Category: Business Mirror

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has sent a formal letter to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) questioning the manner in which Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) head Gabriel Go apprehended a public school teacher for an alleged violation.

While affirming that teachers must obey traffic laws and should be held accountable for violations, the TDC emphasizes that its concern is not the enforcement of the law itself, but whether it was carried out with the professionalism, courtesy, and respect for human dignity expected of public servants.

‘In one widely circulated video, Mr. Go publicly confronted an alleged traffic violator who identified himself as a public school teacher after being stopped for riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Throughout the encounter, the teacher remained respectful and cooperative, acknowledged his violation, and did not dispute the authority of the apprehending officer. He, likewise, requested that he not be featured in the video, explaining that he was a teacher. Mr. Go, however, responded that the individual’s face would be blurred,’ TDC’s letter to the MMDA read.

The video, the TDC said, drew widespread public attention-not because the law was enforced, but because many viewers, including thousands of teachers, found Go’s manner of dealing with the alleged violator unnecessarily confrontational, demeaning and disrespectful.

‘Subsequently, amid mounting public criticism, Mr. Go published an AI-generated graphic stating that teachers are not exempt from following the law and are expected to uphold a higher standard because they serve as role models for the youth,’ the TDC said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said they are already conducting an investigation as the viral video was brought to their attention, and that they have also received letters from various groups.

‘Rest assured that we are conducting an investigation as to Mr. Go’s liability, and he was asked to explain his side in formal writing through a show cause order,’ the MMDA said.

‘His participation in clearing operations is currently held in abeyance pending the result of the investigation,’ the MMDA said.

Retail prices of construction materials in Metro Manila held steady in June as annual price growth remained unchanged from the previous month, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PSA data showed the Construction Materials Retail Price Index (CMRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) stayed at 1.8 percent in June, matching the pace recorded in May although higher than the 1.1 percent posted in the same month last year.

The June reading brought the year-to-date average CMRPI growth to 1.7 percent.

Annual price increases have gradually picked up since the start of the year, rising from 1.2 percent in January and February to 1.3 percent in March before accelerating to 1.7 percent in April and 1.8 percent in May and June.

The PSA attributed the steady annual growth to faster price increases for several construction materials, including carpentry materials, whose annual growth accelerated to 0.9 percent from 0.6 percent in May; masonry materials, to 2.3 percent from 2 percent; and tinsmithry materials, to 3 percent from 2.9 percent.

These were partly offset by slower price increases for electrical materials, which eased to 1.7 percent from 2 percent; painting materials and related compounds, to 2.3 percent from 2.9 percent; plumbing materials, to 0.7 percent from 0.8 percent; and miscellaneous construction materials, to 1.5 percent from 1.6 percent.

The CMRPI tracks the retail prices of construction materials typically purchased by households and small-scale builders, serving as a key indicator of trends in the residential construction sector.

Pole line hardware manufacturer Jocelyn Forge, Inc. (JFI) has selected COREnergy as its retail electricity supplier for four operating companies under its group: Jocelyn Forge, Inc., Jocelyn Casting, Formosa Forge Phils., Inc., and Galvanizing Specialist Manufacturing, Inc. The partnership covers facilities located in Bulacan with a combined contracted capacity of 2.83MW to be provisioned through 2028.

Under the partnership, the retail electricity subsidiary of Vivant Energy will supply power under the DOE’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), securing the company cost-efficient rates and protection from the ever-volatile market rates of power.

JFI manufactures standard and customized pole line hardwares commonly used by electric distribution utilities and telephone companies, such as steel crossarm, electric/telecommunication pole accessories, bolts and brackets essential for infrastructure. These operations depend on advanced equipment, precision tooling machines, and electricity-intensive processes that require stable power to meet production standards and customer demand.

‘Working with COREnergy has been a consistently pleasant and straightforward experience for our team,’ said Jayson Ang, President and Head of Operations of Jocelyn Forge. ‘Their commitment to transparency and customer support has reinforced our trust in the partnership, enabling us to scale our operations with confidence while maintaining a dependable power supply for our manufacturing facilities,’ he added.

Edralin Bayona, Commercial Excellence Head at COREnergy, noted that the continued expansion of these accounts reflects a shared operational vision. ‘Jocelyn Forge’s commitment to supplying the critical components of the Philippines’ energy and telecom infrastructure perfectly aligns with COREnergy and Vivant’s broader goals for a more developed nation,’ Bayona said. ‘As an integrated gentailer, our objective is to provide industrial partners with the tools for true empowerment, delivering the continuous energy solutions they need to support the growth of their business.’

COREnergy brings the Power of Choice closer to businesses that are ready to take a more active role in managing electricity. Its support covers customer switching, transparent billing, straightforward contract terms, and consumption monitoring through the MyPower Platform.

The partnership is supported by the recent regulatory development that broadens access to competitive electricity sourcing. Effective 26 June 2026, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) officially lowered the threshold for both Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework and RAP to an average monthly peak demand of 100kWh.

In manufacturing, power directly affects production and commitments. This partnership reflects how industrial businesses of today are beginning to manage electricity as part of operational strategy, not just as a utility expense. With COREnergy, Jocelyn Forge gains better visibility, stronger support, and greater confidence as it continues to serve the country’s utility and infrastructure sectors.

Moluccas or the Spice Island conjures high adventure, bravado, and even romance. A compelling paper from Katharine McGregor and Ana Dragojlovic, ‘Songs from Another Land: Decolonizing Memories and the Nutmeg Trade’ appears, on the surface, to sustain that discourse. And, pardon, the term, there lies the trick or tricks of history.

The paper talks of the year 2021, designated as the 400th anniversary of the Banda Massacres, where the colonial might of United East India Trading Company began the decimation of the Bandanese with the aim of securing a monopoly on the global nutmeg trade.

The most interesting fact about Moluccas or Maluku Islands is that as early as 1512, Portuguese explorer Francisco Serrao had already come upon the islands, the journey driven not only by nutmeg but by another spice, cloves. The world when finally they had the chance to explore the Spice Islands-some seven of them-must have seen not only mercantilism but mysticism as well. What’s with these islands!

Without diminishing the crime against the Bandanese, the conflicts over nutmeg, cloves, and mace (the reddish covering of the nutmeg seed) eventually escalated between the British and the Dutch.

You might ask: What have these massacres-for there were many in the 16th century-to do with the more contemporary food vlogging? A lot and it has to do with the myopic approach to national (contentious ) and local cuisine (who determines what’s local?).

My interest began with Indonesian food. Of all the culinary traditions, I least know about those of Indonesia, our cultural neighbor with marked sociolinguistic affinity. Thailand has gone global. It’s cuisine can be found in tony restaurants. Malaysia by way of Penang and Kuala Lumpur have become common features, popular among tourists, culinary experts, and food vloggers. Then, it’s culinary silence for the fourth populous nation in the world-that’s Indonesia. Comes Adam Gottchalk. He has been asking monumental questions about food, traditions and identity. In one of his vlogs, which drew my attention, he poses an inquiry: What is Indonesian food? My interest piqued, I began looking at Gottchalk’s presentation. I am not exactly coming in from the cold.

I have been watching food vlogs ever since; in fact, facing me during breakfast are always these morning preparations from India and Pakistan. Why these two? Maybe ultimately that which world audiences comment on. I ignore that. What I see is hardworking people up at 2 or 3 in the morning pushing their pushcarts in the dark, cold and foggy New Delhi or Karachi. They park anywhere. As there is no explanation in English, I assume a lot: the rules are loose in these places, vendors can occupy any site they wish. I am tempted to ask: Like in the Philippines?

Regarding Gottchalk, I was expecting a culinary and cultural expert who would, as with others with Western lens, celebrate how unique, savory, and exotic Indonesian cuisines are. He does not do that. He immediately questions what makes a dish from an island in Indonesia distinct from another island. The question has been asked for a long time but, I guess, the food interlocutors settled for the general responses of the respondents. Or it could be a language deficiency?

As an Asian, I like also to challenge non-Asian food vloggers whether we really do not ask what makes our food unforgettable or what gives our humble day-to-day kitchen offering worth the discussion.

Adam Gottchalk is, however, pleasantly and intellectually relentless. He ransacks Indonesia history and how the State even went to the extent of intervening. In the case of Sukarno (some massacres here again as in our country), there was a move to identify a national dish. À difficult task, the State with the help of cultural experts ended up listing some 30.

And here is where the achievement of Adam Gottchalk stands out from among the numerous food vloggers who center their work on taste and delectation. Gottchalk finds a gap always between discussion of food to talk nearly cursorily of the dark histories involving food. It’s true what they say: great histories insert themselves between the decorative and pleasant. If you were not listening, you would have missed the second layers of insights. That while we are trying to discern how the cuisines in front of us are evolving and important, there are all the narratives in these islands and they will always be part of the tale. This is a saving grace for food vloggers-the critical eye to look behind and beyond the dish. The nation will never hate you for the reminder. The dire historical commentary is somewhat effaced. That is good. That is food diplomacy.

What about the Philippines? Gottchalk does not play kind to our country. And I like that. His critique of our cuisines comes in the form of questions: Why are our dishes mocked, maligned and dismissed as oily? In so many ways, those are the queries. I don’t have an answer except to say the extraordinary dishes we have cannot be found in upper- and middle-class kitchens and dining tables. They are out there in the hinterlands where special varieties of rice are extant and have a special niche in the household. They are there in rural areas where the subsistence economy has enabled people to tap rootcrops, turning them into original food, exotic to the outsider, filling for the communities that will not touch artificial additives.

FILIPINOS working abroad have poured larger-than-usual amounts of money into the household coffers of their families back home despite grappling with war-triggered inflation for the third straight month.

Local economists pointed this out after the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed cash remittances amounted to $2.713 billion in May 2026, up 2 percent from the $2.66 billion in May 2025.

This brought cash remittances in the January to May 2026 period to $14.11 billion, 2.5 percent higher than the $13.766 billion in the five-month period in 2025.

Historical data showed the 2-percent growth rate year-on-year in May 2026 was the slowest pace of cash remittances in four years.

Moreover, when looking at the month-on-month data, the $2.713-billion cash inflows in May was the lowest amount sent home by OFWs in 12 months.

However, economists pointed out the bigger picture: the $14.11 billion sent home by OFWs to their families back home which is also the highest on record in terms of the five-month period data.

Despite the slow pace in cash remittances, economists concurred that the bigger picture points to the ‘remarkable resilience’ of Filipinos working abroad.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong and Co. said: ‘The latest remittance data tell us that while growth has slowed, the bigger picture remains one of resilience. A 2-percent increase in May may be the slowest in four years, but remittances are still growing and, more importantly, the January-May total reached a record-high $14.1 billion.’

‘That suggests Filipino workers abroad continue to support their families despite global uncertainties, elevated inflation, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,’ Ravelas said in a Viber message on Wednesday.

For his part, John Paolo R. Rivera, Senior Research Fellow at Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said despite the slower growth pace, cash remittances continue to serve as an ‘important buffer’ for household consumption and the country’s external position.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) explained that remittances remained ‘relatively resilient’ even at low single-digit growth levels but pointed out that at least it did not decline year-on-year.

As he likened the Middle East conflict to the Covid-19 pandemic period, Ricafort pointed out that OFWs may need to send more to their families ‘to better cope with higher prices/inflation and slower demand and slower economic/business conditions.’

‘The continued single-digit year-on-year growth in OFW remittances nevertheless is still a good signal/bright spot for the overall economy as an important growth driver, especially in terms of consumer spending, which accounts for at least 70 percent of the Philippine economy, thereby could support faster economic/GDP growth for the coming months/quarters,’ added the RCBC’s chief economist.

Softer growth pace

Explaining the slower growth pace, meanwhile, Ravelas said this was ‘likely driven by a combination of factors including higher living costs in host countries, slower global economic activity, and currency movements.’

‘With the peso relatively weaker against the dollar compared with a year ago, many OFWs can send fewer dollars while still delivering the same, or even higher, peso value to their families. In short, the purchasing power of every dollar remitted has improved, reducing the need to send larger dollar amounts,’ added Ravelas.

Rivera, for his part, said the ‘higher living costs abroad’ could be the culprit behind the slower pace in cash remittances ‘which can limit the amount they are able to send home.’

Bigger picture: The 5-month data

Still, Ravelas said: ‘What is particularly encouraging is that remittances continue to rise despite the Middle East conflict.’

This, he explained, reflects the ‘diversification’ of Filipino workers across different regions and the ‘strong culture of family support’ among OFWs.

This was echoed by Rivera: ‘Despite the Middle East conflict, employment demand in many host countries has remained relatively stable, while many OFWs tend to increase or sustain remittances during periods of uncertainty to support their families.’

Historically, Ravelas said periods of uncertainty often lead overseas Filipinos to prioritize household financial security back home.

Key pillar of PHL economy

Looking ahead, Rivera and Ravelas believe that remittances will remain resilient and continue to support the Philippine economy.

‘Remittances may remain broadly resilient for the rest of the year, although growth may stay moderate given global uncertainties,’ Rivera said.

Ravelas said: ‘Unless we see a major disruption in overseas labor markets, remittance inflows should continue to support consumer spending, help stabilize the peso, and provide an important bu?er against external economic shocks.’

He said the message from the latest data is clear: ‘Remittances are no longer growing as rapidly as before, but they remain remarkably resilient and dependable.’

Key risks ahead

Despite staying resilient, cash remittances are also facing risks, according to Rivera and Asuncion.

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at the Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) pointed out: ‘The May remittance data suggest that growth remains positive but may be losing some momentum.’

Asuncion warned: ‘More importantly, the renewed risk of a US-Iran escalation raises the possibility that the impact on OFW employment and deployment in the Middle East could become more visible in the months ahead,’ Asuncion said.

While remittances remain resilient for now, he said: ‘We believe downside risks have increased and may not yet be fully reflected in the latest data.’

For his part, Rivera said: ‘Key risks include a prolonged geopolitical conflict, slower global growth, and persistent inflation in host economies.’

The central bank said in its statement that the United States remained the top source of inflows, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, based on reported remittance transactions by origin.

‘Cash and personal remittances also grew in the period of January-May 2026. This highlights the sustained role of [Overseas Filipinos] OFs in supporting household income, spending, and overall domestic demand,’ the BSP also noted.

Amid the rash of violent incidents in schools involving students and school personnel, Senator Mark A. Villar is pushing for stronger security and emergency preparedness in schools through Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed Learning Institution’s Guaranteed Threat Avoidance and Safety Act (LIGTAS Act).

In recent months, shooting and stabbing incidents involving minors have been reported in schools across the country, including the deadly June 22 shooting that killed three students at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and separate stabbing incidents in Cavite and Las Piñas.

‘These incidents are painful reminders that violence can happen even in places where our children are supposed to feel safest. Hindi natin puwedeng hayaang maging normal ang takot sa loob ng paaralan [We cannot allow fear and violence to be normalized inside schools].’

He added, ‘We need to act before another life is lost.’

The LIGTAS Act seeks to establish a uniform school safety framework for all public and private basic education institutions from Kinder to Grade 12.

Among the bill’s salient features are increased police visibility and coordinated threat assessments; direct emergency hotlines with police, fire, and response units; immediate notification of parents during student emergencies; adequate first-aid and emergency equipment; and trained medical personnel and security guards.

The measure also calls for the strategic installation of CCTV cameras and appropriate security screening systems, as well as comprehensive school safety and security training for students and personnel.

Another key provision is the creation of a School Safety Council in every city and municipality, composed of local government, education, police, fire, disaster response, school, and parent representatives.

The council will also develop localized safety policies, coordinate emergency response efforts, and monitor schools’ compliance with safety standards.

‘The safety of students is everyone’s responsibility. There’s a need for coordination among schools, local governments, law enforcement, emergency responders, teachers, and parents to keep our children safe,’ Villar said. ‘Through the LIGTAS Act, we want safer and more prepared schools where every Filipino student is protected,’ Villar concluded.

Thailand is determined to put its Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Cup debacle behind and is fully focused on the task at hand in the SEA V Cup.

But Chaiwat Thungkham stressed that they’re not entertaining talk of a title repeat in the zonal meet just yet.

‘We look at it game by game, we focus on just that. One game, one game, and then the next, until the final,’ Thungkham said when asked about eyeing another crown after ruling Week One of last year’s SEA V. League, also here at the Candon City Arena.

Thailand notched its second consecutive victory for a place in the semifinals, chalking up a 25-15, 25-16, 25-19, rout of debuting Myanmar on Thursday after a tough four-setter against Vietnam in the opener.

The Thais are eager to get back their rhythm after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Volleyball Cup just last month in India.

Indonesia won a five-setter against Thailand in pool play on the way to the AVC Cup title, and now local fans here are in for a treat as the regional rivals are on course for a tantalizing grudge rematch in SEA V Cup presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

The Indonesians play in Pool A with Alas Pilipinas and Cambodia.

But Thungkham refused to be drawn on matchups, saying they are simply glad to achieve their immediate targets.

‘We got three points today, we hit our goal,’ Thungkham.

‘We are very happy with these two games, this boosts our confidence for the next round.’

Nadapet Bhinijdee scored 17 on 13 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Thungkham had 10 points on nine attacks and an ace.

Kyaw Aung Myo led Myanmar with 14 points on 11 attacks and three blocks. No other Burmese player scored in double figures.

Vietnam and Myanmar clash on Friday.

Aside from the title, at stake in the zonal meet are important FIVB world ranking points.

Indonesia has vaulted to No. 44 in the world with their AVC Men’s Cup triumph, while Vietnam entered the SEA V Cup as No. 62 and Thailand 66th.

The Philippines started the week at No. 90, with Cambodia at 117.

LENGTHY manifestations on the sixth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Wednesday have raised concern over undue delays in the proceedings and are testing the patience of trial observers, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

Some manifestations that are ‘obviously irrelevant’ are beginning to irritate people, Lacson said Thursday. He made the observation after sharing a lighthearted exchange with a fellow senator-judge, saying even those in the gallery would likely welcome a motion to adjourn the trial whenever such manifestations drag on.

‘DAY 6: A fellow senator-judge has jokingly asked me if he can move for the division of the house every time he feels annoyed by manifestations obviously irrelevant to the impeachment trial. I told him, a motion to adjourn will elicit more applause from the equally annoyed gallery,’ he said in a post on X.

The sixth day of the impeachment trial last Wednesday featured no witness testimonies but had some lengthy manifestations, some of which centered on the timing of a National Bureau of Investigation probe into the construction of the multibillion-peso sports complex in Tarlac for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Since the events in question happened seven years ago, questions were raised whether there was indeed a campaign to reduce the ranks of senator-judges perceived sympathetic to Duterte, since the SEA Games inquiry would target Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, minority leader. He was then the top official involved in the SEA Games preparations, and drew flak for the P58-million ‘kaldero’ controversy-a reference to the light tower he approved to be constructed for the Games, which ended with host Philippines topping the medal tally.

Last weekend, Lacson proposed measures to minimize delays in the impeachment trial, including having witnesses expected to testify during the week remain readily available within the Senate premises.

He stressed that speeding up the trial does not mean compromising the presentation of evidence, but maximizing the limited time available to the Impeachment Court.

Besides, Lacson said, the Vice President is entitled to a speedy trial just like any respondent in an ordinary court proceeding.

THE Local Water Utilities Administration (Lwua) said that it has released nearly P32 billion in cumulative loans, significantly aiding local water districts across the country to improve and expand water access in more communities.

In a statement, Lwua said as of April 2026, cumulative loan releases have reached P31.741 billion, boosting development of new water sources, expanding distribution systems, rehabilitating aging infrastructure, and improving service reliability.

Since 2024 alone, cumulative loan releases have increased by more than P2.6 billion, reflecting an intensified effort to help local water districts address growing demand and modernize their facilities.

‘Every local water district has the potential to do more for the communities it serves. Our role at Lwua is to provide the financing and support that help turn those opportunities into reality-whether through new water sources, expanded service coverage, or infrastructure that improves the daily lives of Filipino families,’ LWUA Administrator Jose Moises F. Salonga said in a statement.

These investments have translated into completed projects that bring water closer to households, businesses, schools, and communities. To put this into perspective: to date, 114 Lwua-financed projects have been completed nationwide, contributing to improved service delivery and long-term water security.

From source development projects that increase water availability to network expansions that reach previously underserved areas, these LWUA-backed investments provide the foundation for stronger and more resilient local water systems.

By helping local water districts access financing, complete infrastructure projects, and improve their financial sustainability, Lwua contributes directly to the administration’s and President Marcos’ goal of strengthening water security nationwide.

Financing growth

IN an archipelago like the Philippines, despite the clear abundance of water all around, water infrastructure is hardly built overnight.

New water sources, treatment facilities, transmission lines, reservoirs, and distribution networks require years of planning and, more importantly, substantial investment. And for many local water districts, particularly those serving smaller cities and municipalities, accessing affordable financing can be one of the biggest obstacles to improve water service delivery and expand coverage.

This is where Lwua plays one of its most important yet underrated roles-financing.

For over five decades, Lwua has served not only as a regulator and technical adviser but also as a critical source of financing for water districts nationwide.

Through loans, project assistance, and other financing mechanisms, the agency helps local utilities undertake infrastructure investments that would otherwise be difficult to fund on their own.

More communities

LOCAL water districts under LWUA provide water service through approximately 6.06 million service connections, reaching an estimated 24.8 million Filipinos nationwide. Behind every new connection is a Filipino family that gains more reliable access to safe water, reducing the burden of securing this essential resource and improving quality of life.

In Mindanao, where water supply has always been a challenge, 61 out of 117 local water districts improved their non-revenue water (NRW) performance as of December 2025. This means there is now less water wasted, and more water actually flowing through household pipes.

Of these, 29 reduced NRW levels to below the 20 percent acceptable benchmark. Nationwide, 149 water districts now maintain NRW levels of 20 percent or lower.

Under the current LWUA administration, the average processing period is now more efficient at just 32 working days-well within Lwua’s target of resolving applications within 45 days.

These reforms matter because financially sustainable water districts are better positioned to invest in infrastructure, improve service quality, and respond to future challenges. Faster approvals mean projects can move forward sooner, and communities can benefit more quickly from needed improvements.

The Southern Tagalog Association of Water Districts (STAWD), representing 76 member local water districts, formally acknowledged Lwua’s support in accelerating loan releases, facilitating infrastructure investments, and improving tariff processing.

‘Your presence and commitment to strengthening the water sector have been evident in the swift approval and processing of Lwua loans, enabling our member water districts to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and improve service delivery to the communities we serve. Your decisive action has also significantly contributed to the realization of long-awaited projects that directly benefit our concessionaires,’ STAWD Secretary General Edit Joyce Sagaral-Geba said in a May 29 letter to Salonga.

Baliwag Water District in Bulacan similarly cited Lwua’s responsiveness and assistance in helping local utilities address operational and financial challenges. These endorsements reinforce a simple but important reality: financing works best when it is paired with strong partnerships and responsive institutions.

vivo Philippines has named the first five members of its GEN V Campus Ambassador Program following the grand finals on July 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, marking the conclusion of the brand’s first nationwide campus ambassador search.

The initiative brought together student leaders from colleges and universities across the National Capital Region, reflecting the growing role of student creators and campus communities in brand engagement and youth marketing.

Fifteen finalists, selected through four mall auditions and a wildcard round, advanced to the final competition. During the event, participants showcased their talents through acting, singing, and dancing. The finalists also delivered speeches outlining how they would use the platform to serve their respective communities.

Based on their overall performance, the inaugural GEN V Campus Ambassadors are:

Rhea Mea T. Parcon (World Citi Colleges) – 92.88

Beverly I. Cantos (Mapúa University) – 91.86

John Brent Domaya (Centro Escolar University Manila) – 90.48

Jerah Bernard L. Eusebio (University of the Philippines Diliman) – 87.46

Icen Rose Vivo (University of the Philippines Diliman) – 87.30

Throughout the competition, the finalists highlighted themes of community leadership, confidence, creativity, education, inclusivity, and storytelling. Their presentations reflected how they intend to use digital platforms to engage fellow students and encourage participation within their campuses. ‘The vivo Campus Ambassador Program was created to identify students who can communicate with authenticity, collaborate with their communities, and grow alongside the brand,’ said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. ‘The five ambassadors represent different experiences and perspectives, and we look forward to supporting their development over the coming year.’

The selected ambassadors will officially begin their term on August 1, 2026.

As part of the program, each ambassador will receive a Php 5,000 monthly cash incentive for 12 months and access to mentorship sessions led by vivo Philippines marketing professionals covering branding, digital marketing, campaign execution, and communication.

They will also participate in vivo product launches, marketing campaigns, and major brand events, providing firsthand exposure to the company’s marketing initiatives. Outstanding participants may be considered for internship or employment opportunities with vivo Philippines after graduation, while select ambassadors may also gain access to international learning or exchange opportunities, subject to program availability.

For Parcon, the top-ranked ambassador, the recognition reinforced the message she shared during the competition.

‘This opportunity reflects the message I shared during the competition, that everyone deserves to feel seen,’ she said. ‘I hope to encourage more students to believe in their own potential and take chances on themselves.’

Domaya said the program provided opportunities beyond personal achievement.

‘Through this ambassadorship program, I aspire to create meaningful impact, not only for myself, but for the community as well,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Vivo said she hopes to use the platform to create meaningful stories that inspire fellow students.

‘More than an achievement, I see this as a responsibility to uphold the values of both vivo and my university with authenticity, creativity, and purpose,’ she said.

The GEN V Campus Ambassador Program is part of vivo Philippines’ broader effort to strengthen partnerships with student communities by providing leadership development, practical marketing experience, and opportunities for campus engagement.

Stay updated on vivo’s latest products, events, and community initiatives by following vivo Philippines