This urgency took center stage at the recent forum “Managing Cyber Risk in Critical Infrastructure Investments,” organized by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), where government and industry leaders warned that cyber threats tied to geopolitical tensions could directly impact economies, infrastructure, and public trust.

Speaking at the event, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Division Chief Apple Pre underscored that as digital connectivity expands, so too does vulnerability.

“And as we expand connectivity, we are also expanding the attack surface. And with that, more systems, more users, and more data will increase exposure to cyberattacks. And this is why cyber security cannot be an afterthought. It must be integrated from the start, which is by design and by default,” Pre said.

“Cybersecurity is a cross-bounding pillar. And whether we talk about digital governance, public-private partnerships, or infrastructure resilience, security is what enables this to function safely and reliably. And at its core, cyber security ensures the protection of critical systems, connectivity of services, and trust of citizen stakeholders,” she added.

Pre linked this directly to the Philippines’ rollout of the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), the country’s first infrastructure master plan for digital connectivity, which aims to strengthen interconnectivity while accelerating digital government services.

The forum also highlighted how ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are reshaping economic and policy priorities.

Chris Nelson, Executive Vice Chairman of the British Chamber, warned that global instability and domestic fiscal adjustments could weigh on growth, while emphasizing the need to push forward with key reforms.

“I think the other thing that particularly affects the Philippines at the moment, which we know had an impact on GDP, was actually the reduced government spending, which is in relation to the fact that much more controls have been put in place,” Nelson said.

“So, of course, we need to see that, but there has been a commitment to increased spending. So, I think the Philippines does stand there, but we would urge the Philippines to keep on with its legislation passages, particularly on e-commerce, on digital payments and, of course, on cybersecurity,” he added.

Among the key policy developments welcomed by the Chamber was the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the E-Governance Act, seen as a cornerstone of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

At the regional level, the Philippines, currently chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is positioning cybersecurity as a central pillar of cooperation, particularly as cyber threats grow more sophisticated and transnational.

Pre emphasized that building cyber resilience will require “stronger collaboration with private sectors, international, and ASEAN as well, so that the best practices, if it’s shared, we can be more equipped, especially because they have enhanced cybersecurity posture. So those things, actually, of course, with that, we can be more equipped as they give us training as well, and it can really develop the skills here in the Philippines.”

The forum is supported by Eastern Communications, KMC, and media partner The Philippine Business and News.

While there is a sense of relief that the people of Iran may be driving toward freedom and change from the rigid Islamic regime, more so with the US-Israeli strikes that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, peace in the Middle East is far from at hand.

First, there is no clear path for a stable succession of leadership – one that, at the very least, turns its back on theocratic ideology, which has dictated the nation’s leadership since 1979.

Second, its internal struggle is not without a firestorm of conflicts still raging with its Arab neighbors — the very ones it bombed in retaliation, apart from civilian targets in Tel Aviv. And it’s not like the attack drones only targeted US military facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Iran bombed the heart of the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As of this writing, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have not allowed any ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most vital energy chokepoint connecting Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

A shutdown here is not abstract geopolitics, but a move whose ripple effect would be a global supply shock. Roughly 20% of the world’s crude flows through that narrow corridor, and 80% of that heads for Asia – a third, to China.

If one can recall, just at the start of the year — if it’s any precursor to the developments of today — President Donald Trump had the temerity to invite China and Russia to purchase oil from the U.S. after US forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

That was a move to assert control over Venezuelan crude exports, effectively offering access to Asia, Russia, and China to buy oil now under Trump management. This strategic pivot reinforces Washington’s leverage in global energy markets even as supply lines tighten under Middle East instability.

For the Philippines, these may all read like distant foreign policy on the surface, especially if you listen solely to statements of President Marcos and his Department of National Defense (DND), which took to the news on Sunday the assurance that the Middle East conflict has “no direct threat” to the country.

Well, for one, the death of Filipina caregiver, Mary Anne Velazquez Rivera, who was hit by shrapnel as she raced to help her ward get into a bomb shelter in Israel, shows “no direct threat” is only a comforting phrase if our OFWs are out of the equation. We have hundreds of thousands of OFWs scattered across the Gulf.

Truth is, geography may protect our territory — 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers away from the bombs falling — but it does not shield our people from the consequences. Even without a single missile landing on Philippine soil, insurance premiums rise, freight rates spike, and markets respond in real time. The distance between Manila and the Gulf is long, but the distance between a blocked oil route and a Filipino commuter’s wallet is much shorter.

So, my read into this war saga is that militarily, our government may tell us there is no direct threat. But strategically, economically, and painfully — we are already in it.

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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

For his part, Monsi Alfonso Serrano, founder of THEPHILBIZNEWS, who went to Ukraine several times to painstakingly complete the documentary said, “This film was made not for profit, not for ratings, but out of a shared responsibility to bear witness—and to tell the truth with humanity. In a world shaped by conflict and disinformation, independent storytelling remains one of the most powerful bridges between nations and people. THEPHILBIZNEWS may be far from the country’s largest media organizations, but despite limited resources, this non-commercial documentary proves that even micro media can illuminate stories the world ought to see. This is a story that does not ask for our attention—it asks for our conscience.”

The documentary will be showcased through a private screening in the Philippines, made possible through the presentation of the Araneta Group of Companies, Araneta City, Gateway Cineplex, and UniProm Inc.

GCash, RCBC, FintechAlliance.Ph, ES Print Media Inc., Asia Manila Prime Properties, Hotel Okura Manila, and Discovery Suites Manila, Philippines further support the non-commercial production.

With MTRCB approval secured, Hope for the Dawn to Come stands as a testament to responsible Philippine documentary filmmaking and the enduring power of storytelling to foster empathy, awareness, and solidarity across borders.

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has made this belief central to its business strategy, earning recognition as a Great Place To Work by embedding employee well-being, inclusivity, and purpose into its organizational DNA.

“Hospitality is demanding work, and we recognize that excellence cannot be sustained without a culture that genuinely cares for its people,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “This recognition affirms what we have always believed—that when employees feel respected, included, and inspired by purpose, their passion naturally translates into meaningful guest experiences. Our culture is built on the Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita brand of service, reminding us that caring for our people is at the very heart of caring for our guests.”

At MHR, passion is not a slogan—it is a strategic driver. The company’s people-first philosophy translates into strong engagement, leadership continuity, and service excellence across its growing portfolio.

The Circle of Happiness and the Sampaguita Brand of Service

At the core of MHR’s culture is its Circle of Happiness (COH) framework, a guiding philosophy that aligns personal fulfillment with professional excellence. Designed as a holistic approach to employee development, the COH is anchored on five pillars: Love for Self, Love for Work, Love for Family, Love for Country, and Love for God. Together, these values encourage associates to find meaning, balance, and pride in what they do.

This philosophy is expressed through MHR’s signature Sampaguita brand of service, a distinctly Filipino approach to hospitality rooted in sincerity, warmth, and national pride. Inspired by the Sampaguita flower, its five petals symbolize love, honor, dignity, healing, and the Philippine flag—principles that guide every guest interaction. More than a service standard, the Sampaguita brand serves as a cultural compass, shaping how employees connect with guests and with one another.

Building an Inclusive and Representative Workplace

From the Circle of Happiness flow concrete initiatives that translate values into measurable outcomes. Inclusivity stands out as a defining pillar—grounded in the belief that high-performing organizations thrive when opportunity is accessible to all.

A recent employee survey showed that 95% of MHR employees believe individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Leadership diversity has also advanced significantly: from a management team once composed of 80% men, women now account for 51% of total decision-makers across the organization. Since 2019, 74 women across MHR’s 14 properties have been promoted to expanded leadership roles.

MHR also set an industry benchmark by becoming the first Philippine hotel chain to achieve 100% accreditation as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment from the Department of Tourism. This ensures both guests and employees are supported in practicing their faith with dignity, reinforcing MHR’s commitment to respect and inclusion.

By fostering an inclusive environment, MHR strengthens collaboration, unlocks diverse perspectives, and builds leadership teams that reflect the communities it serves.

Investing in Tomorrow Through the Next Gen Leadership Council

With expansion comes the need for leadership continuity. To address this strategically, MHR launched the Next Gen Leadership Council (NGLC)—a future-focused development program designed to prepare high-potential associates for senior roles.

From 70 applicants, 25 associates aged 23 to 34 were selected to undergo an intensive eight-month leadership journey. Representing multiple departments and properties, participants engage in curated learning sessions, cross-property exposure, and mentorship with senior leaders, gaining a macro-level understanding of hotel operations and corporate strategy.

The NGLC builds a robust internal talent pipeline, bridging leadership demand with values-aligned capability. More importantly, it ensures that future leaders are not only operationally competent, but deeply grounded in MHR’s culture and purpose.

A Culture Sustained by Purpose

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts continues to prove that even in a high-pressure, service-driven industry, long-term success is built on people. Through the Circle of Happiness, the Sampaguita brand of service, a strong commitment to inclusivity, and leadership programs like the NGLC, MHR demonstrates that passion—when nurtured with intention—becomes a powerful business advantage.

For MHR, caring for people is not just a good culture, but a sound strategy.

Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Marc Innes-Brown, paid tribute to the courage and professionalism of Filipino journalists, underscoring their indispensable role in safeguarding freedom of speech and strengthening the growing partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

Speaking before members of the media at the Australian Embassy’s Annual Journalists’ Reception, the Ambassador stressed that in an era increasingly shaped by AI-driven disinformation, credible journalism has become even more vital to democratic life.

“Fearless reporting and quality journalism are essential voices in illuminating the truth and strengthening ties between nations,” Ambassador Innes-Brown said.

He commended the Philippines’ vibrant and resilient press for upholding democracy despite the challenges faced in recent years and stressed that personal engagement with media remains crucial. Journalists, he noted, serve as trusted storytellers who connect communities and help deepen public understanding of the Australia-Philippines relationship.

The Ambassador reiterated that Australia now considers the Philippines an increasingly important strategic partner, highlighting expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, maritime security, development assistance, and people-to-people ties.

PH-Australia travel and defense advances

Among key economic milestones he cited were the progress under Australia’s “invested” strategy—aimed at boosting outward Australian investments in the region—and the awarding of service contracts to Australian firms for oil and gas exploration in the Philippines, signaling renewed investor confidence.

He also noted Jetstar’s inaugural Brisbane-Cebu flight, the first direct route from Australia to a Philippine destination outside Manila. The new service is expected to add more than 100,000 seats next year and further strengthen tourism and economic linkages.

On defense and maritime cooperation, Ambassador Innes-Brown pointed to major advances, including the largest bilateral military exercise Australia has conducted in the region, held this year with the Philippines.

He added that both countries are working toward a new defense cooperation agreement. Australia has also doubled its civil-maritime support to the Philippine Coast Guard, provided advanced technology such as drones, and trained over 800 Filipino officials on maritime domain awareness.

Long-term development partnership

Australia’s development cooperation with the Philippines remains among its largest worldwide, with an annual allocation of $94 million for education, climate and disaster resilience, sustainable agriculture, and economic governance—bringing total assistance to over $100 million each year.

The Ambassador also underscored long-standing law enforcement collaboration as part of Australia’s broader commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

He noted that 2026 will mark the 80th anniversary of Australia-Philippines diplomatic relations, which coincides with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship. Australia, he said, stands ready to support the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN chair, reaffirming that the bilateral relationship is rooted in trust, cooperation, and long-term commitment.

Reflecting on the warm welcome he has received since arriving in Manila, Ambassador Innes-Brown said he continues to be struck by the strong appreciation for Australia’s contributions and the growing momentum in bilateral ties.

He ended by thanking Filipino journalists for their unwavering dedication: “Your work is indispensable. You illuminate the great work happening between our two countries, and we look forward to partnering with you as we celebrate eight decades of diplomatic relations and build toward an even stronger future together.”

The partnership was formalized on October 30, 2025, with Ambassador ENDO Kazuya and UNOPS Geneva Office Director Andrew Kirkwood signing and exchanging notes. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa witnessed the ceremony, marking another milestone in Japan’s decades-long support for the country’s fight against TB.

The Philippines remains among the high-burden countries for tuberculosis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with an estimated 739,000 Filipinos developing TB in 2023 alone. To address this challenge, the Government of Japan is extending a ¥370 million (approximately ₱135 million) grant to strengthen TB screening and early detection in underserved areas.

Under the project, Japan will provide 20 ultraportable X-ray units equipped with computer-aided diagnosis (AI-CAD) technology developed by Fujifilm. These advanced diagnostic tools will be distributed to provincial health offices serving Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) to improve access to TB screening and facilitate early treatment.

Ambassador Endo highlighted Japan’s over 30 years of cooperation with the Philippine government in the fight against tuberculosis. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to help realize a TB-free Philippines, emphasizing that this project reflects Japan’s enduring role as a reliable neighbor and partner in promoting public health and human security.

At the “9th Property Matters: Shaping Spaces, Strengthening Sectors” forum on September 30, 2025, BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson said the policy change sends a strong signal to investors and could further liberalize the market.

“We have seen developments in advancing the Philippines’ real estate sector and we would recommend a more proactive approach in further liberalizing and opening it up to foreign investors,” Nelson said.

“The interest and the opportunity is there and we just have to reinforce it through reforms and increased partnership with the UK and the private sector,” he added.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Ecozone Development Department Manager Ludwig Daza reported that British investors accounted for 6.89% of total ecozone investments from 1995 to 2024.

Daza said future strategies will focus on research and development and energy efficiency, in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

Jones Lang Lasalle Philippines Country Head Joey Radovan urged Philippine cities to learn from international best practices, such as public-private partnership (PPP) models in London’s Olympic Park and King’s Cross.

Radovan also cited Singapore’s integrated e-services system as a useful guide for implementing the recently passed E-Governance Act.

From the private sector, AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. head of industrial parks and real estate logistics Gabriel T. Sioson said new industrial hubs are being developed in strategic locations aligned with infrastructure expansion and regulatory compliance, stretching from the Luzon Corridor to Northern Mindanao.

The event was organized by the British Chamber with support from AyalaLand Logistics, JLL Philippines, AFC SME Financing, KPMG in the Philippines, and media partner The Philippine Business and News.

The Philippine Business and News supports the event as a media partner, while the representatives from the public and private sectors will provide insights into the fiscal policy roadmap designed to stimulate greater foreign direct investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewables, and PPPs. Another key area will be the Philippines’ trade diversification strategy, amid global trade and tariff uncertainties, highlighting key developments in Philippine-UK trade, including the launch of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), participation in the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), and the country’s intent to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). With the UK’s recent accession to the CPTPP, these initiatives are expected to increase market access in the region.

Additionally, the briefing will cover the legislative agenda under the 20th Congress. The Chamber remains firm in its call for the approval of its three key priority bills: the E-Governance Act and Konektadong Pinoy Act, both of which have garnered strong backing from stakeholders, and the Cybersecurity Act, driven by the urgent need to address rising cyberattacks across sectors. The Chamber also recognized that all three legislation will support the country’s digital transformation agenda and facilitate a streamlined approach to businesses wanting to start business in the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson noted that, “The British Chamber will remain at the forefront of supporting key legislation to continue opening up the economy while promoting multiple areas of cooperation. This aligns with our goal in further increasing the UK-PH trade and the overall drive to boost its competitiveness in Southeast Asia.”

The British Chamber has consistently collaborated with government agencies and the private sector in addressing key areas such as inflation management, food security, and enhancing industry competitiveness across sectors like cybersecurity, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, among others. The Chamber remains committed to further strengthening UK-Philippine trade relations and contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.

Interested participants may register here:
https://britcham.org.ph/events/2025-midyear-briefing-powering-growth-through-policy-partnership-and-innovation/.

The Fair will be held onsite on November 22 and 23, 2024 at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas with its online editions to be held on November 25, 2024 via Zoom online sessions and through the Facebook page of the European Higher Education Fair at European Union in the Philippines.

The biggest and longest-running education fair in the country, the EHEF offers a unique opportunity for Filipino students, professionals, academe, researchers, and university officials to engage directly with some of the top higher education institutions from the EU.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said, “The European Higher Education Fair reflects the EU’s commitment to providing an immersive platform to explore a diverse array of opportunities, resources, and insights for Filipino students interested in pursuing their higher education in the European Union.”

EHEF 2024 will feature 77 higher education institutions and diplomatic missions participating on-ground and online from Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, Sweden and the European Union.

On-site seminars will be hosted by the EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Institutes. These engaging sessions will provide in-depth information on higher education systems, “student life” in the EU, research grants, and scholarship opportunities like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, and Jean Monnet, open for students and educators alike.

Online sessions will be held on 22, 23, and 25 November 2024.

Registration and entrance to the fair are free of charge. Interested participants may visit ehefphilippines.com for more information or @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

This yearly fair is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and institutes and in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education, and supported by professional organisations and media partners.

This year’s Philippine Regional Hubs include University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila), Wesleyan University (Luzon), and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao); and University Partners Ateneo de Manila University – European Studies Programme, De La Salle University, Enderun College, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum Philippines University – Cavite, Mabalacat City College and World Citi College.

EHEF 2024 also has the support of professional organisations such as the Philippine Communication Society and European Studies Association of the Philippines. Media partners include Adobo Magazine, Backend News,Gadgets Magazine, Iloilo Metropolitan Times, iOrbit News, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine, Subselfie, The Daily Guardian, The Daily Tribune, The Philippine Business and News and When in Manila. COMCO Southeast Asia is the PR and Communications partner of EU Delegation of the Philippines for EHEF 2024.

In a bid to reignite national pride and cultural appreciation, renowned Filipino satirist Leo Martinez has launched an innovative project aimed at creating “videolantes,” or video vigilantes, dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Filipino culture.

Martinez, who is most famous for his character Congressman Manhik Manaog (literally means “climb up-climb down”), told The Philippine Business and News that the initiative, entitled Dito Po Sa Amin (meaning “here in our place”), seeks to harness the power of social media and digital storytelling to bring the richness of Filipino heritage to a global audience.

“We have 80 million Filipinos using social media. Let’s use the digital platforms in promoting positive content such as sharing our unique culture, materials about values and GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) in Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Ilonggo, Kapampangan, Bikolano, Waray, and other local languages,” he said.

Martinez, who is also a stage director, said the initiative seeks to empower a new generation of content creators to produce these videos to foster a deeper sense of cultural identity and national pride.

“Filipino culture is a tapestry of diverse traditions, languages, and histories. It’s time we take pride in our roots and share our stories with the world,” said Martinez. “Through Dito Po Sa Amin, we hope to inspire videolantes who will not only document but also celebrate our unique cultural heritage.”

The program will provide aspiring videolantes with training in video production, storytelling, and digital marketing. Participants will also receive grants to support their projects, enabling them to travel to different parts of the country to capture the essence of Filipino life. The best videos will be featured on a dedicated online platform, as well as in special screenings and festivals across the Philippines.

In addition to promoting cultural appreciation, Dito Po Sa Amin aims to combat the negative stereotypes and misconceptions about the Philippines perpetuated in mainstream and social media. By showcasing the beauty and resilience of Filipino communities, the program aspires to reshape the global narrative about the country.

“We want to change the way the world sees the Philippines,” Martinez explained. “Our stories are powerful, and it’s time we tell them ourselves.”