BY ALEX ALAGON
Driving sustainable finance. BDO Unibank issues its sixth Sustainability Bond with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion. This is the bank’s second Sustainability Bond for the year.
BDO Unibank, Inc. (“BDO” or the “Bank”) is set to issue Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion (the “Bonds”). This marks the Bank’s second Sustainability Bond this year following a PHP 100 billion issue in January 2026. In aggregate, BDO has raised PHP 386.7 billion in Sustainability Bonds through five issuances since January 2022.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has confirmed that the proposed issuance complies with the requirements set forth under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular.
The proposed issuance will have a tenor of one-and-a-half (1.5) years and a coupon rate of 6.26% per annum. The minimum investment amount is PHP500,000, with additional increments in multiples of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will run from July 9 to 21, 2026, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on July 28, 2026.
The net proceeds of the proposed issuance will be used to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support the Bank’s lending activities, and diversify the Bank’s funding sources.
BDO reserves the right to amend the terms and the timing of the issuance as it deems necessary.
ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch (“ING”) is the Sole Arranger and Sustainability Coordinator of the proposed issuance, with BDO and ING as Selling Agents and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as Financial Advisor.
THE BONDS ARE SECURITIES EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 9.1(e) OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (“SRC”) AND AS SUCH WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SRC.
THE FOREGOING IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO INVEST IN THE BONDS NOR AN OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF BDO TO ISSUE THE BONDS OR THE ARRANGER AND SELLING AGENTS TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER. THE ABOVE INFORMATION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR EXHAUSTIVE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR FOR THE OFFER IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE BONDS WILL ONLY BE SOLD DURING THE OFFER PERIOD STATED ABOVE.
Manila — McDonald’s Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion by participating in major Pride Marches nationwide. More importantly, the company fosters a safe and empowering workplace where both employees and customers can show up as their Best Me, regardless of who they are and whom they love.
“For us, ‘Love Ko All, Celebrate All,’ is not just a Pride Month message, but a culture we live and strengthen every day,” said Ben Marasigan, McDonald’s Philippines Human Capital Group Vice President. “At McDonald’s Philippines, we provide equal opportunities for all. With over 75,000 employees nationwide, we make it a priority to ensure that everyone feels supported in being their ‘best me’—regardless of gender, background, or personal identity.”
Marching with Pride
As a show of support and solidarity, McDonald’s Philippines head office and store employees marched alongside thousands of Filipinos at the Love Lab4n Pride Festival in Quezon City and the Mandaue City Pride March. The brand also extended its support to other Pride celebrations nationwide, including the Metro Manila Pride March, the Cebu Grand Pride Parade, and the Kahilwayan Pride Run in Cagayan de Oro City.
As a show of support and solidarity, McDonald’s Philippines head office and store employees marched alongside thousands of Filipinos at the Love Lab4n Pride Festival in Quezon City and the Mandaue City Pride March. The brand also extended its support to other Pride celebrations nationwide, including the Metro Manila Pride March, the Cebu Grand Pride Parade, and the Kahilwayan Pride Run in Cagayan de Oro City.
For every employee who joined the march, McDonald’s Philippines pledged donations to a partner organization that advocates for safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, the company engaged with the community through recruitment initiatives such as the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride Karir Career Fair, reaching over 450 potential applicants.
Rainbow arches bearing the message “Love Ko All” also stood proudly at McDonald’s Ligaya Quezon Avenue in Quezon City and McDonald’s North Reclamation Area in Cebu City—serving as visible reminders that every McDonald’s store is a welcoming space for all. Customers can still catch these installations until July 13.
More than the celebrations, McDonald’s Philippines’ support for the LGBTQIA+ community extends far beyond Pride Month. Its commitment to workplace inclusivity is embedded in the company’s operations and culture—reflected in how it supports its people and creates opportunities for them to grow and thrive as their best selves.
Inclusive Hiring Practices
For 45 years, McDonald’s Philippines has remained committed to investing in its people. Since Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first McDonald’s store in 1981, managers and service crew members have been directly hired, providing job security without the practice of contractualization.
Today, the company supports over 45,000 working students nationwide, offering flexible work arrangements that allow them to earn an income while completing their education. McDonald’s Philippines also works closely with local government units to expand employment opportunities to persons with disabilities and senior citizens, helping ensure more inclusive access to meaningful work. Beyond employment, McDonald’s equips its people with opportunities to grow through world-class learning and development programs, delivering up to 2.8 million training hours across all levels.
McDonald’s Philippines invites individuals from all walks of life to start a career with the company where they can grow, succeed, and be part of a workplace that values what makes them unique. Learn more about starting your journey at McDonald’s Philippines Careers Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/McDoPHCareers )
MANILA, Philippines – Emirates has appointed Khalid Al Zarooni as its new country manager for the Philippines, where he will oversee the airline’s commercial operations.
Al Zarooni joined Emirates in 2006 and has built a broad international career across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Most recently, he served as Emirates’ vice president for Saudi Arabia, a role he assumed in 2024.
Over nearly two decades with Emirates, Al Zarooni has held commercial and leadership roles across Cyprus, Uganda, Tanzania, Morocco, Greece, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. His experience spans commercial strategy, corporate sales, stakeholder engagement, and government relations, including leading multicultural teams across international markets.
His leadership has been widely recognized across the Emirates network, with his teams receiving the Top Sales Team Award in Morocco and the Top Corporate Award in Saudi Arabia. While based in Greece, Al Zarooni was elected president and chairperson of the Board of Airline Representatives by the foreign airline community, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His election reflected the trust placed in him by industry peers for his professionalism, honesty, and transparent approach.
Al Zarooni earned an MBA from England’s University of Wolverhampton.
“The Philippines has long been one of Emirates’ key markets in Southeast Asia,” said Al Zarooni. “Building on Emirates’ 36-year presence in the country, I look forward to working with our customers, travel trade partners and stakeholders to unlock new opportunities for growth and further strengthen Emirates’ position in the market.”
Earlier this year, the airline increased its services through Manila, Cebu and Clark to 32 weekly flights, connecting customers across the Philippines to its global network via its central hub in Dubai.
IT’S THAT time of the year again for a birthday bash like no other. The most awaited 7-Eleven Day is here, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving as Your Paboritong KapitbahayTM delivers yet another massive sale-bration. From July 7 to 11, 2026, join the convenience store giant as it celebrates a new year of bringing everyday joy and value to every Filipino.
The five-day blowout promises exciting deals, unmissable discounts, and even more reasons to party with The neighbor you can count onTM.
7-Eleven’s thank-you treats include up to 50% off on over 400+ in-house brands and other participating items, ranging from beverages, snacks, pantry staples, and hygiene essentials. So if one is in need of a grocery haul or to stock up on essentials, now’s the perfect time to run those errands at 7-Eleven.
While in store, refresh with a Slurpee Mini for just P7 or energize with a Buy 1 Take 1 City Cafe Iced Coffee promo and save up to P49. Crunch Time and 21TOGO Double Chicken Fillet With Rice are also discounted at 30% off, while customers can get P10 off Crunch Time and 21TOGO 1-piece Fried Chicken With Rice.
It only gets better by July 11 with more one-day exclusive deals in store for shoppers. Buy 1 participating Big Bite and get the second at 50% off. Select bread and donut items like Fuwa Fuwa, Gardenia, Marby, and Mister Donut will also be available at up to 50% off.
That’s not all either, because the party just keeps getting bigger and better each year. This time around, exciting prizes are up for grabs. Shoppers who make cashless payments through card, QR, or e-wallet get the chance to join an e-raffle and win one of 500 Caltex fuel vouchers worth ₱3,000 each, making shopping convenient and rewarding at the same time.
Marvel enthusiasts are in for a treat, too, since 7-Eleven is giving away 50 block screening tickets for two to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, along with exclusive merchandise. For every ₱200 purchase of participating products, customers earn one e-stamp and one e-raffle entry. Be one of the lucky e-raffle winners to see the movie or collect 15 e-stamps to redeem exclusive merchandise. Visit here for the full mechanics.
Last but not least, as 7-Eleven continues its promise to expand in Visayas and Mindanao, Zamboangueños get to be part of the July 11 fun, too. Seven new 7-Eleven stores are opening their doors in Zamboanga just in time to participate in the festivities and bring the celebration closer to even more kapitbahays.
Don’t miss this nationwide birthday bash for 7-Eleven’s biggest sale of the year. Drop by the nearest branch for treats, deals, discounts, and amazing prizes, only from Your Paboritong KapitbahayTM.
Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated global girl group KATSEYE is coming to cinemas worldwide with a special theatrical release ahead of their third EP, WILD. To purchase tickets and get more information on KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS, visit www.KatseyeWildHeartsFilm.com.
With its limited engagement beginning August 12, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS is a captivating journey into the group’s bold new era and celebrates the fans who helped make it possible. Featuring never-before-seen footage, EYEKONS fan videos, and intimate interviews from the group members, the film explores the powerful bond between KATSEYE and their global fandom. A love letter to the EYEKONS who helped build this movement, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS reveals why this group’s story is only just beginning.
From the intense pressure of Dream Academy to chart-topping viral success, audiences will experience the highs, setbacks, sacrifices, and breakthrough moments that transformed KATSEYE on their path to global pop stardom. Praised by outlets including The New York Times, Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Billboard, KATSEYE has earned acclaim for their relentless dedication to their craft and electrifying live performances. As one of pop’s most exciting emerging global acts, the group continues to solidify its place as a worldwide force.
From the same team that created Netflix’s POP STAR ACADEMY, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS is produced by Interscope Films and Boardwalk Pictures, in partnership with HYBE X GEFFEN, and directed by Nadia Hallgren.
“KATSEYE’s first-ever cinema event celebrates the passionate EYEKONS community that has embraced KATSEYE’s journey from the group’s formation to becoming one of pop’s most exciting new global acts,” said Kymberli Frueh, EVP of programming and content acquisitions for Trafalgar releasing. “We are excited to bring the fandom together in theaters around the world for a shared, immersive experience.”
WILD, KATSEYE’s third EP, will be released on August 14 via HYBE x Geffen Records and is available for pre-save / pre-order HERE. The EP is the follow-up to the group’s 2025 EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, (HYBE x Geffen Records), which debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200. KATSEYE: THE WILDWORLD TOUR will launch on September 1. The global arena run is completely sold out – full itinerary can be found HERE.
FOR ALMOST four decades, and through its various iterations, Grupo Agatep has helped shape marketing communication in the Philippines not only through award-winning campaigns and impactful storytelling, but through leaders whose influence extends into the institutions that define the industry itself.
Over the years, Grupo Agatep’s influence has been exemplified not only in the work it delivers for clients but also in the way its leaders give back to the profession they helped build. This is evident in the leadership roles held by its senior executives within some of the most respected communication organizations in the country and abroad, reflecting its commitment to strengthening the institutions that support ethical practice and excellence across the industry.
Grupo Agatep president and CEO Norman Agatep, APR, has spent decades contributing to the development of public relations in the country. His current role as vice president for Internal Affairs of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) places him in a position that calls for collaboration and a deep understanding of the profession’s needs. His work involves supporting internal leadership and strengthening systems, while helping ensure that the organization remains a trusted space for practitioners at every stage of their careers.
Alongside this, his appointment as chairman of the 62nd Anvil Awards reflects a close relationship with the values that guide the public relations practice. Recognized as the gold standard of excellence in Philippine public relations, the Anvil Awards, organized by the PRSP, honors work that demonstrates creativity and clarity of purpose. Leading the awards means helping safeguard their integrity and celebrating communication that makes a positive difference.
At the global level, Agatep serves as treasurer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (Global Alliance), connecting Filipino practice to conversations that are relevant to the profession worldwide. In this role, he supports financial stewardship and sustainability across a network of national associations, reinforcing standards that encourage responsible and forward-looking communication.
Extending this commitment to the business communication community is Grupo Agatep managing director Michelle Isabel A. Bayhon, who serves as treasurer for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines. IABC Philippines is widely respected for advancing the practice of business communication and supporting professionals through connection and shared standards. Her role supports the organization’s ability to sustain programs that help communicators navigate complex business and organizational environments.
The responsibility of financial stewardship often happens quietly, yet it plays a vital role in keeping professional communities strong. By taking on this responsibility, Bayhon brings with her a practical understanding of leadership and long-term planning forged by years of managing integrated communication work. Her contribution helps ensure that the organization can continue to serve its members while staying true to its mission.
“These leadership roles reflect a shared belief that professional success carries with it a responsibility to contribute to the wider industry,” Bayhon said. “Grupo Agatep believes that expertise is not confined to client engagements but is also shared through active participation in organizations that help set standards and recognize excellence, in turn creating a stronger environment for communicators to grow and do meaningful work.”
“The presence of agency leaders in professional organizations brings valuable perspective to industry conversations. It helps align ideals with real-world practice and keeps institutions grounded in the realities faced by practitioners. Over time, this kind of involvement helps build a more thoughtful and resilient communication industry,” Agatep added.
For Grupo Agatep, these appointments reflect a legacy rooted in trust. While the firm continues to tell stories for brands and organizations, its leaders also help shape the story of the industry itself. Through steady involvement in institutions that guide and inspire the profession, they contribute to a marketing communication landscape defined by integrity and shared progress.
About Grupo Agatep, Inc.
Grupo Agatep, Inc. is a strategic communication and public relations firm serving organizations across industries, with a focus on purpose-driven storytelling, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
To learn more, visit https://grupoagatep.com.
Davao City – The University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao will hold a Legacy Football Cup set to attract some 60 teams this 18-19 July at its main campus in Mintal, Bago Oshiro.
“The tournament is in honor of the late football coach Erwin Protacio who was one of the sport’s pillars in the city. That is why we call this tournament the EP Legacy Football Cup,” said UP Mindanao coordinator Eula Ganir at the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum. She further added that the tournament which honors the late football coach is to continue his advocacy especially at the grassroots level.
Teams will be playing in the U10 Boys, U12 Boys, U14 Boys, U18 Girls, U17 Boys, Men’s Open and Women’s Open categories with trophies at stake for the winners.
The tournament is in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao Kinetics and UP Vanguard Inc.-Davao Chapter and the University of the Philippines Mindanao Football Club.
By Jon Develos
CALABARZON, Philippines — Project LAYA has completed its regional roll-out of competency-based clinical skills training for healthcare providers, advancing efforts to expand access to voluntary, long-acting family planning services and support women and couples in planning for healthier pregnancies even before conception.
Conducted in three batches across Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite, the two-day Levonorgestrel 2-Rod Progestin Subdermal Implant Clinical Skills Training equipped more than 60 doctors, nurses, and midwives from public health facilities and local health offices with the competencies to deliver quality, client-centered family planning counseling and services.
Part of a broader rollout
The regional training rollout marks the completion of the first phase of Project LAYA’s implementation across selected priority areas in the CALABARZON region and the National Capital Region.
Project LAYA, or Long-Acting Methods for Your Access, is implemented by Bayer, Jhpiego Philippines, and the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. in partnership with provincial governments, local government units, and public health facilities. The initiative supports the country’s FP2030 commitments by expanding access to high-quality, voluntary and rights-based family planning services.
“At Bayer, sustainability is embedded in our corporate strategy, and women’s health is in our DNA. We believe that access to reproductive health information and modern family planning options empowers women to make informed choices about their future. Project LAYA reflects our commitment to women’s health and our sustainability goal of expanding access to modern contraception for women in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
Through this initiative, we continue to support efforts that strengthen healthcare systems, build provider capacity, and bring quality reproductive health services closer to communities,” said Christine Elaine Peralta, Government Affairs Manager of Bayer Philippines Inc.
Supporting health before pregnancy
Beyond helping women and couples achieve their desired family size and birth spacing, family planning also supports good health before pregnancy. By enabling individuals to plan if and when to become pregnant, access to accurate counseling and modern contraceptive options can help women prepare for pregnancy when they are ready and in better health, while proper birth spacing contributes to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Strengthening provider capacity
The training brought together healthcare providers from key family planning service delivery points across the region, including nine public hospitals, among them Laguna Medical Center, Batangas Medical Center, General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital, and Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital, as well as nine city health offices: Santa Rosa, Biñan, Calamba, Batangas City, Tanauan, Lipa, General Trias, Dasmariñas, and Bacoor.
The training covered family planning counseling, client assessment, two-rod subdermal implant insertion and removal, infection prevention and control, pharmacovigilance, financing, and supply chain management. Counseling was emphasized throughout the activity to ensure that clients receive complete, accurate, and balanced information before choosing a method aligned with their reproductive intentions and health needs.
The successful regional rollout was made possible by the strong support and positive engagement of the provincial health offices, whose collaboration was instrumental in the implementation of the training.
“The Batangas Provincial Health Office welcomes initiatives that strengthen the competencies of our healthcare providers and expand access to quality family planning services. By equipping our doctors, nurses, and midwives with the necessary skills, we can better support women and families in making informed reproductive health decisions and achieving their desired family size,” Ms. Analiza Abrenica, Nurse VI, Division Chief, Batangas Provincial Health Office.
“Capacity building remains a cornerstone of sustainable health programs. Through this training, healthcare providers gain the competencies needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, and client-centered family planning services that respond to the needs of women and families,” said Venus Grecia, Regional Technical Coordinator of Jhpiego Philippines.
From training to service delivery
Two-day sessions were conducted across Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. On the first day, participants took part in classroom-based discussions and practical exercises on the scientific and technical foundations of the two-rod implant. They also completed return demonstrations on counseling, insertion, and removal procedures using the Reproductive Implant Training Arm (RITA) model.
On the second day, participants applied their newly acquired skills through supervised clinical practice and actual service delivery to clients. Prior health education activities conducted by public health nurses and midwives saw strong interest among women in accessing the long-acting family planning method. With an initial target 1:1 provider-client ratio, 77 women received the method after counseling and client assessment, exceeding the expected number of clients served.
Among them was Meraquel Aniñon, who chose the two-rod subdermal implant after receiving counseling from trained healthcare providers.
“I chose the implant because it is effective and convenient. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have a family planning method that will protect me for five years. The health workers explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the process,” said Aniñon.
Aniñon’s experience underscores the importance of making quality counseling and competent service delivery available to women who seek voluntary family planning options.
Partnership for wider access
Project LAYA was developed as a strategic response to the need to broaden family planning choices and address unmet need among women of reproductive age. By increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, the initiative promotes voluntary, informed reproductive decision-making and supports healthier outcomes for women, children and families.
“The Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. remains committed to supporting healthcare providers and local governments in expanding access to voluntary, rights-based family planning services. Strengthening provider competencies helps ensure that women receive accurate information and quality care that supports their reproductive goals,” said Dr. Esmeraldo Ilem, president, PSRP.
Through continued collaboration with local governments, healthcare providers and development partners, Project LAYA aims to expand access to quality family planning services in priority areas and support better health outcomes for women and families before, during and beyond pregnancy.
BORACAY, Philippines – The Lind Boracay has reinforced its position among the Philippines’ leading lifestyle resorts following a string of recent accolades.
Most recently, the resort was named among the Philippines’ Best Beach, Island + Upcountry Resorts in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, ranking No. 6 in the category.
The recognition is part of a growing list of honors that includes a place in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection, and acclaim as one of Tatler Philippines’ 2026 Spotlight Hotels and in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Together, the accolades reflect recognition from some of the travel world’s most respected editorial, professional, and guest-driven platforms, underscoring The Lind Boracay’s reputation for consistently delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
“We are incredibly proud of these recognitions because they reflect the passion and dedication of our entire team,” said Pierre Henrichs, chief operating officer of The Lind Hotels. “While every award is meaningful, what matters most is knowing that our commitment to genuine hospitality continues to resonate with both our guests and the travel community.”
Situated on the quieter northern stretch of White Beach at Station 1, The Lind Boracay has become one of the island’s most distinctive hotel addresses, combining contemporary Filipino design with warm, personalised service, spacious accommodations and direct access to one of the world’s most celebrated beaches.
The past year has also seen the resort continue to enhance its guest offering, including the official opening of Yím, its signature Thai restaurant led by Boracay’s only professional Thai chef, alongside a growing collection of culinary, wellness and family experiences that encourage guests to experience the island beyond its famous shoreline.
The latest honours continue to strengthen The Lind Boracay’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier beachfront resorts, reflecting its ongoing commitment to thoughtful hospitality, meaningful experiences and service that inspires guests to return.
For more information, visit www.thelindhotels.com
