Category: Business Mirror

PAYING for government housing will be easier as the National Housing Authority (NHA) brings in GCash and ECPay as new online channels for beneficiaries to settle their monthly dues.

The partnership will allow NHA’s residential account holders to make real-time payments through GCash, with ECPay handling the transaction link between the mobile wallet and the agency’s billing system.

According to the NHA, the move is part of its plan to widen payment options under its ‘online payment gateways’ program, giving families ‘more convenient ways’ to keep up with their amortizations without lining up at district or regional offices.

The agency added that the effort also supports the government’s push for digital transactions under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which both require agencies to modernize their processes.

The new service is expected to go live later this year, alongside plans to set up payment kiosks near resettlement sites for easier access.

The partnership adds to NHA’s existing tie-ups with other digital payment platforms and over-the-counter partners.

Players from Italy’s national rugby team, activists and influencers recently joined Italian celebrity chef Alessandro Borghese and global actress Monique Coleman for a celebration of food and creativity on Junior World Food Day, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The room buzzed with the energy of around 1,000 young students aged 9 to 13, their enthusiasm lighting up the space along with 80 high school students from the World Food Forum School Assembly. Players from Italy’s national rugby team and members of the Federazione Italiana Rugby burst through the doors passing rugby balls before being challenged by Celebrity chef Borghese to cook on stage with kids.

As FAO celebrates its 80th birthday, the organization said it is looking ahead to the future.

‘This means giving today’s youths a voice. There’s a need to work as a team – across generations and across borders-to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has enough food to eat,’ FAO Director General Qu Dongyu said.

Speakers and ‘Food Heroes’ including Indigenous Leader Judy Kipkenda, Professor and chef Ricardo Frugoli and celebrity chefs Victoire Gouloubi and Xin Ge Liu told inspirational stories, while offering tips on nutrition and healthy diets, food diversity and reducing food waste.

Young curiosity and passion filled FAO’s Plenary Hall – a space usually reserved for Members making key decisions on global food security and agriculture. Their energy was a powerful reminder of what’s needed to build a better food future: one where every idea, big or small, can help shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

The event included a lively break dance performance by Studio 7 and a performance of FAO’s 80th anniversary youth song ‘Hand in hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’ by the Piccola Orchestra di Tor Pignattara and friends. Young participants also learned about the newly opened Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (FAOMuNe), youth activities like the global Poster Contest and FAO’s work around the world.

Food forum

Junior World Food Day is part of FAO’s annual World Food Forum, a week-long series of events that featured the participation of heads of state and government, government ministers, as well as numerous representatives from the private sector, civil society, international organizations, research institutions, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders in agrifood systems.

Notable participants this year included Pope Leo XIV, who delivered a keynote speech on World Food Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The World Food Forum also featured the Global Youth Forum, which brought together thousands of young changemakers, government representatives, scientists and partners, further underscoring FAO’s investment in future generations.

Ambassador-at-Large and the Phillipine’s Special Envoy for Trade Jose E.B. Antonio said the Philippines should focus on attracting investments from the world, particularly to grow the country’ IT-BPM (Information Technology- Business Process Management) industry, given its position as one of the country’s strongest growth sectors.

‘We should not center it towards America. We should center it to the whole world,’ Antonio said, stressing that ‘we should address our communications to the whole world who want to establish businesses.’

Antonio’s call for market diversification follows recent news on looming United States legislation that seeks to keep call centers in their territory. Antonio said his strategy is to promote the

Philippines to diverse international markets beyond the US. Regional investment opportunities.

‘The Philippines has proven itself as a global leader in BPO and IT-BPM. With a highly skilled, adaptable, and service-oriented workforce, this industry represents one of our greatest advantages and assures investors of sustainable growth,’ Antonio said.

Ambassador Antonio’s focus is on the promotion of the Philippines as a premier investment destination to the global business community.

Beyond call centers: A diverse and evolving industry

Antonio highlighted that the IT-BPM sector has evolved far beyond its early image of contact centers. ‘Today, our IT-BPM professionals are not just handling customer service, they are engineers, illustrators, animators, game developers, financial analysts, and healthcare information specialists. This diversity reflects the depth of Filipino talent and the industry’s ability to move up the value chain,’ he said.

Guided by IBPAP’s Accelerate PH Roadmap 2028, the industry is now expanding into higher-value services such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, software and web development, animation and game design, healthcare information management, as well as financial and HR solutions. This broad spectrum of expertise demonstrates the Philippines’ ability to move with global digital trends and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner for enterprises worldwide.

A pillar of the Philippine economy

For over 20 years, the IT-BPM industry has been a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the sector contributes around 7.5% of the country’s GDP and employs over 1.7 million professionals nationwide. Industry projections show the sector reaching $42 billion in revenues and employing

1.97 million Filipinos by 2026.

In 2023 alone, the industry generated more than $35 billion in revenues, making it one of the top sources of foreign exchange for the country.

According to the Oxford Business Group, the Philippines has been the global leader in voice and call center services since 2010, surpassing other countries in this sector with leading global firms choosing to establish large-scale operations in cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao.

The rise of global capability centers

Antonio points to the rapid growth of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as a testament to the Philippines’ evolving role in the global services landscape. Global Capability Centers are strategic offshore hubs established by multinational corporations to handle core business operations, advanced analytics, research and development, and specialized services beyond traditional outsourcing.

‘The establishment and expansion of GCCs in our country demonstrates that multinational corporations see the Philippines not just as an outsourcing destination, but as a strategic hub for their core business operations,’ Antonio emphasized.

The numbers support this optimism. The Philippines currently hosts approximately 170 GCCs or offshore hubs of multinational corporations, up from 150 less than two years ago. These centers are attracting continued interest from markets including the United States, Australia, and Europe, particularly from banks and the healthcare sector.

‘What’s particularly encouraging is how these GCCs are expanding beyond Metro Manila, recognizing the exceptional talent we have throughout the country,’ Antonio noted. This geographic expansion reflects the depth of skilled professionals available across the Philippines, with GCCs now exploring provincial locations for their operations.

With the global GCC market projected to reach $155 billion by 2027, Antonio sees immense potential for the Philippines. Major firms like JPMorgan Chase exemplify this growth trajectory, increasing their workforce by thousands annually with another 10% increase projected for 2026.

Preparing for the future: Upskilling and innovation

As technology rapidly evolves and artificial intelligence continues to transform the global business landscape, the Philippine IT-BPM industry is positioning itself for the future through strategic upskilling and talent development. IBPAP, together with universities, training centers, and government agencies, is shaping educational programs to meet the evolving needs of the industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly skilled, globally competitive professionals ready to drive innovation and deliver world-class services.

‘The strength of the Filipino workforce lies not only in its skills but also in its adaptability,’ Antonio noted. ‘Our IT-BPM professionals are continuously upgrading their capabilities, which gives global investors confidence in the resilience and sustainability of this sector.’

Antonio emphasized that sustaining this momentum requires continued collaboration among industry, academe, and government, along with the establishment of regional hubs and equipping the workforce with digital fluency.

A clear advantage for investors

The IT-BPM industry embodies the qualities that make the Philippines an attractive investment destination: resilience, innovation, a young and educated workforce, and a strong partnership between government and industry stakeholders.

‘Investing in the Philippines means tapping into a sector that continues to expand, diversify, and deliver value to the world. We can be both: a world-class outsourcing hub and a GCC hub powering enterprise transformation,’ Antonio stated. ‘The IT-BPM industry is a backbone of our economy and a foundation for future growth.’

Antonio concluded with a vision for the sector: ‘The future of IT-BPM is not just an industry agenda, it is a national priority. Together, we can keep the Philippines at the heart of global services and continue attracting the world’s leading companies to invest in our remarkable talent and capabilities.’

CITING possible governance lapses that could affect the pension security of state workers and retirees, public sector workers have called for an independent investigation into the reported P8.8-billion loss in the investments by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In a statement over the weekend, the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLink) said the controversy reflects what it sees as serious failures in oversight and accountability within the GSIS.

‘Those responsible must be held liable for any breach of duty or misuse of members’ money. The pension funds of public servants are not for gambling, corruption, or political favor. They exist solely to guarantee security, dignity, and justice for those who have spent their lives serving the Filipino people,’ read the statement of the national confederation of public service workers.

The group urged the Marcos administration to order an independent and transparent probe into all GSIS transactions questioned by several of its trustees.

It also called for stronger internal controls, regular public disclosure of investment performance, and the inclusion of worker representatives in the GSIS Board to improve oversight.

‘Public sector unions and workers will not remain silent while their retirement savings are gambled away through mismanagement and impunity. We call on the Marcos administration to act decisively and transparently,’ it added.

PSLink’s call followed the confirmation of several GSIS trustees that the agency incurred the losses under the management of GSIS President and General Manager Wick A. Veloso. These trustees are: former Ombudsman Merceditas Consunji N. Gutierrez; Emmanuel D. Samson; Rita E. Riddle; Evelina G. Escudero; Jocelyn G. Cabreza; and, Alan R. Luga.

In a letter calling for the resignation of Veloso, the trustees alleged that the fund’s leadership bypassed board oversight and pursued high-risk investments despite repeated objections. They also claimed that some transactions were split to avoid review by the GSIS board.

The PSLink said these allegations, if proven, would constitute mismanagement and a breach of fiduciary duty. It also questioned the lifting of Veloso’s preventive suspension before the completion of a full investigation.

‘We are deeply concerned that Veloso’s preventive suspension has already been lifted, even as these serious allegations have yet to be fully investigated. Such action undermines accountability and threatens to erode the trust and confidence of millions of government employees and retirees who depend on GSIS for their social protection and retirement security,’ the PSLink added.

Somewhere between a spa’s calming music and a wellness retreat’s morning qigong session, the world has found a new kind of economy-the economy of self-healing. What was once a niche for affluent wellness seekers has grown into a trillion-dollar movement fueled by pandemic burnout, digital fatigue, and chronic anxiety. The global wellness tourism industry, now worth almost $995 billion, thrives on our yearning to slow down and feel whole again.

For entrepreneurs and professionals, the surge in wellness spending reflects our era’s priorities: people are now investing in peace of mind. Travel is no longer just about sights or relaxation; it’s about restoring mental clarity and detoxing from the invisible weight of daily stress. In the Philippines, this realization has given rise to a $3.61 billion wellness tourism sector, placing the country among Asia’s top destinations.

Our natural landscape contributes greatly to this movement. From the highlands of Tagaytay to the quiet beaches of Siquijor, Philippine scenery offers a sense of serenity for those seeking healing. Add to that our heritage of hilot massage, herbal medicine, and other local healing modalities-self-care traditions that transform wellness travel into a unique cultural experience. The Department of Tourism now promotes these assets not just for indulgence, but to diversify the economy and create jobs for therapists, farmers, and artisans.

However, a major challenge remains: wellness weekends still cost more than a month’s salary for many Filipinos. The industry’s growth risks deepening divisions, as access to self-care remains limited to those with resources. This leads us to a crucial question for business leaders and policymakers: can wellness travel be truly inclusive without losing its meaning and quality?

Local innovation offers hope. Imagine provinces creating community-based wellness circuits- pairing independent therapists with eco-resorts, using local produce, and involving farmers. A weekend of tai chi and nutritious meals need not rely on imported supplements or high-profile coaches; intention, safety, and a sense of place matter most. Accessible retreats can flourish if we rethink what ‘wellness’ means, transforming open fields into meditation sites or coastal barangays into sunrise qigong spaces alongside small homestays.

Entrepreneurs have room to experiment with hybrid models: day-pass healing hubs, subscription-based self-care getaways, and corporate partnerships for employee retreats. Hotels and developers can blend business with social inclusion, strengthening their brands for a mindful market. Travelers increasingly choose destinations for their authenticity and the values they represent-not only their comfort.

Most importantly, local governments can invest in ‘wellness zones’ in public parks-turning unused spaces into walking, meditation, and exercise areas. These micro-retreats democratize wellness beyond resort walls. As regenerative tourism trends grow, the Philippines can lead by showing that the traveler’s healing need not come at the community’s expense.

Ultimately, wellness tourism reflects our collective wish to breathe easier after years of uncertainty. But its future shouldn’t be only about spa menus or luxurious detoxes. Farmers selling turmeric tea, village healers sharing wisdom, and families enjoying restful weekends close to home all belong in this movement.

At its heart, the business of self-healing must return to its purpose: helping people feel human again. If we can do that while making wellness accessible, this country’s quietest industry may become its most transformative.

THERE is an urgent need to institute accountability mechanisms against spreaders of false information in order to uphold and strengthen democracy, which is put in peril because of their activities, Sen. Erwin Tulfo told global parliamentarians in Geneva.

Tulfo is the head of the Philippine delegation to the ongoing 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Switzerland, where he delivered a speech detailing how fake news negatively affected public perception of the government and the political atmosphere in the Philippines.

‘We, in the Philippines, have seen how fake news and malicious online campaigns can erode public trust, distort democratic discourse, and even incite anger and violence. What begins as a false post or manipulated image can spread faster than facts, and the damage, once done, is often irreversible,’ Tulfo said during the meeting among lawmakers from Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member-countries, Korea, Japan, and China, on Sunday.

While discussing the ill effects of fake news, Tulfo noted the importance of respecting and protecting freedom of speech in democratic countries. ‘Our task, therefore, is not to silence voices, but to safeguard [the] truth; to ensure that the digital public square remains a place for informed dialogue, not deception,’ Tulfo, a veteran journalist turned lawmaker, said.

‘We must work together as parliamentarians to strengthen legal frameworks that hold accountable those who deliberately spread falsehoods, without endangering legitimate expression,’ he asserted.

Apart from legal measures in combating disinformation and misinformation, Tulfo also advocated investing in media literacy, especially among the youth, so citizens can better discern truth from lies. ‘Ultimately, the fight against disinformation is not only about defending our leaders; it is about defending democracy itself,’ he concluded.

Tulfo, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, has been pushing for transparency in the government to fight the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the Philippines

In July, Tulfo filed Senate Bill 768, which seeks to penalize the generation and spread of fake news or information deliberately presented as factual content with the intent to mislead or deceive the audience.

He also filed Senate Bill 1361, or the ‘People’s Freedom of Information Act,’ which would help strengthen accountability in government and combat fake news in the Philippines.

Before becoming a lawmaker, Tulfo worked over three decades as a multimedia journalist.

Tulfo leads the Philippine delegation in participating in the IPU Assembly and related meetings which will run until October 23. The Philippine delegation is composed of Sens. Raffy Tulfo and Imee Marcos; Reps Ferdinand Hernandez, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Ma. Georgina de Venecia, Maria Rachel Arenas, Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III, Brian Llamanzares, Jonathan Clement Abalos II and Florabel Yatco.

THE state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reported that its net income as of August surged to over P100 billion, almost half of which came from investments.

According to the GSIS, its net income reached P100.02 billion as of the reference month; its fund’s total assets also climbed to a record P1.92 trillion.

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted in a statement the agency issued over the weekend, this performance showed that members’ funds are secure and continuously growing.

GSIS financial records in August indicated that half of its total income now comes from investments.

‘This means that [the] GSIS is not only protecting our members’ contributions but also growing them through strategic and responsible investing,’ Veloso said through the statement. The GSIS noted that its ‘strong performance’ translates into benefits for its 1.7 million members and pensioners.

‘Behind every number are teachers and other government workers, whose trust we hold sacred,’ Veloso said. ‘We will continue to make every peso count and deliver true Ginhawa for All.’

‘Baseless’

MEANWHILE, the GSIS denied the circulating claim that the agency incurred P8.8 billion in losses, calling it a ‘baseless’ allegation.

‘The alleged ‘P8.8-billion loss’ is baseless. This number does not exist in any official financial records of GSIS,’ the agency said.

According to the GSIS, its investment process is ‘strict and careful,’ adding that each investment would undergo thorough scrutiny and risk assessment, and complies with all laws and regulations.

‘Our performance is stable and our funds are safe. Market fluctuations are normal, but our portfolio is designed for stability and long-term growth. Official figures prove this.’

The agency noted that its fund grew to P1.92 trilling as of August, from P1.53 trillion when it started in July 2022.

‘The proof of our financial health is our continuous and uninterrupted service. We continue to provide all benefits and loans to our members on time and without fail,’ read a statement the GSIS issued. ‘We will remain steadfast in our duty to maintain the integrity of the fund and ensure it is always strong and stable for future generations.’

Artemyo and Fedelina, a modest farming couple living in the rural countryside, cling to hope and dignity as they face daily struggles, threatened by the risk of uncertainty, in a world where personal resilience grows in the cracks.

Facing the harsh reality of farming. As external pressures mount-such as threats of displacement, land insecurity, and the creeping influence of powerful interests-their private struggles become inextricably tied to larger systemic issues, highlighting the fragile position of many farmers who depend on the land for their survival and dignity.

Such is the story of Binhi, a film directed by Ayaa R. Ahmed from Holy Cross of Davao College that bagged the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category Film.

Such were the compelling stories of hope and highlights of the PelikulAgraryo 2025.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held the PelikulAgraryo 2025 Central Film Festival Awards at Novotel Manila Araneta City to celebrate the inspiring stories and triumphs of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs).

A total of 68 schools and universities across the country joined the first PelikulAgraryo, producing 101 film entries. From the regional rounds, 27 short films were selected as finalists-12 under the ARBO category and 15 under the ARB category.

‘Thank you for participating and supporting DAR’s programs. You are the new heroes-our modern-day youth heroes,’ DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said in a statement as he praised the students’ talent and compassion.

‘Today’s youth are exceptional-more informed, more capable, and full of fresh ideas. We should listen to them.’

According to DAR, PelikulAgraryo 2025 was not just a film festival-it was a movement. ‘It reminded everyone that the stories of the land and its people must be told, celebrated, and preserved. The films used the youth’s creativity to uplift the most vital yet often overlooked sector-agriculture. As the festival concludes, a new chapter begins-for DAR, for the storytellers, and for every farmer whose story continues to unfold.’

Currently, the 27 winning short films are already available for public viewing on the DAR official website, allowing audiences to experience the real and inspiring journeys of farmers and communities empowered by agrarian reform.

Moving forward, the agency aims to further amplify these stories by sharing all short films gathered from 68 schools nationwide across various digital and broadcast platforms.

‘These remarkable entries reflect the creativity and empathy of student filmmakers who brought to life the stories of our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs),’ it said.

‘This initiative seeks not only to promote the mission and vision of the Department but also to highlight the hope, perseverance, and success that define agrarian life. Through these films, DAR envisions a broader appreciation of the transformative power of land reform and the enduring spirit of the Filipino farmer.’

There are various award categories that include Best Teaser, Best Poster, Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Sound. It also gave awards to actors who portrayed the characters.

The winners took home cash prizes of P20,000 to P60,000.

THE joint venture between Hong Kong construction giant Leighton Asia and the Lopez Group’s engineering arm First Balfour has started erecting the diaphragm-wall for a crucial underground train station of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, the Philippines’ largest railway venture designed to cut travel time and carry more commuters.

The reinforced concrete diaphragm-wall, which the Leighton-First Balfour Joint Venture (LFBJV) is constructing, will play a critical role in providing support and foundational stability for the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) train station underneath Bicutan in Taguig City.

To mark the milestone, representatives from the Department of Transportation-Project Management Office (DOTr-PMO), the Greater Capital Railway Consortium-Project Management Office (GCR-PMO) and the LFBJV project management team held a simple ceremony recently.

The DOTR-PMO oversees the NSCR project by directing policy, allocating resources, and ensuring the project’s efficient implementation. The GCR-PMO, on the other hand, monitors construction progress, ensures technical compliance, and coordinates with the contractors involved in the segment.

The 147-kilometer (km) NSCR is an urban rail system that will run from Clark Field, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna, once completed. The trains in the NSCR will have the capacity to carry 800,000 daily commuters and run at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.

Constructing the FTI station is part of the contract under the NSCR project segment, labelled NSCR 03-B, which the DOTR awarded to the LFBJV in 2023. The multi-billion-peso project segment for LFBJV covers civil engineering, tunnel construction, and building works for a 6.1-km railway segment that consist of 4.7 kms of twin tube tunnels with cross passages and 1.4 kms of cut and cover and ground-level structures.

The underground FTI station will serve as an intermodal transfer hub connecting the ground-level and elevated sections of the NSCR with the underground Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). Now also undergoing construction, the 33-km MMSP is another railway project designed likewise to decongest and ease commuting between Valenzuela City in Metro Manila’s northern end and Bicutan to the south.

First Balfour, a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corporation, has participated in constructing some of the country’s biggest infrastructure projects. These included the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the North Luzon Expressway, and the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, to name a few.

Leighton Asia, a leading international construction company, has participated in a wide range of infrastructure projects, including complex tunnels, rail networks, roads, and buildings. It operates in the Philippines and other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

The agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon soared to over P7 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its final report on the damage inflicted by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 268,077 farmers and fisherfolk have reached P7.71 billion.

The agency noted that the volume of production damage across 13 regions reached 472,701 metric tons (MT).

Rice sustained the majority of the damage at 354,831 MT. Also destroyed were high-value crops (72,699 MT), corn (44,725 MT), and cassava (372 MT).

The report indicated the value of production losses amounted to P4.87 billion for rice; P1.96 billion, high-value crops; P655.45 million, corn; P76.98 million, livestock and poultry; P47.73 million, fisheries and aquatic resources; and P13.81 million, cassava.

Damages to irrigation facilities, agriculture infrastructure and farm equipment were valued at P45.15 million, P30.58 million, and P1.76 million, respectively.

The DA said 205,016 hectares of agricultural lands were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 173,299 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P1 billion in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, to help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock and fish stocks from its regional field offices were also included.

The DA noted that it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also said that an amount of P786.9 million for the indemnification for 86,959 insured affected farmers and fisherfolk would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

Earlier, the DA scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT) on the back of torrential downpours. This is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

The agency also noted that erratic weather patterns could further push down expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, however, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

Despite such adjustment, the DA said it remains hopeful following the all-time high output of 9.08 MMT in the first semester.

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