Category: Business Mirror

THE Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) has unveiled the list of non-tariff measures imposed by the European Union that Philippine agriculture exporters must comply with even with a EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA) in place.

In a Viber message sent to the BusinessMirror, DTI-EMB Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte underscored: ‘Even with a future EU-Philippines FTA, these NTMs will remain in place because they protect health and safety.’

However, she noted that the FTA can ‘ease compliance by eliminating tariffs, fostering regulatory cooperation, and enabling recognition of Philippine certifications-helping exporters reduce costs and speed up market access.’

To access the EU market, Sykimte said Philippine agriculture exporters to the 27-member bloc must comply with these NTMs:

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements such as: Phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, inspections for pests and diseases, pesticide residue limits, quarantine checks and health certifications.

Meanwhile, the ‘Technical Barriers to Trade [TBT]’ that Philippine exporters would have to comply with are: Accurate labeling, proper packaging, compliance with product standards and ‘robust’ traceability systems.

Sykimte revealed these non-tariff measures after the Tariff Commission held last week the Public Consultation on Philippine Participation in the Philippines-European Union (PH-EU FTA).

In the consultation, Philippine agriculture groups expressed concern on the non-tariff measures that may prevent exporters from utilizing the free trade deal with EU, given the 27-member bloc’s stringent requirements.

Imelda J. Madarang, CEO of Fisherfarms Inc., an aquaculture processor and a pioneer innovation of farm-raised seafood products in the Philippines, pressed DTI on whether the agency is monitoring the non-tariff measures which the local industry is currently experiencing.

‘We’re very happy that we are still with the GSP [EU GSP+], although we are a little bit afraid that we might graduate but again, we have to be prepared for that. But at the moment, we’re very happy. As far as tariff is concerned. I was just wondering if you are also focusing or really monitoring the non-tariff measures which we are actually experiencing, because it’s very, very steep,’ Madarang, who also chairs the Philippine Export Development Council-Networking Committee on Agri-Policy (NCAP) said during the hearing.

‘We are just wondering because these were the issues raised by the industry, but we didn’t know where to go-whether it’s the Tariff Commission or somewhere else because it’s really, really steep,’ added the representative from the aquaculture industry.

The industry representative aired the concern during the tariff hearing as she shared that Indonesia and India complained at the Shrimp Global Forum about the new regulations being imposed by the 27-member bloc European Union.

‘It says that all animal-based food products will be covered, and that will include us. I suppose they are now requiring a list of antibiotics that we do not use. And again, a guarantee from the Philippine government or from the governments about the compliance and the control system which is very, very steep,’ Madarang explained.

She also cited issues on packaging certifications, ingredients in terms of color, additives, among others.

Through the lens of the local sugar industry, Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) executive director Jesus ‘Cocoy’ Barrera said during the hearing: ‘I echo the statement of Ms. Madarang regarding the availability of NTMs being imposed by the EU, particularly in agricultural imports.’

Barrera underscored that since the negotiation focuses on tariffs, ‘We may get market access, or we may appear to get market access because of the reduced tariff, the presence of NTMs may prevent us from having that market access.’

Data obtained by the BusinessMirror from DTI-EMB showed that the top Philippine food exports to EU in 2024 were: Coconut (copra), coconut oil and its fractions, prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs; Desiccated coconuts; Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved; Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers’ wares; Pineapple juice; Flours, meals and pellets of meat or meat offal, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.

The top 10 food exports of the Philippines to the EU amounted to $1.45 billion in 2024.

Newly minted Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad is back in the homeland to a hero’s welcome. The gorgeous Filipino-German supermodel, businessman and wellness director won the Philippines’ second Mister International title after ‘Gwapulis’ Neil Perez’s triumph in 2014.

‘It’s like a fever dream so far. Non-stop. I’ve been mobbed in Thailand, which was to me very surprising. I was about to go to the gym and then somebody recognized me and I, you know, I’m in my mode. I’m going to the gym for the first time [after winning in Bangkok] and then suddenly people are doing pictures and they congratulate me and I wasn’t expecting that to be honest,’ Kirk, 28, exulted at his victory presscon at Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City in Pasay, on September 29.

‘And honestly, the feeling that I’m getting from being Mister International right now, it’s like when you walk in the park and suddenly a fresh breeze hits you and it goes like, I’m still catching up to the feeling. I have nothing but love in my heart,’ a grateful Kirk smiled.

Kirk’s victory follows an exceptional streak by the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide kings this year. Kenneth Cabangcal placed fifth at Mister Supranational in Poland on June 28, while Kenneth Marcelino finished first runner-up at Mister Cosmopolitan in Thailand on September 7.

The two Kenneths, Mister Pilipinas-Manhunt International 2025 Raven Lansangan, Mister Pilipinas-Man of the Year Michael Angelo Toledo and Mister Pilipinas-Eco International 2025: Kitt Cortez ecstatically welcomed Kirk at the pressscon. Also making a surprise appearance was our first Mister International, Neil Perez.

Jether Palomo is currently in Bangkok aiming for a back-to-back victory for the Philippines at Mister Global.

‘You are loved even before the pageant. Your moment of victory, you’ve inspired a lot of Filipino men who are joining beauty pageants, especially me. And I’m sure that I’m speaking on behalf of our reigning kings as well. Look at their smiles right now,’ said Kitt, who hosted the presscon.

‘I’m glad that you’re here, guys. Thank you so much,’ Kirk beamed.

‘How crazy is that?’ asked Kitt.

‘It’s surreal,’ replied Kirk.

Kitt countered: ‘What does this victory mean to you, Kirk, personally?’

A still-overwhelmed Kirk, who bested 41 contenders, answered:

‘Well, it’s interesting since when I won Mister Pilipinas Worldwide and I got the title of becoming Mister Philippines International, it is something that you know will happen, you know, just day X, you prep, you train, day by day, and then suddenly it happens and you realize all the pressure that I didn’t feel before.

‘To be honest, I didn’t feel the pressure until I actually got the crown because I sat down alone in my hotel room after everything was done and I was munching on snacks already. But in that moment, I realized I worked so hard for this and honestly, it feels hard to describe the feeling because it’s overwhelming. I haven’t got time for myself to catch up, to be honest.

‘So, it feels like a sand clock, right? Like all the sand of my emotions is buckled up and just a tiny bit of sand is being metabolized, meaning my emotions, and day by day, I just realize how much attention I need to put in.’

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has approved P154.70 billion worth of investments in the January to September 2025 period, up 33.50 percent compared to the P115.87 billion approved in the nine-month period last year.

The investment promotion agency said these approved investments in the nine-month period this year are seen to generate 50,430 jobs.

Meanwhile, Peza said these investments may result in $4.49 billion worth of export revenues.

The approved investments in the January to September 2025 period comprise 215 newly approved projects spread across various sectors.

Of the 215 approved projects, Peza said 98 are into Manufacturing; 55 are in the IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector; 18 are into Domestic ecozones; 16 are Facilities; 17 are into Ecozone Development; 7 into Logistics and 4 are into Utilities.

As for the location of these investments, Peza said 178 projects are set to rise in Luzon; 29 in Visayas and 8 in Mindanao.

By source of investments, Peza pointed out that Japan has ‘reemerged’ as the top investing nationality of Peza. From January to September 2025, Japanese firms chipped in P14.78 billion in new and expansion projects, accounting for 9.55 percent of the investments generated by the investment promotion agency in the nine-month period.

According to Peza, at the ‘forefront’ of this resurgence is the registration of a domestic market enterprise in Tarlac City which is set to manufacture food products and processed foods inside the Tari Estate.

‘Valued at over P9.1 billion, this Japanese flagship food processing facility, one of September’s big-ticket approvals, will cater to both domestic and export markets and anchoring industrial growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor [LEC],’ Peza said.

In September 2025 alone, the investment promotion agency was able to greenlight 36 new and expansion projects worth P48.87 billion. These investments are seen to be generating $1.11 billion in export revenues and creating 10,312 jobs.

For his part, Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga said: ‘Japan’s return as our leading partner reflects the fruit of our investment missions and strong collaborations with stakeholders. With nearly 10 percent of this year’s total project approvals coming from Japanese companies, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and highly competitive hub in Asia.’

MALABON CITY-A new chapter in Malabon’s healthcare system officially began with the inauguration of the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital (SLRGH), now a Level 2 General Hospital, that will provide better health services to more Malabueños.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the blessing and inauguration ceremony along with Rep. Ricky Sandoval, who initiated the upgrade through House Bill No. 5791, Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa, and SLRGH officials.

‘With the collaboration of our Depoartment of Health and the initiative of our city’s former representative, Ricky Sandoval, the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital has been reopened – more modern this time, and able to provide more comprehensive services for more Malabueños. Now, along with the programs of the city government, our people are assured of better healthcare. We continue to pursue our goal of better services for all,’ Mayor Jeannie said.

The newly inaugurated six-story hospital along Panghulo Road boasts a 200-bed capacity, a major upgrade that will allow it to accommodate more patients. Equipped with modern facilities such as operating rooms, a labor room, an intensive care unit, a surgery consultation room, an emergency room, and a spacious lobby, the SLRGH ensures that Malabueños have access to comprehensive and quality healthcare.

SLRGH’s expansion was made possible through the initiative of Reo. Ricky Sandoval, who filed House Bill No. 5791 in the 17th Congress. The bill led to the allocation of funds for a wider hospital site and the construction of the new six-story facility under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program. In 2019, through Republic Act 11289, the former San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital was officially converted into the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, paving the way for its upgrade.

Because of this initiative by Sandoval, the hospital has increased its capacity from 10 beds to 200 beds, allowing it to serve more residents of the city.

As a Level 2 hospital, SLRGH offers departmentalized services, including:

Medicine

Diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses

Pediatrics

Child healthcare and wellness

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-Gyne)

Women’s health and childbirth services

Surgery

Safe and advanced surgical procedures

Anesthesiology

Specialized care before, during, and after operation.

It features modern equipment, including machines for colposcopy, MRI, CT scan, 2D echo, ultrasound, therapy, x-ray, a clinical laboratory, and other services under Level 2 classification that will improve the delivery of health services to residents. It will soon have a fully digital fluoroscopy machine, a fully digital C-arm machine, and a hystero-laparoscopy tower and instruments.

Founded in 1990 as the San Lorenzo Ruiz Municipal Hospital, the facility initially served as a small healthcare center before becoming the San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital (SLRWH) in 1998. From a modest 10-bed Level 1 hospital, it has now transformed into a 200-bed modern general hospital-proof of Malabon’s continuous investment in healthcare.

Over the years, SLRGH has also earned national recognition such as being a PhilHealth-accredited Center for Quality hospital, an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Government Hospital, and a Red Orchid Hall of Famer Awardee.