Category: Business Mirror

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s a banner year for Alvin Aguilar.

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

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

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

He credited the achievement to the entire Deftac community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tieza assesses damage

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

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

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

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

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

HSMA members, tourists safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s a hilarious before-and-after meme going around featuring Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon referencing job applicants and a popular tune of 1980s British rock band The Smiths.

The ‘Before DPWH’ photo shows Dizon all smiles and dapper in a casual business suit beaming at the camera. The ‘after’ photo has Dizon, now Public Works Secretary, dressed in a crumpled shirt and rain jacket, his face all scrunched-up in frustration and hair askew, while he is in the field probably inspecting another substandard flood project. The meme’s caption goes (sing it with me): ‘I was looking for a job and then I found a job, and heaven knows I’m miserable now..’

I don’t know what possessed Sec. Vince to accept the job as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief, when he was hardly finished with his work at the Department of Transportation (DOTr). I, for one, was still hoping he could order the construction of an escalator or elevator at the MRT Ortigas station. That is probably the worst hiking experience for commuters ever-after the legendary Mount Kamuning pedestrian footbridge.

(But as one former Cabinet Secretary told me, when I lightly ridiculed him about accepting his position, ‘You can’t say ‘No’ to the President.’ I of course retorted flippantly, ‘Yes you can!’)

But as difficult as the job Sec. Vince had to do in DOTr-although the cleanup there had already been initiated by his immediate predecessor, former airline executive Jimmy Bautista-the job of auditing and inspecting DPWH flood-control projects is probably not just exhausting but most likely depressing, as one can imagine. A trillion pesos in substandard or ghost flood-control projects in the past decade?! And yet we have floods everywhere?!?!

That staggering amount made me wince in utter grief and frustration.but, yes, anger soon followed-the reason I went out of my home, like so many thousands of other Filipinos all over the country on Sunday, September 21, to protest the continuing corruption in government. Ironically, it was the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines by the current President’s father, the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.-a name also synonymous with corruption.

It was Marcos Jr., of course, who opened the.uhmmm.floodgate of allegations and investigations into these DPWH projects, after he called out their irregularities and the possible collusion of some government executives. He later named 15 private construction companies which implemented these highly questionable projects.

And while both houses of Congress continue their respective probes into the flood-control mess, along with the President’s own recently formed investigation body, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, Sen. Loren Legarda, rightly so, recently raised the possibility that the corruption in DPWH may also cover other projects it implements for government agencies like the Departments of Health (DOH), Education (DepEd), Agriculture (DA), and Tourism (DOT).

Under the current setup, funds are lodged with the DOH, DepEd, and DA for infrastructure projects. These agencies then download these funds to the DPWH to construct those projects as it has the engineering expertise. (For tourism roads, funds for their construction are directly allocated to the DPWH, since the law doesn’t provide the DOT any infrastructure construction function, per se.)

During the hearing of DOT’s budget on September 25, Legarda demanded: ‘How would we know, as I said, health centers and hospitals, tourism roads, farm-to-market roads, DepEd school buildings, all DPWH [projects, have been completed?] If there could be some standard, or even goals in the DPWH for their own organic projects, what more the other agencies? Baka naman nabibiktima ang mga ibang departments?’

She continued, ‘If we allocate [project funds] in the other departments to be implemented by an agency, which has gained notoriety of late, and inaamin nila [that] this is this is what happens, we might be wasting the whole national budget, right?’

The senior lawmaker likewise instructed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco not to rely on the reports of the DPWH regarding the status of tourism roads, and instead have the latter’s own regional executives visit these projects for more accurate reporting.

Frasco had said during the budget hearing that 882.28 kilometers of tourism roads were completed by the DPWH from 2022 to 2024, under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). These projects cost over P46 billion.

To recap, the DOT and DPWH jointly forged TRIP in 2012, under the terms of then Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and then Public Works chief Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson. The convergence program calls on both agencies to agree on priority tourism roads that have to be built. These roads are designed to connect vital infrastructure like airports or seaports to resorts and hotels in key tourism destinations.

Following Senator Legarda’s own questions regarding the credibility of the DPWH’s tourism roads report, an agency insider told me that the Secretary will also have these projects probed. ‘It’s in Sec. Vince’s plan. We’re just gathering momentum to investigate those projects, too,’ my source assured.

So Sec. Vince certainly has more than enough work on his head, his shoulders, his hands, and his feet. Thank goodness he is young enough to have the energy to keep going around and inspecting all these DPWH projects. (I guess he has been hard-pressed to delegate the inspections as he is unsure how far corruption in the agency goes, and who can actually be trusted to give him honest monitoring reports.)

Sec. Vince should take loads of vitamins and minerals to keep up with the demands of his job.

Meanwhile, lawmakers-especially those alleged to have received kickbacks on these irregular DPWH projects- and officials of this administration have been put on notice. Judging from the numbers that joined the protest marches and rallies last September 21, we, the Filipino taxpayers, are not having any of this foolishness. We are keeping a close watch on the goings on attending this flood-control mess. And we are hoping something good for the country eventually comes out of these investigations, after all the hearings have been wrapped up.

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Laser Center under the Department of Dermatology on September 30, 2025, with a meaningful program in collaboration with Breast Imaging Center and Department of Psychiatry at the 8F Tower 2 Auditorium.

With the theme ‘Courage,’ the event honored patients facing skin and breast cancer, as well as those navigating mental health challenges, while paying tribute to the compassion and dedication of the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff.

In his opening remarks, Interim Co-President and CEO and Medical Director Saturnino P. Javier, MD, commended the cooperation among the Dermatology, Radiology, and Psychiatry Departments, emphasizing, ‘Unity and collaboration are highlighted by the several departments, and that has always been the flagship of Makati Medical Center-we collaborate at every important activity.’

The program featured Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista, MD, Head of the MakatiMed Wellness Center, who shared an overview of its services; Donna Marie L. Sarrosa, MD, Chairperson of the Department of Dermatology, who traced the history of laser dermatology and introduced Dermagraphix, the country’s first advanced skin cancer detection technology; and Julie Anne Patricia M. Songco, MD, who underscored the role of dermoscopy in early detection through her lecture ‘Dermo-scope: Zeroing in on Early Skin Cancer.’ Socio-civic leader Elizabeth Eder Zobel de Ayala also shared her advocacy for cancer prevention, followed by a message from broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano who expressed her appreciation for the hospital for the warmth and excellence she experienced in her every visit. Maria Luz Espinosa, MD highlighted the importance of imaging in breast cancer detection and Genevere Serna-Santos, MD recounted the history of the Breast Imaging Center. In line with Mental Health Awareness Month, Joaquim Gerardo L. Jurilla, MD, a second-year resident, presented on MakatiMed’s holistic approach to care, underscoring that healing goes beyond the physical.

The celebration culminated with ‘An Evening with Music and Advocacy’, starting with a surprise dance number from the LeBran dancers, a group of doctors. The event also featured OPM band Ben and Ben, whose music inspired hope, connection, and comfort among attendees.

Through this event, MakatiMed reaffirmed its mission to provide compassionate, innovative, and holistic care, supporting every patient’s journey to healing and wellness.

Why spend ?12 billion a year on foreign servers when we can build our own for ?2.5 billion?

This was the central question raised during the House deliberations on the DICT’s 2026 budget, as lawmakers pressed for investments in local data centers to reduce dependence on costly and risky foreign cloud storage.

Rep. Presley De Jesus asked the sponsor how much government would need to establish its own facilities.

Rep. Brian Poe, sponsoring the budget, replied:

‘Mr. Speaker, it will cost us ?2.5 billion pesos. However, what I wasn’t able to clarify. is that the ?2.5 billion is not all in one go. In fact, based on the absorptive capacity of DICT, we will have to spread out this ?2.5 billion across the remaining three years of the administration to build these data centers.’

Rep. Robert Nazal then raised funding options, suggesting the Spectrum Users Fund (SUF) as a possible source:

‘Since we’re already requesting for the ?2.5 billion and we intend to get it from the GAA, why not get it from the SUF?’

Poe acknowledged the proposal but explained DICT’s immediate priorities:

‘Mr. Speaker, DICT is prioritizing the connectivity, the internet connection, as well as the continuing appropriation for maintenance and operation of these Free Wi-Fi sites. Now, to my colleague’s point, I understand where he’s coming from. If there’s ?21 billion sitting in this fund and there is a bad need for these data centers, why not consider the data centers? And that’s something that we can take up. But before we go into that, I think the DICT has a pressing commitment by October to deliver these Free Wi-Fi sites to the Filipino people.’

Both interpellators and Poe agreed that local data centers are vital – not only to save billions in recurring cloud rental costs but also to safeguard sensitive government information. Poe closed by emphasizing that DICT has steadily improved its absorptive capacity – from 87% utilization in 2024 to a projected 93% in 2025 – making it ready to roll out phased investments in data centers while ensuring the timely delivery of Free Wi-Fi commitments to the Filipino public.

Seven years after the launch of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions Roadmap 2030, the Philippines’ performance in attracting international MICE delegates remains shockingly low. Senator Loren Legarda’s incredulous reaction to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) budget presentation, where it was revealed that a mere one percent of tourist arrivals are for conventions and conferences, underscores the gravity of the situation. With only 60,000 MICE delegates out of nearly six million international travelers in 2024, it’s clear the country is missing out on a significant economic opportunity.

The Tourism Promotions Board acknowledges the need for improvement, citing safety and security concerns as major challenges. While these are legitimate issues, they are not insurmountable, nor are they solely the responsibility of the DOT and TPB to solve. As Senator Legarda pointed out, MICE is a ‘low-hanging fruit’-an area where the Philippines should be excelling.

The lack of comprehensive data on MICE arrivals, particularly pre-pandemic, is a major impediment. The TPB’s admission that gathering this data is a priority for next year is concerning, given that the MICE Roadmap 2030 was launched in 2018. Without a clear baseline, it’s impossible to effectively measure progress and identify areas for improvement.

Even more troubling is the revelation that the DOT has yet to finalize a Strategic Action Plan for the MICE Roadmap 2030. Industry sources claim that they have not been presented with any concrete plans, and that the DOT has only launched a MICE slogan. This lack of action is unacceptable and suggests a lack of commitment to developing the MICE industry.

Compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines lags far behind. Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia all attract significantly more MICE delegates. While the TPB points to Malaysia’s landlocked status as a factor in its success, Singapore’s dominance in the region demonstrates that strategic planning, infrastructure, and effective marketing are key to attracting MICE events.

The Philippines has the potential to be a major MICE destination. With its beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and strategic location, the country has much to offer. MICE delegates spend a considerable amount of money and tend to stay longer, making them valuable tourists. To unlock this potential, the DOT and TPB must prioritize the development of a comprehensive and actionable MICE strategy. This includes addressing safety and security concerns, gathering comprehensive data, finalizing the Strategic Action Plan, and working closely with industry stakeholders.

The MICE industry holds immense potential for economic growth and job creation. With a daily expenditure of P6,000 per delegate and an average stay of 11 days, MICE tourists contribute significantly to local economies. We can develop our MICE industry by shifting from mere slogans to effective stewardship. This involves gathering reliable data, creating actionable plans, fostering collaboration across government, and empowering the industry to compete. If the next seven years repeat the past, the country risks missing out on a straightforward opportunity for higher-value tourism. However, if we take action now, the Philippines can still harvest the ‘low-hanging fruit’ outlined in its own roadmap.