Category: Business Mirror

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).

BETWEEN 2005 and 2025, the Philippines’s tourism and aviation industries evolved from fragmented growth to integrated engines of economic development.

While these industries initially operated largely independently-tourism attracting inbound visitors and aviation providing the routes-they became deeply connected, each driving the other’s expansion and resilience through challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks and external shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Diversification of destinations, marketing

Following global challenges like the SARS pandemic and the Iraq War in 2003, the Philippine government focused on playing catch-up with its neighbors.

In 2005, the Philippines recorded 2.62 million inbound tourists, significantly trailing Malaysia (16.3 million) and Thailand (11.5 million). Even Vietnam, which used to be a regional laggard, recorded 3.2 million inbound tourists that year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), under Secretary Ace Durano, revitalized the ‘WOW Philippines’ brand and implemented a diversification strategy, moving focus from Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay to emerging destinations like Bohol, Iloilo, and Siargao.

He also expanded into emerging markets and focused on high-value tourists who like diving, golf, and are into wellness.

Despite these efforts, challenges in global perception persisted. Jose C. Clemente III, president of the pioneering destination management company (DMC) Rajah Tours Philippines, recalls that ‘it was a hard sell to promote the country 20 years ago,’ as they had to grapple with buyer’s inquiries about the ‘peace and order situation, political instability, and other questions, which had to do with the perception of the Philippines.’

In the hospitality industry, veteran Agnes Caparas Pacis, Vice President-Commercial of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), notes that the industry was then ‘predominantly conventional, focusing more on physical amenities and brick-and-mortar comfort-in terms of physical spaces or infrastructure-over holistic, guest-centered experiences.’

The rise of LCCs

The aviation industry recognized that connectivity was strategic for the archipelagic nation, leading to infrastructure and business reforms.

Domestic carriers expanded frequency, and airports such as Clark International Airport in Pampanga and regional airports started upgrades.

A significant catalyst was the transformation of Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) into a low-cost carrier (LCC) between 2004 and 2007. Alexander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer, says this move ‘drew significant attention, as many did not yet understand how the LCC model worked-especially how the airline could offer ‘piso fares’ while operating brand-new aircraft.’

This LCC model stimulated tourism demand, encouraging more Filipinos and foreigners to travel deeper into the archipelago as airfares dropped.

This competition became a force for industry evolution. Former Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, who was then president of the pioneering carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), admits to ‘moments of anxiety’ when CEB, and later, AirAsia, entered the market.

However, he underscores that ‘more importantly, they became catalysts for innovation. Competition forced us [PAL] to become more efficient, customer-focused, and adaptive. In the end, this diversity of business models expanded the overall market, democratizing air travel for millions of Filipinos.’

This democratization resulted in domestic travel surging to 37.5 million by 2011, up from 24 million in 2005, as per data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Viral campaigns, infrastructure milestones

From 2013 to 2018, the Philippines saw sharper growth in inbound tourism and improved air services.

The launch of the iconic ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ brand campaign in 2012, under then Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., rekindled the global imagination through its smart use of social media and out-of-house advertising, such as billboards, transit ads, along with increased people-to-people engagement through social activations in public spaces.

The impact was immediate: visitor arrivals jumped 9.07 percent that year to 4.27 million, crossing the 4-million mark for the first time. This, despite DOT working with a budget of just P3 billion.

Clemente says the ‘fun’ slogan ‘put us back on the radar of many foreign markets and captured the essence of the Philippines and our people.’ It is the main reason that he had always pushed for the slogan’s retention when he was president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines. ‘It’s difficult to find a replacement slogan that encapsulates and captures what the destination and the people are all about.’

Despite challenges like Supertyphoon Yolanda, diplomatic issues with Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Tanim-Bala at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of international arrivals remained robust at 8.6 percent from 2012 to 2019, while the DOT used this slogan, notes former Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda.

The period also featured a critical commitment to sustainable tourism, demonstrated by the six-month closure of the world-famous Boracay Island starting in April 2018.

Then Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said this action signified the government’s willingness to invest in sustainable tourism and infrastructure, raise standards, and implement enforcement.

Upon its reopening, she noted that many original stakeholders ‘welcomed the stricter environmental guidelines,’ observing that ‘The main beach is immaculate and peaceful now.’

Elevating global standing

The aviation industry made significant strides in game-changing infrastructure during this time.

Bautista recalls that ‘One of the major turning points was the restoration of Category 1 status by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2014, after years of oversight improvements. This was followed by the lifting of the European Union ban, both of which reaffirmed the Philippines’s commitment to international safety and compliance standards.’

Infrastructure improvements directly enabled greater tourism access, such as the opening of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport in November 2018, which allowed direct international flights to a key tourism destination. This integration confirmed that tourism development (hotels, resorts, attractions) made aviation investments more viable.

Also, upgrades to Mactan-Cebu and other gateways improved capacity, efficiency, and experience for inbound tourists.

By the end of 2019, international arrivals surged to a historic high of 8.3 million, with the industry contributing 12.7 percent to the entire GDP that year. Tourism jobs averaged a 13-percent share of total employment from 2015 to 2019, up from a 10.5-percent share from 2005 to 2009.

Total airline passenger traffic reached a record-breaking 60 million in 2019, double the 30.85 million who traveled in and out of the country in 2010, as per data from the Civil Aeronautics Board.

Pandemic and the pivot to resilience

Sadly, the global spread of COVID-19 in early 2020 abruptly halted this momentum.

While the pandemic crippled many hotels, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) worked closely with the DOT in converting member-hotels into quarantine accommodations for returning overseas Filipinos.

Pacis, who is also HSMA Director for Education, notes that ‘Filipino hospitality workers’ ingenuity, creativity, and passion to survive surfaced. We redefined our operations and pursued online bookings, hybrid setups, pivoted and repurposed our convention and event spaces, and established strict health protocols that gave a new meaning to ‘safe luxury’.’

For DMCs, business was ‘a complete zero,’ according to Clemente. Yet, he avers that due to a strong collaboration with the DOT, ‘we were able to keep the Philippines on the radar of our markets by conducting product updates, market updates, and other activities, which kept some momentum despite two years’ inactivity.’

Similarly, the aviation industry suffered massive losses. In a letter to shareholders, then CEB President Lance Gokongwei reported that flights in 2020 dropped 71 percent, and ‘Bottom line, we lost P22.2 billion, a major downturn vs. our net income of P9.13 billion posted in 2019’.

Aviation used the downtime to reorganize, exemplified by PAL successfully exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy after restructuring its finances and cutting over $2 billion in debt, which allowed it to have a stronger balance sheet.

The DOT, meanwhile, pivoted to domestic tourism, pushing for more local destinations to reopen, earning some revenue for the tourism and aviation industries. Between 2020 and 2022, domestic tourism grew by over 137 percent, from 27 million to 64.1 million. Domestic revenue was recorded at P564 billion in 2020, and swelled to P1.4 trillion as Filipinos took advantage of the lowered quarantine restrictions to travel to local destinations.

When borders fully reopened in February 2022, a ‘revenge travel’ boom ensued. Clemente says, ‘Arrivals were more than what we had initially anticipated.’ By the end of that year, inbound tourists reached 2.65 million, which is higher than the 1.7 million the DOT had targeted.

PAL recorded a significant turnaround that year with a full-year operating income of $297.2 million, supported by a 214-percent surge in passengers.

Uneven recovery

By early 2024, the hospitality industry saw ‘almost a total recovery,’ as ‘hotel occupancy and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) bookings had been steadily increasing,’ according to Pacis.

Travel preferences, however, substantially changed. Clemente observes that ‘tourists are now looking more for tactile and authentic experiences when they travel.’ He notes that tourists now ‘want to experience the world in a deeper way than just by being passive tourists.’

Pacisconcurs, stating that ‘today’s traveler is more discerning, well-informed, savvy, and quite demanding,’ and that ‘convenience and luxury are no longer enough, unlike two decades ago.’

Despite the momentum, inbound tourism in 2024 reached only 5.95 million, falling short of the DOT’s 7.7-million target.

The current DOT chief, Christina Garcia Frasco, has blamed the lackluster performance in the inbound travel sector on a low marketing budget and the tepid arrivals from China due to visa challenges. Ongoing diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea held back the rollout of an electronic visa (e-visa) scheme in China.

Her leadership launched the ‘Love the Philippines’ brand campaign in June 2023, which was highly criticized, especially when its first promotional video was found to have used foreign scenes to depict local popular destinations.

The lower arrivals have impacted many tourism businesses. Clementestresses, ‘Lower arrival numbers have affected most DMCs this year. We feel that we need to reestablish the Philippines as a destination by creating more buzz or noise in the global market. We need to raise the destination’s profile again.’

PPP for airport modernization

The aviation industry is faring better, though. The privatization of Naia-the main gateway to the Philippines-is considered a major milestone. One year after the Ramon S. Ang-led New Naia Infrastructure Corp. won the bid to manage the airport, significant changes have been implemented that have enhanced the traveler experience.

‘For years, limited airport capacity, particularly at Naia, has constrained growth. But in recent years, through public-private partnerships (PPP), the public has seen a strong movement: the Naia rehabilitation project, the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, and the expansion of Clark and Cebu airports. These developments are helping decentralize air traffic and open new growth corridors,’ says Bautista, under whose term as Transportation chief, all these improvements have been fast-tracked.

Another industry milestone is CEB’s landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt and Whitney for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with P and W GTF engines. Deemed as the largest plane order in Philippine aviation history, valued at some $24 billion (P1.4 trillion), this is intended to strengthen the carrier’s services while maintaining a lower carbon footprint.

To ensure strategic and sustainable growth, local carriers advocate for a unified roadmap.

Speaking at the recent Aviation Summit of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, PAL Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez argues for an airport development master plan, stating: ‘We need a master plan standardizing secondary airports through night-rating, runway extensions, and upgraded air navigational aides so they can serve as reliable mini-hubs.’

CEB’s Laoagrees, noting that because airlines typically plan 10 years, ‘the aviation sector requires a clearly defined short-, medium-, and long-term development roadmap. This will ensure that growth is strategic, sustainable, and aligned with national goals.’

Total passenger traffic is projected to expand to 66 million by 2028, up from 53 million in 2023.

Remaining challenges

Stakeholders emphasize that strong policy and regulatory alignment are crucial for continued growth.

Affordability: The rising cost of airfare is a major concern. Pacis says, ‘Fluctuating room rates and unstable airfares have turned affordability into a critical factor in travel decisions.’

Government focus: Philippine tourism continues to play catch-up with its neighbors in terms of attracting inbound visitors. Clemente stresses that ‘tourism is very dependent on the government, especially as it pertains to how much value it places in this industry, and who is put in charge of the DOT and its related agencies.’

Regulatory reform: Bautista pushes for the strengthening of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines ‘by granting it greater autonomy, improving technical capability, and aligning its governance with ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] best practices.’

Looking ahead, as long as the industries maintain integration-airports and airlines aligned with destination development, with regulators that are enabling rather than constraining, and private-public partnerships thriving-the Philippines is well-positioned to survive not just future shocks, but to thrive as an Asia-Pacific tourism and aviation hub into the next decade.

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said the Nov. 2 signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) by the Philippines and Canada showcases the growing security ties of the country with other like-minded nations.

It added that this initiative supports President Ferdinand Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s call to strengthen international ties to promote regional peace and stability.

‘The high-level defense engagement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to expand the country’s security partnerships,’ it added.

Teodoro and his counterpart, Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, will hold a bilateral meeting in Makati City this Sunday prior to the signing of the SOVFA.

The meeting between the two officials highlights ‘the deepening defense partnership between the two nations.’

‘Following the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Minister McGuinty will sign the Philippines-Canada SOVFA, the negotiations for which concluded earlier in March this year,’ the DND said.

SOVFA negotiations between the Philippines and Canada were successfully concluded last March 7, the DND earlier said.

‘This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities,’ it added.

Formal negotiations started on Jan. 16, 2025. The Philippines has similar agreements with at least three to four countries.

Following the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA.

GOD willing, I’ll be in Tokyo covering the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) while you are reading this. As I said, I’ve been in the car show since 1993. That long. That’s how much I love the event. Magically magnetic.

Set officially from October 30 to November 9 at the Japanese capital known as the world’s biggest metropolis, the iconic motor show that began in 1954 has consistently retained its prestigious position as one of the world’s Top 3 motor exhibitions alongside Detroit in the USA and Frankfurt in Germany.

Toyota being my consistent host in the biennial event since 1999 (that long), I wish to highlight its latest version of Land Cruiser that will be on display in Tokyo’s famed Big Sight, the auto show’s venue in the heart of the city.

Set to be launched in mid-2026, Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ is set for unveiling at the JMS along with new models and concept cars from the world’s No. 1 automaker.

Known originally as the Toyota BJ in 1951, the Land Cruiser immediately became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of the world-famous Mount Fuji.

‘Since then, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that only the Land Cruiser can reach,’ Toyota said in a statement.

Toyota’s flagship model for over 70 years now has a cumulative sales of more than 12 million units in over 190 countries and regions around the world.

3 key features

ITS exterior design follows a silhouette that emphasizes a square cabin, taking into consideration the habitability and cargo capacity that successive generations of Land Cruisers have prioritized.

It expresses a lean, strong sense of mass and fun through a rectangular body with a dice motif and chamfered edges.

The front and rear express a powerful sense of stability through a composition of powerful bumpers and flared fenders on a taut, simple body.

Both front and rear corner bumpers are removable, segmented types, allowing only damaged parts to be replaced to improve repairability, while also taking customizability into account to allow users to enjoy their Land Cruiser in their own unique ways.

Interior design

IT has a cockpit layout that enables instant recognition and steering across a wide range of driving conditions, with a horizontal instrument panel that makes vehicle attitude easy to recognize, a monitor and switches that consolidate functions to minimize eye movement, and a shift knob that allows natural operation, all aimed at creating an interior where users can experience the joy of mobility.

The new LC achieves good forward visibility through a low-set cowl and instrument panel, contributing to safe on- and off-road driving. It also employs a low beltline to improve visibility of road surfaces even on rough roads.

Its Toyota Safety Sense, an active safety package with advanced functions including the Pre-collision Safety System, supports enjoyable driving with peace of mind.

A shorter wheelbase (270 mm shorter than the 250 Series) ensures excellent maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m and mobility on off-road terrain, giving the Land Cruiser new appeal.

Addition of braces under the floor and higher body rigidity ensure excellent handling stability

During development, extensive off-road testing identified points for improvement to ensure true Land Cruiser-ness-reliability, durability and off-road performance.

Customization

Options that expand the joy of customization will be introduced (various items are scheduled to be introduced sequentially during the model life. Availability and content will differ by region).

Robust exterior and functional items will embody Land Cruiser’s signature off-road style for going anywhere.

More JMS highlights coming up. So, stick around, fellers. Domu arigato!

PEE STOP

Warm applause to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Lexus Philippines top executives like Jojo Villanueva, Elvin Luciano, Jade Sison-Mendoza and Mixie Flavier for their warm, personalized and efficient shepherding of the media entourage to the Japan Mobility Show. Jing Atienza, TMP’s cool executive vice president, is applauding in his own quiet way. Cheers!

THE country’s educational sector is currently beset by challenges, many of them inherited by the current leadership at the Department of Education from the previous administration.

It is clear that the government cannot solve by itself the herculean problems in uplifting the educational sector from the doldrums.

For one, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been proven as a viable solution to the challenges in several sectors-mainly in education. It can fast-track construction of much-needed classrooms and facilities, addressing critical shortages that force students into cramped, multi-shift conditions. They bring private investment and resources to the education sector, supplementing government funds for educational projects and programs.

By integrating private sector expertise and resources, PPPs can lead to more efficient project delivery, higher-quality infrastructure, and improved management of educational services.

Executive Director Hanibal Camua of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) told the BusinessMirror that the advocacy group has long emphasized collaborations between government and industry as essential to improve the quality of the education system in the country.

‘Through [PPPs], we can address funding gaps in education,’ Camua emphasized. ‘Government resources alone are insufficient to meet the growing demands of learners, especially in infrastructure, technology, and teacher training.’

He said that, by engaging the private sector-whether through scholarship programs, capacity-building, curriculum development, or facilities provision-the state can maximize resources and deliver quality education more efficiently.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. insisted on the importance of PPPs in strengthening the country’s educational sector. With his directive, Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara has aggressively been forging alliances with private education stakeholders through the Public-Private Complementarity Framework to address persistent challenges and implement the administration’s Five-Point Reform Agenda.

‘As you all know, DepEd faces long-standing challenges, but we continue to collaborate with our private partners to bring our projects to life and transform our education system,’ Angara confirmed.

Angat Buhay contribution

THE Angat Buhay Foundation is one of the major players in the PPP in education. It has built low-cost, high-quality classrooms, improved literacy and numeracy through programs like ‘Bayan Ko, Titser Ko,’ providing essential school supplies and feeding programs to address malnutrition, and creating safe learning and living spaces through initiatives like student dormitories.

To address the dearth of classrooms in the public sector, the foundation has been building fully furnished classrooms-at a lower cost, and in a shorter time compared to traditional methods, addressing the significant backlog of classrooms in the country.

According to Angat Buhay, it can construct a one-story, two-classroom facility for early-grade learners for P800,000 to P1 million per classroom. This is significantly lower than the figure of at least P3.5 million or more for some government-constructed projects, while maintaining quality and durability. Furthermore, these classrooms are fully furnished and built in three to four months, demonstrating a model for faster and more cost-efficient classroom construction.

It also focuses on improving student outcomes through targeted interventions. ‘Bayan Ko, Titser Ko’ improves the literacy and numeracy of struggling Grade 2 pupils, while involving parents and guardians in the learning process. To ensure students are ready to learn, the foundation implements feeding programs to address malnutrition and provides initial school supplies.

Crucially, Angat Buhay goes beyond immediate aid by fostering a community-wide commitment to education. It mobilizes volunteers nationwide through the Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, and strengthens partnerships with civil society and the private sector such as SM Supermalls and the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation to fund and implement sustainable educational projects.

Beyond reading, Angat Buhay also conducts interventions to enhance numeracy and equip students with skills for future employment, promoting a love for learning.

Likewise, the foundation implements feeding programs to address malnutrition, ensuring that early-grade learners have the nutritional status needed to learn effectively.

As part of its classroom initiatives, Angat Buhay provides initial school supplies to students, ensuring they have the basic materials needed for their studies.

Moreover, it strengthens its Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network to mobilize unique volunteers nationwide, amplifying civic participation and community-led educational initiatives.

What needs to be done?

DESPITE a high basic literacy rate, Camua pointed out that the quality of local education remains a major concern. The country consistently ranks at or near the bottom in global evaluations like the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA for reading, math, and science.

For the past years, PBEd has observed efforts by the government to address the learning crisis and improve the quality of education in the country, including the performance of learners in PISA.

‘Because these challenges stem from decades of neglect in the education sector, we must now intensify efforts to confront the crisis head-on,’ the PBEd official explained. ‘This calls for a whole-of-society approach and the implementation of targeted, sustained reforms to secure lasting improvements.’

Camua believes that, to improve learning outcomes, systemic reforms need to be implemented in teacher quality, curriculum alignment, and assessment systems.

He said it is also equally important for the government to prioritize early-grade literacy and numeracy, improve teacher training and support, and ensure learning resources reach schools.

At the same time, the private sector should be tapped as a partner in bridging gaps. ‘Businesses and education advocates can support teacher upskilling, provide modern learning tools, and strengthen work-readiness programs.’

‘No less important is institutionalizing collaborations [among Government-Industry-Academe or GIA which brings employers, schools, and policymakers together to align curricula with labor market needs, as well as] expand work immersion and apprenticeship opportunities,’ Camua remarked. ‘We’ve seen in PBEd’s programs the critical role of a GIA Council in ensuring that there is inclusive learning- that what students gain in school translates to real-world skills.

Strengthening K-12

PBED recognizes that the K-12 reform has not fully met its promise, particularly in employability of graduates among senior high-school students.

‘However, together with the industry, we reaffirm our support for the strengthening of the K-12 system,’ said Camua. ‘As with any major reform, we underscore that the full impact of its benefits take time to materialize. We should not mistake the challenges of implementation as flaws of the system itself. The K-12 framework is globally recognized and proven to be effective.’

Besides strengthening core skills, the program is designed to bridge the school-to-work gap and give students practical, preparatory and employable skills. Thus, Camua averred, ‘the additional two years is a necessary and worthwhile investment in our children’s education.’

Instead of dismantling the program, PBEd believes the government must focus on strengthening its implementation by addressing foundational core skills and aligning education outcomes with needs of the economy.

It also urges the national government to also recognize the critical role of the local government units in education. Camua urged that ‘we must give schools, LGUs, and local school boards more authority and resources to innovate, adapt curriculum, and manage work immersion programs that respond to their own regional industries.’

By transferring decision-making close to the ground, the public and private sectors must ensure that the K-12 program is not only compliant with national standards but also responsive to local labor market realities.

‘At the same time, we must continue to build on current reforms-including the pilot roll-out of the enhanced SHS curriculum, to work in partnership with private education, and expand the work immersion program to boost employability,’ Camua commented.

BYD Philippines and ACMobility brought members of the motoring media to Zhengzhou, China, to experience the newly opened all-terrain circuit-one of the first in China designed specifically for new energy vehicles (NEVs). Since the site’s opening last August 14, 2025, the Philippine contingent was the first from the ASEAN region to experience the unique test track.

Unlike conventional single-track designs, the BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Race Track redefines expectations by uniting diverse national terrains in one location. Drivers can encounter extreme scenarios-including navigating floating water, climbing desert dunes, and simulating ice and snow-without extensive travel. It is the first circuit in China to provide a broad range of driving environments for testing safety, performance, and off-road capabilities.

The circuit includes eight experience zones: Indoor Sand Dune, Low-Friction Ring, Kick-Plate, Wading Pool, Dynamic Paddock, Race Track, Off-Road Park, and Camping Area. While delivering exceptional driving experiences, the circuit also serves as an ideal place for demonstrating safety technologies in NEVs.

Sand Incline

The demonstration kicked off at the ‘Sand Incline,’ an indoor sand dune facility. The structure features a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope. It was constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to replicate the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, offering a genuine dune-bashing experience for passengers.

The entire presentation was for us to witness how the all-wheel drive test vehicle would climb the long and difficult slope, swiftly and effortlessly. The presented test vehicle was the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV, powered by two groundbreaking technologies: the e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System. The unique BYD E4 is the world’s first mass-produced four-motor independent drive technology platform. Compared with conventional fuel vehicles, it precisely controls the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities.

Sand Incline

The demonstration kicked off at the ‘Sand Incline,’ an indoor sand dune facility. The structure features a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope. It was constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to replicate the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, offering a genuine dune-bashing experience for passengers.

The entire presentation was for us to witness how the all-wheel drive test vehicle would climb the long and difficult slope, swiftly and effortlessly. The presented test vehicle was the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV, powered by two groundbreaking technologies: the e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System. The unique BYD E4 is the world’s first mass-produced four-motor independent drive technology platform. Compared with conventional fuel vehicles, it precisely controls the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities.

However, BYD was clear enough to claim that the capability is designed for an emergency scenario involving a deep-water plunge. Guaranteed to handle the task within 30 minutes, which should be enough time for the occupants to exit through the vehicle’s sunroof and avoid drowning inside. This vehicle’s capability has redefined the safety standard in extreme driving scenarios.

Skids and drifting

The following sessions were to experience the ‘Kick-Plate’ and ‘Low Friction Circle’ test tracks. This time, we get to experience the ride in the test vehicles. The test path simulates icy road conditions on a wet, polished cement surface. There are also movable suction plates to simulate the loss of control. After boarding the BYD L EV model, the driver accelerated and then slammed the brakes. The scenario allowed us to feel emergency situations in a controlled environment, while the vehicle showcases its ability to maintain stability and control.

Next was the behind-the-wheel experience at The Low Friction Circle, China’s first 44-meter-diameter circular track, which consists of 30,000 smooth basalt bricks and features a three-millimeter water-covered surface. This ensures a constant friction coefficient between ice and snow. While driving the Denza Z9 luxury sedan, we experienced stable induced drifting, thanks to BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control response and intelligent body control system. It made the session rather fun and intense due to the slow drifting action.

Dynamic paddock

Our next session focused on the slalom and braking test, which involved navigating coned paths. The 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock features over a dozen scenarios, such as standard slalom, moose testing, and automated parking, showcasing the full range of BYD’s intelligent technology.

First, we had a shotgun ride with the expert drivers testing the BYD eMax 9 DM-i luxury MPV. The minivan impressively sliced through the technical paths like a small car, in great form. Then, it was our turn to drive the Tang DM-i and Seal EV on the same course. Truth be told, it was an entirely different experience pushing the two vehicles while making sharp turns and braking. Moreover, the Seal EV has its staggering power from all wheels.

Off-Road fun

On to the next demonstration. The off-road section features 27 distinct projects, replicating famous routes such as the Sichuan-Tibet line and Chengdu Slope. These cater to a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. But this time, we were passengers. We boarded the Bao 5 4×4 PHEV SUV, and the driver took us to the various terrain setups. Mostly, these are standard off-roading courses to showcase the vehicles’ ability to tackle steep angles, articulation, and chassis rigidity.

The main highlight is the intimidating 4×4 hydraulic ramp, which demonstrates the SUV’s ability to climb and descend a high-angled ramp.

Extreme Yangwang U9 shotgun ride

Perhaps the shortest but most extreme session was the shotgun ride at the main track with the all-electric supercar Yangwang U9. The track spans 1,758 meters and features nine turns. Its 550-meter straightaway lets vehicles reach speeds of up to 220 km/h. True enough, upon launch, no amount of experience with fast cars could prepare us for the initial effect of G-force from the swift acceleration. That is coming from 1,287 hp and 1,680 N-m of torque of pure electric power via the e4 platform. The launch was followed by constant full-force braking and sudden turns to showcase the supercar’s exemplary handling.

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has cemented its status as the premier hospitality group in the Philippines after securing three top honors, including the coveted Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group, at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 gala ceremony held in Hong Kong.

This significant recognition is a testament to RHR’s unmatched geographic reach and diverse, quality portfolio-the largest in the nation. RHR boasts 31 properties spanning 20 cities and municipalities, offering accommodations that range from ultra-luxury to essential value.

Barun Jolly, RHR’s Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager, shared his response to the collective wins:

‘We are incredibly proud of this achievement. It serves as an affirmation of our mission: to not only be the largest hotel group in the Philippines but also the definitive leader in quality, expertise, and authentic Filipino guest experience. These awards reflect the dedication of our entire team across the country to deliver exceptional hospitality every day.’

In addition to the top title, two of RHR’s esteemed properties also earned major accolades – ‘Philippines’ Leading City Hotel’ for Grand Summit General Santos (South Cotabato) and ‘Philippines’ Leading Family Resort’ for Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu.

Grand Summit General Santos in Mindanao stands out as the region’s premier upscale corporate and lifestyle destination. Its world-class facilities and signature personalized Filipino service make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu is a popular holiday destination, with various natural, cultural and historic treasures within reach. Guests love its spacious guestrooms and suites, with gracious service, fabulous cuisine, luxurious amenities and extraordinary views all around.

RHR offers a comprehensive portfolio strategically structured to cater to the entire spectrum of travelers:

Luxury and Premium: This includes the ultra-luxury Nustar Hotel in Cebu’s first integrated resort; Fili Hotel, the only 5-star homegrown Filipino brand; the upscale Grand Summit, which made its debut in General Santos City and set to open more properties in key local destinations; and the mid-range Summit hotels.

Value-Focused: Go Hotels and Go Hotels Plus brands cater to value-conscious travelers seeking quality and convenience.

Celebrated International Brands: RHR also proudly owns renowned international properties such as The Westin Manila, Crowne Plaza Galleria, and Holiday Inn and Suites Manila Galleria in Metro Manila; and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu in the Visayas.

By offering this unparalleled diversity of award-winning accommodations for every journey, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts continues to elevate the country’s tourism landscape and set the benchmark for Philippine hospitality excellence.

NEARLY 600 real estate projects by private developers have been found to violate the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP) requirement under Republic Act 10884, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

The department said the violations were discovered during its ongoing Zero Backlog Program, which reviews pending regulatory cases in all regional offices.

‘We intend to correct this soonest to enhance production of socialized housing projects for the benefit of the underprivileged Filipinos,’ Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said. ‘We are mandated to implement the law, and we will do just that.’

Republic Act 10884, which amended the Urban Development and Housing Act (Republic Act 7279), requires developers of new residential subdivisions and condominium projects to allocate a portion of their developments for socialized housing.

This is about 15 percent for subdivisions and 5 percent for condominiums, or to comply through approved alternative schemes.

Moreover, these may include developing socialized housing in another site, entering joint ventures with accredited entities, or contributing to a socialized housing fund under the incentivized compliance mechanism.

The law imposes penalties for violations, including half a million fine for first offenses and cease-and-desist orders (CDO) against non-compliant projects.

‘In compliance with the law and existing rules, we already started sending orders against these developers for them to start complying,’ Aliling said.

On average, the erring developers face around P600,000 in penalties, aside from the CDOs that halt the sale of their housing units until the violations are corrected and the orders are lifted.

DHSUD undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz said the cases were uncovered through a backtrack review of regulatory backlogs across the agency’s regional offices.

‘We need to strictly implement the law and our guidelines. We will continue to issue necessary orders to the concerned developers for their compliance,’ Paquiz said.

Aliling said he plans to meet with leaders of the country’s major real estate developers for a dialogue on strengthening compliance with the law and ensuring the production of socialized housing units nationwide.

Compelling does not quite capture the contribution of this book, Bugasong to Barcelona, on the life and works of Felix Laureano. It is great work of recuperation and recovery as accomplished by the writer Francisco G. Villanueva, who is described by Ana Maria Theresa Labrador as having written a ‘meticulous, well-written and scrupulous publication.’

To quote another scholar, Maria Araceli Garcia Martin, of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, ‘Bugasong to Barcelona immerses readers in the cultural effervescence of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.’

Felix Laureano was born on November 29, 1866 in Patnongon, Antique. His father was a friar from Zamora, Spain. His biographer mentions how he was admitted to Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1883, where he was assumed to have been exposed to the then new arts and technology of photography. It is said he probably worked as an apprentice in a photography studio. In the said period, Spanish photographers Francisco Pertierra and E.M. Barreto were among those who dominated the scene.

The late 19th century saw the rise of expositions, exhibits and competitions. The book notes how the era was a witness to the ‘peak of imperial European nations scrambling to acquire territories in South America, Africa, and Asia’ and ‘encouraged investments in faraway lands usually by the process of exoticization of the natives and their culture.’

Laureano benefited from the technology and advancement of the period. At the age of 21, he participated in the 1887 Exposicion General de Filipinas in Madrid where he received an Honorable Mention. The next year, his work gained a similar acclaim. From hereon he extended his stay in Spain, where it is written he gained more experiences.

Being part of the growing intelligentsia, we expected Laureano to focus mainly on the ruling class and yet if there is a great curiosity about this book, it is that we find in the collection images of the quotidian, the ordinary and everyday occurrences.

Marvel at the cover, which is part of the collection of ‘Costumbres’ or Genre. It shows two young boys comfortably atop a carabao, behind them is a cart-‘en la carroza y en los lomos y ancas del carabao’-with five more children. It is a vanished scene, one that perhaps we will never see again in farms, or anywhere.

In that set, we find even rarer images like the wedding procession, where a young bride is shown on a caleche or calesa on the way to the church. The carriage is drawn by two horses and behind them follow a small orchestra. The next page shows a photograph of a ‘Sinulog’ or ‘Moro-moro,’ a plein air photograph that appears in Recuerdos de Filipinas.

Classic is the imagery of a cockfight in another photograph, one of the prints that appears in the Biblioteca Nacional de España. And yet nothing beats in rarity the image of a corrida or bullfight right in Iloilo. The photo essay notes how there had to be ‘enough corrida aficionados to warrant the construction of the city’s bullring made with bamboo.’ The said paragraph is also worthwhile to note how it has been appropriated by Manila-centric writers claiming it to have taken place in Manila.

In Recuerdos de Filipinas, Laureano even went so far as to identify a man as having effeminate ways. He is shown with three other women washing clothes along the river of Bugasong. The essay indicates how this could be the first mention of a ‘gay’ character in a historical document.

Laureano did not stay only in Antique; he ventured out to take photographs of the Puerto de Manila and the Luneta de Manila. He has very clear photographs of the arrabales such as Paco and Santa Ana as he articulated visual documents of the 19th century landscape in the Philippines.

With the devastation brought by the bombing of Manila during World War II, the extant photographs of the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church, to take massive examples, are wondrous memories of the grandeur of Intramuros. The Calle Real de Intramuros comes alive with its wide street that appears to stretch beyond any imagined wall. And yet nothing can take away the lambent charm of the quiet Calle Real de Iloilo where the stately shadows of the buildings loom over the tiny calesas plying below. Laureano has not spared anything-he has covered them all, including the Los Ultimos de Filipinas, the Defensores de Baler, a reference to the last 54 Spanish soldiers who defended themselves in the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa church against the Philippine revolutionaries in 1898.

To celebrate Felix Laureano, however, is also to honor the writer behind the biography and he is Francisco G. Villanueva, a lover of history and scholar who labored over archives and libraries to bring back both the memories and moments of an artist.

I thank Dr. Vic Salas, a dear friend, who gave me this book Bugasong to Barcelona.