Category: Business Mirror

THE Philippines should embrace the shift to an innovation-driven economy instead of relying solely on labor or resource-based growth amid the growing young population, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) noted.

On Thursday, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted this as the National Innovation Council (NIC) recognized the five Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees of the Year.

‘We recognize that we can no longer rely solely on labor or resource-based growth. We must embrace the shift to an innovation-driven economy,’ the country’s socioeconomic planning chief said during the 2025 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards on Thursday in Quezon city.

The need to transition to an innovation-driven economy stems from both ‘opportunity and urgency,’ with Balisacan further saying that the country is ‘poised to benefit from a demographic dividend-a young, digital-savvy population ready to create new markets and industries.’

This is also aligned with the need to face ‘rising global competition, climate and natural risks, and rapid technological disruption,’ added Balisacan.

‘These demand not only adaptation-but leadership,’ the country’s chief economist also pointed out.

The five innovators named Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees of the Year for their innovations in Food and Agribusiness, Learning and Education, and Health and Well-being were: PIli Seal, Pili AdheSeal, Inc., Luzon; Palatak Palay Seeder, Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, Luzon; RezBin, Rezbin Waste Technology,Inc., Visayas; Bambujett, Hamilton Agri Supply, Mindanao; and Ediphi, Ediphi Training Programs,Inc., NCR.

DEPDev said each awardee received a Presidential Medallion, Plaque, and Trophy, along with a cash grant and post-competition support package amounting to a combined value of P3.5 million.

On the sidelines of the 2025 Filipinnovation Awards, Baliscan explained to reporters how innovation can uplift the economy.

He said innovation is ‘usually’ a source of sustained productivity growth.

‘This will result in better products, better services, better processes, which in business terms will amount to reduced cost, lower price of goods and services, and or course things that improve consumer welfare and society’s welfare in general,’ the country’s socioeconomic planning chief said.

He said innovation may contribute to disaster resilience initiatives, healthcare, and education, among others.

On climate change, he said, ‘As you see, our farmers are so exposed to risks from climate change. The disasters, typhoons, that we have had in recent months, in recent years, those were very costly to the economy, to communities and individuals.’

‘What these innovations hopefully will do is to make our communities, our towns more resilient so that people don’t have to suffer much, don’t have to lose much whenever we are hit by calamities,’ said Balisacan.

On health, he said innovators can come up with something that will reduce the cost of acquiring information about sourcing medicine or even developing new medicines.

On education, he said, ‘Our budding innovators can produce apps or products that will make education even more accessible to our citizens, particularly in remote areas, in rural areas.’

‘This will make a lot of difference for our society, both economically and socially,’ the country’s chief economist underscored.

A recent study by TransUnion highlights the alarming state of fraud in the Philippines, revealing that businesses lost a staggering P4 trillion in revenue over the past year. This figure not only highlights the financial toll of fraudulent activities but also raises pressing questions about the resilience of our economic infrastructure and the effectiveness of current preventive measures.

According to the report, Filipino businesses reported an average revenue loss of 6 percent, slightly below the global average of 7.7 percent. While this may appear marginal, the implications are far-reaching. For the 200 business leaders surveyed, the dual threats of scam/authorized fraud and first-party fraud emerged as the most significant contributors to their losses. Authorized fraud occurs when a criminal deceives you into willingly transferring money to their account by pretending to be a legitimate person or business. First-party fraud involves situations where an individual intentionally misrepresents their identity to obtain goods or services.

This trend underscores a growing sophistication in fraudulent schemes, where deception is not only external but also internal. The reality that employees could be complicit in or victims of fraud further complicates the landscape and demands a reevaluation of corporate governance and risk management practices.

The study reveals that nearly two-thirds of consumers in the Philippines reported being targeted by fraud attempts, with phishing as the leading scheme. This statistic is alarming, suggesting that the general public is not only at risk but also inadequately protected. With 74 percent of Filipinos experiencing attempts at fraud, the need for consumer education and robust security measures has never been more urgent. The average loss reported by victims exceeds P44,700-an amount that can have devastating effects on individual livelihoods, particularly in a country where many are already grappling with economic challenges.

Moreover, the survey indicates a clear call for action among business leaders, with 70 percent expressing significant concern about the impact of fraud on their operations. The consensus that identity verification is the most effective technology for preventing fraud reflects a growing awareness of the need for innovative and proactive measures. Technologies such as device reputation and behavioral biometrics are gaining traction, yet their implementation must be accelerated to keep pace with the evolving nature of fraud.

The findings also raise critical questions about the role of regulatory agencies in addressing this crisis. A coordinated response is essential-not only in terms of enforcing stricter regulations but also in fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors to enhance security measures.

In light of these challenges, businesses must prioritize not only the adoption of advanced technologies but also a culture of transparency and integrity. Employees should be educated on the risks and encouraged to report suspicious activities without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, consumers need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves against fraud.

The fight against fraud requires a collective and proactive approach from both businesses and consumers. The financial and operational costs of fraud are a shared burden that demands a unified response. Through collaboration, education, and cutting-edge technologies, we can mitigate the risks and safeguard our economic future. Action must be taken now to prevent fraud from inflicting even more damage on businesses and jeopardizing the financial well-being of millions of Filipinos.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will be declaring a state of national calamity in regions still reeling from the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), and may also be affected by the new weather disturbance Typhoon Uwan during the weekend.

The chief executive said he approved the recommendation of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to make the declaration to fast-track the mobilization of government resources in the typhoon-hit areas.

‘That gives us quicker access to some of the emergency funds, number one. Second, our procurement will be accelerated so we don’t have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedures and we can immediately provide assistance to some of the victims of the storms,’ he told reporters after attending a situation briefing on the effects of Typhoon Tino at the NDRRMC Office in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday.

He said the declaration will cover 10 to 12 regions. As of press time, Malacañang has yet to disclose the list of regions to be placed under state of national calamity.

‘Price freeze’

Under the declaration, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said a nationwide ‘price freeze’ for basic commodities and items will take effect to prevent unscrupulous retailers from taking advantage of consumers in typhoon-hit areas.

‘We spoke directly with the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] leadership and they themselves said that regarding the price freeze or monitoring of the prices of basic commodities and items, this is general,’ Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing in Malacañang last Thursday.

Typhoon Tino entered the Philippine area of responsibility during the weekend, devastating many parts of the country with heavy rainfall.

As of Thursday morning, the Office of Civil Defense said the death toll from Typhoon Tino has reached 114.

Marcos said concerned government agencies are still validating the total number of casualties, damage to properties and agriculture.

However, he said based on the initial data which was presented to him during the situation briefing, the damage and casualties from Typhoon Tino was significant.

Among the provinces which suffered the brunt of the Typhoon Tino was Cebu, which is currently under a state of calamity.

Marcos said they are now bracing for the effects of Uwan, which can become a super typhoon once it hits the country, based on the projections of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

‘It looks like landfall is in Cagayan again, we will already be feeling the effects of the rain and some winds maybe by Sunday morning,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

He said they are now determining how to prepare for Typhoon Uwan in Northern Luzon, while most government responders are still in areas devastated by Typhoon Tino in the Visayas.

The chief executive assured the public that the necessary relief and support activities will be provided in areas hit by Typhoon Tino like the province of Cebu.

‘We are continuing our relief situation, our relief and support for those who were hit by Typhoon Tino. But we are also doing everything that we can to anticipate and prepare ourselves well for the coming Typhoon Uwan,’ Marcos said.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) saw its net income increasing by almost a fifth in January to September, driven by improved operational efficiency across its global terminal network.

The Philippine-based port operator reported net income attributable to equity holders of $751.56 million for the nine-month period ending September 30, up 19 percent from $632.58 million recorded in the same period last year.

Gross revenues from port operations climbed 16 percent to $2.34 billion from $2.01 billion year-on-year, thanks to an 11-percent increase in consolidated throughput to 10.69 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), favorable container mix, and higher revenues from ancillary services at various terminals.

‘ICTSI’s diversified portfolio has enabled us to capture opportunities in dynamic markets, with consolidated volume up 11 percent to 10.69 million TEUs. This growth, alongside a 16-percent increase in revenue from port operations, demonstrates the resilience of our business and operational excellence,’ ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon Jr. said.

Consolidated cash operating expenses rose 11 percent to $585.96 million compared to $529.27 million in the nine months of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher volumes, including costs associated with revenue-generating ancillary services and general cargo activities, as well as government-mandated and contracted salary rate adjustments.

ICTSI invested $449.61 million in capital expenditures during the period, bankrolling expansions at Contecon Manzanillo in Mexico, certain Philippine terminals, and ICTSI DR Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the upfront payment for Batu Ampar Container Terminal in Batam, Indonesia.

The company has earmarked approximately $580 million for capital expenditures in 2025.

‘The excellent performance in the first nine months of 2025 is a testament to the strength of our global operations and the disciplined execution of our strategy,’ Razon said.

He added that ICTSI is ‘well-positioned to build on this momentum and deliver long-term value’ as it continues to invest in strategic expansions across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Last April, the company reported that its net income surged by 66 percent year-on-year to an all-time high of $849.8 million in 2024 due to higher operating income and interest earnings from a strong cash balance.

Revenues from port operations climbed 15-percent year-on-year to $2.74 billion, buoyed by higher volumes, tariff adjustments, and increased revenue from ancillary services.

Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. is positioning itself to capitalize on wholesale business growth opportunities as the implementation of the Konektadong Pinoy Law draws near.

Dennis Anthony Uy, the company’s CEO, said the company is ready to accommodate the demand that will come from new fiber broadband players.

‘The Konektadong Pinoy Law is helping deepen competition, which opens up opportunities for faster rollout to communities,’ he said in a media briefing. ‘However, infrastructure doesn’t come up overnight, which is why we are ready for Konektadong Pinoy’s infrastructure sharing provisions-both backbone and distribution networks.’

Uy said infrastructure sharing has proven beneficial in other countries by reducing capital expenditure requirements for new operators, creating what it described as a ‘win-win situation’ for the industry.

Given this, Uy said Converge is in ‘the best position’ to capitalize the infrastructure sharing provisions of the law.

He noted that several hundred municipalities still need fiber infrastructure, presenting significant expansion opportunities.

‘The wholesale business is expected to grow,’ Uy said. ‘We still have several hundred municipalities that need fiber infrastructure, so expansion is definitely in our plans. We will also be utilizing technology slicing in our approach.’

The optimistic outlook for the wholesale segment comes as Converge reported strong financial results in January to September.

The company posted net income after tax of P8.9 billion for the nine-month period, marking an 8-percent increase from P8.2 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues reached P33 billion, representing a 10 percent year-on-year growth from P29.9 billion. Its residential business grew by 9 percent to P27.7 billion, ending September with almost three million subscribers.

Enterprise revenues, which include the wholesale business, demonstrated robust growth at 16.2 percent, reaching P5.2 billion from P4.5 billion in the previous year.

The company is ‘sticking’ to its revised revenue growth target of between 10 percent and 12 percent. Originally, it anticipated revenues to grow between 12 percent and 14 percent by yearend.

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is actively expanding its safety and disaster preparedness efforts beyond its train lines and stations, and into the communities it serves, addressing the urgent needs highlighted by recent natural calamities like earthquakes and widespread floods.

LRMC is intensifying its efforts through the ‘LRT-1 KaligtaSakay: A Safety Education Program.’ This initiative, launched in 2023, is a vital community outreach program aimed at building resilience right in the neighborhoods adjacent to the LRT-1 route. The program equips elementary and high school students and school personnel with essential knowledge directly applicable to both daily life and emergencies, including those triggered by natural disasters.

Through engaging and comprehensive modules, the program covers basic first aid, fire safety, electrical safety, basic school safety, basic train safety, commuting etiquette, and proper handwashing. These modules are designed to foster a culture of safety and preparedness that reaches from the classroom to the daily commute, and ultimately, to the home, empowering participants to act swiftly and correctly in emergencies.

LRMC has successfully partnered with key community institutions along the LRT-1 line, including Marcela Marcelo Elementary School, Philippine National School for the Blind, Philippine School for the Deaf, Don Carlos Village Elementary School, Apelo Cruz Elementary School, Baclaran Elementary School – Central, and Maricaban Elementary School.

‘The recent earthquakes and floods are stark reminders that safety must be a shared responsibility that extends well beyond our rail operations,’ said LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Jason Magdaong. ‘The LRT-1 KaligtaSakay program represents LRMC going the extra mile. We are taking the expertise and discipline of our rail safety protocols and sharing them with the communities that depend on us. By educating the youth in disaster and life safety, we are not just teaching them to be safe passengers; we re making them agents of resilience for their families and neighborhoods.’

The program has already empowered an average of 500 students and 70 teachers and administrative staff. This significant community contribution is amplified by the dedication of LRMC’s own workforce, with an average of 200 employee volunteers dedicating over 900 total volunteer hours.

By extending its corporate safety mandate to local schools, LRMC underscores its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Looking ahead, LRMC is committed to expanding its reach, planning to roll out the project with more partner schools this year. This continued effort solidifies LRMC’s dedication to not only providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation but also actively contributing to the overall safety and disaster readiness of the communities that surround the LRT-1.

National women’s champion Ruelle Canino downed another star while Janelle Mae Frayna opted for a quick draw to remain in the title race after the sixth round of the 6th Asean Individual Chess Championships-Gov. Henry Oaminal Cup at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park in Ozamiz City.

Canino, a 17-year-old Woman FIDE Master and Olympiad veteran, continued her giant-slaying ways as she slew fifth-seed Woman International Master Laysa Latifah of Indonesia in 36 moves of a Sicilian duel.

Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster, couldn’t find anything out of their Reti encounter and decided for a truce with WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram in 26 moves.

Those results sent the two Filipinas in a five-player logjam in second spot with 4.5 points each, just half a point behind solo leader IM Evgenija Ovod of Russia.

Also in that chase group were Hoang, Vietnamese WGM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and another Russian in WIM Ekaterina Smirnova.

The eighth-seeded Ovod split the point with Vietnamese WGM Nguyen Thi Mai in 30 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined to hold sway at the helm in this nine-round meet sponsored by Misamis Occidental, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

It was Canino’s masterful victory over the sixth-seeded Latifah that emerged the biggest of the round as she, playing black, pounced on an early blunder by the latter to go an exchange up and defended well enough in the end to preserve the win.

The Cagayan de Oro lass ended Latifah’s agony with a rook sacrifice on an empty space that will lead, if captured, into losing more materials including the 19-year-old Idonesian’s last strong piece-the queen.

In the open section, Filipino IMs Pau Bersamina and Christian Gian Karlo Arca preserved their energy and halved the point in just 18 moves of a Catalan to stay in a five-man jam at No. 3 with four points each.

They trail co-leaders IMs Munkhdalai Amilal of Mongolia and V S Raahul of India, who outlasted local bets in IM Jem Garcia and Kim Steven Yap, respectively.

Of the two, Amilal was the lucky one after Garcia, who went on a sacrificial attack right on the opening phase, missed several winning chances and fell in 94 moves of a razor-sharp Queen’s Indian duel.

THIS year’s Japan Mobility Show 2025 (JMS) overall concept was ‘A unique opportunity to explore mobility’s future.’ The organizer, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, claims that the key visual designed for the show is premised on the notion of people coming together to explore a multiplicity of pathways to creating the future.

For Isuzu Motors Limited, it was the perfect opportunity and timing to showcase the brand’s latest sustainable, tech-advanced, and prototype commercial vehicles, conveying their critical significance in the future of mobility. Moreover, the major truck manufacturer has forged a partnership with another truck builder to establish an essential vision and program.

Isuzu Group

No less than Isuzu Motors Limited President and COO Shinsuke Minami and UD Trucks Corporation President and CEO Koichi Ito presented the two brands’ collaboration, known as the Isuzu Group, which featured both Isuzu and UD Trucks brands, showcasing their respective diverse mobility solutions and the limitless possibilities envisioned by the two companies.

Isuzu Group’s theme was ‘Move the World, Envision a Colorful Future.’ In line with the group’s purpose of Moving the World – for You, the booth aims to convey the true power of transport by also incorporating the spirit of the show’s overall concept in providing ‘A unique opportunity to explore mobility’s future.’

VCCC (Vertical Core Cycle Concept)

Taking center stage was the VCCC prototype. As the world enters a new era of transportation, Isuzu believes that systems that can efficiently circulate people and goods to the right place at the right time will become commonplace. From this perspective, the Isuzu Group conceived a vehicle with an innovative vertical frame known as the ‘Vertical Core.’

The Vertical Core is a shared platform compatible with a wide range of configurations, making it accessible to businesses, individuals, and local communities alike. It utilizes a modular concept that enables vehicles to be rearranged into units consisting of key components, allowing for highly flexible and efficient operation.

This evolved form of transport offers new levels of freedom for users and supports a lifestyle that enhances the well-being of society.

Multi-fuel Engine

For commercial vehicles to achieve carbon neutrality, Isuzu believes a multi-pathway approach is essential, as vehicle sizes and applications vary widely.

The multi-fuel engine shares key components, such as the cylinder block and crankshaft, with conventional diesel engines. By simply modifying systems like the ignition and fuel injection depending on the fuel type, the engine can accommodate not only diesel but also CN-compatible fuels such as natural gas, hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels.

In addition to electrification, Isuzu is proposing a next-generation internal combustion engine that offers both ease of implementation and cost efficiency in the pursuit of CN.

ERGA EV Autonomous Driving Bus

Currently under development, this autonomous route bus is based on Japan’s first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) full-flat-floor route bus, ERGA EV. It features safe and stable autonomous driving through advanced vehicle-integrated control technology. The system coordinates multiple components and recognizes its surroundings using various types of sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and millimeter-wave radar.

Its overall length is 10,740 mm with a width of 2,485 mm, a height of 3,330 mm, and a wheelbase of 4,990 mm. Its motor type is AC induction, producing 250 kW (125 × 2) and 960 N-m of torque (480 × 2). The battery type is Lithium-ion with a 242 kWh (internal reference value) rated capacity. The total capacity is 68 passengers (20 seats, including the driver’s seat).

ELF EV Garbage Truck

This truck is based on the light-duty ELF EV, with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality. It features Isuzu’s proprietary electric PTO (Power Take-Off) unit, which supplies power from the vehicle’s power source, such as the engine or battery, to auxiliary equipment. With no difference in performance compared to conventional diesel vehicles, this truck offers quiet operation, a unique characteristic of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and significantly reduces CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to cleaner urban environments.

The New Giga has arrived

Giga is a heavy-duty truck with a newly designed cab exterior, which was revamped for the first time in nearly a decade. Under the theme ‘The Ultimate,’ the truck expresses a presence befitting a flagship model that is both smart and dynamic. The grille design adopts the ‘World Cross Flow’ brand identity motif, reinforcing family unity with the ‘Elf’ light-duty and ‘Forward’ medium-duty trucks.

Safety features have been significantly enhanced. The Pre-Crash Brake (PCB) activates when the risk of collision with pedestrians crossing an intersection increases during turns. The Left-turn entrapment prevention braking activates when the risk of collision with bicycles traveling in the same direction on the left side of the vehicle increases while turning left at an intersection. The brakes are activated to mitigate the damage of side collisions. Lastly, the wheel detachment early-warning detection system detects abnormalities when wheel nuts begin to loosen, alerting the driver with a warning message and buzzer before a wheel separation occurs, thereby helping to prevent accidents.

Also on display is Isuzu’s unique low-floor, three-axle truck with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 25 tons, currently the only one of its kind offered in Japan. With its high payload capacity and spacious cargo area, it can move more with every trip, contributing to more efficient logistics.

D-MAX display debut

Interestingly, the brand’s popular mid-sized pickup truck had its JMS display debut. Although not available for sale in Japan, the latest model displayed drew the attention of local visitors. Since its launch in May 2002, approximately 5.3 million units have been sold across 120 countries and regions. In April of this year, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) pickup truck, D-MAX EV, was added to the lineup.

UD Trucks on display

First is the Quon GW 6×4. Powered by the GH13 engine (523 hp/2,601 Nm of torque), this heavy-duty truck delivers robust and resilient performance, making it ideal for transporting heavy loads. Equipped with the 12-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission ESCOT-VII and the driver-assist feature UD Active Steering, it offers exceptional driving performance while reducing driver fatigue. In addition to full-wheel disc brakes, the high-capacity hydraulic retarder provides outstanding braking power for stable and reliable stopping performance.

Another model is the Quester (2026 model). This heavy-duty truck is designed specifically for emerging markets and complies with the European Union’s Euro 6 emissions regulations. It features an 11-liter engine and an advanced 12-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, ESCOT-E, which contributes to improved vehicle uptime, enhanced fuel efficiency, optimized total cost of ownership (TCO), and reduced environmental impact.

THE national government is banking on the P1.307-trillion programmed spending for the fourth quarter to bolster economic growth amid a combination of headwinds.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government has about P1.307 trillion left to spend until the end of the year.

‘Our programmed spending for the fourth quarter will boost yearend economic growth and thus impact overall economic growth for the year,’ Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

Of the P1.307 trillion, the DBM noted that a significant portion would be earmarked primarily for social services.

This includes P2.74 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), which covers the Quick Response Fund (QRF) replenishment and Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT), in expectation of possible typhoons in the fourth quarter.

Furthermore, the DBM said the amount released for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would be allocated to cover major social protection commitments, including the balance for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) worth P9.52 billion, which provides conditional cash transfers to qualified beneficiaries.

The DBM said it also released P7.03 billion for payouts for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and P5.77 billion for the social pension benefits for indigent senior citizens. Moreover, P4.83 billion was released for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program to support vulnerable sectors.

Under the Department of Agriculture (DA), the agency noted that P7.33 billion was earmarked for the National Rice Program, while P2.47 billion for the National Livestock Program.

The DBM added that P2.29 billion was allotted to the National Food Authority (NFA) for its buffer stocking requirement and targeted rice distribution program to ensure the availability of rice.

Meanwhile, the agency said it allocated P203.82 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd), which includes personnel services worth P153.71 billion to cover the yearend benefits of teachers and personnel, including year-end bonus; and P11.4 billion for the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) adjustments.

The DBM also earmarked P23.62 billion for the operations of schools, while P32.79 billion was allotted for government assistance and subsidies.

The agency said it released P31.78 billion to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to support its programs such as the Free Higher Education (FHE) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), as well as the funding of personnel benefits and requirements of SUCs.

For sustained employment, the DBM earmarked P4.89 billion to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support its livelihood and emergency employment programs, including the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, Government Internship Program (GIP), DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), and the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).

The agency added that it also allotted P4.3 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) to support the operational expenses of hospitals in Metro Manila and P9.96 billion for regional hospitals.

Another P787.95 million was also released for subsidies under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) and another P179 million for the Cancer Assistance Fund for continued assistance to reduce the financial burden of patients seeking medical treatment.

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the DBM earmarked P528.09 million for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) programs such as the OFW Hospital, the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailan (AKSYON) Fund, and the National Reintegration Center for OFWS (NRCO), with P321 million allotted for the Emergency Repatriation Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA).

The DBM noted that government employees, including teachers, will receive yearend benefits as included in the FY 2025 GAA amounting to P63.7 billion.

As of October 27, 2025, the DBM said it has already released Notices of Cash Allocations (NCAs) worth P1.133 trillion out of the P1.307 trillion program for the fourth quarter.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) is set to lean more on grassroots development programs for upcoming international competitions, following the breakout performances of young sprinters Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Cesar at the recently concluded 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain.

Sixteen-year-old Wangkay of De La Salle Zobel clocked an impressive 21.76 seconds to capture gold in the 200-meter dash-an achievement, a big boost ahead of his stint with the Philippine seniors squad in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok scheduled from December 9 to 20.

Cesar clinched silver in the girls’ 800-meter final, finishing just a second behind China’s Jinping Song, who won gold with a time of 2:07.84. Cesar’s 2:08.69 finish-her personal best-shattered her previous mark of 2:17.87 set at the 2025 Asian U18 Athletics Championships in Saudi Arabia, where she earned bronze.

The 16-year-old Cesar is also set to see action in the SEA Games and the World Athletics U20 Championships in Portland, Oregon slated for August 5 to 9, 2026.

Their sterling performances contributed to the Philippines’ overall haul of seven golds, seven silvers, and ten bronze medals at the 3rd Asian Youth Games.

‘Patafa believes we can discover more Wangkays and Cesars for next year’s competitions. We just have to maximize our grassroots,’ Patafa secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco told the BusinessMirror on Friday.

‘Young faces of Philippine athletics have arrived-and they’ve already delivered gold and silver medals in Bahrain,’ Tanhueco added. ‘They are the future of our sport, and we’re excited to see them compete on bigger stages.’

‘They’re the youngest members of our national team in this biennial meet, and we’re proud to give them the opportunity to compete at the SEA Games this December,’ Tanhueco said. ‘They’re both hardworking athletes who truly deserve their slots.’

Wangkay, who is focusing on the 100 and 200, will serve as a reserve for the 4×100-meter relay team, according to Tanhueco.

Wangkay and Cesar are also preparing to qualify for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

‘This is about giving them exposure and experience ahead of the Youth Olympics and other junior competitions next year,’ he explained. ‘Pi and Naomi represent the bright future of Philippine athletics, and we’re committed to supporting them. We’ll find more like them soon.’