BusinessWorld B-Side

Food security is one of the most pressing issues faced by Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines. Developing Asia accounts for more than half of the undernourished population in the world according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).About 40% of the region's workforce are also employed in jobs related to agri-food systems.In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Pavit Ramachandran, ADB country director for the Philippines, in an interview on the sidelines of ADB's annual meeting in Milan, Italy.He shares the latest developments and initiatives by the multilateral bank to further improve and strengthen food systems in the Philippines and the overall region.Interview by Luisa JocsonAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

The 2025 midterm elections delivered unexpected results, with outcomes that defied pre-election surveys. Some familiar names were left out of the Magic 12, while underdogs made a surprising climb into the Top 5.What led to this shift?Political expert Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, breaks down the Senate results and offers insights into what they reveal about Filipino voting behavior.Interview by Edg Adrian EvaAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

High electricity costs this summer are re-opening the conversation of reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). In this B-Side episode, the 2nd District Representative of Pangasinan and House Committee on Nuclear Energy Chairperson Mark O. Cojuangco share the challenges and benefits of rehabilitating the mothballed power plant.Interview by Almira MartinezEdited by Jayson Mariñas

As the Philippines transitions towards a green economy, the need to upskill its workforce to fill green jobs becomes even more important.Designing green is the easiest part, according to Christopher C. de la Cruz, an architect and chief executive officer of the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC). “It's staying green that's the biggest problem.”In this B-Side episode, he talks about how companies can ensure the success of their sustainability efforts, as well as the mindset shift necessary to transition all jobs into green jobs.Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

US President Donald Trump has given a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs he imposed, and everything is still in flux.In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with former tariff commissioner George N. Manzano about the tariffs, their impact on the Philippines, the motivations behind them, and recommendations for how the country can navigate this trade environment.Interview by Patricia MirasolEditing by Jayson Mariñas

April 19 is World Liver Day, a day to raise awareness about the health of our often-overlooked yet vital liver. Liver diseases are a leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, accounting for 27.3 per 1,000 deaths, according to a 2023 study published in the Annals of Hepatology.Experts also warn that 10-20% of Filipinos may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.To share tips on how to take care of our liver, we spoke with Dr. Maria Vanessa H. De Villa, the first surgeon in the country to perform a pediatric liver transplant and the director of The Medical City's Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation.Interview by Edg Adrian EvaAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In this B-Side episode, we dive into everything you need to know about the disease.Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines, with an estimated one in 1,800 Filipinos at risk each year. To help understand its symptoms, treatments, and prevention, Dr. Dave Rennel L. Sebollena, Vice President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, joins the conversation.We also explore the financial and healthcare support available for patients with Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Senior Vice President for the Health Finance Sector and Spokesperson of PhilHealth.Interview by Edg Adrian EvaAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

In celebration of National Women's Month, we recognize the trail-blazing Filipinas who have defied all odds through their success in various fields. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that plague women into breaking existing glass ceilings.Carlota Salamat Andres shares in an interview with BusinessWorld her journey to becoming an S&E engineer, and why more Filipinas deserve more opportunities to excel in the sciences.Interview by Beatriz CruzAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

What's gender equality like in the finance industry? What challenges and opportunities do Filipinas face in this sector? BusinessWorld speaks with Abbie Dans-Casanova, president and CEO of SB Finance, in this B-Side episode.Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Arjale Queral

In this B-Side episode, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health's Dr. Vincent C. Casimero and Dr. Niko H. Ylagan talk about Rabies Prevention Month, the causes and transmission of rabies, plus the protocol for handling animal bites and scratches.Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

She Secure is a program which provides funding and financial advisory support to women-owned and women-led enterprises in the Philippines. In this B-Side episode, Abigail de los Santos Tan, co-founder and managing partner of ARC SME Business Development Company, talks about how to program aims to address the funding barriers faced by female entrepreneurs.Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

What causes reputational damage? How can one mitigate the effects of it? What are ways companies can protect their reputation?In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks about these topics with R.G. W. Gabunada, a partner at Louder PH, a full-service agency, and the CMO of Mansmith and Fielders, a training and consultancy company.Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company that develops large language models, which is a type of AI program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks. Its new AI model, R1, is said to rival the capabilities of leading AI models, while reportedly costing less to develop. In this episode, BusinessWorld talks about LLMs, DeepSeek, and the AI arms race with Satnam Narang, a senior staff research engineer at Tenable Inc., a cybersecurity company. Interview by Patricia MirasolAudio editing by Jayson Mariñas

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, or Senate Bill 1979, was introduced to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancy in the country. However, it recently became controversial after a viral video from Project Dalisay claimed that the bill undermines traditional Filipino values, sparking various conversations and even leading seven senators to withdraw their signatures from the bill.In light of this issue, we're joined by Maria Aurora O. Quilala, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development, as she shares her thoughts on the recent controversies surrounding the bill.Produced by Edg Adrian A. EvaAudio editing by Jayson John D. Marinas

Cancer affects over 5,000 children in the Philippines annually. Although highly treatable, late diagnoses and other factors contribute to the country's low survival rate of just 30%.In this B-Side episode, we speak with Dr. Ana Patricia A. Alcasabas, head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and chair of the National Sub-Technical Working Group for Childhood Cancer, as she discusses the country's challenges in fighting childhood cancer. She also talks about childhood cancer care at PGH and how the institution leads initiatives to improve care in the country. Produced by Edg Adrian A. Eva Audio editing by Jayson John D. Marinas

Hemogen is a possible business spin-off that's composed of a team of scientists from the DoST's Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. With the institute's radiation technology, the team was able to develop materials that can control severe bleeding in trauma patients. In this B-Side episode, two of the team members talk about Hemogen's plans for commercializing the product. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

Filipinos have evolved their way of thinking from that of an employee to that of an entrepreneur, according to Nagesh Devata, senior vice president for APAC at Payoneer, a business payments platform. In this B-Side episode, he shares insights about freelancing and digital finance trends in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

How do Filipinos spend and pay as they shop during the Christmas season? How are merchants and businesses addressing the challenges of the year-end holiday rush? BusinessWorld discusses this topic with Bryan L. Tiongson, Philippine country head of Global Payments, a payments solutions provider. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

The Philippines has recently enacted Republic Act No. 12023, which imposes a 12% value added tax on digital services providers, both resident and non-resident. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld discusses some of the ramifications of the law with Pia Rodrigo, a communications officer of Action for Economic Reforms, an independent, reform-oriented policy group. Interview by Edg Adrian A. Eva Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas 

What are the top issues facing the Philippine electoral system? If the political party system is broken, then how do we fix it? How important is education in a democracy? BusinessWorld speaks with Clarita R. Carlos, a retired political scientist from the University of the Philippines, about these issues. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed the CREATE MORE Act this November, a law that promises to attract more foreign investments and boost economic growth by reducing the corporate income tax rate from 25% to 20% for registered business enterprises (RBEs). The CREATE MORE Act also offers a VAT zero-rating on essential services like marketing and human resources, among others, that are "directly attributable" to the registered project or activity of a registered company. However, some economic experts have expressed concern that the newly signed law could potentially create more problems and undermine the existing CREATE Law, which was signed in March 2021. To take a closer look at CREATE MORE, we spoke with Pia Rodrigo, a Communications Officer at Action for Economic Reforms.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is capturing attention worldwide as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in a closely contested race to the White House. With the U.S. wielding the world's largest economy and military, this election's outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching global implications. But what's at stake specifically for the Philippines and the broader Asia and Indo-Pacific region? In this B-Side episode, we spoke to Josue Raphael Cortez, a diplomacy instructor at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's School of Diplomacy and Governance. Interview by Edg Adrian Eva Editing by Jayson Mariñas

How can podcasting help businesses in terms of brand management, community building, and thought leadership? In this episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Ron Baetiong, the founder and CEO of Podcast Network Asia, about the impact podcasting can have for businesses who get into this digital medium. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

With the rise of influencers online and constant change in trends, it is hard to always stay relevant in the viewers' eyes. In this B-Side episode, Patty of ‘Masarap Ba?' reveals her secret to mastering algorithm changes and other techniques to succeed in content creation.

Flooding seems to have become a part of life for many of our fellow citizens in various areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Despite the country having spent trillions on numerous flood management projects, Filipinos still suffer the seemingly endless flooding problem, as pointed out by several senators during a hearing after the devastation caused by Typhoon Carina. With this pressing issue, I will be speaking with Mr. Felino “Jun” A. Palafox, Jr., a renowned Filipino urban planner and architect. In this B-Side episode, Mr. Palafox explains the primary factors behind Metro Manila's flooding problem and his recommendations to resolve it. Interview by Edg Adrian A. Eva Audio editing by Jayson John D. Mariñas

How is the Philippines solving its healthcare issues through innovation? How are healthcare workers being upskilled to keep up with these technological advancements? Are we putting too much premium on technology? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld discusses robotics, artificial intelligence, and electronic medical records with Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, the medical director of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

A La Niña watch alert was issued by the state weather bureau in March, indicating that the phenomenon is likely to occur this year. Recently, there has been growing concern about whether La Niña has arrived in the Philippines due to the continuous heavy rains caused by several tropical cyclones, such as Enteng and Carina, along with the enhanced effects of the Southwest Monsoon. In this B-side episode, we spoke with Ana Liza Solis the assistant weather services chief and the chief of the climate monitoring and prediction section of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as she discusses how the La Niña phenomenon occurs and its effects, and how to prepare for La Niña.

What is it like being a doctor to the barrio? What innovations are making the greatest impact in rural communities? What role does the local government play in all of this? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks about these topics with Francine Nicole M. Araneta, who works as a rural doctor under the Department of Health's Doctor to the Barrios program. Recorded remotely on August 22, 2024. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

Obesity is now a rising health problem in the Philippines, with a staggering 27 million Filipinos considered overweight or obese, according to a 2019 survey by the DOST-FNRI. To combat obesity, the government imposed an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages under the TRAIN Law, which was signed in December 2017. Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III, a coordinator of Action for Economic Reforms and a columnist for BusinessWorld discusses the importance of protecting the value of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax amid sustained inflation.

How does the Filipino-Chinese community drive growth in the Philippine economy? What policies do they advocate the government to practice? What do they think of the West Philippine Sea issue? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld converses with Cecilio K. Pedro, the president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., about government policies, investment generation, and social responsibility. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

Alcohol drinking has been a vital part of various Filipino celebrations and festivals, creating camaraderie and a celebratory spirit. Some Filipinos turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, as it slows down brain function and can induce feelings of relaxation and calmness. During the pandemic in 2021, more Filipinos became alcohol drinkers, with the Department of Health (DOH) reporting that 40%, or 4 out of 10 Filipinos, were alcohol drinkers. The DOH warns the public that any amount of alcohol, whether in small or large quantities, is not considered safe for health. Addressing this concern, Paul Filomeno, a medical doctor and representative of the Philippine Addiction Specialists Society, has discussed the risks of alcohol drinking. He will also discuss the Sin Tax Coalition's initiatives to make alcohol products less accessible and marketable among Filipinos.

In 2023, the Philippine attrition rate and voluntary turnover increased to 15.9% from 14.2% the previous year, according to a study from a risk and employment consultancy company. This means that more employees are leaving their companies for better salaries and growth opportunities. From a company perspective, this is a potential indicator of dysfunctionality, which could lead to further problems. To address this issue, Kshitij Kohli, Head of Operations at Sun Life Global Solutions, has shared his insights about the reasons and impacts of high attrition rates for companies. He also discussed strategies that companies can use to control their attrition rates and how they can adjust to the shifting workplace demographics.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. asserted the country's position on disputes over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stating that “the West Philippine Sea is not a figment of our imagination; it is ours,” in his SONA 2024. This marks the first time that President Marcos Jr. has clearly stated his stance on the WPS dispute in his SONA, potentially influenced by ongoing public pressure following the Chinese Coast Guard's aggression against Filipino troops last June.On this issue, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, the Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and Pacific, and an opinion columnist for BusinessWorld, has shared his insights on the approaches that the Philippines can take regarding its maritime disputes with China.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City this Monday, July 22, at 4 p.m. Filipinos from various sectors are anticipating that the SONA will address their concerns and are expecting to see progress with President Marcos's previous promises. In this concern, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and the Pacific and an opinion columnist for BusinessWorld, has shared his insights on the accomplishments and progress made by the Marcos administration during its term. He also discussed issues from various sectors that remain unaddressed or are still pending, which the Marcos administration could further address.

Since 1997, there have been multiple attempts to amend and revise the 1987 Constitution in response to various challenges the country has faced over the years. Recently, an economic charter change was approved on the third and final reading by Congress, which seeks to amend the 1987 constitution to lift foreign ownership to some vital industries in the country. To address this concern, Mr. Jemy Gatdula, the Dean of the Institute of Law at the University of Asia and Pacific, and opinions columnist for BusinessWorld shared his insights on the initiative to amend and revise the 1987 Constitution, particularly its economic provisions.

The Philippines is one of two countries in the world that does not allow divorce for married couples. On June 10, 2024, however, the Philippine House of Representatives transmitted House Bill No. 9349 – or the approved bill for absolute divorce – to the Senate. What are the implications of this bill? If passed into law, how will it affect Filipino society? In this episode, BusinessWorld discusses some of these possibilities with Jemy I. Gatdula, the dean of the University of Asia and the Pacific's Institute of Law. Interview by Patricia Mirasol Editing by Jayson Mariñas

The Philippines outlined renewable energy targets in its National Renewable Energy Program for 2020 to 2040, but what factors need to be in place for the Philippines to reach these targets? Why is flexibility in power generation important? In this episode, BusinessWorld discuss renewable energy in the Philippine and global contexts with Kari Punnonen, head of energy business of Wärtsilä, a power solutions provider for the marine and energy markets.

E-cigarette and tobacco products use in the Philippines is steadily increasing, particularly among the youth, according to the study of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey in 2019. Consequently, flavors and esteemed novelty contribute to the initiation and sustained use of e-cigarettes and tobacco use. With this concern, Dr. Maria Encarnita Blanco-Limpin of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians/ Philippine Medical Association explained the risk factors of using Tobacco and E-cigarettes. Furthermore, she explained ways to improve its regulation and how users can stop using it.

According to the World Health Organization, despite an alarming number of cases, road traffic injuries are often neglected public health issues. With this concerning issue, Mr. John Alison Uy of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) elaborated on the importance of road safety and road-worthy vehicles to avoid road crashes and deaths.

Marketing is a tool that businesses can employ to increase brand awareness, acquire customers, and improve engagement. But is there a right way to do marketing? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld asks what businesses should prioritize in their marketing campaigns with Ashish Goel, product marketing manager of Zoho Corporation's Campaigns, Marketing Automation, and Sites divisions.

What advantage does the Philippines have when it comes to national defense? How should the Philippines approach the West Philippine Sea issue? Should the country prepare for war? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld talks to Norberto B. Gonzales, who twice served as Secretary of National Defense, on defense strategies, military aid, and the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines has a wet season and a dry season, or so the saying goes. Given the predictability of summer, in particular, what measures can Filipinos take to protect themselves from the heat? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, the Department of Health spokesperson, on how to both spot the symptoms of - and prevent - heat-related illnesses. Interview by Patricia Mirasol. Editing by Jino Nicolas and Arjale Queral.

Is it costly to hire with persons with disabilities, or PWDs? Are PWDs only limited to certain roles? In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Grant Javier, executive director of Project Inclusion Network, about the most common misconceptions surrounding PWD employees, as well as the benefits of hiring them. Recorded remotely on March 21, 2024. Produced by Arjale Jayrie G. Queral.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not only the lack of funding that spells doom among startup teams. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Martin Gonzalez, creator of Google's Effective Founders Project, about co-founder conflicts, quality disagreements, and the necessity of having difficult conversations very early in a partnership.

Online gambling has evolved, thanks to advancements in technology and innovations within the industry. With this evolution, however, also comes the rise of sophisticated gambling fraud. In this B-Side episode, BusinessWorld speaks with Frederic Ho, Jumio Corporation's vice president of Asia Pacific, on how online gambling has evolved, and how both consumers and the authorities can protect themselves against fraudsters in this digital space. Recorded on March 21, 2024. Produced by Earl Lagundino.

More than giving us answers and ideas in seconds after typing in our prompts, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is increasingly appreciated as a tool that can positively impact businesses. According to the latest study by the IBM Institute for Business Value entitled, “Forging the future of AI: Women can take the lead” genAI, alongside disrupting workflows, gives women "a once-in-a-career opportunity to gain equal footing.” In this special edition of BusinessWorld B-Side, in partnership with IBM Philippines, Commercial Territory Sales Leader Christine Llanto-Ravelo explores the unique opportunities genAI opens to women in workplaces and boardrooms.

To cap off 2023, the BBC released its 100 Women list, naming women who have inspired and influenced people worldwide. Among those on the list are former US First Lady Michelle Obama and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and a 25-year-old Filipina farmer and entrepreneur named Louise Mabulo. Ms. Mabulo, the daughter of San Fernando Camarines Sur mayor Fermin Mabulo, joins 27 other Climate Pioneers in the list. She was lauded for her efforts in setting up The Cacao Project, which according to the BBC "aims to revolutionize local food systems through sustainable agroforestry." In this B-side interview, the 100 Women-lister extols the virtues of cacao as a crop, changing the face of farming in the Philippines, and how growing up Filipino can make one sensitive to climate change.

The Philippines is so close to Taiwan that, as the old joke suggests, one could swim across the Bashi Channel to get there. Their connection goes beyond that, with the future of their geopolitical fates in question. In this B-Side episode, Girard Mariano L. Lopez, a Filipino student in Taiwan and representative of the Asian pro-democracy group Milk Tea Alliance, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Beatriz Marie D. Cruz how activists from the Philippines and Taiwan see the tensions with China.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face cyberattack risks due to their less advanced technologies, making them susceptible to breaches. Many of these businesses are not aware that cyberattacks could have severe consequences, according to a cybersecurity expert. In this B-Side episode, Daniel Bernard, chief business officer of cybersecurity technology company Crowdstrike, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Jomel R. Paguian the looming threat of cyberattacks against SMEs and explores strategies to combat them.

The constant pursuit of innovation is a testament to human's inherent curiosity and creativity. With the advancement of technology, people are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and productivity. In this regard, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies, which complements human capabilities, augments creativity, and drives progress in various fields. In this B-Side episode, David Hardoon, chief data and AI officer at Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, discusses with BusinessWorld Multimedia Editor Arjay L. Balinbin the capabilities of Generative AI.

Breaking down the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health challenges is crucial, especially in workplaces where employees might be hesitant to share their struggles, fearing judgment regarding their professional capabilities, a mental health expert said. In this B-Side episode, Gia Sison, national adviser of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, discusses with BusinessWorld reporter Jomel R. Paguian the potential benefits of addressing mental health in the workplace for both employers and employees.