BY ALEX ALAGON
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits LIMA Estate, where Aboitiz is advancing investments in industrial infrastructure, energy and talent development to support the Philippines’ sustainable growth and competitiveness.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) is advancing long-term investments in industrial infrastructure, energy and talent development to position the Philippines for sustainable development, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to LIMA Estate offering a firsthand view of the Group’s integrated approach.
Through Aboitiz Economic Estates and AboitizPower with its strategic partner JERA, the Group is bringing together industrial infrastructure, reliable energy, workforce capability and international partnerships as the Philippines seeks to attract more technology-intensive manufacturing and strengthen its position in regional supply chains.
LIMA Estate is a key part of that strategy. Fully acquired by Aboitiz in 2014 when it covered about 384 hectares, the estate has since expanded to approximately 1,100 hectares, with a longer-term pathway toward 1,600 hectares. It is home to more than 200 companies, supports 75,000 jobs, and has attracted over ₱128.9 billion in cumulative investment.
Its industrial base spans electronics, automotive components, precision manufacturing and consumer products, with companies from Japan, the United States, Taiwan and other major economies. Power distribution, water and wastewater systems, roads, digital connectivity and transport infrastructure support companies making long-term manufacturing investments within the estate, with circularity solutions creating added efficiency and competitive advantage.
“LIMA Estate shows what becomes possible when we bring the whole ecosystem together—industry, infrastructure, reliable power, connectivity, education, and thriving communities. An investor coming here is not starting from zero; the pieces are already coming together. We believe this integrated approach can attract more investment, create more opportunities for Filipinos, and position the Philippines for the industries of the future,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Group.
As part of President Marcos’ tour of LIMA Estate, he visited the Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE), under the stewardship of JERA and AboitizPower, as the center marks its first anniversary this September. The President recognized the GTCOE’s accomplishments in its first year and its contribution to advancing the technical skills and capabilities of Filipino energy professionals.
Established in September 2025, the GTCOE has already provided training and capability development opportunities to some 2,000 participants from AboitizPower and JERA. Its flagship Basic Operations & Maintenance Program has produced 79 graduates, while its training programs have extended to operating power facilities in Bataan and Quezon—helping equip Filipino workers with the technical expertise needed to support a more reliable and future-ready energy sector.
“At the end of the day, GTCOE is about elevating Filipino skills and giving our people the capabilities to compete anywhere in the world. Through our partnership with JERA, we bring together knowledge, experience, and practical expertise—we learn from each other and get better at what we do. That kind of exchange builds more than technical capability; it builds trust,” Aboitiz said.
The milestone also comes as the Philippines and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, underscoring how partnerships such as AboitizPower and JERA are translating longstanding bilateral ties into practical investments in Filipino talent, technical expertise, and the country’s energy future.
Japanese manufacturers including Epson and Yamaha have long been part of LIMA’s industrial base, while AboitizPower’s partnership with JERA extends those ties into energy, technical expertise and workforce development.
Aboitiz is also expanding its industrial platform beyond Batangas through TARI Estate in Tarlac, a 384-hectare development strategically connected to Clark, Subic, and Luzon’s major expressway network, strengthening the Group’s presence across key industrial growth corridors in the country.
In the Visayas, West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu is a 540-hectare PEZA-registered economic estate that has grown into a major industrial and shipbuilding hub. Anchored by Japan’s Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, which has operated in Balamban for more than three decades, the estate has helped establish the municipality as the Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines and today supports more than 14,000 workers across shipbuilding and other industries.
Across its investments, Aboitiz is building the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness over the long term.
Ranked by a 74-member panel from 12 countries, the Bataan golf destination retains its Southeast Asia title for the second consecutive year and earns the highest-ever placement for a Philippine course
MORONG, BATAAN — The Anvaya Cove Golf Course has retained its position as the No. 1 golf course in Southeast Asia and 15th overall in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia, the strongest placement recorded by a Philippine course on the regional list.
The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is part of Anvaya Cove, the first seaside leisure estate of Ayala Land Premier, the luxury residential brand of Ayala Land, Inc.
The result marks a four-place climb from 19th in Asia in 2024, when the course also held the top Southeast Asian ranking.
Ranked by 74 experts from 12 countries
The Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia list is determined by a panel of 74 golf industry experts and committee members representing 12 countries, in collaboration with Golf Travel Korea and Golf Travel China. Raters assess the overall quality and character of a course — design and strategic challenge, facilities, service, and the experience it delivers to golfers — rather than tournament pedigree alone.
Against an estimated 7,200 golf courses across Asia, Anvaya Cove drew panel recognition for the strategic depth of its layout shot requirements that vary hole to hole, differing carry distances, elevation changes, recovery shots from trouble, and green approaches that reward players who think their way around rather than simply hit far. The result is a course that tests low handicappers while remaining playable for members and guests, with more than one route through most holes.
A course routed around the terrain, not over it
Spanning 82 hectares and stretching approximately 7,200 yards from the championship tees, the course was designed around the existing landscape of Morong, Bataan rather than imposed on it. Holes open onto the Zambales Mountain Range, the forested slopes of Mount Natib, and the waters of Subic Bay — mountain, forest and coastal frontage on a single card, a combination of few championship courses in the region to hold.
The setting is not scenery alongside the round; the layout makes it part of the playing decision. Elevation and prevailing wind off the bay shape club selection as much as yardage does. Complementing the course itself are the facilities and service of Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club, with club operations managed by Ayala Land Hospitality, bringing the group’s expertise in delivering world-class hospitality and intentional service to the overall experience. Together, these qualities are what the panel cites in sustaining the course’s regional standing.
Why the ranking matters beyond the fairway
For the Philippine leisure-property market, the recognition lands as golf becomes a measurable driver of destination demand. Korean and Chinese golfers travel in volume for year-round playable conditions, and rankings published in their home markets function as a booking shortlist. Anvaya Cove sits approximately 25 minutes from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and 3.5 hours from Metro Manila via NLEX and SCTEX, placing it inside the Subic–Clark corridor — close enough for weekend play, far enough to read as a genuine escape.
For Ayala Land Premier, the course anchors an estate where the amenity is inseparable from the residential proposition. Buyers are acquiring proximity to a facility an independent regional panel now rates among Asia’s fifteen best.
“Our passion is to continue the quality of the golf course and to maintain it consistently, knowing the jewel that Anvaya Cove is. Being able to win this award for two consecutive years and being the first in Southeast Asia is an achievement for management and everyone that has helped build this place,” said Raymond Bunquin, General Manager of Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club. “It is more than just the golf course itself; it is the total experience we offer our players and members that elevates Anvaya Cove to be above the rest.”
A leisure destination beyond golf
The golf course is one part of a wider estate. Anvaya Cove combines exclusive residential communities with the Anvaya Beach & Nature Club and the Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club, giving residents and members access to coastline, forest trails and recreation facilities shaped by the same mountain-and-sea setting that defines the course.
That breadth is the point of difference for a Philippine leisure address: a ranked championship course is the headline, but the estate is planned so the round is one option among several on any given weekend.
Cebu Pacific is ringing in the Ber months by bringing back its signature Piso Sale this September, giving every Juan more reasons to turn their travel dreams to reality ahead of the holidays.
From September 8 to 10, travelers may book flights to domestic and international destinations on sale for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period starts from January 1 to March 31, 2027, perfect for travelers who want to welcome the new year by checking off their bucket list destinations.
For travelers looking to discover more of the Philippines, destinations such as Bacolod and Dumaguete offer two unique experiences in Negros. Bacolod provides its visitors with historic architecture and rich local culture, while Dumaguete gives travelers a mix of heritage, culture, food, and nature.
As CEB continues to expand international connectivity across its hubs, more travelers can enjoy direct access to overseas destinations from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao – made even more possible with the 9.9 seat sale.
Beyond the Philippines, travelers can also fly to Singapore, which offers world-class attractions, diverse cuisine, and vibrant neighborhoods in one exciting city. CEB makes Singapore accessible from its key hubs in Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark, giving travelers from different parts of the country more convenient ways to explore the Lion City. Cebu Pacific currently operates flights between Manila and Singapore, while services from Cebu, Clark, and Iloilo provide additional gateways, with the Iloilo–Singapore service set to resume in October 2026.
COUNCILOR Danilo C. Dayanghirang has filed a resolution urging Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications Inc., and other telecommunications companies to establish cell sites and other connectivity infrastructure in areas of the city with no or poor signal.
Dayanghirang, in his privilege speech on Tuesday’s regular session, emphasized Barangay Callawa in Buhangin District and Barangay Fatima in Paquibato District.
The resolution noted that these barangays and other communities in Davao City continue to experience an absence of, or weak, intermittent, and unreliable cellular and Internet service.
“The lack of reliable connectivity creates a digital divide and may further contribute to social and economic inequality, particularly in geographically remote, upland, coastal, rural, disaster-prone, and otherwise underserved communities of the City,” the resolution reads.
It added that the gaps limit residents’ access to education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and government services.
The measure described reliable cell access as essential public infrastructure that supports emergency communication and daily activities.
A citywide assessment and mapping of unserved and underserved areas is being pushed as a basis for a comprehensive connectivity plan.
Dayanghirang called on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Globe, Smart, other telecom firms, internet service providers, and tower and infrastructure companies to undergo such a study.
It also called on these companies and agencies to expedite the technical assessment and rollout of cell sites and other connectivity solutions, including shared facilities, fiber-optic networks, and satellite-based systems.
Under the resolution, the city government is directed to explore programs, partnerships, and incentives to speed up connectivity expansion.
This includes the establishment of a mechanism to regularly monitor and report on connectivity conditions citywide, including service gaps, proposed sites, pending permit applications, and completed projects.
The resolution stressed that any expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must comply with existing laws on environmental and structural safety standards, public health, the city’s zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements.
- Suspect arrested, P1-M in dried marijuana seized
LAW ENFORCEMENT units led by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) seized over ₱1 million worth of suspected dried marijuana leaves and arrested a drug suspect during a midnight sting operation in Barangay Talomo early Monday morning, Sept. 7.
The suspect, identified by authorities as an active local drug peddler, was apprehended at around 12:17 a.m. in San Vicente Village, Barangay Talomo.
Operating teams recovered approximately 8.4 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated standard drug price of ₱1,008,000.
The inter-agency operation was spearheaded by the City Drug Enforcement Unit/Special Operations Group under PMAJ Bernie B. Suaga, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI.
Assisting units included the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU XI), the 1st and 2nd City Mobile Force Companies, Police Station 19 (Eden), and Police Station 3 (Talomo).
DCPO chief PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria commended the participating units for the successful bust, highlighting intelligence-sharing and multi-unit synchronization as key factors in taking large volumes of illicit drugs off the city’s streets.
The suspect is currently in police custody and faces formal charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
THE OFFICE of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally requested permission to introduce the prior recorded testimony of a key witness into evidence for the ongoing proceedings involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In an official filing dated Sept. 7, 2026, prosecutors submitted a public redacted version of their first application pursuant to Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, seeking to introduce pre-recorded testimony and related evidence from a witness designated as P-1100.
The motion was submitted to Trial Chamber III, presided over by Judge Joanna Korner alongside Judge Keebong Paek and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
Under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules, the Trial Chamber may allow the introduction of a previously recorded audio or video testimony, or a transcript thereof, provided the witness is present before the Chamber during proceedings, does not object to the submission, and is available to be examined by both the prosecution, defense, and legal representatives of victims.
In the application, the Prosecution requested that once witness P-1100 appears before the court, prosecutors be permitted to conduct further direct examination to supplement the prior recorded statements.
The filing stems from an initial confidential application submitted on August 31, 2026, before the public redacted version was filed on September 7 under reference number ICC-01/21-01/25-484-Red.
The Trial Chamber has yet to issue a ruling on the prosecution’s application.
THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI honored key personnel and units of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Monday for high-value anti-drug operations and exemplary community-oriented policing practices.
The commendations were conferred during the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the PRO XI parade grounds in Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido, Buhangin, Davao City, under the leadership of DCPO chief PCOL Peter B. Madria.
Among the top awardees were Police Station 15 (Ecoland) commander PMAJ Rosario Aguilar, PCpl Ernesto Ehilla III, and Patrolman Michael Adrian O. Orallo, who were awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal).
The awards stemmed from a joint buy-bust operation conducted on Aug. 28, 2026, which led to the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) known as alias Kap.
Operating units seized five kilograms of dried marijuana leaves valued at ₱600,000 below the standard drug price, and the HVI is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In community policing, Police Station 3 (Talomo) was conferred the 2026 Gawad Ligtas na Pamayanan Award for Most Outstanding Community Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) Practice, coinciding with the culmination of the 32nd National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW).
Station Commander PMAJ Sheryl Y. Bautista was individually honored as the CSOP Outstanding Individual Awardee for her leadership in community-based crime prevention initiatives.
PRO XI regional director PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete commended the awardees, emphasizing that balanced enforcement—combating illegal drugs while fostering strong public trust—remains vital to regional peace and order.
THE 4TH Infantry Division (4ID) reinforced its officer corps and joined the nationwide observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2026 on Monday, Sept. 7.
It also inaugurated its newly renovated division museum in a series of events at Camp Evangelista.
MGEN Marion T. Angcao, 4ID commander, spearheaded the ceremonies at the division headquarters alongside officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian staff.
During the morning flag-raising ceremony, the division welcomed 22 newly assigned officers into the “Diamond” family, led by LTCOL Joseph Wincor A. Bacus, CAPT Jason E. Collado, and 20 newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants. Angcao personally pinned the Joint Task Force Patch onto the officers.
In observance of MANA Mo 2026—themed “Ocean Rights, Let’s Protect Together” —Angcao delivered the official message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The President’s message stressed that defending the nation’s maritime domain requires collective solidarity, particularly as this year’s observance coincides with the anniversary of the 2016 Landmark Arbitral Tribunal Ruling on the West Philippine Sea.
Angcao urged Army personnel to adopt a broader strategic view of national defense.
“As members of the Philippine Army, we must also develop a stronger awareness that we belong to a maritime and archipelagic nation. Our seas, islands, reefs, and maritime zones are not distant concerns. They are part of our national territory, our food security, and our future,” Angcao said.
The command also unveiled the fully renovated Borromeo Hall, which now houses the 4ID Museum, complete with an audio-visual room and mini-library dedicated to preserving the division’s military heritage and campaign history.
The renovation project was fully sponsored by local benefactor Jose Vicente “Lito” Cabrera Sr. and his family, realized through collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (G7), the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics (G4), the 4th Installation Management Battalion (4IMB), the Post Engineer Detachment, and OLB Architectural Services.
QUEZON CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) announced that UnionDigital Bank (UD) has officially begun accepting applications for the SSS Micro Loan Program, also known as SSS LoanLite, through its mobile application, giving qualified SSS members a convenient and secure digital channel to access short-term financial assistance.
SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said UD is the first of the four participating financial institutions (PFIs) to make SSS LoanLite available through its digital platform.
“After months of preparation, SSS LoanLite is finally here. Qualified members can now apply through the UnionDigital Bank mobile application, making access to short-term financial assistance more convenient and secure,” de Claro said. “We are also working with our other PFIs, which will soon make SSS LoanLite available through their respective digital platforms.”
SSS LoanLite is a digital microloan facility designed to provide qualified members with accessible, secure, and affordable short-term financial assistance for immediate needs. It is part of SSS’ continuing efforts to promote financial inclusion, strengthen member services, and provide members a safer alternative to informal and potentially predatory lending arrangements.
First SSS loan facility for employed members with fully digital application
SSS LoanLite is the first SSS loan facility for employed members that allows qualified private-sector employees to apply through a PFI’s mobile application without the employer certification normally required for conventional SSS loans.
The application and related transactions are facilitated through the UD mobile application, eliminating the need for members to secure and submit the usual employer certification for conventional SSS short-term loans.
Qualified members may apply for loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000, depending on the average of their 12 latest Monthly Salary Credits. Available repayment periods are 15, 30, 60, or 90 days, with an interest rate of 8% per annum, equivalent to approximately 0.67% per month.
The fully digital process is designed to make loan applications more convenient and may allow eligible applications to be processed and approved within minutes, subject to the applicable SSS and PFI requirements, verification procedures, and system processing.
Eligibility and other requirements
To qualify for SSS LoanLite, members must meet the eligibility requirements under SSS Circular No. 2026-005, including the applicable age, with at least 36 total contributions, including at least six posted monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the loan application, having no past-due Short-Term Member Loans or active SSS Micro Loan, maintaining an account with the PFI enrolled in its online facility, and meeting the other requirements on existing loans, benefit claims, and SSS account status.
All eligibility requirements under SSS Circular No. 2026-005 shall apply. Members are encouraged to review the Circular for the complete eligibility requirements, loan terms, conditions, and other program details. The Circular is available on the official SSS website.
Repayments will be collected according to the agreed schedule through an automatic debit arrangement, which will serve as the default collection mode. Deductions will mainly be made from the account where the loan proceeds were credited. Members are encouraged to repay on time to maintain good standing and remain eligible for future SSS LoanLite availment, subject to applicable requirements.
Safer alternative to informal lending
De Claro said SSS LoanLite is intended to help address members’ short-term financing needs while encouraging them to use formal financial services.
“SSS LoanLite is part of our broader effort to expand access to formal financial services and protect our members from predatory lending. Through our partnership with UD, we are supporting faster, safer, and more convenient access to credit for qualified members,” de Claro said.
SSS reminded members to use only the official UD mobile application when applying for SSS LoanLite and not to transact with individuals or third parties offering to process their loan applications.
Members are advised to carefully review the loan disclosure statement before accepting the loan, including the applicable interest, fees, repayment schedule, and other terms and conditions.
SSS will continue to work with its other PFIs to make SSS LoanLite available through their respective digital platforms, providing more qualified members with convenient access to formal short-term credit.
