BY ALEX ALAGON
MAKATI CITY, Philippines – Security Bank announced that John Cary Ong has decided to step down as head of the Wholesale Banking Segment (WBS).
Mr. Ong has been a valued member of Security Bank’s leadership team and has contributed to the growth and development of the Bank’s wholesale banking franchise. “John has made meaningful contributions to our wholesale banking business, and we thank him for his leadership and service. We wish him every success in his future endeavors,” said Security Bank president and CEO Victor Lee.
In the interim, Victor Lee will oversee the segment, working closely with Hirofumi Umeno, head of Alliance Segment, Yvonne Marcelo, head of Corporate Banking, Jorge Lindley Ong, head of Commercial Banking, and Virgilio Chua, president and CEO of Security Bank Capital. Their leadership and industry experience will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum across the business.
Lee added: “Wholesale banking remains a key growth engine for the Bank, underpinned by an experienced leadership team and a strong foundation for the future. With the support of our alliance partner and shareholder MUFG, we are well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities and create long-term value for our stakeholders. Our clients can expect continuity in leadership and service as we further strengthen our corporate, commercial, and institutional banking franchise.”
Security Bank Corporation is one of the Philippines’ leading universal banks, with total assets of PHP1.2 trillion as of March 31, 2026. Founded in 1951, the Bank has a nationwide network of 390 branches and 666 ATMs, Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs), and Cash Acceptance Machines (CAMs).
Security Bank was recognized as Best Private Bank in the Philippines by Global Finance and Philippines’ Best for High-Net-Worth by Euromoney in 2026. The Bank was also named the top Philippine bank in the TIME and Statista Best Companies Asia-Pacific rankings and holds an MSCI ESG Rating of “A.”
THE PHILIPPINE Statistics Authority (PSA) XI has surpassed its first-quarter target for National ID registration under the National ID System.
As of March 31, 2026, a total of 46,330 individuals have been registered, exceeding the target of 34,060 and achieving a 136.02% completion rate.
All provinces in the region exceeded their respective targets. Davao Occidental recorded the highest accomplishment rate at 161.62% with 3,297 registrants, followed by Davao del Sur with 18,593 (146.40%) and Davao del Norte with 12,778 (143.25%). Davao de Oro registered 6,283 (120.83%), while Davao Oriental posted 5,379 (103.44%).
This significant achievement highlights PSA’s unwavering commitment to establishing a robust, inclusive, and secure identification system that not only enhances convenience but also strengthens security and reduces identity fraud.
To those who have yet to register, PSA XI encourages residents to visit their nearest Registration Center and take advantage of this free service. The National ID is a vital document that facilitates easier access to government services, promotes financial inclusion, and contributes to national security.
MASTERCARD, in collaboration with CrescentRating, released a report highlighting the growing economic potential of Muslim-friendly sports tourism, projecting the market could reach US$21 billion globally by 2030 if destinations and event organizers strengthen inclusion and confidence across the travel journey.
Proof Wins: The Convergence of Sports, Travel, and Faith examines how Muslim travelers discover, plan, and attend sports events, and identifies the key factors that convert interest into bookings. The research finds that while enthusiasm for sports travel among Muslim travelers is high, participation depends heavily on clear and trusted information around essentials such as Halal food availability, prayer facilities, transport logistics, and secure payment options.
A growing opportunity in sports tourism
With global Muslim travel continuing to expand, sports events represent an increasingly valuable tourism driver. Current projections show the Muslim sports-event travel spend pool growing from around US$11 billion in 2025 to US$17 billion by 2030. When destinations make Muslim-friendly readiness visible during the booking stage and deliver it consistently on the ground, the opportunity could expand further to US$21 billion by the end of the decade.
This potential growth is fueled by two measurable shifts: greater participation from Muslim travelers when faith-compatible services are clearly communicated, and stronger in-venue spending when Halal food options are well-labeled, accessible, and trusted.
Converting interest into attendance
Muslim international arrivals are expected to grow from 186 million in 2025 to 245 million by 2030, supported by a young and digitally connected population that is increasingly motivated by experience-led travel. Yet today, only around 6% of international Muslim trips include attendance at a sports event, highlighting a substantial untapped market for destinations and organizers that can convert interest into attendance.
Several factors shape whether travelers ultimately commit to a sports trip. Affordability and value remain the most important considerations, followed by access to Halal food and prayer facilities, and confidence in safety and crowd management. When these elements are visible early—particularly during ticket discovery and trip planning—travelers are significantly more likely to follow through with bookings.
Building confidence across the travel journey
Digital discovery plays a decisive role in the sports travel journey. Social media is the primary channel through which Muslim travelers learn about sports events, often inspiring group travel among friends and family. However, conversion happens only when that discovery leads quickly to trusted information, including official ticket links, venue access details, transport plans, and reliable digital payment options.
“Sports tourism is entering a new phase of global growth, where experiences, community, and cultural connection matter as much as the event itself,” said Aisha Islam, senior vice president, Customer Solutions Center, Southeast Asia at Mastercard. “Through Mastercard’s long-standing presence in global sports, including collaborations with the UEFA Champions League, the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, and the Australian Open, Mastercard sees how major sporting moments can connect fans, destinations, and businesses at scale. As major sporting calendars continue to make their way across Southeast Asia, the region is firmly establishing itself as a hub for high-profile sporting experiences. Muslim travelers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel. When destinations provide clarity and confidence — from payment security to Halal dining and prayer access — they unlock significant participation and spending potential.”
“What this research clearly shows is that demand alone is not the constraint—confidence is,” said Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO of CrescentRating. “Muslim travelers are highly motivated by major sporting events. But participation increases only when essential needs such as Halal food, prayer access, and transport are clearly communicated and trusted well before travel begins. Destinations in Southeast Asia that connect iconic sports moments with visible Muslim-friendly readiness are best positioned to convert interest into attendance and sustained economic impact.”
For destinations and event organizers, the report findings highlight a clear opportunity to strengthen the appeal of sports events for Muslim travelers. When faith-friendly amenities such as Halal food assurance, prayer-ready spaces, and accessible venue infrastructure are embedded into event planning and clearly communicated before booking, they strengthen visitor confidence, increase attendance, and boost spending across the travel ecosystem.
LA UNION, Philippines — Holcim Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to building progress for people and the planet through a water supply system and rainwater harvesting facility in Barangay Quirino, La Union.
Recognizing the community’s need for more accessible and reliable water sources, Holcim Philippines began working closely with local stakeholders and residents in the second quarter of last year to develop a sustainable domestic water solution that would directly benefit families in the area.
Today, the initiative is helping provide safer, cleaner, and more reliable water access to around 400 households in Barangay Quirino, benefiting approximately 3 to 4 individuals per household.
Through the project, households now have access to an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 liters of domestic water supply for daily household needs such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and sanitation. Ultimately, this helps families reduce expenses previously allocated for purchasing water from external sources, contributing to healthier homes, improved living conditions, and greater financial relief for the community.
“The water supply and harvesting facility will help the community by reducing the use of extracted water from deep wells. It will also help improve the water supply for the barangay’s facilities,” according to Barangay Captain Marvin Cardinez.
The project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and community partnership by helping address essential needs while promoting responsible water management practices through rainwater harvesting.
Holcim Philippines continues to work hand in hand with communities, local government units, and partners to implement initiatives that contribute to safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.
THE DAVAO City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a public-private partnership (PPP) between Aboitiz InfraCapital Water (AIC Water)’s subsidiary Apo Agua and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), was recently highlighted as a model for advancing water security during the Cebu Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit held on June 4 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, as part of Cebu Business Month 2026.
In his plenary speech during the event, AIC Vice President and Head of Water Business, Eduardo ‘Dudes’ Aboitiz, said that the DCBWSP provides Davao City with 300 million liters per day (MLD) of safe and potable water through DCWD, benefiting more than one million Davaoeños.
“Sari-sari store owners say they can now grow their businesses without relying on expensive water deliveries or spending time fetching water from communal sources,” Aboitiz said.
The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project augments DCWD’s water supply, enabling the water district to expand its operations and coverage area. This led to an increase in the number of businesses and housing developments in Davao City, contributing to more economic opportunities for Davaoeños.
In an independent study by the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), the DCBWSP contributed more than PHP 15.5 billion worth of investments in the city. It also generated PHP 1.1 billion gross revenue and contributions to Davao City’s gross regional domestic product in 2024.
The DCBWSP supports DCWD’s conjunctive use strategy, where surface water from Apo Agua complements existing groundwater sources to ensure supply reliability and redundancy. This is especially important during El Niño, which can bring long dry periods and lead to water shortages.
Recognizing the role of public-private partnerships in advancing water security, Aboitiz referenced the DCBWSP in discussing how PPPs can support water resilience in Cebu.
“Building Cebu’s water security cannot be done overnight. It requires long-term planning and foresight. To achieve this, we should continue embracing PPPs as a framework to develop critical infrastructure and attract investment,” Aboitiz said.
Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of Cebu Business Month, the Cebu Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit brought together investors, business leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to discuss opportunities and solutions that advance Cebu’s economy.
By: Kethelle I. Sajonia
FOR THE past few days, the Senate has been the focal point of the nation’s attention. News reports have been filled with discussions of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Additionally, there have been debates regarding the legal arguments, the political positions of those involved in the Senate, and the debates amongst lawmakers. Social media platforms have also become the site where individuals of both Vice President Duterte’s support and critique share their thoughts on the issues and the proceedings. Yet, aside from these discussions, debates, and shareable posts, many Filipinos are simply watching the proceedings of the Senate.
As citizens, many of us show up every day to prepare for work, send our children to school, run our businesses, teach our classes, and complete the various responsibilities that are required of individuals to lead productive lives. Yet, in the midst of these essential endeavors, we are continually treated to Senate news. There are upcoming hearings. There are new legal arguments. There are more debates between lawmakers. Yet, for all of these developments, there is a growing sense of confusion among many citizens as to what, if anything, we are meant to do in response to these issues within the government.
Perhaps one of the most easily overlooked realities of many citizens is that while there are certainly problems within the government that should be addressed and discussed, the majority of citizens feel very, very distant from these issues. We are not lawyers. We are not politicians. We are not constitutional law experts. Yet, many of us find ourselves in a position of helplessness as the Senate continues to discuss and debate issues that have little relation to the lives of the average Filipino.
As citizens, many of us begin to feel powerless in the face of such issues. It is easy to become frustrated with the issues that our nation faces. It is easy to become angry at the responses to those issues by those in power. Yet, many of us also begin to feel tired of the never-ending political controversies that plague the nation. The amount of political controversies that occur daily in the Philippines has contributed to the political fatigue that many citizens share.
Perhaps this is one of the greatest concerns for many individuals – the helplessness of citizens in relation to the nation’s problems. While the government is tasked with resolving the issues that exist within the nation and presenting solutions to those problems, the citizens should remain engaged in those discussions. Yet, many of us feel as if we are disconnected from the government and the issues that they discuss. Thus, perhaps the greatest challenge for citizens is not the issues themselves, but how to remain responsible citizens despite the overwhelming nature of many of those issues.
While it may seem unlikely, there are actions that each individual can take to contribute to the strength of our democracy. Even if we cannot attend the Senate debates, we can use our voices to share information appropriately online. We can work to listen to those of different perspectives without reacting to their opinions. We can work to continue to educate ourselves regarding the workings of our democracy. Additionally, we can continue to exercise our right to vote in various elections. While these actions may seem very different from the Senate debates and legal proceedings, there is still value in the efforts of each citizen to remain a responsible, contributing member of our nation’s democracy.
It is understandable, then, the frustrations of many Filipinos. From farmers who are concerned for market prices for their crops to teachers who are concerned for the education of their students, and even workers who are struggling to afford the goods in their nation, it is understandable for each of these groups to feel frustration in the Senate debates.
Yet, perhaps there is a lesson to be learned in the Senate debates of the past few days regarding each of our roles as citizens of the nation. While many of us may not have power over determining the outcomes of the Senate debates of the past few days, we do have power over how we respond to those debates.
In a world where it is easy to ignore the problems of our nation or to become overwhelmed by their seemingly intractable nature, perhaps it is also important to recognize that even in the face of these problems, our role as citizens continues to matter.
While the Senate continues to make history today, the future of the democracy of the Philippines will not be determined within the government’s halls alone. Rather, the future of our democracy will also be determined by the individuals within our homes, our classrooms, our workplaces, and within the conversations that connect Filipinos to one another.
Thus, as the nation continues to watch the developments in the Senate, perhaps one of the questions that should be asked by each Filipino is the following: When it appears that the problems of the nation are larger than ourselves, and when the solutions to those problems appear to lie beyond our reach, how do we continue to believe that our role as citizens of the nation of Philippines still matters? Perhaps the answer is found in recognizing that our democracy is not built only by those with power within the nation’s government. Instead, it is also built by those with the will and responsibility to remain citizens of the nation.
–
Kethelle I. Sajonia is a college instructor at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus. She is currently in the final phase of her Doctor of Communication degree at the University of the Philippines. Her research interests include inclusivity, education, communication, and social development. She actively engages in scholarly research and community-based initiatives that advocate for inclusive and transformative communication practices.
METRO Pacific Iloilo Water, Inc. (MPIW) held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the P4.2-million pipeline project in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro that will bring reliable potable water service to two developing communities currently without water connections.
The project marks the first of several network expansion initiatives aimed at increasing water access and service coverage across Iloilo City.
The project will install 500 linear meters of new pipeline serving two communities that currently have no water connections: the USWAG Residential Building Complex of the Iloilo City Government and the National Housing Authority (NHA) Relocation Site.
When completed in September 2026, residents at both sites will have potable water available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready before the first family moves in.
“Our goal is to cover as many waterless areas as possible, and we have projects lined up to increase service coverage from its current 31% to 60% of Iloilo City within the next two years,” said Metro Pacific Water president and CEO Andrew B. Pangilinan. “We are doing this through a phased approach that carries us through until our desalination facility is energized. This project in Barangay San Isidro is part of that commitment. When families move into the USWAG Residential Building Complex and the NHA Relocation Site, water will already be there. Day one. Around the clock.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 1, 2026 at the USWAG Residential Building Complex, with opening remarks and a project overview delivered by MPIW chief operating officer Angelo David C. Berba.
Messages of support were given by Punong Barangay Ronela Juaneza, MIWD general manager Alfredo Tayo III, Mr. Pangilinan, and Iloilo City Mayor Hon. Raisa Treñas.
The project reflects the continued collaboration among MPIW, the Iloilo City Government, and the Metro Iloilo Water District to ensure that water infrastructure keeps pace with the city’s growth.
Over the next two years, Metro Pacific Water, Metro Iloilo Bulk Water, and Metro Pacific Iloilo Water will collectively invest more than PhP 12 billion in water infrastructure across the region.
Within the same period, MPIW is targeting a reduction in non-revenue water to 29% and an expansion of service coverage to 60% of Iloilo City.
Looking further ahead, MIWD has highlighted 90% coverage as the shared goal to be achieved by 2028, a milestone that will require sustained collaboration among MPIW, MIWD, and the city government.
“Today’s groundbreaking is only the beginning,” Pangilinan said. “More will follow, and we will see each one through.”
Subic Bay – The Philippines’ biggest triathlon weekend returns to Subic Bay this June as the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines celebrates its fifth edition alongside the 10th anniversary of the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, bringing together athletes from 46 countries for one of the largest endurance sports gatherings in the country. Inspired by the structure and tone of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Davao pre-event release.
Since its inaugural staging in 2022, the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines has become a cornerstone event on the Philippine sporting calendar, producing more than 1,000 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship qualifiers while showcasing Subic Bay as one of Asia’s premier triathlon destinations.
The 2026 edition features the full-distance Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines, Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint, Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Super Sprint, RLC Residences IRONKIDS, and the Underpants Run presented by Sun Life, creating a race weekend that welcomes everyone from first-time triathletes to experienced endurance athletes.
Athletes will race across some of the most iconic roads in Philippine triathlon, including the famed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which continues to be one of the most memorable bike courses in Asia.
“This year represents a significant milestone for triathlon in the Philippines,” said Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Philippines. “Five years of IRONMAN Philippines and ten years of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay is a celebration of every athlete, volunteer, partner, and community member who has helped build these events into world-class race experiences. We are proud that Subic Bay continues to welcome athletes from around the world and showcase what Filipino hospitality is all about.”
“As we celebrate five years of IRONMAN Philippines and ten years of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, it’s inspiring to see how the Philippines has become one of the premier triathlon destinations in Asia. The passion of the athletes, the support of the community, and the commitment of our partners continue to make these events truly special.” said Carl Smith, Vice President of Operations, IRONMAN Asia.
“What started as a dream among Filipino triathletes has grown into one of the most successful endurance sports events in the region. Ten editions of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay and five editions of Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines are proof of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, a passionate triathlon community, and a shared vision to bring world-class racing to our home country. For many years, Filipino athletes traveled the world to pursue their IRONMAN dreams. Today, athletes from around the world travel to the Philippines to race here. We are proud to have been part of that journey and grateful to our long-standing partners, especially SBMA and Sunrise Events, for helping make Subic Bay a true home of triathlon in the Philippines.” Said Greg Banzon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Century Pacific Food Inc.
ATHLETES FROM 46 COUNTRIES TO COMPETE
The race weekend will welcome participants from 46 countries and territories, further reinforcing the Philippines’ growing reputation as a destination for international endurance sports.
Athletes will compete for:
- 40 qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii
- 50 qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France
The 2026 season also marks the return of the IRONMAN World Championship to Kona for both men and women, making qualification even more significant for age-group athletes.
CRAIG “CROWIE” ALEXANDER HEADLINES RACE WEEK
Adding to the excitement is the participation of five-time world champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander, who will take part in a series of athlete activities throughout race week, including a Training and Race Nutrition Talk, Bike Out around Subic Bay, and First Timer Session.
Alexander’s presence provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished triathletes in the history of the sport.
A FULL WEEKEND OF TRIATHLON AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Race week extends beyond race day, transforming Subic Bay into a festival of sport and community.
Highlights include:
Underpants Run Presented by Sun Life
The Underpants Run presented by Sun Life returns on Friday evening, giving athletes a fun and relaxed opportunity to shake out their legs before race day.
A long-standing IRONMAN tradition around the world, the event brings together athletes, supporters, and families for a lighthearted run through Subic Bay as race weekend excitement reaches its peak. Whether participants are racing the IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, Sunrise Sprint, or cheering from the sidelines, the Underpants Run offers a chance to connect with the community, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the journey leading up to race day.
As one of the most anticipated social events of the weekend, the Underpants Run reflects the camaraderie, friendship, and sense of fun that make the IRONMAN experience unique both on and off the race course.
RLC Residences IRONKIDS
The future of endurance sport takes center stage at the RLC Residences IRONKIDS, where hundreds of young athletes will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of race day in a safe and supportive environment.
Featuring both triathlon and running categories for children of different ages, IRONKIDS encourages healthy lifestyles, active living, and confidence-building through sport. For many participants, it serves as their first introduction to multisport competition, while for others, it is an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of parents and family members competing during the weekend.
As one of the most inspiring events of race week, IRONKIDS showcases the next generation of athletes and reinforces the values of perseverance, discipline, and family participation that are at the heart of the IRONMAN experience.
Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint and Super Sprint
The Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint and Super Sprint continue to play an important role in growing the sport of triathlon in the Philippines by providing an accessible pathway for aspiring athletes to enter the sport.
Designed for beginners, first-time triathletes, and those looking to experience the atmosphere of an IRONMAN race weekend, the events offer shorter race distances while delivering the same sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing an IRONMAN finish line.
Many athletes who race the Sunrise Sprint and Super Sprint eventually progress to longer distances, making these events an important stepping stone in the athlete journey. By welcoming newcomers into the sport, the Sunrise Sprint weekend helps ensure the continued growth of triathlon in the Philippines for years to come.
PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION FILIPINO ELITE CATEGORY RETURNS
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Filipino Elite Category returns to the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines, providing the country’s top triathletes an opportunity to compete for national recognition and cash incentives while racing alongside a world-class international field.
Designed to support the development of elite Filipino endurance athletes, the category highlights the depth of local talent and serves as a platform for athletes aspiring to represent the Philippines on the international stage.
This year’s Filipino Elite champions will each receive PHP 25,000, with the top male and top female athletes earning recognition as the country’s premier performers over the iconic IRONMAN distance.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Philippine Sports Commission, Sunrise Events Philippines, and IRONMAN to help strengthen the local triathlon pathway and inspire the next generation of Filipino endurance athletes.
Team Tents Competition
Triathlon clubs from across the country will once again bring color, creativity, and energy to the race venue through the Team Tents Competition.
Ten clubs will compete for bragging rights while creating a vibrant atmosphere for athletes, families, and supporters throughout race day.
Participating teams include:
- San Miguel Corporation Opus Land Multisport
- GAS Coaching
- Baguio Benguet
- Next Step Tri x Santé Barley Tri Team
- Fit PH
- MCC Tri Striders
- Tri Mac
- Radenta Tech / Subic Grand Harbor Hotel
- Richboyz
- UCanTri
BRATION OF SPORT, TOURISM, AND FILIPINO PRIDE
Over the past decade, Subic Bay has become synonymous with triathlon in the Philippines, hosting thousands of athletes from around the world while generating significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.
The event continues to highlight the country’s ability to host world-class sporting events while promoting healthy lifestyles, sports tourism, and community participation.
From the first-time triathlete crossing a finish line to the athlete chasing a World Championship qualification slot, the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines race weekend embodies the spirit that has defined the sport for generations:
Anything Is Possible.
SUPPORTED BY VALUED PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
The Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines race weekend is made possible through the support of its valued partners and sponsors.
Century Tuna serves as the Title Sponsor of both Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines and Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay.
Birch Tree Adult Boost serves as the Title Sponsor of the Sunrise Sprint and Sunrise Super Sprint events, while RLC Residences continues its support of the next generation of athletes as Title Sponsor of IRONKIDS Subic Bay. Sun Life returns as Presenting Partner of the Underpants Run.
The event is hosted in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and is supported by key government agencies including the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NSTIC).
Official partners include RŌKA as Official Swim Sponsor, Amlan as Official Water Sponsor, ION+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink as Official Electrolyte Drink Sponsor, 2GO as Official Logistics and Courier Partner, and Sportograf as Official Sports Photography Partner.
Additional event partners and sponsors include FLIQ Athletics, GU Energy, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, One Sports, Cignal, Santé, Teresa Marble Corporation, and Coca-Cola.
The Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines and Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay are organized and produced by Sunrise Events Philippines in partnership with The IRONMAN Group. For more information about the 2026 Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines & Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon, visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im-philippines or email sai.mayol@sunriseevents.com.ph
FARMERS and fisherfolk in Santa Cruz, Laguna, are beginning to build their presence in the digital marketplace through a digital entrepreneurship session with the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital-PINAS), supported by PLDT and Smart through its #KonektedForLivelihoods initiative.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Laguna and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Santa Cruz, the session brought together farmers and fisherfolk from local agri and aqua-based communities for practical workshop sessions on e-commerce operations, digital marketing, and mobile photography, equipping them with practical skills to market their products and expand their livelihoods into the digital marketplace.
Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the importance of making digital opportunities more accessible to grassroots communities. “When farmers and fisherfolk gain access to practical digital skills, they are better able to promote their products, reach customers, and create new opportunities for their livelihoods,” Orlino said. “Through our program, we want to help ensure that communities are not left behind as more businesses move into the digital space.”
As a partner in the Digital-PINAS initiative, PLDT and Smart conducted a practical session on using smartphones for product photography, equipping participants with skills to better showcase their products online. The Group also turned over Smart Prepaid pocket wifi units and Smart Prepaid load cards to support the training session.
Maria Charisma Bea Agarao, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Santa Cruz, Laguna, emphasized the importance of helping local livelihood sectors adapt to changing business trends. “Gusto po talaga natin na nakakasabay na sa panahon. Lalo po ang ating mga magsasaka, mga mangingisda, maliliit na negosyante, kasi nagbabago na po talaga yung trend,” Agarao said. “Natutuwa po kami na meron po tayong national government at meron po tayong private sector na nakakaisip ng mga ganitong programa para tulungan po sila na maging ‘in’ kumbaga sa mga makabagong teknolohiya. Hindi po sila maiiwan.”
Agarao also noted that mobile phones and accessible digital platforms are helping open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Among the participants was Queen G. Anino, Secretary of the Coalition Alliance of Farmers in Santa Cruz, Laguna (CAFSCL), whose organization markets locally processed rice under the Cabisera Rice brand. For Anino, the training came at the right time as their cooperative begins building its digital presence.
“Wala pa rin naman po kaming social media account,” Anino shared. “This is very useful din po sa aming mga gumagawa pa lang ng marketing strategy.”
She added that the program represents a meaningful shift for local farmers: “From the ‘magsasaka lang’ ay magiging ‘negosyanteng magsasaka’ na po ang ating mga farmers.”
Farmer partner Marceliano Salvador, also a member of CAFSCL, left the event with a clearer sense of direction for his business. “Masaya ako kasi nadagdagan talaga ang kaalaman namin, lalo na para sa gustong magsimula ng business,” he said of the logo creation and product photography sessions. Salvador added that he intended to pass on what he learned to fellow farmers in his organization.
“At Digital-PINAS, our mission is to ensure that no farmer or agri-entrepreneur is left behind in the shift to a digital economy. Partnering with PLDT and Smart allows us to bridge the connectivity gap with practical, high-impact training. By equipping our agri-sector MSMEs with simple, free digital tools, we aren’t just teaching technology, we are opening doors to new markets and building a more inclusive, resilient future for our rural communities,” said Lorna Bondoc, ITC Lead Digital Expert in the Philippines for Digital-PINAS.
Digital-PINAS is a Joint Programme funded by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) Fund with generous contributions from the European Union to help expand digital inclusion opportunities for Filipino MSMEs. It is implemented by ITC, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside key government agencies led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The event in Santa Cruz is part of ITC Philippines’ broader Digital-PINAS rollout, which brings community-based MSME workshops to local communities, with support from PLDT and Smart as the initiative’s sole telco partner.
