Category: Business Mirror

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will be representing the Philippines at the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus which will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, held from Oct. 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Secretary Teodoro’s participation underscores the Philippines’ continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation and collective security under the President’s leadership,’ the DND said in a statement on Thursday.

The ADMM and ADMM-Plus serve as key platforms for dialogue and practical cooperation among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to promote regional peace, stability, and resilience amid evolving security challenges.

In line with the 15th Founding Anniversary of the ADMM-Plus, Teodoro will deliver remarks highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening multilateral defense cooperation and promoting the rules-based international order in the region.

The DND chief will also participate in the Chairship Handover Ceremony, during which Malaysia will formally turn over the ADMM and ADMM-Plus Chairship to the Philippines.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Teodoro is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts to further enhance defense cooperation and partnerships.

Many younger Filipinos are eager to protect their families from life’s uncertainties, but few are financially prepared for one of its most certain events: death.

Results of the 2024 ‘PhilLife Meter: Feeling the Insurance Pulse of Pinoy Gen Y and Z’ study show that 78% of young Filipinos consider family protection as the most important benefit of insurance, and 67% identify ‘loss of life’ as the unforeseen event they most want protection for in the next three years. However, only 24% include burial assistance in their plans, ranking it 10th among 11 choices.

Recognizing this gap, PhilPans, the pre-need arm of the Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) is urging young Filipinos to see memorial planning as part of their financial protection goals.

‘Filipinos are naturally caring and family-oriented, but we often shy away from planning for life’s end,’ notes Atty. Monico V. Jacob, President and CEO of PhilPlans. ‘Being prepared for the inevitable is actually an act of love and responsibility. Planning ahead eases emotional and financial burdens for our loved ones.’

PhilPlans responds to this need through its Memorial Fund Plus (PMF Plus) – a plan that offers enhanced benefits beyond the standard memorial plan which provides immediate cash assistance and 24/7 support. The PMF Plus, in addition, provides an annual benefit growth of 3%.

PhilPlans is backed by over 300 mortuary partners nationwide and even offers a Living Cash Benefit to help Planholders with their immediate and future needs.

‘We designed the plan to provide peace of mind for families when the time comes. It ensures that memorial expenses are covered, allowing families to focus on what truly matters-honoring and remembering their loved ones,’ Jacob said. ‘It is our hope that many would take All Saints’ Day as a time to also reflect on taking steps toward ensuring lasting care and security for the next generation.’

The PFI Group is a complete ecosystem of protection, wellness, and security that also includes PhilFirst, the country’s first domestic non-life company; PhilLife, a trusted life insurer; and PhilCare, one of the country’s leading HMO providers. As PhilFirst marks its 120th anniversary in January 2026, the Group continues its mission of providing comprehensive care and security for Filipino families.

THE country’s palay output in the third quarter rose to 3.75 million metric tons (MMT) on the back of expanded harvest area, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Data gathered by the PSA indicate that palay output in July to September increased by 12.6 percent from the 3.33 MMT posted in the same period last year.

The production of irrigated farms grew by 7.15 percent, reaching 2.79 MMT from the previous year’s 2.6 MMT.

Rainfed farms produced 958,322 metric tons (MT), 32.17 percent higher than the 725,064 MT recorded in 2024.

In addition, PSA data indicated the expansion in area harvested to 916,772 hectares buoyed the production during the lean months.

The area harvested increased by 15.7 percent from 792,221 hectares in the same period last year.

Within target

THE country has lost nearly 480,000 MT of palay supply so far this year after weather-related shocks, particularly typhoons, ravaged plantations.

Since January, the local rice sector has incurred 479,813 MT of palay losses as of October 22, based on the latest damage reports of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The latest figures, however, were yet to breach the average annual palay output losses ranging from 500,000 MT to 600,000 MT, according to agriculture officials.

‘If you look at these losses incurred by the rice industry, it’s a mix of both partially and totally damaged crops,’ DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa had told the BusinessMirror.

‘The partially damaged areas have a chance of recovery, meaning some of them can be harvested while others cannot.’

As such, the DA official assured the industry that palay output this year would not dip below the 2024 level, when it reached 19.09 MMT, the lowest in four years.

De Mesa also said the agency remains optimistic that the country could reach its revised target of 20.3 MMT palay output in 2025, citing ‘improvements’ in the third quarter harvest.

Scale back

THE department had scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 MMT owing to torrential downpours, which is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

It added that erratic weather patterns could further lower expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

In the first semester of the year, the country’s palay harvest hit an all-time high of 9.077 MMT, indicating a 6.41 percent growth from the 8.53 MMT posted in the same period last year.

The last time unmilled rice production breached the 9-MMT mark in the first half of the year was in 2023, when it reached 9.026 MMT.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

These accomplishments lay a solid track record across public safety, education, livelihood, and cultural development-but this is just the start of the administration’s public service mission.

For a city leader, taking the helm is not a simple change in office, but a profound responsibility that indicates the direction-and ultimately the future-of every constituent. This is the critical challenge now assumed by Hon. Angelo B. Alonte.

On October 8, 2025, Mayor Alonte, the 29th Mayor of the city, officially celebrated his first 100 days in office as the Chief Executive of Biñan, Laguna.

In his State of the City Address, Mayor Alonte reflected on his meaningful journey thus far, stating, ‘One hundred days filled with hope, with dreams, and with the promise that Biñan will continue to be a city of excellence and unity.’

Truly encapsulating this, the City of Biñan introduced a series of activities to recognize Mayor Alonte’s successful strides in more than three months of his new position.

A symbolic day

The City Government strongly focused on social welfare and infrastructure development during Mayor Alonte’s first 100 days in office. A major highlight was the extensive distribution of social aid programs, including the provision of the Local Social Pension, popularly known as the ‘Pension ni Lolo at Lola,’ which benefits over 29,000 senior citizens across the city. Beneficiaries receive a total monthly pension of P500, which is distributed quarterly.

Further expanding its commitment to vulnerable sectors, the local government has also launched the Subsidy Allowance program, which is set to assist 1,200 registered Solo Parents in Biñan with a P4,000 subsidy from the LGU for the months of May to August.

These welfare initiatives were celebrated with a Thanksgiving Mass for the blessing of new facilities and equipment, including two new ambulance units, one new garbage collection truck, and two new e-tricycles. Additionally, the newly established tatakGEL Care Center, the Mayor’s Office, and the Gender and Development (GAD)/Kalinga Offices were also blessed.

These newly blessed vehicles and facilities will serve as a bridge to bring services closer to every Biñanense, especially those who need them immediately.

Extending this commitment to long-term community development, Mayor Alonte also led the groundbreaking ceremonies for several socialized housing projects, including the Molave Townhomes and Acacia Estate Homes to provide safe, quality, and conducive homes to every Biñanense family.

Meanwhile, a ceremonial Koi Releasing event also took place at the Biñan People’s Park. This event served as a powerful symbolic gesture, representing the city’s continuous growth, hope, prosperity, and ongoing transformation.

Public safety, peace, and order

Mayor Alonte acknowledged that the initial three months of his service were far from easy, as the city was immediately faced with various problems.

‘We were immediately challenged by nature. Strong storms, floods, and calamities tested our resilience,’ Mayor Alonte said.

However, it was precisely in these most difficult times that Mayor Alonte witnessed the true strength and resilience of the Biñanenses to rise above any adversity.

To ensure preparedness and coordinate an effective response to typhoons and other calamities, the City Government of Biñan, through its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), has officially adopted and now utilizes the Incident Command System (ICS) as its standard on-scene management concept for all types of emergencies and disasters.

‘In the face of typhoons and calamities, our Incident Command System was activated, and relief operations were delivered to the affected barangays. Many groups and volunteers partnered with us in teaching preparedness and discipline,’ Mayor Alonte highlighted.

The standardized ICS structure is immediately activated during emergencies. An Incident Commander (IC) leads the overall management and response to the crisis, including setting objectives, strategies, and priorities for the command function.

Beyond critical disaster response, the city’s comprehensive focus extends to broader public order initiatives. ‘First and foremost, we ensured the safety of our citizens. We fixed the flow of traffic and further widened the main roads,’ Mayor Alonte added, emphasizing that ensuring public safety starts with efficient logistics and flow.

These community-focused efforts also cover several other sectors of local safety and security. The City Government has maintained a strong commitment to controlling stray animals, providing necessary assistance to household pets, providing consistent training for the barangay tanod (village security guards), and sustaining the fight against illegal drugs through the Balay Silangan rehabilitation program.

This holistic commitment to community and service-oriented policing is why Biñan and Mayor Alonte were deservedly recognized as the Outstanding Local Chief Executive in the entire CALABARZON region by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action

The City of Biñan has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, earning both national recognition and significant local results.

‘When it comes to the environment, we were recognized as a Platinum Awardee in the LGU Compliance Assessment by the DILG Laguna, and we were given an award at the Environmental Summit for our campaign against plastic pollution,’ proudly shared.

This prestigious Platinum LGU Compliance Assessment award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and recognition by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) underscore Biñan’s dedication to reduce pollution.

With one of the city’s technical solutions to the plastic crisis, the Expanded Centralized Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Barangay Timbao, Biñan has successfully diverted 92 tons of plastic waste, preventing it from damaging the environment.

As Mayor Alonte added: ‘We also continue our clean-up drives, tree planting, and support for our local fisherfolk.’

These ongoing initiatives, including the clean-up, tree-planting, and coastal rehabilitation activities, solidify Biñan’s position as a leader in effective, community-driven climate action.

Economic Development

and Livelihood

A core priority of the city administration is to actively support local vendors and ensure public health within key commercial centers. ‘In the first three months, we immediately visited the vendors, listened to their concerns, and delivered free medical services,’ Mayor Alonte noted.

True to this advocacy, the Biñan City Health Office II, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), conducted Tuberculosis (TB) screening, utilizing chest X-rays for market vendors at the Biñan Public Market in Barangay Poblacion.

To further drive growth for the Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs (SMEs), the City of Biñan implemented the ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo.’ The program aims to bring affordable staple goods directly to consumers, providing immediate support to local businesses and ensuring accessible food for all Biñanenses.

This dedicated focus on commerce culminated in a significant achievement, which Mayor Alonte revealed: ‘Biñan was recognized as the 2025 Most Business-Friendly

LGU City.’

Tourism and Cultural Development

Known for its deep cultural roots, the City of Biñan has always been dedicated to preserving and promoting its rich heritage. The city recently conducted the UST Cultural Mapping project. This meaningful effort culminated during the 2025 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Tourism Pearl Awards, held on October 2, 2025, where the city won the Best Cultural Event for its vibrant Puto Latik Festival and Best Program for Culture and Arts for the highly successful Dulambayan Biñan Theater Arts Festival.

‘In addition, we are one of only three LGUs that are national finalists in the Philippine Tourism Awards for Best Tourism Destination of the Year,’ Mayor Alonte further highlighted.

To support the growing cultural reputation, the city has reinvested in its institutions. In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month, the Biñan City Museum has been reopened following extensive renovation and the upgrade of its collections. The museum now welcomes visitors free of charge, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

For a unified and hospitable experience for all visitors, the city government adopted a standardized service commitment. Mayor Alonte announced going forward, ‘the words MABUHAY and SALAMAT PO will be embraced by the entire City Government in its frontline services as part of the Department of Tourism’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence campaign (FBSE).’

Education

Another key aspect of the community that Mayor Alonte has focused on during his first 100 days is investing in the education of the younger generation. On October 07, 2025, the local government distributed P10,000 worth of academic assistance to a total of 501 students enrolled in the ‘Iskolar ng Biñan’ (INB) and ‘Artista at Atletang Biñanense College’ (ABC) programs from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Biñan.

Furthermore, financial assistance was extended to 386 Grade 11 senior high school students under the local government’s Financial Assistance Program. Mayor Alonte emphasized the holistic approach to education, stating, ‘The effort of our teachers is immeasurable, which is why we also distributed the City Grant for public school and TESDA teachers during the celebration of World Teachers Day.’

The city’s commitment to quality education is evident in its robust institutional partnerships. These include the ‘Iskolar ng Biñan’ (INB) Scholarship Program with partner schools such as University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, UPH Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University, St. Michael’s College of Laguna, La Consolacion College-Biñan, Lake Shore Colleges, Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, PUP-Biñan, Guardians Bonafide for Hope Foundation Inc., CITI Global College, and Trimex Colleges.

Additionally, the city has advanced specific collaborative initiatives, recently facilitating a site visitation at the Poblacion Day Care Center in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines Inc.

Health

Mayor Alonte prioritized bettering the city’s healthcare system. Together with Vice Mayor Jonalina ‘Dada’ R. Reyes and City Administrator Cherry Alonte-Nuñez, the City Government of Biñan signed a MOA with several key partner hospitals that are part of the Health Assistance Program for Indigent (HAPI) Families.

This program aims to help constituents who are most in need, believing that medical service is not a privilege, but a right of every Biñanense.

The partner hospitals now include Batangas Medical Center, Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital Inc., UPH Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical Center, Biñan Doctors’ Hospital, New Sinai MDI Hospital, Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center, Unihealth Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center, and the Biñan City Hospital.

Mayor Alonte added: ‘In healthcare, we have established the City Employees Medical Clinic, opened the new Dialysis Center, and started construction of the Biñan City Cancer Institute.’

On top of these developments, the city’s capacity was elevated by securing necessary accreditations. Mayor Alonte noted, ‘Our capacity was further increased due to the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth accreditations-allowing us to deliver more free consultations, medicines, and medical and dental services.’

Other projects

The city has taken significant strides toward inclusive development and planning for future resiliency. Focusing on gender equality, the local government, represented by Mayor Alonte, Vice Mayor Reyes, and GAD Focal Person Dra. Arlene Alonte-Ancheta signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Alliance Institute PTE LTD.

This agreement is a crucial step towards implementing more inclusive development programs for all genders. In addition to this partnership, the administration also launched the GAD Agenda 2025 and the KabaranGAD ni Gel initiative to champion gender rights and welfare.

In terms of infrastructure and long-term planning, the administration is significantly strengthening the Project Monitoring Committee. This committee will oversee and ensure the swift completion of key infrastructure projects, particularly those related to drainage, river protection, and other vital community facilities.

In recognition of the pressing need for environmental resilience, a dedicated committee has been established to formulate the Flood Control Master Plan, with existing proposals currently undergoing revision to permanently address and mitigate flooding in several barangays across the city.

In just over a hundred days, Mayor Alonte’s administration has established a clear, comprehensive foundation for the city’s future. The scope of the work is vast, ranging from securing accolades to key infrastructure projects that demonstrate unwavering commitment to long-term growth.

While these accomplishments lay a solid track record across public safety, education, livelihood, and cultural development, the administration acknowledges that this is merely the beginning. The journey ahead demands continued focus, collaboration, and decisive leadership to sustain this positive momentum and ensure the improved quality of life of every Biñanense.

Tarlac City Vice Mayor Katrina Theresa Angeles is set to take over as the city’s chief executive following the final decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia confirmed that the poll body will soon issue a certificate of finality and entry of judgment after the camp of Yap-Sulit failed to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court within five days of the ruling’s promulgation.

‘Our rules state that a Comelec en banc decision becomes final and executory five days after promulgation unless a TRO is issued by the Supreme Court. As of now, no TRO has been granted. Once final, the Comelec decision will be implemented by the [Department of the Interior and Local Government],’ Garcia said, mostly in Filipino.

The Comelec en banc earlier disqualified Yap-Sulit from the May 2025 elections for failing to meet the one-year residency requirement under the Local Government Code.

The ruling also said Yap-Sulit could not establish that she was a resident of Barangay Tibag, and thus nullified her proclamation as mayor.

Garcia acknowledged that Yap-Sulit garnered the highest number of votes but clarified that it does not automatically mean she was a qualified candidate.

He added that the poll body retains jurisdiction even after a candidate’s proclamation

‘As the Supreme Court held in Velasco vs. Comelec, the will of the people cannot prevail over the rule of law. If one is elected under the belief of being qualified, but in truth is not, then from the very start that person was never a candidate,’ Garcia explained.

Yap-Sulit, meanwhile, called on the Comelec to respect the will of the people.

‘If this is not corrected, this will lead to the disenfranchisement of Filipino voters. It’s a crucial blow to a basic, fundamental, and constitutionally guaranteed human right – the right of constituents to choose their leaders,’ she said in a statement.

The unseated mayor also maintained that her victory represents the people’s mandate.

‘A technicality once dismissed cannot erase a mandate freely given. Tarlac City is my home, my life, and my heart. Respect and uphold the people’s vote.’ she emphasized.

ALL manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have agreed to hold prices until the end of the year, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

‘There is no price increase for Basic Necessities and Prime commodities until the end of the year. All manufacturers have agreed to this,’ Roque said in a Viber message on Tuesday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) called upon manufacturers’ help to maintain the current prices at least until the end of the year.

To ensure price stability, the Trade department said it ‘intensifies’ regular market monitoring and enforcement activities nationwide through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and regional and provincial offices to prevent overpricing, profiteering, and supply disruptions.

The country’s trade chief made the pronouncement after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to keep the prices of essential goods stable particularly during the holiday season when ‘demand traditionally increases.’

At a press briefing on Monday, Claire Castro, Undersecretary of Presidential Communications Office, said the president has ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that there will be no movement in the prices of basic goods during the holiday season.

‘Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directive not to hike prices of basic goods before the holiday season, the DTI has announced there won’t be any price increase on basic and prime commodities until the end of the Christmas season,’ Castro said, speaking partly in Filipino.

According to Castro, Marcos wanted DTI to ensure strict monitoring and implementation of maximum suggested retail price for imported rice especially for prices of food.

At the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc.’s (FPI) Business Summit held early this month, Roque said: ‘We hope to have a no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities so for the big industries, we hope that there won’t be any clamor for salary increase.’

Roque said she is ‘starting to talk to a lot of those that are in the business of basic necessities and prime commodities.’

‘We haven’t had any price increase for more than a year, which is actually.it’s never happened before,’ the country’s Trade chief said, adding that this may be due to the ‘good communication’ between the DTI and the manufacturing sector in the country.

If the agency decides to clear increases in prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, ‘Definitely a next question will be the salary increase,’ she pointed out.

Roque said during the summit early this month that the country ‘cannot afford any more salary increase because when the salary increases, then everything goes up.’

Living with diabetes presents its challenges, but it doesn’t have to prevent individuals from leading full and active lives. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin or use it properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels over time. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications-but with the right care, you can stay in control.

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting a healthy and active lifestyle for people with diabetes.

Studies have shown that diabetes-specific nutritional supplements like Glucerna offer complete, balanced nutrition and are clinically proven to help improve blood sugar control through slow glucose release, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardiometabolic health-especially when paired with medication and regular physical activity.

Real People, Real Journeys

Over 4.7million of Filipinos are living with diabetes2 and many are not even aware they have the condition, like Ramon Borromeo, 62, who discovered he had diabetes despite experiencing no symptoms.

Ramon, a retired seaman, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1990 during a routine medical check before boarding a ship. His diagnosis motivated his change of lifestyle by cutting out sugary food, switching to a low-carb diet, and making sure to take his medications.

Years later, after experiencing nighttime signs of hypoglycemia, he was advised to take one serving of Glucerna by his doctor. As a result, his blood sugar dropped from 162 mg/dL to 108 mg/dL, enabling him to enjoy a peaceful sleep. Ramon’s case highlights the importance of tailored evening nutrition strategies in improving sleep quality and better glycemic control for older adults with diabetes.

Edna Panaligan Sta Ana, 64, believed she had ‘escaped’ diabetes despite her mother’s diagnosis. This belief changed when her blood sugar reached 200 mg/dL, prompting her to take action following her diagnosis in 2003.

Edna developed a consistent daily routine which consists of doing light cardio exercises, preparing home-cooked meals rich in vegetables and fiber, and drinking Glucerna twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.

Today, she maintains her blood sugar at a healthier range of 120 mg/dL. Her story shows that thriving with diabetes means not living with restrictions but building sustainable habits to support energy and overall health, especially in older adults.

Fueling Better Health Through Nutrition

Ramon and Edna’s journeys are strong testaments that proper nutrition can be a powerful ally in managing diabetes effectively. Paired with medication and regular physical activity, science-backed solutions like Glucerna provide structured nutritional support that helps regulate blood sugar so you can stay in control.

Managing diabetes isn’t about restrictions; it’s about balance. With the right knowledge, consistent daily actions, and supportive tools, small lifestyle changes can lead to meaningful, lasting progress.

The Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) through its Council on Gastrointestinal Malignancies conducted a community lay forum on colorectal cancer (CRC) and a workshop for barangay health workers on CRC screening last August 19, 2025 in Batangas City. This marks the first major campaign on colorectal cancer screening through community outreach in the Philippines outside of March, which is the official month of this cancer awareness.

The kickoff event was organized by the Council on GI Malignancies, led by this writer who heads the council in collaboration with the PSG Southern Luzon Chapter headed by its President, Dr. Donnazon Reyes-Macasaet. The speakers included this writer, Dr. Joseph Nino Espino, and Dr. Inah Coronel. The first session was a lay lecture on colorectal cancer, its clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment, and screening options. A call to action was recommended by the speakers to encourage timely screening, a healthy lifestyle, and early detection to prevent and treat the cancer effectively.

The second session was a workshop for barangay health workers (BHWs) as physician’s partners in promoting CRC awareness and in identifying eligible patients in their communities for screening to be linked to the proposed national CRC screening program. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) cards were distributed to the eligible patients among the audience of 115 persons. Those who tested positive were subsequently scheduled for their screening colonoscopy during the Endoscopy Caravan organized by the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy which was held two weeks after in the same locality.

Prevalence of ColorectalCancer in the Philippines

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Philippines. An estimated 20,736 patients were diagnosed to have a new cancer in the colon or rectum in 2022 based on the data of the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). This cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality among Filipinos. The Philippine Society of Gastroenterology is the lead organization in gastrointestinal health and endoscopy in the national and international health agenda in the country. PSG has been leading several physician organizations and societies in promoting colorectal cancer screening and early diagnosis in the Philippines.

March has been designated as ‘Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This advocacy started in 2000 in the United States and serves to highlight the importance of screening and prevention for this cancer. This worldwide initiative aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, also the 3rd most common cancer globally.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program in the Philippines

Starting this year, the Council on GI Malignancies is promoting the expansion of this cancer awareness among Filipino patients from the traditional March celebration into a whole-year campaign. This strategy will strengthen and solidify this growing advocacy, which is not only advocated by gastroenterologists but now joined by colorectal surgeon and medical oncology groups.

This expansion will result in more time for health promotion for this deadly cancer, through community outreach and health education of the disease. Learning via face-to-face forums and through social media will be the essential foundation in further spreading the advocacy in the country. This is indeed a pioneer development in increasing efforts in the CRC public awareness program among the organizations and agencies promoting this movement in the country.

This premier activity was held at the Kumintang Ibaba Barangay Hall in Batangas City on August 17, 2025. The strong support and presence of the gastroenterologist-members of the PSG Southern Luzon Chapter ignited the passion, community and bayanihan spirit for the advocacy, reflective of the ideals of our society. There were 115 attendees at the venue.

Dr. Ruiz stressed that ‘colorectal cancer is a preventable disease’ that can be achieved by removing polyps in the colon during a colonoscopy and reducing its risk by healthy lifestyle habits. Dr. Espino discussed the basics of colon cancer information appropriate for lay people. Dr. Coronel who gave the first ever lecture to barangay health workers on orienting them on how to recruit eligible patients for FIT screening, including how to collect specimens. In addition to the activity proper of the lay forum, there were a lot of enticements for the audience, like free food and fun exercises.

A barangay health worker (BHW) is a community-based volunteer trained to provide primary healthcare services. They are the first point of contact for the persons in their respective communities, and bridge the gap between the locality and the formal health system.

The Barangay Health Worker’s Manual on Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis is a priority project of the PSG President Rommel P. Romano and the PSG Board. This was tested during this activity and will continue to be a work in progress throughout the year until it is finalized for presentation to the Department of Health next year. This initiative will be one of the keys to success in the implementation of the proposed national colorectal cancer program to detect cancer early or in its pre-cancerous state.

THE Commission on Elections will suspend voter registration activities nationwide from 12 noon of October 30 (Thursday) until November 2, 2025 (Sunday) in observance of Undas.

In a recent social media post, the poll body said operations will pause during the long weekend to allow personnel and the public to take part in the traditional observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

Voter registration will resume on November 3, 2025 (Monday).

‘Together with the whole nation, we honor the memory of those who have passed away. Through prayer, offering, and reflection, we keep their spirit alive in our hearts. May their souls find peace and light,’ the Comelec said.

The temporary suspension comes as the commission continues efforts to expand its registration network.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia earlier disclosed their plans to open additional special registration sites in major cities and provincial capitals through the Register Anywhere Program, which allows applicants to sign up regardless of their place of residence.

The poll body also intends to set up registration areas in airports, hospitals, and call centers, some of which will operate beyond regular hours.

These sites will process applications for registration, reactivation, transfer, correction of entries, and issuance of voter’s certifications.

Based on the latest data, Comelec has processed a total of 144,907 voter applications nationwide.

Of this number, 13,879 are new Sangguniang Kabataan registrants aged 15 to 17, while 37,122 are new regular applicants aged 18 and above.

The poll body is targeting around 1.4 million new registrants ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in November next year.

PRESIDENT Marcos has signed Republic Act 12312, institutionalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations and other related activities illegal.

With the signing of RA 12312, those who will engaged in the illegal gambling activity will face stiff fines and imprisonment.

The new law institutionalized the provisions of Executive Order 74, which prohibited Pogos. It also ensures that the transition program for Filipino workers, who were employed in Pogos and now facing retrenchment, will be institutionalized.

Under RA 12312, those who will violate its provisions will face fines ranging P300,000 to P50 million as well as six to 12 years of imprisonment.

If the offender is juridical entity, its responsible officer including its president,chief executive officer, general manager will be slapped with the said penalties.

Public officials and employees, who will violate the provisions of RA 12312 will face the maximum penalty and also dismissa from service and will suffer perpetual disqualification from government service. Their retirement benefits will also be forfeited in favor of the government.

In case the violator is a foreigner, he or she must serve sentence before being deported and perpetually banned from entering the country.

Those convicted of violating RA 12312 will not qualify for probation.

Buildings or facilities, materials, pieces of equipment, and paraphenalia used for Pogo actvities will also be forfeited in favor of the government.

Filipino workers, who will be displaced by the law, will be provided by the Department of Labor and Employment with interventions to provide them new livelihood including skills training, upskilling and reskilling, as well as employment facilitation.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission was tasked to lead the Administrative Oversight Committee for the implementation of RA 12312.

The Department of Justice will issue the implementing rules of the new law within 60 days from its effectivity.

RA 12312, or the Anti-Pogo Act of 2025 repealed RA 11590, which legalized offshore gaming operation.