Escudero says Mercado and Ho appointments resolve leadership issues hounding health sector

MANILA — Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero welcomed Malacañang’s appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado as Health Secretary and Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho as PhilHealth President and CEO, saying that the shakeup could finally steady the government’s flagship Universal Health Care program and address leadership issues that had threatened to derail UHC implementation.

“We welcome the new appointment and we wish the newly appointed Health Secretary, Dr. Edwin Mercado, all the best as he takes on his new role as the administration’s chief implementer of its health programs,” Escudero said, Monday, August 10.

The senator said the Palace’s decision provides “much-needed clarity and stability” for DOH, an agency he earlier urged Malacañang to intervene in.

Mercado brings both medical and management experience to the job. A US-trained orthopedic surgeon with 35 years in hospital administration, Mercado has served as PhilHealth president and CEO since February last year.

Ho’s designation, meanwhile, “nagbibigay ng karagdagang lakas sa ating UHC reforms,” Escudero said “May sapat siyang karanasan sa public health at pamamahala upang maipagpatuloy ang mga repormang kailangan ng sistema,” he added.

Ho is currently chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. She previously served as DOH undersecretary and was the department’s deputy spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With new leadership in place, Escudero said DOH can now refocus on widening PhilHealth coverage and improving access in both public and private facilities.

The senator flagged persistent gaps in preventive care, emergency response in remote areas, and uneven implementation at the local government level. These, he said on his podcast Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman, require stable leadership at the top.

PhilHealth currently covers nearly 70 million registered members and more than 38 million dependents, over 108 million Filipinos in total.  Escudero also moved to allay funding concerns. “Hindi kulang ang pondo ng PhilHealth. May sapat na pondo… Sistema lang talaga dapat ang ayusin para mas mapalawak ang coverage.”

He said discussions must continue on improving support for barangay health workers and fixing long-standing gaps in service delivery.

“Pipilitin po nating matugunan iyan. Mahaba pa po ang usapin kaugnay sa universal health care… gayun din ‘yung dapat nating tahaking landas tungo sa mithiin nating lahat na totoo, makatarungan at pangkalahatang pagpapatupad ng UHC para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Escudero said.

The senator earlier warned in his podcast that unresolved leadership issues at DOH, involving Mercado’s immediate predecessor Jose Pujalte Jr., could weaken preventive health programs nationwide.

With Mercado and Ho now at the helm, Escudero said the focus must shift from politics to performance.

Global Pacific makes its mark at WOFEX 2026

 MANILA — From Cebu to the national stage,  Global Pacific made its mark at WOFEX 2026 for four days at the SMX Convention Center where the sound of sizzling pans, piping bags, and a thousand conversations about the future of food.

From July 29 to August 1, 2026, WOFEX once again proved why it’s the country’s biggest stage for chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, and food service professionals, and in the middle of it all, a Cebu-born company was quietly showing the industry how to grow without losing its roots.

GLOBAL PACIFIC wasn’t just another booth at WOFEX. It was a homecoming story, scaled up. From one butter brand to a national food partner. Founded in 2009 by a group of friends from Cebu, Global Pacific started with a single product-- butter. No big investors. No fancy launch. Just a belief that Filipino operators deserved reliable ingredients and real support.

Sixteen years later, that belief has turned into a nationwide network. Today, Global Pacific is one of the country’s most trusted food service partners, supplying restaurants, hotels, cafés, and bakeries from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.

More importantly, it’s the bridge. Through a centralized ordering system and nationwide distribution, the company lets operators source multiple international brands through one contact — saving them time, money, and the headache of dealing with five different suppliers.

 “It’s about convenience, consistency, and dependability,” the company says. And at WOFEX, they proved it.

 A Passport of Flavors Under One Roof

Walk into the Global Pacific booth and you took a quick trip around the world. There was Arla Pro from Denmark for professional dairy, Kraft Heinz for sauces that everyone knows, Master Martini from Italy for premium baking, Prochiz from Indonesia for cheese, Beryl’s from Malaysia for chocolate, Banquet d’Or from Belgium for frozen pastries, and TEYS from Australia for premium beef.

But what made people stop wasn’t just the global names. It was the two homegrown ones: Bravo and Sunny Farms. Brands built by Global Pacific specifically for Philippine kitchens, shaped by what local operators actually ask for.

 “We’re constantly listening to operators and staying close to the market,” says Louren Chua-Sy, Marketing Manager for Bravo and Sunny Farms. “Because of that, we can turn ideas into practical solutions much faster. That’s what excites me about our own brands — we create solutions that help our customers succeed.”

 That listening-first approach is also why global brands trust them. “Martini Professional and Global Pacific have built a strong partnership over the years based on transparency and collaboration,” says Errol Rivera, Country Manager, Philippines, Martini Professional. “Our shared openness to new ideas and commitment to serving customers have made the relationship both effective and productive.”

Andrew Wisnu Sadeli, Marketing at Prochiz, puts it simply: “Working with Global Pacific has been a great experience because of their professionalism, responsiveness and deep understanding of the Philippine food service industry.”

At WOFEX, Global Pacific didn’t just sell products. It taught with them. Throughout the expo, the company hosted cooking demos led by some of the country’s top chefs. The goal: give owners and entrepreneurs ideas they could use the next day in their own kitchens.

The crowd favorite? Chef Bruce Lim’s steak demo featuring TEYS beef. He cooked the same cut two ways — premium ribeye and the more budget-friendly oyster blade — to show operators how to build menus with both quality and value.

“The quality of the beef and where it's sourced will always influence the final result,” Chef Bruce told the audience. “With quality meat and the right technique, operators can confidently build menus that offer both premium and value options without compromising the dining experience.”

It was a lesson many needed. With rising food costs and changing customer expectations, the message at WOFEX was clear: adapt, or get left behind.

On the last day, Chef Buddy Trinidad, President of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, gave the line that stuck.

“Yes, be mindful of your pricing. Be mindful of your portions. Be smart with your ingredients. Those are all important. But at the end of the day, people come back because of the memories you create and the emotional connection they have with your business.”

“There are many places serving great food today. What customers remember is how you made them feel—from the moment they walk through your doors until the moment they leave.”

In many ways, that’s also Global Pacific’s story.  What started as friends in Cebu with one butter brand became a national company not by chasing trends, but by building partnerships, investing in education, and putting customers first.

From a Cebu startup to a trusted partner of global brands and Filipino entrepreneurs, Global Pacific showed at WOFEX 2026 that homegrown vision, when paired with innovation and service, can make it to the national stage — and thrive there.

Global Pacific Philippines is one of the country's leading food service companies and the exclusive distributor of international brands such as Arla, BRAVO, Bakerdream, Beryl's, DLA, Conaprole, Castelvetere, Prochiz,Global Pacific) Devondale, Armando, Sunshine Dairy, Dionysus, Aviko, Bunge, Andros, Banquet D'or, OraSi, Prairie Farms, Master Martini, Flechard, Yamamori, Mlekpol, Easy, Teys, and Sunny Farms. For more information, visit globalpacific.com.ph (Photos:  Global Pacific)

Escudero pushes tobacco-style ban on gambling ads to curb rise in gaming addiction

CEBU CITY — Drawing a direct parallel to the fight against smoking two decades ago, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is spearheading a major legislative push to completely ban gambling advertisements and celebrity sponsorships across the Philippines.

Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2347, which proposes sweeping prohibitions on promoting legal gambling across television, radio, print, and online platforms—including social media campaigns featuring popular influencers and celebrities.

The proposed measure is modeled directly after Republic Act 9211 (the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), a landmark legislation Escudero helped pass during his tenure in the House of Representatives.

That law eliminated tobacco marketing from public sight to protect minors and public health. "It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago. Both sectors pose significant risks when promotions become pervasive and youth-targeted,” Escudero stated.

While the gaming industry generated a massive ₱396.13 billion in Gross Gaming Revenues in Fiscal Year 2025—largely driven by a boom in online and digital gaming, Escudero warned that aggressive marketing tactics are fueling compulsive behavior and mental health concerns among vulnerable Filipinos.

Key Highlights of Senate Bill 2347

Total media blackout by banning gambling promotions on TV, radio, print, social media, and digital networks. No celebrity endorsements, by prohibiting influencers, athletes, and public figures from fronting gambling brand, and mandatory advisories, requiring clear health and risk warnings on all legal consumer communications.

The Bill also directs government agencies to conduct awareness campaigns regarding compulsive gaming risks and mental health support options. Strict penalties and industry transition acknowledging the economic impact on advertisers and operators, the bill includes a one-year transition period following its enactment, allowing companies to phase out existing ad contracts and sponsorships.

Once fully implemented, offenders will face strict, escalating penalties: Offense Fine Imprisonment Additional sanctions1st Offense Up to ₱200,000Up to 1 year; 2nd Offense Up to ₱300,000Up to 2 years; 3rd Offense Up to ₱500,000Up to 3 years revocation of business permits.

Foreign nationals and corporate officers found liable under the act will face direct sanctions, including potential deportation.

Building on recent self-regulation efforts by the Ad Standards Council, Escudero stressed that a nationwide legal framework is necessary to ensure uniform enforcement without regulatory loopholes.

SB 2347 has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for formal deliberation. (Photos: Google Images/DTI-FB Posts)

Rose Pharmacy launches first-ever Mom & Baby mall event at Robinsons

CEBU CITY — Rose Pharmacy kicked off its first-ever “Mom & Baby” mall event this weekend, July 29-30 at Robinsons Galleria, Cebu City, a two-day mall event with discounts, campsite, and bonding activities, giving busy moms a break to shop, save on essentials, and spend quality time with their kids.

Michael So, Rose Pharmacy General Manager bared that the event is the company’s second big mall activation this year following its “Daily Bread” Health and Wellness Festival in April.  This event was built around two things busy moms need most: budget-friendly shopping and time to bond.

“We know that moms are one of the busiest people,” So said during the opening. “Maybe it’s a few hours of being able to shop, being able to help them on the budgets. We offer a lot of discounts for milk, for baby needs, even for moms also.”

While moms shop, kids can join supervised activities at a campsite-style play and photo area set up inside the mall.  “And while mom is shopping, kasabay mo si baby or ni son or daughter, they can avail of the campsite na aming ginawa.  The first time we did it, and kudos to our team for putting up a really beautiful camping photo area,” So added.

It’s really more of giving the moms free time and being able to help them with their budgets,” Melanie Cabrera, Marketing Manager said.   Aside from discounts, the goal is to create moments for mothers and children to connect.

“Rose Pharmacy would like to give this opportunity for moms and kids to bond. The mom shops, and then they bond with the activities that we have prepared. This is the first mom and baby, but the second mall event, big mall event,” Cabrera confirmed.

The activity booths and campsite were designed to be family-friendly, giving kids a safe space to play while moms take care of their shopping.  The two-day event featured discounted products including milk, baby essentials, and wellness items for moms.

Organizers closed the opening program by thanking shoppers and partners for their support and encouraging families to “buy now” and enjoy the activities before the event ends.

Rose Pharmacy is one of the leading drugstore chains in the Visayas and Mindanao, committed to providing affordable health and wellness products while supporting community and family-centered initiatives. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Rose Pharmacy hosts ‘Mom & Kids Mega Sale’ at Robinsons Galleria Cebu

CEBU CITY — Big savings, big smiles, families across Cebu are in for a weekend filled with massive discounts, interactive fun, and memorable bonding moments as Rose Pharmacy rolls out its highly anticipated Mom and Kids Mega Sale on July 29–30, 2026, at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium.

Running daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the two-day event offers up to 50% OFF on an extensive lineup of trusted essentials for expecting mothers, babies, and growing children.

Designed to blend high-value shopping with wholesome family entertainment, the atrium will be transformed into an immersive, vibrant camping-themed adventure zone where parents and kids can shop, play, and create lasting memories together.

What to expect: Fun-filled activities and contests

Beyond the huge deals on healthcare, hygiene, and daily family care brands, attendees can look forward to an action-packed lineup of events: Kids Costume Contest (July 30): Youngsters get to showcase their creativity on stage for exciting prizes.

Grand Raffle Draw (July 30): Shoppers stand a chance to take home special gift packs and rewards.  Camping-Themed Photo Spot: A dedicated outdoor-inspired photo setup for capturing picture-perfect family moments.

Arts & Crafts Corner: Creative play spaces to keep little hands busy while parents browse the sale. Games & Stage Segment: Interactive family challenges designed to engage parents and children alike.

Caring for Cebuano families and speaking on the initiative, Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy Inc., emphasized the company's commitment to supporting parents beyond retail medicine.

"At Rose Pharmacy, we understand that caring for families goes beyond providing trusted healthcare products," said So. "Through the Mom and Kids Mega Sale, we want to create an experience where families can enjoy quality time together while taking advantage of meaningful savings."

Event summary and venue details: Rose Pharmacy Mom and Kids Mega Sale; July 29 – 30, 2026; 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Robinsons Galleria Cebu – Atrium. Admission is free and open to the public. For real-time event announcements, promo reveals, and updates, follow Rose Pharmacy’s official social media pages. 

Myvan Properties opens showroom doors for monthly showcase

MANDAUE CITY — In a bid to connect directly with aspiring homeowners and property investors, Cebuano homegrown developer Myvan Properties and Development Inc. hosted its monthly open house on July 18. The event, which ran from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the company's dedicated showroom in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, drew a steady crowd of visitors looking to tap into Cebu's booming real estate market.

With a footprint that now spans eight residential communities across North, Central, and South Cebu, Myvan Properties utilized the centralized event to give the public a comprehensive look at its diverse real estate portfolio under a single roof.

The developer showcased its three distinct brands—La Bellezah Homes, La Bellezah Flats, and Ato Homes & Residences—each engineered to target different lifestyles, geographic preferences, and budget ranges, a tailored approach to Cebuano living.

Prospective buyers had the chance to explore varied residential layouts, inspect model units, and examine property finishes; consult directly with on-site Sales Executives and the Marketing Team to weigh the pros and cons of Ready-For-Occupancy (RFO) units versus pre-selling options.

Discuss flexible financing structures customized for individual buyers.

Strategic footprint--From North to South Cebu, Myvan's portfolio highlights the company’s focus on strategic location selection, offering properties clustered across three major zones in the province: North Cebu with La Bellezah Trea (Compostela), La Bellezah Flats San Vicente (Liloan), Amadeo Condominium (Liloan), and Ato Homes (Consolacion)

Central Cebu Cityscape Grand Tower; South Cebu with La Bellezah Flats (Pulangbato), La Bellezah Flats (Tugbongan), Ato Residences Premier (Pardo), and Ato Residences (Talisay)

Exclusive Event Incentives-- To sweeten the deal for weekend attendees, the developer rolled out a suite of limited-time event promos. Beyond exclusive showroom discounts, visitors who locked in selected RFO and pre-selling units walked away with free semi-furnished appliance packages.

As Cebu's economic growth drives up the demand for accessible, well-located family housing, Myvan Properties plans to keep the momentum going. For those who missed the July event, the developer confirmed that the showroom will continue to host its recurring Monthly Open House series, keeping its doors open to the public without requiring a prior appointment. (Photos: Myvan Properties)

 

 

Mercure Mactan Cebu Unveils “Timo Cart”

MACTAN, CEBU — Mercure Mactan Cebu officially launched its newest culinary concept, “Timo Cart”, a homegrown food and beverage experience that spotlights local ingredients, award-winning creations, and the rich flavors of Cebu and the Visayas. Timo in English means snacks...

The launch event showcased a menu made homely from local produce and talent, featuring the hotel’s own R&D drinks alongside creations inspired by Cebu’s culinary heritage and recent festival wins.

Guests were treated to Mercure’s in-house crafted beverages, including: Flavored Oboe Latte, Banana Latte, Mactos — a tribute to Mactan.

A highlight was the winning beverage creation of Mercure’s Beverage Manager from the recent Cebu Culinary Kalipayan. Inspired by the beloved Cebuano delicacy Puto Maya, the drink reimagines the dessert as a beverage — turning tradition into a sippable experience.

The Timo Cart also features a partnership with Tuburan Coffee, celebrating one year of collaboration this August. Mercure is using Tuburan Beans to craft its coffee and signature lattes, supporting local farmers and showcasing Cebuano coffee. 

Executive Chef Paolo Alviso presented new creations developed for the Timo Cart, dishes designed to pair perfectly with the curated drinks. Also featured were cocktails, brewed coffee, and beverages by Chef Sir Aymar, blending culinary expertise with mixology.

Building on the momentum of recent wins at Cebu Culinary and the Cebu Food and Wine Festival, the team highlighted crowd favorites like Lamb Kansi Kesabirya, which received very good feedback, alongside new items aligned with the Timo theme of “new creations meets the old favorites.”

Local Flavors, Local Partners

In line with Mercure’s commitment to supporting local, the Timo Cart also features Bisaya Brew — a locally made flavored German beer, with variants including mango and more.

“From our areas, to your cup and plate — Timo Cart is about celebrating what makes Cebu home,” the team shared during the launch. “We hope you enjoy every bite and sip as our waiters and chefs serve you today.”

The Timo Cart is now officially open at Mercure Mactan Cebu, inviting guests to rediscover Cebuano flavors in a fresh, creative, and accessible way.

Mercure Mactan Cebu is located in Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, Mercure Mactan Cebu is a 4.5-star beachfront hotel that blends modern comfort with Filipino hospitality. The hotel champions local culture through food, art, and partnerships with Cebuano producers. (Photos: MBCNewman)