Category: Business Mirror

True economic growth is not merely about production and services expansion. It happens in the grocery aisles, at the gas pumps and in the monthly utility bills of ordinary citizens.

Real economic expansion only occurs when the rise in production and services outpaces both population growth and the increase in consumer prices.

While the gross domestic product (GDP) is computed using constant prices to account for standard market shifts, inflation can quietly erode these real numbers, and population growth can artificially inflate the aggregate figures.

When macro achievements fail to translate into household relief, the economic narrative is distorted. Today, the widening gap between income growth and household realities requires a closer review.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a sobering reality. Inflation reached 7.2 percent in April 2026. Coupled with a first-quarter GDP growth of just 2.8 percent, it is undeniable that the real income of Filipino households is being eroded.

The surge in prices is largely led by external pressures, especially the ongoing Middle East crisis. The conflict has triggered a domino effect, causing increases in the global prices of fuel, which quickly trickled down to inflate the cost of food, utilities and public transportation in the import-reliant Philippines.

While the cost of essential goods and services rises, the daily minimum wage-which ranges from P350 to P695 depending on the region-remains largely stagnant. If wages are not adjusted by at least to the equivalent of 7.2 percent inflation, the real purchasing power of families is diminished.

If regional wage boards cannot or will not immediately mandate a 7.2-percent across-the-board wage hike, the government should consider another tool at its disposal, which is fiscal relief. If we cannot immediately raise what workers take home from their employers, we should reduce what the government takes away from their paychecks.

Article VI, Section 28 of the Constitution explicitly mandates that taxation shall be uniform and equitable, and that Congress shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.

A progressive system implies that taxes should adapt to the taxpayer’s ability to pay. Currently, existing tax obligations continue to deplete the take-home pay of citizens, placing an unsustainable burden on low- and middle-income earners who are already living on the margins.

The current income tax exemption threshold no longer reflects the financial realities faced by ordinary workers. It was designed for an economic landscape that no longer exists. To address this crisis, I filed Senate Bill 2137.

Senate Bill 2137 seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 by raising the country’s annual personal income tax exemption ceiling to P360,000 from the current P250,000.

By adjusting the graduated income tax brackets to align with prevailing economic trends, this measure ensures that individuals earning up to P30,000 a month will be completely exempt from paying income tax. This allows working-class Filipinos to retain a larger share of their hard-earned salaries for essential household expenses, acting as a direct fiscal buffer against inflation.

The urgency of this bill is supported by data. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas forecasts show inflation surpassing the government’s target range.

PSA data show that inflation for the bottom 30 percent of income households surged from a mere 0.1 percent in April 2025 to a crushing 8.5 percent in April 2026. This means the poorest Filipinos are bearing the heaviest brunt of the price spikes in food and fuel.

SB 2137 does not leave behind our vibrant entrepreneurial sector. The proposal offers an alternative tax structure for self-employed individuals and professionals. Those whose gross sales or receipts do not exceed the value-added tax (VAT) threshold can opt for a simplified 8 percent tax rate on gross sales in excess of P360,000, instead of navigating complex, standard graduated income tax rates.

Upon passage, the implementation framework is designed for rapid deployment. The Secretary of Finance and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue will be required to issue the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days. The law would take effect just 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.

Now is the opportune time to pass this measure. I believe it will deliver meaningful, non-inflationary and much-needed relief to millions of households within the lower middle-income sector.

The backbone of our economy has always been the resilient Filipino workforce. Passing SB 2137 is a crucial step toward giving them the fiscal stability, dignity and quality of life they deserve during these trying times.

It is time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure our tax system remains fair, equitable and human-centric.

There are moments in a nation’s life when the weight of accountability rests on a few shoulders, and the air in the room grows heavy not with rhetoric, but with consequence. This is one of those moments.

On a historic day in the House of Representatives, 257 to 25 votes affirmed what many Filipinos had been watching with weary hope: Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached for the second time. The articles are grave-misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and even grave threats and sedition. The latter stems from a chilling November 2024 press conference where an assassin was allegedly hired to target the President, the First Lady, and the former Speaker. These are accusations that go to the core of public trust.

And yet, in the theater of our democracy, the loudest voices often drown out the quiet work of justice. That’s why the social media kudos addressed to Congresswoman Atty. Gerville ‘Jinky Bitrics’ R. Luistro stand out-not as a political manifesto, but as a citizen’s tribute to the kind of leadership that fights for what is right.

The lead prosecutor

Congresswoman Luistro, as Chairperson of the House Committee on Justice, reviewed multiple complaints against Vice President Duterte, found them sufficient in form and substance, and shepherded the articles through a process many feared would collapse under its own political weight.

Accepting the role as the lead public prosecutor representing the House of Representatives in the Senate impeachment trial, Luistro then assigned a prosecution team across four distinct articles-each handled by capable prosecutors including Reps. Gutierrez, Ridon, Diokno, Flores, Defensor, and De Lima.

That is not the work of someone seeking limelight. That is the work of a meticulous legal mind who understands that impeachment is not a weapon but a scalpel.

What struck me enough to write this column was Luistro’s public stance. She did not frame this trial as a political victory. She called it a constitutional mandate. She said it would provide the public with necessary clarity regarding the Vice President’s fitness for future national leadership. In an era where everything is spun as ‘political persecution,’ she refused to take the bait. Instead, she kept her eyes on the document that binds us all: the Constitution.

The pressure of principle

I can only imagine the pressure. The allies who whisper, ‘Is this worth it?’ The opponents who shout betrayal. Yet Luistro has navigated the procedural turbulence without losing sight of the ultimate question: Was the people’s trust honored or broken?

As a Filipino citizen who believes in accountability, I extend my gratitude not only to Luistro, but also to the 257 representatives who voted yes, and to each prosecutor assigned to the specific articles-confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats. Together, they form the fabric of a case that will either repair-or further tear-our moral compact.

To the prosecutors, I have one message: prosecute not with vengeance, but with evidence. Speak not for headlines, but for history.

I can only imagine the pressure. The allies who whisper, ‘Is this worth it?’ The opponents who shout betrayal. Yet Luistro has navigated the procedural turbulence without losing sight of the ultimate question: Was the people’s trust honored or broken?

As a Filipino citizen who believes in accountability, I extend my gratitude not only to Luistro, but also to the 257 representatives who voted yes, and to each prosecutor assigned to the specific articles-confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats. Together, they form the fabric of a case that will either repair-or further tear-our moral compact.

To the prosecutors, I have one message: prosecute not with vengeance, but with evidence. Speak not for headlines, but for history.

Compounding the suspicion is the recurring role of former Congressman Mike Defensor. Earlier, he brought a former Marine before a Blue Ribbon hearing to testify about maleta deliveries-only for that witness to later retract his claims. Defensor has now surfaced the 18 ex-military men to target the House prosecutors. The pattern is difficult to ignore. It suggests a deliberate campaign to besmirch the reputation and credibility of the very panel tasked with presenting the impeachment case.

In Philippine politics, such maneuvers are rarely accidental. They function as pre-trial attrition-casting doubt on the prosecutors’ integrity so that the evidence itself arrives in the Senate already tainted in the public mind. If the objective were truly transparency, the cleaner route would be to let the trial test all claims through cross-examination rather than orchestrate parallel scandals.

A nation watching

The trial will begin in July. The Senate will convene as an impeachment court. Cameras will roll. Commentators will dissect every objection and every exhibit. But beneath all that noise, there is something simpler: a nation watching to see if the rule of law still breathes.

What Congresswoman Luistro has already done is remarkable. She has shown that leadership is not about popularity-it is about procedure, principle, and the courage to see a difficult job through.

And my encouragement? Do not lose heart when the trial becomes a spectacle. Do not falter when the defense throws sand in the gears. Remember that beyond the session halls, there are citizens like me who sleep better knowing that someone in power still believes that no one-not even a Vice President-is above the Constitution.

Maraming salamat, Congresswoman. We are watching. We are hoping. And when you stand to present the people’s case, you do not stand alone.

Senator Mark A. Villar expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Philippines.

The senator also extended his sympathies to the families who suffered loss, displacement, and hardship as a result of the devastation brought by the earthquake and its aftermath.

‘Taos-puso po akong nakiramay at nanalangin para sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nasugatan, at sa mga pamilyang napilitang lumikas dahil sa sakunang ito. Sa ganitong panahon ng pagsubok, mahalagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa at handa nating silang tulungan’ Villar said.

He emphasized that assisting affected communities and addressing their immediate needs remained a priority as relief and assessment efforts continued in the affected areas.

‘Habang nagpapatuloy ang mga response at assessment efforts sa mga apektadong lugar, mahalagang maipaabot agad ang kinakailangang tulong sa ating mga kababayan upang makatulong sa kanilang pagbangon,’ he added.

As part of his relief efforts, Senator Villar sent sacks of rice and drinking water for distribution to affected families through the General Santos City Local Government Unit. The senator also assured affected residents that his office remained ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

‘Nais kong tiyakin sa ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na narito tayo upang tumulong. Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya upang masuportahan ang relief at recovery efforts sa mga apektadong komunidad,’ he said.

Villar likewise expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people as communities worked toward recovery and rehabilitation.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,’ Villar concluded.

WE always wondered why Tagbilaran City, the capital City of Bohol-the only Unesco Geopark island in the country-seems deserted by nine in the evening.

That’s about the time the last full show of the movie houses end and it seems people have nowhere to go. No more restaurants, bars, ballroom dance floor or bands playing except for one or two.

It seems the city has lost ‘by default’ to the nearby tourist island of Panglao, where the ‘action’ is: food and entertainment. The province, one of the most preferred tourist destinations, is contemplating building two more bridges from the mainland to Panglao. Sadly, those two can become a one-way affair: people going to Panglao and hardly the other way to the city.

Hopping on a two-hour ferry to nearby Dumaguete City, we were forced to compare the cities, which have almost identical endemic populations of about 140,000.

Dumaguete is a beautiful city for retirement. The air is fresh, helped by giant acacia trees and other fauna that litter the streets-preserved by design by an environmentally-conscious government for decades. It is one of the cities with the coolest temperatures, as a result. Its main thoroughfare is the splendid, long stretch of Rizal Boulevard set against a sparkling crystal-blue seawater. There is a long collage of eateries that operate till late nights and with very reasonable prices compared to Tagbilaran and even Cebu cities.

And there is entertainment.

Most of the leading Manila-based food franchises are there, as well. Sylvanas and sans rival are the city’s staple ‘pasalubongs.’ There must be so much money in circulation in Dumaguete City.

The key element in the city’s progress is the presence of 30 ICT-BPOs, hiring about 15,000 people; their lowest rank and file staff are paid the minimum regional daily wage thrice. Statistics show that ICT-BPO salaries alone contribute P300 million monthly to the city’s business artery or P3.6 billion a year. The city has the infrastructure, digital sophistication, an easier cost of living, and a platoon of competent graduates.

The competent talents are sourced out not only from the campuses of the five other cities in Negros Oriental (Bayawan, Bais, Tanjay, Sibulan and Kanlaon) but the city itself, which has four big universities: Silliman, Negros State University, Saint Paul University, and Foundation University. The city is a virtual ‘University Town.’

In fact, during the day, some 300,000 out-of-town workers and businessmen add to the 140,000 residents of the city, creating a voracious demand for food, goods, and services. The city also benefits from the operational unification via the ‘One Negros’ law, ensuring a bigger infrastructure budget from the national government. It also has its ‘on-island’ source of power through the geothermal source in Valencia, just off the city.

What people also forget is that Negros Oriental itself is a tourist destination, not as well-advertised as neighboring Bohol, but it has its charms.

In 2025, tourism receipts in Negros Oriental registered P13.3 billion in receipts after a tremendous surge in tourist numbers, from 2024’s 528,888 to 2025’s 954,000. This is not counting the 273,000 tourists who use Dumaguete City as a jump-off point to the nearby attractive Siquijor island, now bursting at the seams with resorts and restaurants. Some of them stay for a day or an overnight in the city before going to Siquijor.

There are 13 trips daily to Siquijor (5 Ocean Jet, 5 Montenegro, and 3 StarCraft) from Dumaguete.

The known tour spots in Negros Oriental are: Apo Island, Valencia Casaron Falls, Bais City Majuyod Whit Sand Beaches, Valencia Hot Springs, Twin Lakes Nature Bay, Mount Talmes (trekking), and Mabinay Cave (cave capital of the Philippines). On the other hand, Siquijor has the following tourist magnets: (Falls): Cambuganay, Lagaan and Lugnason; (beaches)-Salagdoon and Palitan; (Marine Sanctuaries)-Tubod, Talapos and Cantabor Cave.

For many years, the city had also benefited from the above-board management of former Mayor E, Remollo, who is one of the founding members of the Mayors for Good Governance.

Dumaguete is a clean city with huge consumer demand and an inexpensive culinary discovery.

YOUR alarm rings late, traffic refuses to move, your inbox grows faster than your patience, and someone asks for one more favor when you already feel stretched thin. Everyday stress rarely arrives as one dramatic event. More often, it appears in small moments that slowly drain your energy and shorten your temper. Emotional regulation is not about pretending that stress does not exist. It is about learning how to respond without allowing stress to control your mood, decisions, or relationships.

Many people believe emotional regulation means staying calm at all times. That idea creates even more pressure. You are human, and difficult emotions are part of daily life. You will feel frustrated, disappointed, anxious, and exhausted from time to time. The goal is not perfection but awareness and recovery. When you understand your emotional patterns, you become less likely to react in ways that create regret later.

One helpful strategy is to pause before responding. Stress often pushes you toward immediate reactions. You may snap at a family member after a difficult meeting or send a harsh message that you later wish you had deleted. A short pause gives your mind an opportunity to catch up with your emotions. Before responding, take one slow breath and ask yourself whether your reaction will improve the situation or worsen it. That brief moment can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Your body also plays a big role in emotional regulation than many people realize. Stress lives not only in your thoughts but also in your muscles, breathing, and sleep habits. When your shoulders tighten and your breathing becomes shallow, your brain interprets those signals as danger. One practical way to break that cycle is through controlled breathing. During a stressful moment, inhale slowly for four counts and exhale for six counts. A longer exhale tells your nervous system that you are safe. You can practice this while waiting in traffic, sitting at your desk, or standing in a grocery line.

Another effective strategy involves naming your emotions clearly. Many people say they feel ‘stressed’ when they actually feel disappointed, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or lonely. Specific language creates clarity. For example, if you recognize that you feel overlooked rather than angry, you may choose a more honest conversation instead of a defensive argument. Emotional awareness often reduces emotional intensity because you understand what truly needs attention.

Daily routines also shape emotional resilience. When stress becomes constant, basic habits are

usually the first to disappear. You may skip meals, sleep less, and spend hours scrolling through upsetting news or social media. Those choices quietly increase emotional exhaustion. Small routines create stability during chaotic periods. Drinking enough water, taking a short walk, or stepping away from a screen for 10 minutes may seem simple, but those actions help your mind recover. Emotional regulation is often built through ordinary habits rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

You can also benefit from adjusting your inner dialogue. During stressful situations, many people become harsher toward themselves than they would ever be toward another person. A single mistake becomes proof of failure. One difficult day becomes evidence that life is falling apart. Instead of asking, ‘Why can I never handle anything properly?’ try asking, ‘What would help me manage this situation better?’ The second question encourages problem-solving rather than self-punishment.

Boundaries are another important form of emotional regulation. Constant availability can leave you emotionally depleted. You do not need to answer every message immediately or accept every request that comes your way. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish. It is necessary. For example, if work messages continue late into the evening, consider setting a specific hour during which you stop checking notifications. That boundary allows your mind an opportunity for rest.

Connection also matters more than many people admit. Stress often convinces you to isolate yourself, especially when you feel emotionally exhausted. Yet a brief conversation with someone trustworthy can provide perspective and comfort. You do not always need advice. Sometimes you simply need someone who listens without judgment. Human connection reminds you that you are not carrying every burden alone.

There will also be days during which your emotions feel heavier than usual despite your best efforts. During those moments, give yourself permission to slow down instead of criticizing yourself for struggling. Emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions until they disappear. It means responding to yourself with patience while choosing actions that support your wellbeing.

Life will continue to bring deadlines, disappointments, and unexpected frustrations. Stress cannot always be avoided, but your response can be strengthened. Every calm breath, thoughtful pause, healthy boundary, and honest conversation help you build emotional steadiness over time. Progress may feel gradual, but small consistent choices often create the greatest emotional change. When everyday stress no longer controls your reactions, you create more space for clarity, connection, and peace within your daily life.

Petron Corp. is proposing to expand the capacity of its storage tanks in Limay, Bataan to accommodate the increasing demand for jet fuel.

In a filing, Petron said it wants to increase the fuel storage capacity from 20,746 kilo liters (KL) to 32,785 KL. The Petron Limay Terminal is situated within the Petron Bataan Refinery complex.

‘The demand for jet fuel in the service area of the Limay Terminal has significantly increased in recent years. As a result, the current fuel inventory can now support operations for only about 3.4 days, which is considered below the preferred level for maintaining a stable and uninterrupted fuel supply.

Because the terminal serves as a key distribution hub for jet fuel supplied to other terminals and airports, maintaining adequate storage capacity is essential to prevent fuel shortages that could disrupt aviation operations and related economic activities,’ Petron said.

As such, the oil firm has proposed the installation of additional fuel storage tanks to allow the terminal to maintain a more reliable fuel reserve, thereby ensuring continuous availability of jet fuel even during periods of high demand or possible supply delivery delays.

The proposed tanks will also serve as ‘swing’ tanks to temporarily hold fuel while existing tanks are undergoing out-of-service inspection, scheduled maintenance, or emergency repairs. Petron said this operational flexibility is important for maintaining safety standards while avoiding interruptions in fuel distribution.

Also, Petron wants to put up a new above-ground storage tank for coconut methyl ester (CME). This component of the project supports the compliance with the Department of Energy (DOE) mandate requiring biodiesel blending, currently set at 3 percent CME in diesel fuel under the National Biofuels Program.

By increasing CME storage capacity, the terminal will be better able to maintain a consistent supply of biodiesel for blending, ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting the government’s goal of promoting renewable energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and energy security.

Petron’s proposals are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

YOUR alarm rings late, traffic refuses to move, your inbox grows faster than your patience, and someone asks for one more favor when you already feel stretched thin. Everyday stress rarely arrives as one dramatic event. More often, it appears in small moments that slowly drain your energy and shorten your temper. Emotional regulation is not about pretending that stress does not exist. It is about learning how to respond without allowing stress to control your mood, decisions, or relationships.

Many people believe emotional regulation means staying calm at all times. That idea creates even more pressure. You are human, and difficult emotions are part of daily life. You will feel frustrated, disappointed, anxious, and exhausted from time to time. The goal is not perfection but awareness and recovery. When you understand your emotional patterns, you become less likely to react in ways that create regret later.

One helpful strategy is to pause before responding. Stress often pushes you toward immediate reactions. You may snap at a family member after a difficult meeting or send a harsh message that you later wish you had deleted. A short pause gives your mind an opportunity to catch up with your emotions. Before responding, take one slow breath and ask yourself whether your reaction will improve the situation or worsen it. That brief moment can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Your body also plays a big role in emotional regulation than many people realize. Stress lives not only in your thoughts but also in your muscles, breathing, and sleep habits. When your shoulders tighten and your breathing becomes shallow, your brain interprets those signals as danger. One practical way to break that cycle is through controlled breathing. During a stressful moment, inhale slowly for four counts and exhale for six counts. A longer exhale tells your nervous system that you are safe. You can practice this while waiting in traffic, sitting at your desk, or standing in a grocery line.

Another effective strategy involves naming your emotions clearly. Many people say they feel ‘stressed’ when they actually feel disappointed, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or lonely. Specific language creates clarity. For example, if you recognize that you feel overlooked rather than angry, you may choose a more honest conversation instead of a defensive argument. Emotional awareness often reduces emotional intensity because you understand what truly needs attention.

Daily routines also shape emotional resilience. When stress becomes constant, basic habits are

usually the first to disappear. You may skip meals, sleep less, and spend hours scrolling through upsetting news or social media. Those choices quietly increase emotional exhaustion. Small routines create stability during chaotic periods. Drinking enough water, taking a short walk, or stepping away from a screen for 10 minutes may seem simple, but those actions help your mind recover. Emotional regulation is often built through ordinary habits rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

You can also benefit from adjusting your inner dialogue. During stressful situations, many people become harsher toward themselves than they would ever be toward another person. A single mistake becomes proof of failure. One difficult day becomes evidence that life is falling apart. Instead of asking, ‘Why can I never handle anything properly?’ try asking, ‘What would help me manage this situation better?’ The second question encourages problem-solving rather than self-punishment.

Boundaries are another important form of emotional regulation. Constant availability can leave you emotionally depleted. You do not need to answer every message immediately or accept every request that comes your way. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish. It is necessary. For example, if work messages continue late into the evening, consider setting a specific hour during which you stop checking notifications. That boundary allows your mind an opportunity for rest.

Connection also matters more than many people admit. Stress often convinces you to isolate yourself, especially when you feel emotionally exhausted. Yet a brief conversation with someone trustworthy can provide perspective and comfort. You do not always need advice. Sometimes you simply need someone who listens without judgment. Human connection reminds you that you are not carrying every burden alone.

There will also be days during which your emotions feel heavier than usual despite your best efforts. During those moments, give yourself permission to slow down instead of criticizing yourself for struggling. Emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions until they disappear. It means responding to yourself with patience while choosing actions that support your wellbeing.

Life will continue to bring deadlines, disappointments, and unexpected frustrations. Stress cannot always be avoided, but your response can be strengthened. Every calm breath, thoughtful pause, healthy boundary, and honest conversation help you build emotional steadiness over time. Progress may feel gradual, but small consistent choices often create the greatest emotional change. When everyday stress no longer controls your reactions, you create more space for clarity, connection, and peace within your daily life.

Senator Mark A. Villar expressed solidarity with the people of Mindanao following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Southern Philippines.

The senator also extended his sympathies to the families who suffered loss, displacement, and hardship as a result of the devastation brought by the earthquake and its aftermath.

‘Taos-puso po akong nakiramay at nanalangin para sa mga nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, nasugatan, at sa mga pamilyang napilitang lumikas dahil sa sakunang ito. Sa ganitong panahon ng pagsubok, mahalagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa at handa nating silang tulungan’ Villar said.

He emphasized that assisting affected communities and addressing their immediate needs remained a priority as relief and assessment efforts continued in the affected areas.

‘Habang nagpapatuloy ang mga response at assessment efforts sa mga apektadong lugar, mahalagang maipaabot agad ang kinakailangang tulong sa ating mga kababayan upang makatulong sa kanilang pagbangon,’ he added.

As part of his relief efforts, Senator Villar sent sacks of rice and drinking water for distribution to affected families through the General Santos City Local Government Unit. The senator also assured affected residents that his office remained ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

‘Nais kong tiyakin sa ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na narito tayo upang tumulong. Patuloy tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang kinauukulang ahensya upang masuportahan ang relief at recovery efforts sa mga apektadong komunidad,’ he said.

Villar likewise expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Filipino people as communities worked toward recovery and rehabilitation.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan, malasakit, at pagtutulungan, naniniwala akong makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa pagsubok na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,’ Villar concluded.

Land and human rights are spotlighted in ST (Southern Tagalog) to SF (San Francisco), a free screening of documentaries, short-form works, and music videos, part of MCADxMoving Image, a program of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

The event looks at culture, society and politics through the media of the moving image-from hybrid documentaries and video essays to narrative experiments, filmed performances, and archival audiovisions.

Meticulously selected by Con Cabrera, a visual artist and independent curator, the lineup gathers works from multimedia collective and organization Southern Tagalog Exposure from Laguna, Philippines, and housing advocates People Power Media from California, USA.

The roster includes documentations of narratives on displacement, oppression, and state violence which are resisted by various manifestations of activism.

The lineup is headlined by 43, a short docu on health workers who were arrested and accused of being members of the New People’s Army during their medical training in Morong, Rizal; and WWIII, an animated music video of a song by Dong Abay, renowned Filipino singer-songwriter, which communicates the collective consciousness of those who question the unjust war perpetrated by those in power.

Likewise included in the series is Red Saga. Produced by Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI), it is a vivid landscape of metaphors on contemporary Philippine politics and a poetic take on the peasant struggle and the protracted people’s war in the Philippine countryside. Oyayi sa Kanlungan ng Digma depicts how militarization drove the Mangyans, Dumagats, and peasants from their homes.

Sa Amin: Our Place narrates the untold story of Filipino activists, artists, and intergenerational families in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood in their fight against displacement caused by urban renewal, real estate speculation, and tech booms. Rights is a one-hour pioneering compilation of independently produced human rights-themed short films and public service announcements (PSAs) which exposes the incessant human rights hostilities in the Philippines and serves as an open and continuing call for filmmakers to participate in the growing movement to defend and uphold human rights.

ST (Southern Tagalog) to SF (San Francisco) is free and open to the public. It will run from June 17 to June 19, 2026, from 12 noon to 2 pm.

A talkback with the former members of ST Exposure will be held on June 17. It will be moderated by Mary Ann Pernia, MCAD Learning and Special Projects head.

It will be held at the M302 Case Room of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Taft Campus in Malate, Manila.

Joyce Tan, a Wais Home Credit customer since 2020, bought her iPhone 13 in 2021 with the added peace of mind of HOME CREDIT PROTECT. A Gen Z professional living independently in Taguig, Joyce balanced her work, rent, bills, and daily expenses while finding practical ways to manage lifestyle purchases with Home Credit products and services. This one move of buying her phone with Home Credit Protect, unexpectedly guarded her from an unforeseen medical emergency that surfaced in her life with sudden changes in her blood pressure, eventually needing her to be hospitalized for Stage 2 hypertension.

‘Noong bumili ako ng iPhone 13, in-offer sa akin ‘yong Home Credit Protect. Nung na-explain sa akin kung ano yung benefits nya, hindi talaga ako nagdalawang- isip kumuha.’

Amid rising financial pressures from hospital bills, medication, rent, utilities, and other daily expenses, the Home Credit Protect coverage linked to her iPhone 13 gave Joyce the much-needed relief, enabling her to take care of other expenses better. After submitting the necessary documents, she was able to access product benefits, including waived installments for two months.

‘Nabawasan talaga ‘yong stress ko pagdating monthly payments ko kay Home Credit. Syempre ayokong mag-miss ng payment kasi may penalties yun. Hindi ko talaga in-expect na ‘yong phone na binili ko would eventually help me during my health emergency. Dahil sa Home Credit Protect, nagkaroon ako ng peace of mind at mas nakapag-focus ako sa pagpapagaling ko.’ Joyce said

A reliable, caring lifestyle partner  Joyce is just one example of how Home Credit Philippines has supported over 13 million Filipinos through products and services designed to help make everyday life easier and more manageable since last 13 years.

‘Behind Home Credit’s 13 million customers are millions of unique journeys, all driven by the goal of building a better and more secure future. Joyce’s story shows how simple decisions today can make a meaningful difference in unexpected moments. Through products and services designed around our customers’ evolving needs, we remain committed to supporting Filipinos in both everyday purchases and life’s important moments,’ said Jana Pechouckova, Senior Executive Vice President of Home Credit Philippines. 

Watch Joyce’s Kwentong HC here and discover how making wais moves today can help bring peace of mind for tomorrow.