Category: Business Mirror

THE Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) is gearing up for what could be its most ambitious year yet as the group plans to take the country’s longest running and most recognized firearms expo to Davao City and Cagayan de Oro.

AFAD Spokesman Alaric ‘Aric’ Topacio confirmed that preparations are underway to stage DSAS outside Metro Manila as early as March next year.

‘Aside from our Manila shows, which are set for July, our cooperation with the LGUs in Davao and Cagayan de Oro is ongoing,’ Topacio said. ‘Our plan is to bring DSAS to the regions starting March to serve more responsible gun owners and enthusiasts.’

Topacio added that the demand from the provinces has grown steadily in recent years.

‘We’ve received a lot of requests to hold the show in the provinces. Davao and Cagayan de Oro are ideal locations to begin expanding the program beyond Manila,’ he said. ‘We already have strong connections in Davao because we held a show there last year. I’m hoping CDO will be just as smooth.’

His comments came as DSAS returned-without much fanfare-to its original home at the Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong, where the second part of the 31st edition opened on Tuesday.

About 40 exhibitors are showcasing the latest locally made and imported firearms, shooting optics, accessories and equipment in the expo that runs until Friday.

‘DSAS isn’t only a venue to showcase the latest hardware. It’s equally a platform for learning. Our goal is to help attendees build awareness, strengthen their skills, and fully understand the responsibilities of gun ownership,’ he said. ‘That commitment to education is what sets this show apart.’

He also highlighted the show’s role in uniting the firearms community.

To make purchasing easier, all exhibitors are offering automatic discounts, while representatives of the Philippine National Police are on-site to assist with documentation requirements.

Topacio said AFAD remains committed to supporting a growing and increasingly responsible firearms sector.

Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines proudly celebrated the graduation of its first batch of neurodiverse interns marking a major milestone in the company’s continuing mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

The Internship for Neurodiverse: Inclusivity Training and Milestone Celebration brought together families, educators, store teams, and MR.DIY executives to honor the interns who successfully completed their 10-week retail internship across MR.DIY stores in Metro Manila.

Launched in partnership with Candent Learning Haus in Parañaque City and Marvelous Minds Tutorial Center in Marikina City, the program bridges the path from internship to employability through a phased approach, equipping neurodiverse youth with valuable work experience in customer service, visual merchandising, and store operations.

Stronger together! MR.DIY Philippines, Candent Learning Haus, and Marvelous Minds Tutorial Centers came together to celebrate partnership and shared purpose – empowering neurodiverse talents through meaningful opportunities

In her opening remarks, MR.DIY Philippines’ Head of Legal, Compliance, and Sustainability Atty. Suzie Cu, underscored the heart of the initiative:

‘This program is more than a milestone. It’s a movement. A movement toward workplaces that see beyond labels, that value diversity not just in words but in action. At MR.DIY, we are not just compliant-we are compassionate. We are not just inclusive-we are intentional.’

A Two-Way Learning Journey

For MR.DIY’s retail teams, the experience was as enriching as it was transformative.

‘Before their arrival, our store operations were steady and reliable-but admittedly routine,’ shared Assistant Branch Manager Lloyd John Escuban.

‘Since welcoming our interns, the transformation has been remarkable. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to learn have elevated the overall store experience.’

From restocking shelves and arranging displays to assisting customers, the interns not only contributed to smoother operations but also sparked new energy across teams.

A touching moment shared by a store supervisor captured the heart of the journey, as a once-shy intern confidently assisted a customer independently for the first time, earning cheers from the team.

Customers also took notice, and have described the interns as polite, cheerful, and eager to help – embodying MR.DIY’s ‘people-first’ culture.

‘Inclusion Is Our Responsibility’

In her message to the interns and their families, MR.DIY Philippines Chief Executive Officer, Roselle B. Andaya amplified the company’s commitment to championing inclusion in retail and beyond.

‘At MR.DIY, we believe that inclusion is not just a value – it’s a responsibility. When we open doors for everyone, we don’t just build a stronger company – we build a kinder, more understanding world.’

Building a Scalable, Sustainable Program

MR.DIY Philippines’ Head of Human Resources Mydee David announced that by 2026, the program will be integrated into MR.DIY’s in-house Retail Training Program, ensuring structured support, sustainability, and alignment with the company’s broader talent development strategy.

‘We’re here to listen, guide, and grow with our interns,’ she shared. ‘We’re also expanding to Quezon City, Parañaque, and Cavite, opening more opportunities for neurodiverse youth to shine and build confidence in new environments.’

Recognized for Impact and Inclusion

MR.DIY Philippines’ commitment to inclusive retail and neurodiverse empowerment has earned widespread recognition across the region. The Internship for Neurodiverse program, along with the company’s broader DEI efforts, has been honored with multiple prestigious awards:

Creador’s 2023 ESG Impact Awards – for championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

2025 Retail Asia Awards – ESG Initiative of the Year (Philippines)

Asia CEO Awards 2025 – Circle of Excellence Awardee for Diversity Company of the Year

These accolades reflect not just a successful pilot, but a growing movement – one that celebrates ability, nurtures potential, and redefines what inclusive retail can look like.

MORE than 430,000 farmers have received indemnity checks worth P2.65 billion from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) as of end-October.

Data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed that the PCIC paid out a total of P2.65 billion in insurance claims to 439,087 farmers and fisherfolk from the January to October period.

Broken down, the agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued indemnity checks worth P1.81 billion for rice, covering 321,114 farmers; P426.54 million for corn to 77,385 farmers; P167.33 million for high-value crops to 20,618 farmers;

Furthermore, the agency paid out P195.27 million for livestock to 14,689 raisers and P14.14 million for fisheries to 2,824 fisherfolk.

The PCIC also released P33.19 million for credit and life term insurance covering 1,389 farmers and P12.49 million for non-crop agri asset to 1,067 farmers.

Data from the agency indicated that the bulk of the payout in the reference period was in Mimaropa at P519.47 million, which covered 35,652 farmers. This was followed by Western Visayas and Central Luzon at P328.87 million and P257.12 million, respectively.

Meanwhile, the PCIC noted that it paid out P50.86 million to 6,169 farmers in the first week of November as compensation for the damages caused by recent typhoons.

The chunk of the indemnification checks in this period were released to Mimaropa at P14.99 million, followed by Ilocos Region at P10.71 million and Western Visayas at P10.38 million.

In 2024, the PCIC said over 4.2 million farmers and fishers were insured, an increase of 7.76 percent from 2023. The coverage totaled P141.561 billion.

The agency noted that indemnity payouts reached P5.031 billion, which benefitted over 815,000 farmers and fisherfolk.

The PCIC earlier said it is seeking additional funds in 2026 to increase the number of insured farmers and fishermen to nearly five million by next year. The agency said it will need around P5.5 billion budget to achieve this, from its current P4.5 billion funding.

Loan program

Meanwhile, the DA’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), through its Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program, has released P139.7 million to 5,506 borrowers from the period of January to September.

This was about 95 percent of the total P147.3 million loans granted to 5,955 individual borrowers in 2024, which helped farmers and fisherfolk recoup from the damage to their livelihoods.

SURE allows up to P25,000 per borrower to support the rehabilitation of agricultural and livelihood activities of farmers and fishers in areas declared under a ‘state of calamity’ by the agency or local governments. This comes with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

The science agency’s newly launched Water Compendium is expected to help shape water-related research priorities by showing national and local officials the range of homegrown technologies already available, per the department.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the compendium pulls together work from the agency and its partner universities and is meant to highlight capacities that can support studies on water issues ‘at various levels, national and local.’

‘My observation is that most would really look outside of the Philippines for technologies, but with the use of the compendium, we will showcase that being Filipino can be successful in the Philippines,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

The Water Compendium, launched on November 19 as part of the NSTW, consolidates projects, programs, and interventions from 2018 to 2023, covering water supply, disaster-related risks, agriculture and community-level applications.

The document, per the DOST chief, also outlines examples of technologies that have been deployed in different areas, alongside those newly developed for water supply or risk reduction.

Solidum noted that the compendium aims to show both the technology and the practical use of each intervention, saying, ‘Sometimes, the technology available is good, but the way things are implemented may not be appropriate.’

In his opening speech, he described water systems as ‘both lifelines and risks,’ stressing that shortages or excess water affect food security, livelihoods and industry.

Touching the issue of flood control, he said that while its structures are built to carry specific volumes, extreme rainfall can exceed those limits, underscoring the need for ‘multiple layers of protection.’

‘Let the water continue to be like the water that provides life, the seeds of knowledge in our communities,’ he said. ‘But just like water, we need to make sure that this innovation should flow and influence our systems. Let it nourish partnerships as well.’

The Association of Philippine Journalists holds the 9th edition of the Samahang Plaridel Golf 2025 on Wednesday at the Villamor Golf Course in Pasay City.

A GWM Cannon LUX pickup, a Jetour Ice Cream EV, an Aprilia SRGT Scooter, and P100,000 cash will be at stake as hole-in-one prizes.

The annual golf tournament presented by Eight Plus, PAGCOR, Metro Pacific Investment Corp. Sen. Chiz Escudero, former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Presidential Communications Office and Philippine Sports Commission, is part of the fund-raising activities of the Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel, headed by its president Evelyn Quiroz.

The GWM Cannon LUX, a midsize pickup, is sponsored by Luxuriant Marketing Inc. president Ruben Tan, while the Jetour Ice Cream EV hatchback is being given away by Jetour Auto Philippines Inc., headed by its president Lito Jose.

The Aprilia SRGT Scooter is offered by Autohub Group of Companies headed by president WillyTee-Ten.

The Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP), headed by Oliver Gan, is sponsoring the P100,000 cash.

These valuable prizes will be up for grabs for all the participants in the Nov. 26 tournament also supported by Sprinto, Go for Gold, Action Lab, Terp Asia Construction, UNILAB, Cong. Rolando Macasaet, Cong. Romeo Acop, ICTSI, Honda Cars Phils., Inc., Security Bank, Isuzu, DBP, Monde Nissin, Meralco, Sen. Gatchalian, Jollibee, G-Cash, Kapihan sa Radyo, Voxpori Capital Pvt. Ltd. and One Chess Movement.

Registration is still ongoing while Samahang Plaridel is still accepting sponsors.

PHILIPPINE business groups said Washington’s lifting of tariffs on key agricultural products will provide ‘much-needed’ relief to Filipino exporters and farmers, as this is seen to improve demand and stabilize prices of local products.

‘The exemptions will provide much-needed relief to exporters, help safeguard jobs, and strengthen the competitiveness of Philippine products in one of our most important markets,’ Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio said in a statement on Wednesday.

Mangio said PCCI ‘appreciates’ the United States’ continued support and recognition of the Philippines’ ‘trade leadership.’

‘The announcement underscores the strong partnership between our countries and reinforces opportunities for Filipino enterprises to expand,’ added Mangio.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) welcomed the Executive Order issued by US President Donald Trump on November 14,2025 exempting key Philippine agricultural exports from the 19 percent reciprocal tariff.

Products include coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and certain fertilizers.

Philexport said this provides exporters with ‘critical relief’ and strengthening the competitiveness of Philippine exports in the United States.

Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Philexport, said: ‘This is a positive outcome of our sustained collaboration and engagements with key stakeholders and partners to convey the need for certain exemptions and maintain the competitiveness of Philippine exports, especially those products not locally produced in the US.’

Following this development, the umbrella organization of Philippine exporters said the majority of Philippine agricultural exports to the US will benefit from more favorable tariff conditions.

Based on 2024 data, these products include: coconut oil, both crude and other than crude which is the country’s top agricultural export to the US.

Other products are: fruit juices, processed pineapples, desiccated coconuts; prepared or preserved coconuts; bananas, other than pulp; dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteen; frozen tuna fillets; rice wafer products, and confectionery products.

Other agricultural exports now exempted include coffee and tea, cocoa and spices, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and selected fertilizers.

As of 2024, the US is the Philippines’ third-largest trading partner, the top export market, and the fifth-largest import supplier, with bilateral trade totaling $20.3 billion.

In addition to the said agricultural products, semiconductor shipments valued at $2.5 billion to $3 billion remain exempted from reciprocal tariffs.

‘Philexport remains committed to working with the Department of Trade and Industry to strengthen U.S. trade relations and bolster the competitiveness of Filipino exporters,’ added Ortiz-Luis.

INFLATION could climb to the upper end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target by mid-2026, driven by base effects and potential increases in global commodity prices, according to Metrobank.

During the bank’s 2025 Market Movers briefing, Metrobank Chief Economist and Market Strategist Nicholas T. Mapa said consumer price index gains are expected to accelerate in 2026 and approach the 4-percent target ceiling of the BSP by mid-year.

‘This upward pressure will be driven mainly by base effects on top of potential increases in global commodity prices, possibly fanned by US-imposed tariffs,’ Mapa said.

Still, Mapa said the average full-year inflation is still likely to stay within the BSP’s target range.

Despite the expected pickup in inflation, Mapa said the BSP is still poised to begin easing as early as December this year, with the Monetary Board maintaining a dovish stance through 2026.

The Monetary Board has delivered a total of 175-basis-points rate cut from a high of 6.50 percent after its fifth policy meeting this year, last October 9, bringing the benchmark interest rate to 4.75 percent.

‘With the price stability mandate still within reach, BSP will likely stay focused on supporting sagging growth momentum,’ Mapa said.

The anticipated rate cuts will feed directly into the bond market, with the Philippine yield curve expected to steepen next year.

Mapa said the lower borrowing costs should keep the short end anchored, while long-term yields may drift higher as the government increases borrowing in the 10-year tenor and as inflation gradually rises.

Expectations of further monetary easing would also reinforce downward pressure on short-term yields.

In terms of the peso, a weak local currency may continue next year as the US Federal Reserve continues its own easing cycle.

Mapa said the peso is still likely to face sustained pressure as structural factors, including projected current account deficits in 2026 and 2027, could weigh on the currency even as global conditions turn more supportive.

While the temporary ‘fiscal freeze’ could slow the economy in the short term, Mapa said growth should rebound next year as capital formation and investments recover, aided by the resumption of public construction and the lagged boost from monetary easing.

Two brothers, two offerings, one murder. Cain and Abel.

If you want to better understand the world, forget the textbooks. Just read Genesis 4. Since then, every war, election, and social-media meltdown has been a remix of that scene. That human conflict did not start over territory, ideology, or money. It started with the instinct to divide the world into ‘My Side’ and ‘The Wrong Side.’

Humanity has been refining that formula ever since, adding democracy, empires, social media, a 24-hour news cycle and the Internet did not help much.

The world has always been bipolar-split not just by wealth or power, but by the deeper instinct to divide humanity into ‘us’ and ‘them.’ We have been swinging that club ever since, from activists to revolutionaries, from party loyalists to hashtag warriors. Civilization simply gave us fancier tools and better costumes for the same old drama.

This ‘I am good, you are evil’ reflex runs through every age. Ancient societies drew sharp lines. The Athenian democracy that modern thinkers admire was built on the exclusion of any ‘undesirable’ voice. Rome carried that logic to perfection-freedom for some, second-class for others. Every empire since, from Britain to Spain to modern corporate empires, has operated on that basic two-tier system.

Religion gave the divide divine legitimacy. The Christian Crusades reacting against the Islamic Fatimid Caliphate and Seljuk Turks conquests turned ‘my faith versus yours’ into a blood-soaked campaign of righteousness on both sides. In modern times, sectarian conflict still dresses up as a moral struggle.

Like any market, morality runs on perception and demand. Outrage is the new currency, and everyone is spending it like there is no tomorrow. The more noise we make about being right, the less value truth holds. We inflate virtue until it is worthless, then wonder why integrity no longer buys much. Just like a bad economy, when everyone is selling righteousness and no one is producing responsibility, collapse is not a question of if, only when.

Economically, the bipolar pattern is just as clear. From medieval lords to the Industrial Revolution through Marxism and ‘free markets,’ progress was promised for all. But what was delivered was new forms of division.

Every new system promised unity while institutionalizing division, and each claimed moral authority and superiority for its hierarchy.

The pattern deepened. World War I split nations into blocs, and World War II rearranged them-Italy changed sides, Japan turned from partner to enemy, and the Soviet Union rose as an unexpected ally. The Cold War then globalized this binary thinking-capitalism versus communism, freedom versus tyranny, Nato versus the Warsaw Pact. Coke versus Vodka.

Each side cast itself as the guardian of virtue and the other as the face of depravity.When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, new divisions emerged: globalists versus nationalists, progressives versus traditionalists, urban versus rural across the world. The underlying psychology remained constant. People still sort themselves into opposing camps, each convinced of its own virtue.

Disagreement is necessary for functioning societies. The danger is when disagreement becomes identity, when policy preferences transform into moral crusades, when any compromise feels like treachery.Consider the Philippines. Spain formalized new dividing lines-friars and ‘ilustrados’ above, ‘indios’ below. Centuries later, the social order still looks colonial. The farmer in Nueva Ecija and the call-center agent in Cebu are too busy surviving to care which camp is holier. They just want a government that works and a life with dignity.

Perhaps the lesson of Cain and Abel is not that one was right and the other wrong. Cain mistook his rejection for injustice. Abel mistook his acceptance for virtue. Cain turned his hurt into righteousness, and righteousness into violence.

Humanity has been replaying that confusion ever since. The Left and the Right, the rich and the poor, the isolationist and the internationalist-all certain that their sacrifice smells sweeter to heaven.

The path forward requires asking different questions. Not who is righteous but who is responsible and to whom. Not which side deserves to win, but what outcomes would benefit the most people. Not whose sacrifice smells sweeter to heaven, but whose policies actually work.

Until societies learn to ask these questions, the pattern will continue. Two sides, each claiming moral superiority, each blind to its own capacity for both good and harm. Somewhere, one brother is still asking: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ The answer remains the same. Yes. You are.

CHANELLE AVARICIO took up the cudgels for the embattled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) delegation with a gritty one-under-par 71 in Thursday’s second round of the Party Golfers Ladies Open at the wind-whipped Lily Golf and Country Club in Hsinchu.

After a 76 in cold, blustery conditions on Wednesday, Avaricio showed remarkable composure and adaptability on the hillside layout and despite the temperatures still dipping and winds swirling, Avaricio’s 36-hole haul of 147 pushed her from 37th to joint 17th-seven shots off new leader Wenny Chang, who surged ahead behind a scorching 31 on the front nine en route to a 69 and a 140 total.

Avaricio credited her improved short game for her resurgence, particularly around the greens, where she repeatedly salvaged pars and maintained rhythm despite the elements.

‘My short game was so much better, especially my around-the-green,’ she said. ‘I didn’t really think of what to score. I just wanted to focus on every shot.’

While Avaricio climbed, early contenders Florence Bisera and LK Go were unable to withstand the demanding conditions.

Bisera limped to a birdie-less 77, sliding from a share of eighth to joint 30th at 149, where she joined fellow LPGT mainstays Princess Superal and Daniella Uy-who also struggled with 74 and 75, respectively.

Go, meanwhile, endured the toughest fall of the day.

An error-filled 80 sent her tumbling 37 spots down the leaderboard into a tie for 45th at 152, the gusting winds repeatedly punishing miscues off the tee and into the greens. She barely made the cut.

Among other Filipinas, Mafy Singson carded a 74 and climbed to a share of 36th at 151 to advance, but Marvi Monsalve missed the cut by one despite rebounding with a 73 for a 153.

At the top, local bet Chang grabbed the lead, banking on her early four-birdie burst that provided enough cushion to offset a shaky 38 at the finish.

Her 69 for a 140 aggregate nudged her ahead of Ching Huang, whose 70 placed her one stroke back at 141.

Did you know that preparing packed meals for loved ones is a cherished Asian tradition? All over the continent-in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and, of course, the Philippines-packing food for someone is tender loving care in action and reflects the affectionate nature of people who value family ties and warm friendships.

Cooking food and putting together ‘take-outs’ are a distinct Filipino love language. Besides frequently asking ‘Kumain ka na ba?’ preparing lunchboxes or take-out snacks are ways to look after our favorite people.

Last August, Bounty Fresh introduced K-Fried Chikin, a new chicken treat that satisfies cravings for Korean flavors and would be great to pack in a Korean dosirak or a Pinoy lunch bag.

Inspired by the Pinoy fascination with all things Korean, Bounty Fresh’s K-Fried Chikin is a saucy, meaty, 100% all-natural crunchy fried chicken-just the way Koreans love their chicken. Enjoyable both at the dinner table or as a packed meal, it comes in two flavors, BBQ and Sweet Vinegar. It is Bounty’s first-ever, ready-to-cook Korean-inspired chicken treat.

It contains only 0.1mg of sodium, meeting the FDA standards for low-sodium food, which is set at 0.1mg. Everything else is naturally flavored, so K-Fried Chikin is both tasty and nutritious. There’s no need to thaw it too because it’s ready to fry. Either as a home-cooked meal or as a packed goodie on the go, K-Fried Chikin is easy to prepare.

This new product joins the other Bounty Fresh Products in its Basta Baon line: the breaded chicken products (nuggets, sticks, popcorn chicken, chomps), pre-seasoned meats (tapa, tocino, longganisa, and chorizo), and premium high-quality eggs.

‘Bounty Fresh has always admired the generous, caring nature of Filipino moms and homemakers. That’s why we want to help them by introducing easy-to-prepare, high-quality food that they can provide any time of day to their loved ones,’ said Stephanie Balois-Guerrero, Vice President for Marketing of Bounty Plus Inc. ‘This new Korean fried chicken is the latest addition to the Baon line and adds an exciting new flavor to the mix.’

The Bounty Fresh K-Fried Chikin is available at bountyfreshmarket.ph and in leading supermarkets nationwide.