鈥淲hat鈥檚 very important is that you will have more big businesses coming in, but I feel that there is also a chance to inspire many of our MSMEs,鈥� ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chairman Jose Ma. 鈥淛oey鈥� A. Concepcion III told 大象传媒.

鈥淚 feel strongly that hosting ASEAN in the Philippines is a blessing that may change the lives of many of our Filipino entrepreneurs,鈥� he added.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the chairmanship provides a platform to showcase trade, investment, digital innovation, MSME development and the creative economy.

Mr. Concepcion said while major investors and global business leaders are expected to attend ASEAN-related events, small entrepreneurs should also be included in the broader economic discussion.

鈥淣ot everybody will be able to attend the events that will be more or less towards the Manila Bay area, where SM, Solaire and Okada are,鈥� he said on the sidelines of the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday. 鈥淭he ticket prices will be quite expensive, and of course, the security will be very tight.鈥�

He said the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in November would be among the key events this year, with efforts to widen access for the public.

As part of this initiative, ASEAN-BAC plans to place LED screens in malls so Filipinos can follow the proceedings.

鈥淲e want to show the Filipino people that even if we host ASEAN, which many of them will never be able to get through, we are now creating this platform for them to see what is happening,鈥� Mr. Concepcion said.

Despite the local political turmoil and surging oil prices due to the Iran war, many Filipinos continue to start new businesses, reflecting strong entrepreneurial activity, he said.

鈥淭here are many, and that鈥檚 why the only thing that we ask them to do is just get a mentor,鈥� Mr. Concepcion said. 鈥淚t seems easy to start a business, but when you get into it, it becomes hard.鈥�

To support MSMEs, Go Negosyo, founded by Mr. Concepcion, expanded its Trabaho@Negosyo program, a mall-based job fair and mentoring initiative that provides job placement, skill training and entrepreneurship support.

鈥淲e continue to focus on helping our Filipino MSMEs, basically mentoring them, providing access to money and access to market,鈥� he said.

He added that ASEAN chairmanship comes at a key moment for small business development.

鈥淭his comes once every 10 years鈥� so it鈥檚 very important that under his leadership, we push this hard and help struggling entrepreneurs find inspiration,鈥� he said, referring to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Government data showed MSMEs accounted for 99.6% of registered businesses in 2023, underscoring their dominant role in the Philippine economy. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

鈥淭he US-Iran conflict is creating a lot of buzz with our MSMEs,鈥� PCCI Chairman Raymund Jude G. Aguilar said at the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday.

鈥淵ou have rising cost of fuel, rising cost of fertilizer, as well as rising costs of transport and goods,鈥� he said, adding that inflation might persist until year-end.

Mr. Aguilar said the uncertainty is forcing firms to cut costs and rethink operations, particularly smaller businesses with thin margins and limited buffers.

Oxford Economics has trimmed its Philippine gross domestic product growth forecast to 3.5% from 4.6%. Inflation hit a three-year high of 7.2% in April, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Mr. Aguilar said MSMEs require stability and predictability, warning that continued volatility makes planning and investment more difficult, especially for micro enterprises.

He added that even if the war ends, its economic effects are likely to linger until the end of the year due to sustained price pressures.

鈥淭his is the time when they start becoming creative, innovative, try to be resilient and stay ahead,鈥� he said.

He warned that MSMEs might be forced to reduce operating days, scale down production or cut jobs if margins continue to weaken, potentially weighing on overall economic growth.

MSMEs account for more than 99% of business establishments in the Philippines and provide 63% of total employment, according to the United Nations Development Programme.

The unemployment rate eased to 5% in March from 5.1% in February, but higher than 3.9% a year earlier, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data.

Mr. Aguilar said the government has rolled out support measures such as subsidies and price controls on basic goods, but more interventions are needed to ease cost pressures.

He suggested reviewing value-added tax on fuel to offset recent price spikes linked to the war.

鈥淲e do not want to affect the government鈥檚 ability to collect [taxes],鈥� Mr. Aguilar said. 鈥淏ut what we want to [remove] is the incremental increase from before the US-Iran conflict.鈥�

He also called for faster logistics and port processing, improved ease of doing business and simplified taxation and documentation processes.

He added that longer-term relief could come from lowering electricity costs and expanding alternative energy sources to improve MSME competitiveness. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

The program鈥檚 rollout in Pasig was formalized on Tuesday at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), making the city the sixth local government unit to adopt the program since its inception in March last year. Unlad Lokal has already trained over 25,000 MSMEs.

鈥�This program aims to strengthen the livelihood development of MSMEs here in Pasig, as well as enhance the e-commerce knowledge of PLP students,鈥� Josephine D. Nefiel, head of the entrepreneurship and business development division of the city鈥檚 local economic development and investment office, told reporters at the sidelines of the TikTok Shop Unlad Lokal Roadshow Caravan at PLP.

MSMEs will also receive training in negotiation, marketing, and financial literacy, all of which will be offered free of charge through the collaboration between TikTok Shop and the city government, Ms. Nefiel said.

The training sessions will be conducted across 36 sessions throughout the year.

Ms. Nefiel did not disclose the total target number of MSMEs they aim to train, but noted that more than 29,000 MSMEs in the city may benefit from the program.

Meanwhile, Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, said the company aims to share its expertise in content creation, live selling, affiliate marketing, and affiliate programs to complement the quality products of Pasigue帽o MSMEs.

鈥�We provide that layer of knowledge so that, working hand-in-hand, we can really enable more MSMEs in Pasig City to expand their reach,鈥� Mr. Gonzalez told reporters.

鈥�They already have good products, they already have quality products. What they need help with is really discoverability,鈥� he added.

Moving forward, Mr. Gonzalez said TikTok Shop aims to partner with more local governments to train as many MSMEs as possible through the Unlad Lokal program. The company also plans to expand the program to the Visayas and Mindanao within the year.鈥斕� Edg Adrian A. Eva

鈥淥ur aim is still to surpass the 2025 numbers,鈥� Yves Gonzalez, head of public policy for the Philippines at TikTok Shop, told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.

In 2025, local sellers posted a 200% growth in sales, Mr. Gonzalez said.

鈥淲hile there鈥檚 still a lot of uncertainty, we鈥檙e seeing that as consumers are feeling the pinch of the energy crisis, e-commerce is one of the options to save, but at the same time, purchase the things that they want.鈥�

About 90% of the platform鈥檚 sellers are local players, he added.

With high oil prices linked to Middle East crisis driving up fuel costs, Mr. Gonzalez said that consumers are turning to e-commerce to lessen transport expenses.

鈥淥f course, given the current energy crisis that we鈥檙e facing, we have to be cognizant of the reality that there will be some consumers that are going to be more wary with how they spend,鈥� he said.

鈥淒efinitely, e-commerce is one of the possible ways that the Filipino consumer can actually be in a better situation amidst this energy crisis,鈥� Mr. Gonzalez said.

He noted the rising trend of 鈥渄iscovery commerce,鈥� a retail model where consumers find products through content like livestreams and short videos.

This style is compared to the traditional model, where shoppers actively look for an item through brick-and-mortar and digital formats.

鈥淭he whole buying process has shifted a bit to now being more discovery-centric than searching-centric,鈥� he said.

The company is also looking to expand its Unlad Lokal program to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on sellers in the Visayas and Mindanao, Mr. Gonzalez said.

TikTok Shop has reached 25,000 MSMEs to date under its Unlad Lokal initiative. In 2025 alone, the company has trained 17,000 MSMEs across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Naga City.

Unlad Lokal is a flagship program of TikTok Shop and the Department of Trade and Industry that offers hands-on training and resources to help MSMEs boost their e-commerce and digital marketing capabilities. 鈥� Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

CONFUSION over how discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) should be computed has prompted a local startup to launch a mobile app that lets users verify receipt calculations and report possible overcharging by establishments.

Mobile app Diskwento enables users to check whether the mandatory 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption required under Philippine law have been properly applied on purchases.

鈥淥nce they receive the receipt and see the number was already reduced, that鈥檚 how most people know the discount,鈥� Diskwento founder Carlo I. Corcuera told 大象传媒.

Mr. Corcuera said the confusion usually arises from how establishments apply the 20% discount alongside the VAT exemption, particularly on whether the VAT should be deducted before computing the discount.

Under Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on selected goods and services, including medicines, food, transportation and accommodation. Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act grants similar benefits to senior citizens.

Mr. Corcuera said inconsistent implementation among establishments has created uncertainty for consumers, particularly because some provisions of the law remain open to interpretation.

The platform features a VAT calculator and discount checker where users can input details from a transaction receipt to verify whether the final amount was computed correctly.

鈥淵ou鈥檒l just have to write there the transaction, the establishment name and select what type of discount you are availing yourself of,鈥� Mr. Corcuera said via Zoom.

Users who think they were overcharged may also generate a complaint e-mail addressed to local or National Government agencies and attach a geotagged photo of the receipt.

鈥淲e can report or take into account these establishments so that local governments and national agencies can look further,鈥� he said.

He noted that gray areas in the law have led to different discounting practices among businesses, particularly for shared purchases or group transactions.

鈥淪ome establishments discount bigger items, while some establishments discount the smaller ones,鈥� Mr. Corcuera said. 鈥淏ased on the Magna Carta for PWDs, they are not necessarily incorrect; it鈥檚 just their own interpretation of the law.鈥�

Because of these inconsistencies, the app has yet to fully support group-order receipts, which Mr. Corcuera described as more legally complex.

鈥淚f we want to make them feel protected, then they can write up the necessary revisions just for everyone to know what鈥檚 really the rule here,鈥� he said.

Diskwento became available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store last week.

DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) is helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) adopt solar energy systems through a financing program aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving business resilience against volatile power prices.

In Pangasinan alone, nine MSMEs have installed solar power systems through financial and technical support under the agency鈥檚 Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the DoST鈥檚 flagship program for small businesses.

鈥淯nder this program, qualified enterprises may access financial and technical assistance for the acquisition of appropriate technologies, including renewable energy systems such as solar energy installations,鈥� DoST Pangasinan Provincial Director Arnold C. Santos told 大象传媒.

He said the assistance process begins with an assessment of an enterprise鈥檚 operations, energy consumption and business viability.

DoST technical personnel then conduct site evaluations and recommend technology interventions to improve productivity and efficiency.

Once approved under SETUP, MSMEs may access innovation fund assistance through a zero-interest, no-collateral financing payable over three years, letting firms adopt technologies without heavy upfront costs.

Eligible enterprises must have been operating for at least three years and belong to priority sectors such as crop and animal production and food processing.

Electricity remains among the biggest operating expenses for MSMEs, with the Philippines continuing to post some of the highest power rates in Southeast Asia, according to the Management Association of the Philippines.

Mr. Santos said solar energy offers MSMEs a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative as businesses face rising grid electricity prices.

鈥淏y integrating solar energy systems into their operations, MSMEs can generate their own electricity during daytime operations, resulting in lower monthly power bills and more predictable energy costs,鈥� he said in an e-mailed reply to questions.

鈥淭his allows businesses to redirect savings toward production expansion, workforce development, product improvement and other operational needs,鈥� he added.

Mr. Santos said several firms that adopted solar systems have reported electricity savings ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on installation size and operational demand.

Among them is Rille Farm, a poultry farm that reduced its electricity expenses by 90% to P13,500, based on DoST data.

Mr. Santos also addressed safety concerns surrounding unauthorized or improperly installed solar systems, saying the agency works only with qualified providers that comply with national electrical and engineering standards.

Technical assessments are conducted before installation, while participating enterprises are guided in securing permits and complying with electrical safety requirements.

By year-end, DoST Ilocos Region aims to support more MSMEs seeking to adopt solar technologies and expand renewable energy interventions across more sectors over the next three years.

Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, founding president of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), said the proposed measure would significantly benefit social enterprises, the majority of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

She noted that many of these enterprises struggle to secure financing from traditional financial schemes due to a lack of collateral.

According to a 2019 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report, around 70% of the 164,473 social enterprises in the country are considered MSMEs.

Under the proposed PRESENT Act, Ms. Dacanay said funding would become more accessible through measures such as non-collateralized loans and a government-supported guarantee fund pool.

鈥淲e are also advocating for grants so that social enterprises have the capacity to engage the poor and build their capability to become active participants in the social enterprise value chain,鈥� she told听大象传媒听on the sidelines of the second day of Inoblasyon: The UP Innovation Summit 2026.

One Senate version, Senate Bill No. 734, introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, seeks to establish a national program providing incentives such as tax exemptions, preferential treatment in government procurement, and the creation of a Social Enterprise Guarantee Fund Pool (SEGFP) to mitigate risks for lenders.

The measure also promotes hybrid financing or a combination of grants and loans, and institutionalizes capability-building support through technical, consultancy, and advisory services to help marginalized sectors transition into active stakeholders in the formal economy.

Under the bill, a social enterprise is defined as a mission-driven organization that creates wealth while contributing to social well-being and ecological sustainability. These enterprises may take various legal forms, including non-stock, non-profit corporations, cooperatives, and sole proprietorships.

Ms. Dacanay also highlighted a provision on government investment in economic subsector development, which aims to identify areas where poor communities are concentrated and can become major economic players.

She added, this strategic support targets broader value chains to scale up impact by assisting thousands of marginalized producers rather than focusing on isolated small enterprises.

鈥淔or example, if you look at an economic subsector in one area, you can be impacting 2,000 farmers such as coconut or rice farmers, rather than just one enterprise with ten workers,鈥� the staunch advocate said.

By enacting the bill, Ms. Dacanay said the poverty sector stands to benefit the most.

As of this writing, several versions of the PRESENT Act have been filed in the Senate and remain pending at the committee level. Its counterpart, House Bill No. 1250, is also pending in the House committee level.

Ms. Dacanay expressed hope that lawmakers will include the measure among their priority bills and pass it within the year or before the end of the current administration鈥檚 term. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

A MARIKINA-BASED restaurant is stepping in to support public utility vehicle drivers and delivery riders as rising fuel prices squeeze daily incomes, serving more than 4,000 free home-cooked meals every weekend.

Trining鈥檚 Kitchen Stories, led by founder and Executive Chef Jayson G. Maulit, began the initiative to help workers forced to choose between spending on fuel or food.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want that feeling of having people choose between the safety of their family and dignified food鈥� People鈥檚 choices right now are either gasoline or food,鈥� Mr. Maulit said in a Zoom interview.

The meals are distributed under the restaurant鈥檚 volunteer arm, #TuloyPH, which has mobilized staff and volunteers to prepare and deliver food to drivers across Metro Manila.

Mr. Maulit said feedback from beneficiaries underscores the strain faced by transport workers.

鈥淥ne driver said his last P100 was used to buy gasoline,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nother said his budget for the whole day is just enough for cigarettes because he believes it can curb hunger for a short time.鈥�

Fuel costs remain elevated despite recent rollbacks. In Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas, diesel prices are sold as much as P107.48 per liter, while gasoline price has reached P107.11 per liter, according to the Department of Energy.

Mr. Maulit said hearing such stories firsthand reinforced his goal of embedding social impact into the restaurant鈥檚 operations.

鈥淚 knew that if I opened a restaurant, it had to be centered on social impact,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we鈥檙e in a position to help, we should do so.鈥�

The initiative builds on earlier efforts that began during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, when the restaurant provided meals to frontliners.

It later expanded its relief work during typhoons, including large-scale feeding operations that reached more than 50,000 meals across Metro Manila and nearby areas over five days.

This year鈥檚 program, which began in April, is supported by about 19 staff members who volunteer their time every weekend. Donations from private people and businesses help sustain the effort, with contributions ranging from meat and vegetables to cooking oil and canned goods.

鈥淲e start with what we have,鈥� Mr. Maulit said. 鈥淲hen donations come in, that鈥檚 when we reimagine the menu.鈥�

He described the initiative as a community effort that brings together businesses and people to support vulnerable sectors.

鈥淚t鈥檚 like a whole-of-society intervention where the private sector stands with fellow businesses, and then you get support from the public,鈥� he said.

To expand the program, Trining鈥檚 plans to launch a 鈥減repaid meal鈥� system that lets customers sponsor meals for those in need at P110 each.

鈥淎nyone who is food insecure can come here and we will be able to give them a meal,鈥� Mr. Maulit said.

He added that restaurant kitchens could play a broader role beyond commercial operations, especially during periods of economic strain.

鈥淲hat we鈥檙e proving is that restaurant kitchens can help build social impact, especially for vulnerable populations in times of crisis,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey can become a sanctuary where the food remains the same, both in crisis and celebration.鈥�

DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said MSMEs can avail themselves of government programs aimed at helping them commercialize their products and become globally competitive. Among these is SETUP, which provides technology upgrading assistance, including seed funding for equipment acquisition, as well as training and consultancy services.

鈥淏efore we provide financial assistance to procure technology or equipment, we also provide technical guidance,鈥� he said during the implementation announcement of the Philippine Technology Evaluation and Standards for Testing on Tuesday.

According to the DoST, SETUP also offers services such as functional packaging and label design, as well as database information systems. The program is open to MSMEs in priority sectors, including food processing, furniture and furnishings, and agriculture- and aquaculture-based products.

For regulatory compliance, MSMEs can also access laboratory services through DoST鈥檚 OneLab network, which is composed of about 70 member laboratories, including Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories, research and development institutes, and private and international partners.

鈥淲e have laboratories all over the country鈥� which provide the necessary testing so MSMEs can improve their products,鈥� Mr. Solidum said.

The OneLab network provides chemical, physical, microbiological, and radiological testing, as well as calibration services for industries such as water, wastewater, food, and furniture. Services are standardized to ensure timely and accurate test results.

Mr. Solidum said testing is crucial for MSMEs seeking to export, particularly those in the food sector, to ensure compliance with varying international Food and Drug Administration standards.

Meanwhile, DoST signed a partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines to help MSMEs and startups gain access to financing. Approved enterprises may avail of loans starting at P500,000 for startups, P5 million for expanding MSMEs, and up to P50 million for larger-scale projects.

DoST said it has shortlisted around 10,000 MSMEs, including existing beneficiaries of its programs, for referral to the bank鈥檚 evaluation. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

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HOMEGROWN coffee retailer Bo鈥檚 Coffee plans to expand its store network to 400 outlets by 2030, continuing its domestic and international growth plans despite geopolitical uncertainties, its founder said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e on the second year of our five-year plan, so by 2030, we鈥檙e targeting around 400 stores,鈥� Bo鈥檚 Coffee Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve D. Benitez told reporters on the sidelines of a franchising event on April 23.

The company recently opened its 200^th store in Cebu, which includes its first drive-through branch, and is targeting 25 to 30 more stores this year.

Mr. Benitez said expansion plans remain on track, although franchise demand has softened in some markets.

鈥淭here has been a softening appetite for franchisees, but we鈥檙e still growing as planned,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat impact will be really felt more next year.鈥�

He said the company continues to focus on markets with large Filipino communities, while reassessing some international opportunities due to external risks.

鈥淭here are some countries that are not as affected as the Philippines, but we still have to reassess that,鈥� he said.

Bo鈥檚 Coffee鈥檚 expansion pipeline includes North America, although some plans have been delayed.

鈥淲e also had a signed agreement for Canada, but that has stalled also because of the crisis,鈥� he said, referring to the US-Israel war on Iran.

In the Middle East, the company鈥檚 licensed partner in Doha has opened two stores and is targeting three more branches this year.

The company is also expecting new outlets in the Gulf region, including two stores each in Dubai and Kuwait.

鈥淲e signed up Kuwait sometime in December, and then the crisis hit,鈥� Mr. Benitez said. 鈥淏ut they鈥檙e pushing through. It鈥檚 just a matter of when they will put up their first store.鈥�

Despite delays in some markets, the company said it remains committed to long-term growth, balancing domestic expansion with selective overseas franchising. 鈥� Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

鈥淲e are grounding these discussions in lived experience, data, and leadership, and we are asking: 鈥楬ow do we ensure women are not only present in these conversations, but shaping them?鈥欌�� HERDD Chief Curator Ivanna Aguiling-Dela Torre said in a statement.

She said her experience in international forums highlighted how leadership spaces remain unevenly represented.

鈥淎t the high-level dialogues that I was very privileged to attend, the rooms were overwhelmingly led by men,鈥� Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said in an Instagram video during the platform鈥檚 launch. I really wanted to do something simple, which was to help elevate women鈥檚 voices in these conferences, in these dialogues, in these board meetings.鈥�

HERDD is positioned as a leadership accelerator for women, designed to support both emerging and established leaders in navigating professional environments and expanding influence.

The platform鈥檚 website features 鈥渂oardroom briefs鈥� that provide analysis on Southeast Asian developments across sectors, along with a 鈥淒ossier鈥� section highlighting stories of women leaders in the region.

The initiative was launched in New York by Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre, alongside Women鈥檚 Federation for World Peace International UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan and WOW founder Isa Buencamino-Agbayani during a global women鈥檚 forum.

鈥淲e wanted to host this huddle in New York because it is Women鈥檚 Month and because the 70^th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the biggest gathering of global women鈥檚 organizations,鈥� Ms. Aguiling-Dela Torre said.

鈥淭his is where we recalibrate, we realign, we flag what needs to be flagged, and then we set out ourselves for greater heights,鈥� she added.

The Philippines ranked 20^th out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, making it the highest-ranked country in Asia.

However, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said women continue to face barriers in employment, including lower labor participation, job insecurity and concentration in informal or low-paying work.

鈥淢any women are still outside the labor market, and those who do work often find themselves in informal, low-paying or unstable jobs,鈥� PIDS said. 鈥� A.L.S. Martinez

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By Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter

A PASIG-BASED fragrance startup is turning local ingredients like elemi, calamansi and even artisanal sea salt into signature perfumes as it pushes to bring Filipino scents to the global market.

Tadhana Fragrance, founded in 2025 by husband-and-wife partners Shane Albao and Canadian partner Evgeny Olin, is positioning itself as a pioneer in Philippine perfumery by building scents around locally obtained materials.

鈥淲e embrace what we call 鈥榮oil to soul,鈥欌�� Mr. Olin said in an interview during the Department of Science and Technology鈥檚 Earth Day 2026 expo on Monday. 鈥淥ur vision is to go directly to farmers, buy locally, distill locally into materials that can be used by us, also by other niche perfumers and other perfumers all over the world.鈥�

鈥淲e want to elevate Filipino perfumery to the world stage,鈥� he added.

From operating out of a condominium unit, the company has grown in less than two years into an end-to-end manufacturing operation, supplying both domestic and international markets, including the US, Canada and Australia.

Each fragrance is anchored on a 鈥渉ero ingredient鈥� sourced from the Philippines. Its Persona collection, for instance, highlights elements such as elemi resin, pili, calamansi and muscovado sugar, reflecting the country鈥檚 diverse natural resources.

The company works with local distilleries that source directly from farmers while also investing in its own distillation processes, aligning with its goal of building a localized supply chain for perfumery.

In 2025, Tadhana showcased its products in New York, introducing global audiences to scent profiles inspired by Filipino culture and everyday experiences.

鈥淲e want to embrace this idea of Filipino culture, Filipino ingredients, and present it to the world through scent making, through olfactory experiences and through moments that everybody can relate to,鈥� Mr. Olin said.

The push comes as Asian fragrance brands gain traction globally, with strong players emerging from countries such as South Korea, Japan and China.

Mr. Onlin said the Philippines remains relatively underrepresented in the international fragrance scene, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity.

Industry data also point to growing demand. The Philippine perfume market is projected to grow 7.5% annually to $63.8 billion by 2031 from $41.2 billion in 2025, according to Global Market Research Mobility Foresight.

Growth is being driven by rising consumer spending on personal care, urbanization and increasing demand for both premium and locally made products.

Beyond its own products, Tadhana aims to support the broader industry by training farmers and opening its facility to aspiring local perfumers.

The company is also preparing to launch its next collection in August, featuring Asin Tibuok, a rare artisanal sea salt from Bohol, as its next signature ingredient.

PHILIPPINE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) should plan ahead as margins get squeezed by mounting operating expenses from rising fuel costs driven by the Middle East war, according to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank).

MSMEs, which make up the bulk of businesses in the country, are particularly vulnerable to higher fuel and transport costs that can quickly spill over into production, logistics, and pricing.

鈥淭ake stock of what鈥檚 important for your business, have a plan and then go out there and act,鈥� Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs A. Dimagiba told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of an event last week.

鈥淕et the help that you need, whether internally within your business or externally from partners, to really go out there and take action, because the last thing you want to do is stay still, feel helpless or be trapped,鈥� he added.

The warning comes as businesses brace for prolonged volatility in global energy markets. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier said MSMEs would be among the hardest hit if elevated fuel prices persist beyond two to three months.

Higher transport and production costs have already started feeding into inflation, which rose to 4.1% in March from 2.4% in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Mr. Dimagiba said reacting to shocks is expected, but businesses that plan ahead are better positioned to manage risks and identify opportunities.

Metrobank refers to this approach as 鈥渇inancial mindfulness,鈥� which emphasizes maintaining control and making deliberate decisions even during uncertain periods.

The bank also used the event to launch its Moneygurado documentary series, which aims to help Filipinos become more intentional in managing their finances through real-life stories across four episodes.

Mr. Dimagiba said crises typically prompt businesses to seek additional financing, either to sustain operations or pivot to more opportunities.

Metrobank offers the SME Puhunan Loan, which provides funding for working capital requirements such as inventory and receivables, as well as for capital expenditures like equipment purchases and expansion.

The loan program features flexible terms to match borrowers鈥� cash flow and repayment capacity, allowing businesses to better navigate fluctuating economic conditions.

Mr. Dimagiba said the bank remains ready to support MSMEs as they navigate the uncertain environment.

鈥淚f you need help navigating this crisis, Metrobank is ready to assist,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e will share our knowledge and expertise, and if you require our products and services, we will provide them to the best of our ability.鈥�

鈥淧resident Marcos has cleared a program for MSMEs in distress as a result of the global oil shock to avail of easy loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million each,鈥� Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement.

Mr. Recto added that the new government loan program is a 鈥渨elcome development for MSMEs in light of the perennial credit squeeze in the country.鈥�

Easy loans offer low interest rates and are repayable over five years, helping small businesses manage rising logistics costs, cash flow constraints, and supply chain disruptions amid the current oil crisis.

The financial assistance, to be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its financing arm, Small Business (SB) Corp., also offers a one-year grace period on principal and interest payments.

Applicants can apply for the program online, and the processing takes seven to 10 days.

Citing the data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Mr. Recto noted that bank lending for MSMEs increased by 5% to PHP574.8 billion as of end-December 2025 from P546.22 billion in the same period a year ago.

This represents only 4.73% of the P12.143-trillion total bank loan portfolio in the country.

鈥淭he President has envisioned this loan program as a lifeline to MSMEs against the backdrop of limited access to financing, more so at this time of economic challenges sweeping the globe,鈥� he said.

The local statistics agency said the MSMEs comprise about 99.6% of the locally registered businesses in the Philippines. Of which, 90% are micro enterprises, 10% are small, and 1% are medium.

The sector also accounts for about 65% of total employment in the country, as of 2023. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are raising prices and delaying shipments as higher oil prices driven by Middle East tensions push up logistics and production costs, industry players said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not going to make money because our logistics cost is 10% of the price,鈥� Brian Enriquez, owner of Basket Trend Home Products, Inc., told 大象传媒 on the sidelines of a Trade department food fair last week.

Mr. Enriquez, who sells handwoven baskets from Rizal, said export costs have surged, forcing the company to pause shipments to the US.

鈥淭he cost to send a container to the US also increased by almost 300%,鈥� he said, adding that buyers are holding off orders while waiting for freight rates to ease.

Small food producers are also adjusting prices to keep pace with rising input costs.

鈥淭he cost of all our raw materials has increased,鈥� said Salve San Juan, founder of Bicol-based Golden Mama, known for bottled laing, Bicol express and other regional products.

Ms. San Juan said packaging costs, particularly for glass bottles, have risen alongside fuel prices, forcing the company to increase retail prices. Bottled products now sell for about P180 from P165, while resellers have begun placing smaller orders.

鈥淲e cannot keep our prices steady,鈥� she said.

Logistics costs have also climbed for Davao-based Bec and Geri鈥檚, Inc., which produces plant-based coffee products.

鈥淓specially for the logistics side of shipping our products from Davao to anywhere in the Philippines, there was really an increase in costs,鈥� said Martin Evangelista, the company鈥檚 sales director.

The company raised the price of its purple corn coffee to P350 from P295 to offset higher delivery expenses.

鈥淏ecause of this crisis, we really have to increase our price to support our expenses for logistics,鈥� he said.

The Philippines鈥� reliance on air and sea transport exposes small businesses to fuel-driven cost swings, with shipping and airfare adjustments adding to the burden.

The Maritime Industry Authority said ship cargo rates might increase by as much as 30%, while the Civil Aeronautics Board raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 this month, allowing airlines to impose higher fees on domestic flights.

These increases feed into the cost structure of MSMEs, which typically operate on thin margins and have limited capacity to absorb shocks.

Diana R. Rueda, an economics professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said rising oil prices affect both production and distribution costs, putting pressure on smaller firms.

MSMEs, which account for about 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% of gross domestic product, are particularly vulnerable to external shocks.

Still, Ms. Rueda said shifting consumer behavior during periods of high fuel costs could benefit certain segments.

鈥�Sari-sari (mom-and-pop) stores, neighborhood groceries and home-based food businesses are also well-positioned to thrive as consumers prioritize convenience and reduce long-distance travel,鈥� she said in a Viber message.

She added that repair and maintenance services such as motorcycle servicing and clothing alterations might see stronger demand as households and businesses look for ways to cut costs.

MSME TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Meanwhile, sea travel operator 2GO Group, Inc. has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to offer discounted fares and logistics support to MSMEs participating in government-backed trade fairs.

鈥淭his collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network,鈥� 2GO Travel Business Unit head Francis John Chua said in a statement on Tuesday. 鈥淭his actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier.鈥�

Under a memorandum of agreement, the partnership aims to help small businesses expand their market reach by lowering travel costs and improving access to transport and cargo services, 2GO said.

The company said it would provide special discounted rates for MSMEs attending official trade fairs, along with exclusive cargo services to support product distribution across regions.

Trade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona said the partnership would strengthen the visibility of Filipino products nationwide.

鈥淭his initiative strengthens the presence of Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility,鈥� she said.

Under the deal, 2GO will also expand its One Town, One Product Nooks 鈥� dedicated spaces for local goods aboard passenger vessels 鈥� across its fleet.

The expansion is expected to provide MSMEs with more channels to promote and sell their products directly to travelers.

2GO said the partnership aligns with efforts to support MSME development by improving access to markets and logistics infrastructure, which remain key challenges for small enterprises operating in an archipelagic country.

The company provides a range of services including sea travel, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution and e-commerce logistics.

Earlier this month, 2GO partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard to provide travel discounts to retired personnel and their families, while supporting logistics requirements such as the transport of humanitarian and relief goods.

The company said it continues to explore partnerships that enhance mobility and logistics support for both public and private sector stakeholders. 鈥� with Ashley Erika O. Jose

鈥淚t鈥檚 expensive now, and you cannot just have a price increase,鈥� third-generation owner John Patrick Guillergan told reporters.

Mr. Guillergan said the Iloilo-based brand, known for its warm noodle soups, is exploring tie-ups with hotels and corporate clients, while continuing to work closely with the local government.

He said the strategy could help stabilize demand and offset higher input costs without passing the full burden to customers.

Founded in 1948 by his grandfather Leonito, Netong鈥檚 has built its reputation on affordable servings of La Paz batchoy using ingredients bought from local public markets. The brand said its supply setup allows it to maintain operations even during supply disruptions.

鈥淭he only advantage is that when we run out of soup, we have a backup because our ingredients are here in the market; that鈥檚 our traditional practice,鈥� Mr. Guillergan said, adding that the dish鈥檚 broth remains its key differentiator.

Each bowl, priced from P115 to P155, includes egg noodles, pork, beef and innards, topped with pork cracklings, spring onions and toasted garlic. Customers may also opt for thin wheat or glass noodles and add bone marrow.

Despite rising costs, the company has yet to decide on price increases.

鈥淲e are actually talking about the price because you also need to consider that the salary of our customers has yet to increase,鈥� Mr. Guillergan said. 鈥淲e also cannot reduce the serving and quality because it might trigger bashers on social media.鈥�

Data from the local statistics office showed the average retail price of fresh beef rose to P376.34 per kilo in the second phase of March, slightly higher than earlier periods. The Department of Agriculture has also warned that pork prices could climb sharply if geopolitical tensions from the Iran war worsen.

The company said it has no immediate plans to expand outside Iloilo, citing high capital requirements and uncertain market conditions.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to open a business right now because there are a lot of expenses,鈥� Mr. Guillergan said. 鈥淵ou have to shell out a lot of money.鈥�

Instead, Netong鈥檚 plans to open another kiosk within Iloilo to reach more customers, while continuing to join trade fairs such as World Food Bazaar and Arte Fino in Manila.

The company previously operated five outlets but closed three during the coronavirus pandemic. It maintains branches including one at the redeveloped La Paz Public Market. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

NATURLOOP, a Swiss鈥慴ased material science startup with deep Filipino links, is turning coconut husk waste from the Philippines into sustainable wood panels, offering a lower鈥慶arbon alternative to conventional building materials while addressing deforestation and agricultural waste.

Founded in 2014 at Bern University of Applied Sciences by faculty members and graduate students, NaturLoop was built around the idea of converting agricultural byproducts into construction materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Its flagship product, Cocoboard, is the first commercial result of that research, according to Filipino entrepreneur Charmaine Cu鈥慤njieng, who is co鈥慺ounder and chief strategy officer at NaturLoop.

The product arrives as pressure intensifies on the global construction sector, which accounted for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.

NaturLoop positions Cocoboard as an emission鈥憆educing alternative that also creates value from waste streams in coconut鈥憄roducing countries.

Cocoboard is made of 90% coconut husks and 10% bio鈥慴ased resin, derived largely from tannin, a naturally occurring compound found in plants. Coconut husks were selected for their strong natural fibers, which can replace wood fibers used in conventional panels.

鈥淲e use these to make panels that are completely circular and sustainable,鈥� Ms. Unjieng told 大象传媒 in a Microsoft Teams interview. 鈥淭his can be used for furniture and interior architecture.鈥�

Although NaturLoop is headquartered in Switzerland, much of its development and sourcing is rooted in the Philippines.

Cocoboard was developed in partnership with Filipino researchers, universities and organizations, including the Philippine Coconut Authority. The company works with local supply partners in Quezon province, Zamboanga and Agusan del Norte, where its processing plant is also located.

The Philippines is the world鈥檚 second鈥慴iggest coconut producer after Indonesia, making it a natural base for NaturLoop鈥檚 raw materials. Ms. Unjieng said the country generates about 15 billion coconut husks each year, most of which are treated as waste or burned, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.

鈥淭hat translates to around 80 million 4脳8 Cocoboard panels that can be produced from available raw materials,鈥� she said, assuming 222 factories operating around the clock. 鈥淚nstead, we burn this waste and import wood panels when we could be producing what we need from waste materials.鈥�

Cocoboard is designed to match the performance of medium鈥慸ensity fiberboard (MDF), commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and interior finishes.

Based on NaturLoop鈥檚 internal estimates, Cocoboard can be produced with up to 70% lower carbon emissions than standard MDF and about 30% lower emissions than colored MDF.

鈥淩egardless of the parameters used, emissions are reduced because no trees are felled,鈥� Ms. Unjieng said. She added that turning coconut waste into panels locks in carbon that would otherwise be released during decomposition or burning.

The panels use renewable, biodegradable adhesives rather than synthetic binders derived from fossil fuels. Production also requires less energy, as coconut husks already contain naturally formed fibers, eliminating several processing steps used for wood products.

Cocoboard meets European Union fire safety standards, with low smoke production and no flaming droplets, according to the company. It is also termite鈥憆esistant and more moisture鈥憆esistant than conventional MDF, though protective coatings are recommended for outdoor use.

Each panel measures 2,440 脳 1,220 脳 12 millimeters, using the equivalent of about 100 coconuts. NaturLoop used eight to 20 tons of dried coconut fiber and pith annually and plans to raise this to 20 to 50 tons within the year.

Ms. Unjieng said Filipinos stand to benefit most if more processing happens locally.

NaturLoop is seeking investors to build a Philippine鈥慴ased manufacturing facility to convert husks directly into finished panels. At present, some materials still need to be shipped to Europe for processing, raising costs amid expensive fuel and slower global shipping.

She cited the lack of local processing infrastructure, the need for strategic partners and limited market research as hurdles.

Government investment in research, funding coordination and market development could boost the country鈥檚 coconut sector and position Philippine鈥憁ade sustainable materials on the global stage, she added.

ORDERLY, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice-ordering system, is helping restaurants streamline order-taking by replacing traditional counter transactions with automated voice agents, a shift the startup says can cut labor costs and lift sales.

The system lets customers place orders by speaking to an AI agent, reducing the need for staff to manually take orders.

Orderly AI co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Math Z. Heramia said the idea grew from his family鈥檚 experience running restaurants in the Philippines and the difficulties of managing workers.

鈥淲e wanted to use AI to build a solution within restaurants and to solve ordering, which was like the biggest pain point,鈥� Mr. Heramia told 大象传媒 in a Zoom interview.

Mr. Heramia, 21, is a Filipino-American based in the US and comes from a family of restaurateurs who, he said, faced recurring staffing issues.

鈥淲hat we saw in the Philippine market is they鈥檙e facing the same thing as the US and the rest of the world, having to deal with labor,鈥� he said.

Waiters in the Philippines earn an average base salary of P15,956 a month, according to job platform Indeed. Orderly estimates that mid-sized restaurants using its system can save more than P380,000 a year in labor costs while increasing average order value by as much as 38%.

鈥淚nstead of having five wait staff, you could maybe half that or replace two,鈥� Mr. Heramia said. He added that the AI could also suggest add-ons and upgrades during ordering.

鈥淲e鈥檙e able to understand what the consumer wants at a very high level and down to the details,鈥� he said.

Customers access the system by scanning a quick response code and choosing between a digital menu, chat interface or AI voice agent. Orders are sent directly into a restaurant鈥檚 point-of-sale system (POS), reducing error rates and preparation time.

鈥淚f you already have a POS system, we can integrate and run as a layer on top of what you have,鈥� Mr. Heramia said, adding that setup requires little effort from restaurant owners.

The voice agent supports Filipino and English, with plans to expand coverage as the company gathers linguistic data.

鈥淲e would have to capture more speech data and train models to interact with customers across dialects,鈥� Mr. Heramia said.

While automation reduces demand for frontline staff, Mr. Heramia said the lower operating cost could help displaced workers start businesses of their own. 鈥淭hose people who may have lost that job could open their own restaurant now because it becomes much cheaper,鈥� he said.

About 12.7 million jobs in the Philippines are exposed to generative AI, though only 3.6% face a high risk of displacement, according to data from the International Labour Organization.

Orderly aims to work with 500 local businesses and expand to 2,500 restaurants worldwide by year-end.

PASAHERO PASSENGER, a commuter reward app, is helping jeepney drivers generate additional income through quick response (QR) code advertising as fuel prices continue to climb.

鈥淲e can鈥檛 control gas prices; the only thing we can control is whether we can help them earn additional revenue,鈥� PasaHero founder Michael 鈥淢icray鈥� Gonzalez told 大象传媒.

The platform links advertisements to QR codes posted inside jeepneys, which commuters can scan during trips. Drivers, operators and cooperatives get as much as 20% of the ad revenue, Mr. Gonzalez said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to connect modern technology with public transportation and help jeepney drivers earn more through advertising,鈥� he said via Zoom.

The initiative comes as surging fuel costs due to the Iran war erode drivers鈥� earnings. Jeepney drivers are losing about P400 to P500 from an average daily income of P800 due to successive oil price increases, according to transport group Manibela.

Fuel prices rose further this week as oil companies announced a P12.50鈥慳鈥憀iter hike in diesel and a P2.50 increase in gasoline, adding pressure on public transport operators amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Under PasaHero鈥檚 model, drivers do not need to change their routes or routines to earn additional income.

鈥淔or this to work, the business model has to be simple,鈥� Mr. Gonzalez said. 鈥淚f the app is complicated, you lose the attention of drivers, operators and passengers.鈥�

He said the platform has the potential to significantly supplement incomes. 鈥淲ith the right advertisers, we don鈥檛 see why a jeepney driver鈥檚 earnings can鈥檛 double or triple,鈥� he added.

Commuters also benefit by earning points each time they scan a QR code. These points can be redeemed for rewards or discounts at partner establishments, including fastfood chains such as McDonald鈥檚.

鈥淚t鈥檚 similar to frequent-flyer miles or credit card rewards,鈥� Mr. Gonzalez said. 鈥淐ommuters are willing to participate if it helps them reduce expenses.鈥�

The app posted a 15% increase in users at the Market鈥慚arket terminal in Taguig City following recent fuel hikes, as more workers shift to public transport to cut costs, he said.

PasaHero works with about 2,500 jeepney drivers in Makati, Taguig and Alabang in Muntinlupa, and is targeting 10,000 partnerships by mid-year. The company also plans to expand to Cebu City and Davao.

鈥淚f we can show that the ecosystem helps communities and drivers, adoption across the rest of the country will follow,鈥� Mr. Gonzalez said.

In a report released on Tuesday, Packworks said 213,051 mom-and-pop stores in its network actively transacted through its mobile platform in 2025, up 21% from a year earlier.

Stores in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the strongest gains. Transactions there more than doubled, while gross merchandise value or store sales climbed 2.2 times. App usage in the region surged 77%, Packworks said.

The company attributed this growth to improved internet access following the rollout of regional connectivity projects, which allowed more store owners to adopt digital tools for inventory, ordering and customer engagement.

The Negros Island Region also posted strong performance. Store sales jumped 2.3 times last year, while the number of active stores grew 58%. Transactions and app usage more than doubled, according to the study.

In contrast, mom-and-pop stores in Metro Manila posted more modest gains. Transaction volumes rose 37% year on year, while sales increased 31%. App usage grew 15% in the capital region.

The findings suggest that regional economies are becoming more active growth drivers for the country鈥檚 small retail sector, Packworks Chief Data Officer Andres Montiel said.

鈥淲e are seeing a trend where regional economies are becoming the new centers of growth for the sari-sari (mom-and-pop) store sector,鈥� he said in a statement.

Regional store owners are adopting digital tools faster to expand their customer reach and improve operations, he pointed out.

The study also highlighted resilience among regional stores despite natural disasters that disrupted parts of the country last year.

Central Visayas recorded a 7% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2025 despite a magnitude鈥�6.9 earthquake that struck the region in September.

Meanwhile, stores in Central Luzon posted a 15% increase in GMV.

However, growth was uneven across regions. App usage in the Caraga Region, northeastern Mindanao, declined 15%, which Packworks linked to lower internet penetration and connectivity challenges.

The results underscore the evolving role of mom-and-pop stores as contributors to regional economic activity, Packworks co鈥慺ounder Hubert Yap said.

鈥�厂补谤颈鈥憇补谤颈 stores are no longer just neighborhood fixtures,鈥� he said in the statement. 鈥淭hey are evolving businesses capable of driving regional economic momentum.鈥�

Mom-and-pop stores are typically classified as micro, small and medium enterprises, which account for more than 99% of businesses in the Philippines and contribute roughly 40% to gross domestic product, making them a key pillar of economic growth. 鈥� B.M.D. Cruz

MORE MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are tapping influencers to boost revenue and business growth, as content creators continue to gain traction in the Philippines, according to marketing firm Blogapalooza, Inc.

鈥淏usinesses are also starting to see that creators are becoming an integral part of marketing,鈥� Blogapalooza Chief Executive Officer Hazel Bernadette B. Gapuz told 大象传媒 via Zoom. 鈥淭he way that consumers decide has already evolved.鈥�

Blogapalooza is a Philippine-based influencer marketing and talent management firm.

Unlike traditional advertising that relies on celebrities, influencers can build more personal connections with audiences, making them particularly effective for small brands seeking to strengthen their online presence, Ms. Gapuz said.

鈥淐onsumers trust content creators, who are like their peers,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 their edge over traditional celebrities because when you鈥檙e digital鈥慺irst, you speak internet language.鈥�

鈥淭he traditional way of doing advertising won鈥檛 work anymore,鈥� she added.

As demand for influencer marketing grows, Ms. Gapuz noted that the industry remains fragmented and largely unstandardized, particularly in terms of pricing.

鈥淐reators are starting to think of themselves as media entities,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ome of them really professionalize it 鈥� even to the point of hiring a team or setting up their own studio.鈥�

She said the influencer market is becoming more professionalized, with many of them investing more in their businesses. 鈥淚t just makes sense that the cost is increasing.鈥�

Despite rising fees, many MSMEs continue to invest in influencer marketing because of its results鈥慸riven nature.

鈥淪maller businesses obviously don鈥檛 have a lot of money to pay these big names,鈥� Ms. Gapuz said. 鈥淭hey need sales right away, or if sales don鈥檛 come, they need a specific path to justify the influencer spending.鈥�

Some small brands are also turning to in鈥慼ouse creators or collaborating with influencers through X鈥慸eals, where content is exchanged for products or experiences instead of cash.

鈥淲hile costs are the primary barrier to most small businesses, there are creative ways of going around them,鈥� she said.

Data from consumer intelligence firm Meltwater showed that influencer marketing spending in the Philippines reached $109 million in 2024, up 15.9% from the previous year.

Influencer advertising also accounted for 5.6% of total digital advertising spending in the country.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a massively growing industry,鈥� Ms. Gapuz said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen how much it has grown over the past couple of years. There鈥檚 a lot of potential, even if the industry isn鈥檛 fully mature yet.

RIMINI STREET, INC., a global provider of enterprise software support, is helping companies extract more value from their existing information technology (IT) systems as many firms struggle to realize returns on artificial intelligence (AI) investments.

Michael L. Perica, executive vice-president and chief financial officer at Rimini Street, said many organizations fail to generate meaningful benefits from early AI initiatives due to the absence of a clear strategic roadmap and inadequate data infrastructure.

鈥淥ne will not have success unless you have an overall roadmap, a strategy, and the appropriate preparedness to fully realize the benefits of investing in this technology,鈥� he told 大象传媒 via Microsoft Teams.

鈥淎t Rimini Street, we support clients, optimize their existing systems, and then prepare them for innovation,鈥� he added.

Only 20% of chief financial officers are satisfied with their technology investments including security, AI, customer-facing software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms and enterprise resource planning systems, according to the Rimini Street Survey 2024, which polled almost 3,000 global finance and IT leaders.

The survey found that companies often experience negative consequences from these investments, such as rising costs, limited future flexibility and significant organizational disruption.

To address these challenges, Mr. Perica said Rimini Street offers a vendor鈥慽ndependent support model that lets organizations continue using their software releases for as long as needed, without being forced into costly upgrades or system migrations.

鈥淲e have our own innovative solutions that use agentic AI and workflows on your own data and systems, maximizing your customizations or even those of others,鈥� he said.

They also work with partners for agentic AI, allowing organizations to prioritize and invest at their own pace with their data, while achieving the appropriate level of preparedness, he pointed out.

This approach, he said, lets firms recover 80% to 90% of their maintenance and support spending, freeing up what he described as 鈥渟acred dollars鈥� that could be redirected toward strategic initiatives such as digital transformation and AI deployment.

鈥淩edeploying those savings is what puts one in a position to optimize preparedness and ultimately fund innovation,鈥� he said.

Among Rimini Street鈥檚 offerings is Rimini Consult, an advisory service focused on preparing legacy systems for modern technologies.

The firm鈥檚 enterprise architects and data specialists clean and standardize existing databases and build custom digital integrations that allow older systems to work seamlessly with newer AI tools.

Among Rimini Street鈥檚 clients in the Philippines is Philippine Airlines, which it provided with third-party support for its core enterprise software, allowing the carrier to cut maintenance costs and fund its digital transformation, Mr. Perica said.

He advised companies to maintain control over their data and avoid 鈥渧endor lock鈥慽n鈥� arrangements that limit flexibility and long鈥憈erm value from technology investments, including AI.

He further urged firms to align technology spending with their own strategic priorities rather than adapting their business models to match a software provider鈥檚 roadmap.

The Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region, Mr. Perica said, represent an 鈥渆merging and exciting market鈥� for Rimini Street.

The company plans to deepen engagement with Filipino partners, monitor regional technology trends, and tap into local talent to support its global operations, he said.

A SMALL ENTERPRISE in Marinduque province south of the Philippine capital is converting driftwood and coastal litter into saleable artwork, offering an alternative use for marine waste while providing income to seaside communities.

Melvin Upcycled Coastal Litter Handicrafts, founded by Melvin M. Vitto, collects discarded materials such as driftwood and dried leaves 鈥� much of it washed ashore during typhoons 鈥� and turns them into portraits and decorative pieces.

鈥淚鈥檓 the only person who likes a typhoon because I get to collect my materials,鈥� Mr. Vitto told 大象传媒 in Filipino.

The initiative reflects a shift in how coastal cleanups are approached. Instead of discarding collected debris, the business treats biodegradable waste as raw material for craft production.

鈥淲e鈥檝e changed the way we used to do coastal cleanups,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e turned biodegradable trash into something more valuable.鈥�

Mr. Vitto, who works at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office in Marinduque, said the idea came from the volume of driftwood that accumulates along the province鈥檚 coastline after storms.

He began experimenting with driftwood in 2022 but initially struggled to secure support. Government programs could not help while the activity remained outside a formal business structure, he said.

The venture was launched in 2025 with an initial capital of P5,000. Since then, Mr. Vitto has produced customized portraits of politicians and pets using assembled pieces of wood shaped and arranged to form detailed images.

Support followed once the activity became a registered enterprise. 鈥淲hen it became a business, that鈥檚 when they helped us,鈥� he said, referring to assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Still, Mr. Vitto said products tied to environmental advocacy could be difficult to market.

鈥淏usinesses with good advocacy sometimes remain just ideas,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 not widely promoted, it鈥檚 hard to sell.鈥�

The enterprise also creates a secondary income stream for coastal residents. Locals collect driftwood and other usable debris, which the business buys at about P500 per sack.

This model links waste recovery with livelihood, particularly in areas where income opportunities are limited.

Marine litter remains a persistent issue in the Philippines. Data from the International Coastal Cleanup showed more than 306,600 kilos of waste were collected across 298 coastal sites nationwide in 2025. Metro Manila accounted for more than 135,000 kilos, while Central Visayas collected about 42,000 kilos. The Mimaropa region, which includes Marinduque, collected more than 12,000 kilos.

Mr. Vitto said changing perceptions of waste remains a challenge, noting that reusable materials are often still discarded.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 hard with trash is even if it鈥檚 reusable, people still see it as waste,鈥� he said.

For him, driftwood carries symbolic value beyond its commercial use.

鈥淎fter everything it went through, it gets a new life,鈥� he said.

INDIA-BASED dialysis provider NephroPlus Dialysis Centers Pvt. Ltd. has launched a mobile app to help patients manage their condition, as demand for treatment rises in the Philippines.

The app combines health monitoring with a reward system designed to encourage patients to stick to strict care routines required for chronic kidney disease.

鈥淲e want to build a community of dialysis guests, and we want to give them information on how to take care of themselves,鈥� Country Head Gowtham Arumugam told 大象传媒 in an interview.

Patients can log vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse, track fluid intake and monitor their health over time.

Those who stay within recommended ranges earn 鈥渨ellness tokens,鈥� which can be used for transport, food, retail and health services.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e maintaining the range, you will get rewarded,鈥� Mr. Arumugam said. 鈥淵ou are building that habit.鈥�

The rollout comes as chronic kidney disease cases remain widely underdiagnosed. Data from AstraZeneca Philippines estimates about 7 million Filipinos are living with stage 3 and above kidney disease, with roughly 90% unaware of their condition.

At the same time, the number of dialysis patients is expected to climb sharply. Estimates from Ken Research show cases rising to almost 150,000 by 2030 from 40,000 in 2020, making dialysis one of the fastest-growing healthcare segments in Southeast Asia.

The app, called the NephroPlus Guest App, integrates clinic services with a learning platform and support network.

Patients 鈥� referred to by the company as 鈥済uests鈥� 鈥� can upload laboratory results, with abnormal readings flagged for follow-up with doctors.

鈥淕uests can enter their own vital signs into the app, allowing them to track their health regularly and monitor changes over time,鈥� Alvin Marcelo, senior quality manager at NephroPlus Philippines, told a news briefing on March 13.

Managing fluid intake is a key part of dialysis care. Excess fluid between sessions can lead to swelling, breathing difficulties and added strain on the heart, Mr. Marcelo said.

The platform also offers video consultations with nephrologists, dietitian support, session booking and access to dialysis-friendly recipes.

NephroPlus said the reward feature is meant to improve adherence to treatment routines, which often require strict discipline.

鈥淒ialysis requires controlling fluid intake, maintaining weight and attending sessions regularly,鈥� NephroPlus Philippines Operations Head Mae Eileen Grace Torre told the same briefing. 鈥淭he goal isn鈥檛 just rewards; it鈥檚 about keeping our guests motivated and engaged in their dialysis journey.鈥�

NephroPlus Philippines conducts about 29,000 treatments monthly across 43 centers nationwide. The company plans to expand to 150 clinics by 2028 as it seeks to capture rising demand.

A NEWLY opened caf茅 in Quezon City is seeking to stand out in the city鈥檚 crowded coffee scene by positioning itself as a place where customers can linger and work.

Matt鈥檚 Coffee opened on March 7, with co-owner and director Katrina P. Abalayon saying the family-run caf茅 was designed to double as a workspace for students and professionals.

Part of the caf茅 includes a separate office-style room that can be used as a co-working area, allowing patrons to study or work for longer periods.

鈥淯nlike other coffee shops where you鈥檙e always in a rush, people can come here for quiet time 鈥� to work or study,鈥� Ms. Abalayon said in an interview during the caf茅鈥檚 launch.

The concept grew out of Ms. Abalayon鈥檚 own search for comfortable places to spend time while working outside the home. Seeing what she viewed as a gap in the market, she decided to build a caf茅 with that purpose in mind.

She initially explored franchising a Filipino coffee brand but later decided to start her own venture to better shape the concept. The caf茅 is named after her seven-year-old son, Matthew James.

鈥淔or people who want to build a coffee shop, wanting it is not enough,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou need a deeper purpose to set it up.鈥�

Located along Examiner Street near West Avenue, the caf茅 features an industrial-modern interior design with furniture and d茅cor partly sourced from the family鈥檚 home to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Since its soft opening on Feb. 7, the caf茅 has offered hot and iced coffee drinks along with pastries. The owners plan to introduce full meals with the opening of a food stall on the caf茅鈥檚 upper floor.

Ms. Abalayon said customer reception has been positive during the first month of operations.

Competition in the area is strong, she said, noting that an international coffee chain operates nearby, though the caf茅 aims to differentiate itself through its workspace-focused concept and by adjusting its offerings based on customer feedback.

鈥淐ompetition is always there,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t shouldn鈥檛 stop you from pursuing what you want.鈥�

Demand for coffee in the Philippines continues to grow. Market researcher Data Intelo estimates the Philippine coffee market could become a $134.2-billion industry by 2032, or a yearly growth of 4.6% from $97.5 billion in 2023.

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JULIE鈥橲 BAKESHOP plans to accelerate franchise growth across the Philippines this year, targeting more branches in Luzon and Mindanao as it seeks to broaden its nationwide footprint.

The Cebu-based bakery chain, approaching its 45^th anniversary, now operates more than 600 stores, with 80% of franchisees running multiple branches.

Julie鈥檚 Bakeshop began in 1981 when the first branch opened in the Wireless area of Mandaue City, Cebu in central Philippines. It was started by Julia 鈥淛ulie鈥� Gandionco, who had been running several canteens and saw a strong demand for fresh bread 鈥� so she ventured into the bakery business even if she was not a baking expert.

鈥淗aving a Julie鈥檚 Bakeshop in every village may take more than five years, but growing our presence in more locations would be a milestone worth celebrating,鈥� Angelo Jose C. Gandionco, senior regional director for nationwide operations at Julie鈥檚 Franchise Corp., told 大象传媒.

He added that the bakery chain is exploring ways to diversify distribution channels to make products more accessible to Filipinos.

Mr. Gandionco, grandson of the Gandionco matriarch, expects the Philippine baking sector to grow steadily this year despite slower overall economic expansion and evolving consumer tastes.

鈥淲hile we are seeing steady growth in our industry that will continue this year, we are also taking note of changing consumer preferences and exploring how we can diversify our distribution channels to ensure that our products are easily accessible to more Filipinos,鈥� he said in an听 e-mailed reply to questions.

The US Department of Agriculture projects retail sales in the country鈥檚 baking industry to grow 5% annually to $2.5 billion by 2027, outpacing Philippine economic growth of 4.4% in 2025.

Julie鈥檚, headquartered in Mandaue City, Cebu, faced natural disruptions last year, including the magnitude-6.9 Bogo earthquake in September and Typhoon Tino in November.

鈥淢any of our stores had to close temporarily, while some employees had to be relocated,鈥� Mr. Gandionco said.

Despite these setbacks, the bakeshop expanded through more franchise openings, bringing its total network to more than 600 stores nationwide, with 80% of franchisees operating multiple branches.

Consumer preferences vary by region. Data from franchise owners indicate that Visayas and Mindanao customers tend to favor Filipino classics like pandesal, while those in Luzon show more openness to global and hybrid flavors.

Rising urban incomes are also driving demand for convenient, ready-to-eat breads and snacks, with a growing segment willing to pay for premium options alongside traditional products.

Julie鈥檚 said it remains focused on balancing innovation with affordability. Mr. Gandionco said they aim to keep their products accessible, affordable and fresh, even as ingredient costs rise and consumer tastes shift. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

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SASSY鈥橲 CREATION, a Philippine startup, has experienced a surge in demand for its Filipiniana tops since a 2024 Civil Service Commission memo that requires government employees to wear Filipiniana-inspired attire on Mondays.

鈥淚t was a good thing for us local MSMEs because it鈥檚 hard to market pi帽a tops,鈥� Joy L. Rapsing, owner of Sassy鈥檚 Creation, told 大象传媒 in Filipino. 鈥淏ack then, it was only for special occasions, but now that the government mandated showcasing cultural heritage, it really helped us.鈥�

The brand鈥檚 sales have more than doubled because of the dress code. 鈥淭he only downside is the competition from online shops offering low-quality materials,鈥� Ms. Rapsing added.

Sassy鈥檚 Creation uses indigenous handloom fabrics such as听 pineapple, jusi and cocoon for its tops, while upcycled scrap fabrics are transformed into boleros as part of its sustainable fashion advocacy.

Each piece, priced at P3,500 and above, is crafted by stay-at-home women, local weavers and 10 prisoners from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Antipolo City.

鈥淲e support cooperative communities,鈥� Ms. Rapsing said. 鈥淲e source many of our materials directly from manufacturers and ensure fair practices in workers鈥� salaries.鈥�

The handcrafted textile used in these garments is also seeing growing international demand. The US accounted for 49% of Philippine textile exports last year, according to DHL Express.

The Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines expects exports of garments, textiles and apparel to grow 2-5% this year from a projected $1 billion in 2025. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

A PAMPANGA-BASED startup is turning to excess textiles to address one of the country鈥檚 most persistent waste problems: disposable menstrual pads.

Ecopad Gaia produces reusable sanitary pads made from deadstock fabrics sourced in Taytay, Rizal, aiming to curb plastic waste and offer an alternative for women with sensitive skin.

鈥淎 woman, from the beginning of her period until the end of her period, when she鈥檚 about to menopause, uses around 11,000 to 12,000 pads,鈥� founder Adeline P. Bondoc said in an interview. 鈥淚magine, each woman uses 11,000 to 12,000 pads that take 500 to 800 years to decompose in landfills, in our waterways.鈥�

Most commercial pads are composed largely of plastic, which Ms. Bondoc said could break down into microplastics that contaminate the environment.

鈥淲hen it becomes microplastic, it could be in our airways, we could drink it, we could swallow it, and we could eat it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a problem that can be passed on to the next generation if we don鈥檛 do something today.鈥�

In 2025, Greenpeace Philippines said Filipino scientists had confirmed the presence of microplastics in water, air and soil across the country, warning that contamination threatens food security.

The World Bank estimated in 2021 that the Philippines generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with roughly 20% ending up in the ocean.

Founded in 2021, Ecopad Gaia was born out of Ms. Bondoc鈥檚 personal experience with rashes from disposable pads. She said many women, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome, suffer irritation but do not speak up.

The company offers five types of cloth pads: a seven-inch pantyliner for daily use, a nine-inch pantyliner for spotting and menstrual cup users, a 10-inch pad for light flow, and 11-inch and 12-inch pads for heavier flow.

Pantyliners and light-flow pads are made from woven cotton lined with water-resistant fabric. Heavy-flow variants use cotton velour with Wind Pro fabric, commonly used in winter jackets overseas.

Users are advised to change pads every three to four hours. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 full, it will come out on the sides, so before it鈥檚 full, change to avoid bacterial growth,鈥� Ms. Bondoc said.

Each pad can last up to three years with proper care. After use, it can be soaked to remove stains and washed with regular laundry.

Since launch, the company has sold about 40,000 pads through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and e-commerce platforms.

This year, it aims to produce 36,000 pads through NGO and corporate social responsibility partnerships in Pampanga, as it shifts focus from retail to institutional buyers.

Founded in 1975 in the home of Teresa J. Guadarrama in Jaro, Iloilo, the bakery began as a family venture to support the education of the Guadarrama children.

Using day-old bread, butter, sugar and home kitchen tools, the business gradually grew from a sideline into a regional brand.

鈥淏iscocho Haus is a product of my mother鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit,鈥� Jose Gerardo 鈥淕erry鈥� J. Guadarrama, the 67-year-old managing director and one of the owners, said in an interview at the family鈥檚 ancestral home in Jaro district last month. 鈥淪he was always into something. She had sidelines all over the place.鈥�

Today, Original Biscocho Haus operates 25 branches and kiosks across Western Visayas. The company, incorporated in 2003 as听 Original Biscocho Haus Corp., is adding three more locations in Metropolitan Iloilo, including sites at terminal and central markets, and is building a branch in another district.

Expansion into Antique province is also planned, broadening its reach in the region.

Mr. Guadarrama, the sixth of eight children, said the company is deliberately keeping its focus local. Unlike other provincial brands, Original Biscocho Haus does not plan to enter Metro Manila, aiming instead to preserve its identity as a 鈥�pasalubong 肠别苍迟别谤.鈥�

鈥淚f our products are available at supermarkets or stands [in Manila], would you still come here?鈥� he asked. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to become a commodity.鈥�

The brand鈥檚 signature product, Bischoco 鈥� day-old bread toasted with butter and sugar 鈥� remains the top seller.

Daily production reaches about 36,000 pieces, or about 2,000 packs. Original Biscocho Haus maintains the original recipe, avoiding cheaper substitutes to preserve flavor.

The company has combined traditional methods with efficiency improvements to maintain what Mr. Guadarrama calls 鈥渦pper-class quality for pedestrian pricing,鈥� a strategy credited to his engineering and accounting background.

Original Biscocho Haus has also embraced digital trends, rolling out credit card payments and online delivery services to meet evolving consumer behavior.

The strategy appears to be paying off. In 2025, the company posted annual sales growth of as much as 10%.

With further expansion in key regional markets, Original Biscocho Haus aims to strengthen its dominance in Western Visayas while keeping the brand rooted in its homegrown identity. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

XURE, a mobile marketplace for collectors, is seeking to expand the number of sellers and appraisers on its platform, betting on growing demand for a legitimate, tech-driven marketplace tailored to serious collectors.

鈥淔or 2026, we are targeting approximately 500 accredited Xstores composed of both local and international sellers,鈥� founder and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sarmiento said in an e-mailed reply to questions.

鈥淎s we expand our auction formats and enhance seller tools such as timed auctions, live auctions, and pre-selling mechanics, we expect continued adoption from independent collectors and established retailers seeking a more trusted, collector-focused platform,鈥� he added.

The company aims to drive growth in its user base and gross merchandise value by expanding collectible categories, strengthening referral and incentive programs and rolling out improved auction formats, Mr. Sarmiento said.

Since launching in 2023, Xure has recorded more than 5,600 registered users. It is among six startups selected for the 13^th cohort of the IdeaSpace Startup Accelerator Program, backed by MUP Group.

The platform offers Xstore, which lets users sell collectible items through the mobile app, and Xpert, which supports people building networks in authentication and appraisal services.

Xure aims to address common issues in online collectible trading, including lack of trust in peer-to-peer transactions, counterfeit or misrepresented items and fragmented buying and selling channels.

鈥淢any transactions today still happen in informal chat groups and online communities where there is limited protection and transparency,鈥� Mr. Sarmiento said.

Unlike traditional marketplaces focused mainly on listings and transactions, Xure allows users to record, share and manage their collections within the app for sale or appraisal.

鈥淚nstead of being a generic marketplace, Xure integrates community, trust, confidentiality and commerce into a structured digital infrastructure designed specifically for serious collectors,鈥� he said.

Its Xchange feature supports timed auctions, pre-order mechanics and best-offer negotiations to better reflect how collectibles are traded in practice. Buyers can also view authentication or appraisal details directly within the platform.

Collectors can follow one another, build their profiles and discover rare items.

Inspired by practices in the art world, Xure lets users remain anonymous or hide pricing information within their 鈥淰irtual Closet,鈥� giving collectors control over how visible their holdings are.

The company is also integrating artificial intelligence-driven price analysis and smart pricing recommendations to help sellers benchmark fair market value based on transaction data and market trends.