Category: Business Mirror

The country’s palay output likely jumped by double digits in the third quarter due to the expansion of harvest area, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said palay harvest may have grown by 18.1 percent to 3.93 million metric tons (MMT) in July to September from 3.33 MMT last year. The third quarter is usually considered the lean season for rice.

However, the latest production estimate is 1.7 percent lower than the agency’s initial forecast of 4 MMT.

‘Based on the standing crop for the period July to September 2025, the yield per hectare of palay may decrease to 4.17 metric tons or by 0.7 percent from the previous year’s same period yield per hectare of 4.20 metric tons.’

Despite this, PSA said total palay harvest area in the third quarter likely expanded by 19 percent to 943,070 hectares (ha) from the 792,220 ha recorded in the same period last year.

As of September 1, PSA said about 398,320 hectares, or 42.2 percent of the 943,070 hectares of updated area of standing crop, have been harvested. This translates to a palay output of 1.62 MMT.

‘Of the total area of 1.90 million hectares of standing palay as of 01 September 2025, 37.8 percent were at the vegetative stage, 37.5 percent were at the reproductive stage, and 24.6 percent were at the maturing stage.’

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA) scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 MMT due to torrential downpours. This is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

The agency also noted that erratic weather patterns could further push down expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, however, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

Despite such adjustment, the DA said it remains hopeful following the all-time high output in the first semester at 9.08 MMT, which was propelled by improved weather conditions and bolstered government support.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

Corn outlook

Meanwhile, the PSA projects corn output in the third quarter to contract by 3.6 percent to 2.41 MMT from the actual production of 2.5 MMT in the previous year.

The harvest area during the reference period was expected to decrease by 1.2 percent to 796,780 ha from the 806,160 ha recorded last year.

Furthermore, the state statistics agency noted that the yield per hectare of corn may also drop by 2.6 percent to 3.02 MT from 3.10 MT.

‘As of 01 September 2025, about 431,010 hectares or 54.1 percent of the 796,780 hectares updated harvest area of standing corn have been harvested, translating to 1.18 million metric tons of corn output.’

‘Of the total area of 712,690 hectares of standing corn as of 01 September 2025, 49.6 percent were at the maturing stage, 27.9 percent were at the vegetative stage, and 22.6 percent were at the reproductive stage.’

Megawide Construction Corp. on Wednesday said it secured two new contracts with Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp. to build residential towers in the property developer’s townships in Taguig and in Pasay.

The multi-billion-peso contracts cover civil, structural and architectural works as well as MEPF or mechanical, electric, plumbing and fire.

‘We are very excited to again work with Megaworld, who has been our long-standing client. Our partnership with them is built on the shared pursuit of sustainability, excellence, and speed-to-market, which have defined both our organizations’ brand and track record.

We intend to cultivate this further by providing them products and services that meet their very strict quality and workmanship standards,’ Edgar Saavedra, Megawide president and CEO, said.

The two projects are Uptown Modern and One Portwood, both residential facilities in Megaworld’s Uptown BGC development.

Uptown Modern is the newest addition to the high-rise residential towers, which is designed with ‘form and function in mind and sets a new standard for modern living’.

One Portwood, meanwhile, is a residential condominium located in Newport City, right across Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal in Pasay.

Megawide said it will again leverage on its expertise in engineering and construction methodology, anchored on its pre-cast technology and integrated construction solutions, which were earlier showcased in Megaworld developments, such as The Worldwide Plaza, Albany Luxury Suites, Newport Link, International Finance Tower, and Gentry Manor, among others.

‘Our strategic partnership with Megawide has been built on a foundation of trust, and we applaud the consistent excellence they bring to every project,’ Megaworld head of operations Jennifer L. Romualdez said.

The contracts with Megaworld form part of the P20-billion new deals Megawide has been negotiating to bring its order book to P50 billion by yearend. The company is also targeting to forge deals with other clients, such as Trans Aire Development Holdings Corporation (a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp.), DoubleDragon, 8990 Holdings, Landers, and Citicore Power Inc.

Megawide is also targeting ‘a healthy mix’ of residential, commercial/industrial, and infrastructure projects to maintain a balanced, sustainable, and diverse order book that will provide long-term revenue visibility and stability.

THE Philippines is expected to clinch regional agreements aimed at strengthening energy cooperation across Southeast Asia during he Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministers on Energy Meeting (Amem) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The meeting started on October 14 and will end on Oct. 17.

‘We’re fully committed to work closely with our Asean neighbors to tackle energy challenges and unlock new opportunities,’ said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. ‘This meeting is a key moment for all of us to move toward a sustainable and secure energy future.’

The Philippines will spotlight its progress in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and expanding energy access to more communities. The DOE will also share best practices and explore joint projects on smart grids, cross-border power sharing, and modern infrastructure, all essential to building a more innovative and resilient ASEAN energy network.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella will represent the Philippines in senior-level talks to finalize key regional agreements, including a new Asean Power Grid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an updated Asean Petroleum Security Agreement, the long-term Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap, a regional Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Framework, discussions on nuclear energy cooperation, and tools to boost energy investments and track efficiency progress.

Beyond the main sessions, Garin and other senior officials will engage in bilateral meetings with Asean counterparts to prepare for the country’s upcoming Chairmanship of the Asean Energy Meetings in 2026. The DOE is looking to host approximately 39 meetings and fora next year. The DOE has formed working committees to implement preparations and activities to ensure the country’s successful hosting of the ASEAN energy-related meetings.

Meanwhile, the DOE said the drafting of action plans for the proposed National Policy and Strategy on Nuclear Security has commenced.

DOE Director Patrick T. Aquino said stressed that the policies are strategic instruments that embody the nation’s resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainability in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

THE average farmgate price of palay in September plunged to its lowest level in nearly five years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA showed that the average farm gate price of unmilled rice fell by 30.5 percent to P15.60 per kilo in the reference month from P22.43 per kilo last year.

The latest farm gate price is the lowest level recorded since November 2020, when it settled at P15.03 per kilo, based on PSA data.

On a monthly basis, the average quotation in September dropped by 8.6 percent from P17.06 per kilo in the previous month.

Ilocos Region had the fastest decline in the reference month, where the farm gate prices had a year-on-year drop of 43.5 percent, based on PSA data.

The farm gate prices in the region averaged P14.3 per kilo in September, lower than the P25.29 per kilo last year.

This was followed by Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), which registered a 38.2-percent contraction to P12.79 per kilo last month from P20.71 per kilo in September 2024.

Top rice-producing regions Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley also posted a year-on-year decline in farmgate prices of palay by 32.9 percent and 36.8 percent, respectively.

The government has been scrambling to prop up farmgate prices of paddy rice, which fell to a low of P8 per kilo, especially with torrential downpours threatening to blunt improvements in palay harvests due to poor grain quality.

President Marcos earlier imposed a temporary ban on foreign rice shipments for 60 days starting September 1, as industry sources claimed that the unabated entry of cheaper imports pulled down the farmgate price.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel also announced that the government will extend the import ban until the end of 2025.

He added that Marcos is considering restoring the 35-percent rice tariff, which was slashed to 15 percent in July 2024 as part of the government’s effort to bring down retail prices.

‘If the tariff hike is approved, well and good,’ Tiu Laurel said. ‘But if not, our fallback plan-already supported by the President-is to allow importation only in January, and suspend it again from February to April to protect the next harvest.’

The DA chief also noted that Marcos would issue an executive order that would set a floor price for unmilled rice, which he said should be P17 per kilo for wet palay.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will slap a safeguard duty on imported cement amounting to P14 per 40-kg bag or P349 per metric ton of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement for a period of three years.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque announced on Tuesday the agency will adopt the Tariff Commission’s (TC) recommendation to impose the said amount.

With the tariff on imported cement, Roque said in a statement: ‘The imposition of the safeguard duty will be subjected to dynamic monitoring and review to ensure that prices remain stable and supply stays sufficient to cover demand at any given time.’

DTI, meanwhile, explained that the TC’s recommended safeguard duty rate represents only 3 to 4 percent of prevailing retail prices.

Moreover, the Trade department assured consumers that the added cost will not be passed on to them as the safeguard duty ‘applies solely to imported cement.’

Instead, the agency pointed out that the safeguard measure is intended to level the playing field between domestic manufacturers and importers.

In addition, DTI noted that the excess cash bond paid by importers or the difference between the provisional and final duty assessed will be refunded once the corresponding Department Order is issued.

Supply guarantee

Meanwhile, in light of the recent earthquakes that have severely affected several areas across the country, Roque underscored the importance of ensuring ‘adequate and affordable’ supply of cement nationwide.

‘The DTI will closely monitor the implementation and impact of the safeguard measure on cement prices to prevent any unwarranted price adjustments and to ensure that the duties remain at levels necessary to address the serious injury suffered by the domestic industry,’ the agency said in its statement.

Roque also noted that the agency will ‘actively regulate’ the effects of safeguard tariffs to maintain a ‘balanced’ environment where both local manufacturers and cement importers can adapt, compete, and thrive, particularly during period of calamities or supply disruptions.

The Trade department also reaffirmed that the safeguard measure is ‘temporary, designed to restore fair competition and ensure that consumer welfare is maintained.’

Last week, local cement manufacturers asked the government to raise the safeguard duty on imported cement to P600 per metric ton (MT) to make the local industry competitive.

‘We had been hoping for [safeguard duty] of P600 per ton. This is higher than the provisional [duty] of P400,’ Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) Executive Director Renato Baja told reporters in an interview on Thursday.

As to the P349 per MT safeguard duty recommended by the Tariff Commission in its final report, Baja said this is ‘not enough.’

In its report published on September 30, the Tariff Commission recommended a specific duty of P349/MT as the definitive safeguard measure to be imposed on importations of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement.

Two weeks ago, consumer group United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) argued that extending the period of imposition of the P16 tariff per 40-kilo bag on imported blended cement will only jack up prices of local cement, which could undermine competition and burden Filipino consumers.

‘The Department Order 25-01 was signed by the Secretary on February 20, 2025. It will take effect for 200 days, so if we count the 200 days, any moment now the 6-7 months or 200 days period will end. So now, we hear that the cartels have an appeal to continue this,’ UFCC President Rodolfo B. Javellana Jr. told reporters in Filipino during the consumer group’s protest in front of the building of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Makati City last September 29.

Hamilo Coast’s leisure residential properties Pico Terraces and M Village at Marina Estates recently scored major wins at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, the region’s biggest and most respected real estate awards program.

In the milestone event held on August 15, 2025 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, Pico Terraces was named the Best Condominium Development in Luzon while M Village at Marina Estates garnered commendation in the Best Subdivision Development category.

Pico Terraces also received the award for Best Resort Condominium Development at the 2025 DOT Property Awards, an event that celebrates developers, projects, and agencies that stand out in the region’s property landscape. Hosted by the Dot Property Group, the 2025 DOT Property Awards was held on September 11, 2025 at Okada Manila Hotel.

Ms. Shirley Ong, EVP and Business Unit Head of SM Leisure Resort Residences accepted the DOT Property Awards at the ceremony. ‘Pico Terraces is where life unfolds-a community that brings the comfort of home together with the ease of a resort leisure lifestyle,’ she said in her acceptance speech. ‘This recognition reinforces Hamilo Coast’s place as the benchmark for premium, sustainable coastal developments in the country.’

Developed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a duly recognized company under SM Prime, the multi-awarded Pico Terraces inspires awe with its play of heights in its condominium buildings that sprawl across 2.1 hectares of sumptuous greenery. Set against a vista of picturesque terrain, Pico Terraces boasts 80 percent open spaces highlighted only by expansive outdoor amenities that include cascading pools, cabanas, a clubhouse, a children’s play area, and an outdoor fitness area. True to Hamilo Coast’s vision, Pico Terraces offers all residents bountiful opportunities for a holistic and well-rounded living experience.

Those looking to savor the serenity and enthralling backdrop that nature provides at Pico Terraces can also look forward to the completion of condominium buildings Ardea Suites and Balea Suites in 2027.

The highly commended M Village at Marina Estates located in Papaya Cove is Hamilo Coast’s newest residential development. M Village spans over 200 hectares of an integrated lifestyle anchored around a world-class marina that offers upscale eco-resort communities, vibrant residential spaces, and a preserved 30-hectare mangrove forest. M Village is strategically located at the gateway of Marina Estates, and just minutes away from the Hamilo Coast main entrance, providing easy access to an exclusive residential community surrounded by lush forests and natural attractions.

The awards and citations for Pico Terraces and M Village at Marina Estates show that Costa del Hamilo, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the finest real estate developers in Southeast Asia. Costa del Hamilo, Inc. remains at the top of its game as a premier leisure resort developer creating world class property destinations.

MANILA brings to the global stage its push for more accessible digital tools and lower costs to uplift micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Geneva, under the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), took center stage at the WTO Public Forum 2025 on September 17 and 18, 2025 as it championed the Philippines’ leadership in driving digital transformation and inclusive growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN.

Manuel Teehankee, the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the WTO, emphasized MSMEs’ ‘central role’ in ASEAN’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.

‘MSMEs form the backbone of our economies but challenges remain’, Teehankee said.

As such, he told the WTO Forum: ‘We must enable them to access digital tools, lower costs, and expand cross-border opportunities to thrive in the global marketplace.’

As a co-organizer of the high-level session ‘Beyond Borders: ASEAN’s Bold Paths to MSME Digitalization,’ The DTI’s trade and investment office in Geneva positioned the Philippines as a ‘proactive regional advocate for innovation, interoperability, and digital inclusion.’

DTI said the session, which was held on the sidelines of the WTO’s largest annual gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders, was jointly organized with GCash.

A panel discussion which included Rowena Zamora, Chief Strategy Officer of Mynt (the operator of GCash), explored ‘strategies’ to accelerate MSME adoption of digital solutions and strengthen cross-border interoperability, highlighting initiatives such as Project Nexus, a collaboration among the central banks of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to link instant payment systems across borders.

Meanwhile, Teehankee also affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to accelerating MSME digitalization and its active role in advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)-a landmark initiative to be concluded ahead of the Philippines’ Asean Chairship in 2026.

According to a blog post of World Economic Forum (WEF) in May 2025, the Asean DEFA is the world’s first region-wide digital economy agreement.

‘ASEAN has taken a firm decision. In a world increasingly defined by digital transformation, it is stepping forward deliberately, ambitiously and in a united fashion,’ WEF noted.

According to WEF, the ASEAN DEFA, currently under negotiation, represents a ‘pivotal moment’ for the region.

‘More than an economic pact, DEFA is a strategic blueprint for how our nearly 680 million people can access a digital future that is open, secure and inclusive,’ it also noted.

Fresh from its Globee Golden Bridge triumph for innovation, Cebuana Lhuillier continues its global winning streak, earning four major honors at the prestigious Globee Awards for Leadership. The recognition underscores the company’s strong, forward-thinking approach across its diverse businesses.

At this year’s awards, President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier was named Maverick of the Year, while First Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Emirosco Michael Sena received Silver for Marketing Executive of the Year. PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (Cebuana Lhuillier) was also named Company of the Year – Diversified Services and won Gold for Excellence in Content Marketing for Money Guro, a social-first campaign hosted by Lhuillier himself that reflects his vision of accessible and practical financial education for all.

Speaking about the recognition, Lhuillier shared: ‘These awards are a testament to the strength and passion of our people. Leadership is not just about guiding a company-it’s about creating meaningful impact for the communities we serve. I’m proud of how our teams continue to push boundaries, innovate, and stay true to our mission of financial inclusion and nation-building.’

These accolades affirm Cebuana Lhuillier’s excellence in driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading with purpose. Lhuillier’s recognition as Maverick of the Year reinforces his pivotal role in transforming Cebuana Lhuillier into a diversified conglomerate championing financial inclusion and digital transformation in the Philippines. At the same time, Money Guro’s win highlights the company’s commitment to empowering Filipinos through engaging, practical financial education, while Sena’s award celebrates his leadership in creating marketing initiatives that deeply resonate with millions of Filipinos.

With these latest distinctions, Cebuana Lhuillier once again proves that its success is driven by visionary leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empower Filipinos.

For the children of Casiguran, Sorsogon an ordinance passed regulating the use, sale, and distribution of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, with penalties for anyone who violates its provisions, is more than a policy but a promise that their health, their future, matter.

In a landmark move to uphold and protect the children’s health, the Sangguniang Bayan of Casiguran passed Ordinance No. 2025-52 on June 30, 2025. The law was signed by Mayor Maria Minez R. Hamor on September 9, 2025, making Casiguran the first municipality in Sorsogon Province to extend its anti-smoking ordinance to cover vapes as well.

Casiguran is a Red Orchid Awardee, recognized by the Department of Health for rigorous enforcement of smoke-free environments and tobacco policy criteria aligned with DOH standards. This distinction honors LGUs, agencies, and hospitals that excel in implementing tobacco-free policies through measures such as monitoring tobacco use, protecting citizens from exposure, offering cessation services, warning about risks, enforcing advertising bans, and raising taxes.

Significant extension

The addition of anti-vaping measures is a significant extension, prompted by serious concerns about rising vape use among the youth.

‘When we protect the youth, we protect the future. This ordinance is proof that Casiguran believes in the power of a healthy, hope-filled tomorrow,’ Vice Mayor Dennis Escudero said.

Data from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) reveals that among students aged 13 to 15 in the Philippines, about 14.1 percent are current users of e-cigarettes. That’s about one in seven youth already vaping. Meanwhile, 24.6 percent have tried vaping at some point.

More recently, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) reported that youth users of vape escalated sharply: from around 37,500 in 2021 to over 423,000 in 2023. That’s more than a 1,000 percent increase.

These statistics show that despite progress in reducing smoking among younger people, vaping has surged, and it is the kids drawing in first. Flavored products, easy accessibility, and the presence of vape products in social media are frequently cited reasons.

Alarming trends

With these alarming trends, the youth of Casiguran are at the heart of this ordinance. The ordinance is designed to shield young people from the harms of tobacco use: restrictions on sale and distribution; penalties for violations; and regulating use in public spaces where youth are likely exposed.

‘There is an urgent need to protect our youth from the harms and dangers of vaping,’ Mark Elmo Buenaobra, President of Pambayang Pederasyon ng SK-Casiguran, Sorsogon shared in an interview.

‘By bringing vaping under the legal framework already governing smoke-free areas, Casiguran’s leadership aims to send a clear message-that protecting kids from the addictive and harmful effects of vaporized nicotine is not optional,’ he added.

The inclusion of anti-vaping measures in its ordinance underscores Casiguran’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging health threats. Vaping, often marketed as a ‘safer alternative’ to cigarettes, has been linked to nicotine addiction and long-term health risks, while the improper disposal of devices adds to environmental hazards.

Vital role

The Parents Against Vape (PAV) organization played a vital role in the ordinance’s development.

Officers and members of PAV actively joined public consultations, offering recommendations and raising key considerations that helped shape the final provisions of the law.

Their advocacy reflects growing concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals about the rapid spread of vaping among the youth.

Rebie Relator, President of PAV, emphasized why their involvement mattered: ‘As parents, we cannot stay silent while our children are being lured into addiction through sweet flavors and deceptive marketing. We have seen how quickly vaping spreads among the youth, and how easily it can undo years of progress against smoking. The passage of this ordinance is not just a victory for Casiguran. It is a victory for our kids’ future.’

A LAWMAKER is pushing for the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers, which seeks to improve the working conditions and grant additional benefits to government personnel who risk their lives to save others during calamities.

Parañaque City Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said his proposed House Bill 5239 aims to recognize the heroism of DRRM workers who dedicate their lives to protect communities and help disaster victims recover.

‘DRRM workers, while exposing themselves to significant risks, including physical danger, psychological stress, and occupational health gaps, especially during disaster response operations, face the challenge of insufficient benefits. Our proposed measure seeks to address these inadequacies by institutionalizing measures that will promote their welfare,’ Yamsuan said.

He emphasized that DRRM personnel serve as the country’s frontline defenders against disasters and deserve both recognition and protection.

‘DRRM workers have a very important job as disaster response and risk reduction frontliners, which is why we should also give importance to, and safeguard, their welfare. Providing them the benefits that they should be entitled to will serve as incentive and inspiration for them to continue with their profession as protectors of our communities from calamities,’ he added.

Among the benefits proposed under HB 5239 are hazard allowances, access to protective equipment, free vaccinations, prophylactic medicines, and compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses.

A key provision of the bill is the creation of a Public DRRM Workers’ Education Trust Fund, which will provide educational assistance to the children and dependents of DRRM workers who die in the line of duty. The scholarship covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education for up to four years of undergraduate studies in accredited institutions.

The bill also grants DRRM workers continuing training and scholarships, mandatory insurance coverage, medical and psychosocial support, and retirement benefits.

It defines a public DRRM worker as a government employee engaged in any of the four thematic areas of disaster management-prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.

For those with permanent appointments, HB 5239 provides security of tenure, ensuring that they cannot be dismissed from service except for cause and after due process.

Other entitlements include overtime pay, night-shift differential, leave benefits, transportation, communication, and subsistence allowances, laundry allowance, and legal assistance related to official duties.

Public DRRM workers who render at least five years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious service will also receive monthly longevity pay equivalent to 5% of their basic salary.

Additionally, those deployed far from home will be entitled to free living quarters or housing allowance, and will be protected from discrimination and unjust workplace transfers. The measure likewise upholds their right to self-organization and mandates the creation of a Code of Conduct for Public DRRM Workers.

Violations of the Magna Carta’s provisions may be penalized with fines of up to P10,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Government officials found liable will face disqualification from public service as an additional penalty.