The telco honored its most loyal clients with a premier golfing experience on the greens.
Eastern Communications and Link VIP Club loyal customers at the premier Golf Tournament held on July 17, 2025 in Laguna.
Eastern Communications recently held its inaugural golf tournament exclusively for its Titanium tier clients, the newest tier in its Link VIP Club loyalty program. This premier event honored the telco’s most loyal customers, and this will be followed by upcoming lifestyle events, including a movie premiere and bowling tournaments.
Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio teeing off at the telco’s first Link VIP Club Golf Tournament in Laguna.
The Link VIP Club is Eastern Communications’ award-winning customer loyalty program, created to celebrate strong connections with its clients. This exclusive club reflects Eastern’s mission to go beyond expectations through personalized support, curated experiences, and its signature “Heart of Service” built on genuine care and meaningful connections.
To learn more about the Link VIP Club, its exclusive perks, and Eastern’s full suite of services, visiteastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000.
################
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
As tradition calls, a day wouldn’t be complete without the nostalgic Filipino food favorites often associated with merienda. More than the food, memories of merienda often remind us of the time spent with friends and loved ones over a meal, of comfort eating during a long day, of a harmony of flavors bursting into the mouth, and sometimes, just of the simple taste that reminds us of home.
At SM City Marilao, home is just a few steps away as Merienda by Pan de Manila officially opens its door to Bulakenyos. The latest food venue offers a wide range of menus that includes Crunchy Beef Tapa, Aligue Pasta, Vegetarian Tofu Sisig, or Lechon Belly Batchoy for a heartwarming delight.
Merienda by Pan de Manila also offers unique sandwich recipes such as Grilled Pandesal with Kesong Puti and classic Pinoy desserts such as Ginataang Bilo-bilo, Trio Suman, and Bibingka Espesyal, among others.
Every meal’s a remembrance at Merienda by Pan de Manila. Visit them now at the ground level of SM City Marilao.
#############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
To improve traffic management and enhance road safety at NLEX Connector Intersections in C3, Caloocan, España, and Magsaysay Boulevards in Manila, NLEX has installed sensor-based traffic signal lights that will help organize vehicle flow and manage pedestrian crossings in these areas.
In a turnover ceremony, NLEX officially handed over the newly installed infrastructure, to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Among those who led the ceremony were (L–R): PNR Project Manager Edwin G. Balong-Angey, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau Director Dennis Viaje, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Caloocan City Vice Mayor Karina Teh, MPTC Chief Regulatory Officer Arrey Perez, Manila City Engineer Arman Andres, and DPWH OIC–Project Implementation Supervision Division David C. Galang.
The installation was done in coordination with the MMDA to ensure compliance with their updated standards and requirements for an integrated traffic management system. The new “adaptive signaling systems” use vehicle-detecting sensors instead of traditional timers and are complemented by improved lane markings and road signages.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to easing congestion and improving the mobility experience for all, whether travelling along our expressways or local roads where our expressways, such as the NLEX Connector, traverse,” said Perez.
Chairman Artes, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for the project, saying, “Ang proyekto pong ito ay isang magandang halimbawa ng pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya at ng pribadong sektor para magkaroon tayo ng isang safer, smarter, and more efficient road network para sa lahat.” NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
###############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
More than 1.1 million government employees have borrowed P942.43 billion from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) since 2020, benefiting from streamlined processes and competitive rates under the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) programs, now branded as Ginhawa loans.
The GSIS launched the MPL in 2020 to replace the Consolidated Loan Program with faster processing and better terms. The five-year total now approaches P1 trillion, reflecting strong member demand for affordable credit options that support family emergencies, educational expenses, and business opportunities.
Three loan types address different member needs: Ginhawa Lite offers quick cash advances, Ginhawa Flex supports recurring expenses such as tuition, medical bills, or business capital, and Ginhawa Max helps members transfer high-interest private debts to the GSIS.
Interest rates range from 6% to 7% annually with flexible repayment terms. Ginhawa Max eliminates service fees entirely, saving members hundreds or thousands compared to commercial lenders.
“Nearly P1 trillion in disbursements reflect the real financial needs of government employees and their families,” said GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet Bautista.
For Nemen San Jose, a municipal councilor at Teresa, Rizal, the Ginhawa Flex loan helped expand his livelihood. “Dahil sa MPL Flex, nakabili ako ng isang lote na ginawa kong babuyan na ngayon ay may 27 nang baboy. Nakabili rin ako ng isang sasakyan para sa aking car rental business. Doon ko na kinukuha ang baon at gastusin ng mga anak ko, ” he said. “Maganda ang MPL Flex dahil six percent per annum lang ang interest. Yung mga nautangan na ibang lenders, umaabot nang 60% per annum. Malaki po ang diprensiya,” he added.
In Bukidnon, public school teacher Veverlie Padernal turned to the Ginhawa Flex loan after her husband, a farmer, was hit by a truck and could no longer work. “Nabundol siya ng truck. Hindi na siya makapagtanim, madalas sumakit ang ulo niya,” she shared. Through the loan, she was able to build their home and start a motorcycle parts business, giving her family a stable source of income and peace of mind.
The Ginhawa loan programs demonstrate GSIS’s commitment to continue providing government employees with affordable credit and member-friendly terms when they need it, strengthening their financial stability.
The Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) has operationalized two Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers in Central Luzon from 2024. (DOH File Photo)
By Marie Joy S. Carbungco
The Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) has operationalized two Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers in Central Luzon from 2024. (DOH File Photo)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – To respond to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for accessible, community-based healthcare services, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) shared that it has operationalized two Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers in Central Luzon from 2024.
JBLMGH Medical Center Chief Dr. Monserrat Chichioco said the first-ever and largest BUCAS facility established in the country in 2024 is located in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga; while another one was put up in Victoria, Tarlac this year.
“Mula nang nagsimula ang administrasyon, ito ang tinutukan natin [serbisyong medikal], kasama ng edukasyon at pagsugpo sa kahirapan. Nariyan ang 53 BUCAS centers sa 32 lalawigan sa bansa. May libreng check-up, x-ray, lab tests, at iba pa. Ito ay para sa agarang serbisyong outpatient na hindi na kailangang magpa-confine pa sa ospital. (Since the beginning of the administration, this has been our focus [medical services], along with education and poverty alleviation. Fifty-three BUCAS centers have been established in thirty-two provinces in the country. There are free check-ups, x-rays, lab tests, and so on. This is for immediate outpatient services that do not require confinement in a hospital),” Marcos Jr. said in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
This directive, which the President also emphasized in his previous SONAs, pushed the Department of Health (DOH) to start the BUCAS center initiative.
“I can still remember it, his [President] first SONA, he said that he wants the medical services to reach all Filipinos. So that’s where the concept of the establishment of BUCAS Center came in. The BUCAS Center became the initiative of the DOH through the brainchild of Secretary Herbosa. He saw this in other countries where there are polyclinics,” Chichioco shared.
The BUCAS centers are designed to mirror hospital-level services while being situated closer to communities to help decongest apex hospital’s outpatient department and emergency rooms, like that of JBLMGH.
The centers usually cater to 350 to 500 patients daily and are equipped with diagnostic services like CT scan, ultrasound, x-ray, laboratories, pharmacies, and urgent care units.
“Our ambulatory patients can now avail these medical services without the need to go to the hospital. Our centers also include specialty satellite clinics for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and tumor-related illnesses.There are also dedicated clinics for women’s wellness, pediatric health, and family care, providing nearly complete outpatient services excluding admissions,” Chichioco said.
To further expand accessibility, JBLMGH has also integrated telemedicine, online appointment systems, and electronic prescription services to ensure that even remote areas benefit from efficient and streamlined care.
In addition, the hospital chief said they also extended the Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) to the BUCAS center.
“Through this, we were able to decongest from 500. The 100 patients who need to be checked up are already being taken care of at the BUCAS centers,” she said.
Other critical programs like the TB DOTS [Direct Observed Treatment Therapy] clinic and HIV care under the Bahay Lingad have also been expanded to these centers.
Recently, the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) 46 also opened a makeshift hospital at the BUCAS center in Sto. Tomas town to cater to patients from the town and nearby flood-affected municipalities including Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Apalit, in response to the temporary closure of the Domingo B. Flores District Hospital in Macabebe town due to severe flooding caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon. (MJSC/PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
###########
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
PhilHealth strengthens preventive healthcare in Region 3 through YAKAP Program aligned with PBBM’s SONA vision
By Mark Anthony G. Pangan
PhilHealth strengthens preventive healthcare in Region 3 through YAKAP Program aligned with PBBM’s SONA vision
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – Aligned with the priorities outlined in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) launched the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) – a major step forward in strengthening preventive healthcare and enhancing benefit packages for Filipinos.
During his fourth SONA, the President highlighted the enhancement and expansion of Philhealth benefits, especially for illnesses that are prevalent in the country.
“Lahat po tayo ay miyembro ng PhilHealth. Pinataas at pinaganda na natin ang mga benepisyo, lalo na para sa mga karamdaman na laganap dito sa ating bansa. (We are all members of PhilHealth. We have increased and improved the benefits, especially for diseases that are prevalent in our country),” he said.
Formerly known as PhilHealth Konsulta, YAKAP retains coverages for consultations, laboratory tests, and medicines but is now expanded to include cancer screening for lung, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. It also significantly increased the number of covered medicines from 21 to 75 essential medicines.
PhilHealth Region 3 Benefit Administration Section B Head Dr. Julieta V. Diaz shared that the state insurance company also introduced new benefit packages including optometry care for children aged 0-15 years including eye exam, prescription glasses, and follow-up; outpatient mental health, emergency outpatient care for less than 24-hour admissions; and preventive oral health and emergency tooth extraction.
“Pati po ang sari saring serbisyong outpatient kasama rin sa PhilHealth. Kapag may kailangan kayong dalhin sa emergency, huwag po kayong mag-atubiling itakbo sa ospital covered na rin po iyan ng PhilHealth. (Even various outpatient services are included in PhilHealth. If you need to take someone to the hospital, don’t hesitate. PhilHealth will cover the cost),” he mentioned.
PhilHealth also implemented a 50 percent increase in rates for over 9,000 benefit packages starting this year, including dengue fever from P10,000 to P19,500; severe dengue from P16,000 to P47,000; caesarean section from P19,000 to P37,050; hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session or 156 sessions per year; and Z-benefits such as breast cancer from P100,000 to P1.4 million and kidney transplant from P600,000 to P2.1 million.
Alongside this, PhilHealth Region 3 intensified its efforts to inform the public that they can now register and access YAKAP services through the eGov PH App for more convenient access to their healthcare needs.
“With eGov PH App, members can now access their records, PhilHealth ID, and see their assigned YAKAP clinic,” Philhealth Public Affairs Unit Head Monifer S. Bansil explained.
From January to June 2025, Philhealth has disbursed ₱20.7 billion in benefits across Central Luzon, including expanded outpatient and preventive services under YAKAP.
The region now has 12.56 million registered members and dependents, representing 96 percent of the total population.
Philhealth Region 3 assured the public that local health facilities, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, are being mobilized through partnerships with the Department of Health, local government units, and the education sector to bring YAKAP services to all.
“Universal healthcare means immediate eligibility. Even if a patient is not yet registered when admitted, they can enroll onsite and access benefits,” Diaz said.
She likewise stressed that prevention is at the heart of YAKAP, adding that early detection through screenings and wider medicine coverage aims to reduce admissions and improve overall health outcomes.
“Our number one boss is the members. These enhancements are designed so Filipinos can be healthier and avoid severe illnesses,” Diaz said. (MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga GIP)
##############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Ecija is ramping up its One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Generation program in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to further empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost local economies.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) SONA, the President vowed to continue providing capital to more entrepreneurs so they can start their micro-enterprises at low interest and without collateral.
He also emphasized giving protection to intellectual property and providing free training and capital assistance to help poor families establish their own small businesses.
“Ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagbibigay ng puhunan sa mas marami pang negosyante para makapagsimula ng maliit na negosyo o microenterprise, sa mababang interest, at walang kolateral,” Marcos said.
DTI Nueva Ecija OIC-Provincial Director Warren Patrick Serrano said the agency is using a data-driven approach to identify which products have the strongest market potential.
“Our review of OTOP is evidence-based, wherein products should be connected to the culture of the area where they are made and produced. This ensures that when these products are brought to local and national trade fairs, entrepreneurs will earn,” Serrano said.
DTI Nueva Ecija Business Development Division OIC-Chief Maria Odessa Manzano said the OTOP Next Generation program goes beyond supporting long-established products by continuously developing new ones with market potential.
“We continuously work on product development and encourage new enrollees for the One to One Product. While longganisa remains our flagship product, we also encourage and support other products with potential. We provide the same support such as assessment, diagnosis, and possible steps for promotion,” Manzano said.
She noted that proper packaging and branding are essential before products can qualify for join trade fairs.
Among the province’s top-performing OTOP products are the Cabanatuan longganisa, Gapan footwear, gatas ng kalabaw, vacuum-sealed tinapa from San Leonardo, and tilapia ice cream from the Science City of Muñoz.
Currently, over 200 local products consistently receive assistance from DTI, with more than 100 others undergoing product development.
The agency has also strengthened partnerships with academic institutions, particularly Central Luzon State University (CLSU), to nurture young entrepreneurs and link them with local MSMEs.
Entrepreneurship students are given the chance to choose and sell OTOP products as part of their training, generating over a million pesos in sales in one semester.
“This collaboration not only teaches students real-life business skills but also opens opportunities for their parents and communities,” Manzano said.
DTI Nueva Ecija encouraged the public to support locally made products by visiting OTOP nooks and bazaars, and trade fairs to help uplift MSMEs and preserve the province’s culture and traditions through entrepreneurship. (MJSC/MCAL,PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija GIP)
###########
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reported that a total of 6,634 Family Food Packs (FFPs) were distributed to displaced residents in 131 evacuation centers across the province, while a total of 89,053 individuals have already benefitted from the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, which was implemented in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide immediate financial assistance to disaster-stricken families.
Also, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) responded promptly to public health concerns in evacuation centers and flooded areas where they conducted on-site visits and distributed 2,000 capsules of Doxycycline and 60 tubes of Fucidic Acid ointment in Calumpit, and supplied Doxycycline capsules to PDOHO-Bulacan, PDRRMO Bulacan, Bulacan Medical Center, and Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital to prevent the spread of leptospirosis and treat skin infections.
These responses came about following the disastrous impacts of Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong—intensified by the southwest monsoon where the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) has reported a total of ₱626,642,563.16 in damages across agriculture, aquaculture, infrastructure, poultry and livestock.
Accordingly, the Provincial Agriculture Office reported a total of ₱179,429,763.16 in damages to crops and fisheries as of July 29, 2025, 5:00 PM which includes submerged rice fields, destroyed high-value crops, and substantial losses to the province’s fisheries sector.
In addition to agricultural losses, the Provincial Veterinary Office recorded damages amounting to ₱2,212,800 to livestock and poultry as of July 31, 2025, 4:00 PM which included the loss of animals and the destruction of small backyard farms, particularly in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Engineer’s Office reported the total cost of damage to public infrastructure that reached ₱445,000,000 as of July 23, 2025 where several major and secondary road networks were rendered impassable at the height of the storms.
To bolster response capabilities, several municipalities and city declared a State of Calamity covering the towns of Calumpit, Balagtas, Paombong, Marilao, Hagonoy, Bocaue, Obando, Guiguinto, and the City of Meycauayan, enabling the release of emergency funds, price control of basic goods, and swift procurement of supplies for disaster response.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando assured the public that the PGB is working tirelessly to restore normalcy in affected areas and extend all necessary assistance to displaced families and ramped up its relief and recovery operations to assist thousands of affected Bulakenyos.
“Sa problema ng pagbaha, tayo ay nananawagan sa pamahalaang nasyunal para magkaroon ng konkreto at nagkakaisang pagkilos upang magkaroon na ng pangmatagalang solusyon ang pasakit ng pagbaha sa tuwing may unos at pag-ulan,” the governor stated.
The PGB continues to coordinate with national agencies, local government units, and private partners to ensure that assistance reaches all affected areas and that long-term rehabilitation efforts are in place. Authorities are also monitoring remaining high-risk zones as the rainy season continues.
###############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the dinitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene.
(Photo credit: Mary Ann Cielo Relucio-San Diego)
By: Eunice Jean C. Patron
Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the dinitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene. (Photo credit: Mary Ann Cielo Relucio-San Diego)
Farmers usually use chemical fertilizers to grow their crops, but these can be expensive and may harm the environment. A more efficient and cheaper alternative is the use of specific microorganisms called plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). PGPB help plants absorb more nutrients and produce growth hormones that boost crop production. Using PGPB as biofertilizers can provide the same benefits as chemical fertilizers—without the harmful effects.
Camille Andrea Flores, Dr. Maria Auxilia Siringan, and Mary Ann Cielo Relucio-San Diego from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI) screened and identified bacterial strains with potential plant-beneficial traits from bamboo and corn roots grown in Cagayan province, for possible development into biofertilizers.
Bamboo and corn are known to harbor PGPB in their roots. “Corn is one of the most in-demand grains in the world and the second most valuable staple in the Philippines. Bamboo is an economically significant and high-value crop in the country, with the Philippines being the 5th leading exporter of bamboo globally. Increasing the yield of these crops could boost our economy,” Relucio-San Diego said.
A total of 27 bacterial strains were collected and identified through DNA analysis. These bacteria were tested in the laboratory to determine their plant-growth promoting abilities. Results showed that all the strains exhibited at least two beneficial traits. Four had genes for nitrogen fixation, including dinitrogenase reductase (nifH); 11 could solubilize phosphate in the soil, helping plants absorb it more effectively; all 27 produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a natural plant hormone that promotes growth; and 24 produced siderophores, which help plants absorb iron.
Notably, two standout strains—Enterobacter roggenkampii B1-01 and Klebsiella oxytoca B1-04—exhibited all of the beneficial traits tested, demonstrating that bamboo and corn roots can host diverse bacteria capable of promoting plant growth, with potential applications in agriculture.
“If these microorganisms can be developed into a biofertilizer, they could help farmers improve the yield and quality of their crops,” Relucio-San Diego added. She noted, however, that this would require a long process involving additional funding, manpower, and appropriate facilities.
The first step in developing these strains into commercial biofertilizers is ensuring that the microorganisms used do not pose a threat to any form of life, especially humans and the environment. This involves checking whether they carry genes associated with human diseases or antimicrobial resistance. “Next is determining whether the microorganisms can improve plant growth, as observed in our in vitro tests and predicted by their genomic features. The best way to do this is through in planta or pot experiments,” Relucio-San Diego explained.
During pot experiments, the microorganisms are introduced to a specific plant model to assess their effects on plant growth (e.g., root elongation, increased biomass, stem elongation, etc.). These experiments must then be verified through appropriate tests before progressing to field trials. Only after successful field trials can these strains be developed into commercial biofertilizers.
The paper, titled “Multiple Plant Growth–Promoting Activities Exhibited by Root-Associated Bacteria Isolated From Bamboo and Corn,” was included in the International Journal of Microbiology, an open access journal publishing papers on microorganisms and their interaction with hosts and the environment. The research was also funded by NSRI, and the whole-genome sequencing was supported by Project 4, Probing Microbial Diversity in Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
#############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), initially praised for expanding access to higher education, is drawing scrutiny for its unintended consequences on private higher education institutions (HEIs) and its broader impact on the country’s economic future.
Research by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), presented during a webinar on July 17, found that while the law led to a surge in enrollment at HEIs, it has also exacerbated the decline of private institutions—a sector that still forms the majority of the country’s academic landscape.
“Close to 200 private HEIs have already closed down, and about 53% of institutions in the country enroll fewer than 1,000 students,” said University of Makati President Elyxzur Ramos. “How can these schools survive financially if they rely solely on tuition fees?” he added.
From 2009 to 2019, enrollment in public HEIs grew by 4% annually, while private HEIs saw a meager 0.8% increase, said PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy.
“The share of private HEIs declined from 79% in 2009 to 72% in 2019,” she noted.
These trends point to a growing imbalance. While free tuition has made education more accessible, it has also redirected enrollment away from private HEIs, putting their financial viability at risk.
The study also flagged the vulnerability of local universities and colleges (LUCs) due to political cycles.
“Every three years, local elections bring new leadership. If a new mayor is not aligned with the previous administration, support for LUCs may vanish,” Ramos said.
Beyond political and financial vulnerabilities, HEIs also face structural challenges that hamper their broader role in national innovation, particularly in sectors like agribusiness.
PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Francis Mark Quimba said that while HEIs are positioned as “knowledge-sharers, conveners, innovators, and trainers,” institutional barriers prevent them from delivering.
“Rigid procurement laws hinder HEIs from engaging with industry partners, and civil service rules discourage faculty from external collaboration,” Quimba said.
To address these issues, Bayudan-Dacuycuy suggested replacing the blanket free tuition model with a voucher system that would give students more choices and promote healthy competition between public and private HEIs.
“The government could implement a voucher system, allowing qualified students to choose their schools and programs,” she said.
“It would enhance complementarity between public and private HEIs and address perceptions of policy bias favoring public institutions,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ramos called for legislative reform through the passage of “an LUC Governance Act to provide fiscal autonomy and ensure continuity of support,” thereby protecting institutions from local political turnover.
Bayudan-Dacuycuy stressed the importance of financial sustainability and long-term planning in higher education reform.
“Financial sustainability is critical for the survival of HEIs, yet it is rarely addressed in national documents,” she said.
Chief Economic Development Specialist Yuko Lisette Domingo of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) backed the recommendations, saying reforms must align with national goals.
“Many of the recommendations align with strategies in the Philippine Development Plan. Yet, we need a comprehensive roadmap for the higher education sector and a culture of foresight among leaders in government and HEIs,” Domingo said.
She cited strategies like strengthening regional university systems and promoting transnational education to attract international students.
In Central Visayas, DEPDev Region 7’s Chief Economic Development Specialist, Neil Andrew Menjares, shared ongoing efforts to connect research with agribusiness through the Agriculture and Fisheries Research and Extension for Development Network.
“Moving research from development to utilization remains a hurdle, not just in agriculture but across sectors,” Menjares said.
Without strategic reforms, experts warned that the Philippines risks undermining the very system tasked to fuel its 2040 economic ambitions.
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
