Category: Business Mirror

CITIZENWATCH Philippines on Wednesday urged policymakers to prioritize legislation that dismantles regulatory blocks currently stalling the country’s digital infrastructure rollout.

In a statement, the advocacy group emphasized the urgent need to modernize the National Building Code, streamline right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, and clarify rules that allow homeowners’ association (HOA) restrictions to impede access of telecommunications companies.

‘We support the national commitment to digital transformation,’ said Orlando O. Oxales, Lead Convenor of CitizenWatch. ‘To move forward, we need enabling policies that shatter outdated restrictions. Connectivity must be treated as a basic utility, not a privilege,’ he said in a press statement,

Oxales noted that critical legislative proposals-such as measures covering telecommunications readiness of buildings (House Bill 900), ICT infrastructure requirements for housing developments (HB 4472), and ROW guidelines (HB 6571)-were filed in the last Congress but have yet to be refiled in the current 20th Congress.

‘These are critical measures that demand immediate prioritization,’ Oxales said. ‘We urge lawmakers to refile, refine, and pass these bills to create a legal environment fully responsive to modern connectivity needs.’

The group cited persistent barriers telcos face: outdated building codes, restrictive HOA practices, and lengthy, fragmented ROW permitting at the local level.

‘Our Building Code dates back to 1977, long before internet connectivity became essential to life,’ Oxales said. ‘As a result, many buildings lack the necessary provisions for broadband infrastructure, leading to limited or delayed access for residents.’

CitizenWatch strongly supports proposals to mandate telco-ready designs in building plans-from in-building fiber pathways to network access points-integrating these requirements into the permitting and occupancy process.

‘Proactively designing for digital connectivity ensures no community is left behind,’ Oxales added. ‘It also slashes the cost and complexity for providers, directly benefiting consumers.’

Oxales added that reforms must prevent the misuse of the Magna Carta for Homeowners Associations to block vital infrastructure.

‘If the internet is now considered a basic need, then access to it should not be subject to a ‘social acceptability’ requirement,’ he asserted. ‘We do not require public consultation to install water pipes or power lines because they are essential utilities. Internet connectivity must be treated with the same level of non-negotiable importance.’

The group also pointed out that requiring access for multiple telcos to a building or community is vital to foster competition and improve service quality. ‘These reforms must mandate infrastructure designs that accommodate multiple telcos, so residents aren’t forced to rely on just one provider,’ Oxales noted.

‘This prevents a monopoly situation where one internet service provider can hold a building or community hostage.’

The group underscored the importance of aggressively addressing ROW challenges, which continue to cause significant delays in the deployment and energization of telco towers and underground fiber. While the 19th Congress ratified the reconciled version of the ‘Arrow’ Act, CitizenWatch believes there is still room to strengthen its implementation and coordination among national agencies, local governments, and utility providers.

‘We can further streamline permits and harmonize standards across all agencies and LGUs,’ Oxales said. ‘This is essential for rapidly scaling infrastructure rollout, especially in underserved areas.’

Moreover, CitizenWatch called for crafting a national policy guidance to prohibit HOAs and developers from creating arbitrary barriers to telco access. The group advocates for clear rules that ensure fair, non-discriminatory, and reasonable access for telcos and ISPs, especially in high-density residential and commercial developments.

‘Connectivity must be available to all, regardless of whether they live in gated communities, condominiums, or urban centers,’ Oxales said. ‘Policy clarity eliminates inconsistent interpretations that deprive residents of essential broadband connectivity.’

As the demand for digital services continues to rise across education, healthcare, business, and governance, CitizenWatch stressed the urgency of institutionalizing these reforms to enable rapid last-mile connectivity.

‘Digital access is no longer optional-it is foundational to inclusive development,’ Oxales concluded. ‘We urge lawmakers and agencies to swiftly remove every barrier limiting our people’s full participation in the digital economy.’

ADAMSON University tries to ride the momentum of its dominating debut when it aims for a second round seat against Arellano University in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Opening serve of the crucial Pool B match is set at 10 a.m., kicking off a four-match playdate of the league’s centerpiece tournament.

The Lady Falcons flexed their firepower and depth and made quick work of listless Jose Rizal University, 25-17, 25-18, 25-16, for a strong start last Sunday.

Ace scorer Shaina Nitura played only in the first set as the National Invitationals Cebu Leg champion’s second stringers led by Frances Mordi and Red Bascon took care of the rest.

‘We’re really pushing hard and we’re building our chemistry,’ Adamson University setter Bella Sapienza said. ‘So, with our starting win, we hope to show more of what we could do, especially the second stringers. It’s really up to us, and we’re going to do our part.’

An Adamson University victory will also hand idle Far Eastern University (2-0) a free ride into the next round thus ending the playoffs race in the group.

An Arellano University (1-1) victory, however, will put the Lady Falcons in a must-win match against the Lady Tamaraws in the final preliminary round playdate on Friday.

In the event of a three-way tie at 2-1, the two teams with the higher match points will advance to the next stage.

Ateneo de Manila University, meanwhile, tries to join College of Saint Benilde in the next phase when they figure in a Pool D clash at 12 p.m. followed by the 2 p.m. Pool A encounter between ‘four-peat-seeking’ National University and San Beda University.

The Blue Eagles (1-0) only need to stop the rampaging Lady Blazers (2-0) to get into the second round.

A straight or four sets win by the Lady Bulldogs (1-0) over the Lady Red Spikers (2-0), meanwhile, will hand them an outright playoffs ticket.

On the other hand, University of Santo Tomas and Mapua University dispute the last second round seat in Pool C at 4 p.m.

Tied with 1-1 slates each, the survivor of the showdown will join idle University of the Philippines (2-0) in the playoffs.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed multiple tax charges against contractors Pacifico and Cezarah Rowena Discaya for evading P7.182 billion in tax liabilities.

On Wednesday, the BIR filed criminal cases against the Discayas and their corporate officer after several investigations uncovered that the couple has unpaid individual income taxes, excise taxes on nine luxury vehicles and documentary stamp taxes on their supposed divestment from their four construction firms.

‘Curlee and Sarah Discaya are guilty of not paying their taxes. They failed to pay proper income taxes, excise taxes, even documentary stamp taxes. Government contractors are engaged to do public works and are paid through public funds; there is no reason why they should not pay their own share of taxes,’ Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui was quoted in a statement as saying.

According to the BIR, the Discayas failed to pay billions in income taxes from taxable years 2018 to 2021.

The BIR also found that the Discayas did not file the excise tax returns and pay the excise taxes of nine luxury vehicles registered under their names based on the records of the Land Transportation Office.

Moreover, the Discayas failed to file a documentary stamp tax (DST) return and pay their DSTs.

General Information Sheets of the four Discaya-owned construction firms-St. Gerrard, St. Timothy, St. Matthew, and Alpha and Omega-showed the couple made several transfers or disposals of shares of stocks from the companies.

The Discayas claimed that they had divested from such companies during the legislative hearings on flood control projects.

However, an investigation by the BIR revealed that the Discayas failed to file DST returns and pay the DSTs to properly execute the transfer of shares.

‘This means that not only did they fail to file the return and pay the corresponding taxes, they also failed to divest from any of these four companies as their beneficial owners,’ the BIR explained.

Lumagui said the Discayas never divested from the four companies since the BIR has no record of any return or payment for such divestment, particularly that of documentary stamp taxes. ‘They never divested because they never paid the corresponding taxes necessary for such divestment.’

‘The cases filed today are merely the tip of the iceberg.Once we have finished our audit of the Discaya-owned construction firms, we expect findings of billions of tax deficiencies,’ Lumagui added.

If the BIR discovers more taxes that have not been paid, the filing of tax charges will continue.

‘The same is true for other contractors and public officials involved in anomalous flood control projects,’ the BIR warned.

THE last time the National Basketball Association (NBA) went to China, there was silence.

They were two of the most awkward games probably ever played, a pair of preseason matchups between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers with some fans barely reacting to anything and no press conferences held afterward.

This time, it’s going to be very different. Back to normal, it would seem.

The Nets and Phoenix Suns have made their way to the Chinese gambling hub of Macao for two preseason games-one Friday, the other on Sunday, and marking the NBA’s first games played in China since 2019.

There are two more games planned for next season in China as well.

‘I think it’s very important for us to be able to bring the live game experience, including live games, to as many fans of the NBA around the world,’ NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said. ‘And there’s no doubt that China has one of the largest fanbases in the world-hundreds of millions of fans in China, 300 million people play the game of basketball in China, and our mission is to inspire and connect people everywhere through the game of basketball.’

There was a time where it seemed uncertain if that connecting would still be possible.

A geopolitical rift was sparked by a tweet posted by Daryl Morey-then the general manager of the Houston Rockets, now of the Philadelphia 76ers-that was in support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. China severed most ties with the NBA for some time, taking games off its broadcast channels, and the process of mending at least some fences took years.

Even now, the games come at a turbulent time and there is trade friction between the US and China, with both sides threatening sky-high tariffs on the others’ exports.

And the NBA has long heard criticisms from lawmakers-on both sides of the aisle-about not taking a stronger public stance about China’s human rights record.

‘Much of the sports industry is based on relationships and we think sports plays a unique role in building community-not just in the United States but around the world and particularly at times of heightened division,’ NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. ‘Whether that division is domestically or globally there’s almost nothing else I can think of that brings together communities like sports does, and particularly a sport like basketball that is globally played, globally understood.’

The Nets and Suns will play at Macao’s Venetian Arena, which is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corp.-which is a casino operator there as well. Sands president and chief operating officer Patrick Dumont is governor of the Dallas Mavericks, assuming that role after his family acquired the team.

‘Obviously, we know this is great for the Phoenix Suns and our community, our whole organization and the NBA,’ Suns coach Jordan Ott said.

The Nets are owned by Joe Tsai, the chairman of Chinese tech giant Alibaba. And this NBA season comes with high hopes for a Chinese rookie: Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 draft pick who is expected to play a role for the Portland Trail Blazers this season.

He’s thrilled that the NBA is headed back there, finally.

‘I want to say firstly, playing for the Blazers is a wonderful thing for me, and I wish that I can take all the players and management and coaches to China for sure in the future,’ Yang said with the support of an interpreter. ‘For sure, I wish [for] more games in China. . That works for me perfectly. I just wish that in the future, we can have it-I can also play in front of all my homies, which is also the proudest thing for me.’

China is an important market for the NBA, for obvious reasons. If the NBA’s numbers are right-300 million fans-that’s 300 million potential consumers in a basketball-crazed part of the world. The Blazers are already seeing how impactful that can be.

‘One thing that I noticed this summer, and I’ve been with the team almost 13 years, we were No. 1 in the league in social media rankings in July during Summer League, which I’ve never seen before,’ Trail Blazers President Dewayne Hankins said. ‘And a lot of that was due to the incredible audience that Yang Hansen brings to us.’

This has been no secret for some time. Chinese fans love the NBA, plain and simple, and want more.

San Antonio Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama spent time in China this summer; if he was spotted on a morning jog, fans would sprint that way just to try to get a look at him. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James toured China this summer for the 15th time with Nike, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer saying, ‘There’s an unbelievable love and appreciation for basketball in Asia that’s always incredible to experience.’ Jimmy Butler toured China again as well, as did his Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry-who has long drawn massive crowds for his visits.

‘The skill level and the excitement around the game is really special and I was happy to kind of experience that in Chongqing this year and have something that I’ve done here in the states for a very long time with the Curry Camp and bring it over there,’ Curry said. ‘Basketball is at an all-time high, not only from an awareness and fandom perspective.’

Suns guard Jared Butler said he’s been looking forward to the trip.

‘I think it’s a beautiful thing just for the experience,’ Butler said. ‘Me, I’ve never been to China and I know a lot of guys haven’t been to China. So, experiencing something new with your guys is going to just be a bonding moment.’

THE Mindanao leg of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Games will take place in Buenavista in Agusan del Norte this Saturday and Sunday.

Close to 300 athletes will see action in the event that showcases traditional games as well as Philippine culture and arts, according to Philippine Sports Commission board member Fritz Gaston.

Organizers, however, are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather would cooperate following the postponement of the Visayas leg that was scheduled last September 27 and 28 in Iloilo City because of a typhoon.

The PSC, according to Gaston, is still trying to squeeze in the Luzon leg in Ilocos Norte next month or any other window between the Batang Pinoy in General Santos City later this month and the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in December.

‘The people of Agusan del Norte are very excited. To them, this is a very huge event. The delegations will start arriving in Buenavista tomorrow,’ Gaston told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Conference Room.

Buenavista Mayor Joselito Roble and Agusan de Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante have ensured a successful hosting of the yearly event.

PSC commissioner Ed Hayco will also grace the opening ceremony.

Gaston told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT, and ArenaPlus that besides medals and minimal cash rewards, the event is all about ‘camaraderie and competitiveness’ among the Indigenous People.

The cities and municipalities of Nasipit, Las Nieves, Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Carmen, Jabonga, Tubay, Santiago, Kitcharao, Remedio T. Romualdez (RTR) and Butuan City are fielding bets in the event.

They will vie in pintik (arrow), bangkaw (javelin), bag-ud, sudsud (female), takyang (female), indigenous race, tug of war, fire making, lubok-humay and unahik/palosebo/katkat kawayan.

The Philippines is no stranger to corruption and the latest flood control controversy may not necessarily lead to devastating outcomes for the economy, according to Capital Economics and the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

A bigger risk that could emanate from the scandal is the national government’s response. Capital Economics said if the government resorts to populist policies to appease protesters, this could pose a challenge to the already limited fiscal space of the Marcos Jr. administration.

Capital Economics noted that the country’s public debt already stands at 60 percent of GDP. It added that the country’s current account deficit is already equivalent to 4 percent of GDP and may threaten the peso to deteriorate further.

‘A lot will depend on the government’s response to any further unrest. President Marcos Jnr. has, so far, been sympathetic to protestors, declaring that ‘if I weren’t president, I might be out on the streets with them’. A turn to more populist policymaking in order to appease protesters, as has occurred in Indonesia following protests is an obvious risk,’ Capital Economics said.

The United Kingdom-based think tank said there are many channels through which corruption can affect the decision of firms, households, and the government. One would be to refrain from investing and be forced to divert funds from reaching corrupt officials.

Capital Economics also said households could also be prevented from undertaking entrepreneurial activities. Corruption can also reduce the quality of infrastructure in the country.

‘Corruption is, of course, nothing new in the Philippines. The president’s parents-former President Marcos Snr. and his wife, Imelda-were guilty of widespread corruption when in office from 1965 to 1986 landing them with a Guinness World Record for ‘Greatest Robbery of a Government,” Capital Economics said.

‘That said, corruption is not an easy thing to measure and the indicators that are available give different messages on the scale of graft in the Philippines,’ it added.

Meanwhile, Amro Group Head and Lead Economist Runchana Pongsaparn said in a briefing on Thursday that it’s too early to say how the scandal will affect the economy.

She said if the controversy is short-lived, it may not have a significant impact on the country’s growth. For now, Amro maintained its growth forecast of 5.6 percent this year and 5.5 percent in 2026.

‘But we still expect that the consumption is going to grow quite steadily, supported by the strong labour market, lower inflation, and also the still robust remittances as well,’ Pongsaparn said.

‘And private investment, sentiment and export performance are the ones who probably moderate the growth a little bit because of the external uncertainty related to the US tariff. In terms of the scandal, I think we would have to see to what extent it’s actually going to affect the wider economy,’ she added.

Meanwhile, the more important aspect of the country’s economic growth and development is not being addressed. Amro Chief Economomist Dong He said the country’s main challenge is elevating its growth path.

He said the Philippines needs to lift its medium-term growth to higher levels. But this is being undermined by challenges such as climate change and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its workforce.

The Amro official said the geography of the Philippines exposes it to climate risks. This means there is a need to strengthen infrastructure and address flooding.

Another risk, He said, is AI which could threaten the jobs of service-industry workers. The national government and the private sector should invest in upskilling these workers.

‘The Philippines provides very good services there. But looking in the age of AI, how do we upgrade these services? So that would require also upscaling of the human resources in terms of public investment and also private sector investment. So these are the issues that I think would prepare the Philippines economies for these big challenges ahead,’ He said.

THERE is a familiar saying that you cannot pour from an empty cup. It sounds simple enough, but in the rush of everyday life, many people forget what it really means. Everyone has felt the weight of trying to meet expectations at work, care for family, or support friends while quietly feeling tired or drained. You may convince yourself that you are fine because you are still showing up and doing what is expected. Yet over time, running on empty catches up with you. You become less patient, less inspired, and less able to give the best of yourself.

Self-care is not a reward for finishing your to-do list. It is a basic need, just like sleep or food. When you do not make time to refill your cup, you end up giving others what is left of you instead of what is best in you. The challenge is that society often praises being busy and self-sacrifice. People are told that productivity equals worth, and that taking a break is a sign of weakness. But think of it this way: if your phone battery is low, you plug it in to recharge. You do not expect it to keep working nonstop. Your body and mind are no different.

One way to start filling your cup again is to notice the signs that it is running low. Do you feel constantly tired even after sleeping? Do you get irritated easily or lose motivation for things that used to excite you? These are signals that your energy is being spent faster than it is replenished. Recognizing these signs early allows you to pause before burnout sets in. For example, if you notice that you are snapping at loved ones or dreading your usual tasks, it might be time to step back and rest.

Rest does not always mean taking a long vacation, although that helps. It can be as simple as sitting quietly with a cup of coffee in the morning before checking your phone. It can mean saying no to an extra commitment or allowing yourself to spend a weekend without any plans. The goal is to create small moments that remind you to breathe and reconnect with yourself. You do not have to earn rest. You simply deserve it because you are human.

Another way to refill your cup is to do things that bring you genuine joy, not just things that seem productive. It might be reading a book, cooking your favorite meal, tending to a garden, or taking a walk with music in your ears. For some, it could be spending time in nature or talking with a trusted friend. These activities seem simple, yet they restore balance and give you emotional fuel. They remind you that life is not only about output but also about connection and fulfillment.

Setting boundaries is another form of self-care that many overlook. You may feel guilty for turning down requests or saying no, especially when you want to help others. But healthy boundaries protect both you and the people around you. They ensure that when you do say yes, you mean it wholeheartedly. Think of a teacher who stays late every night to help students and skips meals and sleep. Eventually, that teacher becomes too exhausted to teach well. By setting limits, that same teacher can continue to give meaningful support without sacrificing personal health. Filling your own cup also means taking care of your physical well-being. Proper sleep, balanced meals, and movement are not luxuries. They are foundations for a clear mind and steady energy. Even short daily walks can lift your mood and lower stress. Drinking enough water and eating real food instead of quick snacks can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. When your body is cared for, your mind becomes sharper and more resilient.

It also helps to practice gratitude. Each day, take a few minutes to think of three things that went well or that you are thankful for. This small habit trains your mind to focus on what nourishes you rather than what drains you. Gratitude fills your cup from within by reminding you of the goodness already present in your life.

Lastly, remember that you are not alone in feeling depleted. Everyone reaches that point at some time. Talking to others about it can lighten the load. You might find that your friends or colleagues feel the same way. Together, you can encourage one another to slow down, rest, and make self-care a shared value rather than a private struggle.

Filling your cup is not about becoming self centered. It is about sustainability. You cannot give compassion, energy, or wisdom if you are running on empty. When you take time to restore yourself, you actually become more patient, creative and generous. You show up as your best self, not your most exhausted one.

The truth is that caring for yourself is one of the most responsible things you can do. It allows you to keep giving in ways that are meaningful and lasting. So the next time you feel guilty for taking a break, remember that it is not indulgence. It is maintenance. You would not drive a car on an empty tank and expect it to keep going. In the same way, you cannot keep giving to others if you do not first take care of yourself. Fill your cup, and everything else will flow more easily.

Robinsons Movieworld, through its Premier Cinemas, has launched the second season of CineArts, a cultural cinema program bringing curated world-class ballet, opera, and concert performances from London’s prestigious Royal Opera House to the big screen.

‘Our team has curated all of these titles for everyone to enjoy and experience on the big screen, and they’re very accessible in terms of location,’ Robinsons Movieworld General Manager Bomboy Lim told BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the exclusive premiere of Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe at the VIP Cinemas of Opus Mall.

He added that the program allows Filipino audiences to experience international stage productions on the big screen even if they miss the live performances abroad.

Lim noted that the first season of CineArts received a strong response earlier this year, prompting management to continue the program.

For its second season, which has been extended until 2026, CineArts will feature the following highlights:

Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe – September 23, September 30, October 7 and 14

Royal Opera: Tosca – November 4 and 11

Royal Ballet: Cinderella (2024) – November 18, 25 and December 2

Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker – December 9, 16, 23 and January 13

Royal Opera: La Traviata – February 10, 17, 24 and March 3

Royal Ballet: Woolf Works – March 10, 17 and 24

Royal Ballet: Giselle – March 31, April 7, 14 and 21

Royal Opera: Siegfried – April 28, May 5, 12 and 19

Royal Opera: The Magic Flute – May 26, June 2 and 9

According to Cris Espela, marketing manager for Robinsons World, the new season has been planned more deliberately, with screening dates already set through next year compared to the previous run, which was still finding its footing.

Espela added that while the Opus Mall screening offered a more luxury-focused atmosphere, the current lineup is geared toward the core audience that enjoys these types of performances.

CineArts will run every Tuesday at the Opus VIP Cinema and NUSTAR VIP Cinema, with ticket prices starting at P900.

Sight-saving should be a shared mission.

This was the call of healthcare leaders, government officials, patient advocates, and international partners who came together to address the growing burden of vision-related illnesses in the Philippines.

At a high-level roundtable organized by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and the Embassy of Switzerland, in partnership with Roche (Philippines) Inc. (hereafter, ‘Roche’), stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and medical societies such as the Philippine Academy of

Ophthalmology (PAO), Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines (VRSP), and the Tzu Chi Foundation underscored the urgent need to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for retinal diseases such as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD).

‘Access challenges for innovative medicines for retinal disease continue to be a big challenge here. And there are no updated clinical practice guidelines or approved newer medicines in the Philippine national formulary. But at the same time, there’s hope,’ said Hans-Christian Brumann, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.

‘Because in the end, this isn’t just about abstract discussions on medicines or policies. This is about enabling a grandmother in Cebu to continue being able to see her grandchild. It’s about enabling a worker in Manila to continue providing for his family or a student in Davao to pursue his dreams and continue his studies,’ he added.

CPGs as the Way Forward

Experts from DOH and PhilHealth acknowledged that while financing mechanisms exist, clear and standardized CPGs are necessary to formally integrate retinal care into the national benefit package.

Dr. Mary Antonette Remonte, Head of the Primary Care Project Management Team at PhilHealth, emphasized the importance of early intervention for eye diseases but admitted that logistical hurdles remain.

‘Retinal blindness is important. Right now, the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology is actually pushing to create its own, even willing to fund its own. But logistics are really difficult. The institutions that will actually make the CPGs are very few and far between. So that’s also the challenge,’ she noted.

As a way forward, Dr. Ofelia Alcantara, Office of the Secretary Health Consultant at the DOH, suggested crafting localized CPGs that prioritize DME and nAMD.

‘Right now, the program is already there. We just need to integrate these two illnesses as priority. Then maybe the group can actually look at what it is that we can do at the primary care with the mayors and the primary care physicians,’ she shared.

Alcantara also highlighted the potential of clinical pathways and the need for more information and data to guide decision-makers. She noted that the DOH is in the process of crafting the national eye health program.

‘If we don’t have the CPG, PhilHealth can just do the clinical pathway at this point. That’s what we did for (the) stroke. We didn’t have the CPG at that time but we used clinical pathways. Because we need to look at the patient, as well as what is the pathway up to East Avenue Medical Center and national apex,’ she explained.

Dr. Romulo Aguilar, one of the founders of the VRSP, expressed hope that CPGs for retinal diseases will eventually be prioritized, as they collaborate with the government as well.

‘I think VRSP and PAO will really just have to partner with private organizations to tackle the burden of retinal diseases. And I hope at the end, these lenses will align so that we can focus on retinal diseases and come up with some good recommendations,’ he said.

A key hurdle is the limited access to innovative medicines that are not yet included in the Philippine National Formulary (PNF), posing challenges for patients and providers alike.

Roche reaffirmed its long-term commitment to improving patient access by supporting the creation of CPGs, sharing local data, and implementing initiatives through its ‘Lunas Pinas’ patient navigation program.

‘You do not have to die or you do not have to have a life-threatening disease to be able to have your problem addressed. Because eye care is not just about the person; it’s also the caregiver. The innovations are here to help address that,’ shared Dr. Ma. Teresa Dioko, Healthcare Ecosystems Chapter Lead of Roche (Philippines) Inc.

Medical leaders from PAO, VRSP, and Tzu Chi Foundation also underscored their frontline role in caring for patients and stressed the need for equitable and affordable access to treatments.

Vision Health as a National Priority

Citing findings from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Vision Health Survey, Roche revealed that nine in 10 Filipino diabetics already report symptoms of vision loss, which is a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis and the urgency of coordinated interventions.

‘Our commitment is to share with health stakeholders and with everyone, especially also the media, the Asia Pacific Vision Health Survey. So that there is a sense of urgency that we put a stop to the neglect of vision health here in the Philippines,’ said Roche (Philippines) Inc. General Manager Dr. Diana Edralin.

‘Roche will continue to be a champion of people-centered eye health, not only as a pharmaceutical company, but as a health advocate committed to preserving sight and protecting the patient’s quality of life,’ she added.

Dr. Edralin also cited efforts with VRSP to build the country’s first multi-site retinal disease registry through the Roche data tool Clarum, alongside a regional real-world evidence study in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The roundtable ended with a consensus: eye care must be recognized as an essential component of universal healthcare. Stakeholders pledged to take concrete steps in developing CPGs, strengthening patient pathways, and expanding treatment access.

Anytime Fitness Asia has achieved a historic milestone, celebrating the network’s growth to 500 clubs across the region. To mark the occasion, eight clubs across eight markets hosted synchronized grand openings on the same day, highlighting the scale and unity of the brand’s fast-growing network.

With Anytime Fitness Asia recently recognized as the Overall Winner – International Franchisor of the Year at the 2025 Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA) Singapore Awards, the 500th club milestone further underscores the brand’s leadership and credibility in the region.

‘This milestone is a powerful symbol of our growth and unity,’ said Luke Guanlao, Group CEO of Inspire Brands Asia (IBA). ‘With more than 5,600 clubs across 42 countries, Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest 24-hour fitness franchise – and our purpose, Train For Your Life, drives us to be more than a gym. Reaching 500 clubs in Asia is just the beginning, and we’re committed to expanding further into new markets while continuing to be a lifetime partner in health and wellness.’

Johannes Raadsma, President and Co-Founder of Inspire Brands Asia (IBA), added: ‘Every one of our 500 clubs tells a story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community. This milestone highlights not only our growth, but also the trust of our members and the dedication of our staff, franchisees, and partners who make our network thrive and united across Asia.’

On 19 September, synchronized events took place at AF McKinley West in the Philippines, AF

Tampines in Singapore, AF Austin Green in Malaysia, AF Hang Hau in Hong Kong, AF Citimall

Cimanggis in Indonesia, AF Oasis Ratchapruek in Thailand, AF Taoyuan Yiwen in Taiwan, and AF Vincom Grand Park in Vietnam. The milestone celebrations were hosted across a mix of corporate-owned and independent franchisee clubs, reflecting the collective strength, entrepreneurship, and community spirit that drive Anytime Fitness’s growth across Asia.

The milestone was held at Anytime Fitness McKinley West, located in the heart of Taguig’s vibrant community in McKinley West community. Located near residential areas, offices, and commercial hubs, Anytime Fitness McKinley West makes it easy to prioritize your health and wellness without compromising your lifestyle. It offers 24/7 Access to accommodate you based on your schedule, Group Classes for a fun and engaging sessions to keep you energized and consistent. State of the art equipment in Cardio Equipements, free weights, functional training zones, and strength equipment.

Anytime Fitness continues to differentiate itself by combining global reach with local impact. With its 24-hour access model, integrated coaching ecosystem, and strong community ties, the brand has positioned itself as Asia’s most accessible and trusted fitness network.

About Inspire Brands Asia (IBA)

Inspire Brands Asia (IBA) is the multi-award-winning regional master franchisee of Anytime Fitness, overseeing a network 500 clubs across Southeast Asia, with more than 100 under corporate management. Operating in dynamic markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, IBA commands the region’s largest fitness network, powered by 1,400+ employees across the organization.

About Anytime Fitness Philippines

Anytime Fitness is the largest, fastest-growing fitness brand in the world, averaging 300 new clubs per year while serving over 5 million members at more than 5,600 clubs in 42 countries and territories on all seven continents. Open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness delivers personalised and affordable health and wellness training, coaching, nutrition, and recovery guidance for our members-in the club, in their homes, in their pockets, wherever they are and anytime they need it. All franchised clubs are individually owned and operated, and members have access to any Anytime Fitness club worldwide.