Category: Business Mirror

THE annual WorkAbility Asia (WAsia) Conference, a premier gathering of regional leaders and advocates on disability inclusion to promote employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the continent, was recently held in Manila. Guided by the theme Inclusion at Work: Transforming Perspectives, Creating Opportunities, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) hosted the event through its School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).

It was conducted in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation. After a colorful parade of national flags, Silent Steps, the official Deaf dance group of Benilde SDEAS, took the stage with an inspiring performance.

The conference served as a platform for government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and educators to exchange strategies and successful projects. Among the relevant issues tackled during the discussion were policy reform, leadership development, inclusive recruitment, livelihood pathways, assistive technology, and mental health.

The event was graced by DLS-CSB president Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, and WAsia chairman Dipesh Sutariya. Susan Scott-Parker, OBE HonD, founder of Business Disability International, delivered a comprehensive keynote speech on employer engagement. Meanwhile Colin Allen AM, honorary president of the World Federation of the Deaf, imparted his insights about moving ‘From Tokenism to True Inclusion.’

Arch. Erico Abordo, Architects for Accessibility Philippines co-founder, inspired the group in his master class titled ‘Inclusive by Design: Rethinking Accessibility in the Workplace.’

Speaker representatives from global organizations such as Accenture Philippines, Enable India, Eden Social Welfare Foundation Taiwan, and WOWLEAP Philippines likewise shared best practices which redefine the future of work.

Leading the charge for the Filipino Deaf community were faculty, alumni, and staff from the Benilde SDEAS Center for Partnership and Development, who presented pioneering research and practical models for Deaf empowerment, including career development programs, inclusive workplace assessments, and industry partnerships.

Aside from the plenary sessions, the delegates immersed in various cultural exchanges and industry visits, which gave them glimpses of Philippine institutions and companies which champion diversity and accessibility. As part of their real-world learning experience, the delegations visited the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Quezon City Kabahagi Center, Accenture Philippines, and Shell Philippines.

WAsia, which was founded in 2004 as the regional arm of Workability International, has 50-member organizations that cover 13 countries and regions, such as Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.

After a successful staging of the WAsia Conference in the Philippines, Japan will host next year’s edition.

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing a ‘granural’ tack for highly detailed line items in the proposed 2026 national budget, arguing that a high level of granularity would remove any room for discretion that could potentially become an opportunity for corruption.

‘Let’s take this as a wake-up call to reform our budget nomenclature, process, and implementation,’ said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, during the continuation of the DPWH budget hearing.

Gatchalian was referring to proposed projects such as farm-to-roads (FMR) that do not have specific details, such as station number, coordinates, and approximate length, to distinguish them from other infrastructure projects.

Emphasizing the need for a high level of granularity, Gatchalian pointed out that a proposed road project for 2026 bearing the same title as a road project that was already funded under the 2025 budget provides an opening for irregularity.

‘Dapat pagdating sa budget, wala nang room for discretion. Kapag approved na ang budget, i-implement na lang nang tama. Ganyan ang ginagawa natin ngayon, nilalagyan ng detalye para walang room ang mga corrupt officials na paglaruan ang generic titles,’ he emphasized.

[When it comes to the budget, there should be no room for discretion. Once the budget is approved, the project should be closely implemented. That’s what we are doing now, we put details so there is no room for corrupt officials to play around with generic titles].

WITH its nod to International Chefs Day last October 20, Solaire Resort North turns the spotlight on the talented chefs shaping its diverse dining destinations. Behind every plate, they bring stories of heritage, craft, and global finesse, turning Solaire Resort North a food lover’s dream in Quezon City and beyond.

At Quezon Club, exclusivity and ambiance take center stage. There, chef January ‘Janu’ Belardo, Solaire Resort North’s first female chef de cuisine, crafts modern Filipino dishes infused with elegance. Janu, who has been with Solaire Resort since 2017, rose through the ranks and sharpened her skills during an internship at Fontainebleau Miami, and even earned national and continental recognition in the Young Taken Escoffier competitions.

Trattoria e Dolci brings vibrant reinterpretations of Italian classics in a casual, convivial setting where guests can enjoy pastas, pizzas and desserts under chef Jose Mari ‘Joboy’ Bitoon’s stewardship. He joined Solaire Resort in 2014 and worked his way up from Fresh to becoming Chef de Cuisine, blending comfort with refinement in every dish.

The atmosphere at Cafe Mangrove is inviting with a focus on all-day dining and well-curated offerings. chef Joel Ombi-on, new to Solaire Resort North in 2025 whose culinary experience has brought him to UAE and North America, whips up plates of global comfort food that appeal to discerning guests seeking both flavor and ease in every bite.

Fresh International Buffet is known for epicurean abundance and under chef Rodoflo ‘Jhun’ Perreras, a Solaire Resort stalwart since 2013, gourmet delights continue to be created, from seafood towers to mouthwatering carving stations. With over 30 years in the industry, chef Jhun balances generosity with culinary discipline.

The Food Court at Solaire Resort North is where casual dining meets bold flavor. Chef Hisham Johari, with 27 years of global experience and roots in Chinese-Malay cuisine, dishes up a wide selection in this gastronomy hub where the heart and soul of culinary flavors come alive.

Chef Rolando Idjao prepares the most flavorful Asian offerings at Lucky Noodles, Solaire Resort North’s casual dining restaurant. Drawing on decades of experience across UAE, the Maldives, and the Philippines, guests can enjoy his Asian twists and local versions of noodle dishes and street food in a relaxed setting.

Chef Jeffrey Fong rules at Manyaman where Pampangueño food reigns supreme. He brings many years of Philippine hotel and restaurant experience, crafting dishes that spotlight regional ingredients with a refined touch.

At Finestra Solaire North, sophistication and Italian artistry define the dining experience. Chef Joel Manchia, who hails from Sardinian descent, leads the restaurant with over 20 years of culinary experience across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Having joined Solaire Resort in 2024, chef Manchia continues to shape Finestra’s identity through refined Italian cuisine and masterful technique that celebrates both heritage and innovation.

Leading the culinary vision at Yakumi is chef Cristian Asato. Of Japanese-Peruvian descent and with more than 16 years of global experience, chef Asato presents an interplay between traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine for guests who seek more than just an exquisite sushi and sashimi experience.

At Red Lantern, chef Jason Wong brings nearly two decades of regional and global kitchen experience as he takes refined Chinese cuisine to a new level. Guests can embark on a sensory exploration through China’s regional flavors, from dim sum, wok-fired specialties to abundant Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.

Overseeing the broader kitchen operations are executive chefs Michael Tinsay who leads Western cuisine offerings with a modern and health-conscious sensibility and Richard Thong who directs the Chinese kitchen, drawing 25 years of experience spanning Singapore and Manila to maintain authenticity with contemporary relevance.

Finally, executive pastry chef Christian Monera ensures that the sweet side of Solaire Resort North is nothing short of artistic. With more than 25 years under his toque in global destinations like UAE, Zambia, and the Maldives, he crafts cakes and signature desserts that elevate every dining experience.

Together, these chef-led outlets represent more than just restaurants. They are expressions of culture, storytelling, and dedication to one’s culinary craft. Solaire Rest North honors its culinary masters and invites guests to taste their journeys across plates that delight, surprise and linger.

NUCLEAR energy stakeholders and experts have embarked on discussions on infrastructure development and financing strategies for potential nuclear power projects, the Department of Energy (DOE) said over the weekend.

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), private sector representatives and concerned government agencies gathered in Manila last week for the National Workshop on Nuclear Power Infrastructure and Financing through the initiative of the DOE-led Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC).

The committee said financing nuclear energy projects presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, as nations increasingly seek reliable, low-carbon power sources to meet growing energy demands and climate goals.

High upfront capital costs, long development timelines, and complex regulatory environments are among the issues that could present a challenge to securing investment for nuclear energy development, it added.

According to IAEA energy economist Brianna Lazerwitz, there are 416 nuclear power reactors currently in operation worldwide, and 63 more under construction. These can be found in 31 countries.

Nuclear energy is expanding in 17 countries, while at least 32 more countries are considered newcomers in the nuclear technology field.

‘For the fifth year in a row, IAEA global nuclear electric capacity projections for 2050 have been revised upwards,’ Lazerwitz said.

‘In the high case scenario, nuclear electric capacity is set to rise by 160 percent or 992 gigawatts [GW], up from 377 GW at the end of 2024. Even in the low case, capacity is expected to grow by 50 percent to 561 GW globally,’ she added.

The IAEA expert said that while various financing models exist such as lending or borrowing money, strong involvement of the government is essential, particularly with respect to financing structure and risk management.

Aside from Lazerwitz, IAEA experts who led discussions were former Bulgarian energy and economic minister Milko Kovachev, GNE Advisory lawyer Chelsea Gunter, and radioactive waste specialist Ozge Unver.

DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said the workshop will help chart a clearer pathway forward. ‘As the first financing workshop with the IAEA, this marks another important step in our country’s continuing efforts to explore the potential of nuclear power as a viable option in achieving energy security, economic development, and a sustainable future for the Philippines,’ said Bacordo.

During the workshop led by NEP-IAC’s Subcommittee 1, participants also discussed the nuclear perspectives for the Philippines, regulatory framework, institutional roles of the regulator and operator, large reactors and small modular reactors, and financing and ownership models of nuclear power plants.

The Philippines recently signed into law Republic Act No. 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which provides for a comprehensive and strong legal basis for the country’s nuclear energy program.

The law establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority or PhilATOM to serve as a quasi-judicial body with exclusive jurisdiction over nuclear energy regulation.

TWO labor unions at the Opus Dei-run University of Asia and the Pacific (UA and P) have filed their strike-vote reports before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), moving a step closer to a work stoppage after months of unresolved collective bargaining talks.

The UA and P Union of Faculty Members (UA and PUFM) and the UA and P Union of Allied Employees (UA and PUAE) submitted their reports on October 24 after the management again failed to make a new counteroffer during mediation.

The filing begins the seven-day waiting period before a legal strike can proceed under the Labor Code.

In a statement on Sunday, UA and PUFM President Ferdinand D. delos Reyes said the strike vote was prompted by management’s continued refusal to address long-standing issues on pay and benefits.

‘As teachers and employees, we’ve taught and learned of the social teachings of the Church which our institution holds true and dear. We enjoin management to act on the spirit contained in those social teachings, giving priority to people, to persons and their welfare,’ delos Reyes said.

Not enough

THE unions have been pushing for seven economic provisions in the new collective bargaining agreement, including reforms in the salary and promotion structure, health insurgance coverage for dependents, medicine reimbursement, educational and food allowances, and a signing bonus.

Talks reached a deadlock on June 25, leading both unions to enter preventive mediation in July.

They later filed separate notices of strike in August, citing alleged unfair labor practices and management’s refusal to grant non-negotiable concessions needed for conciliation.

By September, delos Reyes told the BusinessMirror that management’s only new proposal was a funeral-loan program, while other offers-such as the P150,000 HMO limit, seed money for a child-minding center, and free lunches-had already been in place.

‘Only the funeral loan is really new,’ he said then.

A document obtained by this newspaper showed that the university’s latest counterproposal, dated October 16, offered modest adjustments tied to financial performance and student enrollment growth.

The proposal included inflationary adjustments for 2025 and conditional salary increases of 1 to 2 percent in the following two years, depending on the increase in the number of paying students.

The HMO limit would remain at P150,000 next year and increase to P175,000 by August 2027 only if enrollment rises by 20 percent.

The document also stated that union representatives would be included in the salary and promotion review committee but without voting rights, giving them a limited, non-decision-making role.

The medical and educational allowance would be reviewed after three years, and a P20,000 lump sum would be given to both unions in lieu of the P10,000 signing bonus per employee that the unions are seeking.

The same employee, when asked how a strike might affect classes, said disruptions could be significant since union members come from both academic and non-academic departments.

‘[The] management said in one email to employees that they are ready so I guess they dont think that a strike would have much effect. We think otherwise,’ he said.

The employee added that many workers are under financial strain, with some struggling to cover daily expenses or send their children for medical checkups.

‘They claim that they don’t have any money but they seem to have the funds to have a Christmas party at a [hotel],’ he also said.

Almost 90 percent of union members voted in favor of the strike during elections held on September 24 and 25.

UA and P management, however, has maintained that its pay and benefits remain ‘above industry standards’ and that the university’s current finances limit further adjustments.

NATIONAL Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver played a key role in allowing sports betting to be part of the NBA ecosystem.

The decision to allow may be haunting him.

For decades, the NBA and other leagues opposed sports betting, fearing it could threaten the integrity of the games.

All that changed when Adam Silver became commissioner in 2014.

In November 2014, Silver wrote a New York Times op-ed titled ‘Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting.’ How’s it working out for you Mr. Commissioner?

He argued that sports betting was already widespread illegally, so the smarter path was to legalize and regulate it transparently to protect the sport and generate tax revenue-the ends don’t justify the means.

In 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the federal PASPA, for Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which had banned sports betting in most states.

After that decision, states were allowed to legalize sports betting and the NBA, under Silver’s leadership, embraced partnerships with licensed betting companies. Again, Commissioner Silver may or may not be regretting the decision

Critics including former players, journalists, and even league insiders argue that the league has blurred ethical lines, given its past opposition to gambling.

There’s a risk of addiction and integrity issues re-emerging if not properly monitored. With the alleged involvement of Rozier and Billups, is it still properly monitored? Was the NBA Integrity Unit doing their due diligence?

The league’s commercial interest in betting could conflict with its duty to protect players and fans. That duty may have already been compromised.

Integrity units catch suspicious behavior while legal partners ensure regulated wagering.

Responsible gambling programs protect fans. In my humble opinion is responsible gambling is no gambling.

There are no benefits in gambling and sports betting. We’ve all heard of countless stories of lives, marriages, and families ruined because of an addiction to the aforementioned.

In essence, the NBA is trying to professionalize betting rather than ignore it, turning it from a risk to a controlled, monitored, and transparent revenue stream.

I don’t know how you can allow professional betting in a league watched by millions of young people. Kids watch their favourite players give it their all on the court night in and night out.

With sports betting rearing it’s ugly head allegedly involving an active NBA player and a head coach of an NBA team based in the Pacific Northwest, is it still controlled, monitored, and transparent?

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation is looking to raise anywhere from P40 billion to as much as P90 billion from the sale of the Agus-Pulangi hydroelectric complex.

The Agus-Pulangi hydropower complex consists of seven run-of-river hydroelectric power plants located in southern and central Mindanao with a combined installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW). The state firm is eyeing to privatize this generation asset via a concession deal.

‘It can be as low as P40 billion to as high as P90 billion, but again, aggressive numbers,’ said PSALM President Dennis Dela Serna at a recent public hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance. ‘The concession of the Agus-Pulangi complex, we hope to be also successful within the term of PBBM [President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.],’ he added.

If the planned privatization will be successful, the amount will help reduce PSALM’s financial obligations, which stood at P259.38 billion as of end-August this year. ‘We hope that with a successful concession of Agus-Pulangi, it should be more than enough to pay off all these obligations once they mature,’ Dela Serna said.

PSALM was created under Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, to lead the privatization of generation and transmission assets of the National Power Corporation.

‘From my perspective, I have to wipe out close to P100 billion worth of obligations because the Murang Kuryente Act should cater to that differential.I just need to provide, at the minimum, P100 billion which I hope to receive already from Agus-Pulangi and other privatization activities,’ Dela Serna said.

India will be a crucial partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in solving many of its ‘common concerns’ as it is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to President Ferdinand Marcos.

The chief executive made the pronouncement at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia during the weekend.

‘As a committed dialogue partner that recognizes the ASEAN centrality through its Act East policy which stresses ASEAN as a core pillar of its engagement, we may also turn our gaze to India for solutions to our common concerns,’ he said.

Marcos, who is the Country Coordinator for latest ASEAN-India Dialogue, will serve as chair of the ASEAN Summit to be held next year in the Philippines.

Based on the World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund, India has become the fourth largest economy in the world.

The President also highlighted India’s crucial role in maintaining maritime peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

‘Foremost, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, I wish to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in our oceans. Both ASEAN and India should see peaceful settlement of disputes of maritime cooperation as essential as our seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,’ Marcos said.

‘In this regard, I thank Prime Minister Modi for India’s consistent support for international law and the rule of law in our seas,’ he added.

Modi announced that 2026 will be the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’ to promote maritime security and development.

During Marcos’ state visit to India in August, he discussed the country’s enhanced maritime cooperation with the Indian naval forces.

He thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a gracious host in that state visit.

‘Last August, I had the privilege of visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. And during my visit to the world’s largest democracy, I witnessed firsthand that as nations of the Global South, we share common challenges – and that deeper cooperation among us is essential,’ Marcos said.

Theme park Enchanted Kingdom (EK) is optimistic that its offerings will continue to entice Filipinos despite the availability of other entertainment sources and the rapid advancement of technology.

‘We try to always strike a balance. There are those who are saying that there are now various indoor immersive experiences but I guess the experience of actually riding a roller coaster is very different from doing it virtually. That is why there is still demand for (EK),’ Cesar Mario O. Mamon, president of Enchanted Kingdom, told the BusinessMirror in an interview.

‘I think our existence, or being open for the last 30 years, is a testament to how we’ve been able to create a multi-generational business.’

Mamon said the theme park is ‘attuned’ to the preferences of the different age groups.

Aside from the rides and other attractions, the EK chief said the theme park is currently exploring other revenue streams.

‘We look forward to having more dining experiences and other experiences that can entertain different age groups.’

The theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is looking forward to welcome as many as 1.8 million visitors this year.

‘We’ve gone as high as 1.8 million but the important this is to retain per capita consumption or even increase it because of the different revenue streams we have inside the park.’

Mamon said the theme park’s revenues this year may be flat compared to last year. The availability of more retail options, he said, could allow the park to grow slightly.

‘Conservatively I would say that it may be a bit flat but it will be as good as last year or even better. Drivers of growth are: how we’re able to continue to answer the needs and wants of our guests and then to expand or revenue streams beyond just admission, food and merchandise into other things like having a hotel or having more retail options around the park.’ He said bad weather and the renovation of its existing facilities could pose obstacles to the theme park’s business goals this year.

‘The number one threat is weather-related because we don’t have control over that. Second, we limited our number of days of operation during the third quarter because we did some upgrades and renovation of existing facilities.’

Aside from these hurdles, Mamon said the theme park has attracted fewer visitors, particularly from public schools, in recent years.

Despite this, he said the theme park remains optimistic about its business prospects. For next year, it is targeting to attract 2 million visitors.

‘We’re thinking positive and we hope that we will attain that number in 2026. Bullish naman tayo, basta lang talagang maayos natin lahat.’

Digital wellness is part and parcel of our everyday lives. In 2025, with the Philippines ranked the social media capital of the world, Filipinos of all ages spend an average of four hours every day on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But behind all those filtered selfies, viral videos, shared memes, and witty comment threads, there’s a deeper story-one marked by anxiety, struggles with body image, and a worrying increase in cyberbullying.

Let’s ground this conversation with the reality: Recent local surveys show that nearly one in 10 Filipino adults and youth now report moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and digital behaviors are a big part of the problem, regardless of age. The Department of Health says a majority of the 3.6 million Filipinos with mental health challenges are teens and young adults. Many struggle not just with major depressive disorder but also with anxiety conditions-a cocktail often stirred by the non-stop feedback loop of ‘likes,’ shares, and comments, which touches everyone from students to parents and working professionals.

Among those aged 18 to 24, more than half say they wrestle with negative body image, body shaming, and appearance-based cyberbullying. Society’s opinions and comments over every selfie and post leave lasting scars. What’s striking is that 39 percent of Filipino youth now seek out digital solutions-online counseling, mental health hotlines, or community chat groups-when things get tough, and more Filipino adults are following suit, with telemedicine and online emotional support seeing increased adoption nationwide.

So what does practical action look like for Filipinos-their friends, families, and the rest of us? For many, it starts with curating a kinder, safer social feed. Following creators who promote genuine positivity and self-acceptance (#MentalHealthPH, #NormalizeTherapy), learning to mute, block, or report trolls, and taking deliberate breaks from the screen all help. Sharing only what feels comfortable and drawing digital boundaries-no explanations needed-empower users to control their stories.

For families and friends, those offline moments matter: check in, listen non-judgmentally, celebrate small creative wins, and especially avoid turning every worry into a lecture or sermon. Schools, workplaces, and barangays can also pitch in by organizing digital wellness talks, inviting advocates to share real stories, and normalizing conversations around anxiety, cyberbullying, and resilience.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is just a call or tap away. The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (1553, toll-free) or Hopeline Philippines (0917-558-4673 for Globe, 0966-351-4518 for Smart) connect you to trained counselors-no judgment, just a listening ear. Organizations like MindNation offer free mental wellness sessions through their website, Facebook Messenger, and even TikTok. Hashtags like #MentalHealthPH lead to peer support groups and information updates.

There’s a brighter side, too. Filipino influencers and everyday netizens are starting to use TikTok and Instagram as platforms for advocacy, not just entertainment. Campaigns like #NormalizeTherapy and #YouMatterPH, often going viral, put Filipino faces and experiences front and center, making it easier than ever to have a conversation about mental health without shame or stigma. It’s not just about tips or tricks-these are stories about real recovery, real vulnerability, and real hope.