For generations, tapuy has been part of life for the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya tribes of Tuba. Brewed from local kintuman rice and shared during gatherings and celebrations, the traditional rice wine carries stories of identity, culture, and community. Today, that tradition is helping sustain livelihoods. Through royalty shares from Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), which operates the Irisan 3 Hydropower Plant in Tuba, tribal communities in Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet have scaled up their tapuy-making practice — turning it into a small but growing enterprise that preserves culture while creating income opportunities for the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya tribes. “Tapuy has always been part of our lives,” said James Maranes, an Ibaloi leader and head of the Council of Elders. “I started making it as a child, when my mother first taught me the process.” The brewing process has remained unchanged for generations. Local rice is fermented with yeast and stored in clay jars for approximately one month before the tapuy is ready for consumption. This unbroken practice serves as a living record of each tribe’s cultural identity — one that communities continue to actively preserve and pass on. A jar of tapuy, priced at ₱2,500–3,000, reflects both cultural heritage and a growing source of income for Indigenous communities.   (Photo courtesy of Bakun Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council Page ) In the past, tapuy production was largely limited to home brewing for personal use and community rituals. As lifestyles shifted over the years, fewer families continued the practice. Royalty shares linked to the Irisan 3 Hydropower Plant have since enabled communities to sustain and scale production — improving packaging and bringing their tapuy to local markets and visitors. Tuba Ancestral Domain Indigenous Peoples Organization (TADIPO) president Zaldy Guileng said TADIPO continues to support initiatives that strengthen cultural preservation and community livelihood. “This is more than just a source of income; it instills pride in our communities to continue our ancestors’ legacy while helping families provide for their needs. By investing in traditional practices like tapuy production, we ensure our heritage remains relevant and create sustainable opportunities for our people.” “The Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya tribes have long held tapuy as a cultural cornerstone, and it is meaningful to see it also generating tangible opportunities for their communities,” said Noreen Vicencio, First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “This is what responsible community partnership looks like in practice — supporting what communities already value and helping them build on it.” For the tribes of Tuba, tapuy remains a practiced tradition — one that continues to generate both cultural and economic value for the communities that keep it alive.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is officially opening its doors to American students seeking academic credit and cultural immersion in Southeast Asia. The Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP) was officially launched on Tuesday, March 24, in a high-level ceremony led by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Philippines), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. The initiative unites 15 of the country’s top Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) into a streamlined network, creating a direct pipeline for U.S. universities to send students to the Philippines for short-term courses, semester exchanges, and faculty-led programs. Turning the Tide on Student Mobility For decades, the flow of education has been predominantly one-way, with Filipinos traveling to the U.S. for studies. CSAP seeks to attract more American students by promoting Philippine universities as destinations for study and cultural immersion, positioning the country as a hub for international education. “CSAP is more than just a network; it is a unified national gateway built on four strategic pillars: Standardized Academic Rigor, Uniform Duty of Care, ‘Living Laboratories,’ and Streamlined Mobility,” said July Amador III, Executive Director of Fulbright Philippines. “By providing this structured pathway, we ensure that students and scholars gain not only global-standard academic knowledge but also a deeper appreciation of the cultures and communities that shape our societies.” Jessica Simon, U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs, affirmed the importance of educational exchanges as a cornerstone of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, especially as the two countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. “Today, there is a growing interest among American students to pursue academic and field-based experiences in the Philippines, particularly in marine biology, agriculture, environmental science, and other disciplines.,” Simon said.  “Beyond academic growth, at its core, welcoming U.S. students and faculty for cultural exchange and collaborations unite people and cultures. The United States remains committed to deepening our partnership with the Philippines through scholarships and exchanges to empower our people, develop our workforce, and prosper together.” (Left to right) Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Christine Joy E. Cari, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Counselor for Public Affairs Jessica Simon, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano, and PAEF Executive Director Julio S. Amador III lead the joint ceremonial button press to officially activate the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP) digital portal. A Government-Backed Initiative The launch featured keynote support from CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, who emphasized the importance of the role of CSAP in bringing universities together. “Global education today runs on reliability.” Agrupis stated. “Partner institutions need to know that programs are comparable, credits can be transferred, and students will be supported from admission to completion.” Education Tourism To strengthen education tourism, Asec. Christine Joy Cari mentioned the ongoing transformative projects of DOT. “Through flagship programs such as the Voluntourism and the Philippine Experience Program, a cultural immersion initiative showcasing Filipino heritage and gastronomy across multiple regions, we are providing learners and visitors meaningful engagements with our culture and communities,” she said. The CSAP Network The founding members of CSAP include Ateneo de Davao University, UP Los Baños, UP Visayas, and Silliman University. The consortium offers programs ranging from Marine Biology and Tropical Medicine to Development Studies and Asian Politics. For more information on partner institutions and programs, visit https://csap.fulbright.org.ph Established on March 23, 1948, PAEF is a non-profit, binational organization sponsored by then U.S. and Philippine governments. It is the oldest continuously active Fulbright commission in the world and the oldest international scholarship in the Philippines. PAEF has awarded grants to more than 3,000 Filipinos and close to 1,000 Americans to pursue graduate degree study, teaching, and research in the Philippines and the United States.            

RIZAL, Kalinga, Philippines  — For years, Gemma Pullis stood at the edge of community meetings, listening but unheard. A mother of four and a Barangay Health Worker in Barangay San Pedro, Rizal, Kalinga, Gemma balanced farming, caregiving, and raising her children while serving patients in a small and overcrowded clinic. When her husband fell ill, she became the pillar of her household, carrying both financial and emotional responsibilities. But beyond economic hardship, she faced something deeper. As a woman from the Butbut tribe, she grew up in a culture where leadership and decision-making were traditionally reserved for men. Women were expected to listen, not lead. Their role was often confined to the home and the fields. In 2023, her perspective began to change when the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) entered their barangay. During a data gathering activity held beside the small clinic where she was on duty, Gemma listened as Program staff explained that women had an essential role in community development. For the first time, she saw a space where women were not just present, but heard. She volunteered and was later selected as Barangay Development Council Technical Working Group Chairperson for the construction of their Barangay Health Station. The responsibility was significant. She monitored materials, recorded worker attendance, coordinated schedules, and ensured that transparency and accountability were upheld throughout implementation. Her first time speaking before a large crowd during their barangay assembly in 2023 was overwhelming. Her voice trembled. She questioned whether anyone would listen to an ordinary woman without a college degree or government position. Yet she stood firm. “Babae ka lang, ano bang alam mo?” was a phrase she had heard before. But through KALAHI-CIDSS, she proved that women know enough to lead. Under her guidance and alongside fellow volunteers, the Barangay Health Station subproject in their barangay was successfully completed in 2024. With a total cost of PhP1.2 million, the once cramped and uncomfortable clinic was replaced with a more spacious and functional facility which is set to benefit 194 households. Today, pregnant women, children, and senior citizens receive health services in a safer, more accessible, and dignified environment. Beyond infrastructure, Gemma helped transform perception. Women in the barangay began participating more actively in discussions. Their opinions were considered. Their concerns were addressed. For Gemma, empowerment means challenging long-held beliefs that women belong only in the home or in the fields. Today, she continues to serve as a Barangay Health Worker while encouraging her daughters and other young girls to speak up and participate in community affairs. She believes that leadership requires courage, conviction, and compassion. This Women’s Month, Gemma Pullis embodies the call to “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas.” Her journey reflects the strength of women who rise beyond tradition, claim their rightful place in decision-making spaces, and lead with resilience and care. Through her voice, a new generation of women in San Pedro is learning that they are not merely observers of change. They are builders of it. (By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III-DSWD-CAR, KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO)    

MANILA, Philippines — Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ) marked its 42nd founding anniversary with celebrations across the Philippines, bringing together 1,910 members at 31 onsite locations nationwide and 484 more participating virtually. The event was part of the global commemoration of the denomination’s growth from humble beginnings to a worldwide movement attracting tens of thousands of new members each year. Globally, the main commemorative service was held on March 15 at the Cheongju Church in South Korea, attended by over 2,000 members in person and streamed live to believers across South Korea and other countries. Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized the importance of faith grounded in the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, urging members to remain faithful to what he described as the unchanging Word of God. Founded on March 14, 1984, Shincheonji Church of Jesus began with small gatherings before expanding its presence internationally. The church attributes its continued growth to its Bible education initiatives, particularly through the Zion Christian Mission Center, which has produced large numbers of graduates from its Bible courses worldwide. The church also cited its expanding partnerships with churches globally through various cooperation agreements. According to Shincheonji, it has established hundreds of partnerships with churches in South Korea and thousands more across dozens of countries. Apart from its religious activities, the organization highlighted its humanitarian efforts, including blood donation drives, plasma donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and volunteer work in disaster-affected communities. The church said it also conducts community outreach programs such as medical missions and support activities for vulnerable sectors. Shincheonji said it intends to continue expanding its outreach while promoting what it described as faith centered on biblical teachings.            

As the Philippines observes Fire Prevention Month, communities are reminded that safety begins with vigilance, preparedness, and collective responsibility.   MANILA, Philippines — In the heart of Manila’s 5th District, quiet heroism thrives. Every cry of fire sets off a chain of swift, coordinated action from the San Andres Manila Fire and Rescue Volunteer Association, Inc. (SAMFRVAI). For decades, these volunteers have answered the call—not for recognition or reward, but for the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. Their mission was strengthened in January 2025 when Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) supported the brigade with an 8,000-liter capacity fire tanker, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies. For volunteers like John Michael Reyes, Fire Marshal Director and Public Information Officer with 31 years of service, and James Paul Benzon, Training Officer, Officer-in-Charge, and Director with 27 years in the brigade, the additional equipment represents more than just an operational upgrade—it reinforces their commitment to serve. “The tanker is a symbol of trust and partnership,” Reyes says. “Every deployment must be professional, purposeful, and with care. It reminds us that our responsibility is to the community.” For Philip Francisco U. Dy, President of MBFI, the partnership reflects the importance of supporting responders and promoting preparedness among the public. “Fire Prevention Month reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. By supporting community-based responders like SAMFRVAI, we hope to empower those on the frontlines while encouraging every household to remain vigilant and prepared.” Brotherhood and Empowerment In the face of danger, courage is rarely a solitary act. Among the volunteers of San Andres, strength comes from unity. “We encourage each other, empower each other to do better,” Reyes shares. “When someone feels unsure, the others guide them, mentor them, remind them that no one faces the fire alone.” This spirit of camaraderie runs deep within the brigade. Each firefighter understands that their safety and success depend on the people beside them. In moments when the stakes are high and decisions must be made in seconds, trust becomes their most valuable asset. Benzon echoes this sentiment, explaining that encouragement within the team goes beyond words. “Knowing that your fellow volunteers are ready to support you gives you the confidence to face danger head-on,” he says. The San Andres brigade, Reyes says, is more than an organization. “It is a family. Every member’s life depends on the other. Together, we motivate one another, lift each other up, and celebrate every small success.”   The San Andres fire volunteers respond to a fire incident under Task Force Bravo at NIA Road, Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City on March 6, 2026.   Passion for Service “Being a fire volunteer is not easy,” Reyes admits. “You face adrenaline, chaos, and sometimes hostility at the scene. Yet, what drives us is the passion to serve—helping others, protecting homes, and saving lives.” For Benzon, the motivation is simple but profound. “It’s about commitment to the community, not recognition,” he says. “Every mission reminds us why we began volunteering in the first place.” Through years of responding to emergencies, the volunteers have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of fires—and the life-saving difference that preparedness, teamwork, and quick action can make. The fire tanker provided through MBFI’s support has also expanded the brigade’s ability to assist communities during emergencies. Its stainless-steel tank allows it to deliver clean water during shortages and other urgent situations. “With the new tanker, our reach expanded,” Benzon explains. “It’s not just about putting out fires. It’s about extending our service wherever help is needed.”   (From left to right) The San Andres fire volunteers respond to fire incidents at F. Alarcon St., Brgy. Maysan, Valenzuela City (March 2, 2026) and Brgy. 898, Punta Sta. Ana, Manila (March 1, 2026).       Facing the Real Dangers The challenges faced by firefighters are immense. In many parts of Manila, narrow streets and densely populated communities make firefighting particularly difficult. Every second counts, and every decision matters. Yet according to Reyes, one of the most overlooked dangers is not the fire itself. “Many people think flames are the biggest threat,” he explains. “But most lives are lost because of smoke and suffocation. That’s why every escape plan, every safety measure, and every fire drill is important.” Fire Prevention Begins at Home While firefighters stand ready to respond to emergencies, Reyes and Benzon emphasize that preventing fires in the first place is everyone’s responsibility. Simple safety practices can make a significant difference—checking electrical wiring, unplugging unused appliances, properly monitoring LPG tanks, and conducting evacuation drills with family members. “Fire prevention is a mindset,” Benzon explains. “It’s about being vigilant every day, not just during Fire Prevention Month. Safety should always come first.” The True Rewards of Service Despite the dangers and long hours, the volunteers find fulfillment in the lives they protect and the communities they serve. “The gratitude of a family safe from harm—that is our reward,” Reyes reflects. He also takes pride in mentoring younger members of the brigade, helping them develop the skills and discipline needed to carry on the mission in the years ahead. For Benzon, the meaning of their work remains clear. “We do this for our brothers and sisters in the community,” he says. “We give back without expecting anything in return. And when a life is saved, that is reward enough.” A Shared Responsibility The life of a fire volunteer demands courage, sacrifice, and commitment to service. Yet the responsibility for safety does not rest on firefighters alone. Communities also play a vital role in preventing tragedies. Being alert and mindful—at home, in school, or in the workplace—can save lives. Participating in fire drills, maintaining safe electrical systems, and practicing emergency preparedness are small but powerful steps that everyone can take. For the fire volunteers of San Andres, every alarm is a reminder of their mission: to protect, to serve, and to stand ready when their community needs them most. And through their courage, dedication, and brotherhood, they continue to inspire others

  By Rachel Magday    Provincial Government eyes P100,000 incentive A young Vizcayano has again made his mark in a national licensure examination after placing ninth in the February 2026 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE). Mark Jether M. Eraña, a graduate of PLT College and a resident of Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, secured the ninth spot nationwide with a rating of 91.90 percent, according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission. Eraña, the son of Celso and Rosemarie M. Eraña, is a potential recipient of the P100,000 Topnotchers Incentive from the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government under the administration of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Under the province’s Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance, a P200,000 reward is granted to those who place first in any professional licensure examination, while those ranking from second to tenth receive P100,000 each. His achievement comes just a week after another young Vizcayano, Anthony George P. Lucero of Sto Domingo, Bambang, also a graduate of PLT College, ranked ninth in the recent Nurses Licensure Examination and is likewise expected to receive the same provincial incentive. Meanwhile, in the overall results of the criminology board exam, the King’s College of the Philippines–Bambang Campus was also recognized for its strong performance after placing among the Top 3 Best Performing Schools in the category of 101 to 199 examinees. The school posted a 95.37 percent passing rate, with 103 out of 108 examinees successfully passing the licensure examination.  

  Ten years after its launch, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) has officially reached a historic milestone, reaching more than two million students and educators nationwide. What began in 2016 as a corporate initiative to teach online safety and responsibility has grown into a nationwide movement against fast-evolving digital risks. When classrooms shifted online during the pandemic, Globe adapted quickly, converting modules into digital courses on the Globe of Good YouTube channel. These resources have been viewed over 432,000 times, ensuring learning continues anytime, anywhere. DTP equips learners with practical skills to navigate the online world safely, from protecting personal data to practicing cyber ethics and responsible technology use. By turning awareness into action, the program empowers students not just to protect themselves but also to guide others in their communities. In 2019, Globe partnered with the Department of Education to strengthen DTP’s impact, integrating lessons on responsible online behavior into the K–12 values formation curriculum and giving millions of students and teachers structured guidance to navigate digital spaces safely. In 2025 alone, 16,560 students and teachers participated in DTP workshops and learning sessions nationwide. Taking the initiative further, Globe launched the Digital Thumbprint Student Ambassador Program in 2025 with Technological Institute of the Philippines as the pilot school. Student ambassadors will now act as peer mentors who will share digital safety knowledge to classmates and vulnerable communities and create a multiplying effect of awareness and protection nationwide. The 2026 curriculum now features 36 stackable modules, in recognition of the evolving digital landscape, including AI ethics, digital etiquette, Philippine cyber laws, and digital rights, designed to combat current threats that didn’t exist when the program began Structured across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, the curriculum guides learners through each stage with facilitated training sessions, helping them build mastery and confidence in navigating the modern digital landscape “Reaching the 10-year mark is a testament to the urgency and importance of our mission. When we started in 2016, we talked about passwords; today, we are talking about AI ethics and digital empathy. With our new student ambassadors leading the charge, we are not just teaching safety; we are building a nation of digital guardians,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. This commitment to digital literacy and online safety has also gained recognition. In the 2026 Consumer Choice Awards by Standard Insights, Globe earned Excellence in Digital Literacy and Safety, a new category introduced this year. Among professionals, Globe ranked highest in digital literacy, reflecting its role in enabling productivity and responsible digital engagement. Among students, its online safety initiatives also stood out, highlighting the growing importance of protection in an increasingly connected society. A decade in, DTP is more than a program; it is a legacy of #AlagangGlobe and action. By empowering students as digital leaders, Globe continues to help build a safer and more responsible digital Philippines, protecting digital thumbprints while inspiring the next generation to lead online with confidence. Drawing on the company’s DTP journey, Globe helped shape the global discourse on digital inclusion by contributing to the development of GSMA’s “The Business Imperative for Digital Inclusion”. This serves as a guide that helps mobile operators embed digital inclusion into their strategies, track progress, and report their impact transparently. This views digital inclusion as a holistic ecosystem, encompassing access, skills, meaningful use, and a supportive environment.  

  When you donate your Globe Rewards points to CENTEX, you become part of a community working alongside schools and DepEd to strengthen teaching, support learners, and close learning gaps—one classroom at a time. Photo courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Inc.   Globe, alongside the Department of Education and local government units, is supporting the continued expansion of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX Digital Education program, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving access to quality digital learning for Filipino learners. The program introduces a “High Touch, High Tech” approach to education, combining digital modules, in-person coaching, and Professional Learning Communities – enabling teachers to use digital tools and real-time data to deliver targeted instructional support based on students’ actual learning needs. CENTEX Digital Education is built on the belief that technology alone is not enough, and that meaningful improvement requires a strong support system anchored in real-time data—so instruction can be adjusted, timely, and responsive to each learner and sustained by community engagement. In its pilot phase in San Marcelino, Zambales, the program showed a 13.8 percentage point improvement in math learning outcomes among students in treatment schools compared to control schools within just 12 weeks. “Learning improves when technology is paired with care, guidance, and accountability,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “CENTEX Digital Education reflects our commitment to help teachers lead confident digital classrooms and ensure students learn at the right level, not just move through the system.” The program empowers educators to become confident, data-driven mentors who can address individual learning needs, helping build a thriving, learning community for both teachers and students. It also exposes students early to digital tools that build future-readiness and confidence in learning. “CENTEX is about helping students learn better by supporting the teachers who guide them,” said Tony Lambino, President of Ayala Foundation. “By strengthening teacher capacity and using data to inform instruction, we help teachers differentiate learning and provide support that responds to each student’s needs.” Globe customers can support the initiative through Globe Rewards or GoGIVE. Donations fund the setup of Digital Learning Labs, support connectivity, and help integrate platforms such as Khan Academy for personalized learning. To support Ayala Foundation through GoGIVE: Tap GoGIVE on the GlobeOne app Select Building Learning Communities through CENTEX Digital Education as your advocacy to start earning hearts Support your advocacy automatically every time you use mobile data. More than 8,000 students and over 300 public school teachers are expected to directly benefit from the program. The model also builds local teacher-leaders and secures support from LGUs and DepEd, making the initiative scalable and sustainable across the public school system. Through this partnership, Globe continues to champion digital inclusion in education, making sure no child is left behind in today’s evolving learning landscape.     PHOTO 1:   PHOTO 2:      

Inaugural Concrete Pouring Ceremony Marks Major Step Toward Empowering Ayta Communities in Pampanga and Tarlac NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Hann Foundation Inc. (HFI) marked a significant development with the conduct of the inaugural concrete pouring ceremony for the multipurpose pavilion of the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City, Tarlac. The groundbreaking event signals the start of a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting indigenous communities while advancing sustainable development in the region. “Makikipagtulungan ang BCDA upang makapaglaan ng karagdagang pondo para sa proyekto. Sa pamamagitan nito, maipapakita at maipagmamalaki ang mga produktong nagbubuo ng matibay na pundasyon para sa komunidad at lalo pang magpapalago sa ekonomiya ng Pampanga at Tarlac (The BCDA will collaborate to allocate additional funding for the project. Through this initiative, products that build a strong foundation for the community will be showcased and promoted with pride, further driving the growth of the economies of Pampanga and Tarlac.),” said BCDA Officer-in-Charge for the Office of Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres. The 10-hectare AEBC Pavilion will serve as a central landmark within the facility, designed to host meetings, consultations, training sessions, seminars, and a broad range of community-centered activities. The center aims to scale up the agricultural capabilities of local farmers and fisherfolk, with a particular focus on Aeta communities in Pampanga and Tarlac. It will also serve as a model for food forests to be established in other green areas of New Clark City, boosting food security, creating livelihood opportunities, maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and improving climate resilience across the Clark area. The AEBC project will be rolled out in three phases. Phase 1 will feature the multi-purpose pavilion, a ceremonial ground, a market, a coffee shop, a tamarind orchard, a coffee farm, and a pond. Phase 2 will include a mango orchard, picnic areas, and natural trails, while Phase 3 will add rice terraces, a bamboo grove, a dormitory, and a viewing deck. Meanwhile, Hann Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ana Christi G. Galura expressed confidence in the project’s long-term impact, emphasizing that economic progress and cultural preservation can move forward together to create sustainable and culturally grounded development. “I hope that this will be a way for us to have space for sharing of knowledge and skills so that this can reach future generations,” she said. Empowering 300 Ayta Farmers Through Education and Training The AEBC program aims to empower 300 Ayta farmers in Capas and Bamban, Tarlac through hands-on, farm-based training implemented in partnership with PSAU and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III. Beyond improving farming techniques, the initiative guides participants toward earning educational equivalency certifications in agriculture and agribusiness. Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals The AEBC initiative supports BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By strengthening the capacities of indigenous communities and promoting sustainable food systems, BCDA helps ensure that the development of New Clark City advances in a way that is inclusive, resilient, and centered on the needs and aspirations of its people.