Category: Business Mirror

ACCELERATING the momentum of his comprehensive reforms including the anti-corruption campaign of his administration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday with several bombshell announcements including the looming filing of charges against his cousin, former House Speaker, Leyte Representative Martin G. Romualdez, as well as massive tax relief reforms and junking of the ‘systems loss’ in electricity bills.

Marcos flipped the order of the issues he discussed in his previous Sona by starting with updates in his anti-corruption campaign, which gained massive public support and attention, while putting economic and foreign affairs goals and accomplishments at the latter part of his speech.

Just minutes after starting his speech, which ran for one hour and 25 minutes, the chief executive already announced that the Ombudsman will soon be going after Romualdez.

Romualdez is facing plunder charges for his alleged involvement in acquiring about P56 billion of ill-gotten wealth from 2022 to 2025.

‘We have reached the point where the Ombudsman said we are nearing the filing of case after case against the former speaker,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

‘While this pains me, we must do what is right. I am not the President of our family. I am not the President of my friend. I am the President of the Philippines,’ he added.

He then proceeded to discuss updates in the campaign of his administration against flood control project anomalies, which yielded P25 billion seized frozen assets of those involved in such illegal activities.

‘All of this [amount will be] recovered from the corrupt individuals involved and will be immediately returned to the public treasury,’ Marcos said.

Proper legal process

Efforts to reform the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are now under way to prevent similar irregularities, according to the President.

In a statement, Romualdez said he did not seek any assistance from Marcos, when it comes to the allegations against him, which he said he is ready to answer through the ‘proper legal process.’

The lawmaker maintained he was not engaged in any wrongdoing while he led the House of Representatives.

‘I agree that we should do the right thing. The right thing to do is to follow the process and let the evidence speak for itself,’ he said in Filipino.

‘And I’m ready to prove it,’ he added.

Systems loss

Marcos also highlighted the achievements of his administration when it comes to assisting the sectors, which were affected by the Middle East crisis through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) initiatives of the government under Executive Order No. 110 implementing a State of National Energy Emergency.

He reported that 12 million people already benefited from the P20 per kilo rice program of the government.

The government has allocated over P60 billion to sustain its UPLIFT initiatives until the end of the year.

The government, Marcos said, also implemented measures to help reduce the electricity bills, which rose due to the Middle East conflict, by ordering power companies to refund the excess charges from their customers, and allowing the payment of bills in tranches for some.

Aa a long-term solution to make power rates cheaper, the President called on Congress to remove system loss from the electricity bills by amending Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

System loss is the power lost when electricity travels from power plants to homes. See related story on page A11, ‘Scrapping systems loss charges from bills to impact DUs, ECs.’

‘It is passed on to the consumer and loaded onto the bill with value-added tax added on top. It is not the consumer’s fault why there was a system loss. So it is not right that they should be the ones to pay for it,’ Marcos said.

‘Therefore, we, the people, request-no, we demand for the immediate amendment of the Epira, and to prohibit charging system loss against consumers including the value-added tax thereon,’ he added.

The President also called on Congress to pass the ‘Sariling Kuryente Act.’ which aims to make installation of rooftop solar panels and batteries to store its power easier.

He said they continue to study nuclear energy and the construction of hydrogen power plants to help expand the country’s power production.

The ratification of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security for the joint stockpiling of energy asset will also help the country’s energy security amid global supply chain disruptions, according to Marcos.

Protecting the middle class

To protect the middle class from the lingering effects of the Middle East conflict, Marcos also urged Congress to pass a bill on tax relief measures.

He said the proposed piece of legislation will expand the exemption for income tax to include those, which will not exceed P350,000 annually; exempting small business from the minimum corporate tax; and giving amnesty for those with unpaid tax liabilities.

‘Therefore, as a special measure to protect them [middle income] and allow them to derive greater benefit from their hard-earned income, I call upon Congress to pass legislation that will provide some relief regarding our tax obligations,’ Marcos said.

Disaster mitigation

The proposed legislative reforms of the President also includes updating the National Building Code to make the country’s buildings and structures more resilient to disasters such as strong earthquakes and typhoons.

‘All private infrastructure should likewise meet the same high standards of quality and durability. Every building in our country must be prepared and capable of remaining stable and standing firm against any threat of disaster or calamity,’ Marcos said.

Updating the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, he said, will help mitigate flooding.

Under the proposed bill waste management practices will be modernized through waste-to-energy and waste treatment technology.

‘As we recalibrate our solid waste management systems, we can draw inspiration from the solid waste management practices being championed by the MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] here in Metro Manila, such as waste recovery, processing, upcycling,’ Marcos said.

High-tech goals

The President also discussed the highlights of economic achievements, including expanding trade abroad by raising the country’s free trade agreements to 23, as well as the Green Lanes to fast-track the processing of businesses which want to operate in the country.

‘Over the past three years, more than 6 trillion pesos in investments have been facilitated through our Green Lanes. These are estimated to create over 400,000 jobs for our fellow Filipinos,’ he said.

He said the government is eyeing to attract more investments in emerging industries such as pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology, and logistics.

These initiatives will be augmented by the Asean Digital Economy Framework, which harmonize digital rules and enable cross-border digital transactions.

The US-led Pax Silica Initiative in New Clark City in Tarlac, which will have Artificial Intelligence firms, will not only bring high-quality jobs, but also accelerate the country’s industrial competitiveness.

Such advanced industries will be crucial as the Marcos administration eyes creating the country’s first spaceport in Cagayan, which he said is ‘geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport.’

‘A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year. Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space. This we will do in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company,’ Marcos said.

THE Secretary of the of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Juanito Victor Remulla has called on Filipinos to set aside political differences and stand united behind the country’s territory and claim over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, Remulla said the issue of the WPS transcends politics and requires the collective resolve of the Filipino people.

During the 10th anniversary commemoration of the Philippines’ landmark arbitral victory in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on Thursday, Remulla emphasized that while the National Government remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful engagement, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights requires national unity and a shared commitment to the country’s interests.

‘Our seas are ours. Our seas are for the Filipinos and for the Philippines,’ Remulla said.

He stressed that supporting the country’s position on the WPS is not about advocating conflict, but about demonstrating national unity and an unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights.

‘Nobody wants war. Nobody wants violence. Let the National Government negotiate and talk. But now, we should show that we are Filipinos. We are not afraid of anyone and we can fight for what is ours,’ he added.

Remulla underscored that issues concerning Philippine sovereignty transcend political affiliations and should serve as a unifying cause for all Filipinos.

‘We may be separated by politics, we must not let politics divide us on this issue,’ he said.

He urged national government agencies, local government units, and citizens to stand together in supporting lawful, peaceful, and rules-based efforts to uphold the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

‘We are Filipinos. The West Philippine Sea is for Filipinos. Let us fight for the Philippines. Let us unite and fight for what is ours,’ Remulla said.

The commemoration highlighted the enduring significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and reaffirmed the Philippines’ continuing commitment to assert its rights under international law.

As part of the program, officials and participants expressed their support for the collective effort to safeguard the West Philippine Sea through a Pledge of Commitment led by Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan and the signing of a Commitment Wall.

Also present during the activity were DILG Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian M. De Leon, National Security Council Assistant Director General Francis Jude Lauengco, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, local chief executives, government officials, and representatives from various sectors.

The gathering forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote public awareness, strengthen national unity, and reinforce support for the peaceful and rules-based assertion of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), a key shelter agency under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), is accelerating the implementation of the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), expanding access to secure and affordable housing for organized communities.

Within its first year of implementation, SHFC has approved 47 new projects nationwide, benefiting more than 8,100 families and providing over ?870.6 million in total loan assistance.

The ECMP forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, implemented under the leadership of DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

Secretary Aliling directed the full-scale implementation of the ECMP in line with the administration’s push for people-centric housing solutions. To further protect beneficiary communities, SHFC enhanced the program by integrating site development components to build safer, more livable communities.

Out of the 47 approved ECMP projects, 25 communities have already received land acquisition checks totaling about ?415 million, directly benefiting over 4,000 member-beneficiaries. DHSUD and SHFC officials personally led the distribution of assistance, underscoring the government’s commitment to bringing shelter services closer to local communities.

‘This milestone reflects SHFC’s resolve to fast-track housing delivery across the country,’ said SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa. ‘Through the ECMP, we are helping more Filipino families secure land tenure and move closer to the dream of owning a safe and decent home.’

This week alone, SHFC released land acquisition loan assistance to four additional ECMP communities: Divine Mercy HOAI (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan), Virginia Project 5 HOAI (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan), Golden Springville HOAI (Daet, Camarines Norte), and Plaridel Village CMP HOAI (Santiago, Isabela).

The newly released funding will enable these communities to complete their land acquisition process and secure land titles for their member-beneficiaries.

SHFC continues to work closely with homeowners’ associations, local government units, and other stakeholders to guide communities through the process and assist them in completing documentary requirements. Regular Task Force and Credit Committee meetings are held to review and evaluate project proposals promptly.

As implementation gains momentum, SHFC remains committed to expanding the ECMP to more communities, advancing the Marcos administration’s goal of providing Filipino families with safe, decent, and affordable homes.

Some of the brands Filipinos pass every day-in malls, in terminals, in their own neighborhoods-did not begin in Metro Manila. They began in a single stall in a Cebu mall, a corner space in an Iloilo shopping center, a small bakery serving one Mandaue barangay. Today those same brands operate hundreds of outlets from Luzon to Mindanao, and several have crossed into international markets. Their founders and operators know something most business conferences can only theorize about: what it actually takes to grow a regional business into a national one.

That experience is the backbone of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA)’s first-ever Visayas Franchise Conference 2026. Themed ‘Igniting Growth: Visayas and Beyond,’ the conference takes place on July 30, 2026, at Summit Galleria Cebu, held in conjunction with the association’s annual Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo at the Mountain Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu. PFA is the country’s premier and only internationally recognized franchise association.

What makes this lineup distinct is that many of the speakers are not visiting experts explaining regional expansion from the outside. They are Visayan founders and operators who did it themselves-and whose brands are now household names nationwide.

‘The brands that will be on this stage were not born in Makati or Ortigas. They were born in Cebu, in Iloilo, in Mandaue-many of them from a single stall or a single store,’ said Mr. Kenneth Lim, Chair of the Visayas Franchise Conference, President of Dessert Factory, and PFA Regional Director for Central Visayas. ‘That is the message we want every entrepreneur in this room to take home: geography is not the ceiling. What separates a regional favorite from a national brand is not location. It is systems, discipline, and the willingness to build for scale before you actually need it.’

Homegrown Brands, National Footprints

These speakers built their brands in the Visayas and scaled them nationwide. Here is where each takes the stage:

Plenary 3: Expand Beyond Your Home Region – Mr. Steve Benitez, Chairman and CEO of Bo’s Coffee and current PFA President, opened his first store in Cebu City. He is joined on the panel by Mr. Angelo Jose Gandionco, Chief Operating Officer of Julie’s Bakeshop, founded in Mandaue, Cebu.

Plenary 2: Franchising the Right Way – Mr. Johnny Que, President of Waffle Time, which started in 1998 in Iloilo City, sits alongside Mr. Terence Neil S. Padrique, CEO and President of The Lemon Co., a former OFW who returned home and opened a three-square-meter lemonade stall in Cebu.

Plenary 6: Keeping Your Brand Relevant in a Fast-Changing Market – Ms. Alice Liu, President and CEO of Penshoppe / Golden ABC, began with a single Cebu store, and joins Mr. Jay Aldeguer, Founder and CEO of Islands Souvenirs, who turned a Cebu souvenir stall into the country’s leading souvenir retail brand.

What Participants Can Expect

Six high-impact plenary sessions

Fifteen renowned industry speakers

Actionable business insights and growth strategies

High-value networking opportunities with franchise leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and business decision-makers

Access to the latest trends shaping the future of franchising and business expansion

‘We all know that the hardest branch to open is the second one, and the hardest market to enter is the one right outside your comfort zone,’ Mr. Lim added. ‘We built this conference, so Visayan entrepreneurs do not have to learn those lessons the expensive way.’

Whether you are an established franchisor, aspiring franchise owner, growing MSME, or business leader, the conference offers valuable insights, meaningful connections, and new opportunities for growth and success.

Growing older no longer has to mean becoming frail or living with chronic disease. As advances in medicine continue to reshape healthcare, experts are shifting the conversation from simply living longer to living healthier for longer.

In the latest episode of Freshly Brewed, BusinessMirror’s weekly podcast, Dr. Rolando ‘Oyie’ Balburias, medical director of Rhodium Regenerative Institute, joined host and BusinessMirror Health and Fitness Editor Anne Ruth Dela Cruz to discuss longevity medicine, also known as healthspan or age management medicine, and how it is helping redefine what it means to age well.

‘What’s the point of living longer if the quality of life is very much compromised?’ Dr. Balburias said.

‘Longevity medicine is about extending your healthspan-living longer while maintaining your quality of life.’

For decades, healthcare focused primarily on increasing lifespan. Today, longevity medicine emphasizes healthspan, or the number of years a person remains healthy, active and free from disease.

‘Aging is inevitable,’ Dr. Balburias explained. ‘Chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve been alive. But healthspan is about the years you live without disease, when you’re still active and highly functional because your biological age is different from your chronological age.’

While technologies that estimate biological age continue to evolve, Dr. Balburias cautioned against relying solely on machines.

‘The body’s biological system is very complex. These machines can serve as useful guides by measuring factors like muscle mass and body fat, but they cannot fully determine a person’s health.’

The Filipino healthspan gap

ONE of the more concerning realities, he noted, is that Filipinos spend a significant portion of their later years living with disease.

‘Our lifespan is now around 72 years old, but our average healthspan is only about 62 years old,’ he said. ‘That’s a huge gap.’

With retirement commonly beginning at age 60, many Filipinos spend what should be their most enjoyable years managing chronic illnesses instead of remaining active and independent.

Although aging cannot be stopped, Dr. Balburias stressed that the rate at which the body ages can be influenced.

‘We now understand the hallmarks of aging. The goal is to identify biological changes early and determine whether your body is aging faster than your chronological age.’

He believes one of the biggest misconceptions about aging is the assumption that illness is simply part of getting older.

‘When we age, we’re expected to get sick. That’s not true at all. Many chronic diseases develop long before they are detected.’

Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, longevity medicine encourages people to become proactive in managing their health.

‘Aging is not a single disease. It’s the result of interconnected biological systems gradually losing balance. We need to shift from reactive healthcare to proactive healthcare.’

Understanding the hallmarks of aging

SCIENTISTS have identified 12 biological processes, known as the hallmarks of aging, that contribute to the body’s gradual decline.

Many of these processes, Dr. Balburias said, are influenced by everyday habits.

‘The food we eat, the quality and duration of our sleep, our stress levels, physical activity, relationships and even our environmental exposures all affect how quickly our biological systems age.’

Researchers monitor these processes through biological markers or ‘biological clocks,’ which help assess how the body’s systems are functioning.

‘Our biological systems are influenced by what we call our exposome-everything we’re exposed to, from nutrition and exercise to environmental toxins and even toxic relationships,’ he explained.

Poor sleep, for instance, weakens immune resilience and affects the body’s ability to fight infections, highlighting how interconnected the body’s systems are.

Small habits, big impact

BECAUSE aging is cumulative, Dr. Balburias emphasized that daily habits create a compound effect on long-term health.

Nutrition, he said, serves as preventive medicine by helping maintain metabolic health, preserving muscle mass and protecting cognitive function.

One intervention that has gained attention in recent years is fasting.

According to Dr. Balburias, fasting activates a natural cellular process called autophagy, which allows the body to remove damaged components and recycle healthy ones.

‘When we’re not constantly feeding our bodies, autophagy is activated. It’s the body’s natural clean-up mechanism.’

Autophagy also helps reduce the accumulation of senescent or ‘zombie’ cells-cells that no longer function properly but remain in the body and release inflammatory substances that accelerate aging. ‘When you activate autophagy, your body clears many of these senescent cells that contribute to biological aging.’

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining nutritional balance rather than following restrictive diets. ‘When it comes to macronutrients, fats, proteins and carbohydrates all have important roles. The goal is balance.’

Certain foods also contain bioactive compounds that influence hormone signaling, helping maintain metabolic efficiency as hormone production naturally declines with age.

Separating science from marketing

AS longevity medicine gains popularity, more clinics are offering anti-aging treatments and regenerative therapies. Dr. Balburias encouraged consumers to be discerning.

‘It’s important to measure your own biological system first because every individual is unique,’ he said. ‘Don’t simply rely on influencers promoting certain interventions.’

He stressed that any treatment plan should begin with a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by physicians trained in age management medicine.

‘The goal is first to identify which physiological systems are out of balance before deciding which interventions are appropriate.’

Living longer-and better

DESPITE advances in longevity science, Dr. Balburias believes the foundation of healthy aging remains surprisingly simple.

He encourages people to eat colorful, nutrient-dense meals, prioritize uninterrupted sleep, ideally between 11 pm and 6 am, exercise regularly, build healthy relationships and manage stress.

Ultimately, he said, food remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting long-term health.

‘Food is fundamental and foundational because it’s where we get everything our body needs to function,’ he said. ‘If we don’t provide our body with the nutrients it needs, it compensates. Eventually, that ability becomes limited, and dysfunction develops. Diseases begin long before they are detected.’

Healthy aging, Dr. Balburias concluded, is not simply about adding years to life but ensuring those years are lived with vitality, independence, and purpose.

Rhodium Regenerative Institute is located at Unit 2303, 23rd Floor, Centuria Medical Makati, Century City, Kalayaan Avenue corner Salamanca Street, Makati City. For inquiries, call +63 917 896 0237 or +63 2 8363 3022.

Watch the full interview on BusinessMirror’s YouTube channel. Catch new episodes of Freshly Brewed every Monday at 10 a.m. on BusinessMirror’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and website.

YOUTH leaders questioned the Marcos administration’s spending priorities, saying billions of pesos allocated for flood control, education and other public programs have yet to translate into better living conditions for Filipinos.

The concerns were raised during the ‘State of the Youth Address’ that gathered youth organizations, activist groups and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from across Metro Manila in discussion of issues a day before the President delivers his ‘State of the Nation Address.’

During the convention, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise M. Co urged participants to assess not only what the President had promised over the past year but also what his administration had actually delivered.

Co pointed to flood control projects as one example, saying many communities continue to experience severe flooding despite years of government spending.

She recalled that her community was among those affected during Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) in 2024.

‘What have the billions allocated for flood control projects achieved if communities continue to be flooded every time a strong typhoon hits?’ Co said.

Beyond flood control, she argued that environmental degradation has continued to expose communities to greater disaster risks, citing the loss of forest cover and other natural resources.

Co also criticized what she described as an education system that remains inaccessible to many young Filipinos because of rising costs, poor learning conditions and growing mental health concerns.

‘We are being pushed out of the education system because it has become expensive, inaccessible and no longer responds to the needs of students,’ she said.

Co added that increasing education funding alone would not resolve the problem unless reforms also improve the quality of learning and prepare students for meaningful employment after graduation.

The youth leader likewise raised concerns over the proposed Pax Silica project, warning of its potential impact on water resources, electricity costs and the country’s natural resources while questioning whether Filipinos would benefit beyond low-paying jobs.

The ‘State of the Youth Address’ also featured discussions on the proposed 2026 national budget and delegates’ speeches, before participants capped the gathering with a protest action outside the Philippine General Hospital ahead of the President’s SONA on July 27.

SPEAKER Faustino G. Dy III on Sunday expressed confidence that the Congress can fast-track the remaining priority measures of the administration before the end of the year, even as the Senate carries out its role as an Impeachment Court.

In a video statement, Dy said the House of Representatives is optimistic that the Senate-under the leadership of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian-can balance its constitutional responsibilities while continuing to pass key legislation.

‘We are confident that the Senate has the capacity to balance its constitutional duty as an impeachment court with its role as legislators,’ Dy said.

The Speaker stressed that legislative work need not slow down, noting that both chambers can continue refining bills through bicameral conference committees and technical working groups.

‘The House is ready to work closely with the Senate so we can pass timely laws that respond to the needs of our people,’ he added.

Dy emphasized that many of the remaining priority measures are already in advanced stages, making their approval before yearend achievable.

‘Many of the remaining priority bills are already in the advanced stages of our legislative process,’ he said.

Among these is the proposed Cybersecurity Act, which is up for second reading, while at least eight other measures are pending action before the Committee on Appropriations or the Committee on Ways and Means.

Dy appealed to senators to help ensure the swift passage of these measures.

‘We are appealing to our counterparts in the Senate to help ensure that these bills are enacted before the year ends,’ he said.

Dy also expressed optimism that the House of Representatives can pass more of the administration’s priority measures before the end of the year, noting that many are already in advanced stages of the legislative process.

The Speaker said the House will continue to prioritize legislation that directly benefits ordinary Filipinos, while ensuring thorough and timely deliberations.

‘We will continue to prioritize measures that directly help our people and ensure that these are carefully and promptly acted upon,’ he said.

Dy also underscored the importance of close coordination with the Executive branch, particularly the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), noting that prompt feedback from agencies and early submission of executive versions of bills help accelerate the legislative process.

‘Our goal is to pass laws that bring real and tangible benefits to every Filipino,’ he said.

THE Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) disclosed of having closed the first half of 2026 with a net income of P6.9 billion, up 113 percent compared to the same period last year, supported by continued strength of its core businesses.

In a statement, the bank said its net revenues reached P43.1 billion in the first half of this year, up 9 percent year-on-year, backed by expansion in consumer lending, CASA, and fee income.

UBP’s net interest income grew by 8 percent year-on-year to P33.7 billion, driven by loan expansion.

‘Consumer lending remained the primary growth engine and accounted for 61 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio,’ the country’s ninth-largest lender noted.

Gross consumer loans climbed by 10 percent, led by credit cards and personal loans that collectively grew by 18 percent, .

Net interest margin improved by 40 basis points to 6.9 percent, supported by a 7 percent increase in CASA balances.

Non-interest income also grew by 12 percent to P9.4 billion year-on-year, with growth primarily driven by higher fee income from card-related fees, wealth management, bancassurance, and other everyday banking transactions, benefiting from the bank’s 19.3 million customer base.

The bank said it continued to build reserves to support sustained loan growth and reinforce balance sheet strength following ongoing portfolio reviews.

Despite this, it said credit costs declined 19 percent year-on-year to P9.4 billion, driven by continued improvements in asset quality.

‘We continue to build on the actions we began in 2025 to enhance our balance sheet while sharpening our focus on the businesses that drive long-term value for the Group,’ UBP Chief Financial Officer Manuel R. Lozano was quoted in the statement as saying.

Lozano added that the bank’s customer franchise ‘remains strong, asset quality continues to improve, and we are confident that we can continue the positive profitability trajectory.’

At the same time, he said UBP is ‘taking deliberate steps to simplify the Group and rationalize businesses where we believe resources can be better deployed.’

‘These actions are part of Unionbank’s broader strategy to sharpen focus on its core capabilities while continuing its journey to lead next-generation banking in the Philippines,’ added Lozano.

Families and advocates from ImagineLaw paint a community mural depicting healthy families and a sustainable food environment during National Nutrition Month activities at Quezon Memorial Circle.

The event also features interactive nutrition exhibits, including sodium-content displays, front-of-pack warning label mock-ups and the Pagkain Check! Nutrition Calculator, while Plantitas Baesa, an urban farming group based in Quezon City, showcases freshly harvested produce.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national initiative empowering Filipino fisherfolk as champions of fact-based information and responsible public discourse on the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea.

Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), the effort taps Filipino fishermen in recognition of their direct connection to developments in the disputed waters, being among the most affected by Chinese incursions in the area.

BFAR launched the initiative in a ceremony that gathered over 80 fisherfolk leaders from across the country, along with leaders from BFAR, the Local Government of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Security Council (NSC), and other partner institutions. Together, they formed a united front to strengthen the role of coastal communities in promoting truth, maritime awareness, and responsible information sharing.

In remarks during the launch, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig underscored the indispensable role of Filipino fisherfolk in asserting the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea in the face of escalating tensions.

‘Our fisherfolk navigate the West Philippine Sea every day, ensuring our food security while anchoring our nation’s presence in these tense waters. Through ATIN WPS, we recognize their role as the true frontline guardians of our sea,’ said Salilig.

‘By equipping them with accurate knowledge and empowering them to counter misinformation, we are transforming our fishing communities into credible voices of truth. This is a vital step in safeguarding not only our marine resources, but the integrity of our national narrative,’ he added.

National Security Council Director Romeo Racadio, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of protecting the information space alongside the country’s maritime domain.

‘Just as crucial as protecting our territory, we must protect the truth. Misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the nation’s interests, and fact-based narratives are essential in fostering public understanding of the West Philippine Sea. This is where our fisherfolk play a key role,’ said Racadio.

As part of ATIN WPS, fisherfolk underwent technical training that sought to equip them with factual, evidence-based, and legally grounded knowledge on the West Philippine Sea, enabling them to counter misinformation and disinformation as trusted sources in their respective communities.

The training included lectures on the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award that favored the Philippines’ claims against China, maritime entitlements, responsible conduct at sea, and practical approaches to identifying and addressing misinformation and disinformation.

It highlighted the important role that fisherfolk play in ensuring that accurate and verified information reaches coastal communities across the country.

ATIN WPS is part of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to protecting the West Philippine Sea by ensuring that coastal communities are active partners in advancing truthful narratives. The initiative is supported by the United States Embassy Manila’s Fish Right Project, demonstrating a shared commitment with BFAR to strengthen community engagement, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage the responsible use of accurate information about the West Philippine Sea.