Experience the Good Life through exclusive property deals, lifestyle showcases, and live entertainment — all under one roof
SM Development Corp. (SMDC) is once again bringing “The Good Life” to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from Nov. 21 to 23, 2025, with the year’s biggest home and lifestyle showcase.
The SMDC Good Life Expo 2025 isn’t just about finding your next home — it’s about seeing, feeling, and living the experience of owning one. From exploring world-class developments and securing exclusive property deals to styling your dream space and enjoying a weekend of music and fun, the journey to your new home starts here.
Explore your future home through immersive augmented reality
Begin your journey with augmented reality setups and interactive lifestyle zones that bring SMDC’s newest segments — SMDC Heights, SMDC Nature, and Symphony Homes — to life. Step inside virtual communities designed for comfort, accessibility, and sustainability, and see how your future home could look and feel.
Avail Exclusive property deals and on-the-spot loan approvals
Found the one? Secure it right away. Take advantage of event-only offers and get instant home-loan pre-qualification through BDO and Chinabank, making homeownership easier, faster, and more rewarding.
Get inspired by SMDC’s partner brands
Turn your dream into a real home with help from IKEA, Our Home, SM Home, and Toy Kingdom. Explore beautifully styled vignettes, grab décor tips, and shop exclusive deals to create your ideal living space.
Experience the green side of good living
Drop by the Eco Market, a showcase of sustainable and locally made finds that reflect SMDC’s vision for life centered communities. Then try the interactive Tic Tac Toe Throw, a fun, hands on activity that gets you moving and sparks friendly competition. You can even win instant prizes.
Capture your best moments at glam bots and photo zones
Snap, pose, and share your Good Life moments with futuristic glam bots and photo areas inspired by SMDC communities, the perfect souvenir from your property-hunting adventure.
Join fun games and raffles for exciting prizes
Take part in hourly raffles and booth games for the chance to win SM Gift Certificates, limited-edition Good Life Expo merchandise, and more surprises throughout the day.
Indulge in food and wellness treats
Recharge at the refreshment lounges offering free premium coffee, fresh wellness juices, and ice cream — because good living is also about life’s simple pleasures.
Catch live performances from top OPM artists
End each day on a high note with performances from some of the country’s most beloved artists — Martin Nievera on Friday, Dilaw on Saturday, and Hale on Sunday — plus guest bands and surprise acts throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re ready to invest, get inspired, or simply enjoy a weekend of good music and good living, the SMDC Good Life Expo 2025 is your destination for everything home and lifestyle. See you at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from Nov. 21 to 23, 2025!
Visit www.smdc.com or follow @TheOfficialSMDC on social media for event details.
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.
What if there’s a shoe designed to move with you while treading lightly on the planet?
Ahead of its global debut, Allbirds unveiled its SS26 collection, a glimpse into the brand’s evolving vision for sustainable comfort. The presentation offered an immersive look at how the brand is redefining what travel-ready footwear can be, blending material innovation, minimalist design, and environmental responsibility.
Guided by its ethos of making better things in a better way, Allbirds turned to nature for inspiration. Crafted from responsibly-sourced superfine merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber, the SS26 line highlights natural alternatives that honor the planet without compromising performance.
Mark Chim, Managing Director, Primer International Management Limited, welcomed guests to the event, sharing his excitement about Allbirds’ commitment to sustainability and innovation, and how the brand continues to inspire a more conscious approach to footwear. Melody Tan, AVP Regional Brand Management, spoke about Allbirds’ philosophy of combining comfort, style, and environmental responsibility, highlighting the brand’s ongoing mission to create footwear that makes a positive impact on both people and the planet.
From L-R: Mark Chim, Managing Director, Primer International Management Limited; and Melody Tan, AVP Regional Brand Management
Allbirds have engineered sustainability into every step. With SweetFoam®, a sugarcane midsole made with the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA, it delivers cushioning that’s both soft underfoot and earth-friendly. Each pair also carries carbon footprint labels, making Allbirds the first fashion brand to transparently display the environmental impact of its entire line. These innovations prove that comfort, performance, and sustainability can coexist seamlessly.
Iconic silhouettes like the Wool Runner, hailed by TIME magazine as “The World’s Most Comfortable Shoes,” carry the brand’s legacy forward, while the Tree Runner brings a lightweight, breathable design optimized for everyday mobility. The Dasher, designed for movement and endurance, demonstrates how Allbirds is expanding beyond casual staples into performance-ready footwear, while remaining true to its minimal, sustainable ethos. Each silhouette balances function with style, refreshed in colorways inspired by nature’s calm optimism.
Designed for all walks of life, SS26 balances functional ease with Allbirds’ signature minimalist aesthetic, refreshed in colorways inspired by nature’s calm optimism. From New Zealand to Manila, the brand continues to reinvent footwear, proving that sustainable comfort is not just a feature, but a philosophy.
Allbirds continues to redefine what everyday shoes can be: sleek, responsibly made, machine washable, and remarkably comfortable for all-day travel wear. It defines what travel-ready comfort can — and should — be. Every design choice — from material sourcing to construction — reflects Allbirds’ commitment to making comfort sustainable, versatile, and forward-looking. With Better Things at its core, the collection shows that innovation and purpose can coexist seamlessly, shaping footwear that is as conscious as it is comfortable.
Find your pair at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, and the newly opening Allbirds Ayala Center Cebu on Nov. 27, 2025. You can also shop online at allbirds.com.ph and in select Res|Toe|Run, The Travel Club+, Bratpack, and Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) stores.
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.
A FEDERAL grand jury in Florida has indicted US Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on charges of stealing federal COVID-19 relief funds and directing the money to her 2021 congressional campaign, the US Justice Department said.
Representatives for Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
She has previously denied wrongdoing, local media reported.
The indictment accuses Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick, 46, and others of receiving a $5 million overpayment through her family-owned healthcare company and routing the money through multiple accounts to disguise its source.
The company had a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract funded by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Justice Department said in a press release.
“Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds was used as candidate contributions to Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants,” the statement said.
Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick was first elected to the US House of Representatives in January 2022 to complete the term of the late Representative Alcee Hastings, who died in April 2021 at age 84 after holding the Miami-area seat for 28 years. — Reuters
DISMISSED Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JESSE BUSTOS
A Pasig court on Thursday convicted dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Leal Guo, sentencing her and three others, to life imprisonment and a fine ofP2 million for qualified trafficking.
The promulgation of the decision was held this morning at Pasig RTC Branch 167, with the accused attending the proceedings via video conference.
The court convicted Ms. Guo and co-accused Jaimielyn Santos Cruz, Rachelle Malonzo Carreon, and Walter Wong Rong on the charge of organizing trafficking inside the Baofu compound, Marvin Dela Paz, Communications Chief and spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), told reporters in a Viber group chat.
“All guilty individuals are sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Php 2 million each per case, in addition to monetary reparations to their victim-complainants. The Baofu compound is also forfeited in favor of the government,” Mr. Dela Paz added.
The multi-billion-peso Baofu Land Development Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly harbored victims and facilitated recruitment for POGO-related scams, was also ordered forfeited in favor of the Philippine government. – Erika Mae P. Sinaking
The government needs to communicate why importation is good for both the country and the consumer, an agriculture sector insider said.
There are, at most, a million Filipinos dependent on raising chicken for a livelihood, said Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas, former president and general manager of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc.
“If you’re the government, whose interest will you serve? The one million Filipinos” or the rest of the population?, he asked.
“Bakit mo pipilitin ang ordinary Filipino to buy P160-P200 na chicken?” he asked BusinessWorld in the sidelines of an event by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
“If they liberalize importation…chicken will be available for P40-60 per kilo. Anong ginhawa ang mabibigay mo sa masang Pilipino [should that happen]?”
Interview by Patricia Mirasol Video editing by Richard Mendoza
SYDNEY — Turkey will host next year’s UN climate summit while Australia will lead the conference’s negotiations among governments, under a compromise deal taking shape in talks in Brazil, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.
The annual COP conferences are the world’s main forum for driving climate action. The compromise would resolve a stand-off between Australia and Turkey over who would stage COP31. Both bid in 2022 to host it and refused to stand down.
The two sides were now close to a deal that would see Turkey hosting COP31 as summit president, with a pre-COP event staged in the Pacific and Australia as president of negotiations, Mr. Albanese said.
“What we’ve come up with is a big win for both Australia and Turkey,” he told Australian Broadcasting Corp Radio.
The two nations now have just a year to prepare for an event that attracts tens of thousands of people and requires months of diplomatic legwork to reach consensus around climate goals.
“There’s a little way to go in these discussions,” Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, adding that the compromise would achieve Australia’s aims.
“It would be great if Australia could have it all. But we can’t have it all,” he said on Wednesday. “It was important to strike an agreement.”
The deal envisages Mr. Bowen leading COP negotiations. “I would have all the powers of COP presidency to manage, to handle the negotiations, to appoint co-facilitators, to prepare draft text, and to issue the cover decision,” Mr. Bowen said.
The Turkish government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“It is a good outcome,” said David Dutton, a director of research at the Lowy Institute who was until September Australia’s assistant secretary of climate diplomacy.
“It alleviates some of the cost and burden of organizing the COP while creating opportunities for Australia and the Pacific to do something with it.”
SPOTLIGHT ON PACIFIC CONCERNS
Australia pitched its bid as a “Pacific COP”, done in partnership with low-lying island nations and emphasizing their exposure to climate change and rising sea levels.
It says it has already spent A$7 million ($4.5 million) on preparing to host, reflecting confidence that backing from a large number of countries would enable it to fend off Turkey’s bid.
Turkey, which will host COP31 in the city of Antalya, has said that as an emerging economy it would promote solidarity between rich and poor countries at its summit, which would have a more global rather than regional focus.
Earlier this week, Mr. Albanese rejected prospects of co-hosting the event, citing United Nations rules. Turkey had urged such a joint model and said the sides had discussed potential frameworks in September.
A source familiar with the discussions said there was some confusion about the arrangement on running the negotiations and whether the sharing of responsibilities was permissible under UN rules that envisage one country leading. The person declined to be named as they are not authorized to speak to the media.
News of the compromise deal was first reported by Bloomberg. — Reuters
A huge turnout on the first day of the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, as students, teachers, and science advocates visited the interactive technology exhibits at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena and the Laoag City Hall Auditorium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, from Nov.18-21, 2025. DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., in his speech, emphasized that technologies should be developed with the well-being of people in mind. — Photo by Patrick Alfonso, DoST-STII
By Joy M. Lazcano, DoST-STII
“A community can be smart but not sustainable, sustainable but not smart — and both can be meaningless if they are not built for people.”
This is how Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. described the importance of creating inclusive technologies for the people during the opening ceremony of the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration held on Nov. 18, 2025, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
In his speech, Solidum shared how the DoST intends to bridge the technological gap by turning smart plans into sustainable realities using science, technology, and innovation.
“When we say, ‘smart and sustainable, who is the Filipino in our mind?” Solidum asked. “If we cannot answer this question honestly, then our plans — no matter how advanced and impressive — will never reach their full impact,” explained Solidum.
He emphasized the DoST’s approach to ‘smart’ has always been inclusive, people-centered, and grounded in the everyday realities of Filipinos.
“We have reached communities, even those that were once considered too far or too difficult to serve. Ang mga lugar po na ito ay tinatawag nating Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas o GIDAs.”
Solidum explained that the DoST operates through the four strategic pillars that guide its programs and services nationwide, namely promoting human well-being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability.
In promoting human well-being, Solidum shared that the DoST’s work begins with people, with improving daily life and securing dignity through the programs focusing on nutritious and affordable food, clean water systems, accessible healthcare technologies, safe environments, trainings that nurture a deeper appreciation for science, and scholarships and human resource development for a future-ready S&T workforce.
“NSTW itself is anchored on this pillar,” Solidum said. “Because every exhibit, every demonstration, every innovation here is designed to empower and enrich Filipino lives.”
He added that smart and sustainable communities begin with people who are healthy, capable, and supported.
Moreover, Solidum shared that for decades, the country’s development has been focused on Manila. “But the Philippines is not Metro Manila. The Philippines is composed of 7,641 islands, each with distinct needs, cultures, and vulnerabilities. Smart and sustainable communities must be archipelagic.”
He added that this is also the reason why there are DoST offices in every region, including technical support to the Bangsamoro Administrative Region in Muslim Mindanao, and in every province.
He emphasized that smart and sustainable development should begin with understanding everyday struggles of Filipinos, such as the traffic that steals hours of family time, work productivity, study time, floods that destroy homes and livelihoods, earthquakes that threaten safety and business continuity, food insecurity that affects millions, digital divides that limit opportunities, and MSMEs that become vulnerable after disasters.
These struggles, according to Solidum, steal billions of pesos in the economy and therefore the DoST “designs solutions not for ‘ideal cities,’ but for real communities with real problems,” Solidum said.
Solidum also talked about data and its use. He shared that the DoST and its partners have generated vast amounts of geospatial data, covering disasters, environment, health, education, industries, and more. But the reality, he said, is that much of this data remains scattered and fragmented.
“It sits in silos, often difficult to access or integrate,” Solidum described. He said that many times, decision-makers spend more time looking for data than actually using it. “We can no longer afford this fragmentation. As the Department that advances innovation, DoST must lead in connecting information, institutions, and insights.” Solidum referred to geospatial intelligence as one of the strongest tools that the DoST possesses.
He explained that through tools such as Geospatial Analytics and Technology Solutions, or the GATES Program, PlanSmart, hazard maps, Smart and Sustainable Communities Program toolkits, and other GIS platforms, there is now a way to know with precision which communities are most at risk, the gaps in infrastructure, or where evacuation routes failed, where agriculture can thrive, or where resources should be placed first.
Apart from these, Solidum also mentioned the thriving economic potential in fostering wealth creation in a smart and sustainable community. He further explained that innovation must lead to income, stability, and a better life for Filipino families.
Programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology or CEST, Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), PROPEL, and PHI-TEST bring forth growth to local industries.
He said that the DoST also supports precision farming, disease diagnostics, improved crop varieties, Internet-based monitoring, and mechanization of community-based enterprise models.
“But beyond technology, we support the dignity and empowerment of farmers. Agriculture must not only be efficient — it must be profitable, resilient, and attractive to the next generation. We must treat agriculture as a business,” Solidum elaborated.
He also emphasized the need to have smart mobility. Projects such as SEERMO, an AI-driven platform that helps cities collect and analyze mobility data efficiently, supporting evidence-based decisions for reshaping transport systems and urban environments, and M/B Dalaray, an e-ferry developed by the University of the Philippines and funded by the DoST.
“This shows that clean mobility can be adopted even in urban areas,” Solidum underscored.
When it comes to reinforcing wealth protection, Solidum stressed that “wealth protection is not only about assets — it is about lives, land, heritage, and stability.” He added that the Department protects communities by building climate-smart solutions, strengthening disaster preparedness, supporting environmental protection, equipping LGUs with risk mitigation tools, and developing forecasting and monitoring technologies.
“Every disaster prevented is a livelihood saved. Every risk mitigated is a future protected. This is smart and sustainable governance at its core,” underscored Solidum.
Further, Solidum explained that institutionalizing sustainability as part of the DoST’s strategy is the long game as it demands strong partnerships with LGUs, collaboration with academe and industry, investments in R&D, talent mobility, long-term planning, continuity beyond political terms, and decision-support systems for sustained development.
He relayed that the DoST has partnered with 116 local government units (LGUs) in the country to help them craft their own smart and sustainable community roadmaps, adopt smart solutions in agriculture, governance, and transportation, among others, and work with stakeholders.
Solidum stressed that venturing into sustainable initiatives is not a one-year project — it is a national mindset that demands shared commitment across sectors. “After all the technologies, models, and systems, smart and sustainable communities return to one truth,” Solidum said. “They are built for people.”
The 2025 NSTW is the annual gathering of the country’s scientific community to share the benefits and importance of science and technology with the Filipinos. This year, NSTW banners the main theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and with subtheme ‘Building Smart and Sustainable Communities’ to underscore the national call for sustainability.
NSTW is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.
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.
The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) concluded the 20th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) from Oct. 28-30, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, featuring 178 exhibitors and 7,460 trade visitors.
Guided by the theme, “Unlocking Infinite Possibilities: Future-proofing the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry through Sustainable and Intelligent Manufacturing,” the three-day convention featured plenary sessions, technology exhibits, networking activities, and the ASEMEP National Technical Symposium (ANTS).
A Balancing Act: Murata Boy Brings Robotics to Life
Murata Boy
One of the highlights of the opening activities was the guided ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring “Murata Boy,” the signature self-balancing robot developed by the Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata, Inc. (PMM). PMM is the official exhibition partner of the event.
“Watching Murata Boy ride a bicycle isn’t just for entertainment; it brings into this the future of robots and sensor integrations that continue to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators,” Masayoshi Koda, president of Murata, says in his Message of Support.
“Visitors of our booth will experience the wonder of Murata Boy, a humanoid robot that demonstrates the perfect fusion of advanced gyroscopic sensors and autonomous control technology,” he added.
Industry Recognition Beyond the Nation
International diplomatic representatives delivered messages of support at the opening program. H.E. Ambassador Constance See of Singapore highlighted the sector’s vital role in global technology and employment, noting Singapore’s rise as a semiconductor hub and the Philippines’ strong contributions. She called for deeper Singapore-Philippines partnerships and urged ASEAN to strengthen its position as a trusted, competitive hub amid global challenges.
H.E. Ambassador Endo Kazuya of Japan praised the semiconductor and electronics industry for its role in innovation and daily life, emphasizing Japan’s long-standing collaboration with the Philippines. He noted that Japanese firms, including Murata, have helped transform the country into a key manufacturing hub, creating jobs and strengthening global value chains. Ambassador Kazuya also commended SEIPI for fostering industry connections and stressed the importance of sustainable, intelligent manufacturing for a resilient future.
H.E. Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Ambassador of Germany, congratulated SEIPI on the 20th PSECE and highlighted the strong trade, technology, and sustainability partnership between Germany and the Philippines. He emphasized the complementarity of German engineering and Filipino manufacturing, noting the importance of combining competitiveness with sustainability through research, training, and innovation.
Together, the ambassadors’ messages underscored the Philippines’ growing significance in the global semiconductor and electronics industry. They reinforced a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration for a smarter, greener, and more resilient future.
Partners in Leading the Charge for Green and Smart Growth
The session opened on an inspiring note as Arlene Sy Soriano, Assistant Vice-President and Head of Sales and Engagement at First Gen Corp., set the tone for the theme “Accelerating Green Growth.”
She emphasized that in today’s fast-changing industry, which is driven by competition, technology, and globalization, sustainable growth has become synonymous with leadership. Green growth, she explained, means rethinking how businesses expand by using energy that is reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
Renewable energy, Ms. Sy Soriano noted, is no longer a buzzword but a business imperative. Investors and consumers alike are now looking beyond products to examine how they are made and how operations affect the environment. This shift puts energy decisions at the core of corporate strategy and highlights the “energy trilemma” of security, affordability, and environmental responsibility which is now essential to every forward-thinking company.
Power reliability, she added, remains critical for industries like semiconductors, where even brief power interruptions can lead to production and revenue losses. While the Philippines still sources nearly 60% of its energy from coal, Ms. Sy Soriano pointed to the growing momentum toward renewables, stressing that for the semiconductor sector, clean energy is not just about compliance but competitiveness.
First Gen, she said, has witnessed this transformation firsthand as more companies embrace renewable sources to power their operations. She concluded by reaffirming First Gen’s role in accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy and empowering industries to align growth with sustainability.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chandramogan Anamirtham of Western Digital Storage Technologies Philippines Corporation expressed his gratitude to SEIPI for its continued partnership, noting that this marks the fourth year Western Digital has hosted the PSECE. He reiterated the company’s commitment to smart and green manufacturing, aligned with its vision, “Powering Data, Driving Potential.”
Dr. Anamirtham underscored the company’s central role in digital progress with the statement, “No hard drive, no AI.” He outlined Western Digital’s roadmap for integrating automation and digitalization in its Philippine facilities over the next three to five years, aiming to position the country as a hub for smart manufacturing and data innovation.
As an industry leader and the first in the Philippines recognized as a World Economic Forum Lighthouse, Western Digital continues to champion sustainability by reducing its environmental footprint, empowering communities, and embedding green practices across its operations.
Together, Western Digital and First Gen Corp. embody SEIPI’s vision for a smarter, greener, and globally competitive electronics industry. Their leadership at PSECE 2025 underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation driving the Philippines toward a future where technology and responsibility move in harmony.
Keeping the Circuit Strong: Gov’t Leaders Rally Behind the Semiconductor Sector
DoST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DTI Secretary Cristina “Cris” A. Roque, and Senator Loren Legarda emphasized that the semiconductor and electronics industry is crucial to sustaining the country’s progress and maintaining economic momentum during the recently concluded 20th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE).
Senator Legarda pointed out that the industry is a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, accounting for over half of total commodity exports and employing millions of people nationwide. Beyond its economic value, she highlighted the transformative synergy of science, technology, and education in national development.
“The semiconductor and electronics industry is more than an economic powerhouse,” stated Senator Legarda in her message. “It symbolizes what our country can achieve when innovation, education, and opportunity converge. Our future as a competitive and resilient nation depends on how well we nurture and empower our people.”
She also reiterated her long-standing advocacy for innovation, citing her authorship of the Philippine Innovation Act (Republic Act No. 11293), which embeds innovation into the country’s development framework and promotes science and technology. The law aims to develop scientific talent, promote research, and enable Filipinos, especially women and the youth, to compete in emerging global industries.
In her speech as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Senator Legarda underscored that education is at the core of creating a future-ready workforce. She called for the alignment of academic programs with industry needs, the modernization of training systems, and significantly intensified efforts to develop globally competitive talent.
For his part, Secretary Solidum echoed this vision and described the semiconductor and electronics sector as “the heartbeat of the Philippine economy.” He said the challenge now lies with stakeholders on how the Philippines can “future-proof this multi-trillion-peso industry” and position itself as a leader in global technology transformations.
He outlined the four strategic pillars of the DoST, human well-being, quality science and technology education, wealth production, and sustainability, and discussed ongoing initiatives to strengthen these. These include the upskilling of engineers through the Science and Technology Fellows Program, the BALIK Scientist Program, and DoST scholarships; expanded graduate programs in microelectronics, AI-enabled manufacturing, and semiconductor process engineering; enhanced TVET initiatives with TESDA; and the establishment of Centers of Excellence in Microelectronics, Materials Science, and Green Manufacturing. He also cited the launch of UP Diliman’s Center for Integrated Circuit and Device Research, which he said will further advance homegrown IC design and innovation.
Meanwhile, Secretary Roque congratulated the industry for two decades of innovation, collaboration, and sustained growth, attributing the sector’s resilience to strong partnerships between government and the industry. She reiterated the government’s commitment to continued support through programs focused on SME development, talent pipeline strengthening, and streamlining business processes to attract more investments.
She further highlighted A.O. No. 31, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., which created an Advisory Council to guide the continued development and competitiveness of the industry. Secretary Roque emphasized the need to go “beyond traditional manufacturing” and invest in higher value-added activities such as IC design, R&D, and innovation-driven capabilities. “Green and sustainable manufacturing,” she added, “is no longer optional; it is essential.”
All three government officials called for unity in building a smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive future, and they celebrated PSECE’s milestone as a shared achievement for the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry.
From Manila to ASEAN: Powering the Region’s Future at PSECE 2026
As the Philippines gears up for its ASEAN Chairmanship next year, the nation will showcase its leadership in innovation and regional collaboration through the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) 2026, to be held on Oct. 26-28, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Hosted by SEIPI, PSECE 2026 aims to advance a shared ASEAN aspiration: a connected, competitive, and innovation-driven region powering the future of global technology.
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.
Grand Hyatt Manila Director of Sales and Marketing Eugene Tamesis receives the Best Business Hotel — Manila Award from Business Traveller Asia Pacific Partnership Lead Keh An Famatiga.
Grand Hyatt Manila proudly celebrates a landmark year of recognition, having been named Best Business Hotel — Manila at the Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards, and Best Hotel — Manila at the TTG Travel Awards, while also earning a coveted spot in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection, ranking among the Top 3 Best City Hotels in the Philippines at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, and securing the Top 2 Best Hotel in the Philippines at DestinAsian’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
These accolades affirm Grand Hyatt Manila’s position as a premier destination for discerning business and leisure travelers, setting the benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.
The Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards, held on Oct. 21, 2025 at The Westin, Singapore, celebrates the very best in airlines, hotels, and travel services across the region, spotlighting excellence in comfort, innovation, and loyalty. The prestigious ceremony brings together industry leaders and travelers to honor standout performers in the competitive Asia-Pacific market.
The TTG Travel Awards, established in 1989, are among the most prestigious honors in the Asia-Pacific travel industry. Grand Hyatt Manila’s win under the Travel Supplier category was determined solely by votes from travel consultants, tour operators, and destination management companies. The official awarding ceremony was held on Sept. 25, 2025 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.
Roger Habermacher, general manager of Grand Hyatt Manila, proudly holds the TTG Travel Awards trophy with the accolade for Best Hotel — Manila. The ceremony was held in September at Bangkok, Thailand.
In August, Grand Hyatt Manila was included in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection, a prestigious recognition that upholds the hotel’s commitment to excellence in luxury hospitality. As one of only 20 hotels in the Philippines selected by MICHELIN’s anonymous inspectors, Grand Hyatt Manila has been honored for its outstanding architecture, distinctive personality, and consistently high standards of service.
The Guide describes the property as “a high-rise hospitality on an impressive scale. Its rooms and suites feature large windows, marble bathrooms, and warm wood finishes, along with expansive city views. Dining is a highlight, from a theatrical 3D dinner at The Peak to dim sum and dry-aged steaks across the property. With a club lounge, spa, and one of the city’s largest pools, Grand Hyatt Manila offers a nuanced stay for both work trips and weekend escapes.”
Further cementing its reputation, Grand Hyatt Manila was recognized by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, a trusted authority in global travel and lifestyle, which celebrates excellence across hotels, resorts, airlines, and destinations. The hotel ranked among the Top 3 Best City Hotels in the Philippines, reflecting its appeal to sophisticated urban travelers.
Additionally, DestinAsian, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine for the Asia-Pacific region, honored Grand Hyatt Manila with the Top 2 Best Hotel in the Philippines in its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, a distinction voted by its discerning readership who value quality, service, and unforgettable experiences.
“To be recognized by Business Traveller Asia Pacific, TTG Asia, MICHELIN Guide, Travel + Leisure, and DestinAsian in a single year is a profound honor,” said Roger Habermacher, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Manila. “Each accolade reflects the trust and admiration of our guests, industry peers, and global experts. These milestones are a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence, and they inspire us to continue redefining luxury hospitality in the Philippines and beyond.”
Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Grand Hyatt Manila continues to elevate the guest experience with expansive event spaces, refined accommodations, and world-class dining. These recent distinctions underscore the hotel’s pursuit of excellence and its growing influence in the global hospitality landscape.
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.
GLOBAL TRADE has “responded well” to Washington’s broader relaxation of tariffs, though uncertainty still hangs over the outlook as Manila continues to negotiate the lowering of the 19% reciprocal duty on its exports, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.
“I think that the global trade in many countries has responded well to the improvement,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Nov. 18.
“But still, it does not mean that uncertainty has disappeared. It’s still out there.”
The Philippines continues to press for a lower reciprocal tariff even after most of its agricultural exports were exempted under US President Donald J. Trump’s latest executive order, Mr. Balisacan said.
Other goods from the Philippines are still slapped with a 19% reciprocal tariff when they enter the US. However, Mr. Trump’s latest executive order exempted hundreds of agricultural products from the reciprocal tariffs starting Nov. 13.
The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said the latest order meant that over $1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural exports are now exempted from the 19% US reciprocal tariff.
Key agricultural exports exempted from the reciprocal tariff include coconut (copra) oil, both crude and other than crude; fruit juices; processed pineapples; desiccated coconuts; prepared or preserved coconuts; bananas, other than pulp; dried guavas, mangoes, and mangosteens; frozen tuna fillets; rice wafer products; and confectionery products.
Mr. Balisacan said the tariff exemption will boost productivity of coconut farmers, as well as strengthen their export capacity.
Executive Secretary and former Finance chief Ralph G. Recto said the tariff exemptions mark a positive step for Philippine exports and agriculture, adding they could help drive economic growth.
“It’s positive for us. I think President Trump realized that imposing tariffs on agriculture is inflationary, so he removed them. That’s good for us,” he said on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Nov. 18.
‘EXPORT MORE’ Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is ready to support Philippine farmers in expanding their exports to the US.
“The path is clear. Now people can plan, invest, and expand. So, that’s good. As far as the DA is concerned, we have to start planting more… so that we can export more to the US,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the 3rd Philippine Hydro Summit on Wednesday.
Mr. Laurel said the US order has helped calm the anxiety of Philippine exporters of coconuts, bananas and pineapples.
The Agriculture chief said that the 19% US reciprocal tariff, which was implemented starting August, had earlier created uncertainty for the industry.
“But now, everything is clear… The President’s directive was to support all of our export products. And that will be our banner programs for next year,” Mr. Laurel said.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) said the exemption of Philippine exports such as coconuts, pineapples, bananas, and mangoes from the 19% US reciprocal tariffs is expected to “improve demand, stabilize prices, and directly benefit exporters, farmers, and rural communities across the Philippines.”
“This is a positive outcome of our sustained collaboration and engagements with key stakeholders and partners to convey the need for certain exemptions and maintain the competitiveness of Philippine exports, especially those products not locally produced in the US,” Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., Philexport president and chief executive officer, said.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Enunina V. Mangio said the exemptions provide “much-needed relief to exporters, help safeguard jobs, and strengthen the competitiveness of Philippine products.”
For his part, University of Asia and the Pacific Associate Professor George N. Manzano said the Philippines should continue negotiations with the US for a lower reciprocal tariff.
“However, we are still not better off compared to the period before President Trump introduced those reciprocal tariffs. So, the Philippines should continue negotiating for a reduction of the 19% reciprocal tariff,” he said in a Viber message.
Mr. Manzano noted that the removal of reciprocal tariff does not mean Philippine exports are duty-free, as the original Most Favored Nation tariff will still be applied.
If the US extends the tariff rollback to all trading partners, the Philippines’ relative competitiveness would remain unchanged, he added.
“This US tariff exemption is a game-changer for Philippine exporters. Over $1 billion worth of goods — led by coconuts, coffee, cocoa, and processed fruits—will now enter the US duty-free,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in a Viber message to BusinessWorld on Wednesday.
He also said the tariff break may offer a chance to scale up value‑added products of farmers and agri‑businesses.
“My advice? Move fast, ensure quality, and lock in supply reliability — this window won’t stay open forever,” he said.
For his part, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said the exemption is “self‑serving,” and would favor the US more than the Philippines.
“It’s meant to lower food prices in the US since affordability has become a hot political issue,” he said in a Viber message on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Ivan Tan, director and lead analyst for Southeast Asia at S&P Global Ratings, said while the tariff exemption is “good,” the Philippines will unlikely see a significant impact as goods remain a small component of the country’s exports.
“I think the impact will be quite mild,” he said in a webinar on Wednesday. “To start with, the dependence of the Philippines’ economy on export… is low. It’s quite small.”
S&P Global has said the US tariff policies could pose downside risks to economies and financial markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
“There is a high degree of unpredictability around US policy implementation and possible responses — specifically about tariffs — and the potential effect on economies, supply chains, and credit conditions,” it said in its recent Global Banks Outlook 2026 report. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante, Sheldeen Joy Talavera and Katherine K. Chan
Buildings in Manila’s business district. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY will likely grow below target this year and in 2026, as it continues to be weighed down by a global economic slowdown and corruption issues, an economist said.
University of Asia & the Pacific School of Economics Senior Economist Victor A. Abola said at a briefing that gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow by 5.1% this year, after a “little bump” in the fourth quarter due to base effects.
The Philippine economy grew by 4% in the third quarter, the slowest growth seen in over four years as a corruption scandal stalled public construction and dampened consumer and investor sentiment.
In the first nine months, GDP growth averaged 5%, well below the government’s 5.5-6.5% target for 2025.
Mr. Abola said fourth-quarter growth may be driven by the stable jobs market and low inflation.
“Well, I think that low inflation means more purchasing power for consumers. I did not emphasize employment, but it has been stable. I mean, over 50 million are employed. That’s a good threshold because the average last year was below that,” he said.
Mr. Abola projects inflation to average 1.7% in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026.
For 2026, Mr. Abola said that he expects 5.3% GDP growth if the government manages to sort out issues on corruption, and partly due to low base effects.
This would still be below the 6-7% growth target of the government.
“Besides that, I think you would have sorted out a lot of these issues on corruption so that spending will be resumed, particularly since we know that from the budget, they are moving some of the infrastructure spending to education and social welfare,” he said.
However, Mr. Abola said GDP could grow by 6% next year, if the country will let the peso further depreciate.
“If you aggressively let the peso depreciate, as in terms of policy, because for us specifically, weaker peso is faster growth,” he said.
He expects the peso to end at P58.5 per US dollar this year, and P61.75 per dollar next year.
On Wednesday, the peso closed at P58.935 against the US dollar, up by five centavos from its P58.985 finish on Tuesday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.
NEGATIVE FORCES Meanwhile, Mr. Abola said the corruption scandal is one of the “negative forces” affecting the economy, as the patience of the public is being tested.
“The question is how long will it last? Well, this is going to be a test of how patient we are… but I think everybody’s reading is that this situation cannot be tolerated,” he said.
“This is the bottom line: people want concrete criminal charges and jail terms already. I think that this will happen by the first quarter of this coming year,” he added.
The Philippine government is currently investigating a multibillion-peso public works scandal involving government officials, lawmakers and private contractors.
The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday formally filed criminal charges for graft and malversation against a former lawmaker and several Public Works officials before the Sandiganbayan, marking the first batch of cases brought to the court amid the flood control project scandal.
Mr. Abola said what makes the issue different now is that even low-income people are affected. “And it is not just in Metro Manila; I expect that the rallies will be across the country,” he added.
Mr. Abola said the government has to undertake serious reforms to curb corruption. “Hopefully, it is an opportunity for us to be able to do some serious reforms, particularly in safeguarding the spending, so that there will be less corruption. There’s always corruption, but we have to ensure that it’s minimized,” he added.
The Finance department estimated losses due to corruption related to the Department of Public Works and Highways flood control projects could have reached between P145.4 billion to P407 billion from 2023 to 2025. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a tanker and several lorry trucks carrying smuggled fuel at the Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas, Feb. 4. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN
By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante, Reporter
THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) is holding the line on its P958.7-billion revenue goal for 2025 despite a sharp drop in imports and fewer working days in October that slowed collections, a stance that keeps pressure on the agency as the government grapples with weaker fiscal inflows.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the bureau is not giving up on the full-year target even after the total volume of imports fell by 3% or about P80 billion last month, denting duties and taxes.
“I don’t want to give up because we’re already at 98% efficiency,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate plenary debate on the 2026 budget on Nov. 17. “We can still do it if we can in November [and] December.”
The BoC collects taxes and duties from all goods imported to the Philippines.
The Department of Finance earlier warned that Customs, one of the country’s revenue-generating agencies, may miss its full-year targets this year amid slower global trade due to US President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies.
“We could have hit the target this October if there had been one more working day. Compared to last year, there were more working days… due to the storms,” he said.
The Philippines was battered by back‑to‑back storms, including typhoons Tino and Uwan, which shut businesses, ravaged cities and forced class suspensions in October.
The latest data from the Treasury showed that Customs revenue collection inched up by 1.59% to P701.7 billion in the first nine months, accounting for 73.12% of the full-year target.
Customs has yet to release a breakdown of its October collections.
Despite this, Mr. Nepomuceno said Customs is banking on petroleum imports to help offset weaker revenues as the extension of the rice import ban and slower trade weigh on collections.
“But we’re trying to check if there are other sources that can compensate (for the slower revenues). Like petroleum products, probably we can generate more revenues from that, given that the ban for rice importation has been extended,” he said.
Mr. Nepomuceno warned that foregone revenues from the rice import freeze, expected to last until mid-January, could reach over P6 billion.
He also noted that Customs seized P3.6 billion worth of smuggled goods between July and September.
“The new team accounted for about 50% of total apprehensions in just 90 days. So, there is a sense of hope that we can improve further until we fully digitalize,” he said.
Customs earlier reported the BoC is also looking to enter into a public and private partnership to fully digitalize its operations.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the BoC can still meet its P958.7‑billion revenue goal for 2025 if import volumes rebound.
“Imports could increase as more exporting countries diversify exports away from the US and more for countries like the Philippines amid Trump’s higher tariffs, trade wars, and protectionist policies,” he said in a Viber message.
Begin your journey with augmented reality setups and interactive lifestyle zones that bring SMDC’s newest segments — SMDC Heights, SMDC Nature, and Symphony Homes — to life. Step inside virtual communities designed for comfort, accessibility, and sustainability, and see how your future home could look and feel.
Found the one? Secure it right away. Take advantage of event-only offers and get instant home-loan pre-qualification through BDO and Chinabank, making homeownership easier, faster, and more rewarding.
Turn your dream into a real home with help from IKEA, Our Home, SM Home, and Toy Kingdom. Explore beautifully styled vignettes, grab décor tips, and shop exclusive deals to create your ideal living space.
Drop by the Eco Market, a showcase of sustainable and locally made finds that reflect SMDC’s vision for life centered communities. Then try the interactive Tic Tac Toe Throw, a fun, hands on activity that gets you moving and sparks friendly competition. You can even win instant prizes.
Snap, pose, and share your Good Life moments with futuristic glam bots and photo areas inspired by SMDC communities, the perfect souvenir from your property-hunting adventure.
Take part in hourly raffles and booth games for the chance to win SM Gift Certificates, limited-edition Good Life Expo merchandise, and more surprises throughout the day.
Recharge at the refreshment lounges offering free premium coffee, fresh wellness juices, and ice cream — because good living is also about life’s simple pleasures.
End each day on a high note with performances from some of the country’s most beloved artists — Martin Nievera on Friday, Dilaw on Saturday, and Hale on Sunday — plus guest bands and surprise acts throughout the weekend.
Allbirds continues to redefine what everyday shoes can be: sleek, responsibly made, machine washable, and remarkably comfortable for all-day travel wear. It defines what travel-ready comfort can — and should — be. Every design choice — from material sourcing to construction — reflects Allbirds’ commitment to making comfort sustainable, versatile, and forward-looking. With
He emphasized the DoST’s approach to ‘smart’ has always been inclusive, people-centered, and grounded in the everyday realities of Filipinos.
Programs such as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology or CEST, Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), PROPEL, and PHI-TEST bring forth growth to local industries.
Further, Solidum explained that institutionalizing sustainability as part of the DoST’s strategy is the long game as it demands strong partnerships with LGUs, collaboration with academe and industry, investments in R&D, talent mobility, long-term planning, continuity beyond political terms, and decision-support systems for sustained development.
From Manila to ASEAN: Powering the Region’s Future at PSECE 2026
