Category: Business Mirror

In a celebration of sport, charity and community, the 3rd Battig Golf Cup brings golf enthusiasts to the lush fairways of Tagaytay Midlands on Wednesday.

This year’s event brings together foundation patrons and golf enthusiasts for a day of spirited competition, music, and camaraderie.

The tournament supports the Sister Baptista Battig Music Foundation, Inc., raising funds for its 32 music scholars, the Battig Chamber Orchestra, and the Streets to Strings program offering free violin lessons to underprivileged children.

Shotmakers tee off to empower the next generation of Filipino musicians in the event presented by Megan Stella Music, Orocan, Profiles Asia Magazine, Volvo Cars, Ms. Marianne Tan, and Xavier ’73 Forever, among others.

the tournament is held in support of the Sister Baptista Battig Music Foundation, Inc.

The foundation is named after Sister Baptista Battig, a Benedictine nun and lifelong music educator from St. Scholastica’s College Manila. Her legacy continues through programs that uplift young talents who may not otherwise have the means to pursue their musical aspirations.

THE Philippines received renewed interest from foreign travel buyers at the recent World Travel Market in London, but Filipino stakeholders pointed out the need for an improvement in the country’s marketing strategies.

Matt Poonin, general manager of Travelite Travel and Tours, told the BusinessMirror, ‘There were moments when buyers told us that the Philippines has fallen off the radar simply because other countries are more visible. This is why intensified and well-aligned strategies are important. Product development must continue, and familiarization trips should be directed toward serious buyers and credible media partners, not junkets. When the budget is used wisely, the returns are much higher.’

In a budget presentation at the Senate in September, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said it received a budget of P3 billion or about $52.1 million, while the Philippines’s Southeast Asian neighbors received: $431.42 million (Singapore), $262.87 million (Malaysia), $234.36 million (Indonesia), $167.9 million (Thailand), and $147.92 million (Vietnam).

Poonin’s view was echoed by Allan Santos, general manager of the Bohol Beach Club, who said his buyers observed that, ‘the Philippines has become silent on advertising and marketing efforts. This has resulted in a slip in demand from the European market as neighboring countries have been very consistent in their efforts, and new destinations are very aggressive. Without support, presence and efforts from the DOT, the private sector has to step up and fend for ourselves.’

Arrivals from Europe up 9.5%

DOT data showed that from January to October 2025, visitor arrivals from Europe increased by 9.53 percent to 520,629 versus the same period last year, with the largest numbers coming from the United Kingdom 138,074 (+7.32 percent); Germany 64,780 (+3.05 percent); France 57,954 (+19.2 percent); Spain 39,704 (+5.55 percent); the Netherlands 30,637 (+12.4 perent); Italy 27,220 (+24.5 percent); Switzerland 21,045 (1.02 percent); Norway 16,538 (+8.57 percent); Poland 15,289 (+ 44.4 percent); and Ireland 14,570 (+11.32 percent).

The Philippine delegation to the WTM was composed of 27 private tourism stakeholders such as destination management companies, tour operators, and accommodation providers.

Rajah Tours Philippines President Jose C. Clemete III estimated that his meetings with various travel buyers yielded actual bookings of some $60,000 from his current partners alone. ‘There is still a possibility of more business based on the discussions during the show. The markets would be from United Kingdom, Brazil, and New Zealand. It’s a very eclectic trade show,’ he added. New clients, which accounted for about 60 percent of his meetings, were from India and Scandinavia.

For Travelite, this year’s meetings with new and long-time partners were very strong. ‘New clients were very curious about the depth of experiences the Philippines can offer, while our existing buyers wanted to expand their programs with fresher routes,’ Poonin said, adding that ‘several groups are already on soft hold for 2026 and 2027. Most of these sales leads came from Spain, Italy, France, the UK, and the Nordic region.’

Camiguin, Siquijor, Dumaguete attracts

She added there were also ’emerging interests’ from Northern and Latin America, also the Middle East. ‘Many are looking at long haul leisure, private groups, and soft adventure programs.’

Overall, most of her buyers inquired about about ‘community-based activities, culturally rooted experiences, and trips that support conservation and local livelihoods. Aside from the usual favorites like Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Siargao, Banaue, and Sagada, many buyers were also drawn to Camiguin, Siquijor, and Dumaguete. They saw these destinations as peaceful, authentic, and ideal for travelers who want meaningful journeys that directly benefit local communities.’

Santos noted, however, that due to the dearth of information and ‘almost nil’ marketing efforts in Europe, many of the previous concerns of his travel buyers remained unaddressed. Among these were ‘connectivity within the country, safety and support from the government for a consistent and sustainable push for the development of tourism.’

There was concern on the recent natural disasters that have hit the Philippines, said Clemente, and buyers wondered about the difference in travel costs vis-a-vis other Southeast Asian countries. ‘The only thing we have going for us right now is that everyone else has been around our neighboring countries so they’re looking at the Philippines as a possible destination. But we have to convince them of the value-for-money proposition for the country along with the various attractions available,’ he noted.

SHOTMAKERS battle for honors at the Masters and Legends courses of Manila Southwoods, with huge prizes at stake including a Mitsubishi XForce GLS 1.5G, a Toyota Raize E MT, and a luxurious cruise package in the 2025 Chairman’s Charity Cup, which unfolds on Thursday in Carmona, Cavite.

Players will compete under the Modified Stableford scoring system for individual play, while teams will battle for honors in the Two-Person Aggregate format.

To accommodate the anticipated strong turnout, sequential tee times are set for Nov. 20 and 21, followed by a shotgun start for the final round on Nov. 22.

The club’s premier three-day tournament, with San Miguel Corp. as title sponsor, continues to shine as a standout tradition, blending excitement on the course with a strong sense of community and generosity. Each year, it draws members and guests who look forward to its unique mix of competition, camaraderie and generosity – core elements of the Southwoods spirit.

This year’s lineup of grand hole-in-one prizes is made possible by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. and Toyota Silang, Cavite, while Royal Caribbean/Baron Travel is offering a spectacular seven-night Mexican Riviera Cruise for two, complete with round-trip Manila-Los Angeles-Manila airfare.

As in its past staging, the cars and the cruise package will not go unused – they will be raffled off to participants if no player scores a hole-in-one.

Beyond the headline prizes, additional rewards for aces are being contributed by other valued partners. Gamboa and Sons, Inc., Ogawa Philippines, Rakso Air Travel and Tours, Inc., Time Golf Corp. (K and G), Okada Manila, BYD, and Jten Sports, Inc. (Srixon) are offering an impressive lineup, including a brand-new Gransportivo GSM 400, an Ogawa massage chair, a 6-day Mongolia Tour package for two, ?100,000 worth of K and G gift certificates, ?100,000 in casino play credits, a 2025 BYD Seagull, an MF Electric Golf Cart, plus an XX10 Eks Iron Set (Masters) and Majesty Driver (Legends) from Jten Sports.

Except for the irons and driver, all other prizes will also be raffled off if no hole-in-one is recorded – further highlighting the sponsors’ extraordinary support for the event.

For inquiries, email clubtournament.msgcc@gmail.com or visit the Front Desk for assistance.

Supported by longtime partners Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Royal Caribbean/Baron Travel, and Toyota Silang, Cavite, and Platinum sponsors Agricultural Products, Corp., The Turf Company, Solaire Resorts and Robin Jeon, along with Gold backers Abomar Equipment Sales, Corp., Agrexplore Corp., Aqua Haus, Inc., Bethel General Insurance and Surety Corp., Coca Cola Bottlers Phils. and Federal Land NRE Global, Inc., the tournament is open to club members, spouses, and dependents in good standing. Participants may join individually or as a pair, with solo registrants to be matched by the Committee prior to the event.

Other backers are Bronze sponsors Jea Steel Industries, Inc., Maguyam Logistics Supply, Inc., Mejore, Metro Rail Transit Dev’t. Corp., Newington Builders, Inc. PBR Law Offices, Penguin by Munsing Wear, Prime Power Manpower Services, RFM Corp., Romago, Inc., Sherwood Hills Golf Club, Smart Probe, Snackwell Foods Corp., Technology Exports Services, Corp., Time Cargo Logistics Corp. and Warbird Security and Investigation Agency, Inc.

MARIKINA City, the country’s shoe capital, announced opening the local government unit’s annual ‘Christmas Shoe Bazaar’ last Monday, ‘giving shoppers a chance to buy high-quality and affordable shoes, bags, and leather goods for the holiday season while boosting the livelihood of local shoemakers and leather goods manufacturers.’

A statement by the LGU quoted Mayor Marjorie Ann ‘Maan’ A. Teodoro as saying that the bazaar is a tradition built to uplift Marikina’s workers-one that began under the administration of her husband, Marikina First District Rep. Marcelino ‘Marcy’ R. Teodoro, and continues to be offered free of charge to support manufacturers.

‘Ito pong bazaar ay taon-taon nating ginagawa. Pinangunahan po ito noong panahon ni Mayor Marcy. Binigay niya po nang libre itong ating bazaar para makatulong na rin po sa inyo,’ she said, noting how the initiative has allowed local producers to earn significantly during the holiday rush.

This year’s bazaar features 39 local manufacturers of shoes, leather goods, and handcrafted bags. Among them are long-established family enterprises and emerging leather brands that have found a steady following in recent years.

Open until January 4, 2026, the Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Marikina Freedom Park welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.

The mayor also stressed that the Christmas season remains the most crucial period for Marikina’s shoe and leather sectors, with the bazaar providing an accessible and centralized venue for both longtime patrons and new customers.

‘Alam ko pong malaking bagay po [ito], lalo na itong kapaskuhan mas kumita po ang ating mga magsasapatos, at ang ating leather manufacturers,’ Teodoro said. ‘Kung kaya po naming i-extend, mas maganda pero talagang hanggang January 4 po narito po kami para sumuporta sa inyo.’

The mayor described the annual bazaar, organized by the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI), as a modest yet meaningful way for the city government to stand with its workers-many of whom rely on increased year-end sales to support their families.

‘Ito po ay maliit na bagay na pagtulong po sa inyo, pero alam ko na malaking bagay para sa ating mga manggagawa,’ she said, adding that the city wanted the event to be operational in time for workers to benefit before mid-month payouts.

‘Sabi ko, kailangan bago mag-akinse.’ Teodoro remarked, underscoring the city’s intention for the bazaar to serve as an early economic push for the community.

As the 2025 edition of the bazaar opens, the Marikina LGU chief expressed hope that participating producers will surpass last year’s earnings.

‘Ito po ay para po sa inyo. Nawa, itong bazaar, itong 2025, ay marami po tayong maibigay na tulong sa ating manggagawa, gayundin sa ating shoe manufacturers,’ Teodoro said. ‘Malampasan niyo po ang sales noong nakaraang taon.’

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has denied the allegations made by former congressman Mike Defensor that its men beat up a former aide of resigned Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co and forcibly flown the latter and his pregnant wife out of the country.

In a statement, the NBI said Defensor’s allegations were ‘unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and purely speculative.’

The NBI also challenged Defensor to present evidence to back up his allegations.

In his interview over Bilyonaryo New Channel, Defensor also claimed that the NBI provided Estrada and his wife fake passports before they were flown to Chile to prevent them from testifying before the Senate in connection with the multi-billion anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects of the government.

However, the NBI countered Defensor’s claim, stressing that they never had custody of Estrada and his wife.

It added that there is no existing complaint, report, or medical record showing that Estrada or his wife suffered physical harm.

‘We categorically condemn any false, malicious, or unverified statements intended to undermine the credibility and integrity of our institution. We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, due process, and the rule of law,’ the NBI said while expressing its readiness to be investigated in connection with the issue.

The NBI said it had already talked with Defensor on the matter and the latter gave his assurance that he would submit evidence to support his claims.

‘Should the evidence so warrant, the Bureau shall proceed with the appropriate investigative actions. Absent any credible proof, these allegations remain unfounded, cannot be given weight, and may even lead to prosecution for its malicious intent to undermine the credibility and integrity of the Bureau,’ it pointed out

ICI mulls indirect contempt vs CO

Meanwhile, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) said it is mulling to file indirect contempt charges against Co for his failure to heed its summons to appear before its investigation.

The ICI first issued a subpoena against Co last October 8, requiring him to attend its hearing scheduled on October 14 but the former solon did not show up.

It issued another subpoena for Co to appear at its November 12 hearing but it was not accepted, according to ICI Executive Director, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka.

‘The legal team will now look into the possibility of filing any petition before the regional trial court for indirect contempt,’ Hosaka said.

Co, who previously served as chair of the appropriations committee, left the country last July to undergo medical treatment in the United States.

The former solon has been criminally and administratively charged before the Ombudsman for allegedly benefitting from the P289.5 million anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Co has recently released a series of video statements accusing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that was made possible through budget insertions

He also confirmed the statement made by his ex-aide, former Marine officer Orly Guteza, before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee about delivering cash in kickbacks to Malacañang and residence of Romualdez in Forbes Park.

Co also claimed that Marcos received P25 billion, representing 25 percent in ‘SOP’ kickbacks from the P100 billion in insertions.

In the said video, Co showed photos of several luggage purportedly containing cash intended for Marcos and Romualdez.

Co and 17 other individuals for criminal and administrative charges in connection with the P289.5 million anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Hosaka, however, downplayed the value of Co’s video statements in the ICI’s ongoing probe because it has yet to be verified and authenticated. ‘Well, definitely we cannot use it because it is not verified. Unless, we have other evidence, or submitted evidence, which are verified or really strong, that is the only time we can truly give it attention and use it in our referrals,’ Hosaka said at a press briefing on Monday.

Hosaka confirmed that former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernado has applied as a state witness under the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Witness Protection Program in connection with the flood control scandal.

Hosaka said Bernardo cited his pending application as his excuse for not attending the ICI’s hearing scheduled Monday. According to Hosaka, the former DPWH secretary sought to become a state witness based on the second supplemental affidavit that he read before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last November 14.

In his letter, Bernardo told the ICI that under Republic Act No. 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program, he is not allowed to disclose information in connection with his application as a state witness.

‘Because of this, the ICI accepted his letter and affidavit so we can evaluate and include them in our investigation. This is the reason why our hearing did not push through this afternoon,’ Hosaka said.

DOJ mum on Bernardo’s WPP application

Meanwhile, the DOJ is mum on the statement made by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian that Bernardo has returned the kickbacks he allegedly took from funds allotted for the government’s flood control projects.

Gatchalian, in a radio interview, said restitution is part of the memorandum of agreement that Bernardo needs to sign with the DOJ in order to become a state witness.

When sought for the DOJ’s reaction on Gatchalian’s statement, its spokesman, lawyer Polo Martinez, reiterated the confidentiality of proceedings under R.A. 6981.

‘We’ll have to strictly abide by Section 7 of R.A. 6981 for this. Unless a written order has been issued by the Department of Justice, all proceedings and actions taken in the Witness Protection Program shall be kept confidential,’ Martinez said.

‘This includes the memorandum of agreement agreed upon by a covered witness and the Department, if any,’ he added.

Under the said provision, any person who violates the confidentiality of said proceedings could face imprisonment of one to six years aside from disqualification from holding a public office or employment for a period of five years.

Despite decades of medical advances, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the country’s most stubborn public health challenges. The grim statistics tell the story: more than half a million new TB cases were recorded in 2021, and by 2023, there were 643 cases for every 100,000 Filipinos-placing the Philippines among the top five nations in the world most burdened by the disease. Behind these numbers are lives disrupted by illness and communities caught in the cycle of poverty and infection.

The rise in TB incidence is not merely a medical concern-it is a social and developmental one. Overcrowded housing, poor nutrition, delayed access to healthcare, and lingering stigma continue to fuel transmission.

But amid these sobering realities, there is hope. The Department of Health’s ambitious plan to screen 12 million Filipinos by 2026 marks a significant turning point. Backed by strong political will-President Marcos’ directive and the doubling of the DOH’s TB budget from P2.6 billion in 2025 to P4.2 billion in 2026-the government is signaling that TB elimination is not a distant dream, but a national priority. (Read the BusinessMirror story: ‘DOH targets 12 million TB screenings by 2026 with new elimination plan,’ November 13, 2025).

The second phase of the Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan (PhilSTEP2 2025-2030) represents a forward-looking approach that combines technology, innovation, and inclusive governance. Ultra-portable AI-powered chest X-rays and WHO-approved molecular diagnostics are modernizing case detection. The adoption of a shorter, all-oral regimen for drug-resistant TB-cutting treatment time from two years to six months-is revolutionary, not only for its efficacy but also for its compassion. For many patients, it means fewer side effects, less stigma, and renewed dignity.

Equally promising is the emphasis on prevention. The use of shorter Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) and aggressive contact tracing have already led to a significant rise in enrollment, particularly among high-risk groups. The fact that children with non-severe TB can now complete treatment in four months instead of six underscores the DOH’s adaptability in addressing community needs.

Crucially, these medical interventions are being paired with social and behavioral change initiatives. Through grassroots campaigns like TPTodo and health education caravans, the message reaches the smallest barangays: TB is curable, early detection saves lives, and no one should suffer in silence. Such efforts recognize that community engagement is the bedrock of sustainable public health.

The challenge, however, lies in sustaining momentum. Budget allocations must translate into tangible improvements at the local level-functional health centers, well-trained community workers, timely drug supply, and robust data systems. LGUs must be empowered to lead, while private and civil society partners should continue to complement government efforts through outreach, education, and care delivery.

The World Health Organization’s continued partnership and the example of provinces like Guimaras, aspiring to become the country’s first TB-free island, show what is possible when policy, innovation, and community converge.

Tuberculosis may be centuries old, but its persistence in 21st-century Philippines is unacceptable. The numbers are daunting, but the tools to reverse them are finally within reach.

If the Philippines succeeds in turning this corner-not just reducing but eliminating TB-it will stand as proof that even the oldest public health enemies can be defeated when science, leadership, and society unite for a common purpose.

Eliminating tuberculosis by 2030 is not just a health target; it is a moral imperative and a promise of equity, life, and hope for every Filipino.

IN response to rising global and domestic economic challenges, the think tank Stratbase Group is convening top government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and decision makers at the 10th Pilipinas Conference to strategize on achieving stronger economic security, inclusive governance, and sustainable growth.

To be held on November 20-21, 2025, the annual flagship event has established itself as one of the country’s leading platforms for policy dialogue and reform advocacy, bringing together key players from government, the diplomatic corps, business, and civil society.

On the first day of the Pilipinas Conference 2025, a forum titled, ‘Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Approaches, Responses, and Practical Actions’ will open the high-level session aiming to tackle the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape in the Indo-Pacific, exploring the strategic, legal, political, and technical dimensions of safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Discussions will center on cross-border cyber threats, policy and coordination challenges, and the need for stronger public-private collaboration and regional partnerships to enhance collective resilience.

The second day of the conference, themed ‘Strengthening Economic Security and Resilience through Inclusive Governance,’ will spotlight how public-private partnerships can shape policies that protect the economy, empower citizens, and position the Philippines for long-term prosperity.

Among the invited speakers are Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio Dizon, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla. They will be joined by leading executives from the infrastructure, energy, and business sectors.

‘Economic security is now central to national security,’ said Prof. Victor Andres Manhit, President of Stratbase Group. ‘We need strong governance, transparent institutions, and an empowered private sector to ensure that growth is not only sustainable but also inclusive.’

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal moment-after the midterm elections and the opening of the 20th Congress-creating new opportunities for legislation that will bolster economic resilience and attract high-value investments.

‘The Philippines is navigating a rapidly changing global environment. By aligning domestic reforms with international trends, we can create an economy that is more competitive, more connected, and more capable of withstanding external shocks,’ Manhit shared.

Key sessions will tackle economic security and governance reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability in public financial management, and strategic investments in infrastructure and their impact on local industries and job creation.

The economic outlook at the midpoint of the Marcos Jr. administration, the private sector’s role in driving innovation and sustainability; and energy transition and initiatives to secure affordable, clean, and reliable power for Filipinos will also be discussed.

‘The Pilipinas Conference continues to serve as a meeting ground for ideas that shape national policy,’ Manhit said. ‘By bringing together decision-makers and reform advocates, we can move from discussion to action, and from resilience to real, inclusive progress.’

Now in its 10th year, the Pilipinas Conference is touted as a forum for advancing transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

THAILAND obviously won’t settle for nothing less than the overall championship when it hosts the 33rd Southeast Asian Games next month.

Thus, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino tempered down expectations for the 1600-athlete strong Philippine contingent to the December 9 to 20 50-sport games the Thais are hosting in Bangkok, Chonburi and Sonkhla.

‘It’s extremely hard to make an assessment right now because host Thailand has already excluded all the events where we are strong at,’ Tolentino told reporters during a Media Briefing for the SEA Games on Monday at the Milkway Café Restaurant in Makati City.

‘I’m hoping that at least we match our last SEA Games performance,’ he said.

The Philippines ranked fifth overall with 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals two years ago with Vietnam ruling the medals race with a 136-105-114 gold-silver-bronze tally followed by Thailand with 108-96-108, Indonesia at 87-80-109 and host Cambodia with 81-74-127.

‘If we can match our overall placing the last time, that’s enough already,’ Tolentino said. ‘There are no events for Carlos Yulo [who opted to skip the games], while the weight classes of some of our medalists in martial arts were removed.’

‘It’s an uphill battle, but we’ll try our best,’ he said. ‘No promises, but surprises.’

The Philippines emerged overall champion when it hosted the games in 2005 and most recently in 2019.

Thailand is a five-time overall champion but last won the prestigious title in 2013 in Myanmar and is dead set at dominating the 574 events it has programmed this year.

Tolentino believes Asia’s No. 1 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, the boxers and Gilas Pilipinas will surely deliver gold medals.

‘We look at the other sports where we have many entries like boxing-[Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist] Eumir Felix Marcial and Weljon Mindoro,’ he said.

Both are already in the pros but heeded the call to fight in Thailand.

Thailand is spending 2.05 billion Thai baht (roughly P3.7 billion) for hosting the games and pegged participation from the 11 countries at 12,506 athletes, the largest in SEA Games history-the hosts are fielding 1,807 athletes, Malaysia 1,580, Indonesia 1,548 and Cambodia 1,515, a report from the thesoutheastasiadesk.com stated.

Besides Olympic and traditional or endemic sports, the Thais included demonstration and value-added sports-flying disc, disc golf, air sports (paragliding and powered paragliding) and 8-a-side tug of war.

Lopez-led microgrid operator FP Island Energy Corp. (FP Island) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with agri-tech startup Agrabah Ventures, Inc. (Agrabah) to support the capability-building and technical assistance of local seaweed farmers in several off-grid islands in Caramoan and Garchitorena towns in Camarines Sur.

The collaboration will focus primarily on boosting the productivity and competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk and people’s organizations in areas being served by FP Island.

FP Island, a sister company of First Gen Corp. (First Gen), operates microgrids in the off-grid islands of Lahuy, Haponan, and Quinalasag in Camarines Sur. Both FP Island and First Gen are subsidiaries of First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH).

Under the MOU, FP Island and Agrabah will aim to improve and strengthen the agri-aquacultural value chain of FP Island-assisted people’s organizations by enhancing their production capacity and quality, and by providing improved financing, market access and linkages to the same people’s organizations.

FP Island will provide funding support or in-kind resources while Agrabah will provide technical guidance on production and post-harvest practices, as well as share market insights and pricing trends to help communities align their products with market needs.

It said the MOU with Agrabah represents another step to improve living conditions in the off-grid Camarines Sur islands. Before FP Island opened in 2021 its microgrids-or small and localized electricity networks-the islands either suffered from long hours of blackouts or from the total absence of electricity service.

THE Philippines and South Korea have signed an agreement for a program aimed at protecting and empowering Filipino farm workers abroad.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with other government agencies, signed a new joint memorandum for the implementation of Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP).

Other government agencies included were the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The agency said the agreement would unite national and local efforts in deploying Filipino seasonal workers to South Korea. It would also guarantee fair labor practices, legal protection, and proper welfare, while promoting ethical recruitment and agricultural cooperation between the two nations.

Under the deal, the DA will initiate agricultural training, livelihood programs, and reintegration support for returning workers.

The agency will also work closely with local governments and the DMW to ensure deployments match the country’s agricultural priorities and global standards.

The memorandum also called for an integrated support system to bolster monitoring, welfare assistance, and coordination with Korean local governments. This would ensure Filipino workers receive the care and protection they deserve, the agency said.

‘This partnership ensures that our seasonal workers are protected, empowered, and equipped to contribute to both nations’ agricultural growth,’ the DA said.

‘The deal stands as a clear commitment: the Philippines is building global partnerships to uplift its farmers and secure better opportunities for Filipino workers abroad.’

Boost aquaculture

In May, the DA said it will receive a $16- million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) to advance local aquaculture development and community-based agribusiness.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Koica Country Director Jung Youngsun signed the Records of Discussions (RDs) to bankroll two separate grant assistance projects.

The $10-million grant would fund the project aimed at helping local fishermen boost their income by enhancing aquaculture production and strengthening the value chain, which will run for seven years.

The remaining $6-million funding would diversify income sources and strengthen the agricultural activities of marginal farmers in the region through the establishment of an Agribusiness Incubation Center in Zambales and the enhancement of the existing DA Technology Business Incubation facility in Tarlac.

Koica previously provided $20.78 million worth of grants to the Philippine government, which includes three other projects on agri-mechanization development, smart agriculture, and dairy herd improvement currently being implemented by the DA.