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The agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon soared to over P7 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its final report on the damage inflicted by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 268,077 farmers and fisherfolk have reached P7.71 billion.

The agency noted that the volume of production damage across 13 regions reached 472,701 metric tons (MT).

Rice sustained the majority of the damage at 354,831 MT. Also destroyed were high-value crops (72,699 MT), corn (44,725 MT), and cassava (372 MT).

The report indicated the value of production losses amounted to P4.87 billion for rice; P1.96 billion, high-value crops; P655.45 million, corn; P76.98 million, livestock and poultry; P47.73 million, fisheries and aquatic resources; and P13.81 million, cassava.

Damages to irrigation facilities, agriculture infrastructure and farm equipment were valued at P45.15 million, P30.58 million, and P1.76 million, respectively.

The DA said 205,016 hectares of agricultural lands were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 173,299 hectares have a chance to recover.

The agency said it has allocated P1 billion in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, to help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock and fish stocks from its regional field offices were also included.

The DA noted that it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.

It also said that an amount of P786.9 million for the indemnification for 86,959 insured affected farmers and fisherfolk would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

Earlier, the DA scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT) on the back of torrential downpours. This is lower than its initial projection of 20.45 MMT.

The agency also noted that erratic weather patterns could further push down expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, however, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

Despite such adjustment, the DA said it remains hopeful following the all-time high output of 9.08 MMT in the first semester.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

CITING possible governance lapses that could affect the pension security of state workers and retirees, public sector workers have called for an independent investigation into the reported P8.8-billion loss in the investments by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In a statement over the weekend, the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLink) said the controversy reflects what it sees as serious failures in oversight and accountability within the GSIS.

‘Those responsible must be held liable for any breach of duty or misuse of members’ money. The pension funds of public servants are not for gambling, corruption, or political favor. They exist solely to guarantee security, dignity, and justice for those who have spent their lives serving the Filipino people,’ read the statement of the national confederation of public service workers.

The group urged the Marcos administration to order an independent and transparent probe into all GSIS transactions questioned by several of its trustees.

It also called for stronger internal controls, regular public disclosure of investment performance, and the inclusion of worker representatives in the GSIS Board to improve oversight.

‘Public sector unions and workers will not remain silent while their retirement savings are gambled away through mismanagement and impunity. We call on the Marcos administration to act decisively and transparently,’ it added.

PSLink’s call followed the confirmation of several GSIS trustees that the agency incurred the losses under the management of GSIS President and General Manager Wick A. Veloso. These trustees are: former Ombudsman Merceditas Consunji N. Gutierrez; Emmanuel D. Samson; Rita E. Riddle; Evelina G. Escudero; Jocelyn G. Cabreza; and, Alan R. Luga.

In a letter calling for the resignation of Veloso, the trustees alleged that the fund’s leadership bypassed board oversight and pursued high-risk investments despite repeated objections. They also claimed that some transactions were split to avoid review by the GSIS board.

The PSLink said these allegations, if proven, would constitute mismanagement and a breach of fiduciary duty. It also questioned the lifting of Veloso’s preventive suspension before the completion of a full investigation.

‘We are deeply concerned that Veloso’s preventive suspension has already been lifted, even as these serious allegations have yet to be fully investigated. Such action undermines accountability and threatens to erode the trust and confidence of millions of government employees and retirees who depend on GSIS for their social protection and retirement security,’ the PSLink added.

San Miguel Beer snapped a two-game skid by beating Rain or Shine, 111-93, on Sunday to finally barge to win column in Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

The Beermen, relying heavily on the firepower from CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter, made sure to control the game throughout the first period up to the last minute, enough to give them their first victory after three games.

Perez unloaded 23 points while Lassiter fired all his 18 points in the second half with nine-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo providing the Beermen with 14 of his 17 points in the final quarter and grabbing 14 rebounds.

‘We are not in top shape compared to other teams because they started their training two months ago unlike us because I gave them time to relax and enjoy,’ SMB coach Leo Austria said. ‘I am happy that we finally ended the losing streak.’

SMB lost to NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG.

Rain or Shine fell to 1-1 win-loss record after its close win against Meralco. Adrian Nocum led the Elastopainters with 17 points.

Meanwhile, Meralco nipped Magnolia, 78-76, behind CJ Cansino’s 23 points and Aaron Black’s 17 points that extended its winning streak to three games for a 3-2 win-loss slate.

Magnolia dropped to 2-1. Jerom Lastimosa scored 22 points and Zav Lucero had 14 points to lead the Hotshots.

THE Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office has junked the criminal complaint filed by businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang against his two former employees who accused him of masterminding the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts or ‘sabungeros’ four years ago.

In a 19-page resolution dated September 30, 2025, the city prosecutors held that Ang failed to present factual details and sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of the criminal cases before the trial court ‘with reasonable certainty of conviction’ against his former farm manager and alleged missing sabungeros’ whistleblower Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan and Alan Bantiles.

Ang, in his complaint, sought the prosecution of Patidongan and Bantiles for violations of Articles 294 (robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons), 282 (grave threats), 286 (grave coercion), 358 (slander), and 363 (incriminating an innocent person) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

In his complaint, Ang claimed that respondents demanded P300 million from him so that he would not be implicated in the case of missing sabungeros.

The demand for payment was allegedly communicated through several phone calls by Bantiles, a former employee at his e-sabong firm Pitmasters Alpha, and on June 20, 2025, with Patindongan.

Ang said Bantiles insisted on paying the amount in order for Patidongan to recant his sworn affidavit executed before the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) implicating Ang, his three children and his associates in Pitmasters, in missing sabungeros’ case.

He said Bantiles warned him that Patindongan would continue to drag his name in the case in media interviews if he would not heed the demand for money.

On June 22, 2025, Ang said he was able to talk to Patidongan after Bantiles called him up and passed the phone to the latter.

During their conversation, Ang said Patidongan demanded the payment of the amount in exchange of his recantation but he refused to oblige.

However, the prosecutors said there was no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Patidongan and Bantiles for attempted robbery with intimidation of person, grave coercion, and grave threats.

They held that the complainant failed to present sufficient evidence to prove intimidation.

The prosecutors even noted that it was Ang who initiated all communications between him and Bantiles from February 8 to 19, 2025.

‘This fact substantially undermines the claim that the latter was under persistent threats and extortion during this period,’ the resolution read.

The prosecutors pointed out that in typical extortion scenarios, it is the offender who initiates contact to issue demands or threats.

‘The absence of incoming calls or messages from respondents Bantiles over several days renders implausible the assertion that complainant was under constant pressure or coercion,’ they pointed out.

‘If it were indeed true that complainant was being threatened or blackmailed, the reasonable response would have been to cease contact, report the matter to authorities, or otherwise avoid engagement with alleged extortionists,’ they added.

Furthermore, the prosecutors said Ang’s continued financial support for Patidongan’s mayoralty race which amounted to P12 million between February and April 2025, contradicted his claim that the respondents had already conspired to rob, kidnap, and possibly kill him as early as September 2023.

‘Such conduct is not only counterintuitive, it also strains credulity. The natural reaction of a reasonable person upon learning of a solid threat to his life or property would be to take immediate protective measures such as cutting ties, conducting verification, reporting the matter to law enforcement, or at the very least, confronting the person involved,’ the prosecutors said.

Likewise, the prosecutors said there is no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict the respondents for incriminating an innocent person.

‘In contrast, the records of this case do not allege any specific act by respondents that could be considered ‘planting’ or fabricating physical evidence against complainant,’ the prosecutors added.

The resolution was signed by Prosecution Attorney Christine Brillantes and Edwin Mercado-Gregorio.

Ang, along with more than 50 other individuals are undergoing preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for multiple murder and serious illegal detention complaints filed against them by the families of the missing sabungeros.

CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) is still interested in acquiring additional stake in Metro Pacific Health Corp., the country’s largest hospital group.

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla said the company already made an offer to acquire an additional 30 percent of the hospital group from KKR and Co. and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, which holds an 80 percent stake in Metro Pacific Health.

MPIC owns the remaining 20 percent.

‘We all know that when a PE (private equity) investor comes in, it will not be forever. But MPIC has always been there, especially MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan), that’s his baby MPH. We’ve started with Makati Med,’ Revilla said, referring to Makati Medical Center.

‘We’ve actually renewed our contract with Cardinal Santos (Medical Center). So, they’re looking at MPH and MVP as the anchor of their (operations),’ she said.

MPH has 27 hospitals.

Pangilinan said he wanted to almost double the size of the hospitals group to 50.

‘So I hope we could do that by in 5 years or so,’ he said.

Revilla said the funds that the company got from the investors allowed them to expand its business.

‘So, here, we have bigger plans,’ she said.

Revilla said the company has plans to integrate its wholly-owned unit Metro Pacific Health Tech Corp., or mWell, into MPH.

‘So, we’re even doing the digitalization of MPH in the hospitals. Because, when we’re able to do the process that we’ve done here in the mWell clinic into the hospitals, when you go into a hospital, you don’t have to fill up 10-pager forms,’ she said.

Kohlberg, Kravis Robert (KKR) andGovernment Investment Corp. (GIC) completed its investments in MPH in December 2019. A total of P35.3 billion in investments were placed in the hospital group.

The group has a nationwide network of 27 hospitals, 33 outpatient care centers, 2 allied health colleges, and a centralized laboratory across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It was incorporated in 2007 and acquired Makati Medical Center as its first investment.

The country’s self-sufficiency in onions rose to its highest level in a decade owing to technological advancements and enhanced farm productivity.

The country’s onion self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) jumped to 92.4 percent in 2024, the highest in 10 years, based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

PSA data showed that this is the highest onion SSR since 2014, when it settled at 96.1 percent.

On an annual basis, the onion SSR of 92.4 percent last year was 8.4 percentage points higher than the 84 percent recorded level in 2023, PSA data showed.

‘SSR shows the magnitude of production in relation to domestic utilization. It indicates the extent to which a country relies on its own production resources,’ the PSA said.

Industry groups and agriculture officials attributed this hike to government interventions that bolstered productivity and investments in cold storage facilities that prolonged the shelf life of the crop.

‘Onion farmers are making money, encouraging them to expand their planting area and to plant more,’ Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) President Danilo Fausto told the BusinessMirror.

‘Cold storage facilities are being made available, lowering the possibility of spoilage.’

For Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, the decade-long increase in onion SSR was due to ‘strong partnership’ between farmers and the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with the support from its high-value crops program.

‘(Also,) operationalization of cold storage funded by DA, including those from PRDP [Philippine Rural Development Project],’ Caballero told this newspaper.

Last year, all of the country’s red onion stocks were locally produced owing to a bumper harvest, which prompted the agency to withhold any importation order for the crop.

In August, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said the government may authorize the importation of some 50,000 metric tons (MT) of red onions and 35,000 MT of yellow onions to plug the projected supply shortfall of the crop.

The DA had authorized the importation of 4,000 MT of red and yellow onions in February as stocks thinned out.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he ‘silently’ allowed around 3,000 MT of red onion imports during the end of September following the spike in retail prices of the crop to P140 to P160 per kilo.

Despite this, he assured stakeholders that the government would halt shipments of the onion varieties a month before harvest, which would be in February next year.

Government price monitoring data shows that the retail price of local red onions in Metro Manila markets ranges from P120 to P190 per kilo, while imported red onions stand between P100 and P140 per kilo.

The price of imported white onions ranged from P80 to P170 per kilo, based on the latest government price monitoring data.

AS global brands set their sights on Southeast Asia, the Philippines is emerging as a key growth market, with its digital-savvy, highly engaged online consumers.

To meaningfully connect with Filipinos, many international companies partner with local public relations (PR) agencies that understand the country’s culture, language, and media landscape.

Of course, many PR companies aspire to win foreign accounts because the rates are usually higher than local standards and earnings are in dollars, not to mention the bragging rights of having a ‘prestige’ account in your portfolio.

But as many seasoned PR practitioners know, achieving the deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) is usually the easier part. The daily coordination and client engagement are oftentimes the trickier aspect. While Philippine PR agencies bring invaluable local insights to the table, they also face distinct challenges when working with foreign clients-from cultural differences, language nuances and time zone gaps to misaligned expectations and sometimes, even compliance issues.

For one, cultural nuances can make or break a PR partnership. Filipino PR professionals are known for their warmth, adaptability, and respect-traits that sometimes contrast with the more direct or formal communication styles of international clients.

While many Western clients prefer straightforward, assertive feedback and fast-paced execution, a lot of East Asian clients value hierarchy, formality, and structured processes. Meanwhile, Filipino PR teams, guided by hiya, may soften their tone or avoid open disagreement to preserve harmony.

These differences can cause misinterpretations or delays in decision-making. To overcome this, agencies need cultural intelligence-understanding not just what to say, but how and when to say it.

The Filipino English

ENGLISH is English is English. Until one comes across Singaporean English, British English, Australian English, Italian English, and so on. That’s when you realize the nuances between these versions of English and the Filipino English.

For example, a press release sent by a client that ends with ‘Please feel free to connect a call with us’ will have to be edited before it’s dispatched to local media. It’s not entirely wrong, but that’s not how we say it.

The time zone challenge

COLLABORATING across time zones is another obstacle.

I remember when we were handling a banking brand during its global Initial Public Offering in the 90s. Back then there were no Zoom, MS Teams or any online meeting platforms. We had no choice but to attend alignment meetings almost every day with the New York-based client and other agencies at 6am, Manila time, using good old call conferencing.

While there are now easier ways to meet online, the challenge remains: if you’re working with an overseas client, you should be ready and flexible to meet outside of the usual working hours.

Take note also that not all markets follow the Monday to Friday workdays. In Dubai for instance, many companies are closed on Fridays but are open on Sundays so expect to receive a work email on while you’re having Sunday lunch with the family.

The time and work schedule difference, if not anticipated and managed, can lead to delayed feedback, missed overlaps, or extended approval cycles, especially during high-pressure campaign periods.

One way to ensure that projects are aligned despite the distance is to implement asynchronous communication systems (like project dashboards or shared trackers), setting clear response timelines, and maintaining transparent documentation.

Payment and currency issues

WORKING with foreign clients also introduces financial and administrative hurdles. International transfers, long payment terms, and fluctuating exchange rates can disrupt cash flow, especially for smaller or independent agencies.

To manage this, agencies often require upfront deposits, use global payment tools and specify currency terms clearly in contracts. Transparency on both sides helps prevent misunderstanding later on.

Navigating the local media culture

FOREIGN brands entering the Philippines sometimes underestimate how unique the local media and consumer culture are.

In many other countries, serving coffee and donut would usually suffice when you invite media to a press conference, even when the schedule occurs during lunch or dinner time. For us Filipinos, if you invite someone over-it doesn’t even have to be a media conference; it could just be a simple get-together at home with close friends-during lunch or dinner, and you want a positive outcome from your agenda, you and I know you need to serve a full meal or you will be the subject of chismis for a long time!

Obviously, local PR agencies must act as both cultural translators and strategic advisors, not just to ensure that global messages are conveyed thoughtfully but that good will and a positive reputation is carefully established on behalf of the brand.

Turning challenges into an advantage

THESE are just some of the challenges that PR agencies handling overseas clients face. We haven’t event touched on misaligned deliverables, which can be easily be avoided by a thorough discussion on key project elements and outcomes; and compliance issues especially for projects that involve regulatory agencies.

Despite these challenges, working with a foreign brand can be an enriching experience, both literally and figuratively!

The key to success lies in balance-merging global standards with local sensibilities, and blending professionalism with the Filipino values of warmth, empathy, and creativity.

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premiere association for senior communications professionals around the world. Edd Fuentes is the founder and CEO of FuentesManila, a Manila-based PR agency founded in 1990. Edd is a Board Member of IPRA Global representing South Asia for the last 7 years.

PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@gmail.com

Rising global cost of living in the last 20 years, should prompt the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to consider making it mandatory for employers to raise the monthly minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers abroad to US$500, according to a migrant advocate.

Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) Executive Director Ellene Sana issued the statement after DMW announced that the implementation of the new rate, which will raise the current US$400 minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers by US$100, will vary depending on the results of an audit report it will conduct.

Under its Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 03, series of 2025, DMW said it will extend the transition period for the implementation of the new rate by another six months.

‘The DMW shall conduct a performance audit to assess overall compliance. Based on this assessment, the Department may either extend the transition period or mandate full compliance with the US$500 minimum wage,’ according to the three-page issuance dated 7 October 2025.

Employers who will voluntarily comply with the new rate will be given incentives by DMW including priority processing for accreditation, registration, and re-accreditation; access to a pool of skilled labor to facilitate skills matching and recruitment; and consultation on employment standards.

As of press time, DMW has yet to release the grounds and basis it will use to determine if an employer must implement the new minimum wage or not.

Progressive implementation

Sana backed the gradual implementation of the new minimum wage rate, but she said it should be made mandatory for all employers to allow Filipino domestic workers to cope with the rising cost of living.

‘It must be across the board. As it is, per study of ILO [International Labor Organization], there are significant pay gaps between the migrants compared to local workers,’ Sana said in Filipino in a Viber message to the BusinessMirror.

Based on the said 2020 ILO study the mean pay gap between migrant workers and non-migrant workers in the care economy is approximately 19.6 percent per hour in high income countries.

The same report also showed that the aggregate pay gap between all migrant workers and non-migrant workers is at 17.1 percent in the sample countries.

‘When the entry level salary of US$400 was promulgated in 2007-it became the ceiling for many [host countries], instead of the floor level. Since 2007-there has been no increment at all. A part of the basic right of the worker is a decent wage,’ she added.

Additional skills

DMW also recognized the need to raise the minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers, comparing it to the rising minimum wage for local workers in Metro Manila, which rose from P350 per day in 2006 to P645 per day in 2025.

However, some countries have expressed concern or opposed the new minimum wage rate, which compelled DMW to review the implementation of the US$500 monthly minimum wage rate.

Sana, who attended the stakeholder consultations conducted by DMW, the increase may apply to Filipino domestic workers, who will be able to obtain additional skills.

‘There were discussions on whether our MDWs [migrant domestic workers] will be required to have additional skills to justify the [wage] increase,’ she said.

Under the Household Service Workers’ (HSW) Policy Reform Package, all Filipino domestic workers must at least have a Domestic Work National Certificate (NC) II from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) before they can work abroad.

Business groups called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address without delay the massive corruption scandal crippling flood control and infrastructure projects, which has eroded public trust and is threatening the country’s national security.

The 34 business groups that issued a joint statement on Sunday included the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Makati Business Club, Philippine Exporters Confederation, and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines.

‘We have contributed to national funds thru taxes locally and nationally and have paid additional assessment of taxes. We provided many fees to enable us to do business. Yet, trillions of pesos supplied and intended to protect our communities from disasters have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts,’ they said.

The business groups pointed out that the flood control issue is more than financial loss; it is a ‘fatal breach’ of public trust that leaves the people ‘vulnerable and outraged.’

They asked the president to ‘immediately and transparently’ adopt four measures.

The groups said there must be ‘regular public updates’ on the progress of investigations and reforms and to publicly disclose all audit findings to demonstrate ‘genuine commitment and credibility.’

They urged the country’s chief executive to ’empower’ the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) with full legal authority and independence to conduct a ‘swift, comprehensive investigation, free from political influence.’

The concerned groups also prodded Marcos to prosecute all those responsible, impartially and without regard of rank, position, political affiliation or personal relations.

Moreover, they told Marcos to implement ‘institutional reforms, ensure restitution of ill gotten wealth and embezzled funds of the government, and strengthen procurement and oversight systems, preventing future abuse.’

‘Mr. President, we strongly urge you to act decisively to signal your administration’s genuine commitment to justice, integrity, and accountable governance,’ the 34 business groups said.

‘We, the major business organizations representing members across all sectors-large, medium, small, and micro-enterprises are co-signing this resolution, urgently calling on your administration to address, without delay, the historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal crippling our flood control and infrastructure projects-a crisis that has eroded public trust and now threatens our national security,’ they added.

The other signatories to the joint statement are the Association of Abaca Pulp Manufacturers of the Philippines, Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry, Association of International Shipping Lines Inc., Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Federation of Philippine Industries, Financial Institute Executives of the Philippines, and FinTech Alliance.Ph.

Fintech Philippines Association, Good Governance Advocates of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Philippine Food Exporters Confederation, Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc., Philippine Plastics Industry Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Steelmakers Association, Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika, Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines, Tax Management Association of the Philippines, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, and Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines also signed the statement.

Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin Garcia inspects the Special Register Anytime Anywhere booth at Luneta Park in Manila on Monday, October 20, 2025, as Comelec resumes voter registration for the upcoming Barangay Elections.

The registration period runs until May 18, 2026, according to the Comelec.