Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) marked 25 years of serving Hong Kong by honoring five outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on the Filipino community abroad. The airline presented the CEB Values Awards during the Philippine Tourism Festival organized by the OFW group Philippine Alliance. The awards honor individuals who embody the airline’s core values of Trust, Integrity, Courage, Service, and Best of Filipino Spirit. “Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been an important part of Cebu Pacific’s international network and story. More importantly, it has been home to generations of OFWs whose hard work and dedication continue to inspire us,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Through the CEB Values Awards, we recognize individuals who embody the values we aspire to live by as an airline. This is the second time the carrier has held the awards in Hong Kong. Each awardee received a roundtrip international ticket with a 20kg baggage allowance, while three additional roundtrip international tickets were raffled off to OFWs attending the festival, giving more overseas Filipinos the opportunity to reunite with loved ones or explore the airline’s international network. Hong Kong has been part of CEB’s network since 2001 and remains one of its key international destinations, serving OFWs alongside a growing number of leisure and business travelers. CEB flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, continuing to make air travel more accessible while connecting Filipinos wherever they are in the world.        

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) announced that its Pension Booster Program, also known as the Voluntary Provident Fund, continues to deliver strong financial performance in 2026, posting an average return on investment (ROI) of 6.2 percent from January to May this year despite prevailing economic challenges. The program remains a reliable retirement savings option for Filipino workers. While slightly lower than the previous year’s performance due to changes in interest rates implemented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the return remains competitive and continues to exceed market benchmark rates. Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Frederick D. Go said the program reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening retirement security. “The continued strong performance of the SSS Pension Booster underscores our commitment to protecting the financial future of Filipino workers. Through prudent management of members’ funds, we are helping build a more secure and dignified retirement for every Filipino,” Go said. SSS noted that the 2026 performance follows the 6.83 percent return in 2025, surpassing the prevailing 91-day treasury bill rate which has a year-to-date average of approximately 4.77 percent. In 2025, contributions rose to 21.8 percent to P699 million from P574 million in 2024, reflecting growing member confidence in the program. To maximize members’ earnings, SSS waived the one percent management fee on the total balance of Pension Booster accounts from 2025 to 2028, allowing members to fully enjoy investment gains. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the program reflects prudent investment management and long-term value creation. He added that members may now conveniently monitor the monthly compounding growth of their Pension Booster savings through their My.SSS accounts, allowing them to track the progress of their retirement funds and make more informed decisions in planning for their future. “The strong performance of the Pension Booster demonstrates disciplined and professionally managed savings. We remain committed to providing members greater financial security during retirement,” de Claro said. The Pension Booster is open to all SSS members to build additional savings for their retirement. It allows individuals to save starting at P500, with no maximum contribution limit. Contributions are pooled and invested in government securities, corporate bonds, fixed-income instruments, equities, and money market instruments, with tax-free earnings credited proportionately to members’ accounts. De Claro urged members to start early and stay invested longer to maximize returns, citing the benefits of compound growth. “Planning and saving for retirement should begin early. The longer the members stay invested, the greater their potential returns,” he said. Interested SSS members may enroll in the Pension Booster Program online through their My.SSS account.

Manila, Philippines —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with SM Mall of Asia, invites the public to a free musical celebration featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) Band on June 28, 5:00 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater in Pasay City. The performance is part of the United States’ “Freedom 250” campaign, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights the enduring friendship between the United States and the Philippines as both nations mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 2026. Joining the MARFORPAC Band onstage are the Armed Forces of the Philippines Band and performers from the World Championship of Performing Arts for an evening celebrating cultural heritage, musical excellence, and shared history. “At its heart, Freedom 250 is more than a milestone—it is a moment to honor what America stands for and the ideals that have shaped it across generations.  Through the music of the MARFORPAC Band, that story is told without words, carried by the artistry, discipline, and goodwill that U.S. military musicians have brought to stages around the world.  We are proud to share that experience here, as a reflection of the deep and enduring bond between our two nations,” said U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Engagement Chad Kinnear.   The MARFORPAC Band is comprised of 39 Marines, with 10 members visiting the Philippines as part of the brass ensemble.  The Marines serve as both fully trained riflemen and professional musicians, bringing high-energy jazz and contemporary music to audiences across the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, China, Australia, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, Iwo To (formerly known as Iwo Jima), and American Samoa. “They are not only musicians—they are Marines.  Every one of them completed the same recruit training as every other Marine who has ever served under our flag.  They earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.  Music is how they serve—and in every note they play, they carry the values of this Corps: honor, courage, and commitment. The Marine Corps is America’s Naval Expeditionary Force in Readiness—deployed by air, land, and sea to defend the United States and its allies wherever the mission demands.  We recruit America’s best, forge them into Marines, and return quality citizens to the communities that raised them,” said U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron Carpenter, who also serves as the band’s director. During their visit to the Philippines, the band members will also conduct music workshops for students at the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the East.  The tour will culminate at the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day reception, held as part of the “Freedom 250” campaign celebrating America’s founding principles, dynamism, innovation, and global leadership. Through performances and meaningful community engagement across the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Marine Corps musicians build stronger connections through the power of music while demonstrating professionalism, boosting morale, and advancing cultural diplomacy.  

More overseas Filipino workers are preparing for life after overseas work by exploring opportunities to save, invest, and build sustainable sources of income. During the recent OFW Kabuhayan Expo 2026, BDO Unibank and its partner Xoom joined other organizations in promoting financial preparedness among migrant workers. “We want to help OFWs make the most of every remittance—not only to support their families today, but also to build lasting opportunities for the future,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie Gloria.      

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.