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Questions to ask during the ‘stay’ interview

My boss asked me for a meeting to discuss my current projects. This is unusual. He’s not a micromanager and I love his management style. The trouble is my low pay and perks. I wonder if he knows about my plan to leave the company. — Indigo Reef.

​Maybe. He may have received some news about your plan from the grapevine, if you talked about it with your work colleagues. Or your boss may have been assisted by a friendly headhunter to trick you with a lucrative job elsewhere. And you’re the only one who would know that. 

​Aside from those, there are many ways to know about your career plans.

​How would you handle the situation if he asks you to stay? In your case, it’s unusual because your manager is not a micromanager, and you genuinely appreciate his leadership style. So why the sudden one-on-one?

​Naturally, your mind races to some lingering concerns — especially when you think about your dissatisfaction with your compensation. The possibility of the boss knowing your plan adds a layer of tension. Now, would you be honest or offer a tactful white lie to keep options open?

​Navigating this delicate conversation requires balancing transparency with strategy, weighing your loyalty and career ambitions against the realities of compensation and growth. It’s a test not just of negotiation, but of emotional intelligence in action.

​Therefore, be prepared to answer questions, assuming this is a “stay” interview. A “stay” interview is the opposite of an exit interview. If your boss is truly worth his salt, he would know what motivates you to stay.

​Of course, it’s not as simple as that. You should ask thoughtful questions about the progression of your career. If you’re prepared, such a meeting could be an excellent career conversation.

THE BEST QUESTIONS TO ASK
​A “stay” interview is a rare opportunity for employees to pause, reflect, and have an honest conversation with their boss on what keeps them motivated — and what might drive them away. More often than not, a “stay” interview is the best time to discuss compensation.

​Unlike exit interviews, which happen when it’s too late, “stay” interviews focus on engagement and retention. The key is asking the right questions: What challenges can be removed? What opportunities exist for growth, recognition, or skill development? How does your manager see your future in the company? 

​By framing thoughtful questions, employees can uncover actionable insights, strengthen trust, and potentially reshape their work experience — sometimes even improving pay, perks, or responsibilities without changing jobs and while preserving seniority rights.

​Here are some exploratory questions you can ask your boss during a “stay” interview:

​One, performance expectations. This is first on your meeting agenda. Be ready to update the manager on the status of your projects. Review the performance standards and timelines. Ask: “What is needed so I can improve my performance the most?”

​Two, work satisfaction. Find out from the boss how satisfied or dissatisfied he is. Ask: “Which parts of my work do you think add the most value to the team and the whole organization? Are there projects where you think I could contribute more?”

​Three, support and resources. If you’re missing out on certain requirements of the job, then find out those other expectations. Ask: “What support can the organization provide to help me perform better? Are there training programs or learning opportunities you can recommend?”

​Four, organizational direction. You can expect a broad answer from your boss as there could be things that may not be suited for everyone’s consumption. Instead, ask: “Where do you see our team or department in the next two years? How can I best contribute to that direction?”

​Five, career direction. The answer to number four above could give you ideas about your career track. Ask: “What opportunities do you foresee for my growth in this organization? What skills should I develop if I want to take on bigger responsibilities?”​

​Six, communication process. Your boss initiated the meeting. That’s a good sign. But ask this question anyway: “How can we improve our communication and feedback process? How often do you want updates?”

ASKING FOR A RAISE
The above questions may appear intimidating to your boss. Better if you can focus on two to three thoughtful questions, not a dozen. If you do, ensure that you ask them towards the end of the meeting. If not, as soon as the boss asks you if you have questions.

​Asking for a raise can feel awkward. The key is preparation, timing, and a calm, professional approach. If that “stay” interview proved to be well timed, for example when you’ve already proven your worth, then don’t hesitate to ask for a raise while diplomatically touting your track record.

 

Participate in Rey Elbo’s public workshop on “Smart Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Employees” on April 17, 2026 at The Ascott, Glorietta 4, Makati City. For details or registration, send message via https://reyelbo.com/contact-us.

Cannes Film Festival will award Barbra Streisand honorary Palme d’Or

BARBRA STREISAND in the 1991 film The Prince of Tides.

PARIS — Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress and filmmaker Barbra Streisand will be awarded the honorary Palme d’Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival later this year, the organizers said on Wednesday.

Over her six-decade career, Ms. Streisand has starred in celebrated films including Funny Girl (1969), The Way We Were (1973), and Yentl (1983), which she also directed and produced, and has won two Academy Awards and 10 Grammy Awards, among other honors.

“Barbra Streisand has reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry like no one before her. But this staggering record pales in comparison to her influence on pop culture in the second half of the 20th century,” the organizers said in a statement.

Award-winning Korean director Park Chan-wook will preside over the jury of this year’s film festival in May. — Reuters

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 12, 2026

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

ADB: Targeted fuel subsidies preferred over excise tax cuts

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

TARGETED ASSISTANCE for the segments of society deemed vulnerable to oil price volatility will likely be more beneficial for the Philippines than suspending or reducing excise taxes on fuel, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said.

“I imagine that greater targeting of the assistance would be better than a blanket reduction in excise tax, because if you reduce the excise tax, rich people with lots of cars would benefit more, whereas you could have provided, say, income or food subsidies for the more vulnerable,” ADB Lead Economist for Southeast Asia James P. Villafuerte said at a briefing on Thursday.

He added that effectively reading the cost of fuel sends the “wrong signal” because “gasoline pollutes.”

The government said it will release P5,000 worth of fuel subsidies for the public transport sector starting next week.

A measure seeking to grant President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. the authority to reduce or suspend the excise tax on fuel is awaiting third reading at the House of Representatives.

Fuel prices have spiked after the US and Israel attacked Iran, which sits on the north shore of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in heavy use by tankers carrying Middle Eastern crude oil.

On Tuesday, Philippine fuel retailers raised gasoline prices by between P7 and P13 per liter, diesel by between P17.50 and P23, and kerosene by between P32 and P36.

The Department of Energy has said that pump prices are expected to climb further due to the uncertainty that continues to hang over the supply of Persian Gulf oil.

Mr. Villafuerte also noted that the high price of petroleum-based fuel may drive demand for electric vehicles (EV) in the Philippines.

“I think… most people will probably begin to really think about either hybrid or EV because of the price of gasoline,” he said, adding that the Iran crisis may end up conditioning the public to “get comfortable (with crude prices of) $200 per barrel,” he said.

Mr. Villafuerte noted that the shift to EVs or hybrid cars has lagged adoption rates in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

Separately, the ADB called the “green transition” a “moral imperative” and “strategic opportunity” for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, especially those vulnerable to climate risks.

“By aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity, ASEAN can transform its development model to one that is future-proof, resilient, and inclusive,” the ADB said in a report published on Thursday.

“The green economy transition is not only a moral imperative but a strategic opportunity to drive innovation, build climate-resilient economies, and reduce systemic inequalities,” it added.

According to the ADB, the green transition could also help the region’s green economy generate up to $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 and create 30 million jobs.

Agricultural trade deficit widens 2.2% in January

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE DEFICIT in the agricultural goods trade in January widened 2.2% year on year to $1.03 billion, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said that the year-earlier deficit had contracted by 1.4%.

Agricultural exports in January declined 1.3% year on year to $706.41 million, accounting for 10% of total exports. As a share of the $2.44 billion in two-way trade in farm products, exports accounted for 28.91%.

Imports of agricultural commodities in January rose 0.7% year on year to $1.74 billion, accounting for 15.6% of overall farm imports.

Two-way agricultural trade in January grew 0.2% year on year.

The PSA said exports of edible fruit and nuts, including peels of citrus fruit and melons, grew 21% year on year to $235.02 million in January, accounting for 33.3% of agricultural exports.

Exports of animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; and animal or vegetable waxes declined 16.4% year on year to $220.63 million in January, accounting for 31.23% of agricultural exports.

Agricultural shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in January hit $57.43 million, with top buyer Malaysia accounting for $16.88 million or 29.39% of the total.

Exports to the Netherlands, the Philippines’ top destination for agricultural commodities in the European Union (EU), amounted to $118.07 million or 75.07% of Philippine agricultural exports to the region.

Among the major commodity groups, cereals accounted for the largest share of agricultural imports in January, totaling $412.69 million or 23.8%.

The value of cereal imports surged 25.5% in January, following the resumption of rice imports after a four-month ban that started in September.

Vietnam was the leading supplier of agricultural products to the Philippines within ASEAN, accounting for $211.39 million or 33.32% of farm imports from the region.

The top agricultural goods imported from ASEAN were cereals and animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils, and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; and animal or vegetable waxes.

Within the EU, Spain remains the Philippines’ top supplier of agricultural commodities, with imports valued at $40.27 million, or 25.94% of shipments from the region.

The top agricultural commodities from the EU were meat and edible meat offal. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

ASEAN retreat to focus on minimizing trade frictions

REUTERS

THE upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers Retreat will tackle minimizing trade barriers as a response to the ongoing fuel crisis and the uncertain global trade environment, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

“It is important that our actions, responses to the ongoing conflicts must be synchronized so that we work together to address these challenges,” Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said at a briefing late Thursday.

“We cannot afford to have a separate approach in addressing this conflict.”

The 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat will take place on March 13 in Taguig City.

The meetings will focus on ensuring that the ASEAN supply chain remains free of disruption and open for trade and investment.

Mr. Gepty noted that policy measures that ASEAN will adopt should align with the regional economic integration agenda.

ASEAN states “must avoid measures that will be considered… non-tariff or trade barriers,” he added.

Mr. Gepty noted that geopolitical uncertainty or international emergencies often push countries to adopt measures that prioritize their domestic needs.

“As much as possible, we have to refrain from adopting and implementing measures that will restrict trade in the process,” he said.  “We have to make sure that the supply chain, particularly for energy, food, and other vital sectors, remains intact.”

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Philippine exports to ASEAN grew 1.2% year on year in January to P966 million.

Over that period, imports from elsewhere in the bloc declined 8.9% to P2.77 billion.

The regional bloc’s core principles point to the need to take a common stance to crises like the war in Iran, Mr. Gepty said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

IMF to assist PHL in achieving integration with ASEAN region

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S. — REUTERS

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it will continue to assist the Philippines in deepening its integration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

At a meeting with the Department of Finance (DoF), IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said it will continue to provide policy insights and technical assistance to strengthen economic cooperation with the rest of ASEAN.

The DoF said in a social media post on Thursday that at the meeting, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go highlighted the government efforts in improving the business environment to enable private-sector growth.

He also discussed the continued digitalization of government services, noting that the national digital ID system has now registered around 95 million citizens. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

PHL to access P182B in foreign agri loans, grants

DPWH.GOV.PH

THE PHILIPPINES can tap the equivalent of P182.06 billion in grants and loans over the short term from foreign governments and multilateral organizations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

The DA said currently available assistance includes P177.61 billion in loans and P4.44 billion in grants, covering 19 projects.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel V. de Mesa said that while the DA has long been receiving foreign assistance, the current packages are among the largest it has obtained in recent years.

“The good thing is that the international community is really supportive of the agriculture agenda, and they are building their trust in the Philippine government,” he said at a briefing.

Mr. De Mesa said most of the projects will commence this year, with some expected to start in 2027.

Among the major items is the Philippines Sustainable Agri-Transformation (PSAT) project, funded through a $1-billion loan from the World Bank. PSAT also has a grant component of $24.5 million for the Transformation Agricultural Support Project.

PSAT is a series of programs intended to support farm productivity, crop diversification, climate resilience, and efficiency in the use of public resources, according to the World Bank.

“The project has already received special authority from the President and is set for World Bank Board approval on March 27,” Mr. De Mesa said.

The DA said farming will also benefit from the Philippine Solar-Powered Irrigation Project, funded by $500 million in loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and additional support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The DA also recently announced that the Philippines and France are set to sign a €350-million loan agreement to finance the construction of 300 modular bridges.

The DA said the project will improve agricultural logistics and complement the ongoing construction of farm-to-market roads nationwide.

Another major project is the Improving MSME Access to Finance and Resilience to Climate Shock (PRIME) initiative, supported by a $350-million World Bank loan and a $7.5-million grant from the Global Shield Financing Facility.

The World Bank’s PRIME project aims to expand credit facilities for agri-micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and fisherfolk. It also aims to support the establishment of the Philippines’ first agricultural co-insurance pool.

Other projects include the Agricultural Investment Preparation Facility, a $140-million loan from the ADB.

“The $140 million will help us prepare three big projects involving ports, pipe irrigation system, and aquaculture support infrastructure,” Mr. De Mesa said.

The DA also obtained in February a ¥1.7-billion grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a rice processing system to be constructed this year in Cauayan, Isabela.

The DA also received a $1.5-million grant from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for the Transport Connectivity and Logistics Improvement Project, for which aid will later expand to a $500-million project that will include ports, warehouses, and cold storage facilities.

Mr. De Mesa said the inflow of foreign grants and loans reflects strong confidence in the government’s agricultural policies.

“The administration has announced that agriculture is important to the overall economy. International partners have also seen that the agenda of the Agriculture Secretary and the President is aligned with the priorities of the global community,” he added. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Nat’l Trade Fair generates P129M in sales leads

FACEBOOK.COM/DTI.PHILIPPINES

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said its flagship National Trade Fair in February generated P129.68 million in actual sales and sales leads for the fair’s small-business exhibitors.

In a statement on Thursday, DTI said the tally covers direct cash purchases, booked orders, and ongoing business deals negotiated during the event, which drew 15,103 visitors.

The exhibitors totaled 335 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which showcased eco-friendly, design-driven, and high-value products.

“For many participating MSMEs, the fair served as a vital testing ground for new ideas before they expand to larger markets,” the DTI said.

The fair also held workshops on digital tools, shipping for export, and eco-friendly production.

Its “Show & Tell” product demonstrations and fashion showcases also provided entrepreneurs an opportunity to receive direct feedback to help increase the competitiveness of their products.

The Business Connect Lounge also hosted meetings between sellers and large corporate buyers.

“These talks focused on long-term supply deals that will help small businesses stay active even after the fair ends,” the DTI said.

The Trade department has said it is planning 15 trade fairs in Metro Manila this year.

The DTI’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP will hold a series of regional and themed fairs this year, it said.

OTOP refers to the One Town, One Project program, a bid to get municipalities to specialize in products distinctive to their areas.

In 2025, DTI trade fairs generated over P660-million cash sales, confirmed orders, and ongoing negotiations. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Trade dep’t sees tax deal with Cambodia boosting service exporters’ competitiveness

REUTERS/CINDY LIU/FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said a tax treaty with Cambodia is expected to boost the competitiveness of the service sector by removing the burden double taxation.

“This agreement establishes a stable, rules-based framework that encourages market entry and strengthens business confidence abroad,” Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte, the export marketing bureau director, told a Senate hearing.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is evaluating the Philippines and Cambodia Double Taxation Agreement (DTA), which seeks to eliminate double taxation on income, ease tax burdens, and increase investment.

“This makes our service fees and contracts more affordable, boosting the competitiveness of our service providers,” she added.

Senator Erwin T. Tulfo, who heads the committee, said the chamber must first determine the potential benefits for the agreement before sponsoring the treaty at the Senate Plenary level.

“I want to know, what exactly, we get out of this,” he said.

Ms. Sykimte said the agreement means Philippine information technology outsourcing companies providing software support to Cambodian clients will now have to pay only a 10% withholding tax on technical services.

She added that engineering and construction companies will not be considered a taxable permanent establishment unless the project lasts for more than six months, “reducing tax exposure for short-term projects.”

Creative industries and franchises licensing or expanding to Cambodia would have to pay only 15% on their royalties.

(This will make) our intellectual property licensing and brand expansion more financially viable,” Ms. Sykimte added.

Finance Assistant Secretary Euvimil Nina R. Asuncion said the agreement will also ease the income tax burden of overseas Filipino workers stationed in Cambodia.

“Instead of Cambodia taxing them up to 20%, they can now only tax them up to 10%,” she added noting that tax breaks also include Filipinos rendering technical services.

There are about 7,000 Filipino workers in Cambodia, and at least 13 companies operating there.

Manila and Phnom Penh signed the agreement in February last year to reduce fiscal barriers and stimulate bilateral trade and investment. — Adrian H. Halili

Palay farmgate price rises 10.4% in February

PHILIPPINE STAR/ KJ ROSALES

THE farmgate price of dry palay (unmilled rice) rose 10.4% year on year in February to a national average of P22.47 per kilo, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), citing preliminary data.

The highest farmgate price for dry palay in February was reported in the Cagayan Valley at P28.12 per kilo, up 44.3% from a year earlier. The year-on-year growth in palay prices in the region was also the fastest on record for February.

The lowest average farmgate price in February was recorded in the Caraga region at P17.96, down 13.2% from a year earlier. The decline in the region’s average palay price was the fastest on record for the month.

In Central Luzon, the country’s top rice-producing region, the average farmgate price of dry palay was P25.86 per kilo, up 32.9% from a year earlier.

In a separate report, the PSA said palay production is projected to fall 7.1% year-on-year to 4.36 million metric tons (MT) in the first quarter, based on standing crops as of Feb. 1.

This projection for palay would represent a 1.9% downgrade from its January estimate of 4.45 million MT.

Corn output is also projected to decrease 3.4% year on year to 2.32 million MT in the first quarter, based on standing crops as of Feb. 1.

The corn projection is a 1.7% downgrade from the January estimate of 2.36 million MT. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Fisherfolk enrollment in parametric insurance scheme tops 11,000 across 5 provinces

LARGE WAVES can be seen at Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte, due to Super Typhoon Pepito, Nov. 17, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) said it enrolled more than 11,000 municipal fisherfolk in its weather index-based parametric insurance program and is looking to expand the initiative to more coastal communities after its first year.

The program, launched in November in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Rare Philippines, provides insurance protection to small-scale fishers whose livelihoods are often disrupted by hazardous weather conditions.

Parametric insurance releases payouts to policyholders once weather indicators reach agreed-upon triggers, with claims not delayed by the traditional damage inspection process.

Arvin Jasper R. Adan, acting manager of PCIC’s Actuarial Research and Product Valuation Department, said the program’s initial rollout has a target of 14,000 sign-ups.

“The policyholders are between 11,000 and 12,000 fisherfolk registered under BFAR’s FishR system,” Mr. Adan told reporters. “The program is currently available in Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, and Negros Oriental.”

The PCIC said insurance premiums are paid for by BFAR, making the coverage effectively free for participating fisherfolk. Mr. Adan said the bureau allocated around P10 million for the program.

“Each insured fisher is entitled to an indemnity of about $100, or roughly P5,000, per policy cycle. The coverage period for the insurance is one year,” he said.

“For the project, we have three parameters — wind speed, wave height, and rainfall. It was determined using 30 years of historical data,” Mr. Adan said.

PCIC said the parametric design enables faster and more transparent compensation when hazardous weather prevents sea voyages.

“Payments are released to digital wallets or checks, allowing immediate relief without lengthy claims investigations,” the PCIC has said.

It said no payouts have been triggered since the program’s launch, as recent weather events have not met the thresholds required for indemnity.

“All three parameters must reach the trigger level. It cannot be just high waves — the payout requires a combination of all three indicators. That is why, as of now, there have still been no payouts,” Mr. Adan said.

The PCIC said the program has only been running for a few months, and severe storms have yet to occur during the period.

The PCIC also said it is open to reviewing and possibly adjusting the trigger levels based on the results of the program’s initial run. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

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