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Driving business growth through strategic transformation

Second of two parts

IN BRIEF:

• ​Philippine CEOs are embracing transformation to remain competitive and drive sustainable business growth in an evolving business landscape.

• ​Global disruption, macroeconomic uncertainty, and increasing pressures relating to sustainability are among the critical considerations in the transformation agenda.

• ​CEOs are looking to leverage M&A to accelerate transformation, especially in terms of achieving operational efficiencies and customer-centric innovation.

Tasked with navigating a more complex business landscape in 2025, it is crucial for business leaders to implement bold strategies to effectively steer their organizations toward a clear vision for the future.

In order to provide CEOs with the necessary insights to accomplish this, EY-Parthenon conducted the EY CEO Outlook Pulse survey, which gathers insights from 1,200 CEOs worldwide, including Philippine respondents. The survey explores the ongoing transformations within organizations, driven by executive leadership. In the Philippine edition of the survey, SGV zooms in on the unique perspective provided by CEOs here on their expectations for future growth and long-term value creation in light of the global uncertainties and the country’s current economic conditions, aiming to deliver essential insights into market trends affecting major companies in the Philippines.

In the first part of this article, we discussed the growth of the Philippine economy, its challenges, and the cautious optimism of CEOs as they seek to prioritize strategic initiatives for 2025. This second part will discuss how CEOs are embarking on transformation initiatives to accelerate business advancement, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as a catalyst for growth and transformation.

TRANSFORMING OPERATIONS
Enhancing offerings and operations is crucial for sustainable business growth. With the emergence of digital banking, e-commerce, and AI-powered solutions, traditional business models are also evolving to become increasingly aligned with technological innovation. Furthermore, globalization is driving shifts in consumer behavior and trends in the job market, providing both customers and employees with a broader range of businesses to engage with or patronize.

In light of this, it is essential for companies to refine their strategies in three key areas: customer journey, talent management, and operational optimization. The survey shows that Philippine CEOs prioritize these transformation outcomes for the next 12 months, with 50% emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong customer relations, 46% focusing on enhancing product offerings, 42% prioritizing employee retention, and 40% aiming to optimize operations.

Transformation initiatives that leverage data to deliver more personalized experiences are crucial for driving customer loyalty and expanding customer bases. For example, the shift to omnichannel retail, which offers customers an integrated shopping experience across both physical and digital platforms, has enabled companies to implement more targeted marketing campaigns using data collected from various channels. Similarly, programs that align company culture with employees’ personal value systems enhance retention and productivity. In both instances, companies are increasingly creating pathways to ensure that customers and employees strongly connect with the products and services they provide, thereby securing business growth.

The respondents underscore the significant impact of external uncertainties on effective transformation. Over 60% of Philippine CEOs identify the growing interconnectedness with external stimuli, macroeconomic and policy-related uncertainty, and sustainability pressures as highly pressing trends that may influence their transformation agendas.

Supply chain disruptions, global market volatility, and regulatory changes are also among the challenges that CEOs anticipate in the coming year. Furthermore, there is mounting pressure to adopt and comply with sustainability-related practices as regulations continue to evolve. This includes the implementation of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, the enactment of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS), and advancements in the legislation of the Low Carbon Economy Act. Companies are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, as evidenced by the emergence of the electric vehicle industry and the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Philippine CEOs acknowledge that there is still potential for improvement in implementing effective transformation initiatives. Notably, 60% of CEOs indicate that significant improvements are necessary in building resiliency to address sudden disruptions. Enhancing resiliency by developing roadmaps that are iterative and flexible to accommodate inevitable disruptions will be a key differentiator among successful initiatives.

Moreover, cost-saving measures are regarded as essential for ensuring the sustainability of transformation programs, with 50% of CEOs emphasizing this as an area requiring major improvement. A common strategy to reduce costs involves outsourcing certain functions within transformation initiatives. For instance, strategy advisory services are frequently employed to create efficient programs and expedite delivery. Additionally, operational and IT capabilities that necessitate substantial investment are often outsourced to facilitate the scalability of infrastructure required for transformation.

Among the Philippine CEOs who identified operational optimization and productivity enhancement as their transformation priorities, as much as 73% express strong confidence in achieving these outcomes. Similarly, those who selected sustainability targets, enhancing offerings, improving talent management, and reimagining their business models also maintain a positive outlook, with over 50% indicating they are very confident in reaching these goals. Conversely, 71% of Philippine CEOs prioritizing customer engagement and top-line growth are only moderately confident.

Overall, CEOs demonstrate greater confidence in achieving transformation outcomes that are within their internal organizations. However, when it comes to outcomes heavily reliant on the external market, CEOs exhibit only moderate confidence, reflecting their anticipation of external uncertainties. Despite ranking the improvement of customer engagement and retention as the top priority for transformation initiatives, most CEOs remain only moderately confident in achieving this goal, indicating a need for more robust strategies and clearer metrics to measure progress and success in addressing external uncertainties.

M&A AS A CATALYST FOR GROWTH
As CEOs navigate an era marked by economic pressures, technological disruption, and evolving consumer demands, 94% of leaders envision transaction initiatives as a means to accelerate their transformation journeys.

The Philippines’ robust GDP growth of 5.6% in 2024, coupled with investor-friendly policies targeting high-growth industries such as transportation, renewable energy, and telecommunications, has created a conducive environment for increased M&A activity, with the number of deals rising from 87 in 2023 to 113 by the end of 2024 and positioning the country as a dynamic player in the Asia-Pacific.

This surge was supported by emerging fintech capabilities in the financial services sector, the rise of data hubs in the technology sector, and a shift toward renewable energy in the energy sector. Additionally, improved tax incentives, such as enhanced deductions and value-added tax zero-rating for priority sectors enacted through the CREATE MORE Act implemented in November, are expected to attract more foreign investors, positioning the Philippines as an appealing investment hub.

CEOs are indicating an increased emphasis on M&A and strategic partnerships in the coming year, anticipating that operational efficiency will bolster internal growth. In the Philippines, 60% of CEOs have identified potential M&A transactions, surpassing the global average of 56% and closely aligning with the Asia-Pacific average of 61%. This trend reflects shared regional dynamics driven by economic expansion and investment opportunities.

Divestments, spin-offs, and initial public offerings (IPOs) are also key areas of focus for 52% of CEOs, reflecting their intent to streamline operations and reallocate resources toward transformative initiatives. Similarly, 50% of CEOs anticipate joint ventures or strategic alliances to leverage complementary strengths, enhance operational capabilities, and better respond to evolving customer needs. These strategic actions underscore a commitment to driving efficiency and fostering innovation as businesses adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Looking ahead, CEOs are expected to take a more proactive approach in utilizing M&A to accelerate both operational efficiency and customer-centric innovation. Collaborating with other companies allows businesses to achieve economies of scale, streamline processes, and integrate advanced technologies to enhance cost structures. For example, acquisitions in AI, automation, and cloud computing can significantly boost productivity and efficiency, ultimately leading to improvements in the bottom line.

Simultaneously, M&A allows companies to stay ahead of evolving consumer demands. Through acquisitions, businesses can quickly expand their product offerings, integrate new service models, and enhance customer experiences. Strategic deals in fintech, customer experience platforms, and digital infrastructure illustrate how Philippine companies are leveraging M&A to strengthen their customer propositions. The integration of these strategies will be crucial for driving transformation and achieving long-term growth in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN 2025
As the Philippine economy continues to evolve, corporate leaders must remain agile and forward-thinking to navigate the complexities of the business landscape. The insights gathered from the Philippine edition of the EY CEO Outlook Pulse survey highlight the importance of balancing optimism with strategic decision-making, particularly in the face of both local and global challenges.

By prioritizing investments in technology, embracing M&As, and focusing on enhanced customer engagement and operational efficiency, Philippine CEOs are well-positioned to drive sustainable growth. As they prepare for 2025 and beyond, fostering resilience and adaptability will be key to seizing opportunities and mitigating risks, ultimately ensuring that their organizations thrive.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Noel P. Rabaja is the strategy and transactions leader of SGV & Co.

PHL urged to broker US-ASEAN talks

Workers are seen at a manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna. — PHILIPPINE STAR KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES should leverage its close ties with Washington and act as a broker between the US and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the bloc tries to negotiate for lower reciprocal tariffs under President Donald J. Trump, analysts said.

“Manila can undoubtedly serve as a broker or mediator to facilitate a dialogue between ASEAN and Washington in light of the colossal reciprocal tariffs imposed on ASEAN member states,” Josue Raphael J. Cortez, ASEAN Studies lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“We can leverage our strong bilateral ties with the US to encourage both parties to come into dialogue and discuss how we can collectively navigate these tariffs, which may have nuanced repercussions on our respective economies,” he added.

Mr. Cortez said the Philippines has been active in multilateral diplomacy, having led global discussions on the law of the sea and playing a key role in securing the United Nations’ framework on poverty eradication, which remains in effect through 2027.

Regionally, Manila’s diplomatic credentials date back to its early efforts within ASEAN, including its advocacy during the Cold War to retain Cambodia’s seat in the UN amid the Vietnamese-backed regime during the Khmer Rouge period, he added.

The US imposed steep reciprocal tariffs on several ASEAN member states earlier this month, triggering calls for dialogue.

In ASEAN, Vietnam was slapped the hardest with a 46% reciprocal tariff on its exports to the US, while Singapore had the lowest tariff at 10%. The Philippines was slapped with  a 17% tariff, the second-lowest in the region.

In a meeting last week, ASEAN decided against imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US, opting for diplomatic engagement to address escalating tensions. In a joint statement, ASEAN economic leaders said they would engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the US.

The 10-member bloc, collectively the world’s fifth largest economy, relies heavily on exports as a growth driver.

It emphasized the importance of open communication and collaboration to ensure a balanced and sustainable relationship with the US.

Hours after the reciprocal tariffs took effect on April 9, Mr. Trump imposed a 90-day freeze in all countries except China.

After this, American Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said more than 75 countries contacted the US Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate new tariffs.

Mr. Cortez noted that tariffs are among the tools of modern diplomacy, replacing military power to compel other countries to adhere to something.

“Over-imposition of tariffs may also be a double-edged sword on the part of those imposing it,” he said, citing countries that opt for retaliatory tariffs.

Frederick D. Go, special assistant to the President for investment and economic affairs, last week said the Philippines had reached out to the USTR to negotiate for lower tariffs. He said he would go to Washington for a dialogue.

He also said the Philippines is aiming for a free trade agreement with the US.

The Philippine government kept a cool tone on Mr. Trump’s tariffs, calling the move an opportunity. Mr. Go earlier said the country is in a “semi-good place” since it is one of the lowest-hit countries.

The 17% tariff would only affect 0.1% of the country’s economic output, Mr. Go said, citing the National Economic and Development Authority.

But Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III, co-founder and coordinator at Action for Economic Reforms, said the reciprocal tariffs could also have second-hand effects.

“Unless those steep tariffs are reversed, expect a significant slowdown in the global economy,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber chat. “A global trade war, particularly a clash between giants, is a real war but using different weapons. In this scenario, everyone suffers badly.”

He also said geopolitical conflicts could hit the Philippines given its close alliance with the US.

Under Mr. Trump’s second term, the US escalated its use of tariffs as a central component of trade policy, marking a shift toward protectionism.

Apart from the reciprocal tariffs, he enforced a 10% baseline tariff on almost all imported goods.

Notably, Chinese imports face 145% tariff, intensifying the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.

Senate, House aspirants told to push austerity, protectionist policies

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES for this year’s midterm elections should push austerity measures and policies to improve tax collection once elected to help cut Philippine debt and narrow its budget deficit, economists said.

These involve economic policies that seek to plug the budget gap through spending cuts, tax hikes, or both.

“There is a need for tax and fiscal reform measures to narrow the budget deficit and bring down the National Government’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio to below the international threshold of 60% to make fiscal and debt management sustainable over the long-term,” Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a Viber message.

The Philippine government’s outstanding debt climbed to a record P16.63 trillion in February, up 1.96% from a month earlier, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.

Debt as a share of GDP edged up to 60.7% by end-2024 from 60.1% a year ago, slightly higher than the threshold considered manageable by multilateral lenders for developing economies such as the Philippines.

The country’s budget deficit rose 4.11% to P171.4 billion in February a year earlier.

Mr. Ricafort said candidates should look at broadening the government’s tax base by exploring taxes on sugary beverages and single-use plastics, while also considering measures to boost taxes.

“At the very least, [there should be policies] that could intensify tax collections… and run after tax cheats to improve overall tax payments,” he said.

Candidates should also come up with policies that would help propel the Philippines toward becoming an upper-middle income country, such as policies that address “short-term inflation concerns, long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth,” said John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

An upper middle-income status means having an income per capita of $4,516 to $14,005, according to the World Bank.

“The 2025 midterm elections will be crucial in shaping the Philippines’ economic trajectory, as policymakers will need to continuously address post-pandemic recovery, global uncertainties, long-standing structural issues and aspirations to achieve its upper middle-income status,” Mr. Rivera said in a Viber message.

He added that candidates should consider policies to streamline investments in human capital development, helping the country maximize its demographic dividend by having more productive working-age Filipinos.

The Philippines’ human capital indicators are “lackluster” compared with other countries, the World Bank said in a report in June 2024. A Filipino child could only achieve half of their productive potential by the time they reach 18 years, it said.

Candidates should also consider protectionist trade policies, such as foreign investment regulations and support for local companies to boost domestic industries, said Jose Enrique A. Africa, executive director at think-tank Ibon Foundation.

“Candidates should have concrete programs for… rural development, national industrialization and long-term technological and economic development,” he said in a Viber message.

“The policy tool box for this should include trade protection, foreign investment regulation and meaningful domestic subsidies, financing and other support,” he added.

He said the Philippines’ inclination toward “free market policies” had led to stunted growth. “This made the Philippine economy over-reliant on low productivity services, overseas work and remittances and debt-driven infrastructure to attract foreign investment.”

Millions of Filipinos will pick a new set of congressmen, 12 of the 24-member Senate and thousands of local officials on May 12.

Philippines starts internet voting for Pinoys overseas

PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

THE PHILIPPINES started its overseas internet voting period on Sunday, after finishing a test voting phase for the May 12 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

In a statement on Sunday, Comelec spokesman John Rex C. Laudiangco said the test period from March 20 to April 12 was held to allow registered overseas voters to familiarize themselves with the online voting and counting system.

The test validated the system’s accuracy, with all test ballots recorded and counted correctly through an election verifier system, he added.

Internet voting for overseas Filipinos started at 8 a.m. on Sunday in each participating country, with the first ballots cast in Wellington, New Zealand (4 a.m. Manila time).

The voting window will remain open until 7 p.m. Manila time on May 12, aligning with the close of voting in the Philippines for the 2025 national and local elections.

Voting is staggered across 17 global time zones, covering more than 90 foreign posts, including Philippine embassies and consulates across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Notable early-start locations were Australia and Guam (6 a.m. Manila time), Japan and Korea (7 a.m.) and Hong Kong, Singapore, and other GMT+8 nations (8 a.m.).

Election Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia told reporters in a Viber chat six voters had cast their ballots at Comelec’s Singapore kiosk within the first 10 minutes of opening.

He said Comelec had approved more than 57,500 local absentee voters and denied over 14,600.

More than 1.6 million Filipinos abroad are registered to vote in the 2025 elections. Seventy-seven diplomatic posts will conduct internet voting, Comelec earlier said.

Filipinos will pick a new set of congressmen, 12 of the 24-member Senate and thousands of local government officials. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL told to establish self-reliant defense program amid VFA talks with France

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government should prioritize building a self-reliant defense program amid growing tension in the South China Sea, an analyst said, as Manila begins talks on a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with Paris.

“The Marcos administration shouldn’t lose sight of the primary goal and that is to establish a self-reliant defense posture. These defense alliances are merely components of this initiative,” Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a fellow at the Ateneo de Manila Policy Center, said via Messenger chat.

“They are critical to the overall objective, but they shouldn’t be treated as foundational elements of our national defense strategy.”

Last month, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved the start of a negotiations between the Philippines and France to enter into a VFA.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel on Friday said that formal communication is yet to be received, however, it stands ready to start negotiations with Manila.

“We haven’t been officially informed of that so far, so we are still waiting for the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of National Defense (DND) to come back to us,” Ms. Fontanel told reporters at the ambassador’s residence.

“We now have to set the schedule for the first round of negotiations,” Ms. Fontanel said.

She added that France has already submitted the first draft of the agreement last October 2023, followed by the signing of a letter of intent between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu in December 2023.

The letter aimed to create a stronger defense partnership, which include strategic training and industrial cooperation.

The Philippine government has been seeking more foreign defense deals with countries like the US, Japan, Australia and Canada amid its ongoing sea dispute with China.

Philippine forces have repeatedly sparred with Chinese ships and aircraft in the South China Sea over competing claims on Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, among other sea features.

A United Nations-backed tribunal based in The Hague in 2016 voided China’s claim to more than 80% of the South China Sea, where more than $3 trillion worth of trade passes through each year, for being illegal.

Mr. Teodoro said in March that defense talks with two new countries have progressed, with the government expected to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with New Zealand in April, while its VFA negotiations with Canada nears conclusion.

Mr. Yusingco said that a VFA with France will particularly bolster the Philippines’ naval capacity, among other war skills but noted that “it cannot be relied upon as the end-all of our national defense build-up.”

Don Mclain Gill, who teaches international relations at De La Salle University in Manila, said there is a convergence between France and the Philippine in maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific, particularly its maritime domain.

“When it comes to securing its own interests in the region (France) would need to work closer with countries that also share the same interests, perceptions, and objectives, and of course, the Philippines comes first in line,” Mr. Gill said via Messenger chat.

He added that a VFA with France would speed up the pursuit of joint military preparedness in the region.

“There have also been indicators that France was willing to increase its interoperability and maritime defense cooperation with the Philippines as we have seen it joined the Balikatan for the first time last year. Of course, it has been increasing its maritime engagements with us within the broader Western Pacific,” Mr. Gill said.

Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said that Manila can benefit from France’s submarines and aircrafts.

If the defense partnership would push through, “France will be the first European power to hedge with an emergent middle power from Southeast Asia,” he said in a Facebook messenger chat.

“With the elevated strategic partnership of France with the Philippines, the synergy of maritime rules-based order will keep peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region as the two militaries from Western Europe and Southeast Asia will forge for greater collaboration in maintaining defense diplomacy and cooperation in this part of the world,” Mr. Cabalza added.

Support for chip companies urged

Semiconductor chips are seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken Feb. 17, 2023. — REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINE government should provide support to multinational semiconductor companies operating locally to capitalize on US President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies, allowing the country to position itself as an alternative to skip higher duties elsewhere and attract others to set up shop, a congressman said on Sunday.

There are 10 international electronics and semiconductor companies already in the country that the government could support to further expand their operations domestically, House of Representatives Minority Leader and Party-List Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan said.

He did not detail what support the government should provide to electronic companies.

“These companies already have the infrastructure and workforce to quickly scale up,” he said in a statement. “We should support their growth and attract more players during this pivotal period.”

Mr. Trump in early April introduced sweeping tariffs targeting most US trading partners, a move that sent global markets teetering and posed a threat to established trade relations.

The Republican leader last Wednesday walked back on his hefty tariffs, announcing a 90-day pause on higher import duties. Most countries, except China, will face a blanket 10% duty until July.

The government should make the most out of the tariff pause by negotiating lower tariffs with the US while looking for other export markets, said Mr. Libanan. The Philippines was slapped with a 17% tariff, which is among the lowest in the region, only second to Singapore’s baseline rate of 10%.

The US had slapped Southeast Asian countries with some of the highest tariffs. Cambodia is facing a 49% tariff, followed by Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%), Myanmar (44%), Thailand (36%), Indonesia (32%), Malaysia (24%), and Brunei (24%).

“These numbers show why multinational manufacturers may seriously consider relocating operations to the Philippines,” Mr. Libanan said.

“We’re looking at a rare opportunity to position ourselves as a low-cost, reliable export hub for the US market — especially in semiconductors and electronics,” he added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Schools asked: Implement GMRC law

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A PHILIPPINE senator on Sunday called on local schools to fully implement Republic Act No. 11476, the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Value Education Act (GMRC) to avoid further incidents of violence in schools.

“We cannot wait for more student deaths before we implement the interventions available to us, including the Good Manners and Right Conduct and the Values Education Act,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement, following a stabbing incident in a Las Piñas public school last week.

Earlier, Mr. Gatchalian, who heads the Senate Committee on Basic Education, urged the Department of Education to effectively enforce preventive measures against bullying and violence in local schools.

He added that local government units should be mobilized to implement the Parent Effectiveness Service Program so that students are shaped “to be good and responsible citizens.”

Las Piñas City Police on Friday reported the fatal stabbing incident of two 15-year-old high school students, following an argument with their fellow classmates.

“This is beyond alarming — it is a clear sign of a crisis… When violence becomes the language of our youth, we must confront the hard truth: we are failing in our duty to raise a generation grounded in discipline and respect,” Mr. Gatchalian said. — Adrian H. Halili

Baguio charter veto draws criticisms

BAGUIO CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s move to veto amendments to the revised Baguio City charter is receiving varied criticisms.

The Committee on Public Protection and Safety, Peace and Order, and the Committee on Laws, Human Rights and Justice Chairperson Jose M. Molintas said the proposed bill is seeking the correction of three sections only.

He said that House Bill No. 7406 is proposing to remove the section requiring that the city’s ordinances be reviewed by the Benguet Provincial Board, the exclusion of Camp John Hay Management from the city’s special land committee, and the repeal of section 55 expanding Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) land area.

The revised Baguio Charter which replaced the original 1909 Charter lapsed into law in 2022.

Councilor Isabelo Cosalan said that it is a missed opportunity as House Bill 7406 is not just for legal corrections, but for real progress.

He said it was a crucial step toward correcting clear and harmful provisions in the existing charter. He stressed that the charter is the legal foundation of how Baguio functions and grows.

“If the foundation is flawed, everything we try to build on top of it is put at risk,” he said.

Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara said the recent veto is “deeply disappointing” especially for the people who have fought for a charter that truly reflects Baguio’s autonomy, identity, and historical justice.

She added that the city charter “needs to be polished in a way that fully represents the voice of Baguio’s people, protects the land and indigenous rights, secures its people’s autonomy, and sets a clearer direction for the city’s future.” — Artemio A. Dumlao

BARMM generates P3.2-B investments in three months

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Investors had poured in from January to March this year with P3.2 billion worth of capital for various business ventures in the Bangsamoro region, surpassing the regional government’s target of only P3 billion for the whole year.

Mohammad O. Pasigan, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Regional Board of Investments (BRBOI), and the region’s chief minister, Abdulrauf A. Macacua, separately told reporters on Sunday that the P3.2 billion worth capital inputs are earmarked for agriculture and agribusiness projects, including large-scale propagation of bamboos and abaca.

The BRBOI had approved in recent weeks the investment proposals by capitalists from outside of the autonomous region.

Mr. Pasigan and the entrepreneur-lawyer Ronald Hallid D. Torres, chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council, separately said they are also gladly anticipating the establishment of a modern hospital in Marawi City. — John Felix M. Unson

Cops seize P2-M drugs in Cotabato City operation

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Non-uniformed policemen seized P2 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from four male peddlers entrapped in Barangay Rosary Heights 5 in this city on Sunday.

The suspects were immediately detained by plainclothes policemen, led by Lt. Col. Esmael A. Madin, during the tradeoff.

Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters that the entrapment operation was first by laid by Mr. Madin and his subordinate-policemen in Barangay Simuay in nearby Sultan Kudarat, but was done in Barangay Rosary Heights 5 in Cotabato City instead after the suspects requested to meet them there.

Mr. Macapaz said Mr. Madin and Cotabato City’s police director, Col. Jibin Bongcayao, cooperated in overseeing the operation, planned with the help of confidential informants aware of the large-scale peddling of shabu by the suspects in different barangays in Cotabato City and in towns around.

One of the four detained suspects, an adolescent, will be turned over to the Cotabato City Social Welfare Office, according to Mr. Macapaz. — John Felix M. Unson

PHL Ciron and Trupa top the duathlon event in Vietnam

THE PHILIPPINES’ John Patrick Ciron and Merry Joy Trupa defied the odds and struck gold in the duathlon event of the 2025 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup and National Championships at the Tam Chuc Complex in Vietnam.

Ranked only 75th in the world, Mr. Ciron came through with a race to remember and topped the five-kilometer (km) run, 30km bike and 5km run event in an hour, a minute and 30 seconds to claim the triumph.

Mr. Ciron, who was 11th in last February’s Asian Duathlon Championships in Manama, Bahrain, ended up a minute and a second clear of heavy favorite Vietnamese Pam Tien San, the Hanoi and Phnom Penh Southeast Asian Games duathlon gold winner, who settled for the silver.

Indonesian Parth Sachin Mirage took the bronze.

Also coming through was Ms. Trupa, who finished second in 1:01:14 after Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tuy Van, who was 41 seconds faster, was disqualified due to the latter’s failure to serve her penalty for her infraction during the race.

Singaporeans Louisa Marie Middleditch and Rachel Hew ended up pocketing the silver and bronze with times of 1:04:19 and 1:05:01, respectively.

It was a fitting result for Ms. Trupa, who earned a ticket last February to the World Games set for Aug. 5 to 17 in Chengdu, China alongside Filipino triathletes Kim Mangrobang and Franklin Yee.

The team was supported by Go for Gold. — Joey Villar

PLDT, Smart join forces with MVP Group, public sector for Makabansa Basketball League Season 3

BASKETBALL ACTION never ends as the Makabansa Basketball League returns for its third season featuring teams from public and private sectors.

PLDT, Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are joining forces with the rest of the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP)-led businesses, ACEN, and government agencies for the third season of the Makabansa Basketball League (MBL).

Themed “Kapit-bisig,” MBL Season 3 features 14 teams from both the public and private sectors. Notable participants from the public sector include the Office of the President, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Energy, General Trias LGU, Office of the Solicitor General, and the Philippine National Police. The private sector will be represented by leading companies such as ACEN, Meralco, Metro Pacific Tollways, and PLDT. Smart is among the sponsors of the event, along with other notable brands.

Present at the opening ceremonies were Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, private sector executives and representatives, Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Atty. Mike Toledo, and athletes such as Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze Medalist Aira Villegas, Team Gilas Alumni, among others.

Jude Turcuato, head of sports at PLDT and Smart, expressed his enthusiasm for the league, stating, “Sports have a unique ability to unite people from different walks of life. The Makabansa Basketball League exemplifies how the public and private sectors can collaborate to promote teamwork, camaraderie, and nation-building. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to a season filled with exciting games and meaningful connections.”

One of the highlights of the season will be the All-Star Weekend, featuring an Executive All-Star game between teams Magiting and Matapang, along with various side events such as Zumba for the ladies, clinics for children, and 3×3 games for teenagers. During the first game-day of the season, PLDT played against the Department of Energy led by Senator Joel Villanueva. Basketball fans can catch the tournaments streamed live on Smart Sports Facebook and PusoP.com.

MBL Season 3 will also emphasize community engagement, with the champion team granting a chosen barangay court to be painted with the Makabansa logo and distributing gifts to children. This initiative underscores the league’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering a sense of unity and pride.

All these initiatives highlight PLDT and Smart’s continuing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. It also aligns with PLDT’s broader goal to pursue partnerships and boost opportunities among Filipino communities, leaving no one behind.

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