In preparation for the possible effects of Super El Niño, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, through its Consumer Protection Division, intensified its monitoring of the prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs), as well as bottled water, in San Antonio, San Narciso, and Santa Cruz on October 6, 2026.
The activity aimed to ensure that prices remain within the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) and that price tags are properly displayed for consumers’ guidance. During the inspection, the monitoring team visited various grocery stores and supermarkets to check prevailing prices and assess compliance with existing regulations.
Store owners also reported that their current stocks were sufficient to last for at least one month, indicating adequate inventory levels and preparedness.
DTI Zambales will continue its price and supply monitoring, validation of product availability, and timely reporting to provide accurate market information and strengthen consumer protection efforts. DTI Region 3 – Central Luzon

The Manila Symphony Orchestra officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala on October 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by the ribbon cutting by MSO Foundation President Ms. Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance Representative Ms. Marife M. Pineda, and the One Ayala General Manager Mr. Khen Akot.
The studio was graced by the presence of Standard Insurance Group Chair Mr. Judes Echauz, the MSO Music Academy teachers and MSO administrative staff, and members of the MSO press family.
The occasion brought together students, faculty, families, and members of the MSO community in celebration of MSOMA’s continued commitment to providing quality music education and meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians.
Adding to the celebration was a special mini-recital featuring MSO Music Academy students and faculty. The program included Paganini’s Cantabile, performed by Sara Maria Gonzales (violin) and Amansinaya Añonuevo (guitar); Katakataka for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino, performed by students Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by young soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano; Willy Cruz’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, arranged by Jeffrey Solares, performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes (violin) with Jeremiah Valenzuela (piano); Vivaldi’s Summer Storm from The Four Seasons, performed by David Llandino with the MSO academy strings faculty; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring students Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists.
The program concluded with From the Start by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the string ensemble in celebration of the grant given by The Laufey Foundation to the MSO Foundation.
Aside from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, this new space gives the academy a permanent home where children, teens, and adults can learn music, develop their skills, prepare for performances and competitions, take part in its scholarship programs, or simply enjoy the joy of music-making.
The academy has six regular studios, each equipped with a piano, for lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments. A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.
The new branch in One Ayala was made possible by the generous support of Standard Insurance and Mr. Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were generously provided by Mr. Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos. The MSO is especially grateful to One Ayala and Ms. Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO Trustee Mr. John Silva.
Music education remains an important part of the MSO’s work. The MSO Music Academy also continues to support its teachers through professional development, including Suzuki teacher training programs locally and internationally. By supporting both teachers and students, the Academy hopes to provide a meaningful learning experience for every learner who comes through its doors.
Today, the doors of the new academy in One Ayala are open. MSO looks forward to seeing the studios filled with God-given talents, friendships, and many new beginnings. With its new home, MSO hopes to welcome more families and learners into music education. (MSO)

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking at imposing accreditation standards among third-party collection agencies (TPCA) to enhance borrowers’ protection against abusive lending practices.
The Commission on September 30 issued for public comment the draft memorandum circular providing for the accreditation, disclosure, and oversight of TPCAs engaged by financing and lending companies.

TPCAs refer to stock corporations registered with the SEC engaged by financing and lending companies to perform debt collection services.
The draft rules aim to establish a regulatory framework that will bring TPCAs under the Commission’s direct supervision and set uniform standards of conduct for debt collection to better protect borrowers from abusive collection practices.

Accreditation
Under the draft rules, only SEC-accredited TPCAs, in addition to internal collection agents of financing and lending companies, may engage in debt collection activities.
To secure accreditation, TPCAs shall file an application with the SEC online system. Such accreditation will be valid for three years.

The agency will be included in the Commission’s registry of accredited TPCAs published and regularly updated on the online SEC database.

An accredited TPCA may apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiration of their existing accreditation. Otherwise, it will be subjected to monetary fines.

A TPCA may also be delisted from the registry if an order is issued by the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department finding the TPCA liable for unfair debt collection practices, as provided under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019.

Final decision or resolution of administrative or criminal cases against a TPCA and other material, serious, repeated, or willful violations of this circular, related SEC issuances and applicable laws, rules, and regulations are further grounds for delisting.

TPCAs may likewise request for their voluntary delisting from the registry.

Violations, penalties

Under the draft rules, TPCAs may also face a penalty for late filing of accreditation renewal.
Further, TPCAs found to be involved in unfair debt collection practices, including unlawful house visits and use of system-generated and automated messages, may face fines ranging from P60,000 up to P200,000.

They may face delisting and revocation of their accreditation upon fourth offense.
The Commission may also blacklist the directors and officers of TPCAs delisted for unfair debt collection practices or a material misrepresentation.

Additionally, financing and lending companies will also be subjected to fines for fraudulently engaging with non-accredited or non-disclosed TPCAs of up to P2 million. Fourth violation will result in the suspension or revocation of their certificate of authority and in exceptional cases, revocation of Articles of Incorporation.

The public may submit their comments on the proposed draft through the designated online form until October 15.

SUBIC, Zambales — From the conference room to the open sea, maritime security delegates from ASEAN Member States and Plus Partner countries came together to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise, and build greater understanding of shared maritime challenges as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG on MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders’ Program (FLP) concluded on September 25, 2026.
The week-long activity brought participating countries together through a series of shore-based and at-sea engagements designed to strengthen interoperability, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance practical cooperation in the maritime domain.
Participating ADMM countries included the Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Plus partners like Australia, Japan, India, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. France and United Kingdom also participated as international observers.
The closing ceremony featured remarks from Rear Admiral Edwin M Nera PN and Rear Admiral Terada Hiroyuki JMSDF (Ret), Co-Chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, who highlighted the importance of sustaining dialogue and cooperation in addressing common maritime security concerns.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker, Major General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, underscored the significance of the multilateral engagement, emphasizing that the ASEAN-led initiative further reinforces cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges in support of a stable, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
The JCA and FLP featured subject matter expert exchanges, discussions on key maritime security issues, shipboard activities, and coordinated at-sea exercises, providing participants opportunities to share expertise, strengthen interoperability, and enhance practical cooperation.
As co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, the Philippines and Japan continue to advance initiatives that bring regional and international partners together in pursuit of greater understanding and cooperation toward a secure, peaceful, and resilient maritime region.

Subic Bay Freeport — Reflecting the robust growth of the trucking industry within the Freeport zone, New Asahi Group Subic Trading Corp. inaugurated its ₱50-million expansion facility at the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) on September 21, 2026.
“The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) takes great pride in developments like this,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. “A Freeport’s strength lies in the en-terprises that choose to invest, expand, and remain within its borders.”
Aliño noted that New Asahi Group’s decision to consolidate its expertise in sourcing, importation, reconditioning, fabrication, and after-sales support under the Apex Trucks brand, and to do so here in Subic, is a strong vote of confidence in both the Freeport and the favorable business cli-mate that the SBMA diligently maintains.
The expansion spans 5,231.60 square meters within THEP and is projected to create 25 addi-tional jobs. The facility will handle importation, exportation, transshipment, warehousing, rebuild-ing, and trading of trucks, buses, as well as heavy and industrial equipment.
New Asahi Group Subic Trading Corporation specializes in the dealership and importation of commercial vehicles, focusing on reconditioned Japanese trucks, heavy equipment, and indus-trial machinery. Operating under the Apex Trucks name, the company is involved in the import, export, transshipment, storage, rebuilding, and wholesale of trucks, buses, heavy and industrial equipment, along with new and used spare parts and accessories.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent figures including SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Aliño; New Asahi Group Chairman Ahamed Mohamed Mohamed Hussain; President Shukry Hussain; CEO Riza Nazeer; SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Invest-ment Barney W. Lee III; and Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr., who collectively led the ribbon-cutting.
Representatives from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines, along with Xantheng (Subic) International Corporation (XSIC) President Simon Su and XSIC Vice-President for Operations Kelly Uy, were also in attendance.
Subic Bay Freeport Zone continues to manage a consistent inflow of truck and heavy equipment imports through its major locators.
The SBMA’s Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department enforces strict registration require-ments for trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods, thereby supporting local port opera-tions revenue.
Port revenues and volumes of non-containerized and bulk cargo—which typically include rolling heavy machinery and break-bulk shipments—have shown sustained growth, underscoring active trade cycles for capital goods.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Subic, led by District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay, was recognized for its outstanding revenue collection performance for the month of August 2026 after surpassing its assigned collection target.
The recognition was formalized through a Certificate of Commendation presented by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to Collection District XIII and the men and women of the Port of Subic, in recognition of their dedication and exemplary performance in achieving an actual collection of ₱4.422 billion against an assigned revenue collection target of ₱4.173 billion for August 2026.
The Port exceeded its monthly target by ₱248.75 million, reflecting a 6.0% positive deviation from its assigned collection goal.
District Collector Lagmay personally attended the awarding and received the Certificate of Commendation from Commissioner Nepomuceno on behalf of the Port of Subic and its personnel.
The recognition highlights the collective efforts of the Port’s workforce in sustaining revenue collection while carrying out the Bureau’s mandate to facilitate legitimate trade, protect the country’s borders, and ensure efficient and responsive customs service.
The commendation also reinforces Commissioner Nepomuceno’s continuing call for sustained port performance anchored on good governance, accountability, and border protection.
For the Port of Subic, the recognition serves as an affirmation of the importance of teamwork and professionalism in achieving the Bureau’s objectives. It likewise encourages its personnel to sustain their commitment to integrity, accountability, and modernization in the delivery of customs service. The Port’s commitment to these principles is also aligned with the Commissioner’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.

Customs authorities at the Port of Subic intercepted a ₱6.669-million shipment of frozen chicken meat from Hong Kong that had been misdeclared as cooked tofu, following the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified crackdown on agricultural smuggling and customs fraud.
The shipment, contained in a 40-foot container and declared as cooked tofu, was flagged for inspection following intelligence information indicating that it might contain frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities. Examination revealed 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu, contrary to its declaration.
Following the discovery, the shipment was recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; Rule 15(b)(4) and Rule 18(a)(1) of Joint DA-DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-0007, implementing Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013; Article III, Section 1 of Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 6, Series of 2022; in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
“The Port of Subic remains steadfast in its duty to protect our borders and ensure that all shipments entering the country comply with customs laws and regulations. Every interception is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard legitimate trade and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the seizure demonstrates that the Bureau remains focused on its mandate despite recent organizational reforms.
“Despite the recent personnel movements and internal cleansing efforts at the Port of Subic, I expect our personnel to remain focused on protecting our borders and faithfully carrying out their responsibilities as public servants. Our commitment to preventing smuggling and safeguarding legitimate trade must remain steadfast,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to smugglers and their protectors.
“Let this seizure serve as a warning to smugglers and those who enable or protect them, whether inside or outside government: the Bureau will relentlessly pursue violators and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” he said.
The seizure forms part of the BOC’s sustained crackdown on smuggling and customs violations. Through these efforts, the Bureau remains committed to ensuring food safety, and securing the country’s borders in line with agency’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Demonstrating a unified and large-scale commitment to strengthening social security coverage for Filipino workers, the Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Central 2 Division mobilized all 10 of its branches in the simultaneous conduct of the Employers’ Link and Learn Forum on September 30, 2026, reaching 797 employers across its service areas.
The division-wide initiative highlighted the collective efforts of the SSS branches under Luzon Central 2 to help employers comply with their social security obligations through proper registration, accurate employee reporting, and timely remittance of contributions. Participating employers included newly registered businesses, unregistered establishments, and firms seeking guidance in fulfilling their responsibilities to their workers under the Social Security Act.
More than a compliance activity, the synchronized forum served as a strategic stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at expanding social security protection and promoting a culture of employer accountability across Central Luzon. By bringing together employers in multiple locations under a single coordinated campaign, SSS reinforced its commitment to ensuring that more workers and their families gain access to social security benefits and protection.
SSS Luzon Central 2 Division Vice President Gloria Corazon M. Andrada emphasized that employer compliance is fundamental to safeguarding the welfare of workers and their dependents.
“Employer compliance goes beyond fulfilling legal requirements. Every employee who is properly reported and every contribution that is correctly and promptly remitted translates into meaningful social security protection for workers and their families,” Andrada said. She added that employers play a vital role in securing workers against life’s uncertainties by ensuring their continuous coverage and access to benefits during contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, and death.
The simultaneous forums conducted by the division’s 10 branches provided employers with practical guidance on their statutory obligations and the use of SSS digital services. Discussions covered Payment Reference Number (PRN) generation, the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM), online filing of sickness and maternity benefit applications, and other digital facilities designed to improve compliance and service efficiency.
Participants were likewise given the opportunity to raise concerns and receive direct assistance from SSS personnel regarding registration, employee reporting, contribution remittances, and other employer-related transactions.
The successful undertaking underscores the Luzon Central 2 Division’s continuing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the business sector and promote compliance through education, engagement, and accessible frontline services. Through the collective action of its 10 branches, the division reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers by helping employers meet their responsibilities under the country’s social security program.

Under the SM Green Movement, SM drives enhanced resource stewardship nationwide, pursuing waste circularity through reduction, segregation, and diversion. With its efforts and collaboration with industry experts, the mall operator has also diverted thousands of kilograms of recyclables from landfills and oceans yearly.
“Because SM malls are high-traffic spaces, daily waste reduction and management habits of mall-going Filipinos can be positively influenced at scale,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance.
The road to a Waste Free Future is built together
Through the years, SM has pursued circularity with its application of various sustainable waste management solutions tailored according to different categories. With the help of industry partners, recyclable waste is managed or given a second life beyond initial use.

Plastic Waste: Friends of Hope Program
With the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, mallgoers can drop off clean, empty and dry plastic bottles, packaging, and other single-use items in any of the 15 designated drop-off sites in SM malls nationwide. In partnership with Friends of Hope, around 80,000 kilograms of consumer plastics have been diverted and processed since 2021.
“The Plastic Waste Collection (PWC) Program provides convenient collection points where mall-goers, shoppers, and tenants can responsibly dispose of their plastic waste. Our aspiration is to build a strong and growing network of institutional plastic collection sites that makes responsible plastic disposal more accessible to communities and contributes to our goal of a future with no plastic waste in nature,” said Friends of Hope Program and Operations Officer Ms. Yusaira Maon

E-waste: PLDT and Smart
To tackle the correct disposal and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) SM’s Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program has been expanded through its partnership with PLDT & Smart. Special e-waste collection drop boxes are deployed in SM Cyberzone wings nationwide which have since collected an estimated 28,000 kilograms of waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

PET bottles: Sparklo and Sentinel
Earlier this year, SM has also forged a new conversion pathway for PET bottles that will be disposed in its malls. With the launch of the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program in partnership with Sparklo, mallgoers can deposit their empty PET bottles in the reverse vending machines that
will be hauled by recycling partners such as Sentinel Plastic Manufacturing Corporation for reuse or upcycling. With a total of 40 machines now deployed nationwide, SM anticipates a collection of 1.5 million units of discarded PET bottles by the end of the year.
“SM’s partnership with Sparklo and the deployment of Reverse Vending Machines is a great example of how collaboration can make waste recovery more accessible, measurable, and engaging. By scaling these programs across SM’s network and with more partners, we can significantly increase waste diversion and encourage more people to participate in building a more circular economy,” said Sparklo Country Manager Ellen Quilas.

Single-use utensils: Chop Value
Additionally, through SM’s partnership with ChopValue Philippines at SM Aura, single-use chopsticks are upcycled into furniture and other practical materials such as phone stands. The partnership has collected around 130,000 units of chopsticks since June, equivalent to 6,272 kilograms of carbon dioxide avoidance.
“I think pilot projects are important because they give private companies a chance to actually try circular solutions and see what works in the real world. It’s through these small initiatives that we learn, improve the process, and eventually find ways to scale them. For us, every pilot is an opportunity to show that waste can be treated as a resource and that circularity can be part of how businesses operate,” said ChopValue’s Community Manager Dave Pascual.

"SM aims to build a cleaner, greener future one step at a time. With waste management initiatives guided by the SM Green Movement, we empower responsible waste disposal through simple, everyday action encouraged in SM malls nationwide," said Silerio.

Approved investments secured by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) surged more than sixfold to Php49.96 billion in the first half of 2026, as global aviation and logistics giants deepen their presence in Clark and other BCDA economic zones.
BCDA-approved investments rose 535% from Php7.87 billion in the same period last year and are expected to generate approximately 4,210 jobs, providing a fresh boost to investment and employment across BCDA’s development areas.
The aviation sector accounted for Php33.91 billion, or nearly 68% of total approved investments, underscoring Clark’s growing role as a regional aviation, aerospace, and logistics hub.
The surge was led by major international aviation and logistics companies, including Lufthansa Technik Philippines, FedEx, and UPS International, whose expanding operations are strengthening Clark’s connections to global markets and supply chains.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said the investment growth reflects increasing confidence in the Philippines as a base for long-term business expansion.
“Global companies are making larger and longer-term commitments to the Philippines because they see the potential to serve both the domestic market and the wider Asia-Pacific region from here,” Bingcang said.
“Our role at BCDA is to make our development areas investment-ready, provide the infrastructure and conditions investors need, and ensure these investments translate into quality jobs, stronger industries, and lasting economic opportunities for Filipinos.”

Emerging aviation and logistics growth center

The concentration of aviation investments in Clark comes as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its position in regional aviation, logistics, and supply chains.
Clark International Airport and its surrounding economic zone offer companies access to Central Luzon, one of the country’s major growth corridors, as well as connections to Metro Manila and key domestic and international markets.
The expanding aviation ecosystem includes aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo and logistics operations, and other aviation-related activities.
The latest commitments include the expansion of Lufthansa Technik, which is developing a new widebody aircraft maintenance facility in Clark, as well as continued expansion by FedEx and UPS.
“These investments demonstrate that the Philippines, specifically the entire Clark metropolis, is increasingly being viewed as a platform for companies looking to serve not just the Philippines but the broader Asia-Pacific market,” Engr. Bingcang said.
The investment activity also comes as BCDA and its partners continue to develop infrastructure to support Luzon Economic Corridor’s long-term growth, including improvements to airport capacity, connectivity, logistics infrastructure, and the wider business ecosystem.

Investment growth extends beyond aviation, logistics

While aviation and logistics accounted for the largest share of first-half commitments, investment activity extended across other sectors.
The residential sector accounted for Php5.9 billion in approved investments, while the government and sports sector contributed Php500 million and hospitality investments reached Php30 million.
Agreements during the period included investments involving InfiniVAN, the Philippine Sports Commission, Sophia Real Estate Executives and Development Corp., Baguio Mountainscapes, Hann Philippines, and ACWA Power Philippines, as well as a consortium composed of GTM Networks Asia and Volksbahn Technologies.
Investment activity was concentrated primarily in BCDA’s major economic zones, including Clark and Camp John Hay in Baguio.
The investment surge is supported by continued national government efforts to strengthen infrastructure and maintain a policy environment conducive to long-term private investment.
Engr. Bingcang said the latest figures “demonstrate how government-owned land and infrastructure can be used to attract private capital into strategic sectors while generating employment and economic activity.”
The development strategy is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More infrastructure agenda and broader efforts to improve connectivity, attract investments, strengthen industries, and create employment opportunities.
Established under Republic Act No. 7227, BCDA is a government instrumentality mandated to transform former military bases and reservations into productive centers of economic activity and sustainable development.
Its portfolio includes the Clark Freeport Zone, Clark International Airport, New Clark City, Camp John Hay, and Poro Point Freeport Zone, which serve as platforms for investments in strategic industries, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and other economic activities.