Category: Business Mirror

ALLIANZ PNB Life (AZPNBL) Insurance Inc. reported a 64-percent increase in its net income in the first half of the year and is banking on bancassurance to drive customer growth.

In a news briefing last Wednesday, AZPNBL President and CEO Joe Gross said the insurer also improved its ranking in terms of new business annual premium equivalent (Nbape), a key metric used to measure sales volume, placing third among local life insurance companies, up from seventh in the first half of 2025.

AZPNBL posted P4.59 billion in Nbape in the first half, a 98-percent increase year-on-year, Gross said, citing data from the Insurance Commission.

He added that the insurer is on track to meet or even surpass nearly all of its full-year targets given its strong performance in the first semester. He also expects double-digit growth in net income and customer base, both this year and in the years ahead.

‘Our estimate is that we’re number one in bancassurance,’ Gross added. ‘[We have] a strong bancassurance channel that is growing.’

The company broadened its network of Financial Solutions Specialists (FSS), with almost 500 FSS serving more customers across PNB branches nationwide.

Gross said the insurer will continue its strategy of strengthening its bancassurance partnerships to broaden its customer base.

‘The purpose of Allianz, globally, is to secure people’s future. You can only do that if people trust you. You have to deliver on the promise every single day to every single customer worldwide,’ he said.

‘It’s a volatile world. We’ve got geopolitical unrest, trade wars, real wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East. We have oil supply shortages,’ Gross said. ‘[People] seek stability. They seek protection. And ultimately, what people will seek is trust.’

German insurance giant Allianz forged a joint venture with the Philippine National Bank for a 15-year bancassurance agreement to provide the insurer with distribution channels for its products and to operate AZPNBL.

AZPNBL also has an exclusive distributorship arrangement with HSBC Investment and Insurance Brokerage, Philippines Inc., offering insurance propositions to HSBC Wealth clients.

THE House prosecution panel said on Tuesday that testimony and financial records presented during Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial indicates an apparent effort to spend the Office of the Vice President’s entire P125 million confidential fund allocation within just 11 days before the end of 2022.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia-ur Rahman Alonto Adiong, prosecution spokesperson, cited the testimony of hostile witness Lemuel Ortonio, an OVP assistant secretary and assistant chief of staff. Ortonio confirmed that the entire P125 million was reported as disbursed from December 21 to 31, 2022.

‘It appears that there was a deliberate effort to exhaust the P125 million in only 11 days,’ he said.

Ortonio also testified that unused cash allocations expire at the end of the year and that any remaining balance must be returned to the National Treasury.

Adiong said the 11-day spending period becomes more notable when compared with the OVP’s use of confidential funds in 2023.

According to the OVP’s accomplishment reports, the office covered 132 areas in 11 days in 2022. In comparison, it covered 127 areas over 52 days during the first quarter of 2023, 111 areas over 67 days in the second quarter, and 122 areas over 79 days in the third quarter.

‘What is also striking is that they were able to use the entire P125 million in only 11 days,’ Adiong said.

‘What does this suggest? It appears that there was a pattern of spending P125 million every quarter,’ he added.

Adiong said the spending pattern should also be considered alongside Ortonio’s account of how the confidential funds were requested.

Ortonio confirmed that the OVP had no confidential fund allocation when Duterte assumed office in July 2022.

On August 22, Duterte requested P250 million in confidential funds from the Department of Budget and Management. However, the supporting physical and financial plan was prepared and approved only on September 16, after the DBM requested the necessary documents.

The OVP eventually received P125 million in December.

Adiong said the sequence of events raised questions about how the amount was determined and why the entire P125 million was spent before the end of the year.

‘It raises more questions than answers,’ he said.

During the same press briefing, prosecution legal spokesperson and counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. separately questioned whether confidential funds were necessary to ensure Duterte’s security during official activities.

Tolosa cited former Vice President Leni Robredo, whose office did not receive confidential funds during her term.

‘She also had no confidential funds, yet no untoward incident occurred,’ Tolosa said.

He added that the senator-judges could consider this comparison when determining whether the use of confidential funds for Duterte’s security was justified.

The prosecution is presenting evidence concerning Duterte’s alleged misuse of P500 million in OVP confidential funds. The amount was released in four tranches of P125 million each from December 2022 through 2023.

Outline

IN addition, Duterte has yet to sufficiently account for the P500 million in confidential funds released to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022 and 2023, prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia told the Senate Impeachment Court on Tuesday.

During the 18th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Divinagracia outlined alleged irregularities in the request, disbursement and liquidation of the confidential funds. The money was released in four tranches of P125 million from December 2022 through 2023.

Divinagracia alleged that the OVP repeatedly changed its explanations for the funds and failed to provide sufficient details and supporting documents.

‘The explanations keep changing, there are no details or supporting documents, and there appears to be concealment rather than clarification. Until now, the people’s P500 million has not been accounted for,’ she said in Filipino.

According to the prosecution, Duterte requested the first P250 million before submitting the required supporting plan.

Divinagracia claimed that the amount was determined first and the plan was prepared only after the Department of Budget and Management requested it.

She also argued that Duterte’s authority and approval appeared on key documents-from the initial request to the liquidation-and that the reports were prepared to comply with formal requirements rather than reflect the actual use of the funds.

Divinagracia noted that four reports followed the same template and each accounted for exactly P125 million, with no remaining amount returned. She further alleged that when the Commission on Audit questioned medical and food assistance expenses worth P40 million, P42 million and P40 million in the first three accomplishment reports, those entries disappeared from the final report while the total remained exactly P125 million.

The prosecution also claimed that the liquidation documents were submitted late and contained irregular or backdated receipts. Divinagracia said some receipts were submitted 10 months late, while more than 100 were dated approximately one year after the reported payments.

She added that certifications supporting the expenses allegedly contained no amounts, names, locations or dates and were signed by the same person who received the money.

Meanwhile, the Impeachment Court declared Ortonio a hostile witness after determining that his continued employment under Duterte gave him an adverse interest in the proceedings.

Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero issued the ruling after Ortonio confirmed that he reports directly to Duterte, serves at her pleasure and holds a co-terminous position that he would lose if she were removed from office.

The ruling allows Divinagracia to ask Ortonio leading questions during direct examination, although Escudero reminded the prosecution that misleading questions remain prohibited.

Before the ruling, Ortonio admitted that he had declined several invitations to attend a 2024 investigation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability concerning the OVP’s confidential funds. He also confirmed that he had not sought judicial relief against the invitations.

Ortonio has worked under Duterte in various positions since she served in the Davao City government. He was previously chief of staff of the Office of the Davao City Vice Mayor from 2008 to 2010, chief of staff of the Office of the Davao City Mayor from 2010 to 2013, head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center from 2016 to 2018 and head of the city’s Human Resource Management Office beginning in 2018. He joined the OVP in July 2022.

A Land Bank of the Philippines witness previously identified Ortonio as the official who accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta when the confidential funds were withdrawn. Acosta earlier testified that, upon Duterte’s instruction, the funds were turned over to then-Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group commander Col. Raymund Dante Lachica.

Divinagracia questioned Ortonio’s claim that he had no personal knowledge of how the money was spent, noting that his signatures appeared on the OVP’s responses to COA. She also pointed out that Duterte, Acosta and Lachica – whom the prosecution identified as the officials with direct knowledge of the transactions-had not provided complete explanations.

Snacks maker Mondelez Philippines Inc. is cautiously optimistic about its prospects for this year even as changing consumer preferences weighed on its sales in 2025.

Mondelez Philippines Corporate and Government Affairs Lead Caitlin Punzalan said the company saw a slowdown in the local market last year, but this was not due to the decline in snacking.

‘There was a slowdown for the Philippines in 2025 because of some big consumer shifts in preferences for other formats,’ Punzalan told reporters on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City. ‘They’re snacking on something else.’

The company, however, did not provide more details about its sales performance.

The change is shaping how the company approaches the market, with Punzalan saying Mondelez continues to look for ways to adapt its products while providing what consumers consider value.

The company noted that while there is still room for growth in the Philippines, it is mindful of risks from global and domestic developments that could affect consumer demand and business activity.

‘We know there’s an opportunity for snacking, but we also are cautious in terms of global and local events that could hamper business growth,’ Punzalan said, citing the Middle East crisis earlier this year as an example of an external shock that affected businesses.

‘So, [we’re] cautiously optimistic. We know that snacking, there is potential for growth for sure. But we just need to prepare for any external factors, whatever they may be.’

The company said it so far avoided raising prices in response to the geopolitical tensions and does not have a price increase planned for this month.

Punzalan said the company has tried to keep prices at the same level ‘as much as possible,’ particularly since higher fuel costs and other pressures could dampen demand.

She also said keeping prices stable is one way of limiting the impact of external cost pressures on consumers.

In its 2026 State of Snacking report, Mondelez found that 38 percent of Filipino snackers choose snacks that offer nutritional benefits, such as being high in fiber or a source of vitamins.

The report also found that Filipino consumers remain frequent snackers, with only 5 percent skipping morning snacks and another 5 percent skipping afternoon snacks. About 37 percent seek energy-boosting snacks in the morning, while 30 percent do so in the afternoon.

Punzalan said Mondelez continues to offer products with nutritional components while using portion sizes as another way of responding to changing consumption patterns.

‘Portion control’ is also part of the company’s broader mindful-snacking strategy, which encourages consumers to consider how much they consume rather than restricting snack consumption. Moreover, product reformulation is also an ongoing process, she said.

The company’s latest snacking report said its global portfolio is also moving toward individually wrapped portions or products carrying its Mindful Portion label. In 2025, around 94 percent of Mondelez International’s net revenue came from snacks meeting that criterion, it said.

Plastic tax

Mondelez is also pushing back against a proposed increase in the tax on single-use plastics, arguing that additional charges could affect consumers and businesses across the food supply chain.

Punzalan said the company does not support an increase in the single-use plastic tax, adding that it is already complying with the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law.

Rather than relying on a higher tax, Punzalan said the company supports the existing EPR framework, which requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the plastic packaging they put into the market.

‘We know that plastic waste is not just manufacturers’ responsibility; it’s everyone’s,’ she said. ‘Consumers, governments, other community stakeholders.’

The Philippine Plastics Industry Association had already called the proposed single-use plastic excise tax ‘discriminatory’ during a December 2025 House hearing.

Meanwhile, Mondelez said its Philippine operations are already being supplied with 100 percent renewable energy through a combination of hydropower, solar power and bioenergy.

The Golden Icons Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Jaffer Family Foundation, continues to turn its commitment to social impact into tangible opportunities for communities through a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on livelihood, education, mobility, and community empowerment.

The initiative brought meaningful assistance to members of the Indigenous community in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, through the Vehicle Turnover Ceremony, marking the donation of a Tuk-Tuk vehicle and motorcycles intended to support sustainable livelihood and educational transportation. More than providing transportation, the vehicles are envisioned as practical tools for creating greater mobility, access, and economic opportunity for the community. They can help residents reach schools, workplaces, markets, training opportunities, and essential services-addressing one of the barriers that communities in geographically isolated areas often face.

As part of the same initiative, the Golden Icons Foundation also turned over 11 sewing machines to members of the Sibagat community.

The sewing machines are intended to provide individuals with opportunities to develop practical skills, generate income, and build sustainable sources of livelihood.

Through skills-based assistance, the Foundation hopes to move beyond short-term relief and help families develop the capacity to become more self-reliant and economically empowered.

The initiative reflects the Foundation’s belief that meaningful development is not only about providing immediate assistance, but also about providing people with the tools, skills, and opportunities to build a better future.

Education remains at the heart of the Golden Icons Foundation’s advocacy.

In July, 17 scholars received their monthly educational allowance as part of the Foundation’s commitment to provide 10 months of continuous educational support.

The scholars come from communities in Bukidnon, Davao, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur and receive comprehensive assistance designed to help remove some of the financial barriers that can prevent students from continuing their education.

Depending on their individual needs, the educational assistance includes:

Boarding or rental support

Transportation assistance

School uniforms

Food and meal allowance

Monthly educational allowance

Other essential educational needs

For many of these students, the assistance represents more than financial support. It provides them with the opportunity to stay in school, continue their education, and pursue aspirations that may otherwise be beyond their family’s financial capacity.

The Foundation also allocated support for a training facility, further strengthening its commitment to skills development and community empowerment.

The facility is envisioned as a space where community members can gain practical knowledge and develop skills that may lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

This approach reflects the Foundation’s broader philosophy:

Empower people not only by giving assistance, but by giving them the tools and opportunities to create their own future.

The realization of these initiatives was made possible through the generous support of the Jaffer Family Foundation, whose commitment to community development and belief in the advocacy of the Golden Icons Foundation helped transform these programs into tangible assistance for communities and students.

The partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating sustainable social impact.

For the Golden Icons Foundation, the goal is not simply to provide donations. It is to create a continuum of opportunity-from education and skills development to livelihood and community empowerment.

Through this collaboration, a vehicle can become a means of mobility and livelihood. A sewing machine can become a source of income. A training facility can become a place where new skills are developed. And an educational allowance can become the reason a student is able to remain in school.

These individual forms of assistance contribute to one larger objective: creating opportunities that can change the trajectory of families and communities.

The initiatives form part of the Golden Icons Foundation’s continuing commitment to its mission:

‘Empowering Children. Developing Skills. Creating Future Icons.’

The Foundation believes that every child and every community has the potential to thrive when given access to opportunity, education, skills, and meaningful support.

Through partnerships such as this, the Foundation aims to create programs that do not end with a single donation or ceremony, but continue to generate impact long after the assistance has been delivered.

In this 1xBet review, we look at the prospects of last year’s US Open champions ahead of the upcoming Grand Slam.

Alcaraz has yet to find his form

Carlos Alcaraz last took to the court four months ago. After defeating Otto Virtanen in the round of 32 at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open, Alcaraz withdrew from his match against Czech player Tomáš Machác due to a serious wrist injury. The former ATP No. 1 was forced to miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and his recovery process is still not complete.

Meanwhile, the dual power of recent years in men’s tennis has given way to Jannik Sinner’s dominance. The world No. 1 won Wimbledon, but in Paris the Italian exited early after suffering sudden dizziness caused by extreme heat. In the long-term betting market, Sinner is the clear favorite for the upcoming US Open at odds of 1.64. Alcaraz is second at 3.06.

In 2024-2025, these two players shared the Grand Slam trophies. Back then, the odds on both men winning were roughly equal, ranging from 2.50 to 2.65. Feel the difference?

Experts are skeptical about Carlos’s chances, as he has now gone 120 days without competitive match practice. Several hard-court ‘warm-up’ tournaments in Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati are held ahead of the American major. Players not only earn prize money and ranking points there, but also use these events to prepare for the more prestigious tournament. It was recently announced that Alcaraz will skip Cincinnati and return to action directly at the 2026 US Open.

At the moment, there is no 100% guarantee that the Spaniard will participate. He is listed as the No. 3 entry on the tournament’s official website, but everything will depend on his condition in the second half of August.

Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, does not recommend that Carlos return to competition in a best-of-five-set tournament, where even an early-round match can last three to four hours. Add to that the prospect of playing every day in the high temperatures and humidity typical of New York in early autumn.

An injured wrist poses a particular danger. The joint plays a crucial role when the racket makes contact with the ball, and it will be difficult for Alcaraz to produce his trademark shots.

The Spaniard is also set to lose the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings to Alexander Zverev. This means that at the 2026 US Open, Jannik and Carlos will no longer be placed at opposite ends of the draw, making a clash between the fierce rivals possible as early as the semifinals. Sinner has beaten Alcaraz in their last two meetings, but both players were in optimal condition at the time. Now, everything has changed – the Italian has at least a physical advantage. There are also rumors about the Spaniard’s psychological state.

Sabalenka lacks consistency

Aryna is the undisputed favorite at all the 2026 Grand Slams, yet the world No. 1 has not won a single major this year. Sabalenka’s results have been declining:

Australian Open – runner-up;

Roland Garros – quarterfinals;

Wimbledon – round of 16.

The Belarusian has won prestigious tournaments in Miami and Indian Wells, but those successes came in the second half of March. On the downside, she suffered early exits in Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Toronto. Moreover, Sabalenka consistently lost to significantly lower-ranked opponents.

At this point, any underdog could pose a serious challenge to the defending US Open champion. The history of women’s tennis over the past decade shows that Grand Slams can easily be won by players who are not even ranked in the world’s top five.

The 2026 US Open starts on August 30. Follow the thrilling battles on the courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with 1xBet!

Recognizing the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday life and the importance of making digital learning accessible to all generations, SM Supermalls, through SM City Baguio, partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) to conduct a learning session on Artificial Intelligence for senior citizens and children at SM City Baguio.

The learning session brought together participants from different generations, providing them with an opportunity to discover how AI works, explore its practical applications, and better understand how emerging technologies can be used responsibly in their everyday lives.

Participants were introduced to the basics of Artificial Intelligence through interactive discussions and demonstrations designed to make the technology easier to understand and more accessible. The session also highlighted practical ways AI can support learning, creativity, information access, and other everyday activities while emphasizing the importance of using technology safely and responsibly. For the children, the session served as an opportunity to explore AI as a learning and creative tool, encouraging curiosity and digital awareness at an early age. Meanwhile, senior citizens were given the opportunity to become more familiar with emerging technologies and discover how AI can be integrated into their daily digital experiences.

More than simply introducing a new technology, the initiative reflects the importance of lifelong digital learning. As technology continues to evolve, SM City Baguio and DICT-CAR aim to help communities of all ages become more confident, informed, and responsible digital users.

Throughout the session, participants actively engaged with DICT-CAR resource speakers, explored the capabilities of AI, and learned practical ways to navigate emerging digital technologies. The interactive discussions also encouraged participants to ask questions and share their experiences, creating a learning environment where both young and older participants could discover technology together.

For mothers and their children, the session provided an opportunity to learn about AI together and better understand how emerging technology can be used at home and in school.

Joan Jimenez, who attended the session with her 10-year-old son, Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student, shared how the activity gave children an opportunity to become more familiar with a technology that is increasingly becoming part of their everyday lives.

‘Yung age ng mga bata ngayon, very common na yung AI. I think magandang opportunity sa kanila ito para ma-broaden yung knowledge nila at ma-experience din kung paano nagwo-work ang AI. I am very thankful kasi ino-open ng SM City Baguio ang mga ganitong opportunities para sa mga kids. I hope na mas marami pang ganitong programs,’ Joan shared.

She also appreciated having a safe and accessible venue where children could continue learning despite challenges such as class suspensions and unfavorable weather conditions.

‘For us, despite the weather and the suspension of classes, we feel safe here at SM City Baguio while the kids are learning and participating in activities like this,’ she added.

Her son, Jacob, was particularly interested in discovering how AI can be used beyond simple conversations and searches, sharing how his curiosity about the technology has already inspired him to experiment with it.

‘I want to know more about AI because it is futuristic technology. I tried a game where you have to use AI, and I also made an app,’ Jacob shared.

The session also encouraged senior citizens to embrace new technologies and discover that digital learning is not limited by age.

Cheryl Alquiza, one of the senior participants, said the session provided valuable information that could help senior citizens become more aware of the risks they may encounter in the digital space.

‘We learned so much information, and the experiences shared by someone who was scammed were a big help to us, especially us seniors. Sometimes, we are very vulnerable to scams. Hindi namin alam na puwede ka pala maloko through text and messages lang,’ Cheryl shared.

She also emphasized the importance of staying alert when using digital and financial services.

‘Dapat aware din tayo, especially when using ATMs, because we learned that there are also things we need to be careful about when using them,’ she added.

The inclusive nature of the activity was also highlighted by Engineer Katherine Aguilar of DICT-CAR, who discussed Artificial Intelligence during the learning session. She noted how the participation of both children and senior citizens demonstrated that technology can serve as a bridge across generations.

‘Maganda yung ginawa natin kasi from kids to seniors, it only goes to show na yung technology ay walang pinipiling edad. Very inclusive siya,’ Engineer Aguilar shared. ‘SM City Baguio is not just for shopping or entertainment, but it is also a venue for learning. So we’re very happy that we have the venue provided by SM.’

The stories of the participants highlight the value of creating learning opportunities that bring generations together. From children discovering new possibilities through technology to senior citizens gaining greater awareness of digital tools and online safety, the session demonstrated that digital literacy can be a shared learning experience for the entire community.

The initiative reinforces SM City Baguio’s commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for the community. By bringing digital literacy programs closer to different generations, SM continues to support a more digitally inclusive community where everyone can participate, learn, and benefit from the opportunities brought by technology.

ASIAN refiners are on course to nearly double their purchases of US crude for September from a month earlier, a move that stands to squeeze domestic fuel makers at a time when Americans are already facing record high pump prices.

Exports to Asia should see a notable rise next month, according to ship and commodity tracking companies Kpler, Vortexa and Sparta Commodities. Traders estimate that the total amount of US-to-Asia trades for loading in September is more than 40 million barrels compared with a forecast 22 million barrels in August. The increase comes as prices of competing Middle Eastern grades like Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude have surged, making US supply more competitive.

At least one of the recent purchases was for oil to be loaded on a smaller Aframax tanker capable of taking a quicker route via the Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean, rather than the Atlantic Ocean. That suggests a degree of promptness in Asia’s demand, traders familiar with the recent business said.

As the war in Iran stretches into its sixth month with no deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Asian buying spree puts strain on US supplies, likely pushing up prices. Domestic refiners are already running near record rates and plan to maximize output into the fall. Higher crude costs tend to filter down into pump prices, and seasonally gas prices are already at a record high. More Asia buying will likely also divert supplies away from Europe.

Asian refiners became a mainstay buyer of US oil after the Iran war disrupted their usual Middle Eastern supplies, but fuel makers in the region backed off on purchases when a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran saw flows through the strait resume. That surge in US exports to Asia contributed to record amounts of American crude sent overseas earlier this year.

Sour crude grades-similar in quality to Mideast oil supplies-stand to face the biggest squeeze, especially with no additional releases from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve planned, according to Vortexa Senior Oil Market Analyst Rohit Rathod. ‘For domestic refiners running at high rates, this could mean tighter sour crude availability,’ Rathod said.

Benchmark US sour grade Mars is currently trading at a $2.50-a-barrel premium to benchmark US oil grade West Texas Intermediate, about $2 away from a three-month high, according to data from Syntex Energy. Still, the price is well below the $18 premium refiners were paying in early April as US exports to Asia soared. ‘For US refiners, Mars will be at the epicenter of this tightness,’ said Sparta Oil Market Analyst Nikolas Plonski.

US medium sour crude prices strengthened in early July as releases of similar grades from US reserves began to wind down. Those gains were later erased as prospects grew for a peace agreement to end the war, easing concerns over global supplies. Now with talks deadlocked, the strait still effectively closed and high refinery run rates, the tight US crude market has less supply to spare.

The US exported just over 4 million barrels of crude a day in the week to Aug. 14, up more than a million barrels a day from the prior week but well shy of the nearly 6.5 million barrels a day in late April, according to US government data. ‘The increase in volumes to Asia will likely come at the expense of flows to Europe, rather than resulting from a much stronger pace of exports,’ said Kpler Director of Commodity Research Matt Smith.

Imports of Venezuelan oil have met some US refiners’ demand for sour oil, and those flows are likely to continue, Rathod said.

Even with barrels flowing to US ports from overseas, the return of Asia’s oil buying could limit a seasonal build in America’s crude inventories that typically happens in the fall.

President Marcos said that the government plans to build five sabo dams in Nueva Ecija in 2027 as part of measures to mitigate recurring flooding in Central Luzon.

Sabo dams are structures designed to trap sediment and debris in upstream areas, reducing erosion and slowing the movement of sediment downstream. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism mentioned in its website that they can also help control debris flows and stabilize river channels.

Marcos said the five projects would slow the flow of water from the Sierra Madre, reduce siltation and, in the government’s plan, help store water for household use and agricultural irrigation. The projects are among the immediate, medium-, and long-term measures discussed during a situation briefing on flooding in Central Luzon, Marcos said.

‘The immediate term is to fix what was damaged,’ Marcos said in an interview.

He said the government would also pursue longer-term measures to ensure that repaired infrastructure would not be repeatedly damaged by heavy rains and flooding.

The announcement came as Pampanga dealt with prolonged flooding that has displaced thousands of residents. Marcos visited evacuation centers in Bacolor on Monday prior conducting an aerial inspection of flood-hit areas in Pampanga and Bulacan.

At the Bacolor Mini Convention Center, Marcos met with 62 families comprising 276 individuals who had been sheltering there for 16 days, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

He also visited the Bacolor Integrated School, where 216 families comprising 836 individuals were staying. Across Bacolor, 11 evacuation centers were housing 559 families or about 2,221 individuals, the PCO said.

Marcos said the volume and intensity of the rainfall had overwhelmed existing flood-management measures and pointed to climate change as a factor behind increasingly severe weather events.

‘We also need to understand that it is not only because of problems with flood-control projects, but also because of the intensity of the rain that we have not seen in the history of the Philippines,’ he said.

Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda said the province has long been vulnerable to flooding because water from upstream areas including Aurora, the Sierra Madre, and Nueva Ecija eventually flows toward Pampanga and Manila Bay.

‘We have been submerged for a long time,’ Pineda said. ‘Sometimes we can no longer handle the water coming down from the upper areas.’

Pineda said the planned series of dams could help hold back water before it reaches downstream communities in Pampanga. She said the projects give residents hope for a long-term solution to the province’s recurring floods.

Other measures under consideration include dredging and declogging waterways, building floodgates and pumping stations, and constructing a proposed road-dike stretching about 100 kilometers toward Bataan. Marcos said the road-dike remains under study.

The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, also provided P10,000 in cash assistance as well as food packs and hot meals for evacuees.

Marcos said assistance would continue as long as affected residents need it.

‘It is still a developing situation,’ he said. ‘We will continue to monitor and do everything we can to mitigate very strong rains and the flooding that comes with it.’

Neither rain nor disrupted schedules could stop jobseekers from pursuing their next opportunity.

After being rescheduled to August 17-18 due to inclement weather in Metro Manila, the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, held in collaboration with SM Job Fair, pushed through at the SM City North EDSA Skydome-connecting jobseekers with employers, career coaches, upskilling opportunities, and employment support services under one roof. The two-day event brought together around 30 employers and hundreds of jobseekers, with several applicants hired on the spot (HOTS).

Held in celebration of the People Management Association of the Philippines’ (PMAP) 70th Anniversary, the career fair carried the theme ‘HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World,’ putting the spotlight not only on getting Filipinos hired, but also on helping them become better prepared for the changing world of work.

More than getting hired

For Ghie Lara, Chairperson of PMAP’s Employability Committee, the event represented a broader approach to helping Filipinos build sustainable careers. ‘What we have here is not just a job fair but an employability ecosystem which includes our employer partners. This year, we also have the upskilling zone and the career-coaching zone where volunteers can give guidance to our jobseekers. We are here not only to employ but also to upskill.’

That approach complements the continuing evolution of SM Job Fair-bringing employment opportunities closer to communities while creating pathways for jobseekers to develop the skills and confidence they need to compete in today’s workplace.

Showing up for opportunity

For the jobseekers who came despite the weather, the experience was far more personal. Richmond Carl Bello arrived determined to find work and left hired on the spot as Administrative Staff at Readyman.

‘Pumunta po ako ngayon kasi kailangan po talaga ng work. Umulan man o bumagyo, kailangan ng trabaho.’

For Sweet Ehricka Toledo, who was hired on the spot as a Cashier at SM Hypermarket, having the job fair inside the mall made pursuing an opportunity easier despite the conditions outside.

‘Hindi ako mapipigilan ng ulan sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Buti po dito sa SM ang job fair, secured po mula sa panahon at maayos ang lugar.’

Their stories underscore why bringing job fairs into accessible community spaces matters: when opportunities are closer and easier to reach, more Filipinos have the chance to pursue them.

Connecting employers with community talent

The benefits extend to employers looking for skilled people. Jhane Unciano, Administrative Manager of Dewan Architects and Engineers, said the event helped the company build its talent pool as it expands its presence in the Philippines. ‘We are also trying to promote our company’s needs for Architects and Engineers… and we think this partnership with PMAP and SM is helping us tremendously with this.’

Joaquin Feliciano, University Relations Partner and Talent Sourcer at Meralco, likewise noted the turnout despite the weather, citing the collaboration among Quezon City LGU, PMAP and SM as a strength of the event. By bringing employers and jobseekers into the same accessible venue, SM Job Fair helps shorten the distance between available talent and available opportunities.

Making the employment journey easier

Jobseekers were also able to access digital government assistance through eGovPH, helping facilitate requirements such as TIN, Pag-IBIG, and SSS.

Pauline Faye Agtarap, Project Development Officer II of DICT, said the service helps reduce the steps jobseekers need to take as they prepare for employment. ‘Happy po ako kasi natutulungan natin ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho, bawas po sa pag-asikaso nila. It’s a great opportunity to have SM as a partner in promoting the programs of DICT in helping Filipino jobseekers.’

This reflects the broader direction of SM Job Fair: making the journey to employment more convenient-not only by bringing jobs closer, but by connecting Filipinos with skills development and essential support services along the way.

Opportunities closer to home

The PMAP Mega Job Fair is part of SM Supermalls’ continuing nationwide employment advocacy, bringing together employers, government and industry partners to make career opportunities more accessible to different communities. From a jobseeker braving bad weather for an interview to an applicant walking out with a new job, the impact ultimately comes down to individual lives moving forward.

Because sometimes, the distance between looking for an opportunity and finding one can be as simple as having the right people, support, and opportunities within reach.

More SM Job Fairs ahead

Following the successful PMAP Mega Job Fair, SM Job Fair continues to bring employment opportunities closer to communities through a nationwide lineup of hiring events:

August 25 – SM City Davao I SM City Tuguegarao

August 26 – SM City Fairview I SM City Cabanatuan

August 27 – SM City Pampanga I SM City Bacoor I SM City Trece Martires I SM Center Muntinlupa

August 29 – SM City Baguio

August 31 – SM Center San Pedro

September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas

September 3 – SM City Manila

September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa

September 7-8 – SM City Butuan

September 8-9 – SM City Iloilo I SM City Davao

September 9 – SM City Baguio

September 9-10 – SM City Cebu I SM CDO Downtown Premier

September 10 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Tuguegarao I SM City North EDSA I SM City Zamboanga

September 12 – SM City La Union I SM City San Pablo

September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier

September 16-17 – SM Seaside City Cebu

September 24 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Calamba

September 29 – SM City Bacoor

Schedules and participating malls may change without prior notice.

Each event provides jobseekers with direct access to employers from various industries, allowing them to explore career opportunities, submit applications, and participate in on-the-spot interviews-all in one convenient and accessible location.

Weekends are no longer just about shopping malls or cafés. Across Metro Manila, more Filipinos are choosing to spend their free time at car meets and bike nights-places where vehicles become conversation starters, and strangers become friends.

From motorcycle riders gathering after sunset to car enthusiasts proudly displaying their latest builds, automotive events have evolved into vibrant lifestyle destinations. Families come to explore, friends reconnect, content creators capture the atmosphere, and local businesses-from cafés and food stalls to detailing shops and accessory brands-benefit from the growing automotive community.

For many enthusiasts, it is no longer simply about horsepower or modifications. It is about belonging to a community that shares knowledge, celebrates craftsmanship, and values the journey as much as the destination. AISIN Philippines is joining this growing movement by supporting enthusiast gatherings such as the Broke Boys Club Car Meet and Grupo PCX Anniversary Event.

Recognizing the different interests of each community, AISIN features products tailored to both the four-wheel and two-wheel markets. At the Broke Boys Club Car Meet, enthusiasts can explore a broad lineup of automotive solutions, including engine oils, drivetrain components, engine parts, brake products, wiper blades, horns, cooling system products, and car care items-giving them a closer look at AISIN’s extensive aftermarket offerings for passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, at the Grupo PCX gathering, AISIN highlighted its motorcycle engine oils, giving riders an opportunity to learn more about lubricants designed to provide reliable protection and performance for everyday commuting and spirited weekend rides.

As a global Japanese manufacturer known for original equipment and aftermarket automotive products, AISIN sees these events as opportunities to connect with the people behind the vehicles. Beyond showcasing its products, the company engages with enthusiasts to promote responsible vehicle maintenance and emphasize the importance of choosing quality replacement parts for long-term performance and safety.

Today’s enthusiasts are more informed than ever. They research before they buy, share recommendations online, and understand that long-term vehicle performance starts with quality components. This growing awareness makes conversations about preventive maintenance and genuine replacement parts more important than ever.

Through its participation in community-driven events, AISIN Philippines reaffirms its commitment to supporting enthusiasts-not only by providing trusted automotive products, but also by encouraging a culture of proper vehicle care across both motorcycle and automotive communities.

Whether it’s two wheels or four, every great journey begins with a community that inspires it. Through its continued support of enthusiast gatherings, AISIN celebrates more than machines-it celebrates the people, friendships, and shared experiences that continue to drive Filipino automotive culture forward.