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A group of semiconductor and electronics companies is optimistic about delivering a ‘modest’ growth in earnings this year, banking on the strong momentum in recent months and the emergence of new technologies.

Danilo Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi), said the industry was seeing ‘some movements’ that could translate to ‘modest growth’ for 2025.

‘We’re optimistic that we would exceed the flat [output] . that [was] projected at the start of the year,’ Lachica said in a press briefing on Thursday.

Seipi was expecting semiconductor export receipts to reach $42.6 billion this year, flat from last year.

‘Hopefully, we’ve had enough momentum through August that we will sustain that modest growth for the year,’ Lachica said.

But the group expects the figure to reach $70 billion in five years.

Lachica explained that the $70-billion revenue projection for 2030 had taken into account the short-term impact of America’s sweeping tariffs.

President Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on semiconductor exports to the United States.

Driving optimism

The group’s optimism comes from the advent of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as smart manufacturing. These are seen to drive the demand for semiconductors.

Lachica also said various products, including cellphones and vehicles, would fuel demand for such products.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council has unveiled a five-year action plan aimed at nurturing the skills of the Filipino workforce and boosting the country’s semiconductor and electronics sector.

The council tackled initiatives to enhance the country’s investment climate, such as developing Strategic Economic Zones, backed by an ongoing infrastructure audit to identify gaps in power, water and logistics.

‘The Council proposed flexible learning pathways-including ladderized programs and micro-credentials-aimed at equipping Filipinos with high-value technical skills that meet global industry standards,’ the Department of Trade and Industry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Electronic products accounted for $39.09 billion or 53.4 percent of the country’s total exports in 2024, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

The United States was the top destination of Philippine exports last year, equivalent to 16.6 percent or $12.14 billion of the total.

If you’re wondering whether Ayala will give up more car dealerships after Volkswagen and Honda, don’t brace for any more tearful goodbyes-at least for now.

Reliable industry sources told Biz Buzz that Honda is the last vehicle brand that the mobility unit of the country’s oldest conglomerate wants to let go of.

Earlier, Globe-led 917Ventures likewise pulled the plug on scooter maker Gogoro while Integrated Micro-Electronics gave up KTM bikes.

BYD is undoubtedly the hottest brand of AC Mobility at this time, and its best bet in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. We see more and more BYD cars on the road, which means that this bet is paying off.

But for some people who don’t want to drive cars from China (including those who silently protest the Middle Kingdom’s actions in the West Philippine Sea by avoiding their brands), AC Mobility still has Isuzu and Kia to offer.

Meanwhile, Ayala’s Isuzu dealership, from what we hear, is doing well, while Kia is expected to benefit from an earlier management shakeup. Thus, these two brands are likely to stay in their basket for now.

‘Never say never, but for now, that’s it,’ our source said.

And now that it has shed its excess fat, AC Mobility is in a much better shape to race. -Doris Dumlao-Abadilla

No long lines for our teachers at Naia 2

A dedicated lane for dedicated mentors? Yes!

Teachers flying with AirAsia Philippines can enjoy smoother boarding with a special check-in lane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2.

The low-cost carrier said this would be in place from Oct. 1 to Oct. 10, in honor of National Teachers’ Month.

Teachers traveling on Oct. 5, World Teachers’ Day, will also get exclusive AirAsia Santan merchandise.

‘At AirAsia Philippines, we deeply value our educators. Behind their hard work and perseverance, we recognize their need for well-deserved breaks-whether for a visit to loved ones, relaxation at leisure destinations, or simply a mental health break,’ AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah said.

For the first six months, AirAsia flew more than 3 million passengers. Its strongest domestic routes during the period were Caticlan, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. It also logged strong demand for Japan, South Korea and Taipei. -Lisbet K. Esmael

High-level agri meeting

The government is anticipating a bountiful harvest from the 47th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (Amaf) Meeting in Pasay this week.

Ahead of the meeting, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. laid out what the government wants from high-level discussions or bilateral talks.

For one, the government will do everything possible to promote Philippine agricultural products in global markets.

In recent days, Tiu Laurel has been very busy meeting representatives from neighboring countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the US-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council.

On a wider scale, the Asean meeting hopes to boost agri production and trade across the region. The bloc aspires to become one of the world’s largest food producers by 2045.

Led by Tiu Laurel, the Philippines will chair the Amaf meeting for a year, succeeding Myanmar. One of the highlights this year is the mechanization forum scheduled in November.

The agriculture chief may be dealing with a lot of challenges-from declining palay (unmilled rice) prices and ‘ghost’ farm-to-market road projects to severe weather conditions that ravaged some of the country’s farm lands.

Still, let’s hope the Philippines will reap the benefits of its efforts in this Asean meeting. -Jordeene B. Lagare

RCBC has stood as a pillar in Philippine banking for 65 years, serving as the financial partner of Filipinos in achieving their dreams. From its beginnings as a small development bank, it has grown into a universal bank, fueling individual milestones and national progress.

Its journey started in 1960 when its founder, Alfonso T. Yuchengco, established the Rizal Development Bank. Operating with just 15 employees from a one-room office in Ayala Avenue, which was then part of Rizal, the bank set out to deliver financial solutions to the fastest-growing province at the time.

In just three years, it became Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, one of the first commercial banks outside of Manila. By 1963, its assets had reached ?41.3 million, deposits totaled to ?18.2 million, and already turned a profit-a rare feat for such a young player.

Even during turbulent times, like the liquidity crisis among commercial banks in the 1970s, the political turmoil in the 1980s, and the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s, the bank remained resilient and steadfast in its commitment to provide uninterrupted service to every Filipino.

Today, its RCBC Plaza headquarters remains an icon in the Makati skyline and a hub for culture, business, and community.

Empowering Generations

RCBC has been a constant presence in the lives of every Filipino family. It has financed cars, homes, education, businesses, and created opportunities for Filipinos working locally or abroad – reflection of its commitment to create deeper value, impact, and trust with its customers that spans generations.

Today, these banking relationships continue to live on as parents give the reins of their businesses to their children and grandchildren, as the previous generation transfers its wealth to the next, and as next-gen leaders create and pass on their legacies.

‘This speaks volumes about the deep trust and loyalty we’ve built across generations,’ said RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso said.

For decades, RCBC has stayed true to its mission of empowering Filipinos. In its early years, banking only meant giving people access to savings and checking accounts. This has since evolved into a partnership that empowers businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions and purposeful innovations.

Credit cards, for instance, have become a powerful financial tool in enhancing everyday life in practical and meaningful ways. More than just spending, the use of credit cards has become about enabling smarter choices and achieving their life goals.

Innovation without Boundaries

RCBC believes that addressing the changing needs of the clients means anticipating their challenges and opportunities.

When technology significantly changed the financial landscape, RCBC was quick to innovate. It was one of the first to introduce automated teller machines (ATM) in the 80s, phone banking in the 90s, and later mobile and online platforms that provided Filipinos easier access to managing their finances.

Today, RCBC is a leader in digital banking solutions. It continues to invest in sustainability and global banking standards to ensure its products and services are at par with international best practices while being relevant to ordinary Filipinos. Millions of Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked now use these platforms to open savings accounts, pay bills, and get loans, all from their mobile devices.

‘Innovation and a customer-centric mindset must go hand-in-hand,’ Cariaso said. ‘That is the only way we will be able to provide relevant solutions at every lifestage,’ he added.

A look at the next 65 years

RCBC’s legacy is about leadership, resilience, and innovation. More than just adapting to change, RCBC is shaping the future of banking with its innovative financial solutions that enable Filipinos to dream bigger and pursue their passions.

It sees a future where banking and financial growth are integral to enhancing the lives of the communities it serves. As customer needs evolve, RCBC will continue to develop solutions to make their financial journey smoother, more meaningful, and memorable.

‘The trust and partnership we’ve forged over the decades have brought us to this moment. For the next 65 years, we remain committed as ever to delivering relevant and impactful solutions for every Filipino,’ Cariaso said.

From a one-room office in 1960 to being a partner of millions today, RCBC has come a long way. As it turns 65, one thing remains true: the bank is fueling Filipinos to live out their passion, and build legacies for generations to come.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) celebrates the Filipino spirit of giving back to those who shaped our lives through a new two-minute brand film, showing how affordable fares help more Filipinos make their loved ones’ travel dreams come true – especially for first-time flyers. Coinciding with the film’s release, CEB is holding a seat sale from October 1-15, with flights to select destinations for as low as PHP 99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

‘Seat sales have become hallmarks of Cebu Pacific. Every time we roll these out, we hear stories of families booking their first trips together or travelers looking forward to ticking off a new destination on their bucket list. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories, and through this film, we want to honor those who give back to their loved ones and celebrate the excitement of discovering a new destination,’ said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

The film mirrors real-life stories of Filipinos who booked flights during CEB’s seat sales to surprise their loved ones with memorable trips. Whether it’s a domestic getaway or an international adventure, CEB has become the first step toward flying for millions of travelers.

From the airport to arrival, CEB works to make travel convenient and welcoming. Its cabin crew’s trademark warmth and attentiveness help first-time flyers feel at ease and enjoy their first moments in the sky.

CEB’s extensive domestic and international network continues to open doors for first-time flyers and seasoned travelers alike. With direct flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, CEB makes air travel easily accessible for more passengers across the Philippines.

Watch the full short film on here and be inspired to give the gift of travel this holiday season with CEB’s low fares and signature seat sales.

The alert level in Central Luzon has been raised from blue to red amid the impact of Typhoon Paolo, requiring the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) to ‘closely monitor, consolidate, and ensure prompt coordination with the concerned agencies and offices.’

Retired police general Amado Corpuz, chair of the Regional DRRMC in Central Luzon, raised the alert through Memorandum No. 91.

The red alert also required 24/7 operations by RDRRMC members and local DRRMCs.

Various Central Luzon towns were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 1-3 as Paolo’s center was estimated in Aurora province’s northern town of Dilasag.

As of 2 p.m., Pampanga has 60 flooded villages in the City of San Fernando (2), Sea. Ana (1), Apalit (2), Candaba (2), Macabebe (19), Macabebe (19), Minalin (13), and San Simon (2), according to the Pampanga DRRMC

Ethan Hawke is set to terrify audiences anew as he officially reprises his role as the menacing Grabber in ‘The Black Phone 2,’ the sequel to the 2022 horror hit.

The original ‘Black Phone,’ directed by Scott Derrickson, introduced Hawke as the child abductor known as the Grabber and followed Mason Thames as Finn, the abducted boy fighting to survive with the help of mysterious calls from the dead.

The sequel picks up four years later, with Finn and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) still haunted by their past. Gwen begins to receive calls from a black phone in her dreams, along with visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp.

Derrickson said the first film’s impact was deeply personal, which opened the possibility for the sequel.

‘It was extremely rewarding to see audiences embrace the film the way they did, specifically because so much of it came directly from my own childhood,’ he said in a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment.

‘Seeing those personal feelings and memories connect with so many people, especially young people, added a sense of purpose to the darker memories of my childhood. It made me feel like it was all somehow meant to be,’ the director added.

The first film grossed more than $161 million worldwide on a budget of under $20 million. Its box-office success and viral popularity on TikTok helped cement its place as one of Blumhouse Productions’ strongest original releases.

‘The script for Black Phone 2 reminded me what an incredible foundation Joe Hill’s story gave us and how brilliantly Scott and Cargill have built on it. They’ve deepened the mythology while keeping the intimacy of the first film, balancing horror, emotion , and character in a way that feels real,’ said producer Jason Blum.

Co-writer C. Robert Cargill explained that they want to maintain the first film’s core themes, which are to continue exploring trauma and recuperation among families.

‘One of the core themes of The Black Phone was the idea of children carrying the sins of their fathers, and that continues here,’ he said. ‘In this film, Finn is coping in the same ways his father once did. We wanted to explore how trauma echoes through families and whether that cycle can be broken.’

Newcomers Demián Bichir and Arianna Rivas are joining Hawke, Thames, and McGraw in the cast.

‘The Black Phone 2’ opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 15.

Almost 2,000 flood victims marched through the murky roads of Macabebe and Masantol towns on Thursday, bearing mock-up coffins, placards, and streamers demanding an end to corruption in flood-control projects.

Protesters from the boundary arch of Masantol and those from San Gabriel Chapel in Macabebe merged at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, also in Macabebe, for a holy Mass concelebrated by 11 priests from the Vicariate of the Blessed Trinity. In solidarity, several priests born or raised in Macabebe joined the sacrament.

Fr. Ariel Limjoco said corruption begins at home when children are paid to do tasks for the family or when they are prompted to enrich themselves instead of being encouraged to help and serve people.

The corrupt, he added, experienced hell on earth, citing the Discaya couple who are being pelted and shamed in public or hide themselves.

Limjoco echoed the calls of the vicariate to ‘return the stolen public funds.’

The vicariate also called for long-term flooding solutions to protect the people from disaster.

In the program dubbed Singsong People’s Rally (Lament of the People’s Rally), Marilou Melo of San Rafael Parish in Macabebe pointed out that children suffer in many ways. She said they have lost their playgrounds or have little interest in their studies as classrooms are used as evacuation centers or classes are suspended because of floods in the towns that last for months.

Dr. Ma. Liezl Alcoy of the San Miguel Arkanghel Parish in Masantol said the flood levels have reached the first floor of homes, endangering senior citizens by slipping, increasing the cost of transportation, and entailing a longer time to deal with health emergencies.

Like them, other speakers did not specify projects, but social media posts decry the six-year delay of the Pampanga Delta River bridge project, which connects Masantol’s left bank, where some 10,000 families were displaced when the mouth of the river was widened from 250 meters to 750 meters since 1992. Touted to be a priority project of Rep. Anna York Bondoc, the unfinished bridge received nearly P700 million.

In the same program, the Archdiocesan Council of the Laity (ACL) of the Archdiocese of San Fernando ‘strongly denounces the greed, selfishness, and corruption of our key leaders and their cohorts,’ said Renato Galang, ACP president, reading from a statement.

Signed by leaders of 24 lay organizations, the council urged ‘every Kapampangan to be courageous: to stand for the Truth, to live our faoith in action, and to demand integrity and accountability in governance

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III has assured the public that the House of Representatives will continue working towards a clean and effective budget for 2026, as plenary debates on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) end.

Dy, in a statement early Friday morning said that he will fulfill the promise he made when he was elected speaker – that each centavo of the budget will be aligned with the people’s needs.

‘Our fellow Filipinos can expect an open and transparent budget-making process,’ Dy said in Filipino.

‘I said this when I was elected speaker, we would ensure that each centavo that would be appropriated will correspond to the needs of our people. We will continue working towards passing a budget that is open to the people, in order, and clean,’ he added.

Dy also thanked members of the House for their tireless work in scrutinizing the proposed budget, as there were several instances wherein plenary debates which started at 10:00 a.m. reached way past 2:00 a.m. of the next day.

Similarly, Dy thanked different agencies that helped the House committee on appropriations craft and defend the budget.

Several reforms initiated before former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez stepped down – like the removal of the small committee that makes changes to the proposed budget after third reading approval, and the opening of the budget deliberations to civil society organizations – continued up to Dy’s term.

Last September 22, the Budget Amendments Review Sub-committee (BARSc) discussed realignments involving the P255.5 billion budget cut suffered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), part of which were realigned to social aid, health programs, and a higher education budget.

One of the amendments made by the BARSc was to realign P37.30 billion of the P255.5 billion DPWH funds to the education sector instead – including P22.5 billion for the construction of new classrooms and the provision of school equipment; and P6.619 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy and P2.693 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will also get a P60 billion subsidy, while P32.06 billion will go to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Last September 26, appropriations committee chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing announced that that there will be a special provision in the 2026 GAB that would compel the CHEd to release P7.821 billion for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) deficits.

Suansing then said that the remaining P4.486 billion will be appropriated by the House as part of its GAB.

This means that starting 2026, there would be a zero deficit due to the UAQTEA implementation. /gsg

Work in government offices in San Narciso town was suspended Friday afternoon as nonstop rains from Typhoon Paolo continued to batter the province.

In its advisory, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the suspension took effect at 3 p.m. and covers all government workers, except for essential offices that must remain open.

‘This is for the safety and welfare of our employees. Let us continue to stay alert and take necessary precautions,’ the MDRRMO stated.

Zambales has been experiencing heavy rains since Friday morning, prompting Pagasa to raise a red rainfall warning. The advisory is issued when heavy downpour – about 30 millimeters per hour – is expected or observed to persist for at least two hours.

Meanwhile, the northern towns of Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, and Palauig were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while the rest of Zambales remained under Signal No. 1

At least 48 passengers, including truck drivers and cargo helpers, were stranded at Luzon ports as Typhoon Paolo (international name: Matmo) disrupted sea travel on Friday, Oct. 3, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

The PCG said 33 rolling cargoes, seven vessels, and seven motorbancas were also unable to sail, while one vessel and two motorbancas sought shelter due to rough seas.

Most of the disruptions occurred in Southern Luzon, where 38 passengers and 33 rolling cargoes, six vessels, and seven motorbancas were stranded at the ports of Real, Alabat, and Dinahican in Quezon.

Two more motorbancas in the region also took shelter.

In northeastern Luzon, 10 passengers and one vessel were reportedly stranded, while in northwestern Luzon, one vessel sought shelter.

The PCG urged travelers to monitor weather updates and coordinate with shipping companies as Paolo, now a typhoon, continues to affect maritime operations in parts of Luzon./mcm