Category: Business Mirror

ANTICIPATING the surge in prices of oil and other basic commodities caused by the resumption of the Middle East conflict, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced last Thursday the release of P12.38 billion for the expanded United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) assistance, which is expected to benefit over 37 million Filipinos deemed vulnerable to the crisis.

The chief executive made the announcement after the United States and Iran exchanged fresh waves of strikes earlier this week, when the peace talks between the two countries hit a snag after both parties accused each other of violating the memorandum of understanding (MOU) they signed last month to end the conflict in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions in the Middle East crisis broke out in February when the US and Israel attacked Iran before it eased last June with the signing of the MOU.

Marcos said the expanded UPLIFT will help 7.5 million households or 37.5 million Filipinos nationwide who are reeling from the rising cost of living.

Created under Executive Order No. 110, UPLIFT aims to provide support to those affected by the Middle East crisis, which includes fuel and rice subsidies, service contracting, as well as cash aid.

‘As expenses rise, the burden becomes heavier for every family striving to meet their needs, especially for Filipinos living on the margins of society,’ Marcos said in Filipino in a video message posted in his social media account.

‘The goal of UPLIFT Assistance is to safeguard the ability of Filipino families to meet their daily needs. At the same time, we have expanded the scope of the assistance so that more Filipinos can benefit from the program,’ he added.

The expanded UPLIFT aid includes the distribution of a one-time P2,000 cash aid to 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the measure also includes the monthly P2,000 financial assistance for the 1.5 million workers and their families under the list of the Social Security System (SSS), as well as the 2.5-million poor and near-poor in the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System.

The distribution of the monthly cash aid will start this month and last until December.

Castro said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already issued a Special Allotment Release Order and Notice of Cash Allowance for the P12.375 billion to fund the said interventions.

She said the fund for the expanded UPLIFT will come from government savings under National Budget Circular 602 and 603.

Due to limited funds, Castro said government cannot provide cash aid to those in the Middle class.

‘It wouldn’t be an issue if we had an unlimited budget, but the government is currently stretching the available funds to make ends meet,’ she said.

The expanded UPLIFT will complement the existing measures implemented by the government to support sectors affected by the Middle East conflict including providing free toll for delivery trucks, as well as non-public transport sector, which will pass in expressways.

Asked if the government has the budget to sustain the assistance if the Middle East conflict continues to drag on in the coming months, the Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said there is currently no specified budget for that scenario.

‘That is precisely what is being studied. Once the budget is available, it will be released immediately to assist those most in need, while balancing the government’s funds,’ Castro said.

For today’s urban homeowners, interior design has become more than a matter of aesthetics. It is increasingly a reflection of lifestyle, personality, and even daily habits. In compact city homes where every square meter matters, the way a space is designed can influence not only how it looks, but also how it feels and functions.

Across social media and modern residential spaces, two dominant styles continue to shape contemporary condo living: minimalism and maximalism. While one embraces simplicity and restraint, the other celebrates personality, layering, and self-expression. Yet despite their differences, both styles share one common goal – creating a home that feels intentional and deeply personal.

This growing desire for customization reflects how Filipinos now view urban living – seeking homes that go beyond accessibility and amenities to support evolving lifestyles.

1. Start With Function Before Aesthetics

The most successful interiors begin with purpose. Before choosing décor or furniture, homeowners should first consider how they intend to use the space daily.

Minimalist homes often prioritize efficiency and openness, favoring multifunctional furniture and clutter-free layouts. Maximalist interiors, meanwhile, can still remain functional by organizing collections, layering zones thoughtfully, and ensuring that each piece contributes to the overall narrative of the space.

In condominium living, where space optimization matters, intentional design choices create homes that feel both practical and elevated.

2. Let Color Shape the Mood

Minimalist interiors typically rely on neutral palettes such as whites, beiges, soft grays, and earth tones to create a calming and timeless environment. These tones can make smaller spaces feel brighter and more expansive.

Maximalist spaces, on the other hand, embrace bold color combinations, dramatic contrasts, and vibrant accents that inject personality into the home. Rich jewel tones, statement wallpapers, and artistic finishes can transform even compact condos into visually dynamic spaces.

The key is consistency – choosing a palette that reflects the mood homeowners want to experience every day.

Color plays a defining role in setting the atmosphere of a home.

3. Invest in Pieces That Reflect Personality

Whether minimalist or maximalist, every home benefits from pieces that tell a story.

Minimalist styling often highlights fewer but more intentional furniture and décor selections, allowing craftsmanship and material quality to stand out. A sculptural chair, a textured rug, or a single statement artwork can define the entire room.

Maximalist interiors thrive on curation – combining books, travel finds, artwork, and layered décor to create a space rich with character and individuality.

Personalization is increasingly becoming central to modern condo living, especially among younger homeowners seeking homes that feel authentic rather than generic.

4. Use Lighting to Transform Small Spaces

Natural light can enhance minimalist interiors by emphasizing openness and simplicity. Sheer curtains, reflective surfaces, and warm ambient lighting help create a serene and airy atmosphere.

For maximalist interiors, layered lighting – from pendant fixtures to accent lamps – adds depth, drama, and dimension. Strategic lighting can highlight artwork, textures, and focal pieces while making spaces feel more immersive and expressive.

Good lighting does not simply illuminate a room; it shapes how a home is experienced.

5. Embrace Smart Storage Solutions

One of the biggest challenges in condominium living is maximizing storage without sacrificing style.

Minimalist spaces often conceal storage seamlessly through built-ins, hidden compartments, and streamlined cabinetry that maintain visual cleanliness.

Maximalist homes can also benefit from organized storage systems that allow collections and decorative elements to feel curated rather than cluttered. Open shelving, display cabinets, and vertical storage can balance visual richness with functionality.

As urban living continues to prioritize efficiency, smart storage remains essential regardless of design preference.

6. Design for Flexibility and Growth

A minimalist home may gradually incorporate warmer textures and layered elements over time, while a maximalist interior may refine its visual direction as tastes evolve. The best-designed condos are those that can adapt to changing lifestyles without requiring a complete redesign.

Modern residential developments are increasingly responding to this shift by creating spaces that support customization, flexibility, and contemporary urban living.

A Home That Reflects Modern Living

At its core, interior design is not about following trends, but about creating a home that supports the way people want to live. Whether defined by minimalist restraint or maximalist expression, well-designed condominium spaces offer comfort, functionality, and a stronger sense of personal identity.

As more Filipinos embrace urban living, the modern condo is evolving beyond simply being a place to stay. It is becoming a canvas for self-expression, lifestyle aspirations, and everyday experiences.

For developers like SMDC, this evolution reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s homeowners value most: spaces that are not only strategically located and thoughtfully designed, but also capable of adapting to the lifestyles, ambitions, and individuality of the people who call them home. This is where thoughtfully planned developments like those of SMDC continue to resonate, creating communities designed for flexibility, comfort, and modern city living.

The Association of Health Maintenance Organizations of the Philippines, Inc. (AHMOPI) has reaffirmed its support for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and committed to strengthening collaboration with the state insurer to advance Universal Health Care and improve healthcare access for Filipinos.

In a statement, AHMOPI said the country’s health maintenance organizations continue to play a complementary role in the healthcare system, supporting PhilHealth’s mandate to provide universal health insurance while helping members manage healthcare costs through supplemental medical coverage.

The association stressed that the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 has significantly strengthened the country’s healthcare system by automatically enrolling all Filipinos in the National Health Insurance Program administered by PhilHealth and expanding access to essential health services.

According to AHMOPI, the implementation of Universal Health Care has enabled PhilHealth to broaden its benefit packages, including primary care through the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Program, outpatient emergency care, outpatient procedures such as minor surgeries, chemotherapy and hemodialysis, enhanced inpatient case rates, maternity and newborn care, and specialized ‘Z’ benefit packages for catastrophic and prolonged illnesses.

The association said these enhancements have reinforced PhilHealth’s role as the country’s primary healthcare payor while providing Filipinos with broader financial protection against medical expenses.

AHMOPI emphasized that HMOs complement these benefits by offering higher annual coverage limits and additional medical benefits that help reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not fully covered by PhilHealth.

‘Considering that all Filipinos are now PhilHealth members, HMO benefits support PhilHealth benefits, with PhilHealth serving as the first payor,’ the association said.

The association added that the coordinated role of PhilHealth and HMOs allows members to maximize available healthcare benefits while ensuring greater financial protection during medical treatment.

AHMOPI also underscored the HMO industry’s long-standing role in the country’s healthcare delivery system, noting that the sector has been serving Filipinos for more than four decades by working alongside hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers to improve access to quality medical care.

The association said it considers PhilHealth an invaluable partner in delivering accessible, affordable, preventive and life-saving healthcare services to Filipinos.

Under the leadership of PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, AHMOPI said it remains committed to working hand in hand with the state insurer, accredited healthcare institutions, medical professionals and other stakeholders to further strengthen healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes and help build a healthier nation.

DESPITE external headwinds weighing on the Philippine economy, the World Bank said it expects economic growth to rebound above 5 percent next year as the impact of current global shocks eases.

World Bank Division Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Zafer Mustafaoglu on Thursday said the weaker growth outlook merely reflects a short-term slowdown brought about by external shocks and does not alter the country’s medium-term prospects.

The Washington-based lender in April lowered its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.7 percent from its earlier projection of 5.3 percent amid heightened global uncertainty.

‘When we look at for the next two years, our expectation is that economic growth will recover above 5 percent,’ he said in a televised interview.

Mustafaoglu said the World Bank remains confident the Philippine economy will regain momentum as current shocks are expected to ease.

He said the Philippines remains well-positioned for sustained growth given its young population, strategic location in Asia, and favorable long-term opportunities.

‘On average, we would expect around close to 5.5 percent growth after 2026, meaning 2027, 2028,’ he added.

If realized, the projected recovery would put the Philippines on track to meet the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) recalibrated 5- to 6-percent growth target for 2027 to 2030.

Mustafaoglu also emphasized that Manila’s partnership with the World Bank will not be affected despite the dimmed near-term outlook.

He noted that right now, the main focus of the bank is to help mitigate the impact of the geopolitical tensions and ensure that it will not further hurt vulnerable households.

Despite the current headwinds, Mustafaoglu also said the World Bank remains confident that the Philippines can meet the targets under its Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

Launched in 2025, the CPF serves as the World Bank’s six-year engagement strategy with the Philippines.

It aims to help create 4 million more and better jobs by improving the business environment and mobilizing private investment, while also expanding access to quality health care and education, strengthening social protection and climate resilience, improving broadband connectivity, and enhancing digital government services.

UMIC impact

Meanwhile, Mustafaoglu clarified that the Philippines’s graduation to upper middle-income country (Umic) status will not affect its access to World Bank financing.

He said the country’s new income classification will neither change the bank’s lending program nor its lending terms.

‘Moving to upper middle-income country does not affect our program or our lending to the country or lending rates to the country,’ he explained.

Mustafaoglu explained that World Bank lending generally tapers only after countries attain high-income status. Even then, he said, the institution continues to provide technical assistance and knowledge-sharing.

‘As the Philippines move forward, we will look at what are the basic needs of Philippines, where Philippines is growing better, but where maybe Philippines need more support, and we will adjust the program from that angle,’ he added.

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned state-run China Daily’s publication of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos and editorial cartoons concerning the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, depicting Filipinos as monkeys.

‘As a Chinese state-run media outlet, China Daily’s conduct goes beyond legitimate political debate and employs blatantly demeaning, dehumanizing, and racist depictions of Filipinos,’ it said.

‘The Philippines has consistently rejected false narratives and distortions regarding the Arbitral Award and the Philippines lawful positions in the South China Sea. But we draw a firm line at the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the 10 July 2026 video, which is deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable,’ it added.

The DFA said disagreement over legal and political issues ‘does not justify resorting to disturbing imagery, which has no place in the civil public discourse of a responsible state.’

‘Such imagery and misinformation only serve to widen the distrust between the Philippines and China,’ it said.

‘The Philippines demands that the offensive material be taken down, calls for the immediate cessation of such irresponsible content, and urges China to uphold dignity, respect, and truth in public discourse,’ it added.

Legislators dassail ‘racist’ China video

LAWMAKERS on Friday denounced as ‘racist’ and ‘injurious and unacceptable’ the video by a Chinese state-controlled media outlet showing Filipinos as monkeys controlled by the United States and Japan, saying it shows the continuing arrogance by Manila’s neighbor notwithstanding its claim that it is ‘a reliable, constant partner.’

‘The racist depiction by China Daily, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet, of Filipinos as monkeys at the mercy of the United States and Japan simply shows that China’s arrogance knows no bounds. It further reveals how little they think of us and how highly they think of themselves. This is another act that reflects the mindset of an entitled bully,’ Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal said in a statement.

Similar concern was aired by Sen. Francis Pangilinan over the video.

De Lima said the video ‘also shows China’s continued insecurity and frustration because our country refuses to yield in upholding our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. ‘Unlike during the previous administration, we do not kowtow to their caprices.’

The release of the AI-generated video followed a global commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Ruling against China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea, for which the Philippines had filed a case in The Hague-based International Arbitral Court. At least 14 nations issued separate statements hailing the significance of the ruling to mark the anniversary, and praising Manila’s initiative to go to a global court to enforce the United Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

‘They can spread propaganda, create AI-generated videos, disseminate lies, and invent imaginary lines all they want, but they cannot erase the fact that the WPS is ours under our Constitution and international law,’ said de Lima, a former Justice secretary and senator.

‘Sa ginagawa nilang panggi-gipit, pagbabanta at mga kasinungalingan, sila ang mas nagiging kahiya-hiya at katawa-tawa sa mata ng buong mundo. Bilang bully, malamang na hindi sila titigil sa ganitong pang-aalipusta hangga’t hindi nila nakukuha ang kanilang gusto. Kaya patuloy lang dapat tayong pumalag at manindigan para ipagtanggol ang ating soberanya at pambansang dangal, de Lima added.

IN his statement, Pangilinan, meanwhile, called the AI-generated video of China Daily, which depicted Filipinos as monkeys, as unsuitable to any media organization, much lesas a ‘state-run media outlet that represents a country.’

The senator added, ‘It is saddening to think that this comes from China. An emerging global power in economy and technology,’ whose citizens have themselves also endured ‘discrimination and racism in other parts of the globe.’

Instead of promoting understanding and respect, it has chosen to ‘resort to a kind of propaganda that not only insults Filipinos, but also shatters China’s avowed intent to be a responsible and respectable leader in the international community,’ Pangilinan added.

He urged the People’s Republic of China ‘to immediately order China Daily to take down the video, issue a clear public apology, and hold responsible those who created and uploaded this video. Being a true leader in the international community is based on dignity, respect for others, and accountability – not ln spreading racist stereotypes that are billed as ‘information or commentary.’

If it wants to be seen as a responsible and trustworthy global power, China must start by ensuring its state media acts with respect and responsibility, not otherwise.’ With PNA

Workers in the private sector across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to receive a wage increase in two installments, the Bangsamoro Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board said, after it approved and issued the new Minimum Wage Order No. BARMM-05 on Wednesday.

The increase will be implemented in two phases it said, with P25 to be given in August and an additional P25 in December. It said the wage adjustment aims to help workers cope with the rising cost of living and inflation.

The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) said the new wage order covers workers in both the non-agricultural and agricultural sectors throughout BARMM.

Under the new wage rate, non-agricultural workers in Cotabato City, Marawi City and Lamitan City will receive P436 per day from the previous P411, while agricultural workers will receive P411 from P386.

In the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, Basilan and Lamitan City, and Tawi-Tawi, the daily minimum wage for non-agricultural workers will increase from P386 to P411, while agricultural workers will receive P401 from P376.

Workers in the Special Geographic Areas (SGA) will also benefit from wage adjustment, with non-agricultural wages increasing from P391 to P416, and agricultural wages rising from P366 to P391 up. The SGA refers to the 63 scattered barangays from six municipalities of North Cotabato that opted to belong to the BARMM.

The wage order does not cover household or domestic workers under Republic Act 10361, or the Batas Kasambahay; employees of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with a valid Certificate of Authority under Republic Act No. 9178; and others authorized by law the tripartite board said.

The wage order also provides that any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association, or entity which refuses or fails to pay the prescribed increase shall be dealt with pursuant to the provision of Section 12 of RA 6727, as amended by RA 8188.

The order will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Bangsamoro Gazette or in a newspaper of regional circulation within BARMM.

MOLE Minister Muslimin Sema said the wage adjustment reflects the region’s improving economy and the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to ensuring that economic gains are shared with workers.

‘This shows that our economy is improving greatly. Necessarily, our workers especially the minimum wage earners, must benefit from BARMM’s increased economic growth, by increasing their minimum wage,’ Sema stated.

He noted that since 2022, the Bangsamoro government has approved a cumulative P136 increase in the regional minimum wage. ‘The Bangsamoro Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board believes that workers and laborers must be taken care of and should never be left behind because they are the engines of our economy,’ Sema said.

The wage order was crafted following wage studies and a series of public consultations involving workers’ representatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), employers, and government stakeholders.

MARKING a stronger push to connect reforms across basic education, higher education, technical-vocational education, and workforce development, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) launched One Education during the 3rd Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee Meeting.

Carrying the tagline ‘Maraming Landas, Isang Sistema. Para Sa Bawat Pilipino,’ One Education serves as the unified brand and strategic communication platform of the trifocal education system, supporting DepEd, CHED, and Tesda in institutionalizing more seamless education pathways for learners. Through One Education, learners, families, schools, training institutions, employers, and partners will have a clearer and more accessible way to understand how education opportunities connect across the three agencies.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen Philippine education by making learning more connected, relevant, and responsive to the needs of learners, communities, and the economy.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said One Education reflects the shared responsibility of DepEd, CHED, and Tesda to make the education system easier to understand and navigate.

‘One Education is a reminder that the dreams of our learners are no different. The bridge from basic education going to college, technical-vocational training, jobs, livelihood and lifelong learning must be clear. The more interconnected the systems, the easier for more Filipinos to see where they should start, advance, and succeed,’

Angara said in Filipino.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted how the initiative directly supports smoother student transitions into tertiary education.

‘Through One Education, we are ensuring that a learner’s prior academic and technical achievements-whether from senior high school or tech-voc programs-are recognized and credited by our HEIs. This ensures that no effort is wasted as we build a more direct, seamless path for our learners to transition successfully into the modern workforce,’ Agrupis explained.

Tesda Director General Jose Francisco Benitez put focus on the landscape of today’s world of work, where skills have become the global currency and that a unified education system is essential to help learners thrive in this new reality.

‘The demands of work today are vastly different from yesterday’s. That’s why education must keep pace with the times. In the past two years, we have been building seamless education pathways for Filipino learners . . . One Education encompasses our goal of improving access to acquire new skills, earn certifications, or pursue further studies. Because whether it’s Tech-voc, Senior High, or College – all of that has a route to success,’ he said.

As part of the launch, the agencies also introduced the Education Reform Fellowship (ERF), a flagship initiative that will recruit, train, and mentor young professionals and reform-oriented talents who can support priority education and workforce development reforms.

Through ERF, fellows will be exposed to policy work, program implementation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and interagency coordination across the education and workforce development ecosystem.

The agencies also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Analytiks, Inc. for Project TAHANAN, a learner traceability and interoperability initiative that aims to improve learner tracking across basic education, higher education, technical-vocational education, and workforce development pathways.

Project TAHANAN seeks to support the secure and seamless sharing of learner data to help the government craft better policies, programs, and learner support mechanisms across the education-to-workforce continuum.

Together, One Education, ERF, and Project TAHANAN support a common goal: making reforms clearer to the public, strengthening the people who will help implement them, and improving the data needed to guide decisions across the trifocal education system.

PRIME Energy, operator of Service Contract No. 38, has completed the maintenance turnaround of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, restoring indigenous gas production and paving the way for the startup of new wells under the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project.

Gas delivery resumed at 0001H on July 15 as planned after the successful month-long turnaround which enabled routine maintenance works and completion of key upgrades across Malampaya’s offshore and onshore facilities.

The turnaround covered works at the Shallow Water Platform (SWP) in northwest Palawan and the Onshore Gas Plant (OGP) in Tabangao, Batangas City. In addition to ensuring the reliability and integrity of key production facilities, it also advanced preparations for the integration of the Malampaya East-1 and Camago-3 wells, which are expected to deliver first gas in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The new wells represent one of Malampaya’s most significant infrastructure upgrades in recent years and will strengthen domestic natural gas supply while extending the field’s productive life by up to six years.

‘Completing this turnaround safely is essential to maintaining the reliability of Malampaya’s operations and supporting the country’s energy needs,’ said Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, President and CEO of Prime Energy. ‘This activity was also critical to preparing our facilities for the next phase of indigenous gas production so that homes, businesses and industries continue to benefit from a reliable domestic energy source.’

Hundreds of engineers, technicians, offshore specialists, marine crews, and contractors carried out highly complex maintenance, inspection, and engineering activities across offshore facilities, subsea infrastructure and onshore systems. The campaign was completed safely and gas supply was resumed on time despite weather-related challenges.

Throughout the maintenance period, Prime Energy worked closely with the Department of Energy, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and its power generation customers to coordinate the planned outage and implement alternative fuel arrangements.

That close coordination proved particularly important during Super Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi), when Malampaya provided emergency gas supply to Prime CoreGen power plants after severe weather temporarily disrupted LNG terminal operations, ensuring a seamless fuel transition and preventing a power plant shutdown.

For more than two decades, Malampaya has supplied indigenous natural gas to power plants in Batangas, helping support the country’s energy requirements and reducing dependence on imported fuels.

Malampaya is a National Government project under the Department of Energy. Prime Energy and its joint venture partners (UC38 LLC, PNOC Exploration Corporation, Prime Oil and Gas, Inc.) operate the Malampaya Project under Service Contract No. 38 with the Government.

Prime Energy is the natural gas exploration and development company of Prime Infra, the infrastructure arm of Filipino businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr.

OUTSOURCING firms that rely primarily on routine, execution-based work will face mounting pressure from artificial intelligence (AI), while companies that move into higher-value services stand to benefit from the industry’s next phase of growth, according to Philippine-founded Asiatel Outsourcing Inc.

Asiatel chief executive officer Jasjit Singh Anand said AI is changing the competitive landscape of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry by shifting demand toward knowledge-intensive services rather than repetitive tasks.

‘I think there is a low end of jobs which is execution-focused,’ Anand said during the company’s media briefing on Thursday morning in Taguig City. ‘Purely execution-task will come under pressure.’

Instead, Anand said companies that successfully integrate people, business processes and AI into their operations will be better positioned to grow. ‘I believe every technological shift creates winners and losers,’ he said.

‘The winners from here will be the companies that will blend the three. One is people, second is the process, and third is AI,’ he added.

He added that while automation is expected to replace some routine work, human workers will continue to play a central role. ‘Humans will stay at the core… Humans in the loop will be an important aspect going forward.’

The company is responding by expanding beyond traditional outsourcing into knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) and AI-enabled services. ‘Our strategy is simple. We are actually moving away from execution-task,’ Anand said.

‘We were never in the pure execution-task. We were actually an embedded extension office…and from there, we are now going up on the value chain in the KPO space and the AI space.’

Among the areas Asiatel is targeting are engineering, environmental, social and governance (ESG), software-as-a-service (SaaS) and AI-driven finance solutions.

Despite a more measured industry outlook recently unveiled by the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Anand said the company remains optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects.

Ibpap projects the Philippine information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry to generate $42.3 billion in revenues this year and between $43.3 billion and $50.5 billion by 2028.

‘We should respect that position because that’s a respected IT industry body,’ Anand said.

While new technologies are reshaping outsourcing, Anand argued they will also create business opportunities that are difficult to predict today.

‘I feel that there will be new sectors which will emerge which we cannot see at this point of time,’ he said. ‘If AI…helps in the global output, that will create certain opportunities which we cannot imagine at this point of time.’

Expansion after TSX listing

Asiatel recently became the first Philippine-founded outsourcing company to list on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada.

Asked whether the company also plans to pursue a Philippine Stock Exchange listing, Anand said management is focused on executing its expansion strategy following its Canadian debut.

‘We just listed in Canada. It’s our second day into trading. Our focus right now is to run the company in a very compliant, very sound manner, sticking to the fundamentals,’ he said.

Since starting operations in 2006, Asiatel has grown organically to generate more than $6 million in annual revenue, while employing about 500 workers in the country and serving clients across eight countries.

The company plans to add up to 250 delivery seats in Metro Manila, establish satellite offices closer to employee catchment areas and pursue acquisitions of niche outsourcing firms to strengthen its KPO and AI capabilities.

‘We would be flexible in expanding in the north and south of Metro Manila,’ Anand said. ‘The next 100 to 150 seats, we see Metro Manila as the priority delivery location. After that, maybe it makes sense to go to provincial cities.’

ANTICIPATING the surge in prices of oil and other basic commodities caused by the resumption of the Middle East conflict, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced last Thursday the release of P12.38 billion for the expanded United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) assistance, which is expected to benefit over 37 million Filipinos deemed vulnerable to the crisis.

The chief executive made the announcement after the United States and Iran exchanged fresh waves of strikes earlier this week, when the peace talks between the two countries hit a snag after both parties accused each other of violating the memorandum of understanding (MOU) they signed last month to end the conflict in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions in the Middle East crisis broke out in February when the US and Israel attacked Iran before it eased last June with the signing of the MOU.

Marcos said the expanded UPLIFT will help 7.5 million households or 37.5 million Filipinos nationwide who are reeling from the rising cost of living.

Created under Executive Order No. 110, UPLIFT aims to provide support to those affected by the Middle East crisis, which includes fuel and rice subsidies, service contracting, as well as cash aid.

‘As expenses rise, the burden becomes heavier for every family striving to meet their needs, especially for Filipinos living on the margins of society,’ Marcos said in Filipino in a video message posted in his social media account.

‘The goal of UPLIFT Assistance is to safeguard the ability of Filipino families to meet their daily needs. At the same time, we have expanded the scope of the assistance so that more Filipinos can benefit from the program,’ he added.

The expanded UPLIFT aid includes the distribution of a one-time P2,000 cash aid to 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the measure also includes the monthly P2,000 financial assistance for the 1.5 million workers and their families under the list of the Social Security System (SSS), as well as the 2.5-million poor and near-poor in the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System.

The distribution of the monthly cash aid will start this month and last until December.

Castro said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already issued a Special Allotment Release Order and Notice of Cash Allowance for the P12.375 billion to fund the said interventions.

She said the fund for the expanded UPLIFT will come from government savings under National Budget Circular 602 and 603.

Due to limited funds, Castro said government cannot provide cash aid to those in the Middle class.

‘It wouldn’t be an issue if we had an unlimited budget, but the government is currently stretching the available funds to make ends meet,’ she said.

The expanded UPLIFT will complement the existing measures implemented by the government to support sectors affected by the Middle East conflict including providing free toll for delivery trucks, as well as non-public transport sector, which will pass in expressways.

Asked if the government has the budget to sustain the assistance if the Middle East conflict continues to drag on in the coming months, the Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said there is currently no specified budget for that scenario.

‘That is precisely what is being studied. Once the budget is available, it will be released immediately to assist those most in need, while balancing the government’s funds,’ Castro said.