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Cebu’s resort town Moalboal, famed for its sardine runs and coral reefs, joined the global International Coastal Cleanup Day with a rare public-private initiative that underscores how developers and hoteliers are embedding sustainability into their growth strategies.

For the first time, the coastal town held two coordinated cleanups. Municipal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron led local government workers in clearing debris along the seawall, wharf and reclamation areas near the town proper.

In parallel, Club Serena Resort mobilized a consortium of private companies, safety officers and volunteers for a beach and underwater cleanup in Saavedra, one of Moalboal’s most-visited white sand stretches.

The private-sector initiative, spearheaded by Cebu-based developer AppleOne Properties Inc. (API) and its hospitality arm One Root Hospitality, drew participation from barangay officials, police, coast guard, fire protection units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as scuba divers from local resorts.

‘The annual ICC Day brought together people from all walks of life to care for the sea and celebrate Moalboal’s love for nature and culture,’ Cabaron said.

He added that the initiative, part of a global campaign themed ‘Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,’ builds on year-round local efforts to preserve the town’s beaches and marine ecosystems.

AppleOne, which has expanded its footprint in property and hospitality across Cebu and the Visayas, positioned its leadership role in the cleanup as part of a broader sustainability agenda.

‘AppleOne’s leadership in this year’s ICC is our public statement on sustainability even as we pursue property and tourism development in the countryside,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, API’s vice-president for hospitality.

She noted that the multi-sector participants signed pledges after the cleanup to support the protection of Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected seascape.

Moalboal, situated on Cebu’s southwestern coast and a finalist in the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Tourism Awards, has seen rising visitor numbers driven by its rich biodiversity, sardine runs and diving sites.

Business leaders in the town said environmental stewardship is vital to maintaining its global reputation as a marine tourism hub.

Following the flag-raising rites performed by personnel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the area, an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that the Philippines has sovereign rights over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

In a post on his X account yesterday, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues Commodore Jay Tarriela wrote: ‘The ceremonial flag-raising by China Coast Guard officers at Bajo de Masinloc underscores the continuing unlawful activities of the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea,’ referring to the Philippine traditional name of Panatag.

He cited the ‘unanimous 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ which declared that ‘China had unlawfully interfered with the Philippines’ traditional fishing rights at the shoal’ and that ‘China’s claims of historic rights had no legal basis where they conflicted with UNCLOS.’

‘The Award further affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a rock under Article 121(3) of UNCLOS and, therefore, does not generate an exclusive economic zone of its own. Accordingly, the waters surrounding the shoal, beyond its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, lie entirely within the Philippines’ EEZ, measured from Luzon’s baseline,’ he added.

Panatag Shoal is situated within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ that also makes up the WPS.

Tarriela also dismissed China’s earlier declaration of making Panatag Shoal a ‘national nature reserve.’

He quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that maintained ‘Beijing’s action ‘clearly infringes’ upon the Philippines’ rights and interests under international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Award.’

‘The DFA reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory, over which the country exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction. Declarations of this nature are misleading and serve as pretexts for asserting control, rather than genuine efforts to conserve or protect the marine environment,’ he said.

Tarriela wrote his X post in response to another X post by Chinese state publication Global Times, which reported the flag-raising ceremony held by the CCG aboard its vessel Dahao while patrolling Panatag Shoal last Wednesday in line with China’s National Day.

‘We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment. Recently, CCG officers, who were conducting routine patrols on CCG vessel Dahao in the waters of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve in the South China Sea, held a solemn flag-raising ceremony on the frontlines of safeguarding China’s maritime territories,’ Global Times reported, referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.

Following the suspension of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Commission on Elections is recalling all poll paraphernalia that the Comelec has deployed in the BARMM.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body would undertake reverse logistics to retrieve all poll supplies including automated counting machines (ACMs) and official ballots that were supposed to be used for the BARMM elections on Oct. 13.

‘While we wait for the new districting law, we need to retrieve all the equipment that were earlier deployed in the BARMM,’ Garcia said. ‘We spent money in shipping them. Now we have to spend money again to have them returned.’

Garcia said it is important to take back all deployed election supplies and paraphernalia as there would be changes in the system including allocations.

‘The ACMs must be reconfigured and tested again. Even supplies such as indelible ink, batteries and ballots must be returned to the Comelec,’ he said.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 58 and BAA 77 as unconstitutional, effectively postponing the BARMM elections from October to March next year.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said it would start this month the printing of ballots for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled in November 2026.

Garcia said the early ballot printing for the barangay and SK elections would prevent conflict in the schedule once the National Printing Office needs to print ballots for the BARMM elections.

R and B singer Dionela scored the most nominations at the 2025 Awit Awards with seven, a majority of them for the tracks “Sining” with Jay R and “Marilag.”

“Marilag” is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Perforamance of a Solo Artist while “Sining” is up for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration,

Both are up for Best R and B Recording, and Dionela’s last nod is his collaboration with Alisson Shore “Hoodie” for Best Pop Recording.

Alternative band Lola Amour followed Dionela with six nominations, five of them for its hit single “Namimiss Ko Na.”

The track is up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Alternative Recording, Best Musical Arrangement and Best Engineered Recording credited to Rene Serna.

Lola Amour’s sixth nomination is its eponymous debut album for Album of the Year where it is up against BINI’s “Talaarawan,” SunKissed Lola’s “Olaholah,” Ben and Ben’s “The Traveller Across Dimensions,” Munimuni’s “Alegorya” and Zild’s “Superpower,”

BINI’s three other nominations were “Salamin, Salamin” and “Cherry On Top” both for Music Video of the Year and the former also competing for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Awit Awards organizers the Philippine Association of the Record Industry will announce details for its 38th awarding ceremony in the near future.

Here are the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year

‘Nene’ by SunKissed Lola

‘Heartache Generation’ by Ena Mori

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Love Is’ by The Ridleys

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Album of the Year

‘Talaarawan’ by BINI

‘Olaholah’ by SunKissed Lola

‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ by Ben and Ben

‘Alegorya’ by Munimuni

‘Superpower’ by Zild

‘Lola Amour’ by Lola Amour

Song of the Year

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Ikot’ by Over October

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe

‘Pagbigyan’ by Sugarcane

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Best Collaboration

”Pag Ang Puso ang Nagsabi’ by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano

‘Ligaw na Bullet’ by Denise Laurel and Skusta Clee

”Di Ko Kasalanan’ by Demi and Gins and Melodies

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Within’ by Ladine Roxas and Kris Lawrence

‘Sa Kahapon’ by Dilaw and Janine Berdin

Best Performance by a Group Artist

‘Triumph’ by Ben and Ben

‘Tayo Na Lang’ by Nobita

‘Lampara’ by Press Hit Play

‘One Sided Love’ by G22

‘Sige, Sayaw!’ by Dear Dahlia

‘Nilalang’ by Dilaw

Best Performance by a Solo Artist

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘I’ll Be Somebody You Want’ by Jolianne

‘Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Dwta

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Alas Dos Na!!!’ by Janine Berdin

‘Fake Faces’ by Felip

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

Best Performance by a New Group Artist

‘Aminin’ by Naiba

‘Hi, Tita’ by Sala

‘Bituin’ by Letters from June

‘Walang Humpay’ by 12th Street

‘Alak’ by Karilyo

Best Performance by a New Solo Artist

‘Alintana’ by Muninn

‘Panggap’ by Plume

‘Sickreet’ by Ryannah J

”Di Maipagkakaila’ by Ia

‘Kahit ‘Di Ako Ang Gusto Mo’ by Patricia Heart

‘Seryoso’ by Lottie Bie

Best Pop Recording

‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo’ by Itchyworms

‘Dilaw’ by Maki

‘Toyo’ by KZ Tandingan

‘Yoko Na’ by Josh Cullen and Al James

‘Hoodie’ by Dionela and Alisson Shore

Best R and B Recording

‘Tango’ by Jarlo Base

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Call Me What You Want’ by Elise Huang

‘Fighting for You’ by Thyro Alfaro and JP Bacallan

Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording

‘Subomoto (Hev Abi remix)’ by Zae and Hev Abi

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9

‘Utang Clan’ by Gloc-9

‘Ako Lang ‘To’ by XYVRL

‘Marikit sa Dilim’ by Juan Caoile, Kyleswish and Jawz

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI

‘Tension’ by Peyton

‘Eksena’ by YARA

‘Come Over’ by Pop Money Worldwide, Carrot Mayor, SHNTI and Aunt Robert

‘Hilo’ by Paul Pablo

Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘Ito Lamang’ by Project: Romeo

‘You’ll Never Feel Alone Again’ by Earl Generao

‘Nandiyan Pa Ba?’ by 6cyclemind and Gloc-9

‘Huling Liham’ by Paham and Dwta

Best Jazz Recording

‘Superfunk’ by GundamFunk

‘Get It Right’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

‘What Is It All About?’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

Best World Music Recording

‘Sarung Banggi’ by Overheat and Camsur Made

‘You Did It’ by KAIA

‘Chinese Restaurant’ by Nicole Adeya

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Sabado’ by SinoSikat?

‘100 Mensahe’ by Dan Gil and Marga Jayy

Best Alternative Recording

‘Homeostasis’ by Barbie Almalbis

‘A Gentle Reminder to Rest’ by Amateurish

‘Bulaklak sa Buwan’ by Ely Buendia

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Wala Nang Saysay’ by Meds

Best Rock/Metal Recording

‘Orange’ by Amateurish

‘The Risk’ by Faspitch

‘Bawal Lumingon’ by CHNDTR

‘Dahas’ by Kjwan

‘Pano’ by Caren Tevanny

‘Dragon’ by Mayonnaise

Best Ballad Recording

‘Ethereal’ by Pappel

‘Lagi’ by Ica Frias

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Medyo Ako’ by Juan Karlos and Moira Dela Torre

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

”Di Ko Masabi’ by Stell

Best Instrumental Recording

‘Nang Buo Kong Buhay’ by Jay Gomez and Yvette Parcom

‘SuperFunk’ by Gundam Funk

‘See You on the Other Side’ by Lustbass and RJ Pineda

‘Good Nights’ by Lustbass

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

Best Inspirational Recording

‘Beautiful Day’ by The Company

‘Little World Changer’ by Belle Mariano

‘Ningas ng Pag-Asa’ by Jamie Rivera and 92AD

‘Dahil Sa’Yo’ by Viola Natividad

‘Face of God’ by December Avenue

Best Novelty Recording

‘Da Coconut Nut (DJ Sandy Remix)’ by Giani Sarita and DJ Sandy

‘Walang Label’ by Eugene Layug

‘Wala Akong Pake’ by Johan Kyle and ANNUHBAE

‘Art Song’ by Pinkmen

‘Atras Abante’ by Introvert Fiesta and Aji

Best Recording by a Child or for Children

‘Ang Init Init’ by Imogen

‘The Phonics Song’ by Teacher Cleo

‘Tadhana (Easy Lang)’ by Giani Sarita

‘Jesus, Best Friend’ by Ateneo Boys Choir

‘Nasa Palad Mo’ by Ateneo Boys Choir featuring Marcel Roy S. Navarro and Generoso R. Maquirang IV

Best Original Soundtrack

‘lyo’ from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ by Darren Espanto

‘Maskara’ from ‘Lavender Fields’ by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

‘Ulit Ulit’ from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ by Regine Velasquez

‘Uuwian’ from ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ by BGYO

‘Sa Akin Siya’ from ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ by Crystal Paras and Jeniffer Maravilla

‘Nagbago ang Daigdig’ from ‘My Guardian Alien’ by Zephanie

‘Aabutin ang Tadhana’ from ‘Chasing in the Wild’ by Hyacinth Callado

Best Christmas Recording

‘Hesus Aming Hari’ by Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, Caleb Santos, Jacob Sean Bacal, Naomi, Jessi Ferrer, Elizabeth Clemente and Ezekiel Clemente

‘Ganito ang Pasko’ by Sparkle Singers

‘Weather with You’ by Lucas Pison, Chezka

‘Noche Buena’ by Jan Roberts

‘Paskong Mag-Isa’ by Debonair District

Best Regional Recording

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

‘Ang Paghuwat’ by Morissette and Ferdinand Aragon

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

‘Buhi’ by Ferdinand Aragon

‘Dili Na Lang’ by Jolianne

‘Panata’ by Tothapi

Best Remix Recording

‘Welcome to My World’ by Jonathan Manalo and Theo Martel

‘Love Is the Answer’ by Jonathan Manalo, Moy Ortiz and The Company

‘small town (crwn’s crying in the parking lot edit)’ by crwn

‘different. (kenyama remix)’ by kenyama

‘WHITE ROOM (Reimagined ver.)’ by ena mori

Best Engineered Recording

‘Pahinga’ by Nikhil Armanani

‘Nobya’ by Carlo Jay Cruz

‘Pauwi Na’ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Brian Lotho

‘Segundo, Siguro’ by Axel Fernandez

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Rene Serna

Best Musical Arrangement

‘Nobya’ by Franz Sacro and Choi Padilla

‘Bittersweet’ by Ashlee Mickaela Factor and Alyssa Janine Cruz

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Get It Right’ by Gabe Dandan

‘Umaycan’ by Kahlil Refuerzo

Music Video of the Year

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Namumula’ by Maki; produced by Jonathan Bacala; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Cherry on Top’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; produced by 1032 Lab and lana Cris Forbes; directed by Alanshiii and XY Pintoy

‘Tagpi-tagping Piraso’ by Ely Buendia; produced by August Lyle Espino, Cedric Hornedo, Lemuel Francia and Geoffrey Collera; directed by August Lyle Espino

Best Cover Art

‘Patibong’ by Gracenote; RJ Villanueva and Darwin Hernandez

‘The Traveller across Dimensions’ by Ben and Ben; Jether Dane Guadalupe, Katrina Urmatam and Puppeteer Studios

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; Louis Duran and IC Forbes

‘I’m Okay’ by Moira Dela Torre; Equinox Manila Productions, Moira Dela Torre, Jason Maxx and Artu Nepomuceno

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe; Nica Angeles and Gian Bernardino

With medical expenses rising faster than household incomes, insurance firms are racing to offer Filipinos more flexible and holistic health protection, with new products tapping digital platforms and preventive care to fill the coverage gap.

Oona Insurance said the Philippines is ‘ready for a new standard in health protection’ as families demand more choice beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional policies.

‘Rising medical costs and changing lifestyles demand solutions that go beyond the basics, offering quality, choice and confidence,’ Oona Insurance founder and group CEO Abhishek Bhatia said.

The Singapore-based firm recently introduced two flagship health plans designed for both local and globally mobile Filipinos.

It launched Global Shield, an international plan with worldwide coverage of up to $2 million for globally mobile Filipinos and Purple Shield, a premier peso-based plan with up to P5 million in local coverage for families seeking exceptional care close to home.

Company officials stressed that the shift is not just about new products, but ‘is about rethinking how protection is delivered in a digital and wellness-driven age.’

Unlike conventional coverage focused mainly on hospitalization, Oona integrates preventive and wellness benefits such as check-ups, vaccinations, telemedicine and mental health support.

‘Health protection must be holistic in order to provide everyday peace of mind for Filipino families,’ Oona Philippines CEO Ninoy Rollan said.

Technology is at the center of the company’s model. Members can access instant quotes, same-day policy issuance, real-time claims tracking and paperless onboarding through its digital-first platform.

Overseas claims are processed online for faster reimbursement, while partnerships with MediLink and Doctor Anywhere provide cashless access to over 650 hospitals nationwide and 750 doctors on call.

The company first entered health protection with critical illness insurance in 2024. Its expansion underscores a broader ambition to become a digital-first insurer of choice across Southeast Asia.

Oona currently operates in Indonesia and the Philippines and is backed by global private equity firm Warburg Pincus.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed its support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for pursuing a sweeping tight governance measure to avoid corruption inside and outside the agency.

The BOC has implemented the ‘Anti-Conflict of Interest’ policy, a strict ‘No Take’ Policy, and tighter disclosure rules for customs personnel in its bid to protect legitimate businesses and ensure fair trade.

According to BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the initiatives are reinforced by the agency’s digitalization program aimed at streamlining the processes, reducing the red tape, and curbing opportunities.

Nepomuceno said the ongoing reforms – anchored on integrity, accountability and modernization – paid off handsomely following the reported seizures of smuggled goods valued at P2.39 billion.

Such accomplishments, according to Nepomuceno, reflect the agency’s firm resolve to uphold transparency and strengthen public trust in Customs operations, and at the same time, enable the agency to win the support of no less than the FFCCCII.

He thanked the business community for their valuable support.

‘We value the trust and confidence extended to us by the business community. The BOC’s reform agenda is not only about institutional integrity but also about creating an environment where legitimate trade can thrive,’ Nepomuceno said.

‘By working hand in hand with our partners in the private sector, we can ensure that the Philippines becomes a more competitive, transparent, and predictable destination for investment,’ the BOC chief concluded.

Recognizing these efforts, FFCCCII President Victor Lim said the business community welcomes the BOC’s reforms and the Commissioner’s strong stance on integrity and good governance.

‘It is good that there are leaders such as Commissioner Nepomuceno, who uphold integrity in good governance,’ Lim said.

‘In light of the recent issues affecting the Philippine government, it is good that there are leaders such as Commissioner Nepomuceno, who uphold integrity in good governance and create a very competitive and business-friendly environment for businesspeople such as the FFCCCII,’ he said.

‘We are very supportive of such leadership.’

The FFCCCII said the business sector is ready to work closely with the BOC in sustaining reforms, noting that such partnership will not only strengthen the campaign against smuggling but also contribute to national economic growth.

Jewelmer, the country’s pride in golden South Sea pearls, recently welcomed the Top 6 finalists of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 to Palawan for an inspiring immersion into the artistry and science of pearl cultivation.

Now in its fourth year as the official pearl sponsor of the prestigious pageant, the multi-awarded Maison showcased its world-renowned pearl farm where the queens, led by reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, witnessed the intricate, years-long process behind every rare gem. The visit, highlighted by cultural performances from the local community, left the finalists in awe of the dedication, passion, and craftsmanship that make the South Sea pearl truly the country’s treasure.

A night of friendship and flavor

The ever-gracious Nene Leonor hosted a delightful dinner at the famous Shang Palace restaurant in Makati Shangri-La, Manila to celebrate the birthday of the beloved Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier. Surrounded by his loved ones led by his ever-supportive wife Edna Lhuillier, along with esteemed friends and diplomats, the evening brimmed with fun, laughter, and warm camaraderie.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous Chinese lauriat, making the gathering even more memorable. Thoughtfully organized by Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa and Alice Samson, it was truly an enchanting night that celebrated friendship and togetherness.

Where are the researchers? At a time when the nation and her citizens rage over the billions of alleged corruption by various flood control projects nationwide, the search for more researchers came up.

The question surfaced during a budget hearing in the Senate for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Sen. Francis Pangilinan cited World Bank data that Philippine numbers are below the average numbers for a middle-income country. A check on the said data from the World Bank shows that the Philippines, as of 2018, only has 170 researchers per million people.

The number does not come as a surprise considering that the country has more pressing socio-economic problems, compounded by governance constraints and challenges. As well, Philippine higher educational institutions, the hubs to start off research projects, remain teaching-oriented even if research and community service serve as co-equal functions of a university.

Are there even ‘research universities’ in the Philippines? Dr. Feorillo Demeterio of De La Salle University was frank in a 2022 talk: ‘The reason why it is very difficult to undertake research in our country is that we do not have real research universities to train our researchers and mentors. We now hear more and more frequently the words ‘research university,’ but there are only very few people in our country who understand the meaning of these words.’

What about the professors? Demeterio gives a food for thought: ‘If we continue to fool ourselves that we already have research universities in our country, then we will not be able to address the big problem that we have: Why it is very difficult for faculty members to undertake research?’

Studies over a decade apart have answered such a question. A qualitative study of university professors (N=40, from varied disciplines) by Rose Marie Clemeña and Sherlyne Acosta gave three issues: One, research is an add-on activity beside professors’ usual teaching and/or administrative duties. Two, professors interviewed have limited passion for research, much more feel uncomfortable to do research. And three, pairing research and teaching ‘is dysfunctional,’ with either task distracting the other for professors working in a teaching university.’

More than a decade later, a collaborative study led by Dr. Allan de Guzman of the University of Santo Tomas studied the researchers and attempted to understand their research journeys in various universities. The multi-pronged study recommended that if professors and lecturers are beginning researchers, they need to hurdle graduate education in aid of mentoring. For ‘early career researchers,’ support must be handed out on managing the tensions between being researchers and the non-research demands of university work.

For ‘established researchers’ seeking to widen their horizons as scientists, further training and capacity building and learning research practices elsewhere is needed. Finally, supporting ‘leading researchers’ should be directed to harmonize their work-life balance and situate their studies to the latest trends and priorities globally and nationally.

Mentoring matters, as the De Guzman-led study asserted, then what follows can be institutionalizing a research culture within a university. Within that environment, universities can build present and future pools of researchers. Outside of the university system, if graduates do research for government, private sector and civil society sectors, we can only hope that their sectors get ample support to directly address visible socio-economic problems through patents, policy-oriented studies, databases, and the like.

And admittedly, a Philippines that remains constrained with financial resources still has a long way to go in terms of research productivity. Even if today’s craze with world university rankings has pushed Philippine universities and colleges to accelerate research activities and publications, the county remains the least productive among Southeast Asia’s top six economies.

Using the Scopus database as source, the Spanish research thinktank SCImago shows the Philippines has produced 79,681 documents in Scopus (the world’s leading database for scholarly works). That number is at least half -or more- of what Malaysia (555,489), Singapore (465,685), Indonesia (447,794), Thailand (337,022) and Viet Nam (161,292) have produced. It seems that among the most populated countries in Asia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh have mustered their numbers and published more studies in the Scopus database than the Philippines.

Such is why you can’t blame some quarters if they feel that the Philippines may be deficient in research. Though, there’s passion even for a few to make Philippine universities produce more and more, with getting recognized internationally, the promotion schemes of universities and kudos on social media as carrots.

We have the ongoing work of the most productive Filipino researcher, physician Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III (who just reached 400 documents in Scopus recently). He formed a consultancy group, Global Health Focus (GHF), that trains universities in developing countries (e.g., Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia), and in far-flung Philippine universities, on publishing in scholarly journals and on research methods. Even with a small team, the ten-year-old GHF roams around the country and trains throngs of researchers, then monitors the university’s publication performance.

Even if ‘victories’ include one or two new publications in Scopus, GHF and Prisno celebrate those wins to induce motivation to these universities. GHF even hands out recognitions -trophies and social media cards- to universities if they reach divisible-by-100 total papers in Scopus. He talks to university presidents and research leaders to induce more productivity, carrying a badge that GHF favors the underdogs. The Leyte native even gives running regional-level data of how universities fare in research productivity, a gentle push that rattles universities in the peripheries.

Amid the approach to induce positive psychology unto these universities, Prisno admits the Philippines still has a long way to go. Only 200-plus universities are visible in Scopus, out of nearly-2,000 higher educational institutions nationwide. Not even the top Philippine producer, the University of the Philippines System, can match the productivity of non-top three universities in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

We need to work harder Philippines, as Prisno would say on his Facebook account. ‘There is a need for the 2,000 universities and colleges in the Philippines to ramp up their research production as HEIs are considered to be the major contributors to the research outputs of any country,’ a September 8 post of his reads.

Earlier, in a July 13 post, Prisno says: ‘I would even say that research, which is one of the work pillars of universities, has never been a priority of the national agency CHED. Universities are just left behind.’

Philippine HEIs are doing the current best to make research a second-nature role, from thesis and dissertation writing to professor-produced work. Training sessions like what GHF is doing, and perhaps what universities and colleges do internally, form part of a solution to intensify research productivity individually and nationally.

The approach, even within an HEI’s department or an entire HEI, is what UST’s Dr. Joyce Arriola calls ‘research excellence framework’. That framework carries a research vision and mission, sets productivity targets, sets up a research assessment system for both researchers and the disciplines being handled, provides incentives (cash, promotions), and institutionalizes long-term infrastructural support.

Many Philippine HEIs still search for that research excellence framework, or even have yet to set up one. The itch to remain as teaching universities, and not see the dynamic interplay of research, teaching and community service, prevails. And admittedly, even to convince the ordinary university lecturer (either young or old) to see the fruits of being a researcher requires moving mountains.

Yes, financial resources, people’s limited research proficiencies, and low motivation prevail as constraints. Yet the Philippines still reels from visible socio-economic, scientific and political problems and deficiencies. The Philippine situation, for Demeterio, may require improvised solutions. Like, offering food to researchers while they’re writing, or running cost-efficient Zoom webinars on research skills that benefit multiple geographic areas.

If lawmakers are searching for the Filipino researchers, perhaps helping set up research ecosystems through cost-effective means (plus government support and push from leaders) may see younger Filipino researchers sprout and produce as much as they can. In the end, it is up to the universities, research groups and agencies if they want to motivate their flock about the gains of doing research for a beleaguered country.

The local stock market capped off the week in the win column, extending its climb to a third straight session as bargain shopping persisted.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) returned to the 6,100-mark after retreating to the 5,900 level earlier this week, adding 1.14 percent or 69.1 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,108.86.

The broader All Shares index also grew by 0.73 percent or 26.56 points, settling at 3,685.85.

‘The PSEi again corrected higher for the third straight trading day on continuation of some bargain-hunting activities recently after declining for seven straight trading days,’ RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

AP Securities, for its part, said the index was able to stage a last-minute push to close above 6,100 as investors position ahead of a United States jobs report that will likely be supportive of another rate cut from the US Federal Reserve later this month.

Sectors were led by services with a 3.47-percent jump. Mining and oil as well as holding firms were in the red, losing by 2.06 percent and 0.07 percent, respectively.

Trading was still tepid, with total value turnover amounting to P4.57 billion, down from the previous day’s P5.56 billion.

Advancers squashed decliners, 111 to 79, while 63 issues did not change hands.

ICTSI remained the session’s most active, soaring by 5.35 percent to P512 per share, followed by BDO Unibank, which was unchanged at P138, and Ayala Land with a 0.83-percent gain to P24.20.

Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer Isabelo Baleros was arrested in his office at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Port Area, Manila for multiple counts of estafa, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said yesterday.

According to Santos’ office, Judge Tammy Ann Reyes Mendillo of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 issued a warrant for Baleros’ arrest on Sept. 30 for violations of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.

Bail for Baleros’ temporary liberty was set at P48,000.

Police officers, who briefed Santos on the case, said Baleros’ co-accused – Ferdinand Villar, Dennis Aguilar and Tony Espi – remain at large.

According to Santos’ office, they are investigating whether Ferdinand Villar is related to former senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and are verifying if Dennis Aguilar is a former Las Piñas councilor.

‘This is the tip of the iceberg. If DPWH really wants to prove it is serious about reforms, they must not only fire but also jail these officials. The P450 million stolen from Las Piñas is not just a number – it’s the people’s hard-earned money. We will not let this go unanswered,’ Santos said in a statement.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier issued a show-cause order against Baleros and nine other engineers over allegations of lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.

The officials were given five days to submit their explanations.