Category: Philippine Star

The country’s agricultural output grew by 2.9 percent in the second quarter, driven by broader gains from the crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries sectors, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In a report, the PSA said the value of production in agriculture and fisheries – calculated at constant 2018 prices to weed out the effects of inflation – reached P452.22 billion in the April to June period, from P439.66 billion a year ago.

The growth was a reversal of the 0.3 percent contraction in the first quarter, though at a slower pace than the six percent expansion in the same period in 2025.

As of the first half of 2026, agricultural output amounted to P889.68 billion, a 1.3-percent increase from P878.31 billion the previous year.

Crop production saw a 1.6-percent expansion during the second quarter to P248.9 billion. The sector accounted for more than half, or 55 percent, of total agricultural output.

Palay (unhusked rice) output rose by 5.7 percent during the period, while the growth in corn production was slower at 0.8 percent.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the suspension of rice importation between September and December last year drove farmgate prices higher, improving the planting intentions of farmers.

Palay production rose to a record-high 4.63 million metric tons in the second quarter, PSA data showed.

However, Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) national manager Raul Montemayor expressed concern over the inconsistent growth patterns seen in the agricultural sector, especially for palay production.

‘There is no consistent growth pattern despite the billions being poured into the sector,’ he told The STAR.

As for poultry, the sector expanded by 6.3 percent in the second quarter to P79.84 billion. It contributed around 17.7 percent to agricultural output during the period.

Driving growth in the sector was the value of production for chicken eggs, which saw an annual increase of 13.2 percent, while chicken production rose by 4.1 percent.

PSA data also showed that the country’s livestock sector rose by 3.6 percent valued at P61.83 billion, driven by a 5.6-percent expansion in local hog production and dairy output at 37.8 percent.

The sector contributed about 13.7 percent to the agricultural sector during the second quarter.

University of Asia and the Pacific’s Center for Food and Agri Business executive director Marie Annette Galvez-Dacul told The STAR that the growth in the poultry and livestock sector was mainly driven by steady consumer demand and better production conditions.

Contributing 13.6 percent, the fisheries sector grew by 2.7 percent in the April to June period to P61.64 billion.

Tiu Laurel noted that the broad gains in agricultural output during the second quarter would strengthen the sector ahead of the anticipated impact of El Niño later this year.

‘These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter,’ he said.

‘We cannot control the weather, but we can equip our farmers to overcome it through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities and better market access,’ he added.

Former agriculture undersecretary Fermin Adriano told The STAR that generally good weather in the second quarter contributed to growth in the sector.

He added that the remaining months of 2026 would face the brunt of the effects of El Niño this year, coupled with higher fertilizer and fuel prices.

A very strong El Niño episode is forecast to occur during the months of October to December and could last until early 2027, according to the state bureau agency PAGASA.

Dengue cases in Mandaue City rose by 6.8 percent in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the City Health Office’s (CHO) latest Dengue Surveillance Report.

From January 1 to July 30, the city recorded 373 dengue cases, including one death.

Of the total cases, 96, or 26%, were laboratory-confirmed, while 137, or 37%, were classified as probable cases and 140, or 38%, as suspected cases.

CHO Assistant Head Dr. Phyllis Bidon attributed the increase in cases to the rainy season, particularly during June and July.

‘Community effort man gud na siya ang prevention,’ said Dr. Bidon in an interview, adding that despite the increase in cases, Mandaue City is not among the top 10 local government units with the highest number of dengue cases.

Patients ranged in age from newborns to 87 years old, with a median age of 13 years. Males accounted for 204 cases, or 55% of the total.

Children aged one to 10 years remained the most affected age group, accounting for 38.9% of all reported cases.

Meanwhile, the city recorded a case fatality rate of 0.3%, lower than the 0.6% recorded at the end of 2025, when Mandaue logged 520 dengue cases and three deaths.

Among Mandaue’s 27 barangays, Barangay Tabok recorded the highest share of dengue cases at 8%, followed by Barangays Alang-alang and Cabancalan with 6.7% each, and Barangay Umapad with 6.2%.

The increase comes as Mandaue continues to strengthen its dengue prevention measures during the rainy season. In June, the City Council approved a resolution urging all barangays to activate their Dengue Task Forces to intensify monitoring and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The task forces, primarily composed of barangay health workers, are expected to monitor dengue cases and help implement preventive measures, including identifying and eliminating stagnant water where dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed.

Bidon also reiterated the CHO’s call for the public to practice the Department of Health’s 4S strategy; Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support targeted spraying in hotspot areas.

‘Mag 4S gihapon ta. Every 4 o’clock, throw away gyud tag stagnant water kay diha man gud mu-breed ang mosquito,’ Bidon said, stressing that dengue prevention requires the participation of every household, not just the local government.

She also encouraged residents to wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, use mosquito repellent, and seek immediate medical consultation once dengue symptoms appear

It’s up to the Office of the Ombudsman to decide if newly appointed Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. should be placed under preventive suspension after a graft complaint was filed against him on Wednesday, according to Malacañang.

‘If the case is in the ombudsman, that is within the jurisdiction of the ombudsman to determine whether a preventive suspension is needed to fast-track the investigation of the said complaint,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro told a media briefing yesterday.

Castro has no information on whether President Marcos and Pujalte have discussed the matter that stemmed from a complaint alleging that the health chief ordered the suspension of procurement of anti-tuberculosis commodities worth P3 billion for this year.

Pujalte said he is open to any investigation by the ombudsman after the graft complaint against him was filed by a group of health advocates, who requested anonymity.

Pujalte said he respects the mandate of the ombudsman and is prepared to cooperate and submit relevant documents and records required by the investigation.

The health advocates accused Pujalte of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for issuing a memorandum ordering the suspension of the procurement of tuberculosis drugs.

In the 18-page complaint, they alleged that Pujalte delayed the bidding process to benefit an unnamed supplier.

The DOH chief has denied the allegations and maintained that conducting due diligence should not be misrepresented as an attempt to stop the government’s tuberculosis program or deprive patients of access to necessary medicines.

‘The DOH’s review of the proposed P3 billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities is needed to protect patients and public funds. It is intended to ensure that the procurement process is responsive to the needs of tuberculosis patients, transparent, and compliant with the law,’ Pujalte said in a statement.

He added that the department remains committed to maintaining access to safe and effective medicines while safeguarding public funds

‘It’s been (nearly) 30 days since I assumed office but they want the approval of the P3 billion TB procurement fast-tracked without any thorough evaluation. That is the P3 billion of the Filipino people, it is not as simple as that. The lives of the people are at stake here,’ Pujalte said.

Pujalte, who replaced Teodoro Herbosa as chief of the Department of Health only last July 13, is also facing allegations that he was seen gambling in two resort casinos in Parañaque City.

Filipinos’ trust in China has climbed to its least negative levels since December 2022, based on a new Social Weather Stations poll, even as both countries continue to trade protests over incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

Net trust for China among Filipino adults rose to -16 in June from -19 in March, according to the SWS second quarter survey released Friday, August 7.

This is the closest China has come to neutral in SWS’ polling in three and a half years, since it garnered a net trust of -6 in December 2022.

The lowest net trust for China was at -54 in June 2024, at the height of confrontations between both countries’ vessels at Ayungin Shoal.

In its most recent survey, SWS found that Filipinos who had “much trust” in China climbed to 25% from 22%, while those with “little trust” stayed at 41%.

The undecided share shrank to 30% from 35%.

Overall, China remains under the “poor” category of SWS’ scale, which puts scores between -10 and -29 in that bracket.

China’s net trust in the SWS surveys have been positive in only nine of 74 surveys since SWS first asked Filipinos about their trust for China in August 1994, peaking at a “moderate” +17 in June 2010.

Survey methodology. SWS interviewed 1,200 adults face-to-face across the country from June 20 to 29, with an overall margin of error at ±3 percentage points.

Net trust is the share expressing much trust minus the share expressing little trust. SWS said the country-trust questions were not commissioned.

Survey respondents were asked to answer:

The survey took place at a time when the West Philippine Sea was back at the top of the news, driven by China’s installation and eventual removal of a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal – a structure that officials and lawmakers called an illegal incursion and experts warned could be used to turn the shoal into an artificial island.

US trust down 21 points from a year ago

Meanwhile, Filipinos’ trust in the United States has had the opposite trend over the past 12 months.

Net trust for the US was +42 in June, up three points from March, but 21 points below the +63 it drew in June 2025.

The March reading of +39 was the lowest for the US since 2010. Its rating has never gone negative since SWS began measuring trust for the US in December 1994.

Japan stayed “good” at +36, up two points from March. Australia held at “moderate” with +29, up six points.

Israel turns negative for the first time since 2024. Israel fell six points to -5, its first negative score since March 2024. Palestine dropped seven points to -19, matching its September 2024 level.

Iran slipped a point to -23, the lowest among the eight countries in the survey.

Russia was at -8, down three points, and has been in the negatives in all but three SWS polls since 1995.

While Cebu City has stopped dumping garbage at the South Road Properties (SRP) temporary transfer station following the cease-and-desist order (CDO) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), waste continues to be brought to the area through the city’s nearby Eco Station, which now accepts segregated garbage from participating barangays.

Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that operations at the temporary transfer station have ceased and that the city has started clearing the site.

‘Yes, nahunong na… Ang paglabay didto wala na,’ he said.

Archival said only a minimal amount of waste remains and he expects the cleanup to be completed within 10 to 15 days.

‘Actually ug naa man gani, gamay na lang to,’ he said.

Despite the closure of the temporary transfer station, Archival said the city is making progress in implementing its “no segregation, no collection” policy.

From the initial 10 pilot barangays, participation has increased to 18, with all now delivering segregated waste to the Eco Station at the SRP.

‘Ang nakanindot, mao niy nakanindot nga balita, nga ang mga 10 barangays nga nag segregate, 18 na… dise otso,’ Archival said.

The participating barangays are Mambaling, Sambag II, T. Padilla, Talamban, Pasil, Inayawan, Luz, Tisa, Mabolo, Hippodromo, San Jose, Kamagayan, Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, Sta. Cruz, Lorega, Apas, Lahug and Kasambagan.

The increase in participating barangays has also raised the Eco Station’s daily processing capacity.

‘From 20 tons, muabot na tag 25 tons karon,’ Archival noted.

He said the city now needs additional personnel to process the increasing volume of segregated waste.

‘Ang ato lang karon nga magkinahanglan tag additional nga mga tawo nga maka process ani nga mga waste.’

Archival also cited the savings generated by diverting recyclable and compostable waste from the Aloguinsan sanitary landfill.

‘Kung padong tas Aloguinsan which is something like ?6 thousand gyud, that’s 25 times ?6 thousand, mao nay atong ma save. Hauling plus tipping fee,’ he explained.

He noted that the city previously spent less than ?4,000 per truckload to haul garbage to Aloguinsan.

The Eco Station, located at the former Bagsakan area within the SRP, has been repurposed into a material recovery facility (MRF). It was inaugurated in June 2026 as part of Cebu City’s response to the garbage crisis following the closure of the Binaliw landfill.

The facility was initially designed to process 15 to 20 tons of waste daily, with plans to expand its capacity to 30 to 40 tons. It is equipped with composting machines, plastic shredders, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming facilities, and recycling areas for bottles and glass.

Archival said the city is preparing to further scale up the Eco Station’s operations.

‘So ang atong long term, mao ni atong padak an, e scale up nato ang atong eco station in the sense nga kinahanglan natong additional nga composting machines… additionalan ug equipment for sorting aron madali,’ he explained.

He added that the city is also considering acquiring a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) machine to process plastics and mixed waste through thermal decomposition.

The mayor said the Office of the Vice Mayor is studying the possible use of an incinerator, while the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has been tasked to evaluate available technologies and submit its recommendations.

‘Ako ng gipatan aw sa CENRO ug naa ba silay recommendation padong nato aron ato ng ma discuss thoroughly,’ Archival said.

Earlier, Archival reiterated the city’s long-term commitment to expanding the Eco Station.

‘We are expanding the Eco Station workspace to increase its processing capacity and accommodate up to 40 tons of waste per day. Together, we are building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Cebu City – one step at a time.’

For now, however, the mayor acknowledged that most of Cebu City’s garbage still ends up in the landfill.

‘For the meantime, most of our garbage, padong pa sa landfill,’ he said.

Still, Archival said the city remains committed to expanding the Eco Station’s operations to serve more communities, reduce dependence on costly landfill disposal, and transform waste into reusable resources rather than liabilities.

China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) booked an 11-percent increase in net income in the first half as robust lending activity, a wider interest margin and continued balance sheet expansion strengthened its core banking operations.

The Sy-led bank said earnings reached P14.5 billion from about P13 billion in the same period last year. This translated to a return on equity of 15.1 percent and a return on assets of 1.6 percent, which the bank said remained among the highest in the industry.

Net interest income climbed by 14 percent to P39.7 billion. The increase came as Chinabank’s net interest margin widened to 4.67 percent.

Operating expenses rose by 11 percent to P18.4 billion as the bank continued to spend on initiatives supporting business expansion and revenue growth. Despite the higher expenditures, its cost-to-income ratio stood at 50 percent.

Asset quality remained stable, with the bank’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio holding at 1.5 percent.

Chinabank set aside P1.2 billion for impairment and credit losses during the six-month period. Its NPL coverage ratio settled at 106 percent.

The bank’s balance sheet continued to expand, with total assets growing by 13 percent year on year to P1.9 trillion. Chinabank said this kept it as ‘the fourth largest among the private universal banks in the country.’

Gross loans surged by 17 percent to P1.1 trillion amid ‘strong demand across corporate and consumer segments,’ faster than the growth in the bank’s deposit base.

Total deposits increased by 14 percent to P1.5 trillion, supported by a 21-percent rise in low-cost peso checking and savings accounts.

Including foreign currency deposits, total current and savings accounts reached P750 billion. This resulted in a CASA ratio of 49 percent, helping the bank manage its overall cost of funding amid elevated interest rates.

Chinabank maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 15.6 percent and a common equity tier 1 ratio of 14.7 percent, both above the minimum regulatory requirements.

Chinabank operates a consolidated network of 673 branches and 1,150 automated teller machines. Its subsidiaries include China Bank Savings, Chinabank Capital, Chinabank Securities and Chinabank Insurance Brokers.

Separately, Chinabank announced several management changes following meetings of its executive committee and board of directors.

Marisol Teodoro will retire as first vice president I effective Sept. 1. Her secondment to Chinabank Securities Corp. as director, president and CEO will be recalled effective Aug. 17. Teodoro will serve as an adviser to the brokerage subsidiary from Aug. 17 to 31 before her retirement.

Chinabank Securities appointed Ronald Emmanuel Co as president and director effective Aug. 17. Co, 45, has more than 15 years of experience in the brokerage industry, primarily overseeing operations at BDO Securities Corp. and First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp.

Pebsteel’s factory in Ho Chi Minh City has been awarded LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainable development journey.

The facility, located at Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, achieved the certification as a mark of excellence in green building. The recognition is both a technical accomplishment and a strategic positioning for Pebsteel in its long-term Net Zero commitment.

As global pressure mounts on the construction industry to reduce carbon emissions, the certification marks a pivotal moment in Pebsteel’s environmental journey and reinforces the company’s leadership in integrating sustainable models into its operations.

By adhering to the rigorous standards set by LEED, Pebsteel has successfully demonstrated its ability to incorporate environmental, social and governance principles into its manufacturing and infrastructure development processes.

To meet the requirements of the LEED Gold certification, Pebsteel undertook a comprehensive transformation of its factory. This included the implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems, optimization of natural ventilation, adoption of water-saving technologies, and the use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials in construction.

The company also embraced digitalized operational management processes aimed at enhancing performance while minimizing carbon emissions. These efforts reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

The impact of this certification extends far beyond the factory walls. For Pebsteel’s customers and partners, it not only serves as a mark of excellence but also as a testament to the company’s ability to deliver sustainable steel building solutions.

As the global demand for environmentally responsible construction practices continues to rise, the LEED Gold certification ensures that Pebsteel remains a trusted partner in helping clients meet green building standards for their own projects.

This achievement aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainable construction, reinforcing Pebsteel’s position as a leader in the shift towards greener practices.

Pebsteel also emphasizes that this accomplishment is the result of a collaborative effort across its design, construction and operations teams. The factory’s certification lays a strong foundation for future investments in innovative technologies and sustainable solutions, further advancing the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing environmental performance.

As the construction sector faces unprecedented pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future, Pebsteel is steadfast in its mission to provide prefabricated steel building solutions that combine structural integrity with environmental stewardship.

With this certification, Pebsteel reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the industry, dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future for both the construction sector and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Pebsteel remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in sustainable building solutions. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and continuously improving its operational practices, the company aims to inspire others in the industry to follow suit.

As environmental challenges intensify globally, Pebsteel stands ready to lead the charge in building a more sustainable, carbon-conscious future-one project at a time. This certification is not just a milestone, but a launchpad for continued growth and leadership in the green building movement.

The benefits and concerns of adapting from the page to the screen apply to webtoons, says manhwa illustrator and writer Lee Yun-chang, often for the better.

Yun-chang was in Metro Manila for the 2026 Korean Film Festival hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, with the film adaptation of his webtoon “My Daughter is a Zombie” being in this year’s lineup.

“My Daughter is a Zombie” stars Jo Jung-suk of “Hospital Playlist” fame as a man caring for his daughter infected by a zombie virus. In the cast with him are “Parasite” stars Lee Jung-eun and Cho Yeo-jeong.

The movie, like the original webtoon, was well-received and became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2025. It won one of seven Blue Dragon Film Award nominations and scored a Best New Actress nod for Choi Yu-ri at the Baeksang Arts Awards earlier this year.

Philstar.com spoke to Yun-chang before a screening of the film in a Taguig mall for his thoughts on whether screen projects can be truly faithful adaptations of webtoons or manhwa, given that they are different media.

Yun-chang used “My Daughter is a Zombie” as an example and recalled how director Pil Gam-sung enjoyed the webtoon and tried to reflect the artist’s identity in the movie out of respect.

He acknowledged that some internal details had to be altered, such as how the zombies talked or danced. In the webtoon, it comes off as a gag, but not so much in the movie.

“[Gam-sung] tried to keep the tone of my comic style. Of course, it’s possible in a comic but hard to put it in a video,” Yun-chang continued in Korean. “Nevertheless, it led to good reviews.”

The artist also admitted that there was sadness and disappointment the film didn’t fully look into some themes from his original webtoon.

He noted how the movie highlights Jung-suk’s Lee Jung-hwan role as a father, but the manhwa dives more into Jung-hwan as an individual.

The webtoon sees Jung-hwan giving up his youth, relationships, marriage, and sometimes birthdays to raise his sister’s child Lee Soo-ah, whereas in the film Soo-ah (the young Yu-ri) is Jung-hwan’s actual daughter.

“In my work those things were resolved but in the movie, they were completely erased,” Yun-chang lamented in Korean as webtoon readers actually understood Jung-hwan’s struggles. “I know that it was a choice to be made not to depict it in a two-hour movie.”

The illustrator remains optimistic though as the screen adaptation gave a wider audience for his work, letting him feel like he’s doing well at his craft.

He expressed gratitude that the movie revived his webtoon five years after it was first published, humorously comparing it to zombies coming back to life, and that he profitted from the film’s massive earnings.

“‘My Daughter is a Zombie’ is like my own child that makes me proud for giving me so much,” Yun-chang ended in Korean.

Unemployment went up in June as more Filipinos entered the workforce, but not enough jobs were available to absorb them, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In a press conference, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said results of the PSA’s Labor Force Survey showed the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.9 percent in June from the previous month’s 4.8 percent and 3.7 percent in the same month last year.

This translated to 2.59 million jobless Filipinos in June, up from 2.50 million in May and 1.95 million in June 2025.

He attributed the increase in unemployment to higher labor force participation.

The labor force participation rate was at 65.1 percent in June, up from 63.8 percent in the previous month, but lower than the 65.7 percent posted in June 2025.

This translates to 53.25 million Filipinos aged 15 years and over who were in the labor force in June, up from 52.13 million in the previous month and 52.42 million in June 2025.

While the number of Filipinos in the labor force increased, Mapa said ‘many of them, unfortunately, were unemployed.’

Chinabank Research said the increase in labor force participation was likely driven by rising costs.

‘Higher living costs likely encouraged more Filipinos to seek work. However, job creation has not kept pace, particularly among those aged 15 to 24, resulting in a higher unemployment rate,’ it said.

The employment rate declined to 95.1 percent in June from the previous month’s 95.2 percent and 96.3 percent in June last year.

In terms of magnitude, an estimated 50.66 million Filipinos were employed in June, up from the previous month’s 49.63 million and the 50.47 million employed in June 2025.

The underemployment rate rose to 12.1 percent in June from 11.4 percent in June 2025, but lower than the 12.2 percent rate last May.

There were 6.11 million underemployed, or those who want additional work hours or an additional job, in June. This is higher than the previous month’s 6.04 million and 5.76 million in June last year.

Sectors with the largest month-on-month increase in employment in June were agriculture and forestry (453,000), other service activities (437,000), public administration and defense (393,000), wholesale and retail trade (213,000) and education (150,000).

Meanwhile, those which saw the biggest month-on-month job cuts were fishing and aquaculture, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, human health and social work activities and accommodation and food service activities.

Chinabank Research said that employment growth remains concentrated in hotels and restaurants, the public sector and the business process outsourcing industry.

‘Meanwhile, agriculture and construction continue to face headwinds from El Niño and possibly higher minimum wages,’ it said.

The Mix Hoopers led the opening day winners of the D’Generals Basketball Club Season 4: Camaraderie Cup at the Aulga City Sports in Barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City.

Ruben Laraga tallied 12 points with four rebounds and five assists to power the Mix Hoopers to a 72-49 thrashing of Rise Up.

Laraga, who was named Jackermz Best Player of the Game, was backed up by Junrey Nebres with eight points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

On the other hand, Michael Nicole Tabas fired 19 points on top of five rebounds and three assists while Andrei Reyes added 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists as the Gunners gunned down StillandMotion, 81-70.

In the other results, Lightsout whipped the Iron Bull, 84-73, while Go Hard escaped Blitz with a 76-73 win.

Gene Bayonita paced Lightsout with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists to become the Shoe-Ice Best Player of the Game. Hurvy Pegarido also made his presence felt with 15 points, four rebounds, and five assists.

Feljun Cebes showed the way for Go Hard with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists followed by John Mark Cañeda with 11 points, three rebounds, and six assists.