Category: Business Mirror

SENIOR Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Thursday told the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) that he would not compromise his principles just to secure the Chief Justice (CJ) position.

Leonen is one of the five incumbent justices of the Supreme Court (SC) applying for the CJ post that will be vacated by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo upon his compulsory retirement at age 70 on November 6.

In his opening statement during the start of the JBC’s public interview of the candidates, Leonen said the country needs a CJ who is ‘independent, principled, and willing to make hard decisions’ considering the current political and economic challenges being experienced by the people.

Leonen noted that he had previously voted on principle against the legal positions of the late President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino Jr., who appointed him to the High Tribunal, and other presidents that came after him.

‘I have accepted the nomination, but also know that leadership gained by compromising principle is not worth it. If that what is demanded, leadership does not always require entitlement,’ Leonen stressed. Leonen recently came out with a ruling declaring the 2024 and 2025 national budgets signed by President Marcos Jr. as unconstitutional as well as key provisions in the 2026 national budget.

With less than two years in office, Marcos will get the chance to appoint the next CJ upon Gesmundo’s retirement.

Under the Constitution, the President is mandated to make appointments in the judiciary within 90 days from the occurrence of the Former Vice President Leni Robredo is pushing for Leonen’s appointment as chief magistrates, underscoring his ‘competence, independence, probity, and integrity.’

Inventory of corruption cases

During his interview, Leonen disclosed his nine commitments if ever he gets appointed as the head of the judiciary, which includes the conduct of an independent inventory of major corruption cases that have been filed before the courts since 1986 to determine the reasons for their dismissal or conviction.

Leonen said he has started negotiations for the resources from the Official Development Assistance for the project.

‘A corruption case that is allowed to age becomes unwinnable by operation of a constitutional right, and no one has to be bribed for that to happen,’ Leonen stressed.

He added that cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman arising from large-scale corruption be decided at first instance before the end of 2027.

‘The commitment is to decide, never to convict,’ he pointed out.

He added that courts, including the SC, should commit to a timetable for every case, saying that a delay in the resolution of a case can be considered ‘a denial and a betrayal.’

‘When a case before us is submitted for decision, the party should be told the date by which we expect to decide it, and if the date will not be met, told why before it passes,’ Leonen said.

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Likewise, Leonen said he would push for the conduct of a comprehensive review of admission to the Bar and the recognition of Shari’a counselors as special members of the Integrated Bar and to open paths for more people to become Shari’ah lawyers.

He noted that at present there are only 1,612 Shari’ah counselors.

Judicial review of regulatory actions

Leonen also committed to consult with the members of the business sector about examining the rules on judicial review of regulatory actions.

He disclosed that a private organization has already held focus group discussion on its members’ perception of the judiciary and their principal concerns.

‘We are studying the results, unfortunately it is undergoing deliberations with the Court and I cannot share them,’ Leonen told the JBC.

Leonen also vowed to come up with a mechanism for business organizations to report illegal exaction made by any court of court employee.

‘We will tell them what we did with each report, with an indicative timetable of the results we expect,’ Leonen said.

Aside from Leonen, other candidates for the post are Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Rodil V. Zalameda, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.

Leonen and Caguioa were both scheduled for a public interview Thursday while the interview of Zalameda, Dimaampao, and Marquez will be done on Monday, October 26.

The NBA is here, and if you thought Filipino basketball fans simply waited for Oct. 21 to roll around, think again.

They’ve been busy.

From racking up billions of views to growing its social media following by millions, the NBA’s digital footprint in the Philippines continued to expand during the 2025-26 season.

As the league gets ready for another year, here are five fun facts about NBA fans in the Philippines based on social data from the NBA’s localized platforms collected between October 2025 to July 2026.

Filipino fans couldn’t seem to get enough of the NBA

4.42 billion.

That’s the number of total impressions generated by NBA Philippines content across Facebook, TikTok, and X during the period.

That’s a 167% jump from just last year.

To put that into perspective, NBA content wasn’t merely showing up on Filipino fans’ feeds. It was practically setting up camp.

And with the 2026-27 season tipping off this Oct. 21, there’s little reason to expect the scrolling to slow down anytime soon.

ArenaPlus, the NBA’s Official Betting Partner in the Philippines, is also ready for another season of basketball action as fans rally behind their favorite teams and players once again.

They didn’t just see it. They watched it.

If 4.42 billion impressions sound massive, here’s another number to chew on: 1.84 billion views.

That’s the combined number of views NBA Philippines content generated across Facebook, TikTok, and X from October 2025 to July 2026 – a whopping 211% increase year on year.

Clearly, Filipino NBA fans weren’t just casually scrolling past the latest highlights. They were stopping to watch.

And in a country where basketball debates can last longer than some actual games, there was probably plenty to talk about afterward, too.

Filipino NBA fans weren’t shy hitting the ‘Like’ button

The numbers get even more interesting when you look beyond views.

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NBA Philippines recorded over 197 million interactions across Facebook, TikTok, and X during the same period, representing a 195% year-on-year increase.

Likes, comments, shares, and other forms of engagement helped push the NBA’s digital presence to another level. Basically, Filipino fans weren’t content with simply watching Nikola Jokic throw a dime, Steph Curry launch a three from way, way out, or their favorite team survive a fourth-quarter scare.

They had something to say about it. And they weren’t shy about sharing it online.

NBA Philippines added nearly two million Facebook followers

The growth wasn’t limited to views and engagement.

On Facebook alone, NBA Philippines added 1.95 million followers, representing a 28.92% year-on-year increase.

TikTok wasn’t far behind in terms of momentum, adding 129,000 followers, or 10.92% growth year on year.

That’s a whole lot of new basketball fans hitting the follow button.

And with the 2026-27 season just around the corner, those numbers could be in for another boost once the games begin.

Surprise: More than half of NBA Philippines’ audience is female

Here’s one that might make the neighborhood basketball barkada do a double take.

Women account for 53% of NBA Philippines’ followers across Facebook, TikTok, and X combined.

That’s right: women make up the majority of the NBA Philippines social media audience based on the data collected from October 2025 to July 2026.

The numbers also show just how young the NBA’s digital audience is, with 69% of followers aged 18 to 34.

That suggests the NBA’s appeal in the Philippines extends well beyond the traditional image of the typical basketball fan – and that its digital audience is increasingly young, diverse, and highly engaged.

With the 2026-27 season tipping off on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (Philippine time), there’s a good chance those fans will once again be glued to their screens.

After all, if the numbers from the previous season are any indication, Filipino fans aren’t simply watching the NBA.

THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) are opposing the Department of Energy (DOE)-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2026-01, arguing that it introduces severe regulatory uncertainty and investment risks.

While the groups expressed support for the government’s goal of ensuring national energy security, they cited questionable provisions in the JAO. These include requiring incumbent operators to surrender privately-owned operational assets upon contract expiry, disadvantageous new bidding criteria, and biased evaluation process.

‘Policy stability and adherence to the rule of law are the bedrock for business and investment growth. If new and questionable provisions create uncertainty and fear, and make investing costlier in terms of involving project financing and asset valuations, among other things, then the government’s efforts to attract investors and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and his push to make the minerals industry as a stronger pillar of economic development would be for naught,’ they said.

They urged the government to ensure that the JAO is consistent with existing laws and contractual rights, promotes fair and transparent competition, and supports the country’s efforts to attract long-term investments.

‘We remain committed to constructive engagement with the DOE and the DENR to help achieve the government’s policy objectives,’ they added.

The DOE, however, said the new bidding rules for the upcoming coal auction are necessary. DOE Secretary Sharon Garin explained that while the guidelines for coal exploration bidding have recently changed, specifically for brownfield projects with proven and viable coal resources, the rules for greenfield projects remain unchanged.

‘I think what they mean is that the rules have changed compared to the previous ones. I guess what they’re saying is that the bidding rules for standard coal exploration have been modified recently. This is true in brownfield projects, but for greenfield projects, they remain the same,’ Garin had said.

The energy chief stressed that brownfield rules have been adjusted to maximize efficiency and secure resources. ‘For example, for brownfield projects, the majority or 80 percent of the produced coal must be sold domestically. Right now, it’s the other way around, as I think 80 percent is being exported.

‘What we want is an indigenous source of fuel due to the threats in the Middle East, so there are changes,’ said Garin.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) currently holds coal operating contract (COC) No. 5, which is among the coal blocks on Semirara Island that will be auctioned by the DOE. The COC is valid until July 14, 2027.

The previous bidding for coal mining areas has been canceled to implement a new bidding process under updated rules, following the conclusion of the second public consultation. The DOE said this was meant to reassess the parameters of awarding coal operating contracts so that the next round can be conducted under this new set of rules.

The coal bid round covered three predetermined areas in Antique, Cagayan, and Isabela, offered for development and production coal operating contracts (DP COCs) under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCEP). It was met with heavy resistance stemming from legal, technical, financial concerns.

‘The concerns raised by stakeholders during the presubmission conferences, developments affecting Semirara Island-one of the offered areas-including continuing water seepage, and certain legal considerations warrant a reassessment of the evaluation criteria applicable to the award of DP COCs for the offered areas,’ the DOE had said.

Garin clarified that the rules are uniform for all participants and are not targeting or excluding any specific company. ‘Anyone who qualifies under the established rules will be considered because it’s the same rules for everyone. Everyone is given a chance,’ she said.

THE National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., on Thursday expressed confidence in building an airtight case against suspects behind the foiled smuggling of 521 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Presenting a link diagram of individuals involved in the illegal drug shipment seized in Laos-which was bound for the Philippines-Nartatez expressed satisfaction on the progress of the investigation.

‘I am satisfied with the progress of the investigation and the diligence shown by our investigators. The evidence gathered reflects a thorough, evidence-based approach aimed at establishing the truth and ensuring accountability,’ Nartatez said.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) expects to wrap up its investigation by Friday, before submitting its final findings to Nartatez.

Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, CIDG director, disclosed that four summoned individuals skipped the investigation, including a former Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament member accused of financing the operation.

The investigation follows months of reviewing CCTV footage, gathering testimonies, examining documentary evidence, and issuing over 40 subpoenas regarding the attempt to traffic the illicit cargo via a chartered aircraft.

‘The CIDG and our partner agencies have worked methodically to piece together the facts. What matters is that the investigation remains objective, comprehensive, and anchored on credible evidence,’ Nartatez added.

Nartatez ordered police units to locate unaccounted persons of interest, emphasizing that their cooperation is vital to uncovering the full details of the smuggling attempt.

‘The strength of any case will ultimately be determined in court, but our objective is to build the strongest possible case based on facts, evidence, and due process,’ Nartatez added.

‘We remain focused on ensuring that every piece of evidence is carefully validated so that those responsible, regardless of status or position, can be held accountable under the law,’ he also said.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has forged an agreement with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure the complete destruction of condemned farm goods, helping curb agricultural smuggling.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the BOC last week, which outlines the roles of the respective agencies regarding condemned goods.

‘The MOA defines the roles of each agency when a container is seized or needs to be opened-the protocols up until its release,’ Tiu Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on the DA’s proposed 2027 budget.

‘If it’s smuggled, it goes all the way to rendering [facilities]. If there’s no issue upon opening, then it will be released immediately,’ he added.

Tiu Laurel said the agreement means DA officials, particularly the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit, as well as those from other government agencies, are present to ensure that condemned farm goods are properly destroyed.

This, following reports that condemned agricultural shipments bound to be destroyed in rendering facilities were allegedly sold to the market, despite being deemed unfit for human consumption.

‘It’s a matter of food safety. It’s a matter of eliminating smuggling,’ Tiu Laurel said.

Under the rules, the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) issues a certification stating that the condemned agricultural products are not fit for human consumption prior to disposal in recognized rendering facilities.

Further, the DA chief said the MOA would also help ease the movement of agricultural products.

‘It’s also more efficient for everyone. Whether they are importers or exporters, they can have a better flow of their goods.

Earlier, Tiu Laurel noted that the DA will start the bidding for the construction of Cold Examination Facilities for Agriculture (Cefas) when it receives the special allotment release order (Saro) under its 2026 budget.

‘Three Cefas will be built at the [Ports of] Manila, Subic, and Davao. The actual bidding can start as soon as we get the Saro. So, technically we’re ready to implement the three [sites],’ he said.

The DA earlier allocated around P1.2 billion or P313 million each to build the three Cefas this year.

He noted that once these were bid out, construction could take 12 months, with the DA’s deadline to complete the three Cefas set at end-2027. This means it could be operational in 2028.

The initiative brings together health and wellness, community development, environmental sustainability, and responsible recruitment under one program.

Towne Kids, a pediatric home care staffing company serving families across New Jersey and Massachusetts, has launched TK Cares, its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, with a company-wide blood donation drive held on October 21, 2026. The ‘Give Blood. Give Hope.’ bloodletting activity was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, with participation from 9.0 Niner English and GH Premier Review Center.

According to the Philippine Red Cross, the blood donation drive helped save 44 lives, giving the initiative a direct impact beyond Towne Kids’ day-to-day work. For the company, the activity puts a simple idea into action: caring for others can begin with something one person is willing to give.

For CEO Mindy Tyner, TK Cares brings together the company’s social responsibility efforts under a shared program.

‘For us, caring for people means looking beyond a single activity. It’s about supporting the communities around us, helping those who need care, and recognizing the people who make that care possible,’ said Tyner. ‘TK Cares brings these efforts together under one program and gives us a way to keep building on them.’

TK Cares has four pillars: Care for People, which covers health and wellness initiatives such as ‘Give Blood. Give Hope.’; Care for Communities, which will support community development; Care for Planet, focused on environmental sustainability; and Care for Every Nurse Journey, which places responsible recruitment and nurses’ welfare within the company’s wider social responsibility efforts.

For Towne Kids, caring for nurses goes beyond connecting them with professional opportunities. It also means helping them understand the journey ahead, providing relevant information, and making support accessible throughout the process. Through Care for Every Nurse Journey, TK Cares recognizes that the well-being of nurses matters not only to their own professional growth, but also to the children and families who depend on their care.

This focus is closely tied to Towne Kids’ work connecting qualified Filipino nurses with pediatric home care opportunities in the United States. Finding the right opportunity is only one part of a nurse’s journey. Understanding the role, knowing what to expect, and having access to relevant information and support throughout the recruitment process also matter.

‘Responsible recruitment doesn’t end at the job offer. It means caring about what happens next,’ Tyner said.

That principle also informs Towne Kids’ Step Up initiative, which focuses on expanding its U.S. nurse recruitment and deployment pipeline through the TN visa pathway for eligible professionals. The pathway has specific citizenship, occupational, and other immigration requirements, making eligibility an important part of the process.

Since 2021, Towne Kids has deployed 303 nurses across New Jersey and Massachusetts, connecting nursing professionals with families whose children need specialized care. As the company explores further opportunities in the United States, it continues to build its work around the needs of both the families receiving care and the nurses providing it.

The ‘Give Blood. Give Hope.’ Blood Donation Drive was the first major activity under TK Cares’ Care for People pillar. Through its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the activity supported efforts to make blood available to patients who need it for medical treatment. 9.0 Niner English and GH Premier Review Center also took part in the drive.

‘Voluntary blood donation plays an important role in ensuring that blood is available for patients who need transfusions. Partnerships with organizations like Towne Kids help encourage more people to donate and support the continued availability of safe blood for medical treatment. We hope more organizations will take similar steps to make community health a shared responsibility,’ said Dr. Olivia Manalad of the Philippine Red Cross.

In her message introducing the CSR initiative, Tyner described the personal meaning of blood donation: ‘There is no more honest way to care for another person than to give a part of yourself so they can keep living. No branding. No metaphor. Just one person’s blood, becoming another person’s chance.’

Towne Kids thanked the Philippine Red Cross for its partnership, 9.0 Niner English, and GH Premier Review Center for participating, and everyone who took part in the drive.

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Beyond blood donation, TK Cares will bring together future activities in community development and environmental sustainability, alongside health and wellness initiatives and the company’s focus on responsible recruitment. Through these efforts, Towne Kids aims to make social responsibility part of how it operates and grows, extending its work to the nurses, families, and communities connected to its business.

Be it in the courtroom or the pageant stage, Atty. Clarie May Mariano Tamondong always makes a compelling case. As Mrs. Universe North Philippines, she is currently competing in Sri Lanka at the Mrs. Universe 2026, vying for the country’s first crown.

Together with compatriot Fatima Figueroa Alvarez, the reigning Mrs. Universe Philippines, Clarie May is a standout among 130 delegates from around the world. The National Costume Round will be today, October 23, while the World Finale will be on October 24 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.

Based in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Mrs. Universe is an annual international competition for ‘the most honorable married woman.’ It is open to married, divorced and widowed women who are between the ages of 18 and 55, have a family and career, and are involved in a ‘significant cause.’ Sherry Singh of India, who won in Manila in 2025, is the reigning queen.

‘After celebrating my birthday in Vietnam, one of my greatest wishes is to become a Mrs. Universe Philippines title holder, not just for the crown, but to inspire and empower women through my voice,’ Clarie May expressed in her advocacy video for the national finals in late June. ‘My advocacy focuses on empowering women through mental health awareness, especially those with postpartum depression, menopausal, and abuse.’

HER HUSBAND, HER HERO

At the special presscon hosted by Maria Charo Calalo, MrsUPh national director and a former Mrs. UPh herself, Clarie May extolled the virtues of her husband, Paul Mari Chan:

‘I can say that my husband is my hero because he always accompanies me not only in my walks, not only financially but also, he accompanies me in the struggles that I’m experiencing. And I can consider that I’m struggling right now since I’m into a difficult situation, I have to manage my time well, I have to juggle between work and preparation with the beauty pageant.

And at the same time, I have to work very hard because, of course, I’m a mother, I understand that we don’t need to spend really a lot for the beauty pageant, but of course, I also want to do my best.

‘I’m really preparing a lot financially. So, I’m also spending my time for this. And I won’t be able to do all of this, I won’t be able to overcome the difficulties that I’m experiencing if I don’t have my husband. Because when I’m attending hearings, he’s always there.

‘He’s the one who drives for me, no matter how long he waits. When I’m attending a pasarela training, he’s always there. He’s willing to wait for me in the car. And financially, he’s always there to support me.

‘He’s really my number-one supporter. And I told him that he’s my hero because I won’t be able to do this without him.

‘Mahal, thank you so much for being my major sponsor. And you know, I love you so much. You’re my number-one support for everything.

‘And like what I’ve been telling you, it’s my wish to always be with you. Just be there. Always be careful in everything we do. Always take care of yourself because I want to be with you until the end.’

HER VOICE, HER HEALING

Clarie May represented Quirino Province at the Mrs. Universe Philippines finals on June 28 at the Manila Hotel. Quirino Province. She is happily married with one son and a litigation lawyer specializing in criminal, civil, labor, and family law. From being Little Miss St. Mark’s School during her childhood days to becoming a mother, a lawyer, and now a beauty queen, her journey has been shaped by passion, purpose, and resilience.

For her advocacy video, Clarie May focused on postpartum depression and menopausal-related psychological changes, which are highly important mental health concerns as both conditions can significantly affect the overall quality of life:

‘Around the world, studies now show that one in five mothers experience postpartum depression after childbirth. In recent global studies, around 37 percent of women experience depression, anxiety, and emotional distress during menopausal. And according to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority, around 15 percent of Filipino women ages 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from an intimate partner.

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‘Behind these numbers are real women, real mothers who are silently struggling every day. This advocacy is important to me because as a lawyer and a mother, I’ve witnessed how postpartum depression, menopause, and abuse can deeply affect women’s confidence. As a litigation lawyer handling family cases, I’ve seen too many women endure abuse while staying silent for their children.

‘I’ve represented mothers breaking free from emotional and physical trauma. This is why this advocacy is deeply personal to me. Through my advocacy project, Her Voice, Her Healing, I’ve started promoting mental health awareness through community outreach programs.

‘I want to encourage women to seek help without fear or shame. My goal is to use my voice and platform to empower women and inspire. I want people to know that true strength is not about hiding pain.

‘It’s about having the courage to seek help, heal, and rise again. Never be afraid to seek for help. You are worthy of giving.

‘The change I want to see is a society where women feel safe to talk about mental health and abuse because when women feel heard, supported, and empowered, the entire families and communities become stronger.’

GOVERNMENT agencies may request additional fund releases until November 3 to prioritize allocations before the fiscal year ends, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

The DBM issued a circular, signed by Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon, moving up the deadline for submitting agency requests for the release of additional funds needing the issuance of obligational and disbursement authorities and other similar approvals and authority.

‘In order to maximize the use of available funds, and considering the limited validity period for release, obligation and utilization of all budget authorization, agencies are enjoined to submit to the [DBM] their requests,’ it said.

The DBM said the earlier deadline would enable the agency to timely assess and prioritize budgetary requests, given that this year’s budget is almost released.

As of October 15, a total of P6.596 trillion has been released from this year’s P6.793-trillion expenditure program.

Meanwhile, the DBM exempts some mandatory or urgent purposes from the November 3 cut-off date, although subject to the availability of funds.

These include additional personnel services requirements, including government share contributions for Retirement and Life Insurance Premium, terminal leave benefits of national government personnel devolved to LGUs, among others.

Requests for the issuance of non-cash availment authorities to enable the proper recording of loan disbursements, as well as for emergency responses stemming from extraordinary or prevailing circumstances are also exempted from the earlier deadline.

The DBM said requests must be complete and in order, accompanied by all documentary requirements prescribed in the DBM Citizen’s Charter.

Submissions must be coursed directly through the DBM Central Records Division on or before the deadline.

New logo, Sunlife name and Making life brighter tagline reflect the evolution of the global organization and its commitment to Clients

Sun Life Financial Inc. (‘Sunlife’) today unveiled a refreshed global brand, marking a new chapter for the company and reflecting the growing breadth and integration of its business worldwide.

Sunlife has evolved well beyond its traditional roots in life insurance, expanding its global reach and capabilities across asset management, health, wealth, and insurance. Asia has been an important part of that growth story, with Sunlife Asia now serving more than 30 million Clients across eight markets and contributing 18% of Sunlife’s group underlying net income in 2025, up from 15% two years earlier.

The refreshed brand brings the company’s identity in line with that transformation through a modernized version of its logo, simplified and optimized for a digital world, alongside a new global tagline, Making life brighter. The company is also bringing its global brand name together as Sunlife, one word. Together, the changes create a more modern, distinctive and consistent expression of Sunlife around the world.

‘This is about much more than changing how Sunlife looks. It’s about building a brand aligned to our Purpose and ambition for the next chapter of our company,’ said Kevin Strain, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sunlife. ‘By bringing the strength of Sunlife together under one clear global identity, we create deeper relationships, serve more of our Clients’ needs and unlock new opportunities for growth. That is the opportunity behind this evolution and the future we are building toward.’

At the heart of the new brand is Making life brighter, a simple expression of the impact Sunlife strives to have every day. It means helping make important decisions clearer, challenges more manageable and opportunities feel more within reach. It also connects directly to Sunlife’s Purpose: helping Clients build lifetime financial security and lead healthier lives. Through trusted advice, solutions and support, Sunlife aims to be an active and trusted partner helping Clients navigate the moments and decisions that shape their lives, or their businesses.

‘Sunlife has stood alongside Filipinos since 1895 as the country’s first and longest standing life insurer,’ said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sunlife Philippines. ‘Across generations, we have helped families protect what matters, prepare for important milestones and build financial security. Today, that commitment reaches more than 6.2 million Clients through our nationwide network of over 22,000 advisors, supported by solutions spanning insurance, health, wealth, and asset management.’

The refreshed Sunlife brand reflects the evolving needs and expectations of Clients. New global research from Sunlife highlights a growing expectation among consumers for more integrated support. In the Philippines, more than two-thirds (67%) say managing their health can affect their financial situation, while the same proportion (67%) say their financial situation has an impact on their health. The survey also highlights strong demand for a more integrated approach, with more than three-quarters (76%) wanting support that considers their health, finances, and protection needs together rather than separately. That demand is significantly higher in Asia than in North America, where fewer than half (47%) say they want integrated support, and is also above the global average of 65%.

‘Filipino families are managing increasingly interconnected priorities, from protecting their health and income to funding education, preparing for retirement, and passing on a legacy,’ said Moreno. ‘By combining our global expertise and long local experience with stronger digital capabilities, we can help Clients address those needs more holistically, make financial decisions simpler, and move them towards a more secure future.’

While Sunlife’s brand is evolving, its commitment to delivering on its Purpose remains unchanged. The refreshed brand will bring that commitment to life through a more modern and consistent Sunlife experience around the world. It will roll out in phases across global markets, businesses, and Client experiences, beginning with high-impact digital and Client-facing channels. During the transition, audiences may see both the previous and refreshed Sunlife branding across different touchpoints.

Learn more about Sunlife’s refreshed brand, including its new logo, tagline, and brand story here.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the Philippines has exported young coconuts (buko) to Liberia, potentially opening new trade channels across West Africa.

Davao City-based Abante Agri-Products Philippines Inc. shipped approximately 50 metric tons (MT) of whole young coconuts to Monrovia, Liberia, using two 40-foot refrigerated containers. Each container held 16,000 coconuts distributed across 800 sacks (20 pieces per sack), carrying a combined free-on-board (FOB) value of $22,400.

The initiative supports the government’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that market access and private-sector partnerships are essential to build a competitive agriculture sector and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

‘Expanding into new international markets creates opportunities for our coconut farmers and exporters,’ Tiu Laurel said. ‘The challenge is to turn these initial shipments into sustained demand that delivers better returns to our farmers and strengthens the Philippine coconut industry.’

Facilitated through Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the shipment will be donated to rural communities in the West African nation to support feeding programs and households-adding a humanitarian dimension to the commercial transaction.

However, the DA noted that the long-term impact on farmers depends on whether these new channels can generate repeat orders, boost overall demand, and lift farmgate prices. The agency cautioned that higher export volumes alone do not guarantee increased incomes, as shipping costs, product quality, supply consistency, and revenue-sharing mechanisms will ultimately dictate the net benefits for local growers.

‘From Mindanao’s coconut-growing communities to rural Liberia, the initiative demonstrates how Philippine agricultural products can serve international needs while opening new possibilities for farmers and the domestic coconut industry,’ the DA added.