Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 Director Richard C. Daenos (center) joins Rossell L Abuyo, SBMA Ecology Center OIC and SBMA Tourism manager Mary Jamelle A. Camba to address media practitioners during the media launch for the upcoming 2025 Sustainable Tourism Summit on September 10-12, 2025 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), which is seen as the region’s biggest gathering of local governments, tourism officers, MSMEs, academe and community leaders advocating tto shape a greener, more inclusive, and future ready tourism industry.

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, celebrated nine years of partnership with UNICEF Philippines’ Change for Good campaign by hosting a career talk and airport tour for select Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners from the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Angeles City, in Clark, Pampanga. The event, held on August 8, brought together CEB employees, ALS learners, DepEd officials, and UNICEF Philippines representatives. It aimed to inspire learners to explore careers in aviation and offered a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. ALS is a DepEd program that provides out-of-school youth and adults with practical options to complete basic education outside the traditional school system. All the learners who participated in the event are beneficiaries of the Change for Good campaign. During the career talk, CEB employees shared their personal journeys in aviation and highlighted the diverse roles available in the industry. Afterwards, participants toured Clark International Airport with CEB employees and airport officials, visiting check-in counters, security screening areas, and the arrivals hall. The experience offered a first-hand look at how different teams work together to ensure safe and seamless travel for passengers. Change for Good is a partnership between CEB and UNICEF Philippines that allows passengers to donate loose change onboard flights. Since its launch, the program has raised over PHP 112 million (USD 2.13 million), supporting UNICEF projects in education, health, nutrition, and emergency response for vulnerable children across the Philippines. “The collective generosity of Cebu Pacific passengers has transformed the lives of thousands of children across the Philippines, especially those vulnerable communities” said Carmen Gonzalez Ortiz, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships. “Every peso contributed is a vital investment to their future—providing them with opportunities to learn, thrive, and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their communities.” CEB remains the only Change for Good airline partner in Southeast Asia and the sole carrier directing all donations exclusively to programs within the Philippines.      

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – Government agencies partner with a recycling company to implement the Cash Cycled Project in public elementary and secondary schools in Zambales. In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on August 6, 2025, the Cash Cycled Project aims to encourage the active participation of schools and local communities in practicing plastic waste recycling and sustainability by trading collected plastic bottles with the recycling partner. The MOA was signed between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Zambales, and Foochi Trading and Resources Inc. at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom. “This project marks a significant milestone in environmental and youth empowerment initiatives as it aims to foster collaboration between the project proponents and the academic communities in building sustainable environmental practices,” SBMA OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory, Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said. Meanwhile, DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad explained that the plastic bottles collected by government -run schools in Zambales will be sold to Foo Chi Trading and Resources Inc. for income-generation to support school activities or environmental initiatives. Under the Cash Cycled Project, the income generated from the sale of plastic bottles will be deposited into a designated school fund account, which will be used solely for environmental projects, supplies, or student development programs, in accordance with DepEd’s financial policies and auditing rules and regulations. A joint monitoring team, composed of representatives from each Party, shall meet at least once every semester, or as needed, to evaluate project implementation, address any issues, and recommend improvements. (30)    

CLARK AVIATION CAPITAL, Pampanga, Philippines  — The Commission on Audit (CoA) has once again issued an unmodified opinion to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), marking the agency’s eighth consecutive year of clean audits from 2017 to 2024. The CoA’s 2024 Annual Audit Report released last May 16, 2025 attributed CIAC’s compliance to “exceptional financial performance, characterized by its ability to generate revenues that exceeded the revenue targets set by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG) based on its Performance Scorecard for calendar year (CY) 2024. Notably, CIAC’s contributions through dividend remittances play a pivotal role in providing the government with the essential funds needed to achieve its socio-economic objectives.” CIAC President Jojit Alcazar welcomed the recognition from the COA, describing it as “a testament to the fair and transparent presentation of CIAC’s financial position, and a significant outcome of the corporation’s financial management expertise and unwavering commitment to transparency and good governance.” The recent audit includes the independent auditor’s report, CIAC’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, updates on prior audit recommendations, and a summary of key accounting policies. “In our opinion, the financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, CIAC’s financial position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, in accordance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRSs),” the report stated. The audit report noted that CoA conducted its review in line with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs), providing a sound basis for the audit results. As a result, CoA issued an unmodified opinion on the fair presentation of CIAC’s year-end financial statements. The report also highlighted CIAC’s consistent compliance with Republic Act No. 7656, or the Dividend Law, by regularly declaring and remitting the mandated cash dividends to the National Government through the Bureau of the Treasury. According to the Commission on Audit, an “unmodified opinion … is issued when the auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and Philippine Financial Reporting Standards. For this purpose, the auditor’s evaluation includes due consideration on quantitative and qualitative materiality established based on the prescribed COA’s audit guidelines.”

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) contiguous to this premier freeport received their revenue shares worth Php197.85 million. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) released today the revenue shares for the first semester of this year in a simple turnover ceremony at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom. “Rest assured that we will do our best to make progress in the Freeport so that our neighboring LGU partners will also benefit including the 166,000 freeport workers who chose to work here instead of working abroad,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said. According to Aliño, for the current period, the shares came from revenues collected between January and June this year, and are given to contiguous LGUs to augment funds for their projects in tourism, infrastructure, education, peace and order, health, livelihood generation, and social services that will benefit more than 785,000 individuals from their respective LGUs, especially households who have been severely affected by the recent calamities. Olongapo City, the lone recipient city, received the largest share due to its population and land area among the seven LGU recipients, which is Php46,270,769.33. In Zambales, Subic received Php29,683,317.56, the second biggest amount received. Next is San Marcelino with Php23,763,694.31, while Castillejos received Php17,987,887.14, and San Antonio received Php16,824,398.47. In Bataan, Dinalupihan received Php24,643,508.58, while Hermosa received Php21,186,145.67, and Morong received Php17,489,910.85. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon Agregado said that the LGU shares distribution came timely since the provinces of Zambales and Bataan were affected by three typhoons that hit the country recently. “Hermosa has hit a deficit in resources because of the calamity. This LGU shares distribution will be a huge boost to augment the resources we lost. As you all know, Hermosa was among the most hardly hit municipalities by the heavy rains brought about by the typhoons and the southwest monsoon, as 18 out of 23 barangays got flooded,” newly-elected Hermosa, Bataan mayor Atty. Anne Inton said. Aliño explained that the LGU share is determined according to 50 percent population, 25 percent land area, and 25 percent equal sharing. Net shares are computed by adding the current base share to the ten percent retention amount from two years prior, but less ten percent retention amount from the current period. He also shared that the reduction in the amount of dividends for the same period in 2024 in the amount of ₱204.7 million to ₱197.8 million in 2025 was due to the imposition of 25 percent tax by the Department of Finance, which is remitted by the Agency to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the removal of the five percent tax privilege wherein three percnet used to be remitted to the BIR, and two percent used to be distributed as dividends among the eight contiguous LGUs. These revenue shares collected from January to June are released in August, and revenue shares collected from July to December are released in February of the following year. (30)          

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines — Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has attracted over PhpP1-billion (USD17.1 million) in new investments since its January 2025 rebranding from an airport operator to one of the country’s foremost developer of an aviation-centric business capital. CIAC President Jojit Alcazar said the agency drew a total of Php1,192,970,000.00 from approved deals between January and July 2025 which more than doubled investment inflow during the same period last year. He added the newly-infused investments will boost Clark’s upward momentum in tourism, commerce, and infrastructure which aligns well with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to get much-needed investments into the Philippines to support job generation and economic growth. “Since the CIAC’s rebranding, Clark Aviation Capital has continued to be a draw for both foreign and Philippines-based companies needing prime location in proximity to the Clark International Airport,” Alcazar noted. Alcazar emphasized the rebranding positioned CIAC as a leading aviation and land development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) which signaled a shift from airport operations to a broader scope in infrastructure development. “These new investments translate to direct job generation, a robust ecosystem of aviation, logistics, commerce, and manufacturing, and increased investor confidence in CIAC,” Alcazar said. On top of the list of new deals is Stellavia Development Corporation (SDC), a Korean-owned construction and management company that currently operates The Glory Hotel and Residences in Clark, which committed Php600 million for the improvement of its mixed-use recreational complex. Global Square Plaza Phils., Corp. (GSPPC) committed Php400 million in capital outlay for the development of a multi-use facility with a storage warehouse, drone training school, and recreation facilities which will generate more than 100 jobs in its first year of operation. “Stellavia’s and GSPPC’s high-value projects are designed to enhance land value and transform the area into a vibrant leisure destination and stimulate local economic activity through job creation and increased visitor traffic,” Alcazar said. France-based All Fashion Gloves, Inc. (AFGI), a pioneer locator of CIAC and engaged in the manufacturing and export of premium leather goods exported from Clark to leading global fashion brands, will reinfuse Php18.27 million for the construction of new manufacturing facilities. Alcazar noted the new deals will positively impact the job generation goals of the free port zone with the hiring of more than 700 employees combined and additional employment opportunities through support industries, contractors, and service providers. UET International Corp. and UET Box Manufacturing Corp. reinvested a combined total of Php169.7 million in producing high-quality knitted products and custom shipping boxes, while fixed-base operator and ground handling service provider Skytrack Aviation Services has an investment of Php5 million to locate its office in Clark. “These firms see the strategic value of investing at the Clark Aviation Capital which continues to be recognized as a hub for innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development,” Alcazar said. Managed by CIAC, the Clark Aviation Capital is home to Clark International Airport, the mixed-use business hub Clark Global City, and over 60 locators spanning aviation, logistics, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing sectors.            

In the wake of continuous rains and widespread flooding brought by Severe Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, Typhoon Emong, and the southwest monsoon, SM Foundation rolled out its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) to provide immediate relief to affected communities across the country. In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, the Foundation distributed more than 18,800 Kalinga Packs, containing food and basic essentials. Relief operations covered several areas, including Metro Manila, Olongapo City, Bataan, Pampanga, Rizal, Pangasinan, Cavite, Tarlac City, La Union, Laguna, Cebu City. These were distributed in coordination with local government units and barangay officials. SM Foundation AVP for Livelihood and Outreach Program Cristie Angeles that the collaboration across SM’s business units added value to the effort and allowing for a quick response to the needs of the communities. Volunteers from SM Supermalls, SM Markets, and SM Foundation worked together to pack and distribute Kalinga packs to communities and households affected by recent storms. “Through OPTE, we make sure we are there for our communities not just in good times, but especially during crises,” Angeles said. “The dedication of our employees and partners allows us to respond quickly and compassionately when our fellow Filipinos need support the most.” OPTE is a social good program of SM Foundation, implemented in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets. It is aimed at delivering immediate relief to SM’s host communities during calamities and emergencies. As of writing, relief operations are ongoing, with the SM Group preparing to continue the distribution in the coming days.    

By Ruben A.Veloria SAN FELIPE, Zambales– Local officials here expressed fear on Tuesday over the safety of the two municipalities along Sto. Tomas River as portions of the mega dikes have been damaged by strong current of water flowing downstream after days southwest monsoon. The concerns of the officials were raised after Zambales Provincial Engineer Domingo Mariano, together with San Felipe Mayor Reinhard “Hart” E. Jeresano inspected mega dike’s condition in after days of heavy rain in the area. The inspection revealed that portions of the Santo Tomas River’s (also known as San Felipe River) dike were already damaged or partly collapsed. Emergency repairs and sandbagging were immediately initiated to prevent further encroachment. Engr. Mariano told reporters that currently the river bed is about 15 to 30 meters higher than the farmlands and the communities of San Felipe and San Narciso on the other sides of the dike. Mariano said that these communities will be the first to hit by massive flooding if strong current continue to damage and breached portions of the megadike.  “In San Felipe the depth of the farmlands from the river bed is 15 meters, while in San Narciso side is 25-30 meters,” Mariano said, adding that should the dike ultimately gave up, a massive rush of water mixed with sand will flow into the communities destroying properties and endangering the lives of the residents. Earlier this week, Mayor Jeresano, who conducted regular inspections of the dike since heavy rains affected the province, especially in the upper portions of Santo Tomas River, discovered that some portions of the dike were already damaged by strong downstream water current. The mayor reported the findings to the Office of Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and requested immediate repair and continues monitoring of the dike, especially of the damaged portions. Provincial Engineering Office in response to Gov. Ebdane’s instruction immediately deployed several heavy equipment to the area and assured the public that repair activities have already started. “We will continue to monitor the dikes. Early detection and assessment is crucial in this time of situation,: Mariano said. The officials called on all municipal officials, barangay officials and residents to be more vigilant and alert for any emergency announcements.

Project to expand healthcare access in Tarlac through public land and local investment   In a bid to expand healthcare reach in Central Luzon, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) partnered with the municipal government of Capas, Tarlac for the construction of a one-hectare mega health center in New Clark City. During a discussion with Capas Mayor Atty. Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang outlined plans for the proposed facility, wherein the agency pledged to allocate a one-hectare land in New Clark City. The project will be funded by the Department of Health (DOH), with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) overseeing bidding and construction. Upon completion, the municipal government of Capas will be responsible for its operations and maintenance. The initiative forms part of BCDA’s commitment to help build smart, inclusive, and resilient communities through meaningful intergovernmental collaboration. “This project strengthens our shared goal of making essential services more accessible to Filipinos. With the Capas municipal government funding the facility and BCDA providing the land, this health center will be a product of true public sector synergy,” said Engr. Bingcang. The health center will serve as a critical addition to the growing infrastructure in New Clark City, offering expanded medical services to both urban and rural populations in Tarlac. New Clark City currently offers healthcare services through the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. This facility provides basic medical and dental services and has future plans to expand into a 200-bed hospital. This initiative is in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by contributing to inclusive and resilient urban development through accessible health infrastructure.