Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Cebuana Lhuillier, through its corporate social responsibility arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), continues to uphold its enduring commitment to help Filipinos in times of crisis through its TulongsaPagbangon program. The initiative, which has long provided immediate relief to disaster-stricken communities across the country, is once again being mobilized to assist those affected by the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental, as well as Typhoon Tino, which devastated parts of Visayas. Under this latest effort, the company has allocated ?1.5 million to aid both communities and Cebuana Lhuillier employees impacted by these calamities. The contribution will help fund relief and recovery operations, reflecting the company’s deep sense of malasakit and solidarity with those affected.

‘Our employees and the communities we serve are at the heart of everything we do. In times like this, what matters most is extending a helping hand to those who need it the most,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘We stand with our kababayans as they begin the road to recovery.’

Through TulongsaPagbangon, CLFI continues to partner with local organizations to provide much-needed assistance such as food packs, hygiene kits, and essential supplies to families who lost their homes and livelihoods. The program has consistently served as the company’s front line of compassion during natural disasters, embodying its core values of unity, empathy, and service to others.

‘This initiative is part of our continuous commitment to respond swiftly and effectively whenever disaster strikes,’ shared Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director of CLFI. ‘Through TulongsaPagbangon, we are able to bring comfort, hope, and tangible aid to communities when they need it most.’

‘At Cebuana Lhuillier, empathy and unity go beyond words-they are values we live every day,’ said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services. ‘This initiative is a reminder that we’re one family, always ready to lift each other up.’

The ?1.5 million donation builds upon Cebuana Lhuillier’s long history of humanitarian work. Over the years, the company has repeatedly set aside corporate resources and manpower for meaningful causes-embodying its belief that true success lies not only in business growth, but in the collective strength of Filipinos helping one another rise again.

Poised to deliver reliable and affordably priced luminaires, the EcoLink Professional Lighting is the Ilaw na Pangmalakasan that directly addresses the key challenges faced by the construction and industrial sectors. Budgeting is crucial for construction projects, and builders often face the challenge of balancing cost and the caliber of the products they use. With the new EcoLink Professional Lighting, pocket-friendly lighting solutions are now within reach to illuminate any commercial and professional spaces. The product range showcased during the expo includes outdoor solutions, from LED Streetlights, LED Floodlights, and Waterproof Bare Battens, as well as indoor luminaires such as LED Panel Lights, LED Highbays, and various Batten options. The cornerstone of the EcoLink professional Lighting is the VoltSafe Technology. This industry-leading feature provides 2.5kV surge protection, offering a robust defense against voltage spikes and surges for a more consistent lighting performance with reduced maintenance costs, providing peace of mind for project owners. The EcoLink Professional Lighting also meets stringent safety and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and comes with up to a 2-year warranty.

EcoLink’s design philosophy centers on practical innovation, providing lighting solutions that are simple to install, highly durable in tough Philippine conditions, and cost-effective for commercial applications. Whether lighting up streets, warehouses, or compact office spaces, EcoLink Professional Lighting delivers reliable brightness that supports productivity and safety; truly the Ilaw na Pangmalakasan that the market needs. ‘The EcoLink Professional Lighting was designed to address the realities of budgeting construction projects and help contractors maximize their resources,’ shared Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, Commercial Leader for Professional, Signify Philippines. ‘We believe that they do not have to compromise, especially with EcoLink as the ingenious solution that will provide reliable lighting that won’t break the bank. This product offering is our way of helping contractors to finish strong and on top of their projects.’

Apart from the new product line, Signify also unveiled its PRO Resellers Network, demonstrating its strong support for its lighting resellers. This exclusive program offers up to Php 30,000 worth of e-gift vouchers, exclusive reseller discounts, marketing support, and other perks, while Signify VIP Contractors Club members can also enjoy premium rewards such as travel and staycation trips.

The launch of the EcoLink Professional Lighting reinforces Signify’s dedication to supporting the construction and industrial sectors in the Philippines through sustainable and affordable lighting. As the global leader in lighting, Signify continues to align its expertise with local industry needs, ensuring that every project is built on a foundation of light that’s reliable, efficient, and ready for the future.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday visited the wake of the fallen airmen of the Super Huey helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur to personally convey his condolences to their bereaved families.

Marcos arrived at the PAF Mortuary at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, where he was received by Major General Pablo E. Rustria, Acting Vice Commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), along with other senior PAF officers, the agency said in a press release.

‘He personally extended his condolences to the bereaved families of Captain Paulie B Dumagan PAF and Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G Camigla PAF, whose remains lie in repose at the PAF Mortuary,’ it noted. In a social media post, Marcos praised the ‘brave men’ of the PAF who gave their lives in the line of duty.

‘We mourn the loss of our brave men of the Philippine Air Force who gave their lives in the line of duty, serving our people and our nation until their final moments. Their courage and selfless service in bringing aid to those in need will never be forgotten,’ he said.

‘On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor their sacrifice and pray for the comfort of their families and loved ones,’ Marcos added.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president promised the bereaved families that all necessary assistance would be provided.

Meanwhile, the remains of Sergeant John Christopher C. Golfo, PAF, and Airman First Class Ericson R. Merico, PAF, were earlier transported to their hometowns.

The PAF pilot and crew were conducting a relief mission in areas affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) on November 4 when the helicopter crashed.

The adverse effects of a tropical cyclone expected to become a super typhoon are widespread – spanning from Batanes to Bohol – Rafael Alejandro IV, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) assistant secretary, said on Friday.

As of 11 a.m., tropical storm Fung-wong was last located 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and may enter the Philippine area of responsibility either late Friday evening or early Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

‘Its 1,400-kilometer diameter – that is very big – could have an effect from Batanes to Bohol,’ Alejandro said in a press briefing.

‘This severe weather will have a widespread impact,’ he added.

A total of 8,164 villages are identified as susceptible to floods and landslides, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Once it enters the PAR, Pagasa will name it Uwan, the 21st tropical cyclone in the country this year.

Uwan comes just as Typhoon Tino left a trail of destruction in parts of Visayas and Mindanao, reportedly killing 188 people in its wake.

The Philippines is typhoon-prone as it lies within the western Pacific Typhoon Belt, a region where warm ocean waters and moist tropical air create ideal conditions for tropical cyclones to form.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has temporarily suspended all sea trips in northern Iloilo as Typhoon ‘Uwan’ (international name: Fung-Wong) continues to intensify and move closer to the Philippine area of responsibility.

In its Sea Travel Advisory No. 1 issued at 5 p.m. Friday (Nov. 7), the PCG-Iloilo Station announced the suspension of all trips within the areas of Carles, Estancia, Balasan, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Batad, Sara, and Ajuy until further notice.

The directive came as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the northeastern portion of Iloilo, where strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected.

All fisherfolk and coastal communities were strongly advised not to venture out to sea and to refrain from any fishing or water-related activities while the hazardous weather persists.

‘Voyage of vessels will only be allowed to resume once weather and sea conditions have improved,’ said PCG-Iloilo Station Commander Richard Gura in the advisory, reminding shipping operators to comply with Memorandum Circular 02-13 or the ‘Revised Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather.’

The Coast Guard urged full cooperation from all concerned personnel and communities to ensure the safety of life and property at sea

Amid the recent incidents in the international pageant scene, Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao called on the pageant community to spread love ‘no matter which banner [they] represent.’

The Filipino beauty queen said this through her Instagram page on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Included in her post is a photo of her on the stage of the recently held The Universe Ceremony of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), along with Miss Grand International (MGI) executives Teresa Yuphayao Chaivisut and Nawat Itsaragrisil. Nawat is the head of Miss Universe Thailand, the host of this year’s competition.

‘When the world demands that we be flawless, fearless, and unshaken all at once, may we pause, take a breath, and choose grace instead. For true beauty is not born from perfection, but from the courage to stay kind, even when it’s difficult,’ Tiglao said in the caption.

‘The pageant world is built on dreams, courage, and unity. May we continue to celebrate one another with dignity and love, no matter which banner we represent,’ she urged.

Tiglao then expressed her gratitude to the MGI organization for caring for her ‘with genuine warmth.’

‘You have shown me that behind every crown is a family that nurtures with love,’ she said.

Tiglao’s remark came amid the criticisms thrown at Nawat, who earlier publicly confronted Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch at an event for supposedly not participating in a shoot for a pageant sponsor. The confrontation led Bosch and several other delegates to walk out on Nawat.

Aside from Miss Universe queens, MUO President Raul Rocha condemned Nawat for his actions and restricted the Thai host organizer’s involvement in the pageant.

Nawat has since apologized for the incident, saying he only wanted to maintain a high standard and give a ‘five star service.’

At one point during the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, University of Santo Tomas looked like a prime Final Four contender.

Recently, though, the Growling Tigers took a dangerous slide down the ladder.

Their 89-88 loss to Univeristy of the Philippines on Wednesday didn’t help their cause at all as they slid to a 5-5 record.

‘We looked at the team standings and everyone’s so close to each other and that goes for all the teams,’ Nic Cabañero said. ‘The Final Four race this year is different. Even number one isn’t safe. It’s dangerous.’

After starting out strong with a 5-1 record, UST has fallen into an ongoing four-game losing streak.

There are currently three teams with 5-5 records alongside UST-Adamson and Ateneo-all in a logjam for the fourth seed.

National U is atop the pecking order with an 8-2 card, but even they can’t relax with the Maroons (7-3) and La Salle (6-4) creeping closely behind.

‘This is really a test of our character. It’s sad that we lost this one, personally, I’m down but we’re all still together,’ Cabañero said of the loss to UP.

‘This is really how basketball is. Everyone can’t win. One will win and one will lose.’

The only team currently ruled out of playoff contention is the University of the East, which has a 0-10 card.

Beijing-Premier Li Qiang’s call for dialogue and consultation as a means to effectively manage differences when addressing the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur last week is reflective of China’s determination to address complex issues through collaboration and mutual respect.

This approach is particularly evident in the progress made between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), as they have completed the third reading of the draft text for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. As these consultations continue, with a target to conclude by 2026, the hope is that they will pave the way for lasting stability and prosperity in the South China Sea.

The two sides’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation represents a broader vision for regional integration and harmony. By fostering an environment where countries prioritize shared interests and mutual benefits, the groundwork is laid for a more interconnected and peaceful Asia-Pacific region. This approach aligns with their joint efforts to ensure that the South China Sea remains peaceful and stable.

The more turbulent the world becomes, the more valuable China-Asean unity is. By working together, the two sides are building a China-Asean community with a shared future that will ensure that the region remains a sea of stability, a land of opportunity, and a harmonious home.

In his remarks at the summit, Li reaffirmed China’s readiness to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with all countries in the region, uphold openness and cooperation, and take practical steps to jointly usher in a new chapter of development for the region.

His remarks once again highlight China’s consistent commitment to regional cooperation and to building a community with a shared future that benefits all countries in the region.

Amid the rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and Asean have stood out for their upholding of fair trade. Guided by their shared vision of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, they have provided a model of mutual support, unity, and shared progress.

Over the past two decades, China-Asean cooperation has grown into the most vibrant and fruitful partnership in the Asia-Pacific.

Thanks to their economic complementarity and common support for free trade, China has remained Asean’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while Asean has been China’s largest trading partner for the past five years. In the first three quarters of this year, bilateral trade reached 5.57 trillion yuan (about $785 billion), up 9.6 percent year-on-year-a remarkable performance amid the global uncertainties.

This thriving cooperation is not accidental but the result of the consistent alignment of their development strategies and their joint commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system and rejecting all forms of protectionism. The two sides have completed negotiations on the China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0, ushering in a new stage of economic integration. The upgraded FTA will further enhance market connectivity, trade facilitation, and investment cooperation together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

In the Plan of Action to implement the Asean-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026 to 2030), which is closely aligned with the Asean Community Vision 2045, the two sides have identified dozens of concrete goals across key areas-from trade and the digital economy to green energy and people-to-people exchanges-that provide a solid framework for the next stage of their cooperation. China and Asean should seize the opportunities and open new frontiers for innovation-driven growth.

Some observers say that the world is entering an ‘Asian moment’ of globalization. As emerging economies and developing nations face mounting challenges from trade fragmentation and geopolitical rivalry, the success of China-Asean cooperation carries global significance. The tangible benefits of their cooperation are evident in their strengthening of infrastructure connectivity. These projects not only drive economic growth but also knit the region closer together. Equally encouraging are the booming people-to-people exchanges that underpin political trust and cultural understanding. Together, the two sides are demonstrating that regional integration, openness, and mutual respect-not protectionism or bloc politics-offer the surest path toward shared prosperity and stability.

Premier Li’s call for openness, cooperation, and dialogue thus charts the right course for East Asia’s future. At this new historical juncture, China and Asean should further align their development strategies, advance their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. By doing so, they can ensure the region remains a model of peaceful development and a powerful engine of global growth. China Daily/Asia News Network

Three minor earthquakes rattled Cagbalete Island off Lamon Bay in Mauban, Quezon, Friday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The first quake, measuring magnitude 2.4, struck at 5:29 a.m. at a depth of 33 kilometers. A second magnitude 2.4 tremor followed at 6:58 a.m.-just three kilometers deep.

A third, slightly weaker magnitude 2.3 tremor occurred at 7:44 a.m., with a depth of 32 kilometers, about nine kilometers northwest of the island.

Phivolcs said all three tremors were tectonic in origin, triggered by the sudden movement of rocks along faults or plate boundaries.

The agency added that the quakes were too weak to cause damage or aftershocks.

Cagbalete Island is one of the top tourist destinations in Quezon Province.

The Philippines is situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity where several tectonic plates converge and collide

The country’s agricultural output reached P1.28 trillion in the first nine months, up 3.5 percent from the year prior, driven by higher crop and poultry production, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

The statistics agency said in the third quarter alone, the value of agricultural and fisheries production had expanded by 2.8 percent to P408.94 billion. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth in local farm output.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) was upbeat about the farm sector achieving a full-year growth despite the continued presence of animal diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF) and bird flu.

In an interview on Thursday, Tiu Laurel said local production could also be affected by other typhoons that may hit the archipelago for the rest of this year.

‘I cannot predict what the effect of the typhoon will be . assuming the succeeding typhoons won’t hit (agricultural farmlands) as hard, the outlook is good,’ he said.

‘There is still ASF and we’ll soon have some issues related to avian influenza. But it is being contained as of the moment,’ he added.

Among subsectors, poultry improved the most, posting a 9.1-percent nine-month growth to deliver output valued at P226.53 billion. Chicken, duck, chicken eggs and duck eggs registered increases during the reporting period.

Biggest gain in poultry

Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. president Danilo Fausto said poultry output was expected to sustain its growth despite challenges arising from bird flu. Multinational companies engaged in poultry production have the financial capital to address biosecurity issues, he noted.

Crop production was valued at P712.5 billion in the first nine months, up 5 percent.

Palay or unhusked rice output rose by 8.3 percent to P263.65 billion, while corn harvests inched up by 2 percent to P89.31 billion.

In a Viber message, Fausto said the ‘modest gain’ in crops could be attributed to the significant intervention in this segment, especially rice, the country’s staple food.

However, fisheries output dropped by 1.9 percent to P167.46 billion. This segment has been on a downtrend since 2023.

Most species posted declines: milkfish, tiger prawn, skipjack, round scad, frigate tuna, bali sardinella, blue crab, cavalla, fimbriated sardines, white-legged shrimp and seaweed.

‘I did not expect the big decline in the fisheries sector especially since we are a nation of islands, where fisheries (aquaculture) is perceived to be the competitive advantage of the country,’ Fausto said.

But according to Tiu Laurel, the DA has anticipated lower fisheries output this 2025 due to cooler temperatures that slow down fish cultivation.

Fausto said the government should focus more on the fisheries sector to include intervention in the hatchery and fingerlings production, cold chain and storage, ice plants and supply logistics.

Meanwhile, livestock output dropped by 3.5 percent to P178 billion, also seeing a contraction since 2023.

Production of hog, the major livestock commodity, fell 4.2 percent to P144.01 billion. INQ