Category: Business Mirror

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now conducting a case build-up against hundreds of Facebook users who have allegedly posted remarks threatening to kill majority senator and possible 2028 presidential contender Anna Theresia ‘Risa’ Hontiveros.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Third Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, Matibag told reporters that Hontiveros’ camp has already communicated its request for investigation on the ‘wave of threats’ and ‘pro-killing’ remarks online that erupted online following the killing of pro-administration vlogger Alicia Lipata, known as Mima Alicia.

Hontiveros said her office has submitted to the NBI the names and screenshots of hundreds of Facebook users who have threatened to kill her.

Matibag said the identified Facebook accounts would be referred to the NBI forensic laboratory, as well as, its Cybercrime Division for proper disposition.

‘Like any other case that was referred to us for investigation, we will do a case build-up on this matter and after the case build-up, if we feel that it is enough for us to file a case before the DOJ [Department of Justice], then we will file it,’ Matibag added.

Matibag also expressed alarm that uttering or posting death threats online has become a norm even for some government officials.

The NBI, however, assured that the agency would pursue those behind the death threats against Hontiveros.

‘As a law enforcement agency, we will do our mandate as to the law and order. If we need to run after them, we will run after them.

But make no mistake that this will be political or personal. We will base our actions on evidence and according to the process and to the law,’ Matibag stressed.

Hontiveros said her camp is taking these threats seriously.

An environmental advocacy group urged local governments in Pampanga to strengthen solid waste management and preventive health programs during the rainy season, citing continued cases of illegal dumping and concerns over suspended septage management programs.

Sonny Dobles, vice president of the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council Inc. (Araw-ACI), called on mayors and barangay chairpersons in the province to strictly enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and the Clean Water Act (Republic Act 9275).

Dobles said the laws are intended to protect public health and prevent the contamination of land and water resources through proper waste and wastewater management.

‘These laws have to be enforced to protect every citizen from the danger caused by mismanaged waste, either solid or in liquid form, dumped on land or in water bodies,’

‘It is saddening to think that our officials seem to have grown numb and no longer give a damn about the lives and safety of our people, especially the poor,’ Dobles said.

He said the group continues to observe illegal dumping in open areas, as well as the disposal of garbage into waterways including the Abacan River, Balibago Creek, and Dau Creek.

Dobles warned that local officials could face administrative or legal liability if they fail to enforce environmental laws. He also said poor communities are often the most affected by flooding, pollution and diseases linked to improperly managed waste.

He said illnesses such as leptospirosis, severe diarrhea, typhoid and wound infections become more prevalent during the rainy season.

‘Marami pa rin tayong nakikitang basura na nakatambak sa mga open spaces na kalaunan ay nagiging open dump na,’ Dobles said. ‘At ang mas grabe ay ang pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ilog at sapa kagaya sa Abacan River, Balibago Creek, at Dau Creek.’

The group’s appeal comes after an illegal open dump in barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City was closed following a fire that sent heavy smoke into nearby communities. Reports of illegal dumping have also surfaced this year in the towns of Sta. Ana and Arayat.

Dobles also expressed concern over the suspension of septage or environmental fee collection in several Pampanga local governments including Angeles City, Magalang, Apalit, San Simon and Arayat. He said the suspensions have disrupted septage management programs required under the Clean Water Act, although some local governments have said they are reviewing the fee structure.

He urged local governments to complete their reviews promptly to avoid prolonged interruptions in septage services, warning that delays could increase the risk of groundwater contamination. Dobles also backed an earlier call by Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to investigate the compliance of local government units and private operators with laws governing the treatment and disposal of septic waste.

THE University of the East (UE) has announced the appointment of seasoned marketing professional Danica Magat-Celario as director of its Marketing and University Relations Department.

Celario brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education marketing, strategic communications and institutional engagement to the university.

Celario officially assumed office in June 2026, succeeding former UE Marketing and University Relations Director Edilberto Sulat Jr., who retired after serving the university for 24 years.

Welcoming Celario to the University, UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad expressed confidence that her vast experience and collaborative leadership will fortify the University’s communications and engagement with stakeholders as UE prepares to mark its 80th founding anniversary in September.

‘We are pleased to welcome Ms. Danica Magat-Celario to the University of the East. Her extensive experience in higher education marketing and communications, together with her collaborative approach to leadership, will strengthen our engagement with our community and partners. We look forward to her contributions in advancing initiatives that support our mission and uphold the values that have guided UE for eight decades,’ Battad said.

Celario spent much of her career leading institutional marketing communications, digital engagement, and strategic planning initiatives in the higher education sector. Prior to joining UE, she served as Marketing Manager of the Center for Strategic Marketing and Communications of Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila.

‘I am honored to join UE at such an important milestone in its rich history. I look forward to collaborating with the entire university community to deepen connections, engage our stakeholders and champion the core mission that has defined UE for 80 years,’ Celario said.

Celario’s multifaceted experience spans strategic communications, multimedia and digital platforms, market research, event management and quality management systems. She is a trained ISO Internal Auditor and has also served as a faculty member under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, teaching courses in marketing management, strategic marketing, e-commerce, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions or MICE.

As Director of the Marketing and University Relations Department, Celario will lead the university’s stakeholder engagement and strategic communications initiatives, working with academic and administrative units to enhance institutional presence and ensure that the University’s communications remain proactive, collaborative and aligned with its core values that include excellence, integrity and social responsibility.

Celario holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management.

Her appointment underscores UE’s continuing commitment to delivering socially relevant and nation-building education spanning eight decades.

ELREEN ANN ANDO leads a weightlifting team without Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and the swimming association hopes for a bounce back by Kayla Sanchez in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games in September.

Boxing association honorary chairman Ricky Vargas also boldly declared Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial should be in Nagoya all the way to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The Asian Games are set September 19 to October 4.

Diaz Naranjo begs off

THE country’s first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz Naranjo, begged off from competing in the Asian Games, according to Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) national coach Patrick Lee.

‘She [Diaz-Naranjo] informed us that she’ll skip the Asian Games because of personal reasons,’ lee said. ‘And I’m sure she’ll announce it herself one of these days.’

Diaz placed fourth place in the women’s 59 kgs class where Ando clinched a bronze medal in the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games.

In Diaz Naranjo’s place as leader of the weightlifting squad is citing two-time Olympian Elreen Ann Ando (women 61 kgs), who will be joined by Rosegie Ramos (women 53 kgs), Kristel Macrohon (women 69 kgs) Ian Delos Santos (men 70 kgs) and Eleaphraime Limmomg (men 60 kgs).

‘They are on our short list and we believe they could provide us the best results in the Asian Games,’ Lee said.

Ando is a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, while De los Santos ruled his division in the world junior championships last May in Egypt.

Ramos also won a gold medal in the Asia youth championships in Uzbekistan and Macrohon won gold at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Kayla magic in Nagoya

PHILIPPINE Aquatic Inc. (PAI) secretary-general Eric Buhain said they are hoping for Kayla Sanchez to flash the same magic that made her one of the most successful Filipinos at the Bangkok Southeast Asian Games October.

‘We are hoping for Kayla, and the rest to sustain, to sustain their charge in the Asian Games,’ said Buhain who, however, threw caution that the Asian Games are an Olympic-level competition with swimmers from China, Japan and South Korea seeing action.

Sanchez had a forgettable swim in her Asian Games debut in Hangzhou but recovered in Bangkok with three gold medals in the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and and 4×100 freestyle relay.

She also had five silver medals in the 200m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and two women’s relays.

Joining Sanchez, according to Buhain, are Xiandi Chua, Teia Salvino, Heather White, Logan Noguchi and Gian Santos.

‘We are not coming home empty handed again, hopefully,’ Buhain said.

There wasn’t any medal from the pool in Hangzhou with Ryan Papa winning the country’s last Asian Games gold medal in men’s 200 backstroke at the 1998 Bangkok edition.

Vargas: We need Eumir

RICKY VARGAS believes Eumir Felix Marcial is a staple not only in the Asian Games but also in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

‘We really need Eumir [Marcial] to compete for our country in the Asian Games all the way to LA,’ Vargas told BusinessMirror on Thursday.

Marcial missed the men’s 80 kgs gold in Hangzhou after he lost to China’s Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke via split decision in a controversy-marred final. Josef Ramos

‘His only formidable opponent is himself,’ Vargas said. ‘If he overcomes that, there is an absolute chance that he will win.’

Marcial-currently based in Tokyo sparring with boxers his size and weight which are a scarcity in the country-is also on stand by for his eight pro fight since his successful stint at the ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ in Cubao last October.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is empowering more Filipinos to widen their Galaxy and experience Samsung’s newest foldable innovations as it opens pre-orders for the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series from July 22 to August 13, 2026.

Fresh from Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 takes center stage as Samsung’s newest foldable design, leading the lineup alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8.

Slimmer, lighter, and more powerful than ever, Samsung’s latest foldables combine advanced Galaxy AI features, enhanced cameras, and seamless connectivity across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Get bigger storage and more value with easy and flexible payment options

By pre-ordering with Smart Postpaid or Smart Infinity, customers can experience these mobile innovations with exclusive storage upgrades, trade-in savings, flexible payment options, and competitive pricing.

Smart subscribers who successfully pre-order a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 can enjoy up to P14,000 in savings when they upgrade their device storage from 256GB to 512GB. Plus, they can also get three months of complimentary Samsung Care+, subject to applicable terms and availability.

Customers can maximize their devices with Smart’s All-New Postpaid Plans+, which come with UNLI App Bundles, UNLI 5G for 12 months (in select areas), Open-Access Data, and high priority on the Smart network, empowering customers to play, create, and connect wherever they go on Smart’s fast and reliable network.

With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, subscribers can get the following devices through straight payment or 24-month, zero-interest installment using participating credit cards (Metrobank, Security Bank, BPI, UnionBank, HSBC, and RCBC):

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB) for P101,600 or P5,021/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (512GB) for P91,100 or P4,500/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (512GB) for P65,100 or P3,217/monthTruly premium lifestyle with Smart Infinity

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series is also available through Infinity Plan 5000 and Infinity Plan 8000, which come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.

Smart Infinity members also enjoy a curated suite of privileges designed around convenience, access, and personalized service, including Worldwide Concierge Services, complimentary airport lounge access, exclusive access to the Infinity Collection, Smart Infinity’s carefully curated portfolio of privileges and experiences from distinguished luxury and premium partner brands, dedicated Relationship Manager support, and 24/7 priority assistance with personalized service at Smart Stores nationwide.

Upgrade easier with Smart and Samsung Trade-In

Smart also makes upgrading to Samsung’s newest foldables easier and more rewarding with the Smart and Samsung Trade-In Program. Customers can reserve their preferred Galaxy Z8 Series device during the pre-order period and complete their trade-in at participating Smart Stores once the devices officially launch. Eligible smartphones can be traded in for instant discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of a new Galaxy device.

Complete the Galaxy ecosystem with Samsung’s newest smartwatches

Smart Postpaid and Infinity are also offering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, enabling subscribers to enjoy a more intelligent, connected, and personalized Galaxy experience alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series.

Compatible smartwatch users can also add on Smart Device Link, which enables their smartwatch and phone to share one mobile number and plan inclusions for a more seamless connected experience. First-time subscribers can enjoy the service free for six months, when they activate until September 30, 2026, making it even easier to stay connected across devices.

With the Smart Postpaid Plans, subscribers can save up to 20% compared with the suggested retail price when they bundle a Samsung Galaxy Watch with their new Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series device. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 LTE starts at P1,525 per month, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 starts at P867 per month. These devices are also available to Infinity members.

Backed by Smart’s fast and reliable 5G network, subscribers can truly make the most of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series and Samsung Galaxy Watch devices for streaming, creating, collaborating, and staying connected wherever they go.

Senator Joel Villanueva is pushing to institutionalize a career progression and skills crediting system to help build a more competitive, adaptable, and future-ready Filipino workforce.

Senate Bill No. 2313 seeks to establish the Career Progression and Specialization Program and Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CPSP-CATS), which will provide structured pathways for career advancement, specialization, and professional qualification. By aligning workforce competencies with evolving industry needs, the measure will help address labor market challenges and strengthen the country’s human capital competitiveness.

‘Every training completed, every competency developed, and every experience gained should help Filipinos move forward in their careers,’ Villanueva said.

‘Through the proposed CPSP-CATS, professionals will have clearer pathways to advance, specialize, and earn certifications with corresponding Philippine Qualifications Framework [PQF] Levels without having to start over whenever they pursue career growth,’ he added.

While existing laws such as the Continuing Professional Development Act, the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act, and various Professional Regulatory Laws support professional development, Villanueva said they lack a unified framework for career progression and skills crediting, resulting in inconsistent implementation across professions.

Under the bill, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in consultation with the Civil Service Commission, will develop career progression and specialization programs for all 46 regulated professions. The PRC will also accredit specialty training providers, oversee program implementation, and establish mechanisms for recognizing and transferring learning and professional practice credits across education and training sectors.

Villanueva said the measure responds to continuing labor market challenges despite economic growth.

As of May 2026, around 2.5 million Filipinos were unemployed, while more than 6 million employed workers remained underemployed and sought better opportunities.

‘These figures underscore the need for policies that help professionals strengthen their qualifications, develop specialized competencies, and improve their career prospects,’ Villanueva said.

‘This bill is about giving Filipinos more opportunities. By recognizing skills and competencies, we empower workers to grow in their careers, boost productivity, and contribute more to their families and to nation-building,’ he added.

AT least 10 provinces in Northern Luzon are under Signal 1 as Tropical Depression Kiyapo accelerates and continues to move while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Northern Luzon, the weather bureau reported.

In its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, the eastern and central portions of Mountain Province (Paracelis, Natonin, Barlig, Sadanga, Bontoc, Besao, Sagada),the eastern and central portions of Ifugao (Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hingyon, Lagawe, Lamut), Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente), the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran), the northern portion of Quirino (Aglipay, Maddela, Cabarroguis, Saguday, Diffun) and the northernmost portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Bagabag, Diadi).

Kiyapo is expected to bring rainfall and may trigger flashfloods and landslides in areas that are prone to such geological hazards, the weather bureau warned.

In the weather advisory it issued at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Pagasa said Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are forecast to receive between 100 and 200 mm of rain from tomorrow afternoon until Saturday noon.

Meanwhile, Batanes, Isabela, Kalinga, Benguet and La Union are expected to receive between 50 and 100 mm of rain.

Under these conditions, numerous flooding and localized flooding are possible mainly in areas that are urbanized, low-lying, or near rivers.

Pagasa also released a heavy rainfall outlook due to the southwest monsoon, 50 to 100 mm rain is expected in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani today until tomorrow, while Palawan, Antique Iloilo, Guimaras, Occidental Mindoro and Negros Occidental will experience the same intense rainfall by Friday to Saturday noon.

Pagasa said Kiyapo will continue moving west-northwestward until Saturday towards the Luzon Strait before turning northwestward.

The center of Kiyapo may pass very close to the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan between tomorrow morning and afternoon, then pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands between tomorrow afternoon and evening.

It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or noon.

According to weather forecasters, it will gradually intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach tropical storm category tomorrow. It will continue to strengthen while traversing Extreme Northern Luzon and may intensify into a severe tropical storm after passing the Babuyan Islands.

A weakening trend is expected once Kiyapo makes landfall in the vicinity of southern mainland China and moves further inland.

As of 11 a.m. Kiyapo was spotted 830 km East of Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is moving at a speed of 25 kph northwestward.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) should shift the national conversation from politics to economic execution by laying out a clear agenda for jobs, investments, food security and lower business costs, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said.

In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of Monday’s SONA, MAP President Donald Patrick Lim said the country needs a stronger focus on measures that would improve economic resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and climate-related risks.

‘But beyond these reforms, what we want to hear is a clear economic agenda that creates jobs, attracts investments, improves food security, lowers the cost of doing business, and restores confidence,’ Lim said.

Map said governance reforms remain important and reiterated its support for several priority measures under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), including the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, the Party-List System Reform Act, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Independent People’s Commission Act.

According to the business group, these measures would help strengthen accountability and public trust in government.

On the other hand, MAP also addressed the government’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects, saying the controversy underscored the importance of holding all sectors accountable.

‘The investigations have sent a strong signal that the government is serious about accountability, and they must result in convictions where appropriate, stronger procurement systems, greater transparency, and ultimately better public service,’ the group said.

‘The public expects timely resolution and institutional reforms that prevent similar problems from happening again,’ it added.

At the same time, MAP cautioned that anti-corruption efforts should not delay legitimate public investments. ‘The government must demonstrate that we can fight corruption without paralyzing development,’ it said.

The organization noted that infrastructure projects that are transparent and urgently needed should continue, alongside investments in healthcare and education.

‘Delaying public spending has its own economic cost through lost jobs, delayed investments, and slower growth,’ MAP said.

Rather than halting projects, the group said government should strengthen transparency, oversight and the use of digital tools in public spending.

‘This is precisely why reforms, such as the CADENA Act, are important-they institutionalize transparency so that the government can move faster while strengthening public accountability,’ it said.

MAP also pointed to the economic concerns facing households and businesses, saying high living costs, business uncertainty and the continuing challenges confronting micro, small and medium enterprises should remain at the forefront of the administration’s agenda.

‘We must fight corruption decisively, but we should not let the fight against corruption become a brake on economic growth,’ the group said. ‘It is time to bring the conversation back to creating jobs, attracting investments, stabilizing food prices, and improving the daily lives of our people.’

For its part, Malacañang said President Marcos’ SONA will feature ‘a simple and dignified program,’ with no celebrity directors or star-studded performances.

All security preparations in place for SONA-DILG chief

As the 5th SONA President Marcos draws close, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that all security preparations are in place, saying authorities are ready to ensure a safe and orderly event.

More than 20,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) have already been deployed as part of the government’s comprehensive security operations, with contingency measures in place for various scenarios, Remulla said.

‘Yes, we are ready. In fact, command conference namin tungkol dito ngayon. We have 20,000 police now deployed, and we are ready for any contingencies,’ Remulla told reporters during an interview.

The DILG Secretary said coordination meetings and command conferences among concerned agencies are ongoing to finalize operational plans and ensure seamless inter-agency coordination ahead of the President’s address.

The Department emphasized that heightened security measures are intended to protect the public and maintain peace and order amid reports of planned mass demonstrations in parts of Metro Manila during the SONA.

As part of these preparations, the PNP-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be placed under full alert status beginning 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. The NCRPO said regular anti-criminality operations and police visibility efforts will continue without interruption while security operations for the SONA are underway.

The PNP has, likewise, heightened security at traditional demonstration areas, including the Batasang Pambansa and People Power Monument in Quezon City, Malacañang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the Senate in Pasay City, and the United States Embassy.

Meanwhile, Remulla said the administration remains focused on delivering results and expressed optimism that sustained gains in governance and public service will continue to strengthen public confidence.

‘The economy is surprisingly resilient. Inflation is controlled. Crime is down. I think with the resolution of some cases, with the arrest of some unwanted persons, with the conclusion of the flood-control, tingin ko aakyat din ‘yan,’ he said.

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) and the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conduct a study on converting water hyacinth into biomethane for renewable energy (RE).

Supported by the P3.67-billion EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership, ‘Project Lily’ aims to convert invasive water hyacinths from Napocor hydroelectric facilities into sustainable RE.

Napocor said water hyacinth has long posed operational challenges in reservoirs by obstructing water flow and affecting hydropower operations. Project Lily aims to determine whether the invasive biomass can instead become a valuable renewable energy resource that contributes to greenhouse gas reduction, improved watershed management, and energy security.

‘Project Lily reflects our belief that every challenge presents an opportunity. For years, water hyacinth has disrupted our operations, but today we begin exploring how it can become part of the solution.

Through this partnership, we are taking the first step toward transforming an environmental burden into a renewable energy resource and as a potential model that can be replicated in communities across the Philippines and beyond,’ said Napocor President and CEO Jericho Jonas B. Nograles.

A feasibility study will be conducted to evaluate the technical, financial, and regulatory viability of the project to determine if it can proceed to implementation.

Napocor, for its part, will provide access to project sites and relevant facilities, facilitate coordination with local government units and key stakeholders, and share operational and technical information necessary for the successful completion of the study.

Napocor is a government-owned and -controlled corporation mandated to conduct ‘missionary electrification’ in far-flung, off-grid communities in remote islands and rural areas of the country under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. Through its Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), Napocor fulfills its mandate of powering missionary areas as it operates 272 SPUG power plants in 192 municipalities across 35 provinces in the Philippines.

The EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership, co-led by the European Union (EU) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is designed to transition the Philippines into a green economy. With EUR60 million grant from the EU, it focuses on advancing circular economy practices, reducing waste and plastics, increasing energy efficiency, and expanding the use of clean energy.

This program will run from 2023-2028 in collaboration with other national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.

ASEAN foreign ministers spent most of Wednesday in separate meetings with 11 of their dialogue partners: the United States, Canada, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The sessions were held behind closed doors, with media allowed only during the ministers’ opening remarks.

The meetings produced a wide range of pledges and announcements spanning trade, security, energy, digital cooperation, and regional stability.

Highlights included:

United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced:

US$2.5 billion in strategic US government investments

US$1.5 billion in Development Finance Corporation projects for aviation, energy, and supply chains

Nearly US$130 million in assistance for demining and civilian safety, plus initiatives to strengthen energy security through LNG market development, grid technologies, civil nuclear programs, and critical mineral supply chains

Canada: Foreign Minister Anita Anand unveiled:

C$1.7 million to help Philippine communities safeguard children from exploitation and recruitment by criminal and terrorist networks

C$1 million to the World Bank to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in the Indo-Pacific

C$2.4 million to support the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering in tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, and emerging threats such as cyber-enabled fraud

C$455,000 to reinforce fair recruitment systems for migrant workers, and C$490,000 to support women’s leadership during the Philippines’s Asean chairship this year

Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cited ‘promising prospects’ in food and energy security, as well as digital transformation with Asean partners.

Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, ‘We will cooperate where we can and disagree where we must, and we want to continue to engage because we believe that is in our national interest.’ She emphasized peace and stability in the region, professional military conduct, transparency of intent, and issues of consular affairs and human rights.

European Union: High Representative Kaja Kallas called for a strategic partnership with ASEAN ‘based on concrete action,’ highlighting cooperation in supply chain resilience, digital and green transition, and protection of undersea critical infrastructure and maritime security.

China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted Asean-China trade volume reached US$1 trillion in 2025, stressing that ‘mutual trust and mutual benefit’ had been the foundation of progress. He expressed hope that ‘sincerity, inclusiveness, and cooperation’ would drive future prosperity.

South Korea: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun outlined pragmatic initiatives under the new South Korea-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including an AI-companionship program and cultural and creative industry projects.

Japan: Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu warned that the free and open international order based on the rule of law faces challenges, with Asean at the core of the Indo-Pacific. He pledged Japan would remain a ‘trusted partner’ and help Asean become ‘stronger and more prosperous together.’

New Zealand: Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Asean counterparts issued a joint statement committing to:

Advance cooperation on climate-smart agriculture for resilient agri-food systems and supply chains

Foster dialogues and practical activities, consistent with international law, to promote safe sea lanes, energy security, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, and marine environment protection

Utilize the newly launched Asean-New Zealand Vision Fund to support regional cooperation and sustainable development initiatives

India: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that India and Asean-representing 2 billion people-must navigate together in a world in transition. He noted 2026 as the ‘year of maritime cooperation,’ with opportunities in trade, investment, mobility, technology, AI, sustainability, and connectivity. ‘It is only through deeper cooperation that we can de-risk and diversify,’ he said.

United Kingdom. Barely 48 hours after his appointment as foreign secretary, Edward Miliband flew to Manila to meet his Asean colleagues around 9 p.m. local time. He highlighted that although Asean-UK relations are only five years old, they have already delivered practical results such as the Asean power grid, enhanced cooperation against online scams and organized crime, and initiatives in health security and education. Miliband assured that London will work intensively with partners to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and upholding freedom of navigation. He also expressed hope that the UK will soon become a permanent member of the Asean Regional Forum.