Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) placed second runner-up in the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category at the 2026 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards, organized by UN Women Philippines. The WEPs Awards, guided by a global framework established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, recognize and celebrate bold actions, innovative initiatives, and measurable results that advance gender equality and promote inclusive workplaces. CEB was the only Philippine carrier among this year’s honorees, earning recognition for its efforts to expand opportunities for women across the organization. “In aviation, some careers have traditionally been seen as men’s roles. At Cebu Pacific, we want to change that narrative. We want more women not only in leadership, but also in our cockpits, hangars, and other areas where they have historically been underrepresented. Having women hold 41% of our executive positions is encouraging, but our ambition goes further. It’s about ensuring that capability, performance, and character — not gender — determine how far someone can go. This recognition tells us we’re making progress, but more importantly, it reminds us that there is still much more we can do,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. In 2025, women held 41% of CEB’s executive positions, compared with the industry average of 31%, as cited in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 25by2025 report. Beyond representation in leadership, CEB invests in women’s professional development through employee-led initiatives and industry partnerships. Its empowHER organization, under the Juan CEB Community (JCC), provides women employees with opportunities to exchange experiences, build professional networks, and support one another’s career development. CEB also works with industry partners to advance gender equality. In 2023, it became the first airline to join the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE), an organization that advocates workplace gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Through this partnership, CEB uses PBCWE’s Gender Equality Assessment, Results and Strategies (GEARS) framework to evaluate its policies and identify areas for improvement. The airline extends these efforts beyond its workforce by encouraging more young women to explore careers in aviation. In October 2025, CEB hosted the Philippine launch of Women in Aviation International – Philippines during Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD). The event featured aircraft tours, hands-on activities, and opportunities for young Filipinas to interact with women pilots, engineers, mechanics, and cabin crew. Through these efforts, CEB continues to support women’s participation at every stage of their aviation careers, helping build a more inclusive industry. CEB currently serves 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) supports the government’s push for more connected and accessible public services by bringing the MySSS Card’s front-facing ID feature and selected member services to the eGovPH superapp The SSS and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a data-sharing agreement on 21 October 2026 in Quezon City to enable the integration. The agreement was signed by DICT Secretary Robert Joseph M. de Claro and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Alfonso A. Limlingan. The partnership comes shortly after de Claro’s appointment as DICT Secretary, following his tenure as SSS President and Chief Executive Officer, and advances collaboration between the two agencies. “This partnership marks a major step in making SSS services more accessible and convenient for our members. By integrating the digital MySSS Card and key services into the eGovPH superapp, we are bringing social security closer to every Filipino—right at their fingertips,” Limlingan said. Once integrated, members will be able to access the front-facing digital representation of their MySSS Card as one of the IDs available through the eGovPH superapp. They will also be able to view their contribution history, total number of contributions, latest membership type, and most recent employer information. These services will help members check whether contributions have been posted and verify their membership and employer information through a shared government platform. Limlingan emphasized that the integration reflects the SSS’ commitment to digital transformation and member convenience. “Our members should not have to visit multiple offices or use multiple applications just to access basic services. Through eGovPH superapp, we are making it easier for Filipinos to check their contributions, verify their membership status, and access their MySSS Card—all in one place,” he said. The move is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to connect agencies’ services through a shared digital platform that unifies government services in one application. DICT and SSS said the partnership is also intended to expand social-protection access for digital workers, including freelancers and online professionals, by making SSS services easier to find and use online. While members can already access their membership and contribution records through the MySSS mobile app, the integration will provide another convenient way to view these records, together with the MySSS Card ID feature, alongside other government services. Limlingan said the agreement signals that the SSS will be among the government agencies feeding services into eGovPH superapp, supporting the administration’s goal of integrating all government services into the platform. “We are proud to be part of this national effort to unify government services. The SSS remains committed to leveraging technology to deliver faster, more secure, and more member-centered service,” Limlingan said.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that eligible members under the expanded coverage of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) UPLIFT Assistance program will receive up to ₱8,000 in financial assistance beginning 30 October 2026. The latest payout will cover qualified SSS members with monthly salary credits (MSC) not exceeding ₱10,000. The UPLIFT Assistance aid consists of four tranches of ₱2,000 each, to be credited directly to their registered SSS disbursement accounts. The DSWD, in coordination with SSS, earlier expanded the program to provide additional assistance to qualified members with MSCs not exceeding ₱10,000, beyond the assistance previously available to members with up to ₱20,000 MSC. SSS meanwhile emphasized that having an MSC not exceeding ₱10,000 does not automatically entitle a member to UPLIFT Assistance. To qualify, members must also have paid at least one SSS contribution in 2025 or 2026 and be included in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) database. They must also have enrolled their disbursement accounts through the SSS Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) within the prescribed period. Members are advised to check their My.SSS accounts for official notifications regarding their eligibility for UPLIFT Assistance. Meanwhile, qualified SSS members with an MSC of ₱20,000 are scheduled to receive the third and fourth tranches of UPLIFT Assistance, totaling ₱4,000, on 6 November 2026. This follows the DSWD’s successful release of the first and second tranches of aid earlier this year. Eligible beneficiaries who have not received any UPLIFT Assistance will receive the full ₱8,000 covering all four tranches. Those who have already received the first two tranches totaling ₱4,000 will receive an additional ₱4,000 for the third and fourth tranches. These will be credited simultaneously to the beneficiaries’ registered SSS disbursement accounts.    

Manila, Philippines – AdventEnergy, the retail electricity supply arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), signed Breadwinners Foods Corporation, the company behind homegrown neighborhood bakery Cocopan, to a retail electricity supply contract that serves its main production hub in Sta. Ana, Manila. AdventEnergy will supply 147kW of power to Cocopan’s central commissary, which produces over 50,000 pieces of bread a day and distributes to more than 100 branches across Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. Medium-sized commercial end-users like Breadwinners Foods Corporation can now join the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program after the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) lowered the eligibility threshold from 500 kW down to 100 kW, which took effect last June 26, 2026 and has expanded access to more than 11,000 potential customers. RCOA is a mechanism under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that allows qualified electricity end-users to choose and transact directly with a power supplier. This partnership supports Cocopan’s continued growth by managing energy costs, helping it deliver on its commitment to quality, affordable bread. “At Cocopan, we are driven by the pursuit of providing ‘comfort around the corner’ by bringing high-quality, affordable bread to every neighborhood in the Philippines. To achieve this promise, our core operations and baking facility have to run reliably every day,” said Cocopan Chief Financial Officer and Co-Founder Keenan Ugarte. “Partnering with AdventEnergy gives us a reliable energy supply and greater control over our energy, so we can pass these savings on to our customers while maintaining quality.” Cocopan’s commissary joins more than 1,000 facilities being powered by AdventEnergy, one of the country’s largest retail electricity suppliers. “A growing, evolving market shows that innovative programs work. Open Access transformed the Philippine energy industry over the years and made it more competitive, which made local businesses grow with it,” observed AdventEnergy President James Yu. “Cocopan shows what this power of choice looks like in practice, and retailers like us should always be ready with the expertise to guide these new market entrants towards a more holistic and integrated energy journey.”      

By Ruben A. Veloria   MAKATI CITY, Philippines- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and power distributor Subic Enerzone (SEZ) launched on Friday (October 23) the renewed partnership in providing reliable and efficient energy supply in Subic Freeport. The renewed partnership was formalized during a simple ceremony held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño, Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities (APDU) Exec. Chairman Mr. Anton Perdices, OIC- Pres. and Gen. Mgr. Jay Navarro, with toast of wine. In his speech, Perdices described Subic Freeport as a place of many opportunities and possibilities for investors. But these possibilities need efficient and reliable power for continuous operation and business. ”With the SBMA and Subic Enerzone’s renewed partnership, there is only one way to do- prepare for rising demand for better and efficient power supply to do business investment in Subic,” said Perdices. In response, Chairman Aliño said the event is the start of renewing one of the most important commitment of SBMA to the growing investment community in the Freeport. Alino added that with a reliable power in place, SBMA has to modernize its infrastructure, including its seaports, airports and road linkages. Subic Enerzone’s contract with SBMA to provide power energy will be ending in 2028, ”But we are not waiting for it to end,” the SBMA chief said,” because the needs of the region keep changing. So, let us modernize our infrastructures now.” Chairman Alino concluded his message withm ” Subic next chapter is about people, business and opportunities sharing vision. working together to keep the power on, and build a more sustainable Freeport.” Meanwhile, on site Aboitiz executive SEZ GM Navarro assures that Subic Enerzone is ready for Subic’s growth as power demand and capacity forecasts project a steady rise. “To ensure we meet future demand without straining the grid, we have prepared to add 168 MVA, securing the Freeport’s growth trajectory all the way to 2053,” said Navarro. Under renewed SBMA-Aboitiz’s partnership, a major project roadmap extending out to 20248, including: additional capacity of 27 MVA at Maritan; 33 MVA at SBIP, 230 kV Substation by 2030; replacing old substations in Remy Field, Maritan and Cubi; and renovation of substation control rooms. “Together with SBMA. We are proud to power Subic’s next chapter. We empower business and community,” Navarro said.      

Klook Partner Awards recognizes stakeholders who have boosted domestic tourism across the Philippines this 2026   MANILA, Philippines – Klook Philippines celebrated the standout champions of local tourism at the annual Klook Partner Awards on October 6, honoring its top-performing partners. The awards recognized excellence across Klook’s three primary travel pillars—Play, Stay, and Move—with specialized categories highlighting each partner’s unique contributions to driving Philippine tourism. “We wanted to honor our partners who have raised the bar for Philippine tourism and consistently ensure exceptional experiences to travelers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” said Michelle Ho, General Manager of Klook Philippines. “Klook remains deeply committed to investing in the Philippines. Over the past 12 months, we have achieved remarkable growth despite industry challenges which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners.” To celebrate their success, the Klook Partner Awards highlighted three distinct categories across Play, Stay, and Move. The User’s Choice Award was presented to partners with consistently top-rated guest reviews, while the Rising Star Award honored operators with the highest year-on-year growth. Finally, the Best of the Philippines title recognized the top sales contributors in each travel pillar. As the travel pillar dedicated to curated experiences, Play is composed of partners who help travelers discover everything from iconic attractions to hidden local gems. The winners for each category under Play are: SM Prime Holdings (User’s Choice) Island Trek Tours (Rising Star) Star Parks Corporation (Rising Star) Viaje Philippines (Best of the Philippines) Las Islas Travel and Tours (Best of the Philippines) Manila Ocean Park (Best of the Philippines) Enchanted Kingdom (Best of the Philippines) The Stay pillar highlights hospitality partners who deliver exceptional accommodations, offering comfortable and memorable stays for travelers across every budget. The winners for each category under Stay are: Mandarin Nest Boracay (User’s Choice) Bayfront Hotel Cebu (Rising Star) The Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila (Rising Star) Bai Hotel Cebu (Best of the Philippines) Canyon Hotels and Resorts (Best of the Philippines) Hotel 101 Group (Best of the Philippines) Hennan Group of Resorts (Best of the Philippines) Covering ground and sea transit, the Move pillar includes partners who power traveler mobility through reliable airport transfers, rental vehicles, ferry routes, and regional transport options. The winners for each category under Move are: ATR Travel and Rent a Car Corporation (User’s Choice) Biyaheroes(Rising Star) 2GO Travel(Rising Star) Hertz (Best of the Philippines) Islandstar Express (Best of the Philippines) Southwest Tours (Best of the Philippines) Klook continues to transform domestic travel by partnering with industry-leading operators across the Philippines. By collaborating with dedicated merchants nationwide, the platform continues to empower travelers to discover the best of the Philippines through seamless, meaningful, and memorable journeys. Check out the amazing offers of the award-winning Klook partners for your next trip. Download the Klook app through the Google Play Store or the Apple Store to discover unforgettable experiences. For more information, follow Klook on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Tiniyak ng Social Security System (SSS) sa mga miyembro, pensioner, at publiko na pinangangasiwaan nang maingat ang kanilang mga kontribusyon upang protektahan ang pension fund at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na pagbabayad ng benepisyo. Nag-iinvest lamang ang SSS sa mga kumpanyang may matibay na track record sa kita at stable na business performance, at hindi inilalagay ang pera ng mga miyembro sa mga risky o speculative investments. Diversified ang portfolio nito sa iba’t ibang uri ng assets, na tumutulong mabawasan ang panganib dahil maaaring mabawi ng kita sa ilang investments ang pagbaba sa iba. Bagama’t maaaring mag-iba-iba ang presyo ng mga stocks, patuloy na tumatanggap ang SSS ng dividend income mula sa mga equity holdings nito, na nagdaragdag ng tinatayang ₱9 bilyon sa net income nito taun-taon. Ang mga dividend ay bahagi ng kinikita na ipinamamahagi sa mga stockholder. Inilinaw ng SSS na ang paper loss ay isang hindi pa natutupad na pagbaba sa market value ng isang investment na hindi pa nabebenta. Walang aktwal na nawawalang pera maliban kung naibenta ang asset nang mas mababa sa presyo ng pagbili nito. Hindi nito ibig sabihin na nagamit ang mga kontribusyon ng mga miyembro o nasa panganib ang mga pensiyon; maaaring bumalik ang presyo sa merkado sa paglipas ng panahon. Dahil sa matibay na financial performance ng SSS, nadagdagan ang mga benepisyong naibabayad. Mula Enero hanggang Hunyo 2026, tumaas ng 19% ang benefit payouts sa ₱173.45 bilyon mula sa ₱145.73 bilyon sa parehong panahon noong 2025. Ipinatupad din ng SSS ang ikalawang tranche ng Pension Reform Program, kung saan naglabas ito ng karagdagang ₱7.4 bilyon na pension benefits sa 4.1 milyong pensioner upang matulungan silang harapin ang implasyon at mas mataas na gastos sa enerhiya. Regular na sinusuri ng SSS ang investment strategy nito at mahigpit na sumusunod sa Social Security Act of 2018 at sa mga internal policies nito upang protektahan ang pension fund.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed today finance and investment veteran Victor Alfonso A. Limlingan as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Social Security System (SSS). Limlingan succeeded Robert Joseph Montes de Claro, who was appointed Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). As the new SSS Chief, Limlingan will prioritize the enhancement and expansion of member loan programs, the improvement of the investment portfolio’s risk-adjusted returns, and the relaunch of the Pension Booster Program. Limlingan previously served as a Member of the Social Security Commission (SSC), the SSS’ policy-making governing body, representing the employers’ group. He was appointed to the SSC on 19 November 2024 and took his oath on 25 November 2024. As a Commissioner, Limlingan chaired the SSC’s Risk Management and Actuary Committee and sat on its Investment Committee, Contribution and Collection Committee, and Corporate Governance Committee. The SSC oversees SSS policy, provides policy direction, supervises management actions and exercises quasi-judicial functions in cases involving social security coverage, benefits, contributions and penalties under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Experience in finance and public service Limlingan brings experience in finance, investments, risk management, entrepreneurship and public service. He is managing director of Regina Capital Development Corp. and previously served on the board of state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines, where he chaired the Risk Oversight Committee. He also served as senior vice president at Small Business Corp., where he worked on financial-recovery initiatives for small enterprises and treasury-investment optimization. Earlier in his career, Limlingan provided consultancy services to the National Economic and Development Authority and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, which is now known as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. Limlingan holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, majoring in history and humanities, from the Ateneo de Manila University.      

]BDO Insure helps Filipinos prepare for the financial impact of a stroke, heart attack, or cancer diagnosis  When talking with family and friends, conversations about favorite travel destinations, future plans, or life’s biggest dreams come easily. But when it comes to serious health risks, many become uncomfortable. Yet financial preparedness for these possibilities is one conversation worth having sooner than later. As medical costs continue to rise, being financially prepared can help protect not only one’s health, but also your hard-earned savings and peace of mind. BDO Insure offers Vital 3 which provides affordable financial protection against three of the critical illnesses that can have a significant impact on Filipino families: cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Starting at just ₱215 a year, Vital 3 is available to individuals aged 18 to 65. With this protection, you can get cash assistance of up to ₱1 million during the coverage period upon the first diagnosis of heart attack, cancer, or stroke. Premiums vary based on age and selected coverage amount, giving customers an accessible way to prepare financially for the unexpected costs that can come with a serious illness. Beyond the core critical illness coverage, Vital 3 also provides support for eligible cancer-related surgical procedures, as well as eligible dietary and nutritional therapy to support recovery. The vital protection we need According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), heart attack, cancer, and stroke remain among the most significant health risks facing Filipinos. These illnesses can bring not only emotional and physical challenges, but also significant financial pressures for individuals and their families. In 2025, the figures highlight a sobering reality: Coronary Artery Disease or Ischaemic Heart Disease, which are underlying conditions that can lead to heart attack, accounted for nearly 20% of all deaths, followed by cancer at 11.4%, and Cerebrovascular Diseases or stroke at 9.9%. These are the illnesses protected under BDO Insure’s Vital 3 plan, turning Filipinos’ difficult realities into manageable risks. For complete details, including the terms, conditions, and exclusions, visit the BDO Insure page on the official BDO website.