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THE Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives (PH Coop) on Friday assailed a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) policy mandating that all individual members of a cooperative must possess a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for the organization to avail tax exemption privileges.

‘We challenge the validity of these revenue and random circles before the Supreme Court speech today, meanwhile, arguing that these issuances unlawfully restrict the tax exemption and privileges granted cooperatives under a cooperative code,’ PH Coop Founding Chairman Noel D. Raboy said during a news conference in Manila. ‘And, lastly, it is the policy of the state to foster the growth and development of cooperatives; and its autonomy and independence must always be upheld as an enshrined in the Constitution.’

Raboy said PH Coop views the BIR requirement as an undue and unnecessary burden and a barrier that effectively negates the tax-exempt status granted by the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 or Republic Act 9520.

In a collective decision, Raboy said the PH Coop Chamber has filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court to declare the BIR requirement null and void.

He added the core of the cooperatives’ argument is that the BIR, through various Revenue Memorandum Circulars, is overstepping its authority by adding a requirement not explicitly found in the Philippine Cooperative Code.

PH Coop Secretary General Edwin A. Bustillos said the code grants tax-exempt privileges to cooperatives as a means for the state to support their development, particularly for poverty alleviation. The TIN requirement, which is difficult for many marginalized members to comply with, hinders thousands of cooperatives from securing their Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE), effectively forcing them to pay taxes, Bustillos added.

Raboy further argued that many cooperative members come from the informal sector or the marginalized and poor sectors who do not have a TIN, as their income is often below the taxable threshold. Forcing them to secure one is seen as an impractical and discouraging administrative burden, he added.

Raboy said PH Coop argues that the BIR’s circulars are ultra vires or beyond the scope of legal power, because a revenue-regulating body cannot amend or override the provisions of a legislative act (the Cooperative Code).

Nevertheless, the BIR has remained firm on the requirement, citing Section 236 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), which generally requires a TIN for all persons required to file a tax return.

In an effort to provide a temporary solution, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 038-2025, which includes a no delay in the issuance of a CTE, submission of sworn affidavit detailing the justifiable reasons for non-compliance and a ‘compliance undertaking’ that the cooperative will comply with the TIN requirement within a nine-month period and penalty, and a penalty for failure to comply with the undertaking within the grace period.

While the circular provides a temporary reprieve from immediate denial, Bustillos said cooperative leaders argue that it is not a long-term solution. He added they maintain that the underlying requirement remains a structural barrier to growth and a potential window for corruption, particularly concerning the high monetary penalties for non-compliance.

Bustillos said the issue has also been raised in the Senate, with legislative inquiries led by senators such as Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who has openly supported the cooperatives’ position. The Senate has repeatedly urged the BIR to suspend and amend the stringent TIN requirement.

Cooperative leaders also lament the perceived lack of genuine consultation from government regulatory bodies like the Cooperative Development Authority regarding the issuance of various circulars. They point out that RMC 038-2025 and similar issuances were made without fulfilling the mandate for sector-wide consultation, which is required by law for any new policies affecting cooperatives.

Bustillos said filing of the certiorari petition signals that the cooperative movement is maximizing with the administrative and legislative routes and a firm resolve to seek a definitive legal ruling from the highest court to protect the tax-exempt status of Philippine cooperatives.

Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and Ethiopian Hawi Feysa won the men’s and women’s races at the Chicago Marathon by comfortable margins on Sunday.

Kiplimo crossed the line in a personal-best time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 23 seconds. He was 1 minute, 31 seconds clear of Kenyan Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon winner, whose countryman Alex Masai was third in 2:04.37. Conner Mantz was fourth in a U.S.-record time of 2:04:43.

Earlier this year, the 24-year-old Kiplimo set a men’s half-marathon world record and became the first runner to go under 57 minutes, and also finished second on his marathon debut in London. Kiplimo is also an Olympic and world championship bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters.

The 26-year-old Feysa also put in a stellar performance to win in 2:14:56 in a 1-2 finish for Ethiopia.

She was 2:22 clear of Megertu Alemu with Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania third in 2:18:03.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) should prioritize the establishment of first-border inspection facilities as it is a critical investment for the protection of the country’s agricultural sector against pests and diseases, according to Senator Francis Pangilinan.

During the Senate Committee on Finance’s recent hearing on the DA’s proposed 2026 dget, the senator said establishing Cold Examination Facilities in Agriculture (CEFA) sites is a ‘long-overdue’ measure to strengthen the country’s agricultural biosecurity and protect local producers.

He pointed to past agricultural crises-such as the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the ‘cocolisap’ infestation-that caused massive losses in the hog and coconut industries, respectively.

‘ASF was precisely because we didn’t have that first border inspection, and that cost us at least for one year P70 billion, maybe more. Even the ‘cocolisap’ infestation, which cost us P4, P5, or P6 billion worth, was [due to] invasive pests,’ Pangilinan said.

The ASF outbreak during the Covid-19 pandemic forced the government to temporarily modify the rates of import duty for fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine to stabilize supply and prices as the industry suffered from heavy losses.

‘Again, if there is a first border inspection by the Bureau of Plant, Bureau of Animal Industry, this could have been all avoided,’ he said.

While the total cost of the facilities could reach around P1.9 billion for five CEFAs, the DA can already begin construction on three sites to get the project under way, the senator said.

‘At least it is already starting. It’s really putting the necessary funding to prevent losses in the hundreds of billions. So, hopefully, for this year in the 2026 budget, it can be included, even just three,’ he added.

Building CEFA facilities, Pangilinan said, would allow for the early detection and containment of diseases and pests entering through imported agricultural products.

These facilities-equipped with modern laboratories, quarantine areas and inspection systems-are designed to examine imported meat, produce, and plant materials before they are distributed nationwide.

The government would likely exclude imported sugar from the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme next year as the country has ample supply, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the government may not open the MAV for sugar in 2026.

Sugar has been excluded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in applications for MAV for two years.

‘The way we’re managing our sugar stocks, I don’t think there’s any need for MAV,’ Azcona told this newspaper on the sidelines of a recent Senate hearing on the DA’s proposed budget.

‘We have no shortage, the supply is stable, and the prices are also stable. So for now, I don’t think there’s a need for it.’

The Philippines last allowed sugar MAV in 2023 after the average retail price of refined sugar skyrocketed to P100 per kilo in the latter part of 2022 from P53 per kilo in the previous year as stockpiles were depleted.

Sugar imports within the MAV are levied with a 50-percent tariff while shipments outside MAV are slapped with a 65-percent tariff.

Meanwhile, Azcona allayed concerns regarding sugar shipments, saying that importation is off the table for now.

‘Since milling has started, we will not talk or discuss about importation or plan about importation until May to June [next year] where we have definite production numbers unless there is really a warranted need or a spike.’

‘That is our promise to the farmers: as long as they are milling and we have no definite production numbers, and there is no warranted need, we will not discuss importation at the moment.’

Figures from the SRA showed that the country’s raw sugar output settled at 2.085 million metric tons (MMT) in the previous crop year 2024-2025.

Some 226,693 metric tons (MT) of the 424,000 MT approved import volume under Sugar Order 8 in the same crop year have entered the country as of September 28, based on the latest SRA data.

For crop year 2025-2026, the SRA said raw sugar production could fall to 1.92 million metric tons (MMT) as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros, which accounts for 65 percent of total output of the sweetener.

However, the agency noted that output in the current crop year may even be lower than the initial forecast owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona said.

The average price of refined sugar in Metro Manila remains stable at P84.77 per kilo, while raw sugar settled at P76.38 per kilo, latest SRA reports showed.

‘Whimsical’ may be the first adjective one could use to describe the MCM Collection, a line of Eau de Parfums inspired by the brand’s iconic leather animals, but it’s also insightful, interesting and adventurous. Designed in collaboration with master perfumers from DSM-Firmenich, the collection is made with sustainably sourced ingredients and contained in bottles topped with whimsical golden figures. Each fragrance embodies the essence of MCM’s bold, adventurous DNA.

The new MCM fragrance collection celebrates individual uniqueness, with each scent bringing joy, love, and a reminder of the beauty that pets and nature’s wonders bring to our lives.

Zen Elephant was inspired by the pursuit of balance and opens with freesia for calm and clarity. Other notes include magnolia (quiet reflection), oakmoss and cardamom (wisdom and serenity), and grapefruit. This is one of the favorites from the collection and understandably so because it is a floral woody scent. It’s unique yet very likable. You know how many unique scents are acquired tastes? This is not true for Zen Elephant. It’s a fragrance that you take a liking to immediately.

Darling Doxie has a woody and spicy aroma with notes of ylang-ylang, chamomile, pink pepper, nutmeg, and rich sandalwood.

Charming Pup has notes of rose, elegantly intertwined with the sophisticated depth of cedarwood. Meanwhile, vetiver adds a touch of refined earthiness, grounding the fragrance

Jolly Rabbit is a joyful scent with notes of orange citrus, neroli, and vetiver. Ginger and jasmine petals give Jolly Rabbit more playful notes because the rabbit is, after all, a very social and active animal.

Finally, Mighty Bear has top notes of bergamot, followed by the warmth of vanilla and the earth tones of sandalwood. The bear is a symbol of resilience grounded in nature, hence the woody floral accents of Mighty Bear. The scent is unisex and can lean toward masculine for some but that’s what I like about it. I can apply more if I am feeling it one day, or just spritz lightly if I feel like wearing fragrance for myself. To make it less masculine, I layer it with a vanilla scent or Zen Elephant.

I’d say the scent profiles in the collection are unexpected and versatile. Each bottle is topped by the character it represents so the scents in the collection are good collectibles. I love how each scent profile tells a story. The Mighty Bear, for example, represents resilience. Darling Doxie represents loyalty while Zen Elephant is all about clarity. Jolly Rabbit evokes joy while Charming Pup embodies charm and confidence.

The MCM Fragrance Collection is available at Rustans Beauty Source and distributed in the country by Luxasia Philippines.

Among the countries in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is the only country implementing ‘subpar standards’ for steel products, according to Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI).

‘We have to raise the standards for steel. Hindi na puwede iyong puwede na,’ PISI President Ronald C. Magsajo told the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPI) Business Summit 2025 last week.

‘Let’s raise the standard, make sure that our products are meant for the zone-Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquake-resistant ‘yung ginagamit natin because not all our standards today are pang-earthquake. We still have low standards,’ he added.

For steel, he said the country is still implementing minimum standard which had already been delisted from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1970.

‘Now, for steel, our minimum standard was delisted from ASTM back in 1970. That’s our minimum. In 1970, the standard was not accepted in other countries. But we’re still implementing it today. So, we have to raise that standard so we can at least level up. And then we have to implement that standard and make sure that [everyone] complies,’ Magsajo said.

Asked if the Philippines is the only country implementing such low standards, he told this paper: ‘Among the Pacific Ring of Fire countries, we’re the only ones with such standards.’

However, Magsajo pointed out that the raising of standards is ‘something I think that’s ongoing now with DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] in cooperation with the Association of Structural Engineers in the Philippines.’

With the earthquakes that recently hit some parts of the country, the industry leader said there are two issues that must be addressed in implementing steel standards in the Philippines.

‘So, there are two issues. First is raising the raising the standard and second is ensuring compliance with the standards,’ added Magsajo.

‘Because the issue raised with regard to standards, may standard ka na nga, hindi ka pa nagko-comply. So those are two separate but joint issues.’

As to the standards being implemented by the Philippines vis-a-vis its neighboring countries, Magsajo explained: ‘Not all of Asia or Asean countries has seismic zones so they have different standards.’

However, he noted that while Malaysia is not a seismic country or a country which experiences significant earthquake activity, it has higher standards than the Philippines.

The steel industry leader said now is an ‘opportune time’ for the Philippines to rethink the standards it implements.

‘It’s an opportune time for us. We’ve been talking about The Big One for 10 years now,’ he said.

With this, Magsajo prodded the government to focus on three priority areas in implementing standards not only for steel products but for construction materials being used in infrastructure.

‘One is if we can raise the minimum standards for materials, then that should help. Second is the practice, it’s all over the news now, we have ghost projects, substandard construction practices. So, those practices should be eliminated,’ Magsajo added.

He said that while Filipino engineers and scientists are ‘smart,’ there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to implementation and ‘unscrupulous’ practices of manufacturers.

‘Except the implementation below, it’s lacking. And then you have the you have the unscrupulous naman for manufacturers, retailers, or sellers na para lang makakita ako ng pera, benta ako ng substandard. It shouldn’t be like that,’ added Magsajo.

On enforcement, Magsajo said there is a lack of manpower and ‘natural knowledge’ of products.

‘So, there’s a lot of things that need to be monitored. Also the mindset of the consumer [must be changed] as they usually opt for cheap materials,’ he said.

IN the change framework prescribed by Dr. John Kotter, I earlier wrote in Part One that the Officer Candidate School (OCS) has successfully established the sense of urgency (step 1) and built a guiding coalition (step 2). In reforming the OCC training, Commandant Harold Cabunoc (Harold) recognized the scarcity of competent faculty since the basic training heavily relied on a handful of competent Tactical Officers, Drill Masters and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) instructors in 2022. To address this scarcity, Harold called for ‘fire support’ from Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) to assign to OCS ‘carefully selected personnel with unblemished records and strong field performance.’

With an ad interim Instructor’s Company assigning more trainers to the OCS, Harold also conducted a two-week capacity-building program for both officer and enlisted personnel instructors. I believe this was how he built that Guiding Coalition termed by Kotter in step 2. He sought the support of others knowing that he cannot change a long standing tradition in the Army by himself.

Following the subsequent steps in Kotter’s formula, this small group, handpicked and trained by Cabunoc, eventually formed a strategic vision, which can be summed up as ‘Dumbguard No More!’ (step 3). He communicated such vision relatively well (step 4) to the point that when Harold personally explained to me such Dumbguard No More vision, I was extremely impressed and awed by his change initiative.

We should have more leaders like Harold. As I observed the OCS classes of 63-2025 and 64-2025, plus the fact that the OCS has successfully produced an entire class without this Dumbguard mentality program, I think Cabunoc is on the verge of empowering a broad-based action (step 5).

But before reaching step 8, which is the Culture Change, Kotter posited that generating short-term wins (steps 6) and consolidating gains (step 7) are necessary. In enduring these final few steps, resistance to change will surely impede the progress towards the vision, as per Kotter.

Harold observed that a few cases of maltreatment and sexual misconduct were often perpetrated by trainers and senior Officer Candidates due to a distorted interpretation of the Honor Code. In his observation, those who reported these kinds of abuses were often labeled as ‘squealers’ and ostracized as weaklings or ‘traitors.’ To counter this internal roadblock, Harold’s Guiding Coalition strengthened the feedback system by implementing a ‘Magic Box’ and a ‘QR code Survey,’ both non-attributable feedback mechanisms.

Resistance from OCS alumni also served as a challenge to ‘Dumbguard No More’ vision since several OCS graduates expressed opposition to what they perceived as the ‘softening’ of OCS graduates. To address this external pressure, Harold and his team actively engaged the OCS Alumni Association Inc. (OCSAAI) and its alumni sub-groups to articulate the necessity of these reforms. In Harold’s own words, ‘we explained the rationale behind the new training approach, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary settings, particularly considering the Gen Z audience and the evolving character of warfare where mission command is more appropriate than traditional command and control.’

In the Army, warrior-leaders are desired, but servant leaders can be just as effective. Most organizations will have this ‘command and control’ concept as warrior-leaders are inherently leading first before obeying.

As Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla makes sweeping reforms in his new office, I hope and pray that he can lead the agency and have a legacy approach wherein he will serve God, country, and people (in that order) instead of protecting the personal interests of certain political families as his predecessor did. Making the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of public officials as accessible is one major step that Ombudsman Remulla wants to initiate, a change towards greater transparency that can lead to accountability of public servants.

Reforming or transforming can be one of the most challenging chapters in a person’s leadership journey. After all, leaders are not created overnight. As they mature in position and responsibility, leaders like Cabunoc and Remulla ought to develop that legacy approach wherein they embrace how Jesus Christ modeled servant leadership-‘It is not about me, but it is all up to me.’

The biblical story of Joshua shows that leadership is never about position and titles, but about surrender and trust in God’s process, which is captured in four challenging steps-obedience, faith, courage, and consecration. In one of his sermons, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi of CCF shared that before Joshua led, he first learned to follow (Exodus 17:9-13; Numbers 11:28).

Soon after birth, all of us can all become good leaders by following first-‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.’ (Ephesians 6:1). Leadership begins at home whenever we, as children, submit to authority and choose to obey our parents trusting that every act of obedience serves as a preparatory step for greater responsibility. When it comes to faith, Joshua believed (Numbers 13-14), while others doubted in God’s plan of taking the people to the land filled with milk and honey.

Similarly, Harold believed in pursuing the reforms in OCS, despite the abundance of doubters in the Army. As provided in the Bible, ‘For we live by faith, not by sight.’ (2 Corinthians 5:7). I know that leaders who are in the same stage as Harold trust God enough to understand that provision and protection comes from above, in every step of any reform initiative. Courage entails moving forward despite fear.

One of my favorite leadership verses is found in Joshua 1:9 when it said-‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’

All leaders will have fear of failure whenever they start to initiate changes. Yet, whenever they choose to act in faith and do what is right, they will have the courage knowing that God’s power is with them. Consecration is the hardest part in these four step process. According to Pastor Peter, ‘to be consecrated is to be set apart for God’ in keeping to what the Bible tells us in Joshua 3:5 -‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’

Positive results can emerge despite the odds against success whenever leaders commit their plans to the Lord. Such commitment is both found in the Law of the Lord (‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end-even the wicked for a day of disaster.’-Proverbs 16:3-4) and in Law of the Land (‘We, the Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God.’-Preamble of the 1987 Constitution).

May our leaders, Harold Cabunoc in the OCS, Jesus Remulla in the Ombudsman, and even President Bongbong Marcos, discover that leadership is not about them, but it is all up to them.

As Hongqi continues to dazzle the Philippine automobile market, the luxury marque remains committed to the highest standards of vehicle safety, with its newest flagship electric models – the E-H7 and E-HS7 – scoring 5-Star Ratings in the Euro NCAP standardized safety test. These models add to Hongqi’s already stellar record for safety, with the E-HS9 also having previously received a 5-Star Rating from the Euro NCAP.

For the models to secure the 5-Star Rating, sample vehicles must undergo and pass several extreme testing challenges. To name a few, vehicles are subjected to a water submersion test to determine how well they can resist flood damage as well as leakages, smoke, explosion, and fire tests, which were all passed without dire incident. The testing regime included simulated front and rear collisions at speeds of up to 100 km/h, followed by dedicated side-impact assessments, which were once again hurdled with no significant deformation of the car’s pillars and with airbags deploying as designed.

Finally, a compression test to simulate a massive object falling onto the vehicle, equivalent to nearly 7.8 tons on the panoramic glass roof, is performed. This final test left minimal deformation, leaving ample survival space for occupants.

Through the 5-star rating achieved during rigorous Euro NCAP testing, Hongqi proves its commitment to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping its passengers not only stylish and comfortable, but safe and protected.

‘As faithful Hongqi owners know, the moment you step into a Hongqi vehicle, you immediately enter a world of luxury both inside and out. But feeling comfortable and looking great on the road mean nothing when a vehicle isn’t safe,’ says Rashid Delgado, Hongqi PH and EVOxTerra President and TDG Co-CEO. ‘That’s why our ultimate priority has always been the protection of all passengers, drivers, and even pedestrians, whenever someone takes the wheel of an E-H7 or E-HS7.’

The 5-star Euro NCAP rating attributed to Hongqi’s flagship models attests to designs and build quality that address the most common causes of road accidents, along with floods, dangerous road conditions, and unfortunate collisions.

On top of paramount safety considerations, the Hongqi E-HS7 and E-H7 feature stunning visuals and incredible performance. The E-H7 sedan, starting at P2,280,000, provides an incredible single-charge driving range of 650 km; while the EHS7, starting at P2,580,000, offers a single-charge driving range of 540 km. Car enthusiasts interested in test-driving the models are encouraged to visit Hongqi’s physical showrooms in BGC, Alabang, Manila Bay, and Quezon City. You may also visit Hongqi’s official website at www.hongqi.ph, or to follow Hongqi Philippines on Facebook (hongqi.philippines) and Instagram (@hongqi_ph) for more updates and information

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, arrives this year with the theme ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Disasters’-a timely call, as the Philippines continues to cope with regional crises following recent calamities such as flooding and earthquakes. It’s a reminder that caring for mental well-being is now just as essential as meeting business targets or project deadlines.

But despite the growing recognition of mental health in the workplace, recent events following the earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, reveal the need for more compassionate policies. Several BPO companies reportedly reprimanded employees who chose to stop working after the quake due to safety concerns, with some workers facing administrative sanctions, loss of benefits, or even notices-to-explain when they prioritized their well-being and their families’ over immediate job tasks.

Complaints have surfaced that staff were ordered to return to work while aftershocks continued, and in certain cases, those who evacuated were called back before thorough safety inspections were completed. These incidents have sparked a broader call for change, urging businesses to value psychological safety and disaster response protocols as much as business continuity-especially in times of crisis.

There is still, however, a quiet shift that is occurring in many small businesses and large corporations: mental health is no longer an optional concern but a pillar of workplace resiliency and productivity.

Inspired by the annual global advocacy, more Filipino companies are now dedicating time and resources to implement workplace wellness events, from mindfulness breaks to wellness fairs. These initiatives respond not only to the stress from unpredictable events but also to day-to-day pressures that affect focus, morale, and team dynamics.

Among the most effective additions to corporate wellness programs are mindful practices like tai chi and qigong. These gentle, movement-based disciplines blend breathing, mental focus, and slow, deliberate motion to help reduce stress, quiet racing thoughts, and support overall well-being. Employees often report less anxiety, improved clarity, and greater resilience after participating, echoing findings from research across Asia and beyond.

Yet there’s so much more that companies can do. Many workplaces now offer group yoga sessions-suitable for all fitness levels-that help loosen muscles, calm nerves, and enhance flexibility. Guided mindfulness and meditation workshops teach employees strategies for self-soothing and focus, while dance or Zumba classes offer a joyful, energizing way to break up the workday.

Forward-thinking HR teams have also experimented with:

Quiet hours or designated break rooms for reflection, coloring, or enjoying soothing herbal teas.

‘Walk and Talk’ sessions, encouraging meetings on foot for natural stress relief

Trivia games and educational seminars to break stigma and promote mental health literacy.

Wellness challenges based on steps taken, healthy eating, or hydration.

Acts of kindness days, journaling workshops, and peer support circles.

Some organizations even bring in wellness therapists for on-site massages, host awareness talks with psychologists, or offer training so managers and staff know how to spot and respond to emotional distress among colleagues.

Incorporating these varied approaches makes mental health support accessible and engaging for all, helping to build resilience not just for individuals but for the organization as a whole.

This World Mental Health Day, Philippine business leaders can set a powerful example. By making space for wellness activities and inviting partners like the Peace Blossoms Internal Arts Society (09178456856) to lead qigong, tai chi, or wellness sessions, companies can nurture a culture where success and psychological health go hand in hand. For organizations hoping to create a mentally stronger, more harmonious workplace, now is the time to act-and to show that investing in people’s inner well-being is a winning strategy for everyone.

And going back to the events in Bogo, there is a pressing need for clear, compassionate disaster response policies across all sectors. Companies must ensure that no employee is penalized for prioritizing their own safety or that of their family during emergencies, and robust protocols must be in place to provide support-psychologically and logistically-before requiring anyone to return to work. Formal guidance from labor authorities, ongoing mental health education for management, and stronger industry accountability are essential steps to prevent similar incidents.

Ultimately, the lesson from Bogo is clear: true workplace wellness is measured not only by the programs on offer, but by how organizations respond, lead with empathy, and uphold dignity when their people need it most.

COAST Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) vessels were harassed anew with illegal maneuvers and water cannon attacks by ships from the Chinese Coast Guard backed by its maritime forces while the Philippine ships were going about their lawful mandate at the territorial waters of Pagasa Island on Sunday.

‘This morning [Sunday] while three Bfar vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were safely anchored in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the ‘Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda’ [KBBM], they faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard [CCG] and Chinese maritime militia vessels. Around 8:15 a.m., the Chinese maritime forces approached dangerously close, activating their water cannons as a clear threat against the Bfar vessels,’ it added.

The PCG said the situation escalated at approximately 9:15 a.m. when a CCG vessel with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at BRP Datu Pagbuaya, hitting the vessel.

‘Around three minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew,’ PCG added.

Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG said that it remains resolute along with its counterparts from Bfar.

‘We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen,’ it added.

The PCG commandant, Vice Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, echoed this determination, saying, ‘the harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.’

RP, US, Canada ships in joint maneuvers

PHILIPPINE, United States and Canadian warships conducted complex naval maneuvers under Exercise Samasama (Together) 2025, showcasing strengthened defense cooperation and seamless interoperability in regional waters.

Naval forces -Task Group NTG44.1, composed of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS117), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG902), USS Cincinnati (LCS20), HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV432), and air assets NH441 and NH43, executed on Saturday a full range of high-intensity tactical operations within the Western Naval Command (WNC) area of responsibility, including Palawan and Kalayaan islands.

The drills included replenishment at sea approaches, photo exercise, air defense exercise, combined anti-submarine exercise, publication exercise and screen exercise, all aimed at reinforcing coordination and enhancing readiness in joint maritime defense scenarios.

WNC said the successful conduct of the exercises reaffirmed the command’s role as a strategic hub for regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Exercise Samasama, an annual multilateral training with the United States and partner nations, serves as a platform for enhancing collective defense capabilities amid growing security challenges in regional waters.