Dining In/Out: Tasting Christmas

December 23, 2025 | 12:02 am

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City of Dreams

CITY OF DREAMS (COD) Manila’s signature restaurants — Crystal Dragon, Haliya, Nobu Manila, and The Café — are bringing holiday cheer through special menus that evoke the season’s festive flavors. Crystal Dragon, the resort’s Cantonese and regional Chinese restaurant, blends signature dishes in its Festive Season Family Set Menu. The seven-course menu, good for four to six persons includes a combination platter of Wok-fried Green Lobster with XO sauce and Stuffed Tiger Prawn with spinach and crabmeat egg white sauce; Double-boiled Abalone, Fish Maw, Dry Scallop and Stuffed Morel Mushrooms with chrysanthemum tofu in consommé; and Steamed Live Sea Grouper in sour broth with fresh enoki mushroom. Available for lunch and dinner until Jan. 1, the family set menu costs P36,000++. Crystal Dragon is open from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Haliya, COD’s go-to restaurant for reimagined Filipino cuisine, presents ala carte seasonal favorites that evoke the Filipino noche buena feast, including Morcon Embotido and Peras and Kastanyas. Haliya’s Christmas menu is available on Dec. 24 from 5 to 11 p.m., and on Christmas Day, from noon to 11 p.m. For one-of-a-kind Christmas dinners, Nobu Manila highlights a special Christmas Omakase menu available on Dec. 24 and 25. The special five-course tasting menu is available for P6,653.57 net per person. Hyatt Regency Manila’s interactive show kitchen, The Café, has a festive buffet spread for celebratory lunch (noon to 3 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 to 11 p.m.) on Dec. 24 and 25. Lunch is at P3,150, while the dinners are at P4,288 on Dec. 24 and P3,250 on Dec. 25, which already includes free-flowing house red and white wines, draft beer, soda, iced tea, juices, coffee, and tea. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on.

Gringo rolls out party trays

GRINGO is making holiday gatherings more festive with the launch of its party trays and holiday sets, designed for potlucks, Christmas parties, and Noche Buena feasts. Made for sharing, each party tray serves six to eight people. These include the Angus Bolognese Linguine Party Tray (P950), the Bacon Cream Fusilli Party Tray (P970), and the Shrimp Bisque Pasta Party Tray (P1,250); BBQ Southern Boneless Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese Party Tray (P980), Char-grilled Chicken and Ribs Party Tray (P1,280), Chicken Tenders with Fries Party Tray (P1,200), the Garlic Calamari Party Tray (P1,050), and the Grinchos Party Tray (P1,050). For hosts looking for convenient bundles, Gringo offers its holiday sets: the Party Starter Set (P3,280) includes Grinchos, Angus Bolognese, Chicken and Ribs party trays, and two liters of soda; the Fiesta Grande Set (P5,250), comes with Grinchos, Garlic Calamari, Angus Bolognese, BBQ Chicken with Mac and Cheese, Chicken and Ribs party trays, plus two liters of soda. For bigger celebrations, the Boss Feast Set (P6,450) includes Grinchos, Garlic Calamari, Angus Bolognese Linguine, Shrimp Bisque Pasta, Chicken Tenders with Fries, Chicken and Ribs party trays, along with two liters of soda. Gringo Party Trays and Holiday Sets are available via gringo.ph, in all Gringo branches nationwide, and through GrabFood and Foodpanda. Gringo branches are located at Ayala Malls Feliz, Bonifacio Global City, Dela Rosa Street, Festival Mall, Greenhills, SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM Fairview, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and SM Sucat. Provincial branches include SM Baguio, SM Dasmariñas, SM Legazpi, SM Marilao, and SM Sta. Rosa.

Goldilocks offers Christmas specials

FROM festive cakes to hearty food trays, Goldilocks has what one needs to celebrate. Now available are its Signature Chocolate and Luscious and Classic Greeting Cakes which feature special holiday toppers. Goldilocks also has a wide selection of Christmas food trays featuring all-time favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai, Fresh Lumpia, Pancit Canton, Pancit Malabon, Pancit Palabok, Pancit Sotanghon, Lasagna, and Chunky Pork BBQ, starting at P490. Visit Goldilocks stores nationwide, order through Goldilocks Delivery, or food delivery apps.

Lexus Mitsukoshi has new items for December

LEXUS MITSUKOSHI has a fresh lineup of menu items from Key Coffee. The new offerings draw from familiar comfort food. A bowl of Kaarage Udon is steaming in a savory dashi consommé, with karaage. Their version of Omurice has chicken fried rice wrapped in scrambled eggs, finished with a tomato demi-glace. The Pomodoro Toast offers thick-cut shokupan layered with savory tsukune, bright tomatoes, bell peppers, and melted cheese. As a sweet ender, there is the Berry Parfait which presents a buttery crumble, smooth vanilla diplomat cream, and a mixed berry compote, finished with balsamic and fresh berries. As for drinks, the Velvet Peach & Toffee pairs ripe peach with brown toffee crumble, milk foam, and ginger ale. The Chili Mint Nama Latte has silky Nama chocolate and No. 18 espresso. A Melon Citrus Cream Soda combines melon and lime with milk foam and soda water. These are available exclusively at Key Coffee within Lexus Mitsukoshi.

Vista Land settles P3.5-B retail bonds

December 23, 2025 | 12:01 am

VILLAR-LED property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. said on Monday it has settled P3.5 billion in peso retail bonds.

The bonds were settled using proceeds from advances provided by the company’s majority shareholders, it said in a stock exchange disclosure.

The retail bonds, which were issued on Dec. 21, 2018, matured on Dec. 22.

Vista Land posted a 4% increase in its first-half net income to P6.71 billion from P6.44 billion a year earlier.

Shares of Vista Land rose by 2.27% or two centavos to close at 90 centavos apiece. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Filinvest to dissolve dormant Mimosa unit to streamline operations

December 23, 2025 | 12:01 am

GOTIANUN-LED developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) is closing its dormant subsidiary Filinvest Lifemalls Mimosa, Inc. (FLMI) to simplify its corporate structure and focus on subsidiaries that are actively generating value, the company said.

“Since FLMI has no assets, operations, or employees, its closure allows us to focus on subsidiaries that are actively driving value and development,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer Tristaneil D. Las Marias told the stock exchange on Monday.

FLMI has filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to shorten its corporate term, a procedural step that allows FLI to streamline its internal structure.

“This step ensures that all corporate entities within the group remain aligned with long‑term strategic and operational priorities,” the land developer said.

FLI said that the dissolution will not affect ongoing projects within the Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga.

For instance, the construction of Mimosa Lifestyle Mall — also known as Filinvest Malls Mimosa — remains on track, with completion targeted for 2026, according to the company.

“This development is progressing as planned, and once completed, it will serve as a dynamic commercial anchor for the Filinvest Mimosa+ estate,” Mr. Las Marias said.

The mall, located within the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa+ property, is expected to boost commercial and retail demand in the province.

The mixed-use estate is also home to Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Work Plus Office Campus, Mimosa Plus Golf Course, and the upcoming Crimson Clark Hotel.

FLI’s portfolio includes residential, township, mixed-use, retail, office, and leisure developments. Its townships include the 300-hectare Havila, 677-hectare Timberland Heights, and 60-hectare Manna East in Rizal; 335-hectare Ciudad de Calamba in Laguna; 51-hectare Palm Estates in Negros Occidental; and 58-hectare City di Mare in Cebu City.

For the first nine months, FLI posted a 5% increase in consolidated net income to P3.64 billion, driven by strong performance in its real estate and leasing segments.

At the local bourse on Monday, FLI shares declined by 1.30% or one centavo to close at 76 centavos each. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Pru Life UK posts P7.38B in new business premiums at end-September 2025

December 23, 2025 | 12:01 am

pru-life-uk-head-office-building — PRULIFEUK.COM.PH

PRU LIFE Insurance Corp. of UK Philippines (Pru Life UK) booked a new business annual premium equivalent (NBAPE) of P7.38 billion in the first nine months of 2025, it said on Monday.

The insurer said this result came as it expanded its distribution network and enhanced its digital capabilities to cater to its clients’ protection needs.

It added that its “strong performance” bolsters its market leadership.

“Strong performance is only meaningful when it reflects the impact we create for our customers. We continue to see growing awareness among Filipino families on the importance of protection and long-term financial planning. Our role is to help them act on that awareness with greater clarity, confidence, and support,” Pru Life UK Chief Finance Officer Francis P. Ortega said.

“Pru Life UK continues to invest in advisory capability, digital access, and customer support to help more Filipino families plan for the future and protect the value they work hard to build,” the company added.

The life insurer recently launched PRULove Wealth Direct, a single‑pay traditional endowment plan.

The product offers guaranteed net annual cash payouts equivalent to 4% of the single premium for seven years along with a full return of premium at the end of the term, and life insurance coverage worth 125% of the single premium.

“Loanable cash values also allow policyholders to access their funds for emergencies or major expenses,” the insurer said.

“Customers are looking for solutions that are dependable and aligned with their priorities. PRULove Wealth Direct enables them to make the most out of life, while securing protection for their families, wherever they are in their financial journey,” Mr. Ortega added. “As the aspirations of Filipino families evolve, our promise remains the same. We are here to help them protect what matters, prepare for the future and move forward with peace of mind.”

Pru Life UK booked a premium income of P48.15 billion and a net income of P3.72 billion in 2024, Insurance Commission (IC) data showed.

Meanwhile, the life insurance industry booked a premium income of P299.45 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up from P263.21 billion in the comparable year-ago period, according to the latest IC data. This was mainly driven by the 15.96% increase in variable life premiums to P198.36 billion.

Life insurers’ NBAPE also rose by 11.49% to P55.13 billion in the nine-month period. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Easy money defined Asia in 2025. It gets harder now

December 23, 2025 | 12:01 am

People’s Bank of China — PEOPLE’S BANK OF CHINA — WIKIMEDIA

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By Daniel Moss

THIS was no banner year for Asia. Growth was sluggish and inflation sufficiently low to allow for interest rate cuts. But some of the reductions were grudging — often designed more to put a floor under expansions that struggled.

The sense of crisis that followed the imposition of US tariffs in April has abated. Leaders were able to negotiate duties down to levels that are uncomfortable without being catastrophic. What’s left is hard work and a need for officials to pick when to juice their economies, and by how much. The real hit — if there is to be one — from the barriers erected by the White House will only be truly felt in 2026.

If predictions are hazardous at the best of times, they are more fraught today. Here are some lessons and developments to watch.

CHINA CONFOUNDS… AGAIN
Forecasters came to grief in their calls on the world’s second-largest economy. Not because they erred in anticipating a sluggish performance — growth will reach Beijing’s 5% target — but only just. China is skirting deflation, a real estate slump has left scars, and capital investment has dived. The flaw in many of the predictions lay in the policy response. Big banks got very excited by some language that emanated from the Politburo a year ago that suggested aggressive action to spur growth. That didn’t transpire. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) shocked — by doing almost nothing. At the time of writing, only a single 10-basis-point move was forthcoming. PBoC deliberations are opaque. There are no minutes, transcripts, dot plots, or dissents. The only safe call seems to be in pointing out that the economy could use a jolt. Just don’t count on it coming.

LEADERSHIP ISN’T EVERYTHING
The person at the helm a central bank must hunt for votes, overcome institutional inertia and tend to their credibility. Economic conditions need to be considered. I’m not talking about the next chair of the Federal Reserve. But Thailand, where politicians clamored for more aggressive rate cuts. In September, they got their chance to install a champion of looser policy. Vitai Ratanakorn had been a vocal critic of the outgoing Bank of Thailand governor and, as he prepared for his first meeting, bets piled up that a cut would be forthcoming. No deal: The main rate was kept at 1.5%. Vitai did make dovish noises. He emphasized the four cuts in the prior year — and gave himself time to learn about the role and build consensus. Policy tends not to shift dramatically at the start of a boss’ term. Fed watchers, take note.

DON’T FORGET POLITICS
There are rafts of academic papers and speeches on the superior results delivered by independent central banks. But autonomy is almost never pure. Chiefs are appointed by elected leaders and derive their mandate from the political process. Efforts to shape a monetary authority’s decisions are frowned upon — but tend to happen anyway. Bank Indonesia (BI) had been an outpost of technocratic expertise. But when Sri Mulyani Indrawati was forced out as finance minister in September, BI lost some protection. Governor Perry Warjiyo acted fast to reduce rates and went so far as to declare he was all-in on the growth agenda of President Prabowo Subianto, who took office last year. The rupiah is one of the weakest currencies in Asia, and BI keeps intervening to prop it up. Elections do, as Barack Obama once observed, have consequences.

KEEP FORWARD GUIDANCE ON ICE
A year ago, I wrote that forward guidance should come in from the cold. As increases in the cost of living returned to something like normal, it made sense to again give investors confidence in the likely path of borrowing costs and minimize market disruptions. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock disagreed: After each of her three cuts this year, she shunned the idea of guiding the market. With inflation now stirring again and the economy running warm, traders are anticipating hikes. Bullock’s reluctance to go there proved wise.

JAPAN REALLY IS DIFFERENT
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) last week raised its main rate by a quarter-point to 0.75%. Governor Kazuo Ueda spent much of the year sounding lukewarm about the idea of another increase; the prior step was in January. But with the global economy escaping recession and inflation above the bank’s 2% target, he took the opportunity to move. As Ueda enters the second half of his term, a legacy may even be coming into sight. He could be the only BoJ chief in the modern era to leave rates higher than he found them. Quite an achievement. Can the economy bear it? 2026 should tell us.

BLOOMBERG OPINION

Entertainment News (12/23/25)

December 23, 2025 | 12:01 am

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Santa Claus, Christmas carols at Megaworld

A SERIES of Santa meet and greets and caroling performances are scheduled at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls over the coming week. On Dec. 25, Santa Claus will drop by at the Festive Walk in Iloilo at 3 p.m., the Venice Grand Canal in Taguig City at 4 p.m., and Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig City, at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, the following malls will have caroling and live musical performances: San Lorenzo Place Mall in Makati City on Dec. 24, 26, 29, and 31; Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig City on Dec. 24, 28, and 31; and Arcovia City in Pasig City on Dec. 27 and 28, all in the evening.

Giant Lantern Festival at Robinsons Starmills

THE City of San Fernando is bringing its seasonal Giant Lantern Festival to the mall, focusing on the tradition and craftsmanship of parol. Known as the Ligligan Parul, this year’s competition featured 10 barangays showcasing intricately designed giant lanterns measuring approximately 20 feet in diameter, each brought to life through synchronized lights, music, and movement. Barangay Bulaon was the grand champion this year. On Dec. 24, the lanterns will illuminate the area between San Fernando City Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral at 9 p.m. Then, from Dec. 25 to 30, the giant lanterns go to Robinsons Starmills Pampanga where they will be lit up daily from 6 p.m. onwards.

Bistro Rising 2025 to celebrate Filipino indie music

BISTRO RISING 2025 is returning to Manila with the most promising Filipino indie artists from Singapore and the Philippines in a cross-cultural music showcase. The event will take place at 70s Bistro in Quezon City on Dec. 29. Co-headlining the show are three Singapore-based Filipino bands: soul-pop act iLaya, indie rock outfit Nostress, and ’80s new wave-inspired band The Next Wave. The three groups will share the stage with Shumi, a Bulacan-based city pop band, and Rooftop Reveries, an indie pop-rock group. Bistro Rising 2025 is presented by Mushi Entertainment. Tickets are available here.

Interactive attractions at Ayala Malls Manila Bay

AYALA MALLS Manila Bay is offering a collection of entertainment concepts this Christmas, catering to all ages and preferences. One is a museum, the country’s largest permanent digital art space with over 10 immersive sections and a newly added Christmas room. Guests looking to explore Filipino heritage can step into Lakbay Museo, where themed rooms celebrate local traditions, flavors, and artistry. Over at MindSpark, the Philippines’ newest and largest interactive science museum, children can learn through hands-on activities. Meanwhile, problem-solving groups of friends can head to Outside The Box, an interactive board game attraction that encourages teamwork. Fans of K-culture can glide over to Roller Fever, an indoor skating rink themed around the world of Korean pop. Finally, families with young children can go to three attractions: Craft Academy, where children can create cookies, cupcakes, and slime; Fun City, a soft-play haven filled with ball pits, sandcastles, and obstacle courses; and Cheeky Monkey’s, with spacious play zones ideal for parties and celebrations.

Dylan Menor releases Christmas single

FILIPINO singer Dylan Menor has released his first-ever Christmas song, “Pasko’y Walang Katulad,” written, composed, and produced by Filipino music artist Vehnee Saturno. The heartwarming track delivers nostalgia, yearning, and cheer for the festive season, geared towards “yearners.” The track is out now on all major music streaming platforms.

Dayoung of WJSN makes content with Filipino creators

KOREAN star Dayoung of WJSN (Cosmic Girls) recently made a stop in the Philippines, spending time behind the scenes with creators from the local scene. During her stay, she filmed content with select Filipino creators across dance, vocals, lifestyle and beauty, comedy, and other digital spaces on platforms like TikTok. The content will be released soon.

Disney+ showcases kid-friendly titles

DISNEY+ is offering new titles designed for all ages. This holiday season, kid-approved films include the animated family comedy Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. An adaptation of the third installment of author Jeff Kinney’s worldwide bestselling book series, it follows Greg, who continually finds himself at odds with his dad’s outsized expectations. The new story is the fourth animated feature adaptation of the popular book series to debut on Disney+. Another pick has The Avengers assembling once again in the two-part animated series, LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails. There, Hawkeye and the crew have faced foes in all shapes and sizes, including an influencer bent on cataclysmic destruction.

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 22, 2025

December 23, 2025 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, December 22, 2025.

UNCTAD: Philippines falls behind in productive capacity

December 23, 2025 | 12:00 am

The Philippines scored 45.8 out of 100 in the latest update of the Productive Capacities Index, below the world average of 47.3. Published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the index, which used 2024 data, measures 198 economies’ ability to produce goods and services that will help in their growth and development through eight categories: human capital, natural capital, energy, transport, information and communication technology, institutions, private sector, and structural change.

PSEi surges to 6,000 level on holiday optimism

December 22, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES surged on Monday to push the bellwether index back above the 6,000 line on improved business optimism amid the holidays and positive spillovers from both Wall Street and regional markets.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped by 2.03% or 120.39 points to end at 6,041.26, while the broader all shares index increased by 1.43% or 48.58 points to 3,446.30.

“Philippine equities surged higher and joined the regional upswing as businesses are more optimistic this fourth quarter with the expectations that accelerated holiday spending will improve margins,” AP Securities, Inc. said in a market note.

“The local market bounced back as investors hunted for bargains following two straight days of decline,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Manager Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message. “The positive cues from Wall Street’s closing performance last week also helped in Monday’s session.”

Early on Monday, Asian shares rose broadly, tracking tech-driven gains on Wall Street, Reuters reported.

Despite it being a holiday-shortened week for much of the world, momentum funds were still flowing to equities, precious metals and commodities ahead of delayed data that is forecast to show the US economy had continued to grow strongly in the third quarter.

Median forecasts tip annualized growth of 3.2%, due in part to a sharp pullback in imports after a run-up earlier in the year ahead of the introduction of tariffs.

Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.9%, extending Friday’s bounce as a steep decline in the yen promised to boost export earnings for Japanese corporates.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8%, while South Korea jumped 1.7% on optimism over artificial intelligence-related earnings.

Chinese blue chips gained 0.8%, while Singapore’s main index climbed 1% to a record top.

All sectoral indices closed higher on Monday. Services surged by 3.13% or 72.69 points to 2,395.42; mining and oil jumped by 3.09% or 434.72 points to 14,485.72; financials went up by 2.61% or 52.19 points to 2,051.31; property increased by 1.32% or 29.41 points to 2,251.03; industrials rose by 1.13% or 97.13 points to 8,640.34; and holding firms climbed by 0.41% or 19.32 points to 4,708.66.

“International Container Terminal Services, Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 4.55% to P574.50. ACEN Corp. was the worst index performer, dropping 2.53% to P2.70,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Advancers overwhelmed decliners, 130 to 69, while 57 names closed unchanged.

Value turnover went down to P8.28 billion on Monday with 7.16 billion shares traded from the P18.72 billion with 26.2 billion issues that changed hands on Friday.

Net foreign selling increased to P975.15 million from P103.39 million. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno with Reuters

Gov’t could hold on to stake in dormant Cocochem

December 22, 2025 | 8:47 pm

THE GOVERNMENT is reviewing plans to sell shares in United Coconut Chemicals, Inc. (Cocochem) as global demand for coconut products rebounds, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the government is now studying the possibility of holding on to its stake in the company, which used to produce chemicals and oleo fats, in light of strong European demand for coconut products.

The government, through the Land Bank of the Philippines, had planned to auction in June around 682 million common shares in Cocochem, with the goal of raising at least P2.82 billion in proceeds.

The government is now evaluating whether holding on to its stake will result in greater value to the coconut industry.

The DA said the sale had also originally been intended to allow private investors the opportunity to revive or redevelop Cocochem.

According to its website, 92.85% of Cocochem is currently owned by the Coconut Industry Investment Fund. The remaining 7.15% is owned by Germany’s Philholding, SA.

Established in 1981, Cocochem was once the largest producer of coconut chemicals and oleo fats in Southeast Asia.

However, in 2001, the non-implementation of Executive Order 259, which had required the use in detergents of some Cocochem products, disrupted the company’s operations.

Record coconut oil prices in the following decade further affected the company’s competitiveness relative to palm oil producers in Southeast Asia, leading to the plant’s shutdown in 2012.

In 2014, the company pivoted away from manufacturing to leasing land, renting warehouses and tank storage, distributing power, treating wastewater, operating piers, and renting residential property. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

UK to supply microgrid, offshore wind technical aid

December 22, 2025 | 8:47 pm

offshore wind energy — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Grahame Jenkins from Unsplash

THE PHILIPPINES signed technical assistance agreements with the UK for its offshore wind and microgrid industries, the Department of Energy (DoE) said in a statement.

The three technical assistance projects are intended to support the Philippines’ transition to a low-carbon economy, the DoE said.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Lloyd Cameron, economic and climate counsellor for the British Embassy in Manila, signed a letter of intent (LoI), formalizing collaboration under the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Philippines Country Fund.

“This LoI reinforces our shared commitment to practical, outcomes-driven climate cooperation where technical rigor, transparent processes, and stronger institutional capacity translate into deliverable projects on the ground,” Ms. Garin said.

The first technical assistance project will support the DoE in developing a robust evaluation framework for infrastructure plans submitted by developers under the green energy auction (GEA) for offshore wind.

The framework will set documentation standards and evaluation criteria that reinforce “transparent, credible, and bankable auction processes.”

The fifth round of the GEA, which is set to be conducted next year, focuses on fixed-bottom offshore wind technology, with an installation target of 3.3 gigawatts and delivery set for 2028-2030.

Another project covers the development of a comprehensive data collection framework for the DoE’s priority microgrid sites to strengthen institutional capacity for microgrid planning and evidence-based decisions.

The third assistance package supports the technical validation and peer review of the initial results of the marine spatial planning process and tools for use in planning offshore wind development.

“These workstreams will help the DoE sharpen implementation discipline — from clearer documentation standards and review criteria for (offshore wind) auctions to better site data that supports transparent, competitive microgrid procurement,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said.

“The objective is straightforward: improve readiness and confidence so that commitments convert into timely, reliable projects on the ground,” she added.

The UK PACT Philippines Country Fund support will run until March 2027, with the DoE and the British Embassy in Manila also organizing capacity-building activities, including workshops and training sessions for government officials and stakeholders. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Trustmark voluntary registration period extended by one year

December 22, 2025 | 8:47 pm

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it extended the voluntary registration period for the e-commerce trustmark for another year.

“The DTI is keeping trustmark registration voluntary (until next year). This gives online businessmen more time to join at their own pace,” the DTI said in an advisory on Monday.

With the extension, companies doing business online will have until December 2026 to register for the trustmark. The original voluntary period had been due to lapse on Dec. 31, 2025.

The trustmark policy has elicited calls for review, with stakeholders and legislators claiming that it duplicates some requirements that online businesses already must comply with.

Sen. Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV in October urged the DTI to reconsider Department Administrative Order 25-12 describing it as an unnecessary burden on micro, small and medium enterprises.

At the time of the order, registration had been mandatory.

Mr. Aquino also said that the order contradicted the Internet Transactions Act, which identified the trustmark as a voluntary program, and the Ease of Doing Business Act.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said about the extension: “We encourage everyone to register. It is for their credibility,” she added.

According to the DTI, obtaining a trustmark results in “the immediate benefit of helping build a safer digital marketplace while boosting your business.”

The DTI has received 18,405 trustmark applications so far. — Justine Irish D. Tabile