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The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) proudly announces its win as the Best Small Business Banking Service in the Philippines at The Asian Banker Philippines Excellence in Retail Finance and Financial Technology Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition underscores BPI Business Banking’s continued leadership in empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with financial solutions that are madali, magaan, at mabilis.

This award reaffirms BPI’s position as the partner of choice for SMEs, providing accessible and inclusive financial products and services that support long-term business growth.

‘SMEs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. At BPI, we understand their challenges and aspirations, and we are proud to walk with them in their journey of growth,’ said BPI Business Banking Head, Dominique ‘Ococ’ Ocliasa.

‘This recognition reflects our commitment to deliver purpose-driven innovation, relevant financing, and capacity-building support to SMEs nationwide,’ he added.

In 2024, BPI Business Banking achieved a 106% growth in SME loan portfolio and an 18.2% increase in SME clients, driven by data-centric strategies and a customer-first approach. Central to this success is Ka-Negosyo On The Go (KNOTG), the Philippines’ first fully digital SME loan application platform, featuring a Loan Finder, Eligibility Checker, and online loan application tool. Last year, the KNOTG platform grew its leads generation by 141% and its online applications by 95%, with approved accounts amounting to PHP 1.32 billion in loan amount.

BPI also introduced alternative credit scoring models, expanding financing access to underserved sectors. Notably, BPI’s simplified pre-qualified loan application program has helped expand access to financing for underserved yet credit-worthy SMEs, and contributed 24% to the 2024 loan portfolio growth.

While leading with digital innovation, BPI remains committed to personalized service. The bank’s hybrid model combines advanced technology with human touchpoints, ensuring every SME client receives expert guidance and long-term support.

Through initiatives like BizTalk, Ka-Nego Talk, and the Ka-Negososyo series, BPI delivered business education and insights to over 900 SME clients in 2024.

Complementing its lending products is BPI BizLink, a secure, 24/7 digital banking platform that enables over 22,000 SMEs to manage their finances seamlessly-whether it’s paying suppliers, employees, or government dues.

As the only commercial bank in the country offering an end-to-end online SME loan process with integrated e-signing via DocuSign, BPI sets the benchmark for innovation and inclusivity in SME financing.

The award reflects BPI’s broader mission to reinvent banking by focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach. With resilience and foresight, BPI continues its 174-year legacy of banking excellence, delivering real value to customers, employees, and communities alike.

I have to admit, I’ve missed the feeling of getting lost in a book-the kind that lets you travel without ever leaving your seat. Books have always been an ingenious vehicle for escape, a way to explore places and live through moments far from your own reality.

I started reading as a kid, borrowing Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene from our school library. That small habit opened up a world of imagination. Through The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, I wandered the streets of France and Italy, and in The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, I fell in love with the charm of the American countryside in the 1940s. I may have been in the comfort of our home, but those stories made me feel like I had already traveled the world.

Lately, I’ve been feeling that familiar urge to return to reading and to once again lose myself in stories that transport me to places I’ve never been. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as the Big Bad Wolf book sale has officially returned to Metro Manila. Happening from October 2 to 13, 2025, at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang, the final leg of the country’s largest book sale brings massive discounts of up to 95% off across thousands of titles. For someone rediscovering the joy of travel through words, it felt like the perfect invitation to explore new destinations, this time, through the pages of a book.

More than Just a Book Sale

The sheer volume of books at Big Bad Wolf can be overwhelming at first, but the beauty of it being a 12-day event means there’s no need to rush. Doors are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends. There are food stalls lined up outside when you need to take a break, or you can always come back for another round. The best part? Admission is absolutely free! Whether you’re with family, friends, or going solo, it’s an experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Book Recos and Unexpected Finds

If you’re open to exploring beyond your usual reads, Big Bad Wolf has curated aisles filled with bestsellers, BookTok favorites, and Top 10 Picks from various genres. And if you’re looking for something specific, their assistants at the customer service booth can help track it down. Some titles on my readlist weren’t available, but I learned that the Big Bad Wolf team actually takes note of what readers look for and tries to include them in future runs.

Bigger Deals and Amazing Prizes

Beyond further markdowns and irresistible discounts, Big Bad Wolf keeps the excitement going with amazing raffle prizes. For every ?5,000 single-receipt purchase, shoppers can get a chance to win a brand-new iPad, an IKEA bookshelf filled with 100 books, or the grand prize of a 3-day trip for two to Hong Kong! It’s a fun giveaway that adds to the thrill of the hunt, especially for those who can’t resist making the most of the book sale.

Finding My Way Back to Reading

Big Bad Wolf has always championed the joy of reading by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone. After years of consuming mostly digital content, being surrounded by rows of stories felt like a homecoming to me. Each book held the promise of a quiet escape, an exciting journey, and a reminder that we don’t always need to board a plane to explore the world. Sometimes, all it takes is turning a page.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a show cause order against the asset valuer of Villar Land Holdings Corp., whose shares remain suspended on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

In a letter dated September 29, the SEC’s Office of the General Accountant directed E-Value Phils. Inc. to explain why it should not be subjected to penalties and sanctions relative to its valuation of properties of companies under the Villar Land group. These were Althorp Land Holdings Inc., Chalgrove Properties Inc. and Los Valores Corp.

The issuance of the order follows special onsite inspections conducted by the agency to determine the company’s compliance with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2014, which provides for the Guidelines on Asset Valuations, and effective International Valuation Standards in the preparation of the appraisal reports of the companies.

The order forms part of the SEC’s investigation into Villar Land Holdings, which was recently ordered to pay administrative fines totaling P12 million for violations of Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, over its failure to submit its audited financial statements on time.

The investigation into E-Value is in line with the visitorial powers of the SEC, to regulate and supervise the activities of corporations, as well as impose sanctions when necessary.

‘The SEC will continue to investigate this matter thoroughly in the interest of upholding transparency and accountability in valuation practices and accuracy in financial reporting. The Commission will provide updates as necessary in the interest of the public, while upholding the required confidentiality of the proceedings.’

The SEC in August fined Villar Land, formerly Golden MV Holdings Inc., and its 11-man board of directors, some P12 million for the repeated delays in the filing of its annual and quarterly reports.

In its order, the SEC’s Market and Securities Regulation department said it found Villar Land and its board ‘administratively liable for gross negligence or bad faith in directing the affairs of the company,’ for its inability to file its annual 2024 and first quarter 2025 reports.

The administrative fine involves P1 million for each board member and the company itself, and P2,000 each for every delay of submission from July 1 until the company submitted its report.

The board includes the three Villar siblings; their father and company chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr.; company president Cynthia J. Javarez; independent directors Ana Marie V. Pagsibigan and Garth F. Castaneda; the company’s CFO, CIO and heard of IR; its corporate secretary; assistant corporate secretary; and compliance officer.

In a statement, Villar Land and its officers said they ‘welcome the opportunity to explain their side on the issues raised and will respond to the SEC’s order in due course.’

It said the delay in the filing of the annual report and the first quarter 2025 report of Villar Land is not due to the refusal of its external auditor to sign the 2024 audited financial statements.

‘The delay was caused by the auditor’s varying requests for additional audit procedures in the course of their review of the valuation of the Villar City properties that were acquired by Villar Land in 2024.’

Honest spending of public money on the services everyone relies on!

These include quality education, decent healthcare, well-functioning transport and energy infrastructure. Protection from deadly floods. Opportunities for the next generation. The freedom to hold leaders to account by protesting safely.

In the Philippines, Nepal and Indonesia, when these reasonable expectations are not met, people are taking to the streets to voice their concern.

In the Philippines, mass protests on Sunday followed months of growing anger over allegations that billions of pesos meant for flood relief were siphoned into fake projects.

The revelations come as the country reels from severe flooding, which frequently causes fatalities. Citizens are demanding the return of stolen funds and accountability for those responsible-a demand that reflects a wider frustration in a country.

In Nepal, a government ban on social media earlier this month lit the spark for protests that have since grown into a broader youth-led movement. They are protesting widespread corruption and political impunity, nepotism and neglect of basic services such as education and healthcare, which limit their opportunities. With frustrations having mounted for some time, these demonstrations became one of the country’s largest protest movements in recent years, and tragically, 72 protesters-most of them young-lost their lives.

In Indonesia, peaceful protests over the past weeks against corruption and abuse of power have also been met with a violent crackdown. At least ten people have been killed and hundreds injured, while three leading activists-now named suspects under incitement and even spreading false information charges-remain detained without due process. Live protest broadcasts have been banned, and pro-government networks have been spreading disinformation attacks against civil society organizations. safeguards civic freedoms and embeds integrity in development and climate policies, corruption will remain deeply entrenched.

The message from the streets of Manila, Kathmandu and Jakarta is the same: people-especially the younger generation-are demanding transparency and accountability. They know corruption is not an abstract problem-it drains resources from classrooms and hospitals, weakens climate defenses, silences independent voices and destroys public trust. Ultimately, young people feel it blights their future, shutting down opportunities through weak institutions, nepotism and poor-quality services.

Without transparency, there are weak checks and deterrents, making it far easier for billions of pesos in climate funds to disappear in the Philippines. Without it, political impunity in Nepal can continue unchecked as wrongdoers escape prosecution. And without it, governments in Indonesia can crush dissent and hide the truth. Another important factor in restoring trust is: swift justice! Swift justice is essential not only for the law to function properly but also for maintaining the people’s faith in democracy. Truth without prompt and effective disposition of corruption cases, public trust in government will continue to erode, and the rule of law will become a meaningless phrase.

These protests are part of a wider spate of anti-corruption movements worldwide, where people are making reasonable demands that represent the bare minimum of democratic governance: honest leaders, transparent spending on quality public services, freedom to speak out, and confidence that wrongdoing will be punished under the rule of law. Meeting these expectations should not be optional.

These movements show that corruption is not just a grievance to be tolerated-it is the breaking point where trust collapses and people demand change.

I would welcome your government expectations! Contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com.

THE world’s happiest kingdom and Southeast Asia’s happiest nation have officially forged diplomatic ties.

The Philippines and Bhutan formally established diplomatic relations Monday, October 6, 2025, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between two Asian countries known for their resilience, cultural pride, and people-first development models.

The Joint Communiqué was signed in New Delhi by Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio and Bhutanese Ambassador to India Major General Vetsop Namgyel, in a ceremony hosted by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy. Diplomats and staff from both missions witnessed the historic event.

Ambassadors Ignacio and Namgyel hailed the formalization of ties as a milestone built on years of goodwill and collaboration.

‘Today, we have given flesh to the mutual aspiration of our governments and peoples to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cooperation, guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international law,’ said Ambassador Ignacio.

He noted that the Philippines and Bhutan had cultivated ‘cordial ties for years,’ with Manila extending technical assistance and training to Thimphu. The establishment of diplomatic relations, he added, is ‘ushering in a new epoch’ for bilateral engagement.

‘We foresee engagements between both our countries gaining new momentum-in economic interaction; people-to-people, tourism and cultural exchanges; and cooperation in multilateral fora to advance shared advocacies,’ Ignacio said.

Ambassador Namgyel echoed the sentiment, citing Bhutan’s longstanding access to Philippine education and training programs through the Colombo Plan, the Asian Development Bank, and the JICA Third Country Program.

‘Many Bhutanese students have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in Philippine universities,’ Namgyel said.

He also thanked the Philippines for its contribution to Bhutan’s De-Suung (‘Guardian of Peace’) Skilling Program, which has hosted 17 Filipino expert trainers to date.

Namgyel affirmed Bhutan’s commitment ‘to work closely with the Philippine Embassy to take our friendship and cooperation to new heights in the years ahead.’

The ceremony concluded with a reception featuring Bhutan’s traditional Suja Desi-butter tea and sweet saffron rice-alongside Filipino and Bhutanese dishes.

The diplomatic milestone carries symbolic weight: Bhutan, globally admired for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index-a development model that prioritizes well-being over GDP-is often cited as the happiest country on earth.

The Philippines, meanwhile, consistently ranks among the happiest in Southeast Asia, buoyed by strong family ties, community spirit, and cultural resilience despite economic and climate challenges.

With this signing, the Philippines becomes the 58th country to establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan, and only the sixth among ASEAN member states.

IN a groundbreaking move to combat corruption and promote transparency, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is turning to blockchain technology to safeguard government transactions. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the way the government operates, making it more accountable and trustworthy. (Read the BusinessMirror story-‘DICT: Blockchain a weapon vs corruption,’ September 30, 2025).

The DICT’s push to harness blockchain as a ‘digital safeguard’ against tampering and erasure of government records could revolutionize transparency in how public funds are managed, tracked, and spent.

Blockchain’s defining feature-its immutability-is perfectly suited to address a perennial problem in government transactions: the manipulation or destruction of records. As ICT Secretary Henry Aguda pointed out, data stored on a blockchain cannot be altered or deleted. This creates a permanent, verifiable ledger that leaves no room for the ‘wiping out’ of documents, a practice that reportedly complicated investigations into the multibillion-peso flood control scandal involving the Department of Public Works and Highways. By decentralizing data storage across multiple nodes rather than a single server, blockchain safeguards government records from unilateral tampering.

Two proposed pieces of legislation, the Blockchain for Government Transparency Act and the Philippine National Budget Blockchain Act, aim to integrate blockchain technology into government operations. If implemented, every peso of the national budget-from allocation to disbursement and expenditure-could be traceable and independently verifiable by citizens. This level of openness not only deters corruption but also empowers the public with real-time information, fostering trust in government institutions. (Read the BusinessMirror story-‘PBBM certification of budget on blockchain bill sought,’ October 3, 2025).

The involvement of lawmakers like Rep. Brian Llamanzares and Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, who are championing these bills, reflects growing political will to modernize public finance management. Moreover, the Department of Budget and Management’s recent adoption of blockchain in recording Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) shows that the technology is not just theoretical but already practical and scalable.

However, the success of this initiative hinges on more than technology alone. It requires unwavering political will, adequate funding, technical expertise, and robust digital literacy programs to ensure that government employees and citizens can effectively use and trust the system. Moreover, the government must guarantee that blockchain implementation complements -not replaces-existing checks and balances, audits, and legal frameworks designed to hold officials accountable.

Blockchain is no silver bullet, but it is a powerful tool that can enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption when integrated wisely. By committing to blockchain-backed public finance, the Philippines positions itself as a leader in digital governance in the region, setting a standard that many countries could emulate.

Given the current crisis of confidence in government agencies, the promise of an immutable, transparent ledger offers a chance to rebuild confidence and ensure that every taxpayer’s peso truly serves the public good. The DICT’s blockchain initiative should be welcomed and supported by all sectors as a crucial step toward a more accountable, transparent, and corruption-resistant government.

With the blockchain technology as an ally and political will as a driving force, the Philippines can turn the tide against corruption and usher in a new era of integrity and openness in public service.

HAVE you ever lost sleep because of bills? Or felt your chest tighten when your credit card statement arrived? Money stress is not just about the figures in your bank account. It touches every part of life; from how well we sleep to how we treat the people around us.

For many Filipinos, financial concerns are constant. Salaries feel too small against rising costs. Emergencies strike when least expected. Obligations to family and community pull at already stretched budgets. The result is a kind of stress that lingers. The stress doesn’t end when the workday is over: it follows us home, into our conversations, and even into our health.

The reality of money stress

MONEY stress often shows up in ways we do not always connect to our finances. It may be sleepless nights, headaches, or the constant worry that keeps us distracted. At work, it can mean a loss of focus or even absenteeism. At home, it may turn into frequent arguments with a spouse or silence between partners who do not know how to talk about money.

Studies worldwide show that finances are one of the leading causes of stress, and the Philippines is no exception. Inflation, debt, and family obligations weigh heavily on households. Unlike other stressors, money issues are hard to escape. Whether we like it or not, we all have to make financial decisions every single day.

Why it happens

IT is easy to think that money stress only affects those with lower incomes, but that is not the case. Even people who earn more are not immune. Lifestyle creep, or the tendency to spend more as income rises, leaves many still living paycheck to paycheck despite higher salaries.

The triggers are familiar. Payday often brings temporary relief; but obligations like rent and bills quickly shrink the paycheck. Emergencies such as medical expenses or tuition can throw off even the best-laid plans. Cultural expectations also add pressure. Saying no to a family request can feel like turning our back on our values. Declining an invitation with friends may feel like rejecting the people we care about. Stress does not come only from not having enough money, but also from the feeling of being powerless to control where it goes.

The link between money and mental health

MONEY and mental health are closely connected. Worrying about finances fuels anxiety, and anxiety in turn leads to poor financial decisions. Someone who is overwhelmed may avoid opening bills or checking account balances, hoping the problem will go away. Others cope through impulse spending, buying things to feel better in the moment even if it creates bigger problems later.

This creates a vicious cycle: financial stress leads to poor decisions, which create more financial stress. Over time, it erodes confidence, productivity, and even relationships. It is not ‘just money.’ It is a mental health issue that deserves serious attention.

How to ease money stress

THE good news is that while money stress is common, it is not permanent. There may be no instant fix, but small, steady actions can reduce anxiety and create a sense of control.

The first step is awareness. Facing your finances, no matter how uncomfortable, helps reduce the fear of the unknown. Listing your expenses and debts may feel heavy at first, but clarity is the foundation of change.

Starting small also matters. Setting aside even P500 or P1,000 a week can seem insignificant, but it builds confidence and creates momentum. Progress, not perfection, is what matters.

It also helps to design a budget that is realistic and kind. Many people give up on budgeting because they make it too strict. Allowing a little space for small joys makes it more sustainable and prevents bigger splurges later on.

Family obligations are part of our culture, but setting healthy limits is also necessary. Helping is noble, but it should not come at the cost of your own security. Learning to give within your means ensures that you can continue to help in the long term.

Finally, find healthier ways to cope with stress. Instead of shopping to feel better, consider activities that relax and recharge you without draining your wallet. Exercise, journaling, prayer, or simply talking to a trusted friend can all help lighten the load.

Building financial wellness

MONEY stress may not disappear overnight, but every step toward control reduces its hold on your life. Each time you choose to face a bill, set aside a small savings, or say no to unnecessary spending, you are taking back a measure of peace.

Financial wellness is not about becoming rich. It is about having stability and peace of mind. It is about feeling secure enough to care for your needs, support your loved ones, and plan for the future without constant fear.

When we take care of both our money and our mental health, we give ourselves a chance not just to survive, but to live with balance and confidence.

This is the true goal of financial wellness.

Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier for the entrepreneurial poor, preventing them from participating in digital commerce and escaping the poverty trap. To address this, the government must foster a supportive environment that encourages digitalization rather than hindering it with excessive regulations.

Joey Bermudez, founding chairperson of Iskaparate, a platform for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), argues that regulatory impositions and bureaucratic red tape stifle digital sellers. For example, he cites the requirement by some local government units (LGUs) for home-based businesses to have a separate physical office before they can be issued a business permit.

To empower its members, Iskaparate provides digital training courses and is expanding its suite of apps and tools to help sellers manage their online businesses more effectively.

The power of digital platforms

During Iskaparate’s fifth anniversary, economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, a professor at Harvard and IESE Business School, spoke to the ‘mompreneurs’ (nanays) of the platform. He urged them to strive for excellence and meritocracy, never settling for mediocrity. Villegas emphasized that digital platforms like Iskaparate democratize market access, giving sellers a powerful advantage.

He believes the future belongs to this kind of trade, where physical distribution is ‘unbundled’ from the curating of trade. This model empowers small entrepreneurs who can identify and fill market needs with hard work and innovation. Villegas commended Iskaparate for its presence on platforms like Shopee, recognizing that this is ‘definitely the future.’

Iskaparate’s support system

Iskaparate offers a variety of support mechanisms for its sellers:

Assisted Vendors: For those who feel inadequate to manage their own stores, Iskaparate provides a store on its platform that is managed for them.

Resellers: The platform also supports individuals who don’t have their own products but are skilled at selling. They can buy products wholesale from Iskaparate’s business-to-business (B2B) partners and sell them within their neighborhoods and communities.

Social Media Sellers: Iskaparate accommodates sellers who aren’t yet ready to use a website but are comfortable selling on platforms like Facebook. Bermudez noted that these sellers can leverage Iskaparate’s dedicated Facebook channels to market their products.

Bermudez is committed to training sellers who are not yet familiar with digital platforms, hoping to boost their digital proficiency to a confident level. For those who are ‘totally digitally scared,’ Iskaparate provides guidance and training through its Iskaparate Academy trainees.

The Philippine government also offers extensive support for MSMEs through agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), providing assistance with everything from financial aid to business development and training.

OF all the high-risk jobs out there, sitting behind an office desk for eight or more hours five days a week seems like the most benign. Sure, there’s no heavy lifting involved, no long-distance travel, and no exposure to dizzying heights, toxic chemicals, or machines that could inadvertently sever a body part. Yet parking yourself in front of a computer for long periods can pose danger to your health in more ways than one.

‘You’ve heard of the saying, ‘Sitting is the new smoking.’ That means the lack of activity increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers-conditions associated with regular tobacco use,’ says Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD, from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of top Philippine hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).

Spending hours hunched over your desk typically leads to musculoskeletal pain. ‘A common problem shared by office workers is lower back pain,’ reveals Tan. ‘One study revealed that as much as 51 percent of office workers experienced lower back pain.’

Given their curved posture when seated, office workers complain too of soreness in the shoulders and neck. ‘There’s actually a name for it: tech neck or text neck,’ shares the MakatiMed doctor. ‘Common among those who use gadgets, it’s stress caused from keeping your shoulders and head slumped forward and your chin practically touching your chest.’

If you type a lot on a computer, or use a mouse, you might have felt some tingling, pain and weakness in your hand and wrist. ‘It’s likely carpal tunnel syndrome,’ says Tan. ‘The carpal tunnel is a space in your wrist bone that serves as a passageway for tendons, ligaments, and nerves to reach your hand. When the median nerve in your carpal tunnel is irritated or damaged due to repetitive motions, it sends pain to your hand, wrist, and fingers.’

Hours of staring at a computer screen can also affect your eyes, causing you to experience blurred vision, dryness, and headaches. ‘Fortunately, these office pains do not happen overnight,’ declares Tan. ‘Awareness gives you the opportunity to avoid and correct their causes, so you can work comfortably and more efficiently.’

Sit properly. ‘Pick a chair that supports your spine and allows you to adjust its height, so your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at the same level as your hips, and your head is straight, not bent forward,’ reminds Tan. ‘Make sure you are seated at arm’s length from your computer, your wrists are straight, and your hands are level with your elbows.’

Take breaks. They don’t have to be long to disrupt your concentration and rhythm. A five-minute break every 30 minutes can relax and recharge your body and brain. It also gives your eyes time to rest, according to Tan. How you spend it is up to you. A walk outdoors may inspire new ideas, while meditating quiets the mind, and stretching not just your body but your hands and fingers can ease some strain. You can also listen to music, read, eat a snack, or chat with a co-worker.

Consider a standing desk and other ergonomic products. You might have to get used to it, but a standing desk promotes better posture because you aren’t hunched over, the doctor advises. ‘Still, you might have to take walking and sitting breaks with this type of desk, as standing for too long can be tough on your joints and the soles of your feet,’ shares Tan.

It might also be helpful to invest in ergonomic chairs, footrests, laptop risers, and other products that are specifically designed to optimize the work environment for comfort and safety.

Exercise. ‘It improves posture by strengthening the muscles that support your back, shoulders, and core,’ says Tan. ‘It also releases mood-enhancing endorphins that lift the spirit to relax you after a long day at work.’

The doctor recommends simple stretches like neck shoulder rolls, chest stretches, and torso twists as well as quick exercises such as squats and triceps dip using your chair, seated movements like calf raises and knee to chest, and wall push-ups and sits.

Energy sales of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) at end-September this year stood at 40,719 gigawatt hours (GWh), down by 0.4 percent from 40,872 GWh recorded in the same period a year ago.

The company said the decline was mainly due to reduced household spending and unpredictable weather conditions.

‘Depressed residential consumption remains to be the biggest contributor to the decline, amplified by the erratic weather observed in the third quarter, with the transition of El Nino to La Nina,’ Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz said.

He added that the impact on commercial sales is less pronounced, but still affected by the reeling effect of lower tourism and real estate occupancy. However, Geluz said industrial sales posted a modest increase supported by steady demand in cement and steel.

‘Notwithstanding, we continue our diligent efforts to energize customers, with an estimate to end the year at 8.2 million customers, up by 170,000 from last year. We are optimistic that these new customers will contribute to the volume rebound next year once weather and macroeconomic factors normalize.’

Meralco will release soon its financial and operating results for January to September.

Meanwhile, the utility firm is anticipating higher generation charge which could lead to an increase in electricity rates this month.

‘While we are still waiting for some billings from our suppliers to finalize the October electricity rate, indications point to a possible increase in the generation charge this month,’ said Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga. ‘This is due to the depreciation of the peso which affects costs of our suppliers that are mostly dollar-denominated.’

‘We, however, are hopeful that these possible increases will be tempered by lower WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices as reported by IEMOP [Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines].’

WESM’s average price declined 33.8 percent to P3.04 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in September, the lowest in the last seven months, from P4.59 per kWh the previous month.

IEMOP noted an improved supply for the billing period August 26 to September 25 at 20,712 megawatts (MW) against a lower demand which stood at 13,640 MW, resulting in an increased margin of 5,194 MW, up from 4,578 MW in August 2025.

IEMOP said these conditions were observed across the regions with supply increasing and demand decreasing. The higher margin compared to the previous billing month led to lower prices.