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Fashion and creativity take center stage at the 9th Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week at the Manila Marriott Hotel

Calgary, the modern cosmopolitan city in the areas of the Canadian Prairies and the Canadian Rockies, is fast becoming a fashion center for Filipino creatives and global talents.

One of the most significant fashion events in this burgeoning region which is attracting attention from fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the international media, is the Calgary International Fashion & Arts Week (CIFAW).

CIFAW is a global celebration of fashion as well as a platform for networking, education and talks about trends, inclusivity and the future of the fashion industry. It aims to encourage and showcase creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers, stylists, models, photographers, and journalists.

It was founded by Spotlight Couronne Internationale, Inc. led by Filipino-Canadians: CEO/President Limuel Hayag Vilela, a producer/designer and former model; and COO/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia, an aviation expert and educator.

CIFAW began as a passion project and hobby for the two enterprising founders, who are deeply enthusiastic about fashion and teaching. The dynamic duo initiated CIFAW as a community event, volunteering their time to provide free classes for kids and teens who had experienced bullying or struggled with self-doubt.

The inaugural event, dubbed “The Fashion Takes Off from New York City” took place in 2017. The event featured three notable designers: Jude Charles, a New York-based fashion designer who had previously paved the way for Limuel to walk the runway in the Big Apple; Vanny Tousignant, an Indonesian-American designer based in New York; and Marco Not Polo, an artist also based in New York.

“The first CIFAW was a massive success, setting the stage for the event’s growth in the following years. Over time, CIFAW has not only grown into a premier annual celebration of diversity and creativity but has also become a launching pad for many of the young talents it nurtured,” Vilela revealed.

Francia shared: “Some of the very first models trained by Limuel and Alvin are now making big waves in the fashion world, gracing the runways of Milan, Paris, London, and New York Fashion Weeks for iconic American, Italian, and French fashion houses.”

To date, CIFAW continues to uphold its mission of empowering individuals through fashion and the arts while shining a global spotlight on the talents it cultivates.

The Dynamic Founders

In the Philippines, Vilela was immersed in fashion. So, producing shows was a natural progression.

“Transitioning from being a model to a brand designer and eventually producing international fashion shows feels like a path that God prepared for me, a journey from nothing to something,” shared Vilela.

CEO/President Limuel Hayag Vilela

Vilela arrived in Canada in 2008. He graduated at the Toronto Film School in 2022. But it was Calgary which quickly became his second home: “This city opened countless doors for my personal and professional growth. It gave me a space to share my passion for production and entertainment, and the community welcomed me as I pursued my dreams. I started from humble beginnings here, and Calgary has given me a platform to contribute something meaningful to the community.”

Francia, being an advocate for education and accessibility, believes in the transformative power of creativity — whether in the classroom or on the runway. With a strong inclination toward the fashion industry, he sees fashion as an art form that educates, inspires, and empowers self-expression.

“I integrate cutting-edge strategies to create engaging and inclusive environments where learning and creativity intersect. My mission is to bridge the gap between education and opportunity, using platforms like fashion and the arts to enable individuals to thrive and reach their fullest potential,” said Francia, who is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Distance Education at the University of the Philippines.

COO/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia

However, the duo soon found out that starting a business related to fashion in Calgary — a city widely recognized as “cowboy country” — came with its unique set of challenges.

 “At the outset, we faced skepticism about the legitimacy of our venture. Some questioned whether fashion could be considered a serious business and asked about our past portfolio. This doubt made the first couple of years particularly tough as we worked to establish our credibility. Securing clients was another significant hurdle,” said Vilela, who hails from Quezon Province.

As Filipino entrepreneurs, they also encountered cultural assumptions. Many believed their business catered exclusively to the Filipino community in Calgary. Overcoming this perception and making their events and services inclusive for everyone was a major struggle.

“Despite these challenges, we persevered. Through passion, hard work, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of fashion, we gradually earned the trust and support of the community,” Vilela said. “We’re proud to have built a brand that not only thrives but also celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and the potential of fashion to inspire and empower.”

Vilela and Francia emphasize that there is no strict qualification process to be able to be part of CIFAW. We both strongly believe in giving a platform to everyone, especially new and up-and-coming creatives who might not have had a chance to shine yet.

Francia added: “Fashion and arts are such a perfect combo — they complement and elevate each other. Calgary is such a vibrant and diverse city, and we want to reflect that in our platform. So, the only thing we really look for is passion. You have to love what you do, and it has to show in your work. And of course, we want you to be as creative as possible. Blow us away. Make us go, ‘Wow!’ That’s all we ask for.”

Today, the duo not only produce CIFAW but also Calgary Kids Fashion Week, Edmonton Kids Fashion Week, Winnipeg Kids Fashion Week, SCI PH New York, and SCI PH Paris.

A Milestone Moment at the ‘Marriott Moments A-FAIR’

In its relatively young existence, CIFAW has contributed to Calgary’s reputation as an emerging and burgeoning fashion capital. This year, this same exuberance and vitality will be extending to Manila as CIFAW will be promoting Philippine fashion globally.

So, whether you’re from Calgary, Manila, Paris, or anywhere in between, as long as you have the passion and the creativity, CIFAW is a platform for you.

In partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, and Themes and Motifs, the much-anticipated “Home: A Celebration of Love and Life’s Winning Moments — The 9th Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week” and “Marriott Bonvoy’s Marriott Moments A-FAIR: Dream Weddings and Events Expo” will happen at the MGBX Exhibition Hall in Marriott Grand Ballroom on July 26 and July 27, 2025.

“CIFAW is absolutely not exclusive to Filipino creatives — it’s open to global talents as well. While we’re proud of our roots and love supporting the Filipino community, this platform was created to celebrate diversity and inclusivity,” Francia clarified.

Vilela added: “My hope is that this endeavor serves as a bridge connecting Canadians, Filipinos, and the rest of the world through fashion, art, culture, and tourism. I want it to inspire every Filipino to take pride in their roots and in the place we call home — the Philippines.”

It was important for Francia and Vilela that their company name included the word “international” — because from day one, both dreamed big.

Partnering with Marriott Manila this July is a huge step for us. It’s a milestone that proves we’re moving in the right direction. Our plans are to stay true to our core values: collaboration and inclusivity,” Vilela said.

“What’s really exciting about this year is that we’re expanding our mission. This partnership in Manila will not only bring global attention to Filipino creativity but also shine a spotlight on the beauty and culture of the Philippines,” Francia concluded. “So, our grand plan is simple yet ambitious: keep growing, keep collaborating, and keep making sure CIFAW is a space where fashion, arts, and culture collide beautifully — while creating opportunities and celebrating diversity on a global stage.”

For more information about Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc Productions and future events, please visit https://www.scimodels.ca  or email us at info@scimodels.ca follow us on @scimodels.

 

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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How AI is used to improve calls between agents and customers

Home Credit, a financial services company, has improved its monitoring process by using artificial intelligence to get feedback for its agents.

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

ACG leads collaboration with BCCP and PEZA to boost investment opportunities in the Philippines

The Asian Consulting Group (ACG) has taken the lead in strengthening investment opportunities in the Philippines through a strategic alliance with the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Feb. 10 at the BCCP’s headquarters in Taguig City, underscoring their shared goal of fostering seamless tax compliance and investment strategies for foreign businesses, especially British companies.

Mon Abrea, Founder and CEO of ACG, together with Hazel Joy Mendoza, ACG President and COO, formalized the partnership through the ceremonial MoU signing with BCCP Executive Chairman Chris Nelson. This collaboration highlights the ACG’s commitment to supporting international investors navigating the Philippine business landscape.

“Our collaboration with BCCP demonstrates a unified commitment to providing seamless tax and regulatory solutions for investors. We aim to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and innovation to flourish,” said Mr. Abrea.

The BCCP, with its focus on British companies, partners with the ACG in bringing the 2025 International Tax and Investment Roadshow (ITIR) to London, UK. The Chamber plays a key role in encouraging British firms to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Following the MoU signing, the ACG met with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) regarding its joint investment mission. Present during the meeting were Mon Abrea, Hazel Joy Mendoza, and PEZA Director-General Theo Panga. Key highlights from the discussions included the ACG’s plans to organize an exclusive tax briefing for PEZA locators on March 28, 2025, with BIR Deputy Commissioner Atty. Marissa Cabreros and PEZA Deputy Director Atty. Ross Vincent S. Sy.

The 2025 International Tax and Investment Roadshow organized by the ACG will again travel around the world to promote investing in the Philippines, starting with Asia, which includes Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and India. It will continue to Oceania with Sydney and Brisbane in Australia, followed by New Zealand. The roadshow will also visit key locations in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, as well as Doha, Qatar. In Europe, the campaign will span multiple cities in Spain, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. The roadshow across the Americas will include Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the United States and then Canada, initially Toronto and Calgary. 

The ACG invites stakeholders and partners to join this transformative investment campaign, contributing to the Philippines’ emergence as a premier investment destination for global business opportunities.

 

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.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Philippines reports foreign cyber intrusions targeting intelligence data, but no breaches

Miniatures of people with computers are seen in front of binary codes and words “cyber attack’ in this illustration taken July 19, 2023. — REUTERS

MANILA – The Philippines has detected foreign attempts to access intelligence data, but its cyber minister said on Tuesday no breaches have been recorded so far.

Attempts to steal data are wide-ranging, said minister for information and communications Ivan Uy. Advanced Persistent Threats or APTs have repeatedly attempted but failed to infiltrate government systems, suggesting the country’s cyber-defences have held firm.

APTs are a general term for cyber actors or groups, often state-backed, that engage in malicious cyber activities.

“These have been present for quite some time, and threats come from many actors, but a big majority of them are foreign,” Mr. Uy told Reuters.

Some of these threats, which Mr. Uy referred to as “sleepers” had been been embedded in systems before being exposed by government’s cyber security efforts.

“Why are these things operating in those systems, without even anybody calling it out?,” he said.

So far, the government has not seen any cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, he said.

“Hopefully it’s because our cyber defences and cyber security are strong enough,” he added.

Mr. Uy acknowledged the difficulty of attributing cyber intrusions to specific attackers, as they sometimes leave misleading digital traces.

However, the government is working through diplomatic channels and sharing intelligence with the military, including with other countries, to validate threats and strengthen defenses, he said.

Last year, the Philippine said it thwarted attempts by hackers operating in China to break into websites and e-mail systems of the Philippine president and government agencies, including one promoting maritime security.

Mr. Uy described the escalating cyber threats as part of a global arms race, where nations and criminal organizations exploit digital vulnerabilities for financial or strategic gain.

“World War III is happening and it is cyber,” Mr. Uy said. “These weapons are non-kinetic. They are cyber, digital, virtual, but it’s happening, but the attacks and defences are happening as we speak, without any physical manifestation.”

Beyond cyberattacks, Mr. Uy has also flagged a surge in deepfakes and what he referred to as “fake news media outlets” aiming to manipulate public opinion ahead of the Philippines’ mid-term elections in May, and the ministry has deployed tools to combat them.

“Misinformation and disinformation are riskier with respect to democracies like ours, because we rely on elections, and elections is based on personal opinion,” Mr. Uy said. — Reuters

US condemns ‘dangerous’ maneuvers by Chinese navy in South China Sea

PHILEMBASSY.NO

MANILA – The United States condemned the “dangerous” maneuvers of a Chinese navy helicopter that endangered the safety of a Philippine government aircraft patrolling a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, its ambassador to Manila said on Wednesday.

In a post on X, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also called on China “to refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.”

The Philippines said late on Tuesday it was “deeply disturbed” by the Chinese navy’s “unprofessional and reckless” flight actions and that it will make a diplomatic protest.

Manila’s coast guard said the Chinese navy helicopter performed dangerous flight maneuvers when it flew close to a government aircraft conducting surveillance over the Scarborough Shoal, endangering the lives of its pilots and passengers, actions.

China disputed the Philippines’ account, saying on Tuesday its aircraft “illegally intruded” into China’s airspace and accused its Southeast Asian neighbor of “spreading false narratives”.

Named after a British ship that was grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago, the Scarborough Shoal is one of the most contested maritime feature in the South China Sea, where Beijing and Manila have clashed repeatedly.

“The Philippines has undeniable sovereignty and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc,” its maritime council said in a statement using Manila’s name for the shoal.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a vital waterway for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, putting it at odds with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

A 2016 arbitration ruling invalidated China’s expansive claim but Beijing does not recognize the decision. – Reuters

NZ central bank cuts rates by 50bps, flags more easing to revive frail economy

KERIN GEDGE-UNSPLASH

WELLINGTON – New Zealand’s central bank cut its benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.75% on Wednesday and policymakers flagged further reductions in borrowing costs amid moderating inflation as they sought to revive a struggling economy.

The New Zealand dollar slipped while the 90-day bank bill futures rallied as markets priced in a 25-basis point cut in April, and more reductions by year-end.

“The economic outlook remains consistent with inflation remaining in the band over the medium term, giving the Committee confidence to continue lowering the OCR,” the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said in its accompanying policy statement.

The decision was in line with a Reuters poll where 32 of the 33 economists surveyed forecast the RBNZ will cut the cash rate for the fourth straight meeting, and by half a percentage point.

“If economic conditions continue to evolve as projected, the Committee has scope to lower the OCR further through 2025,” the RBNZ said.

The central bank signaled a lower cash rate trajectory in coming months compared with previous forecasts, but the reductions are expected to be in smaller 25-bps moves. It now projects that rates will fall to 3.45% by June, and the year-end rate is expected to be 3.10%, down from the November estimate of 3.2%.

“The main message from today’s Monetary Policy Statement is the lowering (again) of the Official Cash Rate track. The RBNZ are signaling more cuts, sooner,” said Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr

The central bank has now cut rates by 175 basis points since August, with a slowdown in inflation giving policymakers leeway to extend their easing efforts in a much needed boost for an economy struggling to emerge from a deep recession.

The RBNZ said it is well placed to maintain price stability over the medium term and respond to future inflationary shocks, but added that global uncertainty over tariff policies pose some risks to the economy.

“The RBNZ’s aggressive 50-basis point cut to 3.75% shows its determination to revive the economy, despite inflation risks and global uncertainties like Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President,” Saxo Asia Pacific Senior Sales Trader Junvum Kim.

Several of the large banks in New Zealand including Westpac, ASB Bank, Kiwibank and Bank of New Zealand cut mortgage rates following the cash rate announcement.

Bill futures rallied as markets priced in a 93% chance of an easing in April and have rates near 3.0% by year-end, which is seen as the bottom of the cycle.

The kiwi dollar slipped 0.3% to $0.5683, having already lost 0.5% on Tuesday.

 

GLOBAL TARIFF, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

A global front-runner in withdrawing pandemic-era stimulus, the RBNZ lifted rates 525 basis points since October 2021 to curb inflation in the most aggressive tightening since the official cash rate was introduced in 1999.

The punishing borrowing costs, however, took a heavy toll on demand and tipped the economy into recession in the third quarter of last year – the worst downturn outside of the pandemic since 1991.

The weakened state of the economy has added urgency to policymakers efforts to stimulate demand. The government has already abandoned hopes for a return to budget surpluses, seeing deficits for the next five years.

New Zealand’s annual inflation has come off in recent months and is currently at 2.2%, but the central bank said a volatile period ahead will probably see it increase to 2.7% in the third quarter before moderating again.

New Zealand is one of several countries to ease rates as inflation has moved lower, but its sharp reductions to borrowing costs contrast with a more cautious approach by the U.S. Federal Reserve and its counterpart in Australia.

The Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday delivered the first cut in interest rates in more than four years but signaled a cautious approach to any further easing.

Trade and other broader economic policies under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term in power have also raised policy uncertainty around the world due to the renewed risk of inflation.

“Lower interest rates will encourage spending, although elevated global economic uncertainty is expected to weigh on business investment decisions,” the RBNZ said. – Reuters

Vietnam to approve key infrastructure projects, revised GDP target

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Sinh Đặng from Pixabay
STOCK PHOTO | Image by quang vu ha from Pixabay

HANOI – Vietnam’s National Assembly will on Wednesday vote to approve a new economic growth target for this year and adopt resolutions supporting major infrastructure projects, including nuclear power plants and a rail link to China.

The government has sought approval from lawmakers to revise up the gross domestic product growth target for this year to at least 8.0% from 6.5% to 7.0%.

Parliament will also vote to pass a resolution supporting construction of a new railway linking a major seaport in northern Vietnam with China, with a price tag of $8.3 billion, part of which to be funded by loans from the Chinese government.

Vietnam, a regional manufacturing hub heavily reliant on exports to drive its economy, has been seeking to ramp up its investment in infrastructure as one of its key measures to boost growth.

Lawmakers will on Wednesday vote to pass policies for the development of nuclear power plants, the first of which is set to be built by the end of 2031.

They will also vote to adopt rules that would allow Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet services in the country while maintaining full ownership of any local subsidiary.

On Tuesday, the assembly approved a bold bureaucratic reform plan that will slash up to a fifth of government bodies, as it tries to cut costs and improve administrative efficiency. – Reuters

UK to probe health impact of vaping on children as young as eight

PIXABAY

LONDON – Britain will investigate the long-term effects of vaping on children as young as eight in a decade-long study of their health and behavior, the government said on Wednesday.

The government has been cracking down on the rapid rise of vaping among children, with estimates showing a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have tried it out.

A ban on disposable vapes, sold for as little as five pounds, is due to come into force in June, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently passing through parliament, will limit flavors and packaging on vapes designed to attract children.

“The long-term health impacts of youth vaping are not fully known, and this comprehensive approach will provide the most detailed picture yet,” the health department said.

The 62 million pound ($78.1 million) study will track 100,000 people aged 8-18 years through the 10-year period, collecting data on behavior and biology as well as health records, the statement said.

The World Health Organization has urged governments to treat e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco, warning of their health impact and potential to drive nicotine addiction among non-smokers, especially children and young people.

“It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition,” said Sarah Sleet, CEO of British lung charity Asthma + Lung UK.

“Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine – also contained in vapes – can damage developing brains.”

In Britain, unlike traditional cigarettes which are heavily taxed and face strict advertising limitations, vapes are not subject to ‘sin tax’ and carry colorful designs and fruity flavors that make them stand out on shop shelves.

The government, which plans to introduce a flat rate duty on vaping liquid from next October, said the study would provide researchers and policymakers with the evidence needed to protect the next generation from potential health risks.

It also launched a nationwide vaping campaign, due to roll out primarily on social media to “speak directly” to younger audience using influencers. – Reuters

UK pay growth holds at lowest level since 2021, Brightmine says

— REUTERS/TOBY MELVILLE/FILE PHOTO

LONDON – Pay increases granted by British employers held steady in the three months to January at the lowest level since 2021, signaling a shift towards more restrained rises as businesses try to cope with economic pressures, according to a survey on Wednesday.

Human resources data firm Brightmine said the median pay award held at 3% for the second consecutive rolling quarter, following a revision of figures from 3.3% for the three months to December 2024.

“This is the lowest median pay settlement recorded since December 2021,” Brightmine said in a statement, adding that upcoming increases in employers’ social security contributions could further influence pay decisions in the months ahead.

Employers say the government’s plan to boost the social security contributions they pay from April – when Britain’s minimum wage is also due to rise by almost 7% – will reduce hiring and wage growth.

Data from the Office of National Statistics showed on Tuesday that British pay growth accelerated in late 2024 but the Bank of England expects pay increases to slow soon as weakness in the economy weighs on the labor market.

The British economy stagnated in the third quarter of 2024 but unexpectedly grew 0.1% in the last three months of the year.

Brightmine’s survey also showed that turnover rates have remained largely unchanged in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, more than one-third of organizations are concerned that turnover levels are too high.

“While labor turnover rates have stabilized, the combination of pay awards stalling and ongoing concerns about workload and career progression could increase resignations later in 2025,” said Brightmine’s Sheila Attwood.

“Employers may need to balance cost control with competitive pay and other retention measures to avoid unwanted staff losses,” Ms. Attwood added. – Reuters

Tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators fired as Trump slashes federal workforce

AI-Generated Stock Image | Pixabay.com

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s administration targeted bank regulators, rocket scientists and tax enforcers on Tuesday for dismissal as a U.S. judge gave him the green light to continue with the unprecedented remaking of the U.S. civil service – at least for now.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has swept through federal agencies slashing thousands of jobs since Mr. Trump became president last month and put Mr. Musk in charge of a drastic overhaul of government.

The White House has not said how many people it plans to fire and has given no numbers on the mass layoffs so far. The information to date has come from employees of federal agencies.

The Office of Personnel Management, the government agency that manages the civil service, set a deadline of 8 p.m. on Tuesday (0100 GMT) for all government departments to provide a list of probationary employees who have been terminated so far and those they want to retain, according to an OPM spokesperson.

According to government data, about 280,000 civilian government workers were hired less than two years ago with most still on probation, which makes them easier to terminate.

Agencies should prioritize retaining the highest-performing employees in “mission-critical roles,” said McLaurine Pinover, OPM’s head of communications.

It remained unclear whether the numbers would be disclosed.

State attorneys general from across the United States asked a federal court to intervene and place a temporary hold on the cost-cutting, but U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied their request, allowing the campaign to continue while underlying litigation plays out.

“Plaintiffs legitimately call into question what appears to be the unchecked authority of an unelected individual and an entity that was not created by Congress and over which it has no oversight,” Ms. Chutkan said in her ruling, referring to Musk.

Trump appointed Musk, the world’s richest person and his biggest donor during his election campaign, to oversee the culling of the federal workforce, which the Republican president views as bloated, corrupt and insufficiently loyal to him.

 

‘PEOPLE ARE SCARED’

With tax-filing season underway, senior officials at the Internal Revenue Service identified 7,500 employees for dismissal, with possibly more on the chopping block, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Republicans had objected to an IRS staff expansion undertaken by Democratic President Joe Biden that independent budget analysts said would boost tax collections and help close the persistent U.S. budget gap.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which oversees banks, said it has fired an unknown number of new hires, according to an email seen by Reuters. The cuts could potentially worsen staffing problems at a 6,000-person agency where more than one in three workers are eligible for retirement.

Roughly 1,000 new hires, including rocket scientists, at NASA were expected to be laid off on Tuesday as well, according to two people familiar with the U.S. space agency’s plans, with more cuts possible.

“People are scared and not speaking up to voice dissent or disagreement,” said one employee at the 18,000-person agency who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Layoffs were also expected at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which handles flood insurance and disaster response, as well as its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, sources said.

The Trump administration plans to fire hundreds of senior Department of Homeland Security employees this week, according to an administration official and a second source familiar with the matter. The planned firings, first reported by NBC News, would target people viewed as not aligned with Mr. Trump, the sources said.

Among the workers swept up in the overhaul of dozens of agencies are those reviewing Mr. Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink and others monitoring an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu that has infected millions of chickens and cattle this year.

 

COST SAVINGS

The overhaul comes as Mr. Trump attempts to exert even tighter control over the Justice Department, an agency traditionally seen as independent of White House influence.

Several department officials resigned last week after refusing a directive from a Trump appointee to drop a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Another top prosecutor, Denise Cheung, resigned on Tuesday after refusing to investigate a government contract awarded during Biden’s tenure.

The acting head of the Social Security Administration, Michelle King, resigned over the weekend after Musk’s team asked for access to a vast database of personal and financial data at the agency, which handles retirement and other safety-net programs, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Mr. Musk’s team has said it has saved $55 billion so far, a relatively small slice of the annual $6.7 trillion federal budget. The DOGE website has begun giving more details of government contracts it has canceled after widespread complaints that its work was not transparent.

Trump signs executive order seeking to expand IVF access

By US Government Owned Photo - https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings/icsi.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126317495
By US Government Owned Photo – https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings/icsi.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126317495

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing the government to expand access to in vitro fertilization and reduce the costs of the popular fertility treatment.

The order, which directs Mr. Trump’s domestic policy chief to produce a list of policy recommendations that protect IVF access and cut costs for individuals within 90 days, did not address how the costs would be covered.

Most states currently do not require insurers to cover IVF, which involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish to create an embryo for couples having difficulty conceiving. Even with insurance coverage, IVF can cost thousands of dollars in drugs and medical procedures.

“It is the policy of my Administration to ensure reliable access to IVF treatment, including by easing unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens to make IVF treatment drastically more affordable,” the order said.

More than 85,000 infants were born as a result of IVF in 2021, the White House said in a fact sheet, citing data from the Department of Health and Human Services. Costs can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle and multiple cycles may be needed to get pregnant.

The U.S. fertility rate dropped 3% in 2023 from 2022, the White House said, and decreased by 2% annually between 2014 and 2020. The U.S. birth rate was 1.67 births per woman in 2022, according to World Bank data, below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain the population without immigration.

The order will also ensure the government examines current policies, including those requiring legislation to change, that make the treatment more expensive, the White House said.

Mr. Trump said during his election campaign that he would require the government or insurance companies to pay for IVF fertility treatments if elected.

IVF emerged as a hot-button issue in the 2024 presidential election after the conservative Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are children. That ruling left it unclear how to legally store, transport and use embryos, prompting some IVF patients to consider moving their frozen embryos out of the state.

Senate Republicans twice blocked Democratic-led legislation designed to protect IVF access last year, with some arguing it was unnecessary because that was not in danger. – Reuters

New incentives for carmakers eyed

A man works at a car parts manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa City, Laguna in this photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023. — PPA POOL/YUMMIE DINGDING

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government is finalizing an incentive program that seeks to encourage car companies to boost manufacturing operations in the country, according to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA).

OSAPIEA chief Frederick D. Go said the government would soon introduce the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program.

“The previous administration came up with the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, and that’s already done, but we want to continue promoting the vehicle industry,” he told reporters on Monday.

Mr. Go said the RACE program would provide incentives to companies that will manufacture new car models in the country.

The program will be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), unlike CARS, which was established through an executive order.

“We designed RACE so that it is a department initiative,” Mr. Go said, noting that funds have  been allotted for the program through the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The RACE program has been allotted P250 million under the DTI’s budget for locally funded projects.

Created through Executive Order No. 182 by then President Benigno S. Aquino III, the CARS program aimed to attract new investments in the automotive industry. 

It provided three slots for car manufacturers, which were required to produce at least 200,000 units of an enrolled model to avail themselves of the incentives.

However, only two slots were filled — Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), which produces the Vios sedan, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), which manufactures the Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan.

Mr. Go hinted the RACE program could accept more than three participants.

“We learned from CARS… The (RACE) program is slightly different, but the intent is the same, that if you introduce more local components into the vehicle, then you can qualify for the (incentives),” he added.

With the new program in the works, TMP and MMPC are again expected to register new models through RACE.

“We have expressed to DTI our intention to register the Next Generation Tamaraw as an additional CARS model if supported by regulation (CARS extension), particularly in considering reasonable flexibility for new production models,” TMP said in a statement.

“In case the DTI creates a new CARS-like program instead of ex- tending the existing program, we will gladly take that opportunity to make the Tamaraw even more sustainable for us automotive manufacturers, as well as our part makers and even body builders,” it added.

TMP recently invested P5.5 billion in its Laguna plant to ramp up vehicle production and in-house and outsourced parts localizations, as well as build a new conversion facility.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC), in a recent courtesy call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., committed a P7-billion investment in the Philippines for the next five years.

The investment plan is said to include a new production model at its plant in Laguna, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). The PCO said MMC would take part in the RACE program.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Parts Maker Association, Inc. (PPMA) urged the government to create a conducive environment for car manufacturing and assembly so the Philippines could keep up with its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

“The time for action is now. Without immediate intervention… the Philippines risks falling further behind its ASEAN competitors,” the group said in a statement on Monday.

“The urgency to adapt and evolve in the automotive sector cannot be overstated. More decisive measures are essential to foster a sustainable and competitive automotive industry in the Philippines,” it added.

Data from the ASEAN Automotive Federation showed that the Philippines produced 116,650 motor vehicles in the first 11 months of 2024, ranking fifth in terms of production volume among six ASEAN countries.

Thailand produced the most cars, totaling 1.36 million in the January-to-November period, followed by Indonesia (885,516), Malaysia (725,173), and Vietnam (157,115).

“Our industry is in peril. We must urgently adopt measures to revitalize our auto parts manufacturing capabilities, or we will continue to fall behind our ASEAN neighbors,” said PPMA President Ferdinand I. Raquelsantos.

“The DTI has a critical role in this scenario, fostering initiatives that cannot only sustain but also enhance the automotive parts manufacturing sector is imperative,” he added.

Previously, the PPMA said the government could support the industry by mandating a 30% local content requirement for vehicles assembled in the Philippines and giving incentives such as income tax holidays and duty exemption on raw materials.

It also proposed tax credits for exports, accelerated depreciation for machinery and enhanced research and development deductions.

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