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THE government excluded imported sugar from the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme next year owing to ample stocks and stable retail prices.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially opened applications for MAV 2026 for pork, poultry meat, chipping potato, corn, coffee beans, and coffee extract.

This marked the third year that the DA did not open a sugar MAV, as government officials noted that the country’s current inventory remains sufficient.

Earlier, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona hinted that the government would likely exclude imported sugar from the MAV scheme in 2026.

‘The way we’re managing our sugar stocks, I don’t think there’s any need for MAV,’ Azcona told the BusinessMirror in a previous interview.

‘We have no shortage, the supply is stable, and the prices are also stable. So for now, I don’t think there’s a need for it,’ he added.

The Philippines last allowed sugar MAV in 2023 after the average retail price of refined sugar skyrocketed to P100 per kilo in the latter part of 2022 from P53 per kilo in the previous year as stockpiles were depleted.

The average price of refined sugar in Metro Manila remains stable at P87 per kilo, while raw sugar settled at P73 per kilo, latest SRA reports showed.

Meanwhile, the DA said the applications under the MAV program next year for the said commodities will run from November 2 to 29, 2025.

The available allocations for MAV 2026 include 54,210 metric tons (MT) of pork, 23,490 MT of poultry meat, 60,000 MT of chipping potatoes, 1,457 MT of coffee beans, 216,940 MT of corn, and 37 MT of coffee extract.

The DA cautioned, however, that new entrants should have a record of importing at least 9 MT of pork and poultry, 6 MT of potatoes, 12.5 MT of corn and 6 MT of coffee.

Imports made via the MAV scheme enjoy a lower tariff for shipments falling under the in-quota allocation compared to the out-quota allocation which is slapped with a higher tariff rate.

LAUNCHED in the middle of the pandemic, NINMA grew at a moment when Filipinos rediscovered herbs for comfort and grounding. What began as a form of coping-brewing teas, mixing tinctures, reaching for plants when the world felt uncertain-has since become a lifestyle.

That journey now finds a modern home in NINMA, the country’s first online wildcrafted herbal apothecary.

At its heart, NINMA is more than a business. It is the life’s work of its founder, herbalist Teresa Canlas-Delgado. In her 20s, Teresa was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. When conventional medicine offered few lasting answers, she found a lifeline in plants.

Her path led her to the study of Western herbalism and later, Ayurveda in Kerala, India. What she brought back was not just knowledge of herbs, but a philosophy that sees wellness as a relationship-between body, plant, and ritual.

Together with managing founder Dana Marquez, Teresa has made that advocacy an accessible experience for Filipinos. NINMA’s apothecary shelves draw from far beyond the Philippines: Ayurvedic botanicals like shatavari and triphala, tonic herbs from traditional Chinese medicine such as schisandra and astragalus, and soothing Western staples like marshmallow root.

Many of these are rarely seen side by side, yet here they are curated into small-batch blends crafted with herbalist intent. About 30 percent of its ingredients are wildcrafted, foraged from forests and fields where they grow in their natural rhythm.

This global philosophy is finding renewed relevance. In cities, like New York and Paris, apothecaries have returned as sanctuaries of slow wellness, while in countries such as Spain and Italy, traditional herbal practices never truly left.

In Manila, NINMA brings that movement online, offering tinctures, teas, powders, and botanical salves designed not just to supplement but to invite ritual. Among its signature blends are the Miracle Salve, a botanical balm trusted for skin support; Radiant Heart, a tincture designed to nurture emotional balance; and the Triple Rhizome Tonic, an Ayurvedic blend of turmeric, ginger and galangal.

The timing is no coincidence. According to Grand View Research (2023), the Philippine dietary supplements market, valued at US$795.8 million in 2024, is projected to grow more than 10 percent annually through 2030.

But while the market is crowded with imports and resellers, NINMA stands apart for its careful curation and blends crafted with herbalist intent, prepared locally to ensure both potency and purity.

For Teresa, the mission is as personal as it is professional.

‘Herbalism became not just a practice but a purpose,’ she reflects. ‘NINMA is my way of making wellness less about quick fixes and more about connection.’

Dana adds, ‘We live in an age of overstimulation and disconnection. What NINMA offers isn’t just a product-it’s an invitation to pause, breathe and reconnect with nature’s grounding force.’

By existing exclusively online and shipping nationwide, NINMA brings Teresa’s vision of intentional, plant-based wellness within reach of every Filipino.

In a country that rarely slows down, that feels both timely and quietly radical.

?Passion is a deep, multi-layered human emotion. It is more than just enthusiasm or joy, but a driving force that can provide a sense of fulfillment that intersects the self, the soul, and the heart.

?Interestingly, passion can manifest in various forms and expressions. For PJ Icogo, founder of GizGuide, he expresses this by being a collector.

?’I like the experience of using my gadgets to make my workflow easier in different situations and trying new things. I also collect kitchen appliances and kitchenware simply because I like doing things, especially my food and drinks, to my liking.’

?Vanessa Caceres, who bagged the title as the first Filipina Barista Champion in 2008, resonates with the same sentiment. Her love for the craft of coffee started out of her desire to understand the art of it. She shares, ‘What kept me, and what truly ignited my passion, was the realization that coffee is a deeply technical and sensory craft. It’s not just pouring a shot.’

?The unifying thread: An appreciation for quality

?While passion may come in different expressions, there is one unifying factor that threads all shades of it together: Quality.

?For PJ, price isn’t always the priority, but quality is non-negotiable for a collector like him. ‘I want to experience the best that money can buy, and I choose items that look sharp, outperform their cost, and offer smart, innovative features that simplify my life,’ he says.

?Vanessa pitches in her own perspective from someone who needs the right tools to shape her passion. ‘A master painter needs quality brushes and paints. The same goes for the art of coffee-making. Good beans can only shine through if the tools allow for precise control over the variables of extraction. Without the right equipment, your whole practice can be inconsistent in quality.’

?The Craft CollectionS

?PJ and Vanessa, while in different areas of expertise, both have a shared love and appreciation for coffee. Thankfully, in a time when coffee remains a beloved culture in the country, brands like Breville Philippines continue providing tools that can resonate with passionate individuals like them.

?Most recently, the leading premium home lifestyle brand launched a Craft Collection, a line of premium espresso accessories designed to elevate the home coffee experience. The collection, which includes the Distribution DuoS, Force Gauge TamperS, Naked PortafilterS, and Pro Control JugS, is made with responsibly sourced rich brown walnut, providing a sophisticated look that pairs well with the control and performance the collection provides.

?Quality-wise, PJ has this to say about this newest release from Breville. ‘I recently got the Pro Control JugS because it looks good and is very affordable compared to other handleless milk jugs from other brands. It works as advertised and is easier to control than my other milk jugs when doing latte art, and it helped me measure milk easier.’

?’I’m also intrigued to try the Force Gauge TamperS because it looks unique compared to what the competition offers. It might help home baristas and coffee enthusiasts improve their puck prep game. For the record, I have the Breville Barista Pro and the Bambino Plus and I use both to create cafe-quality espresso and milk drinks, even if I have no coffee barista experience.’

?Vanessa particularly agrees with the latter sentiment of PJ. ‘Breville’s Espresso Machines have successfully bridged the gap between amateur and professional-level equipment. The Barista Express makes professional-level variables like grinding, dosing, and temperature control accessible to the home user so that even home enthusiasts can pull off high-quality shots without needing a commercial set-up or level of experience.’

?’The new Craft Collection seems to be an excellent extension of that philosophy,’ she continued. ‘The focus on aesthetic and ritual is smart. By integrating beautiful design with professional functionality, they encourage the user to slow down and truly enjoy the process of making coffee, which is a key part of the barista experience. It shows that Breville is committed not just to the quality of the drink, but to the entire coffee-making experience at home.’

Breville’s commitment to passionate coffee drinkers

?True expression of passion is expressed by bridging craft and personal experience. For Breville, this continues to be a mission that they continue to enable by bringing quality tools to coffee lovers who have a deep love and appreciation for coffee. As Vanessa says, ‘Coffee is always evolving, and there’s always a new technique or bean to explore. At the end of the day though, it is about the connection-between the craft and its master.’

AFTER a two-year delay, the Philippine eVisa system for Chinese nationals traveling for business or tourism was finally rolled out on Monday, November 3, with simultaneous launch ceremonies held across eight cities in China: Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen.

The relaunch follows the abrupt suspension of the eVisa system in November 2023, just three months after its pilot. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited system reliability and payment processing limitations as key reasons for halting the rollout. At the time, the platform only accepted cash, debit, and credit cards-excluding dominant mobile payment options in China such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

The suspension had ripple effects across the tourism sector. In a September 2025 budget hearing, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told lawmakers that the DFA’s cancellation of the eVisa program-originally projected to issue up to 2 million visas annually-was a major factor in the country’s failure to meet its 2024 target of 7.7 million foreign arrivals. Only 5.95 million tourists visited the Philippines that year, a 28.3-percent drop from the 2019 peak.

Jointly developed by the DFA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the eVisa system is part of the Philippine government’s broader push to digitize consular services and improve the travel experience for foreign visitors.

VFS Global, a leading provider of technological services for governments and diplomatic missions, will manage the application and payment processing.

‘The Philippine Embassy is happy to announce the official launch of the eVisa, in line with the directive of the President to enhance client experience, digitize services, and further invigorate the country’s tourism sector,’ said Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz in a statement.

The eVisa allows Chinese nationals to apply online 24/7 for a non-convertible, non-extendable visa valid for a 14-day stay. Designated ports of entry include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Ambassador FlorCruz also highlighted the Philippines’ growing reputation as a top travel destination, citing the country’s recent ‘Island Charm Award’ at the 2025 Beijing International Diving and Resort Travel Expo. ‘This honor, through the efforts of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Beijing, highlights not only our remarkable dive sites but also our rich marine biodiversity,’ he said.

Chinese nationals may apply for an eVisa through https://www.vfsglobal.com

For Chinese travelers seeking to stay longer than 14 days or enter through other airports, applications must now be filed in person-not at the embassy or consulates, but at VFS Global centers located in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Although the Philippines has no consulate in Fuzhou, the Consulate in Xiamen will process and release visas submitted through the Fuzhou center.

The Philippine Visa Application Centers operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

During the Beijing ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Arnel G. Talisayon and Consul General Rodillo Catalan represented the Philippine Embassy.

Consuls General Ivan Frank Olea, Iric Arribas, Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Edna May Lazaro, Myca Magnolia Fischer, and Winston Dean Almeda led the launches in the other cities.

The VFS Global sites for Philippine visa applications are located at:

Beijing: West Gate, Floor B1, Guanghua Lu SOHO II, No.9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100020

Chongqing: 31F, CCOOP, No. 235 Minsheng Road, Yuzhong District, 400010, Chongqing, China

Fuzhou: Floor 14, Liyu Bund Centre, No. 363 Middle Jiangbin Blvd., Taijiang District, Fuzhou

Guangzhou: 8th Floor, GAL Tower, No. 78 Pazhou Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China

Hong Kong: 7th Floor, Lee and Man Commercial Center, 169 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Shanghai: 3rd Floor, Jiushi Commercial Building, 213 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District, 200002, Shanghai, China.

THE chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to take firm action against diploma mills and strengthen the quality and oversight of graduate programs in teacher education.

House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Jude Acidre made the call following the findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II), which revealed that many graduate programs prioritize credentials over competence.

According to Edcom II data, more than half of the country’s graduate students are enrolled in education programs. However, many of these programs reportedly fail to produce meaningful research output or contribute to real professional growth. The Commission noted that a growing number of teachers pursue graduate degrees mainly to meet promotion requirements, with little evidence that these degrees enhance teaching quality.

Acidre, who also serves as Edcoim II co-chairperson, said this trend highlights the need to ensure that graduate studies truly fulfill their purpose-improving classroom instruction and teacher capability.

Collecting diplomas

‘THE goal of higher learning for teachers should never be about collecting diplomas. It should be about deepening competence,’ Acidre, a nominee of the party-list group Tingog, said.

‘Too many graduate programs today have become mere ticket requirements for promotion, not real opportunities for growth. We need to bring back the true purpose of education: to form better teachers who can give our students the best possible learning experience.’

He called on CHED to enforce stricter quality assurance standards and to conduct a comprehensive review of existing graduate programs to ensure they contribute to teacher development, rather than serving as mere credentialing exercises.

‘Graduate education must be more than a line in a résumé. It has to be a meaningful journey that helps teachers think critically, teach creatively, and lead with purpose,’ he added. ‘It’s time we put an end to diploma mills that profit from ambition but fail to nurture ability.’

Acidre clarified that tighter oversight is not meant to penalize institutions but to protect educators and students from substandard programs that waste valuable time, money, and effort.

He also supported Edcom II’s recommendation to prioritize graduate programs in science and mathematics education, literacy, inclusive education, and digital learning, which are critical areas in addressing persistent gaps in the Philippine education system.

Acidre said that reforming and strengthening graduate education is essential to restoring public trust in higher education and supporting the country’s long-term learning recovery.

Classroom shortage

MEMBERS of the House’s Makabayan Bloc, meanwhile, filed a resolution urging the chamber to investigate the ‘extremely low performance’ of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) School Building Program under the Duterte and Marcos Jr. administrations amid the worsening classroom shortage in public schools.

Party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers, Renee Louise Co of Kabataan and Sarah Jane Elago of Gabriela filed House Resolution 425, directing the Committee on Basic Education and Culture to look into the alarming delays in classroom construction nationwide.

The lawmakers said public school teachers continue to handle overcrowded classes of up to 60 to 80 students, twice the ideal size of 35, owing to DepEd’s poor infrastructure performance.

Data from the National Expenditure Program showed that since 2018, DepEd has repeatedly missed its classroom targets, completing only a fraction of the planned projects each year. The Commission on Audit (COA) also found that in 2023, only 192 classrooms-or 3 percent of the 6,379 target-were built, citing delays in project design and procurement.

During Senate budget hearings, Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon disclosed that only 22 of 6,000 targeted classrooms were completed for 2025. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara likewise said only 22,092 classrooms had been built from July 2022 to July 2025, as the DPWH prioritized flood control projects over school buildings.

The lawmakers warned that neglecting classroom construction worsens the learning crisis, with Edcom II reporting that 24.8 million Filipinos were functionally illiterate in 2024.

Yuchengco-led Bugallon Green Energy Corp. (BGEC) has obtained an P826-million financing facility from Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) to bankroll its 18.56-megawatt alternating current (MWac) Bugallon Solar Power Project (BSPP) in Pangasinan.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday, PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (PERC) said BGEC and RCBC signed an Omnibus Loan and Security Arrangement (OLSA). BGEC is a subsidiary of Rizal Green Energy Corp.(RGEC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) and Japan’s Taisei Corp. PGEC is the renewable energy (RE) arm of PERC. The solar facility is a key component of PGEC’s continued build-up of its RE portfolio. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 36 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power over 15,000 households and offset approximately 25,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.

‘This financing milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to increase the country’s power supply from indigenous energy sources’ said PGEC President and CEO Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. ‘We are grateful for RCBC’s continued trust and partnership which enables us to contribute to the country’s clean energy transition and rural development.’

RCBC’s support for the Bugallon project aligns with its broader sustainability agenda and its role as a key financier of green infrastructure in the Philippines.

‘The loan agreement was finalized under RCBC’s Sustainable Finance Framework, reinforcing the bank’s role in enabling climate-resilient developments that promote sustainable economic growth,’ said RCBC’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group Elizabeth E. Coronel.

At end-June this year, PERC reported a 12 -percent drop in net income to P463.75 million in from P526.99 million in the same period last year. The Yuchengco-led power firm attributed the decline to low oil prices and rising expenses for new renewable energy projects.

ROKID Philippines recently unveiled what the company calls ‘the most advanced and comprehensive AR and AI technology glasses in today’s global market.’

Touted as the newest craze in AR (Augmented Reality) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Technology, Miravelle Company, through its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Macgyver Yu, and in support of ROKID Philippines, the new technology-enhanced eyewear was announced in a recent media conference.

In highlighting the features of the ROKID AI glasses, Yu added that they provide unlimited information, real-time translation that makes it perfect for travel and world exploration with smart navigation, and instant notifications. These smart glasses are also equipped with a hands-free 12MP Camera, private audio with dual speakers, lightweight at 49g, and a fast charging case. With ROKID’s AI glasses, people can travel smarter, communicate freely, and experience the world in a whole new way.

Another highlight of ROKID AR Joy features the character of AR glasses, an augmented reality concept that provides a portable SMART TV for the eyes. The AR glasses also allow the viewing of movies, games, and digital apps projected on the giant 360′ virtual screens. They are also lightweight (75g), pocket-sized, and have long battery life with a powerbank feature. They also have private sound with directional speakers and are powered by Android TV, like bringing your cinema with you.

To be among the first in the Philippines to own these groundbreaking AR and AI devices. Email @ rockidphilippines@gmail.com or contact 0960-2303293. You may also visit the Facebook page @rokidphilippines or website @rokidphilippines.com.

MID-sized retail lender Citystate Savings Bank (CSBank) garnered two Golden Arrows from the prestigious Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) on October 23 at the glittering Golden Arrow Awards 2025 ceremony at the Okada Manila Hotel, Paranaque City. This is CSBank’s maiden recognition for excellence in corporate governance.

The ICD is the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the stringent Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

There are five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding transparency, accountability and integrity. Two Golden Arrows carry an ACGS score of 85 points to 94 points.

Anchored on the ACGS framework, the ICD evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage with stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.

President Jaime V L Araneta remarked, upon receiving the award on behalf of the Board, management and staff of CSBank, ‘Our Two Golden Arrows are both a reward for past performance and a prod to excel still more as a publicly listed retail bank committed to strategic and sustainable value creation for our shareholders, customers, communities and employees.’

Meanwhile, as of September 30, 2025, CSBank grew its resources to P8.057 billion, up 26 percent over the 2024 year-end level. Deposits surged by over 30 percent to P6.537 billion while net loans and receivables swelled by more than 11 percent to P4.294 billion. The lender’s total equity increased by 18 percent to P1.358 billion.

The CSBank posted an after tax net income of P151.005 million compared to the 2024 full year bottomline of barely P1 million.

The lender’s return on equity climbed to 19.30 percent, its risk based capital adequacy ratio to 17.41 percent and Common Equity Tier 1 to 16.87 percent. CSBank’s cost to income ratio further improved to 60.81 percent.