Category: Business Mirror

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday raised serious concerns over nearly P15 billion worth of uncompleted or non-operational projects, after reviewing items under the Department of Health (DOH), including the so-called ‘haunted’ super health centers.

Gatchalian described the centers as ‘haunted’ because, despite having physical structures, they have long remained unused and unoccupied.

During the Senate Committee on Finance’s hearing on the proposed 2025 budget of the DOH and its attached agencies, Gatchalian cited the 2024 Commission on Audit (COA) report, which revealed that 123 projects worth P11.54 billion were not completed within the contract period.

Citing DOH data, Gatchalian added that of the 1,099 super health centers scheduled for construction from 2021 to 2024, 319 projects amounting to P3 billion remain either unfinished or non-functional.

‘We will not allow haunted super health centers or unfinished projects to happen again. Everything under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program must be completed. Sayang ang pera, we’re talking about P15 billion,’ said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

To address the issue of incomplete and non-operational DOH projects, Gatchalian is proposing a counterpart program in which the DOH and local governments (LGUs) would share resources for the construction and operationalization of health facilities.

ZACH VILLAROMAN and Jakob Taruc salvaged an all-square result in the final pairing to help Team North escape with a nerve-wracking 6 1/2-5 1/2 victory over Team South in Thursday’s Foursomes of the International Container Terminal Servicers Inc. Elite Junior Finals in the City of Santa Rosa.

The tightly contested match-up capped a rollercoaster Day 2 in this Ryder Cup-style event, showcasing the country’s finest junior golfers at The Country Club.

With the team standings at 14-9 heading into the final match, South’s Eric Jeon and Mhark Fernando III looked poised to deliver a crucial point, taking a 1-up lead to the 18th.

But on the challenging par-four finishing hole, Fernando’s 3-iron approach into a stiff headwind found the pond, opening the door for Villaroman and Taruc to steal a half-point with a steady par.

They delivered, reaching the green in two and two-putting to snatch the tie and hike Team North’s lead, 14 1/2-9 1/2.

While Team North built on its 8-4 Four-ball win from Tuesday to take early control, Team South mounted a fiery comeback, winning key matches late in the day.

Earlier in the day, North captured six of the first 11 matches, threatening to pull away, but South clawed back in the boys’ 7-10 division with a clean sweep, while also notching pivotal wins in the 11-14 and 15-18 categories.

Ralph Batican and Marcus Dueñas exacted revenge on Vito Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki, 2-up, in boys’ 11-14, while Lucas Revilleza and James Rolida stormed back from behind to edge Halo Pangilinan and Asher Abad, 1-up.

Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo also repeated their dominance with a 2 and 1 victory over Zach Guico and Zoji Edoc in the youngest age category.

On the girls’ side, South’s 15-18 pairs flexed their experience and chemistry once more. Crista Miñoza and Precious Zaragosa cruised to a 3 and 2 victory, while Tashanah Balangauan and Mikela Guillermo secured a 4 and 3 rout .

Despite South’s late charge, Team North found strength in its younger divisions.

The girls’ 7-10 duo of Winter Serapio and Ronee Dungca remained untouchable, dispatching Soleil Molde and Denise Mendoza in just two and a half hours with a commanding 7 and 6 victory. Minutes later, Mavis Espedido and Tyra Garingalao matched the feat against Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy.

The back-to-back sweeps from Serapio-Dungca and Espedido-Garingalao-who also won convincingly on Day 1-agave North critical breathing room heading into Friday’s singles.

‘While we considered the players’ personalities when drawing up pairings for team formats, I think we’ll now be focusing on confidence heading into the singles-specifically, who has the mental toughness to go up against the South,’ said North captain Francis Talion, who acknowledged that the singles matches present an entirely different battlefield.

North also benefited from new pairings in the girls’ 11-14 division, where Mona Sarines and Alexie Gabi edged out Brittany Tamayo and Kimberly Baroquillo, 1-up, and Lisa Sarines and Kendra Garingalao cruised to a 5 and 4 win over Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos.

In other boys’ matches, Zianbeau Edoc and Jacob Casuga held off Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo, 2-up, in 11-14 division, while Patrick Tambalque and Kristoffer Nadales outclassed Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok, 4 and 3, in the premier category.

Every few years the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program becomes the subject of heated debate. Critics call it a dole out. Supporters defend it as the country’s flagship anti-poverty initiative. But the truth is that both views miss the bigger picture: 4Ps is not simply about poverty relief. It is about investing in the kind of workforce that can power the country’s economy for decades to come.

The genius of 4Ps lies in its conditions. Families receive assistance, but only if their children attend school and visit health centers. These requirements may sound basic, yet they are transformative. In a country where poor children often drop out early and health care is scarce, the program keeps families connected to services that build human capital. Every day a child stays in school because of 4Ps is a small victory for the nation’s future. Every clinic visit supported by the program is a step toward a healthier workforce.

Think about the alternatives. The government has rolled out other social protection schemes. TUPAD offers short term jobs to displaced or underemployed workers. DOLE-AKAP for OFWs hands out financial assistance to overseas Filipinos affected by crises. These interventions may provide temporary relief but they do not create inclusive growth. They are designed to patch holes, not to change lives. A few weeks of emergency work under TUPAD does not prepare anyone for stable employment. A one-time grant under AKAP-OFWs may ease the pain of job loss but it does nothing to ensure long term resilience. These programs need to be modified and tied more closely to 4Ps. Otherwise they remain palliative measures that neither reduce vulnerability nor build capacity.

The real strength of 4Ps is that it builds habits and expectations. Parents are nudged to keep children in school. Families are encouraged to value preventive health care. These are not small shifts. They reshape attitudes across generations. The payoff is a labor force that is more skilled, more resilient, and more competitive. This is not welfare. It is economic strategy.

Of course, the program is far from perfect. Graduation is often defined by whether a household reaches a certain level of self-sufficiency. But the more meaningful test should be whether children from these households actually transition into stable and decent work. If a teenager completes high school because of 4Ps yet ends up in precarious employment, the cycle of poverty has not been broken. What is needed is better coordination with programs that offer skills training, scholarships, and livelihood support. These should be the natural next steps for families completing 4Ps. Without this bridge, much of the investment is wasted.

This is why linking 4Ps to programs like TUPAD and AKAP matters. Imagine if instead of providing temporary cash or stop gap jobs, these initiatives were redesigned to help 4Ps graduates gain entry into sustainable employment. TUPAD could evolve into community based apprenticeships that feed directly into local industries. AKAP could be restructured to reintegrate returning migrants into a stronger domestic labor market. Both could act as transition mechanisms that ensure the gains from 4Ps are not lost.

The common criticism that 4Ps breeds dependency is tired and misleading. The conditions embedded in the program already push families toward self-improvement. No parent would voluntarily send a child to school every day or line up at a health clinic unless they believed it mattered. The dependency narrative ignores the fact that poor families, given the chance, are eager to invest in their children’s future. What 4Ps does is reduce the risks that poverty will cut those investments short.

The bigger challenge is political will. It is easy to fund short term programs that hand out visible benefits. It is harder to stay committed to long term investments whose results take years to show. Yet if the Philippines is serious about inclusive growth, then it must see 4Ps as more than a poverty project. It must see it as the foundation of a human capital strategy. Roads, airports, and technology hubs will mean little without educated and healthy workers to run them.

In the end, the question is not whether the country can afford 4Ps. The real question is whether it can afford not to. Every peso spent on a child’s schooling or on preventive health is a peso that secures the productivity of the next generation. Other programs should be redesigned to reinforce this goal rather than distract from it.

4Ps is not charity. It is not political tokenism. It is nation building. It is the closest thing the Philippines has to a real long-term strategy for inclusive growth. The challenge now is to sharpen its impact, tie it to programs that can deliver employment and livelihood, and stop pretending that quick fixes like TUPAD and AKAP can do the heavy lifting on their own. The country has a chance to turn social protection into economic strength. It should not waste it.

MERCEDES-BENZ Philippines has added the new GLE 400 e 4MATIC Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) to its electrified lineup. The German automaker claims the hybrid luxury SUV combines performance and efficiency. Its bold design, smart features, and electrified powertrain set a new standard for sustainable luxury in the Philippine Plug-in Hybrid segment.

AMG Styling

Regarding the exterior, the GLE 400 e boasts its AMG Line body styling, highlighted by the diamond grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome. These AMG elements include the front apron with chrome trim strip, side sill panels painted in the vehicle color, and rear apron with a diffuser-look insert in black and a trim strip in chrome. Other design features include distinctive air inlets at the front and rear, wing flares painted in the vehicle color, electrically folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror, aluminum roof rails, and illuminated running boards with rubber studs.

In addition, the vehicle features Multibeam LED Headlamps, which use individually controlled LEDs to adjust light distribution and include Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus for optimal illumination. The latest model also sports 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, designed for a blend of performance and visual appeal.

Inside, the GLE 400 e features the MBUX multimedia system with dual 12.3-inch displays and Augmented Reality Navigation. The model supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HDD Navigation, Active Parking Assist, and a 360-degree camera. The cabin uses ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfiber, while the Burmester surround sound system ensures high-quality audio.

The cabin offers heated front seats, power-folding 40/20/40 second row, and memory functions for the electrically adjustable seats. There is a rear sunblind, Thermotronic Automatic Climate Control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and standard 64-color ambient lighting.

Other features include a Nappa leather sport steering wheel, chrome interior package, anthracite open-pore oak trim, black roof liner, and panoramic sunroof. AMG-branded floormats and sports pedals add finishing touches.

Intelligent Hybrid Power

Motivation comes from plug-in hybrid technology that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering 252 hp and 400 N-m of torque. AC charging supports up to 11kW. The car provides an all-electric range of over 100 km (measured on the official test cycle). The AC charging socket is Type 2 and includes a cable for use with a domestic plug. A 7kW wall box charger with a 5m cable is also available.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures strong traction on varying roads. DYNAMIC SELECT offers drive modes suited for efficiency or performance.

Safety and convenience

The GLE 400 e includes advanced safety features like the PRE-SAFE system, which prepares occupants for collisions, and Active Brake Assist, which helps prevent or lessen accidents by monitoring traffic and intervening when needed.

Standard safety features include ABS, ESP, DSR, electronic traction, Hill-Start Assist, adaptive brake lights, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Other features: comfort seatbelts, window and knee airbags, pedestrian protection, belt tensioners, tire pressure warning, and Urban Guard Vehicle Protection.

As for comfort and convenience, there is a DIRECT SELECT gearshift with steering wheel shift paddles, central locking (remote control with selective and global opening), cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, hands-free package, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, wireless charging for mobile phone in front, and additional USB ports.

Pricing and color

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e PHEV with EQ Technology retails at P5.790 million. Available colors are Selenite Grey, High-Tech Silver, Obsidian Black, and Polar White.

A BILL seeking to use blockchain technology to let the public track where taxes go and eliminate corruption will be sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with a request for certification as urgent.

During the Senate Committee on Science and Technology’s public hearing on Thursday, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said he will ask the President to certify Senate Bill (SB) No. 1330 or the proposed Philippine National Budget Blockchain Act as urgent.

This comes after Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, the principal author of the SB 1330, asked Aguda if he would propose to the President certifying the bill as urgent. The measure has suddenly gained urgency amid widespread dismay over how the national budget process has been distorted by politics and corruption. Advocates of blockchain use say it is the best technology for preventing corruption.

In his presentation, Aguda likened the blockchain to a public bulletin board and a GPS tracker, where the public can track how every peso of their taxes will be allocated and spent.

Once the front-facing interface is published, Aguda said this can be accessed through a portal, such as the eGov app, allowing anyone to verify a project’s cost and progress.

Blockchain can help fight corruption through its immutability, as government transactions recorded on the technology cannot be altered or erased, Aguda said, adding that it also promotes transparency by making anomalies easier to spot.

The technology will also empower citizens to access and verify information, while pressuring authorities to act swiftly on project implementation, Aguda added.

‘This will also increase our trust in the government because trust is built when we see each other eye to eye,’ Aguda said.

‘If you will ask me how fast, I think in one year if we really have the political will to do this because we have the technical capability,’ he added.

‘Decentralize public finance’

Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Maria Francesca M. Del Rosario said in the hearing that the government’s goal is to decentralize public finance.

Del Rosario said that putting the documents in the blockchain is easy, having adopted the technology in the DBM’s budgeting process.

This quarter, the DBM launched a production portal that records Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) as verifiable, on-chain entries in partnership with BayaniChain and ExakIT Services.

It is the country’s first blockchain-backed budget transparency platform, making records tamper-proof while allowing the public to inspect how funds are authorized and released.

While only the SAROs and NCAs are already on a blockchain, Aquino said it only shows the item and whether there is cash available.

‘To really be able to understand where the stealing of funds happens, we have to go to the contract and agency level,’ Aquino said, noting that the records are not with DBM but with the legislators and project proponents.

‘I think what you’re doing is definitely commendable. It’s a great first step. But to address our concern, we have to go to the agencies,’ he added.

Bam’s pitch

In his opening speech, Aquino said putting the national budget on the blockchain answers many concerns in the current system: where the budget process has been opaque, blockchain can make it transparent; where there are insertions and supposedly completed projects, the bidding, awarding and disbursement of funds can be observed in real time.

‘We expect many more solutions against corruption to be proposed, and we need to bring them together and study them in order to achieve the systemic change we are seeking. By no means is this the only solution, but many of us believe it can be one of the major answers to our problems,’ Aquino added.

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.