Category: Business Mirror

AS September ends and another quarter closes, take a moment to pause with me. What are things that happened this month that left an impact on you? Which do you feel good about? Which may have ruffled you up a bit? Reflection feels simple but can be hard-yet it’s one of our most powerful tools to live with intention and presence.

To make this reflection easier, I like to think of life as five baskets-distinct but connected where growth and meaning mesh together:

Personal emotion: your inner well-being and feelings

Immediate family: spouse, children, those closest at home

Work or craft: your vocation, contribution, and purpose

Social relationships: friends, siblings, extended network

Community impact: service, outreach, influence beyond self

Each basket will feel full or empty at times. The goal is not perfection but awareness. Challenges in one basket can spark strength in another, while joys can guide healing where it is needed the most.

Often, we avoid admitting when a basket feels empty or painful. Cracks in one area can reveal beauty in another. Emotional struggles may deepen family bonds, fuel empathy in community work, or open a new creative path.

This past quarter has brought a lot of surprises, mistakes and unexpected challenges for me. Some were bruising to my personhood, yet those same challenges also brought out support and affirmation on everything I have built and stood for all these years.

Nurturing your emotional basket-through self-care and reflection-can give clarity to better support loved ones. Even when your work feels overwhelming, it may anchor your purpose and bring hope to personal or family uncertainty.

Here are practical ways to nurture gratitude and growth in your baskets, backed by research from family education and mental health experts:

Personal emotion. Keep a daily gratitude journal, listing three things-big or small-that bring you joy. Clinical studies show gratitude reduces anxiety and depression symptoms while boosting positive emotions (Emmons, R.A., and Stern, R. 2013). Gratitude is a psychotherapeutic intervention (Journal of Clinical Psychology). On tough days, note small wins-a quiet moment or kind word. Acknowledge negative feelings without judgment; self-compassion is key (Neff, K.D. 2011). Self-compassion: Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind. Practice gratitude before sleep-this habit improves mood, sleep quality, and immune health.

Immediate family. Stick to your loving routines-greeting each other in the morning, asking how their day was. Even if you do not always get a bright answer, still celebrate the peaceful mornings or shared laughs. I have teenagers now and they can be moody at times. I still give my son the same hug and sit with him to check on his day. Reflect on what fun things you and your partner did or can do for the next months – explore a new restaurant, get a foot massage together.

Work or creative craft. At quarter’s end, reflect on tasks that brought purpose versus those that drained you. I felt so proud being able to introduce to my husband and my daughter Erik Smyth, the inventor of DEW cleaning products, powered by advanced electrolysed water technology and free from harsh chemicals, eco-friendly and certified by Allergy UK.

Social relationships. Reconnect or set dinner-dates with childhood friends. My grade school volleyball and scouting group of 4 has always offered me so much solace and strength. Exploring new friendships are great as well.

Community impact. Engage in volunteering aligned with your values; gratitude fuels sustained service. Although it seems time is always running out on me, serving the Philippine Association of National Advertisers Foundation (Pana) as their chairman this year, as well as the board of Pana has given me so much meaning and fun, being in the marketing industry all these years.

Gratitude is far more than a feel-good idea, it is therapeutic. Systematic reviews find regular gratitude practices reduce anxiety and depression while boosting holistic mental health (Wood, A.M., et al. 2010). The role of gratitude in well-being (Clinical Psychology Review). Long-term studies link higher gratitude to lower mortality rates, improved heart health, and emotional resilience (Harvard Health Publishing 2024). Gratitude enhances health, happiness and longevity.

Gratitude shifts focus outside ourselves, allowing us to have a more ‘bring it on’ attitude, rather than a defeatist one. It encourages prosocial behaviors, deepening community ties (Frontiers in Psychology 2024). Gratitude fosters community and prosocial behavior. When trained to see blessings amid struggle, we build emotional muscle-becoming more open to beauty, more forgiving of imperfections, and more patient with growth.

The greatest invitation is this: as long as we are given another breath to live each day, there is definitely something to look forward to in.doing, learning and being. Let us live this next quarter with ourselves and the people around us, not chasing perfect balance, but embracing the grace that guides us from basket to basket, one day at a time.

A TOTAL of P8.008 billion in calamity funds may be accessed by government agencies to provide relief and rehabilitation in light of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu on Tuesday night, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

In a statement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman urged government agencies to activate their Quick Response Funds (QRF).

This comes after the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation for communities affected by the earthquake, which claimed at least 20 lives, injured dozens, damaged heritage churches and other structures and disrupted power in several parts of the Visayas. Related stories on the Cebu earthquake in Nation and Economy pages.

The QRF is an emergency standby fund lodged under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), also known as the calamity fund.

It enables frontline agencies to immediately provide assistance to areas stricken by disasters and emergencies.

Government agencies with built-in QRFs include the Departments of Health (DOH), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Defense-Office of Civil Defense (DND-OCD), Education (DepEd), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Transportation-Philippine Coast Guard (DOTr-PCG), Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Agencies may request for replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has reached at least 50 percent.

‘Our prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones and to all who are enduring this tragedy. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,’ Pangandaman said.

The budget secretary has also ordered the DBM and PS regional office in Cebu and nearby areas to immediately check on the safety of their personnel, submit situation reports and conduct structural inspections of DBM and PS buildings.

DBM’s regional offices in Central and Eastern Visayas were also instructed to coordinate with their regional counterparts from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to identify requirements where DBM assistance may be extended.

P100 M for Masbate

Meanwhile, the DBM also released P100 million in assistance for those affected by three consecutive typhoons that battered Masbate.

The P100-million fund will cover food, shelter, medicines and supplies for families who lost their homes and livelihoods.

The province was declared under a state of calamity, after more than 400,000 families or almost 1.6 million individuals from 2,615 barangays have been affected.

Citing authorities’ reports, the DBM said damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the province is estimated at over P63 million, while more than 1,000 classrooms were damaged and are no longer usable by students.

‘Following President Marcos’ instructions, we acted immediately to release the necessary funds. It is our duty to ensure that aid reaches families in need without delay,’ Pangandaman said.

Under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the national government may extend support to local government units during calamities.

Local governments may access the LGSF once their own disaster risk reduction and management funds are depleted, and if those remain inadequate, they may request additional funds from the NDRRM Fund.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa vowed to expand the benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) following the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of an additional P60 billion in the 2026 proposed budget of the agency.

On Wednesday ‘s budget hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Health chaired by Pia Cayetano, Herbosa said that they will increase PhilHealth’s benefits for those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high blood, and cancer.

‘Gusto ng ating Pangulo na pataasin pa ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth sa ating mga gastusing pangkalusugan. Pati dental benefits at para sa mental health, ating dadagdagan,’ Herbosa said as the agency proposes for

P320.52 billion for the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies and corporations.

Likewise, he also assured of the continuity of the Zero Balance Billing, seen to cover even bigger public hospitals in the provinces and cities.

‘May panukala ang DOH na magkaroon ng panibagong line item sa GAA, na tatawagin nating ‘Zero Balance Billing support for Level 2 and Level 3 LGU hospitals.’ Ito ay para sana hindi lamang sa DOH hospitals. Kung popondohan ito ay labis na makakatulong,’ Herbosa explained.

The hearing highlighted the nation’s ongoing efforts to fulfill Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) and bring the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law to life.

The proposed 2026 budget of DOH has increased from P303.86 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and P259.42 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The Office of the Secretary is set to receive P263.96 billion, while attached specialty hospitals and agencies, including the Lung Center, Kidney Institute, Heart Center, and Children’s Medical Center, maintain steady funding. Meanwhile, the PhilHealth is set to receive P53.3 billion in 2026 from an entire year with zero subsidy.

As for the senators, they assured that the 2026 budget reflects both national legal mandates and global health goals.

They also urged all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the UHC Law and accelerate progress toward SDG 3 by ensuring transparent, accountable, and health-focused budgeting.

IN my September 3 column, I wrote about the excessive greed for money that fuels misconduct such as fraud and corruption-the most pressing, interconnected issue in the country right now and labeled as the largest corruption scandal in history.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to freeze assets of individuals and entities linked to anomalous flood control projects. These assets cover more than 700 bank accounts, insurance policies, luxury vehicles and real estate properties.

A freeze order is valid for 20 days, during which it will be determined whether to lift or extend it for up to 6 months if the CA finds probable cause that the frozen accounts are related to illicit activities. If the court does not file a case within this period, the freeze order is automatically lifted.

Why issuing freeze order of bank accounts suspected of graft and plunder a crucial first step? It is an important action to prevent movement or disposal of funds and other assets believed to come from unlawful activities. Criminals and plunderers typically move illegal wealth quickly into shell companies, foreign bank accounts, expensive purchases, gambling, or cryptocurrencies.

A freeze order stops them from transferring or liquidating assets while investigations are ongoing. Without it, assets will be very difficult for authorities to trace and recover.

Banks of accounts under investigation are legally required to act on a freeze order immediately and lock these bank accounts to prevent any access or movement. Funds stay locked until the freeze order expires or gets lifted. Banks also preserve transaction history of frozen accounts and provide the AMLC with records and related documents that can be used for the investigation.

The ongoing Senate probe on the issue is becoming more and more complex by the day. Filipinos want to know the truth and see more names exposed, but most importantly, we want these investigations to bring justice-prosecution of parties involved and real reforms to curb systemic corruption in government.

Loud and clear, beyond recovery of stolen public funds, people want restitution. It is taxpayers’ money stolen, and assets recovered should be returned to the people. Can the government give us a tax break or holiday, or reduction in income tax and VAT for a period? In other jurisdictions, however, governments will go after prosecution and asset recovery, then use recovered assets for social services and programs, rather than tax holiday or offsetting tax collections.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected Php2.85 trillion tax in 2024, with income taxes accounted for 53.75 percent of the collection. If only our taxes are put to good use or intended purpose such as the government’s flagship projects and social services, the country can improve its climate resilience, disaster risk prevention and management, support sustainable economic growth and we will not be in this predicament now.

In a recent interview, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. assured the public that the banking sector remains strong and liquid. Banks, on the other hand, will continue to act as gatekeepers to detect suspicious transactions, and support additional reforms such as strengthening checks and balances, stricter measures to make it more difficult for illegal funds to enter and exit the financial system.

Even if we are all angry and dismayed, we must keep our faith in the integrity of our institutions, judicial process and law enforcement. We should continue to press for transparency and accountability in governance. We deserve a government that’s credible, honest, just and truly serves the people.

Why spend ?12 billion a year on foreign servers when we can build our own for ?2.5 billion?

This was the central question raised during the House deliberations on the DICT’s 2026 budget, as lawmakers pressed for investments in local data centers to reduce dependence on costly and risky foreign cloud storage.

Rep. Presley De Jesus asked the sponsor how much government would need to establish its own facilities.

Rep. Brian Poe, sponsoring the budget, replied:

‘Mr. Speaker, it will cost us ?2.5 billion pesos. However, what I wasn’t able to clarify. is that the ?2.5 billion is not all in one go. In fact, based on the absorptive capacity of DICT, we will have to spread out this ?2.5 billion across the remaining three years of the administration to build these data centers.’

Rep. Robert Nazal then raised funding options, suggesting the Spectrum Users Fund (SUF) as a possible source:

‘Since we’re already requesting for the ?2.5 billion and we intend to get it from the GAA, why not get it from the SUF?’

Poe acknowledged the proposal but explained DICT’s immediate priorities:

‘Mr. Speaker, DICT is prioritizing the connectivity, the internet connection, as well as the continuing appropriation for maintenance and operation of these Free Wi-Fi sites. Now, to my colleague’s point, I understand where he’s coming from. If there’s ?21 billion sitting in this fund and there is a bad need for these data centers, why not consider the data centers? And that’s something that we can take up. But before we go into that, I think the DICT has a pressing commitment by October to deliver these Free Wi-Fi sites to the Filipino people.’

Both interpellators and Poe agreed that local data centers are vital – not only to save billions in recurring cloud rental costs but also to safeguard sensitive government information. Poe closed by emphasizing that DICT has steadily improved its absorptive capacity – from 87% utilization in 2024 to a projected 93% in 2025 – making it ready to roll out phased investments in data centers while ensuring the timely delivery of Free Wi-Fi commitments to the Filipino public.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, today announced a landmark partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc. (PhilFirst), the country’s first domestic insurance company.

Together, they have introduced the Philippines’ first-ever surety bond program for online gaming players – setting a new benchmark in player protection. The program takes effect immediately.

For players, this means more peace of mind every time they log in, as long as their eKYC (electronic Know-Your-Customer) information is up to date and they continue to play within the platform’s guidelines. Whether it’s a casual gamer or a loyal fan celebrating a big win, they can enjoy BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone knowing their wallets and balances are even better protected.

Through this initiative, eligible players benefit from an added financial safeguard. The surety bond protects player balances of up to ?1 million per player, without requiring customers to purchase a separate policy.

‘DigiPlus is proud to be the first in the industry to roll out this level of consumer protection,’ said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. ‘We are committed to putting our players first. With this surety bond, they can play confidently on BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, knowing that their funds are safeguarded.’

How does the DigiPlus surety bond work?

Eligibility: Players must be eKYC-verified, have made at least one successful deposit, and be in good standing within the platform’s guidelines.

Coverage: The surety bond safeguards player wallets and balances up to ?1 million per player.

Activation: Protection is in place immediately and applies automatically for all eligible players across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone.

This latest measure strengthens DigiPlus’ commitment to reliable customer service and protection, adding the surety bond to its 24/7 customer support and 130+ physical BingoPlus stores nationwide, which already serve as convenient and trusted outlets for players.

With the addition of the surety bond, DigiPlus continues to raise industry standards – delivering not only engaging and innovative gaming offerings but also a stronger guarantee of trust, security, and peace of mind for its customers.

THE Shareholders Association of the Philippines (Sharephil) has partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among other organizations, to launch a project the group expects would equip retail investors and shareholders with tools to make informed investment decisions.

In a ceremony held last Wednesday, Sharephil officers turned over the first batch of its educational videos to SEC Chairman and CEO Francis E. Lim. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of partner groups. The goal of the project is to have a digital library for the SEC to educate the public.

The partners include the Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., the Finex Research and Development Foundation, the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants and the Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc.

Citing a study by the Boston Consulting Group, Sharephil President Conrado F. Bate said the number of mass affluent Filipinos, or those at least $100,000 or around P5.8 million in wealth, is expected to almost double to 48 million, with GDP-per-capita reaching around $6,500, by 2030.

‘This means millions more Filipinos will soon have the savings and appetite to invest. And with the right knowledge and values, Filipinos can turn this opportunity into lasting success,’ Bate said. ‘Our goal is simple: to give every Filipino access to high-quality, easy-to-understand materials that guide them on their investing journey.’

The digital library will contain a collection of educational videos and short reels that explain investing concepts in a clear and practical manner. Topics of the videos include getting started with investing, understanding equities and building a future ready portfolio.

The videos are designed especially for self-directed investors and young professionals who want to take control of their financial future with trustworthy guidance.

‘The library is not just about the basics; it’s also about building good investing habits like patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset. It will be a living resource, continuously updated so it remains relevant and accessible to anyone, anytime,’ Bate said.

Lim expressed he’s ‘personally excited that Congress is now looking at bills to make financial literacy a mandatory subject for our high schools or college students.’

The latter, he added, is his ‘personal advocacy back in my PSE days.’

‘As SEC chair, I will wholeheartedly support this initiative. Just imagine: a whole generation growing up fluent in the language of savings, investing, and planning for the future,’ Lim said.

Trinasolar International Systems Business Unit (ISBU), the project development arm of China’s Trinosolar Co. Ltd., signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with AdventEnergy Inc., the retail electricity supply arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., for the 49.9-megawatt alternating current (MWac) Mabini solar project in Pangasinan.

The solar power project is scheduled for commercial operations in the third quarter of next year and is expected to generate 110.84 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in its first year, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of over 24,000 households. This project is expected to reduce 76,549 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The Mabini solar project earlier secured a green lane certification from the Board of Investments (BOI). The certification aims to fast-track permitting and licensing for strategic energy investments.

‘The Mabini Solar Project shows what can be achieved through strong cooperation between the Advent and Trinasolar,’ said Trinasolar ISBU Southeast Asia Country Manager Derek Wang. ‘Together, we are advancing the country’s renewable energy goals and creating lasting value for local communities.’

Wang signed the PPA with AdventEnergy Assistant Vice President for Retail Operations Rence Pazcoguin, Vice President for Retail Operations and Portfolio Management John Davis Mangubat, President James Byron Yu.

‘We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Trina Solar as we bring a stronger and more sustainable energy future to our customers and deliver lasting impact to the industries we serve,’ said Yu.

Filipino renewable energy (RE) developer Spotlight Power, Inc. is the developer of the Mabini solar power project, with support from Trina Solar.

Last March, AboitizPower said it has set aside P78.1 billion for capital expenditures (capex) this year, majority of which will be used to expand its renewable energy (RE) portfolio, aligning with its goal of increasing its clean energy capacity to 4,600 MW by 2030.

The company said it will continue to make huge bets on RE. Last year it set aside 72 percent of its capex budget of P73 billion for clean energy projects.

These include the 159-MWp Laoag solar project in Pangasinan, the 17-MW Tiwi binary geothermal plant in Albay, the 45-MWp Armenia solar project in Tarlac, and the 173-MWp Calatrava solar project in Negros Occidental.

The National Food Authority (NFA) is seeking about P3 billion in additional funds to rent private warehouses and buy more unmilled rice following the damage caused by recent typhoons.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said Malacañang is expected to issue an executive order ‘soon’ that will authorize the release of the budget under emergency procurement.

‘We already discussed this with the Department of Agriculture last week.it’s now in Malacañang. I think they’re polishing it.It’s not within the year. It’s the soonest possible time,’ Lacson told reporters on Tuesday.

He said NFA warehouses are already ‘almost full,’ making it difficult to expand procurement without additional government support.

‘Right now, to be honest, we don’t have funds for renting warehouses because the NFA as a [government-owned or -controlled corporation] relies only on rice sales to cover expenses. And our expenses are bigger than the money coming in.’

Lacson said the situation has been compounded by recent storms that left some NFA facilities with minor damage. In Masbate, one warehouse had its doors blown off, while several warehouses in Region 8 reported leaks.

The NFA compound in Occidental Mindoro was also flooded, although no significant stock losses were recorded.

He described these as ‘minor repairs,’ but noted they added pressure to free up storage space for new procurement

To address this, NFA has instructed its field officers to identify private warehouses in every region that can be rented.

In 2024, the agency reported 288 warehouses nationwide, 136 of which underwent repairs earlier this year.

Palay purchases

With the new order, Lacson also said the NFA’s procurement of wet season palay could rise by 8 percent, higher than the 5 percent it usually manages under regular conditions.

He noted, however, that the impact on traders’ prices will be limited-‘probably in some areas’ and only ‘spot by spot.’

Still, he said ‘at least with the additional 3 percent, more farmers will benefit than if there was no intervention.’

The mandate will also allow NFA to purchase storm-damaged palay, which farmers often cannot sell.

Lacson said, however, that the agency would still prefer to buy dry palay since the agency lacks drying facilities.

NFA currently buys dry palay at P23 per kilo and wet palay at P17 per kilo, although prices can change depending on market conditions.

He assured farmers that the agency will not buy palay at single-digit prices.

‘That will not happen. The national government, the NFA in particular, will not do that. Because we would like to really help our farmers that are in distress right now. Their situation is already very difficult. We will not buy at a single-digit price per kilo, definitely not.’

Floor price

Lacson added that there is also a ‘good chance’ the executive order will include the establishment of a floor price for palay, in line with President Marcos’ directive to prevent traders from taking advantage of farmers during harvest season.

The floor price will be set per province to reflect differences in local costs.

‘The DA has already directed its regional field offices to compute the local production cost. Because each province has a different production cost. So that’s the first step-to determine the production cost of every area. And then we can set, from that production cost, what would be the acceptable floor price so our farmers won’t incur losses.’

The average price of nickel could inch up to $15,400 per metric ton (MT) this year on the back of stable demand and a weakening dollar, according to a research firm.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently adjusted upward its nickel price forecast from $15,000 per MT. Indonesia’s policies, however, remain a downside risk.

‘We now hold a more optimistic outlook for [the second half of] 2025 than previously, with prices set to hold firm for the remainder of the year,’ BMI said. ‘[This will be] underpinned by Fed optimism and persistent policy-driven turbulence in Indonesia, alongside broadly stable demand conditions.’

‘That said, we remain cautious as Indonesia’s ongoing capacity additions are a key headwind that continues to skew risks to our outlook to the downside.’

Despite lowering this year’s global nickel demand growth forecast due to softer global growth and heightened trade risks, the research firm expects the market to remain solid, a development that is expected to benefit Philippine nickel exporters.

‘Demand is expected to remain solid, underpinned by expanding stainless steel output and the rise in electric vehicles (EVs), led by leading global consumer Mainland China.’

Meanwhile, BMI said nickel quotations could continue to face downward pressure beyond 2025, ‘seeing more moderate growth than previously anticipated due to the continued surge in Indonesian nickel production.’

In particular, the research firm lowered its projection for the average price of nickel in 2029 to $18,000 per MT, from its initial outlook of $21,500 per MT as the market remains oversupplied.

‘Recent nickel smelter curtailments and suspensions outside Indonesia underscore the long-term nature of these market pressures.’

BMI also noted that Indonesia presents the ‘greatest source of uncertainty’ for the refined nickel market in the longer term.

‘Ultimately, the pace at which the country is able to ramp up refined nickel production capacity will determine how well supplied the global market is in the coming decade,’ the BMI said.

‘Simultaneously, evolving battery chemistries introduce another layer of uncertainty, potentially reshaping nickel demand patterns in the clean energy sector.’