Category: Business Mirror

THE nation’s growing defense ties with Trkiye was highlighted as its top diplomat in the country paid a courtesy call to the Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.

In a statement, Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesman, said Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines, Niyazi Akyol, and Nafarette discussed the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry Cooperation and opportunities for joint training, exchanges, and defense industry collaboration.

‘Capt. Gökhan Glbiten, the defense attaché of the Republic of Trkiye to the Philippines, also participated in the meeting of the CGPA [Commanding General Philippine Army] and Ambassador Akyol,’ Dema-ala said.

Apart from national defense relations, Akyol earlier expressed Trkiye’s intent to extend support that may be required by all parties in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s suspension of the decommissioning process.

‘Ambassador Aykol’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral cooperation and mutual trust between the two armies with Lt. Gen. Nafarette emphasizing the Philippine Army’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Turkish Land Forces,’ Dema-ala said.

Food truck

THE Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) on Tuesday donated a fully equipped mobile food truck to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to augment the organization’s rapid disaster response in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

‘Through this project, as TIKA, we hope to meet urgent needs by supporting dignity, reducing negative consequences of any disasters, and strengthening equality during times of calamity,’ visiting TIKA Vice President Ümit Naci Yorulmaz said during the turnover ceremony at PRC Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

‘We believe that food is a basic right and that providing hot meals in moments of disaster is not only about survival but also about restoring comfort and human dignity,’ he added.

The mobile food truck-capable of preparing and serving up to 1,000 hot meals per day-is complete with industrial stoves, a chiller, a freezer, rice cookers, and an efficient ventilation system, allowing operations even in remote or disaster-affected areas.

The donation was received by PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang in the presence of Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol.

In addition to relief operations, Gordon said the PRC intends to bring the truck to schools and even farms for community feeding programs.

‘[T]his truck should be seen not just a disaster truck but as a symbol of hope-a symbol of nutrition mode in terms of food and also the mind,’ Gordon said.

With this donation, Gordon said the PRC now operates with 39 deployable mobile food trucks, enough to dispatch at least three units in each region.

Akyol, for his part, emphasized Trkiye’s strong commitment to continue facilitating high-impact development projects that would bring lasting benefits to communities in the country.

‘Turkey and Philippines might be far away in geography, but we share many things in common, and one unfortunate thing is that we also have a lot of natural disasters,’ he said.

‘Over the years, this nurtured a sense of brotherhood between our countries and empathy that can only form if you know what it is like to suffer under dire circumstances,’ he added.

The food truck unit is among the various projects TIKA is handing over to beneficiaries within the week.

On the same day, Yorulmaz’s delegation led the turnover of a modern speech therapy room at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City.

THE House of Representatives recently approved on third and final reading two landmark education reform measures-House Bill 4744, or the Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act, and House Bill 4745, or the Last Mile Schools Act.

The Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act, a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda, institutionalized a national voucher program to help families afford private schooling. It also creates the Bureau of Private Education under the Department of Education (DepEd) to oversee and enhance assistance programs for students, teachers, and schools.

The measure updates the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-Gastpe) Act, or Republic Act 8545, strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors in addressing classroom shortages and expanding access to quality education.

Meanwhile, the Last Mile Schools Act addresses the infrastructure gap that hinders access to education in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas (Gidca). The bill establishes a five-year nationwide program to ensure that schools in these communities have adequate classrooms, learning facilities, and digital connectivity. It mandates the DepEd to work closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to construct classrooms, improve access roads, and expand electricity and internet services in last-mile areas.

In a statement, Tingog party-list group said the passage of the two measures aims to make education truly inclusive and accessible for all.

‘Education should never be a matter of privilege or proximity. Through the Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act and the Last Mile Schools Act, we are making sure that learning opportunities reach every Filipino learner-whether in private school classrooms or in the most remote barangays. These reforms affirm our belief that education is both a right and a responsibility shared by all, and that no child should ever be left behind simply because of circumstance,’ said Tingog, one of the authors of the bill.

Tingog added that the approval of these bills reflects the strong partnership between Congress and the national government in advancing education as a cornerstone of national development and vowed to continue championing measures that uplift Filipino learners and strengthen the country’s education system.

As global life expectancy rises, the proportion of older adults is increasing dramatically, particularly in developing nations such as the Philippines.

While this longevity is a testament to scientific and societal progress, Chair/Assistant Professor at Philippine Women’s University-School of Nutrition Mavil May Cervo said it brings a corresponding challenge: the increased prevalence of disease, hospitalization, and a greater economic concern due to the progressive decline in health.

‘This is where a focus on comprehensive health, spearheaded by optimal nutrition, becomes not just beneficial, but absolutely vital for the elderly,’ said Cervo in her talk on ‘Optimizing Nutrition Across Life Stages’ held at the Philippine Women’s University.

Nutritional status

Cervo said aging brings a cascade of physiological, psychological, and neurological changes that directly impact an older adult’s nutritional status and immune response. She added that decreases in lean muscle mass, slower and less efficient immune responses, and changes in sensory perceptions like taste and smell all make maintaining a healthy diet a challenge. Meanwhile, she said dental issues, difficulty swallowing, and conditions like atrophic gastritis, which affects the absorption of key nutrients, further complicate matters.

These changes leave older adults vulnerable to several critical nutrition-related syndromes:

Sarcopenia: A progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is a robust predictor of poor clinical outcomes. This condition highlights the need for adequate protein intake to support muscle synthesis and repair.

Osteoporosis: Characterized by low bone mineral density, making fractures a significant risk. Proper intake of Calcium and Vitamin D is non-negotiable for bone health.

Frailty: A state of increased vulnerability resulting from age-related declines in function across multiple systems, encompassing not just physical but also psychological well-being.

Cervo said the right diet can be a powerful intervention to mitigate the effects of aging, reduce morbidity, and maintain independence. Furthermore, she said nutrition guidelines for older adults emphasize both the quantity and quality of macronutrients and the adequate intake of essential micronutrients.

Nutrient dense foods

In response to the decreasing basal metabolic rate caused by aging which reduces overall energy needs, Cervo said the focus must shift to nutrient-dense, calorie-controlled foods to ensure every calorie provides maximum nutritional benefit.

For people experiencing sarcopenia, Cervo said they require higher intake, often up to 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. High-biological-value sources like lean meat, fish, eggs, and milk are preferred.

She said there must be a strong emphasis on providing complex carbohydrates and on healthy fats like monounsaturated (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fatty acids to counter common insulin resistance, and on healthy fats. She said it also should involve monounsaturated olive oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids for their cardiovascular benefits.

In preventing osteoporosis, Cervo said the elderly must get a healthy dose of Vitamin D and calcium. ‘Declining sun exposure and skin synthesis often necessitate supplementation, as Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption,’ she said.

Cervo said vitamins like Folate and B12 are crucial to counter risk factors for larger gastric lesions and cognitive decline.

Dietary management

To achieve successful dietary management in the elderly, Cervo said it will require a thoughtful, individualized approach. General guidelines include:

Individualization: Dietary plans must be tailored to the individual’s specific needs, existing health conditions, and most importantly, their economic capabilities and food preferences.

Structure: Recommending smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones can aid digestion, especially for those with dental issues or difficulty swallowing. Foods can be modified, like pureed vegetables, soft meats, to ensure consumption without compromising nutrition.

Physical Activity: Regular strength and resistance exercises are essential to complement nutritional efforts in fighting sarcopenia and maintaining mobility.

Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS): If a regular diet consistently fails to meet nutritional requirements (e.g., less than 50 percent of energy intake), ONS can be a critical tool to bridge the nutritional gap.

By recognizing the interplay between age-related changes and nutritional needs, Cervo said it empowers older adults to protect their muscle strength, bone density, and immune health. ‘Optimal nutrition is the bedrock upon which they can preserve their independence, enhance their quality of life, and truly flourish in their advanced years,’ she said.a

HAVE you ever found yourself guilty for taking a break? Perhaps you have spent a Sunday afternoon scrolling through your phone, only to feel uneasy because you were not making the most of your time. You tell yourself you should be reading, learning, cleaning, or doing something useful. The world today glorifies productivity so much that rest often feels like failure. We live in an age where being busy has become a badge of honor and doing less is seen as laziness. But here is a secret many people forget: you do not have to be productive all the time to live a meaningful and successful life.

Staying away from the pressure to always be productive begins with recognizing that we are not machines. Our energy, creativity and focus have limits. Imagine a phone that is used nonstop without being charged. It might last a while, but sooner or later it will just turn off.

The same happens to us when we constantly push ourselves to do more without allowing time to recharge. It is important to understand that productivity is not a measure of self-worth. You are valuable even when you are not achieving or producing something visible.

One way to start recovering from this mindset is by redefining what productivity means to you. Instead of measuring your day by how much you accomplish, try asking yourself what truly matters. Did you have a meaningful conversation? Did you take care of yourself? Did you rest well? Sometimes, taking a nap, spending time with loved ones, or simply sitting in silence can be more productive for your well-being than ticking off 10 tasks from a to-do list. Productivity should serve your life, not the other way around.

It also helps to be mindful of what you consume online. Social media can make it seem like everyone is constantly doing something amazing like running marathons, launching businesses, or waking up at 5 am to meditate and journal. What we often forget is that people only share the highlights, not the ordinary or messy parts of their day. Comparing your daily reality to someone else’s curated moments is unfair and exhausting. The next time you feel that pressure, remind yourself that rest, quiet moments, and even boredom have a place in a balanced life.

Another helpful practice is to schedule rest as deliberately as you schedule work. Many people fill their calendars with meetings and deadlines but rarely block out time to do nothing. Try adding slow time to your day which could be a short walk without your phone, a few minutes of deep breathing, or simply sitting by the window with a cup of coffee. These small pauses help you reset and think clearly. Over time, you may notice that your creativity returns more naturally when you give your mind space to breathe.

Learning to say no is another powerful skill. You do not have to accept every invitation, project, or opportunity that comes your way. It can feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you are used to saying yes out of habit or fear of missing out. But protecting your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly aligns with your goals and values. A full schedule does not always mean a fulfilling life.

If you struggle to slow down, try practicing mindfulness. Pay attention to what you are doing at the moment, whether it is eating lunch, walking, or washing dishes. Notice the sounds, textures and smells around you. This simple act of being present trains your brain to stop rushing ahead to the next task. It reminds you that life happens in moments, not checklists.

Finally, give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Rest is not a reward for productivity but a basic human need. Think of athletes and how they train hard, but they also rest intentionally because recovery is part of performance. You deserve the same kind of care. Rest is what allows you to show up as your best self in the long run.

So the next time you find yourself feeling restless for not doing enough, remember that your worth is not tied to your output. The laundry can wait. The email can wait. What cannot wait forever is your peace of mind. Doing nothing from time to time is not a waste but wisdom. When you allow yourself to rest, you are not falling behind, but rather you are catching up with yourself. In a world that constantly tells you to go faster, choosing to pause is an act of care. So breathe, slow down, and remember this truth. Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what you need to move forward.

THE Goethe-Institut proudly presents the fourth edition of its annual German film festival KinoFest, which will take place across Southeast Asia and the Pacific from October to November 2025.

KinoFest 2025 will offer a diverse lineup spanning documentary, adventure, drama, comedy, animation, and thrillers. In Manila, screenings will be held from October 16 to 19 at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet’s Cinema 3 and Premiere Cinema.

This year’s festival will showcase eight contemporary German films and five Filipino short films, fostering a vibrant exchange between two dynamic cinema cultures. The selections revolve around themes of memory, reimagining, and the confrontation of perspectives, while also exploring family, belonging, and care. Together, they invite audiences to reflect on personal ties, collective histories, and the power of cinema to connect communities across borders.

The Manila opening night on October 16 at 6 p.m. presents the 2024 release Riefenstahl-a provocative documentary that revisits the controversial life and enduring legacy of filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. Blending rare archival material with contemporary perspectives, the film confronts tensions between artistic brilliance and political propaganda, asking how cinema can both shape and distort history.

The screening will be followed by a hybrid Q and A with renowned producer Sandra Maischberger which will offer audiences the chance to reflect on one of the most debated figures in film history. Riefenstahl is presented in German with English subtitles.

The Manila screenings will conclude with another international exchange on October 19 at 5 p.m., as producer Svenja Vanhoeffer of the German film Vena joins audiences for an in-person talkback session. She will share her insights on the making of the movie and on contemporary German cinema.

KinoFest 2025 is jointly organized by eight Goethe-Instituts in Southeast Asia and New Zealand. It is made possible in Manila through the partnership with Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinemas under the Culture in Focus program, with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines. For full program details, visit http://www.goethe.de/manila/kinofest.

The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, promoting the study of the German language abroad, and encouraging international cultural exchange.

THE Department of Finance (DOF) will form a multisectoral working group to craft digital solutions addressing both tax and non-tax concerns.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOF said Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has directed the creation of the group to be led by the department along with private sector partners.

The order came during a dialogue with the Makati Business Club (MBC) on October 14, where the government and industry leaders discussed key policy issues and digital reforms that could streamline business processes and enhance transparency in tax administration.

Recto said the government will review existing tax circulars and identify potential digital solutions to make tax assessment more transparent and efficient for stakeholders.

The Finance chief also assured business leaders that the government is intensifying its digitalization efforts across the board to curb corruption and improve efficiency in public service delivery.

The private sector were also encouraged to participate in accelerating the DOF’s digital transformation program, particularly in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

‘We want to support the government in its quest to make this a very good business environment and investment destination. That’s our overall aim. We’re here to support you,’ MBC Executive Director Rafael Ongpin was quoted in the statement as saying.

‘Whatever support you think we can provide-inputs, technology, we’d be more than happy to do that,’ MBC Chairman Edgar Chua added.

Among the companies present during the meeting were Mondelez Philippines, Unilever, SGV and Co., PepsiCo Philippines, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), Texas Instruments and Shopee.

Recto also thanked industry leaders for their collaboration, underscoring the private sector’s critical role in sustaining growth and job creation.

‘The government is only 20 percent or 25 percent of the economy-you’re 75 percent. Today, you have more than 50.1 million people working, with more than 32 million in the private sector,’ he said.

Also present at the meeting were MBC Trustee Cosette Canilao and Australian Embassy in the Philippines Economic Counselor Luke Villiers.

Joining Secretary Recto were DOF Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco, Privatization and Partnerships Group (PPG) Undersecretary Catherine Fong, Corporate Sector and Strategic Infrastructure Group (CSSIG) Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan, Revenue Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Charlito Mendoza, and ROG Assistant Secretary Euvimil Asuncion.

President Ferdinand Marcos named former Philippine National Police chief Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. as the new executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced the appointment on Wednesday.

Acorda was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991. Prior to leading the PNP, he also served as head of its Directorate for Intelligence.

He will replace Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz as head of PAOCC.

Castro said Cruz will be given a new government position, but she declined to divulge it for now.

Under Cruz’s leadership, PAOCC launched a crackdown on Philippine offshore gambling operations (POGO), which was linked to human trafficking and other criminal activities.

As of press time, Malacañang has yet to disclose the reason for the change in leadership of PAOCC.

This was also the case when Marcos decided to appoint last week the new heads of the three attached agencies of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao was designated as the new chairman of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), while Vigor Mendoza II and Teofilo Guadiz III became the heads of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC), respectively.

THE Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. (Sun Life IMT) announced it has re-introduced its Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance plan after policyholders expressed their investments did not grow as they expected.

‘It’s not a one-size-fits-all product, and it’s certainly not a shortcut to wealth. It’s a financial tool designed to protect first and grow second,’ Head of Insurance Investments Ivan P. Corcuera said.

According to Corcuera, the VUL is a dual-purpose product that combines protection and fund accumulation, focusing on life insurance first before fund generation unlike dedicated investment vehicles like mutual funds or stock trading.

‘Unlike a pure investment where beneficiaries only receive the value of accumulated savings, a VUL ensures that they receive a predetermined, substantial amount,’ he explained.

The VUL’s primary function, which is the life insurance coverage, provides a death benefit payout to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.

Meanwhile, another portion of the premium, Corcuera said, is poured into managed funds with the aim to grow over time. The fund value, which is the accumulated value of the investment, can be accessed during the policyholder’s lifetime for their own financial goals.

He cautioned, however, that the fund value is tied to the performance of the chosen investment fund, which could either increase or decrease depending on market movement.

Corcuera was quoted in a statement as saying that the fund value also helps keep the insurance component active by paying for its cost and any applicable charges.

‘A portion of these units is deducted to pay for insurance and periodic charges, ensuring your policy remains active and your life insurance coverage intact. The remaining units continue to accumulate and determine your policy’s fund value, which can potentially grow over time,’ Corcuera said.

‘VUL is your shield and your tool for financial growth, but like any tool, it works best when used and understood correctly with clarity, commitment, and guidance,’ he added.

THE disbursement of state funds slowed as the government tightened scrutiny over congressional insertions, resulting in the release of 96.7 percent of the P6.326-trillion national budget as of September.

Latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that the budget releases from January to September this year hit P6.120 trillion, which is higher than the P5.832 trillion disbursed during the same period last year.

However, the pace of releasing this year’s budget is slower compared to last year’s, when the government already freed up 100 percent of the P5.832-trillion allotment as of the end of September 2024.

Budget Assistant Secretary Romeo Matthew T. Balanquit explained that the slowdown in this year’s budget release was due to the implementation of a new safeguard over congressional insertions aimed at preventing the misuse of public funds.

Balanquit cited Section 6 of the veto message by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which requires the issuance of Special Allotment Release Orders (Saro) for all congressional insertions amounting to P757 billion.

These Saros, he added, will only be released once agencies meet the necessary requirements and secure approvals from the Executive Secretary and the Office of the President.

Despite the lag in disbursements, Balanquit said they expect the negative impact on overall economic growth to be limited as government spending contributes less than 20 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP).

‘Even if public spending slows in the third quarter due to reduced infrastructure disbursements, we expect a rebound in the fourth quarter, allowing us to still reach the full-year [disbursement] target of P6.082 trillion,’ he said.

‘Consequently, we expect to hit our target contribution to GDP growth by year-end. But again, much of the growth outcome depends on the performance of the private sector and how it reacted amid corruption issues,’ Balanquit added.

Based on the DBM data, P3.988 trillion of the 2025 General Appropriations Act has been disbursed, accounting for 94.7 percent of the total P4.221 trillion funding.

Of the amount, P3.545 trillion went to departments, including the Executive branch, Congress, the Judiciary and other constitutional offices.

Another P443.295 billion covered special purpose funds, such as budgetary support to government corporations, allocation to local government units and calamity fund, among others.

Meanwhile, releases for automatic appropriations reached P1.904 trillion or about 90 percent of the P2.115-trillion aggregate funding.

These include the full transfer of the national tax allotment (P1.034 trillion), block grant (P83.421 billion), pension of ex-president/ex-president widows (P480,000), special account in the general fund (P37.352 billion) and tax expenditures fund/customs duties and taxes (P14.5 billion).

About 75 percent or P21.525 billion was disbursed for net lending, while P636.023 billion covered interest payments.

The DBM also allotted an additional P8.393 billion for retirement and life insurance premiums of government employees, bringing the total to P76.943 billion as of end-September.

In terms of other releases, the DBM released a total of P226.777 billion. Of the amount, P20.807 billion in continuing appropriations from the previous year and P62.582 billion in other automatic appropriations were released.

Roughly P143.387 billion worth of unprogrammed appropriations was earmarked as assistance for government infrastructure programs amounting to P25.514 billion, support to foreign-assisted projects (P101.603 billion), budgetary support to state-run firms (P6.269 billion) and for the government counterpart of foreign-assisted projects (P10 billion).

Unprogrammed appropriations are those that provide standby authority to incur additional agency obligations for priority programs or projects when revenue collection exceeds targets, and when additional grants or foreign funds are generated.

The DBM has yet to release the remaining P206.331 billion of this year’s budget allocation.

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro confirmed that early talks are happening for possible oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The discussions involve businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s group and Chinese companies.

But Lazaro told BusinessMirror that the proposals are still ‘highly tentative,’ with no formal meetings or firm agreements yet.

The topic first came up during Tuesday’s Senate budget hearing when Senator Imee Marcos asked if the talks were reviving the old oil deal between former Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Lazaro replied, ‘That’s true. But this is purely private,’ clarifying that the initiative is led by private companies, not the government.

In December 2022, Pangilinan said his team had met with Chinese firms to explore joint oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea. He clarified that China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which nearly secured an exploration deal with his group back in 2012, was not involved in these recent talks. He also stressed that any future agreement must follow Philippine laws and the Constitution.

This October, Pangilinan’s PXP Energy Corp. received three new petroleum service contracts from the Department of Energy for areas in the Sulu Sea and Northwest Palawan.

Efforts to restart joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China have stalled due to legal issues. A 2023 Supreme Court ruling declared the 2005-2008 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking with China and Vietnam unconstitutional, making future deals harder.

Under Philippine law, only companies that are at least 60 percent Filipino-owned can join production-sharing agreements. Foreign firms can only participate as service contractors under full government control.

Coast Guard cooperation

While oil talks remain uncertain, maritime cooperation between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and China’s coast guard is close to being finalized.

Lazaro said the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is ‘more substantive’ and could be signed soon. It focuses on practical cooperation, especially in disaster response.

Talks are also progressing on marine scientific work, including ocean meteorology.

‘This is not about compromising sovereignty,’ Lazaro told BusinessMirror. ‘It’s about building mechanisms that might just prevent negative events.’

She defended the Department of Foreign Affairs’ approach, saying diplomacy is more than just protests. ‘People often say, ‘puro protest, puro protest,’ but diplomacy is more than that. It’s about keeping channels open,’ she said.