Category: Business Mirror

For 19 years, Boys Night Out (BNO) wasn’t just a radio show, it was a nightly ritual. From the chaotic laughter, to the unfiltered talk, TonyToni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG (later with Gino and Tin) built something that went beyond the booth. It wasn’t just radio-it was family.

‘The last 19 years didn’t feel like 19 years-it just felt like hanging out with people I love being around,’ shared Slick. ‘And we did a good job because we loved what we were doing.’

Night after night, listeners found comfort in familiar voices that made them laugh through the chaos, heal through heartbreak, and feel a little less alone.

The best nights, the realest moments

Of all the unforgettable moments in BNO history, TonyToni recalls that none hit harder than the night ‘Jojo, the Love Survivor’ called in 2012.

‘Tumawag siya kasi gusto niyang tumalon sa building sa Ortigas because he found his girlfriend cheating,’ recalled TonyToni.

For 45 minutes, the Boys, joined by Ramon Bautista that night, did what they’ve always done best: they listened. They talked Jojo through the pain, cracked jokes to make him smile, and convinced him to hold on. In that moment, what began as a radio show, became something far more profound-a lifeline.

Jojo eventually became a regular, proving that BNO was never just about talk; it was about taking care of your own.

From LOLs to life lessons

Over nearly two decades, fans witnessed the Boys’ own milestones unfold in real time from singlehood confessions and late-night antics to life-changing transitions into marriage and fatherhood. Then came Tin, who brought a new spark to the show: a sharp, funny, and fearless female voice who could go toe-to-toe with the Boys.

‘It was really me joining such radio legends’, said Tin. ‘I’m the only girl amongst four boys, and I think that’s also why I’m there. I balance them sometimes and I offer a different perspective. It was also a big sign that the show and the hosts themselves were evolving. Everyday women, who are smart, who are opinionated, they welcome us with open arms. And they never told us to be less. They just told us to be us.’

And as the show grew up, so did its hosts. From late nights out to quiet twilights in, BNO became proof that you can settle down without losing your spark. The stories changed, but the laughs and the frenzy never did.

Even COVID couldn’t keep them apart. In true BNO fashion, the Boys caught the virus together, turning an uncertain time into another shared experience. Through isolation and fear, they found ways to laugh on-air, reminding fans that humor could still exist even in the darkest days.

The Last Night Out: One Final Ride

As fate would have it though, things took an uncanny, unfortunate turn, and Boys Night Out was not allowed to air that much-awaited finale show.

But the Boys refuse to end it that way. And are coming together for The Last Night Out.

This is BNO’s final bow-a toast to the spirit that kept the show alive for 19 yars continues, in stories like Jojo’s, in milestones shared, and memories that refuse to fade.

‘Last Night Out is actually not for us. This is the night that we give back,’ says Sam. ‘This is us honoring every single person who was part of Boys Night Out and who made it the show that it was for 19 years.’

‘They say you’re only good ’til your last show,’ adds TonyToni. ‘So I feel like fans deserve a last show. I think they deserve a goodbye.’

So join TonyToni, Slick Rick, Sam YG, Tin, and Gino for The Last Night Out, a grand finale celebrating almost two decades of laughter, love, and late-night magic.

The Lighthouse Group teams up with the Boys to mount this fitting closure-a true celebration of 19 years of Boys Night Out on the radio.

Stay tuned and follow BNO’s official pages for ticketing details and announcements.

‘What people can expect is, everything that you grew up with listening to BNO, you’ll get to see, you’ll get to hear,’ share Gino. ‘It’s a celebration essentially, as cliché as it might be, of the 19 years of Boys Night Out. Saktong inuman, saktong tambay and hopefully, like what we always aim for every show, we’ll leave you entertained.’

On November 10, get ready to shout one last time: ‘Yeah, meenn!’

The two premier collegiate sports tournaments-Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-are now in full swing.

The UAAP is an athletic association of eight Metro Manila universities, composed of the University of the Philippines (UP), Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The NCAA is composed of Arellano University (AU), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), José Rizal University (JRU), Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapúa University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Established in 1924, NCAA is the oldest collegiate athletic association in the country with its original members AdMU, De La Salle College, Institute of Accounts (now FEU), NU, San Beda, University of Manila, UP and UST.

UAAP was formed in 1938 when FEU, NU, UP, and UST left NCAA and became the original members of UAAP. Adamson and UE joined in 1952, followed by Ateneo in 1978 and DLSU in 1986.

Each UAAP school has its own moniker: Soaring Falcons for Adamson, Blue Eagles for Ateneo, Green Archers for DLSU, Tamaraws for FEU, Bulldogs for NU, Red Warriors for UE, Fighting Maroons for UP, and Growling Tigers for UST.

The monikers for NCAA schools are: Chiefs for Arellano, Knights for Letran, Blazers for CSB, Generals for EAC, Pirates for Lyceum, Cardinals for Mapua, Red Lions for San Beda, Golden Stags for San Sebastian, and Altas for Perpetual.

UAAP schools compete in 28 events from 15 sports to vie for the overall championship title.

First semester sports that run from August to December include athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cheer dance, chess, E-sports, football, judo, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.

Second semester sports from January to May include baseball, fencing, softball, street dance, tennis, volleyball, and 3×3 basketball.

The NCAA schools compete in 14 sports: basketball, soccer, poomsae, swimming, taekwondo, track and field, chess, tennis (lawn and soft), table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball. The last three sporting events have a women’s division.

The colors of the UAAP members are green and maroon for UP, gold and white for UST, gold and green for FEU, gold and blue for NU, blue and white for Ateneo, green and white for DLSU, blue and white for Adamson, and red and white for UE.

The official colors of NCAA schools are: red, gold and black for Mapúa, blue and red for Letran, red and white for San Beda, blue and red for Arellano, red and gray for Lyceum, blue and yellow for JRU, red and white for EAC, maroon, gold and white for Perpetual, gold and red for San Sebastian, and green and white for CSB.

The theme for UAAP Season 88 is ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,’ with UST as host, while NCAA Season 101 is ‘Building Greatness,’ with Mapúa as host.

The UAAP Season 88 logo features two interlocking number eights forming a flame at the center that represents passion, strength, and teamwork. The shared strokes between the two figures symbolize the unity among UAAP schools, while the flame captures the collective pursuit of excellence.

UAAP is hosted by UST for this Season 88, to be followed by FEU for next season, NU, Ateneo, DLSU, Adamson, UE and back again to Season 87 host UP.

UP used to be a founding member of the NCAA from 1924 until it withdrew in 1930 and later became a founding member of UAAP in 1938.

UP hosted UAAP 13 times for seasons 12 (1949-50), 16 (1953-54), 20 (1957-58), 26 (1963-64), 31 (1968-69), 36 (1973-74), 42 (1979-80), 46 (1983-84), 54 (1991-92), 62 (1999-2000), 71 (2008-09) 78 (2015-16) and 87 (2024-25).

UP teams that emerged champions for Season 87 are basketball and athletics in the men’s division, and badminton for women’s division, as well as street dance.

Three UP women athletes were awarded Most Valuable Players (MVP): Anthea Marie Gonzales for badminton, Nickole dela Cruz for softball, and Jufe Anne Cocoy for tennis.

Shan Clar was MVP for men’s badminton.

Three athletes from the UP Integrated School (UPIS) were also awarded MVP: Justine Hallare for boys’ basketball, Liv Abegail Florendo for girls’ swimming, and Rom Ivan Eguia for boys’ table tennis.

Season 87 is UP’s fourth championship title in Men’s Basketball, with their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2), then followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49), then 36 years later in 2022 (Season 84).

After the first round in UAAP Mens’ Basketball division, as of October 19, 2025, NU is on the top with 6 wins 1 loss, followed by UST (5 wins, 2 losses), UP (4 wins, 3 losses), DLSU (4-3), ADMU (4-3), AdU (3-4), FEU (2-5) and UE (0-7).

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808

The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

These reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.

SYMS Construction Trading

Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. DPWH’s own records showed 0.00% completion.

Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet COA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a ‘ghost project.’

L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation (Joint Venture)

Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed COA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.

DARCY and ANNA BUILDERS and TRADING

Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and COA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.

In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to COA, hindering validation of the projects.

Individuals Held Liable

Several individuals from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.

Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on August 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing COA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.

ONE of my key takeaways from attending the LEAP Summit recently in Kuching, Sarawak in Malaysia was clarity on the use of the term ‘MICE’ vis-à-vis ‘Business Events’ as a nomenclature for the industry.

‘LEAP’ is the acronym for ‘Legacy Events Advocacy Policy,’ a platform that ‘Business Events Sarawak’ (BE Sarawak) initiated to champion advocacy, partnerships and sustainable event policies. The LEAP Summit is part of BE Sarawak’s ‘Legacy 360: Business Events for a Sustainable Future’ framework, which I have wrote about in my previous columns.

The evolving terminology of the industry, from ‘MICE’ (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) to ‘Business Events,’ reflects more than a change in labels. It signifies a broader paradigm shift on how destinations conceptualize and communicate the real value of this dynamic sector.

For decades, MICE has served as the industry’s convenient shorthand, especially in the Philippines and other emerging markets. It came from a tourism-centered mindset, emphasizing event typologies, visitor arrivals and economic indicators such as spending and venue utilization. In its time, it effectively framed the industry as a key contributor to tourism receipts and destination marketing.

However, as the global landscape evolved, so did the understanding of what events can achieve. The term ‘business events,’ now widely used in advanced markets like Australia, Singapore and New Zealand, marks a shift toward a strategic, purpose-driven narrative. It recognizes that events are not merely gatherings, but platforms for knowledge exchange, innovation, collaboration and legacy creation. Here, success is measured, not just in numbers, but in impact on communities, industries and national development goals.

This conceptual evolution aligns with global priorities such as sustainability, education and economic diversification. As governments and industry leaders increasingly emphasize the knowledge economy, ‘business events’ better captures the sector’s role in fostering innovation ecosystems and advancing shared progress.

In this transition, associations play a pivotal role. As conveners of professionals, experts and thought leaders, associations are often the creators and custodians of business events that drive knowledge and capacity building within industries. Their meetings, congresses and summits go beyond tourism, but also serve as platforms for policy dialogue, professional development and collaboration. Associations thus exemplify how events can generate long-term social, intellectual and economic legacies, embodying the very essence of the business events paradigm.

In the Philippine context, retaining the ‘MICE’ label remains both practical and policy-consistent. The ‘Philippine MICE Roadmap 2018-2030,’ the country’s strategic framework for the sector, uses the term extensively and continues to guide its growth. Yet, local destinations such as Cebu, Iloilo and Boracay, are already incorporating sustainability, inclusivity and legacy-building into their event strategies, signaling an organic shift toward the business events mindset.

A phased, dual-usage approach, referring to the sector as ‘MICE/Business Events’ could bridge this evolution. It maintains local recognition while aligning with international best practices. Over time, as the industry matures and measures impact beyond attendance and revenue, ‘business events’ may naturally take precedence.

Ultimately, the shift from ‘MICE’ to ‘Business Events’ is more than semantics-it reflects an industry evolving from hosting events to creating value, from counting visitors to building legacies. For destinations like the Philippines, and for associations that bring people together with purpose, embracing this new language means embracing a new vision of impact and sustainability.

Asia’s Fearless Diva, Jona Viray, is set to celebrate two decades of musical brilliance with her milestone concert, JONA: Journey To The Arena, happening November 8, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. This highly anticipated event promises electrifying performances and a grand tribute to Jona’s remarkable journey in the OPM scene.

Fans can expect unforgettable moments at the event, including a heartfelt reunion with songwriter Aicelle Santos, a showstopping performance by singer-actress Maricris Garcia, a highly anticipated collaboration with vocal powerhouse Jed Madela, and a special appearance by rising P-Pop boy group ALAMAT.

Since capturing hearts as the first Pinoy Pop Superstar in 2004, Jona has soared to become one of the Philippines’ most celebrated vocalists. Sharing the stage with OPM legends and carving out her own legacy, her performances at the SM Mall of Asia Arena have showcased her artistic evolution and enduring influence as Asia’s Fearless Diva.

A standout moment at the venue was when Jona joined global sensation 98 Degrees last May, delivering a performance that left the audience buzzing long after the final note had been played.

Jona also wowed audiences at Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s Silver Rewind concert in January 2013, performing with her former group La Diva. Her flawless vocals and magnetic stage presence reminded everyone why she remains one of the nation’s most extraordinary talents.

?Reflecting on her 20-year journey in a recent interview, Jona expressed heartfelt gratitude for the many blessings that have brought her this far, thanking the Lord, her family, and her loyal fans for their unwavering support.

Fans will have the chance to show their love and appreciation as Jona takes the stage for a spectacular 20th anniversary performance. Seat tiers and prices are as follows:

SVIP: 5,800 Php

VIP: 4,500 Php

Lower Box Premium: 3,500 Php

Lower Box Regular: 2,500 Php

Upper Box: 1,200 Php

General Admission: 860 Php

Tickets are now available for purchase at any SM Tickets outlet nationwide, or you can purchase them online at smtickets.com.

Renowned for showcasing the best in local and international talent, the SM Mall of Asia Arena stands as the ultimate destination for unforgettable live events and milestone celebrations.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

NOBODY talks about the dubious political affiliations of these two A-listers. One is an actor who endorsed the political party of politician now considered a fugitive of sorts. The actor is well-liked in the business because he acts well and is nice to people. His girlfriend is someone who is known for having a strong sense of right and wrong. Meanwhile, the second A-lister is an actress who has appeared at political rallies and events connected to politicians who are not known for having integrity and credibility. Even now that the elections are over, the actress is still into these activities. People say it is because she needs money as she has had no big projects or endorsements and this is possible.

STARLET’S WOES

DID the starlet leave an event after people started doing political chants? Why was she not in the after-event photo of their group of friends. Apparently, she had another engagement and was not scared of the politically-charged atnosphere at the event. Another of their friends with the same political affiliation as the starlet was also there but she stayed through the chanting. The extent of the loss is not yet known but for sure, a magazine cover was not released and a whitening product has put her endorsement on hold. The starlet, it appears, has not yet learned her lesson. She continues to make snide remarks about her bashers when most of these people bash her simply because of her political statements.

CATFIGHT

IT looks like it was not just two people in her friend group who unfollowed a starlet because of rumors and innuendoes. This is not the first time that the starlet lost friends but this time, her frenemy made public certain chats that really implicate her. The starlet recently had a falling-out with a person who worked with her, and also a relative for reasons still unclear. But this time, the starlet was said to have tried to engage troll farms to discredit another starlet who she felt was encroaching on her territory. You’d think people would have better things to do with their time but it seems that they don’t.

NO EVENTS FOR NOW

SPEAKING of lost endorsements, the celebrity still has not lost any but the brands she endorses have put on hold any activities or events that involve her. She is also not being featured on their social media pages. The celebrity is busy engaging troll farms to block people on social media, even those who don’t name her. She has separate troll farms for blocking her bashers, praising in comment sections, and bashing her perceived rivals. She is also busy with photo shoots to show people on social media that she’s still very much in-demand when even the beauty brands that loyally seed products to her are staying away. She continues to blame others for her misfortune. One favorite target is the rival she hates the most.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.

The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.

The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.

‘Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,’ said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. ‘We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.’

Eggdrop, Korea’s original premium gourmet egg sandwich brand, has arrived in Bonifacio Global City with the opening of its second store in the Philippines. Building on the success of its Mall of Asia debut, Eggdrop continues to share its beloved menu, crafted with premium ingredients and inspired by Korea’s dynamic food culture, with even more Filipino food lovers.

A trailblazer in Korea’s food and beverage scene, Eggdrop first made waves in 2017 when it introduced the country’s very first premium gourmet egg sandwich. Since then, it has grown to over 290 locations across South Korea, becoming a household name thanks to its innovative recipes, exclusive brioche bread, and appearances in K-Dramas, K-Pop culture, and global food media.

‘We’re thrilled to continue Eggdrop’s Philippine journey here in BGC,’ says Stewart Lee Ong, President of Butter and Salt Group Inc., the franchise partner of Eggdrop in Manila. ‘This location allows us to connect with a diverse mix of residents, professionals, and cultural tastemakers, all while staying true to what makes Eggdrop special-authentic Korean flavors, premium quality, and a dining experience worth sharing.’

A Perfect Fit for BGC’s Energy and Lifestyle

Much like the district itself, Eggdrop blends modern style with cultural depth, offering food that’s not just a passing trend but a lifestyle staple for those who crave comfort, taste, and quality in every bite.

From Korea’s Favorite to the Filipino Lifestyle

Eggdrop’s popularity is built on its commitment to quality-using A+ grade eggs, fresh ingredients, and its signature brioche bread developed exclusively for the brand. The BGC store will feature its most iconic sandwiches straight from Korea, including:

Mr. Egg – Fluffy scrambled eggs, cheese, and Eggdrop’s signature sauce for a creamy, satisfying finish.

Bacon Double Cheese – Crispy bacon, double the melted cheese, and scrambled eggs layered on signature brioche bread.

Garlic Bacon Cheese – Garlic butter, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and scrambled eggs for a bold, savory favorite.

Korea meets BGC! Content creator Jessica Lee digs into her favorite Eggdrop sandwich at the brand’s newest store in Bonifacio Global City.

Each sandwich is designed to be both delicious and visually appealing-perfect for enjoying in-store or sharing online.

Expanding the Eggdrop Experience

The BGC opening marks a key milestone in Eggdrop’s Philippine expansion, with plans to bring the authentic Korean gourmet egg sandwich experience to more Filipino communities in the coming years.

‘Eggdrop’s success has always been rooted in authenticity and quality,’ adds Ong. ‘We’re committed to delivering the same experience that made Eggdrop a household name in Korea, while making it a part of the Filipino everyday.’

Jobin-SQM, Inc. (JSI), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation’s (NAC) clean energy arm Emerging Power, Inc. (EPI) highlighted the crucial role of the Ayta Ambala community in promoting sustainability during its celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Month in Sitio Pastolan, Barangay Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan.

As part of the commemoration, JSI held its 7th Ayta MasterChef, where members of the Ambala tribe showcased their ‘Ayta-style’ dishes using traditional cooking skills and ingredients sourced from the forest such as wild chicken (labuyo), bilwa, and bilukaw.

Catalina Soriano, a member of the Ambala community, believes that the event is more than a competition – it highlights IPs can support modern development while preserving traditional cultural knowledge, biodiversity, and natural resources for the sustained use of future generations.

‘Lahat po ng ginamit sa pagluluto galing sa gubat kaya ang aral ng MasterChef, sa pag-unlad kailangan may matitira para sa kinabukasan ng katutubo na magagamit sa panghabangbuhay,’ says Soriano.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial Officer Ronie Caanawan underscored the importance of celebrating IP Month in empowering indigenous communities as stewards of their environment and promoting sustainable practices to ensure well-being.

Caanawan recognized the support of JSI in honoring the traditions of the Ayta Ambala community, reflecting its commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 – Partnership for the Goals, by supporting programs that strengthen cultural pride, unity, and inclusivity. He added that the celebration honors the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) which safeguards IP cultural heritage and land.

JSI’s commemoration of IP Month aligns with NAC’s wider sustainability goals which include indigenous peoples’ partnerships, the promotion of cultural heritage, and advancement of environmental stewardship. Through initiatives like this, NAC and its subsidiaries demonstrate how corporate social responsibility can go hand in hand with community development and ecological preservation.

This year’s celebration was done in collaboration with the Tribong Ayta Ambala ng Pastolan (TAAPI) with support from the Local Government Unit of Tipo in Zambales, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the NCIP.

JSI operates a 172 MW solar power plant in Mt. Sta Rita, Subic Bay Freeport Zone – one of the largest single solar power generation plants connected to the national power grid in the country.

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is promoting early detection and reminding members of their financial coverage for breast cancer treatment, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s priority on improving healthcare in the country.

The Philippines has extremely low breast cancer screening rates, which is linked to the country having one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia. According to a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, only 1% of Filipino women were screened for cancer, translating to only 540,000 women out of an estimated 54 million getting screened. Compounding the issue is that a significant majority-as high as 65%-of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stage, greatly reducing the 5-year relative survival rate.

To address the financial barrier that often delays diagnosis and treatment, the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has been substantially enhanced. The package has increased by 1300%, reaching up to P1.4 million from the previous P100,000. The benefit now covers patients with breast cancer across Stages 0 to 4, including those who are already undergoing treatment. As of September 2025, the amount paid for Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has reached a total of P72.03M.

PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) further reinforces this as it covers selected outpatient cancer screening tests for breast cancer including financial coverage for a mammogram (P2,610) and breast ultrasound (P1,350). By providing extensive financial protection from initial diagnostic tests to complex targeted therapy, PhilHealth aims to remove the cost as a barrier and encourage patients to seek care early, improving outcomes for a disease that is curable when detected in its initial stages.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP, ginagawa naming mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan. Magpa-check-up, follow-up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo,’ said PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado.