Category: Business Mirror

Set your creativity afloat and capture the beauty of the sea in watercolor!

Enroll in a six-session course on Seascape Painting at Sunshine Place as part of its Watercolor Masterclass Series every Saturday starting October 16, 2025 from

2;00 – 5:00 pm.

Visual artist Sir Jen Consumido, who promotes watercolor as a fine art medium, will guide workshop participants step by step as they explore techniques for soft sunsets, rolling waves, rocky coasts, and even boats at rest by the seashore.

Participants will learn mixing ocean blues and coastal color palettes; painting skies, clouds, and horizons; creating wave textures and reflections; adding details like sand, rocks, and boats; and designing dramatic, atmospheric seascapes

By the end of the series, they will have a collection of beautiful seascape studies and a completed, gallery-worthy final piece-plus the confidence to paint the ocean anytime inspiration strikes.

Two Chinese manufacturing firms have inked registration agreements with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) as they are set to manufacture transformers, batteries, electric vehicle parts and produce heatsink products within the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ).

Peza said the two Chinese manufacturing firms have registered as new Ecozone Export Enterprises set to operate at CEZ in Rosario, Cavite.

The investment promotion agency said CIXIN Precision is investing in the production of heatsink products, CNC products, electroplating, and surface treatment.

‘The project will start commercial operations in March 2026 with a committed investment in new machinery and equipment worth around P40 million within its first year, with a commitment to employ nearly a hundred Filipino workers, mostly in direct production roles,’ Peza said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Philippine Newly Ever Rise Technology Corp. will engage in the manufacture and assembly of transformers, power supplies, batteries, robotics products, solar systems, and electric vehicle parts, reflecting the growing demand for renewable energy and advanced electronics.

According to Peza, the company has made an equipment investment of over P20 million, and it commits to provide ‘stable’ employment to around 600 local workers.

It said the two investments will ‘reinforce the Philippines’s foothold in the regional supply chain for electronics, robotics, and precision metal products while aligning with the CREATE MORE Act and the country’s sustainability and industrial development goals.’

‘All outward-bound goods from both companies shall likewise be marked ‘Made in the Philippines-Cavite Economic Zone,’ a proud seal that underscores the global quality of Philippine ecozone exports and affirms the country’s competitiveness as a trusted hub for high-value manufacturing.’

The agreements were signed by Peza Deputy Director General for Operations Vivian S. Santos, together with Bo Zhou, General Manager of CIXIN Precision Metal Products (Philippines) Inc., and Weisheng Xiao Deputy General Manager of Philippine Newly Rise Ever Rise Technology held at the Peza Head Office.

Data obtained by the BusinessMirror from Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga showed that as of August, CEZ has a total of 310 Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs).

Of these 310 locators, Panga said 18 percent are into making fabricated metal products (except machinery and equipment); 15 percent, radio, television and communication equipment and apparatus; 14 percent, real estate activities; 12 percent, rubber and plastic products; 9 percent, electrical machinery and apparatus, N.E.C.; 8 percent, warehousing and storage; 6 percent, wearing apparel; and 4 percent, paper and paper products.

As to the nationality of locators in CEZ as of August, Panga said 26 percent are Korean; 25 percent, Filipino; 24 percent, Japanese; 6 percent, Chinese; 4 percent, Taiwanese and 3 percent, American.

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) hopes that the bill mandating its elevation to the Cabinet level would be certified as a priority measure by President Marcos, underscoring that once enacted, it would enable the agency to expand penalties and liabilities and grant the agency the power to arrest erring government personnel, among others.

In an interview on the sidelines of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday held in Makati City, Arta Director General Ernesto V. Perez said the agency has already submitted to the Office of the President the bill reorganizing Arta into the ‘Department of Anti-Red Tape’ or DART.

‘Nag-submit na kami ng proposal this week tapos we also submitted to the Office of the President sa Ledac [Lagislatirve-Executive Advisory Council], hopefully this can be considered a priority bill.hopefully this can be passed also sa House of Representatives. May nakuha kaming support from the Congress,’ Perez said.

Among the proposed amendments to Republic Act 11032 also known as the Ease of Doing Business Law are: Elevating Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) into a Department; Expanding the Powers and Functions of the Department; Authority to Arrest, Expanding Violations and Persons Liable; Criminal Liability for Private Individual Involved in Fixing, among others.

On top of the list of proposed amendments is for ARTA to be reorganized into the Department of Anti-Red Tape (DART) which ‘will now serve as the lead agency for streamlining government services and reducing bureaucratic red tape.’

According to the proposed amendments, to strengthen accountability, Arta’s scope of violations and persons liable should be expanded to include the following: failure to set up, create, and publish a Citizen’s Charter; Failure to establish electronic business one-stop shops; and failure to comply with the Automatic Approval mechanism.

Under the bill, ARTA will also have the authority to arrest.

‘Fixing activities may appear administrative or procedural on the surface, but they pose deep and often irreversible harm to public safety, public order, and the environment,’ Arta noted.

‘When a person obtains a driver’s license without undergoing mandatory training and assessment, they are unlawfully granted the authority to operate a motor vehicle, despite lacking the skill and judgment to ensure safety on the road,’ the country’s anti-red tape watchdog noted.

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will be looking into the alleged ‘prohibited interest’ of the Villar family in the estimated P18.5 billion infrastructure projects in Las Piñas City.

At a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the investigation is necessary following a news report that a close relative owns a construction firm that undertook several infrastructure projects, including flood-control projects, in the city.

Among those likely to be investigated are Senator Mark Villar, who served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte; Senator Camille Villar, who also served as congresswoman of the lone district of Las Piñas in the 19th Congress; and former businesswoman Cynthia Villar, who served as a senator from 2013 to 2025 and congresswoman for the city’s lone district from 2001 to 2010.

‘Yes, because of that prohibited interest with his cousin being a contractor in Las Pinas,’ Remulla said when asked if the Villars are among those to be investigated.

Remulla stressed that the actual amount of the projects bagged by the said contractor will still have to be determined.

The DOJ secretary is also not discounting the possibility of inviting the Villars at the DOJ to shed light on their alleged ‘prohibited interest’ in infrastructure projects in the city.

‘Later on, we will have to build up everything. This is just one case among the 67 other cases happening in Congress,’ Remulla said.

Meanwhile, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo appeared before the DOJ anew to further shed light on the involvement of lawmakers and other individuals in anomalous multi-billion flood control projects of the government.

‘Our case build-up is continuing, it’s going to be a long one considering the complications that are here,’ the DOJ secretary said.

Remulla noted that they are looking into the possible prohibited interests of 67 congressmen flood control projects.

He noted that more than 200 individuals may be involved in the anomaly including lawmakers, contractors and .

The DOJ chief noted that it’ is no longer a secret in Congress that some of congressmen are actually involved in construction business.

‘Everybody knows about it in Congress, that many of their colleagues are contractors also. And this is a prohibited activity..The people don’t care anymore if it is against the law because no one’s going to run after them, they think. But it’s something that we have to address and we will do it,’ Remulla stressed.

‘We have to look at it in totality and how crazy it has become, so that we can address each and every problem with a law that best fits the situation,’ he said.

The Philippines, along with Indonesia and India, has the highest potential for decisive mangrove action in Asia, ranking 2nd next to Indonesia. However, in terms of financial capacity and investors’ confidence, it ranks below most Asian countries, falling 11th of 17th, a new regional report revealed.

The Regional Readiness Reports map regional trends, threats, as well as conservation and restoration potential, and show the far-reaching impacts of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable developments in nations with high mangrove cover.

Produced by the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Mangrove Breakthrough, the Regional Readiness Reports map regional trends, threats, as well as conservation and restoration potential, and show the far-reaching impacts for climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development in nations with high mangrove cover.

‘These reports answer the critical question of where and how we can most effectively accelerate mangrove action,’ said Irene Kingma, Wetlands International. ‘They point funders and decision-makers to opportunities and to places and partners ready to move.’

According to the Regional Readiness Reports, Asia is home to the largest areas of mangroves in the world, totaling 58,236 km2 distributed across 18 countries: Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Taiwan, the Maldives and Japan. This is around 40% of the 150,000 km2 of mangroves remaining globally in 2020, according to Global Mangrove Watch.

The report said the Philippines has 230.78 km of restorable mangrove area, second only to Indonesia with 2,032 km. India is 3rd with 179 km.

In terms of financial stability and investor confidence, the Philippines ranked 11th while India is 6th, and Indonesia, 9th.

Topping Asian countries with the highest financial investor confidence is Singapore, followed by Japan and Malaysia.

‘Mangroves store up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests, shield coastal communities from rising seas and storms, and provide vital habitat for over 340 threatened species. Yet, over 50% of their original extent has already been lost, and efforts to conserve and restore them remain severely underfunded,’ the report revealed.

To close this gap, Mangrove Breakthrough partners are mobilizing $4 billion in public, private, and philanthropic finance to halt mangrove loss, restore half of degraded mangroves, and double their protection by 2030. These Regional Reports translate its Finance Roadmap into tangible, high-impact investment opportunities across the three critical regions.

‘The Regional Readiness Reports are blueprints to help donors, financial institutions, governments and NGOs align their resources and commitments-advancing the Mangrove Breakthrough into its next phase, driving system-level change across target regions, and delivering tangible benefits for frontline coastal communities and ecosystems’, added Ignace Beguin, Director of the Mangrove Breakthrough.

The report noted that Asia is home to around 40% of the world’s remaining mangroves. With 3,927 km² of restorable mangroves, the region could deliver nearly half (47%) of the global Mangrove Breakthrough restoration target. Around 27% of mangroves in Asia are under some form of formal protection. Due to the globally significant mangrove area in Indonesia, doubling protection levels there would realize more than half of the Mangrove Breakthrough’s regional goal. Across Asia, conversion of mangrove forests to shrimp aquaculture ponds and agricultural plantations is the largest driver of loss, and resolving land tenure is the most common barrier to effective action.

In the Philippines, mangroves are recognized as highly protected nature-based solutions to climate change, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said.

Several mechanisms aimed at the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of Philippine mangrove systems were developed, including legislation and key documents.

Initial statistics reveal that the Philippines had 450,000 hectares of mangrove forests in 1920. By 1990, this decreased to 317,500 hectares, and in the most recent statistics, it decreased further to 311,400 hectares, the CCC said.

Despite the significant reduction of mangrove forest coverage over the past century, the Philippines remains home to numerous mangrove sites, citing the Ramsar Sites in various parts of the country, which are recognized for their international importance.

The Department of Budget and Management, in collaboration with learning stakeholders, launched on Monday, Sept 29, an open data initiative aimed at strengthening transparency and accessibility of information in the education sector.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the rollout of ‘Project Bukas’ at Parañaque National High School on September 29, 2025. The initiative seeks to make data on schools, students, and education outcomes available to the public through an online platform.

Envisioned by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. himself to empower stakeholders of the education sector for a proof-based or data-driven campaign against corruption, ‘Project Bukas’ will be the broadened version of the government’s Freedom of Information policy, which allows citizens access to information from public offices with exceptions on national security and personal privacy.

‘As Chairperson of the Philippine Open Government Partnership, whose mission is to promote transparency and accountability in government, I am very pleased to see DepEd embarking on this open data initiative,’ Pangandaman said. She emphasized that the project is designed to provide stakeholders with reliable data to guide evidence-based decision-making in education.

The centerpiece of the program is the Paaralang Bukas Dashboard, an online platform where the public can access information on enrollment, test results, internet connectivity, teaching personnel, and the condition of school facilities. The dashboard also covers utilities such as water and electricity, giving parents, teachers, local governments, and communities a clearer picture of gaps and areas for improvement.

According to Sec. Amenah Pangandaman, the initiative will help address long-standing questions on education funding and outcomes.

‘Project Bukas marks a pivotal step not only in finding answers to these fundamental questions but, more importantly, in providing a learning environment built on trust, evidence-based decisions, and a strong collective resolve within the community,’ she said.

For his part, Angara stressed that DepEd sees the project as a collaborative effort. ‘We want to work hand in hand with our partners from both the public and private sectors. This is a shared responsibility, and we cannot move forward without your support,’ he said during the launch.

The project is supported by private institutions, civil society groups, research organizations, and the Evidence for Education (E4E) coalition. This multi-sectoral approach, officials said, reflects the government’s whole-of-nation and whole-of-government strategy to ensure accountability in education spending.

Angara highlighted the DBM’s role in promoting open governance, citing the earlier launch of the Open Government Initiative in 2022. He noted that transparency in budget allocation and spending is crucial as DepEd aims to secure the largest share of the national budget in 2026.

The DepEd chief added that the system would help minimize anomalies and irregularities in school projects. ‘Through Project Bukas, stakeholders can now directly see the condition of school facilities. This transparency will prevent misuse of funds and encourage both private and local government support,’ Angara said.

Pangandaman pointed out that the initiative complements existing DBM transparency tools such as the Budget Analytics Dashboard for real-time fund monitoring, Project DIME, which uses satellite and geo-tagging to track DepEd projects, and the PhilGEPS Open Data platform to ensure transparency in procurement.

She also announced that the DBM has recommended a ?1.224-trillion budget for education in 2026, the highest allocation in Philippine history. The figure represents 4 percent of the country’s GDP, in line with UNESCO’s recommendation for education spending.

‘As you can see, we have done everything that we can to ensure that Education remains the top priority in the National Budget. This is for our children and the generations to come,’ Pangandaman said, adding that Project Bukas embodies the essence of open government-transparency that empowers communities.

XDS-Astana rider, Matteo Malucelli continued to display his power to once again securing a stage victory at the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman, covering a distance of 140.8 kms on Wednesday.

In a finish that was predicted to end in a bunch sprint, Malucelli, who had previously won Stages 1 and 3, completed a hattrick and equaled his achievement when he was with JCL UKYO last year.

Nevertheless, he credited the success due to the hard work and tactics from his teammates for bringing him into the right position for the final sprint, where he defeated Manuel Penalver (Polti VisitMalta) and Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) with a time of 3 hours 17 minutes 56 seconds.

The win provides a 10-second time bonus, extending his lead in the overall General Classification to 22 seconds over his closest rival and 26 seconds ahead of teammate Aaron Gate, accumulating a total time of 13 hours 15 minutes 45 seconds to secure him the PETRONAS Green Jersey.

Furthermore, he has also widened the gap in the points classification for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Orange Jersey (Sprint King) by accumulating 57 points, 24 points ahead of his closest rival, Blikra.

Meanwhile, Patrick Eddy continues to wear the BubblesO2 Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains) with 15 points, having prevented his nearest challenger from Burgos-Burpellet BH, Jambaljamts Sainbayar, from collecting points at the sole Category 4 climb zone in Kijal.

Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider from Kazakhstan, Vadim Pronskiy, also retained the Rakan Muda White Jersey as the Best Asian Rider by riding safely within the main peloton.

With a short and flat route, Malucelli said his task of finding a stage victory for a great team like Astana was made easier. ‘It’s an amazing feeling, it feels like a continuation of my good performance last year. The wins in the previous two stages removed a lot of pressure. Today, I still felt strong, and my teammates did an excellent job. I executed a perfect sprint in the last 200 meters.

But for Thursday’s stage (the climb from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill), I will try to defend, at least the Sprint King jersey,’ said the Italian rider who joined Astana at the start of 2025.

He stated that throughout the race, Astana calmly controlled the pace despite a small breakaway group ahead, and only became aggressive in the last few kilometers, where he was expertly positioned by Alexander Vinokurov and Aaron Gate, especially through the final two right turns towards the finish line.

Local and TSG fans’ hopes, which were initially high when Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli was seen in the three-rider breakaway group, were dashed when the national champion, who had won the two sprint zones in Marang and Paka was caught by the peloton led by Astana and Uno-X, about 4km before the finish line at Taman Bandar Cukai, Kemaman.

The race, which started at Dataran Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, officiated by the Chairman of the Terengganu Youth, Sports and NGO Development Committee, saw riders start under a scorching 31-degree Celsius heat with Nur Aiman, Vojtech Kminek (Burgos), and Yauheni Sobal (Chengdu DYC) formed the early breakaway.

However, Kminek decided to slow down the pace and rejoin the peloton, while Aiman and Sobal worked together until Kijal, before Sobal also dropped back. When Nur Aiman rode solo, he was easily caught by the peloton.

‘It wasn’t meant to be, but I tried my best today. I will keep trying in the next stages,’ said Nur Aiman who was still proud of the Most Combative Rider award for the fourth stage.

Malaysian Pro Cycling (MPC) rider, Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil, was the best Asian and ASEAN rider for the stage, finishing in seventh place.

However, several minor accidents occurred at the back of the peloton, and three riders failed to finish the stage (DNF) and are out of the competition, meaning only 115 riders will start Stage 5 Thursday.

Stage 5, covering a distance of 123.1km, is considered one of the decisive stages of this year’s PLTdL25. It will start in Temerloh, featuring three sprint zones in Mentakab, Bukit Damar and Mempaga, before riders face the first climb, Category 3 in Raub and then the final Category 1 summit finish at the Fraser’s Hill Clock Tower.

Xiaomi today unveiled its latest flagship lineup, the highly-awaited Xiaomi 15T Series, including Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro, at the official local launch event at the Maybank Theatre, BGC, Philippines. This launch marks a bold evolution of the Xiaomi T Series from flagship photography and cutting-edge technology built for modern trendsetters to advanced mobile technology, elevated imagery, and a refined design.

Outstanding optics for next-level imaging

Built for elevated image quality, the Xiaomi 15T Series features an advanced triple camera system co-engineered once again with Leica, consisting of a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 15T, and a main, ultra-wide, and Leica 5x Pro telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 15T Pro.

Both camera systems are designed to deliver impressive results across a wide range of scenarios. For versatile composition, both the Xiaomi 15T Pro and Xiaomi 15T offer multiple focal lengths for choice. The Xiaomi 15T Pro spans focal lengths from 15mm to 230mm, while the Xiaomi 15T offers ones from 15mm to 92mm across its three rear cameras, enabling users to frame wide vistas or close in on details with precision.

At the heart of the Xiaomi 15T Series’ 50MP main camera lies a Leica Summilux optical lens, which captures exceptional detail with an ƒ/1.7 aperture on the base version and an ƒ/1.62 aperture on the Pro variant. Alongside intricate detail, vivid colors, and high contrast can also be produced even in low-light environments. This is taken a step further on the Xiaomi 15T Pro, which features a high-specification Light Fusion 900 image sensor, boasting a 13.5 EV high dynamic range that significantly enhances clarity and tonal accuracy.

Debuting the Leica 5x Pro telephoto camera in the Xiaomi T Series, the Xiaomi 15T Pro offers an impressive 5x optical zoom, 10x optical-level zoom, and up to 20x Ultra Zoom, ideal for a wide variety of scenes, from expansive landscapes to detailed shots. Meanwhile, a 32MP front camera is integrated across both devices for selfies and video calls.

Working alongside the series’ cutting-edge camera hardware is Xiaomi AISP 2.0, the brand’s next-generation computational photography platform. With features such as PortraitLM 2.0 and ColorLM 2.0, Xiaomi AISP 2.0 helps to refine images by enhancing depth perception, tonal range, and color fidelity, resulting in more natural, lifelike photography with minimal post-editing required on both variants.

This is especially helpful for Master Portrait, which builds upon the previous generation’s portrait capabilities to introduce all-new bokeh effects for background light, such as Wide and Bubbles, while also giving users the ability to individually adjust aperture effects and focal length.

Meanwhile, for capturing spontaneous moments, Leica streetphotography mode enables quick capture from the lock screen. It provides users with access to iconic focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and, exclusively for the Xiaomi 15T Pro, 135mm for close-ups.

When it comes to video shooting, the Xiaomi 15T Series delivers pro-level capabilities for creators. Both models support 4K 30fps HDR10+ recording across all focal lengths, thereby maintaining consistent vibrancy and contrast regardless of the lens used. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15T Pro pushes boundaries further by supporting high-specification 4K 120fps on the main camera, allowing users to produce cinematic clips with precise frame control. For post-production, 4K 60fps 10-bit Log recording with LUT input is provided, thereby offering ample flexibility.

From photography to videography, the Xiaomi 15T Series’ unmatched camera system offers a complete solution for users who want effortless control and memorable results, whether capturing spontaneous moments or creating carefully composed narratives.

Breakthrough connectivity, combined with a brand new operating system

Beyond imaging, the Xiaomi 15T Series introduces a leap in mobile connectivity, redefining how users stay connected in various environments.

At the heart of this innovation is Xiaomi Astral Communication, a suite of advanced technologies, including the global debut of Xiaomi Offline Communication with Xiaomi 15T Series.¹ This enables direct voice communication between the Xiaomi 15T Series devices over distances of up to 1.9km for Xiaomi 15T Pro, and 1.3km for Xiaomi 15T, even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals.² It is ideally suited for open environments such as jungles, deserts, or remote hiking trails, adding an essential extra layer of reliability when traditional networks are unavailable.

For stable and adaptive connectivity across various conditions, Xiaomi Astral Communication also includes Xiaomi Surge T1S Tuner, which flexibly utilizes GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. This works in tandem with the Super Antenna Array, which features a high-performance antenna that improves overall cellular performance and AI Smart Antenna Switching to maximize signal performance. Whether users are streaming, navigating, or gaming, this integrated system helps ensure connections remain strong and stable.

Aside from communication technology, the Xiaomi 15T Series will also receive the latest in software with Xiaomi HyperOS 3.³

Driving an elevated user experience, Xiaomi HyperOS 3 will make its global debut in the Xiaomi 15T Series and roll out with enhanced multitasking capabilities,³ quicker app launches, and redesigned interface elements, including lock screens, wallpapers, icons, widgets, and even a brand new notification design. Additionally, system-level intelligence from Xiaomi HyperAI4 and enhanced interconnectivity across devices will help increase productivity, enabling users to share and sync content seamlessly.

Bigger, brighter, and more immersive display

Complementing the Xiaomi 15T Series’ powerful hardware and connectivity is a clear, vibrant, and the largest display yet among Xiaomi Series smartphones. This expansive 6.83-inch display is designed to elevate content creation, reading, and entertainment with immersive visuals.² With a peak brightness of up to 3200 nits, the display maintains clarity even in bright light, ensuring visibility across a wide range of environments. Beyond that, its sharp 1.5K resolution renders scenes with exceptional vibrancy and tonal accuracy, bringing photos, videos, and graphics to life in stunning detail.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro takes visuals a step further with ultra-narrow 1.5mm bezels on all four sides, made possible by LIPO technology.² These bezels are 27% slimmer than the previous generation,² allowing for an edge-to-edge display experience that feels larger without increasing the overall size of the device.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro’s display also boasts an ultra-smooth refresh rate of up to 144Hz,5 which enables seamless scrolling and makes interactions feel faster and more responsive. To support comfortable and prolonged use, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is equipped with full-brightness DC dimming and advanced eye care technology.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15T supports a smooth refresh rate of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling.6 To further enhance eye care, it incorporates 3840Hz PWM dimming, which effectively reduces screen flicker, making the display more comfortable for prolonged viewing, especially during nighttime reading or in low-light environments.

Power meets endurance

A powerful display experience calls for equally capable internals. The Xiaomi 15T Series delivers robust performance and efficient thermal management to meet the demands of today’s users.

Inside both the Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro is a 5500mAh battery, providing sustained power within a slim chassis. While the Xiaomi 15T Pro provides charging flexibility with both 90W wired HyperCharge and 50W wireless HyperCharge,7 the Xiaomi 15T features 67W HyperCharge to help ensure users can top up quickly without long wait times.8 The battery can retain up to 80% capacity even after 1600 charging cycles.² It can power on in under four seconds when the battery is flat,² after a charger has been connected.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, built on a 3nm process, while the Xiaomi 15T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra. Both processors deliver a boost in CPU and GPU performance over the respective previous generation, ensuring smooth execution across a wide variety of tasks.²

Alongside strong performance, a stellar thermal management system is essential to help ensure long-lasting comfort during extended sessions. In the Xiaomi 15T Series, this is where Xiaomi 3D IceLoop System plays a critical role.

Unlike conventional passive cooling systems that slowly transfer heat from internal components to the phone’s surface, the Xiaomi 3D IceLoop System efficiently separates vapor and liquid, featuring a specially designed 3D bulge for the CPU.

This design helps to direct heat away from core sources such as the SoC, and evenly distribute it across the device’s surface. Users can therefore experience sustained optimal performance and a more comfortable hold, even during demanding tasks.

Flagship design and durability

All of this cutting-edge performance is housed in a refined, premium design that reflects Xiaomi’s continued pursuit of elegance, durability, and comfort in hand.

The Xiaomi 15T Series’ unified glass fiber back and battery cover form a seamless exterior, while the flat frame aligns with modern design principles. Slightly rounded edges contribute to a more sophisticated aesthetic, offering a comfortable grip.

Not only does the Xiaomi 15T Series come with a premium look and feel, but it also offers added durability for increased peace of mind. This begins from the Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i display, which provides 100% improved scratch resistance compared to the previous generation,² and further extends to a durable glass fiber back, blending style with durability. Both models have been upgraded to now withstand depths of up to 3 meters of freshwater,² coming with an IP68 water and dust resistance certification.?

Distinguishing itself from the base variant, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is framed in high-strength 6M13 aluminum alloy, offering enhanced drop protection and structural integrity. Its color options include Black, Gray, and the luxurious Mocha Gold,¹° designed for users who appreciate elevated detail and resilience. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 15T will be available in Black, Gray, and the standout Rose Gold,¹° a color crafted for users who value fashion-forward expression and subtle elegance.

Xiaomi Pad Mini

In addition to the Xiaomi 15T Series, Xiaomi has also announced the Xiaomi Pad Mini, which provides on-the-go productivity with the power of AI.

The Xiaomi Pad Mini features an 8.8-inch 3K crystal-clear display with a 165Hz refresh rate, and a design that delivers optimal in-hand comfort in a compact, ergonomic form. Through Xiaomi HyperAI, it delivers an elevated productivity experience,² featuring a range of AI-driven tools that include AI Writing,6 AI Speech Recognition,6 AI Interpreter,6 AI Art,6 and AI Calculator.7 It also integrates Google Gemini,8 and supports Circle to Search with Google,? for improved device interaction.

The Xiaomi Pad Mini is officially available in the Philippines starting September 26, with a special Early Bird Promo price of ? 22,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant (SRP ? 25,999). During the first day sale period, running until October 13, every purchase of the Pad Mini comes with a free Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover (SRP ? 999). Accessories like the Xiaomi Focus Pen (? 3,499) and Redmi Smart Pen (? 2,999) are also available to complete your setup. Perfect for productivity, creativity, or entertainment on the go.

Price and availability¹4

Xiaomi is bringing flagship style and power to the Philippines with the new Xiaomi 15T Series.

The 15T Pro comes in Black, Gray, and Mocha Gold with 12GB+512GB or 12GB+256GB storage, priced from ?37,999 to ?39,999. Early buyers on Lazada can score it from ?35,999 to ?38,999 plus a FREE Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Prountil October 10, while offline pre-orders run until October 9 for ?38,999 (12+512GB) with just a ?1,000 downpayment.

The Xiaomi 15T, available in Black, Gray, and Rose Gold, also offers 12GB+512GB or 12GB+256GB storage, priced from ?26,999 to ?28,999. On Shopee, it’s yours for as low as ?24,999 with a free Smart Band 9 Pro until October 10. Offline pre-orders are open at ?27,999 (12+512GB) with the same ?1,000 downpayment.

In partnership with Home Credit, Xiaomi is making flagship tech more accessible with 0% interest installment plans on select smartphones and wearables. From September 26 to October 9, the Xiaomi 15T Series is available for pre-order-priced at ? 38,999 for the 15T Pro (12+512) and ? 27,999 for the 15T (12+256).

Xiaomi’s latest wearables are also part of the campaign beginning September 26, including the Watch S1 41mm in Fluororubber (? 8,999), Leather (? 9,999), and Milanese (? 11,999) strap variants. With flexible installment options, you can own the Xiaomi 15T Pro for as low as ? 82/day, the 15T for ? 58/day, and select wearables starting at just ? 19/day-making smart living easier on the wallet.

At least nine farm-to-market roads (FMRs) worth P125 million were identified as ‘ghost’ projects by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency has submitted the initial audit report of FMRs to the Office of the President, where nine of the over 4,700 projects from 2021 to 2025 were considered ghost projects.

He noted that seven of the FMRs were in Davao Occidental, while the remaining two were in Lanao del Sur.

‘In our audit, those projects were not started, but in the Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH] report, those projects were listed as completed,’ De Mesa told reporters on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Pasay on Wednesday.

While these were a relatively small percentage of the FMR projects, the DA official said this remains crucial to the farmers who were meant to benefit from them.

‘Even though the percentage of this was small, we still don’t want to have this kind of problem. These nine kilometers could have benefitted our farmers. Sayang,’ De Mesa said.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the audit of every FMR project since 2021 amid the ongoing clamor on controversial flood control works.

The DA explained that even though FMR schemes are identified and validated by the agency, these road projects are commissioned, bid out, and constructed by the DPWH.

‘We must make sure they are done properly, that taxpayers’ money were spent to provide farmers with market access and not squandered for farm-to-pocket projects,’ Laurel said.

Given the 61,000 kilometers considered backlog or pending validation as of July, the DA chief called on lawmakers to pass legislation that mandates a priority list for FMR projects.

Such a move would veer away from the arbitrary selection of where to build those roads, often merely to satisfy parochial concerns.

He also recommended reviewing that priority list every three years to keep it aligned with agricultural needs.

However, the DA noted that funding remains a concern.

To stretch resources, Laurel proposed redesigning road dimensions, such as narrower roadways of 3 meters instead of 5 meters, with shoulders every 300 meters to facilitate traffic movement. This is expected to cut costs and build more roads faster.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct summary proceedings for certain applications of power companies to address the backlog of cases.

Under Resolution 16, the Commission authorized the conduct of summary proceedings for applications involving authority to develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point (P2P) limited transmission facilities, approval of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, confirmation of over or under recoveries, approval of power supply contracts, issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, and business separation and unbundling plans.

However, the summary proceedings will only apply if the applications are uncontested.

For applications with intervenors, the ERC said all parties should agree to proceed with the conduct of summary proceeding.

‘To achieve the policy of the state of total electrification in the country and ensure the quality, reliability, and affordability of the supply of electric power, there is a need to expedite the processing and applications.filed before the ERC,’ the agency said.

The ERC resolution, which was promulgated on September 29, is in line with Rule 17 of the ERC’s Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (RRPP), which allows the conduct of summary proceedings for cases pending before the Commission.

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this reflects the Commission’s drive toward faster and more efficient regulation in line with its vision of a ‘new ERC.’

‘We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,’ Juan added.