr said the secretary learned that Jam Liner has a bus unit with bald tires; DLTB Bus Co. was still operating despite an expired business permit; Dagupan Bus Co. Inc., was found operating without proper facilities for passengers; and Super Lines Bus Co. was found without a proper terminal and seats for passengers.

On the other hand, Lopez said Victory Liner, Inc., Viron Transit, and Alps Bus Co. were found to have proper facilities and had proper handling of passengers.

Millions of passengers return to their provinces during Undas season or from November 1-2 to remember their departed loved ones in the cemetery.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) urged the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a transparent and impartial probe into the attempted killing of another lawyer, this time in Zamboanga del Norte.

The official organization of lawyers in the country on Saturday condemned the attack on Eustaquio Dennis Reyes, an incident that it called a ‘grave affront to justice’ and a reminder of the urgency to establish reforms to protect legal professionals.

According to the group’s chapter in Zamboanga del Norte, Reyes was on board a Toyota Hilux on Oct. 14 with his wife when unidentified assailants attacked him.

The attack on Reyes came nearly a month after Palawan-based lawyer Joshua Lavega Adrian was shot and killed in Puerto Princesa.

According to the IBP national office, the recent incident reinforced the organization’s ongoing initiatives to create a National Security Framework for lawyers, with the help of the Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies.

‘An attack on one lawyer is an attack on all who uphold the law . When the law and its defenders are threatened, we must stand resolute, united, and unafraid so that justice never falls silent,’ the IBP added. -JANE BAUTISTA

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said that his office will begin its preliminary investigation this week on flood control-related cases filed before them, particularly the alleged ghost projects in Oriental Mindoro and Bulacan provinces.

Remulla was referring to the five flood control projects in Bulacan, the findings of which were turned over by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Office of the Ombudsman on October 14.

Meanwhile, a separate report on a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro was submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) last month.

‘Flood control. I’ll also start the preliminary investigation of the cases this week, the first cases that were finalized here,’ Remulla said in Filipino a press briefing.

‘So this week, that will start rolling. At least six flood control cases will begin moving this week, hopefully. There are also many flood control issues we still need to resolve before the hearings begin,’ he added.

On September 20, the ICI submitted its first-ever interim report to the Ombudsman, flagging possible anomalies in a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

In its 32-page report, the ICI urged the anti-graft body to determine appropriate charges against 18 public officials, including Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, in connection with the alleged irregularities surrounding the flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-B (Mimaropa) through contractor Sunwest, Inc., involves the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon earlier disclosed that the five cases in Bulacan involved officials from the district office and the contractors.

‘These involve cases of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, falsification by public officers under Article 171, perjury under Article 183, and violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,’ he said.

Earlier, Remulla said the flood control cases would be among his priorities, particularly those filed by the ICI, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Public Works and Highways through Secretary Vince Dizon.

The number of deaths caused by the floods in Capiz has risen to 5, bringing to 10 the death toll attributed to the torrential rain spawned by Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) that inundated many areas in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Southern Luzon.

Capiz disaster response authorities initially reported only one person, May Mae Urdelas, 23, who died Saturday, October 18, after she slipped, fell, and was swept away by the strong current of a creek in Ivisan town. By late Sunday, however, four more persons were confirmed to have died.

According to the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the confirmed fatalities aside from Urdelas were 44-year-old Rizaldo Balgos, from Roxas City; a 45-year-old man from Barangay Dulangan of Pilar town, who was electrocuted; and two more individuals from Roxas City whose identities were still being verified.

Earlier on Sunday, a family of five in Quezon province died after they were crushed by a tree that fell on their house in Pitogo town.

Capiz provincial authorities said intense rainfall triggered the severe flooding, with Saturday’s downpour alone nearly matching the average rainfall for an entire month.

The provincial capital, Roxas City, which is now in a state of calamity, recorded only 305 millimeters of rain between October 1 and October 17, but nearly 400 millimeters fell in a single day on Saturday, exceeding the city’s typical monthly total for October.

The floods have affected 3,307 families, or 9,665 individuals, across 61 barangays in Capiz. In Roxas City alone, more than 800 families, or over 2,000 individuals, were rescued as floodwaters submerged several communities.

Hundreds of commuters were stranded after public and private vehicles were unable to pass through flooded roads in various towns.

Classes in all levels have been suspended from Monday, October 20, until Wednesday, October 22, as authorities continue to monitor water levels in rivers and canals.

Local officials have urged residents to stay alert, avoid crossing flooded roads, and evacuate when necessary. Relief goods continue to be distributed in evacuation centers, while search and rescue teams remain on standby should conditions worsen.

After making his acting debut in the Cinemalaya 2025 entry ‘Padamlagan,’ Ely Buendia showcased his newly discovered passion for the craft in the music video of ‘Kandarapa.’

The music video of ‘Kandarapa,’ the third single of Buendia’s album ‘Method Adaptor,’ was released on Sunday, Oct. 19, and is a ‘D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself)’ project brought together by the singer-songwriter, his own record label Offshore Music, and in-house creative Gada Nyssa Zayco.

It starts with a black-and-white glimpse of Buendia walking on the beach and wading through seawaters, showing scenes of him writing and rummaging through his possessions.

‘When I first heard ‘Kandarapa,’ I felt the courage behind it. It takes a certain kind of bravery and strength to begin a song with an admission to say that you or something is not okay right from the first line, before any instrument even begins,’ Zayco said of the creative process behind the music video. ‘I wanted the visuals to feel like a dream you’re half-aware of, caught between wanting to wake up but at the same time trapped.’

Zayco also described Buendia as a co-worker who allows creatives to have the space to ‘create’ while challenging them to seek the deeper meaning behind their work.

‘He gives you space to create, yet challenges you to see things from a deeper place. I used to see him as someone almost unreachable – a legend whose work defined generations,’ he said.

The music video was released 11 months after Buendia’s second studio album, ‘Method Adaptor,’ which was brought together with a labor of love.

It contains the other tracks, ‘Bulaklak sa Buwan,’ ‘Tagpi-Tagping Piraso,’ ‘Faithful Song,’ ‘Tamang Hinala,’ ‘Deadbeat Creeper,’ ‘Sige,’ ‘Kontrabando,’ ‘Chance Passenger,’ and ‘Esprit de Corpse.’

The Roxas City Council in Capiz province has declared the entire city under a state of calamity following days of heavy rains and widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen).

The declaration was issued through Resolution No. 263-2025, approved during a special session on October 19, 2025, led by Vice Mayor Teresa Almalbis and attended by a majority of council members.

The resolution cited the storm’s heavy rains on Oct. 18, which triggered severe flooding in several barangays, damaged properties, agricultural areas, and infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of affected residents.

Earlier, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had passed Resolution No. 15, series of 2025, recommending a state of calamity due to the storm’s widespread damage.

The Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Analysis report detailed Ramil’s impact, noting destroyed homes, lost livelihoods, and damaged public facilities and roads, which hampered mobility and local operations.

Under Section 52(b) of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, local governments can declare a state of calamity to release emergency funds, impose price controls on basic goods, and expedite relief and recovery efforts. /mcm

At first glance, a water dispenser might seem like just another standard appliance that provides hot or cold water when needed. But what if that simple appliance could do more? As technology continues to advance and electricity prices continue to rise, there is a growing demand for smarter and more energy-efficient solutions, even in everyday appliances.

The Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser (IFWD-1524 B) offers that smarter choice. It is equipped with advanced heavy-duty inverter technology that delivers faster heating and cooling performance, consumes less energy, and operates more quietly while maintaining a sleek and durable design that fits seamlessly into any space.

In this article, we will explore what makes the Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser a standout choice and how it provides a smarter, more efficient solution for various environments.

SMART TECHNOLOGY THAT SAVES ENERGY EVERY DAY

The highlight of the Fujidenzo Water Dispenser is its advanced HD Inverter Technology, designed to deliver intelligent energy efficiency for everyday hydration. It automatically adjusts performance in real time, using only the exact amount of energy needed to maintain the ideal water temperature. Whether you’re filling a single cup or several bottles, it ensures consistent hot or cold water anytime. With this smart feature, you enjoy reliable performance and noticeable energy savings every day.

Because it runs more efficiently, the HD Inverter Technology also reduces strain on the dispenser’s motor and internal components. This means quieter operation, steadier temperature control, and a longer lifespan for your appliance, making it ideal for those who value both convenience and smart energy use.

Supporting this innovation is an Energy-Efficient Compressor, which maintains excellent cooling performance while keeping power consumption low. Together, these features make the Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser a reliable, cost-saving, and eco-friendly choice for any home, office, or workspace.

THOUGHTFUL DETAILS FOR WORRY-FREE HYDRATION

Refilling your dispenser should be simple and convenient. With its Bottom Load Water Gallon design, the Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser allows you to place the bottle directly into the lower compartment without lifting or flipping. This design helps reduce spills and keeps the process clean and efficient in any setting. The Water Pump delivers a steady and reliable stream of water whenever you need it, ensuring every glass fills smoothly without interruption.

Safety is also a priority. The Safety Child Lock on the hot water button prevents accidental dispensing and protects children from burns. In addition, the Double Safety Device automatically shuts off the heating system to prevent overheating, maintaining safe operation at all times.

STYLE THAT BLENDS SEAMLESSLY

Beyond performance and safety, the Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser proves that it is more than just a practical appliance. Its Compact Design allows it to fit comfortably in kitchens, pantries, or office corners, providing a steady supply of hot and cold water even in smaller spaces without compromising capacity.

The Black Finish adds a refined, modern touch that blends effortlessly with contemporary interiors. Whether placed in a home or workplace lounge, it complements the overall look of the space instead of appearing as bulky equipment.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your water dispenser. The Fujidenzo HD Inverter Water Dispenser combines energy efficiency, advanced safety features, and modern design so you can enjoy fresh hot and cold water every day while keeping energy costs under control.

Wherever you are in the Philippines, Fujidenzo has you covered with a network of over 500 service centers nationwide, ready to provide dependable after-sales support.

Exclusively distributed by Excellence Appliance Technologies, Inc. (Exatech), Fujidenzo products are available in major appliance stores nationwide. For those who want to see the product in person, Fujidenzo showrooms are located in key cities including Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Legazpi, Batangas, Palawan, Isabela, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro.

Shopping online? Fujidenzo is just a click away at www.fujidenzo.com, on Shopee, and on Lazada. For the latest updates, promotions, and product launches, follow Fujidenzo on social media: @fujidenzoph on Instagram, @fujidenzoappliances on TikTok, and Fujidenzo Appliances on Facebook.

The ultimate fusion of music, sports, and purpose is just 1 week away! The country’s leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus, is turning up the volume for The International Series Music Festival presented by BingoPlus – a one-night celebration of sports entertainment and Filipino charity happening on October 25 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds in Parañaque.

Carrying the inspiring theme ‘Swing for Filipino Sports Dream,’ the festival brings together global and local icons for an unforgettable night. EDM superstar Alan Walker leads the lineup, joined by Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and OPM legends Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Sandwich, and Lily. Keeping the energy high are DJs Arthur Tan, Hoest, and DJ Kiara, along with powerhouse performances from world champion dance crews A-Team and UPeepz. Hosting the event are Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz, bringing the right mix of fun and flair.

Beyond the beats and lights, festival-goers can look forward to games, interactive booths, and tons of exciting prizes. But what truly sets this event apart is its heart: BingoPlus will be donating ?5 million, plus ?200 for every ticket redeemed on-site, to support Filipino sports development and charity efforts. And because BingoPlus knows how to make the night even more thrilling, all guests will get special gifts and the chance to win cash prizes worth ?5 million.

How to get your tickets?

To secure regular tickets, check out promotions on BingoPlus’ official social media pages for various online activities to get free regular tickets, which includes posts, likes, comments, and sharing mechanics. You can get free VIP and SVIP tickets by topping the BingoPlus EDM leaderboard in the app or at website www.bingoplus.com. All ticket holders are guaranteed with meal vouchers, gift packs, exclusive access, and gift packs with worth varying from P500.00 to 1,500.00.

Gates will open at 11:00 AM, with main stage performances starting at 8:00 PM.

To know more about ticketing and promo, visit BingoPlus App or website at www.bingoplus.com.

These exciting festivities are part of a week-long celebration of world-class golf, entertainment, and fun at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. Get your tickets now at SM Tickets.