Category: Business Mirror

TENNIS darling Alex Eala served aces and billiards whiz Chezka Centeno knocked down solids and stripes with cold efficiency to lead a sterling campaign for Filipino athletes in July.

Eala, the 21-year-old lefty whose impressive skills and lovely personality made her a global icon, continued to make her mark and delivered a performance to remember in Wimbledon.

She made history as the first Philippine player-male or female-in the Open era to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam in London, an accomplishment she highlighted with a royal upset of defending champion Iga Swiatek, 3, 7-6 (9), 6-2, which earned raves not only from Filipinos but also the sport’s icons and foreign experts.

Eala’s feat at Wimbledon served as an appetizer to another historic feat by capturing the DC Open in Washington.

She kicked off her DC campaign with back-to-back upsets of Paris Olympics gold medalist Quinweng Zheng of China and defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada to reach the quarterfinals just before July ended.

Centeno, meanwhile, reaffirmed the country’s status as the hotbed of pool as she added the title in the World Pool Association (WPA) Women’s 8-Ball World Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to her collection.

The 27-year-old Centeno beat grizzled veteran Kelly Fisher of Great Britain, 9-6, to start her reign as 8-ball queen.

She previously reigned as world 10-ball titleholder twice (2003 and 2025) and shared the mixed team gold in the WPA Teams 10-Ball World Championship with fellow world champions Rubilen Amit and Carlo Biado and fast-rising Jeffrey Roda last February.

For their accomplishments, Eala and Centeno are feted as the top achievers of the Philippine Sportswriters Association for July.

Joining them in the honor roll were pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, young weightlifter Alexsandra Diaz, the Manila and Sagay Pony baseball teams, jiu-jitsu queen Annie Ramirez and the Philippine Volcanoes.

Olympian Obiena topped two competitions in July-Raiffeisen Austrian Open at 5.75m and Internationales Stabhochsprung-Meeting auf dem Domplatz in Germany at 5.76m-while posting a season-best record of 5.85m in a runner-up finish at the Meeting Madrid in Spain.

Following the footsteps of her aunt, Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Alexsandra Diaz captured three gold medals while breaking two world records at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia.

Alexsandra dominated the women’s 48kg play with golden lifts in clean and jerk (new mark of 98kgs), snatch (77kgs) and total (new standard of 175kgs)

Jay-R Colonia took home the clean and jerk gold with 140kgs to go with silvers in snatch (109kgs) and total (249kgs).

Young batters scored a golden double with Manila reigning supreme in the premier 18-under division of the Pony International Softball World Series in McAllen, Texas, at the expense of the United States’ Pride Elite, 8-1, and Sagay winning the 14-under after turning back Mexico’s RXII Kino, 4-2.

Building a small business in the Philippines often means starting with limited resources and learning to stretch those resources as far as possible. Whether your business operates from a small storefront, a home workspace, a market stall, or a purely online setup, the daily costs you rack up can quickly compete with your plans for growth. Even if your venture has steady demand, you may eventually reach a point where your available cash is no longer enough to comfortably support regular expenses, operational improvements, and future opportunities all at once.

This is the reality for many MSMEs in the Philippines, and it’s also precisely why small business loans have become such an important financial tool for entrepreneurs looking to strengthen or expand their operation. If you’re the sort of business owner who primarily associates loans with emergencies or financial difficulty, then it’s worth revisiting this idea, because financing can also support healthy business decisions when used responsibly. Top digital financial institutions like Maya, in particular, are rapidly becoming the go-to banks for founders looking for a business loan in the Philippines, as recommended by entrepreneurs due to their flexible terms and their platform’s all-around ease of use.

The real value of a business loan often depends on how you use the funds after approval. Here are some of the most practical ways financing can support your business’s day-to-day stability and long-term growth at the same time.

Upgrading Equipment That Slows Down Daily Operations

Small operational problems can quietly affect your business more than you realize, especially when they happen every single day. Faulty refrigerators, unreliable payment devices, slow internet connections, and other hurdles can make simple tasks take longer than they should. It’s worth using a small business loan to replace or upgrade essential equipment if doing so ultimately helps daily operations run more smoothly and reduce unnecessary interruptions. Even modest upgrades can make it easier to preserve product quality, process orders, manage inventory, accept payments, or serve customers with fewer delays.

Expanding Inventory Ahead of Peak Demand Periods

Sales opportunities often move quickly, especially during special shopping periods like holidays and payday weekends. If your business runs out of fast-moving products during these busy times, customers may simply buy elsewhere instead of waiting for restocks. A small business loan can provide additional working capital that allows you to prepare inventory ahead of high-demand seasons instead of relying only on cash on hand. This can help you purchase supplies earlier, buy in larger quantities, secure better supplier terms, or avoid price increases closer to peak season.

Improving the Customer Experience

Customers are often more likely to return to businesses that feel organized, convenient, and pleasant to transact with, even when many sellers offer similar products or services. That’s why it’s worth investing in small changes that can make buying from you easier or more comfortable for your customers; depending on the sort of business you run, that can look like cleaner displays, better lighting, faster options, a more seamless pickup process, and the like. Borrowed funds help support these practical improvements without requiring major renovations or large-scale expansion.

Strengthening Your Digital Capabilities

Many customers now expect businesses to be reachable online and respond quickly to inquiries. Convenient payment and delivery options are likewise non-negotiable. Even if your venture is small, you can still benefit from having stronger digital tools like cashless payment processors or a dedicated online storefront. Consider covering these upgrades with business financing so you can avoid disrupting day-to-day cash flow. In many cases, improving digital capabilities can also help your venture stay competitive as more consumers grow comfortable discovering and purchasing products online.

Hiring and Training Extra Help During Busy Periods

Business growth can sometimes create new pressures before additional income fully stabilizes. Longer operating hours or rising customer demand may eventually become difficult to manage alone, particularly if your business relies heavily on family members or a very small workforce. Borrowed funds can provide temporary flexibility for hiring extra help or outsourcing certain tasks during especially busy periods. Don’t hesitate to bring in additional support at the right time, as this helps you prevent burnout and maintain service quality.

Managing Cash Flow During Slower Periods

Even profitable businesses can experience slower months caused by seasonal demand changes, rising supply costs, unexpected repairs, or temporary economic slowdowns. During these periods, many MSMEs still need to pay rent, utilities, supplier balances, and other ongoing expenses despite reduced sales activity. A small business loan can help create breathing room that allows operations to continue more steadily without forcing decisions like selling inventory too cheaply or delaying important payments. Used carefully, financing can help stabilize the business until sales conditions improve again.

The biggest challenge for many small business owners is not a lack of ideas or determination, but the limited room to act on opportunities at the right moment. Access to financing cannot guarantee success, but it can give your venture the flexibility it needs to respond to time-sensitive opportunities or adapt when market conditions change without warning. When you use it thoughtfully, a small business loan may become just what you need to turn good opportunities into sustainable progress.

IT definitely isn’t the game of my generation, but for the past two years I have had a lingering interest in esports.

Ever since I watched 40 episodes of The King’s Avatar on Netflix, I have been hooked-sometimes mildly, sometimes madly-on these games that have today’s youth in a chokehold.

I find the battles themselves exciting-even if I still need to assist myself with resources like Valorant for dummies from time to time. But it’s the preparation-mental, psychological, physical and neurological-that intrigues me.

Those who say esports is not sports need only to get deep into how the game is played and prepared for. Or think of why an even more (seemingly) passive game like chess is part of local and international competitions.

Chess players may look like immoveable Rodin statues at times, but chess involves head-to-head competition, ingenuous and astute thinking, brilliant strategizing and smart moves. All the action happens-physically-inside the organism. The fingers moving the pieces are just the last part of the operation.

Same thing with esports-which is even more physical than chess. An esports player processes 400 actions per minute as he or she experiences surges of adrenaline, spikes of energy and intense physical strain. Mental focus and tunnel vision aid split-second decisions. Muscles twitch due to intense stress. Players experience fatigue due to overworked finger and forearm muscles. Eye strain and dry eyes, tight shoulders, sore wrists and stiff backs are part of the territory.

Whoever says esports is just playing an e-game for fun should examine the sport deeper. Just like in other sports, training to play esports requires a strict daily routine, discipline and rigorous training. Mechanical warm-ups, deathmatches, rigorous practice in the game’s range (attack range, casting range, weapon effective range, positional range) and reviewing mistakes are de rigueur.

Special talents like visual processing (to track dozens of fast-moving targets and mini map dots in milliseconds), pattern recognition (to predict enemy moves based on past habits or sounds), risk calculation (to attack or retreat), emotional control (staying calm after a loss to avoid distraction or panic) and good communication (giving clear calls to teammates when needed) are indispensable.

The fascination with esports has been so widespread that the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) included esports in its sports line-up, launching its first ever esports tournament in August 2024. The tournament acted as a thrilling bridge between Seasons 86 and 87.

This year, the esports tournament again serves as the herald of Season 89, alongside U16 Boys Basketball.

The same three esports titles-Valorant, Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) and NBA 2K-are being played in between Seasons 88 and 90. Valorant hostilities have begun (August 13) and were supposed to blitz through four consecutive days, but rains and floods have interfered, however. Only one complete game day featuring four teams has been played. The August 17 schedule could only accommodate one game, thanks to the aforementioned floods and rains.

So far, the University of Santo Tomas, University of the East and the University of the Philippines emerged winners on opening day, while defending champions De La Salle University drew a tie with National University. Ateneo, Adamson University and Far Eastern University lost their first games, but the Soaring Falcons were able to pull off a victory over the Blue Eagles on August 17.

Played in a high-tech modern arena (the MVP Studio in Mandbaluyong City), the esports atmosphere is electric, with giant LED screens and flashing laser lights in a semi-darkened room, throbbing with excitement that is heightened by loud cheering.

Two soundproof team booths are on opposite sides of the stage, with players wearing headsets and sitting on gaming chairs. Stadium seats are tiered, with cheering paraphernalia being waved here and there, as hyperactive, colored spotlights sweep the room.

Shoutcasters call the shots, describing each intense move and moment with hype and drama. The climactic last seconds are cloaked in a hush, especially in close games, as gamers of the two teams make their final assault, or pull off their prize-est moves for last. Then the arena erupts in max volume shouts and cheers.

Except for the smaller, tighter venue, the deep, booming bass and the neon colors flashing on screen, an esports game day has all the drama, passion and team pride of UAAP sports that are played in open fields or cavernous arenas.

School spirit still drives the action in this house filled with buzz and mad love. That’s part of the magic and the unique attraction of collegiate esports.

Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Naga began turning over affordable homes Tuesday to qualified city government employees who are acquiring their properties through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans. The turnover marks the first group of city employees to become homeowners through a partnership signed just two months ago to help public servants, particularly those in lower salary grades and first-time homebuyers, gain greater access to affordable housing and financing.

The Naga City Employees’ Housing Project initially covers 576 housing units at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol, each priced at an affordable ?350,000. Making the homes even more affordable, qualified employees may purchase them through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans at a subsidized interest rate of just 3% per annum for the first five years under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ G. Robredo said the project addresses a long-standing aspiration of the city government to provide affordable housing opportunities for its employees, particularly those who previously found homeownership beyond their means. ‘For many years, it has been our aspiration to provide housing opportunities for our city government employees, but affordability has always been a challenge, especially for those in the lower salary grades. Through our partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund and BellaVita, that aspiration is now becoming a reality. With Pag-IBIG Fund providing affordable financing terms and a subsidized 3% interest rate, we were able to make homeownership possible for employees who previously could not afford it,’ Robredo said.

‘We especially appreciate how quickly this partnership has delivered results. Just two months after signing our agreement, more than 100 housing loan accounts have already been taken out, and we are very happy to see our employees and their families becoming homeowners. We hope to complete the takeout of all 576 housing units by October, and eventually extend the same opportunity to our teachers, uniformed personnel, and other workers in Naga, including those in the informal sector who are also Pag-IBIG Fund members,’ she added.

Robredo also expressed appreciation to Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling for his leadership in advancing the Expanded 4PH Program and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for Filipino workers.

The turnover coincided with Jesse Robredo Day, which honors the former Naga City mayor and interior secretary’s legacy of good governance, leadership and public service.

Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Naga signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June to help city employees acquire affordable homes. Pag-IBIG Fund, Naga City and BellaVita subsequently put in place a government-to-government

documentation arrangement to streamline loan processing and facilitate the takeout and turnover of homes to qualified employee-beneficiaries.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the Naga project, which brings together the city government, Pag-IBIG Fund and Ayala Land’s affordable housing development in Naga, shows how national and local government can work with the private sector to make affordable homeownership more accessible to working Filipinos. The initiative comes as Pag-IBIG Fund further strengthens its collaboration with Ayala Land, most recently through a memorandum of understanding with its residential brands Avida and Amaia to expand quality housing choices and Pag-IBIG financing options for Filipino workers.

‘We continue to heed President Marcos’ direction to widen access to affordable homeownership for working Filipinos, including government employees who devote their careers to public service. What we are seeing in Naga shows how this direction can be translated into actual homes when a local government identifies the needs of its workforce and government institutions align housing delivery and affordable financing around those needs. This is the one-government approach we are advancing, with national and local government working together to help more Filipinos become homeowners and build better, more dignified lives,’ Acosta said.

‘We thank Mayor Leni Robredo and the City Government of Naga for working hand in hand with Pag-IBIG Fund to make this possible. For us, partnerships should lead to more than agreements on paper. What matters most is seeing our members receive the keys to homes of their own and knowing that, through our shared efforts, more Filipino families are gaining the security and opportunity to build better lives,’ Acosta added.

Epson Precision Philippines Inc. (EPPI) is investing more than P40 million in a new robotics manufacturing project in Batangas, with commercial operations targeted for March 2027 and an expected workforce of 118 employees.

The project will be located at the Lima Technology Center-Special Economic Zone (LTC-SEZ) and will expand Epson’s registered activities in the country to include the manufacture of industrial robots and related components. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) and EPPI signed a supplemental agreement last August 13 covering the new manufacturing activity.

The project will produce Selective Compliant Articulated Robot Arm (SCARA) and six-axis industrial robots, as well as component parts, sub-assemblies for knock-down production, spare parts and after-sales service parts. Epson has been registered with Peza since 1995. The company is the world’s largest SCARA robot manufacturer and is also involved in precision automation.

The new project adds robotics manufacturing to Epson’s existing Philippine operations as demand for industrial automation expands across manufacturing industries.

For its part, Peza said the expansion demonstrates how existing investments can develop into additional manufacturing activities over time, while also generating employment.

Japan remains an important source of foreign investment for the Philippines, particularly in manufacturing, electronics, machinery and automotive industries. The new robotics project also comes as the Philippines seeks to attract higher-value manufacturing activities and deepen its participation in regional production and supply chains.

WHAT began as a professional duty has become a chapter of my life that I will always cherish.

Coming from the land of icy fjords, crisp Arctic air, and Northern Lights, I readily embraced the warmth of the Philippine climate and its people. Apart from adjusting to the temperature, it was easy to feel at home [in Manila]. My wife, daughter, and I were met with smiles and enduring hospitality from Filipinos at every turn. Our partners-many of whom turned dear friends-made the work meaningful and worth accomplishing.

In the first month of my diplomatic assignment, the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl docked at the Port of Manila. In many ways, I shared a similar journey with the vessel, representing our nations’ strong maritime ties. My grandfather was a sailor, and growing up, I heard stories of life at sea, of resilience, and sacrifice. Perhaps that is why this partnership is so close to my heart.

The maritime sector remains central to Norwegian-Philippine ties. With one of the biggest and most technologically advanced fleets in the world manned by more than 25,000 competent Filipino seafarers, together we are driving prosperity across the globe via trade. Our ships and Filipino seafarers are the cogs and gears that drive the machinery of the global economy, keeping it operating and thriving.

As a trusted maritime partner, we’ve supported Filipinos through world-class training, capacity building, and scholarship programs conducted by the Norwegian Training Center in Manila. Looking ahead, we aim to continue expanding this partnership to help shape a greener, safer, and more sustainable maritime future.

Ties that bind

BEYOND cooperation at sea, our economic partnership continues to grow. The European Free Trade Agreement facilitates trade between our two countries. During my time in the Philippines, I have experienced Norwegian businesses’ deepening interest in sectors such as renewable energy, seafood, and agriculture. At the same time, Norway’s development cooperation across the archipelago perseveres, supporting initiatives in climate action, disaster preparedness, ocean management, circular economy, and peacebuilding.

In 2023, the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front signed an agreement in Oslo outlining a shared vision for peace and a pathway toward resolving a conflict that has endured for more than five decades. By promoting dialogue and trust-building approaches to peacebuilding, Norway has helped Filipino-led efforts toward reconciliation and lasting peace. This is evident in our work of consolidating peace and stability in Bangsamoro by decommissioning, promoting livelihoods, and supporting community resilience. I am truly proud of Norway’s long-term dedication to peace and reconciliation in the Philippines.

In all these endeavors, the Nordic approach to diplomacy guided our engagement with the Philippines, which is rooted in dialogue, trust, and inclusivity. One of the greatest pleasures of serving in the Philippines has been the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life: government and business leaders, civil society, local communities, and the youth, among others. One cannot mistake how the bayanihan spirit is ingrained in everything they do, which reminds me of a similar concept in Norway: dugnad. It refers to collective or communal work. Through openness, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen, we have built networks of trust that have strengthened cooperation between our countries and created new opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Friend of Filipinos

BECOMING Norway’s ambassador to the Philippines and Palau has been the highlight of my career so far. Thank you very much to every one of you.

These are the pasalubongs I will carry with me: memories of the Philippines and Filipinos, the shared achievements of partnership, lessons in peacebuilding, and a rich network of friends I am fortunate to have met along the way. While my tenure as Norway’s envoy to the Philippines is ending, I will continue being a friend of the Philippines and Filipinos all over the world.

I am certain I will find my way back here someday, but until then, I have these pasalubongs to inspire the stories I will share wherever life takes me next.

Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

MGS made its return to the World of Safety and Security Expo (WOSAS) 2026 with a bigger presence, a wider product lineup, and a vision that goes well beyond smart locks.

After joining WOSAS in 2025 with its smart lock solutions, MGS came back to this year’s edition stronger and more expansive, bringing a new generation of smart home and security innovations directly to the expo floor. Held August 5-8 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, WOSAS 2026 brought together security professionals, businesses, property developers, facility managers, and other industry decision-makers to explore the latest advancements in safety, security, access control, and smart technologies. For MGS, this year’s participation marked more than another appearance on the show floor, it marked how far the brand has evolved.

From Smart Locks to a Smarter Lifestyle

When MGS first joined WOSAS, smart locks sat at the center of its showcase, introducing Filipino consumers and industry professionals to a more intelligent approach to home and property security. This year, that focus has widened considerably.

At WOSAS 2026, visitors got a look at MGS’ expanded collection of smart home and lifestyle technologies, built around the idea that security, convenience, comfort, and automation can work together in one ecosystem. Alongside its latest smart locks and access solutions sat products designed for modern kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, a reminder, as the company puts it, that security is only the beginning.

A Bigger MGS Booth. A Bigger Product Experience.

The clearest sign of that shift was the booth itself. Rather than centering on smart locks alone, MGS filled its space with a growing portfolio of connected home products: its latest generation of smart locks, smart bathroom solutions, smart kitchen innovations, and other smart home appliances, giving visitors a closer look at how the brand’s approach to connected living has evolved.

It’s a showcase that positions MGS as a company thinking past the entrance, one aiming to build smarter, safer, and more elevated spaces from the front door to everywhere else in the home.

Where Security Meets Smart Home Innovation

WOSAS has established itself as one of the Philippines’ major B2B platforms for safety and security, spanning access control, surveillance, cybersecurity, emergency response, disaster preparedness, fire protection, and smart city technology. That makes it natural territory for a brand like MGS.

As modern security continues to evolve, consumers and businesses aren’t just looking for stronger locks anymore, they’re looking for smarter access, greater convenience, and technology that fits seamlessly into everyday life. MGS’ presence at WOSAS 2026 reflects that shift directly: its smart locks provide intelligent access, while its growing smart home lineup shows how that same intelligence can extend well past the front door.

The Future of MGS Is Bigger Than a Lock

MGS’ journey at WOSAS shows how quickly the definition of security and smart living is changing. What started with smart locks has grown into a broader ecosystem of intelligent home solutions, designed to make everyday spaces not just more secure, but more convenient, comfortable, and connected, and this is only the beginning.

MGS Philippines leaves WOSAS 2026 with a bigger presence, bigger possibilities, and an even bigger vision for the future of smart living. Because for MGS, smart security was never just about protecting what’s behind your door. It’s about transforming everything beyond it.

Discover the latest MGS smart home and security solutions in the Philippines by visiting mgshome.ai or following MGS Philippines on social media platforms.

TWO persons were killed while 9 other students were seriously wounded during another mass shooting in a school, this time in Zamboanga City, sparking another frenzy of hand-wringing over how such violence can be avoided by measures like stricter gun laws, internet and social-media regulation and expanded psychosocial services for youth.

The fatalities included the student-suspect named Jalani and another student.

Livestreamed violent act

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the Grade 9 student involved in the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University-Junior High School livestreamed the incident on social media on the morning of August 18, 2026.

However, Undersecretary Renato Paraiso of the CICC, asked about the mention of the shooter’s alleged addiction to the controversial e-games, said:

‘Hindi pa sya confirmed na Roblox. Hindi pa naiinvestigahan yung phone [It’s not yet confirmed as Roblox. The phone has not yet been examined]. This kid is actually an honor student, grade conscious siya.’

He added, ‘There might be an influence [from the games], but there is no digital evidence yet to prove any link. We are going to investigate with the PNP ACG [Anti-cybercrime Group]. But our initial intervention is to take down the videos and preserve them for the PNP.’

Remulla said the child in conflict with the law (CICL) died after jumping from the fifth floor of the school building following the shooting, which also resulted in the death of a Grade 10 student.

Remulla said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind the shooting, determine the ownership and source of the firearm used, and find out how it was brought inside the school campus.

The PNP is also looking into whether security or procedural lapses may have contributed to the incident.

The DILG condoled with the families of the dead and assured the school community that authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the safety and well-being of students and school personnel.

In a statement, PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization will provide verified information as appropriate and appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports, photos, or videos that may cause unnecessary concern.

The suspect was a 4th-year high school student whose father is an official of the Zamboanga City Customs Office. The boy used a Glock 9 mm and brandished an M16 assault rifle, a source told the BusinessMirror.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Tuesday relieved the District Commander of the Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) in Zamboanga port, the father of the suspect. The BOC chief noted that although ESS Zamboanga chief Lt. Lars Jalani had nothing to do with the incident, the order was necessary to ensure an impartial investigation.

Allegedly, the student who belongs to the ‘top of the class’ went berserk and came to school ‘live-streaming’ his violent act.

The source said the suspect was looking for a class teacher, an alleged male LGBT, for still unknown reasons.

Day of prayer, mourning

Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Anthony ‘Ernald’ Andal, SJ, on Tuesday declared the observance of a day of mourning and prayer on August 19, Wednesday.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, in a statement, condemned the incident.

‘I demand a thorough investigation and call on the DepEd and the local government of Zamboanga to provide immediate psychosocial support to distressed learners and school personnel.’

According to Gatchalian, clear answers on how the shooter obtained two firearms and brought these into the school premises need to be provided.

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III said in a statement, ‘As lawmakers, our work cannot begin only after a tragedy has happened. We have to look for the gaps before another family has to bury a child.’

Health Secretary Edwin Mercado directed the immediate deployment of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) teams. ‘We are ready to provide professionals to support the processing and healing of those involved, as well as assistance with medical expenses,’ the DOH said.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said, ‘my heart goes out to the parents who are grieving today. My sympathies are likewise with all the families affected by this tragedy, as well as the teachers, learners, and school personnel who experienced this terrible incident.’

Angara said the Department of Education (DepEd) has directed its Regional Office IX to coordinate with the school and other concerned authorities and to make psychosocial support available to affected learners, teachers, and families as needed.

Previous cases

The Zamboanga school shooting was preceded by several other school attacks. In June, at a public high school in Tacloban City, three students were killed, and about 20 others were injured when two of the students of the same school opened fire randomly at fleeing victims.

In Cavite, a Grade 8 student attacked and injured seven Grade 5 pupils with a kitchen knife at Bethal Academy. Days later, another stabbing occurred following a fistfight at Cavite National High.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said schools should be among the safest places in the country, noting these are where Filipino children are entrusted to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.

‘I have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to determine what more must be done to prevent another family, another school and another community from suffering the same grief,’ he said.

‘We will work with our schools and communities to strengthen the safeguards that protect our students and ensure that they can pursue their education without fear,’ he said.

Gordon: Kids under pressure

Expressing deep shock and sadness, former senator and now Red Cross chairman Richard J. Gordon said, ‘What makes this even more disturbing is that a child reportedly had access to two firearms, including an M16 and a .45-caliber handgun.

‘How did a child get access to these weapons? This should never have happened. And this is not the first time we have seen violence involving children in our schools. It is getting worse. We have seen students attacked with knives and guns inside schools, and now we are seeing another shooting involving a young student.

‘We have to ask ourselves: Are our children beginning to imitate the violence they see around them?’

Beyond social media discipline, Gordon said, the other problems besetting children should be addressed urgently: ‘Our children are under enormous pressure. They face bullying, academic pressure, family problems, isolation, and problems that adults sometimes do not see. They need guidance. They need someone to talk to. They need parents and teachers who will listen before a problem becomes a tragedy.’

Senators aghast

Senators were aghast at the latest school shooting and vowed to keep pushing pending initiatives for a more integrated approach to ending school violence and keeping campuses safe.

The Committee on Women is scheduled to mount another hearing this Thursday on the wave of school shootings across the country.

‘We will continue the fights against NVE [nihilistic violent extremism], against online grooming for serious violent activity, and other threats to the safety of our children this Thursday,’ Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Women’s committee chair, said in a statement hours after the Zamboanga violence broke.

‘In truth, if violence is not just being perpetrated, but also put on display, copied, or even livestreamed, then that means the [problem society faces is even deeper and bigger,’ added the chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality.

For Sen. Joel Villanueva, ‘The tragic school shooting in Zamboanga is a painful reminder that our children deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment.

He then cited the reforms they are pushing under the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2), which ‘not only encompass the school curriculum, but also the safety of our students, who are exposed to social and environmental factors.’

As co-chair of Edcom2, Villanueva said he supports ‘proposed measures that directly address school violence and strengthen safety and security in our schools.’

At the same time, they are eyeing possible legislation ‘to tighten gun control and promote responsible firearms ownership, storage, and safety, particularly to prevent children and other unauthorized persons from gaining access to firearms. These are difficult but necessary conversations, because no weapon should ever find its way into a classroom or be used to cut short the life of a child.’

The bill on social media ban for children is among the Ledac priorities.

Senator Mark A. Villar renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 2321, or the proposed Ligtas Act, will establish a comprehensive safety and security framework for basic education institutions nationwide. The measure includes stronger threat assessment and reporting mechanisms, closer coordination between schools and law enforcement agencies, emergency response protocols, parent notification systems, first-aid preparedness, regular emergency drills, and crisis counseling.

Villar also cited Senate Bill No. 2133, or the proposed Students’ Guidance Counseling Act, to strengthen guidance and school-based mental health services and provide students with greater access to qualified professionals, preventive programs, referral mechanisms, and appropriate intervention.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to challenge the ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) that voided its earlier decision to revoke the operating permits of Siqujor Island Power Corp. (Sipcor).

Premiere Island Power REIT Corporation (PREIT), a Villar-backed real estate investment trust whose primary sponsor and major lessee is Sipcor, received last Tuesday a decision from the Court of Appeals (CA), which granted Sipcor’s petition for review filed in September last year and reversed the ERC’s decision.

Sipcor,a power generation company operating diesel and bunker-fired power plants on Siquijor Island, will keep PREIT updated on the finality and execution of the decision, as well as the recovery of its operating authority. Once achieved, Sipcor intends to lift the suspension of the amended the April 2022 lease agreement.

‘Taking into consideration the Court of Appeals’ Decision in favor of Sipcor without prejudice to any action or remedies that may be pursued by the ERC, PREIT shall continue to evaluate internally and confer with Sipcor regarding the potential lifting of the suspension, subject to the formal restoration of its authority to operate.

‘The eventual lifting of such suspension, which remains contingent upon material developments on the matter, is expected to have a favorable effect on PREIT’s overall financial condition upon the resumption of revenue recognition arising from the lease,’ PREIT said in a disclosure.

ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan refused to comment on the merit of the case. However, the ERC, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), will file a motion for reconsideration (MR).

‘I would not comment on the decision itself or the merits of our case. But please note, regardless of the final outcome of the case-we will file our MR through the OSG-the term of Sipcor’s provisional authority to operate had already expired. So, Sipcor cannot just resume operations without filing for its renewal,’ Juan said via Viber on Wednesday.

In August last year, the ERC revoked the provisional authority to operate and ordered a cease-and-desist for Sipcor’s generation facilities.

Citing major operational breaches, the ERC said Sipcor lacks operating certificates for several generator sets, failed to submit reportorial disclosures, and violated the power supply agreement. It was also cited for prolonged power outages caused by poor maintenance planning and delayed parts replacement, which led to extended shutdowns.

‘But why would it still operate if its power supply agreement with Prosielco [Province of Squijor Island Electric Cooperative Inc.] was already terminated and Prosielco had already conducted its CSP [competitive selection process] and contracted with a new power provider,?’ Juan commented.

THE National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Wednesday ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to beef up its coordination with the management of social media platforms in taking down all the photos and videos in relation to the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University on August 18.

The incident was live-streamed by the minor that carried out the gun attack and Nartatez wants to ensure that netizens, particularly minors, will no longer have access and capability to re-post and share any video and screenshots in connection with the incident.

‘This is an unfortunate incident that should be treated with utmost sensitivity, especially that there were minors involved in the content. Let us all be compassionate over this tragedy and it starts by showing respect and becoming responsible netizens,’ the PNP chief said.

‘We appeal to everyone to refrain from sharing or reposting the videos and photos of the incident. These materials can cause further distress to the victims, their families and the public, and may also interfere with the ongoing investigation,’ he added.

Nartatez said the PNP-ACG and other concerned units were already directed to monitor and report the spread of sensitive videos online.

Following the incident on Tuesday morning, police teams were sent to the Ateneo de Zamboanga University to respond and conduct an investigation to come up with a clear picture of what happened.

One of the key aspects of the investigation, according to Nartatez, was how the minor was able to smuggle two firearms inside the school.

But he said the investigation will go beyond the actual gun attack, as he stressed that a thorough investigation must be carried out to determine all the circumstances that prompted the minor to carry out the attack.

‘We have to dig deeper into this matter, especially that this is not the first time that this tragedy happened. Our focus is to check if there’s a pattern or identify intervention measures to prevent the repeat of this kind of incident,’ the PNP chief stressed.

Another aspect of the investigation is on the issue of responsible gun ownership as Nartatez pointed out the need to add more teeth in running after those whose firearms became easily accessible to minors.

The PNP has been closely working with the Department of Education in coming up with measures that will ensure the safety of all schools and other learning spaces across the country.