BY ALEX ALAGON
EMERGING artist Jae Laurent is preparing to unveil his next release, introducing a new chapter defined by authenticity, ambition, and honest storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from hip hop, R&B, pop, electronic, house, and punk, Jae Laurent refuses to be confined by a single genre. Instead, each song reflects his mindset in the moment, whether it carries confidence, vulnerability, or introspection. For him, music is more than entertainment. It is a space to express the thoughts and emotions he rarely says out loud.
Raised in South Bay, Davao City, after spending much of his childhood moving from one province to another, Jae Laurent’s life experiences continue to shape his songwriting. His music blends English, Filipino, and Bisaya, staying true to both his roots and his identity.
Now creating under Diorama and learning under the mentorship of Daddy A, Jae Laurent continues to develop his sound while remaining committed to authenticity over trends. Influenced by artists like The Weeknd but grounded in his own story, he hopes his music gives listeners something real to connect with.
His upcoming release offers another glimpse into his evolving artistry, combining confidence with honest reflection. As anticipation builds, the record marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Jae Laurent and signals that there is much more to come.
METRO Cebu is taking a major step toward smarter and more responsive public service with the rollout of PLDT and Smart AI-in-a-Box (AIAB) program.
AI-in-a-Box is the PLDT Group’s initiative to make artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible to communities. The program combines digital tools, connectivity, training, and mentorship to help local government units turn emerging technologies into practical solutions. As part of the initiative, participating LGUs received an AI-in-a-Box kit that includes a laptop, a smartphone, a Smart connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools, including ChatGPT.
In a simple ceremony at the Cebu City Hall, Mayor Nestor Archival received the AI-in-a-Box package on behalf of the local government of Cebu City, from PLDT and Smart, represented by Roby Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement and Corporate Communications, and Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement.
The rollout successfully extends across Metro Cebu, including Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City, which also received their respective AIAB packages. Key personnel from all three cities have undergone specialized training to strengthen their internal AI capabilities and identify practical applications of AI in local government work.
“We at PLDT and Smart believe that technology should help enhance the delivery of public service. Through the AI-in-a-Box Program, we affirm our commitment to assisting LGUs level up service delivery through a more citizen-focused, practical, secure, and innovative technology,” said Alampay.
As one of the four pioneer participant cities in the country, Cebu City proudly represents the entire Visayas region in a mentorship and acceleration program organized by PLDT and Smart, with support from the group’s social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF). This mentorship program is specifically designed to help local offices transform conceptual ideas into practical, real-world AI solutions for faster, more responsive governance. Through the program, participating Cebu City personnel will receive guidance as they develop and deploy AI-enabled solutions that respond to specific needs in their communities.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mayor Archival warmly welcomed the program, noting that it is heartening for Cebu City to be selected as a pioneer participant and the sole representative from the Visayas. He emphasized that through PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program the city will strengthen its use of innovation and AI solutions to deliver faster, more efficient, and more compassionate service to the people of Cebu.
By bridging the gap between advanced technology and localized public service, this initiative underscores PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment to fostering digital inclusion across the Philippines. As these local government units integrate AI into their daily workflows, the program aims to establish a scalable blueprint for digital governance that can be replicated in other provinces, ultimately driving nationwide development through shared technological progress.
FOR A Filipino family, food is not an abstract economic statistic.
It is breakfast before a child goes to school. It is lunch carried to work. It is dinner around the family table.
And, for millions of Filipinos, rice is present at almost every meal.
That makes rice fundamentally important. When rice prices rise sharply, the impact travels immediately from markets to household budgets. The experience of recent years has demonstrated how quickly international supply conditions can transmit themselves to Filipino consumers.
But this is where the food-security conversation must become larger.
A country can have adequate rice supplies and still have malnourished children. A family can eat enough calories and still lack sufficient protein, vitamins and micronutrients. A nation can import food reliably in normal times and suddenly discover its vulnerability when international prices rise, or global supply chains are disrupted.
Food security is therefore not simply about filling the stomach. It is about nourishing the body, protecting livelihoods and securing the nation’s economic future.
The Numbers Tell a Story
A small statistical snapshot helps explain why the issue deserves a much broader national conversation.
Indicator
Latest position
Rice (palay) production, 2025
19.67 million tons
Agricultural imports, 2025
US$20.37 billion
Cereals imports, 2025
US$3.89 billion
Agriculture, forestry & fishing growth, 2025
3.1%
Agricultural & fisheries production, Q1 2026
−0.3%
Crop production, Q1 2026
−2.4%
Food inflation, June 2026
5.4%
Food inflation, bottom 30% households, June 2026
8.2%
Rice inflation, June 2026
15.0%
Rice inflation, bottom 30% households, June 2026
17.0%
Irrigation development, 2025
74.24% of potential irrigable area
El Niño, June 2026
Conditions present
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST–PAGASA); National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Department of Agriculture (DA).
These numbers make one point particularly clear.
Food security is not a problem that begins and ends with rice.
The Rice Question: Security Without Isolation
The Philippines cannot—and perhaps should not—try to produce everything it consumes.
International trade has an important role to play in smoothing temporary shortages, moderating prices and providing food that cannot be produced competitively at home. Imports will remain part of the country’s food system.
But excessive dependence on external supplies for strategically important food commodities creates vulnerability.
Rice illustrates the dilemma perfectly.
The country produced 19.67 million tons of palay – rice in its freshly harvested, unmilled form – in 2025, but production remains vulnerable to weather, water availability, and productivity constraints.
The answer is therefore not to isolate the Philippines from international markets. It is to make the domestic system more resilient.
That means adequate domestic production, efficient irrigation, improved yields, appropriate buffer stocks, efficient logistics and a carefully calibrated import strategy.
The objective should be food security rather than food autarky; resilience rather than isolation; strategic self-reliance rather than indiscriminate self-sufficiency.
Beyond Rice: Diversifying the Filipino Food Basket
The next question is perhaps even more important:
What is on the Filipino plate besides rice?
The answer should increasingly include more vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish, eggs, milk and other affordable sources of protein and micronutrients.
The scale of agricultural imports reinforces the need to examine where domestic production can be expanded efficiently. In 2025, agricultural imports reached a record US$20.37 billion, while cereals alone accounted for US$3.89 billion.
This does not mean that every imported commodity must be replaced by domestic production. Such an objective could raise costs and misallocate scarce land and water.
The more intelligent question is:
Which foods should the Philippines seek to produce more of because doing so is economically, nutritionally and strategically sensible?
That is the foundation of strategic self-reliance.
The Forgotten Power of Pulses
One area deserves particular attention: pulses and other affordable sources of plant protein.
Mung beans and other pulses can provide valuable protein and micronutrients while offering opportunities for crop diversification. In water-stressed areas, some pulse crops can also provide an alternative to more water-intensive crops.
The objective should not be to tell Filipinos what they must eat.
It should be to make healthy choices affordable, available and attractive.
Food habits change when markets, prices, culture and convenience change together.
From Calories to Nutrition
The Philippines’ food-security strategy must ultimately move from a calorie-centered approach to a nutrition-centered approach.
This is particularly important for children.
The country cannot afford a situation in which inexpensive food provides sufficient calories but inadequate nutrition. Tackling stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies and childhood malnutrition require greater attention to the quality—not merely the quantity—of food.
School feeding programs, maternal and infant nutrition, fortified foods, locally produced vegetables, fruits, pulses, eggs, fish and milk can all form part of a broader nutritional strategy.
The most nutritious food must not become a luxury available only to households that can afford it.
Healthy food must become everyday food.
Eating for a Healthier and More Productive Philippines
Food habits also have an economic dimension.
Excessive consumption of highly processed foods, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can contribute to lifestyle-related diseases and rising healthcare costs. A healthier dietary pattern—with greater diversity, more vegetables and fruits, adequate protein and more moderate use of oil and salt—can contribute to better health and productivity.
The answer should not be moralising about what Filipinos eat.
It should be about creating an environment in which healthier choices are accessible, affordable and culturally acceptable.
This is especially important when food inflation itself is putting pressure on household budgets. In June 2026, food inflation was 5.4%, but for the bottom 30% of households it was 8.2%. Rice prices were rising 15.0% year-on-year nationally and 17.0% for the bottom 30%.
For poorer families, therefore, healthy eating is not simply a matter of preference.
It is an issue of affordability.
The Water Question: What Should the Philippines Grow?
This is where food security intersects with one of the country’s most fundamental resource constraints: water.
Agriculture cannot become significantly more productive without addressing water availability and management.
But the answer is not simply to find more water.
It is also to ask a more fundamental question:
Are we growing the right crops in the right places?
Water-intensive crops should not automatically dominate agricultural land in areas where water is increasingly scarce. Cropping patterns need to reflect local water availability, soil conditions, climate risks and market opportunities.
This means better land-use planning, efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, watershed protection, groundwater management and water-saving technologies.
The country has made progress, but there remains considerable room to expand irrigation. The National Irrigation Administration’s 2025 performance framework put irrigation development at 74.24% of the country’s estimated potential irrigable area.
The future of Philippine agriculture will depend as much on how intelligently water is used as on how much water is available.
From One Harvest to Many
Increasing agricultural productivity cannot depend entirely on expanding cultivated land.
The Philippines must make better use of the land it already has.
Where climate, soil and water conditions permit, double cropping and multiple cropping can increase annual agricultural output. Crop rotation, intercropping, horticulture and integrated farming systems can provide additional income while improving resilience.
But farmers will adopt such systems only when they have confidence that the additional produce can be sold at remunerative prices.
A farmer cannot be expected to diversify production if the market is not ready to buy the harvest.
The Farmer Must Be at the Centre
There can be no secure food system without a secure farmer.
Farmers need predictable markets, affordable credit, quality seeds and inputs, irrigation, extension services, crop insurance, storage and reliable transport.
Agricultural workers, too, deserve decent and reasonably stable incomes.
Food security cannot be built on the economic insecurity of those who produce the food.
There is also a difficult balance to maintain. Consumers need affordable food, while farmers need remunerative prices. The answer lies not in permanently depressing farmgate prices but in improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening supply chains and ensuring that farmers receive a fairer share of the value created between the farm and the consumer.
From Farm to Market: The Missing Link
Food can be produced abundantly and still become expensive if it cannot move efficiently from farm to market.
Post-harvest losses, inadequate cold storage, poor farm-to-market roads, fragmented supply chains and weak market information can erode farmers’ incomes while raising consumer prices.
This is particularly important for fruits, vegetables, fish, milk and other perishables.
The Philippines therefore needs much stronger cold-chain infrastructure, storage, processing and logistics.
Every ton of food saved after harvest is effectively another ton added to the country’s food supply.
Reducing food losses can sometimes be as important as producing more food.
Fisheries, Horticulture and the Wider Rural Economy
Food security must also look beyond traditional field crops.
The Philippines’ geography provides enormous opportunities for fisheries, aquaculture, horticulture, fruit cultivation, floriculture and other high-value agricultural activities.
These can diversify rural incomes and reduce excessive dependence on a single crop.
But expansion must be accompanied by responsible resource management, disease prevention, quality control, cold-chain facilities and sustainable production practices.
The objective should be a diversified rural economy, not simply more rice fields.
Fertilizer, Seeds and the Security of Agricultural Inputs
Food security can be undermined even before a crop is planted.
Farmers need reliable access to fertilizers, quality seeds, crop-protection products and other essential inputs at predictable and affordable prices.
Where excessive import dependence creates vulnerability, the Philippines should examine the economic feasibility of strengthening domestic production, local blending, storage and strategic reserves of critical agricultural inputs.
But input policy must also become more efficient and environmentally responsible.
The objective should be better use of fertilizer and crop-protection products, supported by soil testing, precision agriculture, integrated pest management and stronger extension services—not simply greater quantities of inputs.
Organic, Sustainable—and Affordable
Organic and regenerative farming can contribute to sustainable agriculture, soil health and environmental protection.
But affordability matters.
Organic food that becomes accessible only to affluent consumers cannot become the foundation of national food security.
The Philippines needs a pragmatic approach: encourage sustainable and organic practices where they are agronomically appropriate and economically viable, while helping farmers reduce transition costs and improve productivity.
The objective should be sustainable agriculture that works for the farmer, the consumer and the environment simultaneously.
El Niño: Preparing Before the Harvest Is Lost
The Philippines now has a very immediate reason to strengthen this entire food-security architecture.
DOST–PAGASA has reported that El Niño conditions are present, with the possibility of the phenomenon persisting into 2027. El Niño generally increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall across much of the country, although its effects vary geographically and seasonally.
This is not simply a weather story.
A prolonged dry spell can mean a smaller harvest, lower farm income, higher food prices, greater imports, pressure on household purchasing power and, ultimately, another source of inflationary pressure on the economy.
The lesson from earlier El Niño episodes is clear: preparedness must begin before the fields dry out.
The response should include drought-resilient seeds, early planting where appropriate, crop diversification, emergency irrigation, rainwater harvesting, small-scale water-storage systems, solar-powered irrigation where viable, crop insurance and timely agricultural advisories. Farmers in water-stressed areas should be assisted in shifting towards less water-intensive crops where economically and agronomically appropriate.
The objective should be to anticipate the shock rather than simply compensate for the loss after it occurs.
Cushioning the Economy Before the Shock Spreads
The response to El Niño must also go beyond agriculture.
The country needs an integrated contingency mechanism linking agriculture, water, energy, trade, transport, social protection and macroeconomic policy. Vulnerable farming communities should receive timely climate information, drought-resistant seeds, crop insurance, emergency irrigation and access to water storage. Where crops are likely to fail, farmers should be helped to shift early to viable alternatives rather than being compensated only after losses have occurred.
At the national level, strategic food stocks and diversified import sources can cushion temporary domestic shortages. Early procurement, rather than emergency procurement after prices have already risen, can reduce the risk of a price shock. Social-protection programs should be ready to support the poorest households if food inflation accelerates.
The objective should be to break the transmission mechanism from climate shock → crop loss → food shortage → price surge → household distress → weaker consumption → slower economic growth.
A well-prepared country cannot prevent El Niño.
But it can prevent El Niño from becoming an avoidable economic and social crisis.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture Is No Longer Optional
For the Philippines, climate resilience is not an environmental luxury.
It is an agricultural necessity.
The country is highly exposed to typhoons, floods, droughts, rising temperatures and other climate-related risks. Agricultural infrastructure, watersheds, irrigation systems and rural communities must therefore be designed with resilience in mind.
Investment in climate-resilient agriculture should include better seeds, diversified cropping systems, water-efficient technologies, resilient infrastructure, stronger extension services and improved access to climate information.
The Philippines cannot control the climate.
But it can become much better prepared for it.
Science Must Return to the Farm
Agricultural transformation ultimately depends on knowledge.
The Philippines needs stronger agricultural research institutions, better laboratories, expanded agricultural colleges and universities, and closer partnerships between researchers, farmers and industry.
Research must focus not only on higher yields but also on drought- and flood-tolerant crops, improved seeds, water-efficient farming, soil health, pest and disease management, post-harvest technologies, livestock and fisheries, nutrition and climate resilience.
The laboratory and the farm must no longer exist in separate worlds.
The knowledge generated in agricultural institutions must reach the farmer’s field—and the farmer’s experience must return to the laboratory.
A New Food Compact for the Philippines
The Philippines does not need a food policy that asks one sector to solve everything.
It needs a national food compact bringing together agriculture, health, water, education, trade, industry, climate policy, infrastructure and social protection.
Rice will remain at the center of the Filipino food basket.
But around that center must grow a much more diverse ecosystem of vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish, milk and other nutritious foods; more productive farms; better water management; stronger rural infrastructure; more resilient supply chains; better agricultural research; and healthier food habits.
That is how food security can become nutrition security.
Nutrition security can become health security.
And health security can become economic security.
A Final Reflection: From Food Security to National Security
Food security is sometimes discussed as though it were simply a question of producing enough food.
It is much more than that.
It is about whether a mother can afford nutritious food for her child.
Whether a farmer can earn a dignified income.
Whether a young person in a rural community can see a future in agriculture.
Whether a family can withstand a sudden rise in food prices.
Whether a drought can be managed before it becomes a crisis.
Whether a fisherman can sustain his livelihood.
Whether a child grows up with the nutrition needed to learn, work and realise his or her potential.
And ultimately, whether the country can protect its people when global markets become turbulent or nature becomes unforgiving.
The Philippines does not need to choose between rice and diversification, between farmers and consumers, or between domestic production and international trade.
It needs to find the right balance.
It needs strategic self-reliance without isolation, productivity without exhausting natural resources, modernization without abandoning small farmers, and healthier diets without ignoring Filipino food culture.
The goal should not be a Philippines that produces everything it consumes.
The goal should be a Philippines that is secure enough to withstand shocks, productive enough to feed its people, diversified enough to nourish them, and resilient enough to adapt to a changing climate.
The rice bowl will remain important.
But the future Filipino food basket must become richer, more diverse and more nutritious.
And perhaps the most important lesson is this:
A country cannot build a strong economy on a poorly nourished population, nor can it build lasting food security on economically insecure farmers.
If the Philippines can bring together its farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, communities and policymakers around such a vision, food security can become far more than protection against hunger.
It can become one of the foundations of a healthier people, a stronger rural economy, a more resilient nation and a more productive Philippines.
BY ALEX ALAGON
MANILA – Hanabishi kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration this 2026 by honoring the people who have helped shape its success over the years. Last April, the company rewarded approximately 90 of its long-tenured employees to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as a reward for their years of dedication.
“On the occasion of our 40th founding anniversary this year, our company decided to make the celebration more memorable by bringing all employees who have been with the company for at least five years, regardless of rank and file, on a 4-day-3-night all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong,” said Jasper Ong, President of Hanabishi.
“Our longevity is built on people’s time, dedication, and loyalty, and we value these contributions equally, regardless of one’s position at the table. Our universal tenure trip reflects our company’s inclusivity and demonstrates that there is no “us versus them” culture in our workplace. We are one big family with approachable leadership,” Ong said.
Celebrating the Unseen Heroes Behind the Company’s Success
The special anniversary treat gave Hanabishi employees from different departments the chance to celebrate and bond. Organized by Golden World Travel & Tours Inc., the four-day trip had them experiencing the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland and seeing the breathtaking views of Victoria Peak. They also had the opportunity to explore the shopping and cultural district of Mong Kok, and enjoy a scenic night cruise. They were also given had a free day to explore Hong Kong at their own pace.
One of the employees who enjoyed the anniversary treat was Leonides Villanueva, a W7 Supervisor who has been with Hanabishi since 2003. He said that he is proud to witness the company’s growth as it expanded its product range for Filipino families.
“Ang hangad at hiling ko sa Diyos ay lalo pang pagpalain ang Hanabishi para marami pa silang matulungan (My hope and prayer to God is to bless Hanabishi so that they can help more people),” Villanueva expressed.
Ian Pluma, who works in the service parts department and has been with the company since 2013, shared that he would always see the Hanabishi commercial playing on TV when he was young, not knowing that he would eventually work and stay for 13 years in the company.
“Nasaksihan ko kung paano dumami ang ating mga produkto at parts. Naalala ko pa dati na nangungupahan pa tayo ng warehouse. Ngayon, may sarili na tayong warehouse (I have witnessed how our parts and products grew over the years. I can still remember when we used to rent a warehouse. Now we have our own warehouse),” Pluma shared about Hanabishi’s growth.
Quality Control Engineer Kathleen Grace Ariola echoed Pluma’s statement. She has been with Hanabishi since 2016, joining the company immediately after graduating from college.
“Since almost all new product models pass through our department for testing, I can clearly see the company’s progress and development. From products that meet basic household needs to those that cater to the modern lifestyle of Filipino families, Hanabishi now offers a wide range of appliances that serve almost every need,” she said.
One Big Hanabishi Family
For many employees, Hanabishi’s family-oriented culture makes them feel valued, and considers it as one of the reasons they have remained loyal to the company.
Jessica Tayupon, for example, has been with Hanabishi for 20 years. “Family vibes lang. ’Yung tipong nagwo-work ka pero di ka papasok na may kaba or takot kasi sobrang babait ng boss mo. Dito parang nasa second home ka lang (It’s just a family vibe. The kind were you’re working , but you don’t come in feeling nervous or afraid because the bosses are really kind. Here, it feels like you’re in your second home),” she shared.
For Sales Staff Irene Villanueva, who has been with Hanabishi for 18 years now, it’s the company’s care for its employees that makes working at Hanabishi especially meaningful. “Mayroon silang malasakit at pagmamahal, na kahit nahihirapan ka sa task willing silang magturo at magpaliwanag (They have care and compassion that when you’re having difficulty with a task, they are willing to teach and explain),” she shared.
To sustain Hanabishi’s close-knit, family-oriented culture, Ong said that they need to preserve Hanabishi’s core values. “We can do this by maintaining approachable leadership and ensuring that each team member feels valued and rewarded,” he stressed.
Building the Next 40 Years Together
As Hanabishi celebrates four decades of success and growth, Ong said that they will remain committed to creating opportunities for their employees.
“Employees stay at a company when they feel respected, safe, and truly valued for their contributions. They also need to see a clear future for themselves, with opportunities to learn and grow. When this supportive environment is combined with fair pay, employees feel both satisfied and secure. Ultimately, creating a workplace that feels like a caring community is what inspires people to stay for the long-term,” Ong stressed.
He added, “As new industry challenges emerge, we will focus and invest on training our loyal employees so they have the skills needed to lead us into the future. It is also vital to keep the workplace safe for new ideas, where people feel comfortable experimenting, adapting, and learning from mistakes. In the end, treating our history as a source of strength rather than a rule book is exactly how Hanabishi will continue to grow without losing its heart.”
DAVAO CITY — foodpanda Philippines has officially onboarded Gaisano Market (G Market), one of Davao City’s largest and most trusted supermarket chains, onto the foodpanda Shops platform. The partnership marks G Market’s first major venture into quick-commerce delivery, giving Davaoeños instant access to everyday grocery essentials right at their doorsteps.
As online grocery shopping shifts from a temporary convenience to a permanent lifestyle habit, this collaboration merges G Market’s decades-long local retail legacy with foodpanda’s hyper-fast delivery network.
“Davao is a thriving hub for digital adoption, and bringing a trusted household name like G Market onto foodpanda Shops is a game-changer for local shoppers,” said Joseph Wijesekera, director of Q-Commerce at foodpanda Philippines. “We aren’t just delivering groceries—we’re making everyday living simpler and more affordable by connecting Davaoeños to the local brands they’ve relied on for generations.”
Echoing this commitment to serving local families, Patricia Gaisano, G Market Business Unit head, added, “For us, joining foodpanda is about meeting our customers wherever they are. Many of the families who have shopped with G Market for years are now looking for more flexible ways to buy their groceries, and foodpanda allows us to serve them with the same reliability they know and love.”
The expansion underscores foodpanda’s continuing efforts to grow its quick-commerce ecosystem across Mindanao by partnering with strong, homegrown retail giants.
To commemorate the launch, G Market fulfilled its ceremonial first order, which was randomly assigned to Ka-panda rider Johannah Ranera.
Expecting a routine pickup, Ranera was surprised to learn that the groceries were actually a gift from foodpanda and G Market—a gesture of appreciation for the riders who help bring everyday essentials to customers across Davao.
G Market is now live on foodpanda Shops across key areas in Davao City. To celebrate, foodpanda users in Davao can check the app to enjoy exclusive discounts, free delivery deals, and special promotional vouchers on their G Market grocery orders.
Simply open the foodpanda app, tap Shops, and look for Gaisano Market to start browsing and save on everyday staples.
From L-R Will Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 2GO Group, Inc.; Ann Lago, Business Unit Head for 2GO Express; Michael L. Lhuillier, President and CEO, Michael James Lhuillier, Chief Financial Officer, M Lhuillier Group of Companies; Kenneth Glenn Berangel, Division Manager, ML Moves Solutions, Inc.
Manila – 2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, has officially partnered with M Lhuillier Financial Services, Inc., marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at making logistics services more accessible, convenient, and closer to every Filipino.
This partnership was formalized through a contract signing ceremony in Cebu, establishing the foundation for a broader collaboration, with both parties exploring additional products and value-added services in the future.
For its initial offering, the Pick-Up and Drop-Off (PUDO) services across M Lhuillier’s extensive nationwide branch network was launched. Beginning August 1, 2026, the service will initially be available to 2GO Express corporate clients, providing them with greater flexibility and accessibility in managing their shipping requirements.
By leveraging M Lhuillier’s expansive branch footprint, customers will gain access to significantly more locations where parcels can be conveniently dropped off and collected. With branches operating across the country, many of which are open seven days a week and offer extended business hours, the partnership enables customers to transact beyond traditional office schedules, including weekends.
Combined with 2GO’s trusted nationwide delivery network and logistics expertise, the collaboration enhances the overall customer experience by making shipping services more accessible where customers live, work, and do business.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously improving the way we serve our customers,” said Ann Lago, 2GO Express Business Unit Head. “By combining our nationwide logistics capabilities with M Lhuillier’s extensive and highly accessible branch network, we are expanding customer touchpoints and making our services even more convenient for businesses across the Philippines. This is only the first step in what we envision to be a long-term collaboration that will deliver even greater value to our customers.”
Kenneth Berangel added, “M Lhuillier has always been committed to bringing essential services closer to Filipinos through our nationwide branch network. Partnering with 2GO allows us to extend that commitment by providing customers with more accessible logistics solutions while laying the groundwork for future service innovations that respond to their evolving needs.”
The partnership brings together two organizations with complementary strengths—ML’s nationwide accessibility and strong community presence, and 2GO’s proven expertise in nationwide express logistics and delivery. Together, this creates a more seamless shipping experience while expanding access to reliable logistics solutions across the country to support the growing needs of businesses and communities nationwide.
FROM searching for a nearby gym to training for a marathon or joining a Zumba class, online searches offer a glimpse into how Filipinos approach fitness. A new study by Muse analyzed fitness-related Google searches across the Philippines to identify which regions show the strongest commitment to healthy living.
Top Philippine Regions Most Committed to Fitness
- Metro Manila
- Central Visayas
- Davao Region
- Central Luzon
- CALABARZON
- Western Visayas
- Northern Mindanao
- Cordillera Administrative Region
- Ilocos Region
- 10.Caraga
1. Metro Manila
Metro Manila ranks first overall, generating approximately 2,390 monthly fitness-related searches per capita. It is the only region to exceed the 2,300 mark, reflecting consistently high interest in fitness and healthy living. The region also led four of the six categories analyzed, demonstrating broad interest in everything from everyday fitness and endurance training to strength training and nutrition.
2. Central Visayas
Central Visayas places second with around 2,290 monthly fitness-related searches per capita, trailing Metro Manila by fewer than 100 searches. While narrowly missing the top spot overall, it ranked first in Group Fitness and Home & Workout Planning, highlighting particularly strong interest in fitness classes, home exercise, and structured workout routines.
3. Davao Region
Davao Region ranks third with approximately 1,840 monthly fitness-related searches per capita, making it the highest-ranked region in Mindanao. Rather than leading a single category, it consistently ranked among the country’s top performers across cardio and endurance, group fitness, nutrition, and home workout planning, reflecting broad engagement with fitness.
4. Central Luzon
Central Luzon claims fourth place with roughly 1,690 monthly fitness-related searches per capita. Although it did not top any individual category, it finished among the top five across all six categories, making it one of the country’s most consistently fitness-focused regions.
5. CALABARZON
CALABARZON rounds out the top five with around 1,640 monthly fitness-related searches per capita. The region ranked among the country’s strongest performers in General Fitness and Strength & Conditioning, while also posting high search activity across the remaining categories, pointing to well-rounded interest in maintaining an active lifestyle.
Different Regions, Different Fitness Priorities
The category rankings show that the country’s most fitness-focused regions don’t all pursue fitness in the same way. Metro Manila dominated searches related to everyday fitness, endurance, strength training, and nutrition, while Central Visayas led the country in group fitness and home workout planning. Meanwhile, Davao Region and Central Luzon distinguished themselves through consistently strong performances across multiple categories, suggesting that fitness interest extends well beyond a single type of workout or training style.
Regions with the Lowest Fitness Search Interest
At the other end of the rankings, BARMM recorded the lowest level of fitness-related search interest, generating around 290 monthly searches per capita, compared with 2,390 in Metro Manila. It was followed by the Bicol Region with approximately 600 searches, and SOCCSKSARGEN with around 630. While residents in these regions still searched for fitness-related topics, overall online interest was considerably lower than in the country’s highest-ranked regions.
“The rankings show that fitness looks different across the country,” said a spokesperson for Muse. “Some regions excelled in strength training and nutrition, while others led in group fitness or home workout planning. Those differences highlight how fitness interests vary from region to region, rather than following a single national pattern.”
Methodology
Muse analyzed Google search interest across the Philippines using Google Keyword Planner regional data and 27 fitness-related keywords grouped into six categories:
- General Fitness – everyday fitness and gym-related topics
- Cardio & Endurance – endurance-based exercise
- Strength & Conditioning – resistance and performance training
- Group Fitness – instructor-led and social workouts
- Fitness Goals & Nutrition – nutrition and weight management
- Home & Workout Planning – home exercise and workout routines
Search volume data covers the period from June 2025 to May 2026. Search volumes were normalized on a per 100,000 residents basis to account for differences in regional population, then combined into a composite score to produce the final rankings.
Although the Philippines currently has 18 administrative regions, Google Keyword Planner does not yet provide separate regional data for the Negros Island Region. Search activity for the Negros Island Region is therefore reflected within Western Visayas and Central Visayas under Google’s current regional reporting.
Photo by Arthur Tseng on Unsplash
MANILA, Philippines — Maxicare Healthcare Corporation is opening the doors of its 49 premium clinics nationwide to all Filipinos, including walk-ins. This move makes it easier for everyone to have access to state-of-the-art and professional healthcare, beyond traditional employer-sponsored HMO coverage.
The announcement comes at a time when access to quality healthcare has become more urgent. An OCTA Research survey of 1,200 Filipino adults found that 67% cite staying healthy as their top personal concern this year. A study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group found that 64% of Filipino families say they cannot afford a ₱10,000 hospital bill without going into debt.
“When you already feel sick, the last thing you want to do is go through steps one to nine just to see a professional,” shares Raymond Hernandez, Maxicare Group chief customer officer. “This is a reality that most facilities today fail to recognize, and one that makes healthcare feel more out of reach for average Filipinos. By opening our clinics to all walk-ins, we are making it easier for more people to get quality care early, before small health concerns become bigger problems.”
He adds, “This move is part of Maxicare’s continuing mission to make healthcare simpler, warmer, and more accessible. We want every Filipino to know that there is a trusted clinic they can walk into for professional care, whether or not they are part of a traditional HMO plan.”
Starting immediately, anyone with an existing PRIMA prepaid healthcare card can simply walk into any of Maxicare’s 49 clinics to avail of their benefits. Meanwhile, those without a PRIMA card can purchase one on-site and use it immediately with no prior appointment required. This gives them easy access to Maxicare’s premium clinic experience and services, including doctor consultations, and access to on-site laboratory and diagnostic procedures, depending on the PRIMA package.
For more information on the Maxicare Clinics and PRIMA cards, you may visit shop.maxihealth.com.ph.
