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THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced last Thursday its chief has approved the release of P716.15 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to replenish the agency’s quick response fund (QRF).

A statement issued by the DBM read that the allocation is expected to be used to procure and stockpile family food packs and non-food items in DSWD warehouses. The statement added these items are expected to benefit around 424,681 families.

The DBM added that the fund is expected to be used for ‘Emergency Cash Transfers’ for some 41,502 households affected by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclones ‘Mirasol,’ ‘Nando,’ and ‘Opong’ in Regions V, IV-B and II.

Moreover, the fund is expected to support transport and delivery services, stand-by funds for regional offices, and other logistical support needed to swiftly distribute relief goods and emergency assistance.

‘This replenishment helps guarantee the DSWD can continue to provide food, shelter, and cash aid to families when they need it most,’ DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman was quoted in the statement as saying.

The DBM said the amount released to DSWD will be charged against the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 12116).

Data from the DBM showed P13.034 billion was released from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund from January to September this year. The NDRRM Fund may be used to provide aid, relief and rehabilitation to affected communities. It can also be used to repair and rebuild infrastructure damaged by natural or human-induced calamities within the current or past two years.

So far, P7.965 billion remains in the balance of the NDRRM Fund, which government agencies can still tap until the end of the year.

There is also P1 billion in People’s Survival Fund, an annual allocation to provide long-term finance stream for adaptation projects to increase the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change, under the NDRRM Fund.

The DSWD QRF is a standby fund that first response agencies can tap to immediately provide relief and assist areas stricken by catastrophes and crises. If the QRFs of first response agencies reach 50 percent or lower, they may request replenishment to the DBM, which will be approved by the Office of the President.

MICRO-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises are expected to gain wider access to credit after the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) launched a new lending program.

According to the state-run lender, the program called ‘Lifting MSMEs Lending,’ offers loan packages that can be used for working capital, expansion, equipment upgrades, renovations, digitalization, franchising, export and trade finance, and green or sustainable projects.

The loan program (‘LandBank’s Innovative Financing Thrust Towards Inclusive National Growth thru Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’) is structured around three financing tiers to support enterprises at every stage, the lender explained in a statement.

Under the start-up loan, start-ups and microenterprises with less than one year of operation may borrow from P100,000 to P500,000, with free financial literacy training and minimal collateral requirements.

For micro-sized and small-scale firms with at least one year of operations, the Step-Up Loan offers financing from P500,000 up to P5 million, alongside training support, provision of point-of-sale (POS) terminals and eligibility for higher loan brackets.

Small-scale and medium-sized businesses with over three years in operation may tap the ‘level-up loan,’ which extends up to P50 million in funding, coupled with access to the LandBank corporate credit card.

Beyond direct lending, LandBank will also extend rediscounting lines to credit cooperatives, rural banks and microfinance institutions that serve MSMEs, covering as much as 85 percent of outstanding receivables to strengthen their lending capacity.

LandBank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz has recognized MSMEs as the ‘backbone of the Philippine economy,’ comprising 99.6 percent of total business establishments and employing 65 percent of the workforce.

‘Every loan extended to an MSME creates a ripple effect-sustaining jobs, uplifting families, and strengthening communities. Through the Lifting MSMEs Lending Program, LandBank is fueling this multiplier effect to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth across the nation,’ Ortiz was quoted in the statement as saying.

Applications may be filed through the LandBank Business Loan Application Portal, a digital platform that allows borrowers to directly submit forms, upload documents and monitor application status.

LandBank booked a net income of P13.29 billion in the first quarter of this year, up by 11 percent year-on-year from P11.98 billion.

LandBank’s total assets increased by 5 percent to P3.426 trillion in the first quarter from P3.268 trillion in the same period last year, on the back of expansions in loan and investment portfolios.

The bank’s gross loan portfolio rose by 8 percent to P1.58 trillion, while its investments jumped by 14 percent to P1.50 trillion in the first quarter, driven by growth in both trading and non-trading portfolios.

TENNIS sensation Alex Eala captured her breakthrough Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title anw d served as anchor as Filipino athletes made it a ‘September to remember.’

On a high from her milestone first-round victory at the US Open main draw in August, Eala followed up with her maiden championship run at the Guadalajara WTA 125 Open in Mexico.

The 20-year-old ace fought with much intensity and passion all the way through, sealing it with a searing comeback from a set down to beat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

With her exploits, Eala smashed her way to the top of the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s roster of achievers for the ninth month of 2025.

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, the Alas Pilipinas Men, darter Lovely Mae ‘Bebang’ Orbeta and pickleball player Bambi Zoleta also produced noteworthy performances in the other fronts.

Obiena helped stage a world-class street pole vault event-Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge at the Ayala Triangle-and gave local fans a complete treat by beating his foreign rivals for the gold with his season’s best 5.80 meters.

Alas Pilipinas spiked its stint in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at home with a massive upset of No. 21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21.

It was the country’s first-ever win in the global meet and the team nearly made more history but lost to No. 14 Iran, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, 20-22, in a close battle for a round of 16 berth.

Writing history for Philippine darts, Orbeta hit the bull’s eye at the World Darts Federation (WDF) World Cup in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, capping an exceptional run with a dominant 7-2 victory over seasoned American Paula Murphy in the finale.

A decorated soft tennis player, Zoleta showed topnotch skills in another sport, copping a pair of gold medals at the World Pickleball Championship Tier 5 in Bali.

Zoleta beat Indonesian Angie Bong, 21-15, for the tiara in the women’s singles 19+ 4.5 category, and teamed with Patricia Raymundo in overpowering Marine Demol and Mila Yatmi, 21-6, for the doubles mint.

Also making it to the September honor roll were Joseph Arcilla, Samuel Nuguit, Patrick Mendoza, Bien Zoleta, Princess Catindig and Christy Sañosa, who topped the mixed team division of the 9th Asian Soft Tennis Championships in Mungyeong City, Korea, as well as the Philippine team that claimed the Overall Nation Championship Trophy at the FIA Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Sri Lanka.

Sparked by Councilor Jonas Abadilla’s post on the SK Federation’s inquiry to DPWH, the story reflects a growing movement of young leaders seeking clarity and accountability, reminding the public that scrutiny, not suspicion, is the real measure of good governance.

The DPWH replied in full, and took responsibility.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Muntinlupa City has written to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office to seek clarity on the selection and implementation of flood control projects in the city, including two in Barangay Poblacion worth a combined ?143.5 million.

In its letter dated September 25, 2025, the SK Federation, joined by youth councils and alliances from Barangay Poblacion and Southville 3 raised concerns about how infrastructure priorities are identified and approved, particularly amid public speculation over several projects.

Among the questions raised: who decides which flood control projects get implemented, what criteria are used to select locations, and who approved the ?49 million project near Caltex and the ?94.5 million project in Southville 3. The youth groups also asked whether any Muntinlupa projects were part of ongoing investigations into substandard DPWH works.

‘We believe that transparency must be achieved in order to foster inclusivity, ethical governance, and genuine service to our constituents,’ the SK letter read. ‘We seek clarity to ensure that information shared with our fellow citizens is accurate and not subject to abuse.’

In its reply, the DPWH District Engineering Office thanked the SK for its vigilance and clarified that project identification and implementation are handled by the DPWH in coordination with local governments and district representatives, but that final approval rests with the DPWH Central Office, under the General Appropriations Act passed by Congress.

DPWH also explained that flood control projects are identified based on community vulnerability, technical studies, and protection of existing infrastructure.

The ?49 million Caltex-area project, it said, is part of a broader series of flood mitigation works along the Magdaong River, completed in 2022 to prevent bank erosion threatening the national road.

The ?94.5 million Southville 3 project, meanwhile, is preventive in nature: meant to avert erosion and landslides near a proposed national link road. It remains suspended pending DENR permits, with no payments yet made to the contractor.

The agency stressed that no projects in Muntinlupa are currently under investigation for substandard work, and that all undergo ‘strict quality control’ monitored by DPWH and independent auditors.

For the SK Federation, the inquiry was an exercise in responsible citizenship – a way of using its mandate to promote transparency beyond youth programming.

Observers say the move represents a healthy shift in the culture of local governance: one where young leaders seek data and clarity from state institutions, instead of amplifying political noise. By asking, and receiving direct answers, the youth of Muntinlupa have shown that vigilance does not always require confrontation. Sometimes, it begins with a letter.

THE chief of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) cited reforms are being instituted by his agency to curb bribery and conflicts of interest after receiving a ‘most corrupt’ tag from the US State Department (US DoS).

A statement issued by the BOC last Thursday stressed that institutional reforms have been underway under the leadership of its new commissioner, Ariel F. Nepomuceno, even before the release of the ‘2025 State Department Investment Climate Statements’ report.

The report noted that the US DoS ‘still considered [the BOC] to be one of the most corrupt agencies’ in the Philippines, America’s long-time ally in Southeast Asia.

According to the report, corruption has long hampered the government’s efforts to attract foreign investments in the country. It added that various organizations, including the World Economic Forum, cited corruption among the ‘top problematic factors’ for doing business in the Philippines.

‘The reforms we introduced within my first 100 days were not reactionary. They were proactive measures rooted in our commitment to clean governance. These measures directly respond to the very issues highlighted in the US State Department report, and we will continue pushing forward with both short and long-term solutions,’ Nepomuceno said.

Among the solutions the BOC cited as proof of reforms is the strict policy prohibiting any form of bribery or unlawful monetary transactions within the bureau. According to the BOC, violators of this ‘No Take’ policy face ‘immediate disciplinary action and possible prosecution.’

Nepomuceno has also issued a memorandum banning all BOC officials and employees from holding any business or financial interest in customs brokerage operations and requiring them to disclose familial ties to brokerage firms.

To strengthen internal oversight, BOC personnel are now mandated to submit affidavits on past or present connections to customs-related businesses to prevent hidden conflicts of interest.

In addition, the BOC has also temporarily suspended unserved ‘Letters of Authority’ and ‘Mission Orders’ to allow for a review of audit and inspection protocols to respond to complaints from the private sector over intrusive enforcement activities. The review would recalibrate procedures to ensure that enforcement remains risk-based, targeted and respectful of due process while avoiding undue disruption of legitimate trade.

The BOC will also maintain and strengthen the Customs Industry and Advisory Council (CICAC), which serves as a formal mechanism for engagement between the BOC and key stakeholders in trade, logistics and foreign investment. According to the BOC, it aims to institutionalize through the CICAC regular consultations, improve policy transparency, and co-develop solutions that improve efficiency in customs processes.

While these initial reforms are short-term solutions critical to restore trust and accountability, Nepomuceno said the BOC will focus on full digitalization and automation as its long-term strategies to reduce discretion and close systemic gaps.

Reducing human discretion and streamlining transactions will eliminate systemic vulnerabilities and build a modern, efficient and corruption-resistant customs administration, the statement read.

‘We are fully committed to transforming the Bureau of Customs into a model of integrity and professionalism. Corruption has no place in our agency, and we will continue to pursue reforms that protect investors, promote fair trade, and uphold public trust,’ Nepomuceno said.

Manila Water said it has added 56 additional facilities to the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) as it steps up the company’s sustainable energy adoption.

In a statement, Manila Water said the 56 facilities consist of 10 additional facilities from Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit Laguna Water, 45 facilities of Estate Water covering Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila, and Manila Water Foundation’s La Mesa Ecopark which stands as the first and largest ecopark to be powered entirely by renewable energy under RAP.

The move reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable operations and innovative energy solutions. Altogether, the transition represents a total demand of 1,682 kW.

This milestone was marked with another RAP switching ceremony held at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, which is the 4th switching for Manila Water this year.

‘Manila Water’s participation in RAP demonstrates its commitment to innovation and consumer empowerment. By aggregating demand and leveraging competitive supply options, Manila Water is helping pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient energy sector. At the ERC, our mandate is clear: to promote consumer welfare while ensuring a fair and competitive energy market and RAP is a key component of this vision.’ said ERC Director for Market Operations Service Sharon Montaner.

‘Since Manila Water’s first switching in February 2025, RAP participation has grown by 70%, a rate faster than RCOA, reflecting greater inclusivity and freedom of choice,’ Director Montaner further noted.

The event was also graced by ERC Chair Francis Saturnino Juan, MWSS Corporate Office Department Manager for Policy, Planning, and Public Relations Christian Nicole Baluca, MWSS-RO Legal Affairs Department Manager Crescenciano Minas Jr., PrimElectric Holdings Chief Operating Officer Richard Nethercott, IEMOP Vice President for Administration Sheryll Dy, MERALCO AVP and Head of Enterprise Commercial and Conglomerates Bernice Rama and representatives from the Climate Change and Sustainability Department of the Quezon City Local Government.

With these developments, Manila Water now sources electricity for a total of 214 facilities, representing an aggregated demand of 11 MW. Under the enhanced RAP framework, these facilities are supplied by PrimeRES Energy through Meralco’s distribution network.

‘This is all about the power of choice. We have 214 facilities switched now to RAP. and that’s very powerful because at the end of the day, we are held as a utility accountable to the costs that we charge our customers. We’ve tried to rethink our approach towards tariff and our customer base and really be as sufficient as possible,’ says Jocot De Dios, Manila Water President and CEO.

Earlier this year, Manila Water pioneered the country’s first transition to the enhanced Retail Aggregation Program, consolidating ten of its wastewater facilities under a single electricity sourcing. This marked a significant step in leveraging the RAP framework to streamline energy procurement and reduce costs.

Building on this momentum, the Company expanded its aggregation efforts through its operating units. In April, Laguna Aquatech facilitated the switch of 25 facilities, representing a combined demand of 900 kW. Additionally, Laguna Water transitioned 67 more facilities, contributing a substantial 4.3 MW to the total aggregated demand.

In May, Boracay Water made history as the first utility in the Visayas region to adopt RAP. Its switch included 11 facilities, ranging from water treatment plants and pumping stations to wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations, further highlighting the adaptability of RAP across diverse operational setups.

Under the enhanced RAP framework, consumers like Manila Water are now able to group the electricity requirements of its facilities located within the same distribution utility franchise areas. This approach strengthens the principle of consumer choice and opens the door to more cost-effective energy options available in the retail electricity market which is one of the core mandates of the EPIRA.

The Philippines is no stranger to corruption and the latest flood control controversy may not necessarily lead to devastating outcomes for the economy, according to Capital Economics and the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

A bigger risk that could emanate from the scandal is the national government’s response. Capital Economics said if the government resorts to populist policies to appease protesters, this could pose a challenge to the already limited fiscal space of the Marcos Jr. administration.

Capital Economics noted that the country’s public debt already stands at 60 percent of GDP. It added that the country’s current account deficit is already equivalent to 4 percent of GDP and may threaten the peso to deteriorate further.

‘A lot will depend on the government’s response to any further unrest. President Marcos Jnr. has, so far, been sympathetic to protestors, declaring that ‘if I weren’t president, I might be out on the streets with them’. A turn to more populist policymaking in order to appease protesters, as has occurred in Indonesia following protests is an obvious risk,’ Capital Economics said.

The United Kingdom-based think tank said there are many channels through which corruption can affect the decision of firms, households, and the government. One would be to refrain from investing and be forced to divert funds from reaching corrupt officials.

Capital Economics also said households could also be prevented from undertaking entrepreneurial activities. Corruption can also reduce the quality of infrastructure in the country.

‘Corruption is, of course, nothing new in the Philippines. The president’s parents-former President Marcos Snr. and his wife, Imelda-were guilty of widespread corruption when in office from 1965 to 1986 landing them with a Guinness World Record for ‘Greatest Robbery of a Government,” Capital Economics said.

‘That said, corruption is not an easy thing to measure and the indicators that are available give different messages on the scale of graft in the Philippines,’ it added.

Meanwhile, Amro Group Head and Lead Economist Runchana Pongsaparn said in a briefing on Thursday that it’s too early to say how the scandal will affect the economy.

She said if the controversy is short-lived, it may not have a significant impact on the country’s growth. For now, Amro maintained its growth forecast of 5.6 percent this year and 5.5 percent in 2026.

‘But we still expect that the consumption is going to grow quite steadily, supported by the strong labour market, lower inflation, and also the still robust remittances as well,’ Pongsaparn said.

‘And private investment, sentiment and export performance are the ones who probably moderate the growth a little bit because of the external uncertainty related to the US tariff. In terms of the scandal, I think we would have to see to what extent it’s actually going to affect the wider economy,’ she added.

Meanwhile, the more important aspect of the country’s economic growth and development is not being addressed. Amro Chief Economomist Dong He said the country’s main challenge is elevating its growth path.

He said the Philippines needs to lift its medium-term growth to higher levels. But this is being undermined by challenges such as climate change and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its workforce.

The Amro official said the geography of the Philippines exposes it to climate risks. This means there is a need to strengthen infrastructure and address flooding.

Another risk, He said, is AI which could threaten the jobs of service-industry workers. The national government and the private sector should invest in upskilling these workers.

‘The Philippines provides very good services there. But looking in the age of AI, how do we upgrade these services? So that would require also upscaling of the human resources in terms of public investment and also private sector investment. So these are the issues that I think would prepare the Philippines economies for these big challenges ahead,’ He said.