BY ALEX ALAGON
Manila, Philippines — Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has emerged as the highest-ranked Philippine real estate developer in the 2026 edition of TIME’s Asia-Pacific Best Companies, a list that evaluates regional firms for financial performance, employee satisfaction, and sustainability transparency.
The annual ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, provides a composite assessment of growth, workforce engagement, and ESG practices, offering a benchmark for investors and analysts assessing corporate quality across the Asia-Pacific region.
For the property sector, the list highlights a shift in evaluation criteria: developers are increasingly measured not just on sales or revenue growth, but on the resilience and environmental performance of the urban developments they deliver.
Ayala Land’s estates, which include large-scale, masterplanned mixed-use communities, integrate low-carbon construction, climate resilience, pedestrian-oriented design, and green open spaces. Observers note that embedding sustainability at the district level is becoming a distinguishing factor in regional real estate competitiveness.
The company was also the only Philippine firm cited in TIME’s World’s Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2026, a global ranking recognizing firms that combine strong financial growth with measurable reductions in environmental impact. In addition, Ayala Land was named the Best Real Estate Company in the Philippines by Euromoney, which cited its governance, execution, and long-term asset performance.
Industry analysts say the recognition reflects broader market trends, as investors increasingly prioritize developments with integrated sustainability features, such as efficient utilities, transit-oriented planning, and green infrastructure, which can support occupancy and value retention over time.
Ayala Land continues to expand its portfolio across the Philippines, developing estates that integrate residential, commercial, retail, and institutional components designed to balance economic activity with environmental stewardship.
With a refined system, a stint in Japan, and a key roster addition, the High Speed Hitters are moving with a level of intent that should put the rest of the league on notice
New year, new season, and for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, a massive new chance to prove they belong at the very top.
After their fourth-place finish last conference, the High Speed Hitters aren’t just looking to participate in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. They look to reclaim their identity as champions, starting with a winning sweep against multi-titlist Creamline Cool Smashers followed by a four-set victory over the Bella Belen-bannered Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Fueling the fire
For the High Speed Hitters, coming so close to a podium finish last year wasn’t a setback; it was a wake-up call.
“Last season was very challenging,” said Coach Rald Ricafort. “Even though we didn’t reach our final goal, the team learned a lot. We are working hard this pre-season to improve and hopefully reach our goal again this conference.”
Team captain Kath Arado echoes this sentiment, noting that the hunger to bounce back is palpable throughout the squad.
“Gustong makabawi ulit. Tingin ko, ito pa din yung mindset ng bawat isa samin especially naging maganda yung training namin sa Japan at maraming kaming bagong natutunan individually and as a team,” she shared. “Tinitignan namin na one game at a time dahil halos lahat ng team ay lumakas.”
The Japan connection
To prepare for the grind of the All-Filipino Conference, the High Speed Hitters took their training to Japan. The experience wasn’t just about physical conditioning; it was a masterclass in the “Japanese way” – speed, discipline, and flawless fundamentals.
“Philippine volleyball still has a long way to go,” Coach Rald observed. “We saw kids from elementary to college having the same consistency and discipline that we aim to adopt. We want to play smart and be as mentally resilient as possible.”
For the players, the trip served as a reminder that winning isn’t always about power – it’s about patience.
“Lagi itong nagiging paalala,” added Arado. “Maraming pagkakataon na din kasi na sa kagustuhan namin matapos na yung game at makabawi agad, mas nahihirapan pa kami instead na mas makuha yung panalo. Ako as a captain, dapat sakin magsimula na wag madaliin ang paglalaro. Na dapat kami yung mag-set ng tempo na familiar kami at makakapag-execute ng maayos na play.”
A new edge in the middle
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of middle blocker Seth Rodriguez. A former teammate of Arado at the University of the East, Rodriguez brings a mix of height and high-energy play that the team needs, especially with key players like Dell Palomata playing abroad.
“I think my optimism and my ‘pagiging palaban’ (competitiveness) yung madadala ko sa team,” Rodriguez says of her transition. “Andun pa po ako sa adjustment stage, trying to keep up sa solid na system ng team. But my teammates always help me and they make sure na makasabay po ako sa system na meron sila.”
Arado is confident that her old friend will be a pillar for PLDT. “Yung blockings nya siguro talaga yung sasandalan namin tsaka yung competitiveness nya sa court na ‘pag nabigyan sya ng pagkakataon, ibibigay nya yung 100% nya para makatulong sa team.”
Because of this and the training experience in Japan, fans shouldn’t expect the same old High Speed Hitters. This version of PLDT aims to be more technical, more disciplined, and significantly faster.
“Hopefully, fans will notice a more technical approach in terms of executing skills,” Ricafort says. “We aim to play consistent, smart, and resilient volleyball.”
For Rodriguez, the message to the supporters is simple: “PLDT fans, thank you sa pagtanggap sakin. Please continue to support us lalo na sa mga upcoming games namin this season.”
With the PVL All-Filipino Conference revving up, the PLDT High Speed Hitters aren’t just playing for points – they’re playing for redemption. And with the speed of their namesake, they’re coming for the crown.
Catch every moment of the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ journey in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference by following them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. to stay connected to the action. For the best experience, stream the games in high definition via PLDT Home’s high-speed fiber internet.
Photos courtesy of PVL
PUEBLO DE ORO Development Corporation (PDO) recently marked a milestone in its international market outreach with its participation in the Philippine Christmas Festival, joining the 2025 edition held at Tumbalong Park in Sydney, Australia.
The Festival, organized by the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC‑NSW) with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, is one of the largest annual gatherings of the Filipino community in Australia.
The event, which drew a strong turnout of Filipinos living in Australia alongside members of the wider local community, provided PDO with an opportunity to connect directly with overseas Filipinos interested in property investment and homeownership opportunities in the Philippines.
Through on-site interactions, the company presented its overall development vision and held discussions on real estate investment, future plans, and long-term value.
The Sydney event also highlighted Pueblo de Oro’s distinct development philosophy of creating sustainable, high-quality yet affordable communities in major Philippine growth corridors. Across Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, the company’s portfolio combines thoughtfully master-planned residential communities and integrated townships designed to balance environmental stewardship with practical living needs.
“Participating in the Sydney event is significant for us as it allows Pueblo de Oro to connect directly with Filipinos overseas and better understand how we can support their long-term goals, whether for investment or eventual homecoming,” said Prim Nolido, president and chief operating officer of Pueblo de Oro. “It reinforces our commitment to making quality, well-planned communities accessible to Filipinos wherever they may be.”
PDO’s presence at the festival resulted in meaningful exchanges with prospective buyers and investors, increased brand visibility among overseas Filipinos, and expressions of interest from broker partners keen to represent Pueblo de Oro projects abroad.
This Sydney outreach forms part of Pueblo de Oro’s broader efforts to reach overseas Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and to position Philippine real estate as a viable long-term investment and homeownership option for Filipinos living abroad, as the company continues to extend its reach beyond domestic markets.
THE MILITARY has launched a massive, multi-brigade offensive to neutralize the final leadership remnants of the New People’s Army’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), following the recent death of a top regional commander.
Major General Michele Anayron, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, told reporters in a press briefing that the military is now focused on three high-ranking targets: regional secretary Julia Cagadas (alias Reda), an individual known as Kakoy from San Luis, Agusan del Sur, and an insurgent identified as Jakem.
In what Anayron described as a high-tempo operation, the military has “imported” and consolidated a massive force to scour the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon:
- Two Brigades: The 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Malaybalay and another brigade from Butuan (402nd).
- Seven Battalions: A combined force consisting of the 23rd, 58th, 28th, 75th, 1st Special Forces, 8th, 88th, and 26th Infantry Battalions.
- Air Support: Blackhawk helicopters are being utilized to provide rapid 30-minute resupply runs to troops stationed in the rugged Pantaron Range, which would otherwise take days to reach on foot.
“You can see how persistent we are to finish the NCMRC,” Anayron said. “We have seven battalion commanders manning focused military operations. Our troops have spent their Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s, and even Chinese New Year in the Pantaron Range to ensure this mission is completed.”
The fall of “Tado”
The intensity of the operation follows the neutralization of Bonifacio Lutawan alias Tado, the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command (ROC), on Feb. 15. Lutawan, a veteran insurgent since the 1990s, carried a P4,750,000 bounty and was considered the inspiration and forward security for regional secretary Reda.
Lt. Col. Jorge Jallorina, commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, detailed the encounter in the forested terrain of Sitio Tacocon. After tracking a consolidated group of leaders since Feb. 1, troops engaged a five-man security detail.
Following two brief but intense firefights, soldiers discovered Lutawan’s body with two gunshot wounds to the chest.
The military assessed that the NCMRC is nearing total disintegration, with only an estimated 25 to 26 rebels remaining.
“We can say they are very weak now,” Anayron noted. “While we cannot be complacent due to their ‘recovery efforts,’ our local chief executives have already taken off with roadmaps and infrastructure projects. The potential for peace, especially in Bukidnon, is at an all-time high.”
The division commander credited the success to the support of the local government units, which allowed the military to sustain long-term operations in the hinterlands. Military officers noted that some sub-leaders have already sent “feelers” expressing their desire to surrender.
By JOREYLENE ROJO & KRISTINA CRUJIDO/DNSC Interns
MAYOR Sebastian Duterte highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Davao City during the Chinese New Year celebration held Monday evening, Feb. 16, at the Bucana Bridge along the Davao City Coastal Road.
The mayor personally attended the event, where he thanked China for its continued support of Davao City, particularly for the construction of the Bucana Bridge at no cost to the local and Philippine governments.
“Kining tulay nga atong ginatungtungan karon, ginagamit, ginaagihan, gihatag ni sa atoa sa China nga libre, wala ta’y gigasto (The bridge we are standing, using, or passing through now, was donated to us by China. We did not spend anything), Duterte said in his speech.
He also emphasized that ties between China and the Philippines date back many years, recalling early trade relations between Chinese merchants and pre-colonial Filipinos, especially in the southern parts of the country.
The mayor added that China never attempted to colonize the Philippines and expressed hope that peaceful relations between the two will continue, noting that cooperation supports development and progress.
The Chinese New Year celebration gathered local officials, members of the Filipino-Chinese community, and residents who joined cultural performances and festivities at the bridge site.
- DCPO maintains ‘total peace’ during Chinese New Year 2026
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) recorded zero security-related incidents during the city-wide celebration of the 2026 Chinese New Year.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip said the DCPO deployed comprehensive security measures across all major event venues and high-traffic areas.
The “zero-incident” accomplishment was the result of heightened police visibility and the strategic integration of partner law enforcement agencies.
Muarip attributed the success to a “unified effort” involving the local government unit, various partner agencies, and the organizers themselves.
“This achievement was made possible through strong collaboration,” the DCPO stated in an official release. “The tireless work of our personnel demonstrated a high level of preparedness and a deep dedication to public service.”
Muarip praised the kadasig (spirit/enthusiasm), compliance with security protocols, civic-mindedness, and discipline of Davaoeños.
The DCPO also thanked the public for their continued trust, noting that the peaceful celebration serves as a benchmark for future large-scale cultural gatherings in the city.
“The zero-incident outcome reflects our shared commitment to ensuring a safe environment,” the statement continued.
A LOCAL coffee hub became the latest target of an early-morning robbery, as two motorcycle-riding suspects escaped with over ₱51,000 in cash and electronic equipment on Monday.
The heist was captured on CCTV at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 16, revealing a motorcycle carrying two individuals that pulled up along the bypass road.
While one suspect stayed on the bike as a lookout, the passenger—wearing a bull cap and a handkerchief to mask his face—approached the shop on foot.
The suspect was seen forcibly prying open a glass window to gain entry. Once inside, he ransacked the cashier’s drawer, emptying the previous day’s earnings, according to the report.
The crime went unnoticed until 10:30 a.m., when the shop’s caretaker and cashier arrived to open for the day. Upon discovering the destroyed drawer and the missing funds, they immediately alerted the authorities.
The two rode off with ₱51,270.00 in shop earnings and one Huawei tablet valued at ₱15,000.
Under the supervision of station commander Maj Philip Dave A. Uddin, investigators PSMS Noel M. Burden and PSSg John Jecor A. Mancera conducted an on-site inspection and are currently reviewing broader CCTV feeds along the bypass road to track the getaway route.
The suspects are described as wearing sweatshirts and pants, with the primary intruder partially concealed by a cap and a handkerchief.
A POLICE operation in Barangay Ilang ended with the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of an illegal firearm and nearly ₱48,000 worth of suspected shabu in the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
The operation, part of the intensified “Oplan Ronda” campaign, was carried out at approximately 1 a.m. in Muslim Village by personnel from the Bunawan Police Station, supported by the 1st and 2nd city mobile force companies and Task Force Lawin.
According to the police report under the supervision of acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip, the routine patrol turned volatile when one of the suspects allegedly resisted the operatives.
A 46-year-old suspect, identified by the alias Tito, reportedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the responding officers.
But PSSg Guillermo Mandin Jr. successfully grappled with and restrained the armed suspect.
A second suspect, identified as Vic, 35, allegedly attempted to interfere in the struggle to assist Tito, but was quickly neutralized and detained by PSSg Al Sajem.
The search following the apprehension yielded significant evidence, including: One .45 caliber Colt MK IV pistol, loaded with seven rounds of live ammunition, and four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
The seized drugs have an estimated standard price of ₱47,600.
Meanwhile, the inventory of the evidence was conducted on-site, witnessed by a media representative and the Barangay Captain of Ilang to ensure transparency.
The suspects are currently in custody and face charges to be filed at the City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Section 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
THE IMPLEMENTATION of a trimester system in Department of Education (DepEd) schools is possible for the School Year 2026-2027, an agency official said on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
In an interview with city-run radio on Feb. 17, DepEd Davao spokesperson Jenelito Atillo said while there are no implementing guidelines yet, the reform of the school calendar is possible in the coming academic year.
“For us, it is still sketchy, although it was already confirmed that possibly in 2026-2027, next school year,” Atillo said.
Atillo cited Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s pronouncement as not mentioning the rollout, but only proposing the schedule of programs and activities.
Under the trimester system, the school year will be divided into three academic terms with longer days for teaching and enrichment activities.
“The trimester calendar will be helpful to the students and the teachers as the school days are loosened up,” Atillo stressed.
Based on the proposed calendar framework released by DepEd for SY 26-27, the 201 school days will be divided into three where each term will have 54-61 days for the instructional block.
These days are intended for continuous learning outside of non-academic activities. For the first term, the opening block will be observed, where activities for the opening of the school year will be conducted.
Also included in the reform are low-disruption alternatives where observances and celebrations will be incorporated in the lessons rather than conducting a separate event that disrupts the classes.
According to the proposal, the classes start in the first week of June and run until September for the first term. The second term is from September to December, while the last term is January to March.
Angara explained that the proposal, which is being eyed for the next school year, is part of a “holistic approach” for quality education.
This, after the Second Congressional Committee on Education (EDCOM 2) flagged the proficiency decline of grades 3,6, 10, and 12.
“Itinutulak natin ito upang magkaroon ng mas mahahabang, tuloy-tuloy na panahon ng pagkatuto, mas maayos na pacing ng mga aralin, at mas mababang administrative burden para sa ating mga guro. Sa ganitong paraan, napapangalagaan natin ang kalidad ng edukasyon (We are pushing this for longer and continuous learning, better pacing of education, and reduced administrative burden for our teachers. This way, we can promote a better quality of education),” Angara said in DepEd press release.
At present, DepEd implements two semesters in a school year.
The agency is expected to release formal policy guidelines on the implementation of the trimester calendar as consultation with teachers, school leaders, and other education stakeholders is underway.
