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Two Chinese manufacturing firms have inked registration agreements with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) as they are set to manufacture transformers, batteries, electric vehicle parts and produce heatsink products within the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ).

Peza said the two Chinese manufacturing firms have registered as new Ecozone Export Enterprises set to operate at CEZ in Rosario, Cavite.

The investment promotion agency said CIXIN Precision is investing in the production of heatsink products, CNC products, electroplating, and surface treatment.

‘The project will start commercial operations in March 2026 with a committed investment in new machinery and equipment worth around P40 million within its first year, with a commitment to employ nearly a hundred Filipino workers, mostly in direct production roles,’ Peza said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Philippine Newly Ever Rise Technology Corp. will engage in the manufacture and assembly of transformers, power supplies, batteries, robotics products, solar systems, and electric vehicle parts, reflecting the growing demand for renewable energy and advanced electronics.

According to Peza, the company has made an equipment investment of over P20 million, and it commits to provide ‘stable’ employment to around 600 local workers.

It said the two investments will ‘reinforce the Philippines’s foothold in the regional supply chain for electronics, robotics, and precision metal products while aligning with the CREATE MORE Act and the country’s sustainability and industrial development goals.’

‘All outward-bound goods from both companies shall likewise be marked ‘Made in the Philippines-Cavite Economic Zone,’ a proud seal that underscores the global quality of Philippine ecozone exports and affirms the country’s competitiveness as a trusted hub for high-value manufacturing.’

The agreements were signed by Peza Deputy Director General for Operations Vivian S. Santos, together with Bo Zhou, General Manager of CIXIN Precision Metal Products (Philippines) Inc., and Weisheng Xiao Deputy General Manager of Philippine Newly Rise Ever Rise Technology held at the Peza Head Office.

Data obtained by the BusinessMirror from Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga showed that as of August, CEZ has a total of 310 Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs).

Of these 310 locators, Panga said 18 percent are into making fabricated metal products (except machinery and equipment); 15 percent, radio, television and communication equipment and apparatus; 14 percent, real estate activities; 12 percent, rubber and plastic products; 9 percent, electrical machinery and apparatus, N.E.C.; 8 percent, warehousing and storage; 6 percent, wearing apparel; and 4 percent, paper and paper products.

As to the nationality of locators in CEZ as of August, Panga said 26 percent are Korean; 25 percent, Filipino; 24 percent, Japanese; 6 percent, Chinese; 4 percent, Taiwanese and 3 percent, American.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said the agreements ‘signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments’ and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.

Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s relations with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.

The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said.

In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc.

KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said ‘aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.’

Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.

‘This will contribute to the implementation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Program by ensuring that high-speed internet connectivity reaches local communities and benefits Filipinos,’ BCDA said.

Bingcang said the collaboration projects with Japanese partners are expected to ‘deliver direct benefits to Filipinos by creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving quality of life.’

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, who witnessed the signing of MOUs, said the agreements ‘represent a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.’

‘We are confident that these MOUs will pave the way for more meaningful business opportunities, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits not only to the companies involved but also to the broader Philippine-Japan economic relationship,’ Garcia-Albano said.

The BCDA also said its delegation will also meet with officials of the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development to align directions and strategies for the development of New Clark City.

The BCDA team will also visit the Shinagawa Waste-to-Energy Plant to benchmark operations and observe the management and technical aspects of the facilities before it wraps up its mission on October 3.

THE United States government has activated an amount of approximately P13.8 billion ($250 million) in foreign assistance to the Philippines that will strengthen health systems, improve disease detection and response capabilities, while enhancing maternal- and child-health services in the country-measures that the US Embassy said will make both countries ‘safer, stronger, and more prosperous.’

The new funding raises the total of recently announced US foreign assistance committed to the Philippines to more than P17 billion ($313 million), following an earlier announcement of P3 billion ($63 million) of similar funding to support Philippine energy sector resilience, combat illegal fishing in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and deepen private-sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The US commitment to improve health outcomes in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region focuses on critical areas of tuberculosis control and prevention, global health security, maternal and child health and nutrition, plus other areas important to both countries’ health security. The funding supports key initiatives such as supply chain management, data and information systems, and laboratory strengthening.

‘This funding underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Filipino people, and demonstrates our long-term partnership in addressing shared challenges,’ said Ambassador MaryKay Carlson. ‘Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future.’

The embassy’s Foreign Assistance Section will lead the implementation of the said initiatives in priority areas.

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) commends the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12254, or the e-Governance Act, which streamlines and institutionalizes the government’s digital transition.

Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson of the BCCP recognized the enactment as a reinforcement of current initiatives to eliminate red tape, while further boosting the country’s overall digital economy.

According to Nelson, this development aligns with broader government initiatives to eliminate red tape, with the BCCP acting as a champion of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), enabling direct reporting on related issues.

The chamber also noted that, ‘beyond strengthening governance, this law also positions the Philippines as a stronger investment destination in the region. By streamlining processes, cutting red tape, and embracing digital innovation, the e-Governance Act reinforces a modern, business-friendly environment-one that

enhances the country’s competitiveness, attracts higher levels of foreign direct investment, and drives long-term, sustainable economic growth.’

Nelson also welcomed the passage of other priority legislation such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act and Investors’ Lease Act: ‘We wish to commend the current administration, because [it is taking a really proactive approach to passing legislation. We have been a key advocate for this as] an ARTA Champion, and e-Governance will certainly assist that.’

For him, these developments can be linked to ‘further increasing the country’s digital trade that will encourage more investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and other industries.’

The BCCP official pointed out that digital transformation reforms must be complemented by measures to strengthen and institutionalize cybersecurity by way of the passage of the Cybersecurity Act, which will enhance the country’s digital and cyber infrastructure, while ensuring a more resilient Philippine digital economy.

According to Nelson, these developments will also strengthen the expanding trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, which reached £3 billion in the four quarters ending the first three months of 2025.

He also highlighted the just-established UK-Philippine Joint Economic and Trade Committee or JETCO, and the Philippines’ interest to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or the CPTPP.

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that the first batch of the emergency response team originated from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

Also, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) deployed medical teams on Wednesday, not only in Bogo City but also in nearby areas.

The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs/ regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

‘The DOH advises all in affected areas to heed all instructions and advice from their local government units, and to brace for possible aftershocks,’ the DOH said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.

The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.

St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City launched last September 24, 2025 the Blood Cancer Care Service, a specialized program designed to deliver comprehensive, world-class treatment for patients battling blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

According to Dr. Francis Lopez, Head of the Blood Cancer Care Service, hematologic malignancies remain a significant health challenge in the Philippines. He pointed out that current data indicate that approximately 33 Filipinos are diagnosed with blood cancer very day. This translates to thousands of new cases every year.

‘These are not just numbers; these represent lives and families profoundly affected by these diseases. This is precisely why St. Luke’s has take the step to establish a dedicated blood cancer care service,’ he said.

‘We recognize that to provide the highest quality of care, we must move toward further specialization where our physicians, nurses and staff can focus on specific diseases, deepen their expertise and stay at the forefront of the latest diagnostics and treatment,’ he added.

Beneficial to patients

The opening of the services ensures that patients benefit from the care that is ‘comprehensive, precise and compassionate.’

‘Our ultimate goal this year is clear: to serve our patients better, to give them the best chance at recovery, the best quality of life and the hope they deserve,’ Dr. Lopez said.

The opening of the new service coincided with the accreditation of St. Luke’s Cancer Institute as a Cancer Specialty Center by the Department of Health.

‘This means that the care we provide really meets the national standards that’s evidence-based, multidisciplinary and centered on the needs of every patient who comes through our doors and entrusts their care to us,’ said Dr. Marie Belle Francia, head of the Cancer Institute at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City.

Benchmark

For his part, Dr. Dennis Serrano, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center, said with the opening of the Blood Cancer Care Service, St. Luke’s will become the benchmark for many hospitals.

‘It is really inherent upon us to keep pushing the envelope in terms of finding out how much more we can do for the patients, what newer and more innovative things and more groundbreaking outcomes we can offer our patients,’ he said.

He added that everything that the hospital does is for the benefit of their patients.

‘As we grow from one to two hospitals and eventually to three hospitals in our one healthcare system, we should never lose sight of the fact that really the main objective of all of this growth, all of these advances, is patient outcomes. And the opening of this service is a testament to that commitment, to that objective that we are always looking out for patient outcomes,’ Dr. Serrano said.

Multidisciplinary team

At the core of the new service is a multidisciplinary team of subspecialized hematologists working alongside oncologists, pathologists, geneticists, and supportive care professionals. This collaborative model ensures that every patient benefits from a treatment plan that is coordinated, individualized, and comprehensive.

St. Luke’s-Global City’s Blood Cancer Care Service offers advanced hematologic, genetic, and molecular testing. These tools enable timely and accurate diagnosis, allowing doctors to design treatment strategies that are precisely tailored to each patient’s cancer type and genetic profile.

Patients will have access to a full range of evidence-based therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Each treatment plan is tailored to optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects and ensuring care that is both effective and compassionate.

Recognizing that cancer care extends beyond medical treatment, the program also provides integrated supportive services, including transfusion support, infection control, and nutritional guidance. These services are crucial for enhancing overall well-being, managing complications, and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.

Mandaluyong City and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) launched a community drive against dengue, convening a lay forum under the banner of Project E-CODE (Empowering Communities for a Dengue-Ready Philippines).

With the Department of Health (DOH) logging over 100,000 dengue cases in the first half of the year, the city health officials are intensifying the fight against the mosquito-borne illness.

This community-based public health event was organized specifically to raise awareness and encourage active, grassroots participation in prevention and control efforts.

According to Edmond Deo Cuaresma, Policy Officer for ULAP, the goal of the lay forum is to target prevention efforts at the grassroots level by completing a three-pronged strategy.

‘There’s one for dengue experts, for the doctors. There’s also the Dengue Integrated Program for the healthcare workers and this one, the lay forum, which is for our local officials or barangay officials,’ Cuaresma told the BusinessMirror. ‘This ensures there’s a community-based approach to really having dengue prevention and awareness for different levels.’

The local government echoed this focus, stressing that community knowledge is vital to reducing the healthcare burden. Dr. Arnold Abalos, City Health Officer of Mandaluyong, emphasized that a refresher is needed to tackle the ongoing threat.

‘It’s more of a refreshment and reiteration to the community, to the barangay level, that this is a real threat and it is something serious and it should be addressed,’ Dr. Abalos said.

He noted that while the national target is to achieve zero dengue cases by 2030, the immediate plan is to ‘make the cases lower as much as possible.’

Key takeaways

During the lay forum, a discussion was led by Dr. Alexis Milan, a Pediatric Critical Care Specialist and resource speaker, whose informative session focused on empowering attendees with life-saving dengue prevention strategies.

Dr. Milan’s presentation covered essential topics such as debunking common myths and misconceptions about the disease, discussing unfamiliar facts about dengue, explaining the symptoms and proper management, and detailing practical, community-friendly ways to prevent its spread.

This community education aligns with a reinforced national campaign, as Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita ‘Menchie’ Abalos highlighted the Department of Health’s intensified focus.

‘Ngayong taon, inilunsad ng Department of Health ang mas pinaigting na kampanya na tinawag na ‘Dengue Free Philippines 2025′ na nakatuon sa pagpapalawak ng surveillance system gamit ang digital reporting tools, pagpapalaganap ng active guidelines ng critical management ng Dengue, [at] pagpapalakas ng community education,’ Abalos stated.

[‘This year, the Department of Health launched an intensified campaign called ‘Dengue Free Philippines 2025′ that is focused on expanding the surveillance system using digital reporting tools, disseminating active guidelines for the critical management of Dengue, [and] strengthening community education,’ Abalos stated.]

She emphasized that the campaign centers on the ‘4S Strategy’ for Dengue prevention: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure Self-Protection measures, Seek Early Consultation for symptoms, and Support fogging only in hotspot areas.

Dr. Lester Tan, Regional Director of the DOH-NCR Metro Manila Center for Health Development, provided a deeper explanation of the first step strategy, Search and Destroy, by introducing the complementary ‘4Ts of Dengue’ approach, often used at the barangay level.

‘Taob [turn upside down], Taktak [shake], Tuyot [dry], and Takip [cover]. Taob meaning turnover the container, taktak is empty the contents, and tuyo is to dry these containers, and takip is to cover these containers so we would not have mosquito breeding sites.’

Project E-CODE

The event received support from key partners, including Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc., the lead partner for Project E-CODE (Empowering Communities for a Dengue-Ready Philippines).

Estela ‘Tattie’ Del Rosario, Takeda Philippines’ Public Affairs and Communications Head, highlighted the company’s commitment to mitigating the severity of dengue through community engagement.

‘Earlier, Takeda forged a meaningful partnership with ULAP and together launched the E-CODE Project. Through the E-CODE Project, our shared vision is both simple and powerful: to raise dengue awareness and empower communities, health workers, and local leaders with the tools and knowledge to combat dengue more effectively,’ Del Rosario explained.

Demonstrating international cooperation, Dr. Fumiko Aoki, First Secretary and Health Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, was also present to express Japan’s continuous commitment to collaboration and support for improving the country’s healthcare system.

The success of the Project E-CODE lay forum, piloted in Quezon City and most recently implemented in Mandaluyong, marks the beginning of a larger campaign. Takeda and ULAP will next roll out the program in Bohol, Cavite, and Iloilo as it expands its efforts across the Philippines.

Fortune Life Insurance Company proudly stood alongside the Alliance of Non-stock Savings and Loan Associations (ANSLI) as a Gold Sponsor in commemorating its 10th Anniversary held on September 5-6, 2025, at the Clark Marriott Hotel, Pampanga.

The two-day convention and celebration marked a decade of ANSLI’s dedicated service to its member associations and partners. Fortune Life joined the festivities through an engaging booth experience and exciting corporate giveaways, adding warmth and energy to the milestone event.

Representing Fortune Life, AVP for Corporate Communications Floreda Constantino joined ANSLI’s esteemed Board of Trustees, led by its President and Chairman of the Board, Atty. Lucas Managuelod (Ret.), FICD for a commemorative photo opportunity, symbolizing the enduring partnership between both organizations.

Fortune Life reaffirms its commitment to supporting associations, such as ANSLI, that uplift lives and promote financial security. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and continuing to serve communities with dedication and purpose.

Fortune Life is part of the ALC Group of Companies, founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua.

THE Shareholders Association of the Philippines (Sharephil) has partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among other organizations, to launch a project the group expects would equip retail investors and shareholders with tools to make informed investment decisions.

In a ceremony held last Wednesday, Sharephil officers turned over the first batch of its educational videos to SEC Chairman and CEO Francis E. Lim. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of partner groups. The goal of the project is to have a digital library for the SEC to educate the public.

The partners include the Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., the Finex Research and Development Foundation, the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants and the Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc.

Citing a study by the Boston Consulting Group, Sharephil President Conrado F. Bate said the number of mass affluent Filipinos, or those at least $100,000 or around P5.8 million in wealth, is expected to almost double to 48 million, with GDP-per-capita reaching around $6,500, by 2030.

‘This means millions more Filipinos will soon have the savings and appetite to invest. And with the right knowledge and values, Filipinos can turn this opportunity into lasting success,’ Bate said. ‘Our goal is simple: to give every Filipino access to high-quality, easy-to-understand materials that guide them on their investing journey.’

The digital library will contain a collection of educational videos and short reels that explain investing concepts in a clear and practical manner. Topics of the videos include getting started with investing, understanding equities and building a future ready portfolio.

The videos are designed especially for self-directed investors and young professionals who want to take control of their financial future with trustworthy guidance.

‘The library is not just about the basics; it’s also about building good investing habits like patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset. It will be a living resource, continuously updated so it remains relevant and accessible to anyone, anytime,’ Bate said.

Lim expressed he’s ‘personally excited that Congress is now looking at bills to make financial literacy a mandatory subject for our high schools or college students.’

The latter, he added, is his ‘personal advocacy back in my PSE days.’

‘As SEC chair, I will wholeheartedly support this initiative. Just imagine: a whole generation growing up fluent in the language of savings, investing, and planning for the future,’ Lim said.

A new law will speed up crucial infrastructure projects and ensure fair compensation for landowners. I, thus, welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act No. 10752, or the Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, into law.

Another game-changer after the North-South Commuter Railway, the legislation is designed to streamline the government’s acquisition of private land for public use. This process has historically been fraught with delays, disputes and legal challenges. We need a comprehensive law to reform existing regulations.

The ARROW Act represents a significant overhaul of right-of-way (ROW) acquisition policies. For years, infrastructure projects, from highways to power lines, have been stalled by complex land negotiations, litigation and disputes over property valuation.

With the new law in place, we have a clearer, more efficient framework that balances the public’s need for infrastructure development with the private property rights of citizens. It applies to a wide range of national government projects and public service facilities, including electricity, water, telecommunications and transportation.

It also introduces key reforms to prevent project delays and ensure a more transparent and equitable process.

Before any land acquisition can begin, the new law requires implementing agencies to create a Right-of-Way Action Plan (RAP). The plan serves as a proactive measure, ensuring agencies have a comprehensive understanding of a project’s impact and are prepared to provide fair compensation and relocation. The plan must include a detailed census of affected people, an inventory of their assets, estimated costs and a clear implementation schedule.

The law also addresses the long-standing issue of property valuation in which land compensation is based on the standardized system established by the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RA 12001).

This ensures landowners receive a fair price for their property through a transparent valuation system. If an approved schedule of market values is not yet available, the offer will be based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) zonal valuation and the assessed value of improvements. The law outlines specific documentation requirements to ensure legitimate claims for untitled lands are recognized.

The ARROW Act amends the process for eminent domain, which is the government’s right to take private property for public use with just compensation. To prevent delays in expropriation proceedings, implementing agencies should deposit 15 percent of the land’s market value with the court when filing a complaint.

The deposit includes 100 percent of the replacement cost for improvements and 15 percent of the market value of crops and trees, providing immediate and substantial compensation to affected landowners.

The law takes a firm stance against legal obstacles designed to halt progress. It prohibits lower courts from issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs) on government infrastructure projects, a measure that directly addresses one of the most common causes of project delays. The prohibition ensures that critical public works can proceed without being held up by protracted legal battles.

For informal settlers, the law mandates better coordination between the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) and local government units (LGUs) in establishing and developing resettlement sites. This ensures that displaced residents have a structured and dignified path to relocation.

The new law extends its reach to private entities and holds them accountable for violations, with their officers potentially facing civil or criminal penalties. For public-private partnership (PPP) projects, ROW acquisition will be in accordance with the PPP Code of the Philippines of 2023 and its implementing rules and regulations.

The ARROW Act represents a significant step forward in modernizing and streamlining the process of infrastructure development. By expanding the number of government agencies involved in preparing the implementing rules and regulations, the law ensures a more coordinated approach to land acquisition.

The inclusion of key agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will lead to a more holistic framework. It institutionalizes reforms that will prevent legal disputes and cost overruns while protecting the rights of landowners.

The law provides a clearer and more transparent process for balancing the government’s need to build essential public infrastructure with the protection of private property rights. This, in turn, will help facilitate crucial economic and social progress for the nation.