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IT’S been five days since that unforgettable triple overtime game between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers at the shiny and spanking clean Blue Eagle Gym.

But we’re still incredulous. And fascinated. Because it was not just the Ateneo de Manila and UST athletes who were playing that game. Our collective experience as spectators who witnessed the game and went through the rise and fall and rise and fall of every extension period, made us very much a part of the action, be it only in the fringes of the hardcourt.

It was, they said, a historical game for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The first-ever triple overtime game in the men’s basketball tournament of the league has been marked and written in the annals of the league.

Games that go beyond the regular period don’t really come very often either. And double overtimes are even more rare. But a game that goes into triple overtime? That feels like a ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’! (A Super Blue Blood Moon is the rarest kind of moon there is because it requires circumstances for a Blue Moon-two full moons in a month-to happen together with conditions for a Blood Moon-a total lunar eclipse-for it to take place.

Super Blue Blood Moons occur only once every 37 years!

But we digress. That October 11 game was long-drawn, draining and exasperating. But at the end of it all, it was ironically, exhilarating. At times it felt like The Gunfight at OK Corral with the relentless exchange of shots from both sides of the court. It also felt like a roller coaster ride that alternately took us on loop de loops of tit-for-tat scoring, then left us suspended in midcourse brakes as the score remained tied for a seeming eternity.. Then we plummet down again into no-brakes, unscripted action.

How long will this game last? We asked ourselves. How many overtimes can the players and the crowd still absorb?

We thought: in the end it will all come down to conditioning. And then again, we surmised: it will all boil down to heart.

And that’s what we saw. The Growling Tigers led by Nic Cabañero and Gelo Crisostomo pushing, pushing, pushing-performing like a trusty tool running on Energizer batteries.

On the other side we saw cramps and injuries weighing down the Eagles’ wings, tired nerves and unaligned meridians affecting shots. But a brave Eagle named Jared Bahay carried the weight of the whole Eagle convocation on his young shoulders and let his heart rule his shots.

They found their mark too. But the Tigers always clawed back.

Then the third overtime rolled in. And big though the heart is, it was no match for the Tigers that pounced on every visible weakness or hesitation of the opponent.

Finally the game ended, to most everyone’s relief. And no matter what physical or mental state one was in after that once in a lifetime encounter-tired, spent, drained, wrung out, dejected, euphoric-all agreed it was an adventure that had no precedent in this side of collegiate basketball.

To be honest, there have been games with more than three overtimes in basketball history. An National Basketball Association game between the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals in 1951, which Indianapolis won, 75-73, had six overtimes.

In 1981, the Bradley Braves lost to the visiting Cincinnatti Bearcats, also 75-73, in the longest men’s collegiate basketball game ever played, which had seven overtimes. A little-used bench player named Doug Schloemer scored on a 15-foot jumper with one second remaining to finally settle the score.

In hoop history the longest game ever played was one between the Boone Trail Pioneers and the Angier Bulldogs in a high school championship in North Carolina in 1964. Though the game observed unique time limits-eight minutes a quarter and three minutes of overtime-it still went overboard, time-wise.

There were 13 overtimes in this one, with both teams failing to score in nine of the 13 extensions. After three hours and 25 minutes, someone finally scored and the Pioneers won, 56-54, just before midnight. It is considered to be the longest high school basketball game on record.

Actually, there is no limit to the number of overtimes a basketball game can have. The rule says there must be continuous play until a winner scores the winning basket.

The mantra therefore in playing evenly-matched basketball should be ‘Matira ang matibay.’ And the battle cry ‘Patay kung patay.’

AUSTRALIA is evaluating a request from the Philippines to review alternative biosecurity measures aimed at facilitating market access for local bananas in the country.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of Australia said the Philippines requested last March the consideration of an additional Cavendish cultivar and an additional export province that were not considered in its 2008 assessment.

DAFF said it will consider this request at the same time as the assessment of the Philippines’s alternative measures to manage Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle, which Manila submitted in 2018.

The three pathogens of concern were identified to pose a quarantine risk under Australia’s 2008 import risk analysis report, which required stringent risk management procedures before allowing trade.

Such measures included areas of low pest prevalence in combination with commercial production practices such as fungicide spray, visual inspection, and trash minimization.

However, DAFF noted that its proposed risk management measures were never finalized with the Philippines due to costs and technical challenges, thus restricting trade.

Currently, Australia does not allow inbound shipments of fresh bananas from any market.

The international agency said it would consider the Philippines’s risk management measures alternative to those proposed in 2008.

It also added reviewing the analysis report to ensure that evaluations of other pests are still appropriate, and to see if any new biosecurity threats have surfaced since the risk report was completed.

Despite this, DAFF clarified that conducting the assessment would not ensure trade for Philippine bananas in Australia.

‘The notification that we are conducting the assessment does not mean that trade will occur or is imminent. There are several steps still required before we can complete the assessment.’

The international agency noted that its officers will visit the Philippines later this year to see banana growing practices and understand the risks, controls, and feasibility of potential risk management measures.

‘We remain committed to upholding Australia’s biosecurity status and protecting domestic industries from pest and disease threats,’ DAFF said.

‘We will only agree to alternative measures if our assessment concludes the measures effectively manage the biosecurity risks associated with importing bananas from the Philippines to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.’

However, Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Executive Director Stephen Antig doubts that the country could secure market access for bananas to Australia.

‘Personally, I am not optimistic that we will have access to Australia. They always use biosecurity as a reason for not allowing our entry,’ Antig told the BusinessMirror.

The Philippines held a six-year streak as the world’s second-largest exporter of bananas before it slipped to third place in 2023 after being dislodged by Guatemala. It maintained the same spot last year.

The country’s banana output continued to be battered by the persistent spread of the Banana Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease.

CONTRACTOR couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya have decided not to cooperate anymore with the ongoing investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into the anomalous multi-billion flood control projects.

This was disclosed by ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka at a press briefing following the appearance of the couple before the commission on Wenesday.

‘They invoked their right against self-incrimination and manifested that they will no longer cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the ICI,’ Hosaka, who is also spokesman for the commission, said.

Hosaka said the Discayas cited the recent interview of ICI member and former public works secretary Rogelio Singson expressing his personal belief that they are not qualified to become state witnesses since they cannot be considered as the least guilty.

‘Basically, they explained that they were thinking that when they cooperate before the ICI they will be getting a favorable recommendation from the commission as state witness[es],’ Hosaka said.

Hosaka belittled the impact of the Discayas’ non-cooperation with the ICI, saying that the body’s investigation and case build-up would continue.

He explained that ICI will still take into consideration the testimonies and evidence provided by the couple when they previously appeared before the commission on September 30 and October 7.

‘Nonetheless, I believe that our investigation continues. Whatever was said by them and by other witnesses is still sufficient for us to continue our investigation, build our case, and file the necessary recommendation to the Ombudsman,’ Hosaka stressed.

‘We still have sources of information or evidence that will allow us to build our case,’ he added

16 more on Ilbo list

THE Department of Justice has approved the recommendation of the ICI to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (Ilbo) for 16 more individuals being linked in the latest corruption scandal in the country.

The individuals include former congresswoman Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy and contractor Arturo Atayde, Alvin Tan, Bong Marasigan, Elmer de Leon, Ed Fuentebella, Johnny Santos, John Mary Vianney Parago, Alvin Mariano, Ryan Uy, Darryl Recio, Nestor Venturina, and Benjie Tocol.

Also included on the Ilbo are three officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways namely District Engineer Aristotle Ramos, District Engineer Michael P. Rosaria, and Engineer Angelita Garucha.

The Ilbo is an advisory issued to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to monitor and report any attempts by the named individuals to leave the country.

However, an Ilbo will not prevent an individual from leaving the country as it is only meant to alert authorities that he or she is leaving, the purpose of travel and the destination.

An Ilbo was earlier issued by the BI covering more than 40 public works officials and contractors upon the recommendation of the Senate and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon for their alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.

Calabarzon, Las Piñas projects

A LAWMAKER on Wednesday urged the ICI to summon all individuals linked to the alleged P18.5 billion in questionable government projects in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Las Pinas.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, assistant majority leader, called on the ICI to summon Carlo Aguilar, owner of several construction firms such as I and E Construction, Omnicon Builders, and Zero One Construction and Trading.

He said Aguilar should be made to appear before the ICI to explain his companies’ involvement in numerous Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts from 2022 to 2025.

Citing official DPWH records, the lawmaker said that I and E Construction handled 33 infrastructure projects in Las Piñas from 2022 to 2025, while Omnicon Builders and Zero One Construction managed 39 and 33 projects, respectively. Another group of companies owned by Sarah Discaya reportedly bagged 13 projects worth P452 million over the same period.

‘If the ICI truly seeks the truth behind billions in unaccounted projects, then no one should be spared from questioning-not even relatives of powerful politicians,’ Santos said.

Reports have linked Aguilar’s I and E Construction to at least P18.5 billion worth of projects in Calabarzon and Las Piñas, said the lawmakers.

Santos warned that excluding Aguilar from the hearings could erode public trust.

‘This selective investigation undermines the commission’s credibility,’ he said. ‘The public deserves full accountability, not protection of political allies or relatives.’

NEW ZEALAND will boost its aid to the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) with a new NZ$5.2-million grant to support an extra five-year local work program.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters made the announcement late last September during the GCERF Replenishment Campaign Event in New York. The contribution will bring the total value of New Zealand’s support for GCERF’s work on preventing violent extremism in the Philippines to NZ$8.2 million.

The contribution will support community-based rehabilitation for both those returning from, and the victims of, violent extremist groups and their families. Areas of support will include access to mental-health support services; access to economic opportunities for people from vulnerable or marginalized communities; and enhanced access to credible and transparent transitional justice mechanisms.

High-level dialogue

IN the lead up to the September 4 New York event, Philippine government officials and civil society leaders joined members of the diplomatic corps for a high-level Dialogue on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE). The event was co-hosted by GCERF and the New Zealand Embassy held at the New Zealand Official Residence.

Participants shared valuable insights drawn from the lived-experiences of communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other regions of Southern Philippines.

Seasoned peacebuilder from the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) Guiamel Alim emphasised key contributions of international development partners in laying the groundwork for peace and development in the region.

‘It is worth noting that the role of international development partners and the diplomatic communities are crucial in bringing peace and development in the BARMM. There is a need to support programs addressing community-based needs similar to those being implemented by the partners of GCERF.such as those related to preventing violent extremism, promoting community-based socioeconomic programs, and strengthening local governance capacity in development planning, among others,’ Alim said.

Through GCERF, donor countries including New Zealand and Australia are funding civil society organizations like CBCS, ECOWEB, IDEALS, Initiatives for International Dialogue, the Mahintana Foundation, Teach Peace Build Peace, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy.

In her remarks, Ambassador Catherine McIntosh highlighted the importance of a cohesive, multi-stakeholder approach to P/CVE: ‘Since 2020, New Zealand has been collaborating with GCERF on community-led initiatives aimed at supporting the peace process in Mindanao. In March, I had the privilege of visiting our GCERF partners in South Central Mindanao.’

McIntosh expressed the embassy’s hopes that ‘the investment made by the New Zealand people-through GCERF-continues to uplift and inspire, as we jointly strive toward peacebuilding. We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthen collective resilience against violent extremism.’

The dialogue concluded with the remarks from Undersecretary Isidro Purisima of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity or OPAPRU: ‘The success of the peace process depends on partnerships. GCERF helps bring these partnerships together-linking international support with national and local efforts to ensure peace is sustained, especially in communities.’

THE Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. (Sun Life IMT) announced it has re-introduced its Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance plan after policyholders expressed their investments did not grow as they expected.

‘It’s not a one-size-fits-all product, and it’s certainly not a shortcut to wealth. It’s a financial tool designed to protect first and grow second,’ Head of Insurance Investments Ivan P. Corcuera said.

According to Corcuera, the VUL is a dual-purpose product that combines protection and fund accumulation, focusing on life insurance first before fund generation unlike dedicated investment vehicles like mutual funds or stock trading.

‘Unlike a pure investment where beneficiaries only receive the value of accumulated savings, a VUL ensures that they receive a predetermined, substantial amount,’ he explained.

The VUL’s primary function, which is the life insurance coverage, provides a death benefit payout to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.

Meanwhile, another portion of the premium, Corcuera said, is poured into managed funds with the aim to grow over time. The fund value, which is the accumulated value of the investment, can be accessed during the policyholder’s lifetime for their own financial goals.

He cautioned, however, that the fund value is tied to the performance of the chosen investment fund, which could either increase or decrease depending on market movement.

Corcuera was quoted in a statement as saying that the fund value also helps keep the insurance component active by paying for its cost and any applicable charges.

‘A portion of these units is deducted to pay for insurance and periodic charges, ensuring your policy remains active and your life insurance coverage intact. The remaining units continue to accumulate and determine your policy’s fund value, which can potentially grow over time,’ Corcuera said.

‘VUL is your shield and your tool for financial growth, but like any tool, it works best when used and understood correctly with clarity, commitment, and guidance,’ he added.

As global life expectancy rises, the proportion of older adults is increasing dramatically, particularly in developing nations such as the Philippines.

While this longevity is a testament to scientific and societal progress, Chair/Assistant Professor at Philippine Women’s University-School of Nutrition Mavil May Cervo said it brings a corresponding challenge: the increased prevalence of disease, hospitalization, and a greater economic concern due to the progressive decline in health.

‘This is where a focus on comprehensive health, spearheaded by optimal nutrition, becomes not just beneficial, but absolutely vital for the elderly,’ said Cervo in her talk on ‘Optimizing Nutrition Across Life Stages’ held at the Philippine Women’s University.

Nutritional status

Cervo said aging brings a cascade of physiological, psychological, and neurological changes that directly impact an older adult’s nutritional status and immune response. She added that decreases in lean muscle mass, slower and less efficient immune responses, and changes in sensory perceptions like taste and smell all make maintaining a healthy diet a challenge. Meanwhile, she said dental issues, difficulty swallowing, and conditions like atrophic gastritis, which affects the absorption of key nutrients, further complicate matters.

These changes leave older adults vulnerable to several critical nutrition-related syndromes:

Sarcopenia: A progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is a robust predictor of poor clinical outcomes. This condition highlights the need for adequate protein intake to support muscle synthesis and repair.

Osteoporosis: Characterized by low bone mineral density, making fractures a significant risk. Proper intake of Calcium and Vitamin D is non-negotiable for bone health.

Frailty: A state of increased vulnerability resulting from age-related declines in function across multiple systems, encompassing not just physical but also psychological well-being.

Cervo said the right diet can be a powerful intervention to mitigate the effects of aging, reduce morbidity, and maintain independence. Furthermore, she said nutrition guidelines for older adults emphasize both the quantity and quality of macronutrients and the adequate intake of essential micronutrients.

Nutrient dense foods

In response to the decreasing basal metabolic rate caused by aging which reduces overall energy needs, Cervo said the focus must shift to nutrient-dense, calorie-controlled foods to ensure every calorie provides maximum nutritional benefit.

For people experiencing sarcopenia, Cervo said they require higher intake, often up to 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. High-biological-value sources like lean meat, fish, eggs, and milk are preferred.

She said there must be a strong emphasis on providing complex carbohydrates and on healthy fats like monounsaturated (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fatty acids to counter common insulin resistance, and on healthy fats. She said it also should involve monounsaturated olive oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids for their cardiovascular benefits.

In preventing osteoporosis, Cervo said the elderly must get a healthy dose of Vitamin D and calcium. ‘Declining sun exposure and skin synthesis often necessitate supplementation, as Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption,’ she said.

Cervo said vitamins like Folate and B12 are crucial to counter risk factors for larger gastric lesions and cognitive decline.

Dietary management

To achieve successful dietary management in the elderly, Cervo said it will require a thoughtful, individualized approach. General guidelines include:

Individualization: Dietary plans must be tailored to the individual’s specific needs, existing health conditions, and most importantly, their economic capabilities and food preferences.

Structure: Recommending smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones can aid digestion, especially for those with dental issues or difficulty swallowing. Foods can be modified, like pureed vegetables, soft meats, to ensure consumption without compromising nutrition.

Physical Activity: Regular strength and resistance exercises are essential to complement nutritional efforts in fighting sarcopenia and maintaining mobility.

Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS): If a regular diet consistently fails to meet nutritional requirements (e.g., less than 50 percent of energy intake), ONS can be a critical tool to bridge the nutritional gap.

By recognizing the interplay between age-related changes and nutritional needs, Cervo said it empowers older adults to protect their muscle strength, bone density, and immune health. ‘Optimal nutrition is the bedrock upon which they can preserve their independence, enhance their quality of life, and truly flourish in their advanced years,’ she said.a

US President Donald Trump said he might stop trade in cooking oil with China, injecting fresh tensions into the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump on Tuesday cast the potential move as retaliation against Beijing for its refusal to buy American soybeans, which he said ‘is an Economically Hostile Act’ that is purposefully ‘causing difficulty for our Soybean Farmers.’

‘We are considering terminating business with China having to do with Cooking Oil, and other elements of Trade, as retribution. As an example, we can easily produce Cooking Oil ourselves, we don’t need to purchase it from China,’ Trump posted on social media.

The benchmark S and P 500 turned negative as Trump’s comments re-escalated the conflict with China. Just hours earlier, both Trump and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed confidence that friction would ease through ongoing trade talks. Shares of Bunge Global SA, the world’s biggest oilseed processor, and rival crop trader Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. jumped on the news, erasing earlier declines.

So-called used cooking oil, or UCO, became a flashpoint in the US last year with imports used to make renewable diesel fuel raising concerns that American soy farmers were missing out on demand. Trump’s administration was already moving to reduce incentives to bring in foreign supplies, after a flood of cheap cooking oil from China reached US shores. Imports from the Asian nation reached a record high in 2024, according to the Agriculture Department.

Trump’s comments come as farmers have been suffering from low crop prices and China’s avoidance of US soybeans. The Trump administration has vowed to ease growers’ pain with an aid package, though that has been stalled by the government shutdown. Still, many farmers have stressed that they would prefer a trade deal with China over a handout.

Tuesday’s events exemplified the whiplash that has characterized the US-China relationship since Trump’s return to the White House, which has kept investors anxious about the eruption of a full-blown trade war.

Greer had buoyed hopes that tariff negotiations with the Chinese government remained on the table, saying that unnamed senior-level officials from Washington and Beijing held discussions Monday and that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping still have a ‘scheduled time’ to meet later this month.

Trump, too, sounded cautiously optimistic a positive outcome could be reached.

‘We have a fair relationship with China, and I think it’ll be fine. And if it’s not, that’s OK too,’ Trump told reporters earlier Tuesday at the White House. ‘We have a lot of punches being thrown, and we’ve been very successful.’

That had soothed worries that were inflamed when Beijing sanctioned the US units of a South Korean shipping giant and threatened further retaliations against the industry, the latest tit-for-tat retaliation between the two sides.

Both nations have sought to build leverage ahead of new trade negotiations by slapping new restrictions on shipments of rare-earth-minerals and semiconductors-materials that lie at the heart of their trade conflict. In response to recent Chinese measures, Trump threatened to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on goods from China by November 1 and raised the prospect of canceling his meeting with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.

‘Whether it’ll go through or not, I don’t want to pre-commit either ourselves or the Chinese, but I think it makes sense for people to talk when they can,’ Greer said of the meeting.

Whether the 100 percent tariff goes into effect ‘depends a lot on what the Chinese do,’ Greer said. The US and China earlier this year reached a truce on tariffs after escalation between the two saw US levies on Chinese goods surge to as high as 145 percent. The latest extension is set to expire November 10.

‘Our agreement was we’re going to keep our tariffs low if you keep the rare earths flowing, they’re now saying that they’re going to control more rare earths and downstream products. And so it makes sense that, you know, we can raise our tariffs,’ he said.

As more Filipinos live longer than ever, experts are raising a quiet alarm: muscle loss. If this is left unchecked, this could strip older adults of their strength, mobility, and independence long before their years are through. Health specialists now emphasize that building and maintaining muscle isn’t just for athletes or gym-goers; it’s one of the most powerful ways to age well.

Studies have shown that as many as seven in ten older Filipinos may experience sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that typically begins around the age of 40. By the time a person reaches 60, they can lose up to eight percent of their muscle mass per decade, a rate that accelerates with time.

The result is more than just weaker limbs. Sarcopenia can slow down movement, cause persistent fatigue, increase the risk of falls, and make daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries, much harder.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that the share of Filipinos aged 65 and above is projected to more than double, from about 5.4 percent in 2020 to around 12 percent by 2050. With this demographic shift, experts warn that muscle loss could quietly evolve into a national health issue if not addressed early.

‘Muscle health is foundational to aging well; not just for movement, but for immunity, recovery, and overall well-being,’ according to Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, head of medical affairs at Abbott Philippines. ‘By paying attention to nutrition and regular physical activity, we can help older Filipinos remain strong and independent for longer.’

Strong muscles, stronger years

MUSCLES do much more than help us move. They are also important with regard to metabolism, blood sugar control, and immunity. As soon as muscle mass begins to decline, it goes the same for the body’s ability to regulate energy and recover from illness or injury.

And the consequences can be severe. About 30 percent of adults over 65 and up to half of those over 80 may experience at least one fall each year. Many of these falls may result in fractures or long-term disability. There are early warning signs like slower walking speed, difficulty in standing up, or chronic fatigue, all of which are often dismissed until the damage is done.

This is why health professionals are urging Filipinos to act early, even long before retirement age, to build a strong foundation for aging.

While aging itself is inevitable, muscle loss can be slowed or even reversed with proper nutrition. High-quality protein from sources like fish, eggs, tofu, and lean meat helps repair and build muscle tissue. Pairing these with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains ensures the body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to function efficiently.

For older adults who struggle to meet their nutritional needs through food alone, specialized nutritional supplements can help fill the gap. Abbott’s Ensure Gold with Streng+hPro, for instance, contains HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate), a compound clinically shown to help preserve muscle tissue, and YBG, which supports immune health. These nutrients work together to promote muscle recovery and overall vitality, especially when combined with regular exercise.

‘Science-based nutrition can complement daily meals,’ Dr. Tayao explains. ‘When paired with physical activity, it can make a real difference in how well we age.’

Simple habits bring lifelong benefits

MAINTAINING muscle health should not be about spending more for an expensive gym membership; all that’s needed is consistency and awareness. Experts recommend strength-building activities that include light resistance training, wall push-ups, squats, or even as simple and less strenuous as daily walking. Other activities like gardening, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries also count as functional strength exercises that keep muscles engaged.

But also equally important are regular medical check-ups. Monitoring grip strength, muscle mass, and walking speed enables doctors to detect early signs of sarcopenia. Simple screening tools, like the sit-to-stand test, can help determine muscle function at home or in community clinics.

As the Philippines transitions to an aging society, the challenge is no longer just to live longer but to live better. Strong muscles are key to maintaining independence, resilience, and confidence throughout one’s life.

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported Wednesday a slight reduction in overall transmission rates which are reflected in the October bills of end-consumers.

On Wednesday, the grid operator said overall transmission rates stood at P1.3998 per kilowatt hour (kWh), down by 1.23 percent from P1.417 per kWh.

NGCP Assistant Vice President and Regulatory Management Head Julius Ryan Datingaling said during a news briefing that the lower transmission rates were brought about by the reduction in ancillary service (AS) and transmission wheeling rates.

AS and transmission wheeling rates are components of transmission rates. Transmission wheeling rates refer to what the NGCP charges for its core service of delivering electricity, while AS rates cover the pass-through costs of services sourced from the Reserve Market and from providers with bilateral contracts with NGCP to stabilize the grid during power supply-demand imbalances.

NGCP does not earn from AS rates, as these are remitted directly to generating companies, and it does not benefit from any movement in their prices.

NGCP’s transmission wheeling rates went down by 0.84 percent, from P0.5970/kWh in the August 2025 billing period to P0.5920 per kWh in the September 2025 billing period.

‘For the October 2025 electric bill of the end consumers, NGCP charges only 59 centavos per kWh for the delivery of its services,’ NGCP said, adding that AS still accounts for the bulk of transmission charges.

Average AS rates for the September 2025 billing period decreased by 1.7 percent to P0.6546/kWh, compared to P0.6659/kWh in the August 2025 billing period.

Transmission rates are one of the components of an electricity bill. For this month, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reported that transmission, taxes, and other charges registered a total increase of P0.0428 per kWh.

‘We don’t know how the amount is being translated by the distribution utilities to their consumers. We don’t know the bill determinant to translate that amount into their rates for their consumers,’ said Datingaling.

NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza maintained that their rates have gone down and that it is up to Meralco to explain this to its customers.

‘How the distribution utilities compute what we charge them is really up to them. We have no idea if it was different from last month or the same from last month. But what we do know is what we charge them really went down,’ said Alabanza.

The government said it would not allow sugar imports until the second quarter of 2026 amid concerns over the drop in the farmgate prices of the sweetener.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently met with Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and SRA Board Member Dave Sanson to address low prices of raw sugar during the first bidding in Negros last October 9.

The DA said initial discussions with sugar traders revealed that market hesitation, largely influenced by conflicting statements from sugarcane farmer groups, resulted in major traders refraining from purchasing sugar during the previous bidding.

With this, they assured stakeholders that there would be no sugar importation until the end of the current milling season, which is projected between May and June next year.

‘Let us be clear-there is, and never was, any talk of an importation program for Crop Year 2025-2026 until we finish significant milling, have firm production figures, and ensure any imports would only be classified as C or reserve sugar.’

In the same meeting, the officials agreed that a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar would be maintained to ensure market stability.

All sugar imports, if any, would continue to be classified strictly as C or reserve sugar, thus it would not directly enter the domestic market.

‘This move assures our farmers that the current administration prioritizes their welfare. It’s a welcome development, and we hope this stabilizes prices now that speculation has been addressed,’ Sanson said.

The DA noted that since 2022, the sugar industry has seen a steady expansion in planted areas-from 380,000 hectares to 409,000 hectares this year.

Meanwhile, some 226,693 metric tons (MT) of the 424,000 MT approved import volume under Sugar Order 8 in the previous crop year 2024-2025 have entered the country as of September 28, based on the latest SRA data.

For crop year 2025-2026, the SRA said raw sugar production could fall to 1.92 million metric tons (MMT) as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros, which accounts for 65 percent of total output of the sweetener.

However, the agency noted that output in the current crop year may even be lower than the initial forecast owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

The average price of refined sugar in Metro Manila remains stable at P84.77 per kilo, while raw sugar settled at P76.38 per kilo, latest SRA reports showed.