Category: Business Mirror

The Bohol Provincial Government has declared a province-wide dengue outbreak after the number of cases remained above the epidemic threshold for five consecutive weeks, with health officials expressing concern over the rising number of deaths from the disease.

Governor Erico Aristotle ‘Aris’ Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10, Series of 2026, declaring a dengue outbreak throughout Bohol and directing local government units (LGUs) to intensify prevention, surveillance and response measures.

The declaration followed the recommendation of the Bohol Provincial Local Health Board, which reviewed the province’s epidemiological data and the capacity of local health facilities to manage the increasing cases. As of Aug. 22, Bohol had recorded 1,883 dengue cases and 20 deaths, according to provincial health officials during a media briefing on Friday morning, Aug. 28, 2026.

The case count was 7 percent higher than the same period last year.

Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, department head of the Bohol Provincial Health Office, said the increase in cases alone appeared comparable with last year’s figures, but the number of fatalities was a major concern.

‘Last year, with the same number of cases, we only had 5 deaths. [But now] with the same number of cases, we have 20 deaths,’ Uy said.

The province’s case fatality rate (CFR) has reached 1.17 percent, above the Department of Health’s acceptable level of below 1 percent, she said.

The executive order noted that the province had surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks based on the data available when it was prepared. It also cited the recommendation of the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Central Visayas Center for Health Development and the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

The order requires LGUs to strictly implement the enhanced 4S strategy against dengue, reactivate their local dengue task forces and conduct ‘Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue’ activities.

Households, schools and communities will also be mobilized to conduct regular searches for and destruction of mosquito breeding sites through the 4 o’clock habit.

Confirmed dengue cases identified through NS1 and PCR testing are to undergo the 1-3-7 intensified vector-control strategy, while city and municipal health offices and hospitals are directed to establish Dengue Fast Lanes to speed up consultation and management of patients.

LGUs are likewise required to ensure proper referral of patients, allocate funds for essential dengue prevention and control supplies, and coordinate with government agencies, partners and other stakeholders.

The provincial anti-dengue task force will also be reconstituted and strengthened.

12 LGUs breach epidemic threshold

Niel John Oclarit, development management officer IV of the Provincial Department of Health Office-Bohol, said 12 of Bohol’s 48 LGUs have already surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks.

These LGUs may also declare a local dengue outbreak, officials said.

Among the areas with the highest number of reported cases are Talibon with 188, Tagbilaran City with 172, Ubay with 146, Getafe with 108, Tubigon with 99, Inabanga with 75, Trinidad with 64, Dauis with 61, Mabini and Candijay with 60 each, and Jagna with 59.

Talibon also recorded the highest number of deaths at five, followed by Tubigon with three. Getafe and Ubay each recorded two deaths.

Alicia, Bien Unido, Dauis, Guindulman, Pilar, Tagbilaran City, Panglao and Clarin each recorded one death, according to provincial health officials.

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, first district board member and vice chairperson of the Committee on Health and Public Sanitation, Dr. Jeia Pondoc, Tagbilaran City health officer, and Fritzie Vallentos Olaguir, nurse program coordinator of the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, also joined the briefing.

THE Department of National Defense (DND) said the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday started formal negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) highlighting the growing security ties between the two nations.

The SOVFA, once signed and ratified by the two nations, will provide the legal framework for military exercises between the two countries.

DND Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Mison Jr. led the Philippine negotiating panel during the first round of formal SOVFA negotiations,

Meanwhile, the UK negotiating panel was led by Amy Senior, head of the Indo-Pacific at the UK’s Ministry of Defense.

The negotiations affirmed the two nations’ commitment to ‘bolstering cross-regional defense cooperation and upholding rules-based international order.’

Likewise, the talks also highlighted ‘Philippines-UK relations while upholding rules-based order in response to the emerging complex security challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region.’

Discussions focused on ‘enhancing strategic initiatives and interoperability’ between the two armed forces, highlighting ‘mutual commitment for regional peace and security through the rule of law.’

‘We appreciate UK’s unqualified support as a like-minded partner in upholding the rules-based international order and preserving freedoms ensured by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ Mison said.

The Philippines has an existing SOVFA or similar agreements with the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan.

In a celebration honoring visionaries who shape the modern Philippine landscape, Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, was named one of 10 distinguished honorees at The Business Manual’s annual CEO Awards. The recognition highlights a selective group of business leaders who go beyond traditional commerce to define the future of retail, culture, and community living across the nation.

The CEO Awards celebrates leaders through a lens of purposeful excellence, evaluating nominees for transformational leadership, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable development. As one of this year’s 10 awardees, Tan was selected for his capacity to redefine the shopping center experience, continuously elevating everyday life for millions of Filipinos while cultivating a thriving ecosystem for local entrepreneurs.

For over two decades, Tan has guided SM Supermalls in evolving far beyond traditional retail spaces into vibrant lifestyle destinations-the heart of neighborhood culture, family gatherings, and community connection. The accolade reflects his passion for creating spaces where life happens, business grows, and communities flourish together.

In an intimate acceptance speech, Tan shared a deeply felt message of gratitude:

‘If this journey has taught me anything, it is that nothing truly meaningful is ever built alone,’ Tan reflected. ‘This honor belongs to our extraordinary SM Supermalls team, the Sy family for their unwavering trust and mentorship, our partner tenants who bring our spaces to life, and every single Filipino family who lets us be part of their lives. On a personal note, everything I know about hard work, kindness, and serving others comes directly from my mother-Mom, this one is for you. And to my life partner, Dos, thank you for being my constant inspiration every single day.’

Looking ahead, Tan reaffirmed a vision centered on people, lifestyle, and shared growth: ‘Our purpose remains simple and clear: to serve our communities, uplift homegrown talent, and build a brighter foundation for the next generation.’

THE Philippines’ growing ocean economy is putting a familiar trade question under a different lens: how can countries extract more economic value from the sea without exhausting the resource base that supports that growth?

Trade and industry policy can help answer that question, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) International Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said, as Southeast Asian economies seek to turn the Blue Economy into actual businesses, investments and jobs.

The Philippines, he said, has a particularly strong economic link to the sea, making the balance between environmental protection and commercial activity central to its Blue Economy strategy.

‘The Blue Economy agenda therefore gives Asean an opportunity to align two priorities that should never be uncoupled: protecting our oceans and creating prosperity for our people,’ Gepty said during the 4th Asean Blue Economy Forum hosted by the DTI on August 24 and 25 in Makati City.

Rather than treating ocean protection and economic activity as separate concerns, Gepty said governments should support sustainable enterprises, strengthen regional value chains and steer investments toward businesses and technologies that can create jobs while reducing pressure on marine resources.

The discussions were anchored on the Asean Blue Economy Framework adopted in 2023 and the Asean Blue Economy Implementation Plan 2026-2030, which aims to move the region from policy development toward implementation.

The push comes as the Philippines’ ocean economy continues to expand. In July, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s ocean economy grew 5.3 percent in 2025 to P1.08 trillion from P1.02 trillion in 2024.

The latest figure accounted for 3.8 percent of gross domestic product at current prices, according to the Philippine Ocean Economy Satellite Account, which tracks the economic contribution of ocean-related activities.

Further, the government is also developing the policy framework around the sector.

The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 identifies sustainable ocean-based development as part of the country’s long-term growth strategy, while a proposed Blue Economy Act is among the priority measures in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda.

Separately, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development held a two-day Blue Economy Inter-Agency Roundtable Dialogue on July 20 and 21, bringing government agencies into discussions on the sector’s development.

The August forum was held as the Philippines chairs Asean this year, with the country using its chairmanship to push for regional cooperation on inclusive and sustainable growth.

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is pushing for a digital system that allows the public to track government money from the time it is appropriated to when it is actually spent, as scrutiny over the use of public funds intensifies ahead of the 2027 national budget.

The business group said the Executive, Congress and government agencies involved in preparing, approving and implementing the 2027 National Budget should adopt end-to-end digital transparency measures, including reforms embodied in the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (Cadena).

Cadena and similar measures seek to make government spending more transparent, traceable and resistant to tampering, MAP said.

‘The technology to do this already exists. What is required is the political will to make transparency the rule rather than the exception,’ the group said.

MAP said the push comes as public trust in government has been weakened by allegations of corruption, questionable projects, irregularities in public spending and the misuse of government resources.

These concerns, it said, go beyond ordinary political disputes because they affect confidence in government institutions and their management of public resources.

‘The government therefore has an obligation to account for how every peso is allocated, spent, and translated into actual benefits for the Filipino people,’ MAP said.

The group also called for greater scrutiny of the budget even before it is enacted, particularly during congressional deliberations and the bicameral conference. Material amendments and insertions should be publicly identified along with their proponents, amounts and purposes, it said.

‘The complexity of the budget process must never become a shield against public scrutiny or accountability,’ MAP said.

Yet, transparency should continue after the General Appropriations Act is signed, with taxpayers able to track the movement of funds through procurement, contract awards, project implementation, completion and audit.

‘Filipinos should be able to follow public money from appropriation and release to procurement, award, implementation, completion, and audit,’ it said.

For major infrastructure and government projects, MAP said the public should be able to determine how much was appropriated, who received the contract, how much was actually disbursed, what was delivered and whether the project achieved its intended purpose.

The group also called for zero tolerance for hidden insertions, questionable appropriations, favored contractors, ghost or substandard projects, unexplained realignments and the use of public funds for political accommodation or personal gain.

‘These practices have no place in a government that claims to uphold good governance and fiscal responsibility,’ MAP said.

The 2027 National Budget, it added, allows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current administration and the 20th Congress to strengthen accountability in public spending.

MAP said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation, position or influence, and that no expenditure involving taxpayers’ money should be beyond reasonable public scrutiny.

‘The 2027 National Budget should mark a decisive break from opacity and business as usual,’ the group said.

RAKUTEN Viber today announced that it has introduced a seamless, in-app travel eSIM service, offering great value and instant connectivity to travelers. The first phase has rolled out in the Philippines, where Viber users can now purchase data-only roaming packages for international trips directly in the app. The service runs on Rakuten Mobile’s AI-enabled, cloud-native eSIM platform, which has a proven track record of delivering integrated travel solutions at scale.

Traveling internationally often involves expensive roaming charges. It also brings the inconvenience of purchasing and swapping physical local SIM cards. eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards built directly into mobile devices. They offer convenience and flexibility. Users can instantly choose and activate a mobile plan and switch carriers without needing a physical SIM card. With eSIM support now common on modern devices, global travel eSIM revenue is projected to grow by 380 percent from 2025 to 2030.

Activating the Viber eSIM is a simple process designed for user convenience: Access the eSIM store directly from the Viber app: Open the eSIM section from either the More screen or the Calls screen in Viber-no need to install a new app.

Browse and select a plan: Choose from a range of travel data plans covering hundreds of destinations. These are tailored to your travel needs.

Purchase securely: Complete your purchase using integrated payment methods. Viber uses its existing spam and fraud models. It also integrates with Stripe’s anti-fraud tools to ensure secure transactions.

Install the eSIM: Follow the easy on-screen instructions to install the eSIM, using a ‘Quick Install’ link, scanning a QR code, or entering details manually.

Activate and connect: After installation, activate your eSIM. You can then immediately enjoy smooth international data connectivity without needing to swap a physical SIM card.

This new feature marks an important step in Viber’s mission to become a super app, bringing essential services into one place to simplify everyday life and support global connectivity. With eSIM mobile plans available directly in Viber, users can purchase, install, and activate a plan within the app. Combined with Viber Out, which enables low-cost international calls to landlines and mobile numbers, Viber offers a single place to manage connectivity and stay in touch while abroad.

The collaboration also offers a blueprint for brands in the travel, fintech, and telecom sectors that want to expand their product portfolios and unlock new revenue streams. By embedding mobile connectivity directly into the user experience, companies can launch travel-focused digital offerings without the complexity of traditional telecom operations. It also reflects Rakuten’s vision to revolutionize mobile connectivity worldwide by extending it beyond traditional operators and into digital platforms.

Nadav Melnick, CPO at Rakuten Viber, commented on the launch: ‘Bringing eSIM to Viber is a major milestone. It highlights the power of the Rakuten Ecosystem and our commitment to building a true super app. We’ve already integrated services such as Business Accounts, Viber Dating, and Viber Pay, and eSIM expands that momentum with a new connectivity option. This launch reinforces Viber as a single platform that supports a wide range of user needs. We’re evolving from a messaging app into an everyday utility, making international travel simpler and more affordable. With Rakuten Mobile, users can access Viber internationally and stay reliably connected across borders.’

THE just-concluded Oriental Mindoro Sports and Youth Summit in Calapan City marked a decisive step in shaping the province’s future as a regional sports hub.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government joining forces, the summit outlined strategic priorities that blend infrastructure, grassroots development and youth engagement.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio set the tone of the summit by unveiling a series of projects designed to elevate the province’s sporting landscape.

With the support of the PSC and World Archery Philippines, Oriental Mindoro will soon host archery training and competitions on a dedicated one-hectare facility inside the Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, a site provided by Governor Humerlito ‘Bonz’ Dolor.

Gregorio also announced the construction of a football pitch at the center of the track and field oval, a project which will be made possible through collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation and FIFA.

The archery range and the football pitch, valued at a combined P50 million, will be donated by the PSC.

It highlighted the broader vision of Gregorio, who underscored his advocacy of ‘From Grassroots to Gold, From Gold to Greatness.’

He explained that the PSC’s mission is not only to discover talent but to nurture it within the athletes’ own communities.

‘We are building regional training centers all over the country so that athletes can train and compete in their regions without having to uproot themselves and move to Manila,’ Gregorio said. ‘Development must be accessible, and excellence must be cultivated where athletes live and dream.’

Dolor emphasized that sports in Oriental Mindoro is not merely about chasing medals but about shaping lives and communities.

‘There’s no fight in sports. Every time there’s a big game, there’s zero crime. In sports, everybody is peaceful,’ Dolor said. ‘I see sports as an investment to develop our people not only physically but mentally and emotionally.’

Oriental Mindoro built 27 new gymnasiums and repaired 57 more, creating accessible venues for training and competition.

Athletes are rewarded generously, with cash incentives reaching up to P500,000 for gold medalists in national tournaments.

Dolor also revealed plans for a swimming pool, softball, and baseball fields inside the Naujan complex, ensuring a comprehensive sports infrastructure.

Oriental Mindoro Chief of Staff Nette Dela Cruz-Dalupan reminded participants of the province’s identity phrase, ‘Mahal Tana’-a rallying cry that stands for Mangyan, Halcon, Tamaraw, Naujan Lake. It symbolizes Oriental Mindoro’s heritage and pride, now extended to its sports ambitions.

Gregorio further emphasized that the PSC’s direction rests on three clear goals: athletes’ welfare, construction of sports facilities, and sports tourism.

These pillars, he said, are designed to ensure that athletes are supported holistically, that infrastructure keeps pace with ambition, and that sports become a driver of local pride and economic growth.

The Oriental Mindoro Sports and Youth Summit gathered an impressive roster of national sports leaders and experts, each contributing vital perspectives to the province’s growing sports agenda.

Dolor shared a comprehensive report on the current status of sports development in the province, highlighting both achievements and future plans. His message was reinforced by Vice Governor Antonio ‘CA Jojo’ Perez Jr., who underscored the provincial government’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives and ensuring that sports remain a central pillar of community engagement.

Gregorio opened the discussions by laying out the regional sports development priorities and strategic direction, setting the framework for how Oriental Mindoro can align with national goals.

Adding depth to the summit’s technical discussions, PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston spoke about bridging grassroots athletes to elite sports, emphasizing pathways for young talents to reach higher levels of competition.

Complementing this, National Academy of Sports Executive Director Francis Carlos Diaz shared best practices in athlete-centered coaching, reminding participants that success begins with nurturing the individual needs of every young athlete.

The summit also tackled modern challenges in sports promotion. PSC Chief of Staff Prof. Louise Jashil Sonido presented insights on leveraging social media, outlining trends and strategies to maximize visibility and engagement for athletes and programs.

Meanwhile, veteran sports journalist June Navarro addressed the importance of maintaining high standards in mainstream sports reporting, ensuring that coverage remains credible and impactful.

On athlete well-being, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) President Marcus Manalo discussed sports psychology, offering best practices to enhance performance while safeguarding mental health.

Prof. Jocel Regino of the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) closed the session with a strong reminder on integrity in sports through his talk, ‘Play true, play clean,’ stressing the importance of anti-doping education for every young athlete.

Sleep problems become increasingly common after age 60, but they are not an inevitable sentence of aging. Many older adults experience lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier bedtimes and wake times, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and reduced deep restorative stages. Adults still need roughly 7-8 hours of sleep per night; the challenge is often the ability to obtain it efficiently.

Understanding the causes and focusing on natural, evidence-based approaches can significantly improve rest, daytime energy, and long-term health – without relying primarily on medications that carry higher risks in later life.

Common sleep changes and problems after 60

Sleep architecture shifts with age. Deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep declines substantially-by some estimates, older adults have lost a large portion of the slow-wave sleep that supports physical recovery and memory consolidation. Sleep becomes lighter and more easily interrupted, leading to more nighttime awakenings. Circadian rhythms often advance, so melatonin release occurs earlier, prompting earlier evening sleepiness and morning awakenings (sometimes around 3-5 a.m.).

Common complaints include insomnia (trouble initiating or maintaining sleep), frequent nocturia (waking to urinate), restless legs syndrome, and unrefreshing sleep. Sleep apnea also rises in prevalence. While brief awakenings can be normal, prolonged difficulty returning to sleep, daytime fatigue, or mood changes signal a problem worth addressing.

Key causes

Several overlapping factors drive these issues:

Physiological aging: Reduced melatonin production, weakened circadian signals, and brain changes that make sleep less consolidated.

Medical conditions: Chronic pain from arthritis, heart failure, diabetes, gastrointestinal reflux, neurological issues, and depression or anxiety frequently disrupt sleep. Nocturia linked to prostate enlargement or other urinary changes is especially common.

Primary sleep disorders: Obstructive sleep apnea becomes more frequent; restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements increase.

Medications and substances: Many drugs (beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, diuretics, corticosteroids) interfere with sleep. Caffeine, alcohol (which fragments later sleep stages), and nicotine compound the problem.

Lifestyle and psychosocial factors: Reduced physical activity after retirement, limited daytime light exposure, excessive or poorly timed napping, loneliness, and stress all undermine sleep quality.

Poor sleep in turn raises risks for falls, cognitive decline, weakened immunity, and worsening of existing conditions-creating a cycle that is important to interrupt.

Natural solutions that work

Experts emphasize non-drug strategies as first-line approaches. These are safer and often more effective long-term than sleeping pills for older adults.

Prioritize sleep hygiene and circadian support. Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends. Create a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom; use blackout curtains or a white-noise machine if needed. Reserve the bed for sleep (and intimacy), not reading, TV, or worry. Avoid screens and bright light for at least an hour before bed, as blue light suppresses melatonin.

Get morning light and stay active. Exposure to natural daylight, especially in the morning, helps reset the internal clock and counteract advanced sleep phase. Aim for regular moderate exercise (walking, gardening, or gentle strength work) most days, but finish vigorous activity several hours before bedtime. Filled days with social interaction and purpose improve nighttime sleep quality.

Manage intake and routines. Limit caffeine after early afternoon and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Eat lighter evening meals. If naps are needed, keep them short (20-30 minutes) and early in the afternoon. A wind-down routine-reading, gentle stretching, or a warm bath-signals the body that sleep is approaching. Some find listing next-day worries earlier in the evening helps quiet a racing mind.

Evidence-based behavioral approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard non-drug treatment. It addresses unhelpful thoughts about sleep, restricts time in bed to build sleep drive, and strengthens associations between bed and sleep. Mindfulness meditation has also shown benefits for older adults with sleep disturbances. These methods often outperform or match medication with far fewer side effects and lasting gains.

Supportive supplements (with caution). Low-dose melatonin (often 0.5-1 mg taken 30-60 minutes before desired bedtime) may help with circadian timing for some, though evidence varies and medical guidance is essential. Magnesium may support relaxation. Always consult a physician before starting supplements, especially with existing conditions or medications.

Expert insights from video resources

Geriatrician Dr. Melissa Bogin of Mayo Clinic discusses age-related sleep changes, common complaints after 60, the role of melatonin and circadian shifts, medical contributors, and practical non-medication strategies including CBT-I in the podcast ‘Why Sleep Gets Worse With Age (And What Actually Helps).’

Board-certified sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris offers concise, practical tips for adults over 65 on CBS Mornings, covering hormonal influences, sleep hygiene, meditation, and when to seek further help.

Clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus (‘The Sleep Doctor’) provides detailed guidance tailored to seniors in videos such as ‘8 Ways for Seniors to Sleep Better Tonight,’ addressing phase advancement, environment, medical factors, and behavioral fixes.

Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sophiya Benjamin covers assessment, causes, sleep hygiene, and CBT-I in her webinar ‘Sleep Disorders and Insomnia: Understanding and Managing These As We Age.’

When to seek professional help

Persistent problems lasting weeks, loud snoring with pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or sleep issues accompanied by mood changes or falls warrant evaluation. A sleep study or medication review may be needed. Treat underlying conditions (pain, apnea, depression) first.

Sleep after 60 can improve meaningfully through consistent habits, light, movement, and behavioral tools. Treating rest as seriously as diet and exercise pays dividends in energy, mood, cognitive sharpness, and overall vitality. Start with one or two changes-morning light and a fixed wake time are powerful entry points-and build from there. Better nights are achievable at any age.

MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has officially brought in the All-New Outlander PHEV SUV, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the local market. Already Japan’s best-selling PHEV SUV, it now stands as MMPC’s flagship model-melding Mitsubishi’s proven SUV engineering with advanced electrification. Anchored by the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Outlander PHEV embodies ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

Electrification without boundaries

THE arrival of the All-New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV marks a decisive step into a new era of electrified mobility. At its core is a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with MIVEC, seamlessly paired with front and rear electric motors. This tri-power setup lets the vehicle shift intelligently between electric and gasoline propulsion, balancing performance and efficiency. The system produces a combined output of 302 hp and 450 N-m of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and smooth delivery across varied driving conditions. With this configuration, the Outlander PHEV achieves a driving range approaching 1,000 kilometers, including 100 kilometers of pure electric travel.

Range anxiety, often the concern with electrified vehicles, is effectively addressed. The gasoline engine engages seamlessly whenever additional power or extended distance is required, ensuring uninterrupted mobility. Drivers are given full control through four selectable EV drive modes-Normal, Save, Charge, and EV Priority-each designed to adapt to specific needs, whether conserving battery, replenishing charge, or prioritizing electric propulsion.

Compatibility with the AC Type 2 charging protocol further integrates the Outlander PHEV into the Philippines’ growing EV infrastructure. Charging stations across the country can accommodate the model, but even in areas where facilities remain limited, the vehicle continues to operate efficiently as a hybrid. This dual capability ensures electrification is not an all-or-nothing proposition; instead, it lets drivers embrace the transition at their own pace.

Confidence in every terrain

AT the core lies Mitsubishi’s celebrated Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), a fully integrated system that harmonizes several advanced technologies. Twin-Motor 4WD, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Traction Control System (TCS) all work in concert, continuously optimizing traction, stability, and handling. This coordination gives drivers greater confidence and control across a wide range of road and weather conditions, whether navigating city streets, winding mountain passes, or unpredictable rural terrain.

Complementing S-AWC is a suite of seven selectable drive modes, designed to adapt to both driver preference and road environment. Normal, Eco, and Power modes tailor everyday driving for efficiency or responsiveness, while Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes fine-tune power delivery and traction control for specific surfaces.

What sets the Outlander PHEV apart is the seamless integration of electrification with these intelligent vehicle dynamics. The combination preserves Mitsubishi’s hallmark driving enjoyment while elevating safety, capability, and confidence. This synergy-between unbound electrification and true 4WD mastery-defines ‘The Power of Both Worlds.’

Further reinforcing its credentials, the Outlander PHEV is equipped with the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) suite. Features such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, and Driver Attention Alert provide comprehensive protection.

Design that commands presence

THE All-New Outlander PHEV carries forward Mitsubishi’s SUV heritage while presenting a distinctly modern and sophisticated character. Its wide proportions and muscular stance immediately project authority, while sculpted body surfaces add refinement and balance. At the front, the signature Dynamic Shield fascia reinforces the brand’s unmistakable identity, framed by sleek full-LED lighting fixtures that sharpen its visual impact. Bold 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels in a black two-tone design complete the athletic yet elegant profile, underscoring both strength and style.

Beyond aesthetics, every exterior detail has been engineered with purpose. Steel on key body components improves noise and vibration characteristics, reducing unwanted wind and road noise. This refinement elevates craftsmanship and contributes to a quieter, more premium driving experience. Together, these elements create a vehicle that embodies Mitsubishi’s evolving design language while remaining true to its roots.

Comfort meets technology

INSIDE conveys refinement, carefully balancing luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. Premium light gray leather-trimmed seats, complemented by soft-touch surfaces, establish a sophisticated atmosphere that underscores the model’s flagship status. The spacious interior is further enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with natural light and creating an open, lounge-like ambiance that elevates every journey.

Technology is also seamlessly integrated. At the center is a 12.3-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This interface connects effortlessly with daily routines, while the immersive eight-speaker Yamaha Premium audio system delivers clarity and depth. Practical innovations such as the Smart Rear View Mirror provide an unobstructed perspective behind the vehicle, while the Heads-up Display projects vital information directly onto the windshield.

The triple-zone automatic climate control system lets each occupant set their own comfort, while the eight-way Power Adjustable Seats for the driver and front passenger include lumbar support, memory functions, heating, and ventilation.

Pricing and Availability

THE All-New Outlander PHEV is priced at P2.848 million, with a special introductory offer of P2.749 million for reservations and releases from August 20 to September 30, 2026. Available colors include White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond.

MMPC positions the Outlander PHEV as its new flagship SUV, available nationwide beginning August 20, 2026-an electrified statement of capability and refinement, true to Mitsubishi’s promise of The Power of Both Worlds.

The race for the championship intensified as four powerhouse teams punched their tickets to the semifinals of the 1st Inter-Agency LISEA Pickleball Tournament ‘Conrado Estrella III Cup’ following thrilling quarterfinal encounters held Thursday at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Gymnasium along Elliptical Road, Quezon City.

Showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination, government agencies battled for a coveted spot in the tournament’s Final Four, delighting spectators with fast-paced rallies and competitive action on the pickleball courts.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) tandem of Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe emerged victorious in the opening quarterfinal match, overcoming the challenge posed by the Social Security System (SSS) pair of Erika Ravago and Claire Tañada to secure their place in the semifinals.

In the second quarterfinal showdown, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) duo of Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias displayed poise and consistency to defeat Philippine Heart Center (PHC) representatives Sheryl Dela Cruz and Maan Mendoza, booking a Final Four berth.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also stamped its authority as Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda outplayed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pair of Hazel Ubag and Jacqueline Quilit to advance.

Meanwhile, an all-BIR affair capped the quarterfinal round as Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad prevailed over fellow Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) teammates Juvie May Novio and Rica Banares, ensuring the agency’s continued presence in the title hunt.

With the quarterfinal dust settled, the semifinal stage is now set for a pair of highly anticipated clashes. BIR’s Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad will take on BPI’s Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias, while PNP’s Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe will square off against BFP’s Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda.

As the tournament enters its decisive phase, fans can expect even fiercer competition as the remaining teams battle for a place in the championship match and the honor of becoming the inaugural champions of the Conrado Estrella III Cup.

‘The intensity continues to rise as only four teams remain standing in what has become one of the most exciting inter-agency pickleball events of the year.’