BY ALEX ALAGON
CUSTOMERS of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) are in for a treat this holiday season with a lower overall residential electricity rate of P9.7135 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) applicable to bills received during the December 11 to January 10 billing period. This is mainly due to a decrease in power supply prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), one of the distribution utility’s power supply sources.
The new rate is P0.3477/kWh lower than last month’s P10.0612/kWh. This results in a decrease of approximately P69.54 in the electric bill for typical households consuming 200 kWh and using essential appliances such as light bulbs, electric fans, an iron, a television, a rice cooker, a washing machine, and a refrigerator.
With this, Davao Light customers can further maximize their savings by continuing to use electricity throughout the holiday season mindfully. Here are some practical energy conservation and electrical safety tips for households:
1. Turn off and unplug Christmas lights earlier than usual. This reduces electricity use, prevents overheating and fire incidents.
2. Use LED lights in your decorations. LED lights are the most energy-efficient lighting option currently available as they use less energy, last longer, and run much cooler than standard incandescent lights.
3. Avoid substandard or counterfeit electrical Christmas products. Using these products may save money, but they may also lead to serious dangers, such as fires and electrocutions. Look for the original Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), these serve as a consumer’s guide and assurance that the items are safe, of quality, and conform to the Philippine National Standards (PNS).
4. Secure electrical cords. During the holiday season, your home may see increased foot traffic. In preparation, ensure all electrical cords are out of high-traffic pathways and areas. Do not run cords through doorways or hide them under rugs or carpets. Instead, cover them with duct tape to avoid accidents such as people stumbling or, worse, electrocution.
5. Avoid overloading outlets. During the holidays, you may have more electrical decorations than usual. Just be aware of how many plugs you have plugged into one outlet. If you have too many things plugged in, it can be a fire hazard.
Davao Light customers may also check the company’s official Facebook page for more electrical safety and energy conservation tips.
In its 79th year of empowering the evolution of its communities, Davao Light continues to provide solutions that pave the way for the development of its franchise area, covering the cities of Davao, Panabo, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas. Soon, the AboitizPower subsidiary will expand its services to the entire provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
ORGANIZATIONS today face a paradox: they strive for efficiency and innovation, yet often overlook the hidden dynamics that hold them back. Every organization has blind spots—those ingrained habits, outdated processes, and entrenched practices, along with unspoken assumptions, that quietly drain energy and limit growth. In today’s fast-changing environment, these blind spots aren’t just obstacles—they’re risks. This is where organization development (OD) consultants step in. They know where to look and how to transform those challenges into pathways for growth and resilience.
OD is not about quick fixes or abstract theories; it’s about unlocking the potential already within your organizations. By redirecting information, energy, and resources often lost to unproductive channels, OD builds systems that anticipate change and empower people to thrive. The challenge is that these blind spots are hard to see from the inside. Leaders and teams grow accustomed to “the way things are,” even when those ways no longer serve them.
That’s why OD consultants matter. They bring fresh eyes and frameworks to uncover what insiders can’t see—patterns beneath the surface, cultural norms shaping behavior, and processes that have quietly ossified over time. Their role is not to criticise but to collaborate, challenge, and calibrate, helping organizations transform hidden problems into opportunities for growth.
Action research: a foundation for meaningful change
Action research complements OD by providing a participatory approach to diagnosing and solving organizational challenges. It combines reflection and action, theory and practice, ensuring that solutions are practical, inclusive, and grounded in real experiences. Together, OD and action research foster workplaces that learn continuously, adapt authentically, and thrive in complexity.
At its core, the action research model, developed by Kurt Lewin and considered a cornerstone of OD, is an iterative process of diagnosing, acting, and evaluating to drive organizational change. What makes this model powerful is its emphasis on collaboration between consultants and employees to identify issues and co-create solutions. Rather than imposing solutions from the outside, it invites employees, leaders, and stakeholders to become co-creators of knowledge. This democratic process builds trust, ownership, and authentic dialogue—critical ingredients for sustainable change.
The process unfolds in four key stages:
- Diagnosis: Gather data through surveys, interviews, or focus groups to identify organizational pain points, such as low employee engagement or inefficient processes.
- Action planning: Collaboratively design interventions, such as training programmes, process redesigns, or cultural initiatives.
- Implementation: Execute the plan with active stakeholder involvement to ensure buy-in and ownership.
- Evaluation: Assess outcomes and refine interventions iteratively, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
Action research is not just a tool; it is a mindset that empowers organizations to learn continuously and evolve with purpose. Its flexibility across individual, team, and organizational levels makes it a natural partner for OD consultants, who use its insights to uncover blind spots and design interventions that are both systemic and human-centred.
organizational development interventions: when and how to use them
Once blind spots are identified and action research has provided a clear understanding of underlying issues, the next step is implementing targeted interventions. OD interventions are not random activities; they are strategic tools designed to address specific organizational challenges, and their success depends on timing and thoughtful application. These interventions translate insights from action research into practical solutions that empower individuals, strengthen relationships, and transform organizational systems.
At the individual level, interventions such as career planning and development are essential when employees seek clarity on growth opportunities or when retention is a priority. These programmes align personal aspirations with organizational goals through workshops and competency mapping. Coaching and counselling become critical for leadership development or when performance gaps stem from behavioural or emotional issues; structured sessions focused on feedback and skill-building help individuals thrive. Similarly, education and training are indispensable during organizational change or when new skills are required, using blended learning approaches to ensure engagement and adaptability.
For interpersonal dynamics, interventions like third-party peacemaking are vital when unresolved conflicts disrupt collaboration. A neutral facilitator mediates discussions, clarifies issues, and establishes agreements for future interaction. Role negotiation techniques are useful when unclear responsibilities create tension; structured dialogues help clarify roles and authority boundaries. In increasingly diverse workplaces, global and workforce diversity programmes foster inclusion and equity through training and policy development, ensuring that cultural differences become strengths rather than barriers.
At the team and group level, interventions such as self-managed teams empower employees and enhance agility, particularly in organizations seeking decentralised decision-making. These require training in governance and accountability systems. Process consultation is effective when teams struggle with communication or problem-solving; here, OD consultants observe interactions and guide improvements without prescribing rigid solutions. Small groups focused on continuous improvement are ideal for operational efficiency and employee engagement.
For intergroup relations, intergroup team building addresses friction between departments by surfacing perceptions and building shared goals, while organizational mirroring facilitates feedback between groups to correct behaviours that impact collaboration. At the organizational level, Schein’s cultural analysis is critical during mergers or cultural shifts, diagnosing underlying assumptions and designing alignment strategies. Survey feedback helps gauge employee perceptions and identify systemic issues, enabling transparent action planning. Finally, structural interventions like socio-technical systems design balance technological changes with human needs, while reengineering streamlines outdated processes to enhance competitiveness.
These interventions represent some of the most widely adopted and effective approaches that OD practitioners use to address organizational challenges. They are not one-size-fits-all solutions but examples of strategies that can be tailored to the unique needs of each organization.
Strategic shifts in OD consulting: preparing for what’s next
organization development is no longer limited to addressing blind spots or improving processes—it is evolving into a strategic function that anticipates future disruptions. Today’s OD consultants are embracing AI-driven skills development, helping organizations move from reactive training to proactive learning strategies that close skills gaps before they impact performance. Leadership adaptability has also become a critical focus, with executives expected to manage complex priorities such as AI integration, hybrid work models, and ESG commitments. These shifts demand OD interventions that are agile, data-informed, and deeply aligned with organizational purpose.
The future of OD consulting is about designing organizations that thrive in uncertainty. This includes implementing hyper-flexible work models, leveraging external workforce intelligence, and embedding succession planning as a core strategic priority. Consultants are increasingly using benchmarking and iterative design processes to move beyond rigid hierarchies toward adaptive structures. With over 75% of organizations already incorporating AI into their operations, OD practitioners must guide organizations in balancing technology adoption with human-centred practices. In this new landscape, OD consultants don’t just know where to look—they help organizations see what’s coming and prepare for it.
Mithi Sandalo is a Senior Managing Consultant for the Advisory Services Practice Area at P&A Grant Thornton. One of the leading audit, tax, advisory, and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, P&A Grant Thornton is composed of 29 Partners and 1,500 staff members. We’d like to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn and like us on Facebook: P&A Grant Thornton and email your comments to business.development@ph.gt.com. For more information, visit our website: www.grantthornton.com.ph.
BY ALEX ALAGON
Cebu Pacific has cancelled bookings that were purchased using fraudulent credit cards.
Following an investigation, the airline determined that certain individuals used stolen or unauthorized credit cards to book Cebu Pacific flights, which were subsequently converted into Travel Funds. These Travel Funds were then used to illegally resell flights through unauthorized channels.
The individuals involved were found to be offering Cebu Pacific flights for sale through the following Facebook groups:
- Cebu Pacific Refund – https://www.facebook.com/groups/426610031927684
- Cebu Pacific Travel Fund (For Sale) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1016560490256609
- Cebu Pacific Air – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CebuPacificAirPh
- CEBU PACIFIC PISO FARE//PROMO TICKET//LOW FARE – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1271257087394124/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=YZUtFi8OGJ…
Cebu Pacific is coordinating closely with authorities to continue investigating groups engaged in the illegal sale of Cebu Pacific flights on social media platforms and to protect passengers from fraudulent activities.
Passengers affected by the cancelled bookings have been sent notifications and are advised to book new flights through www.cebupacificair.com using a valid and authorized form of payment should they wish to proceed with their travel plans.
Cebu Pacific strongly reminds all passengers to book their flights only through CEB’s official website, mobile app, or accredited travel partners to ensure access to the airline’s guaranteed lowest fares and legitimate booking services.
Passengers are strongly advised against transacting with unauthorized sellers, as doing so may result in invalid or incomplete bookings, additional charges, or disrupted travel plans. Only CEB’s official channels and affiliated travel agencies are authorized to sell genuine CEB flights.
Customers who transact through unauthorized channels and agents may not be able to:
- Receive a complete booking and ticket due to incorrect fares
- Do online check-in
- Rebook
Refund - Add bags or meals
To book your flights with CEB, you may directly visit www.cebupacificair.com or download our official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Manila, Philippines — Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (THPI) has been honored for the second consecutive year at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards, earning recognition in the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category. This consecutive win reflects Takeda’s continuous commitment to fostering a people-centered culture that empowers employees to deliver better health for patients in the Philippines.
THPI Country Manager Loreann Villanueva said: “Our commitment to Takeda-ism has created a work environment that enables a dynamic and diverse workplace, while also growing stakeholder trust and strengthening the business. We are grateful to ACES for this wonderful recognition.”
In its citation, ACES stated: “This accolade celebrates Takeda’s dedication to creating an empowering workplace where people thrive through collaboration, resilience, and shared values. By embedding Takeda-ism into every aspect of its culture, fostering psychological safety, and driving innovation through inclusive programs, the company demonstrates how a strong workplace ethos drives both employee fulfillment and business success.”
The ACES judges also commended the company’s employee programs, noting: “With a workforce empowered by resilience programs, psychological safety, and innovation incubators, Takeda has created an environment that is both dynamic and inclusive. Employee engagement is reinforced through wellness initiatives, growth-focused mentoring, and benefits that extend inclusivity to dependents—ensuring that people remain at the center of its success.”
To drive corporate engagement, trust, and empowerment, Takeda has introduced and sustained numerous programs that nurture its employees. These include extending medical benefits to same-sex and common-law partners as a concrete expression of its commitment to equity; the provision of Quarterly Care Kits, wellness programs, and a dedicated Wellness Room; and a strong advocacy for work-life balance through initiatives such as “No Meeting Fridays,” hybrid work, and flexible hours, among others.
THPI has been serving Filipinos since 1968. The Philippines is one of the 80 countries where the global biopharmaceutical company Takeda operates. Founded in 1781 in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is built on a sustainability framework that prioritizes the Patient, its People, and the Planet. Its corporate values are lived out every day under the guiding principles—called Takeda-ism—of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance. Takeda-ism is brought to life through the following actions in their order: putting the patient first, building trust with society, reinforcing its reputation, and developing a sustainable business.
Takeda Healthcare Philippines’ ACES Award comes on the heels of the company receiving its fourth consecutive Great Place to Work® certification and third consecutive Philippines’ Best Workplaces™ recognition. Both honors are given to companies whose employees provide positive feedback on their workplace culture and experience.
The ACES Awards 2025, held in Bali, Indonesia, on November 27-28, celebrated excellence in sustainability and leadership across Asia. This year’s event drew 827 nominations from 32 countries.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ACES Awards is the definitive recognition for leadership and sustainability in Asia. Established in 2014, ACES has become one of Asia’s most coveted honors for corporate leadership and sustainability. It is known for its rigorous, research-driven evaluation and distinguished list of winners that includes some of the region’s most influential business leaders, corporations, and brands.
AS 2025 winds down and the most wonderful time of the year begins, you must have started your Christmas shopping. We’re hoping books are at the top of your gift list, because we all know they make the perfect presents. They’re easy to wrap, thoughtful to give, and nothing says “I’ve been thinking of you” more than a carefully chosen read. Whether it’s a bestselling title your giftee has had on their cart for months, a practical guide they’ll actually use, an inspiring pick-me-up, or a book parents (of kids or pets!) can share with their little ones—we’ve got something for everyone. We’ve also included stationery and bookish accessories if you’re looking for something beyond books.
If you need a leg up on your Christmas shopping this year, here are some ideas to get you started.
High on the Wish List: Not sure what to get? Some of the most wishlisted titles of the year are your best bet.
Alchemised by SenLinYu
Based on a Dramione fan fiction, Alchemised is a dark fantasy debut about Helen, a prisoner of war and an alchemist with amnesia, who is sent to a powerful and ruthless necromancer tasked with unlocking her memories. Clocking at 1,040 pages, Alchemised is Penguin’s most pre-ordered debut and one of the most talked about books of 2025.
How’s Moving Castle (40th anniversary Deluxe Limited Edition) by Diana Wynne
When Sophie is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old lady, she must journey to find the moving castle in the hills and confront its mysterious, mischievous wizard. Dazzling and enchanting, How’s Moving Castle is a beloved classic for readers of all ages. This new deluxe edition, featuring digitally printed pages and luminous jacket artwork, makes it even more magical—a gift sure to delight.
Sarap: Essays on Philippine Food by Doreen Fernandez and Edilberto N. Alegre
Sarap, the iconic collection of essays by Doreen Fernandez and collaborator Edilberto N. Alegre, returns in a new edition, reintroduced for a new generation of readers. As hunger-inducing as it is inspiring, this beautiful book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves food and celebrates Philippine culture. Enhanced with stunning illustrations by Gianne Encarnacion, Kitty Jardenil, Elle Shivers, and Eva Yu, it’s a feast for both the mind and the eyes.
Heartwarming Gifts: Books that tug at the heartstrings prove the most unforgettable. They can drive your recipient to tears and turn their hearts into mush. Make sure to send plenty of hugs, too.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Trust Fredrik Backman, author of A Man Called Ove, to turn on the waterworks. My Friends follows the story behind a world-famous painting and the orphan who unexpectedly becomes its owner. Moving between past and present, Backman delivers a warmhearted tale about humanity, how friendships are formed that last a lifetime, and the quiet ripples they create along the way.
Always Remember: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse and The Storm by Charlie Mackesy
In 2019, the boy, mole, fox, and the horse stole our hearts with their simple yet heartwarming story. Now Mackesy is back with a sequel, and this time the four friends are journeying in the wilderness amidst a brewing storm. With beautiful illustrations paired with gentle wisdom about love, friendship, vulnerability, and resilience, Always Remember feels like a warm bowl of soup: comforting, healing, and a reminder that kindness can carry us through even the darkest times.
The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida
Human connection and love can bloom in the most unexpected places—even in a convenience store. In this cozy novel, a seaside shop named Tenderness becomes a haven for its staff and regular customers. Wander through its pastel-colored, retro-themed aisles and discover the intricate lives of the people who pass through its doors. It’s an experience anyone can relate to—after all, who hasn’t lingered in a convenience store and pondered about life?
Pet Lovers: For the fur parents and animal lovers in your life, get them gifts that will remind them of their beloved, or improve their pet parenting skills. Their four-legged friends will thank you, too.
Cat Bookmarks
Crazy about cats? These pawsome bookmarks are the perfect gift for friends who love both cats and books. And if you’re feeling generous, throw in a cat book, too (peruse our list of Books About Cats, we have a rich treasure trove of stories about our beloved furry felines)
Cat Tote Bags
Carrying essentials has never been this purrrfect with cat tote bags. There are many designs to choose from –with cats in various degrees of cuteness. A handy gift for a person who loves bringing a tote for book shopping, or for carrying around whenever they’re out and about.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
This one’s for the cat moms and dads: a heartwarming novel about a stray black cat named Cat who feels inexplicably drawn to five humans who regularly visit her. Teaching compassion, kindness, and the power of connection, Cat’s People is a feel-good book that wraps you up in a warm hug.
The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read
Ask any pet parent, and they’ll say nothing beats quiet and quality time with their four-legged friend in tow. A book that enhances the bond between parent and dog makes the perfect gift, just like this one. It’s written by Louise Gazebrook, UK’s dog whisperer, and dives deep into the exceptional friendship between dogs and humans.
Gift of Laughter: Humor your loved ones with the gift of quirky and comic relief.
How to Meet No One by Ainsley Drew
The world can be loud and overwhelming for introverts, but Ainsley Drew shows that they can not only survive it—but thrive in it. With quirky illustrations and plenty of humor, Drew captures everyday scenarios introverts will instantly recognize: the awkwardness of ordering coffee, the discomfort of cramped elevators, the irritation over harsh overhead lights, and the quiet joy of cancelled plans. Plus, plenty of tips to manage social anxiety. If you’re an introvert or antisocial (or care about someone who is), you’ll love this book.
Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake by Ciara Giaimo
Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake is a whimsical illustrated book packed with nuggets of wisdom from the ocean’s weirdest and wisest creatures. Their strange behaviors offer surprisingly relatable lessons for life on solid ground: the star tunicate, who avoids anxiety by digesting its own brain; the gloomy octopus, who protects its boundaries by flinging dirt at anyone who bothers it; and the fire-breathing shrimp, who releases pent-up feelings by spewing bioluminescent goo. Dive in and discover what these extraordinary sea creatures can teach us about living, loving, and coping in our own human depths.
Lafufu Coloring Book
Are you or your giftee obsessed with Labubu? Here comes Lafufu! Blending playful parody with the right dose of whimsy, the Lafufu coloring book features creepy-cute Lafufus in questionable environments: surfing sketchy waves, sliding down suspicious rainbows, and even being abducted by aliens. Hands-down, a gift to bestow on a quirky and creative person.
Gifts for Living Well: These are gifts that show your recipient visions of a life well lived.
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
Productivity and hustle culture? They’re both overrated. Whether you’re a borderline workaholic or you care about someone who’s a slave to the grind, this book is a balm to the soul. Pulling together threads from history, neuroscience, social science, and even paleontology, Do Nothing examines how we’ve reached a point where productivity is a goal in and of itself and illuminates the way to a better path.
Shibui by Sanae Ishida
In this day and age, we feel pressured to keep up with beauty trends and to delay aging– no thanks to social media. Literature, however, offers transformative perspectives. Shibui, rooted in the Japanese philosophy of quiet, understated elegance, invites a gentler perspective. Through watercolor illustrations, personal anecdotes, and mindful reflections, this book celebrates the simple, subtle beauty that deepens with time, marked with grace, purpose, and joy.
Good Things by Nosrat Samin
Samin Nosrat is beloved the world over for her bestselling book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, which sold over a million copies and inspired a hit Netflix series. Now she returns with her second book, Good Things. Featuring more than 125 recipes from her own kitchen—everything from ricotta pancakes and focaccia to show-stopping roast chicken—Good Things is not just about delicious food, but about why cooking matters. Comforting, soulful, and generous in spirit (and size), it reflects Samin’s belief that the best meals are those shared with the people you care about.
Practical Gifts: Recommended practical and useful gifts that your loved ones are guaranteed to get great mileage out of. Trust us, they’ll give a broad smile and say, “I can really use this!”
Vincent Van Gogh Blossom: Set of 3 Midi Note Books
Anyone who loves art and frequenting museums will adore this Vincent Van Gogh notebook set. Each notebook has a different design. They’re a delight to behold—and even better, they include alternating lined and blank pages to spark creativity, reflection, and everyday inspiration. And did we mention it’s a set of three? It doesn’t get more price-worthy than this!
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Not a morning person? This book might just change your mind. In The 5 AM Club, world-renowned leadership expert Robin Sharma shares practical, real-life strategies drawn from his work with some of the world’s most successful people. Grounded in the idea that winning begins at the start of the day, Sharma makes a compelling case for rising early to set a proactive, purposeful, and productive tone for the day and transform your life. This might just make you a morning person.
Mama Sita’s Lutong Bahay
Eating out is all well and good, but these days—between traffic and rising prices—nothing beats good old home cooking, especially meals that remind you of mom and lola. Mama Sita’s Lutong Bahay is a collection of Filipino recipes made with everyday ingredients and practical cooking methods. Who would love this gift? Parents, home cooks, or anyone newly living on their own and craving comforting, familiar flavors.
Gifts for Growing Readers: For nurturing your minds and sparking a lifelong love for reading
Lulu Sinagtala Duology by Gail D. Villanueva
This duology by Filipino author Gail Villanueva is sure to be a favorite among young readers. Steeped in Filipino mythology, it tells the story of an 11-year-old kid named Lulu who possesses superhuman strength and magical powers. Together with her sister, Kitty, and best friend, Bert, Lulu must battle evil entities and vicious creatures to save her universe from descending into chaos.
Ms. Rachel and Bean’s Goodnight Book
This book is perfect for snuggling with your little ones. The terrific Ms. Rachel helps Bean follow a calming bedtime routine, from putting away toys and taking a bath to brushing teeth and reading stories together. Children will love it, and so will the parent, who gets to instill the gift of reading at a young age. Add this to your shelf and bedtime routine.
All New Official Minecraft Survival Handbook
Perfect for Minecraft-loving kids, this handbook is packed with easy, updated tips on how to survive and thrive in the game. From gathering resources and building shelters to battling mobs and crafting tools, it guides young players through everything they need to know. A great pick for beginners and budding builders who want to explore Minecraft with confidence.
Discover more merry and bright gifts for your loved ones at Fully Booked. Check out more gift recommendations here. Happy Holidays!
ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), clinched the coveted title of Best Hospitality Developer in Asia at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We are profoundly honored to receive the Best Hospitality Developer (Asia) award from the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, Asia Pacific’s most respected real estate awards program,” said Barun Jolly, senior vice president & business unit general manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts. “This recognition is more than an achievement for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts—it’s a proud moment for the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry. The Best Hospitality Developer award celebrates not only our commitment to quality and innovation but also the collective progress of the country’s tourism sector. It signals that the Philippines is emerging as a key player in the global hospitality landscape, with homegrown brands and industry leaders working together to raise standards and deliver world-class experiences.”
The win is a strategic milestone for RHR’s parent company, Robinsons Land Corporation, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
“As we celebrate 45 years of ‘Building Better Lives,’ being named Best Hospitality Developer (Asia) is a milestone of great significance for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts and the entire Robinsons Land Corporation,” said Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, RLC president and CEO. “This regional recognition affirms the excellence of our hospitality team and showcases how our vision of nation-building through thoughtful, people-centered development resonates on the global stage. At its core, this honor reflects our commitment to champion and showcase Filipino excellence, grounded in a deep understanding of the needs of our guests and communities. This collective achievement inspires us as we continue delivering world-class Filipino hospitality.”
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has established one of the widest geographical hotel presences in the Philippines, driven by a portfolio that combines distinctive homegrown concepts with strategic international partnerships.
Its home-grown brands include NUSTAR Hotel Cebu (ultra-luxury), Fili Hotels (5-star), Grand Summit Hotels (upscale), Summit Hotels and Resorts (mid-scale), and Go Hotels and Go Hotels Plus (Essential Value). Rounding out its distinguished portfolio are celebrated international brands Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, and The Westin Manila.
Driven by this success, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts is further expanding its local brands, focusing on the upscale segment. New additions, including Summit Villas Siargao, Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, and Grand Summit Pangasinan, are slated to open in the next two years.
BY JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO
MAKATI CITY — The Illegal recruitment of prospective and current overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose using Facebook and TikTok pages, dwarfing the Department of Migrant Workers’ efforts to curb all sorts of IR activities.
In DMW’s fourth full year of operation, data from 2022 to November 2025 show that 170,140 pages on Facebook and TikTok were shut down for conducting illegal recruitment activities such as online direct hiring and charging fees.
From only 614 pages in 2022, the taken-down pages rose to 85,538 as of this November. Detected social media pages rose especially when DMW forged partnerships with Facebook owners Meta and TikTok to clamp down on these IR agents.
These IR agents, whether based in the Philippines or in host countries, do not possess valid licenses to recruit coming from the DMW.
Illegal recruitment activities, especially when affecting at least three workers, are outlawed by the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (or Republic Act 8042, amended into RA 10022).
DMW, created through Republic Act 11649, runs current-day anti-illegal recruitment activities that were the task of the now-defunct Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) from 1982 to 2021.
But illegal recruitment has persisted even before the enactment of the 1974 Labor Code of the Philippines, through Presidential Decree 442, and when the Overseas Employment Development Board (OEDB) got mandated to regulate overseas employment from 1975 to 1981.
A corollary to the rise of taken-down social media pages was the rise of illegal recruitment cases handled by the regulator DMW. From a total of 327 from 2022 to 2024, running-year figures show DMW handled 479 IR cases.
DMW also filled the year with anti-illegal recruitment (AIR) operations and surveillance activities, with some 992 of these surveillance activities happening over a 47-month period.
These AIR surveillance activities resulted in the closure of 91 establishments under the DMW era.
As to convictions, the DMW’s first 47 months yielded only 37 convictions coming from local courts. These convictions included that of Alejandro Leveriza Jr. last Nov. 29.
Leveriza (alias “Al”) was nabbed by the National Bureau of Investigation in January 2009 for duping 15 job applicants of a million pesos through Shellisa Travel and Tours International. The travel agency advertised chambermaid jobs in Macau, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries, and required a P40,000 “processing fee” from applicants.
The country also continues to be on its toes rescuing illegally-recruited and trafficked Filipinos working in cyber scam hubs in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Myanmar. This year alone, and covering the three countries, DMW assisted 2,021 victims, with 1,914 of them repatriated to the Philippines.
At a research and policy forum in Makati City, veteran recruitment sector leader Raquel Bracero reveals that fellow Filipinos abroad are the ones using TikTok and Facebook to directly hire Filipinos in host countries.
“They would say that [such online recruitment] is legal in the host country,” Bracero said at a panel session. In Taiwan, for example, this president of the licensed agency Peridot International Resources said that Filipinos are “willing to pay” amounts ranging from P300,000 to P500,000 for salaries amounting to NT$1,000 monthly.
Illegal recruitment activities, Bracero adds, affect “not just the vulnerable sector (such as less-skilled workers) but also skilled workers and professionals.”
Director Atty. Geraldine Marquez of DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) said that the Philippines’ anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking efforts are well in-place and respond to the realities of cyber-induced recruitment.
“Enhanced case handling has been there for a matter of time. Standardized protocols, unified digital case tracking systems, and strengthened capacities for cyber-enabled and cross-border trafficking ensure that (DMW’s) processes match the realities of modern-day exploitation,” Marquez said.
Given DMW’s creation on December 30, 2021, by virtue of the signing of Republic Act 11649, the agency has released updated rules and regulations governing the recruitment and employment of land-based OFWs in July 2023.
But Bracero scratches her head about dealing with fellow Filipinos allegedly acting as “scammers” and recruiting compatriots abroad.
“Ma’am, it’s okay,” Bracero quotes some Filipinos abroad as saying. “It is just in the Philippines that (online recruiting) ain’t legal. Thus, recruitment agencies face challenges always having to explain to these Filipino workers… and even to foreign employers.”
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Jeremaiah Opiniano teaches journalism and research methods at the University of Santo Tomas.
For many Cebuanos, a motorcycle isn’t just a ride, it’s pang-trabaho, pang-hatod, pang-kita, pang-araw-araw.
That’s why Transcycle brought its 3-Day Free Change Oil & Check-Up Caravan to the Mandaue City Sports Complex last November 25–27, offering riders a chance to keep their motorcycles safe and running smoothly without spending a single peso.
Together with the Local Government of Mandaue and TEAM Engineering Division, Transcycle served riders from all walks of life, delivery riders, essential workers, young professionals, heads of families, and weekend tambike enthusiasts, all united by the same thing: umaasa sa motor para sa buhay at hanapbuhay.
The CSR program, themed “Tuloy ang Byahe, Sagot ng Transcycle ang Serbisyo,” reminded riders that even after tough times, hindi sila nag-iisa sa biyahe.
The Riders Behind the Story
Marco, the Delivery Hustler
A food delivery rider shared he had been skipping maintenance because every peso mattered after the typhoon.
“Salamat kaayo, Transcycle. Makapadayon nako’g trabaho balik ug walay kabalak-an.”
David, the Young Breadwinner
A 25-year-old service crew member who uses his scooter for work said the free safety check made him feel more secure driving late at night.
These simple moments turned the event into more than a service caravan; it became a community upliftment day.
Each motorcycle received:
- Tire and brake inspection
- Engine and oil-level check
- Chain and sprocket evaluation
- Basic electrical diagnostic
- Proper oil draining and refill using standard protocols
Because for Transcycle, safety isn’t optional, it’s part of our #TiwalangTranscycle commitment.
What Partners Had to Say
Transcycle on Why CSR Matters
“Alam namin gaano kahalaga ang motor sa bawat pamilya. Kung di gumagana ang motor, di rin gumagana ang hanapbuhay. Kaya habang kayang tumulong, gagawa at gagawa kami ng paraan.”
– Matthew Siy Cha, CEO
Rider Testimonial
“Libre na ang serbisyo, luwas pa ang biyahe. Dako’g tabang para sa pareho namo nga nag-motor pang-trabaho.”
— John Mark, Delivery Rider
About Transcycle
Transcycle is an established top motorcycle dealer operating nationwide in the Philippines, it is serving riders for nearly three decades. Representing global brands like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, it offers quality motorcycles and dependable aftersales service across its extensive branch network Guided by its promise, Kasabay sa Tagumpay ng Buhay, the company continues to support riders through community partnerships and CSR initiatives that uplift everyday heroes of the road.
