Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) has gained global recognition, clinching the Sustainability Aviation Lease Deal of the Year at the 2025 Airline Economics Sustainability Deals Awards in London. The award recognized CEB’s sustainability-linked Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO), which financed the delivery of a brand-new Airbus A321neo in December 2024. The Airline Economics Sustainability Awards honor companies and individuals in finance and leasing that drive meaningful progress in decarbonizing the aviation industry. Cebu Pacific chief executive officer Mike Szucs personally received the award during the ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Cromwell Road, London. CEB is the only low-cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia able to secure this type of financing—a structure often reserved for a select group of global airlines. “Sustainability is integral to how we grow as an airline. By linking our financing to sustainability goals, we show that strategy and responsibility can work together. It strengthens the business, allows us to invest in modern fuel-efficient aircraft, and creates value for our customers,” said Mark Cezar, CEB Chief Financial Officer. Under the deal, CEB committed to measurable targets to reduce the carbon emission intensity of its fleet. Meeting these goals would entitle the airline to financial incentives. The A321neo acquired through the JOLCO financing is part of CEB’s long-term strategy to transition to an all-NEO fleet, an important step in its commitment to decarbonize operations. NEOs are 20% more fuel-efficient than older-generation aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions per flight.

By Ruben A. Veloria   Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines — The country’s premier Freeport was affirmed “almost Hollywood-ready” during the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards night last September 11, 2025. Department of Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent Region IV-B Director, said that film production is not just about the beauty of the location. It also entails amenities and facilities that go with it. “Subic has almost everything that is needed by a film production. Region III has a very big potential for Hollywood films, K-pop and soon Bollywood, which is a much bigger industry,” Alabado said during his inspirational speech. He added that his office recently facilitated the filming of an A-list movie showcasing the sights and sounds, culture and destinations of the Philippines, which will have its premiere in Hollywood next year. He emphasized that the film has the power to entice people to travel and see the film location in reality. Meanwhile, eight tourism stakeholders in Central Luzon were recognized for their sustainable practices that are geared toward a greener future. “The honorees we celebrate tonight have embraced the challenge of balancing development with responsibility, and progress with preservation. They are the trailblazers who remind us that sustainability is truly pragmatic, where decisions made on the ground, partnerships built with care, and actions that ripple across generations,” said Dr. Richard Daenos, Department of Tourism-Region 3 Director. SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba shared that the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards was created to celebrate and honor outstanding tourism establishments, organizations, and destinations in Central Luzon that are leading the way in sustainability: Sustainable Sanctuary award celebrates recreation, health and wellness facilities that integrate eco-friendly operations, resource management and mindful guest experiences, and was awarded to ACEA Subic Beach Resort. Salt of Sustainability award honors food and beverage establishments that remind us that what we eat not only nourishes our bodies, but also sustain our farmers, our communities and our planet. The awardee: The Nest by the Sea of Subic. Bridges of Change award recognizes corporate social responsibility programs that create lasting positive impacts for local communities by empowering people build stronger, more resilient and more meaningful tourism for all. The awardee: The Lighthouse Marina Resort of Subic. Resilient Destination award honors destinations and establishments that lead the way in climate resilience, disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The awardee: Municipal Tourism Office-LGU Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Path to Purpose award honors establishments that have overcome challenges, embraced innovations, and made remarkable progress in adopting responsible practices. The awardee: Emerald Manor Hotel of Subic Bay. Green Stay Excellence award honors hotels, resorts, and lodging facilities that integrated green practices into their operations, proving that comfort and care for the environment can go hand in hand. The awardee: Mimosa Cityscapes, Inc. of Clark Freeport Zone. Community-based Tourism Legacy for establishments that uplift their host communities while delivering meaningful visitor experiences, ensuring tourism benefits both people and places. The award: Balangay Apuy Community Tourguides of Malolos, Bulacan. Green Tourism Champion award, the pinnacle recognition of the STAR awards, honors champions which not only integrate sustainability into their operations, they also influence entire communities and industries to embrace a greener, more responsible future. The awardee Pulong Kabyawan Agricultural Farm of Pulilan, Bulacan.      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Three ladies; Physician Donnabel Panes, City Librarian Easter Wahayna-Pablo and Teacher-Nurse-Researcher Erlinda Castro Palaganas are honored as Outstanding Citizens of Baguio during the program at the Baguio Cultural and Convention Center on Sept. 1. Dr. Donnabel Panes, the chief of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Services Office (HSO) with expertise in health systems management and public health policy is recognized for innovations in disease surveillance, pandemic response, tobacco control and policy-making. Her advocacies include health information and policy reports that are timely and localized with accurate data in the preparation of local epidemiological profiles, disease burden reports and risk assessments. All these comply with guided evidence-based ordinances, emergency protocols and urban health strategies aligned with Universal Health Care (UHC) goals. In all these, Dr. Panes engages with the public through accessible science-based information with high levels of community compliance. She also mentors public health professionals, serves as resource speaker and training facilitator on epidemiology, disaster preparedness, tobacco control and community mobilization. In the local setting, her work ensures equitable access to health services, clean and healthy environment, resiliency during crises coupled with strengthened public institution, transparency and accountability. She has represented the city and the country in various international public health conferences and expert forums with her work in research and international engagement with outstanding results. She works with courage, integrity, dedication, initiative and pioneering zeal. City Librarian Ester Wahayna-Pablo is honored for excellence, innovation, and transformative public service; which catapulted the Baguio City Public Library (BCPL) into a dynamic hub for learning, literacy and cultural development. Pablo who placed fourth in the national board exams for Librarians in 1999 has two masteral degrees: Public Administration (MPA) from the Benguet State University (BSU) in 2003; and Library and Information Technology, cum laude (MSIT) from Saint Louis University (SLU) in 2013. With her initiatives, Pablo has spearheaded learning beyond the four walls of the library through: Storytelling at the Park – cultivating early literacy; Barangay Reading Centers – bringing books closer to the people; Library Modernization – digital transformation of services; Extension of Library Hours – responding to public demand; Digital Literacy – empowering through technology; School-based reading programs – supporting literacy in schools; Book-Mobile Services – reaching the unreachable; Expanding the Local History Section; Book Pantry – learning for all; Information Literacy and Library Orientation – raising awareness; Social Media Outreach – amplifying library impact; Championing Volunteerism – sustaining programs through community engagement; Knowledge Enhancement Programs – Nurturing lifelong learning through: Math and English Tutorials, Seminars and Webinars, Cultural Fora and Local History discussions, Creative Arts, crafts, Puppetry and Music lessons, Makerspace, robotics and animation pop-up activities, and conduct of various theme-related contests. Pablo’s awards and recognition include the following: Outstanding Woman Leader (OWL) of Baguio City, March 2025; 2024 Children’s Librarian of the Year Award from the International Council on Children and Young Adult Librarianship; 2024 Outstanding Public Librarian Award from the Association of Librarians in the Public Sector; 2021, 2022, 2023 – Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging Propesyonal na Tagapangasiwa sa Pampublikong Aklatan, jointly conferred by the National Library of the Philippines and the Asia Foundation; 2023 Regional Winner, Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, from the Civil Service Commission; Brand of Excellence, Extraordinary and Zealous Employee Award as Formidable Mentor in the 2022 Employee’s Choice Award; 2022 Outstanding Employee of the Year (Supervisory Level); among others. Through her, the BCPL garnered awards such as the Most Innovative Public Library (2022); Champion, Tech4ED Center, Cordillera (2024); and Distinction for the Best Impact Story and Digital Literacy Impact (2024). It is also under Pablo’s stewardship that the BCPL became a centerpiece of community development, with programs and services that responds and cuts across barangays, schools, professional organizations, the community and the local government unit. Her vision aligns with the national aspiration of a “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay,” and rooted in the values of: Malasakit (compassionate service) bayanihan (collective effort) and paninindigan (principled stand). Acclaimed as a nation-builder, she is an epitome of a dedicated public servant with the upliftment of the community in mind through the library. Awardee Dr. Erlinda Castro Palaganas is a nurse, teacher, researcher and community leader aside from being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to service, education and community health. A cum laude graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. (UERMMMCI), she passed the board exams and chose to serve her countrymen as she worked in difficult conditions and witnessed the struggles of the marginalized and displaced communities; in far-flung areas of the Cordilleras. Later, she moved on to the academe where she introduced hands-on community work in the nursing curriculum, as with ethnographic and qualitative research, which are still being practiced in the nursing schools in the Philippines. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney Australia in 1996, through a scholarship. Her dissertation, transformed into a book, is still being used by health students and professionals in the field of education, nursing and research. Once she led the project for health program in Kibungan, Benguet which was supported by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) of Canada. Her research often focused on indigenous health knowledge, earning her awards and much appreciation from the grassroot communities. She also trail-blazed training for health workers to be more community-focused and culturally sensitive. She helped set up cooperative stores in remote areas, with efforts to provide basic health services and access to medicine. At one time, she co-founded the Save the Abra River Movement, which fought against environmentally harmful mining practices, promoting clean water and environmental health in the Cordillera communities. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Palaganas helped form the Cordillera Nurses Binnadang, a volunteer network that provided supplies, support through guidance and protection, health education and the assurance of quiet, compassionate and effective leadership in times of crisis. In 2021, Palaganas became a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the

  SM City Baguio wrapped up its August Tech Fair with a vibrant celebration of artistry, innovation, and pop culture, bringing together artists, cosplayers, and card collectors in one exciting showcase. One of the highlights was the Card fight Battle, where trading card enthusiasts came together for friendly matches and tournament-style games. From seasoned players to curious newcomers, the event highlighted not only strategy and skill but also the camaraderie that defines the local hobbyist community. Cosplayers also lit up the event floor, embodying their favorite characters through eye-catching costumes and performances that drew admiration from mallgoers. Their artistry and passion added energy and color to the Tech Fair, making it one of the most photographed and talked-about segments of the celebration. Local artists and creators were also given the spotlight, showcasing their unique talents through traditional artwork, digital creations, and pop culture-inspired pieces. This variety reflected SM City Baguio’s vision of inclusivity where different forms of creativity are given space to thrive. With interactive exhibits, pop culture showcases, and gaming tournaments, the August Tech Fair once again proved that SM City Baguio is more than just a shopping destination it is a hub for creativity, connection, and community in the Summer Capital.  

SM Supermalls earns recognition from two prestigious HR award-giving bodies in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, the Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA) and the HR Excellence Awards (HREA) Philippines, for its commitment to people-first innovation, continuous learning, and transformative leadership. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 At the Economic Times Human Capital Awards – Southeast Asia, SM Supermalls received the Bronze Award for Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning and Upskilling. This recognition highlights the success of Digital University (DIGI-U), the company’s innovative online learning platform that offers curated, on-demand courses, and its competency-based development strategy that has reached 100% of its workforce. This initiative has empowered employees to grow, adapt, and lead in a fast-evolving business landscape. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 SM Supermalls also took home three major honors at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2025: Gold for Excellence in Employee Volunteerism for the SM Cares Volunteer Movement, which mobilized thousands of employees to contribute hours of service, positively impacting over 100,000 lives through community programs and disaster response efforts such as Operation Tulong Express. It also received Silver for Excellence in HR Change Management for its BefoHR and AfteHR transformation journey, which redefined HR’s role from a support function to a strategic business partner, driving agility, adopting advanced technologies, and aligning HR with business goals. SM further earned Silver for Excellence in Leadership Development for flagship programs such as the Executive Development Plan (EDP), Masterclass, Mentoring, Coaching, and Leading with Empathy & Feedback. These initiatives have strengthened SM’s leadership pipeline, achieving 35% internal role fulfillment and an impressive 97% retention rate for high-potential talent. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 “The future needs an evolution of how we lead, not just a change in what we do,” said Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Human Resources. “These awards affirm that when we put our people at the center of what we do, we create not just a stronger organization, but a lasting positive impact on the people we serve.” The recognition of two prestigious HR awards in the region affirms SM Supermalls’ commitment to fostering a workplace culture rooted in excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. As the company celebrates 40 super years of evolving, these accolades underscore its dedication to empowering its people, enriching communities, and continuously shaping the future of retail through meaningful and transformative experiences.

By Ruben A.Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was conferred asan Outstanding Government Agency for Special Economic Zone Management by the Legacy Icon Awards during the Gala Awards Presentation event held at the Grand Ballroom ofOkada Manila in Parañaque City on August 15, 2025. Acco rding to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the award not only solidifies the  sterling performance of the SBMA as a driver of economic progress but more importantly, as a stable source of employment for the 166thousand – strong workforce from various municipalities and provinces within and contiguous to the zone. “Our mandate has never changed. We continue to employ the Filipino masses while generating income that the national government can utilize in building a better and brighter Bagong Pilipinas. What has changed is our desire to do more,” he said. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado received the award on behalf of Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño during the Legacy Awards 2025 Gala night, together with OIC Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armina Belleza C. Llamas, Lex Magrata and Carlos Andres from the SBMA Corporate Communications group. “We accept this [award] as a constant reminder for us to improve our craft in order to provide excellent service and the best quality of life for our stakeholders,” Agregado said during his acceptance speech. He also shared the award and recognized the SBMA employees, the Freeport workers, and the previous leaders who navigated the agency – the “building blocks of this achievement.” The award entry for the judges’ evaluation was the 2024 accomplishment report of the Agency where dividends remitted to the national coffers amounted to ₱3.07 billion, locking 7th among the top 10 largest remittances from among government-owned and controlled corporations. Additionally, revenue shares in 2024, which were distributed by the SBMA to seven municipalities and a city contiguous to the Freeport, totaled ₱347 million. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating the quality of life of Subic Freeport stakeholders namely the socialized housing project dubbed Subic Bay Residencias, a dormitory, E-vehicles and ongoing freeport facelifts allow sneak peaks of Subic’s development roadmap. Dubbed “Legacy Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Social Responsibility,” the Legacy Awards aim to recognize the nation’s most esteemed icons, trailblazers, and visionaries, not only for their accomplishments and legacies, but also for the inspiration they provide to individuals in the community. More than a celebration, the Legacy Awards 2025 is a living tribute to the spirit, resilience, and creativity of the Filipino people, inspiring today and shaping tomorrow.          

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls was recently recognized at the 2025 Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) Awards of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), held during the National Conference of Employers at the historic Manila Hotel on July 30, 2025. This biennial awards program, now on its 30th year, celebrates companies that exemplify responsible business conduct, industrial peace, ethical labor practices, and innovation-driven sustainability. The recognition highlights SM Supermalls’ unwavering commitment to its people, communities, and long-term business continuity—especially in the face of disruptions and evolving industry challenges. SM Supermalls was honored for fostering a workplace anchored in trust and collaboration, its implementation of forward-looking policies to ensure employee welfare and operational resilience, and its integrated sustainability efforts that align with the values of the ECOP Kapatid Awards. SM continues to embed sustainability at the core of its operations—championing energy efficiency, solid waste management, disaster resilience, and green infrastructure across its nationwide mall network. Through its long-term sustainability roadmap, the company aims to create shared value for its stakeholders while helping build a more climate-resilient future for the country. These values include promoting inclusive work environments, powering through transitions with agility, and contributing to a sustainable future. As ECOP celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme “Empowering Employers, Building the Nation,” SM Supermalls stands proud to be part of a collective that moves Philippine industries forward through responsible leadership and meaningful impact.