Category: Business Mirror

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said the agreements ‘signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments’ and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s relations with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.

The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said.

In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc.

KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said ‘aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.’

Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.

‘This will contribute to the implementation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Program by ensuring that high-speed internet connectivity reaches local communities and benefits Filipinos,’ BCDA said.

Bingcang said the collaboration projects with Japanese partners are expected to ‘deliver direct benefits to Filipinos by creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving quality of life.’

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, who witnessed the signing of MOUs, said the agreements ‘represent a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.’

‘We are confident that these MOUs will pave the way for more meaningful business opportunities, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits not only to the companies involved but also to the broader Philippine-Japan economic relationship,’ Garcia-Albano said.

The BCDA also said its delegation will also meet with officials of the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development to align directions and strategies for the development of New Clark City.

The BCDA team will also visit the Shinagawa Waste-to-Energy Plant to benchmark operations and observe the management and technical aspects of the facilities before it wraps up its mission on October 3.

The agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon surged to more than P2.5 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

In its latest report, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 85,671 farmers and fishers have reached P2.51 billion, with the volume of production damage across 11 regions pegged at 186,253 metric tons (MT).

Rice bore the brunt of the damage caused by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong at 134,901 MT.

High-value crops, corn, and cassava also sustained damage at 32,470 MT, 18,871 MT, and 10 MT, respectively.

The report said the value of production losses is P1.51 billion for rice, P705.12 million for high-value crops, P278.14 million for corn, P8.12 million for livestock and poultry, and P260,000 for cassava.

Agriculture infrastructure also sustained damages amounting to P4.72 million; irrigation facilities, P3.28 million; and machinery and equipment, P143,000.

The DA said 74,689 hectares of agricultural areas were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 66,967 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P766.42 million in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds that would help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock were also included.

The DA said it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also noted that an initial amount of P237 million for the indemnification of insured affected farmers would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

The DA recently said it continues to gather field reports from areas affected by severe tropical storm Opong, which recently swept through key agricultural zones in central Philippines, including the islands of Mindoro and Masbate.

Last month, the agency revised downward its palay production forecast for 2025 to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the revised forecast for paddy rice output in 2025 during a recent hearing on the agency’s budget at the House of Representatives.

‘We revised our target from what we can see until the end of this year. We slightly lowered it to 20.3 MMT.’

The latest figure is lower than the agency’s initial projection of 20.45 MMT. However, this is around 300,000 metric tons (MT) more than the record 20.06 MMT output in 2023.

The country’s rice production fell by nearly a million tons to 19.09 MMT last year as El Niño ravaged plantations.

Because of the supply shortfall caused by the drought, the country’s rice imports reached an all-time high of 4.8 MMT last year.

THE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.

The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona told this newspaper.

Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as ‘B,’ which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.

The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as ‘B’ since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.

While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.

‘In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,’ Azcona said.

With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.

‘We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,’ he said.

‘Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.’

Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of mid-September, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced that the cancellation of the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list is now final and executory.

This follows the group’s failure to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court to stop the poll body from implementing its ruling.

In its statement, the Comelec reiterated that the commission’s Second Division earlier declared Duterte Youth’s registration void ab initio for failing to comply with publication and hearing requirements.

‘With the issuance of the Certificate of Finality and Entry of Judgment, the Order of the Commission En Banc as to the cancellation of the party-list registration of Duterte Youth is now declared immediately executory,’ the Comelec said.

The poll body also cited other grounds for cancellation, including untruthful statements in the group’s petition, questions on the eligibility of its nominees, and the lack of genuine intent to represent the youth sector.

It further noted that Duterte Youth was linked to the National Youth Commission, had promoted unlawful means to advance its objectives, violated election laws and regulations, and filed its petition in a manner that placed the electoral process in disrepute.

Duterte Youth garnered 2.33 million votes in the May 2025 midterm elections-the second-highest among party-list groups-which would have entitled it to three seats in the House of Representatives had its registration not been canceled.

The poll body said it would proclaim the three new holders of the vacated seats on Thursday afternoon.

For Filipinos struggling with anxiety, depression, and moments of acute crisis, accessible mental health support remains a daunting challenge. The expensive cost, limited availability of professionals, and mostly the unwanted social stigma often prevent those in need from seeking help.

Based on a journal in Acta Medica Philippina published in 2024, more than 12 million Filipinos are suffering from depression and anxiety due to poverty, disasters, and other socio-economic disparities. With the reported millions of individuals struggling with mental health, unfortunately, there are only two to three mental health workers available for every 100,000 Filipinos, according to the National Institute of Health.

Aiming to address this concern while at the same time create a compassionate community, the BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has made a landmark move to bridge the gap in mental healthcare by forging ties with two of the country’s significant non-government organizations – Love Yourself and Bridges of Hope.

‘At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in ‘multiplying the good’ by forging meaningful partnerships that create real impact,’ said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. ‘By combining our resources, we can strengthen our shared mission to make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their location or circumstance.’

EmbracePLUS: A helpline to self love

BingoPlus Foundation partnered with LoveYourself to establish a free help channel that would serve as the first line of support to fellowmen who are battling mental health issues – the EmbracePLUS.

Set to be fully operational beginning October 1, EmbracePLUS is a free helpline that acts as a critical first-response system for individuals facing mental health challenges. It aims to dismantle barriers to care, offering a critical first response system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or economic status.

Consisting of telehealth associates trained to provide essential Psychological First Aid (PFA) and counseling support, EmbracePLUS offers two key touchpoints: assessments currently available through its dedicated hotlines (Smart: 09082352351, Globe: 09563921924) from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, and first aid assistance through calls during the same hours. A 24/7 assessment feature via the EmbracePlusPH Facebook page is also in development and will be available soon.

BingoPlus Foundation and LoveYourself revealed that the new mental health helpline is a combination of two of their projects: Embrace Virtual Hub and KalusuganPLUS.

Embrace is LoveYourself’s established online health platform that specializes in immediate, confidential support while KalusuganPLUS, which recently rolled out community-based mental health training for first responders at the barangay level in Cebu and General Santos, is one of the core health programs of BingoPlus Foundation.

Dr. Vin Pagtakhan, Founder and Executive Director of LoveYourself, emphasized the sustainability factor. ‘Beyond amplifying awareness, BingoPlus Foundation’s support helps strengthen our capacity for responder training and operations, ensuring our programs are not only immediate but also sustainable,’ he said. ‘This collaboration highlights the value of working together across sectors to create stronger and more responsive services.’

The partnership is anchored by a renewed ?500,000 commitment from BingoPlus Foundation. This vital funding supports the ongoing specialized training for telehealth associates and operations of the EmbracePlus hub.

Bridging hope in a new home

With a powerful commitment to building a more compassionate and stigma-free society, BingoPlus Foundation continues to find ways to provide stronger mental healthcare assistance.

While EmbracePLUS serves as the first line of help, a major step for individuals with mental health issues, BingoPlus Foundation believes there should also be a ready and reliable community for those people who will seek long term support.

Enter Bridges of Hope, the country’s largest network of rehabilitation and recovery private centers. With over fifteen facilities located from Luzon to Visayas, Bridges of Hope provides treatment to addiction and mental health problems.

Camins-Wieneke disclosed that in the spirit of multiplying the good, BingoPlus Foundation is amplifying the capacity of Bridges of Hope centers to serve more through the organization’s donation of laptops, printers, televisions, projectors, fans, music instruments, and supplies saying ‘these are more than just tools; these are instruments of healing, learning, and hope.’

‘We deeply appreciate BingoPlus commitment to the well being of their patrons and the gaming community as a whole. By working hand in hand with BingoPlus, we can ensure that those who need support have access to the right resources and that our gaming environment is all safe and enjoyable,’ disclosed Jon Ty, Chairman and CEO of Bridges of Hope.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, BingoPlus Foundation reaffirms its commitment to combat the suffering of millions of Filipinos living with mental health challenges. Through life-support hotlines, rapid response initiatives, and the amplification of mental health shelters, the Foundation remains steadfast in its advocacy to bring hope and embrace love as it works to restore the well-being and dignity of every Filipino. This is the action it takes, driven by an unwavering commitment to serve.

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.