Category: Business Mirror

SUPER typhoons developing in the western North Pacific, including those that pass through the Philippines, are now forming with heavier rains and stronger winds than those recorded in past decades, a new climate study has found.

In a September report, climate research group Climameter said storms similar to Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) have become around 1°C warmer.

A typical storm now carries up to 10 millimeters more rainfall per day and blows about 4 kilometers per hour faster than comparable typhoons in the past, the study indicated.

‘They contribute to more extreme rainfall and flooding risks, particularly in the Philippines’ mountainous terrain and neighboring coastal regions,’ climate scientists Davide Faranda, Tommaso Alberti and Gianmarco Mengaldo said.

The researchers analyzed weather patterns linked to Nando’s rapid intensification, comparing how similar storms would behave under current conditions.

They are based on data from 1987 to 2023 versus how they might have developed in an earlier climate, from 1950 to 1986.

Results showed that recent super typhoons have shallower surface pressures by about 1 hectopascal, which marks stronger storm systems. Warmer sea and air temperatures also add more moisture to the atmosphere, meaning increased rainfall along the typhoon’s track.

Further, the report added that precipitation changes show up to 10 millimeters more rain each day, while winds are slightly faster near coastlines and offshore areas.

The study also compared conditions across several locations. Urban areas such as Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Calayan in northern Luzon now experience significantly wetter storms, while Hong Kong recorded minimal changes in temperature and a slight dip in wind intensity.

Some shifts in storm paths or rainfall distribution, they noted, could be influenced by natural climate cycles, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, or a decades-long natural warming and cooling cycle of the North Atlantic Ocean

‘However, the long-term changes in pressure, precipitation and temperature strongly suggest that the event’s severity is largely consistent with human-driven climate change,’ Faranda, Alberti and Mengaldo explained.

Projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed that tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific may become more intense even if they occur less frequently.

The panel also anticipates heavier rainfall and higher storm surges in the region, posing increasing threats to countries like the Philippines.

Between September 21 and 23, 2025, Super Typhoon Nando rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm before striking northern Luzon and eastern Taiwan with torrential rain, floods and landslides.

Philippine authorities reported at least 11 deaths as floodwaters and slope failures hit several provinces.

Adamson University clinched its first victory in UAAP Season 88 Collegiate football tournament, routing University of the East, 3-0, on Thursday night at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Carl Mahinay’s strike in the 41st to double the Soaring Falcons’ lead.

After missing several chances to extend their advantage, Roberto Roldan sealed the win in the 74th minute, ensuring Adamson claimed all three points.

UE had opportunities to respond in the second half, but Karl Festin and Jerome Abarca failed to convert.

The victory also marked goalkeeper Shane Salarda’s first clean sheet of the season.

‘Credit to them. The way they played, the energy they gave. They came out to win,’ Adamson coach Dalton Digha said. ‘I’m proud of them and I think they played their best game this season.’

UE, already missing head coach Frank Muescan and defenders Mark Maghinay and Christian Tio due to suspensions from last Sunday’s incident against Ateneo-which also led to a three-point deduction-faced another blow when Keith Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Adamson, coming off a 2-2 draw with the University of Santo Tomas, will next face the University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.

UE, still at the bottom of the standings, will take on defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. the same day.

Agyei lifts Ateneo past UST

GHANA’s Kofi Agyei scored in both halves to lead Ateneo to a 2-1 win over University of Santo Tomas.

Agyei struck in the 29th minute off a long pass from Mateo Lacson, then added a second after halftime from a low cross by Dov Cariño. He now has four goals this season.

The win moved Ateneo to second place with six points and a +4 goal difference, ahead of La Salle (4 pts, 0 GD). Ateneo and La Salle face off Sunday at 4 p.m. at UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Coach Paul Madrona, filling in for suspended head coach JP Merida, said injuries forced the team to rely on remaining key players and seniors to guide the rookies.

Ateneo dominated early, with Cariño linking well with Agyei and Joziah Rance. UST nearly responded after Agyei’s second goal, but Chris Valderama’s shot was saved by Alfonso Loja.

Late in the match, UST earned a penalty. Archie Belluga’s initial shot was blocked, but he scored on the rebound.

UST, still searching for a win, faces defending champion FEU on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Merida was suspended for verbally lashing out at UAAP Commissioner Rely San Agustin during a heated incident in the match against the University of the East on Sunday.

A LAWMAKER has called on the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s public infrastructure to ensure it can withstand natural disasters following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the coast of northern Cebu on Tuesday night.

Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez stressed the need to address the public’s ‘growing fear and distrust’ of government-built facilities, which he said are increasingly revealed as substandard, posing threats to life and safety during calamities.

‘Even as we have yet to assess the full extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake, it is also urgent that the government conduct a thorough review of the disaster-worthiness of all public infrastructure,’ said Benitez.

‘First expose the shoddy work, punish those guilty for it, then take the necessary steps to ensure that no public building, road, or bridge will contribute to loss of life, injury, and damage to property,’ added Benitez.

Meanwhile,Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal of Bagong Henerasyon called on Congress to include post-earthquake rehabilitation funds in next year’s budget.

‘I will make sure the 2026 budget includes specific funds for post-earthquake rehabilitation for the towns and barangays hit hardest,’ Nazal said.

He said of the role of government agencies in ensuring safety: ‘We will remind the Department of Human Settlements, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government that they must prioritize public safety through properly built houses and infrastructure.’

Meanwhile, Benitez, who serves as lead convenor of the Visayan Bloc in the House of Representatives, expressed solidarity with those affected by the calamity and assured that aid would be provided.

‘I wish to express my solidarity with the people of Cebu who have been impacted by the recent earthquake,’ he said. ‘Cebuanos can rest assured that their brethren in Bacolod and across the Visayan Bloc are ready to extend assistance to help them recover as quickly as possible.’

The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the earthquake has so far claimed 72 lives, with more than 250 injured.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently announced that based on the report of its Legazpi branch, all banks in Masbate have resumed operations following the devastation caused by Typhoon Opong.

However, according to the Masbate Bankers Association (MBA), some automated teller machines (ATMs) are still offline due to connectivity issues.

Nonetheless, over-the-counter withdrawals and other transactions may already be done at all banks in the province, the BSP said.

‘The BSP will continue to monitor banking operations in Masbate as the province recovers from the typhoon, in line with the central bank’s commitment to efficient delivery of financial services,’ read a statement issued by the central bank.

Initailly, the BSP said it can accommodate emergency withdrawals, should local banks from the island province of Masbate need it.

The BSP said that its Legazpi branch has been servicing the cash requirement of banks in Masbate.

‘The branch has also been closely coordinating with supervised financial institutions to sustain the availability of banking services in the province,’ the BSP said

‘These actions support communities hit by Typhoon Opong and keep essential financial transactions flowing during recovery. The BSP will continue to closely monitor the situation to meet the cash and banking services needs of the people,’ the BSP said.

Earlier, the President said among the pressing concerns in the province was poor access to cash due to the lack of power in many of its banks in the aftermath of Typhoon Opong.

He said two operational branches of Land Bank of the Philippines will try to provide for the cash withdrawal needs in Masbate.

Financial literacy

MEANWHILE, the BSP said it recently conducted an Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) in Cotabato City to help farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-entrepreneurs in the area make smarter financial decisions.

The sessions covered agri-business development, financing and insurance options, and digital financial tools.

These also included strategies for emergency preparedness and long-term financial planning as well as Islamic banking and financial services for Muslim communities.

According to the BSP’s 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey, 73 percent of farmers and fisherfolk remain outside the formal financial system.

Barriers include limited access to banks, high transaction costs, lack of documentation, and low financial awareness.

Through the EFLP, the BSP continues to advance financial education and inclusion, especially in underserved sectors like agriculture.

The Cotabato session was the fourth EFLP rollout this year, following earlier sessions for students and educators, MSMEs, and BSP employees.

EXECUTIVES of the BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp. (DBA BPI Wealth) are reviewing the company’s targets for 2030 after ending the second quarter with P1.63 trillion in assets under management.

‘[But] That’s just for BPI wealth,’ BPI Wealth President and CEO Maria Theresa D. Marcial said last Thursday. ‘So if we look at the total asset and wealth management business of the whole BPI group, that’s P1.9 trillion.’

Marcial earlier said that the asset and wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is targeting assets under management of P3 trillion.

The whole asset and wealth management segment of BPI which includes other legal entities with assets under management that it has in Hong Kong, Singapore and private banking clients whose assets are maintained with a parent bank.

Marcial said the bank would like to grow its share of between 20 percent and 21 percent of the entire trust industry.

‘Well, as in any business, we always want to grow our market share and take a bigger share of what we call bigger capture of the market. And we just want to continue to add each year, gain more market share. And also, the market is growing so all the other players will also continue to grow,’ she added.

BPI Wealth has about 1.3 million customers, compared with BPI’s entire customers of about 18 million.

‘The 50 million customers, I think that continues to be the goal. So we’ve run many aggressive campaigns across all segments. We want to grow to 50 million; the bigger share would be the core mass, the mass retail customers,’ Marcial told reporters in a forum on October 2.

For the entire October, the company will celebrate its Wealth Wellness Month, a call for Filipinos to rethink and reshape their relationship with money.

Wealth Wellness Month has become BPI Wealth’s flagship program to raise awareness and guide Filipinos through every stage of their financial journey. This year, it evolves under the theme ‘Own Your Future,’ a call to action for every Filipino to secure their tomorrow.

‘Financial wellness should not be a privilege reserved for a few-it must be accessible, practical, and transformative for all. We want to remind Filipinos that they have the power to take charge of their finances through informed, consistent, and confident decisions,’ Marcial said.

To bring the theme to life, Wealth Wellness Month 2025 will be anchored on four key events, each designed to influence a distinct audience segment to take charge of their financial journey: graduating students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and corporations.

By tailoring the conversation to the unique needs of these groups, Wealth Wellness Month creates a holistic platform where every Filipino can see themselves reflected in the call to own their futures.

The month culminates on October 25 with the Wealth Summit, a gathering designed for emerging professionals, with a special focus on Gen Z and Millennials.

BingoPlus turned dreams into reality as ten of its players are now proud owners of brand-new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i cars. The lucky winners won through the platform’s exciting lucky draw and officially received their dream cars during the awarding ceremony on September 27 and October 1 in Taguig City.

One of the winners, a family man from Laguna, works at a factory and only plays during his free time using extra money. He has been an avid player for almost two years. He expressed his joy after winning his first car, saying, ‘For the first time, magkasasakyan. Ang pangarap ko lang noong isang taon, motor lang. Ngayon, sasakyan ang binigay. Kaya masaya po.’

Another winner, who has only been playing for five months, previously worked abroad and now takes on welding jobs on the side. He became emotional as he recalled his experience during a fire disaster, expressing deep gratitude for this life-changing turn of events. ‘Actually sir, talagang nasunugan talaga kami, buong bahay namin. Tsaka nadamay din po yung paupahan ng aking mga magulang. Talagang totally zero kami eh, lahat eh. Nakakalungkot nga, sir. Eto, malaking tulong ‘tong BingoPlus sa amin. para mabawi namin yung nawala sa amin,’

A senior citizen who has been a BingoPlus player for only over three months is also a new car owner. She used to enjoy playing traditional bingo, then her grandchild introduced her to BingoPlus so she could enjoy the game online from the comfort of her home. She emphasized that her grandchild assured her it’s a safe platform, and in this digital age, it’s also efficient.

Also sharing his story of perseverance is a vendor of clothes and shoes who has been a BingoPlus user for a year. Without a permanent store to sell his goods, he often faces challenges, especially during rainy days. Hence, he expressed how grateful he is for the unexpected win, he said, ‘Di ko naman hinihingi yun kay Lord eh pero binigay na sa’kin. Sobrang thankful po ako kay Lord kasi sobrang blessings po yung binigay niya sa’kin.’ He shared that through this blessing, it will help him invest in his business, build a house, and support his family.

From the province of Lanao del Sur, another BingoPlus player’s life changed in an instant. He shared that the first thing he plans to do is take a vacation with his friends and travel in his new car to celebrate the win. Meanwhile, another winner of a brand-new car is a gardener from Baguio, who had always dreamed of owning one-and now, his dream has finally come true.

Although they all have different stories, all of them were initially skeptical about winning such a huge reward. But after confirming their prize, they proudly attested to how legitimate and reliable BingoPlus truly is.

Grateful to BingoPlus, the lucky winners shared heartfelt messages for the brand. Likewise, they all advocated for responsible gaming, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s limits-something they personally practice.

The grand prize, a BYD Sealion 6 DM-i car, can be acquired by a lucky draw daily. To earn draws, simply log in to a BingoPlus account and place a ?500 bet or make a ?100 deposit. New users also earn free draws upon their first log-in. In partnership with the International Series Philippines, the daily free car campaign also offers other exciting rewards, including an iPhone 17 Pro Max, Suzuki Burgman, AirPods Max, and ISP Music Festival tickets. The promo runs from September 9 through October 6.

Through the life-changing stories of its winners, BingoPlus proves that beyond entertainment, it is a platform that brings hope, joy, and new opportunities to Filipinos. Thus, BingoPlus continues to redefine entertainment and elevate its purpose-turning ordinary moments into extraordinary milestones in one’s life.

PERPETUAL Help started off its National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 basketball campaign with a dominant 67-54 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at San Juan Arena.

The Altas join Mapua in the win column of Group A.

‘Having that first win is always welcome, but we have a lot of things to cover,’ said Altas head coach Olsen Racela. ‘This is just one win, but I think I liked our defensive effort today.’

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while John Abis, John Boral, and rookie Patrick Sleat each chipped in 10 points.

Tristan Felebrico was the lone bright spot for the Golden Stags, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds.

JRU stuns Letran

Jose Rizal University opened its campaign with a stunning 73-69 victory over Letran.

The Heavy Bombers led by as many as 16 points before surviving a furious 23-point fourth-quarter rally from the Knights that nearly derailed their upset bid.

Justin Lozano paced JRU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Sean Salvador added 10 points.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Newcomers Jonathan Manalili and Chad Gammad chipped in 11 points apiece in the losing effort.

THE first batch of the 141-athlete Team Philippines will fly to Manama on October 17 five days ahead of the opening ceremony of the second Asian Youth Games (AYG), according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino on Thursday.

The mission, Tolentino said, is to match or surpass the two gold medals Pauline Lopez (taekwondo) and Mia Legaspi (golf) won in the last edition in Nanjing, China, in 2013.

‘We have strong chances at the gold medals in the combat sports, but we’re not discounting production in other fronts,’ said Tolentino, adding that the AYG is the second largest multi-sport competition in the continent after the Asian Games.

The Filipino athletes are competing in 19 of the 26 sports programmed by host Bahrain for the AYG, which started in 2009 in Singapore but were shelved twice in 2017 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

Jiu-jitsu has the most number of athletes with 17, followed by taekwondo with 16 and wrestling with 13 in the AYG where Bahrain included its domestic sport of camel racing as well as beach wrestling.

The Philippines is also competing in wolleyball (12), teqball (6), golf (6), triathlon (2), MMA (5), muay (12), athletics (8), boxing (6), cycling (6), weightlifting (6), table tennis (6), badminton (8), beach wrestling (3), aquatics (3), kurash (4) and pencak silat (2).

Tolentino said that in the last AYG meeting in Manama, the hosts announced that 4,250 athletes are competing and will be joined by 900 team and technical officials and 700 coaches.

In organizing the games, the hosts listed a 1,200 work force and 300 volunteers as they aim to surpass expectations.

The second batch of athletes, coaches and team officials are flying on October 20.

China dominated the Nanjing games by winning 71 of the 231 gold medals with Thailand emerging as the best Southeast Asian country with 17 golds, followed by Singapore with 14 and Vietnam five.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged churches to lead the country’s ‘revival’ amid a deepening corruption crisis, and wants faith leaders included in the Independent Committee on Infrastructure (ICI).

In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called on churches to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s future, saying they should ‘penetrate all spheres of influence’ and help lead the Philippines toward moral revival amid massive corruption.

Moreover, Cayetano made the call as he co-sponsored a Senate resolution congratulating the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide on its 47th founding anniversary, highlighting the crucial role of churches in guiding society beyond the spiritual sphere.

‘Where the church is, there the country will go,’ Cayetano, who is also a devout Christian, emphasized.

‘We ask them to intercede for our nation and penetrate all spheres of influence-business, schools, hospitals-because the country needs prayers, hope, but also leadership,’ he added.

The senator said faith-based institutions should go beyond offering prayers and actively participate in national reform efforts, including the fight against corruption.

‘We are encouraging all churches to be part of the disruption that is happening in our country. Not the disruption that is now full of confusion, anger, and fear, but hopefully the disruption that will lead us to a true revival,’ he said.

The minority leader also suggested that religious leaders be included in the ICI to strengthen the body’s credibility and moral foundation.

‘I think that’s what is lacking in the Independent Commission [for Infrastructure]. Why were religious leaders not designated there?’ he asked, partly in Filipino.

‘Truly, our country needs not only the prayers, the hope, but also the leadership,’ he added.

At the start of the plenary session, Cayetano prayed for a ‘revival’ in the hearts of Filipinos and in all sectors of society, from government to business institutions, plagued by dishonesty and corruption.

‘What we ask you, Lord, for is a revival. First, the revival of the heart of every Filipino, that he will look at you for hope. Second is the revival of communities, revival of faith in government, revival of integrity and honesty. May we look at the devil and tell him to get behind us because these are all lies,’ he prayed.

AFTER surveying first hand the devastation caused by the magnitude 6.9-earthquake in Cebu on Thursday, President Marcos announced an initial P580 million worth of financial assistance for the island province.

The Chief Executive visited Bogo City, Cebu, which was close to the epicenter of the earthquake, which killed 72 people and left many parts of the city in ruins, when it struck on Monday night.

‘The biggest damage that the earthquake caused was damage to infrastructure, buildings, and then things like the hospital. Look at this city hall. That’s exactly the effect,’ he said in Filipino in his speech outside the Bogo City Hall.

With the assessment on structural integrity of the many buildings in the city still ongoing, many residents of the city will be forced to temporarily live in tent cities.

‘We’re just hurrying [establishing the tent city]. so they can find shelter here. Because many, rightly so, are afraid to go back to the building. They’d rather be outside,’ Marcos added.

He assured that the tent city will have sufficient food, water, and electricity supply as well as sanitation facilities.

As of Thursday morning, the Department of Energy (DOE) was working to restore power in Bogo City.

Those whose houses were destroyed by the earthquake will get P10,000 cash assistance, Marcos said.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported the earthquake in Cebu has affected 170,959 people and left 501 houses partially damaged and 96, which were totally damaged.

Financial support

TO help the provincial government of Cebu, which has declared a state of calamity, to manage the pressing concerns in its quake-affected areas, the President said the national government will provide it with financial support.

He said the Office of the President (OP) will release P180 million for its quake assistance, of which, P50 million will go to the Cebu provincial government and P20 million to Bogo City.

The remaining amount will be distributed to the following municipalities: Bantayan (P10 million); Daanbantayan (P10 million); Madridejos (P10 million); Medellin (P10 million); San Remigio (P20 million);Santa Fe (P10 million); Sogod (P20 million); Tabogon (P10 million); and Tabuelan (P10 million).

The provincial government of Cebu said the President also announced each of the local government unit-run hospitals will receive P5 million each and P20 million for a Department of Health-owned hospital in the province.

Marcos said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed engineers to check on the status of the hospitals to determine if they can still accommodate patients after the recent earthquake.

The President also announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release P375 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). Cebu will get the bulk of the fund with P150 million while the towns of San Remigio and Medellin as well as Bogo City, will each receive P75 million.

The national government, Marcos said, will continue to extend aid to help in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in the quake-hit areas.

‘We will continue to monitor. We will continue to coordinate with the leaders-the local leadership to make sure that our rehabilitation and all the support we provide are going well,’ Marcos said.

Full arsenal

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has mobilized its ‘full arsenal’ of disaster relief to assist families affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

Assistant Secretary Leo Quintilla, concurrent Officer-In-Charge of the DSWD’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB), said the agency is providing food, water, shelter, and psychosocial support while preparing early recovery interventions, including the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.

As of the latest report, at least 4,000 families-approximately 20,000 individuals-remain displaced outside evacuation centers due to ongoing aftershocks.

‘We have deployed the full arsenal of the DSWD for the 6.9-magnitude earthquake. We are utilizing all available resources to both mitigate its effects and respond to the needs in the affected areas,’ he said.

The relief operations follow the President’s directive to immediately reach out to affected families and ensure the delivery of adequate assistance.

Immediately after the earthquake, Quintilla said the DSWD partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard to deliver ready-to-eat meals to Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas in Northern Cebu, despite uncertain road access. The department also deployed mobile command centers, water filtration trucks, water tankers, mobile kitchens, and food packs.

‘Our trucks are already on-site, including water trucks with filtration machines to ensure the availability of water, as the earthquake also affected the local water systems. Our water filtration kits are there, along with food packs and ready-to-eat meals [Rtef],’ Quintilla added.

The DSWD has initially released 6,800 family food packs (FFPs) and 2,000 ready-to-eat meals, with numbers expected to rise as operations continue. Cebu’s Visayas Disaster Resource Center is producing thousands of additional FFPs, ensuring an adequate supply for the entire province. Nationwide, the Department maintains 2.3 million prepositioned FFPs across hubs and distribution points.

Beyond immediate relief, the DSWD official also said that it is providing psychosocial support services to help survivors cope with trauma. Neighboring field offices have deployed social workers to assist families in evacuation centers.

Burial assistance will also be extended to families of earthquake fatalities. Early recovery efforts include the rollout of the ECT program, which provides flexible financial aid for essentials such as food and home repairs.

‘Aside from immediate response, we are preparing for the ECT, which allows families to use the cash for urgent needs like rebuilding shelters or buying food,’ Quintilla explained.