Category: Business Mirror

Foreign business groups have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to focus on fully implementing recently enacted economic reforms while pushing for the passage of key investment-related measures to further improve the country’s business climate.

In a letter dated Tuesday, ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address next week, the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) outlined legislative and executive priorities it said would help translate policy reforms into higher investments, greater productivity and more jobs.

The JFC said the government should prioritize the effective implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, the Ease of Doing Business Act and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, while strengthening the Anti-Red Tape Authority.

The group also renewed its call for faster processing of value-added tax (VAT) and creditable withholding tax (CWT) refunds, describing delays as a long-standing concern among foreign investors.

Foreign business groups have consistently cited regulatory inefficiencies, bureaucratic delays and the ease of doing business as among the biggest challenges faced by companies operating in the Philippines.

On the legislative front, the JFC urged Congress to prioritize 12 investment-related measures, including amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the Cybersecurity Act, the Digital Economy Act, the Freedom of Access to Information Act, the National Single Window System Act, the National Land Use Act, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the Blue Economy Act, amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act and the Philippine Ports Authority Charter, the Holiday Rationalization Act, and measures further liberalizing foreign equity restrictions.

According to the JFC, these measures would modernize the country’s regulatory framework and strengthen its competitiveness as an investment destination.

The group also identified several executive actions that could be implemented without new legislation, including stricter enforcement of the Ease of Doing Business, CREATE MORE and Ease of Paying Taxes laws; a review of Administrative Order No. 23 on the Digital and Integrated System for the Pre-Border Technical Verification and Cross-Border Electronic Invoicing of All Import Commodities; streamlined visa processing for foreign nationals; a reassessment of the Food and Drug Administration’s revised registration fees; a review of the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act; and broader stakeholder consultations on emerging food regulations, including the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model.

The JFC also urged the administration to sustain its trade agenda by concluding free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union and Canada.

The Department of Trade and Industry has said it aims to complete both negotiations before the end of the year.

‘Recent reform gains demonstrate the value of sustained government and private sector collaboration,’ the JFC said.

‘Building on this progress will be instrumental to strengthening competitiveness, attracting investment, creating quality employment, and sustaining long-term economic growth,’ it added.

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines is composed of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc., the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines Inc., and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc.

BRUSSELS’ most famous fountain figure Manneken Pis has taken on a distinctly Filipino look.

On July 7, the iconic boy statue was dressed in a Cordilleran attire to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium.

Filipino community leaders from across the European country joined the Philippine Embassy, City of Brussels officials, and the Ordre des Amis de Manneken Pis in unveiling the outfit-a landmark event that blended tradition with diplomacy.

Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda formally turned over the costume.

In his speech, Ledda said, ‘Allow me to express my deepest appreciation to the City of Brussels for this distinct privilege of showcasing Philippine culture and heritage through the costume donation and dressing of Manneken Pis.’

Cordilleran native Amy Balbawang-a resident of Tongeren, Limburg- designed and created the ‘wardrobe.’ Her work has been donated to the GardeRobe Manneken Pis museum, where it has become the statue’s 1,205th official costume.

Unlike the usual pants, shirt, shorts, and shoes ensembles worn by the statue, the Cordilleran attire features feathers-originally intended to be eagle feathers, but used chicken plumes instead for practical reasons.

The design, according to the embassy, reflects the rich heritage of the Ifugao people, adding a cultural layer to Brussels’ most photographed landmark.

Manneken Pis is a 17th-century bronze fountain statue of a boy urinating, sculpted in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder. Standing just 55 centimeters tall, it has become one of Brussels’ most recognizable symbols, embodying the city’s humor and rebellious spirit.

Tradition dictates that the statue is regularly dressed in costumes for festivals, diplomatic occasions, and cultural events. Since 2017, its wardrobes have been displayed at the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum.

Over the centuries, countries and organizations worldwide have donated costumes that have turned Manneken Pis into a symbol of international friendship.

France, Spain, Italy, Peru, Japan, Bulgaria, the United States and many others have all contributed outfits, each reflecting their national heritage.

With more than 1,200 costumes, Manneken Pis is considered one of the most ‘dressed’ statues in the world.

For the Filipino community in Belgium, the moment was more than ceremonial: It symbolized recognition of their heritage in the heart of Europe, while underscoring the enduring ties between Manila and Brussels.

THE available water sources for the operation of Pax Silica at the New Clark City in Tarlac, is sufficient and would not affect the local water requirement in the area, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said.

In a statement, NWRB Executive Director Sevilla D. David Jr. confirmed that the water resources within the project area are sufficient to meet the total water demand of the proposed project without adversely affecting the local water supply.

The NWRB issued the statement in response to concerns aired by environmental groups about the potential environmental and water security impact of Pax Silica’s operation in the Philippines.

‘The project is being planned and developed with the clear commitment that the water needs of surrounding communities will remain as the foremost priority and will not be compromised at any stage of implementation and operation,’ the NWRB chief said.

He said that all planning and development activities are being undertaken in close coordination with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

‘In addition, the National Water Resources Board and the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] are working collaboratively to oversee the water resource allocation. The coordinated approach helps ensure that water use remains sustainable, environmentally responsible, and aligned with broader national development objectives, while safeguarding reliable, safe water access for host and neighboring communities,’ he said.

Pax Silica is a US-led strategic international initiative launched in December 2025 to secure global technology supply chains for the artificial intelligence (AI) era, specifically focusing on semiconductors and critical minerals.

The alliance brings together over a dozen nations-including the US, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom-to reduce reliance on China’s dominant tech manufacturing and rare earth processing.

The Philippines officially joined the alliance in April this year.

With the country’s still untapped mineral resources and the current administration’s thrust to grab a foothold in the global green metals industry targeting renewable energy development, the Philippines is poised to gain economically in terms of mining, processing, and job generation.

The flagship project is being planned at a 1,620-hectare Economic Security Zone in New Clark City, Tarlac.

It is envisioned as a local ‘Silicon Valley,’ where local minerals will be processed and where semiconductor assembly, testing, and AI infrastructure will be built.

The BCDA has designated the Port of Subic Bay as the preferred maritime gateway for handling incoming high-tech inputs and outgoing components.

Recent news reports said the Philippines and the US State Department are fast-tracking talks to sign a definitive framework agreement by August 2026, and to formally unveil the final deal during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in November, coinciding with a potential visit from US President Donald Trump.

Keeping the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) ‘simple but dignified,’ the House of Representatives said it is fully prepared to host President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s SONA on Monday, July 27, as officials confirmed the completion of all security, logistical, and operational preparations. The event will coincide with the opening of Congress’ second regular session and the resumption of legislative work amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III on Tuesday led House officials in the final inspection of the plenary hall and other key areas of the House complex, saying the chamber is ready to welcome the President, lawmakers, and guests for the annual constitutional event.

‘It is our duty to ensure that every aspect of the SONA is orderly, safe, and befitting the significance of this occasion. This day is important not only for the government but for every Filipino, as it is an opportunity for the President to report on the state of the nation and the direction we are taking. The House is ready for the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address,’ Dy said.

The Speaker said the House and the Office of the President agreed to keep this year’s SONA ‘simple but dignified,’ in keeping with the importance of the occasion.

The final walkthrough followed weeks of preparations and the last coordination meeting among officials from the House, the Office of the President, and the Senate to finalize remaining arrangements for the President’s address.

House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil earlier said that preparations were already in place, with discussions focusing on final logistical concerns, such as seating arrangements for dignitaries and viewing areas for guests who cannot be accommodated inside the plenary hall.

‘We’re all set,’ Garafil said. Garafil also led officials in inspecting the route Marcos will take from the rear entrance of the House complex to the plenary hall, where he will deliver his fifth SONA.

The House completed several facility improvements ahead of the event, including upgrades to the Main Building, renovated hallways and common areas, and new al fresco lounges for lawmakers and guests.

The historic plenary hall has also been readied for the joint session of Congress.

To ensure the safety of attendees, the House has prepared emergency response measures involving around 30 medical personnel from the House Medical and Dental Service, with support from teams from St. Luke’s Medical Center, Diliman Doctors Hospital, the Philippine Heart Center, and East Avenue Medical Center.

Additional responders from the Department of Health, local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police will also be deployed during the event.

The opening of the second regular session will take place on Monday morning, while the joint session of Congress for the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be held at 4 p.m. on the same day.

No conflict seen

Meanwhile, House prosecutor and 1-RIDER Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said the resumption of Congress sessions will not disrupt the impeachment proceedings, as lawmakers are already accustomed to balancing their legislative duties and responsibilities as prosecutors.

Gutierrez said the panel has been managing both tasks even before the congressional recess ended.

‘Even before the session begins, the prosecution’s time has already been divided. We still have our constituents to serve. So I think it should be very, very manageable,’ Gutierrez said during a press briefing.

Gutierrez said he expects only minimal adjustments once lawmakers return to session.

Congress is set to open its Second Regular Session on Monday, prompting the Senate impeachment court to adjust its schedule. Trial proceedings are expected to move from the previous 2 p.m. schedule to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday to accommodate House plenary sessions.

The revised schedule will take effect after the impeachment court’s scheduled meeting next Wednesday before returning to its regular trial calendar.

Gutierrez said the adjustment would only require minor changes, mainly involving lawmakers’ physical schedules.

‘I think there won’t be that big adjustment. The only adjustment really would be physical adjustment,’ he said.

He added the return of regular sessions could even make scheduling easier for lawmakers involved in the trial since they would no longer need to divide as much time between impeachment proceedings and travel to their respective districts.

Gutierrez also stressed that the participation of private prosecutors would depend on the panel’s legal strategy and not on whether House members have fewer available hours due to legislative duties.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union, likewise, said lawmakers can manage their legislative responsibilities while continuing to attend impeachment proceedings, although longer working hours may be needed once Congress resumes.

‘At least there is more flexibility since there is already a set schedule. It will just come down to time management. But we may see the House of Representatives extend its working hours once the session begins,’ Ortega said.

Ortega said lawmakers actually faced greater scheduling difficulties during the recess because they had to balance impeachment duties with work in their districts.

‘Actually, we found it more difficult during the break because we had less time to spend in our districts,’ he said.

Despite the challenges, Ortega said district offices continued operating during the recess, allowing lawmakers to serve constituents even as personal visits to communities were reduced.

SOMETHING interesting just happened in the 19th season of the 20-year-old collegiate basketball preseason tournament called the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

Formerly known as the Homegrown Cup, then the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, this popular competition-where teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA)-duke it out for bragging rights and a feeling of confidence coming into the season proper-gives a preview of the upcoming collegiate basketball season.

It’s a sneak peek into how the teams one roots for (or not) will perform for real when hostilities start anew in the UAAP and the NCAA. It also gives coaches and their respective staff the opportunity to tinker with their line-ups, do daring experiments with positions and combinations, and assess what already works and what needs to be tweaked or refined.

What just happened in this tournament that also gives fans and communities early practice to cheer and jeer has made 2026 a historical year.

For the first time ever, the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is having an all-NCAA finals. It has never happened before.

UAAP teams have dominated this preseason competition since its establishment in 2006. De La Salle University (DLSU) has the most Filoil EcoOil crowns (four), followed by San Beda University (SBU) and the University of the Philippines (UP) with three apiece.

UP made history last year by being the first team to win the Filoil EcoOil title for three straight years, thus earning the privilege of taking home the ECJ Perpetual Trophy as a permanent keepsake.

UAAP schools have accounted for 14 of the 18 championships of the Filoil tourney-2006 and 2007 De La Salle, 2008 University of the East (UE), 2009 Far Eastern University, 2011, Ateneo de Manila University, 2012 National University, 2013 UE, 2016 and 2017 DLSU, 2018 Ateneo, 2022 NU and 2022, 2023 and 2024 UP.

The four other championships belong to NCAA schools San Sebastian University (2010) and San Beda (2014, 2015 and 2019).

After 2010, the last time an NCAA team played in the finals was in 2019 when the San Beda Red Lions defeated the De La Salle Green Archers and ended up as champs. The only other team that has reached the Filoil EcoOil finals was Arellano University in 2016.

But now, wow. NCAA schools have made this prestigious preseason tourney their exclusive turf. One by one, UAAP schools got eliminated from contention, with only University of Santo Tomas (UST), NU, DLSU and UP making the quarterfinals.

The UP Fighting Maroons were the lone team in the semifinals. But when they clashed with the Red Lions in the Final Four, the Maroons were gnawed by the mighty Lions whose A Game that day showed they wanted it more.

Now, it is the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers up against the Lions-a surprise dish, and a spicy one at that.

The Bombers, heartbreak kids of several seasons past challenged by player depletions, injuries and instability, have turned over a new leaf. Now with an iron clad core made up of Chris Hubilla, a former Bedan and ex-Fighting Maroon commit; Lawrence Mangubat and Sean Salvador, former Mapua Cardinals who now like to drop heavy ordnance on their opponents, the JRU boys have been as merciless as Ming.

Proof positive of the Bombers’ power is the willful, authoritative way they fight their fights. How they disposed of the Letran Knights in the semis would make any coach proud. Unfettered by a late comeback staged by Titing Manalili’s legions, JRU kept its wits about and simply flexed, crumpling the Knights’ armor, 82-73.

And finally, when they first stepped back in the warm glow of the finals’ spotlight for the first time since 2006 (it was JRU versus DLSU in the first Filoil finals) the Mandaluyong boys simply said ‘No’ to the Red Lions on July 21.

ing Game 1 at 70-59, it was Mangubat who dropped the deadliest bombs, detonating 22 points and hauling down nine rebounds as Chris Hubilla took care of the interior and flashed Bomber magic. Hubilla finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Game 2 is today, Thursday, and knowing San Beda, its favorite jewelry is a crown. Its vaunted perimeter shooting, with long bombs coming off RC Calimag and Dominic Sarigumba, are set to thwart and frustrate JRU. Intense defense and precious championship experience will make San Beda’s fortress a tough target for the Bombers’ bombs.

Still, Jose Rizal U is different this time. Maybe they’re a team whose time has come.

So will it be Yellow over Red at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on July 23? Or will San Beda paint the town Red as per usual?

Whatever the outcome, the NCAA rules. Do we say Rawrr? Or Bombs Away!

Residents of Vigan City and nearby communities can now access quality healthcare closer to home as the Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Region, together with the City Government of Vigan, formally inaugurated the Vigan City Primary Care Facility on July 18, 2026, a significant milestone in the government’s continuing implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

The new facility strengthens the local health system by providing comprehensive frontline healthcare services, allowing residents to receive essential medical care within their community before illnesses become emergencies or require hospitalization.

Regional Director Dr. Helen D. Tobias said the facility demonstrates the government’s commitment to making Universal Health Care a reality for every Filipino.

‘Universal Health Care begins with strong primary care. This facility ensures that families can receive quality healthcare close to home, where illnesses are detected early, chronic diseases are managed promptly, mothers and children receive essential care, and preventive services become part of everyday life. When people have access to healthcare before conditions become critical, we save lives, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and lessen the financial burden on Filipino families,’ she said.

The Vigan City Primary Care Facility offers medical consultations, routine check-ups, diagnostic services, maternal and child healthcare, immunization, outpatient care, preventive wellness programs, early disease screening, and access to essential medicines. By serving as the community’s first point of contact with the healthcare system, it bridges the gap between barangay-level health services and hospital-based care, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.

Strengthening primary care

Dr. Tobias also emphasized that strengthening primary healthcare is key to building a more resilient and equitable health system.

‘No Filipino should have to travel far for basic health services. Through strategic investments in primary care facilities, we are bringing healthcare closer to where people live and making quality health services more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of every Ilocano.’

The facility is a product of the government’s sustained investment through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). It is expected to significantly expand the hospital’s service capacity, enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services, and address the increasing healthcare needs of the growing population of Vigan City and its neighboring communities.

The inauguration underscores the strong partnership between the Department of Health and the City Government of Vigan in advancing the goals of the Universal Health Care Act. By investing in accessible, integrated, and people-centered primary healthcare services, the government continues to ensure that every Ilokano has better access to timely, quality healthcare closer to home.

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) welcomed a Belgian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation.

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said Prévot’s visit-the first by a Belgian foreign minister since 1993-highlights growing cooperation between the Philippines and Belgium in green shipping, seafarer development, digital transformation and maritime investments.

‘[The meeting] underscores the growing momentum in Philippines-Belgium relations and reflects both countries’ shared commitment to fostering a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime industry,’ Malaluan said.

The delegation toured the International Food Services Maritime Catering Training Centre, which showcases Belgium’s investments in enhancing the skills of Filipino seafarers.

The meeting also covered workforce development aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s ‘2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy,’ as well as possible partnerships in local shipbuilding, ship repair and ship recycling.

The officials also discussed the ‘European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sustainable Connectivity Package (EU-SCOPE)’ for seafarers project, which supports the Philippines in strengthening its implementation of the ‘Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention’ as well as the ‘Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.’

Ambassador of Belgium Vladislava Iordanova, EU-SCOPE project implementation leader Andreas Nordseth, as well as executives from Philippine Transmarine Carriers and the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training Inc. joined Malaluan and Prévot.

WHAT happens when a foreigner gets inspiration from a Filipino artist and our everyday lives?

Such is the case for French artist Henri Lamy, as he held his latest Manila exhibition ‘Maharlika and Dakila’ at the Alliance française de Manille, with his latest paintings becoming a convergence of French and Filipino inspiration.

More than that, his latest exhibition drew inspiration from daily life in the Philippines, as it shared a glimpse not of the city’s everyday rhythm, but from those living in the rural areas. This surfaced as Lamy shared that he recently moved to Puerto Galera, Occidental Mindoro.

For one, Lamy’s painting ‘Bankeiro’ showcases a realistic depiction of a mangingisda (fisherman) in the Philippines. Still, with his style, he added more details which depict the rainy seasons that they face, as seen by the color of the sky mixed with clouds and thunder. The oil-and-acrylic on canvas artwork was priced at P100,000.

To showcase his love for his family, the artist also produced ‘Eskuela,’ priced at P200,000. It is a painting of his child in a classroom, seemingly having a hard time adjusting in the Philippines due to language barriers. He said that his son’s demeanor reminded him of himself when he was young and not being able to fit in with his peers.

‘[My son is still] getting accustomed to speaking Tagalog because he grew up in France. And, I found it funny… [but] not that funny, actually,’ he shared during an exclusive interview. ‘That’s why it kind of answers the question about, ‘Do you need to be sad to be an artist?’ Sometimes, yes, we’re inspired by any type of emotion, [whether] you’re super happy, sad, nostalgic, et cetera…’

‘Dancing artist’

AT the event, Lamy also performed his signature ‘capoeira painting,’ as he did a martial dance against the canvas itself alongside Bantu kids, paired with music. His performance felt free, splashing paints on the canvas as he moved.

‘The flow is kind of similar-meaning, I’m open to every accident and outside inspiration within the course of the creation of my paintings. So I think it’s a good way to show it,’ the artist explained. ‘I’m not doing capoeira painting every day at the studio. It’s mostly something that I perform in the public during shows, but it’s still part of the same art statement, which is moving around with an identical energy and creating on the spot,’

Apart from his French compatriots like Claude Monet, he also draws inspiration from Filipino artists such as Fernando Amorsolo. ‘So I try to blend those together in the same style, that is both inspired by impressionism [showing] common people in their daily lives. I find it interesting, especially the details that nobody would really notice.’

A Grade 8 learner was stabbed on the grounds of Las Piñas National High School on July 2, 2026, leaving parents worried, teachers on edge and local officials searching for answers.

The attack leaves many of us baffled. Why are more young Filipinos turning to violence, and what is being done to stop it?

After visiting the hospitalized student, I believe that schools need stronger mental health programs to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This should be a wake-up call. Every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe place. Violence among children should never feel normal. Parents, teachers, government and communities need to replace a culture of violence with one of care, respect and compassion.

Making schools safer takes more than guards and security cameras. Schools need more counselors, better guidance programs and youth support services that deal with the real reasons behind violence, before things get out of hand.

We, adults, should listen to young people and give them real support and opportunities, so they don’t end up on a dangerous path.

I am pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2133, or the Students’ Guidance Counseling Act. It aims to put more licensed guidance counselors, psychologists, school social workers and other mental health workers in schools nationwide.

The proposed bill tackles a basic problem-the lack of mental health professionals in our schools. It recommends the hiring of more counselors, psychologists and social workers to fix a lopsided ratio: one counselor for every 14,000 students.

This builds on Republic Act No. 12080, which creates the position of School Counselor Associate, with the government budgeting P2 billion to hire thousands of them. The law lets college graduates with a background in psychology or behavioral science provide mental health support in schools.

Research from Cambridge University Press show a troubling rise in depression among young Filipinos. Cases of moderate to severe depression among those aged 15 to 24 more than doubled over eight years. Other studies show similar trends, as school pressure, money problems at home and other stress keep piling on students.

We cannot ignore the mental health of our youth. Many students are under heavy pressure at school and dealing with personal problems at the same time, but they often have nowhere to turn even in the age of social media. That hurts not just their grades, but their health and their future.

The shortage of guidance counselors in the country is severe. The current ratio falls far short of the global standard of one for every 250. The Department of Education says thousands of counselor positions remain unfilled nationwide, which limits how well schools can step in early when students are struggling with anxiety, depression, bullying or other problems.

I believe that SB 2133 will help close the gap by requiring public schools to have at least one qualified counselor, associate counselor or social worker on staff, with ongoing training. The bill also promotes mental health and wellness programs, better systems for referring students to help and faster ways to step in when a student needs care.

We want enough professionals in place to guide and support Filipino learners. Catching problems early and responding quickly matters, so we can back up our young people before things get worse.

The goal is to make schools safer and more supportive by giving them the staff and systems needed to address mental health issues before they turn into more serious social problems.

Schools should be places where every student feels supported and cared for. We should keep listening to what young people are going through and take their mental health seriously.

Better access to counseling and mental health support will help young people make good choices and build better future. When we invest in their well-being, we help them make good decisions and shape a brighter path for our country. It falls on all of us -parents, teachers, government and the community- to make sure every young Filipino grows up safe, cared for and hopeful.

Making schools safer will not come from higher fences or additional guards. It will come from real investment in every student’s well-being. This is a necessary step toward closing the gap in our education system.

THE US Peace Corps in the Philippines welcomed 49 volunteers and five response volunteers to Manila as the agency celebrates 65 years of service to Filipino communities, dating back to John F. Kennedy’s presidency.

The Peace Corps’ 65th anniversary coincides with other major milestones in 2026, including the 80th anniversary of US-Philippine diplomatic relations and the 250th anniversary of US independence.

‘For 65 years, Peace Corps Volunteers have lived and worked hand-in-hand with Filipinos, contributing to shared goals in education, environmental protection, and youth empowerment,’ said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy. ‘This new batch will now become part of that story. We are excited to see how this newest group will learn from their host communities while contributing their own skills and experiences.’

Representing the 283rd batch of Peace Corps Volunteers in the country, the 49 new volunteers will serve for two years alongside partners in communities across the Philippines. They will jointly teach English in public elementary and secondary schools, facilitate youth development programs with youth centers managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and support coastal resource management initiatives with local government units. Throughout their service, they will integrate into their host communities, learn local languages, and implement projects that respond to locally identified needs.

Meanwhile, the response volunteers, representing the 56th batch, are highly skilled professionals serving for 6 to 12 months. They will take on specialized, high-impact assignments in disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and environmental programs that strengthen the capacity of local governments and higher education institutions to address urgent development challenges.