Britain unveils critical minerals strategy to cut reliance on foreign supply

November 23, 2025 | 6:55 pm

London-Tower Bridge, The Shard — REUTERS

BRITAIN on Saturday rolled out a critical minerals strategy designed to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by 2035, with targets to source 10% of domestic demand from UK production and 20% from recycling, the government said, as global competition for these essential resources intensifies.

Backed by up to 50 million pounds in new funding, the strategy seeks to ensure no more than 60% of the UK’s supply of any one critical mineral comes from a single country by 2035, according to a statement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in the statement critical minerals “are the backbone of modern life and our national security,” arguing that boosting domestic production and recycling would help shield the economy and support efforts to lower living costs.

The government said the UK currently produces 6% of its critical mineral needs domestically. Under the plan, it wants to expand domestic extraction and processing, with a particular focus on lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths. It aims to produce at least 50,000 tons of lithium in the UK by 2035.

Britain faces an urgent need for a secure, long-term supply of critical minerals, including copper, lithium and nickel, which are essential for smartphones and electric vehicles and increasingly crucial for building data centers that power artificial intelligence.

British demand for essential materials is climbing sharply, with copper consumption projected to nearly double and lithium demand expected to surge by 1,100% by 2035, Britain’s government said.

The strategy underscores China’s grip on critical mineral supplies, leaving the sector exposed to price swings, geopolitical strains and sudden disruptions. Britain noted China accounts for about 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of refining, a dominance that puts countries such as the UK at risk.

Earlier this year, Britain struck a minerals cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia aimed at bolstering supply chains, opening doors for British firms, and drawing fresh investment into the UK. — Reuters

Timezone to revamp, open more venues by year-end and 2026

November 21, 2025 | 8:51 pm

Timezone Philippines is set to renovate and open additional locations nationwide by year-end and in 2026, the company’s top official said on Friday.

“Before the year ends, we still have two more venues to open: one in Venice Grand Canal Mall (in Taguig City), which will be a multi-attraction venue, and another in Ayala Capital Central in Bacolod City,” Raffy Prats Jr., president and general manager of Timezone Philippines, said during the relaunch of its flagship venue in Glorietta 4 in Makati City.

“Next year, we have six more venues lined up, all in multi-attraction formats.”

Of the eight venues set to be launched, five are new locations, Mr. Prats said.

The president also noted that, with Timezone’s multi-attraction format, both new and existing locations will feature more group-friendly attractions. The relaunched space in Glorietta 4, the company’s first branch in Metro Manila which was first opened in 1998, incorporates this format.

The nearly 1,400-square-meter space—expanded from 900 square meters—now houses more than 120 games and attractions, including social bowling, billiards, and larger karaoke rooms that can accommodate up to 12 people.

Patrons can also explore virtual reality games such as VR Hologate and VR Star Ride.

Mr. Prats said the renovation came after the COVID-19 pandemic and to coincide with the ongoing renovation of the mall itself.

“We felt that we needed to bring something special to our guests and give them a new experience,” he said.

The integration is also a strategic move to attract a wider audience.

Meanwhile, Caroline Leong, group chief customer officer of Timezone Group, said the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic markets. Timezone, originally from Australia, operates in at least seven countries, with its leading operations in the Asia-Pacific region, according to its website.

“In the Philippines, something I’ve noticed is that people just love to play together. They like to go with their multi-generational family,” Ms. Leong said during the launch event.

Since its opening in 1998 in Cebu, Timezone Philippines has expanded to 51 full-size venues and over 50 smaller locations nationwide, it said.

In 2026, the company aims for double-digit revenue growth following the recalibration and consolidation it undertook this year, Mr. Prats said. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

G2E Asia’s grand return to the Philippines: Over 100 brands, 50 expert speakers, and 5 networking cocktails this December

November 21, 2025 | 7:25 pm

G2E Asia @ the Philippines, a special edition of G2E Asia, makes its highly anticipated return to Manila Marriott Hotel this Dec. 10 and 11. Tailored for the Philippine gaming industry, the 2-day event will feature over 100 brands in the exhibition, many of which have no local presence.

Complementing the exhibition is a series of dynamic activities, including dedicated networking events for various industry segments, specialized masterclasses to support professional development, and a 2-day conference addressing the latest developments in the Philippine gaming industry.

Dedicated Networking Events for Slots, Table Games, iGaming, and more

G2E Asia is all about connecting professionals across the industry. Its networking events, tailored for different segments, provide opportunities to engage with industry professionals both locally and globally.

Networking events include:

Slots Networking Cocktail – Dec 10 (Wed), 15:00 – 16:00
iGaming Networking Cocktail – Dec 10 (Wed), 15:00 – 16:00
Table Games Networking Cocktail – Dec 11 (Thu), 15:00 – 16:00
IT & Marketing Networking Cocktail – Dec 11 (Thu), 15:00 – 16:00
G2E Asia Closing Party (open to all) – Dec 11 (Thu), 16:30 – 17:30

Specialized Masterclasses for iGaming, IT and Marketing Professionals

Recognizing the growing importance of iGaming, IT and marketing in the industry, G2E Asia’s specialized masterclasses help professionals at all levels upskill in these key functions. Each session delivers practical insights on emerging trends while providing opportunities to learn and network with peers. All sessions are held in the exhibition hall and are accessible with an expo-only pass.

Masterclasses include:

iGaming Masterclass – Dec 10 (Wed), 14:00 – 15:00
IT & Marketing Solutions Masterclass – Dec 11 (Thu), 14:00 – 15:00

Two-day Conference focused on the Philippine Gaming Industry

Opening the conference, G2E Asia is proud to welcome Mr. Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), as the morning keynote speaker on December 10, followed by Mr. Greg Hawkins, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bloomberry Resorts Corporation / Solaire Resort, for the afternoon keynote. Over two days, the conference will explore the latest trends shaping the Philippine gaming industry, featuring top industry leaders who will share insights, strategies, and emerging opportunities across the sector.

The Wednesday, December 10 conference will take a deep dive into the land-based gaming sector, exploring regulatory adaptations, non-gaming innovations, and more. Speakers including Mr. Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus; Mr. Shaun McCamley, Founder and Chairman of GameWorkz; Mr. Samuel Wilkes, Vice President, F&B Business Development & Strategy of Solaire Resort; Mr. John Lucas, Chief Hospitality Officer of Newport World Resorts; and others.

The Thursday, December 11 conference will spotlight key trends in the online gaming sector, covering business growth, AML best practices, CSR, slots and ETG technology, and more. Speakers include Mr. Ricardo Banaag, President and CEO of DFNN Inc.; Mr. Jeremy B. Luglug, Assistant Vice President, Electronic Gaming Licensing Department of PAGCOR; Ms. Nerie Aquino, Director – Gaming Compliance, Legal & Compliance of Okada Manila; Ms. Vina Claudette Oca, Assistant Vice President, Gaming Licensing & Development Department of PAGCOR; Mr. Alexander Ngo, Director of LexisNexis Risk Solutions; and others.

To learn more about G2E Asia @ the Philippines, visit www.G2EAsiaPhilippines.com.

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A strong party system can deter corruption says political analyst

November 21, 2025 | 7:15 pm

election posters-wc — AN ICE CREAM VENDOR passes by a wall covered in campaign posters in Quezon City, May 4. Midterm elections are scheduled for May 12. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

The Federation of Economic Freedom (FEF) said that the Philippines will have to amend its constitution to nip corruption in the bud, as the lack of a strong political party system is incentivizing politicians.

“What we need is to change the constitution, establish a strong political party system, and even change the economic model, which is based on Filipino-first and Filipino-only [policies],” said FEF President Calixto V. Chikiamco on the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference on Friday.

“I am recommending that there be elections for a Constitutional Convention in 2028, (together with) presidential elections, and then they will be given a maximum of two years to come up with a new constitution,” he added.

He said that corruption is not a unique issue in the Philippines, citing events in Vietnam and Malaysia.

“It is just that the magnitude has gone up. But if you want to stop it, we have to change our political and economic system,” he said on the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference on Friday.

A strong political party system, he said, will help remove the incentives enjoyed by government officials in the current political system.

“We need a strong political party system with state financing of political parties so that an individual politician doesn’t have to steal from the government to be able to campaign,” he added.

The political party system is meant to replace family dynasties, which have been cited among the root causes of corruption.

“We don’t have a strong political party system; our politicians flip parties at the drop of a hat,” he added.

He said that he is not particular with what kind of party system it is, whether it’s a two-party system or a multi-party system.

“But there should be laws against party switching, for turncoatism,” he said.

“Those are some of the things that we can do to change our system because merely putting people in jail will not change the incentives of our politicians to keep on stealing money,” he added.

On the economic side, he said that there is a need to remove all the Filipino-first and Filipino-only policies, as neighbors including Taiwan, Japan, and China have already opened their doors to foreign investors.

“There is nothing wrong with the influx of foreign investors because they would be employing people, especially if they export,” he said.

“How do they protect their local industry? They protect it from the exchange rate because it is more expensive to import stuff if your exchange rate is weak,” he added.

He said the Filipino-first provisions only result in monopolies and oligopolies, thus the need for constitutional change.

At the same time, he said that economic reforms are needed to make local industries more competitive.

“We have to be globally competitive. That means we need to reduce the price of food so that labor costs won’t be so high also,” he added.

He also cited the need to make the constitution simpler to allow room for changes.

“We have one of the longest constitutions in the world, so it is very difficult to make changes when technology and other conditions change,” he added.

Mr. Chikiamco’s statement came amid the government’s probe on alleged corruption in flood control projects starting in August.

In recent revelations, top government officials have also been named as having played a role in the alleged corruption.

BUSINESS GROUPS

However, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair George T. Barcelon said that the government should first address the issue of flood control before moving to constitutional change.

“We are facing this challenge; let’s address this first,” he said. “‘(The) constitution, maybe down the line, we will look at what are the important issues in our constitution that we have to tweak.

He said that amending the constitution requires proper timing.

“We have this concern right now, and in a way it is a very serious situation. Now, if you open up the Pandora’s box on constitutional change at this time, you can’t say who has vested interests,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He said that addressing the issue at hand is important, as the country is currently behind the curve as far as foreign direct investments are concerned.

“We are now on the radar of the people who want to invest. We just don’t have the landing lights for them to really put their money in our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Makati Business Club Chairman Edgar O. Chua warned about the possible effects of a total rehaul of the constitution.

“While we don’t have a perfect constitution, I think the way to address it is not to change the whole thing, just parts of it,” he said.

“I think it is really how we strengthen the political party system. Because right now, our politics is personality driven,” he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

He said that he is also concerned about who will be changing the constitution.

“I believe that we can operate within the framework of our current [constitution],” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

SMDC’s Good Life Expo 2025 features a performer for every generation

November 21, 2025 | 2:40 pm

Billed as the country’s biggest lifestyle and property showcase of the year, the SM Development Corp. (SMDC) Good Life Expo 2025 promises an equally memorable spectacle of live performances to go with all the interactive experiences and exclusive real estate deals. The event is open to the public and runs from Nov. 21-23 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Headlining the three-day expo are the “Concert King” Martin Nievera, a beloved icon from the 80’s onwards, who opens the festivities on Friday, followed by Baguio-based rock collective and Gen Z favorites DILAW on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sunday’s finale features the renowned alt-rock act, Hale, whose music resonates strongly with Millennials.

The curated lineup of main acts reflects how SMDC caters to various profiles and preferences. This year, the award-winning developer introduced its groundbreaking brand refresh that sharpened its portfolio into three segments, SMDC Heights for urban achievers, SMDC Nature for suburban nesters, and SMDC Symphony Homes for life upgraders. Each category offers a distinct way of living, designed to meet different lifestyles and life stages as communities that evolve with people and deliver value that lasts across generations.

The SMDC Good Life Expo 2025 serves as the perfect venue to learn more about the new segments. Homebuyers, investors, and lifestyle enthusiasts can explore immersive lifestyle zones that feature the three categories and reflect the brand’s commitment to creating accessible, sustainable, and life-centered communities. The SMDC Heights lifestyle zone also features the exciting VR Sky Living experience, reflecting the refinement of city dwellers, while the SMDC Nature area has an Eco-Play Zone, showing the loose and relaxed vibe of those who want to live in more serene settings. Lastly, the SMDC Symphony Homes lifestyle zone presents the Good Life Family Fun Stop with a claw machine and Tic-Tac-Throw game, highlighting the bond and energy of families who want a house and a lot more.

Participating in an activity from one of the lifestyle zones earns a stamp on the “Good Life Expo Passport,” and collecting all three stamps wins amazing prizes. Aside from the fun activities, guests can also enjoy exclusive property deals, on-the-spot home-loan pre-qualification from BDO and Chinabank, and curated home-styling packages from SMDC’s home-furnishing partners, Our Home, SM Home, and IKEA. SMDC’s other partners for the Good Life Expo 2025 include Pag-IBIG Fund and Candid Coffee.

There are exciting augmented reality setups as well that allow guests to visualize their future homes, strike a pose at glam bots and themed photo areas, and join games to win prizes that include limited-edition Good Life Expo merchandise and SM Gift Certificates. Visitors can also indulge in complimentary premium coffee, fresh wellness juices, or ice cream throughout the weekend.

Aside from the expo’s headliners, there will be other guest performers and musical acts throughout the three-day event, including Solace Out the Door, David La Sol, YDen, and more.

For updates and registration, visit www.smdc.com or follow @TheOfficialSMDC on social media.

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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Alleged AI chip smuggling to China leads to US calls for chip tracking

November 21, 2025 | 11:28 am

THEE US Justice Department has charged four people in a scheme to illegally export Nvidia AI chips to China, prompting a key House Republican to call for urgent passage of a chip-tracking bill on Thursday.

“China recognizes the superiority of American AI innovation and will do whatever it must to catch up,” said John Moolenaar, the chair of the US House Select Committee on China. “That’s why the bipartisan Chip Security Act is urgently needed.”

The legislation, which Mr. Moolenaar introduced in May and has 30 cosponsors, would require location verification for chips, make it mandatory for chipmakers to report and share information about potential diversion, and look at additional ways to stop US chips from ending up in the wrong hands.

The case highlights the challenges Washington faces in enforcing its sweeping restrictions on high-tech exports to China, which are designed to hobble Beijing’s military development and keep the US ahead on technology. China has criticized US export curbs as part of a campaign to weaponize economic and trade issues.

The indictment, which the US Department of Justice announced on Thursday, charges two US citizens and two Chinese nationals with conspiring to export Nvidia GPUs to China without required licenses. The defendants allegedly created fake contracts and provided false documentation to ship the chips to third countries, knowing they were destined for China.

They then exported 400 Nvidia A100 GPUs to China through Malaysia between October 2024 and January 2025, according to the indictment. Law enforcement stopped attempts to export 10 Hewlett-Packard supercomputers with Nvidia H100 GPUs and 50 separate Nvidia H200 GPUs through Thailand, the US Department of Justice said.

In the Florida case, the conspiracy included the use of a Tampa company as a front to purchase and export chips, and nearly $4 million in wire transfers from China to fund the scheme, the Justice Department said.

A lawyer for one defendant declined to comment and a lawyer for a second defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The other defendants could not immediately be reached. — Reuters

EU trade chief eyes investment in Australian resources projects

November 21, 2025 | 11:27 am

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Rebecca Lintz from Pixabay

MELBOURNE — EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said on Friday he had discussed with Australia’s Resources Minister Madeleine King how best to invest in Australian resources projects, through equity stakes, long-term off-take agreements or joint investments.

Mr. Sefocvic spoke with Ms. King on Thursday as part of a trade delegation to Australia, as the two countries seek to hammer out a free trade agreement that may include supply of critical minerals.

“We did the first such selection of the projects where we would declare our official interest. I mean, that list should be published very, very soon,” he said.

The EU was learning from Japan’s handling of its supply security of critical minerals, by strategically investing in mines and processing plants, he said.

“And we want to go in that direction as well.”

“We in Europe, we paid so much for dependencies over the last years. It started with Russian oil and gas. We know how much we overpaid when we had to diversify very quickly. We see how we are squeezed now on chips and some critical raw materials.”

In terms of an agreement between Australia and the EU, there was “more momentum,” Mr. Sefcovic told reporters in Melbourne, adding he expected another round of talks early next year.

A previous attempt to reach a trade deal failed in 2023, with Canberra wanting more ability to sell farm goods in Europe. The EU is seeking greater access to Australian critical minerals and lower tariffs on manufactured goods. — Reuters

Money laundering networks lead from Britain to Russia, UK says

November 21, 2025 | 11:11 am

cash-dollars-pile-163497_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

LONDON — A billion-dollar money laundering network that operated across Britain bought a controlling stake in a Kyrgyzstani bank to facilitate sanctions evasion and support Russia’s war in Ukraine, Britain’s National Crime Agency said on Friday.

In an update to an international investigation into Russian money laundering networks, dubbed “Operation Destabilize”, the NCA said it was highlighting the scale of networks it was disrupting that convert cash from street crime into cryptocurrency and tie the local drugs trade to organized and state-sponsored crime.

The NCA and the US Treasury Department last December cast a spotlight on TGR and Smart, two networks they said were used by rich Russians to evade sanctions and which London said laundered cash for drug traffickers, criminals and spies in a “cash-for-crypto” swap.

PHASE TWO OF OPERATION DESTABILIZE
In a global crackdown, the NCA and its enforcement partners in countries such as the US, France, Spain and Ireland have arrested 128 to date. More than 25 million pounds ($33 million) has been seized in cash and cryptocurrency in Britain alone to date, the NCA said.

The US Treasury said last December it had imposed sanctions on members of the groups, which it said helped elite Russians use cryptocurrency to evade sanctions imposed after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The NCA said TGR was linked to the purchase of a majority stake in Keremet Bank, a Kyrgyzstani lender sanctioned by the United States. The US Treasury said in January that the sale by the Kyrgyzstani finance ministry was intended to “create a sanctions evasion hub” for Russian trade payments.

Keremet Bank has said it would challenge the decision.

The NCA said the stake in Keremet Bank, which it believes facilitated cross-border payments that supported companies involved in Russian sectors such as defense, aerospace and technology, was held by a company linked to George Rossi.

US.and British authorities believe Mr. Rossi, a Ukrainian national who has been sanctioned by the US, heads TGR.

Reuters was unable to contact Rossi.

“Today we can reveal the sheer scale at which these networks operate and draw a line between crimes in our communities, sophisticated organized criminals and state sponsored activity,” said Sal Melki, NCA’s deputy director for economic crime. ($1 = 0.7639 pounds). — Reuters

Marcos: Ombudsman to probe Zaldy Co, Romualdez over flood control mess

November 21, 2025 | 11:08 am

PBBM Marcos — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said on Friday that the Ombudsman will probe all of the evidence gathered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which may warrant criminal charges against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy S. Co.

“I want to inform our fellow citizens that all the information gathered by the ICI and the DPWH will be referred and turned over to the Ombudsman so the Ombudsman can investigate it,” he said in Filipino on a Facebook post.

“This concerns information about former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co. When all the evidence is seen and verified, we may file a case for plunder or anti-graft or indirect bribery,” he added.

Mr. Marcos noted that he is confident that the Ombudsman will base its investigation on the findings from the agencies. “Wherever the evidence leads us, that is where our investigation will go.”

In a joint referral report, the DPWH and ICI recommended filing charges of plunder, graft, and bribery against Mr. Romualdez and Mr. Co for their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

According to DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon, the joint report includes contracts of Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction from 2016 to 2025, along with the sworn testimonies of retired Sgt. Orly Guteza, who identified himself as Mr. Co’s ex-security aide, during one of the hearings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“The recommended action contained in the second to the last page, Letter A – violation of Republic Act 7080 or an Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder; Letter B – violations of Section 3A, B, and E, and H of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. And finally, violation of Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code on direct bribery,” he said in a press conference.

Mr. Romualdez, in a report by DZBB Super Radyo, said that he is prepared to face any investigations and charges that will be filed against him.

He earlier denied allegations of kickbacks in flood control projects as alleged by the contractor husband and wife, Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, during a Senate hearing in September.

Meanwhile, Mr. Co, in a video statement on November 17, said that he is only a “poster boy”, accusing Mr. Marcos, Mr. Romualdez, and other Cabinet members of “insertions” worth P100 billion in the national budget.

“They made me a poster boy for their lies. Now, I will not be silent, I will reveal the truth,” he said in Filipino. “There’s a receipt, evidence, and names.” — Almira Louse S. Martinez

Vincent Co’s Puregold celebrates successful 2025 by giving away P15 million worth of prizes

November 21, 2025 | 11:00 am

Racking up P7 billion in revenues in the last quarter of 2025, Vincent Co’s Puregold is sharing the bounty with its customers by creating life-changing moments of joy through the grand Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo promo. To date, Puregold’s loyal shoppers have won laptops, smartphones, tablets, free groceries, tindahan showcases, and more on its weekly draws. By the end, the company will have given away over P15 million worth of prizes to its most loyal customers.

The largesse is emblematic of the growth that Puregold President Vincent Co has generated through his leadership in the company. This year alone, Mr. Co opened more stores nationwide while pushing basket size and foot traffic. The result: more shoppers choosing to spend their hard-earned money at Puregold.

Vincent Co’s Puregold is giving away P15 million worth of prizes after seeing a highly successful 3rd quarter in 2025.

Vincent Co stresses the importance of acknowledging the role his steadfast customers play in the company’s success. “Even with the economic challenges besetting many Filipino families, our customers and members continue to stand by us and help us sustain growth,” says Mr. Co. “Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo is pure gratitude to our loyal customers. Together, we will ensure that Puregold remains a dependable shopping destination that brings convenience and value to every home and every tindahan.”

Now approaching its eighth weekly draw covering the period of Nov. 17 to 23, Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo is stirring up excitement over its forthcoming major prizes that include Suzuki Smash motorcycles, brand-new BYD Sealion 6 SUVs, and several P1-million cash prizes. Customers only need to present a registered receipt that meets a set minimum purchase amount.

By offering customers chances to score gadgets, grocery essentials, or P-Wallet credits, Puregold Nasa Resibo ang Panalo’s weekly draws also turn everyday errands into opportunities to win big.

With its valued Filipino consumers at heart, Puregold celebrates the people who have been with the brand through every milestone. The loyal customer base Puregold has cultivated and sustained through the years now gets to share in the humble success of the retailer.

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter and @puregoldph on TikTok.

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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[B-SIDE Podcast] Information is a public good

November 21, 2025 | 10:06 am

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Guilherme Canela, director of the Division for Digital Inclusion Policies and Digital Transformation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on why access to information is a human right.

Information isn’t just paperwork – it actually saves lives. Knowledge sharing, furthermore, can curb corruption and improve government efficiency.

Recorded on the sidelines of the 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) global conference, which focused on the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

Intellicare at 30: Leading the ripple of care for a healthier Philippines

November 21, 2025 | 9:30 am

30 years ago, a small team with a big vision set out to redefine healthcare in the Philippines. From its humble beginnings in 1995 with just 10 employees, Intellicare has become the country’s preeminent health maintenance organization (HMO), serving over 1.2 million members and more than 3,000 corporate accounts nationwide.

As Intellicare marks its 30^th anniversary, it reflects on a legacy built on values that continue to ripple across families, organizations, communities, and the nation, such as integrity, honesty, fairness, hard work, and an enduring sense of humanity.

“Intellicare was born out of care for life beyond one’s own. That pebble of care has rippled outward for three decades — touching lives, strengthening organizations and communities, and shaping a healthier Philippines,” Intellicare Chairman Mario M. Silos said.

FROM NOBLE VISION TO STRONG LEADERSHIP

Intellicare was founded on Nov. 21, 1995 by Chairman Mario M. Silos, who believed that genuine care should begin within the organization. This principle became the cornerstone of Intellicare’s mission to make quality healthcare efficient, accessible, affordable, and compassionate.

In 2003, the brand name Intellicare was officially adopted, ushering in a new era of growth. Seven years later, Intellicare had achieved a 90% client retention rate, a record that continues today and a clear reflection of trust and service excellence. By 2016, membership surpassed the 1-million mark, cementing Intellicare’s position as one of the top HMOs.

Today, Intellicare operates with a nationwide network of over 2,400 accredited hospitals and clinics and 69,000 multi-affiliations with medical professionals, ensuring comprehensive care for members across key provinces and regions. The company is also duly licensed by the Insurance Commission with an authorized capital stock of ₱1 billion, ensuring financial stability and the capacity to serve its clientele.

Intellicare’s strength lies in both its personalized service delivered with integrity and its strong corporate governance framework, which ensures transparency, ethical conduct, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The company also champions environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, aligning operations with sustainability goals. From digital transformation that reduces paper waste to community health programs under its CSR brand H.E.A.L.S, Intellicare is committed to creating long-term value for stakeholders and society.

A testament to its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in data security and privacy is Intellicare’s ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Privacy Protection, which the company proudly obtained in 2025.

IMPACTFUL, TANGIBLE CARE

Intellicare’s impact goes far beyond its members. By ensuring access to quality healthcare through its accredited hospitals, clinics, and doctors, Intellicare helps sustain the healthcare ecosystem and supports medical practitioners and institutions nationwide. This creates a virtuous cycle of healthy employees leading to healthy organizations, families, communities, and ultimately, a healthier nation.

Intellicare also advocates for preventive care and wellness by adopting a more holistic approach that includes wellness programs, strategic partnerships, and digital innovations, such as the AGORA app, making Intellicare services more accessible and member experiences more seamless.

Intellicare’s story is best told through the voices of those it serves. Every expression of gratitude fills hearts and reaffirms the organization’s nobility of purpose. Whether it’s providing relief and support in times of need, delivering professionalism with a personal touch, going above and beyond the call of duty, treating someone like family, or simply showing empathy because it is the most human thing to do, each of these acts reflects the true essence of Intellicare.

To honor these moments, Intellicare introduced the Circle of Care series, a collection of real experiences that remind everyone why the organization exists. Each story creates ripples that touch lives, families, and communities, proving that care is not just a service, but a commitment that transforms.

In addition to supporting its members, Intellicare is acknowledged by its medical network for being a reliable partner in advancing sustainability and meeting its obligations responsibly.

CARING FORWARD

As Intellicare celebrates 30 years of leadership, its mission remains clear: to lead the ripple of care — creating healthier workplaces, families, communities, and a stronger nation. With a foundation built on compassion and a vision powered by innovation, Intellicare is poised to continue transforming healthcare for generations to come.

Looking ahead, Intellicare is embracing data-driven, digital innovations for outcome-based health management.

Intellicare is enhancing provider and member support through a dedicated helpline for affiliated doctors and the rollout of Print-on-Demand kiosks in identified accredited facilities for quick Referral Control Sheet printing. It is also embracing AI-powered tools and upgrading systems to streamline internal processes, improve manpower efficiency, and enhance member experience. Health management programs are expanded to focus on preventing and managing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

“In the last 30 years — and in the years ahead — Intellicare remains steadfast in our commitment to integrity and sustainable healthcare management,” says Jeremy G. Matti, president of Intellicare. “Our integrity in what we do enables us to deliver high-quality and sustainable healthcare to employees and their families, ensuring access and financial security for Filipino households.”

To know more about Intellicare, visit their website intellicare.com.ph, or their social media accounts, @Intellicare on Facebook or @IntellicarePH on Instagram, and linkedin.com/company/intellicare-ph on LinkedIn.

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