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PRESIDENT Marcos wants to fast-track the completion of the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP) within his term, Malacañang said.

The project, which was approved by the Economy and Development Council in June, aims to build at least 300 bridges from 2026 to 2029.

‘Of course, before he ends his term; he wants it to be completed before the end of his term,’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino on Tuesday.

When asked when the FMDBP would be rolled out, she said, ‘before the end of Christmas season.’

The said bridges will be located in 52 provinces with ‘strong agricultural potential but limited road connectivity, the Department of Agriculture said.

Marcos included the FMBDP in his presentation to farmers during the inauguration of the P500-million Union Water Impounding Dam in Cagayan on Tuesday.

He also discussed the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program as well as the completion of the new dam as part of the efforts of his administration to boost the country’s agricultural productivity.

The President said the Union Water Impounding Dam, he said, was proof that the government can complete a flood control infrastructure, which also provides irrigation, within a short period.

‘This means we have proven that it is possible to create good flood control that is effective. As long as the construction is done properly, the design is done properly, and the implementation is done properly, we will not see any problems,’ Marcos said in Filipino in his speech during the opening of the dam.

The dam, which was completed in 14 months by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), features a sluice gate system to regulate river flow.

It is expected to irrigate up to 3,600 hectares, and benefit more than 1,000 farmers in seven barangay.

While in Cagayan, Marcos also inspected the almost complete Camalaniugan Bridge linking Aparri and Camalaniugan town-the longest cable-stayed bridge in Cagayan Valley.

Upon its completion, the travel time between two towns will be reduced from one hour to 20 minutes and benefit 6,000 travelers a day.

The construction of the bridge started in May 2020 and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025 but construction was stopped during the Covid 19 shutdown.

‘We are looking at one of the most beautiful bridges that we have created in the Philippines. And I’m happy to note that it was done as well in time and it was done properly,’ Marcos said when he inspected the bridge.

‘The design was done locally. Kahit parang ginaya ‘iyong mga tulay sa ibang bansa, talagang ito lahat galing sa atin [It may look like the bridges in other countries but this is really ours],’ he added, emphasizing that Filipino engineers are capable of world-class design and execution.

The President also highlighted the bridge’s integrated flood control systems, saying it reflects what proper infrastructure should look like.

He commended local officials, led by Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay, for vigilantly monitoring the project to ensure it did not fall into the trap of incomplete or ghost infrastructure.

An additional P260.2 million is still needed to complete the remaining works, with full completion expected by January 2026.

Marcos, however, expressed hope that the bridge could be opened to the public ‘by Christmas.’

Once operational, the bridge will serve as an alternate route to the old Magapit Suspension Bridge and cut travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros from one hour to just 20 minutes, benefiting over 6,000 commuters daily

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said he has fled the country in fear for his life following a military rebellion but did not announce his resignation in a speech broadcast on social media late Monday from an undisclosed location.

Rajoelina has faced weeks of Gen Z-led anti-government protests, which reached a pivotal point on Saturday when an elite military unit joined the protests and called for the president and other government ministers to step down. That prompted Rajoelina to say that an illegal attempt to seize power was underway in the Indian Ocean island and leave the country.

‘I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,’ Rajoelina said in his late-night speech, which was also meant to be shown on Madagascar television but was delayed for hours after soldiers attempted to take control of the state broadcaster buildings, according to the president’s office.

The speech was ultimately broadcast on the presidency’s official Facebook page but not on national TV.

They were Rajoelina’s first public comments since the CAPSAT military unit turned against his government in an apparent coup and joined thousands of protesters rallying in a main square in the capital, Antananarivo, over the weekend.

Rajoelina called for dialogue ‘to find a way out of this situation’ and said the constitution should be respected. He did not say how he left Madagascar or where he was, but a report claimed he was flown out of the country on a French military plane.

A French Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on that report.

Madagascar is a former French colony and Rajoelina reportedly has French citizenship, which has been a source of discontent for some Madagascans for years.

The anti-government protests began on Sept. 25 over chronic water and electricity outages but have snowballed into wider discontent with Rajoelina and his government.

It is the most significant unrest in the island nation of 31 million people off the east coast of Africa since Rajoelina himself first came to power as the leader of a transitional government following a 2009 military-backed coup.

The same elite CAPSAT military unit that rebelled against Rajoelina was prominent in him first coming to power in 2009.

Elite unit claims to control the military

Rajoelina hasn’t identified who was behind this attempted coup, but the CAPSAT unit has said it now controls all the armed forces in Madagascar and has appointed a new officer in charge of the military, which was accepted by the defense minister in Rajoelina’s absence.

CAPSAT appears to be in a position of authority and also has the backing of other military units, including the gendarmerie security forces.

A commander of CAPSAT, Col. Michael Randrianirina, said the army had ‘responded to the people’s calls’ but denied there was a coup. Speaking at the country’s military headquarters on Sunday, he told reporters that it was up to the Madagascan people to decide what happens next, and if Rajoelina leaves power and a new election is held.

Randrianirina said his soldiers had decided to stand with protesters and had exchanged gunfire with security forces who were attempting to quell weekend protests, and one of his soldiers was killed. But there was no major fighting on the streets, and soldiers riding on armored vehicles and waving Madagascar flags were cheered by people in Antananarivo.

The US Embassy in Madagascar still advised American citizens to shelter in place because of a ‘highly volatile and unpredictable’ situation. The African Union urged all parties, ‘both civilian and military, to exercise calm and restraint.’

Weeks of protests

Madagascar has been shaken by three weeks of deadly anti-government protests that were initially led by a group calling itself ‘Gen Z Madagascar.’

The United Nations says the demonstrations left at least 22 people dead and dozens injured and criticized Madagascan authorities for a ‘violent response’ to what were largely peaceful protests in the early days of the movement. The government has disputed the number of deaths.

The demonstrators have brought up a range of issues, including poverty and the cost of living, access to tertiary education, and alleged corruption and embezzlement of public funds by government officials, as well as their families and associates.

Civic groups and trade unions also joined the protests, which resulted in nighttime curfews being enforced in Antananarivo and other major cities. Curfews were still in effect in Antananarivo and the northern port city of Antsiranana.

The Gen Z protesters who started the uprising have mobilized over the internet and say they were inspired by the protests that toppled governments in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

History of political crises

Madagascar has had several leaders removed in coups and has a history of political crises since it gained independence from France in 1960.

The 51-year-old Rajoelina first came to prominence as the leader of a transitional government following the 2009 coup that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to flee the country and lose power. Rajoelina was elected president in 2018 and reelected in 2023 in a vote boycotted by opposition parties.

Madagascar’s former prime minister under Rajoelina and one of the president’s closest advisers have also fled the country and arrived in the nearby island of Mauritius in the predawn hours Sunday, the Mauritian government said. Mauritius said it was ‘not satisfied’ that the private plane had landed on its territory.

THREE Philippines women’s pairs and two men’s tandems target spots in the main draw in the qualification matches for the Volleyball World 2025 Beach Pro Tour Challenge on Wednesday at the Nuvali Sands Court by the Ayala Land in the City of Santa Rosa in Laguna.

Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga and Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco kick off Alas Pilipinas’s campaign against foreign opponents at 9 a.m. as seeded athletes James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla drew a bye in the qualification round.

‘It’s good that we are seeded in this event and we do not need to play in the qualification that will keep us fresh in the main draw,’ said Buytrago, who along with Abadilla clinched a bronze medal in the Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

The specific pairings will be known only after the preliminary inquiry which was scheduled late afternoon Tuesday.

Buytrago and Abdilla are one of the 24 men’s teams seeded in the 32-pair main draw that starts Thursday.

‘We’re hoping to improve on our quarterfinal finish in last year’s BPT although it will not be easy,’ added Buytrago, as he acknowledged the rigid training they’ve been getting under Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Simao Barbosa.

‘I’ll be playing with an injured index finger so we’ll just give our best,’ he said.

Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor will also plunge into action in the qualifiers of the FIVB Volleyball World tournament hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara.

The popular tandem of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, rank 137th in the world, will see action on Thursday in the main draw.

World’s No. 6 Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson of Sweden are the men’s defending their champions of the competition that drew 65 men’s pairs from 25 nations and 46 women’s duos from 15 countries.

Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinema promises audiences a wider variety of films and viewing experiences to enjoy this October. Through its Culture in Focus campaign launched in July, Red Carpet Cinema has treated movie fans to local and global films that educate, engage, and spark meaningful conversation.

‘When we began Culture in Focus, our intention was clear: to make Shangri-La Plaza a place where art isn’t just seen but deeply felt. A place where film, music and ideas can move us and bring people together,’ says Arrianne M. Nadurata, senior retail marketing manager at Shangri-La Plaza. Shangri-La Plaza’s Culture in Focus campaign kicked off October with Cinemalaya, the Philippines’ first and oldest independent film festival.

This was followed on October 10 with Gawad Alternatibo, the longest-running independent film competition in Asia, heralding the year’s best works of Filipino filmmakers in animation, experimental, documentary, and short feature.

Now, from October 16 to 19, Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas treats cinephiles to Kinofest, three days of carefully curated films from contemporary German cinema. All for free, the roster of movies ranges from controversial to cute. There’s Riefenstahl, the story of artist and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl; and Giants of La Mancha, which follows the adventures of Don Quixote heir, 11-year-old Alfonso, and his three imaginary musical rabbits in an attempt to save their town from a powerful storm.

Finally, as part of DAKILA’s (Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism) 20th anniversary celebration, the organization is hosting a benefit screening and talkback of the film Quezon on October 18, 2 to 6 pm, at the Shang’s Red Carpet Cinema 4. The collective aims to promote the movie within their community and bring more audiences to cinemas to experience Quezon as an essential film for critical thinking.

Follow the Shang’s Red Carpet Cinema for news on upcoming events like the International Silent Film Festival, Cine Europa, Japanese Film Festival, and Spring Film Festival in celebration of Chinese New Year. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial.

Civil society leaders here and in the province of Pampanga expressed support for the holding of a constitutional convention and junked the idea of snap elections.

The leaders mae the call in the wake of the multi-billion peso scandal involving flood-control projects.

They noted that despite mounting evidence of corruption, bloated budgets, substandard infrastructure, and contracts awarded to politically connected companies, no major national figure has advanced a clear reform agenda.

In August, Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno called for a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to revise the 1987 Constitution. In his privileged speech, the Antipolo lawmaker said a Con-Con was ‘the most prudent, transparent, and participatory mechanism to address enduring ambiguities and procedural deficiencies in the Charter.’

‘Today, I submit to this august Chamber that while the provisions of our Constitution are noble in aspiration, certain provisions are marked by ambiguity and procedural deficiency. These deficiencies do not merely complicate interpretation. They obstruct reform, hinder effective governance and erode public trust,’ Puno said.

Civil society groups in this city and in Pampanga said it echoes what local reform advocates have long argued that structural change is needed.

Two reform paths have gained traction in Pampanga. The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement, led by businessman and civic leader Ruperto Cruz, has long pushed for a Con-Con to rewrite the Constitution and dismantle what he described as a ‘deeply flawed’ political system. Meanwhile, Alexander Cauguiran, co-convenor of the Concerned Citizens of Pampanga advocates for an interim caretaker reform government that would cleanse state institutions before any credible Charter reform can occur.

Though differing in strategy, both movements agree that real reform will not emerge from the same political machinery that enabled systemic corruption.

Cruz argued that attempts to push reform through Congress or the executive branch are futile because the current system is designed to protect entrenched political and economic interests.

‘What’s painful is that we are still electing the same lawmakers and lawbreakers,’ Cruz said. ‘They know the way out. And that is also the reason why they will never truly fix the system or reform the structure.’

Cruz rejected proposals for a Constitutional Assembly (Con-Ass) in which current lawmakers amend the Constitution themselves. Cruz said such a process would only ‘prolong the problem.’ He also proposed redirecting funds from the party-list system and the Sangguniang Kabataan to support a citizen-led Con-Con. He also argued that both mechanisms have been co-opted by dynasties and political operators.

Cruz called for more aggressive anti-corruption legislation including life imprisonment without presidential pardon for graft, perpetual disqualification for plunder and economic sabotage, and the abolition of executive sessions in legislative hearings.

‘Every hearing should be in plenary,’ Cruz said. ‘We have too many laws. The problem is we do not have enough implementers.’

Cauguiran, meanwhile, warned that any Con-Con formed under current political conditions is vulnerable to elite capture.

‘What will be the composition? That’s the problem. Similar to Con-Ass, the powers that be will call the shots. My position is not simply between Con-Ass and Con-Con, the commission that will recommend changes to the Constitution must be independent and representative of basic sectors, not political dynasties,’ Cauiguiran said.

Cauguiran proposed a transitional caretaker government to serve as a bridge from the present crisis to a reformed political order. He said that without cleaning up state institutions and restoring public trust, constitutional reform efforts, however well-intentioned, would be futile.

‘The caretaker government is a bridge from the present, after having accomplished its immediate task, to the future,’ said Cauiguiran.

‘[This is] just my proposal instead of a snap election, that will just change the personalities involved but the old system remains. There must be a radical change,’ he added.

Puno had similarly warned of how vague constitutional provisions have undermined the rule of law and cited controversy around the word ‘forthwith’ in the impeachment process which he said had enabled procedural deadlock and undermined accountability.

‘A single ambiguous word can become the justification for legislative inaction, procedural manipulation or worse, the erosion of accountability itself,’ Puno said.

Puno stressed that his proposal was ‘not a call to discard the Constitution’ but to ‘complete and correct it.’ A Con-Con would be free from conflicts of interest faced by sitting lawmakers and would allow for clearer, more representative, and forward-looking provisions that speak plainly to all citizens.

Though Puno’s call stands out as one of the few from within Congress, civil society leaders say the momentum for reform must come from outside. Cauguiran cautioned that the administration will likely attempt to defuse public outrage by filing selective cases against public works officials and a few local politicians where cases that may drag on for years without meaningful resolution.

‘Their goal is to manage unrest, not to address the root issues. Ayuda here, elections there-then nothing changes,’ Cauguiran said.

Cruz also said that even if a Con-Con is convened, public vigilance is essential to prevent it from being co-opted.

‘People will have to vote for the Con-Con. So while they frame it, we also have to see it while they are on it,’ Cruz said. ‘We are only prolonging the agony if we think lawmakers alone will give us the solution.’

Both Cruz and Cauguiran reject the idea that elections alone will resolve the crisis, especially in a system where alleged plunderers are allowed to run and win office without consequence.

‘Don’t change the people, change the law,’ Cruz said. ‘We’ve tried changing the people before. Impeachment after impeachment. It didn’t work.’

‘The fight against corruption should not stop in the streets,’ Cauguiran added. ‘It must be structural.’

YOUNG creatives, art educators, and professional designers transformed the Benilde Design + Arts Campus Library Commons into an alchemist’s laboratory, where curiosity, creativity and collaboration converge.

Dubbed Alchemy of Ideas, the ongoing exhibition is a joint initiative of the Benilde Industrial Design Program and the Center for Campus Exhibitions (CCX) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Anchored in Benilde Industrial Design’s commitment to Design Like No Other, the showcase serves as a living space of experimentation, transformation and excellence. It captures how diverse influences-culture, technology, and user insight-are distilled through design thinking into meaningful and human-centered solutions for real-world impact.

A diverse array of inspiring creations is on full display, from standout student works and capstone prototypes to toy designs, paper-engineered projects, material explorations, and furniture pieces-all contributed by the students and alumni.

Among the highlights of the show are the head-turning hand-drawn concept sketches and murals by the professional artists and designers from the faculty department. Design innovations made in collaboration with industry partners are likewise on view.

The curatorial team is headed by a group of Benilde Industrial Design Program homegrown talents-turned educators and experts: lead curator and creative director Gabriel Lichauco, then program chairperson Romeo Catap Jr., and project coordinator and current chair Johann Mangussad. They worked with CCX under the leadership of its director Dindin Araneta.

‘Industrial designers are solution-makers,’ Catap shared in his opening remarks. ‘We know that industrial design is creating forms and functions from ideas and solutions.’

AS transparency should not end with the disclosure of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), a House leader urged the immediate passage of the long-delayed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, which has been pending in Congress for nearly three decades.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, an assistant majority leader, made a statement after the Office of the Ombudsman vowed to restore public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of government officials.

Santos said both initiatives are key to strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in the government.

‘Transparency should not stop with the disclosure of SALNs,’ Santos said. ‘The people have the right to access information about how their government operates and how public funds are spent. The FOI bill will empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable.’

Pending in Congress for over three decades, the FOI bill institutionalizes the people’s constitutional right to access information on matters of public concern. It mandates all government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions upon request, subject to reasonable exceptions.

Santos emphasized that the FOI bill would complement the Ombudsman’s move to reopen access to SALNs, creating a more comprehensive framework for transparency and integrity in public service.

Earlier, the Las Piñas lawmaker also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to enforce a strict ‘one-strike policy’ against personnel involved in corruption or irregularities. He said decisive action is necessary to regain public trust and ensure that infrastructure funds are properly spent.

He said swift, decisive action is needed to restore public trust and ensure infrastructure funds are spent properly.

‘Restoring public access to SALNs is a major victory for transparency, but it should only be the beginning,’ Santos added. ‘We must go further by enacting the FOI law so that transparency becomes the rule, not the exception.’

He also urged his fellow lawmakers to prioritize the measure in this 20th Congress.

The current proposed FOI bill in the House, House Bill 2897, is authored by Reps. Edgar R. Erice of Caloocan, Adrian Michael A. Amatong of Zamboanga del Norte, Arlene J. Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands, Jaime R. Fresnedi of Muntinlupa, Cielo B. Lagman of Albay, Alfonso V. Umali Jr. of Oriental Mindoro, and Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal.

In the Senate, the counterpart FOI bill has been filed by Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan. Senate President Vicente Sotto III also refiled an FOI bill (‘People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025’) as well.

‘It’s time to deliver on a promise that has been delayed for far too long,’ Santos said. ‘Passing the FOI Bill will show that this Congress is serious about good governance and the people’s right to know.’

The original author of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill in Congress is the late Rep. Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Ruffa of Bulacan, who first filed it in the 8th Congress (1987-1992) following the ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The FOI Bill was intended to operationalize Article III, Section 7 of the Constitution, which guarantees the people’s right to information on matters of public concern.

Since then, several versions have been refiled in every Congress-among the more prominent later authors and champions were Rep. Lorenzo ‘Erin’ Tañada III (Quezon)-principal author and long-time FOI advocate during the 14th and 15th Congresses by Party-list Reps. Walden Bello of Akbayan, and Teodoro Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna-co-authors and vocal supporters during the Aquino administration.

Seeking redemption after a string of lackluster finishes, Michael Bibat fired a bogey-free 65 to seize the first-round lead in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship on Tuesday in Bukidnon.

Bibat, yet to win since ruling Eagle Ridge in 2022, came up with nines of 31-34 in hot, humid conditions for a one-stroke lead over Elee Bisera and Ha Taewon.

‘I didn’t expect to shoot this low, but we played cautiously and avoided bogeys,’ said Bibat, who credited his precision off the tee, sharp irons, and hot putter. ‘The goal was to lessen the mistakes-hit the fairways and greens-then be aggressive with the putter. I gave myself so many chances to make birdies.’

Despite the strong start, Bibat remained grounded: ‘Just don’t get ahead of myself in the next three rounds.’

Starting on No. 10, Bibat birdied two early holes, then caught fire on the front with four more, including three straight from No. 4. Birdie on the par-5 ninth nudged him past Bisera by one.

Bisera posted a 66, birdieing three of his last five holes to briefly tie Bibat before the latter’s closing birdie.

‘My target was to shoot even-par, but everything just clicked, from driving to my short game. But my putting was especially on point,’ said Bisera, who birdied four straight from No. 8, dropped one on 13, then bounced back with birdies on 14, 16, and 18.

Ha threatened to steal the spotlight with a stunning 29 on the back nine, setting a new tournament record with five birdies and an eagle-surpassing Clyde Mondilla’s previous mark of 31. But bogeys on Nos. 3 and 5 stalled his momentum, and he settled for a 67, tying Ryan Monsalve and Chon Koo Kang for third.

‘I had a feeling I would play well because I hit my best score just recently,’ said Ha, referring to a nine-under practice round at Pradera Verde. ‘Today, my putting was better than usual-that’s why I shot a 29 on the back nine.’

‘The front nine was tougher, and my putter didn’t hold up,’ he added.

Monsalve bounced back from an early bogey on No. 2 with six birdies in his last 13 holes, including all four par-5s.

‘After that bogey on No. 2, I just focused on taking advantage of the scorable holes,’ he said. A clutch par-save on No. 10 and a solid tee shot on the tough par-3 12th helped him stay on track.

Kang also carded a 67, recovering from bogey-double bogey on Nos. 12 and 13 with three birdies in his final five holes.

Keanu Jahns struggled early but surged late with back-to-back eagles on Nos. 6 and 9, plus a birdie in between, finishing at 68. He shares sixth spot with Jay Bayron, Jhonnel Ababa, Reymon Jaraula, and Negros Occidental leg winner Rupert Zaragoza, who rebounded from a bogey on No. 1 with five birdies in his last 11 holes.

With just three shots separating the top 10-and 10 more players at 69-the title race remains wide open.

At three-under were Del Monte legend Frankie Miñoza, Ramil Bisera, Francis Morilla, Mars Pucay, Fidel Concepcion, Arnold Villacencio, Dino Villanueva, Kuresh Samadoni, American Collin Wheeler, and Japanese contender Yudai Nakakuki.

MINIMUM wage earners in Central Luzon will receive a P50 to P80 daily pay increase by the end of October, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) announced on Tuesday.

Under Wage Order RBIII-26, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a P50 increase for workers in the non-agriculture, agriculture, and retail and service sectors in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

The hike will be released in two tranches-P20 upon effectivity and another P30 on April 16.

With this adjustment, the daily minimum wage for non-agriculture workers in these provinces will rise from P550 to P600, while those in the agriculture sector will see their pay increase from P520 to P570.

Workers in the retail and service sector, meanwhile, will receive a higher rate of P540 to P590 per day.

In Aurora province, non-agriculture and agriculture workers will each receive a P60 increase bringing their new daily wages to P560 and P545, respectively.

Those in the retail and service sector will receive the biggest adjustment, with an P80 increase that will raise their pay from P435 to P515 per day.

The RTWPB said the adjustment was based on prevailing regional conditions, including the rise in the Consumer Price Index from 131.1 in October 2024 to 132.6 in August 2025.

The board also cited the 2023 poverty threshold in Region III, pegged by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at P528 for a family of five, and the region’s 6.5-percent economic growth in 2023 to 2024.

‘The Board deemed it just to increase the daily minimum wage, considering the need to restore the purchasing power of the workers’ wages; to progressively close the minimum wage-poverty threshold gap in the region; and to ensure equitable distribution of the fruits of economic growth between workers and employers,’ the RTWPB-III said.

Aside from private sector workers, domestic workers (kasambahays) in Central Luzon will also benefit from a P500 monthly increase, bringing the new minimum wage for kasambahays to P6,500.

The new rate covers all domestic workers, whether they live in or outside their employers’ homes, including househelp, nannies (yayas), cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers.

Both wage orders will take effect on October 30.

The Philippines and Brunei forged an agreement that would strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries and boost trade.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism outlines collaboration on research, exchange of expertise, and market access promotion between the neighboring countries.

According to the DA, the MOU would take effect once both parties confirm compliance with their respective domestic procedures through diplomatic channels.

The agreement also comes at a time when bilateral trade tips in favor of Brunei, which had a $224 million trade surplus in 2024.

Under the MOU, areas of cooperation include livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies, and downstream processing in agriculture and fisheries.

The DA noted that capacity-building efforts, such as joint training, technical visits, and the sharing of publications, studies, and technical data were also underscored in the MOU.

Both nations also committed to facilitating agrifood investment and trade through information sharing, especially in sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.

The MOU also provides a framework for policy coordination and knowledge exchange, according to the agency.

The agreement employs mechanisms for protecting intellectual property, handling research outcomes, and maintaining confidentiality of shared information.

‘This agreement reflects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neighbors in Southest Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation, and responsible development,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

Both nations recognized that the MOU highlights long-standing diplomatic and economic ties, while laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial cooperation in the face of regional and global food system challenges.