Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, today took delivery of its 15th Airbus A330neo aircraft, further strengthening its position as the largest A330neo operator in Asia and bringing more newer-generation aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft arrived in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France on October 10, marking CEB’s fourth aircraft delivery and first widebody delivery this year. “The delivery of our 15th A330neo aircraft is an important milestone for Cebu Pacific as we continue to build a more modern fleet,” says Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. “The A330neo offers significant fuel saving compared to previous-generation aircraft and gives us the flexibility to serve different markets across and beyond the Philippines.” In total, CEB anticipates receiving seven NEO aircraft in 2026, further increasing the share of newer-generation aircraft across its fleet. With the latest delivery, NEO aircraft now account for 78% of CEB’s jet fleet, bringing the airline closer to its goal of operating an all-NEO fleet by 2030. Compared to previous-generation aircraft, NEO aircraft burn 15-20% less fuel per flight and produce significantly less noise, contributing to lower carbon emissions and more sustainable operations. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Its diversified fleet mix of 15 Airbus A330s, 27 Airbus A321s, 38 Airbus A320s, and 20 ATR turboprop aircraft enables the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) hosted 120 aspiring young Filipina aviators at its Training Academy (TRAAC) for this year’s Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), giving them a firsthand look at the people behind airline operations. An annual international initiative of Women in Aviation International (WAI), GIAD encourages young women to explore careers in aviation and aerospace through hands-on activities, learning sessions, and conversations with industry professionals. Led by CEB’s women’s community, EmpowHER, in partnership with Women in Aviation International – Philippines (WAI-PH), this year’s event welcomed daughters of employees from CEB and its subsidiaries, 1Aviation and Aplus. Female students from Air Link International Aviation College, De La Salle University, Gat Andres Bonifacio High School, and Ignacio Villamor High School also took part. At TRAAC, participants learned how teams across flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and customer experience work together to keep the airline running. They also heard from women aviation professionals, who shared their career journeys and advice on pursuing opportunities in the industry. “Building a stronger, more inclusive aviation workforce starts by helping young people see themselves in it. By giving young women early exposure to the people, possibilities, and diverse careers behind an airline, we can help them discover where their strengths can take them, and open their minds to careers they may never have imagined,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. Women remain underrepresented in several areas of aviation, particularly in technical and flight-related roles. Through GIAD, WAI-PH and its industry partners aim to broaden young women’s exposure to aviation and inspire them to explore the many career opportunities available in the industry. For CEB, the initiative also gives employees a way to help develop future aviation talent. Through EmpowHER and other employee-led communities, the airline encourages its people to share their experiences, create learning opportunities, and help the next generation see what a career in aviation can offer.        

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) is urging members with at least 12 posted monthly contributions to apply for its new digital microloan facility, the SSS Micro Loan Program, also known as SSS LoanLite. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said SSS LoanLite is designed to provide qualified members with accessible, secure, and affordable short-term financial assistance for immediate needs. De Claro said qualified members may apply for loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000, depending on the average of their 12 latest Monthly Salary Credits (MSCs). “Available repayment periods are 15, 30, 60, or 90 days, with an interest rate of 8% per annum, equivalent to approximately 0.67% per month.” Eligibility To qualify for SSS LoanLite, eligible employed, self-employed, voluntary, and OFW members must: Be at least 18 years old at the time of application and below 65 years old at the end of the loan term Have at least 12 posted monthly contributions Have no past-due Short-Term Member Loan (e.g., Salary, Calamity, or Emergency Loan) Have no pending or settled final benefit claim (e.g., retirement or permanent total disability), unless previously cancelled due to re-employment, resumption of self-employment, or recovery Have no active Restructured Loan (or, if fully paid, the required restrictive period must have lapsed) Have an account enrolled in the online facility of a participating financial institution (PFI) Have no active SSS Micro Loan and have fully paid any prior microloan refinanced by a PFI Have no record of fraud against SSS Loanable amount De Claro noted that while 12 contributions are enough to be eligible for the SSS LoanLite, members with at least 36 total contributions—including at least six posted within the 12 months immediately before applying—qualify for higher loan amounts up to the ₱20,000 ceiling. De Claro said that members with at least 12 monthly contributions can borrow a loanable amount equal to 11% of their average MSCs in the last 12 months. “For example, if a member’s average MSC over the last 12 months is ₱20,000 but the member has only 12 total contributions, the loanable amount is ₱2,200 (11% of ₱20,000),” he said. Members with at least 36 total contributions, including at least six posted monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the application, may qualify for the maximum loan amount of up to ₱20,000, depending on their average MSC. Furthermore, members with existing Short-Term Member Loans (Salary, Calamity, or Emergency Loans) may still apply for SSS LoanLite, provided those loans are not past due and they have no active SSS Micro Loan. Repayment and renewal Repayments will be collected according to the agreed schedule through an automatic debit arrangement, which is the default collection mode. Deductions will primarily be made from the account where the loan proceeds were credited. Loan renewal is allowed after full payment of the current microloan, as reported by the participating financial institutions. Where to apply At present, SSS LoanLite is available through the UnionDigital Bank mobile application. De Claro said SSS is also working with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) to make LoanLite available through their respective digital platforms.          

By Ruben A. Veloria   MANILA, Philippines  — Eleven years ago, Citicore Renewables set out with a simple yet ambitious goal: to harness natural resources and help power a First-World Philippines through pure, sustainable energy. It began not with grand fanfare, but with ground-level determination — working alongside local communities, navigating complex energy landscapes, and proving solar power could genuinely transform lives. On September 25, 2026, partners, regulators, financial supporters, and team members gathered at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan for an intimate Thanksgiving and Appreciation Night titled “Citicore at 11: A Decade and One.” The evening celebrated human connection, shared trust, and an extraordinary milestone: reaching 1 gigawatt (GW) in installed renewable energy capacity. Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Chairman Edgar B. Saavedra stated, “Our vision at Citicore is to reach 5 GW within five years. To achieve that vision and to deliver, we need the support of our partners and regulators. We would not be here without all of you. Hopefully, we can support the transition to pure renewable energy.” This sentiment resonated with Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan, who highlighted Citicore’s steady, principled approach to meeting clean energy demands while maintaining high standards of governance. “Renewable energy has grown. More consumers can now choose their own suppliers; new technology’s been shaping how we generate and use power. And Citicore is part of that story,” Juan said. ” The market is moving, it is growing. This shift is not just adding renewable capacity where Citicore is very much active. It is about choice, competition, investment, and keeping power reliable and affordable. Our job is to set the rules that let innovation move forward while keeping the consumers at the center, and we value Citicore’s part in this,” Juan added. Beyond 21 completed solar site, the heart of Citicore’s story lies in the communities and ecosystems it serves — a journey captured in the documentary “11 Voices” through stories of local farmers, partners, and leaders. Over the past decade, Citicore has laid deep roots by combining clean energy with targeted social and environmental programs. These include AgroSolar farming where crops are cultivated along the aisles of solar panels, technical skills training, local employment, reforestation, coastal cleanups, and the EcoLoop program for repurposing retired panels. Ultimately, Citicore ensures clean power generation drives lasting, multi-generational growth for residents and host environments alike. This progress was also made possible by institutional partners who believed in the vision early on. Citicore recognized 14 financial institutions whose backing enabled nationwide scaling. These FIs include BDO Unibank, Inc., BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, BPI Capital Corporation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, RCBC Capital Corporation, Philippine National Bank, PNB Capital and Investment Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank Corporation, Security Bank Capital, Bank of China, and HSBC. As the company enters its eleventh year in powering the country with pure renewable energy, the focus shifts to expanding solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and integrated renewable solutions across more regions, while remaining steadfast as a community partner. President and CEO Oliver Y. Tan reaffirmed the vision ahead: “All projects under the Green Energy Auction-2 (GEA) program that we won are complete, with only energization and commissioning remaining. This proves that our regulators’ initiatives truly work,” said Tan. “As we prepare for GEA-4, we will continue to support the DOE and ERC in achieving the country’s energy transition goals. We will put our money and effort where our mouth is and continue investing to make this transition a reality,” he added.(RAV)     (L-R) CREC President and CEO Oliver Tan, Director Louie Ferrer, and Chairman Edgar Saavedra  during Citicore Renewables’ celebratory toast.(Photo courtesy of Citicore)

The Social Security System (SSS) brought its 69th Anniversary celebration closer to Filipinos in Hong Kong through the 2026 SSS Global Kabayan Day held from September 12 to 14 at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) OFW Global Center. Anchored on the anniversary theme, “Bawat Isa Protektado, Bawat Bukas Sigurado,” the three-day activity gave OFWs, pensioners, Filipino community leaders, and other members of the Filipino community an opportunity to learn about SSS programs and services, raise concerns, and access assistance. The activity was held with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, led by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Consul Von Ryan Ferrera, and Labor Attaché Atty. Cesar L. Chavez, Jr., together with other Philippine government offices, Filipino community organizations, and SSS partner institutions. The activity opened on September 12 with a town hall meeting where Filipino community leaders and media guests received updates on SSS programs and services, and raised questions and concerns directly with SSS officials. On behalf of the SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro, Vice President for Asia, Americas and Pacific Operations Division Atty. Paul Erik D. Manalo presented an overview of SSS services, while Vice President for Member Relations and Support Division Atty. Marissa C. Mapalo discussed the latest SSS programs. “Our OFWs continue to contribute to their families, communities, and the country, even while working far from home. As their social security institution, SSS must also be there for them wherever they are,” Manalo said. “We want our members abroad to know that their SSS remains accessible to them. Through activities like the Global Kabayan Day, we are able to bring our services closer, provide timely information, and listen directly to their concerns,” he added. The presentations were followed by an open forum with Filipino community leaders and media guests. The activity also provided onsite assistance to OFWs applying for the MySSS Card. SSS Foreign Representatives assisted members through the application process, with support from SSS officials. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) assisted members with National ID registration and verification, a key step in securing a MySSS Card. SSS participating financial institutions, such as Asia United Bank (AUB) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), also provided onsite assistance for MySSS Card applications. The main Global Kabayan Day program on September 13 highlighted the experiences and contributions of OFWs and SSS pensioners through testimonials and recognition activities. Around 30 SSS pensioners residing in Hong Kong were recognized in appreciation of their years of membership and contributions to the SSS. Some pensioners also shared their personal experiences and reflections. The program also marked the signing of memoranda of understanding between SSS and Global Alliance Hong Kong and between SSS and Diwa’t Kabayan Society, strengthening ties with Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong. On September 14, the onsite services continued, allowing OFWs and other members of the Filipino community to access assistance on MySSS Card applications and other SSS-related concerns. The 2026 Global Kabayan Day formed part of the SSS’ 69th Anniversary celebration and marked the first time that its annual OFW Day and Pensioners’ Day activities were brought together in an overseas setting. Hong Kong and Barcelona served as the inaugural international venues for the initiative.      

Quezon City, Philippines – Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) signed 15-year baseload power supply agreements with members of the Luzon and Visayas Electric Cooperatives Aggregation (LVECA). Through its subsidiaries Therma Luzon, Inc. and Therma Visayas Inc., AboitizPower will supply 222.5 megawatts (MW) to 19 electric cooperatives in Luzon and 48.2 MW to 10 electric cooperatives in Visayas, secured through a joint competitive selection process (CSP) covering all 29 LVECA member electric cooperatives. Supported by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), LVECA aggregates the baseload power requirements of participating member electric cooperatives to enhance their market leverage and more favorably fulfill their energy procurement mandates through a single joint CSP, replacing the need for independent bidding exercises. Therma Luzon and Therma Visayas were among six units awarded with supply contracts, with the government-supervised CSP securing a total of 565.5 MW for LVECA. Areas served by LVECA members include Abra, Aurora, Batangas, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Laguna, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Quezon, Quirino, Tarlac, and Zambales in Luzon, as well as Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental in Visayas. “By securing this [power supply agreement], we mitigate the risk of service disruptions, giving our [electric cooperatives] a stable foundation to help address operational gaps and illuminate more households,” said NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda. In the view of AboitizPower, the fifteen-year agreement will serve communities that depend on reliable and affordable baseload power and allow electric cooperatives to operate with greater confidence, added AboitizPower Vice President for Sales John Davis Mangubat. The power supply agreement with LVECA is AboitizPower’s second major aggregation deal following that with the Luzon Electric Cooperatives Aggregation (LECA) in February 2025.      

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City reaffirmed its position as a beacon of good governance, innovation, and social development after securing five major titles at The Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2026 Awards held at The Manila Hotel on September 24, 2026. Representing City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Councilor Van Dicang formally received the prestigious accolades during the annual national awarding ceremony, which highlights outstanding local government units (LGUs) across the country for their exemplary practices in sustainable urban management and public service. The Summer Capital emerged victorious across multiple categories, taking home three top awards and two runner-up distinctions: CHAMPION – Social Service Oriented City CHAMPION – Safe Haven City CHAMPION – Tech Territory City 1st Runner-Up – Infra Innovator City 1st Runner-Up – Food Security Enabler City The city was recognized as the champion for Social Service Oriented City and Safe Haven City in recognition of its proactive community development programs, human-centered public assistance, and robust public safety and peace-and-order frameworks. Meanwhile, bagging the Tech Territory City title highlights Baguio’s ongoing digital transformation under Mayor Magalong’s vision of a smart, data-driven, and transparent governance model. The city’s citations as 1st Runner-Up in the Infra Innovator City and Food Security Enabler City categories further underscore Baguio’s strategic investments in resilient urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and local food resiliency initiatives. The Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities is an annual program that honors cities and municipalities that demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovative strategies in making local communities safer, greener, future-ready and more sustainable.

MANILA, Philippines — International peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), which played a civilian-led role in advancing peace in Mindanao by helping mediate a historic local peace agreement in 2014, is set to convene the 4th National Peace Convention at the University of the East Theater in Manila on October 3. In partnership with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), this year’s theme, “Be a Living Legacy of Peace,” aims to gather 1,000 peace advocates, cultural and religious leaders, educators, youth, media professionals, and civil society organizations to share experiences, highlight collective efforts, and explore how different sectors can work together to build a culture of peace, particularly among the younger generation. The convention comes at a particularly important time as recent incidents of school violence further highlight the need to strengthen efforts in peace education, prevention, dialogue, and community involvement. As an organization committed to peace education and peacebuilding, HWPL believes that addressing these challenges requires more than the efforts of one sector. The National Peace Convention is an annual event that brings together a multi-sectoral assembly of lawmakers and policy-makers, educators, religious and cultural leaders, media, youth, women’s groups, and civil society leaders. Since its inception in 2023, the convention has provided a platform for diverse sectors to come together in support of peace. This year’s theme calls on individuals to move beyond simply remembering the efforts of those who have worked for peace and instead become active participants in carrying that legacy forward through their daily choices, relationships, communities, and service to others. In line with this call for active participation, the event will also feature the Peace Center, an initiative that provides a space for people of different faiths and backgrounds to learn, engage in deeper discussions, and better understand religious teachings and perspectives. Participants may choose from free online discussion sessions on Catholicism, Islam, non-denominational Christianity, and Hinduism (Hare Krishna), each facilitated by religious leaders representing the respective religions. HWPL is an international peace organization advocating for global peace and cessation of war through international law, interfaith harmony, and peace education. Registration is open, and interested participants may sign up for free through this link: events.hwpl.ph/4/4th-npc.          

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has added another Airbus A320neo to its fleet as part of its ongoing fleet modernization program. The aircraft was delivered to Manila from Airbus’ facility in Tianjin, China on September 11, marking the third of four Airbus A320neo aircraft scheduled for delivery to CEB this year. With the latest delivery, NEO aircraft now account for 77% of CEB’s jet fleet, reflecting the airline’s continued shift toward newer-generation aircraft. “The addition of another Airbus A320neo to our fleet reflects our focus on bringing in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft that give us greater flexibility across our network,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. “This allows us to continue enhancing our fleet while keeping air travel accessible to more Filipinos.” In total, CEB anticipates receiving seven NEO aircraft in 2026, further increasing the share of newer-generation aircraft across its fleet. Compared to previous-generation aircraft, NEO aircraft burn 15-20% less fuel per flight and produce significantly less noise, contributing to lower carbon emissions and more sustainable operations. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Its diversified fleet mix of 14 Airbus A330s, 27 Airbus A321s, 38 Airbus A320s, and 20 ATR turboprop aircraft enables the widest network coverage in the Philippines.