House ends plenary debates on 2026 budget

THE House of Representatives on Friday wrapped up plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026, hailing it as the ‘best and cleanest’ national budget that prioritizes programs aimed at directly uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing assured the public that the chamber is committed to ensuring that the 2026 national budget remains people-centered, transparent, and accountable.

‘We will make sure-in the House of Representatives-that the 2026 budget will be responsive to the needs of the Filipino people, transparent, and clean,’ Suansing said.

The House concluded plenary deliberations on the 2026 budgets of government agencies just past midnight on Friday.

The House Minority Leader is expected to deliver the traditional turno en contra on the proposed 2026 national budget this Monday.

She stressed that the budget priorities reflect the urgent needs of the population, highlighting investments in education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood programs.

‘Our goal is to make it a human-centered budget. That is why our priority is education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood. We want to improve the quality of life of every Filipino. That is what we pray will be the result of the budget we will pass,’ she added.

Suansing also expressed confidence that the measure will gain full support from the chamber.

‘With the help of the whole House and the collective wisdom of all its members, I am confident that we will be able to pass the best budget for 2026-one that truly responds to the needs of our people,’ she said.

Suansing stressed that the budget is not merely a policy document but a ‘backbone of fiscal policy’ and a reflection of government priorities.

Despite these challenges, she said the 2026 spending plan is anchored on a sound macroeconomic framework crafted by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), projecting 6.0 to 7.0 percent GDP growth, inflation of 2.0 to 4.0 percent, a fiscal deficit of 5.3 percent of GDP, and a sustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of 61.8 percent by end-2026.

Suansing highlighted the redirection of P255 billion initially earmarked for flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to essential services such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. The DPWH’s allocation was reduced from P881.3 billion to P625.7 billion, while education received P1.17 trillion, the largest in Philippine history. Healthcare will get P409.8 billion plus an additional P89.3 billion from realignments, and social welfare programs, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), will receive P59.1 billion to help about 5.9 million Filipinos.

Agriculture is allocated P284.13 billion, including P41.09 billion for farm-to-market roads, irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and crop insurance. Under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program, one million beneficiaries will receive P7,000 each. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program will be doubled to P26.96 billion to assist 4.9 million displaced or disadvantaged workers.

The period of amendments and second reading approval will be on October 10.

In pushing for amendments, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants the DPWH to cancel or re-price P1.6 trillion worth of ongoing and planned projects. Leviste said this could save the government P400 billion, which could be redirected to health and education programs next year. He cited the recent termination of a P95.99-million flood control project in Lemery, Batangas, as an example of how DPWH can enforce cost efficiency under existing procurement laws.

Under the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) and DPWH contract rules, projects can be terminated ‘for convenience’ if they become economically, financially, or technically impractical-or unnecessary-due to changes in law or government policy, without penalty to the government. Contracts may also be terminated for unlawful acts, such as corruption, fraud, use of substandard materials, or collusive practices.

Leviste noted that the Lemery case demonstrates how DPWH can use these provisions.

‘After all the hearings and protests against corruption in DPWH, there are still over P1 trillion in ongoing projects and another P600 billion in upcoming projects that DPWH can act on,’ Leviste said.

Meanwhile, the House is expected to approve the 2026 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading by Monday, October 13. Once passed, it will be transmitted to the Senate, after which a bicameral conference committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.

Suansing said bicameral sessions will be public.

The 2026 national budget is 7.4 percent higher than the enacted FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion and carries the theme ‘Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.’ Anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, it aims to prioritize education, healthcare, social protection, and food security.

Speaking just past midnight on Friday, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III lauded the collective effort that ensured the budget deliberations were both open and comprehensive.

‘Our people can be assured that our process will remain open and transparent,’ Dy said. ‘When I was elected Speaker, I said we would ensure that every centavo allocated in the budget to every agency would match the needs of our people. We will continue to work together to pass an open, orderly, and clean budget.’

NCSC launches Elderly Filipino Week with nationwide services

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Wednesday led the launch of the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week with the rolling out of simultaneous activities and service caravans across the country to honor the contributions of senior citizens.

NCSC spokesperson Loraine Cerillo Valdevieso said the annual celebration is mandated under Proclamation No. 470 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos to recognize the role of the elderly in nation-building.

‘The celebration started very early with masses nationwide, followed by a walk for life and service caravans with DSWD, PhilHealth and PSA to deliver services for senior citizens,’ Valdevieso said in a news release.

As part of this year’s celebration, Valdevieso said the NCSC is also strengthening its partnership with the Department of Tourism to train seniors as accredited community tour guides.

‘This gives our senior citizens an opportunity to remain part of the tourism sector. They undergo a seven-day training to become accredited tour guides in Intramuros,’ she said.

The program aims to replicate the Intramuros model in other priority tourism areas nationwide, allowing senior citizens to serve as storytellers of history.

Valdevieso also urged young Filipinos to assist their elderly family members in joining the activities.

‘It is important for the youth to help senior citizens so we can strengthen intergenerational relationships,’ she said.

The Elderly Filipino Week, initiated during the Ramos administration, sought to raise awareness about the issues facing the elderly and to celebrate their contributions to society. The effects on Filipino seniors include:

Increased awareness and recognition: The week highlights the importance of the elderly in Filipino culture, fostering respect and appreciation for their life experiences and wisdom.

Social engagement: Activities organized during this week encourage social interaction among seniors. These events often include seminars, workshops, and recreational activities that promote community involvement.

Access to resources: Various government and non-government organizations take this opportunity to provide information about available services and benefits for seniors, such as healthcare, pensions, and social services.

Advocacy for rights and welfare: The week serves as a platform for advocating the rights and welfare of the elderly, addressing issues such as elder abuse, healthcare access, and financial security.

Intergenerational bonding: Events often encourage interaction between the elderly and younger generations, fostering understanding and respect. This helps to strengthen family ties and community bonds.

Promotion of healthy living: Health-related activities and discussions are common, emphasizing the importance of active lifestyles and wellness among seniors, which can lead to improved physical and mental health.

Overall, the Elderly Filipino Week has contributed positively by enhancing the visibility of senior citizens, promoting their rights, and encouraging a supportive community environment.

This year, the Elderly Filipino Week will run until October 7 with simultaneous events in all regions.

Thai biz group SCG hails 290 students for its 17th ‘Sharing the Dream’ program

THAILAND’S leading business conglomerate Siam Cement Group (SCG) continues its long-standing commitment to education as it awarded scholarships to 290 deserving students in the 17th year of its ‘Sharing the Dream’ program.

Since its inception in 2008, the program has been a cornerstone of SCG’s corporate social responsibility efforts, providing essential educational assistance to underprivileged yet promising students across the regions where the company operates-including countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.

This year’s theme ‘Green Generation’ highlighted the program’s strong belief that every person’s potential matters, and that education is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable nation.

SCG Country Director Jirasak Kaewubol echoed the theme by saying that ‘we believe in the value of individuals, [and that] building human capital is the most important, which we achieve through education and upskilling people. That is what we have been doing for so many years.’

The official turnover ceremony on September 12 at Acacia Hotel-Manila saw 250 high-school students and 40 college learners from Batangas, Manila, Bulacan, and Taguig receiving their scholarships.

The high schoolers were awarded individual educational assistance packages of P12,000 each, while their collegiate counterparts were given P20,000 annually to support their educational journeys.

Privilege and commitment

FOR 17 years, Sharing the Dream has awarded over 4,000 scholarships in the Philippines. This enduring commitment is rooted in a meticulous selection process that carefully chooses students for whom the scholarships will be instrumental stepping stones toward their dreams.

High-school applicants must maintain an average grade of 85 percent or higher, with no grade below 80 percent. Meanwhile, those in college must maintain a general weighted average of at least 1.75.

Enlisters are also required to demonstrate active participation in non-academic and extracurricular activities.

An SCG scholarship alumnus, Ma. Jesiery Rose F. Guevarra knows this process well, having received scholarships from SCG for both her high school and college education. They have helped achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

‘It’s important [that you are] true to yourself for them to see the genuineness of your heart,’ Guevarra advised. Showing eagerness, she added, is crucial for SCG to see an applicant’s true intentions and promise.

Guevarra, who benefited from the program’s support, describes the scholarship as ‘a fuel of my dreams.because when you know there’s someone willing to help you, that’s when you push forward to dream more.’

Similarly, former SCG scholar Ma. Theressa F. Orbeta, who received support for eight years and is now an employee of the company, highlighted the program’s holistic approach: ‘SCG doesn’t just help us financially; we gradually discover ourselves and realize our dreams.’

Orbeta further emphasized the program’s focus on personal growth beyond financial assistance: ‘I also experienced collaboration and socializing activities with other scholars.’

‘Through these [scholars], we learned about their stories and also gained emotional intelligence,’ said Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor. ‘The Royal Thai Embassy really appreciates the initiative of SCG. It also [promotes] people-to-people connections, which I think is very important and is a strong foundation for every policy that the government would like to move forward with.’

Partnership for uplifting lives

THE partnership between SCG and the Department of Education (DepEd) is a powerful one, as highlighted by Education Department director Atty. Amorsolo R. Camara Jr.: ‘We [are seeing] through the high-school students that it was not only the material things that were brought in, but actually the confidence that empowers them. That actually changes not only their lives, but the lives of their families and communities as well.’

Atty. Camara further elaborated on the broader impact of this collaboration: ‘This partnership brought not only the resources of SCG, but also a sense of solidarity between our two countries.’

The DepEd official believes the program demonstrates global friendship and industry collaboration significantly strengthening a nation’s education system: ‘SCG’s presence in our communities shows that the challenges of poverty and inequality can be confronted not just by the Philippines, but with our partners.’

Drawing on its 17-year history of providing educational support in the Philippines, ‘Sharing the Dream’ continues to champion the next generation of Filipino leaders. The initiative goes beyond financial aid as it strategically invests in students from select areas by providing comprehensive assistance, fostering strong character, and encouraging active community participation.

JBL PartyBox 520: Lights, bass, and full-on party action!

FOR the past three years I’ve been waking up to my dad’s Spotify playlist, which he blasts daily from our JBL PartyBox 310. It’s become our little way of getting back at the neighbors who run a repair shop and keep their noise going almost 24/7, not to mention their questionable taste in music. A bad playlist is painful enough-but blast it on terrible tinny speakers at max volume, and it becomes absolute torture.

At least when The Carpenters, Air Supply, David Pomeranz, or Kenny Rogers play through the JBL PartyBox 310, they sound like they’re performing live-and still alive-in our living room. I even picked up a JBL PartyBox 120 for my room, mainly because they released a white version that fit perfectly into my setup’s aesthetic. No explanation needed there.

This year though, I added the JBL PartyBox 520 to my collection. With me living solo for the next few years, I’ll be needing a loud companion, and this seemed like the right one to carry me through my specially made ‘senti’ playlist.

GETTING THE PARTYBOX STARTED

SINCE the first PartyBox hit the market around 2019, JBL has been setting the tone-literally-for backyard barbecues, basement jams, and impromptu karaoke nights. The formula has always been clear: take a powerful sound system, give it personality with built-in lights, add wireless connectivity, and wrap it in a rugged, portable shell. Throw in a set of wheels, and you’ve got something that doesn’t just sit in the corner-it takes over the room.

Despite the flood of fakes and copycats on the market, when you see the word PartyBox, you know JBL isn’t building speakers for background music.

These speakers are designed to be the centerpiece, booming sound and flashing lights until an ordinary gathering feels like a mini-festival. The JBL PartyBox 520 carries all of that DNA but refines it in ways that make it feel like the most well-rounded entry in the lineup.

Sitting neatly between the lighter PartyBox Stage 120 and 320 and the heavyweights like the PartyBox 710 and PartyBox Ultimate, it strikes the balance many have been waiting for. It’s still portable enough to move around, powerful enough to thrive outdoors, and packed with the modern connections today’s listeners expect. In many ways, it feels like JBL’s most balanced PartyBox yet.

DESIGN BUILT FOR MOVEMENT

THE JBL PartyBox 520 is not shy about its size. At 25.5 kilos-or 56 pounds-it’s hefty and chunky, but JBL makes the weight manageable with a telescopic handle and a pair of rugged wheels. You won’t be carrying it up stairs with ease, but rolling it around feels as natural as towing luggage.

The design remains familiar: a tall, tower-style body with a sturdy grille that hides two 7.5-inch woofers and a pair of tweeters. Behind that grille, LEDs pulse and shift in sync with the music. Six lighting presets are built in, ranging from Rock to Chill, but the customization goes deeper through the JBL PartyBox app. And for those moments when you don’t need a disco in your living room, the lights can be switched off entirely with a single button.

Durability is always a concern with gear designed for outdoor use, and JBL covers that base with an IPX4 splash-resistant rating. A little rain or a tipped drink won’t be enough to shut the party down.

EASY CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PART of the PartyBox appeal has always been its approachable controls, and the JBL PartyBox 520 keeps that spirit intact while polishing the experience. The top panel is laid out with two large knobs for lighting and volume, while smaller buttons handle playback, pairing, and the ever-popular Bass Boost.

Bass Boost, by the way, comes in two distinct flavors: deep and punchy. The difference is subtle but effective, letting you lean into chest-thumping lows for EDM tracks or sharpen the kicks for rock and acoustic sessions. It’s these small touches that make the Partybox 520 more adaptable to different moods and genres.

The PartyBox 520 also shines when it comes to microphones. A dedicated control cluster allows you to adjust mic volume, bass, treble, and echo-essentially turning the speaker into a mini mixing board for karaoke, speeches, or even jamming with an instrument. Add in three programmable DJ effect buttons, and the unit encourages more than just passive listening-it invites you to perform, play, and interact with the music.

CONNECTIVITY: AURACAST READY

THE JBL PartyBox 520 takes the basics like Bluetooth and aux-in, and upgrades them with a set of features that feel truly future-proof.

Instead of simple quarter-inch inputs, JBL equips the PartyBox 520 with dual XLR/quarter-inch combo jacks, opening the door to more professional and flexible setups. This means you can plug in a guitar, a microphone, or even a small DJ console without hassle. The dated USB-A port from earlier models is gone, replaced with a USB-C port that not only charges your device but also supports high-quality audio playback directly.

Then there’s Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast, the newest wireless standard that allows a single PartyBox to broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously. Traditional Bluetooth was always one-to-one; now you can essentially run a network of JBL PartyBoxes, all synced up and pushing the same sound across a larger space. It’s a massive step forward for wireless audio sharing.

SERIOUS POWER AND BATTERY LIFE

PORTABILITY isn’t just about wheels. It’s about whether the speaker can keep the music alive off the grid. JBL rates the PartyBox 520 at up to 15 hours of playback under moderate use. That’s a little less than the Stage 320’s 18 hours, but the trade-off is logical-400 watts of power draws more energy.

The real advantage is the swappable battery system. Instead of being tied to a single rechargeable pack, you can keep a spare on hand, ready to swap in if the music starts to fade. Charging a pack takes about three hours, and a 10-minute quick charge is enough to add roughly two more hours of playtime. For camping trips, road parties, or any situation where power outlets aren’t guaranteed, this flexibility is exactly what keeps the party going.

On paper, the JBL PartyBox 520 brings 400 watts RMS output, a frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, and that dual woofer-tweeter setup. In practice, it’s a speaker built for the outdoors and can fill large spaces with authority. Indoors, it might need a bit of fine-tuning, but that’s where the app comes in handy.

JBL adds AI Sound Boost, a feature that analyzes audio signals in real time to minimize distortion and push more volume out of the system without breaking up. Paired with the app’s 7-band EQ, the PartyBox 520 gives you plenty of control to shape the sound. From dance tracks that demand low-end punch, to rock anthems that rely on strong mids, to vocal-driven sets where clarity is everything, the Partybox 520 has the range to handle it all. And if one unit isn’t enough, you can pair two for true stereo or link multiple JBL speakers together for wider coverage.

Beyond tweaking the EQ and lighting, the app unlocks DJ pads, lets you play with sound effects, and manages speaker connections. It’s also where firmware updates are delivered, ensuring the unit stays fresh with new features and improvements over time.

THE AUV OF PARTY SPEAKERS

TO see where the JBL PartyBox 520 belongs, you have to look at the rest of the lineup. If the Stage 120 is the compact option, the 320 is the everyday sedan, and the PartyBox 710 is the full-sized SUV built for sheer power.

The JBL PartyBox 520 sits squarely in the middle-not too small, not overblown, but calibrated to deliver power, portability, and the right mix of modern features, like your trusted AUV.

It isn’t the flashiest or the biggest of the PartyBox line, but personally I think it is the one that makes the most sense. With enough muscle to power an outdoor crowd, the flexibility of swappable batteries and pro-level inputs, plus the convenience of a design you can still wheel around, the JBL PartyBox 520 feels less like a compromise and more like the model that gets the balance right. The JBL Partybox 520 is priced at ?42,999 but is currently on a discounted price of ?36,549 at several retailers.

BEIJING AND BEYOND | Glimpses of China’s imperial life

China has a long, storied past. Emperors over the centuries have built monuments and palaces that exemplify their wealth, power, and influence. The imperial court would hold audiences, make announcements, or simply lock itself in the comfort of its palace. Fast forward to today, and these palaces are now museums that provide visitors with a glimpse of imperial life.

The Summer Palace in Beijing

Beijing is a busy metropolis. You’ll find numerous skyscrapers, commercial centers, hotels, and an urban sprawl that matches any other big city in the world. It has a charming mix of old and new that attracts tourists from everywhere. However, outside the capital is a getaway destination that I could imagine the imperial court going to. The place I’m referring to is none other than the Summer Palace.

The Summer Palace combines the beauty of nature and ingenious architecture. It combines gardens, landscaping, temples, pavilions, and palaces wherein the imperial family can relax and unwind. This architectural and design masterpiece dates to 1750. An extensive restoration took place in the late 19th century to restore its former glory after the ravages of a war in the mid-19th century.

The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant cultural and historical value. Emperors and their royal court have used the palace in a variety of ways such as for recreational activities, administrative, and even spiritual purposes. As I explored the vast complex, I can understand why it has many functions. The views of the lakes, manicured gardens and landscaping create an ideal place to contemplate and reflect. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, you can find quite a few spots where you can get away from the crowds. You can imagine the emperor or empress admiring the landscape or taking a stroll in one of the halls. Some notable places in the palace include the Tower of the Fragrance of Buddha, Kunming Lake, and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity.

You can spend an entire day here walking along its halls, checking out the views, or hanging out in one of the gardens. It’s an ideal place to get away from Beijing’s concrete jungle.

Escape to Chengde’s Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples

After visiting Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks and historic monuments, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden Palace, I looked for another noteworthy destination. I decided to visit the Mountain Resort of Chengde. I booked round trip train tickets and was off to discover another city in China.

The Summer Palace in Beijing impressed me, but when I explored Chengde’s Mountain Resort, I was equally fascinated. The Qing Dynasty used the Mountain Resort as their Summer Palace. Construction took several decades to finish, from the early 18th century to the late 18th century. Its similar in a way to the Summer Palace because it blends the beautiful landscape with man-made structures. I saw various temples, pavilions and gardens with a lake or the hills as their backdrop.

The Mountain Resort isn’t just a place for contemplation and relaxation; it also played an important role in administering the border regions. The imperial court received foreign envoys and ethnic groups’ leaders at the resort during their visit. They had temples built in the outlying areas of the resort. The harmonious blending of architecture, culture, and historical value has earned the resort and its outlying temples a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The resort has multiple scenic walking paths that take you through its pavilions, halls, and gardens. You can also check out the viewpoints that provide overlooking views of the beautiful landscape, rock formations, and temples. The serene atmosphere is in stark contrast to Beijing’s hustle and bustle.

The most spectacular temple I saw was the Putuo Zongcheng Temple. It dates to the 18th century and is referred to as the ‘Little Potala Palace’ because it resembles its counterpart in Tibet. Perched on a mountain, the main temple dominates the landscape while smaller buildings and pagodas zigzag their way down the side until the gate. Another noteworthy religious attraction in Chengde is Puning Temple. It also dates to the 18th century and blends Tibetan and Han architectural designs. The Mahayana Hall is a highlight because you’ll see the more than 22m high Arya Avalokiteshavra statue inside.

Chengde might not be on the list of most popular attractions in China. However, it’s worth a side trip from Beijing, if you’re interested to see a different part of the country. I would recommend spending more than a day because of the number of temples you can visit and the vastness of the resort. The natural and cultural landscapes and fresh air are a welcome respite from the big city’s urban sprawl.

DOH: PhilHealth to cover hospitalization of Cebu quake victims

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that survivors and families who lost their loved ones in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu will not be charged for any hospitalization costs.

This was made possible through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Herbosa said, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to all concerned government agencies to give the needed assistance to the victims of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the health-care workers, first responders, and volunteers who provided essential care to the victims.

‘Patuloy din ang pagbibigay ng atensyong medikal sa mga pasyenteng nailikas mula sa loob ng mga ospital nang maramdaman ang lindol,’ Herbosa said.

PCC probes anti-competitive conduct in flood project bid

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) confirmed on Friday that it received referrals from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) concerning alleged anti-competitive conduct in the procurement of a flood control project.

In a statement on Friday, PCC said the referrals pertain to possible violations of Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) involving St. Timothy Construction Corp., Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corp., SYMS Construction Trading, and officials and employees of the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office; as well as Sunwest Inc., and officials and employees of the DPWH Regional Office IV-B.

‘The referrals include reports, bid documents, and other relevant documents that may support the PCC Competition Enforcement Office’s (CEO) ongoing preliminary inquiry into possible bid-rigging and collusion among contractors,’ PCC said in its statement.

PCC CEO Director Christian Loren de los Santos said the Commission is currently gathering evidence, including bid submissions and possible communication exchanges, to determine whether violations of the PCA occurred.

The country’s competition watchdog said the referrals follow testimonies presented during recent Congressional hearings on the flood control controversies, which may likewise be used in the PCC’s investigation.

Under the Philippine Competition Act, the Commission pointed out that entities found to have engaged in anti-competitive agreements such as bid-rigging may face administrative fines depending on the number of offenses committed.

‘For the first offense, a fine of up to P110 million may be imposed. For the second offense, the fine ranges from P110 million to P275 million. For the third and succeeding offenses, the fine increases to a range of P165 million to P275 million,’ PCC said.

PCC is also reminding the public that individuals or entities involved in cartel conduct, such as bid-rigging, price fixing, market allocation, or output restriction, may avail of the Commission’s Leniency Program.

‘The program offers immunity from suit or a reduction of administrative fines to those who voluntarily disclose their participation in anti-competitive agreements and cooperate fully with the PCC’s investigation. Only one applicant per violation may be granted full immunity, so early disclosure is encouraged,’ PCC noted.

nubia unveils Neo 3 GT 5G Limited Edition, other major deals

nubia is leveling up the gaming experience in the Philippines with three big announcements this October: the release of the nubia Neo 3 GT 5G Limited Edition, the launch of the first-ever nubia Pro League (NPL) tournament, and exciting 10.10 Mega Sale offers featuring big discounts across the nubia Neo 3 series.

The nubia Neo 3 GT 5G Limited Edition officially makes its way to the Philippines. Featuring the unique White Hailstone design with RGB lights, this special release comes in an exclusive box bundled with a Gaming Pad, MagSafe Case, and freebies, giving gamers the ultimate mobile battle gear straight out of the package.

Powered by a T9100 5G chipset, up to 24GB dynamic RAM, 6000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and Dual Gaming Shoulder Triggers, the Neo 3 GT 5G Limited Edition is designed to deliver both style and performance for today’s gamers.

Meanwhile, to celebrate its growing gaming community, nubia is hosting the first season of the nubia Pro League (NPL) on October 8, 2025 at the nubia Concept Store in SM Sta. Mesa. Teams will battle it out in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, with a ?25,000 cash prize pool, five units of the Neo 3 GT 5G Limited Edition, and exclusive nubia loot bags up for grabs.

Finally, gamers and tech enthusiasts can also score massive discounts during the 10.10 Mega Sale across Shopee Mall, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Shoppers can enjoy ?1,000 price drops on the entire nubia Neo 3 series, plus exclusive vouchers and freebies on selected nubia products.

With its growing presence in the Philippines, nubia continues to prove its commitment to better gaming for all by offering cutting-edge smartphones at unbeatable prices, allowing Filipinos to win more and spend less both in gaming and in life.

Global leaders welcome plans to end bloody war in Gaza

Donald Trump has called for Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza after Hamas said it was ready to release hostages and agreed to some aspects of the U.S. president’s plan to end the war, although Israeli strikes still killed several people on Saturday.

Here are some reactions from around the world to Hamas’ comments

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN

‘Hamas’ stated readiness to release hostages and engage on the basis of the recent @POTUS proposal is encouraging. This moment must be seized. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach.’

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

‘The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace . I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump and his team for their commitment to peace.’

GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ

‘The hostages must be released. Hamas must disarm. The fighting must cease immediately. All of this must happen very fast. After almost two years, this is the best chance for peace. Germany will continue to engage.’

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

‘Hamas’ acceptance of the U.S. peace plan is a significant step forwards. We strongly support President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before. There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.’

SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE LUIS ALBARES

‘An immediate ceasefire, the entry of food and humanitarian aid, the release of the hostages, all is welcome.’

‘It’s not a definitive step; there are still many obstacles. This fundamentalist organization (Hamas) must be disarmed. We want the Israeli army to definitively cease all military actions against the group. ‘What will bring peace to the Palestinian people, to the people of Israel, is the existence of a realistic and viable Palestinian state,’ he told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE.

IRISH FOREIGN MINISTER SIMON HARRIS

‘This moment to end the unconscionable human suffering must be grasped by all. Stop the bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza,’ he said in a statement on X.

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

‘We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace,’ he wrote on X.

JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Jordan welcomed Hamas’ positive response to Trump’s plan, calling it an important step to end the Gaza war, a ministry statement said. Amman also praised Egypt and Qatar’s mediation, highlighted U.S. efforts including opposition to West Bank annexation, and called for an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive, the opening of crossings for aid, and a peace process based on a two-state solution.

CANADA PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY

‘Canada welcomes commitments from Hamas to relinquish power and release all remaining hostages, living and deceased. We encourage all parties to immediately work to turn commitments into reality, and to advance peace and security in the region.’

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

‘Australia welcomes progress on President Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza,’ he wrote on X. ‘Together with our partners, Australia will continue to support efforts to end the war and work towards a just and sustainable two-state solution.’

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER DICK SCHOOF

‘Important steps toward a ceasefire in Gaza thanks to President Trump’s peace plan. Hamas’s stated willingness to release the hostages and its willingness to enter direct negotiations on the peace plan is a positive sign.

NELFUND disburses ?107.7bn to 581,878 students as interest-free loan scheme cuts dropout rates

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that it has disbursed a total of ?107.7 billion to 581,878 student beneficiaries across the country, in a move that is already reducing dropout rates and widening access to tertiary education.

According to the agency, the disbursement covered ?61.3 billion in institutional fees and ?46.3 billion in upkeep allowances.

By the close of the 2024/2025 academic session portal on September 30th, 2025, 846,462 applications had been received. The portal is scheduled to reopen in October for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director, NELFUND, emphasised that the loans are structured on zero interest, a decision taken to make the scheme more attractive in light of economic challenges and public scepticism towards borrowing.

‘Given the word ‘loan’ has often carried a negative perception in Nigeria, we deliberately chose to make this scheme interest-free. Our research showed that this would encourage more students to stay in school and pursue tertiary education,’ Sawyerr said.

He explained that before the establishment of NELFUND, many students who had spent three or four years in school were forced to drop out due to sudden financial setbacks in their families. The introduction of the scheme, he noted, has significantly reduced dropout rates and encouraged more young people to transition from secondary to tertiary education. The loan comes with flexible repayment terms. Beneficiaries are not required to make any repayments during their studies or national service year, with repayment obligations beginning two years after completion of the NYSC program.

For those in formal employment, employers are mandated to deduct 10% of the beneficiary’s salary and remit it to NELFUND. However, repayment halts if the individual loses their job, making it effectively a pay-as-you-earn scheme.

Sawyer also stressed that while the terms are soft, the scheme is not a grant. He urged students to be deliberate in choosing courses of study that are aligned with employability and national development needs.

‘The word ‘loan’ serves as a reminder that repayment is expected. We want beneficiaries to think carefully about their choices so they can secure careers that enable them to repay comfortably,’ he added.

He added that with its interest-free structure and supportive repayment plan, the NELFUND loan scheme is emerging as one of the softest and most student-friendly education finance initiatives, with early evidence showing positive impact on Nigeria’s education retention and access.