MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday said his bloc will continue its push for nation-building and anti-corruption reforms despite its transfer to the minority following the recent Senate leadership reshuffle. In a Facebook Live on June 18, Cayetano defended his group’s work during his tenure as Senate president, rejecting claims that his camp had been inactive or ineffective. “Y’ung sinasabi nilang hindi nagtrabaho, walang katotohanan [iyon], panay kasinungalingan. Never naman tayo tumigil sa pagtatrabaho. Ang kwestyon, ano’ng trinatrabaho natin? [Iyon ay] nation building,” Cayetano said. He framed the leadership changes in the Senate as part of a broader struggle over governance priorities, particularly in addressing corruption in government projects. Cayetano also said corruption has weighed heavily on the country’s economy and underscored the need to strengthen governance foundations. “Our economy is suffering, we have to recover. Iyong flood control scandal, iyon siguro ang pinakamalaki [na corruption]. Pero napakarami pa na systematic corruption na hindi na pag-uusapan,” he said. He added that while both Senate blocs share the goal of nation-building, they differ in approach and priorities. “Don’t take it away from us. Y’ung amin pong grupo, want to build a nation. Good faith tayo. Meron kayong vision of a nation you want to build. Meron kaming vision nung gusto natin i-build,” he said. Cayetano stressed that nation-building must rest on strong institutions anchored on law and accountability. “Saan natin [pwedeng] umpisahan y’ung nation building? Sa pundasyon [at] rule of law. ‘Di ba? Regime of justice and truth,” he said. He urged the public to stay engaged amid political tensions and allegations of corruption. “It’s time for real change. Mga kababayan, huwag po tayong susuko. Let’s all do our best and let’s keep praying … let us build this nation that we love and let us serve the God that we love,” he said

MANILA, Philippines — From June 3 to 7, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, hosted the ASEAN English Leadership Forum in Makati City to advance policies on English Medium Instruction (EMI)—or using the English language to teach academic subjects—and leverage American artificial intelligence (AI) to improve K-12 and higher education systems in the region. Designed by the Regional English Language Offices at the U.S. Embassies in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hanoi, the ASEAN English Leadership Forum convened 34 academic and government officials who shape curriculum and language policy in schools and higher education institutions in all 11 ASEAN member states. With the guidance of Dr. Martha Bigelow, Professor of Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota, each participating delegation formulated an institutional strategic plan on advancing EMI that will be presented to their home university, school system, or education ministry. “As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is shaping regional cooperation.  The ASEAN English Leadership Forum showed what the U.S.-Philippines partnership produces when we work toward a shared goal,” Jeff McIlvenna said. “Every participant built their own plan, grounded in their own institution, and left with something they can act on.  hat is American engagement producing real results,” he added. Participants visited the Philippine Normal University and the University of Makati to examine how these institutions prepare students to work in an English-speaking professional environment—a challenge faced by education leaders across the region.  By reviewing curriculum standards developed through U.S. collaboration programs, leaders explored practical ways to integrate professional language into technical degree programs in ASEAN. AI was a central theme throughout the forum.  Microsoft Philippines led a session showcasing the way American technology is setting the standard for measuring and delivering educational outcomes in schools across Southeast Asia. Participants learned to apply AI tools from the United States for improved teaching and learning, such as the use of Microsoft Teams as an AI-powered language tutor that provides students with customized feedback and real-time interaction. McIlvenna followed with a workshop on how universities can integrate AI as a genuine learning tool while ensuring assessments are able to measure real student ability.   Participants explored oral defenses and project-based evaluation as methods that keep human learning at the center of their programs. A notable outcome of the Forum was the development of the Institutional Leadership Playbook—a practical, step-by-step strategy document that provides academic leaders with a blueprint for updating degree programs, setting teaching standards for technical staff, and securing approval from senior leadership. “Under our national curriculum framework, achieving a high level of English proficiency is our immediate, vital benchmark for educators.  While EMI is not yet active in our teacher education institutions, the Institutional Leadership Playbook developed through this Forum allows us to look toward the future.  It provides a realistic framework to lay the groundwork today, ensuring that as we chart a long-term horizon toward EMI, we are steadily cultivating the faculty capacity and institutional standards necessary for enduring success,” said Dr. Vichheka Khuon, a forum participant from Cambodia. The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.            

Nearly 2,000 gather nationwide as ZCMC celebrates 36 years of free Bible education       As Filipinos commemorated Independence Day and reflected on the value of freedom, Zion Christian Mission Center (ZCMC), an international provider of free Bible education, marked its 36th Founding Anniversary with gatherings in 27 locations nationwide. Nearly 2,000 pastors, instructors, students, alumni, volunteers, and guests participated in the celebration, with major events held in Pasig City, Cavite, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao. The event highlighted the role of faith, biblical education, and evangelism in helping people discover truth, purpose, and hope through God’s Word. Held under the theme “One Faith, One Light, We Rise and Shine,” the gathering served as a thanksgiving for the institution’s 36 years of providing free and accessible Bible education. Organizers said the theme reflects the light found in God’s Word, a truth that leads to life and inspires believers to share that light with others. Activities held across the country likewise reflected the organization’s continued growth, unity, and expanding outreach. The celebration drew parallels between the nation’s commemoration of Independence Day and the biblical understanding of freedom, emphasizing that lasting freedom is found through true faith, knowing God’s truth and fulfilling His purpose. “As the Philippines celebrates Independence Day, we are reminded that freedom is one of humanity’s most cherished blessings,” said Abigail Saguid, president of ZCMC Philippines. “While many define freedom as the ability to do whatever they want, true freedom comes from knowing God’s truth and living according to His purpose. It is experienced when people are freed from spiritual confusion and guided by the light of God’s Word. Through evangelism and Bible education, we help people discover that truth, as well as the hope and salvation God has promised to all.” Participants reflected on how studying the Bible has strengthened their faith and deepened their understanding of God’s promises. Organizers said the event was not only an opportunity to celebrate the institution’s accomplishments but also to renew its commitment to sharing God’s Word and helping more people grow spiritually. The event also underscored the importance of unity among believers, highlighting how people from different backgrounds can come together through a shared faith and a common mission of truth. Organizers said the theme reflects this vision of believers becoming a light to their communities through faith and service. Founded in 1990, ZCMC has grown into an international theological institution dedicated to helping people gain a deeper understanding of the Bible through systematic study. Central to its teachings is the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation, which it presents as key to unlocking God’s plan and promises. Over the years, it has reached learners from diverse backgrounds through its onsite, online, and self-paced learning programs. As ZCMC enters its 37th year, it reaffirms its commitment to making biblical education more accessible to learners around the world. Through its various learning platforms, the institution continues to equip individuals with a deeper understanding of Scripture and inspire lives shaped by faith, purpose, and service. ZCMC offers free theology courses in multiple formats, including onsite, online, and self-paced study options. Interested individuals may reserve a slot through forms.gle/A2iPWiBCaSg73QTs5, access the ZCMC SPS (Self-Paced Study) mobile app, or register directly at zcmc-edu.com/app/?type=8. For updates and learning opportunities, follow Self-Paced Bible Study – SPS and Zion Christian Mission Center PH on Facebook.          

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families gathered at the National Migrant Workers’ Day celebration organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), where government and private sector partners highlighted programs aimed at helping migrant workers build financial secure and prepare for their long-term goals. As part of the event, BDO Unibank conducted a financial awareness session and assisted attendees with banking services. “Many OFWs make significant sacrifices to provide a better future for their families. Beyond sending money home, it is important that they have access to financial tools that help them save, manage their finances, and work toward their long-term goals,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie Gloria.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has partnered with De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to provide internship opportunities for Deaf students, reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive workplace. Under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the college’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), the pioneering institution in Deaf education in the Philippines, CEB will offer internship placements that provide Deaf students with hands-on experience and practical exposure to a professional work environment. The partnership’s pilot run began on June 8 with the placement of three SDEAS student interns under CEB’s FLY Internship Program. The program provides college undergraduates with hands-on learning opportunities across the airline’s operations. “We’re excited to welcome our students from DLS-CSB to Cebu Pacific and learn alongside them. Internships are often a person’s first step into the workforce, and we want that experience to be meaningful, supportive, and empowering. We hope this partnership helps open more doors for Deaf professionals and encourages more organizations to recognize the value that diverse talent brings to the workplace,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. The SDEAS interns have been assigned to CEB’s Customer Service Operations – Cabin Operations team, where they will support day-to-day functions while gaining insights into the aviation industry. They will complete 360 hours of on-the-job training until August 14, 2026. Prior to the start of the internship, CEB employees participated in a Deaf Awareness Session facilitated by SDEAS. The session introduced participants to Deaf culture, inclusive communication practices, and ways to foster greater accessibility in the workplace. The initiative forms part of CEB’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and reflects its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Deaf professionals and other persons with disabilities. Through partnerships such as this, CEB continues to foster a workplace where diverse talent can thrive and contribute to the organization’s long-term success.      

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) received three major honors at the 2026 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards on June 5, earning recognition for its purpose-driven marketing initiatives that promote tourism, cultural preservation, and community development. The airline was named Marketing Team of the Year for its “Fly to Your Happy Philippines” campaign and received two awards for “Flight Patterns”, including a Grand Prix in the Builders of Society – Arts, Culture, and Heritage category, and a Silver award in the Builders of Society – Tambuli Origins category. Organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific, the Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards is an annual program that recognizes brands, organizations, and individuals that achieve business success while creating a positive impact on society. “Since the beginning, Cebu Pacific’s vision has always been to help build a stronger Philippines by connecting communities, celebrating cultures, and creating opportunities through travel. We thank our partners for helping us bring this vision to life through campaigns that put the Philippines on the global tourism map,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “This recognition reenergizes us to create even more meaningful impact with the communities, partners, and teams we work with.” The Marketing Team of the Year award recognizes teams that demonstrate outstanding collaboration, creativity, and excellence in developing and executing purpose-driven marketing programs. The CEB Marketing team, led by its director Michelle Eve De Guzman, is only the second winner of the category after it was first awarded last year. CEB earned the distinction through “Fly to Your Happy Philippines”, a campaign that leverages traveler insights from different countries to showcase the diverse ways people experience happiness when traveling to the Philippines. As part of the campaign, CEB became the first Philippine company to take over Dubai’s Burj Khalifa with a “Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines” lights and sound display. CEB also launched various activations at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, Seongsu neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, and Orchard Road in Singapore which showcased the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the country’s diverse destinations to a global audience. The success of the campaign underscored the extensive work undertaken by the CEB Marketing team, from consolidating global insights and coordinating with international government organizations to collaborating with marketing and media agencies, as well as international influencers. These efforts helped bring the Philippines closer to travelers from the airline’s 15 international markets. Meanwhile, “Flight Patterns” received the Grand Prix for Builders of Society – Arts, Culture, and Heritage, the highest honor for this category which recognizes initiatives that foster appreciation and awareness of culture and creativity, as well as the Silver Award for Builders of Society – Tambuli Origins, which honors campaigns that highlight and preserve local traditions, values, and cultural identity. “Flight Patterns” brought traditional weaving heritage into everyday travel spaces through scannable QR codes placed on billboards along major thoroughfares, at airports nationwide, and in select magazines, shining a light on the Filipino weaving communities and artisans whose stories inspired the campaign. Each code features five weaving traditions from across the country: Ilocos Norte’s Binakol, Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit, Iloilo’s Hablon, Antique’s Patadyong, and Basilan’s Tennun. Scanning the codes allowed travelers to learn more about each weave, the destinations where they originate, and the communities that make them, sparking greater appreciation for the rich weaving traditions and artisans that continue to keep this important part of Philippine culture alive. The campaign was made possible through collaborations with key partners, including the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute. This latest recognition builds on CEB’s strong showing at the Tambuli Awards. In 2024, Iyog was named Chief Marketing Officer of the Year, recognizing her leadership in advancing the airline’s purpose-driven marketing initiatives.        

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  – The Social Security System (SSS) today begins the early rollout of the second tranche of the Pension Reform Program (PRP) to 4.1 million pensioners, advancing the originally scheduled September pension increase to provide SSS pensioners with earlier financial relief. Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Frederick D. Go and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the agency is releasing approximately ₱6 billion in additional pension benefits from June to August 2026 to help pensioners cope with inflationary pressures and higher energy costs. “We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner,” Go said. “With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face every day financial challenges,” de Claro said. He explained that SSS pensioners as of May 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the pension hike beginning June 1, 2026, while those whose contingencies fall between June 1 and August 31, 2026, will receive their increased pension starting September 1, 2026. Under the second tranche of the PRP, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5% increase. “We recognize that rising prices and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on Filipino families and businesses,” de Claro added. “Through the PRP, SSS ensures that our pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most.” The PRP is the first-ever multi-year pension increase in SSS history. Under the program, pensioners will receive annual increases in their pensions every September from 2025 to 2027.      

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has mobilized its entire group network for the nationwide kickoff of Brigada Eskwela 2026, reinforcing its commitment to education and community empowerment. Volunteers from across CEB group, including airline operations (5J), ground handling provider 1Aviation, and aircraft maintenance company Aviation Partnership (Philippines) Corporation (Aplus), joined forces to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. As part of this year’s campaign, the carrier adopted three Last Mile Schools from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) priority list: Balakilong Integrated School in Batangas, Cadulawan Elementary School in Cebu, and Cogon Elementary School in Davao del Norte. Located in geographically isolated and underserved communities, the schools were selected to help ensure critical aid and support reach students who need it most. Beyond volunteer efforts, the airline provided classroom cleaning and painting materials; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational packages; and monetary donation raised through contributions from CEB employees. “The true measure of an airline is not only how many people it carries, but how many lives it helps move forward. Through Brigada Eskwela, our people came together to support schools in some of the country’s most underserved communities because every child deserves a safe place to learn, dream, and build a better future. At Cebu Pacific, we are proud to connect Filipinos not only through travel, but through acts of service that create lasting impact far beyond our flights,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. The initiative forms part of Juan Community, a broader Gokongwei Group program led by the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), which supports education programs nationwide. CEB plans to continue supporting the three adopted schools while exploring opportunities to expand the program to more Last Mile Schools across the country. Operating in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, CEB continues to connect Filipinos through air travel while helping uplift communities by investing in the next generation.

Four industry leaders, Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KDDI Corporation, have come together to pioneer the country’s first Intelligent City, with Makati CBD as the identified pilot. This project will harness data, digital technologies, and advanced connectivity to redefine how Filipinos live, work, and thrive in urban environments. The initiative will showcase Globe’s consistent and reliable network and digitally enable an ecosystem of sectors to bring the Intelligent City vision to life. This includes advancements in mobility, retail, energy, and connectivity, alongside the development of intelligent city platforms that integrate data and harness AI solutions. “Ayala Corp. has always believed in building communities that uplift lives. Through this initiative, we are reimagining Makati CBS as a hub of innovation, where technology and human connection converge to create a city that truly serves its people,” said President and CEO Cezar Consing. The partnership will also utilize technologies like the Internet of Things that will incorporate artificial intelligence in practical, everyday use. Together, these focus areas form the foundation for building more intelligent, more sustainable, and more resilient urban communities. Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz highlighted the role of connectivity in digital inclusion and nation‑building: “Connectivity has become the lifeblood of progress, the Fifth Utility that empowers nations to grow and thrive. Globe is excited to showcase its consistent and reliable network to transform our cities, ensuring that every Filipino has access to the tools, opportunities, and digital experiences they need to keep moving forward in an increasingly connected world.” This collaboration marks a milestone in nation‑building, setting the stage for a new era of urban development in the Philippines. By harnessing advanced connectivity, AI, and sustainable technologies, the Intelligent City project will not only redefine Makati’s business district but also serve as a model for future developments nationwide, creating an environment where businesses can innovate, opportunities become more inclusive, and economic resilience and competitiveness are strengthened for Filipino enterprises and entrepreneurs in the digital age. Through this strategic partnership, millions of Filipinos will experience safer, more intelligent, and more connected communities, proving that when industry leaders unite, technology becomes a powerful force for transformation. By harnessing innovation and collaboration to modernize cities and empower communities, truly uplifting the lives of Filipinos.