Category: Business Mirror

AS the chant ‘Mga Corrupt, Ikulong na yan!’ reverberated during the Luneta and Mendiola anti-corruption rallies, street vendor Alvin Karingal was catapulted to social media fame because of his ‘ibaba ang presyo ng fishballs, kikiam, calamares at kwek-kwek’ video.

I already noticed Karingal in the Luneta rally while I was video documenting the rallyists, as he was marching with the contingents of the University of the Philippines.

The mass actions are closely tied to the flood control corruption scandal that revolves around the diversion of billions of public funds to a network of favored contractors, lawmakers, and officials tied to flood control projects over the past three years.

Despite the reported completion of 5,500 flood control projects, many are either substandard or entirely non-existent.

The anti-corruption rallies coincided with the Martial Law anniversary.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972, marking the beginning of a 14-year period of dictatorial rule, which effectively lasted until he was exiled from the country on February 25, 1986.

Corruption under the Marcos dictatorial regime ranged from theft of foreign and military aid to the domestic system of crony capitalism.

Political, economic, and social conditions coalesced to create a volatile political environment in the early 1980s. As the crony-run corporations collapsed and Marcos’s associates fled abroad with their assets, the financial situation deteriorated. Continuous mass actions led to his eventual downfall in 1986.

Five decades later, corruption issues also plague the administration of his son, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.

The formal program in Mendiola ended at around 3:30 p.m. and organizers requested for a peaceful dispersal.

I was only a few meters away when violent clashes erupted as some masked individuals hurled stones, plastic bottles, sticks and Molotov cocktails at the police who stood as a barricade between the crowd and Malacañang.

The riots at Ayala Bridge, Recto, and Mendiola left scores of protesters and police injured, toppled steel posts, a motel ransacked and a trailer on fire at the foot of Ayala Bridge.

At least 216 were arrested following the riots, including 95 minors. Karingal was one of them.

The chant was simple, even absurd and funny to some as his call is just for cheaper street food. He was later identified as a person with mental health condition and a former mayoral candidate.

But for him, and others of similar economic status, it is not a joke. He has been an active rallyist, and a street vendor. He knows exactly how every peso is earned through sweat and struggle.

A post said: ‘This is how corruption shows itself in the daily lives of ordinary people. What others see as small change means survival for those who work tirelessly just to put food on the table. That money comes from long hours of work, tired bodies, and sacrifices.’

‘His call was not just about street food. It was about the everyday struggles of the poor, about dignity, and about justice. And I hope people realize that behind words like his is the truth about how deeply our system fails the poor.’

Kwek-kwek, fishball and kikiam are not exclusively ‘food of the poor,’ but rather a very affordable and popular Filipino street food, making them accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.

Their association with the poor might stem from their origins and widespread availability in the streets.

Filipino street food is the product of adversity. As a colonized country, expensive and high-quality meats were incredibly expensive and impossible to get, necessitating the usage of the animal’s less glamorous and less expensive components. These pieces have been converted into some of the most delicious and economical bites of food, demonstrating the adaptability and resourcefulness of Filipinos.

Corruption is not just a concept: it is felt in daily prices, in the cost of street food, in flooded streets that adversely affect small vendors’ sales, and in public funds diverted from basic services that keep communities afloat.

Karingal was pointing to inflation or the rising cost of basic goods. For his customers, who were ordinary people like him, even a one-peso increase has a big impact. He was asking for something simple, that street food should stay affordable for everyone.

Food itself is a political battlefield. Research group IBON said that involuntary hunger doubled under the Marcos Jr. administration due to its failure to ensure higher wages and low prices.

‘The rise in hunger is a wakeup call that many Filipinos are struggling on meager incomes and the high cost of living. This shows government’s rhetoric of economic gains and a robust jobs market is empty-just like the bellies of millions of hungry Filipinos.’

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-502580.

THE 68th National Day of Malaysia was recently commemorated through a reception graced by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Leo M. Herrera-Lim as guest of honor, Apostolic Nuncio and Diplomatic Corps dean Archbishop Charles John Brown DD, Philippine government officials, the diplomatic community, business leaders, and friends of Malaysia.

In his address, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino reflected on Malaysia’s journey since independence, as he noted that this year’s celebration themed ‘Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’ (People Cared For) is a tribute to the sacrifices of past generations, and a call to safeguard unity, peace, and prosperity for the future.

The ambassador highlighted Malaysia’s role as Asean Chair in 2025, where under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ his country has spearheaded key Initiatives such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, setting a long-term vision for a more resilient region; the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, guiding regional economic cooperation; progress on the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement-the world’s first binding regional digital economy pact-and the launch of the Asean Artificial Intelligence Safety Network; expanded cooperation on sustainability and climate action, including renewable energy, the Asean Power Grid, and stronger partnerships with Japan and the European Union; deepened public health preparedness through the Asean Centre for Public Health emergencies; and the historic advancement of Timor-Leste’s accession to Asean.

According to the ambassador, these accomplishments are based on the guiding principle that progress should be inclusive, and that no Asean citizen should be left behind. He further noted that the Philippines will assume the Asean chairship in 2026, and assured that Malaysia will extend its utmost support to the Philippine government in ensuring the continued success of the bloc’s shared vision.

Underscoring the strong bilateral ties, Malik noted that Malaysia and the Philippines share history, culture, and aspirations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, Islamic banking, education, halal industry, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. More than 800 Malaysian companies are currently operating in the Philippines, showcasing the ongoing growth in bilateral trade. He highlighted that the essence of their partnership lies in the warmth, trust, and mutual respect.

The program featured cultural performances, an angklung presentation by the Sisters of Mary Schools, a video montage on Malaysia’s Asean chairship, and a showcase of Malaysian cuisine. A symbolic presentation of 1,000 boxes of Farm Fresh milk to the Department of Education underscored the embassy’s commitment to community outreach programs. The festivities concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony that symbolized the Southeast Asian country’s enduring friendship with the Philippines, followed by cultural dances and a raffle draw.

The country’s basketball and volleyball champions, TNT Tropang 5G and PLDT High Speed Hitters, are teaming up for the ultimate fan celebration, ‘Champions Together,’ on Monday, Oct. 6, at the One Ayala Mall Activity Center in Makati City.

Open to everyone, the whole-day event will bring fans closer than ever to their sports idols through fun activity booths, interactive challenges, and exciting game zones that open starting at 12 noon.

Those who complete all the stamps on their ‘Champions Together’ activity passport will also unlock a chance to snag exclusive merch, score autographs, and snap photos with their idol players and coaches from the two powerhouse teams when the program starts at 6 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed for free exclusively on PusoP.Com: Your Game, Your Community.

Beyond all the fan activities, ‘Champions Together’ underscores the PLDT Group’s broader mission to support Philippine sports and connect communities through meaningful and memorable on-ground and online experiences.

‘Sports have the unique power to connect and inspire communities. Through ‘Champions Together,’ we are not just celebrating the teams’ dedication and hard work but also honoring the unwavering support of the fans who fuel their success,’ said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

‘We thank our management for this amazing opportunity to give back to our Ka-Tropas, who have always been our source of strength and inspiration in every game. We can’t wait to see them and thank them personally,’ said Roger Pogoy, Team Captain of TNT Tropang 5G.

‘The fans are a huge part of our journey, and we can’t wait to share this special day with them. We hope to see everyone join the fun and cheer with us as we get ready for the new season,’ added Kath Arado, Team Captain of the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

The 11-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Champions TNT Tropang 5G has built a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in Philippine basketball, known for their relentless grit and bringing ‘saya’ to millions of Ka-Tropas nationwide.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the reigning PVL Invitational and On Tour Champions, continue to inspire and win the hearts of volleyball fans across the country with their teamwork, passion, and energy.

Don’t miss the country’s biggest fan meet, ‘Champions Together,’ happening Oct. 6 at One Ayala Mall Activity Center! For updates, follow the official Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

XDS-Astana rider Matteo Malucelli stamped his mark when he claimed his second stage victory at the Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) on Tuesday afternoon, edging out Uno-X Mobility’s Alexander Kristoff in a sprint finish at the end of Stage 3 from Gerik, Perak to Pasir Puteh,Kelantan.

Malucelli, who led the main peloton, clocked a time of 4 hours 28 minutes 04 seconds. He previously won Stage 1 in Langkawi but lost to Tudor Cycling Team’s Arvid de Kleijn at Stage 2 in Kepala Batas yesterday.

More impressively, today’s success-his fifth stage win in PLTdL after three victories last year, sees the Italian rider solidify his lead in the overall individual classification.

He continues to wear the PETRONAS Green Jersey, 16 seconds ahead of his two closest rivals, Erland Blikra (Uno-X) and Astana teammate Aaron Gate.

The victory also confirms Malucelli’s grip on the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Orange Jersey for the Sprint King classification, increasing his lead to 42 points as his closest rival De Kleijn dropped far behind after the three climbing zones in the 198.2km route.

Meanwhile, Picnic PostNL rider, Patrick Eddy, who was part of the breakaway group, dominated the Category 3 climb (Gerik) and the Category 1 climb (Puncak Titiwangsa) and took third place in the Category 2 climb at Sri Banding.

The Australian-born rider, who joined Picnic last year, collected 15 points – an equal score with Burgos Burpellet-BH’s Jambaljamts Sainbayar. However, Eddy was awarded the BubblesO2 Polka Dot Jersey as the King of the Mountains for being the first to cross the summit of the higher-ranked Category 1 climb at Puncak Titiwangsa.

The Rakan Muda White Jersey for the Best Asian Rider has also changed hands, going to Vadim Pronskiy after his teammate, Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli, who wore the jersey for the first two stages, finished in the second group.

Eddy, Sainbayar (who was also named the Most Combative Rider), Vadim, Daniel Whitehouse (St George Continental) and Cedric Bakke Christophersen (Unibet Tietema Rockets) were in the first breakaway group, maintaining the lead with about 3 minutes over the main group. However, they were caught on the descent by a peloton who realized De Kleijn was not among them. The main peloton, led by Uno-X, Kern Pharma and Astana, continued to increase the gap and arrived almost 16 minutes ahead of the second group.

Malucelli admitted he felt a little sad about having to disappoint Kristoff, who is considered a legendary rider aiming to add to his personal win collection before retiring at the end of the year.

‘It’s a mixed feeling. I wouldn’t be sad if I had lost to Kristoff. But this is cycling. We just want to do our best in every race and all my teammates worked hard on the climbs and the flat route to create a significant gap ahead. I was quite far back as we approached the finish line because my teammates were exhausted and I just sprinted to the best as I could,’ said the 31-year-old rider, who only smiled after the commissaires confirmed his win via photo-finish.

Meanwhile, Eddy was delighted to wear the Polka Dot King of the Mountains jersey and felt his performance was in good shape after racing in the Vuelta a Espana a few weeks ago.

‘It’s hard to explain because this wasn’t my target. I just tried to chase the front riders and we managed to dominate the first three climbing zones. This (Polka Dot Jersey) will be a new motivation for me and the team after only being listed at the last minute with two young riders on the team this time,’ he said, referencing the overall green jersey won by Picnic PostNL rider Max Poole last year.

Vadim admitted the white jersey is not unfamiliar, as he won it in 2019 and 2023 when he was with the elite WorldTeam, Astana-Qazakhstan. ‘I’m becoming more comfortable and happy with TSG and consider Malaysia as my second home. Today was quite difficult because when I tried to break away on the first climb, a few riders were quite fast in the chase. I’m happy and hope to keep this jersey for the more difficult climbs ahead in Stage 5 from Temerloh to Bukit Fraser,’ he said.

Local fans also cheered local rider Tsen Ren Bao, son of former national rider Tsen Seong Hoong and now representing St George, who finished 28th in the stage to become the Best ASEAN Rider.

Only 118 riders completed the Stage 3 after three riders did not start (DNS) and five others failed to finish (DNF).

Pneumonia-related deaths became the fourth-biggest cause of death for Filipinos last year, overtaking diabetes mellitus, according to the latest data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The report showed that the total deaths from January to December 2024 as of July this year totaled to 697,602, around 2,781 or 0.4 percent more than the 694,821 deaths recorded in 2023.

Deaths from pneumonia rose by 3,159 to 46,718 deaths in 2024, while diabetes-related deaths slightly declined by 158 to 43,690.

Ischaemic heart diseases remained the leading cause of death in the Philippines last year with 133,373 deaths or about 19 percent of the total, which was 4,296 higher than reported in 2023 at 129,077.

This is followed by neoplasms at 76,971 deaths or 11 percent of the total, 2,987 higher than last year at 73,984, and cerebrovascular diseases at 68,345 deaths or 9.8 percent of all deaths, 1,457 less than that recorded in 2023.

In terms of deaths caused by unspecified, external causes in 2024 totaled to about 2 percent of all deaths at 14,028, up 544 from 2023. This is followed by transport accidents at 13,724 deaths which also has a 2 percent share, which increased by 687 from the total in 2023.

Among the regions, Calabarzon had the highest number of deaths at 105,091, amounting to 15.1 percent of all deaths throughout 2024.

Cavite, meanwhile, recorded the highest number of deaths in a province at 26,835 or 3.8 percent of all deaths in the Philippines.

The National Capital Region or Metro Manila logged 83,930 deaths, increasing by 1.8 percent from the 82,410 reported in 2023. Within it, Quezon City had the highest number of deaths at 18,357, almost 22 percent of all deaths within the region.

The data was obtained from on-time or late registered deaths submitted at city offices or Municipal Civil Registrars nationwide and forwarded to the Office of the Civil Registrar through the Provincial Statistical Offices for processing.

The report includes deaths of Filipinos whose usual residence is abroad, as well as deaths of foreign nationals that occurred within the country. However, deaths of Filipinos abroad are not included.

In January 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Surveillance System logged a total of 179,227 cases as of December 31, 2024, which is still 17 percent lower than the 216,786 cases logged in the previous year.

This decrease may be attributed to better health-seeking behaviors and practices and better preparations by the health sector. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/09/doh-allays-fears-on-respiratory-virus-surge-in-china-says-no-cause-for-alarm/)

ILI is characterized by coughs, colds, and fever. It is commonly due to respiratory viruses with Rhinovirus (1,257/4,921 or 25.5 percent of positive samples), Enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2 percent), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8 percent), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (560/4,921 or 11.4 percent), and Adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7 percent) being the top 5 causative agents of ILI in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, hMPV is being tested as part of panel 2 (expanded panel) for specimens that test negative on panel 1 (for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV) as part of the ILI and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance of the DOH.

MAPUA University started defending its seniors basketball title the hard way-a 90-89 double overtime victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University-as the National Collegiate Athletic Association entered its 101st season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

JC Recto led the Cardinals with a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds to also step up after Mapua star Clint Escamis fouled out in the fourth quarter.

‘I just let my instincts take over. Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there and just because he wasn’t there meant we should focus on him being out,’ Recto said.

Escamis finished with eight points.

‘All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do,’ Recto added.

Earl Sapasap and Cyrus Cuenco, had 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Cardinals.

Renz Villegas finished with 23 points for the Pirates.

Mapua takes on Arellano Univeersity on Saturday while Lyceum faces University of Perpetual Help on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.

Recto tied the game at 80-all with a three-point play in the first overtime, neutralizing a late Pirates surge and he did it again in the second extra period by converting another and-one to pull Mapua.

Regulation ended at 74-74.

The latest report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations may not have enumerated the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries that grappled with high food prices a year after Russia attacked Ukraine, but the Philippines surely felt its impact. In a report, FAO said the proportion of countries experiencing moderately to abnormally high food prices doubled on an annual basis in 2023, returning to the levels observed in 2020.

This change, FAO said, was driven by a jump in the number of countries with abnormally high food prices.

The Philippines was certainly one of those Southeast Asian nations that saw ‘moderately to abnormally high’ food prices in 2023. That year inflation accelerated to a level that was last seen in 2008, when the rate averaged 6.3 percent, mainly due to high rice prices. Nearly two decades ago, the decision of rice-exporting countries caused international rice prices to skyrocket to unprecedented levels, affecting importers like the Philippines which has become reliant on foreign sources for its rice requirements.

The 6 percent average inflation rate recorded in 2023 was even faster than the 5.8 percent posted in 2022. These figures highlighted the country’s vulnerability to international developments such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine and its reliance on other nations to plug the gap in its domestic food supply. Supply constraints put more pressure on food prices the following year, when rice, onions, sugar and pork carried a higher price tag.

International organization Asean+3 Macroeconomic Office (Amro) said the jump in prices of key food items was due to a shortage of domestic supply. To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had to tighten monetary policy aggressively, raising policy rate 10 times between May 2022 and end-2023. However, monetary measures can only do so much to make food more affordable, as these will not be able to address the problems hounding the agri-food sector.

Easing supply constraints and reducing the country’s vulnerability to geopolitical and trade tensions would require serious effort on the part of policymakers to remove obstacles to increasing the country’s food supply. Amro noted that only a strong agricultural sector and a more resilient food supply chain will eliminate price volatility and eventually enhance the country’s food security. A robust agricultural sector, however, would remain a pipe dream if local planters remain unable to profit from their produce.

The Department of Agriculture will be getting a higher budget for next year, thanks to the decision of lawmakers to reallocate a portion of the flood control projects to the sector. These funds should be used judiciously to hasten the delivery of interventions that planters need to improve their productivity. The money should also be used to bankroll ‘unpopular’ programs that would have enabled this administration to increase farm exports and create more jobs in rural areas.

THE popular Spanish film festival PELÍCULA-PELIKULA is returning to Makati City for its 24th edition from October 10 to 16.

Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes, ‘PELÍCULA.’ has become a much-awaited annual event in Philippine theaters. This year’s festival will showcase more than 20 acclaimed films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.

The festival will open on October 10 at Ayala Triangle Gardens with the screening of El 47 (Marcel Barrena, 2024). Then throughout the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of genres, including dramas such as Soy Nevenka (Icíar Bollaín, 2024) and Nosotros (Helena Taberna, 2024); documentaries such as Un hombre libre (Laura Hojman, 2024) and La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés (C. Tangara, 2024); and animations such as Mariposas negras (David Baute, 2024) and Robotia (Diego Cagide and Diego Lucero, 2024).

In addition to Spanish productions, the official selection will feature films from Latin America: the Argentinian drama Por tu bien (Axel Monsú, 2024), the Brazilian Até que a música pare (Cristiane Oliveira, 2023), Uruguay’s Becho (José Infantozzi, 2024), and the Peruvian Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024). Filipino cinema will also have its place through the program En corto: Short films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain, which will be screened on October 16.

Like in previous years, spectators will decide the Audience Choice Award-one of the festival’s most beloved traditions since 2004. Viewers may vote for their favorite films after each screening. The winning title will be announced on October 16, and will be screened again that evening at Power Plant Cinema 6 during the festival’s closing.

Special sections and activities

MARKING its return to Makati City, PELÍCULA will treat audiences to the extravaganza of Cine Maratón at Ayala Triangle Gardens on October 11. It will feature an entire day of films such as Dalia y el libro rojo (David Bisbano, 2024), Tasio (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), Solos en la noche (Guillermo Rojas, 2024), and Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024) from 11:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival will also include parallel activities. On October 11, Instituto Cervantes will also offer an activity related to films for children, where the Spanish Cultural Center will invite young participants to join fun and creative activities such as crafts and games that spark their imagination and curiosity.

The following day, October 12, before the screening of Robotia at 2 p.m. in Power Plant Cinema 6, kids will have the opportunity to win several footballs and an official T-shirt donated by Real Madrid C.F. through Manila-based Peña Madridista Emilio Butragueño.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) loans posted flat growth in the second quarter of 2025.

The data showed non-peso loans inched 0.9 percent to $15.93 billion in the second quarter of 2025 from $15.78 billion in the previous quarter.

The bulk of the loans, worth $10.12 billion (63.5 percent) were extended to Philippine-based borrowers, while the rest went to non-residents.

‘As of end-June 2025, outstanding loans reflected $6.76 billion in new loans and $6.64 billion in loan payments made during the reference quarter,’ the BSP said. ‘Year-on-year, FCDU loans grew 1.9 percent. The increase came alongside the 10-percent growth in deposits in foreign currencies, which reached $60.67 billion from $55.16 billion.’

According to the central bank, major Philippine-based borrowers were led by merchandise and service exporters whose loans grew 24.9 percent to $2.52 billion in the second quarter. This was followed by FCDU loans of towing, tanker, trucking, forwarding, personal and other industries; growing 22 percent to $2.22 billion.

The BSP said FCDU loans of power generation companies also posted double digit growth of 18.7 percent which brought their loans to $1.89 billion in the second quarter.

‘Most loans were medium- to long-term, with maturities over one year. These accounted for 79 percent of the total, higher than the 77.2 percent in the previous quarter,’ according to the central bank.

FCDU loans are loans denominated in a foreign currency, such as US dollars, extended by FCDUs of local banks or local branches of foreign banks authorized by the BSP to engage in foreign currency transactions. These loans support economic activities that require foreign exchange, such as importers, businesses, and individuals with foreign currency transactions.

SENATORS showered with accolades members of the Alas Pilipinas Men with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano sponsoring Senate Resolution No. 143 that congratulates and commends the team for its milestone 19th-place finish in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

‘Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us,’ Cayetano said during his sponsorship speech.

Cayetano said the team’s breakthrough run ‘brought immense pride and honor’ to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.

The senator emphasized that sports is a ‘God-given activity’ that promotes health and well-being, fosters unity even in the midst of political divides, and elevates the Philippines’ global image through international success.

The Senate resolution emphasized that the achievement was made even more significant by the Philippines’ role as the tournament’s sole host.

All 24 Senators supported and adopted the resolution with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri and Senators Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.

Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni and deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas.

The resolution also cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who ranked fourth among receivers, with Cayetano saying their feats prove the grit and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.

The senator likewise credited the coaching staff led by Angiolino Frigoni and the reforms implemented by the PNVF under Suzara, which opened doors to overseas tournaments and strengthened training programs for national players.

Cayetano, who also serves as Co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, added that honoring Alas Pilipinas is not only about celebrating their success but also about sustaining momentum for long-term sports development.

‘Honoring Filipino athletes serves a public purpose because their achievements inspire national pride, set standards for sports programs, and justify sustained investment in facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide,’ he said.

This success, Cayetano said, set the stage for the Philippines to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029, with greater readiness and confidence.

‘Because of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare,’ he said.