MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has been recognized as one of the world’s top-performing airlines for sustainability in the latest S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). The airline ranked within the top 25% globally and emerged as the most sustainable Philippine carrier, with a score of 47—well above the industry average of 37 and higher than most low-cost peers. The CSA measures how companies manage their impact on the environment, care for their employees and communities, and uphold responsible business practices. “We continue to take a disciplined and proactive approach to sustainability as we expand our operations,” said Aileen Isidro, CEB Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Risk Officer. “The improvement in our S&P Global CSA score reflects how we’ve embedded sustainability into how we grow, operate, and govern.” CEB’s latest Integrated Report reported progress across its ESG initiatives, contributing to its improved CSA performance. In 2025, the airline served nearly 27 million passengers and operated over 170,000 flights, showing that sustainability gains can be achieved even as operations expand. During the same period, CEB avoided approximately 35,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and saved around 11,000 tonnes of jet fuel through fleet modernization and operational efficiencies. It also reduced carbon emissions to 75.7 grams of CO₂ per revenue passenger kilometer (RPK), with lower emissions per passenger even as travel demand increased. CEB continues to build on this progress through its long-term goal of operating an all-NEO (New Engine Option) fleet by 2030, alongside expanding the deployment of electric ground support equipment (GSE) across key airports. Beyond environmental efforts, CEB continues to invest in its people. Women now make up 51% of management roles, exceeding the Philippine average of 44%, while ongoing programs in training, employee engagement, and mental health support aim to strengthen workforce resilience and service quality. The carrier also maintains strong governance practices, supported by enhanced anti-corruption measures, strict compliance systems, and clear accountability across its operations and partnerships. These initiatives resulted in CEB’s improving customer experience. The airline recorded a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +35, up seven points from previous year, alongside gains in service areas such as boarding, baggage handling, and inflight service, signaling stronger passenger satisfaction. Following a strong performance in 2025, CEB is building momentum as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, with a continued focus on expanding affordable air travel while advancing its sustainability commitments.              

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military will conduct the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan across the Philippine archipelago from April 20 to May 8. Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand will train shoulder-to-shoulder, and an additional 17 nations will participate as part of the international observer program. “Balikatan is the embodiment of our nation’s commitment to a strong and credible defense posture,” said Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Education and Training Command Commander.  “This exercise is a prime opportunity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to accelerate our modernization and enhance our capabilities as a vanguard of regional peace.  Training shoulder-to-shoulder with our oldest ally and our many partners ensures our forces are prepared to face any challenge, together.” The exercise will feature cutting-edge training across the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Key events include: AFP and U.S. forces will sharpen their ability to command and control by establishing parallel exercise joint task forces to navigate a challenging training scenario. Field training exercises throughout the Philippines will culminate in capstone events to rehearse warfighting skills in maritime security, coastal defense, and the integration of combined and joint fires. Dynamic maritime sustainment and distributed logistics through ship-to-shore equipment offloads and movements.  Prior to the start of Balikatan 2026, the AFP and U.S. forces rehearsed equipment and supply offload from maritime prepositioning force shipping at Port of Cagayan de Oro that was transported and distributed across Luzon.  Supplies and equipment movement and distribution will continue throughout the exercise in support of the training. Ships from four countries will participate in a multi-day multilateral maritime exercise along the west coast of the Philippines conducting deck landing qualifications, live-fire gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue training. Humanitarian and civic assistance activities including engineering and construction projects and community health engagements at five locations across the archipelago to directly benefit Filipino communities and strengthen humanitarian assistance preparedness. “Our alliance with the Philippines has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for 75 years,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, I Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General.  “Balikatan 2026 is a powerful demonstration of our ironclad commitment to that alliance.  By training together with our friends and partners using the most advanced systems, we are not just enhancing our shared capabilities; we are forging the trust and readiness required to secure a prosperous and peaceful future for the region.” News media representatives interested in additional information or coverage opportunities may contact the exercise Public Affairs Combined Joint Information Bureau media officer at balikatan_media@usmc.mil.          

MANILA, Philippines —As the United States and the Philippines mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, U.S. Embassy to the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Health Cooperation on April 7. Through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, this Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) commits to further U.S. health cooperation with the Philippines – an important friend, partner, and Ally. The JDI establishes a framework for the Philippines to transition to greater autonomy and self-reliance in its health systems while strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to detect and respond to global health threats, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and other infectious diseases, and improve diagnostics and treatment. Chargé d’Affaires Ewing also announced a significant U.S. contribution to strengthen the Philippines’ fight against tuberculosis.  This includes provision of Php580 million ($10 million) worth of TB medicines and 12 ultraportable TB X-ray machines valued at Php45.4 million ($783,000), and a Php14.5 million ($250,000) grant to the Philippines’ Veterans Memorial Medical Center to expand TB testing and treatment for Filipino veterans. These announcements build on decades of gains made through U.S. global health assistance, including the Php13.8 billion ($250 million) in U.S. foreign assistance through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy announced in September 2025, addressing tuberculosis, advancing maternal health, and enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to emerging diseases and global health threats in the Philippines. “The United States greatly values its longstanding partnership with the Philippine Department of Health, especially our work together on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and global health security,” Chargé d’Affaires Ewing said. “Through this Joint Declaration, the United States continues to engage closely with the Philippine government and health partners to support the Philippines’ continued progress toward greater autonomy and self-reliance in its health programs, and to identify impactful and innovative approaches to advance lifesaving work on TB and global health security,” he added. Through this JDI, the United States and the Philippines will negotiate a five-year Strategic Objective Agreement, advancing all three pillars of the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy that will save American and Filipino lives, increase the resiliency of the Philippine health system through coordinated co-funding, and foster collaboration with American commercial leaders in health technology and innovation to improve health outcomes. The Philippines has a strong track record of making commitments with the United States and leveraging innovations in the shared fight against infectious diseases like TB and HIV.  The Philippine government’s efforts to enhance prevention, care, and innovation, including seeking new technology to counter these two diseases, are goals shared by the United States and are being advanced through this Declaration. This Joint Declaration joins several Bilateral Memoranda of Understanding on Global Health Cooperation with recipient countries, driving progress around the world through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy.          

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Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) proudly announces its official collaboration with Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan and Althaus Tea Philippines under CG Coffee and Tea Products Trading—marking a partnership that brings together fashion, hospitality, and refined lifestyle experiences. As part of this exciting collaboration, the Grand Winners (1 Male and 1 Female) of MIFW The Model Search Season 7 will be awarded an exclusive luxury getaway experience from Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration in one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking destinations. This partnership sets the stage for an even more dynamic and rewarding MIFW Season 7, happening this June 10–12, 2026. Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan Sponsorship Inclusions: 1 Male Grand Winner: 3 Days and 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast for two (2) persons Roundtrip airport land transfers in Coron 1 Female Grand Winner: 3 Days and 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast for two (2) persons Roundtrip airport land transfers in Coron Adding a touch of elegance to the celebration, Althaus Tea Philippines will also extend premium gift selections to MIFW talents and creatives. Althaus Tea Philippines Sponsorship Inclusions: 1 Male Grand Winner – One (1) Althaus Tea Big Gift Pack 1 Female Grand Winner – One (1) Althaus Tea Big Gift Pack Althaus Tea Gift Packs for MIFW Season 7 Designers This collaboration reflects MIFW’s commitment to providing world-class opportunities, experiences, and rewards to its models, designers, and partners—elevating the fashion platform beyond the runway. The signing ceremony was graced by Carmela Geisert, Proprietor of CG Coffee and Tea Products Trading and President of Asia Grand View Hotel, together with Bench Bello, Founder and CEO of Manila International Fashion Week, and MIFW Board of Directors Sheralene Shirata and Myse Salonga.

    MANILA, Philippines — In light of the recent declaration placing the country under a State of National Energy Emergency, Globe assures its customers that its services will continue without disruption and as close to normal as possible, with its business continuity plan (BCP) activated to ensure that its network remains stable and operational amid concerns over fuel supply and energy availability. Under the BCP, the company will undergo the following initiatives: Expanded work from home for all Globe employees except critical workforce in network and IT operations, stores and other sales channels, customer service, and network security.  Other energy saving measures have also been introduced including limits on travel policy, car pooling, and new incentives for EV use. Prioritization of network fuel and energy needs to ensure that network services will continue to operate unimpeded. Globe is working closely with partners so that gensets across our cell sites will have ample fuel supply in case of commercial power interruptions.   Battery runtime management is also in place to address scenarios where both grid power and generator support may be affected. Globe is strengthening its energy management approach through energy efficiency measures and increased use of renewable energy to diversify its power sources. Currently, approximately 30 percent of Globe’s network runs on renewable energy. The company also continues to deploy energy-efficient technologies, including AI solutions that help optimize energy consumption across its sites. Globe remains focused on maintaining reliable service while strengthening its operational resilience and energy strategy in response to the volatile geopolitical and energy conditions.                

MANILA, Philippines — As the surge in global oil prices and Middle East tensions continue to impact the cost of basic necessities, Globe is doubling down on its mission to provide Filipinos with a digital lifeline. By bridging the gap between basic access and true financial health, the company is empowering citizens to exercise greater prudence and resilience in an increasingly challenging economic landscape. While account ownership in the Philippines grew to 50.2% as of 2024, the current global climate has highlighted the urgency of moving beyond mere access. At the recent Manila Times Economic Forum, World Bank Lead Economist Gonzalo Varela noted that many Filipinos remain in a “vulnerability trap,” where one in four citizens are just one “economic shock”, such as a spike in fuel prices or a sudden illness, away from falling back into poverty. To mitigate these shocks, Globe is aggressively expanding its network to serve as a critical bridge for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) framework for financial health. In an era where every peso is vital, reliable connectivity allows households to practice digital prudence: bypassing expensive transport costs by transacting from home, accessing real-time price monitoring for goods, and building emergency funds via mobile apps to avoid high-interest predatory debt. Strategic Tech Enabler This effort was the focus of a recent high-level discussion between senior leaders from BSP and Globe Telecom. The briefing, attended by BSP Managing Director Eugene C. Teves, centered on technologies that help Filipinos transact more safely and efficiently in today’s digital Philippine economy. By serving as a strategic tech enabler, Globe is helping the BSP build a digital ecosystem where Filipinos can stretch their budgets through more affordable and innovative services. Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado said: “At Globe, we see ourselves as more than a telco. We provide the ‘rails’ that keep the economy moving. In these times of global volatility, our network acts as a stabilizer, ensuring that commerce and essential services remain accessible and cost-effective for every Filipino.” In direct response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Globe recently mobilized roaming goodwill offers to ensure that overseas Filipinos remain connected to their families during this critical time. Globe provided a complimentary roaming package, including 1GB of data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS, to customers in affected areas such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. For those in Iran and Iraq, Globe extended load assistance and billing adjustments. This initiative underscores Globe’s role as a proactive partner in times of crisis, ensuring that communication remains a bridge for safety rather than an added financial burden. Innovative Deployment Globe is directly tackling the infrastructure hurdles that traditionally drive-up service costs. Through pioneering partnerships with Lynk Global and Starlink, Globe has piloted Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, allowing standard LTE phones to connect via satellite in remote areas. Additionally, by tapping Transcelestial to roll out 400 wireless laser links, Globe is delivering fiber-class speeds without the need for traditional, costly, and time-consuming trenching. By utilizing these “non-traditional” methods to lower the cost of deployment, Globe aims to pass these efficiencies directly to the consumer. This ensures that even as the prices of physical goods rise, the cost of staying connected and doing business remains within reach for the average family. “Connectivity is the backbone of how people work and save today,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. “Our goal is to ensure that our network translates into real-world benefits: consistent service that is affordable enough to help many Filipinos weather the current economic storm.” These local efforts also prepare the country for its broader role in the region. As the Philippines prepares for the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship and the push for ASEAN Regional Payments Connectivity, Globe’s network ensures the digital ecosystem is ready for faster, cheaper remittances and more efficient cross-border trade—further elevating the Philippines’ standing and protecting the economic interests of its citizens.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  – The Social Security System (SSS) today assured its members in the Middle East that they can access benefits and services via digital platforms despite escalating regional conflicts. SSS President Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the My.SSS Portal’s reliability, enabling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file benefit claims and loan applications without interruption, provided they meet qualifying conditions. For example, OFWs who were involuntarily separated can avail of unemployment benefit provided they meet the qualifying conditions and certified by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). “Even in these challenging times, our digital infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery,” de Claro said. “Members in the Middle East need not worry; they can manage their accounts safely from anywhere with internet access.” He noted that SSS pensioners in the region can comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) using the recently launched Facial Authentication feature on the SSS website, www.sss.gov.ph. “A standout innovation is the ACOP Facial Authentication with Liveness Check, enabling secure identity verification from smartphones anywhere,” de Claro explained. “It reduces fraud risks and eliminates the need for travel amid the current security situation in the Middle East. These tools were purpose-built to empower OFWs, allowing transactions ‘whenever, wherever’ even in crisis zones.” As of December 2025, there are 1,476,645 OFWs covered with the SSS with 540,018 as active paying members. “We remain committed to supporting our OFWs through innovation and resilience, no matter the circumstances,” de Claro concluded.

MANILA, Philippines — Globe, together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), is stepping up efforts to protect Filipinos from mobile-based scams. Globe donated IMSI catcher detectors to the three government agencies to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity, strengthening the country’s ability to detect and respond to mobile security threats. This effort is a step towards addressing the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure, such as IMSI catchers or fake base stations, which enable cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to unsuspecting users. These threats operate outside Globe’s network, making them hard to detect. The IMSI catcher detectors will enable the NTC, CICC, and CIDG to identify and locate fake base stations in real time, significantly improving response speed and enforcement actions. With these capabilities, authorities can expand monitoring and enforcement across high-risk and densely populated areas, strengthening protection for millions of mobile users nationwide. “The threats we are seeing today operate at a deeper level, and addressing them requires stronger systems and closer coordination,” said Froilan Castelo, Group General Counsel at Globe. “We see it as our responsibility not only to provide connectivity, but to make sure that it remains safe and secure for every Filipino who relies on it.” “What this initiative enables is visibility where it matters most,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief AI Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Globe. “By detecting unauthorized signal activity, we can support faster investigation and response, which is critical in addressing threats like fake base stations.” The move builds on Globe’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect customers. Aside from removing clickable links from official Globe SMS advisories and being the first telecom company to implement the non-delivery of all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network, the company also launched the SMS Scam Shield on the GlobeOne app to protect users from spoofed sender IDs and phishing attacks. In 2025, Globe blocked more than 967 million scam and spam messages and deactivated over 244,000 SIMs linked to fraudulent activity. Globe also continues to work closely with government agencies and law enforcement to share intelligence, strengthen enforcement, and improve overall protection mechanisms. For the company, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to digital trust and ensuring that connectivity remains a safe space for all. “Every scam message is not just a technical issue. It affects real people, their finances, their safety, and their peace of mind,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “That is why efforts like this matter. It strengthens our ability to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and most importantly, protect Filipinos in a more coordinated way.” The initiative brings together Globe, NTC, CICC, and CIDG, reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach to addressing increasingly sophisticated mobile-based threats. As mobile connectivity continues to play a central role in everyday life, Globe reaffirms its shared commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem and ensuring that Filipinos can stay connected with confidence.