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October 2025

Business

Cebu Pacific Signs Damp Lease Agreement with Bulgaria Air to Strengthen Fleet Capacity for Peak Travel Season

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Cebu Pacific is strengthening its fleet in December by entering into a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air to meet the expected rise in passenger demand during the peak travel season.

CEB has signed the agreement with Bulgaria Air for two (2) Airbus 320 CEO aircraft that will service four domestic routes from Manila – Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro – from December 2025 to January 2026. The two leased A320ceo will each have 180-seat capacity. 

Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, has many years of experience in damp lease of aircraft, having partnered with airlines all over the world.  Under the agreement, Bulgaria Air will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Cebu Pacific will utilize its own cabin crew.

“We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience,” said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao. “Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026.”

Throughout its professional journey, Bulgaria Air has upheld a reputation for reliability and quality service. The airline’s fleet boasts modern aircraft, ensuring passengers travel in a high level of comfort and safety.

“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific – one of the most dynamically developing airlines in Asia,” said Chairman of the Management Board of Bulgarian Airways Group Hristo Todorov. “This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects.”

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CommunityFeatured

From Dreams to Reality with GLoan: A Working Student’s Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Iloilo City – For many working students, the road to higher education is filled with sacrifices, sleepless nights, and financial uncertainty. For one determined Ilongga, that journey has finally come full circle with a dream realized and the bar successfully passed.

Balancing a full-time job while studying law at Central Philippine University was no easy feat. The pressure of exams, recitations, and maintaining employment was already challenging. But perhaps the biggest hurdle of all was financial.

“I’ve been exposed to legal matters through my work, and I took up law to gain the right knowledge and prepare myself for when it’s needed,” shared Sheila Mae Gomez, who graduated in 2023 and passed the bar in 2024.

Now officially a lawyer, Atty. Sheila Mae Gomez from Iloilo looks back on her journey with gratitude. With the help of GLoan, she has fulfilled her dream to serve her community.

“I also pursued law studies to build confidence, make smarter decisions, and help others when they’re dealing with tricky legal situations. For me, becoming a lawyer isn’t just about the title—it’s a chance to stand up for justice, protect people’s rights, and make a real difference by helping others find fair solutions,” she said.

Despite having a monthly income, the cost of legal education was still a challenge for Gomez. “Every enrollment and exam season brought anxiety,” she added. “That’s when GLoan became one of my most reliable yet silent personal partner.”

“It is unfortunate that loans are often seen in a negative light,” remarked Gomez, “but I believe that borrowing, when done with purpose, can be a powerful tool and a smart investment, especially when it supports your education and personal growth.”

GLoan, a service offered by Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, stood out for its simplicity and transparency. With no documentary requirements, no collaterals, quick approval process, clear terms, and no hidden surprises, it provided much-needed peace of mind. “There was no drama. I didn’t have to risk my relationships by borrowing from family or friends,” she shared. “With GLoan, I immediately saw how much I would receive and what my monthly payments would be,” she expressed.

Now officially a lawyer, she looks back on the journey with gratitude, having finally earned the title “Atty.” that now precedes her name and established a law office to serve her immediate community.

“With the support of my family, friends, and GLoan, I was able to pass the bar. And even now, as I begin this new chapter, GCash continues to be part of my financial journey,” shared Gomez.

To others dreaming of pursuing further studies, her message is clear: “Don’t hesitate to invest in yourself. The road is always tough, but it’s not impossible to reach your dreams.”

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Featured

Kärcher Philippines, National Museum team up to refresh GOMBURZA National Monument

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA — Kärcher, a world-famous German brand and the global leader in professional cleaning technology, has partnered with the National Museum of the Philippines to undertake a conservation-safe cleaning of the GOMBURZA National Monument. 

The project aligns with the nationwide celebration of Museum and Galleries Month every October, which highlights the preservation and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.

The initiative underscores Kärcher’s continuing commitment to cultural preservation and social responsibility. It forms part of the company’s 90th-anniversary challenge to complete 90 cleaning projects around the world in 2025 and coincides with the 10th anniversary of Kärcher Philippines.

“This initiative reflects Kärcher’s belief that technology should serve memory and meaning. Through the conservation-safe cleaning of the GOMBURZA National Monument, we are safeguarding cultural heritage by using careful, science-informed methods to bring back details time had obscured, so the public can read the artwork as its creator intended, while the monument’s integrity remains fully protected,” said Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines. 

“Through this collaboration, Kärcher demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving our historical treasures while supporting the museum’s ongoing efforts in conservation and public education. We look forward to presenting this monument in a refreshed and pristine condition—ready to inspire and be admired by thousands of visitors, tourists, and commuters alike,” said Jeremy R. Barns, Director General of National Museum of the Philippines.

The bronze statue of GOMBURZA was cleaned with a Kärcher high-pressure cleaner in steam mode at 80–90 °C, a low pressure of 0.5–1.0 bar and a water flow of 350 liters per hour, following on-site assessments. This low-pressure, high-temperature process removed dust, oils, and pollutants while preserving the bronze’s natural patina—the green coloration formed as bronze reacts with oxygen—which acts as a protective layer against corrosion.

The surrounding betone/brick plaza floors were deep-cleaned using Kärcher’s Dirt Blaster (3,500 rpm) at 80 °C, 100–110 bar and water flow of 700 liters per hour. The low granite perimeter was treated with the same settings using a 25° wide nozzle for a gentler spray, effectively clearing organic and surface deposits without abrasion.

The GOMBURZA National Monument commemorates the three martyred priests, Mariano Gómez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, who advocated for the rights of Filipino clergy during the Spanish colonial period and were executed on February 17, 1872, following accusations related to the Cavite Mutiny. 

Created by Filipino sculptor Solomon Saprid, the monument was first inaugurated in front of the Manila Cathedral on January 17, 1972, before being transferred to its present site. On February 17, 2021, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized Saprid’s GOMBURZA among the nation’s official National Monuments.

ULTURAL PRESERVATION. Kärcher, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, conducts conservation-safe cleaning of the GOMBURZA National Monument as part of its 90th-anniversary goal to complete 90 projects worldwide in 2025.

Kärcher PH “10-10-10” milestone

This October, Kärcher Philippines reaches a “10–10–10” milestone: its 10th conservation project, delivered in the 10th month of its 10th anniversary year. What began in 2015 with a two-person team has grown into a strong subsidiary with 32 specialists across diverse fields. From the Kärcher Center in Sucat, Parañaque City, and a Cebu sales and service hub, the team, now under General Manager Darwin Banez, built a nationwide network and a reputation for reliable, high-performance cleaning solutions.

Beyond its products, Kärcher Philippines has strengthened its public presence through cultural sponsorships, cleanup campaigns, and community initiatives that reflect the company’s values. This year’s collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines on the GOMBURZA National Monument marks the 10th heritage site in the country to benefit from Kärcher’s conservation cleaning, joining Fort Santiago, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Silang Church, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, Bonifacio Shrine, San Agustin Church, People Power Monument, and Rizal Monument.

More information about Kärcher products and solutions is available at the website <karcher.com/ph/inside-kaercher/careers/company/kaercher-philippines.html > and official Facebook page <fb.com/karcher.inc>.

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Lifestyle

DATA holds Hospitality and Tourism Experience Conference; launched Davao passport

by Ian Ray Garcia
written by Ian Ray Garcia

WANDERLUST | The Davao Tourism Association (DATA) held its second edition of the Hospitality and Tourism Experience Conference (HTX) on October 28, 2025 at the Grand Regal Hotel, drawing industry leaders, educators, students, and budding tourism professionals to explore the future of sustainable hospitality.

Billed as the region’s premier tourism gathering, the event underscores Davao’s commitment to regenerative travel and community-driven growth.

“In last year’s HTX, we planted the seed – a platform where tourism leaders, innovators, change makers could share ideas, stories, and solutions. This year, we’re nurturing that seed as it grows, stronger, more connected, and more intentional,” said DATA president Nicole Nina Hao Bian-Ledesma.

She expounded that with this year’s theme, the industry is challenged “to go beyond business as usual”.

“It calls us to reimagine tourism not just as an industry but as an ecosystem – one that uplifts people, protects the planet, and preserves the stories that make Davao truly unique,” Bian-Ledesma added.

Department of Tourism XI regional director Tanya Rabat Tan supported DATA’s objectives for this years HTX.

“It also challenges us to rethink how we develop and deliver tourism experiences, ensuring that what we offer is not only memorable, but also meaningful and sustainable for our communities.

Tourism today is more than just sightseeing. It is really about connection,” Director Rabat-Tan said.

Adding more substance to the discussions, the lineup of guest panelists includes MAD Travel founder and advocate for regenerative eco-entrepreneurship Raf Dionisio, Philippine Tour Operators Association 1st Vice President Maria Lourdes Flor Japson, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation Director of Leisure and Business Development Monica Lorenzo, Cebu Pacific Marketing Director Michelle Eve de Guzman, and Seda Hotels Mindanao Cluster General Manager Kennedy Kapulong, who shared their respective experiences and strategies in empowering the next generation of tourism innovators.

The HTX is split into two tracks: the Industry and Academe session themed “Designing Tomorrow’s Journeys: Innovating Experiences, Regenerating Communities,” and the Student Conference under “Next Gen Tourism: Experiences and Impact.”

A highlight of the day was the much-buzzed-about launch of the Davao Tourism Passport, designed to gamify exploration, encouraging visitors to rediscover Davao’s homegrown restaurants and retail shops, as well as hidden gems—from coffee and market tours to art and cultural hubs.

The Tourism Passport will afford holders to unlock exclusive perks like discounts, freebies, and access to local experiences. It will be available starting next month, for usage from January 1 to December 31, 2026. As the forum wrapped, HTX 2025 reaffirmed Davao’s significant role as the country’s tourism industry continues to grow.

With over 300 DATA members championing these initiatives, the conference not only celebrates progress but sets a roadmap for resilient, inclusive growth in the years ahead. via Ian Ray Garcia

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Health

PhilHealth pushes for early detection to prevent breast cancer

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is promoting early detection and reminding members of their financial coverage for breast cancer treatment, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s priority on improving healthcare in the country.

The Philippines has extremely low breast cancer screening rates, which is linked to the country having one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia. According to a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, only 1% of Filipino women were screened for cancer, translating to only 540,000 women out of an estimated 54 million getting screened. Compounding the issue is that a significant majority—as high as 65%—of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stage, greatly reducing the 5-year relative survival rate.

To address the financial barrier that often delays diagnosis and treatment, the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has been substantially enhanced. The package has increased by 1300%, reaching up to P1.4 million from the previous P100,000. The benefit now covers patients with breast cancer across Stages 0 to 4, including those who are already undergoing treatment. As of September 2025, the amount paid for Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has reached a total of P72.03M.

PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) further reinforces this as it covers selected outpatient cancer screening tests for breast cancer including financial coverage for a mammogram (P2,610) and breast ultrasound (P1,350). By providing extensive financial protection from initial diagnostic tests to complex targeted therapy, PhilHealth aims to remove the cost as a barrier and encourage patients to seek care early, improving outcomes for a disease that is curable when detected in its initial stages.

“Sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP, ginagawa naming mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan. Magpa-check-up, follow-up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo,” said PhilHealth president and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado.

For more details on PhilHealth YAKAP and Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer and other benefits, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.

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Business

DMAP calls for industry-wide responsible personalization practices amid use of customer data, AI at DigiCon 2025

by Contributor
written by Contributor

 Manila, Philippines — The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, advocated for holistic, responsible personalization practices in the digital marketing landscape during its hosting of the 10th Digital Congress (DigiCon) last October 16-17 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.

Themed “The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,” the biggest digital marketing conference in the Philippines gathered over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, and media, to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in customer engagement.

Delegates gained valuable industry knowledge and experience during the two-day event through five focused tracks: Innovation (AI), Intelligence (Data Science), Immersive (Retail and Activations), Impact (Brand Building), and Integration (Business Transformation). This year’s edition of DigiCon featured a series of talks and discussions centered on the most relevant topics and issues in the digital landscape, including hyper-individualized customer experiences, responsible data practices and ethical AI use, content creation and curation, brand-building, and future-proofing businesses.

About 71% of consumers expect personalization, and high-growth companies generate 40% more revenue from it. In today’s AI-driven world, brands leverage this opportunity to create engaging, relevant customer experiences by analyzing data and predicting behavior, underscoring their critical role in meeting expectations and driving growth.

In his keynote speech, global emerging technologies expert Dex Hunter-Torricke highlighted the fast-evolving digital landscape and how it’s pushing the industry to keep up with exponentially rising customer expectations.

“The next decade is going to be the most challenging moment in history. There are transformations now building on the last wave of technology that are far greater, faster, and more interconnected than ever that we are all installing right now. In fact, over time, many of the leaders in the biggest AI labs in the world believe that we’re going to end up in the future with so-called Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a human-level intelligence in AI that is much, much cleverer and capable of far more applications than anything you see right now. We’re entering an era now where AI, as it gets more and more intelligent, opens up the possibilities of hyper-personalization, something that is vastly more bespoke and customized to the needs of every single one of our customers, communities, and stakeholders,” said Hunter-Torricke, who served as a communications executive at Facebook and SpaceX.

DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla noted the importance of trust and consent as primary currencies in building a respectful, value-driven customer experience.

“Personalization has been democratized. Everyone, from big brands to small businesses and entrepreneurs, now has access to tools once reserved for the few. However, just because we can personalize, doesn’t mean we always should. Consent, privacy, ethics, and trust are the currencies of modern marketing. People don’t just want relevance, but they want respect. Let’s use personalization not just because we can, but because it truly adds value,” said Fontanilla.

Hunter-Torricke further emphasized the crucial role of future-focused, holistic thinking in shaping the next wave of digital marketing.

“Everything in this age and all the history to come is about a world where everything is connected. Therefore, the things we will do in the next century will be vastly more interesting and transformative. So, it’s essential that you take the future seriously and think about how everything you do fits into the context of a much, much larger story. And if you do that, you will be exceptional marketers.”

This year, DigiCon 2025 delegates had the opportunity to earn program certifications upon completing the program tracks in partnership with the Certified Digital Marketer (CDM). This initiative aligns with DMAP’s mission to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

“The future is connected and powered by AI, but its success hinges on our collective commitment to responsible practices. DigiCon 2025 has not only charted the course toward hyper-personalization but has equipped our industry with the ethical compass needed to navigate it. The conversations started here will ensure DMAP and the whole digital marketing ecosystem remain at the forefront of digital excellence,” said DMAP President Miko David.

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Business

Major Philippine brands accelerate cage-free egg transition with sweeping new commitments

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA – The Philippine food industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, with major brands and operators across the nation committing to cage-free eggs. Since the start of the year, substantial players, including The Figaro Group, Andok’s, and 333 Foods—with nearly 600 stores combined—along with key airline caterer Cebu Pacific Catering Services and many others, have all pledged to transition to 100% cage-free eggs within their operations, reflecting a strong collective move toward more humane and sustainable sourcing.

Building on this growing wave,  Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (PSE:PIZZA | SPAVI)  and Century Pacific Food, Inc. (PSE:CNPF), among the Philippines’ leading food service groups and food manufacturers, have also committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across all restaurants and product lines.

Among SPAVI’s portfolio of restaurants and kiosks are beloved brands like Shakey’s, Potato Corner, and Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, among others.

“Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. and all its brands…mandated the use of only cage-free fresh eggs from accredited suppliers across all brands and stores,” the company noted in a statement posted on its website last week. “Furthermore, we are actively transitioning all remaining egg ingredients to cage-free sources and are aiming to complete this shift by 2030 as part of our commitment to responsible sourcing.”

Century Pacific will similarly shift all egg ingredients used in its products to cage-free sourcing by 2030.

Cage-free farming allows hens to move freely, nest, forage, and socialize—natural behaviors that are impossible in conventional battery cages where birds are confined in cramped spaces. This humane approach produces healthier hens and higher-quality eggs with superior taste and nutrition. For consumers, choosing cage-free means supporting animal welfare while enjoying better products. For the food industry, it represents a commitment to ethical sourcing that aligns with evolving consumer values and global sustainability standards.

“The comprehensive commitments released this year by groups like Andok’s, Shakey’s and Century Pacific, Figaro, 333 Foods and others have helped the restaurant sector set a new benchmark for responsible sourcing in the Philippines,” said Robyn del Rosario, sustainability program lead at Lever Foundation, an international NGO that worked with each of these companies on developing their new policies. “When a company of the scale of groups like these takes such a step, it doesn’t just change their own supply chains—it changes expectations for the entire industry. Their leadership, alongside that of other major players, is helping create the market conditions necessary for an industry-wide transformation.”

Public support for a shift to cage-free eggs is overwhelming. A 2024 GMO Research survey shows that 95% of Filipinos believe hens should not be kept in cages, 99% support sourcing from humane supply chains, and 80% are more likely to favor brands that use cage-free eggs. Consumers are also willing to pay a modest premium—below 1%—for cage-free products. Industry response reflects this demand. For example, Bounty Fresh, a major egg producer, plans to expand cage-free egg capacity by 30% by 2026, driven by increasing consumer demand, and reported a 41% rise in cage-free egg sales by early this year.

This growing movement marks a turning point toward a more ethical and sustainable food system—one where humane egg sourcing is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Consumers benefit from greater confidence in the quality and integrity of the products they buy, while businesses gain recognition as leaders in responsible production and sustainability, positioning Philippine brands competitively in both domestic and international markets.

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Entertainment

juan karlos and Flow G release surprise collaboration ‘Kailan Ka Uuwi’; Music video filmed in Singapore

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Manila, Philippines – juan karlos and Flow G just dropped their surprise collaboration, the new single “Kailan Ka Uuwi.” Blending pop and rap, combining Juan Karlos’ soulful vocals with Flow G’s rhythmic verses.

The song explores universal themes of longing and distance. While the title, “Kailan Ka Uuwi” poses a personal question, the music conveys a broader sense of longing that resonates with the Filipino community worldwide.

This collaboration features two chart-topping artists: juan karlos, whose single “Ere” was the first Filipino song to debut on the Spotify Global and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, and Flow G, recently named Wish Artist of the Year.

Filmed in Singapore, the much-awaited music video explores a cinematic sci-fi romance -following an alien woman who crash-lands and meets juan karlos, offering a distinctive, futuristic perspective on the love story and the diverse sights and beautiful sceneries of Singapore.

“Kailan Ka Uuwi” is available now on all streaming platforms while the official music video premieres Thursday, Oct. 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. PHT on the juan karlos’ YouTube channel in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board.

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Business

SHDA pushes for people-centered and inclusive housing strategies at National Developers Convention

by Contributor
written by Contributor

AS THE Philippines observed the National Shelter Month in October, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) advanced a recalibrated, people-centered approach to housing, supported the expansion of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), and adopted convention resolutions during the 33rd SHDA National Developers Convention held on October 9–10, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Themed “Recalibrate: Upgrading Housing Strategies for a Better Tomorrow,” the event underscored the private sector’s crucial role in creating inclusive and sustainable communities in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The two-day convention gathered over 400 key stakeholders, from the government sector, real estate developers, financial institutions, and policy experts, to refine strategies for delivering affordable, inclusive, and resilient homes under the 4PH program. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) vice president Dr. Marife Ballesteros shared insights on demographic shifts and housing trends, while Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta provided updates on financing and programs that directly support 4PH’s nationwide rollout.

SHDA national president Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas emphasized that collaborative reforms are key to achieving the administration’s housing goals. “Through the 4PH program, we see unprecedented opportunities for developers to help deliver more homes, more efficiently, and with greater social impact,” he shared. 

SHDA 2025 National Convention chairperson Renelyn Tan-Castillejos highlighted the importance of synergy and of bringing together key stakeholders to address the country’s housing needs. “The role that the real estate sector plays in nation building is vital not only through the construction of homes but more importantly in the creation of safe and livable communities using sustainable technologies,” she said.

The panel discussions centered on policy reforms aligned with DHSUD’s 8-Point Housing Agenda, particularly advancing the government’s flagship 4PH initiative, highlighting the importance of community when building housing developments, and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in development projects.

The government echoed the call for stronger collaboration. In her keynote message, DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Atty. Sharon Faith Paquiz emphasized, “Collaboration allows us to continuously enhance our programs and initiatives for the Philippine housing sector. Moving forward, let us inspire more partnerships, with the public and private sectors working hand in hand to build a future where every Filipino has access to safe, affordable, and resilient housing through our united efforts.”

Among the highlights of this year’s convention were the panel on women leaders in real estate and the pivotal role of developers in advancing the ESG agenda. Speakers and panelists emphasized that people-centered and inclusive leadership is essential to driving transformation in the housing sector, from policymaking to on-the-ground development practices. As the housing sector embraces global best practices, SHDA urged the industry to strengthen collaboration in building climate-resilient, livable, and inclusive communities. Discussions also explored how ESG integration could drive long-term value creation while balancing sustainability and affordability for Filipino homebuyers.

The convention also reaffirmed SHDA’s policy priorities under its “Essential Few” agenda, which continues to guide the association’s housing reform advocacy. These priorities include the expansion of the 4PH program, calling for the continued rollout of the administration’s flagship housing initiative through stronger public-private collaboration; streamlined permits and one-stop shops to digitalize and simplify permitting processes; and institutionalized housing incentives that encourage more developers to participate in affordable housing production. These priorities aim to modernize systems, lower costs, and accelerate housing delivery, ensuring that more Filipino families can access affordable and sustainable homes.

The convention also emphasized the power of cross-industry partnerships to reduce production costs, unlock financing innovation, and improve housing accessibility. To further drive housing innovation, SHDA underscored that private developers play a vital role in aligning national goals with practical, scalable, and community-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of Filipino families.

In his message, SHDA national chairman Ar. Leonardo Dayao Jr. highlighted the importance of fostering empathy and sustainability in policy direction. “Our focus on people-centered development ensures that housing reform is not only about infrastructure but also about building communities that uplift the quality of life,” he said. 

SHDA corporate secretary Atty. Marianne Lina-Cruz underscored the role of the convention resolutions in reinforcing private-public synergy, saying, “These resolutions reflect the shared vision of government and industry partners to make sustainable housing accessible to every Filipino family.”

The 33rd SHDA-DHSUD National Developers Convention was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners including  Citihomes Builder and Development, Inc. (CBDI), 8990 Housing Development Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Republic Cement and Services Inc., PCON International Corp (EcoBloc), Amaia Land Corporation, Avida Land Corporation, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) Housing Loan, Banco De Oro (BDO), Dutch Boy (Boysen), Community Property Managers Group Inc., Davies Paints Philippines Incorporated, Hocheng Philippines Corporation (HCG), Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE), Phinma Property Holdings Corporation, Property Company of Friends, Inc., Lynville Land Development Corporation, Phirst Park Homes Inc., Home Mavericks Inc., Red Oak Properties, Inc., R.J. Lhinet Development Corporation, United Steel Technology (SteelTech) International Corp., Moon Rabbit Ventures Inc. (UWI), Wee Community Developers, Inc., World Home Depot, Globe, Cadence Property Development Corporation (CPDC), Cathay Land, Inc. (South Forbes), Hellenes Land Inc.,  Convergence Realty and Development Corporation, Homemark, Inc., Masaito Development Corporation (MDC), Precast and Construction Solutions, P.A. Alvarez Properties, Prominence Properties, Inc., Raemulan Lands Incorporated, RCD Land Inc., RK Premier Corp., Surewell Equities Inc., and Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM).

SHDA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to work closely with DHSUD and other key shelter agencies to fast-track housing reform and promote human-centered, sustainable communities. The association continues to lead policy dialogue and partnership-building efforts toward a housing ecosystem that empowers Filipino families and supports inclusive national development.

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Destroy BBM by whatever means?

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

A POST on social media showed the image of former President Rodrigo Duterte shaking hands with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders during the recent summit of the same organization in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The images were displayed on the screen when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was introduced on stage.

Of course, according to the report from Kuala Lumpur, the images of the Presidents of all other countries that once held the chairmanship of the ASEAN were also shown as background when their Presidents were introduced and called to the stage.

However, from the way it was posted on social media, it was clear that the one who posted the picture was creating a negative image of the Philippine leader. Imagine splicing the video so just the post would create the message the vlogger or whoever the one who posted it wanted delivered – one that portrays the Philippine President, and the country, of course, in a very negative way.

Initially, when we first came across the post, we thought that some highly politically partisan personalities or groups might have taken advantage of modern technology where anything can be altered.

We have to admit that we did not immediately believe that the organizers of the Kuala Lumpur summit and the leaders of the other ASEAN nations would stoop to that level in showing their disgust for a fellow leader.

What enlightened us, though, was the clarification in the report that the images of the leaders of other countries who chaired the ASEAN were also shown when the attending current presidents were introduced.

Frankly, it is very hard to imagine how politics in our country creates enmity among the people. The highly partisan supporters of one political group or personality find every possible means to destroy the person of the enemy.

They do not miss any situation where they could create issues to destroy their political enemy. And splicing the video presentation during the ASEAN summit to belittle Marcos Jr. is one of those. Another is the continuous harping on the failure of the Philippines to get zero tariffs on the country’s products exported to the US.

****************************

The defense lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte filed an appeal with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, to reverse its earlier ruling to proceed with its case against the former Philippine President.

Duterte is detained in an ICC jail for crimes against humanity, allegedly due to his bloody war on illegal drugs. Earlier, the ICC ruled that it has the authority to proceed with the investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs.

The appeal on the jurisdictional issue centers on the Philippines’ withdrawal as a member of the ICC. In denying an earlier petition of the defense team, the ICC believes it has jurisdiction because the crimes were alleged to have been committed during the time when the Philippines was still a member.

Of course, it is just normal for the camp of the former President to insist on its argument that the ICC jurisdiction on the accused ceased when the Philippines quit as a member.

The question, however, is that the same members of the ICC-Pre-trial chamber, who rejected Duterte’s earlier petition, will be ruling on the latest appeal submitted last Oct. 28, 2025.

Will the new arguments be enough to convince the Pre-trial Chamber members to reverse themselves?

The situation looks similar to the ruling of the Supreme Court, which stated that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte violated the Constitution, with a unanimous vote with one abstention and one absent.

The High Court ruling is under appeal by the Lower House. Will the 12 justices reverse themselves?

“Let us to see,” according to the late Davaoeño Senator Landring Almendras.

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