BY ALEX ALAGON
Taguig City — Construction works have begun along a portion of the East Service Road beside Arca South in Taguig City, as part of preparatory infrastructure efforts for future transport projects including the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) and the Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange (TCITX).
Works began on April 20, 2026 and is scheduled to run until October 2026. It covers the section of East Service Road adjacent to Arca South in Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City. Authorities said the works are intended to improve road capacity and traffic flow in the area.
Enabling SEMME and TCITX Connectivity
The East Service Road works are part of preparatory infrastructure linked to the SEMME, also known as Skyway Stage 4. The planned 32.66-kilometer expressway will connect Taguig City to Quezon City and is expected to provide an alternative route to EDSA and C-5.
Once operational, SEMME could accommodate up to 150,000 vehicles daily and potentially reduce travel time between Bicutan and parts of eastern Metro Manila.
The road works are also aligned with preparations for the planned TCITX, an intermodal transport facility intended to serve buses, PUVs, and commuters.
Broader Impact on Metro Manila
Arca South is located beside the affected section of East Service Road and is expected to benefit from improved traffic flow and access in the area once works are completed. Over the long term, it positions Arca South as a strategic interchange and mobility gateway, anchored by expressway access, integrated public transport infrastructure, and multimodal connectivity.
For investors and businesses, this reinforces Arca South’s core fundamentals: improved connectivity to Makati, BGC, NAIA, and eastern Metro Manila; expanded labor catchment; and increased attractiveness for office, residential, retail, and institutional developments. These infrastructure upgrades further strengthen the estate’s positioning as a mobility‑anchored mixed‑use district.
Beyond Arca South, the ESR expansion—together with SEMME and TCITX—reflects continued public‑private collaboration aimed at easing congestion, supporting economic decentralization, and improving transport resilience across Metro Manila. By enabling a more efficient north‑south‑east movement corridor, these projects are expected to unlock productivity gains for commuters, businesses, and logistics networks across the metropolis.
UNIONBANK of the Philippines (UnionBank), a champion of elevating Negosyantes—the Bank’s collective term for Filipino, small, and medium entrepreneurs—has renewed its partnership with Soirée by Retail Lab, one of Metro Manila’s most popular bazaars, for a full-year pact to spotlight local businesses.
The partnership will kick off with the Summer Soirée Bazaar on May 16 to 17, 2026, at The Fifth Rockwell, Makati City, followed by the Super Soirée Sale on September 18 to 20, 2026. For the Christmas season, two Holiday Soirées will take place on December 12 to 13, then on December 18 to 20 at SMX Convention Center Aura.
All four events will feature hundreds of local Negosyantes, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their products to a broader market and grow their ventures through UnionBank’s business solutions.
“Our year-long partnership with Soirée reaffirms our commitment to supporting homegrown businesses and highlighting their intrinsic role as the backbone of the economy,” said UnionBank’s Institutional Segment Marketing Head, Dino Velasco. “UnionBank’s mission is to empower Filipino Negosyantes with the financial tools to help them build and grow their businesses, while also unlocking opportunities while enhancing the customer journey.”
UnionBank and Soirée by the Retail Lab’s 2026 partnership builds on its successful slate of events in 2025. In the Super Soirée Sale last October 2025 at The Fifth at Rockwell, over 10,000 shoppers supported local businesses seamlessly through UnionBank’s innovative payment solutions.
“As our shopper base continues to grow, so does the need for scale, efficiency, and innovation,” said Soirée co-founder and managing director Claudine Paulino. “UnionBank’s mission to support SMEs has helped us provide larger venues, higher foot traffic, and more brands—reinforcing Soirée’s role as a key marketplace for emerging and established Filipino entrepreneurs,” said Soirée co-founder Rosanna Aranaz.
At the bazaars, entrepreneurs can seamlessly manage business transactions through the UB Negosyante app. The pioneering platform features a QRPH-enabled system, which allows business owners to generate QR codes for easy payment collection—helping them focus on growing their businesses, unlocked from traditional constraints. As a special perk, the first 100 UnionBank debit or credit card holders and UB Online users will enjoy free entrance to the event.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn more about UnionBank’s offerings for Negosyantes at the events. Among these is the UnionBank BizStarter Account, an entry-level checking account that lowers barriers to banking with a required initial deposit of only Php 5,000.
For businesses that need additional support, UnionBank offers Business Line, a revolving credit line that provides small and medium enterprises with access to up to Php 10 million for various purposes such as expansion or additional working capital.
“UnionBank is proud to support local entrepreneurs and help them thrive in this digital-first economy. Through our UB Negosyante solutions, these hardworking and resourceful businessmen and women can harness the power of technology to further enhance their operations, and enable them to live a life unlocked,” said Velasco.
SOMEHOW, I always feel an air of sadness whenever I am inside any bus terminal, pier, train station, or airport. The endless parade of people headed somewhere adds deeper meaning to this strange sensation.
It doesn’t even really matter whether I know these travelers are either coming or leaving home. The obvious purpose of these portals is as plain as it is somber. While people go about their own journeys and adventures, you know, there are always those who will be left alone at the platform. Once, during my younger years, I saw myself as that person.
I haven’t been a stranger to travel. Itchy feet, my mother once called me. This is why whenever a family member or close friend embarked on a journey, I could totally relate to their excitement or growing anticipation of a coming trip ahead, which to me was really an adventure of sorts.
In my younger days, I had once adhered to the call of “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” living for a while as a rambling musician.
Through those years, while I roved and gaped, breathed and lived in the wide world outside my hometown, the airports and provincial stations, terminals and ports have all become jumbled up into a blur of black and white frames.
And because my focus then was on the social relationships I had with people and companions, those terminals eventually turned into nothing but stark structures that I’ve often ignored. The journey, not the destination, then, had become the main thing, and in the lingo of the time, the trip.
A favorite daydream I remember was, whenever I took a bus trip or train ride, I’d look out the window as houses along the highway zipped past, and imagine choosing a house at random, then fantasizing myself as living there in total anonymity, lost from the world.
That had been a long time ago. Now, whenever I am inside such buildings, I somehow re-live the old feel and imagine that these may be new people coming in every day, but hail to the ancient structure, it hasn’t changed a bit.
I’m also imagining many among the travelers that may have passed through its doors have gone from younglings to professionals while being patrons of the place. As always, because things remain the same, people will be standing in line patiently waiting for their buses, while nearby, there will be those who’ll be left standing at the platform to send them off.
In the end, the quick zips from point A to B have already lost a bit it’s spell on me. Even though I still recall my once-favorite seat in the non-stop buses of long ago, it’s fine by me that they’re now enjoyed by others.
As it is, our younger son drives us on our trips, from visits to relatives or to many other forays I still think of as adventures. Because of this, terminals have become a thing of the past for me. However, I still dream of them, as I would other old haunts. But only as a fond reminder that the road and the journey never really end.
THE SUM of P186 million has been allocated this year for a national government scholarship program aimed at helping aspiring doctors who cannot afford medical education, House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said on Monday.
“Congress earmarked P186 million for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) under the 2026 General Appropriations Law,” Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, said in a statement.
“By financially supporting deserving medical students, especially those from underserved communities, we are also helping address the chronic shortage of doctors in far-flung and impoverished areas,” Libanan pointed out.
“We want more Filipino physicians to serve where they are needed most,” he added.
The Doctor of Medicine scholarship program is being offered in at least 25 SUCs nationwide. Libanan identified the participating SUCs as follows:
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
- Mariano Marcos State University
- University of Northern Philippines
- Cagayan State University
- Isabela State University
- Bulacan State University
- Batangas State University
- Cavite State University
- Southern Luzon State University
- Bicol University
- West Visayas State University
- Bohol Island State University
- Cebu Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
- University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences
- Samar State University-Samar Island Institute of Medicine
- Western Mindanao State University
- University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
- University of Southeastern Philippines
- Mindanao State University-General Santos City
- Sultan Kudarat State University
- University of Southeastern Mindanao
- University of the Philippines Manila
- Palawan State University
- Caraga State University
- Mindanao State University-Marawi City
Though a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology and has consistently advocated greater access to state-subsidized medical education.
He also authored a bill seeking to establish a new College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City. The House of Representatives recently approved the measure on third and final reading.
The medical scholarship program in SUCs is open to qualified and deserving Filipino students who are willing to complete the required return service after graduation.
Priority is given to applicants residing in municipalities and provinces with low doctor-to-population ratios and high poverty rates, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and disaster-prone or conflict-affected communities.
The program likewise prioritizes applicants from low-income families earning less than P450,000 annually, members of indigenous or ethnic communities, and dependents of community health volunteers.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens who are either graduating students or graduates of a pre-medical course required for a Doctor of Medicine degree.
They must also obtain the required National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education and their chosen SUC, and pass the admission requirements of the participating school.
THE HOUSE committee on basic education and culture has approved a measure seeking to increase to P3,000 the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) currently granted to more than 950,000 public school teachers nationwide.
The 66-member panel, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, on May 18 endorsed for plenary approval House Bill No. 4531 authored by Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Under existing law and Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines, qualified public school teachers receive a P1,000 incentive every October 5 in observance of World Teachers’ Day.
“We are deeply grateful to the Romulo committee for endorsing this important measure,” Gonzales said in a statement.
“Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future. Increasing the WTDIB is not only about extending financial support — it is also a meaningful recognition of the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices our educators make every day,” Gonzales added.
Gonzales said the proposed increase serves as a concrete expression of the nation’s gratitude to teachers who continue to devote their time and energy, often beyond their classroom duties, to help Filipino students achieve their full potential.
Aside from increasing the amount of the incentive, the bill also seeks to institutionalize the WTDIB, which Congress first granted to public school teachers in 2019 through a provision inserted in the General Appropriations Act.
House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan is a co-author of the measure.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress allocated P983.5 million for the WTDIB at the current rate of P1,000 per qualified teacher.
Should Gonzales’s bill eventually be enacted into law, Congress would need to allocate at least P2.95 billion annually to fund the proposed P3,000 incentive.
TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – We Hope Medical Group, a premier healthcare provider, has expanded its services with the opening of the Taguig Chemotherapy Center. Cancer continues to be a leading cause of illness and death nationwide.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Cancer ranked as the second leading cause of death in 2025, accounting for 58,656 deaths, or 11.5% of all recorded deaths from January to October 2025.
With Thousands of patients delaying or abandoning treatment due to cost, We Hope Medical Group is here to operate specialized medical facilities and programs that make treatments accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Through strong partnerships with LGUs, the National Government, and communities.
Taguig Chemotherapy Center is designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and patient-centered environment, staffed by licensed oncology doctors, equipped with modern treatment facilities. Services include free chemotherapy sessions for qualified residents covered by PhilHealth, cancer assistance fund, and other LGU programs. The center also provides oncologist consultations, patient education, and wellness programs—empowering families throughout their healing journey.
“Our mission is simple but powerful. No Filipino should ever have to choose between financial survival and life-saving cancer treatment,” Dr. John Paul Aclan DBA.
We Hope Medical Group proudly highlights the visionary leadership of the chairman and CEO, whose bold vision and unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare have redefined cancer care for Filipino families. We Hope Medical Group believes that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare.
The organization’s rapid growth reflects a deep commitment to public health innovation, community partnership, and sustainable healthcare delivery. By targeting 100 operational centers by year-end, We Hope Medical Group is setting a new national standard—one where compassion meets innovation, and where healthcare systems are built around the needs of the people.
The launch of this center marks a historic milestone, ensuring that financial barriers no longer stand between patients and life-saving treatment.
THE BUY Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market in the Philippines is booming. According to Statista, the country’s BNPL transaction value is projected to reach ₱45 billion by 2026, growing at an annual rate of over 20%. This surge reflects how Filipinos are embracing flexible financing to manage everyday expenses and big-ticket purchases.
At the forefront of this movement is Billease, one of the fastest-growing BNPL platforms in Southeast Asia. Since its launch in 2017, Billease has served over 1.5 million users and partnered with more than 20,000 merchants nationwide, including Lazada, Agoda, Kimstore, and Anson’s.
How Filipinos are using Billease
Online shopping
- 60% of Billease users finance gadgets, appliances, and lifestyle items. The platform’s instant approval and 0% interest promos make it ideal for e-commerce purchases.
Travel and experiences
- With partners like Philippine Airlines and Agoda, Billease enables Filipinos to book flights and hotels now and pay later, helping boost domestic tourism.
Bills and utilities
- Around 25% of Billease transactions go toward paying bills for Globe, Smart, Meralco, and other essential services.
Daily essentials
- Billease supports payments for groceries, mobile load, and e-wallet top-ups (GCash, Maya, GrabPay), helping families manage monthly budgets.
Empowering financial inclusion
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, only 27% of Filipino adults have credit cards, leaving millions underserved by traditional banking. Billease bridges this gap by offering accessible, transparent, and responsible financing, empowering consumers to build credit history while enjoying financial flexibility.
Billease’s CEO and co-founder, Georg Steiger, notes: “Our mission is to make financial services simple, fair, and accessible for every Filipino. BNPL is not just about convenience, it’s about inclusion.”
Responsible use and consumer education
Billease actively promotes financial literacy through its #EaseIntoSummerMoney campaign, educating users on budgeting and responsible borrowing. The company’s transparency policy ensures no hidden fees and clear repayment terms under the Truth in Lending Act.
EAST West Banking Corporation (EastWest) took home three awards at the 2026 Digital CX Awards: Best Use of AI for Customer Experience, Best Use of Gen AI for Customer Experience, and Outstanding Chatbot Customer Experience, all for the Philippines. All three recognize ESTA (EastWest System Tech Assistant), the Bank’s AI-powered platform that is changing how Filipinos access and engage with their bank.
The recognition highlights how EastWest continues to invest in practical, customer-facing technology that makes banking easier, more responsive, and more accessible. ESTA brings together automation, generative AI, and conversational banking to help customers engage with the Bank in a simpler and more intuitive way.
What began as a smarter, chat-based way to handle customer service has grown into a broader digital engagement platform. Today, customers can use ESTA to apply for a credit card, auto loan, and personal loan, explore insurance options, and participate in auto bidding through Facebook Messenger and the Bank’s digital channels. For many customers, ESTA is also where their EastWest relationship begins, making it as much an acquisition channel as it is a service tool.
What makes ESTA different is its ability to make each interaction more relevant. Every conversation helps build a clearer understanding of what a customer needs, allowing future engagements to feel more personal and timely. Routine concerns can be resolved automatically, reducing wait times and improving convenience. When a request requires human assistance, ESTA hands the conversation over to a representative with the necessary context, so the customer does not have to start over.
ESTA is an integral part of EastWest’s broader phygital strategy, where digital platforms and human support work together to give customers more choices in how they bank. Whether through digital channels or EastWest’s nationwide branch network, the goal remains the same: to make banking easier, more relevant, and more responsive to the needs of customers.
“People are increasingly comfortable turning to AI for everyday needs, and banking is no different,” said EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo. “Our goal is to make banking easier for the people we serve, so the insights we gain help us understand our customers better and serve them better. When Filipinos think of chatting with their bank, we want EastWest to be the first name that comes to mind.”
EastWest continues to build out ESTA, with proactive alerts, deeper transaction support, and broader product coverage on the way. Each enhancement is built around one goal: a banking experience that is easier, more intuitive, and ready whenever the customer is.
AN ENTRAPMENT operation targeting a fraudulent gold transaction took an unexpected turn on Tuesday afternoon when police operatives caught two suspects from Bukidnon carrying both contraband and shabu.
The sting operation, executed at around 5:02 p.m. on May 19, 2026, took place at Purok 8, Barangay Buda, in the remote district of Marilog, Davao City.
Personnel from the Marilog Police Station (PS12), under the command of station commander PMAj. Raymundo B. Bacera Jr., orchestrated the bust after receiving intelligence regarding a “fake gold bar” transaction transpiring along the Davao-Bukidnon boundary.
The operation resulted in the arrest of live-in couple Janeth and Jarel, 29 and 36 years old, respectively, both farmers and residents of Purok 9, Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.
According to the initial police report, the duo was caught red-handed attempting to sell a counterfeit gold bar to an undercover asset in exchange for a combination of genuine currency and marked “boodle” money. A body search yielded unexpected drugs hidden in their possession.
Authorities confiscated from the suspects one piece of an alleged counterfeit gold bar used in the estafa scheme, the boodle money, and two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 0.64 grams.
They also seized the black Rusi 150cc motorcycle without a license plate and a blue Tecno Spark cellular phone, which will undergo forensic examination to uncover a potential criminal network.
The suspects, along with the seized vehicle and contraband, were subsequently transported to the Marilog Police Station. They face criminal charges for estafa (swindling) under the Revised Penal Code, alongside separate charges for Violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) for illegal possession of illegal drugs.
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