BY ALEX ALAGON
Power transmission service provider NGCP announced a reduction in overall transmission rates for end consumers this June, driven by lower transmission wheeling and ancillary services (AS) rates.
For the May 2026 billing period, overall average transmission rates declined by 9.33% to PhP1.4492/kWh, from PhP1.5983/kWh in April.
The decrease was due to lower wheeling and AS rates. NGCP’s transmission wheeling rates went down by 6.99%, from PhP0.6028/kWh in the April 2026 billing period to PhP0.5607/kWh in the May 2026 billing period.
Meanwhile, AS rates decreased by 10.73% to PHP0.7220/kWh, compared to PhP0.8088/kWh in April.
Transmission wheeling rates refer to what NGCP charges for its core service of delivering electricity, while AS rates cover the pass-through costs of services sourced from the Reserve Market and from providers with bilateral contracts with NGCP to stabilize the grid during power supply-demand imbalances. “For the June 2026 electric bill of end consumers, NGCP charges only 56 centavos per kWh for the delivery of its services,” NGCP said, adding that its revenues are revenue-capped and regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
MILITARY transport helicopters have flown dozens of emergency sorties to drop off tons of food and clean water to coastal and mountainous villages in Davao Occidental and Sarangani Province that have been completely cut off by landslides following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) mobilized Black Hawk helicopters to bypass ruined road networks and bridge collapses that currently paralyze conventional ground transportation.
During a five-day air bridge operation running from June 11 to 15, aircrews braved intermittent bad weather and treacherous terrain to deliver 4,925 food packs, 800 five-kilogram rice bags, 3,400 bottles of water, 100 containers of 20-liter potable water, and 440 additional boxes and cases of assorted relief goods.
The air assets loaded life-saving supplies from the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental, and from Rajah Buayan Air Base before flying them directly to makeshift landing zones in the hardest-hit areas.
The aerial supply drops successfully reached isolated residents in Barangays Molmol, Quiapo, San Isidro, and Sitio Makina of Barangay Kalbay in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, as well as Barangay E. Alegado in Glan, Sarangani Province.
On the ground, specialized disaster response teams from the 1002nd Infantry Brigade—including their specialized Female DRT—spearheaded the grueling physical logistics of loading, unloading, and distributing the cargo alongside local government personnel and volunteers.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of JTF Agila, praised the joint crews and ground teams for maintaining the critical air bridge despite acute logistical bottlenecks and localized hazards.
“Disasters test not only our capabilities but also our compassion as a people,” Luzon stated. “While access to some communities remains challenging, our troops, together with our partners from government agencies, LGUs, and humanitarian organizations, remain committed to ensuring that assistance reaches every affected family.”
MALAYAN Insurance Co. Inc. (MICO) formally broke ground on the redevelopment of its longstanding Davao property along J.P. Laurel Avenue, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in Davao City after 50 years of presence in the region.
Originally inaugurated on April 12, 1976, the MICO Davao building has stood as a familiar fixture in the city’s business district for half a century, serving generations of clients, partners, and businesses in the community. As Davao continues to emerge as one of the country’s key economic and commercial hubs, Malayan Insurance is ushering the property into a new era through the development of a modern five-story mixed-use facility designed to support the city’s evolving landscape.
More than a redevelopment project, the new MICO Davao reflects the company’s long-term confidence in the growth and potential of Mindanao. The upcoming facility is envisioned to become a vibrant business and commercial destination that contributes to the area’s continued urban revitalization while creating opportunities for enterprises, retailers, and the wider community.
Designed by WV Coscolluela and Associates (WVCA), the new building will feature a contemporary glass-and-steel facade that reimagines the site for the next generation. The redevelopment also places strong emphasis on resilience and sustainability, integrating enhanced structural and seismic safety standards alongside energy-efficient and environmentally conscious design features aligned with modern ESG principles.
The project also contributes to Davao City’s urban development by improving accessibility and helping strengthen the business environment along J.P. Laurel Avenue.
“This project is deeply meaningful to us because MICO Davao has been part of the city’s story for over 50 years,” said Paolo Y. Abaya, Malayan Insurance’s president and CEO, “Through this redevelopment, we are reaffirming our commitment to Davao and investing in a future-ready space that we hope will continue to serve businesses and communities for generations to come.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was successfully held on June 8, 2026, with project completion targeted for January 2027 and grand inauguration planned for March 2027.
A COUNCILOR here said that an international company started its feasibility study on waste-to-resources technology in the city to address its solid waste management problems.
During the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday, June 16, Councilor Tek Ocampo revealed that a Malaysian-Singaporean company began its feasibility study on Monday, June 15. to analyze the types of waste generated in the city that they can process.
“The company is employing a 5th Generation Waste Management System aimed at establishing a circular economy and achieving a zero-landfill target,” he said.
He added that under this system, all types of waste, whether wet or dry, will be processed and recycled into useful energy, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), or food waste to compost.
This technology is currently deployed in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and is expanding into Vietnam.
Ocampo said if the results prove favorable, Davao City will be the first in the Philippines to implement it.
The councilor said the company is still in the feasibility stage, which is expected to last for a month. Following the study, the company will submit a proposal for the city council’s assessment.
“They will not be asking for funding from the city government; they will fund it themselves,” he stressed.
He noted that the company began communicating with the city government last year and submitted a letter of intent to conduct the feasibility study about two weeks ago, following the tragedy in the sanitary landfill.
Ocampo said numerous companies have expressed interest in partnering with the city, including a Korean firm interested in mining methane gas from the sanitary landfill.
- Falling tree kills 12-year-old boy inside shanty in Marilog District
AN ORDINARY afternoon turned fatal for a 12-year-old minor after a massive tree collapsed onto a makeshift shanty during heavy rainfall and strong winds in Marilog District on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The Davao City Police Office identified the victim as alias Angelo, a resident of Sitio Kawayan, Lower B, Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District.
Responding Marilog Police Station personnel, led by duty investigator PSSg Rey T. Calaque and PSMS Alex Montalban, rushed to the area on the directive of acting station commander PMAJ Renante C. Aritalia after receiving the emergency alert.
By the time law enforcement reached the scene, Tamugan Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) rescuers, led by Eboy Gahoc, had already extricated the boy’s body from under the heavy trunk.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim and his sibling were seeking shelter inside a localized community shanty ( purok ) near their residence when the tragedy struck.
Without warning, a large Ipil-Ipil tree uprooted and directly crushed the structure.
Alias Jeana, the victim’s aunt, recounted to investigators that the tree’s sudden collapse might have been caused by the relentless rainfall and localized gusty winds that have been battering their areas for days.
Due to the sheer weight and impact of the debris, the victim sustained severe, fatal injuries that resulted in his instantaneous death, investigators noted.
His sibling managed to escape without reported critical injuries.
The victim’s body was subsequently transported to the Angel Funeral Home in Calinan, Davao City, for proper disposition.
Local disaster officials have reiterated their warnings to residents living near steep slopes or old trees to relocate to safer ground during heavy downpours, as rain-soaked soil drastically weakens root foundations in the rural terrain of the Marilog district.
THE 21ST City Council approved on Tuesday, June 17, an ordinance establishing the Bahay Pag-asa for Girls for female children in conflict with the law (CICL) and children at risk (CAR) in Davao City.
Proponent Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod said the ordinance will provide for a 24/7 dedicated residential facility for the care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial interventions of its residents while awaiting court disposition.
“One of the city’s thrusts is to protect children from further harm. Considering the social problems that confront our society, some of the youth committed various criminal offenses,” the ordinance reads.
The measure is anchored on Republic Act No. 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended by RA 10630, which mandates every province and highly urbanized city to build, fund, and operate a Bahay Pag-asa within their jurisdiction.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) cited the need for a gender-responsive rehabilitation facility, noting that while the city government already operates the Children’s Village of Davao City — Bahay Pag-asa for Boys, girl CICLs have historically been housed in women’s facilities not specifically designed for their needs.
“With this need and considering the population is increasing with the rising social problems involving girls, it is just fitting that we need to establish the Children’s Village of Davao City-Bahay Pag-asa for Girls,” the project design reads.
The shelter will pattern the programs under the Bahay Pag-asa for Boys in compliance with standards set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).
It added that the facility aims not only to provide shelter but to give the children a chance to engage in psychosocial activities that will make them become responsible citizens.
According to the project design submitted by the CSWDO, the construction will cost Php 108,000,000.00, to be funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The facility is proposed to be constructed in Barangay Biao Escuela, Tugbok District, Davao City, and is expected to serve beneficiaries from all 182 barangays of the city.
The facility will include a dormitory and sleeping quarters, an administrative building, counseling and processing rooms, and a receiving area. Construction is targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2026, following site inspection and document preparation conducted between November 2025 and January 2026.
The ordinance designates the City Mayor’s Office as the lead agency, with CSWDO as the coordinating agency.
Programs to be offered at the facility include psychosocial care, self-help activities, health and nutrition services, group supervised interaction, socio-cultural and recreational activities, spiritual and moral welfare, values education, family preservation and reunification, case management, psychological evaluation, occupational therapy, and educational assistance.
Sustained recognition highlights the strength of AEV’s portfolio and its continuing transformation into the Philippines’ first techglomerate
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), the active portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, has secured a place on the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500, marking its third consecutive year on the prestigious list of the region’s largest companies by revenue.
The continued recognition reinforces AEV’s position among Southeast Asia’s leading enterprises and reflects the strength and resilience of its diversified portfolio amid an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Published annually by Fortune, the Southeast Asia 500 ranks the region’s largest companies by revenue and serves as a benchmark for corporate scale, performance, and economic impact. AEV’s sustained presence on the list underscores its ability to deliver long-term value while navigating evolving market conditions and investing in future growth. Joining AEV on this year’s list is UnionBank, the Aboitiz Group’s banking and financial services arm.
“Being included once again in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 is a reflection of our people, our partners, and the trust they continue to place in us,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures. “It reinforces our belief that transformation is a never-ending journey.”
As the active portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, AEV oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning power, banking and financial services, infrastructure, food and beverages, real estate, economic estates, and data science. Through disciplined capital allocation, strategic oversight, and active portfolio management, AEV helps its businesses adapt, grow, and create lasting value for customers, communities, and shareholders.
AEV’s strategy is reflected in a series of investments, acquisitions, and partnerships that continue to strengthen its portfolio and create new growth opportunities. In 2025, AboitizPower expanded its renewable energy portfolio through the acquisition of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power complex, while Aboitiz Foods strengthened its regional presence through the acquisition of Singapore-based Diasham Resources.
These additions build on strategic partnerships across the Group, including Aboitiz InfraCapital’s partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock, to support critical infrastructure development, and the continued expansion of Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP), which reinforces the Group’s growing presence in the food and beverage sector.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate AEV’s active approach to portfolio management—strengthening market-leading businesses, investing in future-ready industries, and creating long-term value for stakeholders.
Over the past several years, AEV has accelerated the Aboitiz Group’s transformation into a techglomerate, embedding technology, data science, and artificial intelligence across its businesses to improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new opportunities for growth. By combining the strengths of established industries with innovation and digital capabilities, AEV is building a future-ready portfolio equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
AEV’s third consecutive appearance on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects not only the scale of its businesses but also the consistency of its performance and the effectiveness of its long-term strategy. As Southeast Asia continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, AEV remains focused on strengthening its portfolio and contributing to the Philippines’ economic progress through innovation, responsible growth, and strategic investments.
“More than a recognition of size, this distinction reflects our ability to evolve, adapt, and create meaningful impact,” Aboitiz added. “As a portfolio manager, we are focused on strengthening our businesses today while investing in the opportunities of tomorrow. Guided by innovation and a long-term perspective, we remain committed to helping build a better and more sustainable future for the Philippines and the region.”
The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 evaluates companies based on revenue and other key financial indicators, including profits, assets, equity, and market value, where applicable. The annual ranking showcases the companies helping drive Southeast Asia’s growth as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.
Present at the signing were ecoloop Managing Director Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia (left) and McDonald’s Director for Restaurant Equipment Management Group Jacinto Divinagracia.
Manila — McDonald’s Philippines took its long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship one step further by entering into a waste management partnership with ecoloop, the resource recovery arm of Republic Cement.
Under this partnership, plastic wastes generated in McDonald’s stores are delivered to Republic Cement and converted into alternative fuel. As a result, plastic wastes find new purpose as fuel for the cement manufacturing process, instead of ending up in sanitary landfills.
“At ecoloop, we believe sustainability is achieved through collaboration. Our partnership with McDonald’s Philippines demonstrates how shared responsibility can turn plastic waste into valuable resources and drive meaningful progress toward a circular economy,” said Angela Edralin-Valencia, Director of ecoloop, Republic Cement.
The partnership between McDonald’s Philippines and Republic Cement was sealed with the signing of an agreement earlier this year in their plant in Teresa, Rizal. Present at the signing were McDonald’s Director for Restaurant Equipment Management Group Jacinto Divinagracia, ecoloop Managing Director Atty. Angela Edralin, and Teresa Plant Manager Jimmy Torres.
Prior to the contract signing, the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) giant also joined Republic Cement in a special program for students at Teresa Elementary School, which featured a talk on environmental protection and sustainability. A highlight of the school activity was the turnover of 50 chairs from McDonald’s award-winning ReClassified program. Under ReClassified, decommissioned store furniture is spruced up and repurposed, for use as colorful and well-designed classroom chairs and tables. The school also turned over collected plastic waste to Republic Cement and McDonald’s for co-processing.
“Environmental stewardship and sustainability are an important part of McDonald’s operations in the Philippines,” said Divinagracia. “Across our 850-plus stores, we introduce and sustain innovations and practices that reduce our impact on the planet. Our partnership with ecoloop is a welcome addition to our continuing efforts to integrate environmental protection into the way we run our business.”
The partnership with Republic Cement is part of the company’s ongoing environmental initiatives, in support of Republic Act 11898, or the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. Under the EPR Law, big companies that generate plastic packaging waste play an important role in efficient waste management. The law states that waste management efforts should focus on “waste reduction, recovery and recycling, and the development of environment-friendly products that advocate the internationally accepted principles on sustainable consumption and production, circular economy, and producers’ full responsibility throughout the life cycle of their product.”
McDonald’s Philippines implements environmentally responsible practices under its Green & Good program, which seeks sustainable and alternative solutions to the way it operates and serves customers. McDonald’s Green & Good stores have green building features, such as eco-pavers and light-gauge steel frames partially made with recycled steel; utility-efficient solutions for its operations, such as solar rooftops, rainwater harvesting tanks, and solar lampposts; and promote active mobility among its customers.
McDonald’s stores nationwide have been working towards reducing the amount of plastic waste that they generate by switching to sustainable packaging. A good number of stores are also now using washable and reusable utensils for dine-in customers, thus reducing the reliance on single-use plastic spoons and forks.
Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) clarifies the circumstances surrounding the power interruption that affected several areas in Tagum City on June 13 and extends its apology to customers for the inconvenience caused by the extended outage.
The interruption was due to a fault in one of the distribution lines serving the area. Upon receiving reports of the outage, Davao Light immediately dispatched line crews to locate the source of the problem and restore service as soon as it was safely possible.
The outage was traced to a combination of deteriorated line hardware, particularly a damaged disconnect switch, and configuration errors in the protection system, resulting in the outage of the Mirafuentes substation. During the initial survey, a kite was also found tangled in the power lines, which may have contributed to the disturbance.
The affected section required further inspection and corrective repairs before it could be safely re-energized. The affected facilities were part of the distribution system previously operated and maintained by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO), and were turned over to Davao Light following a court-issued Supplemental Writ of Possession based on an Order of the Regional Trial Court of Tagum City. These assets are currently undergoing continued assessment, rehabilitation, and upgrading to improve service reliability.
Restoration efforts involved pole-to-pole inspection across a wide service area and were further slowed by intermittent rain as crews observed strict safety protocols during line assessment and repair activities.
Davao Light sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the extended outage. While restoration took longer than expected, all identified issues were properly addressed to help prevent recurrence.
The company extends its gratitude to its customers for their patience and assures them of its continued efforts to enhance the reliability of the distribution system through ongoing rehabilitation of aging facilities across its expanded franchise area.
