Category: Business Mirror

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is adopting the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates (RRDWR) to determine the revenue requirements, capital and operating expenditures, performance incentive mechanisms, and annual rate adjustments of privately owned electric distribution utilities (PDUs).

‘After more than a decade of delays, the rate reset process for all private distribution utilities will soon happen after the Energy Regulatory Commission approved on Thursday the Rationalized Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates [RRDWR] for privately owned electric distribution utilities [PDUs] operating under the Performance-Based Regulation [PBR] framework,’ the agency said over the weekend.

The ERC’s approval of the RRDWR also marks a departure from the previous Regulatory Periods established for the PDUs, which were not adhered to due to the suspension or delays in the rate reset process.

The RRDWR embodies the methodology and process for setting the maximum allowable distribution, supply, and metering (DSM) rates of private DUs. It supersedes previous regulatory issuances governing the rate-setting process and incorporates internationally recognized practices to balance consumer protection with fair returns for utilities.

Under the RRDWR, the ERC uses a price-cap regulation methodology that sets a maximum allowable rate based on efficient costs, service quality targets, and measurable performance indicators. This approach encourages distribution utilities to improve efficiency and reliability while maintaining affordability for consumers.

‘The RRDWR also addresses the more than 10 years of delays in the reset of the PDUs’ distribution rates and serves as the framework for the upcoming Regulatory Reset for the First Regulatory Period [1st RP] of the First Entry Group, which includes the Manila Electric Co. [Meralco], Dagupan Electric Corporation [DECORP], Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company [CEPALCO], and Cotabato Light and Power Company [CLPC],’ it said.

The 1st RP of the First Entry Group covers the period from 1 July 2026 to June 30, 2030.

ERC said taking this decisive step ‘demonstrates its resolve’ to fulfill its legal mandate as the rate regulator for the power industry. It also underscores its commitment to a fair, transparent, and accountable regulatory process that ensures reasonable electricity rates, promotes operational efficiency, and supports the ongoing modernization of the country’s power distribution sector.

TROPICAL Storm Ramil maintained its strength and continued to batter Metro Manila and parts of Northern and Southern Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains on Sunday afternoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said two persons were reported killed.

As of Sunday afternoon, a total of 24,412 persons from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), and the Bicol Region were pre-emptively evacuated.

In its 2:00 p.m. Sunday Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ramil will be exiting the Luzon mass on on the same day.

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has restored a transmission line affected by Tropical Storm Ramil.

The Pitogo-Mulanay 69 kiloVolt (kV) line went back on line on Sunday morning while the Gumaca-Atimonan 69kV line remains unavailable as of press time.

NGCP said it has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting patrols to inspect and assess the impact of the tropical storm to its operations and facilities. ‘Loss of power may be caused by affected transmission facilities of NGCP or distribution facilities of local distribution utilities or electric cooperatives. Specific cities and municipalities affected by the power interruptions are determined by concerned distribution utilities, unless the outage affects the entire franchise area,’ it said.

Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured its customers that its crews are fully prepared to respond to any possible electricity service concern as the tropical storm continues to affect parts of Luzon.

‘Our crews and personnel are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7 to address any power-related issues. We urge our customers to prioritize safety and stay alert, especially in areas prone to flooding,’ said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

As of Sunday afternoon, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 is up in the whole of Metro Metro Manila, the central and southern portions of Benguet (Itogon, Bokod, Atok, Kapangan, Tublay, La Trinidad, Baguio City, Tuba, Sablan), the central and southern portions of La Union (Rosario, Pugo, Tubao, Santo Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin, Bauang, City of San Fernando, San Juan, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Santol, Balaoan, Luna), Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, the northern portion of Bataan (Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong, Pilar, City of Balanga), the northern and central portions of ), and the northern and western portions of Rizal (Rodriguez, Teresa, City of Antipolo, San Mateo, Taytay, Cainta, Angono).

TCWS 1 is hoisted in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the rest of La Union, Aurora, the rest of Bataan, the rest of Metro Manila, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, the rest of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, the western portion of Camarines Sur (Del Gallego, Ragay, Lupi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Cabusao, Pasacao, Pamplona), and Burias Island.

‘The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland-mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,’ Pagasa said.

The weather bureau said that minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the localities where Wind Signal 2 is hoisted.

Pagasa said heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.

As of 2 p.m. the center of Tropical Storm Ramil was spotted within the vicinity of Olongapo City, Zambales. It is moving west-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, and packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kmh near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kmh.

Ramil will continue moving west-northwestward or west-northwestward as it traverses the Central Luzon landmass before emerging over the coastal waters of Zambales this afternoon. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday morning.

A state college in Davao del Norte has appealed to conference participants, many of them young scientists and innovators, to look into the seas and oceans for solutions to many of the country’s challenges and build startup applications.

In a conference, the Davao del Norte State College called on technology innovators and researchers ‘to ideate and build startups that address challenges in the sea and ocean.’

‘Oftentimes, when innovators ideate about what their next project or research will be, the ocean and the Blue Economy is not always on top of their mind. And while it has been promoted ever since, the significance of the Blue Economy is gaining more attention now locally and internationally, so we do not want to miss that opportunity to contribute to its development,’ said Jesebel R. Besas, project leader of the school’s Blue Economy Underpinning Global Sustainability through Adaptive Innovations, a technology business incubator assisted by the Department of Science and Technology.

‘Our challenge with them is that with the knowledge, skills, networks, and passion that we have and we gained here, what tech innovations or startups can we build for to sustain the ocean, address its challenges, and uplift the communities around it?,’ Besas said.

DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa said the ocean ‘is not just a resource; it is our lifeline.’

‘Yet, for too long, its challenges have outpaced our solutions. But, here, we change that narrative. We unite the academics, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to create more than dialogue but spark actionable innovation. We create a dynamic platform for collaboration, one that challenges conventional approaches and inspires transformative solutions to the pressing issues facing our oceans and coastal communities,’ she added.

The DNSC gathered together about 150 Blue Economy stakeholders at the conference titled RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City. The ocean technology conference wanted to connect innovators and interested stakeholders to learn about Blue Economy and its domains.

The conference featured talks about the Blue Economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Shipping, Maritime Trade, and Ocean-based Logistics, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Marine Protection, Conservation, and Preservation, and Renewable Ocean Energy. A trade fair for marine-based products, ocean technology and research, and a pitching of blue innovations from DNSC were also held at the sideline of the conference.

The RIPPLE: Ocean Tech Innovation Conference was supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the Singapore-based accelerator BluC53.

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.

THE casualty toll in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ramil has climbed to seven dead, one injured, and two reported missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Ramil, which has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), affected a total of 37,827 families or 133,196 persons in 355 barangays in 35 cities and towns in nine provinces.

In its Situational Report issued at 6 a.m. on October 20, the NDRRMC said that because of the inclement weather, a total of 28,472 persons from Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas were pre-emptively evacuated.

‘The weather bureau said Ramil, the 18th severe weather disturbance to affect the country this year, further intensified outside PAR, and continues to induce scattered rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan.

The trough and outer rainbands of Ramil and the easterlies will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Occidental Mindoro,’ the state weather bureau added.

As of 11 a.m., Ramil was spotted west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, moving northwestward at 25 kilomeers per hour.

Pagasa said it is packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Senator Bam Aquino has expressed dismay over the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) revelation that it has completed the construction of just 22 classrooms for 2025.

‘You can’t explain that. Even just saying it, sumasakit iyong puso ko na 22 lang ang nagawang classroom,’ Aquino said during the DPWH budget hearing after DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said that only 22 out of the 1,700 target have been completed.

At this rate, Aquino said the classroom backlog will reach 200,000 by 2028.

‘Ang estimated current classroom backlog natin ay 146,000. By 2028, if we continue at this rate, aabot tayo ng 200,000,’ emphasized Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Dizon said the DPWH will look into the cause of delay and find a way to fast-track the construction of classrooms.

He also expressed his full support for Aquino’s Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which was recently certified as a priority measure by President Ferdinand Marcos as a means to address the classroom backlog in public schools.

‘We are in full support of this measure, especially now na dalawampu’t dalawa pa lang ang nagagawa ng departamento ngayong taon. Kailangan po talaga natin ang tulong,’ Dizon said, adding that the agency is also looking at partnerships with local government units to hasten classroom construction.

‘At this rate, it’s virtually impossible na magawa ng DPWH itong kailangan nating mga classrooms,’ he admitted.

The proposed bill aims to decentralize classroom construction by expanding the mandate beyond DPWH to include local government units and non-government organizations with a proven track record. They can then build classrooms in compliance with the Department of Education’s standards and guidelines within their jurisdictions.

Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia inspects the Special Register Anytime Anywhere booth at Luneta Park in Manila on Monday, October 20, 2025, as Comelec resumes voter registration for the upcoming Barangay Elections.

The registration period runs until May 18, 2026, according to the Comelec.

THE death toll in the doublet earthquakes near Manay, Davao Oriental, on October 10, has risen to 10, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday.

In its 6:00 a.m Situation Report on Monday, the NDRRMC said the number of injured stood at 176, but the number of affected people increased to 362,509 families or 1,510,591 persons in 703 barangays spread in 60 cities and towns.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 7.4 and 6.8 magnitude doublet earthquakes continue to trigger aftershocks.

As of October 20, it has recorded a total of 1,638 aftershocks, of which 810 are plotted and 19 felt.

The earthquakes and the aftershocks have so far damaged a total of 678 infrastructures worth P143,403,106, anda total of 26,159 houses, of which 1,190 are considered totally wrecked.

The doublet earthquakes have triggered Intensity V ground-shaking events in Manay town, including neighboring areas such as Davao City. The NDRRMC said 11 cities and towns were declared under a state of calamity. The estimated cost of other damaged assets has also reached 680,766.

In the 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Bogo City, Cebu, last September 30, a total of 79 persons died while 559 others were injured.

The earthquake, which triggered an Intensity VII strong tremor in the island province of Cebu, has affected a total of 215,460 families or 749,108 cities and municipalities in 279 barangays.

The earthquake damaged 948 infrastructure worth P6.77 million.

The number of damaged houses, of which 7,402 were destroyed, reached 135,462.

As of last count, it has generated a total of 13,375 aftershocks, of which 2,425 are plotted and 71 felt, with magnitudes ranging from 1 to 5.8.

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.

INTERNATIONAL travelers to the Philippines continued to slip in the nine months to September this year, although balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) helped cushion the arrivals from a bigger fall.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed 4.3 million foreign nationals arrived from January to September 2025, some 2.4 percent less than the same period last year. Of total arrivals, there were only 3.9 million foreign nationals, 3.5 percent less than last year’s 4.08 million, while overseas Filipinos reached 392,317, up 10.3 percent from the same period last year. Overseas Filipinos are defined as Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad.

This developed as the DOT welcomed the rollout of the electronic visa (e-visa) scheme for Chinese nationals starting in November.

INTERNATIONAL travelers to the Philippines continued to slip in the nine months to September this year, although balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) helped cushion the arrivals from a bigger fall.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed 4.3 million foreign nationals arrived from January to September 2025, some 2.4 percent less than the same period last year. Of total arrivals, there were only 3.9 million foreign nationals, 3.5 percent less than last year’s 4.08 million, while overseas Filipinos reached 392,317, up 10.3 percent from the same period last year. Overseas Filipinos are defined as Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad.

This developed as the DOT welcomed the rollout of the electronic visa (e-visa) scheme for Chinese nationals starting in November.

Earlier, leaders of tourism stakeholders groups welcomed the development and expressed optimism that this will boost arrivals from China. But one also pointed out that this e-visa policy should be supported by timely marketing strategies.

DOT Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda C. Buensuceso also told the BusinessMirror that the agency has never stopped accrediting Chinese tour operators, to help facilitate the arrivals of tour groups from China. ‘Accreditation of tour operators is done jointly with the DFA. This is for those applying for tour visas. This is not covered by the e-visa system, so the application for tour visas continue through the Philippine foreign posts in China,’ she said.

Lifts from Japan, Australia

DOT officials have yet to say if the e-visa policy will encourage the agency to recalibrate anew its targets under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028. At a budget presentation prior to the e-visa for China announcement, Frasco told senators that the arrivals target for 2026 is 6.7 million, but failed to reveal this year’s target.

Meanwhile, of total arrivals, South Korea was still the top source market at 955,699 tourists, although this was 20.16 percent less than the same period in 2024. The United States followed at 743,998, which rose by 7.18 percent; Japan at 344,513 (+17.32 percent); Australia at 217,209 (+15.94 percent); China at 202,738 (-22.06 percent); and Canada 187,189 (+17.26 percent).

The other top source markets were: Taiwan at 149,959 (-11.53 percent); the United Kingdom at 126,301 (+7.61 percent); Singapore at 115,374 (-0.26 percent); Malaysia at 71,191 (-2.54 percent); India at 66,269 (+8.22 percent); and Germany at 59,240 (2.92 percent).

The DOT is also pinning its hopes on the Indian market, which was recently given visa-free status by Manila. Air India has started flying direct from New Delhi to India, although local carriers have yet to be roped into offering the new route. Last year, 70,286 tourists arrived from India, some 48 percent less than the 134,963 who arrived in prepandemic 2019.