Category: Business Mirror

Around the world, smoking is once again finding its way into popular culture. From films and television to fashion, music and social media, tobacco use is increasingly being portrayed as stylish, nostalgic or rebellious.

Recent discussions about the return of smoking imagery in popular culture, including in fashion editorials, films, television, music and digital media, have renewed concerns among public-health advocates about the re-normalization of tobacco use, particularly among young people.

As these portrayals extend far beyond traditional media, Global Youth for Tobacco Control (Y4TC) is calling on governments to fully implement and enforce the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), particularly Article 13, which seeks to eliminate all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), including indirect promotion through entertainment and digital media where appropriate.

Evidence has consistently shown that exposure to smoking imagery in entertainment and media can influence young people’s attitudes toward tobacco and increase the likelihood of tobacco initiation, Y4TC said.

Sending the wrong message

The group added that at a time when countries are working to reduce tobacco use and protect future generations, the re-emergence of smoking as a cultural trend sends the wrong message.

‘Smoking should never be romanticized or portrayed as a symbol of confidence, freedom or success. Such portrayals undermine decades of tobacco-control efforts and increase the risk of tobacco initiation among young people,’ Y4TC said.

The group noted that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, claiming more than 8 million lives each year.

While recognizing the important role of artists, filmmakers, content creators, influencers and digital platforms in shaping public attitudes, Y4TC stressed that creative expression also presents an opportunity to promote healthier narratives and avoid glamorizing tobacco use.

‘Creative expression is essential, but it also comes with the opportunity to promote healthier narratives and avoid the glamorization, commercial promotion or presentation of tobacco use without appropriate context, particularly where young audiences are concerned,’ the group said.

Specifically, Y4TC called for the following actions:

Governments and regulators: Enforce comprehensive TAPS bans, including on digital and cross-border promotion; monitor tobacco product placement; and require appropriate classifications and public-health messaging.

Media industries and creators: Refuse payments, products or other benefits from the tobacco industry, and avoid identifiable tobacco branding and glamorized depictions aimed at young audiences.

Digital platforms: Enforce restrictions on tobacco advertising and paid influencer promotion, establish accessible reporting mechanisms, and act promptly on violations.

Y4TC said protecting young people from the normalization and glamorization of tobacco use requires stronger enforcement across both traditional and digital media, as well as greater responsibility from those who shape popular culture.

The camp of Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro is ready to face the charges filed against him in court and will not seek to delay the proceedings, his legal counsel said.

Atty. Alma Mallonga said Teodoro’s defense team is confident in its case and is prepared to confront the accusations through the judicial process, where evidence can be examined and witnesses can be questioned.

‘We will face it,’ Mallonga said, adding that the defense looks forward to a court process that could finally bring an end to the controversy surrounding the congressman.

Meanwhile, Marikina residents have cried foul over the continuing cases filed against Teodoro, saying the complaints have become a source of frustration among families who believe politics is being used to damage the lawmaker’s reputation.

The Samahan ng mga Angkan sa Marikina, composed of 50 clans representing around 10,000 individuals, expressed dismay over what it described as repeated attempts to bring Teodoro down through accusations it considered baseless.

‘The cases against Cong. Marcy Teodoro are bogus and without sufficient basis, and it is disheartening that they are being used to pull down someone whom we have worked with and known for a long time in Marikina,’ the group said in a statement.

They said the repeated accusations have affected communities and families who have known Teodoro through his years in public service and who believe that a single allegation should not automatically erase that history.

The residents also appealed for an end to what they described as political mudslinging, arguing that such attacks run contrary to the values they associate with Marikina.

Teodoro’s legal team questioned the process surrounding a Department of Justice resolution involving the criminal complaints against him.

Mallonga said the defense found it unusual that the resolution was not prepared or signed by the DOJ panel that conducted the preliminary investigation.

Despite these concerns, Mallonga said Teodoro’s camp does not intend to cause delays and is prepared to answer the allegations before the courts.

‘We will not be the cause of delay,’ she said, stressing that the defense intends to follow the trial schedule and challenge the accusations through the judicial process.

The Department of Justice confirmed that five criminal cases have been filed against Teodoro, consisting of four counts of sexual assault and one count of acts of lasciviousness involving two female police officers who previously served as his security personnel.

Manila Water continues to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water services across its East Zone concession area through proactive measures designed to strengthen operational resilience during the habagat season, its official said.

In a statement, Manila Water, the private water concessionaire for the East Zone, said that while the country is experiencing the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which may result in fewer rainfall events, periods of intense rainfall remain possible and can pose operational challenges brought about by flooding, power interruptions, and severe weather conditions.

Anticipating these risks, Manila Water has put in place a comprehensive preparedness program to help safeguard its facilities, personnel, and essential services.

As part of its rainy season readiness initiatives, Manila Water has completed preparedness activities at its three major water treatment facilities in Quezon City, namely Balara Treatment Plant 1, Balara Treatment Plant 2, and East La Mesa Treatment Plant. Each facility is equipped with backup generators to support continuous operations during power outages and other weather-related disruptions.

The East Zone concessionaire has likewise completed inspections and readiness checks of its 33 water reservoirs. Flood mitigation measures, including the placement of sandbags and dewatering pumps, have been implemented in key facilities to address potential flooding incidents.

Personnel across Manila Water’s critical facilities also adhere to established emergency preparedness protocols, ensuring the availability of system backups, fuel reserves, batteries, medical and first-aid kits, food provisions, and other essential emergency supplies needed to sustain operations during severe weather events.

To further enhance disaster response capabilities, Manila Water has strategically positioned emergency assets and equipment across its concession area to support rapid deployment when needed.

The company’s emergency fleet includes six mobile treatment plants, a mobile command center, a mobile stage, a mobile toilet, a mobile sleeping quarter, an amphibious vehicle, a tractor head, six 4×4 rescue vehicles, an ambulance, an all-terrain vehicle, a jet ski, three speed boats, 38 water tankers, and two folding boats. These assets provide additional operational support and enable immediate response to communities and employees affected by emergencies and extreme weather conditions.

Manila Water also has 64 desludging trucks that may be utilized to siphon floodwater in support of local government units’ disaster response and recovery efforts.

‘As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, Manila Water has been maintaining resilient operations and ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers, even during the most challenging conditions,’ said Manila Water Corporate Communications Head Dittie Galang.

Through careful planning, proactive infrastructure protection, and sustained operational preparedness, Manila Water remains ready to address the challenges of the Habagat season while continuing to deliver essential water services to the communities it serves.

AS disaster threats intensify during the monsoon season, a House of Reprsentatives deputy majority leader urged the Congress to pass a measure that would provide stronger financial, medical, and employment protection for public disaster responders who put their lives at risk during emergencies.

Filed by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, House Bill 2269, or the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers, seeks to grant qualified DRRM personnel hazard pay of up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary, 50 percent standby or on-call compensation, and fully subsidized hospitalization and medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Vargas renewed his call for the bill’s swift passage as heavy monsoon rains continue to expose communities across Luzon to flooding, landslides, and other disaster risks.

‘During our visits to affected communities, we witnessed firsthand the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of our DRRM workers in making sure residents are safe and evacuation centers are properly prepared,’ Vargas said.

‘They are putting their lives on the line to protect Filipino families. It is time that the government give them the protection, compensation, and recognition they deserve,’ he added.

The measure seeks to institutionalize comprehensive socioeconomic safeguards and employment benefits for public disaster personnel, including permanent employees, contract of service workers, and job order personnel.

Under HB 2269, responders assigned to high-risk search, rescue, and retrieval operations may receive a hazard allowance equivalent to up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary.

Personnel placed on standby during emergencies would also be entitled to on-call compensation equivalent to 50 percent of their regular wages.

Field personnel would receive full subsistence allowances, monthly laundry allowances, and a five-percent longevity pay increase for every five years of service. Those deployed away from their permanent residence may also be provided free living quarters or a corresponding housing allowance.

Beyond financial benefits, the proposed Magna Carta places strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of disaster responders.

The bill mandates free annual medical, mental health, and psychosocial examinations, as well as full government coverage of hospitalization, treatment, and medicines for injuries or illnesses acquired in the line of duty.

Responders would also be provided complete personal protective equipment, free vaccinations, and necessary medical prophylaxis against contagious diseases that they may encounter in disaster and emergency zones.

HB 2269 also seeks to strengthen long-term employment security by ensuring appropriate social protection coverage under the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Universal Health Care Act.

The measure includes safeguards against arbitrary dismissal and politically motivated reassignment while giving DRRM workers priority access to professional training, scholarships, and postgraduate programs related to disaster risk reduction and management.

TEAM North fought for every point down the stretch to escape with a crucial 7-5 victory over South in Foursomes in Day 2 of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. North vs South Elite Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday.

North surged to an imposing 8-4 lead midway through the alternate-shot format, but South refused to fold and pulled within striking distance at 4-6 and needed only to win the final two matches to salvage a dramatic overall draw for the day.

But North held its nerve when the pressure peaked.

Jakob Taruc and Nathan Belandres battled from three holes down in the stretch and forced Clement Ordeneza and Sebastian Sajuela to an all-square finish, while Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao also halved their match against Tashanah Balanguan and Precious Zaragosa-both matches ending level in the 15-18 division.

Those two halves proved decisive.

Instead of completing the comeback, South was forced to settle for a split of the day’s final two points, leaving North with a 7-5 victory to preserve its advantage heading into the remaining singles matches.

North consequently stretched its overnight three-point cushion to five points, 14 1/2-9 1/2, putting itself in a strong position heading into the deciding singles matches of the North-South duel on Thursday.

North team captain Joey Anciano said his side’s comeback in the boys’ 15-18 category was crucial in salvaging a draw and making for an exciting day of matches.

‘We came from 3-down in the boys’ 15-18 to force a draw,’ Anciano said. ‘So definitely, the matches today were very, very exciting. Kudos to the other team also, which put up the lineup well.’

The result underscored the competitive nature of the North-South showdown, with neither side willing to give ground despite North’s early control and South repeatedly staring at a widening gap.

Like in Day One, North came out firing, winning four of the first five matches, including a sweep of the boys’ 11-14 division.

But South showed its resilience in the boys’ 7-10 class, where Stephen Clementer and Ethan Lago produced a dramatic late comeback to edge Zach Guico and Kingston Ching, 1-up, on No. 18.

Lago blasted brilliantly from the greenside bunker to within pin length, and Clementer calmly converted the putt to snatch the victory, drawing loud cheers from the home gallery.

Zoji Edoc and Kenzo Tan answered for North in the other boys’ 7-10 match, repulsing Lucas Revilleza and Darren Ong, 3and1, while Javie Bautista and Jacob Casuga rebounded strongly from their Four-ball setback with a 5and4 rout of Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo; and Chan Ahn and Vito Sarines routed Ralph Batican and Mico Woo, 6and4, in boys’ 11-14.

North also continued to flex its strength in the girls’ divisions-Jaicee Cervantes and Andrea Dee made it two straight wins with a 2and1 decision over Vanya Go and Soleil Molde.

South, however, responded with another clutch performance as Akeisha Yocte and Blake Aguilar pulled ahead late to stun Winter Serapio and Jehanne Mendoza, 2and1, in a finish that drew another round of applause from the gallery.

The visitors also strengthened their advantage in boys’ 15-18, where Shin Suzuki and Santi Asuncion remained perfect as a partnership after a 4and3 romp over Alexis Nailga and Roman Tiongko. Cailey Gonzales and Georgina Handog added another North point in girls’ 11-14, edging Brittany Tamayo and Rafella Batican, 1-up, in another thriller.

Zuri Bacaloyos and Marqaela Dy hacked out a hard-fought 2-up victory over Mavis Espedido and Quincy Pilac in girls’ 11-14, preserving their perfect 2-0 record in the series, while Apple Gotiong and Lois Lane Go capped the South rally with a convincing 5and3 triumph over Lisa Sarines and Rafa Anciano, bouncing back from their Four-ball loss.

PHILIPPINE inflation may stay above 6 percent through year-end as potentially weak harvests and the Middle East conflict continue to threaten domestic supplies, according to a congressional think tank.

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) said in a new discussion paper that inflation would remain above the central bank’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent despite easing in recent months.

CPBRD expects inflation to settle between 6.4 percent and 7.3 percent in the third quarter and between 6 percent and 7.3 percent in the fourth quarter.

Official data showed that inflation averaged 2.8 percent in the first quarter before accelerating to 6.8 percent in the second quarter.

‘Another point of interest is that only one of the 16 forecast runs yielded a CPI with an inflation rate below 6 percent. To wit, even with volatility, it is highly unlikely that inflation will fall below 6 percent in 2026,’ the report noted.

CPBRD said upside risks include weaker-than-expected harvests in the third and fourth quarters due to the monsoon, a possible super El Niño, and fertilizer constraints.

The Middle East conflict could also prolong commodity shortages and raise the cost of imported fuel, fertilizer, and other production inputs. Other risks include elevated electricity rates, peso depreciation, and the pass-through of wage increases to consumer prices.

Based on projections by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro), CPBRD said the Philippines is expected to post the highest full-year inflation among the six Southeast Asian economies covered by the study.

The country’s average inflation forecast for 2026 nearly doubled to 5.75 percent from 2.9 percent, marking the largest upward revision at 2.85 percentage points. This was followed by Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

CPBRD emphasized that ‘very high inflation can inflict serious and lasting costs on the economy and the people.’

Persistently high prices erode household purchasing power, weaken consumption and investment, and widen income inequality, according to the think tank.

CPBRD said poor families are hit hardest because food accounts for a larger share of their spending.

It added that high inflation could also prompt further interest rate increases, raising borrowing costs, and weighing on economic growth.

CPBRD urged the government to consider a ‘more conservative fiscal policy’ anchored on a leaner and more carefully targeted national budget.

The approach would trim lower-priority expenditures and limit the need for new taxes, which the study described as ‘non-deflationary in nature.’

‘This entails cuts in lower-priority spending items while continuing transfers to the marginalized to lessen adverse impact on overall consumption,’ it added.

CPBRD also called for measures that would address the economy’s supply constraints and reduce its exposure to external shocks.

These include developing a more resilient and reliable power grid, establishing affordable mass transportation for people and goods, and offering incentives for firms and households to invest in productivity-enhancing or energy-saving initiatives.

THE National Police (PNP) has intensified efforts to prevent Filipino jobseekers from being lured into joining armed conflicts abroad.

In a statement, the PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the PNP is investigating reports of Filipinos being recruited to participate in foreign conflicts through combat-related activities.

‘We are coordinating with the Armed Forces and the intelligence community regarding this serious matter. If there is any, our goal is to shut down the network of recruitment in the interest of protecting all our kababayan,’ he said, adding that this is in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. through the guidance of Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, to strengthen efforts against illegal recruitment and protect Filipinos from schemes that could put their lives and safety at risk.

Earlier, reports said a Filipino was killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports said the Filipino had signed a contract with the Russian armed forces in May.

There were claims that at least three more Filipinos were recruited.

The PNP reminded jobseekers to exercise caution when considering employment offers involving overseas security or other related work.

The public is also urged to verify recruitment offers and report suspicious activities to authorities. With PNA

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona-Parent-teacher conferences can conjure a familiar scene: adults crammed into child-size chairs, listening to teachers run through a list of students’ achievements and struggles.

For many families, they can also mean frustration. Today’s school conferences are sometimes 15 to 20 minutes, with little time for parents to ask their own questions. Adults may arrive with their own baggage about their time in school. They may be worried about being judged or dreading what a teacher may say about their child.

For teachers, conferences can mean pressure to give a snapshot of a child’s progress, with the next opportunity to connect months away-if at all.

The conference may be brief, but it can set the tone for a family’s relationship and partnership with the teacher. Parents, teachers and school administrators have these tips to make the conference productive and help build a stronger connection between home and school.

Communicate early and figure out what works

SCHOOLS typically offer several early opportunities for parents and teachers to connect, from meet-the-teacher events and back-to-school nights to open houses. By the time conferences are on the calendar, parents and teachers should already be communicating.

But sometimes it can take weeks, or even months, to hear from your child’s teacher, who must establish relationships with dozens of families. Don’t wait, say parents and teachers alike. Take the initiative and reach out yourself.

‘Do you want to set your child up for success? It’s a yes or no. And if it’s a yes, then you have to be very involved,’ said Bell White, a Houston mother of two.

When her son Lennox, now 8, was in preschool, four teachers came and went during the school year. White quickly learned how important it was to stay engaged with the school.

Since then, she has introduced herself to each of her son’s teachers at the first opportunity, even if virtually. She tells them how she prefers to communicate-whether over email, phone or via a school app-and when she’s most reachable.

Technology can make it easier for parents with multiple children or busy schedules to stay connected, and for teachers to send quick messages or reminders. But with schools using multiple platforms, some parents say it helps to establish a preferred way to communicate.

Early in the relationship, parents and teachers should focus on building trust, said J.B. Robinson, a clinical psychologist and dean of students at National University in San Diego. Positive interactions are like putting money into a relationship bank that can be drawn on when challenges arise, he said. For parents, that can mean showing interest in the classroom and recognizing the effort that goes into creating a positive learning environment. Teachers can similarly begin with questions about the individual child, rather than immediately moving into classroom expectations or academic performance.

Whatever the nature of your first communication with a teacher, try not to worry that you’re bothering the teacher. Your child’s growth is the priority, and communicating with you is part of the teacher’s job.

Make the time count

PARENT-TEACHER conferences are designed to address students’ academic and social progress, identify concerns and discuss what comes next, but there may not be time to cover everything parents or teachers want to discuss.

‘The teacher and the parent need to go in with realistic expectations as to what can actually be accomplished in one parent-teacher conference and see that more as a starting point for a conversation,’ said Robinson, the psychologist. The meetings can also be ripe for tension. Teachers may be having dozens of back-to-back conferences, while parents may arrive with weeks’ worth of questions, all seemingly valid. Depending on the school and the child’s grade, some teachers follow a set agenda, with presentation slides, packets or lists of topics to cover.

Emily Henderson, who teaches first and second grade at BASIS Charter School in Flagstaff, Arizona, says her conversations are mostly individualized, with some focusing more on academics and others on social-emotional needs.

‘We use parent-teacher conferences to really talk about strengths, talk about weaknesses of students, and then come up with a plan together to address those concerns or address those needs,’ Henderson said.

Given time constraints, parents should come with just a few thoughtful questions, teachers say. But remember this is a starting point. It’s totally reasonable to set up another conference later in the year, even if your school doesn’t have one scheduled. Or you can continue the conversation online or over the phone.

What to do if your kid is present

SOME schools recommend that students join the conference, and in other cases, a parent may want to bring them along-or need to, if they lack child care. For younger students, teachers recommend asking in advance whether they should attend, if that is an option. If you do plan to bring the student or younger siblings, let the teacher know ahead of time so they can prepare for a more engaging meeting or set up a few distractions.

If younger students are present, it is up to administrators and teachers to engage them and speak directly to them, said Kellie Hintze, head of school at BASIS Flagstaff.

‘When I have younger students at a meeting, we typically have a mini meeting with the student and the parent,’ she said. ‘Then we can dive a little deeper or have those long, drawn-out conversations that a student wouldn’t want to be a part of or be able to focus through.’

Older students have more agency over their learning and are better positioned to contribute to discussions about their progress, challenges and possible next steps, experts say.

‘We’re doing students a disservice when we’re not teaching them how to advocate, when we are not teaching them those communication skills, to have the tough conversations when they need to be had,’ said Kendrick Friendly, who is a high school assistant principal with Denver Public Schools. ‘This is a safe space for those conversations to happen.’

Questions to consider

PARENTS don’t need to arrive with a long list of questions. A few thoughtful ones can help clarify what a teacher considers success, what they are seeing in the classroom, what support is available and how to stay connected throughout the year.

Consider asking:

1. How do you prefer to communicate with parents, and how often should we check in?

2. What does success look like for my child this year?

3. How do you identify when a student is falling behind, and who should I speak with about getting additional support?

4. What are you noticing about my child that I might not see at home?

Leave with a plan

PARENT-TEACHER conferences do not resolve every concern, but they should identify next steps, whether those are regular check-ins, strategies for improved behavior or additional resources, such as tutors, specialized instruction or extracurricular activities.

Before leaving, make sure everyone knows what happens next, who is responsible for it and when you’ll check back in. Don’t be afraid to request another conference later in the year. Remember: Your child’s growth is the priority, and it will take everyone in the room to get there.

AS it marked 81 years of independence on August 17, Indonesia’s relationship with the Philippines stands as one of Asean’s more established and multifaceted partnerships.

Both countries are not only immediate maritime neighbors but also fellow founding members of the bloc, with interests that increasingly converge in security, trade, energy, food security and regional connectivity. More than seven decades after establishing diplomatic ties, the relationship has acquired a practical dimension that goes well beyond traditional political and cultural exchanges.

The two countries formally established mutual relations on November 24, 1949, and signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1951. The relationship has since evolved through successive mechanisms for political consultation, as well as economic and security linkages, culminating in what their governments describe as a ‘Strategic Partnership.’

Geography remains one of the most important drivers of the relationship. The Philippines and Indonesia share maritime boundaries in the Sulu and Celebes seas, making cooperation at sea a matter of both national security and economic necessity. The waters separating the two have long been vulnerable to smuggling, illegal fishing, trafficking and other transnational crimes, but they are also vital routes connecting communities and economies in the southern Philippines and eastern Indonesia. This has made maritime cooperation one of the most durable pillars of bilateral ties.

That cooperation received fresh impetus this year when the two countries held the eighth meeting of their Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in Jakarta on April 23. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono agreed to pursue more practical cooperation in border management, maritime security, trade, investment, energy and consular concerns. The meeting also underscored the importance of bilateral coordination as the Philippines assumed Asean chairship for 2026.

Security cooperation is particularly visible along the countries’ shared maritime frontier. In March, Philippine and Indonesian naval and coast guard units conducted another round of the Coordinated Patrol Philippines-Indonesia, or CORPAT PHILINDO, designed to improve interoperability, maritime surveillance and the prevention of illegal activities. The continuing patrols are significant not only because they protect the countries’ respective borders but also because they demonstrate how neighboring states can address common security concerns through routine cooperation.

Defense ties are also becoming more operational. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Indonesian military have agreed to explore greater logistics coordination, while enhancing joint operations and coordinated patrols in the Sulu and Celebes seas. The creation of a logistics subcommittee under their military cooperation mechanism points to a relationship moving beyond exercises and personnel exchanges toward more practical capabilities.

The economic relationship, meanwhile, has considerable room for expansion. Indonesia was the Philippines’ largest source of imports among Asean members in 2025, with imports from the former reaching $10.18 billion, or 28.8 percent of total imports from the regional bloc. The figures underline Indonesia’s importance as a supplier of fuel, transport equipment, food and other goods, even as the Philippines continues to seek greater access for its own exports to the Indonesian market.

A most promising development was President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Cebu for the 48th Asean Summit in May. Business groups announced the creation of an ‘Indo-Phil nickel corridor,’ supported by cooperation on data sharing, policy and regulatory dialogue, investment and the development of environmental, social and governance standards. The initiative is particularly significant as the two countries accounted for an estimated 73.6 percent of global nickel mine production in 2025.

The nickel initiative was part of a broader economic agenda. The two sides also reached agreements on food security, agricultural technology, renewable energy, financing and aviation, while Indonesia agreed to supply more fertilizer to help Philippine agriculture.

Energy is another important area: Indonesia remains a major supplier of coal to the Philippines, but the latest discussions also point toward cooperation in renewable energy, including potential hydropower and solar projects. The challenge now is to turn these agreements into investments, jobs and industries that create value in both countries rather than simply increasing the movement of commodities.

This is where connectivity becomes crucial. The Philippines and Indonesia are both members of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area, or BIMP-EAGA, which seeks to integrate economies in the less-developed and geographically distant parts of the four countries. At the May summit in Cebu, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prabowo emphasized connectivity, energy security, food security and investment as priorities for the subregion. The latter separately urged the Philippines to accelerate physical and energy interconnection with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

The emphasis on ports and connectivity also naturally connects the bilateral relationship to the Philippines’ broader logistics ambitions. Modern ports like the International Container Terminal Services Inc. serve as links in supply chains that connect businesses, communities and markets across borders. For the Philippines and Indonesia, improving maritime connectivity could support trade in minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods while strengthening the economic integration envisioned under BIMP-EAGA and Asean.

Ultimately, the strength of Philippine-Indonesian relations lies in their breadth and practicality. The two countries share geography, economic priorities, and regional objectives to sustain their cooperation. As Indonesia celebrates its independence, the Philippines has good reason to view the occasion not simply as a national celebration next door, but as a chance to reaffirm a partnership built over 77 years-one that is increasingly defined by secure seas, stronger supply chains, greater connectivity and a shared stake in a stable and prosperous Southeast Asia.

Citibank’s PHL office honored

THE Euromoney magazine published by Triple Private Equity Ltd. recently awarded Citibank NA 47 global, regional and local market awards, including the coveted ‘World’s Best Bank for Large Corporates’ and ‘World’s Best Bank for Securities Services,’ the lender said in a statement. In the Philippines, its Manila Branch was also recognized as ‘Best Digital Bank for Large Corporates,’ underscoring the bank’s continued commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions that help clients operate more efficiently, manage liquidity and payments seamlessly, and navigate increasingly complex business environments, the lender’s statement read.

Security Bank CFO to co-chair Asian group

THE Security Bank Corp. announced that its Chief Financial Officer John David G. Yap has been named one of four co-chairs of the newly-launched East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Chapter of the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the International Finance Corp. (IFC). In a statement, the lender said the appointment recognizes Yap’s extensive experience in SME banking. It also gives the Philippines a voice in regional discussions on expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across East Asia and the Pacific, read the statement.