Rice drying capacity set for 35-40% upgrade

October 16, 2025 | 8:39 pm

Solar Bubble Dryer — INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is allocating P3.3 billion to procure 300 rice drying systems over the next three years, raising capacity for the process by 35-40%.

The DA said in a statement that it has delivered and commissioned 118 rice processing systems, with an additional 27 due by the end of this year.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has declared his intention to modernize the agriculture sector, citing the need for infrastructure investment to minimize post-harvest losses and make supply chains more robust.

Deputy Project Director Noel T. Provido said the new facilities can only partly address the decades-long underinvestment in agriculture.

“There must be parallel moves to ensure access to inputs, mechanization, and fair pricing mechanisms.”

“This is a strong step forward, but structural issues in rice production can’t be solved by drying facilities alone,” Mr. Provido added. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

Germany sees ‘untapped’ potential for PHL trade

October 16, 2025 | 8:38 pm

Lufthansa Technik — LUFTHANSA TECHNIK FACEBOOK PAGE

GERMANY views its trade relationship with the Philippines to hold much untapped potential, an embassy official said.

The two countries’ views on international politics forms “a very solid basis to build our relations on,” suggesting “huge potential (in trade), part of which is still untapped,” German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mathias Kruse said.

“I think there are plenty of chances where we could cooperate further, actually, and I see a bright future for us coming,” he added.

He said many German companies are operating in the Philippines and hiring thousands of workers.

“We have a very solid presence of German businesses here in the Philippines already, and they are contributing to the well-being of the country,” he said.

“The Philippines has been and still is on a very positive growth path here, and I think we are going to see more of that,” he added.

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said that he expects the Philippines-European Union free trade agreement (FTA) to help bring down obstacles to bilateral relations.

“If the FTA is then ratified, it helps… both the EU and the Philippines,” he said.

“We’ve seen it in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and all the agreements with your neighbor countries, and this will definitely help in bringing another percentage point of gross domestic product growth. I’m absolutely convinced,” he added.

“There are certain hopes that this will be done by 2027; let’s see, because we know Europe is not one country, so it’s 28 countries now, and everyone has his own wishes, but let’s stay optimistic that this will be ratified soon,” he added.

The GPCCI is set to hold its flagship event, Mabuhay Germany 2025: In High Spirits, on Nov. 7-8 at BGC High Street.

The event will feature exhibits and food showcases, job fairs, panel discussions, and company pitches. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Parol makers now governed by voluntary national standard

October 16, 2025 | 8:38 pm

SF_Parols_For_Sale-OL — Photo from Wikimedia Commons

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it launched a voluntary Philippine National Standard (PNS) for the parol, the star-shaped Christmas lantern, citing the need to ensure the safety and durability of the seasonal ornament.

PNS 2296-1:2025 sets construction and marking specifications for the parol, developed in collaboration with UL Standards & Engagement. The standard is designed to reinforce manufacturing quality in conjunction with the Tatak Pinoy program.

“More than ensuring product safety, these standards uplift our parol makers whose craftsmanship reflects Filipino pride,” said Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque.

“By guiding them toward quality and reliability, we empower their businesses to grow and thrive globally while protecting consumers,” she added.

Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Regino D. Mallari, Jr. said that the new standard, although voluntary, is “a step toward a safer and more sustainable parol industry.”

“Bagaman ito ay boluntaryo at hindi sapilitan, nagbibigay ito ng malinaw na gabay para sa mga manufacturer upang makalikha ng mga produktong dekalidad, ligtas, at maaasahan para sa mga mamimili (While voluntary, the standard sets out clear guidance for manufacturers to produce high-quality, safe and reliable lanterns for consumers),” he added.

In a separate statement, the DTI said that it is extending the voluntary phase of the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark registration to Dec. 31 after consulting online business operators, consumer groups, and digital trade advocates.

“We used this discussion to hear straight from our stakeholders and learn about their daily concerns,” Ms. Roque said.

After Dec. 31, the department will review whether the registration will remain voluntary. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

‘Budbud’ salt artisans given production tools

October 16, 2025 | 8:38 pm

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it delivered production equipment to artisanal “budbud” salt makers in Iloilo.

The equipment grant was part of the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP) to add value to the output of traditional saltmakers.

The program provides such communities with water pumps, hoses, plastic drums, weighing scales, bamboo baskets, and other items.

Budbud is an artisanal salt from Miagao, Iloilo, which the BFAR recognizes as having cultural significance and economic potential.

Iloilo is one of the top salt producers in the Philippines, with output of 404.57 metric tons in 2024.

BFAR is encouraging local governments and enterprises to promote unique cultural products to raise their value and improve farmer incomes. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

ECCP heads to Cebu for talks with biz community

October 16, 2025 | 8:37 pm

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said it will head to Cebu next week for discussions with the business community there.

“We plan to go to Cebu next week to give also our feedback, similar to what we have done on the last visit of the delegation in February,” ECCP President Paulo Duarte said in a panel discussion at the European-Philippines Business Dialogue event on Thursday.

Mr. Duarte said the group aims to present the “real sentiment” of European industries operating in the Philippines, including areas where reforms are being implemented and where “pain points” persist.

“There are pain points that we need to address, because to advance the (free trade agreement), we need to be transparent. We need to give clear feedback,” he added.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque has said that the Philippines is not yet at the stage of discussing market access issues with the European Union (EU).

The proposed Philippines-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is expected to be the country’s most comprehensive trade deal, covering government procurement, digital trade, energy and raw materials, and sustainable development.

Mr. Duarte also said the ECCP is not seeking new reforms but is urging the government to fully implement existing initiatives.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro expressed optimism about the fourth round of negotiations scheduled for September.

“I am very confident that it will be a successful round of discussions, following three successful rounds of discussions in the Philippines and in Brussels… allowing us to advance on a good number of chapters of negotiations,” he said.

“I am sure that the fourth round of negotiations will go even beyond. We have a very clear goal and target to do it well and to do it fast, and I am pretty sure we will manage,” he added.

Board of Investments Executive Director Evariste M. Cagatan said the FTA needs to be concluded ahead of the expiration of EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus.

“The FTA aims to be concluded ahead of the expiration of EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, which currently provides duty-free access of more than 6,000 Philippine products to the EU market,” she said in a speech.

Ms. Cagatan also said there are ongoing negotiations with India, Chile, and the United Arab Emirates that will further the country’s trade footprint. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Tenorio, Magnolia Hotshots eye PBA solo leadership versus Titan

October 16, 2025 | 7:39 pm

Games on Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. – Magnolia vs Titan Ultra
7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Meralco

IT’S BEEN QUITE tight, unpredictable even, in the early goings of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup that no team has scored back-to-back victories so far.

But three squads are in position to break this trend on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all intent on starting the first streaks in the young season.

Twelve days after hurdling Manila Clasico rival Barangay Ginebra in the league’s opening salvo, 80-73, Magnolia returns for only its second assignment against Titan Ultra (1-1) at 5:15 p.m. with eyes set on a follow up W and solo leadership.

The Gin Kings (1-1) and the Meralco Bolts (1-2), two heavyweights that got on the board on Wednesday after listless starts, seek to make it two in a row as they clash at 7:30 p.m.

Their previous victory over his old master Tim Cone and old pals at Ginebra was really a great fire-starter but Magnolia’s first-year coach LA Tenorio was quick to keep his charges on an even keel.

“It feels great but we did not achieve anything. We win this game, it’s just one win in the standings,” said Mr. Tenorio.

“We cannot be complacent just because we got this game because this is just the start of our journey,” added Mr. Tenorio, whose sights are firmly set on “the bigger picture” for Magnolia.

Meanwhile, the Bolts look to reach .500 for the first time after a horror 0-2 opening that saw them fall to the Giant Risers and Rain or Shine.

“Two losses (to start the campaign), it’s tough. But I think it’s more about keeping everybody in the right mind frame so that way we can continue to take those losses, learn from it, and move forward,” guard Chris Newsome said after Meralco got over the hump at the expense of Blackwater, 105-96.

The Gin Kings are back in business following the 92-77 drubbing of TNT (1-1).

“Well, the only good news is they only have one day (turnaround, too). We both played Wednesday, they played a tough game, we played a tough game,” said Mr. Cone.

“We know each other pretty well. We played against each other a lot. So the preparation I think in terms of game planning is not going to be that difficult for either team. It’s just getting the rest and getting the guys back locked into the game.” — Olmin Leyba

Notes: Dreaming of making a PBA comeback, Greg Slaughter expressed his remorse for his actions that led to his messy departure from Ginebra and later NorthPort in 2021. He apologized to the league and to Gin Kings governor Alfrancis Chua. “I approach this new season in my life with humility — the humility to recognize what I did wrong, and the humility to offer my profound apologies for miscommunications in the past that caused offense to an association that has been so good to me, an association that has made my dream of playing for a Filipino premier league come true,” he said.“I would specifically like to mention Mr. Alfrancis Chua, the person responsible for getting me to play for Ginebra, a person I owe so much to. My profound gratitude to you, Sir.” Mr. Slaughter’s rights are with Titan Ultra, the franchise that took over NorthPort prior to the start of Season 50.

UE guard Wello Lingolingo receives three-game ban for unsportsmanlike conduct vs DLSU’s Baclaan

October 16, 2025 | 7:38 pm

THE UAAP whipped University of the East (UE) guard Wello Lingolingo with a three-game suspension following his unsportsmanlike foul that led to De La Salle University (DLSU) guard Kean Baclaan’s season-ending MCL injury in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

After review, it was determined that the foul involved “excessive and forceful contact made by a player in an attempt to play the ball or an opponent” as per the statement by the league.

It was deemed as an unsportsmanlike Criteria 2 after Mr. Lingolingo dove for possession and landed on the right knee of Mr. Baclaan at the 4:21 mark of the intense match won by the DLSU Green Archers in overtime, 111-110.

Mr. Lingolingo was then ejected from the game owing to a prior technical foul for faking a foul in the third quarter as Mr. Baclaan, grimacing in pain, had to wear a knee gear upon being wheeled out of the venue by the medical team.

Mr. Baclaan’s MRI test on Thursday revealed an MCL tear on his right knee, kissing his La Salle debut goodbye after transferring from National University last season due to a recovery of at least eight weeks.

The mere call, even before UAAP’s suspension, drew the ire of UE mentor Chris Gavina as he harshly called out the officiating that took out one of his best players.

Mr. Lingolingo had 24 points that time to complement Precious Momowei’s 42 points — the UAAP’s first 40-point game since Alvin Pasaol’s 49 also for UE in 2017 — with the Red Warriors holding on to an 89-84 lead.

The wards of Mr. Gavina, in his first UAAP season after stints in the PBA and abroad, then faltered in OT as Jacob Cortez went supernova with 17 of his 26 points in the clutch to save La Salle.

UE, now 0-6, may still appeal the UAAP decision for reconsideration before Mr. Lingolingo starts his three-game ban on Sunday against Far Eastern University at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. He will serve the next two in the second round against still-to-be-determined opponents.

Mr. Baclaan’s injury added to the piling woes of La Salle in its title redemption tour after also losing Mason Amos to the same MCL injury in the team’s 82-78 loss to NU last weekend.

Mr. Amos’ recovery is billed four to six weeks though it could be longer that would also keep him out of the tournament for the Green Archers’ double whammy in just a week — ahead of showdown against rival University of the Philippines in finals rematch to end the first round this Sunday.

“This is what I prepared and worked hard for the whole year, and now it’s suddenly gone just like that. I just want to say that I’m out for the entire season, and this isn’t what I wanted or expected to happen. I cried so much last night and felt really down about my situation, but I just kept thinking about my future for my family and my career,” said Mr. Baclaan.

“To the DLSU community and everyone who’s been worried about me, I truly appreciate all your care and concern. Thank you so much to everyone who messaged and called to check up on me. Please don’t worry I’ll come back stronger and finish my last year at DLSU.” — John Bryan Ulanday

Jemaicah Yap Mendoza settles for girls U14 bronze

October 16, 2025 | 7:38 pm

JEMAICAH YAP MENDOZA blew her golden chance at glory, succumbing to Russian Polina Smirnova in 43 moves of a Slav Defense in the 11^th and final round to settle for a bronze in the girls’ Under-14 division of the World Youth Chess Championships in Durres, Albania on Wednesday.

Ms. Mendoza, 14, faltered in the opening and just couldn’t extract her way out of a cramped position that allowed Ms. Smirnova to launch a vicious kingside attack that the former had to go an exchange down to prevent mate.

When it was over, the Russian had unstoppable passed pawns on both sides to seal the deal.

In the end, the Sta. Rosa, Laguna native finished third with 8.5 points and consoled herself with a bronze.

Ms. Smirnova wound up tied for first with Uzbekistan’s Rukiya Olimava, who trounced Russia’s Eliza Tereshchenko in the last round, but the latter took the gold with a superior tiebreaker.

Ironically, Ms. Mendoza defeated Ms. Olimova in the seventh round.

If there’s a silver lining, it was the fact that Ms. Mendoza gained a whopping 140.4 rating points that hiked her current rating from 1943 to 2083.4.

It also made her the fourth highest rated female chesser in the country today, behind only Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna (2246), Jan Jodily Fronda (2115) and Ruelle Canino (2110).

She also surpassed her coach, Olympiad veteran Shania Mae Mendoza, rated 2078 who was there in Durres to accompany her from the start. — Joey Villar

PUP defeats DAX GF, 4-2, to top ASAPHIL men’s softball tourney

October 16, 2025 | 7:37 pm

POLYTECHNIC University of the Philippines (PUP) turned back a feisty DAX GF, 4-2, recently to rule the ASAPHIL-Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Softball Invitational Tournament at the Montano field in Cavite City.

Jehanz Coro was the man of the hour as he took both the Most Valuable Player and Best Pitcher plums to lead the way for the batters from Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Also shining bright was Kenneth Torres, who was named Best Hitter, Slugger, Homerun King, and Most RBIs (runs-batted in) while Francis Generoso ended up with the most stolen base plum.

Gentri (General Trias) took the bronze while Cavite City ended up fourth.

ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier liked what he saw.

“There is extraordinary talent across the archipelago, and this invitational tournament reaffirms our resolve to continuously nurture homegrown talent and provide Filipino softball athletes with the platforms they need to achieve greatness,” said Mr. Lhuillier.

“Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to ASAPHIL is unwavering; we are building a deliberate system that values patience, consistency, and teamwork across every level of the sport to sustain excellence and ensure the Philippines continues to shine bright in softball worldwide,” he added. — Joey Villar

Blue Jays’ homer barrage halves Mariners’ ALCS advantage

October 16, 2025 | 7:37 pm

SEATTLE — Balls aren’t supposed to fly out of T-Mobile Park as they did on Wednesday, especially not on a cool October night.

But the Toronto Blue Jays couldn’t be contained. Andres Gimenez, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger homered as the Blue Jays clobbered the host Seattle Mariners 13-4 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

Shane Bieber (1-0) overcame a shaky first inning to post a quality start as the Blue Jays pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday night in Seattle.

“I said it when we left Toronto, I hope we find some slug in the air out here. Maybe we did,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “… I’m really happy with the way we played today and the way we executed a game plan and we’re going to have to do it again tomorrow. It’s just one day at a time right now.”

Julio Rodriguez hit a two-run homer in the opening inning for the Mariners, but the Blue Jays followed with 12 unanswered runs.

Seattle’s Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh hit back-to-back shots in the eighth as the teams combined for eight home runs.

Guerrero finished 4-for-4 with a homer and two doubles. Springer and Gimenez each collected three of Toronto’s 18 hits.

The Blue Jays failed to score a run after the second inning in the first two games of the series, but they scored five times in the third on Wednesday and tacked on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth to pull away.

Mariners starter George Kirby (0-1) cruised through the first two innings, allowing only an infield single, but seemed to struggle with his command after that. Kirby gave up eight runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. He struck out four and walked two.

Ernie Clement led off the Toronto third with a double, and Gimenez followed with a homer to right-center to tie the score at 2-2. With one out, Nathan Lukes singled and Guerrero doubled. Kirby walked Kirk with two outs to load the bases. A wild pitch brought home the go-ahead run, and Daulton Varsho doubled to right to make it 5-2. — Reuters

Ohtani in good spot despite struggles at the plate — Roberts

October 16, 2025 | 7:36 pm

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not concerned about Shohei Ohtani’s quiet postseason at the plate and says the two-way star is taking quality at-bats and helping the offense in other ways.

Ohtani is batting just .147 with four hits in 34 at-bats with two home runs and three walks. Over the regular season, the Japanese player hit .282 with 55 home runs and 102 RBI.

He showed signs of life in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers by delivering a key RBI single in the seventh inning and Roberts told reporters on Wednesday his contribution went way beyond his batting average.

“Him being in the lineup, getting the walks, allowing for Mookie (Betts) to have the opportunity to drive runs in – that’s contribution,” he said ahead of Game Three in Los Angeles with the Dodgers up 2-0 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

“So for me, the first two games in Milwaukee, his at-bats have been fantastic. That’s what I’ve been looking for, that’s what I’m counting on.”

Roberts was encouraged to see Ohtani, who is the runaway favorite to win his third straight MVP award, staying aggressive at the plate.

“I think he’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts said, though he acknowledged Ohtani has been frustrated. — Reuters

F1 Constructors’ race

October 16, 2025 | 7:36 pm

In Singapore the other week, the real story wasn’t George Russell’s win or McLaren’s successful defense of its Constructors’ championship. It was the first-lap contact between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, light in touch but heavy in implication. What began as a brief brush of orange and anthracite became a reminder of how precarious the balance has grown within the second-oldest active Formula One team. Two drivers, evenly matched and differently wired, are now separated by fine margins that no management manual can quite smooth over.

McLaren insists on a “let them race” philosophy, bound by guidelines to prevent its charges from literal and figurative destruction while keeping the contest pure. To argue that the Singapore clash tested that creed would be to understate the obvious. Norris, squeezed while fending off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, clipped Piastri’s front wing. Even as the stewards naturally deemed it a racing incident, team principal Andrea Stella chose not to intervene; from his vantage point, it stemmed more from the competition’s aggression than friendly fire. Inside the garage, however, interpretations varied. What one saw as a racing risk, the other took as disregard. And in a title fight this close, every gesture, every silence, begins to weigh differently.

Zak Brown, as much marketer as manager, insists McLaren will not change course. The rules, he said, will hold even with Verstappen surging back into contention for the Driver’s title. To be sure, the stance is both bold and purposive. To retreat now — favoring one over the other and thus meddling mid-season — would betray the very culture Macca has been rebuilding: confident, unflappable, self-policing. Yet the closer its stalwarts get to the prize, the more dangerous the self-restraint becomes. What passes for even-handedness in March comes off as paralysis in October.

Piastri leads Norris by 22 points and Verstappen by 63, but these are numbers that give off the illusion of control. Stella concedes that balance between drivers with “different aspirations” is always delicate. The papaya rules are meant to keep order, but emotion bleeds through regulation. Each driver believes his claim is just and the risks he takes are justified. In this regard, the team radio transforms in equal parts to courtroom and confession booth, amplifying grievances long before the checkered flag is waved. Managing the frequency — how much heat to allow before it burns through trust — may yet prove to be McLaren’s most daunting task.

Six races remain, and conventional wisdom is not wrong to assume the inevitability of a flashpoint. Should Norris and Piastri butt heads anew, McLaren will face a harder choice: hold the line on principle or intervene for pragmatism. Either path carries with it no small measure of cost. What Brown considers consistency, critics adjudge to be hesitation. That said, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, bringing with it a concession that leadership, in sport as in business, is manifested less by the rules than by the acknowledgment of their consequences. Which is why the Singapore scrape cannot but be seen as a warning, not of failure, but of proximity: to victory, to pressure, and to the limits of authority.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.