Category: Business Mirror

TEAM North flexed its muscle in multiple divisions to seize control with eight wins out of 12 matches in the Four-Ball event of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. North vs South Elite Junior Championship at The Country Club in the City of Santa Rosa on Wednesday.

What began as a tightly contested showdown between Luzon’s finest junior golfers and the top talents from the Visayas-Mindanao region evolved into a dominant performance by the North squad which handled the pressure and pace of the day with poise despite the punishing heat.

Team North captain Francis Talion attributed their strong Day 1 performance to careful planning, preparation and a deep understanding of both their own players and the opposing team’s potential lineup.

‘Basically, we started by making critical projections on how the other team might compose their roster for Day 1-that’s what we based our own lineup on,’ said Talion, who also took the time to study each of their players’ personalities and how well their playing styles would complement one another.

‘Of course, we didn’t just consider their skills, but also their personalities, to ensure strong on-court chemistry and effective partnerships,’ he added.

The girls’ 7-10 pairings struck first blood for Team North-Athena Serapio and Ronee Dungca delivered a strong 3 and 2 win over Soleil Molde and Claren Quiño, while Mavis Espedido and Tyra Garingalao overwhelmed Denise Mendoza and Francesca Geroy with a 4 and 3 victory.

With Team North holding a commanding lead after Day 1, Talion hinted at minimal changes for Day 2, when action shifts to Foursomes, emphasizing the importance of team familiarity.

‘It’s all about chemistry. One of the key factors for Day 2 will be the lessons from today-what worked, what didn’t, and how the team handled different moments,’ Talion said.

Even in divisions where South showed flashes of resistance, North’s pairings remained in control with Zach Guico and Halo Pangilinan cruising to a 5 and 4 romp in the boys’ 7-10 division over Lucas Revilleza and James Rolida.

South’s Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo, however, foiled Zoji Edoc and Asher Abad, 3 and 2, in the other match.

In the boys’ 11-14 category, Zianbeau Edoc and Jacob Casuga outplayed South’s top gun Ralph Batican and Marcus Dueñas, 5 and 4, while Vito Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki smothered South’s Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo, 3 and 2.

The Sarines twins Mona and Lisa extended their winning streaks with impressive victories alongside different partners-Mona with Kendra Garingalao to edge Brittany Tamayo and Kimberly Baroquillo, 2 and 1, and Lisa with Alexie Gabi for a 2 and 1 win over Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos.

Team South staged a stunning comeback in the final match of the day as Eric Jeon drained a clutch pitch-in birdie on the challenging No. 18. The dramatic finish lifted his pairing with Mhark Fernando III to a thrilling 1-up victory over North’s Zach Villaroman and Jakob Taruc.

Trailing by two with just five holes to play, Jeon and Fernando mounted a spirited rally in the closing holes to square the match after 17 holes before Jeon’s brilliant birdie sealed the deal on the final green, earning loud cheers from South supporters.

‘I hit a good drive, but my approach came up a bit short. Still, I read the line perfectly from 23 yards and pitched it in for birdie,’ said Jeon. His clutch finish and the dramatic turnaround could prove pivotal, giving South a surge of confidence and much-needed momentum heading into Day 2, especially after trailing by as many as six matches earlier in the day.

Patrick Tambalque and Kristoffer Nadales delivered the eighth win for North with an emphatic 5 and 3 romp over Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok in the other boys’ 15-18 match.

Meanwhile, the South’s girls’ 15-18 squad lived up to their promise of dominance, delivering a commanding shutout against the North. Crista Miñoza and Precious Zaragosa led the charge with a 6 and 4 rout of Rafa Anciano and Chloe Rada. Their momentum was mirrored by Tashanah Balangayan and Mikela Guillermo, who also posted a decisive 6 and 4 win over Levonne Talion and Tiffany Bernardino-completing the South’s emphatic sweep in the premier division.

Despite trailing by four points, Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion remained optimistic, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back in tomorrow’s alternate shot format.

‘We’ll be reviewing today’s pairings and likely making a few adjustments-minor changes that we believe will better suit our strategy for tomorrow,’ said Gaccion. ‘It’s definitely going to be a different setup with the alternate shot format.’

Although Team South was outshone in several areas, Gaccion acknowledged both the challenges and bright spots from the day’s performance.

‘We expected our 15-to-18 teams to step up, and they did-we’re pleased with how they performed,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately, a few of our key players just didn’t have their best day, and that certainly impacted our overall standing. But with some fine-tuning, we’re hopeful for a better outcome tomorrow.’

Despite the deficit, Gaccion emphasized that the team is far from finished.

‘We’re still in contention. We’ll try to bounce back tomorrow and hopefully do good,’ added Gaccion.

Excitement and enthusiasm were clearly visible in the youngest divisions, with juniors relishing the chance to represent their regions. But it was in the older brackets-the 11-14 and 15-18 age groups-where the tension and focus intensified, adding layers of drama, thrill and competitiveness to the event.

With a four-point lead after Day 1, Team North is in prime position, but with the Foursomes today (Thursday) and Singles on Friday, the battle is far from over. The South squad will need to regroup and mount a comeback if it hopes to close the gap in this high-stakes regional showdown.

A PHOTOGRAPH showing Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo M. Lacson with the Discaya couple is likely meant to discredit his chairing of the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Lacson, who chairs the Blue-Ribbon committee, said the photo was taken during the 2025 campaign period, for an invitation to a political rally that he declined, and nothing more.

‘The fact that it is being circulated only means that it intended to besmirch my reputation and credibility in chairing the Blue-Ribbon committee on the flood control project anomalies,’ Lacson said.

One of those who shared the photo was controversial Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga.

Lacson stressed: ‘I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the Blue-Ribbon committee hearings that I met them. That meeting took around 15 to 20 minutes but not before that group photo was taken.

Lacson said that during the campaign period, a Davao City-based campaign supporter, Fred Villaroman, brought them to his office in Taguig City. Villaroman’s father, the late Police Brig. Gen. Francisco Villaroman, had served under Lacson in the National Police (PNP) and headed the security detail of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte until 2016.

During the meeting, Lacson was invited to a political rally of the Pinoy Ako party-list group, where the Discayas’ son was running as a nominee. Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya II were at the meeting.

But Lacson said he begged off from the invitation out of respect for his friend, now Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Sotto’s nephew Vico was running for reelection as Pasig City Mayor against Cezarah.

Also, Lacson said there were other party-list groups who were including his name in their sample ballots, ‘and I thought it was not a smart political decision to join a rally of any party-list group.’

Lacson, likewise, stressed that they did not discuss any campaign contribution. ‘I did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer any campaign contribution in whatever form,’ he said.

‘I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph,’ he added.

LACK of meaningful consultations with affected communities remains among the leading factors behind the challenges faced by families relocated under socialized housing programs, according to a recent report.

A study by the Philippine Resource Center for Inclusive Development (Inklusibo) urged government shelter agencies and private developers to have closer coordination with civil society organizations and local stakeholders to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for low-income families.

They highlighted the need to pair housing assistance with broader social protection measures, including fair income verification systems, affordability safeguards and integration with livelihood, education and employment programs.

‘Without sustained assistance, these families risk falling into a cycle of displacement and deeper poverty,’ Inklusibo said. ‘With the right intervention and a genuinely participatory approach that centers on the poor.’

The organization cited in-city, high-rise, and mixed-income housing models-such as the Tondominium project-as suitable for densely populated urban areas where land is scarce.

These designs, it said, allow families to remain close to their jobs and essential services while incorporating disaster-resilient features and maintenance systems.

According to the report, larger units are also more responsive to the needs of low-income families, which often have more members.

‘As low-income families tend to be large, its 44-square-meter units are better suited to their needs than Vitas Katuparan’s 28-square-meter units,’ the group noted.

Mixed-income occupancy was likewise found to foster stronger support networks and expand economic opportunities for residents, though Inklusibo underscored that displaced and low-income families must remain the priority beneficiaries.

The group further gathered other recommendations from stakeholders, including mandatory initial inspections before turnover to address structural issues early and the creation of public spaces to promote social interaction.

Relocating entire communities together, allowing families to live near one another, and providing responsive administrative support were also cited as key measures for ensuring smoother adjustment.

Resident views

SOME residents welcomed high-rise housing for accommodating more families, but many still preferred low-rise structures, citing earthquake safety and limited building lifespan.

About 45 percent of respondents said they supported the relocation, noting better safety, privacy, and sanitation. They also credited larger units, solid partitions, and security features such as guards and CCTVs for improved living conditions.

Cleaner surroundings and on-site administrators also helped deter trespassing, theft, and other crimes.

Participants reported better health outcomes, attributing these to improved ventilation and sanitation. Some also hoped that similar relocation opportunities would be extended to families still living in condemned Vitas Katuparan buildings.

Meanwhile, 35 percent opposed the move and 20 percent were undecided, pointing to gaps in post-relocation aid, strict building rules, inadequate closed-circuit television monitors (CCTV), unsafe playgrounds, and perceived earthquake risks. Others raised maintenance issues, including unit defects and persistent leaks.

‘Water leaks from ceiling cracks caused by earthquakes are a prominent concern among those on higher floors. Some residents, commonly in corner units regardless of floor level, also experience water leaks from windows during strong rainstorms,’ the report said.

Cracks on the roof deck were also reported but remain unaddressed despite a city ordinance mandating priority repairs in common areas.

Affordability, however, emerged as the most pressing concern. ‘Four households were already evicted, and over half face eviction threats,’ the report said.

Monthly rent is P2,000 for households earning below P13,000, and P3,000 for those earning more.

Launched in February 2022, Tondominium is among the Manila City government’s high-rise housing projects under Ordinance 8730, which allows vertical developments on government-owned land for informal settler families.

The P1-billion project, built through the Manila Urban Settlements Office (MUSO), consists of two 15-storey towers with 336 units for former residents of Vitas Katuparan, one of several condemned structures identified by the National Housing Authority in 2020.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling earlier said the government is recalibrating its socialized housing strategy to include horizontal or subdivision-style projects. His predecessor, Jose Rizalino Acuzar, had pushed vertical housing to maximize land use but acknowledged its higher planning and construction demands.

THE Western Union Co. decided to launch its mobile app to cash in on the Philippine inbound-market for remittances, which executives of the money transfer company see as remaining robust.

Gregory Laurent, director at Western Union Financial Services. (Australia) Pty Ltd, told reporters last Wednesday that the Philippines is the fourth-largest inbound market in terms of remittances. Averaging $36 billion annually, this market has been growing steadily year after year, according to Laurent.

‘It is a very successful market, and I think the company is doing the right thing to serve overseas in every country where they have presence,’ he said during the launch of the company’s mobile app in the country.

Laurent said they expect the app to be a growth engine based on the company’s experience in other economies. He cited the feature of the app, which combines digital and retail, making the value proposition in a very competitive environment.

‘Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our effort[s],’ Laurent said. ‘For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad.’

He said the firm’s new app ‘gives the opportunity to do both.’

Ricardo Alair, Western Union Director for the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau, noted that the digitization in the Philippines is fast paced.

Laurent credited regulator’s ‘huge’ support to promote innovation as enabling such momentum.

‘For us, it was actually an obvious choice to take the Philippines as a market to launch this new receiver environment,’ he said.

‘I think we are actually hoping that this is going to be super successful,’ Alair added.

Laurent said Western Union received a ‘warm response’ from the market considering the app was launched only ‘a couple of weeks ago.’ He noted there was traction already on the volume.

He said it took Western Union a longer time to enter the local market as the licensing took a bit longer for approval.

‘We took our time, but we are hopeful that this is the right product,’ Alair said.

‘We did receive support from the regulator as well. And then the second reason is, maybe, in terms of a roadmap across the organization, we had to wait for a fast spot to develop the app,’ Laurent explained. ‘Thirdly, we really took time to think about this experience wisely. We took time to make sure that we had the most efficient experience.’

According to him, the Denver, Colorado-headquartered company is looking at expanding its digital footprint from the current 80 countries.

According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances to the Philippines reached an all-time high of $38 billion last year. Further, the World Bank ranked the Philippines as the fourth-highest remittance levels among low-middle and middle-income countries last year. The biggest source of cash remittances last year was the United States, followed by Singapore.

IT is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. We look at colleagues who seem to be climbing the ladder faster, friends who appear to have more exciting lives, or neighbors whose families look perfect. Social media adds to the pressure. In just a few minutes of scrolling we can find ourselves asking why our lives do not look as polished as what we see online. The truth is that constant comparison is draining and it steals the joy that could be found in our own journey.

One way to avoid this trap is to remind yourself that what you see is rarely the full picture. A friend may post photos from a beach trip but you do not see the months of stress that led to that short break. A coworker may receive recognition at work but you do not see the late nights or personal struggles behind the achievement. Social media is often a highlight reel. Remembering that no one shares everything helps you keep perspective.

Another helpful approach is to practice gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling envious of someone else, pause and list three things you are grateful for in your own life. These do not have to be grand or extraordinary. It could be as simple as having a meal you enjoyed, a friend who listened to you, or a small task you managed to finish today. Gratitude brings your attention back to what is already working for you instead of focusing on what you think you lack.

You can also set personal goals that are based on your own values rather than on what others are doing. For example, instead of thinking that you must earn as much as a certain classmate, focus on what financial stability means for your situation. If your goal is to save enough to cover three months of expenses, then reaching that goal should be the measure of your progress. When goals are personal and meaningful, you are less likely to compare them with the achievements of others.

Limiting exposure to triggers is another practical step. If you notice that certain online accounts always make you feel worse, consider muting or unfollowing them. If you find yourself repeatedly comparing your home or possessions to those of a neighbor, spend less time looking at what they have and more time improving what is within your reach. You cannot control what others post or own, but you can control what you allow yourself to consume and dwell on.

It also helps to celebrate small wins. If you cooked a new dish for the first time, give yourself credit. If you finished a report ahead of schedule, acknowledge the effort. If you made it through a stressful week, recognize your resilience. These small celebrations create a habit of valuing your progress and make you less dependent on comparing yourself to others.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people also makes a difference. When you are with friends or family who encourage you, you feel less the need to prove yourself. A circle that appreciates you for who you are helps remind you that you are valued, even without constant comparison. Choose to spend more time with people who uplift you rather than those who compete with you.

More importantly, practicing self-compassion is vital because it shapes the way you respond to your own shortcomings and challenges. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being like someone else, learn to acknowledge your efforts and accept that mistakes are part of growth. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who has fallen short of a goal by reminding them of their accomplishments, encouraging them to keep going, and assuring them that setbacks do not define their worth. Offering yourself the same patience and understanding helps you recover faster, stay motivated, and build resilience.

Avoiding the trap of constant comparison does not mean ignoring the achievements of others. It means appreciating them without turning them into a measure of your own worth. You can admire someone’s talent without believing that yours is less valuable. You can be inspired by a friend’s success without feeling that you are failing. Life is not a race where only one person can win. Each person is on a different path with different challenges and different blessings.

The next time you catch yourself scrolling through social media or admiring someone else’s success, pause and remind yourself that you are only seeing part of the story. Shift your focus back to your own journey and notice how far you have come, even in small ways that are easy to overlook. Appreciate the blessings already present in your life, set goals that reflect your own values, and give yourself credit for both big and small wins. When you choose to celebrate your progress instead of comparing it to others, you create room to live more fully, with a sense of peace that comes from walking your own path with clarity and gratitude.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said the agreements ‘signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments’ and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s relations with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.

The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said.

In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc.

KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said ‘aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.’

Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.

‘This will contribute to the implementation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Program by ensuring that high-speed internet connectivity reaches local communities and benefits Filipinos,’ BCDA said.

Bingcang said the collaboration projects with Japanese partners are expected to ‘deliver direct benefits to Filipinos by creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving quality of life.’

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, who witnessed the signing of MOUs, said the agreements ‘represent a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.’

‘We are confident that these MOUs will pave the way for more meaningful business opportunities, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits not only to the companies involved but also to the broader Philippine-Japan economic relationship,’ Garcia-Albano said.

The BCDA also said its delegation will also meet with officials of the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development to align directions and strategies for the development of New Clark City.

The BCDA team will also visit the Shinagawa Waste-to-Energy Plant to benchmark operations and observe the management and technical aspects of the facilities before it wraps up its mission on October 3.

The agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon surged to more than P2.5 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

In its latest report, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 85,671 farmers and fishers have reached P2.51 billion, with the volume of production damage across 11 regions pegged at 186,253 metric tons (MT).

Rice bore the brunt of the damage caused by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong at 134,901 MT.

High-value crops, corn, and cassava also sustained damage at 32,470 MT, 18,871 MT, and 10 MT, respectively.

The report said the value of production losses is P1.51 billion for rice, P705.12 million for high-value crops, P278.14 million for corn, P8.12 million for livestock and poultry, and P260,000 for cassava.

Agriculture infrastructure also sustained damages amounting to P4.72 million; irrigation facilities, P3.28 million; and machinery and equipment, P143,000.

The DA said 74,689 hectares of agricultural areas were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 66,967 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P766.42 million in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds that would help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock were also included.

The DA said it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also noted that an initial amount of P237 million for the indemnification of insured affected farmers would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

The DA recently said it continues to gather field reports from areas affected by severe tropical storm Opong, which recently swept through key agricultural zones in central Philippines, including the islands of Mindoro and Masbate.

Last month, the agency revised downward its palay production forecast for 2025 to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the revised forecast for paddy rice output in 2025 during a recent hearing on the agency’s budget at the House of Representatives.

‘We revised our target from what we can see until the end of this year. We slightly lowered it to 20.3 MMT.’

The latest figure is lower than the agency’s initial projection of 20.45 MMT. However, this is around 300,000 metric tons (MT) more than the record 20.06 MMT output in 2023.

The country’s rice production fell by nearly a million tons to 19.09 MMT last year as El Niño ravaged plantations.

Because of the supply shortfall caused by the drought, the country’s rice imports reached an all-time high of 4.8 MMT last year.

THE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.

The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona told this newspaper.

Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as ‘B,’ which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.

The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as ‘B’ since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.

While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.

‘In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,’ Azcona said.

With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.

‘We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,’ he said.

‘Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.’

Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of mid-September, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced that the cancellation of the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list is now final and executory.

This follows the group’s failure to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court to stop the poll body from implementing its ruling.

In its statement, the Comelec reiterated that the commission’s Second Division earlier declared Duterte Youth’s registration void ab initio for failing to comply with publication and hearing requirements.

‘With the issuance of the Certificate of Finality and Entry of Judgment, the Order of the Commission En Banc as to the cancellation of the party-list registration of Duterte Youth is now declared immediately executory,’ the Comelec said.

The poll body also cited other grounds for cancellation, including untruthful statements in the group’s petition, questions on the eligibility of its nominees, and the lack of genuine intent to represent the youth sector.

It further noted that Duterte Youth was linked to the National Youth Commission, had promoted unlawful means to advance its objectives, violated election laws and regulations, and filed its petition in a manner that placed the electoral process in disrepute.

Duterte Youth garnered 2.33 million votes in the May 2025 midterm elections-the second-highest among party-list groups-which would have entitled it to three seats in the House of Representatives had its registration not been canceled.

The poll body said it would proclaim the three new holders of the vacated seats on Thursday afternoon.

For Filipinos struggling with anxiety, depression, and moments of acute crisis, accessible mental health support remains a daunting challenge. The expensive cost, limited availability of professionals, and mostly the unwanted social stigma often prevent those in need from seeking help.

Based on a journal in Acta Medica Philippina published in 2024, more than 12 million Filipinos are suffering from depression and anxiety due to poverty, disasters, and other socio-economic disparities. With the reported millions of individuals struggling with mental health, unfortunately, there are only two to three mental health workers available for every 100,000 Filipinos, according to the National Institute of Health.

Aiming to address this concern while at the same time create a compassionate community, the BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has made a landmark move to bridge the gap in mental healthcare by forging ties with two of the country’s significant non-government organizations – Love Yourself and Bridges of Hope.

‘At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in ‘multiplying the good’ by forging meaningful partnerships that create real impact,’ said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. ‘By combining our resources, we can strengthen our shared mission to make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their location or circumstance.’

EmbracePLUS: A helpline to self love

BingoPlus Foundation partnered with LoveYourself to establish a free help channel that would serve as the first line of support to fellowmen who are battling mental health issues – the EmbracePLUS.

Set to be fully operational beginning October 1, EmbracePLUS is a free helpline that acts as a critical first-response system for individuals facing mental health challenges. It aims to dismantle barriers to care, offering a critical first response system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or economic status.

Consisting of telehealth associates trained to provide essential Psychological First Aid (PFA) and counseling support, EmbracePLUS offers two key touchpoints: assessments currently available through its dedicated hotlines (Smart: 09082352351, Globe: 09563921924) from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, and first aid assistance through calls during the same hours. A 24/7 assessment feature via the EmbracePlusPH Facebook page is also in development and will be available soon.

BingoPlus Foundation and LoveYourself revealed that the new mental health helpline is a combination of two of their projects: Embrace Virtual Hub and KalusuganPLUS.

Embrace is LoveYourself’s established online health platform that specializes in immediate, confidential support while KalusuganPLUS, which recently rolled out community-based mental health training for first responders at the barangay level in Cebu and General Santos, is one of the core health programs of BingoPlus Foundation.

Dr. Vin Pagtakhan, Founder and Executive Director of LoveYourself, emphasized the sustainability factor. ‘Beyond amplifying awareness, BingoPlus Foundation’s support helps strengthen our capacity for responder training and operations, ensuring our programs are not only immediate but also sustainable,’ he said. ‘This collaboration highlights the value of working together across sectors to create stronger and more responsive services.’

The partnership is anchored by a renewed ?500,000 commitment from BingoPlus Foundation. This vital funding supports the ongoing specialized training for telehealth associates and operations of the EmbracePlus hub.

Bridging hope in a new home

With a powerful commitment to building a more compassionate and stigma-free society, BingoPlus Foundation continues to find ways to provide stronger mental healthcare assistance.

While EmbracePLUS serves as the first line of help, a major step for individuals with mental health issues, BingoPlus Foundation believes there should also be a ready and reliable community for those people who will seek long term support.

Enter Bridges of Hope, the country’s largest network of rehabilitation and recovery private centers. With over fifteen facilities located from Luzon to Visayas, Bridges of Hope provides treatment to addiction and mental health problems.

Camins-Wieneke disclosed that in the spirit of multiplying the good, BingoPlus Foundation is amplifying the capacity of Bridges of Hope centers to serve more through the organization’s donation of laptops, printers, televisions, projectors, fans, music instruments, and supplies saying ‘these are more than just tools; these are instruments of healing, learning, and hope.’

‘We deeply appreciate BingoPlus commitment to the well being of their patrons and the gaming community as a whole. By working hand in hand with BingoPlus, we can ensure that those who need support have access to the right resources and that our gaming environment is all safe and enjoyable,’ disclosed Jon Ty, Chairman and CEO of Bridges of Hope.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, BingoPlus Foundation reaffirms its commitment to combat the suffering of millions of Filipinos living with mental health challenges. Through life-support hotlines, rapid response initiatives, and the amplification of mental health shelters, the Foundation remains steadfast in its advocacy to bring hope and embrace love as it works to restore the well-being and dignity of every Filipino. This is the action it takes, driven by an unwavering commitment to serve.