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Moringa: Your natural ally to long-term wellness

L-R: Marklene Fabricate Corp. Plant Manager Helen Nebril and health expert Isabel Nieto

“Health is not just a blessing — it’s the foundation of everything else.”

This quote sounds true and relevant in today’s modern living. It’s a good reminder that we should invest in our health with healthy foods and essential supplements to boost immunity.

Speaking of healthy foods, Moringa, or locally known as Malunggay, is rich in essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains beta-carotene, protein, antioxidants, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help the body stay strong against illness. It is also known around the world as the “Miracle Tree” for its unmatched nutritional value.

Fortunately, there is Moringa VITA — a food supplement that provides concentrated nutrition in a simple and convenient form. There are no fillers, no shortcuts — only pure Malunggay, carefully prepared to preserve its potency.

Marklene Fabricate Corp. Plant Manager Helen Grace Nebril and health expert Isabel Nieto discussed the health benefits of Moringa during the product presentation, which was attended by select media and mom influencers, held at a cafe in Quezon City, recently. Rhodesian Sales Corp. executives Don Jansen Dy and Chester Dy graced the event.

Rhodesian Sales Corp. Executive Chester Dy

“We have food supplement certification to prove our claims,” Ms. Nebril said. She further explained the process of turning Malunggay leaves into a safe, essential supplement to boost immunity making it the best available health insurance for Filipinos. Moringa VITA was created with one clear goal: to make malunggay easier to take every day.

According to Ms. Nebril, it was the first time they held a presscon for the brand. But the food supplement has been in the market since 2016. They have been active doing product presentations in schools and hospitals in the past.

Aside from the food supplement, there is Moringa VITA Coffee Mix for those who prefer to drink their wellness. The coffee mix infuses robusta coffee with Malunggay, combining energy and nourishment in every cup. It’s a way to enjoy a familiar daily habit, but with added benefits for health and immunity.

“You have to choose coffee that is healthy,” quipped Ms. Nieto, explaining that coffee is a triggering factor for acid reflux. That’s why she vouched for Moringa VITA Coffee Mix because it has a low sugar level with its natural sweetener Stevia.

L-R: Eric King, Don Jansen Dy, Isabel Nieto and Phoebe Villa

Based on research, Malunggay can support lactating mothers as a natural galactagogue, aiding in breastmilk production. It has properties that may help reduce inflammation, support recovery, and even shows potential in cancer prevention. With this wide range of benefits, malunggay is not just a vegetable on the dining table — it is a natural ally for long-term wellness.

Proudly made in the Philippines, it is designed for the everyday needs of Filipinos — for the busy professional rushing to work, the lactating mother caring for her baby, or anyone who simply wants to stay healthy and energized. At its heart is the belief that immunity is the best insurance one can have. In a world where medical costs are rising and wellness is priceless, protecting health today means ensuring strength for tomorrow.

Distributed by Rhodesian Sales Corp., Moringa VITA is more than just a supplement or coffee mix. It is a reminder that powerful solutions don’t always have to come from far away. Sometimes, they are rooted in our own soil, grown in our own backyards, and carried forward by a brand that believes in health made simple, natural, and accessible.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Countries’ new climate plans to start cutting global emissions, UN says

SANJITBAKSHI-FLICKR

BRUSSELS — The latest climate pledges by governments will cause global greenhouse gas emissions to start to fall in the next 10 years, but not nearly fast enough to prevent worsening climate change and extreme weather, the UN said on Tuesday.

The analysis by the United Nations’ climate change secretariat (UNFCCC) suggested that, if countries’ plans for tackling climate change are carried out, the yearly amount of planet-warming gases added to the atmosphere would decrease 10% by 2035, from 2019 levels.

The calculation marked the first time the UNFCCC has forecast a steady decline in global emissions, which have consistently increased since 1990.

The projected 10% cut is far short of the 60% emissions drop needed by 2035 to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures – the threshold beyond which scientists say it would unleash far more severe impacts.

That shortfall adds pressure ahead of next month’s COP30 climate summit in Brazil for countries to step up their efforts – even as the United States rolls back climate policies under President.

“Humanity is now clearly bending the emissions curve downwards for the first time, although still not nearly fast enough,” UNFCCC head Simon Stiell said.

“It’s now for COP30 and for the world to respond and show how we are going to speed up,” Stiell said in a statement.

Many countries have been slow to submit more ambitious climate targets, amid economic and geopolitical challenges. The UNFCCC also published a detailed report of the 64 countries who met a September deadline to submit final climate plans, but those accounted for just 30% of global emissions.

To offer a more complete assessment, the UNFCCC said it had produced the global analysis, including targets countries have announced but not yet formally submitted, such as from China and the EU.

That assessment still includes uncertainties. For example, it included the 2024 US emissions-cutting pledge that Trump is expected to scrap, leaving the future US emissions trajectory unclear.

China, which now produces about 29% of annual global emissions, pledged last month to cut emissions by 7% to 10% from their peak by 2035, but did not say when that peak would happen. Some analysts suggested Beijing could deliver far more.

“China tends to under-commit,” said Norah Zhang, climate policy analyst at the research group NewClimate Institute, noting that the country met its 2030 target to expand wind and solar energy six years early. — Reuters

Filinvest Land breaks ground for Sydney Oasis’ Building Aqua in Bacoor, Cavite

Executives from Filinvest Land, Inc. together with construction partners from Superior BT, Inc. officially break ground for Sydney Oasis Building Aqua. From L to R: Alexis Ojeda, FLI FVP and Regional Sales Head; Jose Ramil Gatmaitan, Promax SAVP and Regional Sales Head; Niko Gallego, Superior BT, Inc. Marketing Head; Sajed F. Abuhijleh, Superior BT, Inc. President and CEO; Mary Averose Valderrama, FLI SAVP and Regional Business Unit Head; Saul William Doliente, FLI AVP and Cluster Head; Nelson Talagtag, Sharepro, Inc., South Luzon and Visayas Area Head; and Cherishly Badiola, FLI Project Development Manager for Sydney Oasis

Full-range and trusted property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) marks another milestone with the groundbreaking of Building Aqua, the first building to rise within Sydney Oasis, its newest mid-rise condominium community in Bacoor. This event signals the start of construction and opens more opportunities for aspiring homeowners in the city.

Sydney Oasis is Filinvest Land’s first mid-rise condo development in Bacoor, thoughtfully designed to create an urban oasis in a secure, gated 1.59-hectare enclave. The community combines modern conveniences, resort-inspired amenities, and an accessible location, making it an ideal choice for both end-users and investors.

A New Chapter Opens

Building Aqua, the first of four mid-rise buildings in Sydney Oasis, will rise 12 storeys high with one basement level, ground floor parking, and 11 residential floors. At the rooftop, a Sky Lounge will offer residents a unique leisure spot with expansive views of the horizon.

The building will feature studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, smartly planned with Filinvest Land’s new-generation innovations. These include enhanced security through keycard access doors, bigger kitchen areas for optimized space, smart facial mirrors, and glass bathroom enclosures — ensuring both function and comfort for modern condo living.

FLI Senior Vice-President and Residential Business Unit Head Averose Valderrama shares, “As part of the new-generation projects of Filinvest Land, Sydney Oasis brings a fresh take on resort-style living with its modern, tech-ready units and thoughtfully designed amenities. It also marks a milestone for the community as the first Oasis development to feature a Sky Lounge — an elevated upgrade from the sky gardens previously included in earlier Oasis projects.”

Resort-Inspired Living

Each building is master-planned to complement Sydney Oasis’ Australian coastline-inspired environment. At the heart of the development is Club Oasis, the community’s vibrant centerpiece that offers various venues for relaxation, recreation, and wellness.

Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities such as a beach-edged swimming pool, basketball court, outdoor gym, kids’ play area, and pet-friendly zones. A built-in retail strip located at the main entrance will also provide convenient shopping and services for residents and visitors alike.

Prime Location Advantage

Situated along E. Aguinaldo Highway and only a few meters away from CAVITEX, Sydney Oasis ensures everyday accessibility with nearby transport hubs, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, and churches. Its strategic location allows residents to enjoy a vacation-like lifestyle while staying connected to life’s essentials.

A Dream Lifestyle Made Possible

With its unique features, prime location, and resort-inspired environment, Sydney Oasis is set to redefine mid-rise condo living in Bacoor. Building Aqua is now open for pre-selling and is targeted for completion by 2Q 2029.

For over five decades, Filinvest Land has been building Filipino dreams by creating quality communities nationwide. With Building Aqua on the rise, more home seekers in Bacoor can look forward to a refreshing lifestyle they truly deserve.

To know more about Sydney Oasis, interested parties can call 0917-545-7788 or visit sydneyoasis.com.ph for more information.

 

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Philippines unlikely to add new LNG terminal near-term on excess capacity

REUTERS

SINGAPORE — The Philippines is unlikely to add new liquefied natural gas regasification terminals this decade as its existing facilities are significantly underutilized, its energy secretary told Reuters.

“There’s enough for now,” Sharon Garin said, adding that one new terminal proposal is in the pre-development stage and that the country is currently using only about 60% of its existing regasification capacity.

The government is not prioritising additional facilities in Luzon, where both existing terminals are located, but is instead exploring options to expand LNG infrastructure to other regions.

“Eventually we may put a regasification facility somewhere in Visayas or Mindanao,” Ms. Garin told Reuters, referring to the country’s central and southern island groups. “That would be more interesting for us than adding more in Luzon.”

PHILIPPINES INCREASES USE OF GAS FOR POWER
The Philippines’ geography makes pipeline connections between islands challenging, creating interest in alternative solutions such as small-scale LNG power plants with different logistics arrangements.

Ms. Garin said LNG terminal development was unregulated in the Philippines, meaning private companies can proceed with projects if market conditions justify investment.

The country imported an estimated 0.6 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, its first year as an LNG importer, and it has since progressively increased imports and dependence on gas for power generation, government and analytics firm Kpler data showed.

So far this year, it has imported 1.58 million tonnes of LNG via its two existing import terminals, according to Kpler. One of the country’s LNG buyers said purchases of the fuel should be approached on a national basis, as its current import volumes are small.

SEEKING LONG-TERM DEALS
“We need to aggregate our LNG requirements as a country … At least generate attention so suppliers can say this is a credible requirement. Especially if it is the government consolidating all of our requirements as a country,” said Jay Joel L. Soriano, vice president and head of strategy and planning at power producer First Gen Corp.

First Gen has only imported LNG on a spot basis so far, but would be seeking long-term deals if the company is able to renew its power purchase agreements, added Soriano.

LNGPH, an entity that integrates the power facilities of South Premiere Power Corporation and Excellent Energy Resources, Inc, is the only LNG player in the Philippines with a long-term deal, sourcing supply from global energy trading house Vitol. — Reuters

Using sodium-ion tech to replace lead-acid car batteries

Nascent Technologies Corp. is developing a sodium-ion-based starter battery that is lighter, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly than traditional lead-acid car batteries.

Related article: https://www.bworldonline.com/bw-launchpad/2025/08/06/689681/nascent-bets-on-sodium-ion-for-safer-longer-lasting-car-batteries/

Interview by Edg Adrian Eva
Video editing by Jayson Mariñas

Philippines-EU FTA negotiations ‘on track’ — official

A EUROPEAN UNION’S flag flutters outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 15, 2020. — REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE Philippines and the European Union (EU) made “remarkable progress” in the text-based negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) during the fourth round of talks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

“We just finished our fourth round of Philippines-EU FTA negotiations, and I can say it was a productive one. We made remarkable progress in the text-based negotiations,” DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said in a Viber message.

“On track tayo [sa target timeline], and I would say we are making very good progress sa text-based negotiations,” he added.

In the negotiations held in Cebu City from Oct. 20-24, the parties covered mutual administrative assistance on customs matters, trade and sustainable development, trade in goods, services and investment, digital trade, intellectual property, competition, and rules of origin.

Also discussed were government procurement, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, state-owned enterprises, trade remedies, energy and raw materials, dispute settlement, exceptions, initial provisions, and institutional provisions.

The Philippines and the EU are aiming to conclude FTA negotiations as early as next year, ahead of the expiration of the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in 2027.

The trading scheme provides duty-free access to over 6,000 Philippine products in the EU market. In 2024, it allowed €2.2 billion worth of Philippine exports to enter the EU duty-free.

“We hope to stabilize the text within the year. We also started market access negotiations for goods, services, and investments, including discussions on modalities for government procurement,” said Mr. Gepty.

“Our objective remains clear, that is, to promote not only trade and investments but also inclusivity, sustainability, good governance, and resilience as we advance our Philippines-EU economic relations,” he added.

According to the trade official, the Philippines and the EU are expected to hold the next round of negotiations by January or February next year.

Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte, director of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, said that the early conclusion of the FTA is vital for Filipino exporters, especially amid the scheduled expiration of the current EU GSP+.

“We trust that our Philippine negotiators and EU counterparts are working hard to conclude an agreement at the earliest possible time. Exporters need stability in the trading environment, and the FTA will deliver that,” she said in a Viber message.

Ms. Sykimte said that the EU accounts for approximately 11% of total Philippine exports, such as agriculture and food products, garments, electronics, and industrial goods.

“[The EU GSP] expiry, before the Philippines-EU FTA takes effect, threatens to raise tariffs and reduce competitiveness for Philippine exporters,” she said.

“An FTA will secure long-term, predictable access to the EU, protect existing gains, and unlock new opportunities for high-value sectors,” she added.

John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said that the early conclusion of the FTA is crucial, as the country is already seeing higher US tariffs and anticipating the expiry of GSP+ benefits.

“Concluding the FTA by mid-2026 would not only provide continuity in preferential market access but also diversify our trade base amid rising protectionism,” he said in a Viber message.

“For an import-dependent economy like the Philippines, securing stable and rules-based trade frameworks is vital to boost investor confidence, improve competitiveness, and safeguard long-term growth amid global uncertainty,” he added.

Meanwhile, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Marie Antoniette E. Mariano expressed support for the ongoing negotiations.

“As reflected in the AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2025, German companies in the Philippines continue to view the FTA as a key framework to expand trade and investment opportunities,” she said in a Viber message.

“We remain optimistic that the ongoing dialogues will bring both economies closer toward a more dynamic and sustainable partnership,” she added.

However, Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said that the government should conduct proper consultation with industry representatives and make sure that the FTA rules and regulations are fair to both parties.

He said that some exporters, particularly those involved in the export of garments, cannot enjoy the benefits of the EU GSP+ due to restrictions.

“The garments need to be of Philippine origin. So, the fabrics that we will use need to be Philippine-made. But we do not have a fabric factory. We are just importing them,” he said in a phone interview.

“The government should make sure that the exporters will really benefit from the FTA… the FTA should address the rules of origin, the environmental concerns and regulations, and the nontariff barriers,” he added.

Former DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba said that the timely conclusion of the FTA is important given the risks from US reciprocal tariffs and the looming expiry of the EU GSP+.

“The progress in the Philippines-EU FTA negotiations is significant. It presents a potential structural opportunity for the Philippines to deepen market access, anchor investment and upgrade exports,” she said in a Viber message.

“Given the risks from US reciprocal tariffs and the looming expiry or change in preferential regimes, timing matters. Hence, concluding the FTA sooner will enhance our strategic trade resilience and development trajectory,” she added.

‘Big One’ quake in Negros Island possible, says PHIVOLCS 

PHILVOLCS-DOST FB PAGE

As Metro Manila braces for a possible “Big One” earthquake, the state seismologist warns of similar scenarios in other parts of the country, such as the Negros Trench, where a magnitude 8.2 earthquake could occur. 

“Nakafocus tayo sa [We’re focused on] the ‘Big One’ in Metro Manila because, basically, it’s the political seat of the government and the economic hub of the country,” Teresito C. Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), said during the press conference of Handa Pilipinas held in Bacolod City on Monday. 

“But again, nakakalimutan natin [we forget] that there are bigger ones in other parts of the country…The Negros Trench (example) is capable of generating an 8.2 (magnitude) event based on its length of around 400 kilometers long.” 

Mr. Bacolcol said, in the event of the Negros Island’s “Big One”, if its epicenter occurred in a shallow area, it may trigger a tsunami, which could affect the western coastlines of Negros Island, as well as areas of Panay Island, Zamboanga, and Palawan. 

During a tsunami, residents along the affected coastlines and neighboring areas are advised to immediately evacuate to higher ground. Mr. Bacolcol noted that previous local tsunami events showed it would take only around five minutes for a tsunami wave to hit the coast after the main shock. 

Apart from Big Ones in Negros and Manila, Mr. Bacolcol said that other active trenches could also trigger similar events, notably along the Philippine Trench. 

PHIVOLCS said that the country has six active trenches in total. 

Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), clarified that the “Big One” events are not predictions, but potential scenarios based on available data. 

Mr. Solidum said that these scenarios are being used to help vulnerable areas better prepare for a possibly strong and destructive earthquake. 

In Siquijor, an island province in the Negros Island Region, it seeks to prepare for the “Big One” by looking into the structural integrity of buildings and conducting comprehensive earthquake drills, Blezela Mae L. Omictin, Provincial Director of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said. 

“We do the earthquake drills; we do them in schools, then in coordination with the local barangays and our local disaster risk management office in every municipality,” Ms. Omictin said during the press conference. 

The PHIVOLCS director still reminded the public to always be prepared for the possibility of the “Big One” in various areas of the country. — Edg Adrian A. Eva 

CoA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI

From left: Atty. Javin Ompoc (Atty. VI) and Atty. Al Baljon (EA V) of the Commission on Audit (CoA), and Atty. Marlou Perfecto (Secretariat Lawyer) and Benson John De Guzman (Admin Aide) from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)

The Commission on Audit (CoA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

These reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.

SYMS Construction Trading

Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed the CoA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. The DPWH’s own records showed 0.00% completion.

Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet the CoA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a “ghost project.”

L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corp. (Joint Venture)

Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. The DPWH pointed the CoA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.

Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading

Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of Oct. 3, 2024, satellite images and the CoA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.

In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to the CoA, hindering validation of the projects.

Individuals Held Liable

Several individuals from the DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.

Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of the CoA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on Aug. 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all the DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing the CoA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.

 

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Philippine peso falls to new record low on rate view, outflow

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

(UPDATE) — The Philippine peso slid past a long-defended red line for the currency to an all-time low, ramping up pressure on the central bank to respond.

The peso dropped as much as 0.5% through 59-per-dollar on Tuesday, a level that had held firm since 2022. The currency is the worst performer in Southeast Asia this month, weighed by the prospect of more interest-rate cuts and further stock outflows.

The central bank on Tuesday said the peso continues to be supported by resilient remittances, still relatively fast economic growth, low inflation, and ongoing structural reforms.

“When we do participate in the market, it is largely to dampen inflationary swings in the exchange rate over time rather than to prevent day-to-day volatility,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a statement, adding that it allows the exchange rate to be determined by market forces.

The central bank had pledged to intervene more forcefully during periods of extended peso weakness. Traders will be watching for such moves as the currency comes under renewed pressure.

“I expect BSP to come in and signal more strongly to the market as we move past the 59-level,” said Michael Wan, a currency strategist at MUFG Bank in Singapore. “If it continues to move fast, I expect the market to test the 60-level.”

FX INTERVENTION
Policymakers from some of Asia’s largest economies have in recent weeks stepped in to bolster their currencies as volatility increased. The Reserve Bank of India is prepared to intervene further until the rupee settles at a stronger level, a person familiar with the matter said, while officials in South Korea have pledged to take action to stabilize markets.

“It is up to the BSP now in terms of interventions and smoothening the volatility,” said Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Manila. “Ignoring the BSP factor would be a mistake for those looking for weaker levels for the peso.”

Sentiment in the peso has worsened following Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s unexpected cut in the benchmark interest rate early October. A member of the central bank’s Monetary Board on Monday further said borrowing cost will likely be lowered by 25 basis points when it meets in December, with more reductions expected in 2026.

Allegations over the widespread misuse of billions of dollars for flood-control projects have also weighed on Philippines’ growth prospects. That’s rattled investor confidence.

Foreign funds have net sold $79 million of the nation’s equities in October, poised for the biggest monthly outflow since May. The benchmark stock index is hovering close to the lowest since April, in contrast to gains in broader Asia that pushed a regional gauge to a record high.

Philippine stocks were little changed on Tuesday. — Bloomberg

China and ASEAN, hit by US tariffs, sign upgraded free trade pact

The ASEAN logo is displayed with Kuala Lumpur's skyline in the background, May 23, 2025. REUTERS/HASNOOR HUSSAIN

KUALA LUMPUR – The ASEAN bloc of Southeast Asian nations and China on Tuesday signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, which includes sections on digital, the green economy and other new industries, Beijing’s Commerce Ministry said.

The 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations is China’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling $771 billion last year, according to ASEAN statistics.

China is seeking to intensify its engagement with ASEAN, a region with a collective gross domestic product of $3.8 trillion, to counter hefty import tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration on countries around the world.

The upgraded agreement “fully reflects the solemn commitment of the two sides to jointly support multilateralism and free trade”, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

Beijing has been seeking to position itself as a more open economy, despite criticism from other major powers of its expanding export restrictions on rare earths and other critical minerals.

IMPROVED MARKET ACCESS
The so-called 3.0 version of the free trade agreement between ASEAN and China was signed into effect at a summit of the bloc’s leaders in Malaysia, which Trump attended on Sunday at the start of a trip through Asia.

Negotiations on the upgraded ASEAN-China deal began in November 2022 and concluded in May this year, just after Trump’s tariff offensive kicked into gear. The first FTA came into force in 2010.

China has previously said the agreement would pave the way for improved market access in sectors such as agriculture, the digital economy and pharmaceuticals between China and ASEAN.

Both China and ASEAN are part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world’s largest trading bloc, which covers nearly a third of the global population and about 30% of global gross domestic product. Malaysia hosted an RCEP summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, the first in five years.

The bloc is seen by some analysts as a potential buffer against tariffs imposed by the United States, though its provisions are considered weaker than some other regional trade deals due to competing interests among its members.

TRADE WAR TRUCE
China has been engaged in an escalating trade war with the United States since Trump took office in January and imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods.

Beijing has labelled Trump’s tariffs, which have hit most countries, as protectionism, while expanding its controls over the flow of its critical minerals and magnets. China processes more than 90% of the world’s rare earths.

The world’s two largest economies extended a trade truce when negotiators met in Kuala Lumpur on the weekend, hashing out an agreement for Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to decide later this week when they meet in Seoul.

Since Trump departed Malaysia on Monday morning, China has pressed for increased economic cooperation in the region, stressing the importance of open trade.

“The world must not slip back to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak,” Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday at the East Asia Summit regional forum.

“We should more firmly uphold the free trade regime, create a high-standard regional free trade network, and vigorously and effectively advance regional integration.” — Reuters

More rains expected in parts of the country amid northeast monsoon, says DOST chief

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr .— PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

Several parts of the country are likely to experience more rainfall as a new weather system develops following the onset of the northeast monsoon, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). 

“May panibagong weather system tayong system tayong magkikita pagdating ng northeast monsoon—ito yung shear line, diyan yung mga maulan [We will be encountering a new weather system with the arrival of the northeast monsoon — this is the shearline and that’s where the rainy areas are],” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. told BusinessWorld during a site visit in Bacolod City on Monday. 

The onset of the northeast monsoon was declared by the DOST’s state weather bureau on Monday night and is expected to bring cold and dry winds to most parts of the country. 

The winds may interact with the warm and humid easterlies from the Pacific Ocean, forming a shear line that could cause cloudy and rainy weather in affected areas, Mr. Solidum said. 

The eastern parts of the country, particularly those in northern and central Luzon, down to the Bicol Region, are expected to experience rainy weather due to the shear line and the effects of the northeast monsoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) press briefing on Monday. 

Also, during the northeast monsoon season, typhoons that develop toward the end of the year are likely to hit the Visayas and Mindanao due to the presence of a high-pressure area in the northern part of the country, PAGASA said. — Edg Adrian A. Eva 

Fed poised to cut rates this week, with more easing likely on tap

View of the facade as construction continues on the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, DC, Sept. 17, 2025. — REUTERS/KEN CEDENO

Federal Reserve policymakers are widely expected to reduce US short-term borrowing costs this week by a quarter of a percentage point for the second time this year as they look to prevent further slowing in the labor market.

Odds are it won’t be the last of the series.

Climbing unemployment insurance claims suggest that labor market demand continues to cool, even as the government shutdown delays publication of most official economic statistics, including the unemployment rate, last estimated at 4.3% in August.

Milder-than-expected inflation readings, including last week’s report that the consumer price index rose 3% in the 12 months through September, have put worries of tariff-driven price pressures on the back burner.

And perhaps more importantly, the Fed’s consensus-crafted post-policy-meeting statement following last month’s quarter-point rate cut incorporated a reference to “additional adjustments” in the policy rate.

Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman called out that language specifically as foreshadowing future interest-rate cuts, and analysts do not expect the Fed to point to a possible pause by tweaking that language.

“While a good chunk of the committee would probably like to signal that a December ease shouldn’t be taken for granted, we think this alternative wording choice might be too hawkish for the leadership,” wrote JP Morgan Chief US Economist Michael Feroli.

To be sure, Fed Chair Jerome Powell won’t use his post-meeting news conference on Wednesday to suggest another rate cut in December is already in the bag.

There’s too much that could change before then, with global trade discussions in flux that could remake the outlook for prices as well as for economic growth more broadly.

And an end to the government shutdown that restarts the publication of data could also mean Fed policymakers get three months of employment data between now and their December meeting, potentially reshaping their views of the state of the labor market.

“Powell is likely to keep options open and not pre-commit to a particular action through year-end,” Deutsche Bank economists said.

A quarter-point rate cut on Wednesday at the close of the Fed’s two-day meeting would put the policy rate in the 3.75%-4.00% range. Financial markets are betting heavily on further rate cuts in both December and January.

The Trump administration has been vocal about its desire for lower interest rates, keeping Powell under intense political pressure to deliver rate cuts even as he manages a deep split within the Fed’s own policymaking ranks.

Since September’s decision, several Fed policymakers have called for caution on policy easing, citing worries about inflation that has been well above the Fed’s 2% target for the last several years.

More, however, have said they feel further rate cuts will be needed to manage the risk of more job-market deterioration.

New Fed Governor Stephen Miran, who plans to return to his job as White House economic advisor at the end of his Fed term in January, could cast a dissent this week, as he did last month in support of a half-point interest rate cut.

Beyond the interest-rate decision itself, the Fed could signal this week it will soon stop shrinking its balance sheet, ending its so-called quantitative tightening as soon as this month. Analysts say this week’s meeting will also likely include a vigorous debate about how the Fed communicates its rate-path guidance as it looks to revamp its communications. — Reuters

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