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The Economy and Development Council (ED Council), chaired by President Marcos, has approved requests from government agencies to increase the cost, as well as extend the implementation and validity period of development objective agreements (DOAgs) supported by the United States.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council approved during its Oct. 2 meeting the increase in the cost of the Department of Health’s Improved Health for Underserved Filipinos initiative to $524 million from $224 million.

The cost increase is aimed at sustaining the aim of improving health outcomes among underserved populations.

Also approved was the cost increase for the Enhanced Ecosystem and Community Resilience to $250 million, up from $150 million, to enhance the ability of natural systems to provide ecosystem services and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

During the same meeting, the ED Council approved the extension of the implementation period of the Economic Growth and Democratic Governance with Equity initiative until Sept. 30, 2027, to further strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals and promote open governance in support of inclusive growth.

The ED Council also gave its approval to extend the implementation period of the Department of Education’s Improved Basic Education Outcomes initiative until Sept. 30 of next year, enabling the country to achieve sustained and measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

The DEPDev said the approved changes are designed to ensure the continued implementation of these initiatives as project management shifts from the United States Agency for International Development to the US Department of State.

‘These timely adjustments are crucial to sustaining the gains we have achieved through these agreements. They will ensure that programs continue to deliver meaningful results for the Filipino people, particularly in health, education, economic growth, governance and climate resilience,’ ED Council vice-chair and DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

‘By approving these measures, we are making sure that implementation remains uninterrupted despite the transition in management. This decision reflects our commitment to strengthen partnerships, protect hard-won progress and keep our development priorities on track,’ he said further.

Apart from changes in the US-backed development initiatives, the ED Council also approved adjustments to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) Rehabilitation Project, particularly changes in scope, cost, financing and implementation timeline to address emerging technical requirements that enhance the railway’s reliability and safety.

According to the Department of Transportation, the project involves the full replacement of mainline rails, a general overhaul of 72 CKD-Tatra Light Rail Vehicles, as well as the procurement of bogie frames and assemblies.

It also includes integration with other MRT-3 Projects such as the MRT Common Station, Dalian trains and the transition to four-car train operations.

‘The MRT-3 is a vital artery in Metro Manila’s transport network. These adjustments are necessary to meet evolving technical demands and ensure that commuters benefit from a safer, more efficient and more reliable transit system,’ Balisacan said.

Also approved during the ED Council meeting were updated guidelines for the review and approval of major government programs and projects that require action from the ED Council or the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) co-chaired by DEPDev and the Department of Finance.

These changes include increasing the cost threshold for locally funded programs and projects to P5 billion from P2.5 billion and expanding the ICC coverage to include public-private partnership projects.

The guidelines also institutionalize the ICC’s mandatory review of all foreign loan-assisted projects, regardless of loan amount or total cost, excluding grant-assisted projects, which are reviewed by DEPDev.

Phoenix underwent a major personnel overhaul in the offseason with new coach Willy Wilson hoping to transform the Fuel Masters into a defense-oriented team that will shake up the PBA Philippine Cup. Wilson, however, isn’t rushing things as he said the transformation is a work in progress but the clock is ticking and his baptism of fire comes against TNT at the Ynares Center Montalban on Friday.

‘We’re very much still a work in progress as I largely am,’ said Wilson, a 14-year PBA veteran. ‘I’m really hoping I don’t let him (PBA treasurer/Phoenix PBA governor Atty. Raymond Zorrilla) and the fanbase down. I’m feeling the pressure. I’m trying to turn the team into a defensive team and it’s not easy.’

Phoenix enters the Golden Anniversary season with seven new players, including rookie Dave Ando. Switching from different teams are Evan Nelle, James Kwekuteye, Francis Escandor, Prince Caperal, Bryan Santos and Yousef Taha. First round pick Will Gozum is expected to join the squad when done with his MPBL obligations.

‘We’re leaning in the direction to bring in Will,’ said Wilson. But reinstating Matthew Wright isn’t an option at the moment. ‘What I know is he’s still under contract with the B-League so he can’t play for Phoenix,’ he added. ‘Matthew can help a lot with his leadership and mentorship.’

Nelle’s arrival is a season late as Zorrilla said he would’ve been Phoenix’ first round pick last year if only Kai Balunggay didn’t fall on the Fuel Masters’ lap. ‘Evan was going to be our first round pick but we couldn’t pass up on a 6-7 guy and when our turn came next, Evan was gone,’ said Zorilla. ‘This time, we got him on a trade. He has a high basketball IQ, can shoot the three and even four, pass and take the load off Tyler (Tio).’

Phoenix holdovers Jason Perkins, Balunggay, Tio, RJ Jazul, Sean Manganti, Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin, Matthew Daves and RR Garcia provide continuity from last year’s roster. Wilson has the tools to make a strong push for playoff contention and the quicker the team adjusts to its defensive mind-set, the better its chances to advance.

The subsea cable system between the US and Singapore, of which Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is a party to, will be switched on in the coming weeks to hasten data transfer in Asia-Pacific.

Singapore-based conglomerate Keppel Ltd. yesterday announced that the Bifrost Cable System is now ready for service, and it is gearing up to begin data transport in the coming weeks.

Bifrost is the world’s first subsea cable linking Singapore and the US West Coast via Indonesia through the Java Sea and Celebes Sea.

The project spans more than 20,000 kilometers, and it is designed to handle artificial intelligence and digital services. Bifrost is able to move data between Singapore and the US in just under 165 milliseconds (ms), quicker by up to 10 ms compared to existing systems.

Bifrost also brings in an additional 260 Tbps of capacity for Asia and the Pacific. This makes the region one of the most active digital corridors based on resiliency.

The project lands in Singapore, Guam and Grover Beach, California, with branches extending to Jakarta and Manado in Indonesia, Davao and Winema Beach, Oregon.

In the Philippines, Converge is tasked to plug Bifrost to the archipelago via the landing station in Davao, and the project is seen to aid the country’s digital transition.

Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said Bifrost would provide the Philippines a direct access to the US, where it sources most of its data demand.

‘This will not only boost the company’s international bandwidth capacity. For the Philippines, it would mean redundancy and diversity in its network infrastructure to power the country’s digital journey,’ Uy said.

Based on Keppel’s timeline, Bifrost is scheduled to go live in the coming weeks. Once Bifrost is activated, it will scale up the speed by which data is transferred between Singapore and the US to the benefit of consumers.

Subsea cables like Bifrost facilitate the movement of data among and between locations, making them important assets in the digital era.

Converge is also a party to another subsea cable, the Southeast Asia-Hainan-Hong Kong Express Cable System, linking Hainan, China; Hong Kong; Malaysia; the Philippines and Singapore.

Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corp. (TFSPH), the automotive financing and leasing arm of GT Capital Holdings Inc., is tapping the domestic bond market to raise P2 billion.

GT Capital said TFSPH has launched its P2 billion maiden bond public offering, with the proceeds to be used for further diversifying the automotive financing company’s funding sources and supporting its anticipated asset growth.

The offering will also enable TFSPH to tap a wider investor base targeting both institutional and individual investors.

The bonds will be issued in up to two series, comprised of two-year bonds due 2027 (Series A bonds) and three-year bonds due 2028 (Series B bonds).

The Series A and Series B bonds will carry a fixed interest rate of 5.7725 percent and 5.9418 percent, respectively.

The offer period kicked off yesterday and will end on Oct. 13, 2025.

First Metro Investment Corp., which is also part of the GT Capital group, and ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch will serve as the joint lead arrangers and bookrunners for the transaction.

They are also the selling agents for the offering of the bonds together with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and BPI Capital Corp.

TFSPH, which is 40 percent owned by GT Capital and 60 percent owned by Japan-based Toyota Financial Services Corp., received an issuer credit rating of PRS Aaa (corp.) with a stable outlook, the highest credit rating issued by the Philippine Rating Services Corp.

A PRS Aaa (corp.) recognizes TFSPH’s strong and stable financial condition and underscores its commitment to sound governance and sustainable growth.

TFSPH supports Toyota sales in the Philippines in line with Toyota Motor Corp.’s global objectives.

The company delivers value to customers by offering reliable financial products and services tailored to their needs.

TFSPH registered an 11-percent jump in total revenues to P3.9 billion in the first three months of fiscal year 2025.

Its total loan receivables likewise accelerated by nine percent in the first quarter of the fiscal year to P159.4 billion, bringing net interest income to P1.6 billion.

The Philippine Red Cross will set up a ‘tent city’ to serve as a community for families whose houses were destroyed in the powerful earthquake in northern Cebu, the PRC said yesterday.

According to the PRC, the tent city would include a medical tent, where health services will be made available, a community kitchen and bathing areas.

At least 60 of the planned 2,500 tents were already assembled and ready for use in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City, with each tent accommodating at least five family members.

‘There is a plan to assemble additional tents, but it depends if the government is able to identify available space,’ the PRC said, noting that at least 2,200 families were displaced and are in urgent need of shelter in various localities.

Pope Leo XIV, who visited Cebu thrice in the past when he was still the prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine, expressed on Sunday his closeness with Filipinos and mentioned for the second time his prayers for the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

According to CBCPNews, the 70-year-old pope said during his Angelus in St. Peter’s Square: ‘I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people and in particular I pray for those who are most severely affected by the consequences of the earthquake.’

Meanwhile, Baguio City and Negros Occidental each approved P2 million in financial assistance to affected local government units.

‘Baguio City stands with our fellow Filipinos in Cebu during this hard time. We hope this aid helps them recover and rebuild,’ Mayor Benjamin Magalong said after asking the city council to release P500,000 each to Bogo City and the towns of San Remigio, Medellin and Daanbantayan.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental is giving P2 million to Bogo, its adopted city. Last week, the One Negros Response Team was dispatched to help in the relief and rescue efforts.

The Bangsamoro government and Lamitan City also shipped 20 tons of relief goods, which include 445 bags of plasma, modular tents, hygiene and sleeping kits as well as water containers, BARMM Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua said.

At least five private hospitals in Cebu City were given provisional accreditation by PhilHealth so they can attend to the needs of orthopedic patients, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. said yesterday.

PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano said the temporary accreditation would allow those who suffered fractures to seek services from Perpetual Succour Hospital, University of Cebu Medical Center, Cebu Doctors’ University and Chong Hua Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism said Cebu, especially the central and southern parts, remains open for tourists and visitors, noting that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and seaports ‘are operating normally, allowing visitors to arrive and depart without disruptions.’

DOLE shuts down Cebu BPO

After the devastating quake, the Department of Labor and Employment ordered the closure of a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in Cebu ‘due to imminent danger to the lives of employees,’ the DOLE said yesterday.

‘The company is mandated to cease and desist from its operations until all unsafe conditions and unsafe acts exposing workers to imminent danger shall have been addressed or abated and/or all other violations cited shall have been corrected,’ the DOLE said in the order.

The DOLE withheld the name of the company, but warned that it would be meted a daily penalty of P100,000 if it fails to submit the required corrections.

Initial investigation showed that the BPO firm has no established emergency and disaster preparedness and response plans under its occupational health and safety program.

Electricity prices in the country’s spot market fell to a seven-month low in September, driven by higher supply margins, with the Luzon rate dipping below P3 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) saw system-wide rates decline by 33.8 percent to P3.04 per kWh from P4.59 per kWh on a monthly basis, according to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.

Latest IEMOP data showed that overall supply slightly grew to 20,712 megawatts from 20,611 MW, while system-wide demand dipped by 2.9 percent to 13,640 MW from 14,052 MW.

This marks the lowest WESM price since February’s P2.73 per kWh.

The decline in WESM rates for the September billing period will be reflected in the generation charges of consumers this month.

Operated by IEMOP, WESM serves as a centralized platform for electricity trading where distribution utilities and electric cooperatives can source their energy requirements.

Spot prices in Luzon dropped by 31.7 percent to P2.57 per kWh, while those in Visayas and Mindanao fell by 37.1 percent to P4.02 and P4.19 per kWh, respectively.

All three major island groups observed improved supply-demand conditions during the period, leading to lower market prices.

In Luzon, supply inched up to 14,681 MW from 14,646 MW, while demand edged 2.9-percent lower to 9,595 MW from 9,882 MW.

Similarly, Visayas saw supply climb by 1.5 percent to 2,440 MW from 2,405 MW, with demand dipping by four percent to 1,945 MW from 2,027 MW.

‘While Visayas experienced an earthquake on Sept. 30 that caused multiple tripping of transmission lines and generators, this will be part of the October billing period,’ IEMOP corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia said.

As for Mindanao, the region’s supply increased to 3,592 MW from 3,561 MW, while demand slipped by 2.1 percent to 2,100 MW from 2,144 MW.

In terms of generation mix, coal still accounted for the largest share at 55.1 percent, followed by renewable energy (26 percent), natural gas (17 percent) and oil (0.5 percent).

Holding a snap election in response to corruption is not a remedy but a political diversion that would do little to restore public trust and punish corrupt officials, House lawmakers said.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano stirred debate when he suggested over the weekend that it might be best for all top government officials, from the president down to members of Congress, to resign so the public can choose new leaders.

He claimed a national reset through elections would help rebuild government’s credibility, especially as investigations into rigged public infrastructure deals have implicated officials across multiple levels of government.

In a statement on Monday, October 6, the three-member Makabayan bloc said Cayetano’s idea ‘gives the illusion that corruption can be addressed simply through the electoral process.’

The problem, they stressed, is that even the electoral system remains dominated by political dynasties and contractors with vested interests.

‘How will holding snap elections address the issue of accountability? The proposal is a distraction and a way to douse cold water on the people’s protests,’ Makabayan lawmakers said.

‘A snap election and just a change of personalities without changing the system will not address the roots of corruption,’ they added.

‘Tone-deaf’

For another minority lawmaker, the call for a snap election is “tone deaf.” Rep. Perci Cendaña (Akbayan Party-list) said the people are demanding for accountability, not elections.

“Baka nga sa snap election na proposal, baka maka-evade pa ng accountability ang dapat panagutin,” he said in an ambush interview. (“It’s even possible that in a proposed snap election, those liable would evade accountability.”)

Rep. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) echoed Cendaña’s arguments, adding that the public discourse has alread been muddled by false narratives attempting to divert people’s attention from what has already been revealed.

‘Marami nang nabunyag na katiwalian at sabwatan. Pero marami rin ang nanggugulo at nagpapalabo dito – mga naglalabas at nagpapakalat ng fake news, mga naninira sa mismong tumutugis sa mga corrupt at naglalantad ng mga kalokohan sa gobyerno, at meron din namang bida-bida na kung ano-ano na lang ang sina-suggest,’ she said.

(“A lot of corruption and collusion have already been exposed. But there are also many who are sowing confusion – spreading fake news, discrediting those who go after the corrupt and expose wrongdoing in government, and some who just want attention by making all sorts of suggestions.”)

“Para saan? Para sa pansariling agenda, para ma-distract at malihis tayo sa tunay dapat nating layunin – ang malaman ang buong katotohanan,’ De Lima added. (“For what? For personal agendas, to distract and divert us from our true goal – to uncover the whole truth.”)

Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list), chair of the House Committee on Infrastructure, also pointed out that the 1987 Constitution does not permit snap elections.

‘Under absolutely no circumstance can we have snap elections under the 1987 Constitution. It is not the solution to regain public trust,’ he told Philstar.com in a message.

Swift prosecution

Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan Party-list) noted the last instance occurred under Martial Law during the Marcos dictatorship – a context far removed from today.

“At kakaiba ang sitwasyon na ‘yon dahil ang umiiral noon ay batas militar nga. I don’t think we see any similar situation at present,” he said in an ambush interview, adding that members of Congress are clearly doing their jobs. (“And the situation then was extraordinary, because martial rule was enforced…”)

Diokno added that accountability means filing and prosecuting cases swiftly, urging the judiciary to prioritize corruption cases.

For Ridon, the government must focus on regaining trust. ‘What is most urgent is for government to ensure that all persons liable for the misuse of public funds, whether flood control or confidential funds, are held accountable,’ Ridon added.

The controversy. All this came shortly after Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Ping Lacson announced the suspension of the flood control probe ‘until further notice,’ while also stepping down from his post amid dissatisfaction from fellow senators.

Lacson’s exit has led to renewed calls for transparency as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure continues its parallel investigation behind closed doors.

Two individuals were killed while three others, including a municipal councilor in a newly created Bangsamoro town, were wounded in an ambush in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato, on Tuesday morning, October 7.

Local officials and personnel of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station told reporters at noon that the incident left tricycle driver Rahib Mamintal Wahab and an aide of a municipal councilor, Udin Endaila Dalgan, dead.

Dalgan and his companions, Saida Felmin Endaila, a municipal councilor in Kadayangan town in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Cotabato; her husband Madron Sumlay Endaila and Lani Endaila Usop were aboard a black Toyota Fortuner when gunmen opened fire at them along a highway in Barangay Salunayan.

Midsayap, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Cotabato provincial government, has more than a dozen barangays that joined the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) after residents voted for inclusion in a 2019 plebiscite.

Lt. Col. Oliver Pauya, chief of the Midsayap Municipal Police, said the three passengers of the Toyota Fortuner sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Wahab, who happened to be driving his tricycle near the ambush site, was hit by stray bullets in his upper torso and died instantly.

The attackers escaped before responding community watchmen and barangay officials could reach the scene.

In an impassioned speech, a House lawmaker appealed to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and members of Congress to prove their commitment against corruption by backing an anti-political dynasty bill, even if it meant weakening their own families’ hold on power.

Speaking before a chamber dominated by political clans, Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan, 2nd District) called on Marcos to certify the measure as urgent, saying entrenched dynasties have only fueled pork barrel schemes, patronage politics, and worsening corruption.

He lamented that despite a constitutional mandate, Congress has failed to pass an enabling law for nearly four decades since the ratification of the 1987 Charter. Citing Article 2, Section 26 directs lawmakers to pass a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties to ensure fair access to public service.

“We choose to only cherry-pick the provisions of the Constitution that favor us dahil 70% ng kapulungan ito ay mga dynasties,” Erice said in his privilege speech on Monday, October 6. (“… because 70% of this chamber are dynasties.”)

He challenged his fellow lawmakers, asking whether they would let Congress be consumed by greed and fear of losing funds, or sit idly by and wait for the public to demand change.

‘Do better PBBM, VP Sara’

Erice then addressed President Marcos directly, acknowledging his frustration over what the government has become – especially with top officials and his cousin implicated in alleged kickbacks from public works projects.

But as thousands of Filipinos have echoed in anti-corruption protests, genuine reform is needed. Anger or a mere order to create an independent body to investigate infrastructure projects will not suffice.

“Mr. President, Bongbong Marcos, I believe you are sincere in your anger and disgust. I believe in the sincerity of your tears, but this ain’t enough,” Erice said.

“Bold action would require a will to implement painful political reforms. Isa rito, sundin ang konstitusyon, isama sa legislative agenda ang anti-political dynasty bill kahit laban ito sa interes ng iyong pamilya. Mr. President, put your best foot forward,” he added.

The lawmaker said Marcos’ greatest legacy would be to set aside personal interests in pursuit of lasting reform.

Turning to Vice President Duterte, Erice asked: What is your family really fighting for – political power or the country’s good?

“To Vice President Sara Duterte, lumalaban ba kayo para sa political supremacy ng inyong pamilya o para sa ikabubuti ng bayan?” he asked.

He added that if the Constitution defended Duterte from political persecution, with her impeachment trial “archived,” then the Dutertes should also uphold it by ending their own dynasty’s grip on power.

“Pinahalagahan kayo ng konstitusyon, suklian niyo naman! Itaguyod niyo ang Article 2, Section 26 na nanganghulugan ng pagpapaliit ng kapangyarihan ng inyong dynasty, Vice President Sara,” Erice said. (“The Constitution honored [your election], so pay it back.Uphold Article 2, Section 26 that entails diminishing your dynasty.”)

The Duterte family currently has at least six members in public office, including three in Congress and others in Davao City.

‘Sacrifice’ power

He then turned to his colleagues in Congress, saying that if they truly love the country, it is time to ‘sacrifice’ personal interests and cut the excesses of their political clans. Politics, partisanship and blame-shifting, he said, should no longer be excuses to avoid taking action. There’s no other time but to act now, he stressed.

“Magpatupad tayo ng matinding reporma kahit ang kapalit ay sariling pagsasakripisyo. Hindi na pwedeng idahilan na politika lang ito na gawa lang ito ng dds, kaliwa, ng dilawan o pinklawan,” Erice said.

“Ayan ng Pilipino ng taba. Bawasan ang kasapwangan, bawasan ang kapangyarihan! Lugmok na ang bayan,” he added.

Bill’s status. Just two months into the 20th Congress, seven bills – largely from minority lawmakers such as Erice – have been introduced to define and ban political dynasties. But the proposals differ. Some cover relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity, others only up to the second.

Erice’s bill takes a different approach, limiting the number of family members who can simultaneously hold public office to two.

According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), about four in every five district representatives in the 20th Congress come from political dynasties, with 15 families controlling multiple districts. The Senate reflects a similar pattern, with four sibling pairs occupying a third of the 24-member chamber.

Newcomer Simon Enriquez and veteran Maricar Camacho showed the way in the PUMA Manila Half Marathon 2025 last Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Complex.

Enriquez came out of nowhere and snared the pole position in the men’s division, finishing the course in one hour, 23 minutes and five seconds, while Camacho was magnificent as always, crossing the tape in one hour, 30 minutes, and 54 seconds.

Following suit in the men’s side are Joram Lava (1:24:23) and Moiselle Angelo Alforque (1:25:22) while Jennelyn Isibido (1:37:11) and Danica Shasha Tan (1:48:34) made the podium in the women’s category.

Their victories were a rousing kickoff to the PUMA Philippine Half Series 2025, celebrating speed, endurance, and style under the iconic PUMA brand.

‘The PUMA Manila Half Marathon marks the start of an exciting journey for Filipino runners,’ said RUNRIO general manager Andrew Neri. ‘This is more than just a race – it’s about performance, passion, and pushing boundaries, all in the spirit of PUMA.’

The energy was electric from start to finish as participants raced through Manila’s scenic routes showcasing both grit and community spirit in this race supported by the Department of Tourism and has Gatorade as official sports drink.

Rico Jay Patanao (32:44) topped the men’s 10K with Cymon Richard De Jesus (38:15) and Roilan Develasco (38:47) chasing him. Meanwhile, Christine Hallasgo (38:32) was head and shoulders in front of the field as she was followed by Maria Jonna Lina Abutas (42:54) and Brizeth Deriquito (45:18).

Junel Gabotia (17:21) was the first in the men’s 5K, with Michael Dave Bognadon (18:57) and Manuel Tayoto (21:05) making the top three, while Jolly Ann Ballester (24:01) got the win in the women’s category in front of Thea Marie Ba-ay (27:07) and Geraldine Rose Anonas (27:09).

The PUMA Manila Half Marathon 2025 also has Cristalino Spring, Lanson Place, Mall Of Asia, Citadines Bay City Manila, Devant, Salonpas, Rev* Shokz powered by Digital Walker, Century Tuna, San Mig Light, Monde Nissin, Ciele Athletics, Milcu, Singlife, Unilab, Hey! Salad, Leslie’s, Universal Robina Corporation, Gu Energy PH, Dailyfix and Galinco as sponsors.

Following Manila, the PUMA Philippine Half Series 2025 continues its run across the country with stops in Davao (October 19), Cebu (October 26), Cagayan de Oro (November 23), Iloilo (November 30) and the Grand Finale in Clark (December 14).