LAZY DAYS

 

A lazy day is a planned or spontaneous break from productivity, dedicated to rest, relaxation, and doing absolutely nothing to recharge mental and physical health. Embracing these days reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts long-term creativity.

A "lazy day" is a day dedicated to rest, relaxation, and doing as little as possible, often involving staying home to recharge. It is characterized by a lack of strict schedules or chores, acting as a mental and physical break from a busy, productive, or high-stress lifestyle.

"Lazy Days" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It was released in the United Kingdom on 14 July 1997 as the second single from his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens (1997). According to Williams, the song is about being young, optimistic about the future and not afraid of committing mistakes. The song became a top-10 hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. I just listened to it and got today's idea for my column.

Is it normal to have lazy days? Having the occasional lazy day should be a more widespread tradition. Rather than being seen as unproductive, a lazy day should be viewed as a day dedicated to well-deserved idle time and improved mental health. I even like to talk about more than a single day.

Doing nothing  brings a lot of positive impacts on your physical health by giving relaxation. Stay in your bed for the entire day, enjoy a sound sleep without any stress or work, and believe me, every muscle and bone of your body will feel refreshing because of the rest.

Indeed, you don't get anything for nothing in life. This is our life's main motto. This is our biography's epigraph - whether we like it or not. Many times, I stressed this already in different write-ups in distinct publications.

Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I am not talking about those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week by doing nothing and -maybe- just fed by someone. No, I mean doing nothing is really something great after a period  of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards us or our children. 

I still remember several lazy summer days, sitting in the blazing sun (shouldn't be done anymore of course!), eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running away from the bees. Of course, while still in Germany, those old lazy summer days turned into lazy winter days too. Lazy days shaped and characterized my whole (especially professional) life until now.

Relaxation, meditation and reinvigoration are needed. Life, affected by the "burnout syndrome" needs to reanimate with energy. Burnout is a condition in which people are emotionally, mentally, cognitively, and physically exhausted by their work responsibilities. Most people spend a significant portion of their time at work and, as a result, can easily become burned out.

So let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. 

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, X -Twitter or LinkedIn or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

Artificial goodbyes

 

BY ELEANOR PINUGU

APRIL 27, 2026

Read Next

Lifeline

An 80-year-old woman speaks with her son for a few minutes each day through video calls. She has not seen him in some time, so she keeps asking when he will visit. He always replies that he relocated to another province to save money before returning home to care for her. What she does not know is that her son died in a car accident a year ago.

Rather than tell her the truth, the family members hired an artificial intelligence (AI) company to create a digital twin so she would believe that he was still alive. According to the family, she has a weak heart, and they were worried that the news might harm her health. This incident, reported by the South China Morning Post last week, has since sparked an online debate regarding the ethical use of AI, especially in cases where it can impact human emotions.

As generative AI matures, the world is also seeing the emergence of “grief tech,” also known as the digital afterlife industry. These technologies enable users to interact with simulated versions of their deceased loved ones in intimate ways. Conversational AI products like Project December and You, Only Virtual (YOV) simulate a person’s conversational style by training the model on the deceased person’s text, email, and social media content. Startups like Eternal and Here After AI are offering interactive, voice-enabled avatars of people’s loved ones.

We should always be driven by love

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT is the proper condition of our life. Everything we do should have love as its principle and end. We should not just be content with some worldly motives and goals which, by the way, are also important to be taken care of. But we should not get stuck on that level alone.

We have to do everything out of love for God, and because of that love, it should also be done out of love for everybody else. This way of doing and working would enable us to enter the dynamic of real love which is the very essence of God and the essence that is also meant for us.

We should not be content with doing things and working only for some temporal and worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are. We should not be content with gaining technical achievement, for example. Nor should we be ok only with some economic gains, some political power and things of that sort.

These motives can only give our dedication a short life-span. They often work only under favorable circumstances. And most likely, they tend to corrupt us. Without love for God and everybody else as the motive for all our actions, we would just get involved in some pursuits that in the end are simply fleeting, meaningless, and ultimately empty, like chasing the wind.

It is doing things with love for God and neighbor that would keep us going irrespective of the varying circumstances. It is this love that would unite us with the very power of God himself. We would not be depending solely on our human powers, even if also need to make full use of them.

That is why it is important that we be clear about the intention we have in everything we do. Let’s remember that nothing is good, true and beautiful, nothing is fair and just, nothing is perfect if it is not done with God and for God. In short, we need to refer all our acts to God. We have to make this affirmation very clear in our mind and do everything to make that ideal a reality.

  

And so, a lot depends on our intention, because our intention is the very expression of who and where in the end we want to be. Do we choose God, or do we simply choose ourselves, or the world, in general? It’s actually a choice between good and evil.

We need to realize then that we have to take utmost care of our intention, making it as explicit as possible, and honing it to get engaged with its proper and ultimate object, who is God. 

We should try our best to shun being simply casual or cavalier about this responsibility. We can easily play around with it, since intentions are almost invariably hidden from public knowledge. We are urged to be most sincere in directing our intentions properly.

We can easily fall into hypocrisy and deception, doing what can appear good externally but is not internally, since we could refuse giving glory to God, which is the proper intention to have, and instead feed and stir our vanity, pride, greed, lust, etc.

We need to actively purify our intentions, since we have to contend with many spoilers in this regard these days. In fact, we just have to look around and see how openly opposed many people are of directing their intentions to God. 

To them, intentions are strictly personal and confidential matters that others do not have any right to meddle. While there is a certain truth to this claim, we have to remind ourselves that our intentions too are subject to a universal moral law.

A world without water?

 

Humans can generally only survive for three to five days without water. While individuals can survive weeks without food, water is essential for organ function, with severe dehydration causing rapid organ failure, low blood pressure, and, eventually, death. Survival time varies depending on environment, physical activity, and health.

Water is essential for all known forms of life, whether it's used directly, like in animals and plants, or indirectly, like in the creation of oxygen through photosynthesis in plants. Without water, plants and animals would die, leading to a barren, lifeless planet

As the world marked again the UN’s World Water Day last March 2016, global residents are still struggling to access fresh water. Water scarcity has long been a problem. But climate change, a growing global population and economic growth are putting the natural resource under even more stress. A world without water? Sounding impossible and crazy, while in some parts of the world, especially in Asia, the monsoon rain keeps large areas land-under.

One example of many: since the late 1950's, the Aral lake in Uzbekistan, once the world’s fourth largest, has been rapidly shrinking. Water that had flowed into the lake was diverted to provide irrigation for Uzbekistan’s ‘white gold’, cotton plantations spread across the arid region, while hydro power facilities and reservoirs across Central Asia have also taken their toll.

It is one of the major environmental disasters of the last half century with animal and plant life in the region dying out as a result. But it is not the only place where water has been disappearing. Bolivia’s second-largest lake, Poopó has all but vanished, with severe consequences for both wildlife and people.

Scarcity of water all over the world is becoming an increasing problem. And it’s only going to get worse, said Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the United Nation’s World Water Development Report 2016 (WWDR), released last month.

“Water has already been relatively scarce,” he explained in German Television. “It’s just that populations are growing and economies are developing, so demand for water keeps increasing, but the quantity of water that is available does not.”

More than 70 percent of the freshwater that is taken from natural re-sources is used in agriculture, for food crops like wheat and rice, but also for plants like cotton. Energy production ac-counts for 15 percent of water usage and another 5 percent is for household usage.

But with the population expected to grow – the WWDR predicts that by 2050 there will be 9.3 billion people, 33 percent more than in 2011 – the world’s water resources are likely to come under increasing pressure. Regions like Central Asia, the Arab world, parts of China, India and the western United States, already suffer from a physical shortage of water. But storage and infra-structure enable countries to collect water and keep it ready in times of drought.

“The magnitude will be proportional to its vulnerability,” said Connor. “Developed countries are much less vulnerable because they have the storage capacity – dams and reservoirs.” But in the developing world, water scarcity is having the greatest impact. There are already more than 1.8 billion people, who only have access to water that is not safe for human consumption, according to the WWDR. And even in areas where there is an abundance of water, like in Sub-Saharan Africa, economic factors mean that people are not getting enough access to the natural resource.

“The water resource is there, but it doesn’t get to the fields, the factories and the cities because infrastructure and institutions are lacking there,” said Connor, adding that crops there are rain-fed because water cannot be used for irrigation. “When there is a drought, like in Ethiopia, they have serious problems that lead to food crises.”

Without improved efficiency measures, agriculture is expected to need 20 percent more water in the coming years to feed the growing population. And let’s face it again: climate is expected to exacerbate the problem, with some countries becoming drier and hotter, while others experience extreme weather in the form of storms and flooding.

A world with less water translates into hardship for unknown millions. Solution must be find. Or is it already too late?

It is only better water management that will help deal with increasing water scarcity, according to experts worldwide. .

Better irrigation techniques that don’t see water wasted through runoff from flooded fields are one way of saving the resource. But any changes in measures would have to be introduced by individual governments and in some cases individual farmers and other stakeholders.

+++

Email: doringklaus @gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or X -Twitter or visit www.germanex patinthephilippines.blogspot. com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

PAGASA warns of dangerous heat index levels in 14 areas

FOURTEEN areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to a danger-level heat index, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air.

A peak heat index of 45°C is forecast in Dumangas, Iloilo and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices:

San Ildefonso, Bulacan - 43°C

�Sangley Point, Cavite - 42°C

�Aborlan, Palawan - 44°C�Roxas City, Capiz - 42°C�Mamburao, Capiz - 42°C�Iloilo City, Iloilo - 43°C�La Granja, La Carlota,

Negros Occidental - 44°C�Catbalogan, Western Samar - 43°C

�VSU Baybay, Leyte - 42°C�Borongan, Eastern Samar - 44°C

�Guiuan, Eastern Samar - 42°C

�Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte - 43°C

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely under a danger-level heat index of 42°C to 51°C.

Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 41°C in Aparri, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City and Cuyo in Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Catarman. Northern Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Davao City, Davao del Sur.

A heat index of 40°C is forecast over Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU Echague, Isabela; Baler and Casiguran in Aurora; CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; TAU Camiling, Tarlac; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Romblon, Romblon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Siquijor, Siquijor; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin, Southern, Leyte; Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Batanes due to the frontal system.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail across the archipelago. (PNA)

All reactions:

1Klaus Doring

Don't let the fear of wearing a swimsuit take away your summer fun

 By John Legaspi

Published Apr 22, 2026 03:21 pm

Fashion is something that goes beyond just covering the body. It is a tool for self-expression, enhancing one’s natural features, and giving someone a boost of confidence. In some cases, however, it becomes something many dread—and it is not just about the pieces, but also the pressure to conform to certain standards that not everyone can or wants to meet.

Iza Calzado (middle) headlines the unveiling of SM Woman Active's latest swimsuit line. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

If there is one piece that scares many the most, it would be the swimsuit. Unlike other pieces, the swimsuit is a call to shed layers, where the body becomes part of the overall look. For many, shedding layers means vulnerability—being seen as they are, without the usual protection of clothing that can hide insecurities.

That is something SM Woman Active aims to champion this season: the fun that comes with wearing a swimsuit. On April 20, 2026, at SM Makati Concourse, it unveiled its latest collection of swimsuits, all designed for comfort and confidence.

The new SM Woman Active swimwear collection features various styles that capture the essence of summer. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

The new swimwear collection of SM Woman Active features solid, sun‑washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant, summery prints. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Choose your style adventure

For the season, SM Woman Active’s swimsuit line is imbued with a variety of colors and prints that are perfect for beach getaways, resort weekends, and spontaneous tropical adventures. The designs alone are an invitation to have fun—in both style and spirit.

The runway show featured pieces in solid, sun-washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant tropical prints. The collection also showcased cover-ups, from sarongs and palazzo pants to kimonos and skirts, elevating the swimsuit when the occasion calls for it.

With silhouettes that flatter different body types and thoughtfully designed details, each piece encourages confidence and ease. Whether lounging by the shore or diving into the waves, the collection proves that swimwear can be both stylish and empowering—celebrating individuality while embracing the carefree spirit of the season.

Wearing this beachy sundress is perfect for watching the sunset by the beach. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

An elegant and refined look designed to take you from the city to your next summer adventure. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

This understated taupe one-piece swimsuit exudes effortless elegance. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Should you wear it or not?

There to celebrate the unveiling of the collection was actress Iza Calzado, who headlined the fashion presentation. When it comes to her relationship with her body, Iza confessed that the journey wasn’t easy. She faced pressure, intense expectations, and went through unhealthy extremes to fit the mold set by others. Over time, she also prioritized her mental health, recognizing that confidence isn’t just physical, but emotional and psychological as well. That kind of glow is what she brought to the SM Woman Active event.

“I have never envisioned that I’ll be part of an event centered on swimwear because of my insecurities and my story—my ‘truth’ back then,” the actress told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “But my story now fully embraces all of myself.”

What she loves about the swimwear collection is its range of silhouettes. Every woman can find a piece that matches her personality, style, and body. For Iza, scars and imperfections should not get in the way of anyone doing what they want and feeling free to explore.

“I used to be fearful about wearing a swimsuit as well. Sometimes, I still am, because I often think about what others might say about my body. I just want you to know that you are worthy,” Iza advised women who are finding their confidence. “If you are shy about your body and want to wear a swimsuit, just think this: 10 or 20 years from now, what would you regret more—not wearing that swimsuit or wearing it?”

PH women's relay team runs away with silver at Beach Games

 SANYA, China — The Philippine Athletics team closed out strong on the sands, claiming a silver medal in the women's 4x60 meters relay in beach athletics in the 6th Asian Beach Games on the Phoenix Island on Sunday, April 26.

By Reynald I. Magallon

Published Apr 26, 2026 11:06 am

Olympian Kristina Knott, running for the first time on the beach, bolted out of the starting line and gave the Filipinas an early advantage against their competitors in the heat 2 final.

Shane Joy Ponce and Lianne Pama sustained the run in their turns before anchor Jessica Laurance came out strong to bag the PH Athletics’ third medal in as many games.

“It's so different. There's no baton. The exchange zone is 3 metres versus 30 metres. So I think that our only enemy in the race was the zone.” said Knott.

Laurance, on the other hand, is now the only multi-medalist for Team PH so far after adding the silver to the bronze she won in the women’s 60m race.

Confronting the expanding drought crisis in Luzon

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Apr 27, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 26, 2026 03:59 pm

The latest report from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that drought conditions now grip 25 provinces across Luzon should sound a resounding alarm far beyond the agricultural sector. It is not merely a matter of failed rains or depleted reservoirs. It is a deepening crisis that cuts into the very fabric of Filipino life, threatening food security, livelihood, and the fragile resilience of communities already burdened by a national energy emergency.

For farmers, drought is an unforgiving adversary. Crops wither before harvest, irrigation systems run dry, and debts mount as yields diminish. In provinces dependent on rice and corn production, the lack of water translates directly into lost income and heightened food prices. The ripple effects are swift. Reduced water supply drives inflation, placing further strain on households already grappling with elevated electricity and transport costs.

Fisherfolk, too, are not spared. Prolonged dry spells alter water salinity and temperature in inland and coastal ecosystems, disrupting fish breeding cycles and reducing catch volumes. As fuel prices remain volatile due to global uncertainties, fewer fish in the nets mean deeper losses for small-scale operators who can ill afford another economic shock.

At the center of this unfolding hardship is the “common tao” — families who must stretch limited incomes to cover rising food and energy expenses. The convergence of drought and energy constraints forms a perfect storm, eroding purchasing power and amplifying vulnerabilities, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

Government response must therefore be both immediate and strategic. Emergency measures should prioritize the delivery of water through mobile tankers and the rehabilitation of critical irrigation systems in affected provinces. The National Irrigation Administration must accelerate desilting operations and repair damaged canals to maximize whatever limited water supply remains.

Equally urgent is the expansion of targeted financial assistance. Rather than broad, unfocused subsidies, support must be calibrated. Crop insurance payouts should be expedited, and concessional credit must be extended to farmers and fisherfolk to enable replanting and recovery. The Department of Agriculture can lead in distributing drought-resistant seed varieties and promoting climate-resilient farming techniques such as drip irrigation and crop diversification.

Water management, however, cannot remain reactive. The present crisis underscores the need for a more integrated, forward-looking approach. Investments in rainwater harvesting, small farm reservoirs, and watershed rehabilitation must be scaled up. Local government units, working alongside national agencies, should institutionalize water conservation measures and community-based resource management systems.

At the household level, practical coping mechanisms can make a difference. Families can adopt water-saving practices, shift to less water-intensive food consumption where feasible, and participate in community efforts to safeguard local water sources. These small but collective actions help build resilience from the ground up.

Beyond immediate relief, this drought episode is a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate variability. It calls for stronger alignment between climate adaptation policies and economic planning. The integration of renewable energy solutions in rural areas, for instance, can ease dependence on strained power systems while supporting agricultural productivity.

Ultimately, the challenge demands a whole-of-society response. National government, local units, the private sector, and communities must act in concert, guided by both urgency and foresight. The cost of inaction — or delayed action — will not only be measured in economic losses but in the diminished well-being of millions of Filipinos.

The fields may be parched today, but with decisive and coordinated effort, the nation can still weather this dry spell and emerge more resilient in the face of future crises.

Whose voice do you follow?

 

By Fr. Rolando V. De La Rosa, OP

Published Apr 26, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 25, 2026 03:41 pm

THROUGH UNTRUE

“Whose voice do you follow?” This is not just a theoretical question but a deeply personal one. Our lives are shaped by the voices we listen to. Every day, journalists, advertisers, bloggers, influencers, celebrities, politicians, as well as business and technology guruscompete for our attention and allegiance. We must learn to distinguish between voices that lead us astray and those that lead to truth and goodness.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus likens us Christians to sheep (John 10:1–10). This may seem unflattering. To be compared to sheep might suggest that Christians are afflicted with a “herd mentality,” following any voice they hear and going through life without conviction or purpose.

However, researchers have shown that the so-called “herd mentality” of sheep is not a sign of weakness but a necessary strategy for survival. Unlike many animals that can fend for themselves, sheep are inherently defenseless against predators. When threatened, they instinctively move toward the center of the herd, where they are least exposed to danger. Those that stray to the edges become more vulnerable. Sheep must remain close to one another and, above all, listen to and respond to the voice of the shepherd whom they recognize.

Sheep do not follow just any voice; they are discerning in the way that matters most. A stranger’s call sends them fleeing, but the familiar voice of their shepherd draws them near. In the same way, being a Christian requires that we become deeply attuned to the voice of Christ.

Jesus likens us to sheep to remind us that, in a world that has become hostile to His teachings, we are vulnerable and in need of guidance. He teaches us that the distinguishing mark of a Christian is not passivity or mindless conformity, but a strong sense of belonging and the ability to recognize the shepherd’s voice. As Jesus declares, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

This raises a crucial question: Do we still recognize the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? In a world convulsed with noise, this is no small challenge. We are surrounded by persistent and often deceptive voices that blare through smartphones, social media, television, and the internet. We are constantly told, “Do what you want. Follow your desires. Be who you want to be.”

These messages, when repeated endlessly, can dull our spiritual and moral sensibilities. They promise freedom but often lead to a subtle form of slavery. Jesus warned us about such voices: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). They mimic the tone of the Good Shepherd but lack His integrity and compassion.

The Bible is commonly referred to as the Word of God. Today, it is more accessible than ever, but also increasingly ignored and neglected. A well-known talk show host once asked a guest to name one of the Ten Commandments. The person replied, “Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s goose.” The host then asked another person to complete this biblical phrase: “Let him who is without sin…” The reply was, “have a good time.” These responses may provoke laughter, but they also reveal a troubling reality: our lack of familiarity with the Scriptures.

The Bible is not merely a book; it is the living Word through which God speaks. If we often feel lost or directionless, or if many suffer from a mental health crisis, it may be because we have allowed other voices to drown out the voice of Jesus. When was the last time you opened your Bible to seek guidance?

Our noisy world drives us to fear, restlessness, and endless craving. But the voice of the Good Shepherd challenges us to seek that kind of contentment that is deeper than success, stronger than suffering, and more enduring than death.

Only Jesus calls us by name, seeks us when we are lost, and lays down His life for us (John 10:11). His voice does not enslave; it sets us free. It does not confuse; it brings clarity. It does not scatter; it gathers and leads us safely home.

BDO profit hits ₱20 billion even as bank builds rainy-day fund

 

By James A. Loyola

Published Apr 25, 2026 03:26 pm

Nestor V. Tan, President and CEO of BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender by assets, reported a two percent increase in first-quarter net income as double-digit loan growth across all market segments offset a decision to bolster its rainy-day reserves.

Net income for the Sy family-led bank rose to ₱20.1 billion in the three months ended March 31 from ₱19.7 billion a year earlier, according to a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday, April 24.

The modest bottom-line growth reflects a more cautious stance by the lender, which increased its provisions as a preemptive measure against what it described as evolving geopolitical risks.

Despite the heightened provisioning, the bank’s core operations showed significant momentum. Net interest income climbed 11 percent during the period, underpinned by a 16 percent surge in gross customer loans, which reached ₱3.8 trillion. This expansion was broad-based, with the bank reporting double-digit growth in its corporate, middle-market, and consumer portfolios.

BDO’s deposit base remains a primary engine for its lending activities. Total deposits expanded 15 percent year-on-year, while the growth of low-cost current account and savings account (CASA) balances accelerated to seven percent.

The bank’s ability to maintain a steady flow of cheap funding has been critical in navigating a high-interest-rate environment that has pressured margins across the Southeast Asian banking sector.

Non-interest income, which includes fees and trading gains, rose six percent. A standout performer within this segment was the bank’s insurance operations, which saw a 27 percent jump in income. This diversified revenue stream helped propel the bank’s pre-provision operating profit to mid-teens growth, according to the disclosure.

Asset quality, a key metric for investors monitoring the health of the Philippine economy, continued to trend favorably. BDO’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 1.68 percent from 1.77 percent in the same period last year. To insulate itself from potential defaults, the lender maintained an NPL coverage ratio of 132 percent.

The bank reported a return on average common equity (ROCE) of 12.8 percent for the quarter. Shareholders’ equity rose nine percent on the back of consistent earnings, pushing the book value per share up eight to ₱119.36. The bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, a measure of financial strength, stood at 13.3 percent.

BDO management stated that the bank’s dominant market position and diversified franchise provide a buffer against a dynamic operating environment.