Category: Business Mirror

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is considering setting up an auction for nuclear energy in a bid to deliver the country’s first nuclear-generated kilowatt hour (kWh) by 2032.

The auction could be patterned after the green energy auction program (GEAP), but since nuclear energy is not renewable energy (RE), then there is a need to conduct a separate auction.

‘We’re always saying it’s a low-carbon option. We are studying to have an auction for it. But we are looking at the legal framework,’ said DOE Director and Technical Secretariat Head of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) Patrick T. Aquino.

The DOE would have to issue a circular for the planned nuclear auction. ‘Any DOE policy is studied carefully so that when we hold consultations involving auction for nuclear, it means that we have hurdled their legal proposition. It can be treated as the same as any technology,’ added Aquino.

During the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2025 held Thursday, Aquino cited the significant progress the Philippines has made in preparing for its nuclear energy future, highlighting key milestones and strategic priorities needed to meet its 1,200 megawatt (MW) target of nuclear power generation by 2032. The DOE is also aiming to increase this to 2,400MW by 2035 and 4,800MW to 2050.

‘The NEP-IAC aims to transition from preparatory activities to implementation-ready frameworks,’ Aquino said. ‘In order to establish the groundwork for a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy future, 2026 will be crucial in reinforcing institutional readiness, technical credibility, and public trust,’ he added.

A historic milestone in the country’s nuclear energy goals is the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12305 or the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority or PhilATOM Act, which serves as the legal backbone for nuclear energy governance.

Aquino said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the PhilATOM law will be out within the year. ‘Our law will be effective before the end of October. What we expect is that we, at the DOE, are not part of the ones who will write the implementing rules and regulations. But in our NEP-IAC, we will provide support to our PhilATOM so that we can help accelerate and establish their agency,’ Aquino said.

The high-level forum gathered global nuclear technology leaders, policymakers, regulators, industrial partners, academia and development agencies from the United States, South Korea, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Argentina and the Philippines to exchange insights and collaborate on fortifying a robust and resilient nuclear ecosystem for the country.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been closely assisting the Philippines in addressing 19 infrastructure issues, currently handled by six NEP-IAC subcommittees. Last December, the IAEA conducted a follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission-a specialized review designed to prepare the country for the second phase of its nuclear development under the agency’s milestone approach.

In its 2018 INIR mission, the agency issued 14 recommendations, nine of which have now been fully addressed by the Philippines while five are in progress.

Just recently, the DOE released a nationwide Social Weather Stations survey showing that over 70 percent of Filipinos believe nuclear can deliver reliable electricity, reduce dependence on imported fuels, create jobs, and mitigate climate change.

‘Flawed’ survey

The Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement (NFBM), meanwhile, said the ‘flawed’ survey and the PhilATOM law are being used as a tandem strategy to fast-track the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and build new nuclear plants.

‘We are being rushed into a nuclear future based on a poll that highlighted only the benefits and downplayed the catastrophic risks of operating a nuclear plant. The ghost of the BNPP and the tragedies of Chernobyl and Fukushima are being obliterated by a marketing campaign,’ said Atty. Dante Ilaya, NFBM Chairperson.

The NFBM said the survey failed to present the consequences of nuclear accidents, long-term radioactive waste, and the immense financial costs.

Baseload facility

The DOE, meanwhile, said the country’s first nuclear power plant will be treated as a baseload facility, granted priority dispatch, and automatically certified as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS).

Under Department Circular No. 2005-10-0019, signed on October 2, 2025 by DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin, the agency established the policy foundations for the Philippines’ first commercially developed and operated nuclear power plant (NPP), designated as a Pioneer NPP.

The Pioneer NPP will serve as a cornerstone project, not only by diversifying the country’s energy mix but also by creating a robust framework that is attractive to both local and international investors.

Within 90 days upon the Circular’s issuance, the DOE will explore government participation models and financing options in collaboration with the Department of Finance, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the Maharlika Investment Corporation, and other relevant agencies.

At the same time, grid readiness will be prioritized to ensure seamless integration of nuclear power into the transmission system.

To support long-term financial viability, flexible contracting mechanisms such as auctions, direct contracting, or aggregation for industrial and economic zone use will be introduced. In parallel, the Energy Regulatory Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, will implement a Regulatory Asset Base (RAB)-type model or a similar capital recovery mechanism, anchored on minimum contract terms of 25 years, extendable for another 25 years.

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to release P375 million to support rehabilitation efforts in Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.

On October 2, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman instructed the DBM to immediately process the release of P150 million for Cebu province and P75 million for each of the municipalities of San Remigio, Bogo City and Medellin sourced from the Local Government Support Fund. The DBM assured the public that the national government has sufficient funds to quickly respond to the needs of the province.

‘Our government is prepared. We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,’ Pangandaman said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRM) Fund stood at P5.3 billion as of October 2. This calamity fund can be used for broader rehabilitation efforts and the repair of infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development was given P625 million for the replenishment of its Quick Response Fund (QRF), while the Department of Public Works and Highways received P1 billion.

The QRF is an emergency standby fund lodged under the NDRRM Fund, enabling frontline agencies to provide immediate assistance to areas affected by disasters and emergencies.

‘This is a whole-of-government approach-from the release of funds, to the delivery of emergency services, and the conduct of ground zero assessments,’ Pangandaman said.

Citing the latest reports, the DBM said the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left 72 people dead and nearly 300 injured in Cebu. Despite the extensive damage, the DBM vowed to provide the government’s support to speed up Cebu’s recovery and assist neighboring areas.

ALEXANDRA EALA aims to move a step closer to a second career title as she goes for a spot in the semifinals of the Suzhou Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 on Friday at the Sungent International Tennis Center in China.

The world No. 58 and fourth seed in the tournament, Eala takes on world No. 70 and tournament sixth seed Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

Germany’s Tatjana Maria, 38, second seed and world No. 44, was first into the semifinals with a walkover against fifth seed Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

Eala had a one-day break after making it to the round of eight with a 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 7-5 victory over world No. 106 Greet Minnen of Belgium. In the Round of 32, Eala beat world No. 124 Katarzyna Kawa of Poland, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

Golubic, 32, defeated 20-year-old world No. 140 Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-0.

Eala topped the Guadalajara 125 Open last month to become the first Filipina to win a WTA event.

The 20-year-old Filipina then bowed out at the quarterfinal stage of the SP Open, a WTA 250 event in Sao Paulo, and made it to the semifinals of the Jingshan Open, a WTA 125 event in China.

The top half of the draw has 20-year-old Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, the world No. 109 from Andorra, taking on Kyoka Okamura, the world No. 196 from Japan.

Kasintseva beat Jingshan Open winner Lulu Sun of New Zealand, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, while Okamura defeated 39-year-old Varvara Lepchenko of the US, 6-1, 7-6(2).

Katie Volynets of the US, 23 years old and the world No. 107, faces 27-year-old Caroline Dolehide, also of the US, for a place in the semifinals.

Volynets defeated third seed and world No. 57 Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands, 7-5, 6-1, while Dolehide beat world No. 243 Joanna Garland of Taiwan, 6-4, 6-4.

I oftentimes hear the expression ‘beyond measure’ in religious and poetic contexts. It means to an extreme or immeasurable degree; something that is so great, intense, or vast that it cannot be quantified or fully expressed.

In a world driven by metrics and key performance indicators, the phrase ‘beyond measure’ reminds us that not everything that counts can be counted. Associations, which are mission-driven, member-based organizations, are prime examples of entities whose true impact often defies simple quantification. While reports, surveys, and dashboards can capture the breadth of their activities, the depth of their influence is often intangible, yet deeply transformative.

As I wrote here in my earlier 3-part article series on ‘Why Associations Matter,’ associations play a pivotal role in shaping industries, advancing professions, and strengthening communities. They serve as platforms for collaboration, hubs of knowledge exchange, and catalysts for innovation. But their value extends well beyond the numbers and beyond membership tallies, event attendance, or revenue growth. Their work touches lives, uplifts standards, empowers individuals, and inspires collective action in ways that are difficult to fully measure.

Consider, for instance, a medical association that updates clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes. The direct output may be a published document, but the real impact lies in lives saved, suffering eased, and futures secured. Or a teachers’ association that advocates for better education policies whose influence may ripple through generations of learners, shaping mindsets and unlocking potential. These outcomes, though profound, rarely show up neatly in quarterly reports.

Moreover, associations often serve as guardians of ethics and stewards of trust within their sectors. They uphold codes of conduct, champion sustainability, and promote inclusivity: principles that contribute to the moral fabric of a profession or industry. This cultural and ethical leadership cannot be easily quantified, but it is essential to long-term progress and integrity.

The phrase ‘beyond measure’ also reflects the passion and dedication of association leaders and volunteers. Their work, often behind the scenes, is fueled not just by duty, but by a deep sense of purpose. They give of their time, talent, and resources to build something bigger than themselves. The sense of belonging, mentorship, and shared mission they foster among members has lasting emotional and professional value.

In an age of data-driven decision-making, it is important to recognize and celebrate the qualitative impact of associations. While it is necessary to track metrics and outcomes, it is equally important to listen to stories, gather testimonials, and capture the spirit of what these organizations achieve. Their influence, while hard to plot on a graph, is real and resonant.

As associations continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, e.g., adapting to digital shifts, responding to global challenges, and meeting the evolving needs of their members, they must not lose sight of this deeper impact. Their ability to inspire, to connect, and to lead with heart is what sets them apart.

In the end, the most meaningful legacies of associations are often those that can be felt but not counted. Their contributions, like trust, hope, and progress, are truly beyond measure.

Filinvest has been listed as one of the Elite Award winners at the Hubexo Asia Awards 2025, a rare honor given only to architecture and developer firms that have consistently excelled by winning ten or more times over the past two decades.

This elite recognition celebrates industry pioneers who have set the benchmark for innovation and achievement across seven key Asian markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

On top of this exclusive milestone, Filinvest also secured a place among the Top 10 Developers in Asia Awards 2025. This distinction recognizes firms that are shaping the future of the region’s real estate industry through scale, impact, and consistent delivery of high-quality developments. This dual recognition underscores the strength of Filinvest’s real estate businesses, affirming its position as among the region’s most outstanding, resilient, and future-focused developers-trusted to shape innovative communities that continue to set new benchmarks for excellence.

Filinvest earned its place among this exclusive circle through the combined achievements of its real estate arms, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) and Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI). Their multiple wins over the years at the Hubexo Asia Awards reflect the group’s enduring leadership and unwavering commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

Filinvest Land, Inc., one of the country’s most trusted and multi-awarded full-range developers, has established a nationwide footprint with a diverse portfolio of residential communities, integrated townships, commercial centers, offices, co-living spaces, and industrial parks. Guided by its mission to enrich Filipino lives, FLI continues to bring innovative, accessible, and meaningful developments to different parts of the Philippines.

Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) is the group’s premier high-end residential and township arm. Its flagship development, Filinvest City in Alabang, is the country’s only township with both LEED Gold and BERDE certifications-an embodiment of excellence in sustainable urban planning. FAI’s multi-awarded luxury residential brand, Filigree, showcases its commitment to superior design, comfort, and quality through standout developments such as Botanika Nature Residences and Golf Ridge Private Estate. These prime examples reflect FAI’s dedication to creating refined, future-ready communities that elevate modern living. With its pioneering approach and best-in-class portfolio, FAI continues to set the benchmark for high-value residential developments.

‘To be named among the Elite Asia Award winners is both humbling and inspiring. It affirms Filinvest Land’s decades-long commitment to building communities that improve lives, while also challenging us to continue raising the bar of excellence. This milestone is not just about looking back at our achievements, but about strengthening our vision of a more inclusive and sustainable future,’ said FLI President and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

‘We are honored to be recognized for pioneering communities that balance progress, environmental stewardship, and livability. This award affirms Filinvest Alabang’s position at the forefront of sustainable township developments and also our commitment to providing world-class homes for discerning clientele with our luxury residential brand Filigree. It inspires us to continue setting new standards in the industry.’ said FAI President and CEO Catherine Ilagan.

Being named an Elite Asia Award winner is both a recognition of Filinvest’s past achievements and a call to continue its pioneering work in shaping the future of real estate. The recognition comes at a special milestone, as the Filinvest Group marks its 70th year, further affirming its enduring legacy of excellence, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in nation-building and as one of Asia’s benchmark setters in property development.

It’s a banner year for Alvin Aguilar.

The Bacolod City native and founder of Deftac Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Philippines earned four Coach of the Year awards at the SJJIF World Championships in recently Chiba, Japan-adding another milestone to his nearly 30-year coaching career.

Aguilar, who has led Deftac since 1996, was recognized as Best Coach in four categories: Gi Adults, NoGi Adults, Gi Kids, and NoGi Kids. His team’s strong performance, with the highest collective points and most champions in each division, secured the honors.

‘I’m incredibly proud to share that I received the Quadruple Coach of the Year Award at the SJJIF World Championships in Japan,’ Aguilar posted on Facebook.

He credited the achievement to the entire Deftac community.

‘This is the result of everyone’s effort-from our chapter heads and coaches to the supportive parents and, most importantly, our amazing students,’ Aguilar said. ‘While I may be the face of this award, it truly belongs to all of us.’

Aguilar also expressed gratitude to Sensei Xande Ribeiro and Saulo Ribeiro for their mentorship and inspiration.

The first homegrown Filipino Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Aguilar is also the founder of the Universal Reality Combat Championship. He described his team as not just a group to train with, but a family to fight for.

‘Here’s to greater things ahead for all of us,’ he said.

THE government has directed its housing agencies to suspend amortization payments in areas severely affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu and the twin typhoons that battered the Bicol Region.

In a memorandum issued last Thursday, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) ordered the agencies under its tutelage to implement a moratorium on monthly housing amortization for members whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

The order covers the Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund, the National Housing Authority (NHA), the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) and the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC).

Regional offices of the DHSUD in Bicol and Central Visayas were also directed to inspect sites to determine the extent of destruction and identify beneficiaries eligible for assistance.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu on Tuesday night, killing more than 70 people and injuring hundreds. According to disaster officials, the tremor affected over 47,000 families, many of whom lost their homes after strong ground shaking and secondary landslides.

Last week, typhoons ‘Nando’ (international name: ‘Ragasa’) and ‘Opong’ (international name: ‘Bualoi’) swept across the Bicol Region, toppling structures and flooding towns in Masbate, where thousands of shelters were reported either damaged or completely destroyed.

According to a statement, the DHSUD is coordinating with other government agencies and the private sector to ‘streamline’ housing assistance and rehabilitation efforts.

LAWMAKERS on Thursday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to impose sanctions against Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu accused of forcing employees to return to work despite safety risks following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30.

Party-list Reps. Perci Cendaña of Akbayan and Sarah Elago of Gabriela called for an immediate Dole investigation into alleged violations of labor and safety laws committed by several BPO companies operating in Cebu. The quake severely affected BPO hubs in Ayala IT Park, Lapu-Lapu, and neighboring areas, leaving workers shaken and families distressed.

Cendaña said workers took to social media to report being threatened with being reported as absent without official leave (Awol) if they did not return to their work stations shortly after evacuating. Others complained that emergency exits were blocked, while some companies allegedly resumed operations without clearance from authorities.

Cendaña warned that companies should never put profit above employee safety.

‘It is heartless to force employees back to work just minutes after a massive earthquake. In such situations, human life should be the top priority, not corporate earnings,’ Cendaña said.

He urged Dole to investigate possible violations of the Labor Code and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, stressing that workers have the legal right to refuse unsafe work.

‘This cannot be normalized. Dole must act swiftly to ensure workers’ rights and safety are protected,’ Cendaña added.

For her part, Elago, whose party co-authored the OSH Law, condemned the reported violations as a ‘gross disregard for workers’ lives.’

‘This is a blatant violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Law and a gross disregard for workers’ lives. The right to refuse unsafe work is enshrined in law. Forcing BPO workers back to work amid aftershocks and without safety clearance is exploitation, plain and simple,’ said Elago.

Under the OSH Law (Republic Act 11058), workers have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation from management if their life or health is at risk. Employers are also mandated to suspend operations until competent authorities have declared workplaces safe.

She emphasized the need to strengthen the OSH Law by criminalizing violations and imposing stiffer penalties on negligent employers.

‘This tragedy should be a wake-up call. The OSH Law must be sharpened to hold negligent employers criminally liable for endangering workers. We cannot allow these reported BPO companies and other industries to treat calamities as mere interruptions to profit. Worker safety must come first,’ Elago added.

TOURISTS, hotels and resorts, and several heritage sites have been affected by the recent earthquake that shook the province and Cebu on Monday.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said on late Wednesday that 80 tourism establishments, 21 tourist sites, 36 accommodation establishments, and 23 other tourism infrastructure were damaged by the quake, which registered a magnitude of 6.9. The quake struck at 9:59 pm on Tuesday, with its epicenter located 11 kilometers off the eastern coast of Daanbantayan.

‘A total of 711 tourism workers in the Central Visayas region were also impacted by the quake, including employees of hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, transport services, and related enterprises,’ said the agency in a news statement.

Fifteen tourists were initially reported stranded-one foreign guest in Bogo City, eight in San Remigio, and six in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Eight of these 15 tourists already checked out of their hotels and were expected to arrive in Cebu City on Wednesday night.

The six tourists on Bantayan Island decided to extend their stay on Bantayan Island and wait for the ferry operations to Hagnaya Port to resume. DOT-Central Visayas was expected to facilitate the transfer of the foreign tourist in Bogo City to another hotel in the vicinity.

Tieza assesses damage

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who joined other Cabinet officials in assessing the impact of the earthquake on Cebu province, said she instructed the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) to assess the extent of the earthquake damage to historical structures and key tourism establishments. ‘These assessments will guide the next steps to ensure safety and provide appropriate support,’ she said.

Structures impacted include: Fort San Pedro, Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, Daanbantayan (heavily damaged coral stone church), Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Bantayan (partial damage to heritage structure), San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon (collapsed facade and roof), Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio (severe structural damage), and San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remigio (reported damage under inspection).

The provincial government on Facebook assured that Bohol is ‘safe and remains open to visitors. Our major roads are passable, and we have confirmed that there are no major damage and no casualties reported across the province.’

In Iloilo City, DOT Regional Director for Western Visayas Crisanta Rodriguez told the BusinessMirror, ‘Per report of our tourism officers from the local government units and tourism establishments, [there were] damage and affected tourists for Region 6.’

The provinces of Cebu and Bohol, along with Cebu City amd Iloilo City are among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. DOT data showed that last year, these destinations attracted a total of 5.63 million in foreign and domestic travelers, with Bohol topping the list at 1.37 million.

HSMA members, tourists safe

As this developed, Loleth So, president of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association, shared in a Viber message, ‘All is well with our hotels and members in Cebu. No untoward incidents have been reported to the HSMA as of this writing.’

For her part, Agnes Caparas Pacis, Vice President-Commercial of the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. said, ‘Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn Iloilo, and Park Inn Bacolod all felt the recent earthquake and have successfully and smoothly evacuated all in-house guests.’ More than 500 guests were safely evacuated including function guests and checked-in guests at Radisson Blu, where an event was being held, she added.

On Facebook, Cris Evert Lato-Ruffolo, who describes herself as a teacher and journalist, posted that she was attending the Miss Asia-Pacific International benefit gala at Radisson Blu Cebu when the earthquake struck. She said she remained calm with other guests until she was reunited with her family.

‘Nothing beats a hotel with people who know what to do when emergency situations like this happen. Radisson Blu Cebu immediately led guests to the parking lot and. distributed bottled water and chairs. No shouting from during the evacuation procedures. [They were] truly calm and it was obvious that they were prepared,’ she said in a mix of English and Cebuano.

In Bohol, Amorita Resort general manager Leeds Trompeta said, ‘All our guests and associates are safe, after a thorough inspection all our buildings and equipment did not sustain any damage. Currently, we are coordinating with relief workers to send help to those affected by the earthquake.’

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and file criminal charges against those behind the circulation online of a ‘malicious’ and ‘misleading’ article that undermines the commission’s mandate.

The ICI was referring to online reports claiming that it has tapped the assistance of Task Force Kasanag International, a nongovernment organization led by a certain John Chong, in its ongoing probe into the multibillion anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects of the government.

‘The commission categorically denies this claim. The ICI has not authorized, deputized or engaged Task Force Kasanag International, or any group led by Mr. John Chong, in any capacity related to its investigation,’ the ICI said.

‘This report is entirely untrue and should not be given credence,’ it added.

The fact-finding body assured the public that it is pursuing its mandate with ‘independence, impartiality, and professionalism.’

It added that appointments to the ICI or partnerships with other groups will be made public through the commission’s authorized channels.

The ICI was created by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. following reports of ghost flood control projects and other anomalies in the government’s infrastructure projects.

It is chaired by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, with former Public Works Secretary Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rosanna Fajardo as members.

Former Supreme Court Public Information Chief, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka, was recently appointed as ICI’s Executive director and spokesman.

Prior to his appointment, Hosaka served as commissioner of the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC).