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President Marcos yesterday feted the Philippines’ delegates to the recently concluded 14th WorldSkills ASEAN 2025, praising them for enhancing the country’s reputation and showcasing the value of Filipino workers.

The country won 10 gold medals, seven silver medals, eight bronze medals and five medallions for excellence during the regional competition, which was held from Aug. 26 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Marcos awarded P100,000 for each gold medalist, P80,000 for each silver medalist, P60,000 for each bronze medalist and P50,000 for each recipient of medallion for excellence.

‘Because of what you did and the successful result, we have seen that the notion that the Filipino workers are good is not fabricated. We have proof,’ the President said during the courtesy visit of the Philippine delegation at Malacañang.

‘You have made our reputation better, you have once again proved to the world the value of the Filipino worker,’ he added.

Marcos said the cash incentive given by his office is a small price to pay for all the delegates’ work and for the excellence they have shown.

More than 1,000 delegates from the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste joined the event, which carried the theme ‘ASEAN: Skilled for the Future.’

Some 300 young professionals competed across 32 official skill areas, ranging from traditional trades in construction and manufacturing to high-tech fields such as CoBot systems integration, industry 4.0, cyber security, internet of things, autonomous mobile robotics and 3D digital game art.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division has instructed schools to create contingency plans based on their current situation to ensure the continuation of classes in affected areas following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that severely struck northern Cebu.

DepEd Mandaue spokeswoman Marinel Oro told reporters yesterday that these contingency plans may include options allowed under DepEd orders, such as adopting the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) or implementing class shifting schedules.

Oro said that when the earthquake hit last September 30, school principals were immediately advised to prepare contingency measures, as DepEd anticipated that some areas and school buildings could be structurally affected.

‘We instructed them to come up with their own contingency measures for students whose classrooms cannot yet be used,’ Oro said.

She added that the contingency plans will be prepared at the discretion of each school principal, depending on their respective situations.

‘It will depend on the principals how they address the situation –whether through shifting or ADM,’ she said.

Oro clarified that the plans will vary per school and are not a uniform directive from DepEd. She added that the principals will determine the appropriate measures based on the condition and circumstances of their schools.

Since Monday, district supervisors have been conducting field monitoring across 48 schools to determine what technical assistance the DepEd can provide to school heads in addressing their concerns.

To recall, at least 16 out of 48 public schools in Mandaue City sustained partial damage following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Oro said a Quick Response Fund (QRF) from the DepEd Central Office may be tapped to assist affected schools.

She added that the division is preparing data on the extent of the damage, the affected schools, and the current status of the buildings. Once completed, this report will serve as the basis for the release of the QRF budget from the central office.

During the inspection conducted by Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano last Monday, cracks were observed on several columns at the Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School. At the Looc Elementary School, the building locally known as the ‘Petron Building’ was found to be tilted. Meanwhile, at the Mandaue City Central School, columns with visible cracks were also discovered.

Kapuso actress Carla Abellana will reportedly be getting married by the end of the year, according to veteran showbiz journalist and talent manager Ogie Diaz.

On the latest video of Ogie’s YouTube channel series “Showbiz Update,” a source told him that Carla will tie the knot with a non-showbiz partner.

Ogie shared the lucky man, according to his source, is a chief medical officer of private Quezon City hospital.

The doctor reportedly dated Carla back in high school and recently rekindled their friendship and romantic relationship.

“Guwapo raw ito in person, ha. At chinito!” Ogie quipped.

Carla did confirm last August she was currently seeing someone, saying at the time she opening herself to dating and meeting people.

“I decided to try it,” Carla said at the time. “Yes, there’s a second date. We’ll see if there’s gonna be more dates.”

The actress was previously married to Tom Rodriguez but their union only lasted a few months, eventually ending in divorce.

Tom is now a father to an infant son, Korben, also with a non-showbiz partner.

Ogie reiterated in his video that it is up to Carla to confirm, deny, or give details about a supposed partner and wedding.

The country’s foreign exchange buffer climbed for a second straight month to $108.8 billion as of end-September, driven by higher global gold prices and income from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas investments.

Preliminary data from BSP showed that gross international reserves (GIR) rose from $107.1 billion in August, marking the highest level since October 2024, when reserves stood at $111.1 billion.

The central bank said the increase in reserves was ‘due to higher global gold prices, income from the BSP’s investments abroad and foreign currency deposits by the national government with the BSP.’

GIR, which consists of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange and other reserve assets such as gold, serve as a key measure of the country’s ability to meet external obligations and shield the economy from external shocks.

BSP data showed that the value of the central bank’s gold holdings jumped by 12.8 percent to $16.38 billion in September from $14.52 billion in August.

The BSP’s foreign investments inched up to $87.24 billion in September from $86.99 billion in August, making up the bulk of the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

According to the BSP, the GIR level was equivalent to 7.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It was also enough to cover about 3.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

‘The latest GIR level ensures availability of foreign exchange to meet balance of payments financing needs, such as for payment of imports and debt service, in extreme conditions when there are no export earnings or foreign loans,’ the BSP said.

By convention, GIR is viewed to be adequate if it can finance at least three months’ worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It is also considered adequate if it provides at least 100 percent cover for the payment of the country’s foreign liabilities, public and private, falling due within the immediate 12-month period.

After declining to $96.15 billion in 2022, the country’s foreign exchange buffer picked up to $103.75 billion in 2023 and rose further to $106.26 billion in 2024.

The BSP expects the country’s dollar reserves to hit $105 billion this year and $106 billion in 2026.

The newly enacted value-added tax (VAT) on digital services is expected to generate over P100 billion from 2026 to 2030, according to the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

With the goal of generating revenue from online platforms and digital transactions, the tax is expected to raise P123.2 billion for the government, the DBCC said in its latest mid-year report.

‘The national government remains committed to pursuing a comprehensive digital transformation program and modernization initiatives within its revenue-collecting agencies that will make tax compliance, transparent, convenient, seamless, efficient and accessible,’ the report read.

The collection for the taxation program for this year is projected to yield P3.6 billion.

Recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P2.8 billion from the implementation of the tax on digital services, according to Glenn Alde, chief of the agency’s collection program division.

For next year, the Cabinet-level committee projects that the tax on digital service providers will generate around P21.4 billion in additional government revenue.

By 2027, the government expects to collect P22.8 billion in revenue from digital services, rising further to P24.4 billion by 2028.

By 2029, the tax program is projected to generate P26.3 billion, increasing further to P28.3 billion by 2030, according to government estimates.

Currently, there are 371 digital service providers registered, which is higher than the BIR’s expected number of non-resident digital service registrants.

In generating revenue, DBCC said that the BIR will prioritize its digital transformation roadmap, which aims to leverage digital technologies and infrastructure to enhance revenue generation, simplify taxpayer obligations, automate compliance verification and audit processes.

‘In light of this, the revenue collections-to-GDP ratio is estimated to increase from 15.9 percent in 2025 to 16.8 percent or P7.13 trillion by 2030. These initiatives will be supported by the enacted laws and other tax administration reforms focused on digitalization,’ the DBCC said.

AJ Lim showed his readiness to shoot for a medal in the Southeast Asian Games this December after he topped the men’s singles of the PCA Open in Paco, Manila over the weekend.

It was evident in Lim’s 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Jed Olivarez that not only secured his fourth crown in the annual meet but also reaffirmed his status as the country’s top male netter.

In the process, it also earned the 26-year-old Lim the top purse worth P200,000

‘We are tremendously proud and filled with joy at AJ Lim’s performance,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, whose Cebuana Lhuillier has helped bankroll Lim’s SEA Games preparation.

‘His dedication, discipline, and heart truly reflect the spirit of Cebuana Lhuillier. To see him rise once more to claim the PCA Open title is a moment of great pride not only for us, but for Philippine tennis as a whole,’ he added.

The PCA crown was Lim’s fourth, which came exactly a decade when the player claimed his very first and setting a record as the youngest ever winner of the said tournament at 16 years old.

Lim, of course, is expected to be part of the SEA Games-bound national squad that should be spearheaded by the country’s current pride, Alex Eala.

For her part, Tennielle Madis routed Kaye Anne Emana, 6-0, 6-3, to snare the women’s title, while Johnny Arcilla and Bryan Saarenas edged Fritz Chris Verdad and Rolly Saga, 6-3, 5-7, 11-9, to rule the men’s doubles.

PJ Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI), the parent company of Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinance services provider, has been recognized with two prestigious distinctions at the Inspire to Excel: Investors in People Philippines Awards 2025, affirming its strong commitment to building a people-first workplace.

The company was named Winner for Diversity and Inclusion and Runner-up for Wellbeing, showcasing its dedication to creating an empowering and supportive environment for its 12,000 employees nationwide.

The Investors in People Awards celebrate organizations that excel in valuing and developing their workforce. For PJLI, these recognitions highlight the success of its inclusive culture and holistic employee programs, underscoring that a thriving company begins with thriving people.

PJLI’s wellbeing strategy takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on five key dimensions: physical, spiritual, financial, mental and social.

The company likens its role to that of a ‘tender gardener,’ nurturing employees to flourish both personally and professionally. What set PJLI apart was its shift from conversation to action-translating initiatives into measurable outcomes such as improved efficiency under pressure, stronger employee engagement, and higher satisfaction levels.

Its win in Diversity and Inclusion (D and I) reflects a holistic, evolving strategy championed by President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who has consistently led with a vision that celebrates individuality.

‘As a company deeply rooted in service, we recognize that our greatest strength lies in our people,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘These awards reaffirm our belief that by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering culture, we not only build stronger teams but also create a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.’

The company highlighted inspiring employee stories and initiatives like the Tatak Cebuana Influencers campaign while advancing progressive policy reforms. Notably, PJLI’s Policy on Nepotism and HMO Dependents program extends to diverse family structures.

One senior manager movingly shared that the health coverage policy made him feel ‘seen, valued and respected’-a testament to how policies can create a genuine sense of belonging.

Beyond the workplace, PJLI promotes D and I into the communities it serves through initiatives under its Kanegosyo Centers and Alternative Learning System (ALS) Programs, directly empowering marginalized Filipinos.

Jo-Ann Tacorda, first vice president and group head for Corporate Services, added: ‘Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing goes beyond compliance or recognition. It’s about making sure every Cebuana Lhuillier employee feels valued and supported. These honors from Investors in People Philippines validate the work we’ve done, but more importantly, they inspire us to keep pushing forward in building a workplace where everyone can truly thrive.’

As Maria Veronica ‘Baby’ Valientes, Human Resource Development division head, shared in her acceptance speech: ‘Winning doesn’t just mean we join the parades and post it online. It means embedding our D and I commitment in our policies, hiring practices, the way we address people, and how we live every day recognizing people’s diverse backgrounds.’

These recognitions affirm PJLI’s philosophy that the ultimate measure of success lies in the wellbeing and empowerment of its people.

By embedding inclusivity into policies, embracing holistic employee care, and nurturing purpose-driven initiatives, PJLI continues to build not just a successful company, but a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and true, lasting value.

Playing the titular character of TBA Studios’ “Quezon” has lit a fire in Jericho Rosales to care more deeply about the country.

Manuel Quezon is Rosales’ first film role in seven years, and the expected last entry in the “Bayaniverse” franchise will explore the character’s rise in power from lawyer to president.

At a press conference for “Quezon” last October 7 at the historic Manila Hotel, Rosales was asked about what he discovered about himself in shooting the film, particularly about love of country.

Rosales began by acknowledging the weight of the question and admitted to not initially being a fan of history. He used to think it was a “boring” subject where he would end up sleeping during classes.

“Because of this film,” Rosales said, “Parang nabuhay ‘yung pagka-Pilipino ko.”

The actor acknowledged that TJ Trinidad was initially attached to portray Quezon until the latter stepped away from acting. Jericho shared TJ visited the set one time in a show of support.

Looking back at when director Jerrold Tarog asked him to play Quezon, Rosales – who was shooting “Lavender Fields” at the time – agreed without hesitation. Jericho recalled that the director advised him to read the script first before agreeing to play the historic role of one of the country’s presidents.

“I understand now how important history is, and the reason I fell asleep in class is because I didn’t care about the country,” Rosales continued.

The actor explained that love and care is what moves a person, and stressed the importance of “Quezon” reminding everyone to take responsibility about learning our political history and the people we elected.

Understanding what we love the most about the country through the lens of history is what will make Filipinos proud again, Rosales added.

He compared the concept of corruption to a pimple – the byproduct of staying up, oil, and everything consumed – and asked that people rewatch the film’s trailer numerous times because takeaways can be seen from there alone.

“All the words that [Tarog] selected and cut has a meaning,” Rosales went on. “Saan ba nanggagaling ito, bakit ba nakakalusot?”

Rosales stressed it is not one person’s duty to solve corruption but rather of an entire nation, calling for transparency and a detailed plan because it is the people’s taxes at stake.

“We serve each other. How do we solve [corruption]? We all have the answers, not one man, not one person,” Rosales ended.

The number of Filipinos without a job declined in August 2025, pushing the national unemployment rate down to 3.9%, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, October 8.

National Statistician and PSA Chief Claire Dennis Mapa reported that the number of Filipinos aged 15 and above who are unemployed dropped to 2.03 million in August 2025, a significant decrease from the 2.59 million recorded just one month earlier in July.

This means that the number of jobless individuals decreased by 560,000. This is also lower than the 2.07 million unemployed Filipinos in the same period in 2024.

Despite the overall drop in unemployment, five sub-sectors saw the largest decreases in employed persons between July and August 2025:

Human health and social work activities – 105,000

Mining and quarrying – 103,000

Professional, scientific and technical activities – 102,000

Manufacturing – 70,000

Education – 54,000

Underemployment. The underemployment rate for August 2025 was at 10.7%, showing a slight decrease from the rates of 14.8% in July 2025 and 11.2% in August 2024, according to the statistics agency.

For August 2025, 5.38 million Filipinos-out of a total employment base of 50.10 million-expressed a desire for more extensive work, whether through increased hours in their current position, taking on an additional job, or finding a new job with longer working hours.

Employment rate. The country’s employment rate reached 96.1% in August 2025, marking an improvement over the 96.0% recorded in August 2024 and a significant increase from 94.7% in July 2025.

This translated to an employed population of 50.10 million Filipinos that month, up from 49.15 million a year earlier and 46.05 million in July 2025.

The services sector continues to dominate the labor market, accounting for the largest share of total employment at 61.5%.

This is followed by the agriculture sector at 20.4% and the Industry sector at 18.1%.

Compared to August 2024, the top five sub-sectors that registered the highest increases in employment were:

Construction – 540,000

Fishing and Aquaculture – 448,000

Administrative and Support Service Activities – 307,000

Agriculture and Forestry – 300,000

Other Service Activities – 239,000

Employment class by worker. Wage and salary workers accounted for the largest share of the employed persons at 64.4% in August 2025.

This group includes workers in private establishments, with 78.0% of all wage workers and those employed by the government, with 14.1% of all wage workers.

The remaining employed individuals were categorized as self-employed without paid employees with 27%, unpaid family workers with 7% and employers in their own family-operated business with 1.6%.

Total number of people in the labor force. The labor force participation rate, which includes both employed and unemployed individuals aged 15 and above, rose to 65.1% in August 2025.

This figure is higher than the 64.8% posted in August 2024 and the 60.7% recorded in July 2025.

The estimated labor force participation translates to 52.13 million Filipinos who were part of the labor force during the month.

A new floor price for tobacco is set to be determined today as the government’s tobacco regulatory body wraps up a two-day consultation with farmers, traders and cigarette manufacturers to agree on buying rates for the next two cropping seasons.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) began its 2025 Tripartite Consultative Conference on Tuesday at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City.

The agency said the conference serves as the main venue for negotiations on the minimum buying prices of Virginia, Burley and Native tobacco to help protect the income of more than 50,000 growers nationwide.

NTA administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said the process ensures the welfare of tobacco farmers is safeguarded and that group consultations and deliberations lead to a well-founded recommendation for a reasonable increase in the floor prices of tobacco.

Citing National Federation of Tobacco Farmers Association and Cooperatives (NAFTAC) president Bernard Vicente, the NTA said growers had earlier proposed increases ranging from P16.96 to P87.15 per kilo across various tobacco grades to offset rising input and labor costs.

The agency said Vicente also appealed for a separate floor price for improved subtypes of Virginia and Burley tobacco, citing their higher leaf quality and production costs compared with traditional types.

The current floor prices per kilo are P97 for Class AA, P96 for Class A, P95 for Class B, P93 for Class C, P85 for Class D, P84 for Class E, P75 for Class F1, P72 for Class F2 and P61 for Class R of flue-cured Virginia tobacco. For Burley tobacco, the rates are P81 for Class A, P78 for Class B, P69 for Class C, P58 for Class D, P57 for Class E, P49 for Class F and P39 for Class R.

For Native tobacco, the prices are P81 for High Grade, P70 for Medium 1, P63 for Medium 2, P60 for Low Grade and P53 for Reject.

The new rates, once finalized, will take effect starting the next cropping season.

According to the NTA, tobacco remains the only cash crop in the Philippines with officially approved floor prices, making it a reliable source of income for thousands of Filipino families.