Category: Business Mirror

Nicotine addiction remains a critical public health issue globally. Nicotine pouches were originally introduced to help smokers quit by providing small and manageable doses of nicotine without the dangerous toxins found in tobacco smoke. This aligns with the concept of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products.

However, ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2026, which will focus on the tactics used by the industry to hook a new generation of users, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning against nicotine pouch products that are being ‘aggressively marketed to adolescents and young people.’ The organization also noted that regulations in many countries remain limited or absent.

WHO reported that global retail sales of nicotine pouch products reached more than 23 billion units in 2024, marking a significant 50 percent increase from the previous year.

‘The use of nicotine pouches is spreading rapidly, while regulation struggles to keep pace,’ said Dr. Vinayak Prasad, Unit Head of the Tobacco Free Initiative for WHO. ‘Governments must act now with strong, evidence-based safeguards.’

Marketing strategies

In its report titled ‘Exposing marketing tactics and strategies driving the growth of nicotine pouches,’ WHO found that marketing strategies for these products are specifically designed to attract younger users. These include sleek packaging, influencer marketing, concert sponsorships, aspirational lifestyle branding, messaging that encourages use in school settings, and attractive flavors that appeal to younger audiences.

The report also noted that some packaging ‘mimics sweets or popular candy brands,’ increasing the risk to young children. WHO warned that these tactics aim to normalize nicotine use and downplay the risks associated with it in order to attract new users.

WHO also noted that only a relatively small number of governments around the world have implemented strict regulations on nicotine pouches.

According to the organization, around 160 countries have no specific regulations on these products, while only 16 countries have banned their sale. Meanwhile, only 32 countries regulate them in some form: five impose flavor restrictions, 26 prohibit sales to minors, and 21 ban advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. As such, WHO called on governments to implement stricter regulatory measures to address the issue. Its recommendations include bans or restrictions on flavors; advertising and promotional bans, including influencer marketing; stronger age-verification and retail controls; clear health warnings and plain packaging; caps on the amount of nicotine allowed; taxation to reduce affordability among youth; surveillance of usage patterns and marketing tactics; and stronger enforcement policies.

Novel tobacco products

In the Philippines, nicotine pouches fall under the category of novel tobacco products. As such, they are covered by Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. Under the law, packaging must contain highly visible, full-color graphic and textual health warnings. In addition, packaging is required to be tamper-resistant and child-resistant.

Advertising regulations are also strict, particularly against the use of minors, celebrities, and health professionals in promotions. Moreover, the law states that marketing messages should not target young audiences, undermine smoking cessation campaigns, or encourage non-tobacco and non-nicotine users to use such products, including novel tobacco products. Online advertisements are likewise regulated and may only be viewed after appropriate age-verification measures are implemented under the law.

In some areas in the Philippines, access to healthcare remains a big challenge as most specialized care is mainly concentrated in major urban areas.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is bridging this gap by bringing the digital lifeline in most remote barangay of Mayantoc, Tarlac.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said that 279 indigenous learners of Labney Integrated School and their community, will no longer endure a grueling 24-kilometer journey across steep mountains just to see a doctor.

The DepEd recently joined the launch of the Assisted Video Consultation (AVC) Room at the school. Through the AVC, digital telehealth services will be delivered to ensure that upland learners and their families gain immediate access to medical consultations.

The introduction of this facility under Project GIDA (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas), a collaborative initiative led by the UP Resilience Institute and the GIDA Initiative, bridges the gap between urban medical specialists and remote villages through Starlink internet connectivity and specialized telehealth equipment.

Technological innovation

Angara emphasized that marginalized sectors must benefit from modern technological innovation, in line with the commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uplift underserved areas.

‘Sa tulong ng teknolohiya, hindi na kailangang maglakbay ng malayo ang ating mga mag-aaral para lamang makita ng doktor, dahil ang kalinga ng pamahalaan ay narito na mismo sa loob ng kanilang paaralan. [With the help of technology, our students no longer need to travel far just to see a doctor, because government care is now right here within their school],’ Angara said.

Equipped with the school’s Starlink satellite internet, a television, digital tablets and specialized medical software, the AVC Room now serves as a community-based healthcare hub. It directly addresses the severe distance barriers that frequently deter families from seeking timely medical attention.

School Principal Michelle Felipe said the introduction of telemedicine brings professional, free consultations straight to the community, sparing residents from costly and arduous travels down the mountain.

‘Through this telemedicine, kung halimbawa may emergency at kailangan na ng consultation biglaan, i-turn on mo lang yung gadget and then pwede mo na kausapin yung doktor na pwedeng mag-assist [Through this telemedicine, for example, if there is an emergency and a consultation is needed suddenly, you just turn on the gadget and then you can talk to the doctor who can assist],’ Felipe said.

Protects educationFor the learners, the facility does more than heal physical ailments; it protects their education.

Learner Lorie Nicolas recalled the anxiety of falling ill, noting that she had to choose between nursing her sickness at home or missing critical school discussions because there was no available transportation for a medical check-up.

‘Thankful po kami kasi yung mga expert na doktor na po ang lumalapit sa amin. Hindi na po namin kailangan pumunta sa baba for check-up po. Yung mga walang sasakyan, pwede na po nilang lakarin lang dito po sa school [We are thankful because expert doctors are now coming to us. We no longer need to go far for check-ups. Those who don’t have a car can just walk here to the school],’ Nicolas said.

Parents likewise shared their relief after a lifetime of enduring the hardships caused by the extreme distance to health facilities.

According to guardian Imelda Francisco, ‘Kahit hindi na kami pupunta sa bayan, makakausap na namin yung doktor na tumingin sa amin [Even though we won’t be going to town anymore, we can talk to the doctor who looked at us].’

Through these developments, DepEd continues to strengthen school-based health programs to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of learners and school communities.

The United Arab Emirates for decades has advertised itself as a haven for international business in a Middle East awash in violent upheaval. Those waves have now crashed into this nation, testing its economic model like never before.

The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, faced more missile and drone attacks from Iran during the war than any other country. The attacks-and Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz-have more than halved the Emirates’ exports of crude oil and natural gas. Its tourism and conference sectors have also suffered.

The country, which sits just across the Persian Gulf from Iran, has portrayed itself as unfazed, even as it makes significant changes. It recently announced plans to build another pipeline to reduce its reliance on the strait, and it dropped out of the OPEC oil cartel so it can boost energy production longer-term, something that had been under consideration since before the war.

While the US and Israel started the war, the UAE is firmly entangled. A drone attack Sunday on its Barakah nuclear power plant underlines the continued risks-even if a shaky ceasefire holds.

Because the Emirates boasts a large surplus of cash, the war’s economic disruptions so far do not appear to have caused major job losses or an exodus of foreign business. The longer the standoff drags on and prevents business as usual in the Emirates, the greater the risk to its image that has been key to drawing international business and investment.

Emirati officials increasingly accuse Iran of piracy and even terrorism, while threatening to take military action.

The UAE ‘will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances,’ its Foreign Ministry said Sunday night. ‘It reserves its full, sovereign, legitimate, diplomatic, and military rights to respond to any threats, allegations or hostilities.’

UAE’s ruling family directs a more aggressive foreign policy

It’s hard to know how the UAE will respond to the Barakah attack, which caused no radiological release and hasn’t stopped the nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi’s far western desert from operating. The UAE is a federation of seven autocratically ruled sheikhdoms, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Its top ruling body is the Federal Supreme Council, comprised of the hereditary rulers of its seven emirates. But decision-making is dominated by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his family.

The ruling family, analysts say, has directed a more aggressive foreign policy in the last decades, including entering the war in Yemen against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The UAE helped bring Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to power in 2013, and is alleged to have sent arms to parties in Sudan and Libya’s civil wars, which it denies.

Sheikh Mohammed, who rarely speaks publicly, gave his only brief remarks on the war for state media while visiting those wounded by Iranian attacks at a hospital in March.

‘The UAE is attractive, the UAE is beautiful, the UAE is a model. But I say to them: do not be misled by the UAE’s appearance,’ the sheikh warned at the time. ‘The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh; we are no easy prey.’

But that doesn’t mean there has been no pain.

Economic warning signsThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impeded the UAE’s ability to sell crude oil and natural gas, though a few of its tankers have made it out. It can export approximately 1.8 million barrels of crude a day through a pipeline to Fujairah, a city with an oil terminal on the Gulf of Oman outside the strait. The Emirates is trying to speed up the construction of a second pipeline to double that capacity.

The UAE’s tourism and conference market-estimated to be more than 12 percent of its economic output-has also been hit hard.

Since the war started Feb. 28, over 70 scheduled events in the UAE have been postponed, canceled or otherwise affected, according to Northbourne Advisory, a communications firm based in Qatar that’s been tracking the effects of the war. The Emirati government did not issue a blanket ban for events, but organizers likely changed their plans over ‘insurance withdrawal and liability exposure,’ the firm said.

On May 4, the country’s airline, Emirates, announced it had resumed nearly its entire schedule of flights out of Dubai International Airport, the busiest worldwide for years for international travel. But the same day, Iran launched multiple drone and missile attacks, setting off alerts on mobile phones and groans among the Emirates’ business community, which is eager to return to some sense of normalcy.

The airport appears to be building a protective cage around its jet fuel tanks, something officials there declined to discuss.

Hotels, including Dubai’s iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, have closed for renovations as occupancy rates have fallen to around 20 percent. Moody’s Analytics estimates that rate will fall to 10 percent in the June quarter, down from 80 percent before the war.

Moody’s warned that occupancy rates will likely stay down through the rest of 2026, with travelers likely to remain hesitant even after hostilities subside.

In an analysis published on Monday, the Institute of International Finance said: ‘Dubai’s openness makes it vulnerable to shocks in travel, logistics, and confidence, while Abu Dhabi’s balance sheet and energy assets give the federation the capacity to absorb the blow.’

Coin-operated fighter jet art

Dubai in particular has been trying to show it is still open.

This past weekend, Dubai hosted an abbreviated version of its annual Art Dubai show. The war felt close by, not only because the show’s preview happened the same day Iran seized a ship anchored off Fujairah.

One piece of art was a coin-operated black fighter jet, covered in pairs of black Nike tennis shoes.

One artist, Solimán López of Spain, came with a piece centered on the idea of him claiming ownership of a metal-rich asteroid that’s the target of a NASA mission. The artwork is meant to reflect on how countries and companies extract oil and other commodities.

The conflict made it a challenge to attend with his work, he said. ‘But I said I have to do my best, because I do believe that it’s the perfect context to talk about this in the region,’ he said.

Another artist, Alfred Tarazi of Beirut, noted his grandparents lived through two world wars.

‘Life doesn’t stop in a world war,’ he said. ‘We can only counter a narrative of violence with culture.’

The Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) underscored the need for more science-based, practical, and consultative food policymaking as it convened regulators, food manufacturers, and technical experts for the PCFMI Food Summit 2026, held in partnership with Food Industry Asia (FIA).

Held over two days at Shangri-La The Fort in Manila last month, the summit served as a timely platform for discussions on the emerging regulatory environment now shaping the Philippine food industry – from nutrient profiling and front-of-pack labeling proposals, to local food ordinances, responsible marketing standards, food product registration, and the role of food processing science in improving nutrition outcomes.

For PCFMI, the discussions reinforced that as food regulations become more far-reaching, policy development must increasingly be guided by scientific evidence, implementation feasibility, and stronger public-private consultation. ‘The food industry is entering a period where nutrition, regulation, and food security are no longer separate conversations. They are deeply interconnected, and this means policymaking must also become more consultative, more science-based, and more grounded in the realities of the Philippine food system,’ said Marites Directo, President and Chairperson of PCFMI.

A major focus of the summit was the growing importance of food reformulation and ingredient innovation in delivering healthier choices to consumers. Regional technical experts shared that while manufacturers continue to invest in nutrition innovation, successful reformulation requires enabling standards, practical transition periods, and regulatory approaches that recognize scientific limitations.

This was echoed during discussions on international food standards and product regulation, where speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring that policy interventions are preceded by careful technical evaluation and impact assessment to determine both effectiveness and real-world implementation.

The Proposed Philippine Nutrient Profile Model

PCFMI noted that this principle is especially relevant as the government continues to study the proposed Philippine Nutrient Profile Model (PNPM), which is expected to serve as the basis for future measures such as front-of-pack labeling, food marketing restrictions and even taxation.

‘Frameworks such as the PNPM do not operate in isolation. They influence product reformulation, consumer communication, market access, and the future direction of innovation. This is why meaningful collaboration between regulators and private sector – and a clear understanding of implementation impact before policy adoption – are critical to getting policy right,’ Directo added. The summit also featured discussions on food product standards and registration, where the Food and Drug Administration emphasized the importance of evidence-based regulation and the need to fully understand regulatory implications prior to implementation – a principle PCFMI said is increasingly important as more complex nutrition-related policies are being proposed.

Meanwhile, during the Food Summit the National Dairy Authority (NDA) through its Administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius Andaya reaffirmed its continuing support for the dairy and food manufacturing sectors through responsive product registration mechanisms and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders, highlighting the value of government agencies working as partners in strengthening food security and innovation.

The summit likewise emphasized the critical role of pre-packaged food in ensuring food safety, longer shelf life, accessibility, and reliable distribution, particularly in a country where food supply disruptions and price sensitivity remain continuing concerns. According to PCFMI, the convergence of these policy issues signals a defining moment for the local food manufacturing sector, where regulation must move beyond isolated interventions and toward a more coherent framework that protects both public health and national food security.

PCFMI reaffirmed its commitment to continue working alongside government, technical stakeholders, and consumer groups in shaping food policies that are practical, evidence-driven, and responsive to the realities of Filipino consumers.

AMBASSADOR Wilfredo C. Santos has stood witness to some of the Middle East’s most defining moments-from regional conflicts and geopolitical realignments to the evolving role of overseas Filipino workers across the Arab world.

For nearly three decades in the foreign service, Santos belongs to a generation of Filipino diplomats shaped not only by protocol and statecraft, but also by crisis management, labor diplomacy and the constant responsibility of ensuring the welfare of Filipinos abroad.

As the Philippines and Jordan mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, the envoy said mutual ties have steadily evolved beyond labor cooperation into a broader and more diversified partnership spanning trade, agriculture, education, cultural exchanges, and political dialogue. The relationship, he added, continues to be anchored on the more than 47,000 Filipinos living and working in Jordan, whose presence has become one of the strongest links between the two countries.

But the ambassador’s reflections also come at a time of heightened uncertainty in the Middle East. From disruptions in global energy supplies and shipping routes to concerns over the safety of overseas Filipino workers, Santos acknowledged that the ripple effects of ongoing regional tensions extend far beyond the countries directly involved in conflict. For the Philippines, he noted, these developments carry implications not only for oil prices and remittances, but also for broader regional stability and economic security.

In this interview with EnvoysandExpats, Santos-as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with concurrent jurisdiction over the State of Palestine-discusses the growing Philippines-Jordan partnership, the evolving opportunities for Philippine exports and creative industries in the region, the challenges of diplomacy in the Middle East, and the lessons he hopes the next generation of Filipino diplomats will carry forward.

ENVOYSandEXPATS: As the Philippines and Jordan mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, how would you assess the tangible gains of this partnership, particularly in trade, labor cooperation, and bilateral agreements?

AMB. SANTOS: I would say the partnership has steadily grown into a stable and mutually beneficial relationship.

One of its most tangible dimensions is the presence of approximately 47,211 Filipinos in Jordan, who have made the country their second home and contribute meaningfully into the Jordanian economy. This strong people-to-people link remains at the heart of our bilateral ties.

Politically, we continue to enjoy a very good and harmonious relationship, supported by regular dialogue and consultations on political, economic, cultural, and labor matters. This is further reinforced by key bilateral mechanisms, including the successful convening of the first Philippines-Jordan Political Consultations held in November 2024 in Amman-the first since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the kingdom-which provided a platform to explore and identify cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, education, defense, and consular cooperation. It also gave an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and Gaza. The first Philippines-Jordan Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Labor Matters in August 2025 likewise marked a significant milestone in strengthening labor cooperation and worker protection between the Philippines and Jordan. It served as a review of the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation, and looked at how we can further improve the working conditions of Filipino workers here. The discussions focused on practical concerns and safeguards against certain issues. Both sides recognized the importance of strengthening worker protection mechanisms, and the Philippines’ proposed measures to this end. These exchanges help ensure that the relationship remains active and responsive.

Both countries are further exploring ways to expand and diversify their economic engagement, moving beyond a primarily labor-centered relationship toward broader commercial linkages. For instance, the embassy successfully conducted the Outbound Business Matching Mission to Jordan in February 2025, which brought together Filipino exporters and Jordanian buyers, and helped generate renewed interest in key sectors such as agri-food products, halal-certified goods, and personal care items, while also opening concrete discussions on business partnerships and market access.

As part of the mission, the Philippine delegation also held productive engagements with key Jordanian institutions, including the Jordan Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture, where discussions focused on regulatory requirements, increased market access, as well as possible areas of further cooperation. These exchanges helped strengthen mutual understanding of each country’s trade environment and provided clearer guidance for Philippine exporters seeking to enter or expand to the Jordanian market. Overall, the relationship has been more developed, and the focus now is on moving it forward-toward deeper, more diversified, and future-oriented cooperation between the two countries.

What sectors continue to welcome Filipino labor, and how is the embassy addressing concerns such as worker protection and contract compliance?

Jordan remains a destination of choice for Filipino workers, the majority of whom are employed in the household service and hospitality sectors. In addressing evolving concerns on worker protection and contract compliance, the embassy continues to prioritize close coordination with Jordanian authorities. One key milestone in this regard was the successful conduct of the first JCM on Labor Matters, which provided a formal mechanism for dialogue on labor issues and strengthened cooperation on the welfare of Filipino workers.

The embassy also maintains a good working relationship with the ministries of Labor and Interior, relevant government branches, and industry associations.

Beyond overseas employment, where do you see concrete opportunities for Philippine exports, investments, or joint ventures in Jordan and the broader region?

There are clear opportunities to expand economic engagement in both trade and services. On the export side, the Philippines can further position its agricultural products in the Jordanian market, particularly coconut and coconut-based products such as oil and desiccated coconut, as well as premium tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and other agri-products that are not locally produced in Jordan.

Concurrently, there is growing potential in services and emerging sectors. The Philippines’ established strengths in animation, digital content, and game development can support Jordan’s own growing interest in developing its creative economy through the sharing of best practices, expertise, and industry experience. Through engagements with the creative industries, we were able to identify areas where Philippine expertise can directly support Jordan’s efforts to develop its creative economy, particularly in skills development, industry incubation, and digital content production.

There are also clear opportunities to explore cooperation in infrastructure and logistics, particularly in port development in Aqaba, given Jordan’s strategic role as a regional trade and transit hub. This presents a potential area where Philippine experience in port and terminal management, as well as logistics systems and operations, could be further studied and shared, should both sides agree to pursue technical exchanges or future collaboration in this field.

The embassy also has concurrent jurisdiction over Palestine. How would you describe the Philippines’ relations with the said country, especially that it is greatly involved as a flashpoint area in the Middle East?

The Philippines values its long-standing relationship with the State of Palestine, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination.Both sides are working to deepen our ties through enhanced dialogue and development of institutional linkages.

Testament to this was the bilateral meeting between Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin of Palestine on November 18, 2025. For us, the visit is historically significant, and is a milestone in the two countries’ diplomatic relations, as this is the first-ever visit of a Palestinian Foreign Minister to the Philippines, after the formal establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries on September 4, 1989.

Their discussions centered on both countries’ pursuit of a more robust and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interests such as higher education, consular cooperation, technical and vocational education and training, among others.

The diplomats also exchanged views on key regional and global issues such as the Philippines’ Asean chairship, developments in the Middle East and the West Philippine Sea. Shahin also updated on the ongoing peace process in Palestine.

The meeting between the two officials saw the signing of an MOU on Political Consultations. The agreement established a structured bilateral mechanism of consultations between the Philippines and Palestine that will provide a platform for officials of both parties to review their bilateral relations, identify new areas of cooperation, and promote common interests.

With ongoing tensions in the Middle East, how resilient is Jordan’s economy, and what do you feel are risks or spillover effects that the Philippines should be mindful of-particularly in terms of energy, trade, or remittances?

Jordan has demonstrated considerable resilience despite ongoing regional tensions, including the recent Iran-Israel-United States conflict and its associated disruptions. From an economic perspective, the kingdom has been able to mitigate broader regional shocks through a combination of proactive measures, including diversification of supply chains, ensuring the continuous delivery of essential goods and fuel, and maintaining the steady flow of natural gas supplies. The continued operational capacity of key gateways such as Aqaba Port has also helped sustain trade flows and preserve overall supply chain continuity.

Overall, this integrated security and economic strategy has allowed Jordan to maintain stability, minimize disruption to essential services, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks. This reflects a strong degree of institutional resilience, even in a volatile regional environment.

For the Philippines, key spillover risks remain indirect, but significant. The most immediate impact is through fluctuations in global oil prices, which affect domestic inflation and commodity costs back home. In addition, any escalation of tensions in the region can pose risks to the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). There is also a potential impact on remittance flows, as regional instability can indirectly affect employment conditions, particularly through higher costs, slower hiring, and reduced income opportunities, thereby influencing the level and stability of remittances.

As a diplomat who has served mostly in the Middle East, what are your thoughts about the ongoing conflict and its far-reaching geopolitical implications?

The war triggered a significant economic disruption to global energy supplies and international shipping, creating a surge in oil and gas prices and a shortage in fertilizer supplies mainly as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The war’s economic fallout has affected countries which are not direct parties to the conflict, including the Philippines which has a large number of overseas workers in the region. Air travel was likewise disrupted with the closure of airspaces of affected countries whose airports were either shut down or forced to maintain limited operations. This directly impacted tourism in the Middle East, as well as in other parts of Asia and Europe.

As ambassador, I would like to note that the Philippines continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and supports efforts that promote de-escalation, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

As Asean chair, the Philippines has also brought attention to this issue, recognizing that the repercussions of this conflict extend to our region. In this regard, I would like to refer to the recent Asean statements on the situation in the Middle East, including the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Statement, and the Asean Leaders’ Statement adopted during the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu City, which underscored the need for restraint, protection of civilians, and adherence to international law.

Asean expressed serious concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, which poses a grave threat to civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability. The region likewise underscored the importance of restraint, adherence to international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, including the need for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East.

The bloc also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, as well as freedom of navigation and the safe and unimpeded passage of vessels and aircraft through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. These statements further emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, ensure the safety and welfare of nationals in affected areas, and preserve stable global energy supplies and trade routes amid continuing regional tensions.

Ambassador, the bulk of your diplomatic career was spent in the Middle East. How has this regional specialization shaped your understanding of diplomacy, and what insights can you share about navigating its complexities?

The Middle East is actually a good training ground for young Filipino diplomats. In my case, it broadened my knowledge of the other but equally important aspects of foreign service work.

When I left Manila for Kuwait in February 1996, my Home Office training at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) largely consisted of protocol-related tasks. I had no experience in handling assistance-to-national cases and consular work. I learned to handle these responsibilities in addition to doing political and economic reporting during my posting to the Middle Eastern state.

When my ambassador was recalled to Manila in 1997, I was designated as the embassy charge d’affaires a.i. I served in this capacity for six months, which introduced me to the expectations of being an acting head of post at a relatively young age. This knowledge served me in good stead when I later assumed higher responsibilities in the department.

The Middle East is an important region to the Philippines. It is home to an estimated 2.4 million Filipinos, who reside and work in this part of the world, and who remit a great portion of the country’s annual remittances back home. As it is also a region fraught with conflict due to overlapping historical, political, and religious reasons, the safety and well-being of our countrymen have remained the primary concern of the Philippine government.

To this day, the political and economic stability of the Middle East has a direct connection to the safety and welfare of our OFWs. The issues affecting them then: their safety and continued gainful employment are very relevant to the challenges I faced in my later assignments as Philippine ambassador to the State of Qatar, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Having held senior roles in consular affairs and protocol, what reforms or initiatives are you most proud of, particularly those that improved services for OFWs?

Upon my recall from San Francisco in 2011, I was assigned to the Office of Consular Affairs, which is the largest office in the DFA in terms of personnel complement. I served in OCA initially as executive director and later took over as assistant secretary, which enabled me to oversee the modernization plans of various consular documents, including the new generation of Philippine e-passports, machine-readable visas, and authentication documents. The DFA-OCA developed the concept for the new e-passport system, which is fully compliant with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization to facilitate Filipinos’ overseas travels.

In 2014, the DFA launched the new e-Registry and Document Management authentication systems which provided an online verification system for the department’s authentication documents while streamlining the back-end operations of the Authentication Division. The two systems allowed the OCA to expand its authentication services nationwide.

In addition, through the e-Registry, which contains 2,000 digital signatures, the DFA laid the groundwork for the implementation of the Apostille Convention. Four years later in 2018, the Philippines finally acceded to the convention by depositing the Instrument of Accession in The Hague, Netherlands.

It was also during this period that the DFA built on its successful project to open offices in malls to better serve the Filipino public. The opening of more mall-based branches throughout the country allowed the department to bring its services ‘closer to the people’ while continuing to improve its systems as well as ensuring quality customer services and support.

In June 2016, while assigned in Doha, Qatar, my services as DFA assistant secretary for Consular Affairs were recognized when I received the ‘Gawad Mabini, rank of Dakilang Kamanong’ from former president Benigno Aquino III.

As you approach retirement, how do you view the next generation of Filipino diplomats, and what priorities should they carry forward in strengthening the Philippines’ presence in the Middle East?

The new generation of Filipino foreign service officers are actually better trained than our group of Filipino diplomats when we started our careers decades ago. Prior to their foreign postings, they had the benefit of more training in the Home Office as well as having greater opportunities for scholarships abroad. Nevertheless, gaining the necessary work experience while being assigned overseas-whether it be in an embassy, mission, or consulate-is something all Filipino diplomats will go through as they climb the ladder of responsibilities in the DFA.

For decades, Philippine foreign policy in the Middle East was based on the three ‘O’s: oil, overseas Filipinos, and overseas remittances. The region has been a source of gainful employment for Filipino professionals and workers since the 1970s. The OFWs contribute to the Philippines’ national economy through the sending of remittances to their families and relatives back home. These foreign exchange remittances contribute in turn to the build-up of the country’s dollar reserves.

The Middle East is also important to the Philippines in terms of our energy security. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman are among the top 10 countries that represent all sources of crude oil imported by the Philippines.

But to maximize the opportunities for the country in the Middle East, the next generation of Filipino diplomats assigned in the region should focus also on other key areas of cooperation, particularly in business, trade and investment, education and culture, air services and tourism.

The Philippines has always been a traditional supplier of food and agricultural products to the Middle East, which serves as a market for tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, bananas, coconut oil and tropical fruit drinks. The promotion of the country’s cuisine and its varied tourist spots provide a platform for the Philippines to become a leading tourist, business and investment destination in Asia.

Likewise, the rapid growth of the Philippines’ animation and game development industry provides opportunities to strengthen its creative industry ties with Middle East nations, particularly in animation outsourcing, digital media collaboration, and game development and co-production.

The Philippines has existing bilateral commissions on political consultations, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, and joint consular consultations with its partners in the region. We can utilize these bilateral mechanisms to expand our ties and exchange high-level visits with Middle East countries.

The growing use of recycled plastic in food packaging and other food contact materials offers clear environmental benefits but also raises crucial chemical safety concerns that underscore the need for discussion on globally harmonized standards, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The report titled ‘Food safety implications of recycled plastics and alternative food contact materials,’ which was published last week, comes amid a steady rise in the global food packaging market-estimated at $505.27 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $815.51 billion by 2030.

Snacks, ready-made meals, fast food, confectionery, and bottled beverages illustrate how shifting consumption patterns and lifestyle changes are fueling demand for food packaging.

‘Food contact materials [FCMs] play an important role in reducing food loss and waste by extending shelf life and protecting food quality, thereby helping to lower production costs, improve agrifood systems efficiency, support food security and nutrition, and contribute to environmental sustainability,’ FAO said.

‘However, the widespread use of plastic-based FCMs with long environmental half-lives is contributing to a global plastic waste epidemic, prompting a gradual shift to recycled plastics.’

While less than 10 percent of plastic waste generated globally has been recycled so far, this share is expected to grow for sustainability reasons, raising important food chemical safety questions.

The report argues that environmental objectives must be pursued in parallel with health concerns stemming from potential chemical contamination and migration from FCMs into food.

‘We want to recycle more plastic, but we also want to make sure that by solving one problem we don’t create new problems. Food safety must be a central consideration in the transition towards more sustainable agrifood systems and food consumption patterns,’ said Corinna Hawkes, Director of the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division at FAO.

An area of concern, according to FAO, is the potential introduction of new hazards associated with feedstock sources-such as pesticides, natural toxins, or allergens-in bio-based FCMs derived from natural and renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, and cassava. Additional concerns arise from the use of new intentionally added substances, such as nanomaterials, which are used to improve material performance or enable active packaging functions. The report calls for the effective cleaning and removal of chemicals during plastic recycling processes specifically designed for FCMs. Suitable waste stream control and sorting systems can separate food-use plastic packaging materials before recycling according to synthetic polymer-specific Resin Identification Codes.

‘Addressing rising public concern about exposure to micro- and nanoplastics in food and beverages requires validated analytical methods for their detection and identification. The current lack of such methods has so far prevented regulatory agencies from determining a clear risk to human health, the report argues.’

FAO also noted that there are potential global trade issues due to the lack of regulatory harmonization. The report’s findings are expected to inform discussions at the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an intergovernmental body established in 1963 by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop international food standards, guidelines and codes to ensure food safety and facilitate trade.

The report noted that ongoing discussions within Codex Alimentarius on the food safety aspects of using recycled plastics in food packaging have further highlighted a global need for regulatory harmonization of FCMs across countries.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Palawan 1st District representative Franz Josef George E. Alvarez as acting president and chief executive officer of the Philippine National Oil Company.

Alvarez will also temporarily replace Joel R. Caminade as a member of the PNOC Board of Directors.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Alvarez’s appointment papers were issued by the Office of the President on May 13, 2026.

Before his latest appointment, Alvarez briefly served as president and chief executive officer of PNOC Exploration Corporation, a subsidiary of PNOC, from 2023 to 2024.

He was later succeeded by Adrian Ferdinand S. Sugay as head of PNOC Exploration Corporation.

Prior to joining PNOC, Alvarez served as representative of Palawan’s 1st District from July 2013 to June 2023. He also served as a member of the Palawan Provincial Board from July 2010 to June 2013.

Alvarez earned his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree from University of Asia and the Pacific.

THE Chinese Embassy and Philippine Sanjia-Steel Corporation have denounced the May 15-16 raid on the firm’s Misamis Oriental plant, calling the detention of 69 Chinese workers ‘irregular, discriminatory, and inhumane.’

The operation, led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) with the NBI, AFP, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Immigration, was carried out under search warrants issued by a Cagayan de Oro court.

Authorities alleged immigration, labor, and nuclear safety violations, claiming most of the Chinese nationals lacked permits and that traces of radioactive thorium were found in raw materials.

Officials further accused the plant of producing contaminated, substandard steel and flagged its proximity to a naval dock project as a possible security risk.

Both the embassy and Sanjia Steel issued detailed rebukes, warning of the raid’s chilling effect on the Philippine economy.

In a statement released by its law firm, Sanjia Steel alleged that authorities failed to furnish a search warrant despite repeated requests, barged into offices, broke doors, and seized employees’ phones.

Counsel was ‘repeatedly denied access’ to the facility and detained clients.

‘Based on the statements from our employees, they were detained and subjected to coercion and pressured to admit to the conduct of illegal activities. Their personal phones were also confiscated, leaving them with no access to their families and counsel,’ Sanjia Steel said.

The company also rejected Department of Labor claims that only 18 of the 69 had alien permits. It said all Chinese technicians were ‘fully and properly documented.’ In a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Makati City, Minister-Counsellor Zhou Zhiyong presented records showing 57 held Special Work Permits and 12 had valid 9G visas.

On accusations of radioactive contamination, Sanjia Steel insisted on strict ‘non-use of radioactive sources or feedstock,’ stressing thaht it imports high-quality raw materials from Japan.

‘Any statement regarding ‘non-use of radioactive materials’ refers to the absence of intentional use,’ it said, adding support for ‘all lawful inspections and scientific verification processes.’ Minister-Counsellor Zhou, meanwhile, dismissed national security concerns over the plant’s proximity to a naval dock, noting the facility was built in 2018, ‘likely predating the dock’s construction.’

The firm also clarified that businessman Tony Yang had ‘fully divested his shares’ years ago and has no current affiliation. It said their 2025 filings at the Securities and Exchange Commission no longer list Yang as one of their shareholders.

The embassy raised ‘strong suspicion of discrimination,’ citing that over 300 Filipino co-workers were freed the same day while Chinese machine operators, technicians and supervisors were profiled, detained, and flown to Manila. ‘This, for us, raises a strong suspicion of discrimination against Chinese workers. A discriminatory law enforcement practice,’ Zhou said.

Following consular visits, Zhou reported detainees confined in single cells of five to six square meters at the NBI facility in New Bilibid Prison, with 13 adult males ‘without enough space to lie down or sleep.’

Sanjia Steel warned of economic fallout, saying prolonged closure would disrupt supply chains, delay construction projects, and raise costs.

Both the company and the embassy urged government to uphold due process, act transparently, and secure the workers’ return.

IN times of conflict, and in times of peace, the rights of children must remain among any nation’s foremost responsibilities.

Regardless of nationality, politics, or geography, every child has the same fundamental rights: to safety, to family, to education, and to a future free from fear. When children become victims of war, protecting them is not only a national responsibility, but also a shared duty of the entire international community.

The unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children did not begin with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This practice began years earlier, following Crimea’s illegal occupation by the Russian Federation in 2014. By 2015, there was evidence of Ukrainian children being taken from Ukraine’s nongovernment-controlled areas and deported across borders, or transferred deeper into Russian-controlled areas.

This unlawful and inhumane practice has grown into a large-scale and systematic violation of the rights of Ukrainian children. Today, Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice has officially confirmed more than 20,000 cases of Ukrainian children’s deportation and forced transfer to Russia, or temporarily Russian-controlled territory. For these children, the disruption has meant not only displacement, but separation from family, loss of community, and an attack on their identity, language, and connection to home. Their situation reminds us that protecting children in conflict is not an abstract principle-it is a human responsibility that requires sustained international cooperation.

‘Enormous challenges’

UKRAINIAN authorities and civil society organizations working on these cases face enormous challenges in tracing where children have been taken. Russia has not provided comprehensive information about the number of deported or transferred children or their locations, making identifying and ultimately returning those children extremely difficult. Even when children are located, bringing them home can be a long and complex process.

This is why global cooperation is key. No country facing such a challenge could address it alone. And no child should have to wait for the world to act.

This is the purpose behind the ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023, and the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children launched by Ukraine and Canada in February 2024. Bring Kids Back… provides the national framework for Ukraine’s efforts to return children, support their recovery and reintegration, and pursue accountability. The International Coalition mobilizes international support for those objectives and helps translate political commitment into coordinated action. Today, the coalition brings together 49 members-including states and international organizations. Its focus is humanitarian: protecting children’s rights and ensuring international standards safeguarding children are upheld. As co-chairs, Ukraine and Canada have worked hand-in-hand to build and sustain the coalition, expand international participation, keep the return of Ukrainian children high on the global agenda, and encourage practical support for tracing, safe return, rehabilitation, reintegration, and accountability. This leadership reflects a simple conviction: Children must never be used as instruments of war. The European Union (EU) became a coalition member in September 2025.

Shared duty

WITH sustained diplomatic, humanitarian and legal efforts and global cooperation, more than 2,130 Ukrainian children have been returned and supported through rehabilitation and reintegration programs to date. For every child, returning home represents the restoration of something irreplaceable: the embrace of family, the familiarity of language and culture, and the chance to grow up in the place where they belong.

But these are only some of the stories. Many more children remain under Russian control-deported or trapped in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Addressing this challenge requires a truly global response. Protecting children in conflict is not the responsibility of one actor alone; it is a shared duty rooted in universal human rights and our shared values.

For this reason, we encourage countries around the world to engage with the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, whether as members or as observers. We also recognize that many nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East bring invaluable experience on this issue. From peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts to post-conflict child protection and reintegration programs, many countries have demonstrated leadership over time in protecting vulnerable children and rebuilding communities.

The coalition is not only a platform for supporting the return of Ukrainian children; it is also a space for exchanging insights and strengthening global approaches to child protection in conflict. Countries that join the coalition can share their perspectives and lessons learned from their own experiences. While the conflict in Ukraine is our starting point, the goal is broader: to strengthen international practices so that children are better protected in every conflict.

Shared imperative

PARTICIPATION also creates pathways to work together on legal and institutional frameworks that safeguard children. Across the world, governments have developed approaches to family tracing, return, psychological rehabilitation, and preservation of children’s cultural identity following displacement. By bringing these experiences together, the coalition aims to strengthen international norms and practical mechanisms that help ensure children’s rights are respected in every conflict.

The coalition continues to expand this collaboration. Its next high-level meeting-jointly hosted by the EU, Ukraine and Canada-was scheduled to take place on May 11 in Brussels. It aimed to bring partners together, review our progress, and identify further practical steps to help return children to their families and communities.

Ultimately, protecting children must remain above geopolitical divides. It is a shared humanitarian imperative, grounded in international law and the recognition that every child deserves safety, dignity, and care.

We invite partners from across the world to join this effort and share their diverse voices, unique experiences, and invaluable leadership-all of which are essential in ensuring the protection of children remains a universal priority. By working together, across regions, cultures, and political perspectives, we can restore childhoods disrupted by conflict and strengthen the global framework that protects children everywhere. Because when it comes to the rights and dignity of children, our shared humanity must always come first.

Biñan City, Laguna – A total of 182 families from the Dreamland Homeowners’ Association, Inc. (HOAI) are now one step closer to securing their own land after the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) officially turned over checks on May 20 in Barangay Tubigan, Biñan City, Laguna.

The funding marks a milestone for the community, turning a nearly two decades of dream of securing land tenure into a reality under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program through the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP).

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, along with SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and Mayor Angelo Alonte, led the awarding of checks worth more than PhP18.2 million that will cover land acquisition and mortgage taxes.

In his message, Laxa emphasized the impact of the ECMP to the community. ‘Hindi na po kayo mangangambang mapaalis sa inyong lugar. Makakatulog na po kayo nang mas mahimbing sa gabi dahil unti-unti nang nagiging sigurado ang kinabukasan ng inyong mga pamilya,’ he said.

Mayor Alonte expressed his willingness to extend assistance and collaborate more with the national government to help his constituents. He also committed to deepen cooperation with SHFC and DHSUD to further scale up housing efforts and reach more underserved communities in Biñan.

Meanwhile, HOA President Freddie Allado thanked the national government for the fulfillment of their long awaited dream. ‘Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno, kung hindi dahil sa tulong nila, magiging dream pa rin ang land na tinitirikan namin. Pero dahil sa programa ng ating Pangulo, naabot at nakamtam namin ang bawat pangarap ng mga Pilipino, lalong-lalo na sa pabahay,’ he said.

Dreamland HOAI is the second ECMP community in Laguna to receive funding assistance from SHFC and DHSUD. Earlier in March, Don Vicente Villas HOA in Cabuyao received more than PhP18.7 million in housing assistance, benefiting a total of 271 families.

Since the program’s rollout in July 2025, SHFC has released checks to 19 ECMP communities nationwide. These form part of the 45 approved ECMP projects expected to benefit more than 7,700 families across the country.