Japan’s trade negotiator cancels US visit over tariffs deal snag

August 28, 2025 | 11:52 pm

TOKYO — Japan’s top trade negotiator cancelled a visit to the United States at the last minute on Thursday, further delaying talks designed to finalize a $550-billion investment package offered by Tokyo in exchange for relief on punishing tariffs.

Ryosei Akazawa was due to fly to Washington to craft a written confirmation of the terms of the package, such as the split of investment returns between the US and Japan, a government source previously told Reuters.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has also said there would be an announcement this week on Japan’s investment.

“It was found that there are points that need to be discussed at the administrative level during coordination with the American side. Therefore, the trip has been cancelled,” Japan’s government spokesperson Yo-shimasa Hayashi told reporters on Thursday.

Washington and Tokyo agreed in July to set a reduced 15% tariff on imports from Japan in exchange for the package of US-bound investment through government-backed loans and guarantees, but details of its contents remain unclear.

While US President Donald J. Trump has touted the package as “our money to invest” and said the US would retain 90% of the profits earned, Japanese officials have stressed that the investments will be determined based on whether they will also benefit Japan.

Japanese officials have repeatedly said they would rather have an amended presidential executive order first to remove overlapping tariffs on Japanese goods before releasing a joint document on the investment details.

The United States has agreed to amend the July 31 presidential order to ensure that a 15% levy agreed last month on Japanese imports was not stacked on goods, such as beef, that are subject to higher tariffs.

US officials have also said Mr. Trump would issue another order to lower tariffs on Japanese cars to 15% from 27.5%, but did not specify when.

“We are strongly requesting that measures be taken to amend the presidential order concerning mutual tariffs as soon as possible, and to issue a presidential order to reduce tariffs on auto parts,” Mr. Hayashi added.

Japan’s exports posted the biggest monthly drop in four years in July, driven by a slump in shipments to the United States. Reflecting the tariff damage, Japan cut its growth outlook for the year from 1.2% to 0.7% earlier this month.

Mr. Akazawa could head to Washington as early next week after the outstanding issues were resolved, a government source familiar with the negotiations said. — Reuters

No team for Westbrook

August 28, 2025 | 11:51 pm

Russell Westbrook remains without a team as the National Basketball Association (NBA) calendar edges closer to training camp. Once defined by his relentlessness, he is now compelled to watch restlessly as free agency seems to be passing him by. Reports have Sacramento as the lone franchise still entertaining the possibility of bringing him in, but even that scenario is tied to a contingency: The roster spot occupied by Malik Monk first needs to be vacated. Unfortunately, a deal to make it so looks headed farther from reality with each passing day. And absent a move to the Kings, there is little else in the horizon.

The irony is that Westbrook’s most recent numbers remain respectable; last season, he normed 13.3 markers, 4.9 caroms, and 6.1 dimes in 27.9 minutes of exposure through 75 outings for the Nuggets. Yet his value on paper has not been enough to move the needle in a league that puts efficiency and predictability ahead of energy on its list of cohort Must Haves. If nothing else, the dissonance underscores why all and sundry, even the Kings themselves, are loath to invest in him.

Since being drafted fourth overall in 2008, Westbrook has leaned on force and speed to collapse defenses. At close to 37, however, he no longer has the explosiveness that once literally and figuratively separated him from eve-ryone else. Now, he’s a point guard who still attacks but cannot stretch the floor. Meanwhile, his historically poor percentage from three lingers as a permanent obstacle in the pace-and-space era. Thus, the calculus becomes un-forgiving: Whatever pluses his drives provide are offset by empty possessions, turnovers, and lack of floor balance. And, clearly, no team has found him worth the gamble even at the veteran minimum.

Beyond stat lines, there are the intangibles that now work against Westbrook. His intensity, once lionized as the very definition of competitiveness, has in recent memory been recast as a source of friction. Accounts of strained locker rooms and difficult dynamics in Denver have circulated widely enough to affect perception. Teams expect older players to bring stability; he provides volatility, a no-no whether real or imagined. And, understandably, general managers are given pause.

Needless to day, the hesitation reflects a larger truth: Westbrook is no longer the sort of player for whom rosters are rearranged. Outside talk linking him to Milwaukee, or to an improbable return to Oklahoma City, has yet to evolve beyond speculation. In the meantime, the silence around him has become deafening. Amid the uncertainty, he may well have to wait; perhaps an injury or a midseason reshuffling will net him an opening. By then, however, the league may have already moved on.

Westbrook’s situation says as much about the NBA as about him. Once a walking triple-double, he finds himself in limbo not because his skills have vanished, but because the sport has shifted in ways that no longer accommo-date them. His body of work is undoubtedly extraordinary, more than enough for the Hall of Fame, but the present casts a harsh light. Experience alone no longer guarantees a job. If Sacramento does not carve out space, he will be on the outside looking in, watching as a league he helped define continues to evolve past him.

ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

US FDA narrows under-65 COVID vaccine eligibility, keeps full access for older people

August 28, 2025 | 11:51 pm

THE US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over age 65 but narrowed its approval for younger people to those with health risks, the companies said on Wednesday, in a shift from prior years when most people were eligible for the inoculations.

The three approved shots are made by Pfizer with German partner BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax with Sanofi.

“Today’s decision does not affect access to these vaccines. These vaccines remain available to those who choose them in consultation with their healthcare provider,” a spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said, without elaboration.

Pfizer, the biggest maker of the shots, said the 2022 emergency use authorization for its COVID vaccine for children under age 5 had been rescinded.

Moderna’s updated Spikevax shot was approved for people aged 6 months and up with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk from COVID, according to the company. The company said it would be availa-ble in the coming days.

Pfizer and BioNTech’s updated version of Comirnaty was approved for individuals ages 5 through 64 years with at least one high-risk condition, while Novavax’s was approved under the same criteria for ages 12 to 64, the com-panies said.

All three shots were approved for people aged 65 and over. High-risk conditions covered by the approvals include cancer and chronic kidney disease.

Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman said he was concerned by the changes for people under 65.

“Will insurance cover it? Will access be complicated and difficult? If people have to pay for it or are worried they have to pay for it, that will certainly decrease use,” Mr. Goodman said.

Insurers usually follow recommendations from the expert panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that advises on who should take FDA-approved vaccines, but the panel has yet to weigh in on updated COVID shots.

Aetna said it covers approved vaccines, including for COVID-19, with no cost sharing for members in fully insured plans, in line with state and federal rules. For self-funded plans that Aetna administers, coverage is set by the employers.

The narrowed approvals in the United States come as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine campaigner, has moved quickly to reshape US health policy.

Mr. Kennedy, who announced Wednesday’s approvals in an X post, in June fired all 17 members of the CDC’s expert vaccine advisory panel, before replacing eight.

Earlier this month, he pulled $500 million in messenger RNA vaccine funding, saying HHS will back “safer, broader vaccine platforms.” Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID shots are based on mRNA.

He said in May the United States no longer recommends routine COVID-19 shots for healthy kids and pregnant women, prompting medical organizations and several states to formulate their own vaccine recommendations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics last week recommended that all young children get vaccinated against COVID-19, in defiance of federal policy. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) said on Wednesday it is working with other medical societies to finalize updated guidelines for COVID vaccination.

The IDSA said it expected to release its recommendations in September. — Reuters

NCR retail price growth steady in July

August 28, 2025 | 11:51 pm

grocery-super-market — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

RETAIL price growth of general goods in the National Capital Region (NCR) was steady in July following stable food price growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday.

Citing preliminary data, the PSA said the country’s general retail price index (GRPI) grew 0.8% year on year in July, unchanged from May and June and lower than the 1.9% year-earlier rate.

In the year to date, Metro Manila retail price growth averaged 1%, against 2.1% a year earlier.

“The inflation rate has been falling, and this is reflected in the GRPI,” Cid L. Terosa, economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said in an e-mail.

The PSA reported July inflation at 0.9%, against 1.4% in the previous month and 4.4% a year earlier.

In the seven months to July, inflation averaged 1.7%, below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) 2025 inflation target of 2-4%.

Growth in food prices, weighted at about 40%, was 1.1% in July, unchanged from June and down from the 2.4% year-earlier rate.

Compared to June, beverages and tobacco was the only subindex posting stronger growth, picking up to 3.6% from 3.4%.

Price growth decelerated for chemicals, including animal and vegetable oils and fats (1.9% from 2%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (0.3% from 0.4%), and crude materials, inedible except fuels (0.2% from 0.3%).

The subindices of manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials, and machinery and transport equipment were flat year on year.

“In August 2025, I expect NCR retail prices to move sideways relative to July 2025. The GRPI in August 2025 will be lower than in August 2024,” Mr. Terosa said.

Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc., said sluggish demand continues to slow down trading activity.

However, he expects sluggish price growth bottoming out and that the May-July numbers could be low for the year.

“We may see a slight uptick in August due to the onset of typhoons, and also the start of the holiday season may spark higher demand for products which may drive prices higher,” he said in an e-mail.

The PSA uses the GRPI as a deflator in the National Accounts, particularly in the retail trade sector, and serves as a basis for forecasting. — Matthew Miguel L. Castillo

Senator calls for review of Philippines’ One China Policy amid SCS tensions

August 28, 2025 | 9:42 pm

USA-TRUMP-TARIFFS-TAIWAN — PEOPLE AND CARS can be seen passing Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, April 17, 2025. — REUTERS/ANN WANG

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

A LAWMAKER on Thursday called for the review of the Philippines’ adherence to the One China Policy, in which Manila denounces the sovereign claims of Taiwan and recognizes Beijing’s sole government, as tensions escalate in the South China Sea (SCS).

In a senate hearing, Senator Erwin T. Tulfo told Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro that the government should reevaluate its stance on the One China Policy amid Beijing’s threatening presence in Philippine waters.

“While we respect what they want, while we don’t want to interfere in the affairs between China and Taiwan, but what about our position?” Mr. Tulfo said. “They can come in and out and we don’t have a say.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., earlier this month said Manila will have to meddle should a war erupt between Beijing and Taipei, which is home to over 160,000 Filipinos.

Beijing accused Mr. Marcos of playing with fire with this pronouncement, but the Philippine President noted Manila will be dragged kicking and screaming into the possible Taiwan war.

Ms. Lazaro however maintained the Philippines’ stance on the One China Policy and reaffirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) commitment as its “guardian and steward.”

“We do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. We leave it to the Chinese people to resolve cross straits matters,” she told the Committee on Foreign Relations.

“Conflict will have an impact on geographically proximate territories. And the President did not deviate from our principle of non-interference, a principle of the joint communique.”

Under the One China Policy, countries acknowledged that Beijing is the sole Chinese government, denouncing Taipei’s claims as a sovereign nation.

While most countries in the world adopt this, the Philippines has unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

Beijing considers Taipei, Manila’s closest neighbor to the north, as a part of China. It earlier threatened to seize the island by force.

Manila and Beijing have been in a geopolitical deadlock in one of the world’s most crucial waterway, where about a third of the global trading industry passes through annually.

Despite an arbitration win in 2016, Beijing continues to harass Filipino vessels.

“We really have to think of our position. The United States is observing One China Policy, but they are not being bullied, we are, and come to think of it, that (China) is our neighbor,” Mr. Tulfo added in mixed English and Filipino.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

Ms. Lazaro also said she is open to discussions with China about possible ways to ensure the safety of Filipinos living in Taiwan, amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

The Foreign Affairs Secretary was asked whether the Philippines could seek Beijing’s help in evacuating close to 200,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan if conflict breaks out.

“We can do that,” she replied, adding, “It’s about time to also come up with these discussions.”

Ms. Lazaro and other officials told senators that contingency measures are already in place to assist and evacuate Filipinos in the event of a war.

“We have been talking since early this year about a contingency plan, with security agencies,” Ms. Lazaro said.

Over the past five years, Taiwan has come under increasing military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its “sacred” territory. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Taiwan strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Ms. Lazaro’s remarks.

Cheloy Garafil, head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, said Taiwan had given assurances it would support the Philippines in protecting overseas workers.

“We have already obtained a commitment from the Taiwanese officials that they will help us in case trouble erupts,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Philippines eased long-standing restrictions on official travel to Taiwan, allowing government officials to make economic and trade-related visits under certain conditions. The guidelines for receiving Taiwanese delegations were also relaxed.

Ms. Garafil said a large Taiwanese business delegation, including major semiconductor and agricultural companies, is currently in the Philippines.

“We’ve never seen this kind of a big delegation in history. We’re just very glad they are here, and they are interested in the Philippines,” she told reporters.

In the same hearing, Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios R. Marcos, who chairs the committee, also questioned the DFA’s several diplomatic protests, saying they are not fully helping Manila’s cause in the disputed waterway.

However, Ms. Lazaro noted these over 300 diplomatic protests were one of the bases for Manila’s win the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016.

“It’s also important, these protests form part of the documentation in case whatever happens, and this was what was used during the arbitral proceedings at The Hague,” Ms. Lazaro noted.

However, Mr. Tulfo questioned the role of diplomacy in conflict management, adding Manila is bringing a pen into a gunfight.

A career diplomat, Ms. Lazaro quoted Mr. Marcos’ order that conflict must be governed by diplomacy.

Diplomacy lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Josue Raphael J. Cortez, however, cautioned against revisiting the One China Policy, warning that such a move could strain bilateral ties with China and trigger diplomatic complications at the United Nations (UN), which has recognized the People’s Republic of China since the 1970s.

“It was during the time of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., that we also shifted our policy in line with the UN’s prerogative,” he said via Facebook Messenger.

“Although we do not recognize the sovereignty of Taiwan, we work to maintain vibrant ties with it through other channels, such as out MECO and Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila,” he added.

“A change in policy, brought about by the tensions over the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, may not be the most viable trajectory to pursue as it may carry out implications both in the context of our bilateral ties with China and in the UN level.”

Meanwhile, American defense contractors are pitching the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) as the Philippines’ first national defense hub, citing its potential for unmanned systems, logistics, and disaster relief.

In a statement on Thursday, Anglicotech Chief Executive Officer and former US marine David Cooper said the ecozone’s airport and relatively uncongested airspace give it the capacity to host drone operations in Luzon.

He noted Casiguran’s deep-water port as a “bespoke supply chain node” that could relieve congestion at Manila’s harbor while extending Philippine access toward Guam and Palau.

The Philippines enacted the Self-Reliant Defense Posture law in October 2024, directing the country to expand domestic defense manufacturing in drones, ammunition, and repair facilities.

APECO’s large land area and streamlined governance structure, the investors said, allow it to attract industries that normally face bureaucratic hurdles.

Mr. Cortez said the pronouncements of the defense firms align with the Philippines’ push for a self-reliant military and the planned Luzon Economic Corridor with the US and Japan.

He stressed that exploring maritime areas like Casiguran could strengthen defense modernization and supply chain resilience amid escalating tensions with Beijing. — with Reuters

PHL wraps up naval exercises with allies near contested South China Sea shoal

August 28, 2025 | 9:41 pm

The Philippines ended its joint naval drills with Australia and Canada near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Wednesday, signaling tighter defense ties with allies in the contested waters fraught with tension.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on late Wednesday said the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane and Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec passed by Scarborough Shoal, capping off the almost two-week naval exercise that formed part of Exercise ALON (wave) 2025.

The warships began their naval exercise off the coast of Palawan province and sailed northward, the AFP said, coinciding with the Philippines and Australia’s biggest military engagement this year.

“As a key component of Exercise ALON 2025, this engagement reaffirms the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to advancing defense cooperation with like-minded nations,” it said in a statement.

The Philippine military had said the maritime exercises were meant to uphold regional stability in the South China Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea under its controversial nine-dash line — an assertion rejected by the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, whose exclusive econom-ic zones are affected.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, voiding China’s sweeping claims over the contested waters. However, Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling and maintains a heavy presence in disputed areas, including the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

Philippine Colonel Dennis F. Hernandez, executive agent for Exercise ALON, earlier said the maritime exercise is not aimed at any country, and is meant to keep “rules-based international order” in the disputed waters.

The Philippines has increasingly leaned on multinational cooperation to shore up its maritime defenses. It has participated in more frequent joint patrols and multilateral naval exercises in the South China Sea, often alongside US forces and other regional partners.

Multinational military cooperation, once rare in the contested waters, is fast becoming routine. Earlier this year, the Philippines conducted trilateral air and sea patrols with the US and Australia. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

BIR begins work on tax fraud audit of flood contractors

August 28, 2025 | 9:37 pm

PBBM Marcos — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. held a press conference on Monday in Malacañan Palace during the launch of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, which will allow the public to report issues on flood control projects.— PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B PABALATE

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started the paperwork in investigating contractors flagged for irregularities in flood control projects, including Discaya-linked contractors.

“We’ve already issued the memorandum. We’ve conducted the initial steps like issuance of the letters of authority that will start the formal audit process,” Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said in his interview with Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News.

The probe announced this week follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s recent disclosure that 15 contractors cornered approximately P100 billion, or around 20% of the P545-billion flood control budget since 2022.

Among those identified were Omega & Alpha Construction and St. Timothy Construction, both reportedly linked to former Pasig mayoral candidate Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya for alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Asked whether the BIR has started investigating the mentioned firms, Mr. Lumagui said: “Yes, we’ve begun our audit on these companies and on them. So, it’s ongoing. We hope to conclude it as soon as possible.”

The BIR’s audit will prioritize contractors involved in “ghost projects,” those reported as completed but found to be non-existent.

In explaining how the tax fraud audit will go, Mr. Lumagui said it will examine underreported revenues, inflated costs, use of fake invoices, and asset declarations.

“We will coordinate with the government agency involved or all government agencies. We will get all the revenues of these contractors,” he said.

The BIR will also trace all the assets of these companies and even shareholders to counter check their declared income.

Ms. Discaya, who appeared in a lifestyle video showcasing luxury cars and a lavish home, drew public scrutiny following allegations of her firms’ involvement in an anomalous project.

Earlier this week, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced the suspension of District Engineer Abelardo D. Calalo, who allegedly offered around P3.13 million in cash to Batangas Rep. Leandro L. Leviste to dissuade investigations into anomalies in flood control projects.

“As far as BIR is concerned, our main concern is whether these corporations are diligent in paying their taxes. That’s why in the procurement process, tax clearance is a requirement,” he said.

If proven to be involved in evading taxes, contractors will be denied an updated tax clearance, he earlier said.

The updated clearance guarantees that every contractor has no outstanding tax liabilities and has duly filed and paid all applicable taxes.

Failure to present this clearance will result in the suspension of contract settlements and the imposition of a tax line over the contract amount in favor of the government.

Mr. Lumagui also warned against the use of fake tax clearances.

“Some agencies are requesting us for confirmation, and we’ve seen several already that are fake,” he said.

Aside from the BIR, the House of Representatives vowed to investigate alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, warning there would be “no sacred cows.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Marcos reaffirms US ties

August 28, 2025 | 9:31 pm

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. met with United States Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer, along with the US Senate Armed Services Committee Congressional Delegation, during a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on Thursday. -- PPA POOL/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. reaffirmed the country’s alliance with the US as he welcomed visiting American lawmakers in Manila on Thursday, underscoring the deepening defense cooperation amid security challenges in the Asia Pacific.

Mr. Marcos told a delegation led by US Senator Roger Wicker at Malacañang that Manila remains “very willing and very open” to proposals aimed at enhancing bilateral and regional security ties, according to a transcript shared to reporters.

He highlighted Washington’s support for Manila’s military modernization program, which he described as central to addressing evolving external threats.

The Philippine leader added that the partnership extends beyond bilateral efforts, pointing to multilateral arrangements with allies in the region and “even in faraway areas.”

Mr. Wicker said the visit underscored bipartisan support in Washington for stronger ties with Manila, describing the relationship a fast growing one.

The two nations have a nearly 75-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty — Washington’s oldest defense pact in Asia. It obliges both countries to come to each other’s aid if either is attacked by an external armed force. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Tropical Depression Jacinto exits PAR

August 28, 2025 | 9:26 pm

DOST-pagasa — STOCK PHOTO | Image by https://www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

THE PHILIPPINE recorded its fifth tropical depression this August, and the tenth for the year, after the low-pressure area west of Subic Bay developed into Tropical Depression Jacinto, which left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday, the state weather bureau said.

Tropical Depression Jacinto is also strengthened by the southwest monsoon (habagat), which has been battering the country since July.

The center of the tropical depression was estimated at 480 kilometers west of Subic Bay, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

Jacinto is forecasted to slowly consolidate and may reach tropical storm category on Aug. 29 evening.

It is expected to move northwestward towards northern or central Vietnam, where it is likely to make a landfall in Aug. 30 afternoon or evening. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DBM inks deal to expand green spaces

August 28, 2025 | 9:22 pm

DBM — The Department of Budget and Management, led by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, signed memorandum of understanding with government agencies to expand green public spaces across the country, Aug. 28.

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has signed an agreement with government agencies to expand green public spaces across the country.

On Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman signed the memorandum of understanding and orientation implementation of the 2025 Local Government Support Fund-Green Green Green Program in Manila.

“A total of 54 beneficiaries for 2025, and 75 beneficiaries last year. We will have beneficiaries too for 2026,” she told reporters.

This program seeks to support beneficiary provinces, cities, and municipalities in promoting green open spaces and infrastructure, under the Build Better More program.

The government allotted P700 million, charged under the P23-billion Local Government Support Fund in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Launched in 2017, the Green Green Green Program promotes livable and sustainable communities through projects such as bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.

From 2018 to 2021, the DBM funded 391 projects under the initiative.

This will also fund the construction of infrastructure for active mobility such as physically separated bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths and walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.

Among the signatories were Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Romando S. Artes. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

DBP OKs P815-M mass housing loan

August 28, 2025 | 9:19 pm

THE DEVELOPMENT BANK of the Philippines (DBP) has approved an P815-million term loan to a mass housing developer for the construction of three residential buildings in Bulacan.

“DBP’s funding support is consistent with its thrust of promoting social services and community development, as well as to realize the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of providing decent and affordable housing for our countrymen, especially those with limited financial resources,” DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said in a statement on Thursday.

The loan to Bright Homes & Realty Corp. was extended under its credit facility for the 4PH Program (BAHAY-4PH).

“Bright Homes & Realty Corporation is a 30-year-old housing firm and specializes in affordable mass housing development. Its proposed three residential buildings will rise in Sta. Maria, Bulacan and benefit around 900 individuals, primarily from the low and middle-income classes,” DBP said.

Mr. De Jesus said the DBP aims to build one million housing units annually until 2028 through collaborations with relevant housing sector stakeholders.

The state-run lender is also targeting to release P50 billion in loans under the program by the end of 2030.

“DBP will be more aggressive in seeking partners for the BAHAY-4PH program, especially private developers and LGUs, and help expedite the creation of more sustainable and inclusive communities across the country,” he said.

DBP’s net income stood at P2.53 billion as of end-June, down by 33.27% from the same period last year, its financial statement posted on its website showed. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

BARMM youth to get skills training

August 28, 2025 | 9:16 pm

THE British Council and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Education ministry have partnered to roll out the English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) program, which targets adolescent girls aged 13 to 19.

Lotus Postrado, British Council country director for the Philippines, on Wednesday, said BARMM continues to face persistent education challenges for girls despite the region’s rich cultural heritage and vision for peace and development.

“Our EDGE roundtable engaged experts and champions to explore actionable pathways to effect meaningful change for these young girls,” she said.

A 2024 scoping study by the British Council and the National Teachers College identified structural barriers to girls’ education in BARMM, such as lack of school materials, limited job opportunities, inadequate financial aid, insufficient government support, and poor road access to remote schools.

The EDGE program seeks to address these gaps by helping adolescent girls, particularly from marginalized communities, build English proficiency, digital literacy, and life skills to make informed and independent choices.

For his part, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr., Director-General for Basic Education at BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), said the initiative complements the region’s broader education strategy.

He noted that the ministry has been working beyond classrooms, from technical-vocational training programs for women in Sulu to inclusive access policies under the Alternative Learning System.

“Empowerment is holistic, and education is its foundation,” Mr. Salik said. “Programs like EDGE, with its focus on English, digital literacy, and confidence for girls, are well-placed to advance our goals.”

According to the British Council, inputs from the Aug. 28 roundtable are expected to inform future education programs for girls in BARMM, to be implemented by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education in partnership with local governments, national agencies, and partner organizations. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking