Category: Business Mirror

The Department of Agriculture (DA) declared Batanes as an organic farming practitioner province, which positions it as a leading agro-tourism destination that would boost local livelihoods.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed an order that formalized the recognition of Batanes as ‘organic by default.’

The DA said that due to the province’s geographic isolation and long-standing farming traditions, its 13,208.90 hectares of agricultural land that spans across crops and livestock have remained untouched by synthetic chemicals.

It added that the province’s 4,126 farmers and 35 cooperatives exclusively engage in organic agriculture, supported by local ordinances and provincial legislation aligned with Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

‘This designation affirms Batanes’ commitment to sustainable farming that ensures food security, protects the environment, and empowers communities,’ the DA chief said.

He added that the recognition paves the way for increased technical, financial, and market support for the province.

The DA said all six municipalities, such as Basco, Uyugan, Sabtang, Ivana, Itbayat, and Mahatao, have passed ordinances institutionalizing organic farming.

It added that various programs and demonstration farms like the Naidi Multi-Commodity Project and the Tukon Agro-Tourism Site further promote natural farming methods and community-based food production.

According to the DA, Batanes’ organic crops, such as garlic, sweet potatoes, onions, and beef cattle are key to local food sufficiency that would allow it to gain market value outside the province.

Premium prices and increasing demand are encouraging wider participation among farmers, it added.

With organic produce as a driving force, the DA said Batanes is integrating agriculture with tourism.

Projects like the Batanes Resort Agro-Tourism Site are drawing visitors interested in eco-friendly farming practices and Ivatan culture.

‘Through this declaration, the DA reinforces its support for provinces like Batanes that exemplify the goals of sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term food safety, ecological balance, and rural development.’

Earlier, the DA deployed mobile soil testing laboratories nationwide as part of efforts to improve crop yields.

To prepare its residents for the strong quake expected to hit Metro Manila or what was dubbed as ‘The Big One,’ the local government of Marikina City held on Monday, October 20, a city-wide simultaneous earthquake simulation drill participated by around 150,000 residents.

‘The Big One’ refers to a projected magnitude ~7.2 (or higher) earthquake along the West Valley Fault near Metro Manila-a high-impact hazard scenario that scientists say could cause widespread destruction.

Aligned with Mayor Maan Teodoro’s commitment to safeguard the city’s people, the local government focused on a ‘family-based’ and ‘community-based’ earthquake drill wherein everyone in the city -government offices, schools, homes, businesses, and other establishments-took part in the activity that seeks to strengthen community-building and resilience among the people.

Mayor Maan said that approximately 100,000 individuals joined from schools, and an additional 50,000 participants represented communities and the private sector.

‘Nasa 150,000 ang total ng nag-participate sa ating city-wide earthquake simulation drill-100,000 mula sa schools, samantala nasa 50,000 naman sa communities and private sector,’ she said.

‘Ang kaligtasan ng lahat ay tungkulin ng bawat isa. Dapat lagi tayong sama-sama at tulong-tulong at buong komunidad. Ito ang tinatawag natin na whole-of-community approach sa iisang layunin-alagaan ang buhay at kaligtasan ng bawat taga-Marikina.’

She stressed that it is vital to conduct these citywide earthquake drills, not only to inform, but to help instill a sense of urgency, discipline, and bayanihan among the people, especially since parts of the city rest on the West Valley Fault Line-a major hotspot for possible earthquake impacts.

‘Ang number one priority ng lokal na pamahalaan ay ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng lahat ng taga-Marikina. Every year naman tayong nagsasagawa ng mga earthquake drill sa pamahalaang lungsod, at mga paaralan. Pero dahil sa sunod-sunod na earthquakes na nararamdaman sa bansa, mahalagang mas lalo pang palakasin ang kultura ng kahandaan, disiplina, at pagtutulungan ng mga komunidad sa oras ng sakuna,’ said Mayor Maan.

As part of the earthquake drill, Mayor Maan inspected the city’s assets to be used in the event of a disaster, including ambulances, fire trucks, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) vehicles, as well as the Command Posts and Field Hospitals that will be set up.

The mayor also assured that the city is equipped with adequate manpower and urban search and rescue tools and equipment in the event of a disaster such as a vibroscope (an instrument used for observing and tracing vibrations) that can aid in detecting victims trapped under rubble.

The Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has identified some of the following safe zones in the city in case of calamities like earthquakes:

District 1:

Brgy. Barangka – UBB-FVR Road, Barangka Baseball Field, Loyola Cemetery

Brgy. IVC – C5 Access Road corner E. Abello, Major Dizon Road

Brgy. Jesus Dela Peña – Manila Bay, Provident Riverside

Brgy. Kalumpang – Ground Golf Area, Barangay Hall Grounds

Brgy. Malanday – Golden Valley Open Space, Park Land Open Space

Brgy. Sta. Elena – River Park, Freedom Park, Plaza delos Alcaldez, SNR Access Road

Brgy. San Roque – Chestnut Open Space; Midtown Phase 1, 2, 3 Open Space; San Roque Elementary School Open Space

Brgy. Sto. Niño – Sto. Niño Baseball Field, Federal Land Open Space, Marikina Sports Park, Robinsons Open Space, Gil Fernando Highway, Homeowners Drive corner JP Rizal Open Space

Brgy. Tañong – Provident River Side, Loyola Cemetery

District 2:

Brgy. Concepcion Uno – Trevi Open Space, Bayan Bayanan Avenue, Soliven Street Greenheights

Brgy. Concepcion Dos – Marikina Hotel, Katipunan Street; Rancho Estates 1, 2, 3, 4 Open Space

Brgy. Fortune – Red Cross Open Grounds, Boys Town Open Grounds

Brgy. Marikina Heights – Liwasang Kalayaan, Marist Open Space, St. Scholastica’s Academy Inside Parking Space

Brgy. Parang – Parang Play Grounds, Parang Elementary School Open Grounds

Brgy. Tumana – Farmers I, Iwahig, Woodrich Village Open Space, LGV Open Space

Brgy. Nangka – St. Mary Open Space, Bagong Sibol Open Space, Kabayani Road

Marikina CDRRMO Chief Dave David said that the safe zones identified by their office are merely general areas that the public can access when an earthquake hits. However, residents are urged to identify other safe zones that are nearer to their places of residence.

‘Bawat pamilya, i-identify na ang pinakamalapit na open spaces. Ang mga in-identify namin na safe zones, general areas sila. Hindi naman obligado pumunta kung malayo,’ he said.

Prior to the earthquake drill, Mayor Maan led a coordination meeting on October 16 with representatives from the local government’s various offices and departments, national agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the activity is done safely, effectively, and in an organized manner.

The ultimate fusion of music, sports, and purpose is just 1 week away! The country’s leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus, is turning up the volume for The International Series Music Festival presented by BingoPlus – a one-night celebration of sports entertainment and Filipino charity happening on October 25 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds in Parañaque.

Carrying the inspiring theme ‘Swing for Filipino Sports Dream,’ the festival brings together global and local icons for an unforgettable night. EDM superstar Alan Walker leads the lineup, joined by Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and OPM legends Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Sandwich, and Lily. Keeping the energy high are DJs Arthur Tan, Hoest, and DJ Kiara, along with powerhouse performances from world champion dance crews A-Team and UPeepz. Hosting the event are Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz, bringing the right mix of fun and flair.

Beyond the beats and lights, festival-goers can look forward to games, interactive booths, and tons of exciting prizes. But what truly sets this event apart is its heart: BingoPlus will be donating ?5 million, plus ?200 for every ticket redeemed on-site, to support Filipino sports development and charity efforts. And because BingoPlus knows how to make the night even more thrilling, all guests will get special gifts and the chance to win cash prizes worth ?5 million.

How to get your tickets?

To secure regular tickets, check out promotions on BingoPlus’ official social media pages for various online activities to get free regular tickets, which includes posts, likes, comments, and sharing mechanics. You can get free VIP and SVIP tickets by topping the BingoPlus EDM leaderboard in the app or at website www.bingoplus.com. All ticket holders are guaranteed with meal vouchers, gift packs, exclusive access, and gift packs with worth varying from P500.00 to 1,500.00.

Gates will open at 11:00 AM, with main stage performances starting at 8:00 PM.

These exciting festivities are part of a week-long celebration of world-class golf, entertainment, and fun at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. Get your tickets now at SM Tickets.

IN the scheme of things in a global scale, there are inconvenient truths that small nations like us have to go through-a labyrinth of challenges, especially on the buzzwords today on climate change and RE or renewable energy and the need to raise the consciousness of citizens to the huge impact of carbon dioxide emissions.

And somehow, along the way, as the country tries to play the role of ‘good citizen’ on the matter of the need to curb our CO2 emissions, there is an apparent disconnect on what we are being asked to accomplish vis-a-vis other polluters of the planet, those countries that emit a sizeable chunk of CO2. It is a troubling paradox.

According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), the Philippines contributes less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet the inconvenient truth is this: despite such a negligible share, we rank among the most vulnerable to the brutal manifestations of climate change.

By global standards, our footprint is small. But the irony is that many small footprints combined leave a heavy mark on the planet. Every nation’s effort counts-though strategies must also reckon with the disproportionately larger role of major emitters.

Here lies another inconvenient truth: smaller nations face the same global targets and timelines, even when their share of emissions is a mere fraction of the problem. For countries like ours, lowering or neutralizing this tiny contribution barely nudges the global scale. The arithmetic of justice, it seems, is skewed.

The World Inequality Database reveals that the wealthiest 10 percent of the global population is responsible for nearly half of all CO2 emissions, averaging 31 tons per person yearly. In contrast, the bottom 50 percent produces only 12 percent-about 1.6 tons per person.

Meanwhile, data from the Global Carbon Project shows that China and the United States alone account for roughly 45 percent of global emissions, with India, Russia, and Japan following close behind. This imbalance has fueled global pressure to cut emissions and accelerate the shift to renewables. The 2015 Paris Agreement set the course: phase down coal, scale up renewables, achieve net zero.

But here’s another sobering fact: even if the world reaches net-zero CO2 by 2050, the reduction in warming is estimated at only 0.07-0.28 °C. Of course, net-zero still delivers cleaner air, better health, energy security, and jobs-but its impact on global temperature depends on the scale of the reduction, not just the symbolism.

As the world races toward net-zero, one fact remains immutable: carbon footprints are not distributed equally. Individual actions are laudable, but the largest impact comes from the largest emitters. The Philippine government has long maintained that any net-zero commitment must be anchored on national priorities and backed by international support-financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

Ultimately, progress depends on resources, not rhetoric. For the Philippines, the journey to net zero will hinge on how fast and how affordably we can transition our energy systems.

Could it be that some of the champions of renewable energy-without malice but with market motives-are muting the fact of our near-zero contribution to global emissions? Could it be that acknowledging this truth might weaken their narrative -and, by extension, their sales pitch for solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and other RE technologies?

Another inconvenient truth: renewable energy remains costly- to build, to operate, and to maintain. Take offshore wind turbines: clean in concept, but at present, staggeringly expensive and, in several global cases, environmentally and economically problematic.

Yet despite the mounting evidence of financial distress among offshore wind projects abroad, the technology is still being proposed for our own energy mix.

Can we afford this gamble? Or would prudence dictate we wait- until the technology becomes truly viable for an economy like ours?

Let’s be honest: our energy transition must match our means. Because the ‘business’ of saving the planet does not always align with the rhetoric of fairness.

And until that contradiction is resolved, nations like the Philippines will continue to bear a burden far heavier than their share of the blame-an inconvenient truth of injustice. We are among those who contribute the least to climate change -yet we suffer among the most.

We are told to comply with immediate net-zero demands, even if our compliance would barely move the global needle. Worse, these demands come at a time when renewable alternatives remain financially out of reach for millions of Filipino families.

In plain terms, we’re being asked to act like the world’s biggest polluters-when in truth, we are among its smallest contributors.

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is stepping up efforts to ensure the accuracy of nutrition labels and strengthen food testing standards in Northern Mindanao.

Laboratory analysts from the DOST Northern Mindanao Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) recently completed a refresher course on nutrition labeling and quality control protocols to improve laboratory precision and reliability.

The training, held from September 30 to October 1 at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in Taguig City, focused on updating regional analysts with international and national standards on nutrition labeling and laboratory validation methods.

The initiative aims to ensure that food packaging information, such as calorie counts, macronutrient values, and serving sizes, is backed by verified test results and scientifically sound processes.

The enhanced laboratory capacity, per DOST, will benefit small and medium food manufacturers in Northern Mindanao, many of whom rely on government laboratories for compliance testing.

The move is also expected to support industry competitiveness and consumer protection through more credible and transparent food information.

The initiative aligns with the Food Safety Act of 2013, which seeks to strengthen the country’s food safety system and protect consumer health, as well as the Food and Drug Administration Order 30, which provides updated rules on the labeling of prepackaged food products to promote fair trade and truthful information.

Moreover, recent data from FNRI’s Food and Vegetable for Sustainable Healthy Diet (FRESH) Project showed that many Filipinos still fall short of recommended daily intakes of fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reiterated that there is no unusual or new virus or strain circulating amid the spread of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), prompting the provincial government of Quezon to order the mandatory wearing of face masks both in indoor settings and outdoor areas.

When asked if they will recommend the same in Metro Manila, Health Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo responded that the local government units (LGUs) are empowered by Republic Act No.11332 to determine public health measures appropriate for their respective settings.

He said that their recommendations will always be based on ‘data and evidence.’

‘Our advice remains the same: it is the flu season, and to help prevent spread, it is good public health practice to keep hands clean, wear face masks when with symptoms or to protect yourself, be vaccinated, cover coughs, eat healthy diets, exercise, avoid smoking/vaping and drinking, and have adequate rest,’ the DOH official said.

The DOH reported that there were 6,457 additional cases of ILI recorded from September 28 to October 11, 2025.

According to the DOH, the cases recorded is lower by 39 percent as compared to the 10,740 recorded on September 14 to September 27, 2025.

Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa clarified that there is no flu outbreak but a seasonal respiratory illnesses and that there is no need for a lockdown.

The top three causes of ILIs are Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Enterovirus. SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19) is at a low rank number 10, accounting for only 1 percent of cases positive for ILI, the DOH said.

The recent decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials marks a significant victory for transparency and accountability in our government. This move, reversing the restrictive policy under former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, rightly acknowledges that the Filipino people have an undeniable right to know how their public servants acquire and manage wealth.

In an era where trust in institutions is at a historic low-exacerbated by the ongoing investigations into multi-billion-peso ghost projects implicating lawmakers and officials-openness is not just desirable; it is essential. The Ombudsman’s new memorandum circular, which allows public inspection and reproduction of SALNs after due processing, signals a renewed commitment to transparency. It is a concrete step towards rebuilding public trust through information accessibility, a principle that must be consistently applied across all branches and agencies of government.

However, restoring access to SALNs, while commendable, should not be mistaken as the endpoint of transparency reforms. As highlighted by House Assistant Majority Leader Mark Anthony Santos, transparency should be a comprehensive, institutionalized practice-not a patchwork of isolated disclosures. The long-overdue Freedom of Information (FOI) bill remains the linchpin in this effort.

The FOI bill, pending in Congress for nearly 30 years, is the legal backbone that would empower citizens to scrutinize government operations beyond personal wealth declarations. It would mandate government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions that reveal how public funds are spent and programs are executed. This is precisely the kind of openness needed to deter corruption, prevent abuses like the ghost projects scandal, and ensure that public servants are held accountable at every level.

The history of the FOI bill is a saga of delay and missed opportunities, despite its clear constitutional mandate under Article III, Section 7. The persistent lobbying by champions such as the late Rep. Ernesto Ruffa, Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, and others shows the enduring demand for transparency among lawmakers themselves. The current iteration, supported by a broad coalition in both the House and Senate-including Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Senate President Vicente Sotto III-provides a real chance for passage.

The timing could not be more crucial. The Ombudsman’s transparency move, coupled with growing public outrage over corruption scandals, sets the perfect political climate for Congress to act decisively. Passing the FOI bill would institutionalize transparency as the norm rather than the exception and would complement the SALN disclosure policy by opening the floodgates to information on how government operates.

Moreover, transparency must be paired with accountability mechanisms. Calls for a strict ‘one-strike policy’ against corrupt officials in agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways are necessary corollaries. Transparency without enforcement risks becoming an empty gesture.

Reopening SALNs to public scrutiny is a welcome milestone but not the finish line. The real test of our government’s commitment to transparency and good governance lies in passing the FOI bill. It is time for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty and the people’s right to know. Only then can we hope to restore genuine public trust and build a government that serves with integrity and openness.

Transparency is not a privilege but a right. The people deserve nothing less than full access to information that affects their lives and their future.

Sales and registration of electric and hybrid vehicles may be rising, but infrastructure gaps, such as the availability of charging stations for EVs, remain a key challenge.

Leoncio A. Palanca Jr., country manager of ING Philippines, said the problem is creating demand for new financing solutions to accelerate the transition to EV and unlock broader market potential.

‘Globally, ING actively addresses this through its Amsterdam-based Transition Accelerator team-designed to incubate promising innovations, scale early-stage technologies and forge cross-value chain connections for systemwide change,’ Palanca said.

The team has engaged over 300 prospects across four focus areas. These are clean mobility services, which include EV charging infrastructure, sustainable materials, industrial innovation and nature-based infrastructure, he said.

In the first half of 2025, ING closed four major EV charging transactions, including a pound 433-million green financing deal with Electra to deploy 15,000 charging points across nine European countries by 2030, and financing for EVgo to roll out about 2,100 fast-charging stalls across major US metropolitan areas.

Palanca said the bank is continuing support for clean energy projects in the Philippines, as well as sustainable infrastructure development and innovative financing solutions for businesses and communities.

This positions the country as a key player in Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition, Palanca said.

Transport contributes about 23 percent of the Philippines carbon emissions. To combat this, the government drives the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.

The Philippines has committed to a 75-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under its nationally determined contribution. The country’s power development plan also targets a power generation mix of 35 percent comprising of renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

‘These ambitions are supported by a strengthening green finance ecosystem, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Sustainable Finance Framework and Taxonomy Guidelines,’ Palanca said.

‘In the Philippines, there’s huge potential across multiple sectors-particularly in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and emerging areas like electric transport,’ he said.

FOLLOWING earthquakes that hit Bogo City, Cebu; Manay, Davao Oriental; and other areas, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed government agencies and local governments (LGUs) to intensify earthquake preparedness measures through regular drills, infrastructure audits, and retrofitting of critical facilities.

In Memorandum 279 dated October 15, Teodoro ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and all Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to ‘immediately intensify earthquake risk reduction measures while ensuring public service continuity.’

Teodoro sits as chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Regional DRRMCs, chaired by OCD Regional Directors, were tasked to coordinate these activities and ‘assess the performance of LGU Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management [LDRRM] Offices, in coordination with the OCD and the Department of the Interior and Local Government [DILG], and provide performance evaluations to both agencies.’

Teodoro also ordered RDRRMCs to consult with the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) for technical support.

Earlier this month, during a National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (Niacc) meeting, Teodoro directed the review of local contingency plans ‘to ensure all established disaster protocols of LGUs within their Area of Responsibility (AOR) are validated, and up-to-date.’

The OCD said it ‘continues to collaborate with various agencies and LGUs to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness amid the ongoing threats of hazards and disasters.’

Locatd in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Bogo City and the doublet earthquakes near Manay town in Davao Oriental claimed the lives of 79 and eight people, respectively.

A total of 217,012 families or 743,379 persons in 260 barangays of the province’s 18 cities and municipalities were affected due to the 6.9 Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. On the other hand, the 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes near Manay town, on the other hand, affected a total of 345,057 families or 1,467,803 persons in 675 barangays in 60 cities and towns.

In both events, thousands of houses were destroyed or damaged, leaving many of the victims homeless.

More funds for disaster aid, more homes

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is seeking to raise disaster shelter aid for families affected by recent calamities.

DHSUD proposed a P4-billion Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (Idsap) fund for 2026, saying that this would help speed up recovery efforts in areas hit by strong earthquakes in recent months.

As of October, the agency reported P199.15 million in released IDSAP funds, covering 8,241 partially damaged and 3,551 totally damaged houses.

The department also recommended a P500-million Quick Response Fund for the National Housing Authority (NHA) to support emergency shelter repair and immediate assistance in disaster-stricken communities.

In a Senate budget hearing last week, Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said easing the housing backlog and strengthening post-disaster support remain among the agency’s top priorities.

‘We streamlined the process for developers to get permits and clearances,’ Aliling said in Filipino. ‘The price ceiling for socialized housing is also due for adjustment this October, which we expect will encourage the private sector to produce more inventory.’

Under the Marcos administration, total housing provision, both direct and indirect, has reached 399,671 units as of October. The agency projects that figure to climb to 734,005 by 2028, with 300,106 units coming from direct programs and 433,899 from indirect financing.

The NHA accounted for 50,757 completed units, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for 30,840, and DHSUD’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program for 18,826 under direct housing provision.

Meanwhile, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) produced 295,923 units and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) 3,325 through indirect financing.

To expand the delivery of housing programs, DHSUD has asked the upper chamber to increase the NHA’s budget from P2.2 billion to P10 billion and the SHFC’s allocation from P166 million to P500 million.

For the first half of 2025, DHSUD reported P2.98 billion in appropriations, with 23 percent obligated and 88 percent of funds already disbursed.

The agency earlier acknowledged that limited funds and supply-side hurdles have slowed housing targets.

Under the Philippine Development Plan, only about 300,000 units are expected to be completed by 2028-far below the original goal of addressing the 3 million-unit backlog.

Visitors take selfies at the historic Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, where General Douglas MacArthur and the Allied forces landed in 1944 to begin the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

The site, now marked by statues of MacArthur and his men, draws crowds each year as the nation commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Leyte Landing-an event that turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific.

NONIE REYES