Category: Business Mirror

THE country’s conglomerates rule the lives of every Filipino, from the time they wake up until they go to sleep.

Most people look for their smartphones upon waking up using telecom firms’ network. These were owned by the Ayala or MVP group. They will turn the lights on from power produced and delivered by the MVP group, among others; take a bath using water concessionaires either Maynilad Water or Manila Water; go to the office and take expressways again owned by MVP or San Miguel Corp.; and on and on.

These conglomerates were there 20 years ago, some the same faces, and others in a different form or owner.

The Ayala group, the country’s oldest conglomerate, may have seen it all. Two decades ago, its unit Globe Telecom Inc., changed the country’s telecom landscape as it shifted to more data-driven business and slowly did away with texting, or short messaging system.

It then launched GCash, back then an SMS money transfer service of the telecom firm.

The GCash name, however, did not explode until the pandemic in 2020, when most Filipinos, realizing its ability to facilitate transactions while sparing people from exposure to possibly infected places, started to acquire their own GCash account. They have been using its service since on a wide range of cash transfers. The GCash name became almost synonymous with cash.

Today, Ayala is still everywhere, although shedding some prominent business along the way, mainly Manila Water Co. Inc. to the Razon group. It also gave up car dealerships of Volkswagen and Honda in favor of Chinese brand BYD, a manufacturer of electric vehicles.

‘Among our younger businesses, we are particularly bullish on AC health, which is steadily building a healthcare ecosystem, consisting of hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. The company established from the ground up the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital; acquisitions have also bolstered growth,’ Cezar P. Consing, the company’s president and CEO, said.

‘While investments in new initiatives have kept net income slightly negative, we are convinced that the company is worth considerably more and what we have invested in it,’ he said.

Consing said they want to take the company closer to the hearts of the Filipino, through retail.

Recently, it brought Australian brand Anko to the Philippines, which can only be seen in Ayala Malls. In the coming months, the company is also bringing Makro into the country, a brand it left in 2004, saying the business was not among its core competencies; and also Spinneys, the leading premium fresh food supermarket chain in the United Arab Emirates.

The MVP Group

Over the last 20 years, one company stood out: the MVP group, or for short, the companies led by Manuel V. Pangilinan. The group is mostly funded by Indonesian businessman Anthoni Salim, through Hong Kong-listed First Pacific Co. Ltd.

Aside from PLDT Inc., the country’s largest telecom company, the MVP group is in every fabric of Filipino lives. It operates power distributor Manila Electric Co., West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc., which is also in the thick of their initial public offering. It is also a power generator, toll road operator, a television network owner and even owns hospitals including Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital. The company is changing how hospitals should be managed in order to sustain its operations, and taking in American global investment fund KKR, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co., as its minority owners.

Each of the MVP group’s business is being handled by capable managers, but one issue sticks out: who will replace Pangilinan himself.

When asked if the MVP group has a succession management problem, Pangilinan answered: ‘I’d like to deny that it’s true, but it is true’.

‘Yes, well, you know, I’m 78 (now 79 years old) and, you know, approaching the twilight of my career, right? So, succession questions have been raised quite a number of times now and even in the past. It’s something that I really have to think about, not only the group taken as a whole, but also each of these individual companies,’ he said.

San Miguel group

On many of Pangilinan’s ventures, his stiff competitor has been San Miguel Corp.

San Miguel is the best case of a company that mandated itself to diversify from being Southeast Asia’s first brewery, into one of the pillars of the Philippine economy, and accounts for at least 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

From brewing beer, it bought liquor maker Ginebra, which was once owned by the Ayala family; and then ventured into food through Pure Foods; then packaging and fuel through Petron Corp., other heavy industries such as energy, toll roads, among others. It buys its way into the sector that it wants to be in.

To date, the company through the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), now operates Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is building its own P873-billion airport in Bulacan, called New Manila International Airport; as well as MRT7, and toll roads through South Luzon Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

Ramon S. Ang, who played a pivotal role in transforming the company to a behemoth that it is today, said the focus for the company is to finish its Bulacan airport, which could take another 10 years, and other 10 years to get its own market.

‘This project is a game changer. The Philippines is just hoping for OFWs (overseas Fiipino workers and BPO (business process outsourcing for jobs and dollars). What we need is another push from tourism,’ Ang said.

New wave of change

For the next few years, many aging companies are up on their toes as a new wave of change is coming.

Donald Patrick Lim, president and COO of DITO CME Holdings Corp., and the chief innovation officer of the Udenna Corp. of Davao businessman Dennis Uy, said for the first time there will be a multigenerational workforce-composed of five generations. These were the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z.

‘With an intergenerational generation, we also see the rise now of a what we call a synthetic workforce. So with the synthetic works coming in more and more, you will see AI (artificial intelligence) coming in and we will be relying on,’ Lim said.

‘It’s not going to be a very far future. It’s not also midterm; it’s very near term where you will have literally a robot, not a robot per se, but a machine that will be helping you do a lot of things on their own,’ he said.

He said every company right now should have a very strong push towards AI governance from a corporate perspective.

‘Because AI, as we all know, will displace a lot of jobs, will displace a lot of things of how we do our work,’ he said.

Lim said the usual playbook of ‘I have 20 years’ experience you have to follow me,’ will have to change.

Every conglomerate will have to be nimble to go forward into the next 20 years.

If that sounds scary, look back to the past 20 years, and imagine where we would all be if the captains of industry got cold feet at the notion of change.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to amend the decade-old Sugarcane Industry Development Act (Sida) to bolster farm productivity and eventually stamp out importation.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called on lawmakers to revise the existing sugar law to cater to other projects that would boost the country’s output of the sweetener, particularly zeroing in on irrigation.

‘We have to amend the Sida law [.] that would allow for more flexibility,’ Tiu Laurel said during a Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the DA on Wednesday.

‘What we clearly need in our sugar industry is irrigation. If we irrigate all our sugar lands, it will only cost P8.8 billion. Then there’s a chance we won’t need to import anymore because we’ll be producing [more].’

He also stressed the importance of liming because much of the soil planted for sugarcane is acidic, which could be detrimental to plant growth.

Liming is a process that increases the pH level in soil, thus reducing the acidity and enhancing soil health.

‘So, we have to put lime for maximum production. We also have to invest in research and development to get new planting materials,’ Tiu Laurel said.

The Sida earmarks an annual P2 billion budget for the sugar industry, half of which should bankroll infrastructure support programs, including farm-to-mill roads.

The remaining amount will be shared by four projects: 15 percent for grants to block farms; 15 percent for socialized credit; 15 percent for research and development, capability building, and technology transfer activities; and 5 percent for scholarship grants.

Budget documents, however, showed that the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has only received P1 billion since 2023, and even less than that since 2019.

For SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, the funding allocated to Sida should be augmented.

‘We suggest increasing the funding to maybe P5 billion,’ Azcona said during the Senate hearing.

He noted that half of the budget would still be allotted to farm-to-mill roads, while the remaining should cover modernization initiatives for the industry.

‘There are still quite a few roads that need to be built, and we would also like to include the modernization of sugar mills and farm mechanization.’

The House of Representatives recently allocated an additional P1.4 billion to the SRA, which puts the agency’s proposed budget at P2.4 billion for 2026.

This figure is a fraction of the realigned P255 billion funding by the House, which was originally allotted for flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Sida or Republic Act 10659 was signed into law in 2015 to promote the competitiveness of the sugarcane industry and maximize the utilization of sugarcane resources.

The most-anticipated beer festival kicked off at Okada Manila last September 20 to 21, 2025. As San Miguel Beer celebrates its 135th year of serving great beers around the world, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) brings back the fiesta vibe that made the event an iconic spectacle.

Over 8,000 revelers flocked Okada Manila’s Crystal Pavilion during the two-day event filled with an array of specially crafted beers paired with top-notch food offerings over pulse-pounding music from a powerhouse lineup of top local acts.

The festivities were opened with a toast led by SMB President Carlos M. Berba, San Miguel Pale Pilsen Brand Ambassador Coco Martin, and Okada Manila Vice Chairperson Takako Okada. The event kicked off a series of San Miguel Oktoberfest Events which will happen at the Paseo de Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, Laguna on October 18, 2025 and at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City on October 31.

SMB lit up the famed integrated resort as guests were treated to complimentary beer samplers curated from San Miguel Beer’s global portfolio of brews as well as exciting new brews including India Pale Ale, Fruity Wheat Ale, Summer Ale and Specialty Lager.

Pop-ups lined the Crystal Pavilion’s signature winding walkway with gourmet restaurants Las Flores, Café Fleur by Chef Sau, Flipside Burgers, and Purefoods Deli setting up shop while SMB’s new Draft Beer Mobile Bar Truck added more to the overflowing beer at the venue. Party-goers also took home plenty of limited-edition San Miguel Beer merchandise to remember the epic event.

The San Miguel Oktoberfest party rocked to some of the country’s top acts including Rico Blanco, Lola Amour, December Avenue, Maki, Arthur Nery, Brownman Revival, The Dawn, Autotelic, The Juans, Over October, The Cohens, Paprika, DWATA, Carousel Casualties, It All Started in May, Magiliw Street, Sean Archer, Acapellago, DJ Chelsea, and DJ Rammy.

More good vibes went around when recently crowned PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions, the San Miguel Beermen, shot hoops with Oktoberfest party goers. Billiards legends Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante also played an exhibition match and challenged revelers who dare to showcase their pool table skills.

The night wasn’t just a celebration, it was a memory-making spree where every sip and souvenir captured the spirit of San Miguel Beer.

San Miguel Oktoberfest remains to be the largest fiesta in the country recognized by the Department of Tourism since 2005. Get your tickets now at Ticket2Me.net for the San Miguel Oktoberfest at Paseo de Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, Laguna on October 18, 2025 featuring Rocksteddy, Sunkissed Lola, Progeny, The Collars, and Parisukat and the San Miguel Oktoberfest at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City on October 31 with Urbandub, December Avenue, Missing Filemon, Nikolay, and Kuwako as featured acts.

THE provincial government of Cebu is set to release total of P508 million in recovery and rehabilitation funds to be used for the 12 quake-hit local governments in the northern portion of the province.

This was announed by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.

Of the amount P120 million will be given to the 12 local governments (P10 million pesos each) for their infrastructure and rehabilitation.

AnotherP38 million will also be given to them atP3 million pesos for each town P5 million pesos for Bogo City, the ground zero of the tremblor.

Baricuatro added that another P350 million will also be released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and bridges.

The provincial government will also allocate the P200 million for each affected locl government, whose funds come from the Office of the President under the local government support fund.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces cited that following a rapid assessment from their provincial engineers, they have identified a total ofP100 million worth in infrastructure damage which include major bridges and roads.

Empaces said the governor has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to take care of the national roads and bridges while they also take care of the repairs for the provincial roads and bridges that are worth P13 million pesos and below.

Power in the 12 affected localities have been 100 percent restored five days after the earthquake.

Water supply has also been restored but some areas in Bogo City and Tabuelan will still experience water supply concerns since their water distributions system are still undergoing repairs.

Task force

Task Force Kumbati Cebu (Fight Cebu) was also activated to address the housing and other needs for the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The task force aims to centralize all recovery and rehabilitation efforts to involve the mayors of the affected localities.

This will include the discussion on relocation of those families whose houses were deemed unsafe and what proper housing assistance will be given to them.

The provincial government has identified 4,826 totally damaged houses and 45,285 partially damaged houses.

Baricuatro said they have tapped former governor Hilario Davide III to be an advisor for the task force with the private sector sitting as co-chairman.

She said she wants to ensure accountability of all their efforts including the donations coming from the private sector.

A BREAKTHROUGH P2 million purse-the richest in Philippine tennis history-will be up for grabs in the Gentry National Tennis Championships that start Thursday at the Colegio San Agustin courts in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

The landmark tournament not only raises the bar in terms of prize money and prestige, but also signals a major leap in support for Philippine tennis, drawing a full 64-player draw in the men’s Open singles division alone.

Headlining the star-studded field are the country’s top two players, AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez, who are set to lead a power-packed mix of veteran campaigners, rising stars and fearless young guns.

The men’s singles champion will take home a whopping P300,000, while the runner-up receives P150,000.

The women’s singles draw is equally competitive with rising stars Mikaela Vicencio and Tiffany Nocos leading the charge for the P100,000 top prize with the runner-up banking P50,000.

‘This is a major milestone for Philippine tennis,’ said tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay, who also serves as Sports Program and Development Director of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala. ‘The response from players has been overwhelming, and the level of competition we’re expecting truly reflects the importance and magnitude of this tournament.’

The two-week tennis showcase, presented by Great Wall Motor Philippines, will also feature men’s and women’s doubles events, collegiate and inter-school divisions, Legends play, team competitions and Classified club-level classes.

The men’s doubles winners will pocket P100,000, with the women’s doubles champions earning P50,000-doubles runners-up will take home P50,000 (men) and P25,000 (women).

The event is also part of a broader effort to uplift local tennis through the Palawan Pawnshop junior tennis circuit, providing year-round opportunities for emerging talents inspired by the meteoric rise of Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala.

Among the other top contenders expected to challenge Lim and Olivarez for the men’s crown are Vicente Anasta, John Benedict Aguilar, John Kendrick Bona, Ronard Joven, Nilo Ledama, and Loucas Fernandez, along with a host of potential upset-makers including Charles Kinaadman, Eric Jay Tangub, Elvin Geluz, Kenzo Brodeth, Vince Serna, Austin delos Santos, Mark Alcoseba and Alexis Acabo.

In the women’s side, the battle is equally fierce, with names like Elizabeth Abarquez, Victoria Pena, Niña Alcala, Tennielle Madis, Stefi Aludo, and Rachel Velez looking to make their mark.

Meningitis, a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention, is frequently referred to as a ‘silent thief,’ a condition that strikes rapidly, devastates families, and leaves those who survive with enduring scars.

Each year, it takes the lives of hundreds of thousands globally, often in just 24 hours of its onset. Alarming statistics reveal that the Philippines ranks 32nd in the world out of 194 countries and second out of 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of incidence of meningitis.

As World Meningitis Day 2025 is observed globally, and as the midpoint of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 approaches, Filipino health leaders, parents, and advocates are urging for more robust and united action.

The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), together with GSK Philippines, recently led discussions on prevention, early diagnosis, and survivor support, highlighting how the nation can accelerate progress in the fight against this menace.

‘The Philippines ranks among the highest in meningitis incidence both globally and regionally. The burden remains high, and our response must change and improve,’ stressed Dr. Lulu Bravo, PFV Executive Director. ‘If we are to meet the roadmap’s targets, we need stronger surveillance, faster referral pathways, and better long-term support for children and families affected by meningitis.’

A mother’s story,

a child’s struggle

IN a panel discussion, Marjorie Puro, mother of a meningitis survivor, said the disease is no longer a medical statistic but a lived experience. Her nine-month-old daughter Kim fell ill with fever, cough, and colds, only to collapse within hours. ‘We didn’t know there was an infection in her brain and blood,’ Marjorie recounted. ‘One hour later she had a seizure, and by the next day, the rashes appeared. We were told it was 50-50 whether she would survive.’

Kim lived, but not without consequences. She lost part of her foot to amputation and bears scars on her arm. ‘Sometimes kids ask her what happened. It’s sad, but we’re still thankful. It could have been worse,’ Marjorie pointed out. Her story echoes what experts emphasize: meningitis survivors often face epilepsy, learning disabilities, or hearing loss. The Meningitis Progress Tracker says one in five survivors suffer lifelong complications.

For her part, pediatric neurologist Dr. Jo Janette de la Calzada explained why meningitis is especially dangerous for infants and toddlers. ‘The first 1,000 days of life are a critical period. The brain is still developing and the immune system is still maturing. An infection at this stage can be devastating,’ she narrated. Globally, nearly 40 percent of meningitis deaths occur in children under five.

She recalled one of her patients, a baby who survived meningitis at two months and is now 16, still struggles with seizures and school performance. ‘That’s why avoiding infections of the brain is so important-we are who we are because of our brain.’

As for Dr. Maria Liza Antoinette Gonzales, past president of PFV, she clarified that many still believe meningitis is rare or only bacterial. ‘That’s a myth. Bacteria cause most acute cases, but viruses and fungi can also trigger it. The most dangerous types such as meningococcus, pneumococcus, Hib [Haemophilus influenza type B], and group B streptococcus account for more than half of deaths.’

She likewise stressed that vaccines are a powerful shield like the Hib and pneumococcal vaccines that are already in the National Immunization Program. Meningococcal vaccines exist too, she said, though currently reserved for high-risk groups, but emphasized that prevention through vaccines and early recognition of symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures can save lives.

A call for system-wide action

THE challenge isn’t just medical but also systemic. ‘Meningitis cannot be solved by science alone. It requires systems that detect early, health programs that reach the most vulnerable, and partnerships that connect global goals to local realities,’ notes Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Philippines Country Medical Director.

Data from the Department of Health underscores the urgency. In 2023, Dr. Gonzales said the Philippines recorded more than 5,500 cases of acute meningitis and encephalitis compared to 3,700 cases in 2022, a 46-percent increase, while deaths rose by 30 percent for the same period, and experts warn the numbers may even be underreported.

The WHO’s 2030 roadmap is ambitious: end large bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce vaccine-preventable cases by 50 percent and cut deaths by 70 percent, and ensure better survivor support. Success could save US$10 billion in healthcare costs globally and generate US$100 billion in economic benefits. Yet, as Dr. Gonzalez pointed out, ‘We currently lack a national strategic plan for meningitis. Surveillance exists, but gaps remain. To meet 2030 goals, we must urgently strengthen prevention, diagnosis, and care systems.’

Lighting the road ahead

THE observance of World Meningitis Day was capped with the ‘Light the Road Ahead’ ceremony, where candles were lit for those lost to the disease and for survivors who continue to live with its impact. ‘Meningitis kills within hours, and for survivors, the impact can last a lifetime,’ said Dr. Rose Capeding, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and PFV President. ‘As we light the road ahead, we commit to ending epidemics, reducing disability, and saving lives.’

For parents like Marjorie, for doctors who see the toll firsthand, and for organizations pushing for stronger national strategies, the message is clear: meningitis must no longer be ignored. Awareness, prevention, and action can save lives-and ensure no Filipino child’s future is left in the dark.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) temporarily suspended the bond requirement for petroleum importers and producers, as the rule undergoes review for possible repeal by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

In a revenue regulation signed by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., importers and manufacturers of petroleum products subject to excise tax will not be required to post a bond.

The suspension will remain in effect while the ARTA reviews and provides recommendation on whether the bond requirement will be retained, amended or repealed. The review will determine whether the rule still provides value or if it only imposes undue burden on businesses.

It will also act as a ‘pilot implementation’ to assess the regulatory impact of removing the bond requirement.

To guard against potential abuses, importers must submit a monthly report to BIR and Bureau of Customs with details of imports, such as quantities, values and tax payments.

Importers must also still secure an ‘Authority to Release Imported Goods’ (Atrig) from BIR via the National Single Window system before the products are released. They must also be registered with the BIR and BOC and must have a record of good compliance with tax and customs rules.

‘Non-compliance with the foregoing conditions shall be subject to appropriate penalties under existing laws and regulations,’ the revenue regulation read.

Under Section 160 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, importers and manufacturers of excisable goods must post a bond, based on how much excise taxes they paid in the previous year, every year after their initial operation.

However, the BIR said representatives from the petroleum industry and other stakeholders argue that posting bonds is no longer relevant or necessary since oil companies are required to pay the excise taxes upfront before their release from customs custody or withdrawal from a refinery.

The bond also adds extra cost for these companies and contradicts the government’s policy of promoting ease of doing business, the BIR noted.

Based on the law, government offices are required to undergo evaluation and improvement of their transaction systems and procedures, as well as reengineer the same if deemed necessary to reduce bureaucratic red tape and processing time.

The ARTA will coordinate with all government offices to review existing laws, executive issuances and local ordinances, and recommend the repeal of the same if deemed outdated, redundant and adding undue regulatory burden to the transacting public.

STATE-RUN television channel Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) received a fresh lease of life after President Ferdinand Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12311 extending its franchise by another 25 years.

The franchise of the IBC is set to expire this year, but with the signing of RA 12311, it will now be allowed to continue its operations until 2050 unless it is sooner revoked or cancelled.

As part of its franchise, it will be allowed to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain for commercial purposes radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines, where frequencies and channels are still available.

The franchise also allows IBC to make use of digital televisions systems, microwaves, satellite and other new technology in radio and television systems.

It will be required to have free public service time, exercise self-regulation by cutting off the airing of materials, which incite sedition, treason and rebellion, provide employment opportunities, and disperse its ownership by offering 30 percent of its outstanding stock or higher percentage in any securities exchange in the Philippines within five years from the effectivity of RA 12311.

IBC must also submit annually a report on its compliance on the terms of its franchise to Congress on or before April 30 every year. It will be fined P500 per working day for non-compliance to the reportorial requirement.

The television network is an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office.

As early as 2023, there were already attempts in the House of Representatives to renew the franchise of the network, however, it did not push through after the Senate failed to pass its counterpart bill.

Marcos signed RA 12311 on 3 October 2025 and will take effect 15 days after it is published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

CALVIN OFTANA and Arvin Tolentino form part of the honor roll for next week’s 31st Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps (PBAPC) Annual Awards Night at the Novotel Manila.

Oftana is the recipient of the Order of Merit, while Tolentino will be recognized as the Scoring Champion during the October 13 celebration.

The Order of Merit is awarded to the player who garnered the most number of Player of the Week citations, while the Scoring Champion is determined by the highest scoring average of a player for the season.

Oftana of TNT was Player of the Week four times for Season 49, while Tolentino of NorthPort was the top offensive player with an average of 21.2 points.

Incidentally, the two were also recognized in the recent PBA Leo Awards as part of the First Mythical selection along with nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez and Robert Bolick.

Oftana played a key role in helping the Tropang 5G make the Finals of all three conferences, including their conquest of the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.

Tolentino won his first Best Player of the Conference award after steering NorthPort to the semifinals of the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup.

SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Wednesday renewed his call to revisit Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), stressing the need to ensure that the policy truly benefits Filipino farmers rather than undermines their livelihood.

During a meeting with farmers from Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Isabela, led by former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Dy reaffirmed his commitment to stand with the country’s agricultural workers and push for reforms that strengthen local production.

‘The lifeblood and vitality of the province of Isabela come from our hardworking farmers. That is why we hold them in the highest respect and esteem. We continuously address their needs and challenges-from land and water to their livelihood,’ he said.

The farmers expressed full support for Dy’s proposal to restore the rice import tariff rate to 35 percent from the current 15 percent, saying that the reduction has led to a surge of imported rice that continues to hurt domestic producers.

The House leader emphasized that Congress must act to restore balance in the rice industry and provide farmers with fair protection from market distortions caused by excessive imports. He cited the importance of reviewing the RTL’s implementation and the utilization of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to ensure that assistance directly reaches farmers.

‘We need to thoroughly discuss and revisit the law,’ Dy said.

He added, ‘What we want is to return the control of importation to the Department of Agriculture and give priority to the purchase of local produce before allowing imports. We must prioritize our own harvest before bringing in imported goods.’

The Speaker and the farmers also discussed long-term infrastructure needs, including a planned highway connecting Metro Manila to Regions 2 and 3 to reduce transport costs and improve access to markets.

‘That has been our long-standing dream. If realized, it will greatly ease the delivery of products. Isabela contributes about 15 to 18 percent of Metro Manila’s consumption,’ he said.

‘Congress is always open to you. The doors of the House are not only for lawmakers but for those who truly sustain our nation-the farmers,’ he added.