Category: Business Mirror

Thai actress Freen Sarocha lit up Instagram with her post featuring the new vivo V60 Lite in Pop Pink, perfectly matching her chic OOTD. The actress couldn’t help but gush over the phone’s stylish design and powerful performance, calling it ‘a total dream.’

‘It’s pretty and powerful! With its 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery + 90W FlashCharge, I’m powered for all-day, nonstop fun,’ Freen wrote in her caption, sending love to her Filipino GirlFreens, the actress’ loyal fanbase in the Philippines.

The vivo V60 Lite Pop Pink isn’t just a beauty statement; it’s also built for gaming and nonstop entertainment. Inside its sleek design is the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo processor, backed by 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, ensuring smooth gameplay and seamless multitasking. Players can also enjoy stereo speakers with up to 400% volume, Bypass Charging for cooler, longer play sessions, and Ultra Game Mode for a fully immersive experience.

With its 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery and 90W FlashCharge, the vivo V60 Lite keeps gamers powered all day, making it the ideal companion for those who love nonstop fun and stylish tech, just like Freen.

Win vivo V60 Lite

Girlfreen PH, Freen’s official fan club in the country, is hosting a vivo V60 Lite giveaway for Filipino fans. Two lucky winners will take home their very own vivo V60 Lite.

Here’s how to join:

Get 10 people to follow Freen on Instagram via @srchafreen.

Each of them must like Freen’s vivo post and share it as a public Instagram story, tagging @srchafreen and @vivo_philippines.

Submit the official entry form here to complete your participation.

Entries will be accepted until November 8, 2025, and winners will be announced on November 11, 2025.

Freen’s fans across the Philippines are already sharing her post and showing love for the Pop Pink smartphone that combines beauty, power, and fun in one stunning device.

Aside from Pop Pink, the vivo V60 Lite is also available in Titanium Blue and Elegant Black. The smartphone is now available for purchase nationwide in vivo concept stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers for as low as Php 14,999. You can also shop online via the vivo website.

Figures of cherubim or ‘little angels’ in cemeteries are often used to signify the graves of infants or children.

A cherubim, often depicted as childlike winged angel, symbolizes the soul’s journey to heaven or represents a child who has died. A cherubim can also represent a soul in spiritual transition and innocence.

The cherubs’ childlike faces symbolize a shift in the perception of death, transforming it from a biological endpoint (represented by skulls) to a step in the journey toward another life.

Some cemeteries, such as the Manila South Cemetery, have designated sections for the remains of unborn children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.

Abortion is the willful killing of the fetus in the uterus, or the violent expulsion thereof from the maternal womb, which results in the death of the fetus.

Abortion is illegal in the Philippines. The 1987 Philippine Constitution (Art II, Sec 12) states that the state ‘shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.’ This provision is interpreted as a constitutional ban on abortion.

Under Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), there are three ways by which abortion is committed: (1) by using violence upon the person of the pregnant woman; (2) by acting, but without using violence, without the consent of the woman (e.g., by administering drugs or beverages upon her without her consent); and (3) by acting (by administering drugs or beverages) with the consent of the pregnant woman.

The Supreme Court has not decriminalized abortion and has consistently upheld its illegality under Philippine law.

In the 1961 case of Geluz v. Court of Appeals (GR L-16439 July 20, 1961), the Supreme Court ruled that a husband could not recover damages for his wife’s abortion because the unborn fetus lacks legal personality and therefore has no right to claim damages.

Three years ago, the US Supreme Court issued a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (No. 19-1392, June 24, 2022) reversing the doctrine in the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade (410 US 113).

I first encountered Roe vs Wade in my constitutional and criminal law classes at the UP College of Law in the early 1990s.

The US Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that the US constitution generally protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion.

The case noted that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment protects against state action the right to privacy, and a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion falls within that right to privacy. A state law that broadly prohibits abortion without respect to the stage of pregnancy or other interests violates that right.

The case discussed abortion rights in three periods of the pregnancy.

In the first trimester, the state may not regulate the abortion decision; only the pregnant woman and her attending physician can make that decision.

In the second trimester, the state may impose regulations on abortion that are reasonably related to maternal health.

In the third trimester, once the fetus reaches the point of ‘viability,’ a state may regulate abortions or prohibit them entirely, so long as the laws contain exceptions for cases when abortion is necessary to save the life or health of the mother.

In the consolidated case of Imbong v. Ochoa (GR 204819, April 8, 2014), the Supreme Court ruled that the Reproductive Health Act of 2012/RA 10354 (RH Law) actually proscribes abortion, that it recognizes that the fertilized ovum already has life and that the State has a bounden duty to protect it.

The Court said that life begins at fertilization, not at implantation.

When a fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterine wall, its viability is sustained but that instance of implantation is not the point of beginning of life. It started earlier.

The Court found that the RH Law itself clearly mandates that protection be afforded from the moment of fertilization. It is replete with provisions to protect the fertilized ovum and that it should be afforded safe travel to the uterus for implantation.

Women’s rights advocates fought for the decriminalization of abortion arguing that women in the Philippines are forced to undergo clandestine and unsafe conditions to get an abortion, putting themselves at serious risk.

Some 1.1 million induced abortions occur in the country annually, while some 1,000 Filipino women die each year from post-abortion complications.

SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said in the Imbong case that unwanted pregnancies may be the result of lack of knowledge of the consequences of the sexual act, or it could be due to the lack of information and access to safe and effective reproductive technologies.

Leonen said: ‘A law that mandates informed choice and proper access for reproductive health technologies should not be presumed to be a threat to the right to life. It is an affirmative guarantee to assure the protection of human rights.’

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. joined the leaders and representatives of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and its other international guests and partners at the Hwabaek International Convention Center with much anticipation for the start of the 32nd summit of the international business forum.

The summit comes just a day after United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Gyeongju and negotiated in rolling back some trade restrictions between Washington and Beijing, a development expected to ease the trade war between the two countries, both economic giants.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met the participants of the event on Friday morning before the start of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting session, with the theme: Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond.

Upon Marcos’s arrival at the Convention Center, he shook the hands of Lee before posing for a picture.

South Korea described the Philippines as its oldest partner from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Other notable state officials who attended the event were US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Chinese President Xi. Trump skipped the summit after his bilateral meeting with Xi and Lee.

Xi is currently on a three-day state visit in South Korea-his first in 11 years.

Last Thursday, Marcos said the meeting between Trump and Xi will send ripple effects during the APEC Summit as well as his bilateral meetings at the sidelines of the event.

‘Critical turning point’

In his opening speech at the opening of the APEC Summit, Lee called for unity among the summit participants to foster global economic growth amid ‘sweeping changes and global economic uncertainty.’

‘We all stand at a critical turning point as the international order undergoes rapid transformation,’ Lee said in Korean.

‘The free trade order is facing sweeping changes and global economic uncertainty is intensifying, and the momentum for trade and investment is weakening,’ he added.

Marcos said he will push for ‘practical’ outcomes from his participation at the 32nd APEC Summit that will help uplift the lives of Filipinos this week, including providing support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), digital trade opportunities, food and energy security, and climate change.

MANILA swimmer Patricia Mae Santor bagged her sixth gold medal on the final day of competition to bring her total medal haul to seven in the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex in General Santos City.

Santor, a student-athlete at the University of Santo Tomas, secured her second gold in the team event after leading Manila to victory in the 4×50-meter medley relay alongside teammates Kristine Jane Uy, Naomi Sy and Eliana Isabel Rodriguez.

The quartet clocked 2:08.86, finishing ahead of Bacolod City and Mandaue City in the final swimming event of the Philippine Sports Commission-organized multisport tournament.

Santor emerged as the most bemedaled female swimmer of the games with four individual and two team golds, plus a silver.

Mabalacat City’s FJ Catherine Cruz, Aklan’s Nuche Veronica Ibit and Malabon City’s Sophia Rose Garra also captured five gold medals each, sweeping all their individual events.

Local standout Christian Isaiah Lagnason pocketed four gold medals in his hometown but was stripped of another due to a false start disqualification on Wednesday.

‘Improvement-one more gold than last year,’ said Lagnason, who has become the benchmark in three Batang Pinoy events. ‘Last year, I was just going for fun, and now I’m more serious. I’d like to set more records.’

Manila, meanwhile, led the provisional medals race with 32 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze for a total of 83 medals, followed by defending champion Pasig also with 29 golds, 17 silvers and 21 bronzes (70 total).

Baguio City sat in third with 29-17-22 (68 total), followed by Quezon City with 20-19-23 (62 total) and Zamboanga City with 16-12-3 (31 total).

PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio led the closing ceremony at the Sports Complex, while General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao officially handed over the hosting duties to Bacolod City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya.

Quezon City, led by a core from Far Eastern University-Diliman, captured the boys’ 3×3 basketball title after defeating Taguig City, 21-16, in the final held at the Holy Trinity College compound.

Negros Occidental claimed the bronze after downing Davao del Norte, 17-13.

Cagayan de Oro City ruled the girls’ 3×3 division after outlasting Davao City, 19-15, while Bulacan secured bronze with a 16-14 win over Caloocan City.

In a strong display of corporate compassion, MocaMoca, one of the official lending applications of Copperstone Lending Inc., spearheaded a community donation drive titled ‘Tulong Para sa Cebu’ on October 28 to 29, 2025. This initiative was part of Copperstone’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, aimed at supporting Filipino communities affected by natural disasters.

Through the ‘MocaMoca Cares: Tulong Para sa Cebu’ drive, MocaMoca and Copperstone Lending Inc. provided essential relief packs containing rice bags and bottled water to families impacted by the recent earthquake in Cebu. The goal was simple yet deeply meaningful – to extend tangible help and heartfelt care to those rebuilding their lives after the calamity.

A Day of Giving and Hope

The outreach activity was held in partnership with the Cebu local LGU and DSWD representatives, who helped facilitate the smooth distribution of relief goods to affected households. Volunteers and Copperstone team members personally assisted in handing out donations, ensuring every family felt supported and valued.

‘MocaMoca and Copperstone Lending Inc. are committed to serving beyond financial assistance. Through initiatives like Tulong Para sa Cebu, we hope to bring comfort and hope to our fellow Filipinos during challenging times,’ said Mr. David Balamon, Copperstone’s company representative.

The event also served as an opportunity to connect with the community – sharing smiles, words of encouragement, and solidarity – showing that behind every Copperstone service is a company with heart.

Commitment to Care and Responsibility

As a legally registered and SEC-accredited lending company, Copperstone Lending Inc. continues to uphold its values of fairness, transparency, and compassion – not just in lending but in social responsibility. Its app, MocaMoca, embodies the company’s advocacy for accessible and ethical financial support, extending that same spirit of service to its CSR initiatives. Through programs like MocaMoca Cares, Copperstone Lending Inc. aims to strengthen its role in building a more caring, resilient, and empowered Filipino community

RISING electricity, rice, and fish prices are seen to have fueled inflation in October, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In its month-ahead inflation forecast, the BSP projected October 2025 inflation to settle within the range of 1.4 to 2.2 percent.

‘Upward price pressures for the month may stem from higher prices of rice, fish, vegetables, and electricity, as well as the depreciation of the peso,’ the BSP said.

However, these pressures could be partially offset by lower prices of oil, meat and fruits, the central bank added.

If inflation reaches 1.4 percent in October, this would be the lowest in three months since the 0.9 percent recorded in July. But if it turned out to be 2.2 percent, this would be the fastest in nine months or since the 2.9 percent posted in January.

The October 2025 inflation data will be released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on November 5.

In September, inflation accelerated to 1.7 percent, faster than the 1.5 percent posted in August but was slower than the 1.9 percent recorded in September 2024.

‘Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor evolving domestic and international developments affecting the outlook for inflation and growth in line with its data-dependent approach to monetary policy formulation,’ the central bank said.

Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said headline inflation likely rose to 1.8 percent in October on higher rice, vegetables and fish prices.

‘Additional upward pressure came from higher electricity rates and a weaker Peso, though these were partly tempered by declines in meat, fruit, and oil prices,’ Neri said.

However, upside risks are ‘building’ due to the fading favorable rice base effects and the extension of the rice import ban through the year-end, which could add pressure on rice prices, Neri added.

Still, inflation is expected to hover around 2.0 percent through December, before edging above 3.0 percent in the first half of 2026. This will be driven by base effects, wage increases and potential supply disruptions linked to trade policy, Neri said.

With this, the BSP could still deliver another 25-basis-point rate cut in December, Neri added, if the third quarter GDP data confirms the persistence of economic weakness.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. earlier hinted that the ‘Goldilocks rate’ has shifted closer to 4 percent from 5 percent, implying more room for monetary policy easing.

Beyond December, Neri said the central bank could lower interest rates by two more times in the first half of 2026, if growth continues to run ‘below potential.’

The BSP may also align its policy with the US Federal Reserve, especially if markets bet on aggressive US rate cuts after Chairman Powell’s term ends in May 2026.

‘However, such a strategy, if materialized, raises the risk of policy overshooting: if inflation pressures re-emerge once base effects turn unfavorable later in 2026, a reversal in policy could become necessary,’ Neri warned.

More rate cuts, however, may continue to weigh on the peso, Neri said, as markets price in narrower interest rate differentials versus the US.

The peso’s recent record weakness was driven by strong import demand and equity outflows, but holiday remittance inflows could provide temporary support, helping the peso end the year around P58.20 per dollar, Neri added.

The peso closed at P58.85 to the greenback on Thursday, after it opened at P58.73. It traded at its highest at P58.98 and at its lowest at P58.58.

THE Philippines formally joined the Artemis Accords during the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing its commitment to peaceful, transparent, and sustainable exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Led by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the signing aligns the country with a growing coalition of nations working to strengthen space governance and safety.

The Artemis Accords outline principles for responsible behavior in outer space, including transparency in mission planning, registration of space objects, and deconfliction to avoid accidents and debris generation.

These provisions are especially relevant to the Philippines, which has repeatedly faced risks from falling rocket debris.

Debris incidents in PHL waters

In recent months, Chinese rocket launches have resulted in debris falling into Philippine territory, raising alarms over safety and accountability:

On October 19, 2025, the Philippine Navy recovered suspected debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket off Bataraza, Palawan, just two days after its launch from Hainan.

Earlier, on August 4, 2025, debris from China’s Long March 12 rocket fell into Philippine archipelagic waters, prompting official concern from the Department of Foreign Affairs and calls for responsible space conduct.

PhilSA issued multiple debris warnings for areas near El Nido, Tubbataha Reef, and Basilan, citing projected drop zones from Chinese launches.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for international norms that prioritize safety, transparency, and mutual respect-principles at the heart of the Artemis Accords.

‘By signing the Accords, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to be an active stakeholder in space governance and in the shaping and maintenance of international law,’ said PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez.

‘This reflects our readiness to stand alongside like-minded nations in advancing transparency, sustainability, and shared benefit beyond our borders and above our atmosphere,’ she added.

Expert insight from Batongbacal

Atty. Jay Batongbacal, a maritime law expert from the UP College of Law-Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, who has recently taken interest in space governance, welcomed the signing as a strategic move.

‘It’s good in the sense that it is an indication that we are ramping up our space activities. There is potential for technology transfer, and participation in international space activities,’ he said.

‘The Accords essentially reiterate commitment to the outer space treaties, which we are in the process of ratifying anyway.’

He noted, however, that the Artemis Accords will not directly resolve the Philippines’ concerns over China’s rocket launches and debris incidents.

‘That’s a different problem. But the Accords’ section on deconflicting space activities adds weight to the existing rules on the responsibility [and liability] of states for their space objects and space activities, including if they fall and cause damage,’ he told the BusinessMirror.

Batongbacal added that while the Accords promote cooperation and peaceful uses of space, ‘it has also been criticized as catering too much to commercial interests.’

Contrast in space governance

While 56 countries have signed the Artemis Accords as of October 2025, China is not among them.

Instead, it pursues independent space initiatives-such as the Tiangong space station and Chang’e lunar missions-outside the Artemis framework.

This divergence highlights the geopolitical and strategic tensions in space governance, especially as debris incidents test the limits of current international law.

The Philippines’ participation in the Accords builds on a decade of steady progress in space development. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) was established in 2019 through the Philippine Space Act (RA 11363), with a mandate to advance national space policy, satellite development, and international cooperation.

Key milestones include:

The launch of Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, Earth observation microsatellites developed with Japanese partners.

The deployment of Maya-series CubeSats, used for communications and scientific experiments.

The construction of PhilSA’s headquarters in New Clark City, envisioned as a hub for space research and innovation.

PhilSA’s programs focus on disaster resilience, food security, maritime domain awareness, and STEM education, using space technology to address national development goals.

Joining the Artemis Accords reflects the Philippines’ intent to be a responsible and proactive player in global space governance-ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and Yamang Kalawakan are shared by all.

This milestone will be featured at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu from November 17 to 22, where PhilSA will highlight its role in advancing regional space safety and cooperation.

THE national government’s outstanding debt continued its month-on-month downward trajectory in September, but still posted a year-on-year increase, reaching P17.455 trillion as of end-September.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), the government’s outstanding debt dipped by 0.07 percent from P17.468 trillion as of end-August.

Of the total debt stock, 68.6 percent consists of domestic debt, while the remaining 31.4 percent was borrowed from foreign sources.

Domestic debt went down by 0.94 percent month-on-month to P11.972 trillion as of end-September from P12.087 trillion, as the government paid off more borrowings.

The Treasury said total repayments exceeded new issuances by P117.29 billion, more than offsetting the P3.16-billion upward revaluation from the peso depreciation against the retail dollar bonds.

Meanwhile, external debt inched up by 1.9 percent to P5.482 trillion as of end-September from P5.381 trillion as of end-August.

The weaker peso caused the value of foreign obligations to rise, as this movement more than offset the P1.30 billion in net loan repayments and P2.1 billion in third-currency fluctuations, the Treasury explained.

‘The continued decrease reflects the government’s sound fiscal discipline, strategic borrowing strategy, and proactive liability management, supported by steady market conditions and robust domestic investor confidence,’ the Treasury said in a statement.

Despite this, the government’s outstanding debt jumped by 9.83 percent year-on-year from P15.893 trillion.

Local debt grew 9.48 percent from P10.936 trillion as of end-September last year, while external debt rose by 10.60 percent from P4.957 trillion.

‘Finally aware’ of wastage

Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo A. Lanzona told the BusinessMirror that the flood control scandal has made the government ‘finally aware’ of the wastage from indiscriminate use of resources for projects or investments that don’t generate enough return.

‘This can reduce the debt for some time. But the weaknesses of the peso and the continued trade deficits can result in even higher debt in the future,’ Lanzona warned.

The peso depreciation makes the debt problem ‘worse’ by making the peso value of foreign obligations more expensive, which creates a ‘challenging’ cycle that requires careful fiscal management from the government.

Trade deficits can also force the government to borrow as the country needs to pay for its imports, Lanzona added.

The government is targeting to reduce its outstanding debt to P17.359 trillion by the end of the year.

But as the peso weakens, Lanzona said this would be ‘challenging’ for the government to achieve.

‘The September figures affirm the Marcos, Jr. administration’s strong fiscal discipline and proactive debt management, ensuring that government financing remains sustainable, strategic, and supportive of the country’s growth priorities,’ the Treasury said.

The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, or the outstanding debt as a share of the overall economy, jumped to 63.1 percent in the second quarter of this year from 60.9 percent in the same period a year ago.

The government estimates the debt-to-GDP ratio to ease to 61.3 percent by the end of 2025, and further decline to 58 percent by end-2030.

For many Filipinos, saving money can often feel like an uphill battle-especially when everyday expenses demand immediate attention. But Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CLB) believes that every Ipon Moves-no matter how small, can lead to lasting change and help Filipinos turn their dreams into reality.

This World Savings Day 2025, CLB joins the global celebration of financial empowerment through its nationwide campaign, ‘Ipon moves this IPON Month,’ an inspiring call for Filipinos to make saving a daily habit. Through this initiative, the bank continues its mission to make financial inclusion accessible to all and to empower every Ka-Cebuana to take control of their financial future.

‘Ipon Moves’ underscores the power of consistent saving and how even the smallest effort can lead to greater stability and success. Through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, clients gain an easy, secure, and reliable way to manage their funds and plan ahead. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, which offers this service, is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ?1,000,000 per depositor.

‘Our goal has always been to make financial services accessible to every Filipino, especially those who have limited access to traditional banking,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘Through Micro Savings and initiatives like Ipon Moves, we aim to nurture a culture of saving that empowers families to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life,’ he added.

This year, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank also took its ‘Ipon Moves’ campaign on the road-visiting various Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank branches across the country to celebrate the inspiring spirit of saving among Filipinos. As part of the activity, the CL Bank set up a ‘Wish IPON a Dream’ Wall, where clients were invited to post their personal dreams and motivations for saving. Each note reflected a story of hope, perseverance, and love-proof that every Filipino’s ipon has a deeper purpose.

Among those who shared their goals on the Wish IPON a Dream Wall was Rossini Abriola, a 63-year-old mother from Las Piñas City, who has shown how saving can be an act of perseverance and love. Her goal was simple yet profound-to see her son graduate. Through small, consistent deposits, she has been able to support his studies by setting aside part of her savings for his daily allowance. She continues to save diligently, hoping to one day buy him a laptop that will help him in his schooling.

‘Ang pag-iipon ang nagturo sa’kin ng tiyaga at pananampalataya,’ Rossini said. ‘Hindi madali, pero gusto kong ipakita sa anak ko na kayang abutin ang pangarap basta’t nagsusumikap. Bawat pisong naiipon ko, para sa kanya talaga.’

From Laguna, Arnel Peralta, a 52-year-old single father and person with disability, has turned his ipon into a promise of hope. Despite his health challenges, Arnel faithfully saves through his Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account, determined to open a small sari-sari store that will help support his two children.

‘Hindi madali mag-ipon lalo na kapag araw-araw may kailangang gastusan,’ Arnel shared. ‘Pero kapag naiisip ko ang mga anak ko, lalo na’t mga bata pa at nag-aaral, sa kanila ako kumukuha ng inspirasyon. Kahit maliit lang ang naitatabi ko, basta tuloy-tuloy, makakarating din sa pangarap.’

In Cebu, Rizchel Canillo, a 48-year-old single mother of four, shows how saving can keep dreams alive even in tough times. Working as an e-bike driver, she sets aside ?50 from her daily earnings to save for a new e-bike battery. When her wish finally came true, she felt deep relief, knowing she no longer had to rent one just to continue earning for her family.

‘Patuloy pa rin akong nag-iipon kahit natupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ko,’ Rizchel shared. ‘Minsan na ring nakatulong ang ipon ko noong kinailangan ng nanay ko ng tulong sa pagpapagamot. Kaya para sa’kin, ang ipon laging may silbi, lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan.’

Down south, Maria Robilyn Sabanto, a 26-year-old breadwinner from Cagayan de Oro, sees saving as her way of giving back. Working at a service center, she sets aside a portion of her salary to buy her 69-year-old father a mountain bike-a symbol of gratitude and care for the man who raised her.

‘Para sa’kin, ang pag-iipon hindi lang tungkol sa pera, kundi tungkol sa pagmamahal at responsibilidad,’ Robilyn said. ‘Nag-iipon ako kasi gusto kong maibalik kahit papaano ang lahat ng ginawa ng tatay ko para sa’kin. Sa pag-iipon, nagkakaroon ako ng paraan para maipakita kung gaano ko siya pinahahalagahan.’

Because of their determination to save and their touching stories of hope, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, through its ‘Ipon Moves’ campaign, surprised them by granting the dreams they had shared on the Wish IPON a Dream Wall.

Rossini received a brand-new laptop for her son’s studies, helping her continue to support his education. Arnel was given grocery packages to help him start his long-awaited sari-sari store. Rizchel was granted a new e-bike battery, easing her daily struggles and allowing her to earn more for her family. And Robilyn received a mountain bike for her father-a heartfelt token of gratitude for the man who inspired her to keep saving.

Through their stories, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank reminds every Filipino that saving is more than a financial act-it’s a declaration of hope, discipline, and love for the people who matter most. Every Ipon Move-no matter how small-brings Filipinos closer to the life they dream of and the future they deserve.

THE Philippines’ exports grew 15.9 percent in September while the trade deficit continued to narrow despite the implementation of US tariffs, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated.

Based on the International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, the country’s exports grew 15.9 percent to $7.25 billion from the $6.26 billion in the same month a year ago.

Meanwhile, the balance of trade in goods, the difference between the value of exports and imports in September 2025, amounted to $4.35 billion, indicating a trade deficit with an annual decline of 14.7 percent.

From January to September 2025, the country’s outbound shipments amounted to $63.02 billion, up 13.1 percent from the $55.71 billion in the nine-month period a year ago.

By commodity group, PSA noted that electronic products continued to be the country’s top exports in September 2025, with earnings of $4.02 billion-or 55.5 percent of the country’s exports pie in the said period.

This was followed by other mineral products, with an export value of $413.79 million (5.7 percent), and other manufactured goods with $375.10 million (5.2 percent).

As to the country’s trading partners, PSA data noted that exports to the United States of America (USA) comprised the highest export value amounting to $1.11 billion, or 15.3 percent of the country’s exports in September 2025.

This was closely followed by Hong Kong, $1.10 billion or 15.1 percent share; People’s Republic of China, $959.19 million or 13.2 percent share; Japan, $883.33 million or 12.2 percent share; and The Netherlands, $325.78 million or 4.5 percent share.

By economic bloc, PSA said much of the country’s merchandise exports in September 2025 went to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries with a share of $5.91 billion or 81.5 percent of the country’s total exports.

This was followed by East Asia at $3.55 billion (48.9 percent), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) valued at $3.21 billion (44.3 percent).